Football report

Congratulations to Sam Butler (2021 SPC 1^st XVIII Captain and Captain of Galvin) who was selected to debut for the Hawthorn Football Club against Richmond last Saturday at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Sam became the 119^th Old Collegian to have played a senior game at VFL/AFL level, a number thar we are extremely proud of.

 

 

Congratulations to Jack Ough, Sam Lalor, Ollie Hannaford, and Archie Caldow who have made the U/16 Victorian Country side, to play in the U/16 National carnival later in the term. It is a significant achievement and reflects the playing depth within the College. We wish each of them well, as they play for their state.

 

Junior Programme

SPC Blue 12- 3- 75                            Defeated                     SPC Green 8- 11- 59

Best Players Green: Cooper Beseler; Ethan Drever; Red Ward; Lachie Squire; Eddie Dekker.

There was much uncertainty going into SPC Green’s Round 3 clash against SPC Blue. SPC Green had experienced a very sound victory over Ballarat Grammar School in Round 1, but the chance to build momentum was stifled with a Round 2 bye. Despite an intense training session in lieu of a game, nothing can serve as a substitute for an on-field clash. Adding to the uncertainty was the fact that SPC Blue had been in formidable form with an immense win over Grammar the previous week; SPC Green had six late omissions due to ill health; and there were questions over the commitment of some Green players, specifically those who need to learn the importance of attending team meetings and engaging in clear communication if obligations cannot be fulfilled.

In the end, what unfolded on the SPC Hill Oval on the afternoon of Wednesday 18 May was a fascinating encounter and, when looked back upon with the benefit of hindsight, somewhat of a mini epic which will probably be forgotten in time, not that it should be.

The first quarter was a relative arm wrestle. SPC Green had an early clearance and forward entry, although it was SPC Blue drawing initial blood. Green struck back and had its noses in front at the first break.

The second term was all Green, perhaps surprising those looking on. The on-ball division dominated and those in attack benefited. Nine scoring shots to one in the quarter illustrated Green’s ascendancy. A 27-point margin was had at the half and it looked like Blue was in need of a miracle of sorts.

Extraordinarily, a miracle reared its head. Blue was unrelenting in the third quarter, kicking 4 goals 2 behinds to a solitary Green behind. At three-quarter time, the two combatants were even at 44 points a piece.

The last quarter was a stunning showpiece of offensive football. Blue extended its lead and looked to be unassailable. However, Green was not to be denied and bombarded its goals. With mere minutes to go, Green took the lead. There was jubilation on the sidelines.

Yet, further surprises were to come. Blue, adopting an all-or-nothing approach, burst out of the centre on three separate occasions with the respective consequences being three stunning goals, including a soccer from the right forward pocket and a snap.

SPC Green was ever so noble in defeat, but the sense of disappointment post-game was almost tangible. Much was to be taken from the contest, but there is still much to learn, particularly in relation to the defensive side of the game and in relation to the capacity to operate in a self-sacrificial and selfless manner.

James Couzens

SPC Green Junior Coach

 

SPC Blue 25- 22- 173                                    Defeated         BCC 0- 0- 0

Best players: Cooper Beseler, Ethan Drever, Lachie Squire, Aiden McGuigan, Will Palmer, Jack Manley, Eddie Dekker.

There is no shame in admitting many members of SPC Green were stinging after the loss to SPC Blue last week. As reported elsewhere, it had been an epic encounter, but it could also be argued a prized victory slipped through the team’s proverbial fingers. Green clearly had the ascendancy in the first half of that clash, only to be reined in by an admirable opposition. Green reclaimed the advantage, and jubilant scenes followed, only to lose the lead again in the dying minutes.

It was pleasing to see the loss of the past week hurt; losing needs to hurt.

However, it is also important to get back up and go again in the quest to progress to greater heights, perhaps making a few points and proving critics wrong in the process.

There is no doubt there are members of the broader SPC Green squad who need to lift their output in terms of attending team meetings, respectfully communicating, and going about their business in the appropriate manner.

That said, Green is blessed with a disproportionate amount of quality individuals who, pleasingly, can play the great Australian game as well.

There is a group of leaders as good as any group in the school, regardless of age and realm. These leaders are mature, industrious, reliable, disciplined, brave, respectful, and demanding – in a reasonable way – of themselves and others.

An undermanned BCC arrived promptly at Green’s treasured home ground, the SPC Hill Oval, with 15 players in tow. Green would give one of its players to BCC each quarter (a huge pat on the back to McInerney, Walsh, Daykin, and Ward) and there would be sixteen-a-side on the field. Green also ran players off and on the interchange bench and was willing to swing players from end to end and into regions of the ground often unexplored.

Green was merciless from the outset, the frustration of the previous round being channelled into footballing perfection.

There was dominance from the centre bounces, and the forwards were given ample supply, but no one player tried to dominate and do too much.

Rather, first options (always the best options) were taken time and again with handball and short footpassing being highlights. Of course, there were many penetrating drop punts, but it was the backwards, sideways, and forwards handballs and the clever chips by foot which brought teammates into the game.

The result was Green tsunami after Green tsunami.

Another notable aspect of the game was the constant attempts to create space on a ground which lacks it. Players were willing to go wide into open areas and they were also willing to go to the fat side of the ground. Hence, the ball rarely became bogged down.

Those in defence were not without opportunity and the backs were resolute, refusing to concede and providing amply run. Significantly, the defenders maintained their discipline, a credit to their attitude and selflessness.

The Green machine is building towards something.

Be prepared.

Stay tuned.

Mr James Couzens

 

SPC Green Junior Coach

St Patrick’s College White 11 -14- 80                     Defeated             Ballarat College 0-3-3

Goal Kickers: Jy Phelps 3, Max Kinniburgh 3, Billy Darbin 2, Jordan Atkinson 2, Connor Williams 1.

BEST PLAYERS: THE WHOLE TEAM

SPC Intermediate White had a very convincing win over a competitive College team. In slippery and chilly conditions, the boys handled the conditions well, by putting their head over the ball when needed, having plenty of numbers at the contest and being able to spread quickly from the contest. Considering we only had 15 players due to others being unavailable, it was a great effort by all the boys to work hard both ways.

During the whole match we controlled the ball in our forward 50 for most of the match but through some inaccurate kicking early, we were never able to show that scoreboard dominance that was reflected by the boys in general play until the last quarter.

The boys really sharpened up in the last quarter, which was the best quarter we have played so far this season, which was really pleasing and a joy to watch the boys work hard for each other, share the ball around and finish off their work with goals.

But going forward, still our kicking for goal, decision making skills and composure is something the boys will need to think about and work on before our next game.

Well done to all the boys for the spirit and manner they exhibited throughout the game both towards their opponents and especially towards the umpires – very proud of you boys.

A big thankyou to Ned Gorman who was our umpire on the night. Thanks Ned so much for your support and help buddy.

Mark Stahl

SPC Junior White Coach

 

SPC Gold V SPC White

On a beautiful Wednesday afternoon on St Pats main oval which was in pristine condition, two heavyweights of the Year 8 BAS footy clashed. Under the tutelage of Mr Stahl and Mr Dix the game got underway early with Ned Gorman umpiring as the central umpire hadn’t yet arrived.

The first quarter was an entertaining affair with 4 goals being scored by each side with Ned Charleson, Damon Cherry and the two Huebner boys, Lach and Riley getting the gold team going.

A heavy clash in the second quarter was about the only excitement as the scoring dried up where the golds slipped further behind and only the inaccurate kicking of the whites with 5 behinds kept the game interesting. Jett Spratling scored our only goal for the quarter while Damon Cherry who was moved to the backline dominated repelling many forward moves but the midfield of the white’s were racking up the possessions and continually sending the ball towards their forwards.

The third quarter was a good one for the golds with free-flowing football being produced. Great running from Jett Spratling on the wing and Rout Lual winning his fair share of the ruck taps, knocking it down to Charleson, Huebner and Charlie Barrance who was instrumental in tying the game up at 50 apiece, at three quarter time. Goals to Barrance, Lachy Huebner and Aiden Atherton, kept us in the game.

An even final quarter where both sides kicked 2 goals 1 behind left the two sides with a draw. The highlight was the golds never giving up with everyone contributing as we did go behind by 13 points early. Once again it was the usual culprits getting the team back into the contest with Barrance, Spratling, Cherry and Charleson all working hard. Some good pressure from Aiden Atherton and Cody Breen helped keep the boys in the hunt too.

The final play of the day where we had a centre bounce with 36 seconds to go, saw Lual tap the ball to Barrance, who sent the ball forward with Charleson gathering around 50 out and running into an open goal. Unfortunately, a tornado grabbed the ball late and it cannoned into the point post and out on the full. The siren sounded soon after with a funny feeling of having no winner. But as we all know, football was the winner on the day and all 37 boys who took part can be proud and happy with their efforts.

Mr Brendan Dix

SPC Gold Junior Coach

 

 

 

Intermediate Football

Damascus College 5 – 8 – 38                        Defeated         SPC Green 2 – 3 – 15

Goal Kickers: Fraser Molan 2

Best players: Lachlan Pritchard, Baxter Horsburgh, Fraser Molan, Lincoln Koliba, Nash McGrath, Daniel Norton

Round 3 saw SPC come up against Damascus College at BHS. Despite being undersized and severely undermanned the boys from SPC certainly stood up to the task, crashing in and under, putting their body on the line to win the ball and were often rewarded by the umpire for being first to the footy. Led by the trio in the midfield of Lachlan Pritchard, Baxter Horsburgh, and Nash McGrath, SPC were able to get the ball forward to the ever-dangerous Fraser Molan who managed to kick SPC’s only majors of the afternoon, both coming in the first half. It was a couple of red time goals by DC at the end of the first half that proved to be the difference.

The half time break came and the boys in green, white and blue were asked to work hard defensively and make the most of the limited opportunities when going forward. To their credit they managed to keep DC goalless (4 behinds), led wonderfully by Lincoln Koliba who was barely beaten all day and ably assisted Daniel Norton who laid tackle after tackle in the back half. Despite this huge defensive effort, they were unable to kick the ball through the big sticks themselves managing just the 2 minor scores with DC running away 23-point winners.

Sam Cue

SPC Intermediate Green Coach

 

 

Ballarat Clarendon College 5 – 6 – 36                     Defeated             SPC Blue 4 – 1 – 25

SPC Blue Best Players: James Parkinson, Hugh Jackson, Noah Svanosio

SPC Blue’s first hit out on the newly resurfaced Main Oval was meet with excitement and anticipation, as the weather was in our favour for the entire match. SPC Blue was ravaged with flu and COVID absences, so fielding a full-strength side proved to be difficult. A big thank you to each player who made the effort to contact the coach to inform them of their illness, this ensured replacements could be found. We managed to get 17 fit bodies onto the field against a BCC who were facing similar challengers. Noah Svanosio once again proved again be a pivotal focus down forward, quickly snagging two goals in the first quarter, which gave SPC a marginally lead heading into the first break. The larger oval allowed for some free flowing and open football, which SPC Blue was able to take advantage off, producing some fine passages of play. In the end, SPC Blue was unable to trouble the scorers in the last half which was the decisive factors in going down by 11 points. Hugh Jackson was instrumental in the ruck, as was James Parkinson who was in for his first game, cementing his spot at full back.

Matt Miller

SPC Intermediate Blue Coach

 

Damascus College 5 – 8 – 38            Defeated         Intermediate SPC Green 2 – 3 – 15

Goal Kickers – Lincoln Koliba 2, Paddy Mihaljevic 1, Liam Lynch 1

Best players – Lincoln Koliba, Joe Elliot, Sebastian O’Sullivan, Zavier Nunn, Nash McGrath

On what was a perfect afternoon for Football with barely a breath in the sky, the boys in Green White and Blue were encouraged to get a fast start against their bigger bodied opponents. Unfortunately, it was not to be with Ballarat Grammar kicking 5 goals to none in the first quarter. At quarter time it was put to the group to work much harder defensively, playing a one-on-one brand of footy. And much credit to the boys who came out with much more intent almost leveling the quarter 1 goal apiece until a BG goal on the siren.

The second half was again a much tighter affair with BG kicking a few goals late in the game to run away 59-point winners. Lincoln Koliba was outstanding down back, taking a number of intercept marks and provided plenty of run when injected into the midfield at times. Joe Elliot and Sebastian O’Sullivan’s attack on the football both as a defender and midfielder provided plenty of opportunities for the forwards by getting it into them long and quick. Zavier Nunn was again relentless with his attack on the football, winning several crucial hard balls whilst Nash McGrath provided some forward 50 pressure and was unlucky not to kick a goal himself.

To the team’s credit the way in which they responded as a group after the initial first quarter is to be commended. In true SPC spirit they played the match out representing the colours in great fashion, despite the scoreline.

Sam Cue

SPC Intermediate Green Coach

 

Damascus College 5 – 7 – 37             Defeated         SPC Blue 4 – 2 – 26

SPC Blue Best: Strahan Robinson, James Parkinson, Tashaun Wright, Noah Svanosio.

Firstly, a big thank you to every boy who communicated their absence/illness. Without this communication, we would not have been able to field a side. With over 13 players down from the original side due to COVID/Flu, it was a mammoth task to ensure we had sufficient numbers. SPC Blue were treated to another fine afternoon on the new main oval. D.C got off to a flying start, booting the first 5 majors of the match. However, the back six stood strong to keep them goalless in the second half. Once again, J Parkinson was stoic at fullback, complemented by S Robinson who floated across half back, gathering a basketful of disposals. T Wright began show his influence in the 2nd half, collecting several important clearances from the middle, as well as booting a couple of majors. Unfortunately, our last quarter surge wasn’t enough to rein back their 5 goal first half. A massive credit to the way SPC Blue handled themselves, respected the opposition and the umpires.

Matt Miller

SPC Intermediate Blue Coach

 

Senior Football

2^nd XVIII

St Patrick’s College 14 – 14 – 98                  Defeated      Ballarat College  4 – 4 –  28

Goal Kickers: Max Filmer 4, Ziggy Lee 3, Cooper McKenzie, Mitch Bowden, Bryn Thompson, Kane Irvin, Lachie Abrams, Jack James, Lachie Kroussoratis 1

Best: Max Filmer, Hamish Thompson, Tom Elliott, Jack James, Kane Irvin, Ziggy Lee.

On a cool but fine day for football, SPC Blue (2^nd XVIII) were strengthened by several players who played 1^st XVIII football last week, this offset the loss of players to illness and injury. With the current state of health, we are all experiencing our playing depth is coming to the fore.

We kicked with a slight breeze to the southern end but wasted early opportunities by kicking four behinds before putting a major on the board. Hamish Thompson was leading the way in the ruck, giving his onballers first use. Kane Irvin and Max Filmer were winning plenty of clearances, which created repeat entries. Ziggy Lee was a great target and was able to hit the scoreboard. The quarter time score read 4. 7. 31 to no score.

BCC lifted their intensity in the 2^nd quarter and managed to outscore us by two goals to one, we were wasteful with the ball and BCC capitalised on the turnovers. This is a lesson in maintaining concentration and sticking to what works, which in this case was quick ball movement and not overusing by hand on the small BCC oval.

Some positional changes were made at the main break, this had an immediate impact as we slammed on four goals to zero. Jack James was very influential through the middle, whilst Tom Elliott was controlling the defensive half. Max Filmer was creating a contest in the air and still won many possessions at ground level forward of centre.

At the last change the boys were encouraged to maintain front position and move the ball quick and direct to our forward’s advantage. The endeavour was maintained and our ability to spread and hit targets gave our forwards many opportunities as we kicked four goals to two.

This was a great all-round team effort, well done to all.

Gavin Webb

2^nd XVIII Blue Coach

 

 

St Patrick’s College White   12 -4 – 76        Defeated         Ballarat Grammar 9  – 10  – 64
Goal Kickers: Strahan Robinson 4 , Ollie Morris 3, Paddy O’Brien 2, Archie Caldow 1 , Archie Eichler 1, Max Treweek 1

Best Players: Nick Salter, Jack Jarvis, Sam Duggan, Paddy O’Brien, Ollie Morris, Archie Caldow, Cam Lloyd.

 

This week, the SPC White Year 10s took on the Ballarat Grammar 2nd XVIII team on the Grammar No 2 Oval.

The St Pat’s boys won the toss and elected to kick downhill on the reconfigured oval. The Paddy boys hit the ground running and ended the quarter with a twenty-two-point lead.

Strahan Robinson presented well up forward and Nick Salter continued his brilliant form using the ball well and competing at each contest he was a prime mover for his side. Sam Duggan was rock solid in defence with Ollie Morris making good use of his silky skills by foot to provide numerous effective inside 50 opportunities. Paddy O’Brien competed at every centre bounce against the much larger Grammar ruckman often giving his midfielders first use of the ball. Wingmen, Archie Caldow and Cam Lloyd provided plenty of run and excellent decision making with ball in hand.

The SPC were able to hold the fast-finishing Grammar team off to post a twelve-point victory.

 

John Richards

SPC White 2^nd XVIII Coach

 

 

1^st XVIII

St Patrick’s College 16 – 10 – 106                            Defeated      Ballarat College 3 – 3 – 21

Goal Kickers: Joe Fraser 3, Josh Sparkman 3, Isaac Hucker 2, Brady Wright 2, James Clark 2, Beau Tedcastle 1, Khy Jess 1, Ollie Hannaford 1, Jack Jeffrey 1.

Best Players: Josh Sparkman, Lachlan Charleson, Josh Huxtable, James Clark, Max Faulkner, Joe Fraser, Deng Lual.

Round 2 of the BAS season saw us take on traditional rival Ballarat & Clarendon College on the SPC Main Oval. With several changes being made from the previous week, all boys were eager to take it up to our neighbours. Jack Kovacevic made his debut and vice-captain James Van Es made his first appearance for the year. The game started in typical fashion with players from both sides throwing themselves into the contest. We kicked into a stiff breeze but managed to slam on six goals straight to nothing from only 10 forward 50 entries. Our ball movement was bold, we kicked inboard, hit targets on the 45 and played on. It was without doubt our best quarter of football for the year, with wonderful accuracy in front of goal, despite the opposition starting with a loose man in defence. Another pleasing statistic was the fact that we registered twenty 1%ers for the quarter. We also registered 13 uncontested marks to their 2, a strong sign of work rate, kicking efficiency and accountability.

Kicking with the breeze in the 2^nd quarter our opponents put a second man behind the ball. This tactic was spoken about pre-game, our plans to combat this were to move the ball quick, link up with hands and to not bomb it long to their loose players. The boys generally stuck to the task, and we were able to kick three goals to nothing. Josh Sparkman was providing plenty of drive from the wing, his precise kicking and decision making a real feature of his game. Lachie Charleson, Jesse Cairns and Josh Huxtable led the way around the stoppages. Our back six defended well and then spread, with many attacking plays coming from the back half. Max Faulkner continued his fine season, whilst James Clark and Deng Lual stood firm in the air and utilised their foot skills to great effect. All our forwards looked dangerous at times, with a pre-game goal of continuing to lead and roll up to the spare man, this is still work in progress.

Clarendon College lifted their intensity, and we became a little complacent in the third quarter, we managed some late goals to still win the quarter three goals to two. We also uncharacteristically gave away two 50m penalties, we cannot afford this against better opposition later in the year (Herald Sun Shield). Alex Molan, a welcome addition to the side, was contributing strongly on his wing, whilst Joe Fraser continued to show his versatility between deep forward and ruck.

After a firm reminder at three quarter time about staying focused and not deviating from what we do that ensures we play well, the boys played out the game in spirited fashion, in slippery and cool conditions, whilst trying to negotiate the opposition continually dropping players behind the ball. It is becoming apparent the style of play we are trying to implement works well when all players are committed to it and consistently follow the team rules/guidelines! It is a very enjoyable group to be a part of and the boys effort and enthusiasm has been superb all year.

Thank you to all the staff and student helpers who assisted with stats, goal and boundary umpiring, working the electronic scoreboard and packing everything up. This was true SPC spirit on display, all the players realise they are in a privileged position as they are the ones who get to run out and play!

Gavin Webb

1^st XVIII Coach