Victorian Amateur Football Association: Aquinas Old Collegians boots eight goals in the third quarter to win under-19 flag
The future of Aquinas Old Collegians is in good shape with its under-19s claiming the flag after a barnstorming third quarter got it over the line against De La Salle in the grand final.
Local Footy
Don't miss out on the headlines from Local Footy. Followed categories will be added to My News.
The future of Aquinas Old Collegians is in good shape with its under-19s claiming the VAFA Section 5 flag after a barnstorming third quarter got it over the line against De La Salle in the grand final at Garvey Oval last week.
Down by a goal at halftime, the young Bloods slammed home eight goals in the third term to secure a 14.12 (96) to 8.10 (58) win.
And, on the back of the club’s senior flag in Division 4 last season, both the senior and reserve grade sides making finals this year and the first campaign of the newly-formed women’s side there’s plenty like about the club from Great Ryrie St.
AQUINAS ENDS ITS PREMIERSHIP DROUGHT
IT’S BEEN A LONG WAIT FOR NORTH BRUNSWICK
“It was fantastic,” under-19 coach Craig Glennie said. “We were a little bit fumbly with all the pressure early in the game.”
But a miraculous snap from deep in the Aquinas forward pocket landed in the arms of a teammate in front of goal and the resulting major triggered something memorable.
“Once we kicked that, the boys just went bang, bang, bang,” Glennie said. “It was amazing.
“In the two games we played them, we kicked eight goals in the last quarter in both games.
“Everything started going our way. Our on-ballers got on top in the third and we just started getting it out of the middle.
“They played really well in the third quarter. We used up our petrol tickets a bit and held them off in the last.
“(But) they worked really hard this year and it was great to see them get the reward.”
Glennie gave a hefty pat on the back to Adam Reichart, who kicked two long goals at crucial times, while Nick Crosbie played back on De La Salle’s key forward and kept him to just a couple of touches.
Alexander Mantel led the way with four goals while Campbell Grech and Ben Dodd also impressed on the big stage.
The Aquinas coach was also full of praise for the support his team had received on the big day, reflecting the great culture the club is developing.
“We had the 9.20 game but all the seniors, reserves and girls were there supporting them, behind the goal square,” he said.
“The future looks really bright for the club.
“I had about 33 play 19s this year and everyone’s committed to coming back. I think about 20 will be going up (to senior footy) and about 13 will be staying back. So it’s good for the club and we can only get stronger.
“It’s all about nurturing them, making the place somewhere they all feel welcome. If they enjoy it, it’s somewhere they’ll want to keep playing.”
And, giving added fuel for the celebration fire, Tyson Noyes was honoured with the competition best and fairest award.
Under-19 Section 5 Grand Final
Garvey Oval (Saturday, September 8)
Aquinas 2.1 4.3 12.7 14.12 (96)
De La Salle 4.1 5.3 5.5 8.10 (58)
AQUINAS OC Goal Kickers: A. Mantel 4, A. Reichart 3, H. Dwyer 2, J. Baxter 2, T. Noyes, B. Shepherd, W. Farry Best Players: A. Reichart, N. Crosbie, A. Mantel, C. Grech, B. Dodd, H. Kerr
DE LA SALLE Goal Kickers: L. Eldering 3, J. White, T. Buzza, W. Canning, L. Astone, B. Joyce Best Players: S. Mahon, J. Horrigan, W. Canning, T. Buzza, C. Quitt, J. White
Every signing of the WFNL off-season
The WFNL off-season has only just started but some clubs have already well and truly started making moves for 2025. Keep up to date with every signing in our signing tracker.
‘Shook me up’: Ex-AFL player’s concussion toll, uncertain future
Dion Johnstone has changed local teams, but the former Melbourne player is well aware his career is in a delicate position after a concerning number of head knocks.