2016 Premiers
BEST & FAIRESTLADDER |
RESULTsHERALD 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 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 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 |
Match Reports
Herald Sun Shield Grand Final v St Patrick's
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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 |
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. |
acc grand final v paradeGame 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 v WhitefriarsThe much anticipated Semi-Final between St Josephs and Whitefriars was upon us, and with the healthy inclusions of a number of faces, the boys were eager to continue on from solid form from the Reconciliation Shield game against St Bernards the week before. With Whitefriars off to a flying start as they brought immense pressure right from the get go, we managed to withstand the pressure to fight back as we headed into the first break with a 1 point lead. In the second quarter, the boys seem to be a little bit overawed by the physicality of Whitefriars, however still managed to stay in touch with a much needed goal from our spiritual leader, Darby Schilder. Darbs unique goal celebration had the boy’s energy levels rise, as we headed into the half time break 4 points down. All the boys knew that we needed to lift. We spoke about the perceived pressure and how that prevented the boys from being able to play the game style we wanted to play.
The game conditions suited our brand of footy, as we are a contested team with plenty of run. The directions came from the coaches at the half to focus on what we do best, and get back to the style of footy we want to play. The third quarter, why might not have been a considerable improvement on the scoreboard, was starting to show signs of how we wanted to play. With run and dash from the slick moving Matt Ling, we were able to create plenty of run from the half back line giving ourselves the opportunities down forward, it was just the execution of the goals that was missing. With Charlie Francis being the force down back, winning one on one contests on a numerous occasions he lead the way for the backs around him such as Caleb Whitely and the ever prominent Josh “King Lank” Jaska. The boys were able to withstand the deep entries of the Whitefriars midfielders to help keep St Joeys in it as we were down by 2 points leading into 3QT. With a stirring speech from the coaches, it was time we put a stamp on the game and take control over of what was a mouth-watering contest. David “Chopper” Handley, who had been a great hit up forward for us all day, showed his distinctive style of footy that he knows, to set up the big man Darby Schilder. Darby putting through another goal from the boundary, lead to this rationale statement as he self-proclaimed himself as Darby “Eddie Betts” Schilder after finishing the day with 4 goals on his return game from injury. With the mids starting to get an ascendancy in the middle of the ground, we were able to put on 5 goals in the last quarter to be runaway victors by 17 points. Notable performance to Jack Rice with great pressure all day, particularly in the last quarter when the game was in the balance and too Spiro Alesios, who had freshly shaven legs for the occasion, as he did majority of the ruck work all day. This win assures a spot in the ACC Grand Final in 2 weeks’ time against Parade College. This game was just what we needed as we head into the Grand Final down at Elsternwick Park in Brighton. I’m sure all squad members, coaches and officials, and along with the rest of the school, will be itching for Wednesday the 15th to run out onto yet another ACC Grand Final. Parade will be a tough opponent as we suffered a loss to them earlier on in the season, but as we all know, “The JUICE” will be brought, and there will be nothing left out on that field in 2 weeks’ time. Jack Quinn Year 12 round 6 v de la salleComing off the back of a narrow loss against Parade, the First XVIII boys were keen to redeem themselves and grab a win from De La Salle. With a few big inclusions and some new faces including debutant Riley Maloney and Jack Blood in for his first game of the year, making it an impressive 48 players used this season, there was an air of confidence amongst the group.
The first quarter began and we soon realised this was no easy win, even though we arguably played our worst quarter of the year, we still managed to break even going into quarter time with both teams scoring 3 goals apiece. After a spray from Holt at quarter time, the group brought a bit of JUICE and was able to pull away, leading by 7 points at half time. In the third quarter our defence stood superior led by Will Cann, Xav Blackley and Josh “Pipes” Jaska. Not allowing De La Salle to put anything on the scoreboard set up an 18 point lead going in to three quarter time. A few mistakes by SJC in the last quarter made it a tense game, however we showed GRIT and grinded through the game to come out winners by a slim margin of 6 points. Ned Harris was pivotal in the centre of the ground whilst Jack Hodgson kicked two important goals and Will Cann fought hard all day. Pat Dowling also chipped in with 3 goals. Next week the group heads down to Geelong West Oval playing under lights at 5:30 pm. This is arguably our most important game of the year, the Reconciliation match and top of the table clash between SJC vs St Bernards. All family and friends are urged to come along as this looms to be a great match. Go SJC! Johnathon Arcoraci Year 12 ROUND 3 V MAZENODRound 3 saw the undefeated Joey’s outfit travelling to Mulgrave to face Mazenod College. Due to injuries, extra-curricular activities and various accounts of “soreness”, 13 changes were made to last week’s team and 10 debutants were given an opportunity to don the prestigious Joey’s yellow Year 10 jersey. Although the group was relatively inexperienced in terms ACC football, Mr. Lynch reassured everyone that he held full faith in the playing group. Upon arrival, the strong wind was noticeable, much to the disgust of self-proclaimed goal-poacher Manu Nagra; “How am I supposed to kick a bag in this wind?” After a strong warmup lead by stand in skipper Spiros Alesios, the first quarter begun with youngsters Zach Mongelli and Xandar Harrison setting the tone early with their relentless tackle pressure. Despite butchering the majority of our opportunities on goal and kicking into a demanding head wind, we went into the quarter time huddle with an 11 point lead. The back 6 were phenomenal in the second term, keeping Mazenod scoreless, Aadyn Sleep-Dalton’s midfield domination continued and the crowd begun comparing his performance to Anthony Koutoufides rout of North Melbourne in 2001. The first half came to a close and the boys entered the rooms with a demanding 51 point lead. The run and carry and crisp ball movement was once again on display in the third term, despite kicking into the wind the team showed no signs of slowing down as the Year 11’s in particular really beginning to take charge of the game. Backline generals Josh Jaska, Mackenzie Heard and Jack Purcell were swung forward as a reward for their efforts as the final term was carried out in familiar fashion, cruising home to a comfortable 108 point victory. 13 footballers were called upon during the week to help get the four points and each and every member of the playing group played their role exceptionally, a performance that not only highlights our depth as a college but goes to show our brand of football is moulded by the culture of our school and not via individual talent. Thanks to all involved, as both Year levels have activities week next week, we have a bye.
Liam Higgins Jordan House Captain Year 12 Round 2 v wHITEFRIARSAfter 2015’s Grand Final defeat, Whitefriars travelled down the highway in aim to make a bold statement on the ACC competition. With 10 changes to the side, the Joey’s boys highlighted the depth within the squad which lead to a strong performance to overcome the rivals.
After much anticipation, “The Juice” was in full strength, Joeys getting out of the blocks early kicking multiple unanswered goals finished from the craft of debutant McSparron. Many of the younger boys, particularly David Handley and Jack Brogden got plenty of touch early, setting the standard for the day. At quarter time the scoreboard showing 4.4 to 1.1. In the second term Whitefriars displayed why they are one of the top sides, playing a tough but also strategic brand of football. Their zones from the back half proved difficult for Joeys to have any clean entry in the 50, and as a result lead to multiple counter Whitefriar goals. With 2 points separating the teams, needed momentum was gained through Ned Harris’ contested possessions and Mitch Diamond’s silky delivery. To top the half off, Dowling kicked one of his 5 goals on the half time siren. After executing and making sure the Whitefriar boy’s knew about, Dowling was nowhere to be seen in the tussle that lead after, quoted saying “I pushed him and was straight outta there.” However, this half time entertainment gave Joeys the flare to pursue a strong second half performance. Charlie Francis cut down anything coming into the backline, providing a great deal of run to create the fast and exciting brand of football the First XVIII aim to play. In conjunction jumping Jack Henry was able to take multiple intercept marks and also be damaging on the scoreboard kicking two for the day. Heading into the final term, inspiration from sidelined Co-Captain Jack Blood as well as the backing from coaches Lynch and Holt lead the day to finish with Joeys second win for the season, 13.15 (93) to 7.9 (51). The First XVIII play away next week against Mazenod. Sam Simpson Year 12 |
Herald Sun Shield Semi Final v Essendon KeilorA LATE goal from Geelong West-St Peter’s young gun David Handley has helped St Joseph’s College into the final of the Herald Sun Shield, and a meeting with school football powerhouse, Ballarat’s St Patrick’s College, at the MCG on July 30.
Joeys had opened up a 30-point break on Essendon Keilor College during the third quarter of the semi-final at Trevor Barker Beach Oval in Sandringham before the Melbourne-based school came storming home. However, a late a shot at goal by Essendon Keilor missed and Handley was able to seal St Joseph’s berth in the decider. “We were lucky to escape in the end,” co-coach Chris Lynch said. “But the boys deserved to get over the line.” St Joseph’s hasn’t contested the final since 2010, when they were the first victim of St Patrick’s six straight wins, and haven’t won the Shield since 2006, its one and only success in the competition. “We set the boys a goal all year to make the (Herald Sun Shield) grand final and they’ve succeeded so far,” co-coach Chris Lynch said. “We had a chat after the game about reassessing that goal and hopefully being able to win the grand final next week as well.” Handley and fellow Geelong Falcons’ Mitch Diamond, and Bayley Cockerill impressed for Joeys, while Vic Country under-16 representative Sam Walsh, Ned Harris and Spiros Alesios played vital roles. Lynch was also full of praise for co-captain Jack Blood, Jack Quinn, Jonathon Arcoraci and Pat Dowling. St Patrick’s won its spot in the grand final, which will be played as a curtain-raiser to the Collingwood-West Coast AFL Round 19 match, by beating Werribee’s MacKillop College in other semi-final. Tom King K Rock Football round 7 v St Bernard'sThe much anticipated Reconciliation match was upon us. Arguably the biggest game of the year for the school, which was played under lights at West Oval and in horrible conditions. The coaches knew it was going to be a tough clash as they brought in some more experienced campaigners in Charlie Francis, Sam Simpson and David Handley to try and stop the high scoring St Bernard’s team.
The first quarter started with high intensity with St Bernard’s kicking an early goal to get on the board. From here Joey’s knew it was going to be a tough affair. Captain Jack Blood stood up early in the middle with relentless pressure and aggression at the contest forcing the ball our way. Liam Higgins the Newtown full back produced some magic and proved his doubters wrong after he kicked the best goal of the night from 40 meters out on the boundary. The quarter time scores were St Joeys 2.3 15 to St Bernard’s 1.1 7, with joeys taking an 8 point lead into the first break. The rain started coming down a little heavier once the second quarter was upon us, but this did not stop us from kicking on with Jack Quinn gaining form. Persistent pressure from the back half led by Will Cann and Charlie “the general” Francis assured that St Bernard’s would be kept goalless in the second term. With Joey’s kicking 2 goals of their own they took a 22 point lead into half time. Once the Third quarter started the intensity lifted once again as the ball was in dispute several times around goal. Johnathan “the stallion” Arcoraci started to put a stamp on the game through his great ball use and determination to get the result. Matt Ling also started to get his running game going off the half back flank and thrust us into attack. St Bernard’s kicked one goal for the quarter whilst Joeys added another three to make it extremely difficult for St Bernard’s as they trailed by 35 points. The final term proved to be difficult for St Joeys as they struggled to hit the scoreboard with St Bernard’s kicking two goals to none. Our consistent effort and pressure assured the result was going to go our way with St Joeys running away 27 point winners. Jack Blood was announced man of the match, and being rewarded with the reconciliation medal. Other notable performances were Matt Ling, Charlie Francis and Will Cann. Spiro Alesios Year 12 ROUND 5 V PARADE (ROUND 4 BYE)The boys with a good mixture of year 11’s and 12’s featuring first gamers in Caleb Whitley (Queenscliff) and Harley Pearce (Drysdale) headed to Bundoora to play against Parade College, a strong rival of St Joseph’s for many years.
With a great warm up from Mr. Kennedy the boys were up and about against a relatively large Parade side. The game started well with good clearance work from midfielders Spiro Alesios and Zach Walter. The quarter was quite tight with the ball going down each end evenly Parade holding an 8 point lead heading into the second quarter. With the start of the second quarter the boys lifted the pressure and played with more JUICE not allowing Parade to score a goal in the term while scoring 2 of our own. At the major break with some fine tuning from Coach Holt and Lynch the boys started the quarter well with improved decision making and getting the rewards on the scoreboard with some great defensive forward work from Jack Hodgson and strong marks from Caleb Whitley. However late goals from Parade made the scores even going into the last. In the last quarter Parade started strong with two goals and the back six were under the pump. Backman Matthew Ling and Will Cann really showed the way by transitioning the footy well and giving the forwards a chance to kick the needed goals. But too Parades credit they battled hard not allowing us as many forward 50 entries that we usually get making the desired goals harder to find. In the end we couldn’t get the job done going down by a slender 9 points. The boys have Del La Salle next week at home eagerly looking for redemption and sew up a spot in the ACC semi-finals. Andrew McNeel Year 11 Round 1 v ST BEDE'SThe scene for round one was set with an away game in Mentone against the highly regarded opponents, St Bede’s College. This was a much anticipated game for the year 11 boys who were beaten by St Bede’s in last year’s year 10 Grand Final. All members of the team were excited and eager to get out there to prove their spot in the ACC competition. The enthusiasm of the boys was evident with Joeys scoring the first 3 goals within 5 minutes of the opening bounce. This streak continued on with Joeys holding a comfortable lead after the first term.
The second term started in interesting circumstances, with the umpire beginning the quarter with the Joeys team not out of their quarter time huddle. Despite this, a courageous sprint then rove off the St Bede’s hit out from Spiro Alesios allowed the boys to win the centre clearance even though he was only one in the centre square. This lead to Joeys scoring the first goal of the quarter. St Bede’s responded promptly with their attack on the footy increasing. This resulted in St Bede’s scoring consecutive goals shortening Joey’s lead by the half time break. Following half time and inspirational words from Darby Schilder, the boys were keen to make amendments for their dismal second quarter effort. Sam Simpson and David Handley competed hard in the midfield with Bayley Cockerill and Spiro Alesios showing form. The quarter ended with St Bede’s taking a 2 point lead in what was set for a nail biting final term. The final quarter began brilliantly with a centre clearance and goal to Spiro Alesios to put Joeys in front inside the first minute. Consistent efforts from Darby Schilder in the ruck and Johnathon Arcoraci in the middle lead to numerous inside 50s and a quick few goals to steady the ship for the Joeys boys. Disappointingly, Pete Kol was stretchered off mid-way through the term from a suspected ankle injury after playing a vital role all day. David Handley put the icing on the cake with 3 minutes to go with a contested mark and goal in the goal square. The game finished with final scores St Joseph’s 12.10 (82) St Bede’s 10.7 (67). After capping a win in round 1 St Joseph’s face Whitefriars next week in what will be the 2015 First XVIII Grand Final rematch. Thanks to all boys who did not play and still came up to help out. Also special thanks to Lenny, Mr Dawson Mr Kennedy for helping out on the day. Charlie Francis Year 12 |
premiership players
Photos
herald sun shield grand final
Photos below courtesy of AFL Photos, Mark Dadswell, Adam Trafford, AFL Victoria and St Patrick's College Ballarat.