ACC school footy grand final preview: previous results, coach analysis and players to watch
History, form, players to watch and comments from both coaches. Here’s everything you need to know before watching Wednesday’s Associated Catholic Colleges grand final.
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Parade and St Bede’s will lock horns in the Associated Catholic Colleges grand final at Windy Hill on Wednesday.
Well coached and packed with talent, the schools will shoot for a premiership — and the chance to qualify for the prestigious Herald Sun Shield.
Here is everything you need to know ahead of the grand final...
LAST TIME THEY MET
Round 4: St Bede’s 10.6 (66) defeated Parade 9.9 (63)
St Bede’s won last encounter in a thrilling three-point contest but the grand final has a number of variables to lead this result obsolete.
Both side’s have had a number of personnel changes since that clash, which leaves the mystery of the upcoming match high.
HOW THEY GOT THERE
Semi finals
Parade 10.11 (71) defeated St Patrick’s College 7.4 (46)
St Bede’s 5.7 (37) defeated St Joseph’s Geelong 3.11 (29)
PLAYERS TO WATCH
PARADE
ISAAC KAKO
Dynamic small forward who is clean below his knees and loves a goal. Can also have an impact in the midfield. One of those players who is great to watch.
NATE CADDY
Key forward, super athletic and a known goal kicker - he’s kicked 13 goals from two games for Parade in this campaign. Very strong overhead mark and a reliable kick.
ZAK JOHNSON
Gun midfielder who accumulates possessions and uses the ball well. Clean with the footy and generates run and carry.
TOM SIMS
Key position player who can play at both ends. Reads the ball well in the air and he’s super athletic, with good closing speed.
CHRISTIAN MARDINI
The Northern Knights captain and key defender uses the ball well for a big fella (he is 197cm). Sets a high standard.
KRISTIAN LAWSON
Has been Parade’s most consistent player throughout the season, he plays inside midfield and can go forward. A great teammate.
ST BEDE’S
TARKYN O’LEARY
A smooth-moving midfielder that drives out of stoppage before finding teammates with his trusted left foot. O’Leary is extremely important to St Bede’s as a line-breaking asset.
JACK FERRARO
An inside mid who has played every game for St Bede’s this year. While his main weapon is extracting the ball from congestion, he is very strong overhead.
ANDREAS STEFANAKIS
Another inside mid that has played each of the six games this year. He tends to be sent forward as well as he has a handy knack of hitting the scoreboard.
CHARLIE WILCE
The skipper of the side regularly gets big jobs as a strong, lock down defender. A competitive beast that keeps his players in line from the back third of the ground.
CALSHER DEAR
Dear is a focal point forward of the footy for St Bede’s, playing either full forward, centre half forward or in the ruck. The athletic tall is rarely unmarked on opposition boards. Calsher is the son of 1991 Norm Smith Medallist Paul Dear.
BRODIE FINLAY
The big ruckmen who bucks the trend of the modern-day big men by playing as an older style ruck. He is loved by teammates.
WHAT THE COACHES SAY
PARADE (Ricky Dyson)
“They (St Bede’s) are an impressive side so I think it’s going to be a good hit out that’s for sure,” he said.
“Both teams deserve to be there and we’re looking forward to it.”
ST BEDE’S (Owen Lalor)
“They’re two really strong midfields going toe-to-toe, whoever gets on top in there I have no doubt will win this game,” he said.
“If our midfield gets on top we hope to get some really good ball going inside 50 but if their midfield gets on top, they have a really good forward line to get it in to.
“It’s going to be a great battle, good forwards at both ends and two terrific midfields, it makes for a really good granny.”
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