Senior Football May Update. Season Opener: Saints Set the Tone in 2025

Footy is back, and the St Mary’s Senior Men’s Football side has hit the ground running in the 2025 AFL Barwon Geelong Football Netball League season. With three rounds completed, we have showcased our determination, setting a promising tone for the season ahead.

An exciting nine players from last year’s U18 team into our senior squad. Their progression reflects the strength of our junior development program, the work of our volunteers, and our commitment to football. We look forward to watching these young Saints make their mark at senior level throughout the season.

Round Wrap-up

Round 1: SMSCS V GWG – A Strong Start

The Saints commenced our 2025 season with a commanding performance against the Geelong West Giants. 

  • Seniors: SMSC 114 V GWG 32
  • Reserves: SMSC 76 V GWG 45

Round 2: SMSC V Newtown – Building Momentum

In the second round, St Mary’s faced off against Grovedale Seniors. The match highlighted the team’s resilience and adaptability. They overcame challenges to clinch another win, reinforcing their position as early contenders in the league.

  • Seniors: SMSC 124 V Newtown 56
  • Reserves: SMSC 43 V Newtown 50

Round 3: SMSC v Lara Facing Lara Seniors

The Saints took on Lara at the Lara Recreation Reserve in the third round. The team continued its unbeaten streak and further solidified its standing in the league.  

  • Seniors: SMSC 304 V Lara 28
  • Reserves: SMSC 145 V Lara 19

Recent milestones

Tom Mc Farlane – 50 Senior Games

Last weekend, we celebrated Tom ‘Gibby’ McFarlane’s 50th game at Lara!

A St Mary’s junior from Auskick, Gibby returned in 2020 after time at East Geelong and has been a valued senior player and club volunteer ever since. From Friday night Auskick to match day, he’s a true Saint through and through.

Well done on the milestone, Gibby! 💚💙

Congrats to Sam Bourke on reaching 50 senior games!

A St Mary’s junior and multiple premiership player, Sam went on to the Geelong Falcons (2018/19) and debuted for Geelong VFL in 2023.

Named in the 2024 GFL Team of the Year in defence, he also slotted 27 goals — the ultimate swingman!

Well done, Bourkey! 🧱💚💙

Congratulations to Sam Hosking on reaching 100 club games.

Sam has had a long history with St Mary’s beginning at Auskick, he was a part of multiple junior premiership sides, making his senior debut in 2017 and winning two Reserves premierships in 2017 & 2018.

Sam returned to St Marys in 2023 after a few seasons at Geelong Amos, taking out the reserve league-leading goal kicker and adding a third premiership.

Sam is a model St Mary’s person, helping in many ways around the club. He has spent many years volunteering Friday nights with the Auskick program. In the last couple of years, he has become a senior mentor to the upcoming junior players on the development side. This year, Sam joined Hayden McMahon as a development side co-coach.

Congratulations, Sam, on this milestone!

Congratulations to Jarryd Garner on reaching 150 club games.

Garns has been a premier player in the GFL for over a decade, joining the club in 2015 after winning a senior flag at Colac. As a dangerous goal-kicking midfielder, Garn has a long list of achievements for the club. He has featured in multiple GFL Team of the Year sides, is a three-time Best and Fairest winner (2017/18 & 2023), and played a pivotal part in the 2019 and 2022 premiership sides.

Jarryd is not only an outstanding player but also an exceptional club person. A long-time member of the senior leadership group, Garns has mentored several junior players in their transition to senior football, most recently as part of the South Africa Cultural Exchange in 2024.

Congratulations, Jarryd, on this incredible milestone!

Looking ahead

With a 3-0 record, the Saints are off to an impressive start. The blend of experienced players and emerging talent has created a dynamic and formidable lineup.

We will honour the Sir Doug Nicholls Round on Saturday, 17 May, for our Senior and Reserves Team in our away game against Leopold. Our Female Senior teams will follow the week of 24 May. 

The team remains focused on continuous improvement as the season progresses and aims to return to finals contention.

Go Saints!

Scott Hosking
Senior Football

SMSC