AIC AFL footy blockbuster kick starts season with a bang
AIC AFL blockbuster schoolboy footy: Sensational start to the season with a long distance winner after the siren. Here we present a wrap of round 1, and highlight some players of the round.
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AIC footy started with a bang last weekend with Villanova College’s Fraser Lay kicking the winning goal after the siren to clinch victory.
With Villanova behind by three points, Lay stepped up to the mark and delivered the goods for his side with a towering kick.
It was a kick for the ages after he drifted forward from his midfield position to take a sliding mark about 40m from the goal.
“He showed great composure in a very spirited game against Marist College Ashgrove,’’ said coach Brian Pascoe.
Hugo Crawford, playing on the half back flank, shone across the game, covering a lot of ground and accumulating a lot of possessions.
“He was a positive influence on his teammates to mark his first game as captain of Villanova’s Open team,’’ Pascoe said.
Villa forward Jackson Connor, who was also playing in his first AIC AFL game, booted three goals.
Marist College Ashgrove did everything they could to win the game, with Jack Thomson the pick of a strong midfield group.
After being outclassed in the first quarter, Thomson and the midfield group rallied and got the team back to level by half time.
It was a huge effort from Marist given Villa were fielding three boys from the Lions Academy in their midfield group. In the end, the reigning premiers came away with a thrilling 55-52 victory to kickstart their season.
STANDOUTS FROM THE OTHER MATCHES
St Laurence’s College defeated Iona 52-20.
Ben Lillico (Iona)
– Ben is a Year 10 student making his debut for 1st XVIII this season. With his natural ability to distribute on both feet and drive for success, Lillico will be one to watch out for over the AIC season. A tough midfielder with strong hands and ability to find the football, Ben has already become a staple in the midfield rotation.
Zane Pearce (Iona)
– Zane plays a pivotal role as captain of the side for the 2023 season. With his impressive skills in the midfield and his ability to bring out the best in his teammates, he really encapsulates the style we play our football. Zane’s threat of speed and silky finishing will mean he is a threat for the rest of the competition.
Bryn Corten (Iona)
Bryn is a tall, uncompromising defender with a penetrating kick who has become a lockdown defender for Iona. His relentless pursuit of the ball and ability to quickly shut down St. Laurence’s forwards were key for the Black and White. Bryn will only improve as the season continues and looks to make a statement against St. Peter’s this Wednesday.
Iona plays St. Peter’s Lutheran College on Wednesday evening at Home before they play St. Edmund’s College on Friday at Coorparoo.
Will Munro (Lauries’)
This week’s Player of the Round for SLC was Will Munro.
New to St Laurence’s College in 2023, Will Munro shone in Lauries’ Round 1 victory over Iona College. Will is a talented footballer, joining SLC from the Gold Coast Academy. Will played an instrumental role from Half Back, where he controlled the defence and was instrumental in setting up the attack. Only in Year 11, he is definitely a player to watch this year.
St Edmund’s College v St Peters
Philip Deng (Eddies’)
– Ruck – new to the game and took on the role of a key position brilliantly. Was exceptional in the ruck and gave our midfielders every opportunity to have first use of the ball.
Robert Brown (Eddies’)
– CHB – Was pivotal in his role of Centre Half Back – majority of SEC goals could be attributed to the rebound football off our defensive line due to Browny.
Padua College defeated St Patrick’s College 69-45
Hayden Hall (Padua)
Hall played the majority of the game in the midfield and won plenty of clearances. It’s worth noting he went forward and kicked multiple goals, applying endless pressure on his rivals.
Jordan Chambers (Padua)
At halfback, Chambers played a strong game, winning multiple one-on-one contests to go along with a whopping four intercept marks.
Clayton Podlich (Padua)
Podlich was the best on ground and there was no doubt about it. He set the tone with his contested ball winning ability and was aggressive all day in the midfield.
A very complete game from Podlich to lead the way for his side.
Hudson Poole (Padua)
High praise to Poole who got a tagging job on St Patrick’s best player, on top of an excellent all around game.
ROUND 1 WINNERS:
Villa
Lauries’
Padua
Eddies’
What a start to the season, which will continue this Friday when St Patrick’s College play Villanova,Iona take on St Edmund’s, Marist play Padua and St Peters confront St Laurence’s College.
Footnote: The www.couriermail.com.au will provide a weekly report of matches.
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