Sports Report
Herald Sun SSV AFL State Champions 2025 Article
An eight-bounce goal into the wind. A team so special their coach knew they had “something” after just 10 minutes of training. Patterson River Secondary College’s Year 7 footballers’ State Title will be talked about for decades.
Awesome to watch, team chemistry, no passengers…
The superlatives came thick and fast for Patterson River Secondary College’s Year 7 football side after it won the School Sport Victoria grand final on Tuesday.
The Seaford school has produced many talented footballers over the years but this is only its second state title in over 30 years.
Up against Catherine McAuley College from Bendigo in the final at Bundoora, the Patterson River Secondary College boys produced something special to win by 35 points in the wind and rain, 8.12 (60) to 3.7 (25).
They’ll be talking for decades about Van L’s eight-bounce goal into the wind in the third quarter that broke the opposition.
While Lister provided the highlight reel moment, it was Leo K’s masterful work in the midfield that earned him best-on-ground honours and laid the foundation for victory.
Coach Pete McCall knew he had something special from day one of pre-season training.
“I knew from our very first training,” he said.
“My assistant coach and I took them for their first session and after 10 minutes, we just looked at each other and just sort of went, ‘wow, we’ve got something here’.
“There were no passengers. I think that was the difference between us and a lot of the other schools. We were just such an even team all over the ground.”
“They played like they were mates. I never encountered any bickering, fighting, anything. There was no arrogance either. Just a bunch of mates that played footy the right way, who handballed to each other if it was on, short passed, they never blazed away at goal. They always looked for the best option. And they just tackled ferociously.
“They did all the team things. Now that I think about it, I’m actually not surprised they did what they did because they just had everything.”
McCall described Lister’s goal when he ran from defence all the way to the goal line as “one of the greatest goals you will ever see”.
“They just couldn’t catch him,” he said.
While Patterson River counted Kennedy as its best player in the final, it also received terrific service from its captain, Seb M, forward Baxter R and centreman Hudson G.
Malcolmson is a silky skilled player who is also hard-at-it and a fierce tackler.
Patterson River Secondary College celebrate its State Title triumph.
Kennedy is a midfield bull who stoked the fire in the engine room, getting the ball going all game.
Rigg, a super talented full forward, used his skills and strong leadership to the team’s advantage.
The rangy Grima could get up and take marks, and then do it at ground level as well. And he tackled hard.
McCall’s coaching staff included Joel Hillis, the Devon Meadows football champion.
The kids loved having him involved.
As the celebrations began, McCall’s message to his players was simple: “Soak it up and be proud — don’t take it for granted because it might not happen again.’’
For a school that has produced numerous talented footballers over the years, this triumph represents something truly special — a perfect storm of talent, teamwork and character that delivered when it mattered most.
Intermediate Boys Netball
On Monday, August 4th, our Intermediate Boys Netball team (Years 9 and 10) represented the College at the Southern Metropolitan Finals, following their well earned victory in the Northern Peninsula Division last term.
The competition took place at Jubilee Park Stadium in Frankston and despite a few last minute changes to the team due to injuries, the boys were ready and eager to take the court. The draw placed our team in a competitive pool, with three other schools to play. The goal was to top the pool and advance to the final. Unlike the previous round, which consisted of two short halves, this tournament followed the full netball format of four 7 minute quarters. In their first match against Cranbourne West Secondary College, the boys took some time to settle and tighten up their footwork. However, they found their rhythm and came away with a solid 17 to 11 win. Their second match against Parkdale was a tough and tightly contested battle. The boys demonstrated exceptional skill and teamwork to edge out a narrow 20 to 18 victory. With confidence building, the team delivered a dominant performance in their third match, cruising to a convincing 26 to 5 win, which secured them top position in Pool A and a place in the final.
The grand final saw the boys face off against a tall and talented team from Berwick Secondary College. Despite giving their all and leaving nothing in the tank, the boys were eventually overcome, finishing with a 7 to 18 loss. While they didn’t come away with the championship, they should be very proud of their efforts, finishing as Southern Metropolitan Runners Up. Throughout the day the team displayed outstanding athleticism, great knowledge of netball rules and excellent sportsmanship.
Well done to all players involved.
Year 11 Outdoor Education Day Hike
Our Year 11 Outdoor Education students recently completed a 13km hike from Oliver’s Hill back to school as preparation for their upcoming overnight hike in October. Each student carried a full pack, giving them valuable practice in both fitness and organisation. Along the way, they took part in a variety of team-building games, which encouraged cooperation, problem-solving and plenty of laughter.
The hike proved to be a great learning experience. Students gained a clearer understanding of what to pack for an extended journey, especially after being caught in the rain, a reminder of the importance of a rain jacket! Overall, the group did an excellent job, showing resilience, teamwork and enthusiasm throughout both days.
Ms. Riddle
Outdoor Education Teacher
Year 7 Girls Southern Metropolitan Regional Netball Championships
Our Year 7 girls had an incredible day at the Southern Metropolitan Regional Netball Championships this term. The team played with determination, skill and a fantastic spirit, winning every one of their pool matches to make it through to the grand final.
In the final game, the girls faced tough competition and, despite their best efforts, fell just short of taking out the title. Whilst the result didn’t go our way, the team’s performance throughout the day was nothing short of outstanding.
What stood out most was the way the girls supported each other on and off the court. Their teamwork, encouragement and positivity made us all proud and they represented the school with excellence.
Congratulations to all the players for such an amazing effort, we can’t wait to see what this talented group achieves in the future!
Year 7 Table Tennis Competition
On Monday September 15th our Year 7 students competed in the interschool table tennis competition at the Yu Lin Badminton Centre in Keysborough. We entered both a boys’ and a girls’ team. Representing the boys were Jaiden, Bailey, Andrew, Brodie and Zane. The girls’ team included Anastasia, Maddie, Hope and Emma. The girls played in a small pool against just two other schools. They were defeated by Frankston High School 4-2 but bounced back strongly with a convincing 6-0 win over Elisabeth Murdoch College, finishing second overall. The boys had a busy day with five matches. They started well with two very close wins against Elisabeth Murdoch College 1 and McClelland College 2, both decided on games after 3-3 draws. Their momentum continued with a 6-0 victory over Elisabeth Murdoch College 2, before meeting tough competition against McClelland College 1 and Frankston High School 1, going down 6-0 in both matches. Overall they finished third. Throughout the day students also took on umpiring and scoring duties. They demonstrated excellent teamwork, cooperation and sportsmanship, making the day a fantastic learning and competitive experience. Well done to all students who represented our school so well.
