Saints, Joeys to reignite grand final rivalry

ST Mary’s and St Joseph’s will meet for the first time since last year’s Geelong Football League grand final when they square off under lights at Anthony Costa Oval on Saturday night.

The Saints held off a late Joeys surge to claim the 2025 premiership at GMHBA Stadium, securing home ground rights for the rematch after finishing on top.

Both sides come in with momentum from round 4 wins, albeit in contrasting fashion. St Mary’s overcame inaccuracy to account for St Albans by 42 points, while St Joseph’s rebounded from a shock 104-point loss to South Barwon with a dominant 130-point win over North Shore.

Unbeaten at 3-0, the Saints have set the early benchmark. They opened their campaign with a 69-point win over Colac and reinforced their credentials with an 80-point demolition of fellow contender Bell Park in round 3.

They are set to regain key personnel, with reigning Frank Fopiani Medallist Keidan Rayner expected to return from an ankle injury, alongside Elijah Wales.

St Joseph’s, meanwhile, showed signs of rediscovering their edge last week after an off-season turnover and uneven start to the year. Geelong VFL-listed forward Jack Jovanovic kicked six goals against the Seagulls, with Paddy De Grandi and Malachi White adding five apiece.

The return of ruckman Eddy McCoy also strengthens the side, particularly against reigning Rising Star winner Fletcher Hughes in the midfield battle.

While it remains early in the season, another loss would leave St Joseph’s at 2-3, a stark contrast to their unbeaten 7-0 start last year.

First bounce is at 6pm at Anthony Costa Oval.