Supporters Help Spark Stunning Snakepit Comeback
After a much-needed two-week bye, the St Bernard’s Seniors returned to the Snakepit for a must-win clash against De La Salle — and it was the roar of the home crowd that helped carry them over the line in a thriller.
From the opening bounce, it was clear De La came to play. With the wind at their backs and a point to prove, they dominated early possession and capitalised with repeat forward entries. As the quarter-time siren sounded, Bernard’s found themselves down 41 to 6 — with just a single major to show for their efforts. It wasn’t unfamiliar territory, but the message was clear: another slow start couldn’t define the result.
The boys started to steady in the second term, making better use of the wind, but De La’s defensive setup — playing extra numbers behind the ball — continued to frustrate. At the main break, Bernard’s still trailed by 18 and knew it was going to take something special to flip the script.
That spark came after halftime, and so did the noise. The faithful rallied behind the boys, and you could feel the momentum start to turn. Early forward entries in the third were met with strong marking efforts, particularly from Luke Di Lizio, while Joey Agresta’s early goal ignited belief. Still, De La fought back, and despite repeated efforts, Bernard’s entered the final quarter still 3 goals adrift.
With the game on the line, the St Bernard’s supporters stepped up once again, packing the boundary behind the goals and making their voices heard. And the players responded. Oli Liberatore, electric all day, kicked his third to bring the margin to two goals and whipped the crowd into a frenzy. De La answered, but Bernard’s weren’t done.
Dominic Sullivan and Luca Alessio stepped up with back-to-back majors, cutting the lead to just 4 points with time still on the clock. Alessio was monumental in the comeback, not only impacting the scoreboard but dominating down back with 14 marks, 7 of which were interceptions, in a commanding performance. Time and again he repelled De La’s attacks, helping turn defence into scoring opportunities and providing the composure the side needed under pressure.
The small forwards went to work late. Marcus Holland and Liberatore were relentless, locking the ball in and creating chance after chance.
Then, with the clock deep into red time, Marcus Holland launched a bomb from beyond 50. It sailed through, and the Snakepit erupted. Supporters leapt to their feet as Bernard’s hit the front by 2 points, our first lead of the game with less than a minute remaining.
As the siren sounded, the crowd roared once more. Final score: St Bernard’s 10.13 (73) to De La Salle 10.11 (71). A gutsy comeback, a fifth win for the season — and a slight buffer from the relegation zone.
Ethan Schumann was superb through the middle, setting the tone with his contested work, pressure acts, and clean delivery. He continues to elevate his game and hit career-best form. Around him, the likes of Alessio, Holland, and Liberatore stepped up in key moments, while the crowd never let the energy drop.
FINAL SCORE
ST BERNARDS 1.0 (6), 4.6 (30), 6.9 (45), 10.13 (73)
DE LA SALLE 6.5 (41), 7.6 (48), 9.9 (63), 10.11 (71)
Best:
St Bernards: Ethan Schumann, Luca Alessio, Marcus Holland, Oliver Liberatore, Harrison Schumann, Luke Di Lizio
De La Salle: Ryan O’Meara, Ethan MacBeth, Joshua Stewart, Robert Amendola, Thomas Lyngberg, Luke Healy
Goals:
St Bernards: O. Liberatore 3, M. Watson 2, J. Agresta, E. Schumann, M. Holland, L. Alessio, D. Sullivan
De La Salle: R. O’Meara 3, L. Healy 2, S. Dimachki, R. Amendola, F. Cameron, E. MacBeth, B. Boscacci
Next week, the Snowdogs are away to Old Brighton, and with five rounds left every game now carries weight. But one thing’s for sure: the home crowd at the Snakepit proved they’re more than just spectators — they’re difference makers.
Written by: Hannah Juricskay