New Signings & Re-Commitments for 2025
As the calendar flips to 2025, St Bernard's Football Club is primed for a thrilling season, with an impressive blend of seasoned leaders, rising stars, and new recruits ready to take the field at the Snakepit. After a return to the VAFA Premier Division in 2024, the club has secured several key recommitments, as well as bolstered the roster with some exciting new signings. From experienced midfielders to dynamic forwards, St Bernard's is poised for a push towards success.
New Additions: Watson & Foley Set to Light Up the Snakepit
St Bernard's has made two major signings for 2025, and both bring a wealth of experience and skill to the team.
First, Matthew Watson, a former AFL and EDFL player, has committed to playing alongside his family and friends at St Bernard’s. Watson is known for his goal-kicking ability and his presence in the forward line, and his addition promises to inject fresh excitement into the team. His leadership, combined with his proven ability to find the goals, will be a major asset to the squad as the club aims for another strong season.
Next up is Matthew Foley, a highly regarded talent from the VFL who won the 2024 Essendon VFL Rising Star Award. Known for his speed and ball-handling skills, Foley is eager to bring his flair and energy to the Snakepit. He has the tools to make an immediate impact at St Bernard’s, and fans will be excited to watch him add a dynamic edge to the team.
Recommitments: The Core of St Bernard’s Remains Strong
St Bernard’s is also thrilled to confirm the return of several key players who have recommitted for 2025, each adding a vital dimension to the club’s prospects for the upcoming season.
Jordan Farrell, who took a break from football in 2024 due to injury, will be returning with a renewed sense of purpose. His experience and skill in the midfield are invaluable, and the club is eager to see him back at his best.
After an exciting return to the Snakepit this season, club champion and running machine Tom Sullivan has committed to go around again in 2025!
Ethan and Harrison Schumann will also be back at the Snakepit. Ethan, who faced injury setbacks in 2024, is expected to make a strong return to the midfield, while Harrison will continue his development as a senior player, having shown plenty of promise in previous seasons.
Edyn Sibbald, who had a fantastic return to the club in 2024 and ended the year as the leading goal kicker, has recommitted for 2025. With his skill and ability to convert in front of goal, Sibbald’s continued presence is sure to excite fans as the team builds on its forward momentum.
Michael Caven, the dashing defender known for his thrilling runs and intercept marks, will continue to anchor the backline in 2025. Caven’s skillset and leadership in defence make him one of the most exciting players to watch, and the club is eager to see him take on more responsibility in the new season.
St Bernard’s is also welcoming back a slew of key leaders, including Joey Agresta, Karan Bharathi, Ferg McNicol, and Mitch Hughes, who will continue at the helm as the team’s captain in 2025. Hughes’ leadership qualities and commitment to achieving high standards will be crucial as the team aims to reach new heights in 2025.
Midfield Mastery & Forward Firepower: A Strong Line-Up for 2025
A number of key midfielders have recommitted for the 2025 season, and their collective skill and leadership will form the backbone of the team. Charlie Vague, one of the club’s key leaders, is fired up for another season and will play a pivotal role in the midfield. Ben Huggard, the 2023 VAFA Premier B’s Best & Fairest winner, is ready to make a massive impact in 2025, while Luke Said—coming off a stellar 2024 campaign—will continue his development in the middle.
Ben Overman, who won the 2024 Gus Mitchell Medal for his outstanding season in Premier Division, will be another player to watch in 2025. With his leadership and consistency, Overman is primed for an even bigger year as he aims to drive the team forward.
Matty Sauro, who finished with an incredible 751 hit-outs in 2024, will lead the charge again in 2025. His physicality and presence in the ruck is crucial for St Bernard’s as they look to control the ball from the middle.
After an injury-interrupted 2024 season that saw Luke Di Lizio sidelined for much of the year, the club is thrilled to have him back at the Snakepit for 2025. His return brings a sense of excitement, as his skill and leadership will add valuable depth to the team. Meanwhile, Nick Di Lizio continued to develop into a key senior player this season, showing impressive growth in his game.
Jackson Hately, who had a taste of Premier footy in 2024, is eager to go again, alongside his Essendon VFL commitments.
In the forward line, Darren Colaco made a stunning return to Premier Senior footy in 2024, and after averaging 4 goals per game in his four appearances, he’ll be looking to continue that form in 2025. With Dom Sullivan also back after an injury-interrupted 2024 season, St Bernard’s forward line looks potent, and fans will be eagerly watching how these two can form a lethal combination.
Marcus Holland, a proven impact player and leader, has recommitted for 2025, bringing his experience and versatility. Oliver Liberatore is another player who has taken his game to new heights and is ready to further elevate his performances in 2025.
Dom Iermano is back and ready to make his presence felt after. A player with fierce determination and a commitment to his craft, Iermano’s return will provide a boost to the club’s forward line.
A Bright Future: The Young Guns of St Bernard’s
The next generation of St Bernard’s players is also well-represented in the 2025 list, with several young stars committing to the club for the upcoming season. Zac Overman, who made a seamless transition to the backline in 2024, continue his development in defence.
Over the past few years, Luca Alessio has steadily developed into a solid senior player, earning his teammates' and coaches' trust and respect. His growth on the field has been a standout, with his consistent performances and ability to rise to the occasion.
Cesarini, Foley, Chillura, Smith, and Germani all showed great promise in 2024, and their continued development will be crucial for the club’s future success. Alongside them are the likes of Ryan, Conlan, Lowrie, Basile, and Burquest will all continue to grow into key senior players, with the club confident that their development will strengthen the team’s overall depth.
Pollock, O’Keeffe, Mahady, and Fuller have all recommitted on for another year after gaining invaluable experience at the highest level in 2024. Additionally, Barrett, Bateman and Spicer have also recommitted for 2025, bringing with them the confidence and momentum from their strong performances throughout the previous season. Each of these players stepped up in a big way when called upon at the senior level, and the club is thrilled to see them continue to grow and contribute this year.
Looking Ahead to 2025
With a fantastic mix of seasoned players, emerging talent, and exciting new additions, St Bernard’s Football Club is set for an exhilarating 2025 season. The Snakepit will once again be buzzing with anticipation as the team aims to build on from 2024 and reach even greater heights in the upcoming season.
Bring on 2025!
