St Mary’s shock Joeys in epic GFL Grand Final

St Mary’s have held off St Josephs to claim the 2025 GFL premiership in triumphant fashion at a packed GMHBA Stadium.

The Saints led at every break and withstood a fierce attempt at a comeback by St Joseph’s to win 68-55, securing an almighty victory from fourth spot.

Joeys came out firing early in the first quarter, with live wire forward Paddy De Grandi kicking the first goal of the match. But, the Saints managed to sneak away with the lead to end quarter time after a dribbling goal from Sam Bourke in the 20th minute.

The second quarter saw St Mary’s put on three goals to one, giving them a 14-point lead going into half time.

Pelting rain upset an otherwise beautiful day in the second half, with the third quarter becoming a hard-fought slog. The Saints kicked two goals to St Joseph’s one, bumping their lead up to 20 with one quarter to play.

Despite a late push by Joeys off the back of a Luke Webb masterclass, St Mary’s had the last laugh and hung on to win by 13 points.

Saints defender Keidan Rayner was awarded the Frank Fopiani Medal for best afield, thanks to his unmatched tenacity and late goal-saving intercept efforts. His father, Luke, claims his first premiership as co-coach after moving into the role in 2024.

The victory caps off an incredible day for St Mary’s, with the reserves football side beating Newtown & Chilwell and the C and B Grade netball sides also winning.

It is the Saints first premiership since their win over Leopold in 2023.