Herald Sun Shield Division One Semi Final
All great things come to an end
Parade 11 12 78 Defeated Padua 2 3 15
After being crowned back-to-back premiers of the SIS competition, Padua College embarked on the Division One Herald Sun Shield Semi Final against the top ranked Catholic School in the State, Parade College from Bundoora, who were the Premiers from the Associated Catholic Colleges Competition.
Wednesday 2 August was a sensational day with the sun shining and only a zephyr of wind from the south at Trevor Barker Oval in Sandringham. The bus ride up was full of disco music that had Coach Murray reminiscing about his glory days on the dance floor.
After one of the most genuine pregame speeches,I have heard over many years, the focus on ‘Why Not’, ‘Believe’ and ‘Brotherhood’ set the scene for the start of the game. Skipper Connoly won the toss and kicked to the Saunter end in what was a positive start to the game.
The first quarter went hot early and they got the jump on us with a five goal blitz. Our midfield was aggressive and in the face of their mids, but some quick hands and precise kicking was hard to defend. Max McKay was jumping against a 6 foot 5 inch opponent, Isaac Freene worked hard to get the ball forward, and Ollie Pfister was laying tackles with real venom. Some dubious free kicks from theatrical antics gave up some early goals.
The stats from ‘Numbers Newstead’ said that we were well and truly in the game and the scoreboard was not doing us justice. Coach Murray gave a few specific instructions around stoppages and the need to ‘take body’ at all costs, which was the focus for the second quarter.
However, the second quarter got away and Luke Bryne kicked a goal that would have made Sam Kerr of the Matildas proud (saved to our story highlights for posterity). An arm wrestle for most of the quarter played out with a few goals at the end seeing us down by eight goals to one at the half. Miller Stewart, on one foot, was sent to the middle to provide some structure and physical contact, which he did. His role in marshaling the midfield group was years above his tender age of 17. Lucas Parrish in the ruck had some instant impact with his physicality in laying some strong tackles which had Parade looking over their shoulders.
Again, the scoreboard did not back up the stats and Coach Murray went to work at the half time break, eyeballing a few of the lads with specific roles, and his words of encouragement and words of ‘I need you to step up’ were taken on board by many. The fire was still there, and the third quarter was contested footy at its best. A great crumbing goal from Harry Doughton from the top of the square, more midfield pressure, Will D playing a key role on their best midfielder, Bailey Fox not only negating their best forward but getting the ball himself, the intensity and effort never was questioned. Isaac Freene again was a standout in this quarter, consistently holding them at bay from the back flank. A late goal to them made the quarter even and the words from Coach Murray were simple: “Boys, you have done everything that we have asked of you all year and today is no different. We believe in you all as footballers and your commitment to each other is what makes Padua College a name that other schools will start to read about. One final effort, 20minutes of all you have, run, carry, tackle hard, and enjoy this time together.”
After some words from Ollie Pfister before the final call of 1-2-3 Family from the skipper and the fourth quarter was away. Two goals to Parade and a few missed chances from us, and the game was over.
Whilst the result did not go our way, the way in which all players (and additional students who played a supporting role) conducted themselves was something that all of Padua should be proud of. Back in the rooms, Coach highlighted the journey, singled out some very special efforts from the team and individuals and thanked them all for their commitment and passion to play for Padua.
In the years ahead, the College will look back on the 2023 Senior Boys AFL Team that finished with a five-one Record, SIS Premiers and Herald Sun Division One Semi Finalists.
A huge thank to Matt Crosling and Holly Debnam for being Medic and Team Manager for the game, and to Coach Murray, who put in much time and effort for the boys to have such an opportunity. Thanks for your support and for sharing your passion and knowledge of the greatest game in the world. To see nearly every player come and shake his hand or pat him on the back in thanks in the rooms post-game was amazing.
Curtis Stone
Vice Principal - Head of Campus (Year 10-12)
