Crows dual premiership skipper Mark Bickley set to commentate Rostrevor v Sacred Heart intercol
It’s a new era for the Messenger Shield college football competition, as Crows premiership captain Mark Bickley prepares to commentate The Advertiser’s live stream of the 97th Rostrevor v Sacred Heart intercol.
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THE 97th intercol football clash between Rostrevor and Sacred Heart just got even bigger with the Crows’ dual premiership captain commentating the clash.
Flag hero Mark Bickley will call the game as it is live streamed on advertiser.com.au this Saturday from 2.15pm.
It’s the second time readers can watch a Messenger Shield First XVIII college match from the comfort of their living room.
The Advertiser successfully streamed the encounter between Hearts and Westminster last month.
Bickley, who skippered Adelaide to its 1997-98 grand final wins, said he was keen to be part of a new era in school footy.
“It’s going to be great,” Bickley said.
“It’s something that’s really special to South Australia — the rivalry between colleges — and this is a big weekend for the guys, their families and all the students.
“People identify strongly with the competition particularly past and present students and there’s a real pride in their schools.”
The AFL and SANFL Hall of Famer was impressed with the standard of the elite college competition, describing it as a breeding ground for the game’s professional ranks.
“You think about the two teams (Sacred Heart and Rostrevor),” Bickley said.
“They’ve got rich history, they’ve got plenty of players who’ve been drafted and doing great things at AFL level.”
Fifth-placed Rostrevor (2-4) will host traditional rival and second-ranked Sacred Heart (6-1).
The home side’s skipper Xavier Tranfa was keen to have the fiercely-contested fixture showcased online.
“All the boys are really excited and that excitement just lifts with every day,” Tranfa said.
“It’s an honour to play in the intercol and it’s a dream come true for everyone who plays footy.
“Not many of the boys have played in games that have been live streamed or commentated before, so the first two minutes will probably feel a bit surreal.
“But after that we just get to play footy.”
Rising star Xavier Robins, one of Sacred Heart’s standout performers this campaign, was also looking forward to the game.
“I’m feeling really excited and both schools love it,” Robins said.
“I’ve never played in a game that’s been commentated so it will be great to re-watch it afterwards.”
A full replay of the match will be available from Saturday evening on advertiser.com.au