AIC First XVIII footy players of the season revealed in 2025 after shared premiership
AIC First XVIII footy: The players of the season can be revealed after St Laurence’s College and Iona College shared the premiership trophy. See who led the way from every school here.
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St Laurence’s College and Iona College frustratingly shared the title after Cyclone Alfred prevented the “grand final’’ from going ahead.
The round 6, March 15 clash could not be rescheduled, leaving both teams aloft the table after nother season of growth for the newest member of the AIC football stable.
AIC FOOTY’S MOST IMPROVED PLAYERS OF 2025
Iona overcame the round two loss of midfielder Ben Lillico, a Morningside colts premiership winner, who is rated by many as the finest player in the competition.
St Laurence’s also confirmed its place alongside Iona at the top of the ladder after beating ATC in the final round, with Ben Morrison and Ash Prindable leading the way. Hudson Goodwin and Lachie Witham also showed plenty of toughness and composure for St Laurence’s
Both Iona and St Laurence’s featured outstanding leadership this season, with Lions Academy level three member Archie Watts leading Iona’s charge as a forward or midfielder, while Laurie’s college captain Ben Morison led the way from the midfield.
That pair were among the best players of the season, but who else shone bright in season 2025?
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IONA COLLEGE
Iona’s set up saw both Ben Butko and Charlie Abell play strongly around the half back line. Butko controlled opposition entries, while Abell performed with distinction after being assigned the opposition’s best forwards to oppose.
Max Bolton played as a forward and was a goal kicking target for his mids, while Harry Egan played predominantly forward where his speed and elusive skills came in handy.
Cross code trump card Blaze Mohi played key defender and controlled the defensive 50 entries from opposition.
ST LAURENCE’S
Originally from the Jindalee Jags catchment, Ethan Duke played strongly around the mid field and half forward, while fellow Lions Academy midfielder Cooper Hodge was also an ace who sometimes shifted back to the half back line.
St Laurence’s had other mid field young guns as well, with Ash Prindable and Harry Thomson both shining lights feeding off dominant ruckman Ben Trenow.
Down back Joel Stephens and key defender Bill Wiltshire, the team’s third tall, locked out oppositions, while Benji Kessler patrolled the centre half back line alongside Lucas Littee.
The speed and endurance of Harry Anzolin and Jack Mahoney came into play from the wing, while Harry Graham’s efforts across half forward and in the midfield need to be acknowledged.
Rookie on the rise: A Year 10 student, AJ Pickering was a forward pocket exponent who broke his way into the side after impressive form in the 10A’s. He looked comfortable at First XVIII level.
PADUA
The team’s vice-captain, Jacob Grant inside midfield play saw him gain a reputation as a contested ball beast. A second season Firsts’ player, Grant played in the team’s 2024 premiership team.
Preston Patterson was an unheralded tall defender who had to ruck tirelessly most of the season. He gave away height to the opposition, but proved a great competitor with booming right foot.
Rookie on the rise: Koby Bau’s first year season in the top side was eye-catching for a Year 10 student. The forward made an instant impact in the competition, proving to be a lively mover with a natural kick of the ball
VILLANOVA COLLEGE
Nick Landers played centre half forward where his effective ball winning ability and knack of securing contested marks came to the fore. His handling under pressure was also outstanding.
Sebastian Bailey’s effort and enthusiasm were big attributes this season. He was an uncompromising defender who gave his all in each match.
The versatile Zac Joyce was a three season veteran who played a positive role in showing the new boys how to get around the paddock.
Rookies on the rise
Jake Walker was an effective crumber, playing deep to support the mids and backs when under pressure from Padua.
Mitch Honeyman was another raw talent from Villanova who impressed. Coming from a basketball background, he was able to find the ball in his first season and was clean off the ground. He played with intent.
ST PATRICK’S
Nick Watson was a tremendous competitor, hungry for the ball across all four quarters of games. A midfield ace, Watson worked hard to spread from stoppages and provide solid defensive pressure.
Noah Polinski was outstanding, noted for his work at the stoppages and his ability to snare contested marks. He won plenty of footy at the contest and was an elite player.
Brock O’Sullivan played as a centre half forward where he was an ironman who consistently tried to put himself into a target position for teammates. O’Sullivan’s aerial skills were also a highlight.
You can also add Pat Dalton into the mix as Paddies’ best players this season, a big hearted lad who was brave at the contest.
MARIST COLLEGE ASHGROVE
Kian Dickman was Ashgrove’s key forward who was strong in the air and had a presence upfront. He was also a player renowned for his second efforts.
Van Sanders was a big influence in the midfield, a general whose disposal in contests was vital to Ashgrove’s performance. He was a captain who led from the front.
Rookies on the rise: Sania Elisala (Year 10) and Finn Manahan (Year 11) were both new to footy and were big improvers. The college was looking forward to seeing their progress next year.
AMBROSE TREACY COLLEGE
Jarvis Czarkowski was the captain of the team and always led from the front. He played as an undersized ruckman, yet somehow managed to be the dominant ruckman in every game. Czarkowski always gave his all in every game.
Skilled mid field player Jarvis Warr was able to make an impact on the scoreboard as well. He had a penetrating left foot which was invaluable when breaking apart opposition back lines.
Spencer Glover was the midfield grunt player that every team needs. He worked hard to get every contest or be a target to kick to. Glover had such an impact that all teams had to tag him. That is always a wonderful badge of honour for a player.
Rookie on the rise: Max Rolph is a raw talent whose natural speed allows him to play in multiple positions.
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