AIC First XVIII footy’s most improved players of 2025

AIC First XVIII footy special: The most improved players of 2025 are revealed here in a code rising faster than the tide at school level.

Jarvis Czarkowski breaks clear for Ambrose Treacy College against Ashgrove: Picture: Sue Middleton.

AIC First XVIII footy has caught fire and is now a roaring success this decade.

What started as an ambitious forway into the AIC system where rugby union was traditionally the football code of choice for most, followed by football and rugby league, is now a boom sporting program.

AIC FIRST XVIII FOOTY PLAYERS TO WATCH

The program has scooped up outstanding athletes from all backgrounds, many of whom were Aussie rules novices.

So who have been the competition’s most improved players this season? Revealed here.

Action from the Iona and ATC clash. Picture: Susan Middleton.

Max Rolph (Ambrose Treacy)

A first-year player, Rolph’s speed is his point of difference. A footy coach has little control over a player’s pace, and for Rolph to arrive in the program with speed made him an exciting program player for the Ambrose Treacy coaches.

Because of his pace, Rolph has been able to put pressure on multiple players throughout with his chase downs.

Importantly Rolph was eager to learn, and as a result he is improving each week and has become one of ATC’s most important players.

RELATED LINKS

ROUND 1 COVERAGE

ROUND 2 COVERAGE

ROUND 3 SPORTSMANSHIP LAUDED

ROUND 4 COVERAGE

Charlie Abell (Iona College)

Playing half back, Abell has played on the best opposition forward at times this season, just as he did in the crunch match against Padua when he marked the established Noah Cameron.

He has learned on the run, improving his decision making and ability to defend.

But he is not just a lock down back third player. Abell is now backing himself with the ball when he sees the opportunity.

The Iona brains’ trust. Ben Lillico, left, Tom Rockliff, Leigh Harding and Archie Watts.

Max Bolton (Iona College)

Bolton is a typical new player to the program, but his high work ethic, power and clean ball handling have combined to help fast track his development.

Bolton plays forward and continues to get shots at goal, including three in a crucial win over Padua.

Brock O’Sullivan (St Patrick’s College)

A key forward, O’Sullivan has made significant strides in his fitness, which has allowed him to be involved in more contests.

He’s become a key player up forward this season, with his contested marking being a major highlight.

Liam Middleton of ATC gathers as Stephen Larcom puts on shepherd

Kian Dickman (Ashgrove)

After being left out of round one team, Dickman responded well to come back better when given the chance to be a presence player in the forward line.

Dickman now provides a target down forward where some big marks have led to him being the team’s leading goal kicker. His three goals against ATC proved the difference.

Darcy Mill (Ashgrove)

A quiet achiever, Mill has the tough task of taking on the opposition’s forwards each week. He is learning on the run and making a great fist of the job. He has been rarely beaten.

Rhys Doman (Villanova)

After being blooded into the Villanova First XVIII side in the final two matches of 2024, Doman has progressed to be one of the first chosen in 2025.

AIC Australian Rules football action from round two of the season on Friday, February 14.

Doman seems to have gained confidence with each game playing a key defender role at the centre half back. That confidence saw him progress to be given a license to chase the ball, and as a result his reading of the play and contested marking has allowed Doman to become an effective intercept marker.

Importantly Doman has also used his communications skills to ensure the backs were also working together as a team. Coupled with good kicking skills and decision making, Doman can turn the defence into attack. “Rhys is a quiet, respectful, and courteous student who’s intent and effort across the half back flank has made him an integral part of Villanova’s 1st XVIII this season,’’coach Brian Pascoe said

Benji Kessler (St Laurence’s College)

A centre half back, Kessler has impressed this season with strong contested and intercept marking ability. He has a knack of being able to lock down opposition key forwards while also setting up well behind the footy.

AIC Australian Rules football action from round two of the season on Friday, February 14.

Ben Trenow (St Laurence’s College)

Ruckman Trenow has improved to the extent that he is now dominating hit-outs and, as a result, the team’s mid field squadron like Ash Prindable and Harry Thomson were being give first use of possession.

Jack Mahoney (St Laurence College)

A wing or half forward with smooth handling, Mahoney has been vital with his positioning and linking of Laurie’s defence and attack. All the while, Mahonet has been able to hit the scoreboard himself as a result of his positioning.

Luke Dymock (Padua)

A Year 11 student, wingman Dymock has a huge aerobic tank which sees him swinging back and forth all game. He works hard in both directions and is a tremendous enhancement to the squad.

Lucas Humphrys (Padua)

Another winger, Humphrys is an athletic Year 10 student featuring a penetrating kick which is not surprising given he comes from a rugby background.

AIC Australian Rules football action from round two of the season on Friday, February 14.

Jaryd Henderson (Padua)

Henderson is another rookie whose presence will be felt more in 2026 and 2027 after he gathered experience in the top side this season. A Year 10 student, Henderson is a half back with foot speed. Another from a rugby background, Henderson tends to take the game on.

Originally published as AIC First XVIII footy’s most improved players of 2025