Sacred Heart wins Messenger Shield college football premiership
ANTHONY Goodrich reckons he has coached more talented sides in 19 years as Sacred Heart’s First XVIII mentor, but is not sure any match the 2016 crop for drive.
ANTHONY Goodrich reckons he has coached more talented sides in 19 years as Sacred Heart’s First XVIII mentor, but is not sure any match the 2016 crop for drive.
“It’s hard to compare teams,” Goodrich says.
“Previous vintages, ability-wise, might have had these kids covered, but it seems as though these players have got something there, that will to win and improve, which sets them apart a little.”
Goodrich steered Sacred Heart to its second Messenger Shield – and first since 2013 – after a 26-point away win over Immanuel on August 27.
Hearts finished with a 4-1 record, pipping fierce rival Rostrevor on percentage.
Last week the Somerton Park school achieved the double when it triumphed in the state knockout grand final.
“It’s tremendous to win both because it doesn’t happen often,” Goodrich says.
“Certainly their record puts them in the top echelon of teams that we’ve had.
“It’s a credit to the boys and all the hard work they’ve put in – a lot of training, persistence and some disappointment along the way.”
Retiring Fremantle champion Matthew Pavlich, ex-Power star Kane Cornes and Geelong defender Andrew Mackie are among Goodrich’s former players.
This year’s team includes a handful of state under-18 representatives, including Mitchell Hinge and Conor Noonan.
“But there’s no real obvious natural walk-up AFL star draftee and I like to think we’ve got that depth,” Goodrich says.
“There were a lot of unlucky kids missing out, not playing in the first side, but when needed (they) stepped up .”
Goodrich hopes to remain in the role next season.
“We’ve got quite a few promising prospects coming out of Year 10.”
Pavlich a star at Heart
RETIRING Fremantle star Matthew Pavlich has been the perfect ambassador for Sacred Heart College, his former coach Anthony Goodrich says.
Pavlich, 34, pulled the pin on his 353-game AFL career last month – 17 years after graduating from Sacred Heart and playing his final matches under Goodrich.
“He’s been an ornament to the game and an absolute gentleman,” Goodrich says.
“In his send-off (against Western Bulldogs at Subiaco) it was obvious the respect and the affection that people have for him – teammates, supporters, opposition.
“Thanks to him for the way he’s represented himself and his family, and by association the school because people are pretty keen to know the Sacred Heart story.
“That’s the sort of ambassador you can’t buy and he’s just done it naturally, just being Matthew Pavlich.”
Pavlich’s football CV includes six best and fairests, six all-Australian selections, eight times leading Fremantle’s goalkicking, and Docker record-holder for most games and longest-serving captain.
“If you can be involved in that sort of elite competition for 17 seasons, do what he’s done and walk out with universal acknowledgment as a great of the game, it’s incredible,” Goodrich says.
Family ties
MITCHELL Hinge is following in family footsteps in Sacred Heart’s First XVIII.
The midfielder is the younger brother of former Crows, Glenelg and Sturt defender John Hinge – a best-on-ground medallist in a Hearts knockout competition grand final triumph in the early 2000s.
Last week Mitchell, 18, won his second state knockout title, days after helping the Somerton Park school claim its second Messenger Shield.
“It’s really good to have that (school football success) in the family,” Mitchell says.
“The college is known for it’s footy so it’s good to be a part of the history and create our own history this year.
“It’s a totally unreal feeling to be achieving with your best mates.”
Mitchell grew up in Mundulla, near Bordertown, before moving to Sacred Heart to board two years ago.
“It’s the best school.
“I love the school and love the people here.”
Mitchell plays for Glenelg’s under-18s and is a state under-18 representative this season.
He says John, now a player welfare and development manager at Port Adelaide Football Club, is a sounding board.
“John helps me a lot with my footy – how to prepare for a game, post-game, always looking through footage, which is helping me a lot.”
Mitchell is eligible to be drafted this year.
“I don’t know if that’s on the horizon but I definitely aspire to make the AFL,” he says.
“It’d be a great achievement for me and my family as well.”