St Patrick’s College celebrates prestigious John James Medal

St Patrick’s College has celebrated its football night of nights – the John James Medal – recognising the dedication and talent of our footballers.

In front of more than 150 guests, including staff, students and their families – some travelling from as far as the Northern Territory – the strength of our football program was on full show with dozens of students awarded trophies and certificates.

The event’s namesake award, the John James Medal, is awarded to the player deemed best on ground in the ACC grand final and was presented to Year 12 student Archie Caldow, while the prestigious W.T. O’Malley SPC 1^st XVIII Best and Fairest trophy was awarded to his peer, Ned Renfree.

Archie has played for the Greater Western Victoria Rebels for three years, starting in the U16 side and progressing to the U18 team, where he’s played 14 games this year. He has played school footy at St Pat’s since Year 7, was selected in the Vic Country team at U16 level and has been a mainstay in the school’s 1^st XVIII for the last two years. Archie also boasts an impressive athletics CV with dual National 3000m Champion titles to his name and three silver medals for the National 1500m.

Ned is an outstanding athlete and has achieved much success in the sporting arena over the years, including winning an U12 league best and fairest, U13 grand final best on ground award, and being selected in various interleague squads throughout his juniors.

Ned made his debut for the 1st XVIII in Year 10, helping bring home the Year 10 Herald Sun Shield for the first time in St Patrick’s history, whilst being awarded the best on ground honours for his efforts. Ned has also represented the Greater Western Victoria Rebels squads for the past three years and has trialled for Vic Country.

In other sports, Ned is a well-represented basketball player, playing a big role in the Ballarat Miners team and having been selected in four Victorian state teams. He was also selected for the U17 Australian team and is currently weighing up offers from multiple American Division 1 Colleges.

Head of Sport and 1st XVIII coach Jason Lappin addressed the gathering, saying he was filled with an enormous sense of pride.

“As I stand here tonight, looking out at this room full of young footballers, proud parents, enthusiastic teachers and LSO Staff who became coaches, I’m filled with an overwhelming sense of pride. Pride for not just what we’ve achieved on the field, but for the character, resilience, and team-first attitude that you have all displayed throughout the season, whether that was ACC, BAS, or the Year 7 House competition,” he said.

“This season has been a journey – a journey marked by highs and lows, victories and defeats, moments of brilliance (Tashaun, I am looking at you) and instances where we fell short. But through it all, one thing remained constant: your commitment to each other, our team, our school and to the game.”

Mr Lappin praised all students who had seized the opportunity to play football for St Pat’s, making special mention of the Year 12 students.

“To our Year 12’s, in your final season, you’ve been the backbone of this team, leading by example both on and off the field. Your dedication, your leadership, and your passion for the game have set a standard for everyone else to follow,” he said.

“I have no doubt that you will carry the lessons you’ve learned here into the next chapter of your lives, and I know you’ll continue to make us proud.”

Guest speaker, Essendon Football Club Talent and Operations Manager and former AFL player Matt Rosa (SPC 2004), spoke of the demands of AFL football and stressed the importance of building good habits both on and off the field.

“Probably the most important thing for mine, no matter whether it’s wanting to play AFL footy or if it’s going into your studies, it’s just about building good habits and really good behaviours. The sooner you can get elite habits I guess, and it just becomes what you do, that’s the most important thing in any walk of life, I believe,” he said.

“I wish you guys all the best. You’ve obviously got a very strong side. I couldn’t believe how many players were in the Rebels squad and Vic Country so there’s certainly something going right here. It seems to be still an amazing environment and it’s great to see the success is continuing.”

2024 John James Medal Award Winners

Juniors

Year 7                  

SPC Ryan: Joseph Knobel

SPC Keniry: Luak Choul

SPC Galvin: Patterson Taylor

SPC Nunan: Jake Cheesman

 

Year 8

SPC Blue: Johnny Reus

SPC Gold: Jed Gurnett

SPC White: Griffin Edwards

SPC Green: Max Clohesy

 

Intermediate

SPC Green: Juraiya Calma Long

SPC Blue: Brendan Lee

SPC Gold: Miller Vaughan

Jim Toohey Perpetual Trophy: Riley Hiscock

 

Seniors

2^nd XVIII White (Year 10): Riley Hiscock

2^nd XVIII Blue: Jack Cleary

Greg Dowd Trophy: Jack Cleary

 

1^st XVIII

BAS: Baxter Horsburgh

Year 10 Most Promising Player: Ethan Drever

ACC Team of the Year: Mitchell Lloyd, Ned Renfree, Strahan Robinson, Archie Caldow

2024 John James Medal (Best on Ground in ACC Grand Final): Archie Caldow

2024 W.T. O’Malley SPC 1^st XVIII Best and Fairest: Ned Renfree

 

Year 12 Rebels

Nedd Bennett

Archie Caldow

Harry Charleson

Ollie Hannaford

Dean Harten

Samuel Janetzki

Mitchell Lloyd

Jack Ough

Ned Renfree

Strahan Robinson

Connor Weidemann

Year 11

Taj Bowman

Cooper Glenwright

Lincoln Koliba

Harvey Lewis

Fraser Molan

Tristan Leyshaun

Year 10

Ethan Drever

Western Jets

Cooper Battye

Kade Hilton

 

U16 Rebels

Riley Hiscock

Ethan Drever

Lachie Squire

Aden McGuigan

Oliver Potter

Angus Morgan

Toby Dixon

Tessie Liem

Western Jets

Kai Watkins

Harry Scardmagalia

Armi Wakefield