News & Events

23 August 2025

In a thrilling Qualifying Final at Richard Guelfi Reserve, the Saints fell agonisingly short, going down to Kelmscott Bulldogs by just five points, 10.6 (66) to 11.5 (71).

 

Kelmscott started strongly, slotting two early goals before Jake Atkinson hit the scoreboard at the 8-minute mark following a brilliant intercept from Scott Trickey. The Bulldogs answered again late, taking an 11-point lead into quarter time, 3.1 (19) to 1.2 (8).

 

The second term saw Kelmscott surge, piling on four goals in 11 minutes to open up a 28-point buffer. Brett Dobson steadied the Saints late, but the Bulldogs maintained control, 7.2 (44) to 3.5 (23) at the main break.

 

After halftime, the Saints lifted.  Jake Atkinson’s second and third goals, along with a major from Tristan Edmonds, reduced the deficit to just 10 points midway through the third quarter. However, Kelmscott responded to restore a 17-point lead at the final change.

 

The last quarter delivered high drama. Kelmscott struck first, but the Saints refused to give up.  Goals to Joel Julian, Brett Dobson, and a fourth from Jake Atkinson brought the margin back to 11 points before Cameron Grover nailed a crucial goal at the 18-minute mark. With two minutes left, the Saints pressed hard, but the Bulldogs held firm to claim a 71–66 victory.

 

Marcus Filocamo, returning after three weeks, was the Saints’ standout in the midfield, supported by Cameron Grover, Scott Trickey on the wing, and Conal Bermingham, whose tackling pressure was relentless.

 

It marks a second consecutive five-point defeat for the Saints, but their fighting spirit was undeniable. The Saints now turn their focus to a do-or-die First Semi Final against Noranda next week at Richard Guelfi Reserve.

16 August 2025

The Saints’ club-record 12-game winning streak came to an end in dramatic fashion at Lightning Park, with Noranda mounting a stirring final-quarter comeback to claim a 5-point win in the final home-and-away game of the season.

 

The Saints started strongly, with early goals from Cameron Grover, Joel Julian and Jake Atkinson setting up a commanding 18-point lead at quarter time, 4.0 (24) to 1.0 (6).

 

Noranda responded in the second term with three goals, but majors to Tristan Edmonds – including a vital one just before the break – saw the Saints maintain a 12-point advantage at half time, 6.1 (37) to 4.1 (25).

 

With Marcus Lazic and Chris Nind sidelined by injuries early in the game, the Saints entered the second half with only two on the bench. Despite this, Jake Atkinson kicked two more goals in the third quarter, helping the Saints extend their lead to 18 points heading into the final change.

 

But injuries continued to mount, and when Daniel Frost was forced out during the third term, the Saints were left with just one rotation for the final quarter – a factor that proved pivotal.

 

Noranda capitalised, kicking two goals in the opening three minutes of the last term. Although Jake Atkinson’s fourth goal gave the Saints a brief buffer, Noranda surged again with another couple of goals. A controversial 50-metre penalty at the 14-minute mark handed Noranda their tenth goal, giving them the lead for the first time in the game – and ultimately, the win.

 

The final score was Stirling 9.4 (58) defeated by Noranda 10.3 (63).  

The result is a repeat of 2021, when Noranda also ended Stirling’s previous win streak of 11 at the same venue.

 

Despite the loss, the Saints finish the home and away season in 2nd place and will now host Kelmscott in next week’s Qualifying Final.

 

Earlier, the Reserves battled hard against the Hawks but fell away late in a 24-point loss. The Thirds were forced to forfeit their final match against Ocean Ridge due to a shortage of available players.