There are moments where we are reminded about the College spirit in which our boys live out the touchstones. On this very occasion – the U14 AFL Gala Day the boys did themselves and the Edmund Rice College community proud.
The day started with losing the first game by a last minute goal against Holy Spirit. This was seen as inspiration, given that the boys came back from a 19 point deficit at halftime. This attitude of working together as a team became apparent from the onset. The result from the first game meant that the team had to win the remainder of the games throughout the day. Through true grit and determination the boys were able to achieve this.
In the remaining pool games the boys played to a level where playing for the team and producing your personal best was openly spoken about by the team.
There were so many standout players with Fergus Nash leading in the point scoring for the day. Bear Holland, Magnus Kersten, Ben Jancetic and Finley Henricson took on the responsibility of defending tenaciously and contesting any ball close to the line. The midfield led by Isaac Oldfield, Ben Carolan and Finn Ardita worked well utilising effectively the roving skills of Sterling McEwan.
Not everything went to script with injuries to Aiden Lisle after the third game. Isaac Oldfield and Adita were also injured in the semi final meaning we were down to having only one substitute. What was impressive was how Aiden Lisle particularly took on the coaching duties and had the boys playing at a high level all day, whilst Issac continued to provide inspiring words for the team. In fact, Oldfield’s captaincy and half time talks were paramount and were executed with motivation and encouragement. We were able to hold on in the final against John Therry, due to a near perfect first half. Winning the AFL Gala Day was memorable given the way the boys played with spirit and most importantly with true sportsmanship.
Team: Dimitrios Stratis, Magnus Kersten, Samuel Lockyer, Aiden Lisle, Isaac Oldfield, Jacob Wilton, Finley Henricson, Benjamin Jancetic, Sterling McEwan, Finn Ardita, Bear Holland, William Morrison, Liam Crawford, Benedict Carolan, Zane Ashcroft, Nash Ferguson
Mr Timpano
Sports Coordinator