Clontarf Academy

Like many of us, it has been busy period heading into the final weeks of the year. Without a doubt, a highlight of the past fortnight has been the Clontarf State of Origin Carnival. Teams from WA, SA, NT and Victoria battled it out over two days at Victoria Park in Melbourne. While the top class footy was celebrated by many, the main celebration was of the efforts Clontarf boys from across the nation put in to ensure they were eligible for the carnival. Good attendance, good behaviour and lots of engagement with Clontarf trainings ensured boys are in school and getting their education.

The St Patrick’s Academy had a whopping 13 representatives in the Victorian team who all had some great moments. The level of footy was up a notch on the 2023 carnival with the Vic team the big improvers. Our first game was against a strong SA outfit, whose run and carry early left the Vic boys a bit flat-footed. The second half saw our lads bring a stronger defensive mindset which slowed down SA’s run. A number of missed opportunities in front of goal cost us a win but it was great seeing the boys play to a plan and carry momentum into the second game. 

We took on last year's winners in the second game with a grudge match against the NT. The NT got off to a flyer with two quick goals, but the Vic boys settled into the game and their attack on the ball and willingness to work both ways saw them claw back and take the lead at half time. The second half was goal for goal with some outstanding footy being played by both teams. A late charge from the NT wasn’t enough as St Pat's Joey Wesley sealed the deal with a neat set shot from 40m out. 

In Game 3 we faced the carnival favourites in WA. The Vic boys started strongly slipping into a two-goal lead, but WA still had some gears. Supreme ball movement saw them take the lead late in the first half and then extend that in the second half. Our boys battled with courage, but WA was too good across the park and a late flurry saw them finish five goals in front.

The second day of the carnival was all about the finals. The Vic team missed out on the grand final by only percentage so minds quickly turned to a rematch against an NT side that saw consistent improvement across the carnival...but first, some recovery. 

The morning started off at the Northcote Aquatic Centre where West Coast Eagles legend Guy McKenna took the boys through a series of exercises to get the boys primed for the finals later in the day. Bluey shared a message about the importance of recovery before sessions of stretching, on the bikes, in the pool and a healthy breakfast had the boys in great shape for the finals.

As expected, NT started well but the Vic boys quickly worked their way into the game and started to take control late in the first half. A couple of quality snags from Joey Wesley again and Luke Atkinson helped the Vics gain some ascendancy prior to half time. The second half saw the Vic boys continue where they left off. With Tashaun Wright hitting his straps after the break, his ball winning ability made it hard for the NT to get their hands on it. Tyler Kelly, Requan Taylor, Jet Mitchell stood up all game and helped the Vic’s claim the bronze medal. In the final, WA was too strong for SA and took out the gold, completing the carnival undefeated. 

After the final we headed int the AIA Vitality Centre for a tour of the Collingwood facilities with Collingwood legend Leon Davis followed by the All Australian Dinner. It was a great night to celebrate the boy’s efforts with Tashaun Wright taking out the Victorian MVP. Luke Atkinson and Flynn Smith were also exceptional throughout the carnival, and they earned All Australian honours with Tashaun. It was a great event and the buy in from the boys to play next year will only increase after having a taste in 2024. Congratulations to all of the boys who took part for only how you played, but how you carried yourselves off the field as well.