State champions: Senior football

Dedication and discipline win the day

For the first time in at least 40 years (probably longer) Northcote High School are the senior boys AFL football State Champions!

On Tuesday the 29th of August at Highgate reserve the Northcote High senior boys AFL team defeated McKinnon Secondary College 8.11 – 59 to 4.5 – 29.

The boys relished the opportunity to play on the big stage and hit the ground running. Joe Furphy opened the scoring with a great mark and an even better finish. Noah Wright set the tone for the team, leading hard, marking well and kicking truly. The first quarter was played at a furious pace and when the siren sounded Northcote had done some serious damage scoring three goals and keeping McKinnon scoreless.

The second quarter was more of an arm wrestle as both sides settled into the game. Ted Clayton was sublime in the midfield, as he had been all series and some solid defensive work by Jack Hart, Bill Clayton  and Josh Torcasio ensured that Northcote were able to absorb McKinnon’s pressure as Northcote went on to win the quarter by 2 points.

After half time the game stepped up a level and McKinnon began to get their running game going. They kicked a few goals in a row before some tough tackles and chase downs from Lachy Black, EJ Messenger Fewster slowed them down. Cal Faubel’s performance out of the backline and on the wing was crucial in the boys holding on to their lead.

McKinnon had outscored Northcote in the third quarter and heading into the last quarter seemed to have the momentum. The first few minutes of the quarter were hectic with all players putting themselves on the line. Darcy Lowrie was tireless on the half forward flank providing a lot of options for the midfielders.  Marcel Laidlaw was very important on the defensive wing, stopping  McKinnon’s ball movement. Liam Mcerlain was proving to be too much to handle for the opposition with his skill, speed and toughness and Sunny Brazier was imposing himself on the game after moving into the midfield and getting some crucial clearances. Oscar Sutcliff put his body on the line time after time from the half back line and in the middle of the ground, inspiring his teammates. As the game hung in the balance Jye Stephens took the game by the scruff of the neck and made it his own. Repeated forward pressure efforts as well as some crucial marks and inside 50’s broke the back of McKinnon backline as Xander Phokos capitalised on one of these inside 50’s and roved a pack, danced around a few players and slotted home a huge goal. From there the game was all Northcote. They piled on 3 more goals to put the result beyond doubt. The only thing left to do was to celebrate.

Jye Stephens was named man of the match.

One of the most impressive elements of this state champion team was the dedication, discipline and attitude of the boys. Some players only played 5 minutes in the final but had been crucial in earlier games and were responsible for getting us to the final. They did not complain, they encouraged their teammates and played their role when it was their turn. As their coach I am very proud of all the boys that were part of the squad that won all the games throughout the tournament.  They represented the school extremely well both on the field and off.  This is something that they will always have to share together.

A big thanks to Pauline Dridan and Craig Price for their support and for driving busses to the various rounds, and also to all the parents that came out to watch, cheer and bring lollies for the boys.

Josh McDonald

Coach