Tag: Errol Gulden

Maroubra Saints Secure Four Premierships in Sydney AFL Juniors

Photo Credit: Jason Loucas/Maroubra Saints Juniors AFC Facebook

The Maroubra Saints have capped off a landmark season, securing four premierships across the Sydney AFL junior competition and making history as the first stand-alone club to claim both the boys’ and girls’ top-age Division 1 titles.

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Four Premierships, Five Grand Finals

The Saints celebrated premiership victories in the U17 Division 1 boys, U17 Youth Girls 1, U13 Division 1 boys, and U17 Division 3 Youth Girls. Their U13 Youth Girls 1 side also reached the grand final, finishing runners-up. In total, five Saints teams played on grand final day.

The U17 Division 1 boys produced a standout campaign. After finishing as minor premiers, they were beaten by Glebe in the qualifying final before responding strongly in the preliminary final with a 63-point win over South West Sydney. In the decider, they avenged their earlier loss to Glebe, securing the premiership by 23 points. Head coach Gerard Pignatelli, who guided the side, said the team’s determination and resilience defined their season. His son, Ben Pignatelli, was among the players who shone on grand final day.

The U17 Youth Girls 1 also finished the year on top, adding to the club’s historic double in the top-age divisions. Wins from the U13 Division 1 boys and the U17 Division 3 Youth Girls further underlined the Saints’ strength across multiple age groups.

Maroubra Saints Juniors AFC
Photo Credit: Maroubra Saints Juniors AFC/Facebook

Growth and Legacy

The success comes as the club continues to expand, now recognised as one of the largest junior AFL clubs in New South Wales. The Saints emphasise inclusivity and community spirit, values that have contributed to a steady rise in participation over the past five years.

The club has also built a strong reputation for player development. Current and former AFL players with Maroubra ties include Errol Gulden, Jordan Foote, Abe Davis, Indhi Kirk, Jack Buckley, and Ben Davis.

This season also marked milestones for club stalwarts. Coach Pep closed out 16 years of service, while manager Imby was recognised for a decade of contribution.

Sydney AFL juniors
Photo Credit: Maroubra Saints Juniors AFC/Facebook

A Fitting Farewell

For many of the U17 boys and girls, the premierships doubled as a farewell to junior football, marking a memorable conclusion to their time with the Saints.

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The club described the season as “an unforgettable finish for a very special team,” with four premierships ensuring 2025 will go down as the most successful year in the Maroubra Saints’ history.

Published 9-Sep-2025

Maroubra Saints Junior Errol Gulden Chases Premiership Glory with Swans’ Midfield Hydra

Maroubra Saints junior and Sydney Swan Errol Gulden is set to make his mark on Australian football history this Saturday, 28 September. As one-third of a formidable midfield trio, Gulden and the Swans have the opportunity to secure their first premiership since 2012, in what would be their second grand final appearance in three years.

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Early beginnings

Although his primary passion was soccer, Gulden’s raw talent quickly caught the eye of Sydney Swans scouts. By the age of 11, the Malabar-raised athlete had already been recruited into the Swans Academy.

Gulden’s progression through the Sydney Swans system has been remarkable. The Swans drafted him with the 32nd pick in the 2020 AFL Draft, and he made an immediate impact in his debut season in 2021.

@sydneyswans What a debut from Errol Gulden! #afl #aflplayers #fyp #foryoupage #footy #debut #goals #footy ♬ Domino Lovers Challenge – user

In his first game, Gulden electrified the crowd with three goals and 19 disposals in a performance that heralded his future greatness. His standout rookie year culminated in two prestigious accolades: the Sydney Swans Rising Star Award and the AFLPA’s Best First Year Player title in 2021.

Errol Gulden breaks out

Now 22, Gulden has established himself as one of the AFL’s most exciting young midfielders. His breakout 2023 season saw him earn his first All-Australian blazer, finish fourth in the Brownlow Medal, and win the Bob Skilton Medal as Sydney Swans Club Champion.

This year, Gulden’s relentless performances filled the stats sheet, positioning him among the leaders in crucial areas like total metres gained, inside 50s, and score involvements—earning him a second consecutive All-Australian team selection.

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A trio on the verge of history

Gulden forms one-third of Sydney’s formidable midfield trio, alongside Isaac Heeney and Chad Warner. This “midfield hydra” has taken the league by storm in 2024, drawing comparisons to legendary midfield combinations of the past.

Their synergy goes beyond just scoring; the trio’s ability to transition from defence to attack with precision and speed has made Sydney’s midfield a nightmare for opponents. The big three’s power is particularly notable, combining for an impressive 82 goals in the 2024 season.

A premiership is all that stands between them and a lasting legacy in AFL history.

Published 24-September-2024