Football

Junior Program

St Patrick's College Green 10 – 8 – 68   Defeated St Patrick's College White 6 – 8 – 44

St Patrick’s College Gold 9 – 9 – 63     Defeated    St Patrick's College Blue 8 – 3 – 51

Match report below:

The 2026 BAS season kicked off in perfect conditions on Wednesday afternoon, with SPC Gold taking on SPC Blue in an all–St Patrick’s College clash on the Hill Oval. Played under clear blue skies, it was a beautiful Ballarat afternoon – sunscreen was almost required, a rare occurrence for the final week of April!

A moderate southerly breeze swept across the ground, favouring scoring towards the Main Oval end and playing a noticeable role throughout the match.

SPC Gold made the early running in the opening term, taking full advantage of the breeze to establish scoreboard pressure. Their forward entries were efficient, and they finished the quarter with a commanding lead, 3.4.22 to SPC Blue’s 0.1.1.

The second quarter saw a strong response from SPC Blue, who capitalised on the conditions and lifted their intensity around the contest. With cleaner ball movement and improved forward connection, SPC Blue piled on 4.2.26 for the term to swing momentum. SPC Gold added 2.1.13 and took a narrow eight-point lead into the main break.

After halftime, SPC Gold regained control in a pivotal third quarter. Their ability to win territory and convert opportunities proved decisive, as they outscored SPC Blue 3.2.20 to 2.1.13 to extend the margin to 15 points at the final change.

With the game still within reach, SPC Blue mounted a late challenge in the final term, outscoring Gold 2.0.12 to 1.2.8. However, the buffer established earlier proved crucial, with SPC Gold holding on to secure a hard-fought 11-point victory.

At full time, SPC Gold emerged victorious, 9.9.63 to SPC Blue’s 8.3.52, in an entertaining opening round clash played in excellent spirit.

A great way to open the season, with both teams showing plenty of promise for the rounds ahead.

Best Players for SPC Gold: Cooper Hancock, Noah Skontra, Aaron Vereker, Ed Foley, Ned Hines.

Best Players for SPC Blue: Charlie Clarke, Sidney Porter, Grover Hains, Jai Britt, Jack Watkins.

Joshua Morris, SPC Blue Coach 

Senior Program

BAS 2nd XVIII 

St Patrick’s College Blue 9 – 11 – 65             Defeated            Ballarat Grammar 2 - 3 – 15

On Tuesday, 28 April St Patrick's College 2nd XVIII played Ballarat Grammar at Ballarat Grammar in Round 1 of the season. The game started with St Pat's kicking into a strong breeze. Grammar took advantage of this and put our boys under a fair amount of pressure. Working hard to stay in the contest the scores were level late in the quarter following a late goal to Nash Armstrong, who played with real creativity throughout the entire game. 

St Pat’s began the second quarter strongly, controlling possession and repeatedly driving the ball forward. However, inaccurate kicking in front of goal meant our dominance wasn’t reflected on the scoreboard. Despite having more possession, we left the door open for Grammar to stay in the contest.

The second half played out a similar way with our boys dominating possession but unable to impact the score board kicking into the wind. The midfield was given great service with Kaelan Stewart and Ryder Jaensch doing a great job in the ruck. 

We had multiple winners all over the ground with Xavier Coutts, Archie Purtle and Henry Liston getting plenty of the ball and driving the side forward. It was great first up effort for the side, and we look forward to the season ahead.

Goal Kickers: Nash Armstrong 2, Liam McCormack 2, Jett Spratling 2, Angus McNamara 1, Archie Purtle 1, Henry Liston 1.

Best Players: Xavier Coutts, Nash Armstrong, Archie Purtle, Henry Liston, Kaelan Stewart, Angus McNamara.

Dean Romeril

2nd XVIII SPC Blue BAS Coach 

BAS 1st XIII

St Patrick’s College 8.3 (51) defeated Ballarat Grammar 4.9 (33)

St Patrick’s College produced a strong, consistent four-quarter performance to defeat Ballarat Grammar on their home deck, finishing with a convincing 51–25 win.

From the opening bounce, SPC looked sharp and composed. They hit the scoreboard early in the first quarter, kicking two straight goals to take a 12–10 lead into the first break. Despite Ballarat Grammar managing multiple scoring shots, SPC’s efficiency in front of goal proved the early difference.

The second quarter saw SPC begin to take control of the game. Their midfield lifted around the contest, generating repeat inside 50 entries and converting opportunities more cleanly. Adding another two goals, SPC extended their lead to 25–16 at halftime.

After the main break, SPC maintained their momentum. Their defensive structure held up well against Grammar’s forward entries, while their ball movement began to open the game up. Another steady quarter pushed the margin out to 38–25 heading into the final term.

In the last quarter, SPC finished the job professionally. With continued pressure and smart use of the ball, they added the final goals of the match. 

Best players: S. Zagame, M. Aylward, D. Rizzoli, R. Taylor, E.Matherson

Goals: G.O'Donnell 2, N. Armstrong, R. Taylor, J. McLeod Reid, K. Vaughn

Sean Willmott and Sam Hopper

BAS 1st XVIII Coaches

ACC 1st XVIII

St Patrick's College 7 – 8 – 50                Defeated St Bede’s 6 – 9 – 45

In ideal conditions at St Patrick’s College Oval, our ACC boys took on a confident St Bede’s side coming off an impressive win against Parade. We entered the match with several changes from the previous week, including debuts for Tyler Kelly, Tyler Gillespie, Hunter Vansomeren, Logan Purcell, and Joshua Elliott.

In the first quarter, kicking into a slight breeze, our focus was on maintaining high pressure around the contest. Pleasingly, our intensity and tackle pressure were strong from the opening bounce. However, St Bede’s controlled territory for much of the quarter, putting our defence under sustained pressure. 

Despite this, our backline stood tall. Hunter Vansomeren, Ollie Potter, Charlie Barrance, Ollie Turner, and Albie Cheeseman repelled repeated forward entries with composure and resilience. At times, St Bede’s setup behind the ball exposed our inability to roll our forwards high enough to provide an outlet from defence. A crucial goal from Cooper Besler, working hard out of stoppage late in the quarter, ensured we stayed in touch.

The second term saw a significant improvement in our ball movement and territory dominance. Cooper Besler and Kai Watkins were influential through the midfield, while debutant Tyler Kelly was outstanding on the wing, taking one of the marks of the day and showing great evasiveness at ground level. Goals to Angus Morgan and James Sheehan were important, but missed opportunities in front of goal proved costly. As the saying goes, poor kicking is poor football, and as a result the scores were locked at half time.

In the third quarter, we were once again kicking into the breeze. The emphasis was on defensive work rate. At times, we overused the handball while trying to run the ball into the wind, and our kick-to-handball ratio became imbalanced. St Bede’s capitalised, working harder from the contest and surging the ball forward, exposing our midfield defence. Aden McGuigan was outstanding in a shutdown role on St Bede’s dangerous small forward, while also repelling numerous attacks. Harry Hoffman’s pressure and work rate around the ball in the forward half were exceptional, though it was unfortunate he couldn’t convert his chances. Important goals from James Sheehan and Emmerton Hooper kept us within reach, but conceding a goal in the final 30 seconds of the quarter was disappointing and saw us head into the last change 10 points down.

Trailing for the entire day, the group entered the last quarter with confidence, knowing the breeze was now in our favour. St Patrick’s controlled possession for much of the quarter, but our ball movement became predictable, going long down the line instead of spreading and using angles—an area identified as our best brand of football. Archie McLeod, having been quiet in defence, was moved forward and had a terrific five-minute burst, taking strong marks, laying a tackle, and kicking a vital goal. With just two minutes remaining, debutant Josh Elliott showed great composure to kick the go-ahead goal. From there, the boys executed perfectly, keeping the ball locked in tight and gaining territory when the opportunity arose to secure a memorable 5-point victory. In this quarter, we kept St Bede’s scoreless, a fine effort by the St Pat's boys.

A fantastic win that showcased the traditional St Patrick’s values—resilience, competitiveness, and effort for the full 80 minutes.

Goal Kickers: James Sheehan 2, Cooper Beseler 1, Angus Morgan 1, Emmerson Hooper 1, Archie McLeod 1, Josh Elliott 1

Best Players: Aden McGuigan, Cooper Beseler, Charlie Barrance, Harry Hoffman, Tyler Kelly, Kai Watkins

Heath Pritchard

SPC ACC 1st XVIII Coach

SPC 1st XVIII 16 – 13 – 109 Defeated St Joseph’s Ferntree Gulley 3 – 8 - 26     

In perfect conditions on the St Patrick’s Main Oval, the Senior Boys took the field against newly promoted St Joseph’s Ferntree Gully in the second game of the season. Following the disappointing result against St Joseph’s Geelong in the Respect Cup, the group was determined to respond with a stronger performance.

Kicking into a strong breeze in the opening quarter, the St Pat’s boys were dominant from the first bounce. With a clear “team first” focus, our willingness to give the first option allowed us to play an attractive, fast brand of football. Pressure around the contest was outstanding, and our consistent use of handball to teammates in better positions allowed us to move the ball cleanly from stoppage and continually surge forward.

Archie Todd and Kaylem Reid were influential on their respective wings, while Harry Hoffman was lively and dangerous as a small forward. When St Joseph’s did manage to move the ball forward, they were consistently repelled by Lachie Pring, who took several strong intercept marks, and Cooper Beseler, whose run and rebound from defensive 50 was a highlight. Unfortunately, poor conversion in front of goal was the only disappointment of an otherwise dominant quarter.

The second quarter continued in much the same fashion, particularly through the first 13 minutes, where we completely controlled territory and the ball remained in our half of the ground. The fundamentals of our game were on full display: elite pressure, strong tackling, and unselfish ball movement. Our on-ball group of Levi Munyard, Sioeli Fangaloka, Kai Watkins, Noah James and Rory Bell were dominant, receiving excellent supply from rucks Tom Ough and Zavier Thomas. Up forward, Angus Morgan and James Sheehan presented strongly and provided reliable targets. However, during the final seven minutes of the term we lapsed in concentration, allowing St Joseph’s to gain some momentum and territory.

As a group, we were determined not to repeat this lapse in the third quarter, but unfortunately St Joseph’s were able to gain control of the game. They slowed the tempo and played a patient possession-based style, which we did not adjust to quickly enough. Our intensity dropped away from the standard shown earlier, and our ball use suffered as we struggled to locate targets. Defensively, we were exposed by St Joseph’s overlap run, especially when we failed to get goal-side of our opponents. St Joseph’s held us goalless for the term and, although they did not fully capitalise on their dominance, they could have closed the margin significantly more than the 40-point deficit at three-quarter time. A response was required.

Following some honest feedback at the final break, the boys were determined to finish the game strongly. Several positional changes proved decisive, with Cooper Beseler moving into the midfield, Aden McGuigan providing defensive pressure forward of the ball, and Noah James shifting to half-back. The impact was immediate. An eight-goal final-quarter onslaught saw the boys return to the “team first” mentality that defined our best football. We dominated the centre square, executed skills efficiently, hit targets, and locked the ball inside our forward half, with St Joseph’s rarely able to progress beyond halfway. This was an outstanding quarter of football and a clear demonstration of what this group is capable of when everyone buys into the system.

Despite a disappointing third quarter, the boys can be very pleased with their overall performance. We now turn our attention to another home game next week against St Bede’s with confidence and clear areas to continue improving.

Goal Kickers: James Sheehan 4, Angus Morgan 2, Cooper Beseler 2, Levi Munyard 2, Emmerton Hooper 1, Kai Watkins 1, Zavier Thomas 1, Sonni Te Moananui 1, Rory Bell1, Sioeli Fangaloka 1

Best Players: Cooper Beseler, Kaylem Reid, Levi Munyard, Lachlan Pring, James Sheehan, Rory Bell

Heath Pritchard

SPC ACC 1st XVIII Coach

Darwin Tour

Northern Territory Academy 7 – 3 – 45    Defeated St Patrick's College 5 – 8 – 38

In what could only be described as torrential rain an hour before the first bounce, the St Patrick’s boys took on NT Thunder at Marrara #2 Oval. The opening game of our Darwin tour was one the boys had been eagerly anticipating, and the opportunity to be exposed to conditions so vastly different from those we are accustomed to, provided an unexpected but valuable challenge.

With humidity high and rain still falling, our boys were dominant from the first bounce in almost every facet of the game—apart from the scoreboard. Kai Watkins was busy around the packs, showing clean hands in difficult, wet conditions. Year 10 midfielder Harry Metcher also made a strong start, demonstrating excellent balance and composure while not wasting a single disposal on his left foot.

Despite enjoying strong field position, we were unable to capitalise. The NT boys went forward only a handful of times in the opening term but were clinical, converting their opportunities to take a narrow lead at quarter time. Our backline showed composure, switching the ball effectively on several occasions, which allowed us to stretch the opposition—though again, this dominance was not reflected on the scoreboard.

Trailing at the first break, the St Pat’s boys responded with an even more commanding second quarter. Tom Ough was excellent in the ruck, consistently giving first use to our on-ball group of Watkins, Bell, Purtle, Sheehan and James. Noah James’ attack on the ball and ability to accumulate possessions stood out, contributing to an impressive quarter. We were able to play largely in our front half for the first 15 minutes, kicking the opening three goals of the term to establish a handy two-goal margin.

However, a lapse in concentration in the final five minutes—where we lost composure with the ball and overcommitted at stoppages—allowed NT Thunder to exploit the outside, kicking the final two goals of the quarter to trail by just three points at the main break.

At half time, the focus was on maintaining balance around the contest and not allowing the Thunder’s fleet-footed players to find space on the outside. We also discussed the importance of eliminating concentration lapses that were costing us goals. Many boys had struggled to find their feet in the conditions and a lift was required across the board to get more players involved in the contest.

The boys returned after the long break with renewed vigour. While the rain had eased, the ball remained slippery, and the third quarter developed into a genuine arm wrestle, with neither side able to gain clear ascendancy. Our backline stood firm, with Harry Scardamaglia and Albie Cheeseman producing notable moments—attacking the ball strongly and backing themselves to win critical 50/50 contests. It remained anyone’s game heading into the final term.

NT Thunder struck first in the last quarter, putting our boys under immediate pressure. James Sheehan answered with an important goal, and throughout the middle stages of the term it looked as though we would break through. We continued to drive the ball forward but failed to capitalise on our opportunities, allowing the Thunder to hurt us on the counterattack.

In the final three minutes, belief remained that we could break the shackles once more; however, to NT Thunder’s credit, they defended resolutely and repelled our forward entries.

While we would likely have won many of the key statistics, we were unable to claim the one that matters most—the scoreboard. There were plenty of valuable learnings to take away from a match played in great spirit, further underscoring the importance and value of our trip to the Northern Territory. 

Goal Kickers: James Sheehan 2, Noah James 1, Fred Foley 1, Angus Morgan 1

Best Players:  Kai Watkins, Noah James, Tom Ough, Harry Scardamaglia, Harry Metcher

St Patrick's College 4 – 13 – 37     Defeated       Assumption College 4 – 6 - 30

On a perfect Wednesday afternoon at the SPC Main Oval, our senior footballers took to the field for their third game in just five days—this time against long‑standing rivals, Assumption College. This fixture is one of the great traditional matchups between two of Victoria’s most storied football schools and it remains a privilege for our students to be part of it. Despite several players being unavailable for selection, we were again able to field a strong St Pat's side. This shows the depth we have in our senior football program this year.

St Pat’s began strongly, controlling possession and repeatedly driving the ball forward. However, inaccurate kicking in front of goal meant our dominance wasn’t reflected on the scoreboard, heading into the first break with 1.5. Despite holding the lead, we left the door open for Assumption to stay in the contest.

The second quarter followed a similar pattern. Tom Ough was outstanding in the ruck, providing our midfield—led impressively by Cooper Besler and Josh Elliott—with first use of the ball. Up forward, Emmerton Hooper presented strongly and helped create numerous scoring opportunities. Yet again, we failed to fully capitalise, and a halftime score of 3.8 told the story of missed chances.

To their credit, Assumption lifted after the break and worked their way back into the game. They were able to restrict our ability to win clean ball at the contest and placed extra numbers behind the play. Our boys were slow to adjust to these tactical changes, which resulted in turnover football and allowed Assumption to regain momentum. Losing our structure also meant our defenders were placed under increased pressure.

Despite this, the backline stood firm. Albie Cheeseman continued his excellent form off half‑back, winning crucial contests and providing rebound, while Charlie Barrance worked tirelessly to contain a dangerous Assumption full forward who proved both strong overhead and accurate in front of goal.

Although Assumption mounted a strong challenge, our boys held their nerve to secure the win. The match provided valuable lessons, particularly in adjusting to changing opposition tactics, and these learnings will be carried forward as the team continues to grow and improve throughout the season.

Goal Kickers: Jack Manley 1, Emmerson Hooper 1, Riley Cook 1, Lewis McDay 1

Best Players: Emmerton Hooper, Cooper Besler, Albie Cheeseman, Tom Ough and Josh Elliott

Heath Pritchard

ACC 1st XVIII Coach

Rostrevor 10 – 6 – 66        Defeated          St Patrick's College 1st XVIII C 5 – 8 – 38

For the second match this week, we were up against Rostrevor. One of the top football schools in South Australia, this gave our boys another opportunity to show their abilities in a match situation.

A completely different side to the one that represented the school on Wednesday against St Joseph's took the field. A number of Year 11 played their first game at the senior end of the school which shows the depth we have throughout our program this year.

Whilst we were lacking in some height compared to our opponents, we certainly didn't lack in vigor or intensity. Boys were given the opportunity to play in numerous positions, and a number have put up their hand for future ACC selection. 

As a coaching group, the effort the boys put in was outstanding and something we can work with going forward. At times our over exuberance to the contest meant that our opponents were able to beat us on the outside, however we much prefer this than the other way around. 

Charlie Barrance and Albie Cheeseman showed great leadership and poise down back. Up forward, both Joe Wesley and Zavier Thomas played showed competitiveness and an ability to either mark the ball or bring it to ground. Kyan Vaughan also hit the scoreboard kicking two goals. On ball, Tyler Kelly, James Sheehan and Josh Elliott all had excellent moments in and around the contest and were able to either win the contested ball or halve the contest.

Best Players: Zavier Thomas, Charlie Barrance, Tyler Kelly, James Sheehan, Albie Cheeseman, Joe Wesley

Heath Pritchard

SPC ACC 1st XVIII Coach

Respect Cup Clash at Mars Stadium

St Joseph’s College 10 – 9 – 69             Defeated            St Patrick's College 9 -9 – 63

On Wednesday 11 March, our annual Respect Cup match against St Joseph’s was held at Mars Stadium. With 13 debutants taking the field, the game was a significant occasion for many of our new students and Year 11 players making their first appearance.

St Patrick’s started strongly, impressively kicking into the wind in the opening term. Our midfield set the tone early, with Ethan Drever and Levi Munyard winning the contest and giving us first use of the ball. This early dominance allowed us to take a narrow lead into quarter time.

The second quarter showcased our trademark running game. Cooper Besler was influential off half-back, while Archie Todd worked tirelessly on the wing. Combined with our continued strength around the contest, our forwards saw plenty of opportunities. Harry Welsh provided a strong presence across half-forward, and Lachie Pring competed bravely in the air. By half-time, we had built a commanding five‑goal lead, reflecting an excellent team-first approach and cohesive play across all lines.

Unfortunately, the momentum shifted after the main break. St Joseph’s worked numbers behind the ball and transitioned quickly when in possession, and we struggled to adapt to this change in style. When rain arrived, the slippery conditions seemed to favour our opponents. Turnovers going forward proved costly, and St Joseph’s continued to chip away at our lead, eventually hitting the front late in the final quarter.

Despite creating several late opportunities to reclaim the lead, we were unable to convert, ultimately falling to a six‑point defeat.

While the result was disappointing, there were many positives to take into the season ahead. With strong depth in the squad and plenty of football still to come, we remain optimistic about what this group can achieve.

Goal Kickers: Harry Welsh 2, Ruot Lual 1, Ethan Drever 1, Tom Ough 1, Noah James 1, Sonni Te Moananui 1, Cooper Beseler 1, Kaylem Reid 1

Best Players: Ethan Drever, Cooper Beseler, Archie Todd, Harry Welsh, Levi Munyard

Heath Pritchard

SPC 1st XVIII Coach