Round 1 of Premier League season played on home turf for first time

School Sport Victoria (SSV) – Premier League Round 1

Senior Boys Football

On a stunning Wednesday morning, the Catherine McAuley College Bendigo (CMCB) Senior Boys Football team proudly donned their school jumpers for the Round 1 Premier League Football clash against newcomers, St Joseph’s College, Echuca. Newly promoted from the regular SSV competition, St Joseph’s entered the competition with an impressive reputation from their SSV endeavours, so the boys knew that the game was going to be tough. However, the game was being played on home turf, the magnificent Finn Oval at Coolock Campus, providing the CMCB team with a potentially decisive advantage. Playing their home game at the College was a dream realised, as it meant showcasing their skills in front of the College’s staff and fellow students.

Following an eagerly anticipated jumper presentation to ten debutants, the boys were eager to kickstart their 2024 campaign. The opening quarter witnessed St Joseph’s seizing an early lead with a goal within the first two minutes. However, the CMCB team swiftly regained control, with Charlie King securing their first goal, swiftly followed by a remarkable major from Jaidi Jackson-Leahy. Notable contributions came from Kobi MacDonald, whose relentless efforts on the outer wing led to a pivotal turnover and an impressive goal by Oliver Morris. With Xavier Grant and Gus Hay dominating contested possessions, supported by stellar ruck work from Ben Miller and complemented by brilliant marking from Wil Pinniger and promising performances from Lenny McNamara, CMCB ended the quarter with a 15-point lead.

The second quarter commenced with Ollie Morris adding to his tally with another impressive goal from centre play. Shannon Tardrew showcased his prowess with a goal following seamless transitional play from defence. While the midfield group of Gus, Xavier, Jaidi, Oliver and Charlie were winning plenty of the ball, wayward kicking prevented CMCB from fully capitalising on their dominance. Despite St Joseph’s narrowing the gap with a late goal, CMCB remained firmly in control, leading five goals 8 to 2 goals straight at half time, much to the delight of the coach who praised the team’s cohesion.

The third quarter mirrored the second, with St Joseph’s managing just one major while CMCB struggled to convert opportunities, kicking one goal four. Logan Kilcullen finally kicked a goal, rewarded for his persistence up front. The defensive trio of Harvey White, Henry Edwards, and Deakin Andrews thwarted numerous St Joseph’s forward bursts, showcasing impressive rebounding from defence. With relentless tackling from Gus Hay and Xavier maintained their lead, ending the quarter 48-18.

The final quarter saw St Joseph’s intensifying their efforts, mounting pressure on CMCB. Two quick goals in 5 minutes from St Joseph’s injected urgency into the game, but a crucial mark and goal from Wil Pinniger settled the CMCB team. Despite the renewed vigour from St Joseph’s, solid defensive efforts from Henry Edwards, Deakin Andrews, Harvey White and Hugh Behrens repelled a number of St Joseph’s forward bursts with Henry following the ball all the way to kick an amazing goal. Olliver Morris and Xavier Grant continued to win the ball around the ground and supply the forwards of Joe Artivilla and Dan Noden with a number of opportunities. It was a three goals to two quarter to seal an impressive first-up victory on home turf.

Thanks to all the boys who helped out on the day, including umpiring, running water and scoring.  Thank you also to the parents and carers for their unwavering support, cheering the boys on throughout the game.

Final Scores: Catherine McAuley College Bendigo 9-15-69, St Joseph’s College, Echuca 5-4-34.

Best Players: Xavier Grant (Best on Ground and AFL Medallist), Gus Hay, Oliver Morris, Wil Pinniger, Jaidi Jackson-Leahy, Henry Edwards, Harvey White, Ben Miller.

Football – Premier League Round 1 Boys Football Team

Darby Whatley, Tobie Travaglia, Xavier Grant, Bailey Warfe, Wil Pinniger, Isaac Meersbergen, Ben Miller, Daniel Noden, Zane Connick, Charlie Duke, Hugh Behrens, Jaidi Jackson-Leahy, Declan Stevenson, Archer Day-Wicks, Jack McMahon, Lee Coghlan (Coach) Drew Costigan, Joe Artivilla, Harvey White, Gus Hay, Henry Edwards, Shannon Tardrew, Deakin Andrews, Oliver Morris, Charlie King, Llogan Kilcullen, Lenny McNamara, Oliver Edmiston, Kobi MacDonald, Thomas Davie.