Intermediate Herald Sun Shield Winners
On Tuesday 27 August, we traveled to Casey Fields to compete for the Herald Sun Shield to reclaim our win from last year. The games were run in two 15-minute halves. We played two pool games, a semi-final and finally the grand final. The conditions were not on our side as we had to battle against the intense wind the entire day.
In the first game we played Luther College, which we ended up playing in the grand final as well. It was a tough game and we just scraped across the line for our first win of the day. The second game we played was against Salesian College and it was a team effort to get the win 6-40. We finished on top of our pool which meant we would crossover and play against Our Lady of Mercy College. The wind did not stop all game which meant that we had to kick lots of goals when the wind was in our favour. We managed to kick four goals which was enough to get the win and to take us straight to the grand final to verse Luther College for a second time!
We were all very excited and nervous for the big game but mostly we wanted to go out there and win the title for the second time in a row. We were kicking with the wind to start the game, everyone was playing really well and all the girls were putting in second efforts at every contest. At halftime, we had a comfortable lead of 23 points but we knew we were going to have to work hard in the second half. As the second half began, Luther College had come out strong and put more pressure on all of us. We knew we had to play more defensively and lock on our players which is exactly what everybody did. Luther couldn't score because of our amazing backline. As the siren had gone, we couldn't believe it! We had just won 31-0, and secured back-to-back for the Herald Sun Shield Intermediate girls! Everyone was so proud of each other and how our team had achieved such greatness!
We had a quick medal ceremony and I was fortunate enough to win Best on Ground for the game but it would not have been possible without all of my teammates by my side.
This day could not have been possible without Mr Egan, Mr Leihy, and all the Padua staff who had contributed to the carnival day. We are all very thankful and appreciative of the effort you have put in for us. This day was so much fun and all of the girls had a great time!!!
Scarlett Marsh, Year 10 Djeembana
All Schools Netball Championships - Junior
On Tuesday 27 August, the Junior Girls Netball Team, coached by Mrs Sarah Bailey, competed in the State Netball Championships held at the State Netball Centre. The team faced a series of formidable opponents, including Maribyrnong College, Catherine McAuley, and teams from as far as Echuca and Ballarat.
The competition was intense, with the girls demonstrating remarkable determination and teamwork. Over the day, the team recorded three losses, one win, and three draws. Despite the challenging matches, the girls showed fierce effort and sportsmanship, embodying the true spirit of Padua.
A special thank you goes out to Mrs Bailey for her unwavering dedication and support throughout the tournament and we extend our thanks to all the parents who came out to support the team, cheering them on and contributing to the positive atmosphere.
Overall, the Junior Girls can be proud of their performances and the way they represented Padua with pride and enthusiasm.
Well done to all members of the Junior Girls Netball Team: Evie Davis, Evie Duggan, Kalani Richards, Kalani Love, Mia Maxwell, Tilly Black, Ivy Sherrin, Marli Parrish, Stella Gibbs.
Written by Mia Maxwell
All Schools Netball Championships - Intermediate
On Thursday 29 August, the Padua Yellow Intermediate Girls Netball Team traveled to the State Netball & Hockey Centre to compete in the Netball Victoria School Championships Finals. The team, comprised of Bella Charters, Chloe Salpietro, Emily Geddes, Georgia Kingston, Kasey Whitmore, Lily Clements, Liv Natoli, Marlee Black, Miya Coleman, and Piper Chase, and coached by staff member Mrs Sarah Fritsch, was one of 16 school teams across the state to make it through to the finals.
Faced with tough competition within the division (including the eventual state winners and runner-up teams), Padua knew that it was going to be a competitive day of netball. After admitting defeat in the first three games of the day, Game 4 saw Padua face off against Firbank College with a determination and fire to get the W.
A strong flow down the court and great communication between the players, as well as a screamer of an intercept by GA Kasey Whitmore that was converted to a goal, saw Padua secure a fantastic win of Padua 13 def Firbank 9. Game 5 the team faced off and won against St Joseph’s Echuca, 18 def 7, and then continued the winning streak through to Game 6, taking the win against neighbours Balcombe College, 9 def 7. With one game to go, Padua faced off against the eventual championship team, Lavalla Catholic College, and though the game ended in a defeat (Lavalla 18 def Padua 7) the team played with determination and true team spirit, never giving up until the final whistle.
The whole team should be so proud of themselves for finishing as one of the top ten teams in the state, and for representing Padua College with respect, positivity and determination. Congratulations to our MVP on the day, Chloe Salpietro, whose strength across the mid-court and ability to read the play translated into multiple gains and turnovers. A special thanks must go to Milley Shelley for assisting on the day as a team manager.
AFL National Futures Girls
Congratulations to Mizuki and Nalu Brothwell (Year 11 Elizabeth) who, along with 15 other girls from Victoria, were recently named in the 2024 Marsh AFL National Futures Girls Program. This program includes a talent showcase match to be played at GMHBA Stadium on 31 August. All girls selected in this squad are eligible for selection in next year’s Telstra AFLW draft following the 2025 AFLW season. Players were nominated by state talent programs, national selectors and AFLW clubs, with all states and territories represented. Both girls play for Dandenong Stingrays/Balnarring Junior Football Club. Well done Mizuki and Nalu.
