Parade College and St Patrick’s College clash in the Associated Catholic Colleges decider

School footy powers Parade College and St Patrick’s Ballarat clash in the ACC Grand Final with a host of young guns ready to showcase their talent.

Players to watch in ACC Grand Final.

The champions and the new kids on the block.

Parade College and St Patrick’s College clash at Windy Hill on Wednesday for the Associated Catholic Colleges premiership.

It’s a rematch of the 2022 Herald Sun Shield Year 10 Intermediate grand final when the two schools faced off before St Patrick’s joined the ACC.

Parade ended a 15-year wait last season, fuelled by soon-to-be first-round draft pick Nate Caddy and 2024 prospects including Isaac Kako, Zac Johnson and Tom Sims.

The school won’t have Johnson and Sims this time due to Vic Metro national championship duties but still possesses a stacked line-up.

Parade College’s senior and intermediate teams celebrate their Herald Sun Shield premierships together last season.

Parade survived an epic comeback from Geelong’s St Joseph’s College to make it four grand finals on the trot, claiming a seven-point win a fortnight ago.

In a sign of the school’s strength it’s Second XVIII is also in the grand final, while it’s Year 10 intermediate team has already claimed the title and booked its place in the Herald Sun Shield.

Coach Ricky Dyson said the students were driving the culture.

“We’d love to have (Vic Metro players) playing for the school but the priority for them is to be playing strong football against WA,” Dyson said.

“The positive is, two other boys get a chance to play in a grand final, which is exciting.

“We’ve got a group that has driven a really strong culture and it’s good reward to get back (to the grand final), it’s going to be a tough game against St Pat’s who we really respect as a school.

“Having two teams as well is great, to have both teams in the senior grand finals is really exciting.”

Meanwhile, St Patrick’s only entered the ACC competition last year – reaching the semi-final where it lost to Parade – and is be looking to re-establish itself as one of Victoria’s school football powers.

The school is also expected to be without its four Vic Country players due to national championship commitments – captain Ollie Hannaford, Harry Charleson, Mitch Lloyd and Jack Ough.

The school won through to a maiden ACC decider with a commanding 49-point win over St Bernard’s.

Tashaun Wright and Strahan Robinson both booted four goals.

Football director Howard Smith said it was a big occasion for the school.

“We entered the ACC last year, so it’s something we’ve been looking forward to and aiming for,” Smith said.

“To reach the grand final in our second season, it’s really good recognition for Jason Lappin and his coaching staff have done.”

Callan Healy wins the tap for Northern Knights. Picture: Mark Wilson

PLAYERS TO WATCH

PARADE COLLEGE

CALLAN HEALY

The Northern Knights-listed ruckman will look to give his midfielders first use. As well as school football, the 200cm talent has played three Coates Talent League matches and made three under-19s appearances for Northern league power Heidelberg.

JORDYN GILLARD

Showcased his class with 27 disposals, nine tackles and a goal against Brisbane Lions Academy earlier in the season. The tough midfielder has made six appearances for Northern Knights. Brother of Coburg VFL onballer Braedyn.

Jordyn Gillard in action for Parade College.

NOAH SCOTT

The Vic Metro Under-17 representative has been in super form for Calder Cannons and Parade this season. Collected 23 disposals in his last Coates Talent League outing against Oakleigh. Made his senior debut for Pascoe Vale last season and has three appearances this year.

KRISTIAN LAWSON

Will captain Parade on Wednesday. The tough onballer was a key player in last season’s premiership and his output will again be critical if he and his teammates are to lift the Cup. Also made his senior debut last season for Watsonia and has three matches under his belt this season.

LINCOLN COFFEY

Still only 16 but already playing seniors regularly at Mernda and has 12 goals in nine matches. Can make an impact at either end of the ground with his size and marking ability. Together with Max Brown (Heidelberg West) will be a key player next season as well.

Strahan Robinson is put through his paces at the Coates Talent League testing day.

ST PATRICK’S COLLEGE

STRAHAN ROBINSON

The explosive forward leads St Pat’s attack. Booted four goals in the semi-final win a fortnight ago and kicked eight goals playing senior football for Ballarat league club East Point earlier in the year.

NED RENFREE

Was a Vic Country under-17 representative last year but has chosen basketball as his No.1 sport and represented Australia in the Under-17 Oceania Championships last season and in Germany’s Albert Schweitzer Tournament. Touch and go for Wednesday’s game with a hamstring injury after missing the semi-final.

Ned Renfree in action for Victoria at the Under-20 Ivor Burge National Championships. Picture: Taylor Earnshaw

CONNOR WEIDEMANN

The 190cm athletic defender is St Pat’s “architect” off half-back. Coach Jason Lappin believes he is unlucky not to be playing for Vic Country after strong GWV Rebels form. Also a Vic Country representative cricketer.

ARCHIE CALDOW

Will co-captain the school in Ollie Hannaford’s absence. The 190cm big-bodied midfielder was the Under-17 national champion in the 3km, underlining his elite running ability. Also enjoying a strong season for the GWV Rebels.

TOM CONLON

Already playing regular senior football at Ballarat league power East Point. The inside midfielder will co-captain the school along with Caldow.

TASHAUN WRIGHT

The exciting Year 11 forward booted four goals in the semi-final win. Missed out on GWV Rebels selection this season but has enjoyed a strong campaign under Jason Lappin, while also impressing for East Point under-19s.