First XVIII
HERALD SUN SHIELD GRAND FINAL
FIRST XVIII FOOTBALL – Saturday 30th July SJC Geelong 7.17 (59) def St Patrick's College Ballarat 8.10 (58) St Joseph’s 1.7 5.13 6.17 7.17.59 St Patrick’s 2.1 4.2 6.6 8.10.58 GOALS: Jack Henry 2, Patrick Dowling 1, David Handley 1, Ned Harris 1, Jack Blood 1, Darby Schilder 1 BEST: Jack Blood (Neale Daniher Medal), Jack Henry, Ned Harris, Matthew Ling, Mitch Diamond, Spiro Alesios, Charlie Francis, David Handley @ Melbourne Cricket Ground JOEY'S BOYS WIN THE HERALD SHIELD BY A POINT! In a sporting nation like ours, there is no more hallowed ground than the MCG and in school boy footy, there is no more highly valued prize than the Herald Sun Shield. On July 30, in front of a supportive crowd of family and friends and curtain raiser to the Collingwood versus West Coast AFL match, the Joey’s First XVIII did what we hadn’t done since 2006: we won the Grand Final against the highly fancied St Patrick’s College Ballarat. It was a match that both sides could be proud of. Fiercely competitive from the first bounce to the last, there was little to separate the two sides. The St Joseph’s midfield dominated in the early parts of the game, putting a lot of pressure on the St Patrick’s boys and giving the forwards every opportunity to capitalise. Some wayward SJC kicking and some tough defence from the Ballarat students meant that at the end of the first quarter, scores were level at 1.7.13 to 2.1.13. The second and third quarters were also characterised by both teams giving their very best. The Joey’s defence held up well against the might of St Pat’s and our forward line steadied to kick a stream of goals. Additionally, our midfield combined well with forward movement and transitioned well to help out in defence. Although we led at every quarter the match came down to the final ten seconds. When St Pat’s marked inside the 50m line, we thought that all our dreams were about to be shattered. When their final kick sailed out on the full, the siren sounded and stadium erupted. It was then that we realised our dream of playing on the MCG AND winning had been realised. As awful and as tragic a moment as it was for them, it was a joyful and spine tingling moment for us. Both schools deserve credit and acknowledgment for playing such a high calibre game in the spirit of sportsmanship. Hasker Dawborn, the St Patrick’s Captain, and Howard Clark, the Head Coach, though disappointed with the end result, ought to be justifiably proud of the Ballarat team. For the Geelong boys, it is a tribute to a lot of work from a lot of people that we were able to achieve this feat. Throughout the year, we have given our best in every match, with 50 players being called upon during the 10 game season and all of them contributing and standing up when needed. For me, what stands out most has been the mateship. We bonded as a squad and were so lucky to have each other. We were a united squad of Year 11 and 12 students. We always wanted the best for each other and pushed each other to be our best all year. Along with my co-captain, Darby Schilder, we feel so grateful to have worked with such great blokes. We were also lucky to have had two great coaches in Mr Chris Lynch and Mr Jono Holt. Both of these men went above and beyond the call of duty; they were always there to encourage us, to support us and to challenge us. They challenged us to be better players and challenged us to be better men. I know that all the players really appreciate what they did for us and we thank them from the bottom of our hearts. On behalf of the team, we’d also like to thank the school for all that you have done for us. Your support on the day was truly remarkable and got us over the line. We especially thank our principal, Mr Paul Tobias – we hope we made you proud in your final year – Mr Mark Kennedy; Mr Shane Dawson; Mr Ian Durran; Mr Len Alford; Mr Greg Vaughn; Mr Dan Hale and Mr Bryson Milverton. Thanks for cheering us, encouraging us, supporting us and giving up all your time to give us the best opportunity throughout the year. We also want to take the opportunity to thank our parents and our families. Not only did you send us to a great school but you take an interest in what we do and you give undying love and support. We hope we have made you proud. Fittingly, ruckman Spiros Alesios was awarded the Best and Fairest for his amazing season ahead of Runner Up Matthew Ling. Ned Harris and David Handley were given the Coaches Award’s and Patrick Dowling was the leading goal kicker for the year with 16 goals in 5 games. Finally, on behalf of the school community I would like to congratulate Jack Henry on his invitation to the AFL National combine later this year, and to Patrick Dowling and Sam Simpson who were both invited to the AFL State combine. A further congratulations goes to Year 10 student Sam Walsh, who has been selected in the 2017 Level 1 AFL Academy squad. Although the final siren has sounded and we have hung up our Joeys Jerseys for the last time, the memories of the year will remain for a lifetime. Jack Blood First XVIII co-captain Year 12 Editor Note: Jack Blood was awarded the Neale Danniher medal for Best on Ground in the Herald Sun Shield Grand Final. ST JOSEPH’S CLAIMS HERALD SUN SHIELD IN A THRILLER - AFL VICTORIA Geelong’s St Joseph’s College has claimed the 2016 Division One Boys Herald Sun Shield over St Patrick’s College in a thriller at the MCG on Saturday afternoon. Geelong’s St Joseph’s College has claimed the 2016 Division One Boys Herald Sun Shield over St Patrick’s College in a thriller at the MCG on Saturday afternoon. Leading at every break, St Joseph’s’ hope of securing its second Herald Sun Shield title was in the hands of St Patrick’s, which had a kick after the siren to decide the champion. Down by a point in the dying seconds of the match, St Patrick’s marked the ball inside 50 and lined up for a shot on goal to win the match and secure the school’s seventh consecutive Herald Sun Shield. Unfortunately the fairy-tale finish was not to be for the St Patrick’s faithful, with the kick going out on the full to hand St Joseph’s its second Herald Sun Shield title in a decade. Progressing through to the Grand Final after convincing semi-final performances, the battle for the Division One title was always going to be a close one. Running out onto the game’s biggest stage, St Joseph’s applied scoreboard pressure early with multiple inside-50 entries. Yet despite having eight scoring shots to three, the scoreboard was even at quarter time on 13 points apiece. Accuracy in front of goal continued to plague the boys from Geelong in the second term, piling on 4.6 to open up a 17-point lead at the main break. With the game in the balance, the reigning premiers stepped it up a gear in the second half to wrestle momentum back in Ballarat’s favour. St Patrick’s’ ball use and efficiency in front of the big sticks proved fruitful in the third and final terms, but it was too little too late. The final score was 7.17 (59) to 8.10 (58). St Joseph’s coach Chris Lynch said he was proud of his team for keeping to its structures and playing their brand of football until the very end. “It was a pretty tense last quarter, that’s for sure,” Lynch said. “Our poor kicking kept St Patrick’s in the match and when they started to come back in the second half of the game they nearly took home the title, but we dug deep to fight it out. “We felt we deserved to win the match and we were just really proud of the team to hold on and win the game. We set a goal at the start of the year to play a brand of football which would see us play on the MCG at the end of the year, so the fact that we were able to do that and get the win was extremely satisfying. AFL Victoria JOEYS WIN A THRILLER - K ROCK FOOTBALL GEELONG’s St Joseph's College has put an end to St Patrick’s College stranglehold on the Herald Sun Shield with a one-point win in today’s final at the MCG, 7.17 (59) to 8.10 (58). In a bizarre finish to the contest, a St Patrick’s player had a shot on goal in the closing seconds to win the match. If he’d kicked it, the Ballarat school would have snatched their seventh straight title, while a behind would have seen play continue until the next score was posted. But, his set shot from 40m failed to register a score, handing St Joseph’s just its second Herald Sun Shield, and first since 2006. “All of our boys were down on their haunches inside 50, and then they just went crazy and jumped on each other,” co-coach Chris Lynch said. “That was probably when Holty (co-coach Jono Holt) and I knew we’d got up.” Following a similar trend to much of its season, Joeys opened up a 24-point early in the third quarter, before St Patrick’s started to eat into the margin. “We’ve done it four or five times this year and the boys have just stopped,” Lynch said. “I think we were 1.11 at one stage, and we were just squandering a lot of opportunities. “We controlled the game in the first half, missed a few (shots on goal) again in the third, and St Pat’s class got them back into the game. “Then it was on for young and old at the end. Our boys were lucky enough to hold on.” Lynch says the win is the culmination of plenty of hard work. “It’s just so exciting for the kids,” he said. “We’ve put a lot of effort into building the culture up of school footy at St Joeys, and to have the success these boys have had, it’s a lot of satisfaction for Holty and I.” Co-captain Jack Blood, who was named best-on-ground, paid tribute to his 23 teammates after the match. “That’s just amazing. It comes down to every single one of those boys on that team,” he told K rock Football. “I just love them to bits, honestly.” Meanwhile, Sprio Alesios was tonight named best and fairest with Geelong Falcon Matthew Ling runner-up. Tom King K Rock Football Twitter: @tom_king79 HERALD SUN SHIELD SEMI FINAL
FIRST XVIII FOOTBALL – Wednesday 20th July SJC Geelong 9.11 (65) def Essendon Keilor College 8.10 (58) SJC Geelong 2.4.16 4.5.29 8.9.57 9.11.65 Essendon Keilor 1.4.10 2.8.20 5.9.39 8.10.58 GOALS: Patrick Dowling 2, David Handley 2, Ned Harris 2, Bayley Cockerill 1, Johnathon Arcoraci 1, Ben Thomas 1 BEST: Mitch Diamond, Bayley Cockerill, Sam Walsh, David Handley, Spiro Alesios, Ned Harris @ Trevor Barker Beach Oval Sandringham GRAND FINAL
FIRST XVIII ACC FOOTBALL – Wednesday 15th June SJC Geelong 10.13 (73) def Parade College Bundoora 10.4 (64) SJC Geelong 4.2.26 4.5.29 7.9.51 10.13.73 Parade 2.1.13 4.3.27 8.4.52 10.4.64 GOALS: Jack Henry 2, Patrick Dowling 2, David Handley 1, Liam Higgins 1, Zach Walter 1, Jack Rice 1, Bayley Cockerill 1, Matthew Ling 1 BEST: Jack Rice, Jack Henry, Spiro Alesios, Jack Blood, Charlie Francis, Mitch Diamond, Johnathon Arcoraci @ Elsternwick Park, Brighton Game Day. Conditions were delicious and the football gods couldn’t have delivered a better day for the ACC Grand Final at Elsternwick Park, held between reigning premiers St Joseph’s College and Parade College Bundoora. It was always going to be down to the wire with these two schools and their history on the field, with Parade the only team to beat SJC in season 2016. We couldn’t haven’t asked for a better start with Jack ‘Jesaulenko’ Henry putting 6 points on the board in the first 13 seconds of the match. Others to hit the scoreboard in the first term included Zach Walter, Jack Rice and Cotton On’s finest hero Liam Higgins. The first quarter concluded with Joeys 4.2.26 and Parade 2.1.13 in a fast paced start to the game. The second quarter for the SJC boys was as bad as Coach Holt’s cover of ‘Wonderwall’ on the bus on the way home. An immense amount of missed opportunities gave the Parade boys life and sent them on a 2 goal kicking haul, closing the gap to 2 points going into the half. But ‘the Juice’ was on show when head first Josh Jaska displayed the juiciest tackle seen all year that stopped a sure goal. Later reports confirmed broken bones in his face and a trip to the Alfred Hospital. It was a match defining moment from Josh and a cause of inspiration to his teammates. The third term gave Jack Henry his second and Dowling his first with a baby’s dribble from deep in the pocket, but it was Bailey ‘Sauce’ Cockerill that captured hearts with his Auskick like fend off that resulted in a game changing snagroll from the boundary. However, up the other end in amongst the flare’s mist, it was Parade doing some damage of their own, giving them a one point lead at the end of the third 7.9.51 to 8.4.52 with a goal on the siren. The last quarter will go down as one to remember for coaches and players, with the brand of juice finally on full display. David Handley, Paddy Dowling and ‘Arnold’ Ling all contributed on the scoreboard to secure the cup for another year. The day was one to remember, but the real heroes were Chris Lynch and Jono Holt who put on the performance of their lives which proved to be a crowd pleaser. Jack Rice was adjudged best on ground for his efforts on the wing and at half back, continually driving SJC forward. Bring on the Herald Shield Semi Final in Term 3. Darby Schilder Co-Captain Year 12 SEMI FINAL - Wednesday 1st June
SJC Geelong 10.9 (69) def Whitefriars College Donvale 7.10 (52) SJC Geelong 1.4.10 3.4.22 5.7.37 10.9.69 Whitefriars 1.3.9 3.8.26 5.9.39 7.10.52 GOALS: Darby Schilder 4, Patrick Dowling 3, David Handley 1, Jack Quinn 1, Zach Walter 1 BEST: David Handley, Charlie Francis, Spiro Alesios, Matthew Ling, Caleb Whitley, Jack Rice @ Elderslie Reserve Newtown ROUND 7 – Wednesday 25th May
SJC Geelong 7.13 (55) def St Bernard’s College Essendon 4.4 (28) GOALS: Jack Blood 2, Johnathon Arcoraci 2, David Handley 1, Jack Quinn 1, Liam Higgins 1 BEST: Jack Blood (Reconciliation Medal), Matthew Ling, Charlie Francis, Will Cann, Caleb Whitley, Jack Quinn, Johnathon Arcoraci @ West Oval, Geelong West ROUND 6 – Wednesday 18th May
SJC Geelong 8.9 (57) def De La Salle College Malvern 8.3 (51) GOALS: Patrick Dowling 3, Jack Hodgson 2, Wade McSparron 1, Jack Rice 1, Ned Harris 1 BEST: Ned Harris, Jack Hodgson, Will Cann @ Elderslie Reserve Newtown ROUND 5 – Wednesday 11th May
Parade College Bundoora 6.14 (50) def SJC Geelong 6.3.39 GOALS: Spiros Alesios 2, Aadyn Sleep-Dalton 1, Liam Higgins 1, Brayden Ham 1, Ned Harris 1 BEST: Matthew Ling, Spiros Alesios, Jack Hodgson, Will Cann, Zach Walter, Caleb Whitley @ Garvey Oval, Parade College Bundoora ROUND 4 - Bye - Year 12 Camp & Year 11 Community Service Week ROUND 3 – Wednesday 27th April
Mazenod College Mulgrave 2.2 (14) def by SJC Geelong 17.20 (122) GOALS: Wade McSparron 4, Josh Jokic 4, Aadyn Sleep-Dalton 2, Liam Higgins 2, Darby Edwards 1, Brayden Ham 1, Carl Daffy 1, Jack Brogden 1, Spiro Alesios 1 BEST: Aadyn Sleep-Dalton, Spiro Alesios, Brayden Ham, Zack Mongelli, Jack Brogden, Wade McSparron @ Mazenod College Oval, Mulgrave ROUND 2 – Wednesday 20th April
SJC Geelong 13.15 (93) def Whitefriars College Donvale 7.9 (51) GOALS: Patrick Dowling 5, Wade McSparron 2, Jack Henry 2, David Handley 2, Darby Schilder 1, Darby Edwards 1 BEST: Charlie Francis, Patrick Dowling, Jack Henry, Mitch Diamond, Ned Harris, Sam Simpson, David Handley @ Elderslie Reserve Newtown ROUND 1 – Wednesday 13th April
St Bede’s College Mentone 10.7 (67) def by SJC Geelong 12.10 (82) GOALS: Jonathan Arcoraci 3, Darby Schilder 2, Spiro Alesios 2, Sam Simpson 1, Jack Walters 1, Jack Quinn 1, Fraser Toohey 1, David Handley 1 BEST: Darby Schilder, Sam Simpson, David Handley, Spiro Alesios, Bayley Cockerill, Charlie Francis @ Mentone Football Ground |
yEAR 10
GRAND FINAL
YEAR 10 ACC FOOTBALL – Tuesday 31st May SJC Geelong 13.8 (86) def St Bernard’s College Essendon 8.10 (58) GOALS: Tom McCartin 5, Fletcher Wilson 3, Max Hardwick 3, Declan Fenton 1, Louis Clifton 1 BEST: Sam Walsh, Tom McCartin, Thu Sa La, Louis Clifton, Sam Torpy, Baxter Mensch, Liam Dumont @ Elderslie Reserve Newtown The Year 10 footy team headed to Elderslie reserve to take on St Bernard’s for the chance to be Year 10 ACC premiers. It was a cracking day for football and the comradery of the team was evident. We knew that it was going to be a big challenge but with the plans in place were confident if we stick to them and achieve our goals we were a good chance of winning. The team knew that a good start was vital, it was a high pressured first term, St Bernard’s College kicked the first goal but we responded quickly with Fletcher Wilson kicking our first goal as the crowd started to roll in. The backline proved reliable early, competing hard at the contest. With some nice passages of play from the backline it gave opportunities for our forward line. The forwards converted well in front of goal, Max Hardwick kicked a crucial goal on the quarter time siren which put us up by 3 goals at quarter time. Although having a nice led at quarter time the coaches pointed out some key areas that we needed to improve if we wanted to win the game. The boys knew that it wasn’t going to be easy and St Bernard’s responded with some hard tackling and catching us out the back on some occasions. This proved to be a disappointing quarter for us as we let them back into the game, we only kick one goal for the quarter coming from Fletcher Wilson. There were still a few highlights in the quarter one of which was Gus Humphrey’s important golden fist. We headed into half time with a 6 point led. After reassessing at half time there was a big emphases put on the team to be cleaner and to body line the ball when we had the chance. We ran out onto the ground to the applause of our school mates and teachers who were our 19th man on the day. The premiership quarter needed to be a good one for us if we wanted to become the 5th year 10 team to win the ACC premiership. The midfield started well and with some nice taps from Liam Dumont we gave our forwards some good opportunities. Tom McCartin was a great target for the forward line with his outstanding mits, but if he wasn’t marking them he was getting it down to ground for our smart small forwards. With tensions high you could see how determined our boys were to win it in the tough moments. There were a few heated moments in the quarter which result in a bit of biff in the middle of the ground. It was a well contested quarter and we could just feel that they were starting to tire. The fourth quarter saw the coaches challenge the team for the last 20 minutes, we knew if we could win the 50-50 contests it would go a long way to us winning the game. With some nice clearances by Louis Clifton and some great marks from Declan Fenton and Baxter Mensch this created opportunities in the forward line. We finished an enjoyable season with a great Grand Final, defeating St Bernard’s by 28 points. We became the 2nd team in 7 years of Year 10 footy to go through the season undefeated. It was a great reward for all 38 players who played throughout the year. We developed our game as a team and individually which is a credit to the coaches and the players. A huge thanks goes out to all the people who came out and supported us not only today but throughout the season. Thanks to everyone who helped out also. One thing I’m sure all the boys in the squad will take out of this season is how good it is to play with your school peers and further develop great mateships. Sam Walsh Co-Captain Year 10 ROUND 7 – Tuesday 24th May
Parade College Bundoora 10.8 (68) def by SJC Geelong 10.9 (69) GOALS: Declan Fenton 2, Fletcher Wilson 2, Baxter Mensch 2, Sam Torpy 1, Max Hardwick 1, Louis Clifton 1, Nathan Mifsud 1 BEST: Sam Torpy, Baxter Mensch, Louis Clifton, Declan Fenton @ Garvey Oval – Parade College Bundoora ROUND 6 – Tuesday 17th May
SJC Geelong 22.9 (141) def Whitefriars College Donvale 6.9 (45) GOALS: Sam Walsh 4, Fletcher Wilson 4, Baxter Mensch 3, Sam Torpy 2, Izaak De Agrela 2, Max Hardwick 1, Avery Knight 1, Jaxon Bruhn 1, Sheldon Ham 1, Louis Clifton 1, Colm O’Connor 1, Hayden Spiller 1. BEST: Sam Walsh, Baxter Mensch, Fletcher Wilson, Izaak De Agrela, Sam Torpy, Colm O’Connor, Jack Henderson @ Elderslie Reserve Newtown ROUND 5 – Tuesday 10th May
SJC Geelong 11.7 (73) def St Bernard’s College Essendon 10.11 (71) GOALS: Max Hardwick 3, Nathan Mifsud 2, Sam Torpy 2, Thu Sa La 1, Jackson Bye 1, Avery Knight 1, Baxter Mensch 1 BEST: Thu Sa La, Lachlan Clifton, Sam Torpy, Baxter Mensch, Max Hardwick, Fionn Guina-Stannard @ Elderslie Reserve Newtown ROUND 4 - Bye - SJC Work Experience Week ROUND 3 – Tuesday 26th April
De La Salle College Malvern 7.6 (48) def by SJC Geelong 12.12 (84) GOALS: Baxter Mensch 2, Fletcher Wilson 2, Nathan Mifsud 2, Sam Torpy 2, Thus Sa La 1, Jackson Bye 1, Declan Fenton 1, Jack Henderson 1 BEST: Sam Torpy, Jack Henderson, Liam Dumont, Lachlan Handley, Ben Jaska, Sheldon Ham, Louis Clifton @ D.W.Lucas Oval, Malvern East ROUND 2 – Tuesday 19th April
SJC Geelong 11.11 (77) def Mazenod College Mulgrave 9.6 (60) GOALS: Will Tammassy 2, Tom Zampatti 2, Sam Walsh 2, Max Visintin 1, Louis Clifton 1, Baxter Mensch 1, Fletcher Wilson 1, Jack Henderson 1 BEST: Sam Walsh, Jack Henderson, Sam Torpy, Louis Clifton, Sheldon Ham, Nick Pratt @ Mazenod College, Mulgrave ROUND 1 – Tuesday 12th April
SJC Geelong 12.18 (90) def St Bede’s College Mentone 7.7 (49) GOALS: Tom McCartin 3, Avery Knight 2, Max Visintin 2, Tanner Sadler 1, Louis Clifton 1, Liam Dumont 1, Doyle Madigan 1, Will Tammassy 1 BEST: Tom McCartin, Avery Knight, Tanner Sadler, Sheldon Ham, Doyle Madigan, Jack Grigsby @ Elderslie Reserve, Newtown |