Rostrevor v Sacred Heart: SA college football intercol LIVE | Messenger Shield
Two powerhouse schools that have produced big-time AFL stars - including Luke Darcy and Matthew Pavlich - go head to head on Saturday. Watch the game live and witness emerging talent who could one day star at your club.
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The 97th intercol football clash between Rostrevor and Sacred Heart in Adelaide just got even bigger with a Crows’ dual premiership captain commentating the clash.
Mark Bickley will call the game as it is live streamed on heraldsun.com.au on Saturday from 2.15pm.
Bickley, who skippered Adelaide to its 1997-98 grand final wins, said he was keen to be part of a new era in school footy in Australia.
“It’s going to be great,” Bickley said.
“This is a big weekend for the guys, their families and all the students.”
Rostrevor has produced big AFL names, including Luke Darcy, Jared Crouch and Ben Hart.
Matthew Pavlich, Chad and Kane Cornes, Andrew Mackie and Jack Redden are among the many players who have made it to AFL level from Sacred Heart.
The AFL and SANFL Hall of Famer was impressed with the standard of the elite college competition, describing it as a breeding ground for the game’s professional ranks.
“You think about the two teams (Sacred Heart and Rostrevor),” Bickley said.
“They’ve got rich history, they’ve got plenty of players who’ve been drafted and doing great things at AFL level.”
Fifth-placed Rostrevor (2-4) will host traditional rival and second-ranked Sacred Heart (6-1).
The home side’s skipper Xavier Tranfa was keen to have the fiercely-contested fixture showcased online.
“All the boys are really excited and that excitement just lifts with every day,” Tranfa said.
“It’s an honour to play in the intercol and it’s a dream come true for everyone who plays footy.
“Not many of the boys have played in games that have been live streamed or commentated before, so the first two minutes will probably feel a bit surreal.
“But after that we just get to play footy.”
Rising star Xavier Robins, one of Sacred Heart’s standout performers this campaign, was also looking forward to the game.
“I’m feeling really excited and both schools love it,” Robins said.
“I’ve never played in a game that’s been commentated so it will be great to re-watch it afterwards.”
FROM SCHOOL FOOTY TO THE BIG TIME
Football talent runs in Max Michalanney’s blood.
The Rostrevor first XVIII player’s Dad, Jim Michalanney, is a Norwood great, who lined up in 211 SANFL games and won premierships in 1975, 1978, 1982 and 1984.
He also featured for the Black and Reds’ college football team, graduating from the Woodforde-based school in 1972.
But one thing separates the father/son duo — Jim played most of his career as a key forward, while Max is a defender.
Both hope Rostrevor can down traditional rival Sacred Heart in Saturday’s 97th annual intercol clash, which will be live streamed on heraldsun.com.au at 2.15pm.
“I can’t believe I have a son who plays in defence,” Jim joked.
“I’ve always had disdain for defenders.
“But I’m very pleased he’s enjoying his footy.
“As long as he’s enjoying it and contributing to the team, it’s always good.”
Jim will be cheering on Max as he takes to Rostrevor oval for the intercol
“The family will go watch the intercol, it’s a big occasion for Max and also for Rostrevor,” Jim said.
“Let’s hope they can go really well.”
Max, who is also part of Norwood’s under-16 side, never saw his father in action.
Jim retired in 1986, but his son has watched some “old highlights” on YouTube.
He was keen to follow in his Dad’s footsteps, after playing backyard footy with him and brothers Tom, 18, and Jack, 14, growing up.
“Dad doesn’t really like talking about (his footy career) much, but you see people come up to him and say hello,” the Year 11 centre-half back said.
“He was a big, tall centre-half forward who could clunk marks.
“Most days we would go out there (the backyard) with Dad and kick the footy, he’d be teaching us how to play.
“When everyone feels like having a kick now, things can get pretty competitive.”
Max is hoping for intercol revenge, having lost last year’s clash with their cross-town foe.
“All the boys get around each other and we have a good culture,” Max, 16, said.
“It’s really motivating to get the win this year, especially for all the Year 12s.
“I feel like we owe it to everyone who’s coming out to watch to get the win.”
Rostrevor first XVIII coach James Allan said Max was a star in the making.
“He’s a defender that doesn’t get beaten,” Allan said.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if AFL clubs take notice next year.”
Max, meanwhile, has aspirations of playing for the Redlegs’ seniors and potentially being drafted by an AFL club.
FUTURE AFL STARS? TOP 10 PLAYERS OF THE MESSENGER SHIELD
The Messenger Shield college football competition is coming to an end with the final minor round set for this weekend.
A trio of hotly-contested intercol clashes top the billing, including Rostrevor’s encounter with Sacred Heart which will be live streamed on advertiser.com.au on Saturday (2.15pm).
Ahead of the campaign conclusion, Messenger local sport reporter Daniela Abbracciavento has selected her top 10 First XVIII players.
The decisions were made based on each player’s 2020 form and conversations with coaches, but our colleagues at theadvertiser.com.au had the final call.
#10 ETHAN SCHWERDT
Team: Pembroke
Schwerdt has been Pembroke’s best this campaign, after making his return to the side from a knee injury sustained while training with Norwood’s under-18 side.
The outside midfielder’s elite running capacity has been on show this season and his work around the contest has also improved.
#9 ANTONIO JAMES
Team: Westminster
James has been likened to Port Adelaide premiership star and Norm Smith Medallist Byron Picket due to his strength, hard attack on the ball and strong skills.
The 17-year-old, who moved to Adelaide from Darwin, can do damage across half-back with his accurate kicking skills or in the midfield with his speed.
The on-baller still has one more year before he is eligible to be drafted to an AFL club and is likely to have more recruiters’ eyes on him in 2021.
#8 XAVIER TRANFA
Team: Rostrevor
The Rostrevor skipper, who is also part of Norwood’s under-18 squad, has been super strong in the midfield for his side this year.
Tranfa is an inside on-baller who works hard to win every contest, making him one of the best in the competition.
The youngster also has a thumping kick, according to coach James Allan, and has proven his ability to stand up in big moments.
#7 MATTHEW ROBERTS
Team: St Peter’s
A smooth mover with a wonderful left foot, the midfielder/forward has been solid for third-placed St Peter’s this campaign.
Roberts uses his strong frame to win the clearances and also gives his teammates an option on the outside with the way he positions himself.
The youngster has given opposition midfielders trouble this year with his skill, football smarts and ability to hit the scoreboard.
#6 RILEY HOLDER
Team: Sacred Heart
He started as a forward with state underage squads and Glenelg’s juniors, but due to Hearts’ lack of size this year Holder has played as a ruck/tall midfielder.
Coach Jon Symonds reckons the 190cm rising star will eventually become a big-bodied midfielder, as he can win the ball well at ground level.
Holder has been able to move into the forward 50 to kick goals this season, while competing well in the ruck.
He has missed the past few games due to injury, but was expected to play in the intercol against Rostrevor this Saturday.
#5 XAVIER ROBINS
Team: Sacred Heart
Robins has featured in Hearts’ best players in all seven matches this season and opposition coaches have made comments about the headaches he’s given their players.
The defender/midfielder has elite running capacity, both with distance and sprinting.
He also gets a lot of the footy and uses it well with run and carry.
Robins’ form has attracted interest from AFL recruiters after being invited to test at the national draft combine this month.
#4 JAMES HIGGINS
Team: St Peter’s
The St Peter’s skipper leads from the front on and off the field, and his ability to lift his teammates sets him apart.
But Higgins’ hunt for the football and desire to never be beaten in a contest has also helped him shine this season.
The Norwood under-18 midfielder can swing a games’ momentum in Saints’ favour.
His work ethic can never be questioned and that has sped up his development.
#3 LUKE PEDLAR
Team: Prince Alfred
The Prince Alfred skipper has missed the past three Messenger Shield games because of a knee injury, but he has been the driving force behind the Reds’ undefeated 2020 campaign.
Pedlar is a tough inside midfielder who can play half-forward when needed.
He has booted nine goals this season and isn’t afraid to put his body on the line to win the contested ball.
The 182cm, 82kg talent has shone after returning from a shoulder reconstruction in 2018 and is one of 20 SA products headed to the national combine.
#2 MALACHY CARRUTHERS
Team: St Peter’s
Not much separates Carruthers from top-ranking in our countdown in terms of pure football ability.
Although the 17-year-old utility has predominantly played half-back, St Peter’s coach Sam Elliott has moved him into the forward line when his team has needed a spark.
Carruthers has the ability to change the direction of a game with his desperate defensive work and hard tackling, while making the hardest kick for goal look simple.
His versatility has attracted interest from AFL clubs after also being invited to the combine.
#1 JAMES BORLASE
Team: Prince Alfred
It is hard to go past the son of a Port Adelaide premiership captain Darryl Borlase and Crows Next Generation Academy member as the competition’s best player.
Borlase can play at either full back or full forward and has starred at either end of the ground for the three-time Messenger Shield champions.
At 191cm and 88kg, the utility has strong hands and rarely gets out marked.
He’s also accurate in front of the big sticks, kicking nine majors so far this season.
Borlase has missed the past two college games due to lining up with Sturt in the SANFL, having made his league debut in round 10.
Not surprisingly, he is another set to test at the national combine.
Originally published as Rostrevor v Sacred Heart: SA college football intercol LIVE | Messenger Shield
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