Finals the expectation for Burra


Published on Thursday, March 22, 2018

Author : James Strebinos

Fabian Carelli is hopeful St Mary’s can break its finals hoodoo in the 2018 Heidelberg Golf Club Division 3 season.

The Burra have fallen in the opening week of the finals in each of the past two years and have a 0-4 post-season record since making their senior debut in 2010.

Carelli said he is excited to land at Whatmough Park for the 2018 season, where he has taken the coaching reins from Con Borg.

The 2003 Division 1 best and fairest winner and former West Preston-Lakeside premiership captain is no stranger to the coach’s box, having previously coached Montmorency, East Burwood and St Albans.

“The club has been in a very good position the last two years thanks to Con, who has set the club up very nicely with what he has brought to the table,” Carelli told NFNL.org.au.

“The group has stayed much the same compared to last year and there are certainly some exciting young kids coming up which gets me pretty excited.

“I think we could be in for a very good year from what I have seen so far.”

After consecutive fourth-place finishes, many are tipping St Mary’s to be a genuine premiership contender in 2018.

Carelli said the club had its sight firmly set on a top-four finish.

“The expectation is for us to make finals again and once we get into the finals we will take it one step at a time and then hopefully going as far to end up winning the grand final,” Carelli said.

“So definitely finals are on the agenda. Every coach likes to think their side can win the premiership and I’m certainly no different in that aspect. But as experienced at my previous coaching jobs, you need a lot of luck to fall your way.

“We need to make our chances in close games and hope injuries don’t happen to key players. If that luck comes our way then we can talk about a premiership, because if you are going to win a premiership then you need a healthy list and consistent performances.

“We are hoping to create our own luck because to win a premiership, things need to fall your way and the stars need to align.”

In a major boost to club’s premiership chances, Chris Petroro has returned to Whatmough Park following stints at Romsey, Pascoe Vale and Sunbury Kangaroos.

Carelli is confident the tough inside midfielder will make a solid impact this season and is hopeful he will take some of the load off captain and reigning Coaches Player of the Year, Dillan Ronalds.

“Chris is back at the club and is a very handy footballer with a very nice silky left foot. He has all the skills required to be a standout player in our side and to give our captain Dillan Ronalds a hand in the middle,” Carelli said.

“Both Dillan and Chris are similar players so I think Chris is going to be a very exciting player for us.

“I’m hoping with the natural improvement of the whole group, along with the additions of Petroro and (Ben) Mossuto, as well as the younger guys coming through, the load will be light for (Ronalds) and I’m hoping that will give him the chance to play even better football.

“It could be across half forward and even across half back as we have added some depth, and with that freedom it will allow him to become an even better footballer.

“I think we will see greater improvement from Dillan this season and see him at his best more consistently.”

St Mary’s commences its 2018 campaign with a home game against Heidelberg West in Round 1.

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