Ambrose Treacy snare big derby scalp while Villa benefit from Bulldogs’ fan switch

AIC First XVIII footy’s latest includes how a bumper western derby clash was won and why a Western Bulldogs diehard switched schools to play with Villanova College. Story here.

The style of Villanova College First XVIII player Campbell Shaw.

He grew up following the Western Bulldogs, has played footy in Singapore and been entrenched at the Coorparoo Roos since moving to Brisbane in 2016.

And now the Villanova First XVIII side is benefiting from Campbell Shaw’s ability and passion in the AIC footy competition.

Shaw has been a great addition to the Villanova community after switching to the college at the start of this year specifically to play in the AIC First XVIII competition.

Shaw said he was delighted to have made what was a big move late in his school life.

HARRI ARMSTRONG’S JOURNEY FROM IRELAND TO AIC FOOTY

ANDREWS-CAMERON CUP WINNERS - PADUA’S WIN

“The most enjoyable thing about school life at Villa is the sense of community and having staff and students welcome me into the school as a new boy,’’ Shaw said.

He said from day No. 1, the footy family also embraced him which contributed to a smooth transition, although he did know a few teammates from the local Coorparoo club where he also plays.

Villanova College First XVIII player Campbell Shaw, with No. 17, flanked by teammates Jackson Dalrymple, left, and Lachlan Brown. Lachlan and Jackson are the vice-captains.

“The AFL program has been incredibly impressive with the way it is run,’’ Shaw praised.

“The professionalism is very contagious, as is the desire to perform.’’

Shaw was originally raised in Melbourne, the bosom of Australian rules football.

His first memory of the sport was attending Etihad Stadium, as it was called at the time, and watching North Melbourne, whom his dad supports, and the Bulldogs, with his mother’s family.

“I also remember going to VFL games at Whitten Oval and playing footy in the backyard with my family,’’ Shaw said.

RELATED LINKS

AIC ROUND 1 REPORT

AIC FOOTY PLAYERS TO WATCH

So who does he support? North Melbourne or the Bulldogs?

“Although my dad was a North Melbourne supporter, ultimately I support the Bulldogs due to my time in Melbourne growing up around family that would take me down to Whitten Oval where I watched the Bulldogs train and play.’’

Villanova’s Campbell Shaw admires Bulldogs Aaron Naughton. Photo by Michael Klein.

As a child growing up his favourite players were Buddy Franklin and Aaron Naughton.

Shaw said he admired Buddy Franklin “as I based my forwards craft of him’’.

But he also loved Aaron Naughton “with his exceptional in-air ability’’.

“In saying that I spent my fair share of time in the backline having to learn on the go and following Harris Andrew’s style has been a massive help for me,’’ Shaw said.

Shaw’s Villanova side enjoyed a round 4 win over St Edmund’s College, 57 to 26.

Acting captain Lachlan Brown led by example playing from the wing.

Brown was able to cover a lot of ground to constantly provide the team an outlet.

“Lachy works hard to keep the ball moving forward in his role as a defensive wing,’’ explained head coach Brian Pascoe. Brown is able to get to the ball and turn defence into attack.

Sebastian Bailey was another livewire on the half forward flank.

Someone who loves to attack the ball, he is highly skilled and especially good at ground level where he uses his agility to get possessions in traffic.

Oliver Logan, playing on the ball, also played with high intensity and found the ball in traffic.

“Great level of skill allows Ollie to distribute the ball generally choosing the best option,’’ coach Pascoe explained. “He has an uncanny knack of linking with his twin brother who plays forward.’’

Jordie Chambers of Padua College delivers possession down the field.

In other round 4 matches, Ambrose Treacy College defeated Marist College Ashgrove 9-5-59 to 5-7-37 in a huge result for ATC.

“It was a fiercely competitive contest which we won from accurate goal kicking early on,’’ said ATC head coach Mick Keys.

A decision to alter Jack Harrison’s role paid dividends for ATC.

“The coaches made some moves this week, including putting Jack deep forward one out on his own to see if he could provide an option with our other key forward out for the season,’’ explained ATC coach Keys.

“Jack ended up kicking six goals and was the difference between the two teams.’’

Ambrose Treacy College players enjoyed themselves last season - and have plenty of reasons to smile this year as well. Picture, Nick Tucker.

Harrison displayed strong contested marking and accurate goal kicking.

Ambrose Treacy were also spearheaded by Jarvis Warr, a rebounding defender who was moved back into his preferred position.

“Jarvis continually thwarted any Marist offensive push forward and rebounded with pace and skill that was a standout all game,’’ Keys said.

Jarvis Czarkowski on the wing took to his new role like a duck to water, playing his best game for the side.

“Jarvis was consistently providing options as a connector from back to forward, helping get the ball in deep to our forwards on several occasions,’’ Keys said.

Padua’s Darby Breeden is congratulated by a teammate earlier in the season.

Aidan Brennan, the small rebounding defender, also flourished again after being moved down back to help the team’s defensive stocks. “His smart reading of the play and his skilful left foot help rebound any Marist’s forward push,’’ Keys added.

And Zac Olsen, playing as a key forward or ruckman, continued to grow after being new to the game.

“Zac has grown over a short period to now being a vital cog in an undersized team. Zac moves well for a big man, and uses the ball by foot with precision. He is a big improver,’’ Keys said.

Marist were most impressed how well organised the Ambrose Treacy College outfit was.

“Marist unfortunately fell short despite showcasing some positive signs,’’ said Marist First XVIII AFL head coach Matt Beattie.

Despiote the loss, there were several noteworthy performances that deserve recognition.

Marist was led “with distinction’’ by midfielders Isaac Roach and Jack Thompson, with the pair’s leadership setting the tone for the side.

A big improver who deserves praise is Oliver Reeves, making a significant impact following his transition to the backline.

Additionally, a highlight for Ashgrove was the promising debut of Archie Powell for the First XVIII.

“His inclusion in the team holds promise for the future and underscores the depth of talent within our ranks,’’ coach Beattie said.

Harri Armstrong - he played well for St Laurence’s College.

St Laurence’s College had a 16-13-109 to 1-1-7 win over St Patrick’s College, with the Paddies’ big hearted effort led by ruckman Alec Webb, half back flanker Nick Watson and wingman Pat Dalton.

For the winners, Ash Prindable was strong through the midfield for Laurie’s where he played alongside his brother Tyan.

Harri Armstrong also stepped up and performed well in the ruck while, in addition, making an impact in the forward line as well.

And St Laurence’s captain Cooper Mataia led from the front to help his side secure a strong win.

Padua College enjoyed a 66 point win over Iona College.

Padua jumped out at the blocks to lead by four goals going into quarter time, and a clinical second quarter saw the lead get out to 46 points.

In hot conditions, the game slowed somewhat, however it was another team first performance by Padua who had multiple goal scorers and contributors across the match.

The best of the best were Finn O’Brien, Tom Waters and Cooper Searle

Iona were best served by Mason van Balen and Zion Chingwile who both fought hard down back.