Associated Catholic Colleges grand final preview: Parade College v Whitefriars College

Parade College is chasing a famous ACC three-peat, but standing in its way is a Whitefriars College side fresh off an after-the-siren thriller. Read the thoughts of both sides and see the players to watch.

Zak Johnson and Parade College coach Ricky Dyson (right) after the school took out last season’s Herald Sun Shield. PIcture: Daniel Pockett/AFL Photos/via Getty Images.

Parade College is one match away from completing a famous three-peat in the Associated Catholic Colleges senior football competition.

Fittingly, Parade will meet Whitefriars College - the last school to topple the powerhouse in a decider when the sides met in 2022 - in Wednesday’s grand final at the Hangar.

Whitefriars scraped into the grand final in dramatic fashion last week after a clutch Charlie Whitehead after-the-siren lifted the school to a three-point victory over St Joseph’s College Geelong.

Parade meanwhile blitzed its way to the decider after it defeated St Bernard’s College by 52 points last week.

Whitefriars coach Kristan Height is under no illusions as to the challenge facing his side in the decider.

“We know (Parade are) the best in the competition, they’ve been the best for a long time, they’ve got a lot of Coates League players, they’ve got a great program,” Height said of his grand final opponents.

“They’re red-hot.”

The sides last met back in round 1, with Parade prevailing by 20 points.

We kicked really inaccurately throughout the first three quarters but then we finished strong,” recalled Parade assistant coach Ben Turner.

“(Whitefriars) were competitive around the ball, they had some assets in front of the footy as well, they’re certainly going to be a handful tomorrow if we’re going to find a way to win.”

Whitefriars College head coach Kristan Height. Picture: Daniel Pockett/AFL Photos/via Getty Images.

Height said that his Whitefriars side knows it will be met with a fierce opponent.

“We knew what we were going to get when we played them in round 1, and we know what we’re going to get when we play them again,” Height said.

“Hopefully all of our players play our role and play well and we sneak one … we’ve won a couple of close ones.”

Whitefriars have been crowned the ACC premiers on five occasions, while Parade is in search of a stunning 28th title.

Victory for Parade would complete the school’s third three-peat of ACC crowns. The school won seven premierships in 10 years in the 1980s, including a stretch of four in a row, and also won three on the trot between 1997 and ‘99.

Turner said that a third consecutive premiership would be “wonderful” for Parade.

“We don’t take anything for granted, the past two years have been really proud and if we’re able to make that a third in a row … it would obviously be something we’d be unbelievably proud of,” he added.

Parade College celebrate winning the ACC Grand Final in 2024. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Players to watch

Charlie Whitehead (Whitefriars College)

The midfielder is in fine form after kicking a clutch goal after-the-siren to lift Whitefriars to a dramatic semi-final win. The Oakleigh Chargers player isn’t the captain but is a spiritual leader who leads by example.

Josh Shepherd (Whitefriars College)

The key position player has showcased his versatility at both ends of the field but is developing into a potent key forward. Shepherd has kicked a few bags for Whitefriars this season and is also fresh off a four-goal haul for the Oakleigh Chargers against the Dandenong Stingrays after forcing his way into the Coates Talent League side.

Tyson Gresham (Parade College)

The younger brother of Essendon’s Jade Gresham, Tyson has been a fantastic contributor for Parade when available this season. The Northern Knight is really crafty around goal and is capable of hitting the scoreboard. The Vic Metro player is also quick, with his first strides particularly impressive and creating crucial bursts around the ball.

Tyson Gresham of Parade College. Picture: Daniel Pockett/AFL Photos/via Getty Images.

Lachie Bell (Whitefriars College)

Another Oakleigh Chargers talent, Bell plays as a midfielder/forward and impacts the scoreboard while winning plenty of the footy.

Sebastian Murphy (Parade College)

Another talent from an AFL family, Sebastian Murphy is the younger brother of Adelaide’s Lachlan and is enjoying a strong 2025. The midfielder/forward can hit the scoreboard and is a driving force around the ball and particularly at stoppage. He’s also a creative player who uses it as well and has been damaging at Coates Talent League level this season.

Jack Larson (Whitefriars College)

Local footballer Larson has enjoyed a great ACC campaign. He’s a terrific mark of the football and has a great ability to read the play. Attacks the ball well too.

James Allison (Parade College)

Allison is an explosive midfielder who has missed a number of matches through injury setbacks. He’s an impressive player who can break lines and is also tied to the Northern Knights.

Sam Devers (Whitefriars College)

The Eastern Ranges has been great for Whitefriars, with his skill execution a particular strength of his game.