Geelong Derby scouting notes: Top performers, stats as Geelong College defeat Geelong Grammar

Geelong College broke a decade long losing streak against their arch-rivals. Who starred on the big stage in the grudge match? Check out the stats, top performers and ranking points.

The crowd was up and about. Picture: Charlie Scott

Geelong College recorded its first derby win in a decade over Geelong Grammar, claiming a 19-point win in enthralling and brutal contest between the bitter rivals.

College hadn’t beaten Grammar in firsts school football since 2013, but College managed to snap the eight-game losing streak, with College’s Ted Bain winning the best-on-ground medal.

It was the first Geelong school derby that Geelong College Director of Football Nathan Brown had seen, with the former Pie and Saint comparing the battle to ANZAC Day duels that he’d had in the past.

SCROLL DOWN FOR SCOUTING NOTES AND STATS

“It was brutal, it just stepped up a different level,” Brown said.

“When I spoke to our boys during the week I brought up the analogy of ANZAC Day, Collingwood-Essendon. It doesn’t matter whether Collingwood is on top, Essendon is on bottom or vice-versa, ANZAC Day is an occasion where it level pegging because of the occasion I think the derby is similar to that.

“Grammar brought it bigtime, skills lifted, pressure lifted. I think there was five blood rules, so in terms of physicality and intensity it was a high pressure game and

“You talk to people since the game and people, spectators, parents or even neutrals who came along for a watch (said) that was a brilliant game.”

Thomas Gorell celebrates a goal. Picture: Charlie Scott

But it was Geelong College girls side’s first premier division win in the curtain raiser against Geelong Grammar that was the highlight for Brown.

“To finish off with a derby win in front of a big crowd… for me that was the big win for the day. We had a lot of wins but I think that was the one that meant a lot.,” he said.

“The way that game was played, the spirit and the high quality, there were some kids looking on and they were dreaming to be there.”

See the full scouting notes and top performers.

GEELONG COLLEGE

Ted Bain

Took out the medal for best-on-ground in the derby, having a significant impact in the midfield, on the wing and up forward. Bain ran hard to plenty of it on the outside, finishing with 20 disposals, 15 uncontested possessions, seven inside 50s and 83 ranking points.

Tom Anastasopoulos

Realistically the only 2023 draft chance on show in this match-up, Anastasopoulos was kept goalless with some close checking from Marley McComb, but he was still able to have an impact up the ground. The lively forward was the number one ranked College player on the ground with 102 ranking points, 19 disposals and nine marks, with his ball use inside 50 setting up scoring opportunities. Anastasopoulos was fresh off two goals in the national championships and will be looking to continue pushing his draft claims further at APS and Coates Talent League level.

Tom Anastasopoulos attacks the footy. Picture: Charlie Scott

Thomas Gorell

Gorell was the difference up forward for College, booting four goals and clunking three contested marks against a strong Grammar opponent. The haul brings his impressive tally to 25 goals from eight APS games.

Archer Hanagraaf

He is a Year 11 who is the age of a Year 10, but Hanegraaf certainly wasn’t overawed by the occasion. The mid-forward hit the scoreboard with two goals and won 13 of his 17 possessions in a contest, finishing with 99 ranking points.

River Stevens

Stevens was able to find his own footy, use it well and apply defensive pressure throughout the day, finishing with 11 contested possessions, 18 disposals, seven tackles 99 ranking points. The son of North Melbourne great Anthony Stevens featured for the Falcons during the APS sport break and is one to watch out for next year.

Joel Grigsby

Grisby competed hard in the ruck up against 200cm GWV Rebels ruck Flynn Penry, finishing with 11 disposals, 26 hitouts and 83 ranking points. Set the scene on the inside and won a couple of clearances himself.

Sam Sinnott

Sinnott flew back with the flight regularly to take three intercept marks and provided energy with his rebound out of defence. The running defender is on the Falcons list with his brother, Archie, but the bottom-ager hasn’t got an opportunity at Coates League Level just yet.

Ollie Johnston

Johnston was another youngster who showed his worth, kicking a goal and clunking two contested marks to go with 10 touches. Currently in Year 10, the key forward has plenty of scope for growth.

Geelong College stats from the derby.

NOTE: Ted Bain was counted as No.55 Will Rodda, as Bain wore a different jumper.

GEELONG GRAMMAR

Xavier Ivisic

Ivisic was absolutely everywhere for Grammar on the inside and outside, finishing with 37 disposals – almost double the top disposal getter for College – 14 clearances and 166 ranking points. This display coupled with his form as a bottom-ager for Geelong Falcons has put him firmly in the draft mix for next season.

Sam de Steiger

Grammar coach Andrew Allthorpe believes this may have been de Steiger’s best game for the year, with the defender standing tall under significant pressure. de Steiger was able to repel and nullify Geelong College attacking forays with his intercept marking and spoiling, finishing with 12 one per centers and five intercept marks.

Geordie Richardson

One of the youngest players on the field, Richardson gave an exciting glimpse into the future. Richardson, who turned 16 in May, kicking three goals – half of College’s tally for the day – with two of those being finishes from the boundary. The Geelong Amateur forward was in action for Vic Country at the U16 championships and this performance against players two years his senior will hold him in good stead.

Sam Lalor

Lalor copped a corkie early in the match but despite being hampered, he still managed to make an impact after being pushed forward. The Bacchus Marsh product kicked two goals and finished with two goals, 17 disposals and seven marks (two of those contested). The Vic Country representative showed his class at the national championships in what has been a thoroughly impressive season to date.

Flynn Penry

Injuries for Grammar meant Henry was forced to ruck one out and the big man dominated at stoppages, racking up a whopping 53 hitouts. He also had an impact around the ground, clunking two contested marks and winning 14 disposals. Penry has featured for the Greater Western Victoria Rebels on four occasions this year in what has been a promising bottom-age season.

Flynn Penry (left) performed strongly in the ruck. Picture: Charlie Scott

Jack Bull

College finished with close to three times the amount of inside 50s, and Bull was another Grammar defender who held up strongly. Bull clunked four intercept marks and two contested marks to with 14 touches and 93 ranking points. Like de Steiger, it was arguably his most complete game for the APS season.

Marley McCombe

McCombe was tasked with stopping fellow Falcons squad member Tom Anastasopoulos in what was a good contest. Geelong Grammar was pleased with the efforts of McCombe, who was able to hold the livewire forward goalless.

Geelong Grammar stats from the derby.

Originally published as Geelong Derby scouting notes: Top performers, stats as Geelong College defeat Geelong Grammar