APS football 2024: The talents who will decide Geelong school derby
Geelong College and Geelong Grammar will renew their rivalry this weekend. But one of the top players from the two schools won’t be in action. Here’s everything you need to know.
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The historic Geelong school football derby is building every year and both schools will be vying to defeat their arch rival at Geelong Grammar this weekend.
In the last instalment, Geelong College stunned Geelong Grammar to record its first boys derby win in a decade, while the girls also saluted to seal a double crown.
But Geelong College’s girls will have to do it without one of their biggest stars this time, with potential top 10 AFLW draft prospect Sara Howley opting to sit out the clash.
SCROLL DOWN TO SEE THE PLAYERS WHO WILL DECIDE DERBIES
“It was a tough decision (not to play). But I sort of achieved everything I wanted to achieve last year with a good win at College on the home ground,” Howley said.
“If I want to play my best I can’t play both.
“I played last week with school, we got a big win, a 60-point win which was pretty cool. I’ll play definitely College in the breaks when I can, but probably very limited like last year.
“Hopefully they go back-to-back, it’s a good strong, young core down there, the year 9s coming up are very strong. I’ll be excited to watch them play.”
Mackenzie Brown, the daughter of former St Kilda player Tony, will be playing in her very first derby.
The year 11 talent, who is eligible to be taken as a father-daughter selection by St Kilda in 2025, is hoping to continue Geelong College’s streak going against some of her Geelong Falcons teammates.
“School’s pumped, lots of preparation, we had a formal welcome (on Wednesday) where the Grammar captains came and formally welcomed us,” Brown said.
“It’s buzzing around the school, lots of excitement.
“I think it will be a good match-up, especially from Falcs, we’ve got a lot on either side, there will be a good rivalry and friendly competition out there.”
Meanwhile, Geelong Grammar football director Troy Selwood said the boys are eager to redeem themselves after last year’s loss.
The boys boast three AFL Draft prospects in this year’s draft in likely first-round talent Sam Lalor, Falcons vice-captain Xavier Ivisic and Lalor’s GWV Rebels teammate Flynn Penry.
“Our first XVIII boys we had a lot of Year 10s and 11s in our team and it stung them a bit that they lost the derby for the first time in a while. But they are obviously keen to make amends in 2024 and they’ll definitely put their best foot forward in regards to trying to win this Saturday,” Selwood said.
“We really respect Geelong College and the fact they have got a really competitive team – they nearly beat St Kevin’s and St Kevin’s are a really good school football team this year.”
BOYS KEY PLAYERS
GEELONG GRAMMAR
Sam Lalor
Returning from a long lay-off with a hip injury in Geelong Grammar’s season-opener, Lalor was rested forward in the second half. In that half he kicked six goals, finishing with seven for the match. The strong and powerful midfielder is the favourite for the medal after showing some promising signs for the AFL Academy last weekend.
Xavier Ivisic
Ivisic stepped up in Lalor’s absence while he was with the AFL Academy last week, racking up 36 disposals and kicking a goal against Xavier College. The midfielder has started his season with a bang at all levels.
Flynn Penry
Penry had a lazy 28 disposals, 19 contested possessions and 12 clearances in the ruck in his second game back from injury. Will be crucial at the coalface.
GEELONG COLLEGE
River Stevens
The son of North Melbourne legend Anthony Stevens, the lively forward-midfielder is fresh off three goals and 17 disposals in their narrow loss to St Kevin’s last week. He also kicked three on GMHBA Stadium for the Falcons in round two.
Archer Hanegraaf
Coming off 22 disposals and 13 contested possessions and the Geelong Falcon will be crucial in the clinches up against Lalor and Ivisic.
Ted Bain
After a big season for Geelong College in cricket, Bain is back on the football field for Geelong College. Bain led the way in their upset win over Geelong Grammar last year, taking out the best-on-ground medal.
GIRLS PLAYERS TO WATCH
GEELONG GRAMMAR
Ava Bilyk
Bilyk enters the clash in red-hot form, taking out Vic Country’s MVP at the U16 national carnival last month. She also shone for Barwon at last year’s VLine Cup.
Lou-Lou Field
The Western Jets prospect represented Vic Metro at last year’s U18 national champs and will be key for Geelong Grammar.
GEELONG COLLEGE
Chloe Bryant
A midfielder with a great kick, Bryant averaged 16 disposals for the Falcons as a bottom-ager and was prominent in their season-opener last season.
Mackenzie Brown
Will be a key cog in defence and should get some time through the midfield in her derby debut.
Originally published as APS football 2024: The talents who will decide Geelong school derby
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