APS: Brighton Grammar has officially taken out the 2024 football premiership

Brighton Grammar School APS football coach Simon McPhee talks about where the talent of his now premiership side stands among the best and we look towards the future players who could announce themselves next year.

Brighton Grammar are the champions of APS footy. Picture: Brighton Grammar School

Simon McPhee can think of few more talented sides he’s coached than the Brighton Grammar team he had at his disposal this year.

BGS officially secured the Associated Public Schools of Victoria football premiership on Saturday, capping an unblemished season with a win over Geelong College.

Brighton had one hand around the APS title after it pipped Haileybury College by a point two weeks ago but they had to hold on in the final two games against St Kevins and Geelong to avoid sharing the prize.

They snuck past St Kevin's last week and blitzed Geelong on Saturday, 14.14 (98) to 8.1 (49), to cement their spot in history.

“I think on talent, they’re pretty high, they’re probably the most talented group I have coached to be honest,” McPhee said.

“I had a group many years ago back in Perth that had (Nat) Fyfe and a whole bunch of other kids drafted.

“But this group is right up there, they’re pretty talented so hopefully we can get a few through to the AFL but just as importantly the VFL or play some good VAFA footy.

“Most of the boys who played in that team should have pretty reasonable careers at some level.”

Simon McPhee (front) talks to his players against Haileybury. Picture: Brighton Grammar School

A stacked side can often come with its hurdles, but McPhee said the shared goal allowed a team full of stars to become a star team.

“It’s obviously a talented group, which comes with its own set of challenges,” he said.

“You’ve got a lot of boys that are in different programs, have different coaches and player managers, so they’re managing expectations of the school and their own performances.

“But they were still able to come together to perform for school, they’re just a really solid bunch of blokes who have a massive passion for their community, school and mates.”

Levi Ashcroft, Luke Trainor, Lenny Hofmann and a raft of others are set for big careers at a higher level but McPhee “made a bit of a big deal” about an unheralded wingman this season.

“I made a bit of a big deal of one of the boys on the wing for us this year, Max Lorden,” he said.

“He was in our squad last year and played some games but he lacked a bit of confidence – his development, particularly late in the season, has been significant.

“He’s an elite runner, he’s got the ability to play at a high-level somewhere, his development, composure and maturity has been really pleasing.”

Luke Trainor kicks. Photo: Andrew Batsch

Trainor is one of the best defenders in the draft but he swung forward late against Haileybury and secured victory with a golden point.

Trainor played forward for Brighton Grammar in Year 10 and 11 but was pushed back this year.

When asked if Trainor has been played out of position all year, McPhee was happy for it to be an AFL club’s “nice problem to have” moving forward.

“I will leave that one alone,” he quipped.

“We played him back because that’s where he played for Sandy and Vic Metro, we wanted to make it as easy as possible for him.

“He’s definitely got attributes of a key forward, that’ll be a nice problem to have for whoever takes him.”

Arki Butler is one to keep tabs on. Photo: Andrew Batsch

THE FUTURE

Kye Fincher

Going into Year 12 next year, Fincher is already a really good size for his position in the midfield.

Archie Ludowyke

A really raw but equally as competitive big man. Once Ludowyke adds a bit of size, his marking and ruck craft will go up another level.

Arki Butler

Butler is in Year 10 but played an electric role in Brighton Grammar’s success this year. He kicked a goal late against Haileybury and has strong sense for where the big sticks are.

Alfie Lambett

Another player who was exposed to senior APS footy this year and showed he will be a nice player moving forward.

Tyson Bradley

A big kid who will become a presence once he starts playing against opponents his age.

Tom Roach

Roach didn’t get that much opportunity this year but is a player to keep tabs on.