Back to back State Champions

The Northcote High School Senior Boys football team are back to back State Champions.

After a hard fought win against Galen Catholic College, this years team were crowned State Champions. It was a hard road to the final with tough games against Mt Ridley Secondary college, Williamstown High and Horsham Secondary college. 

The team ventured out to Craigeburn with the hope of following in the footsteps of last year’s team and the experience of the boys who played in that team was valuable not only on the field but in the lead up. It was a beautiful day for football with only a slight breeze, the sun shining and the ground in excellent condition. Northcote jumped out to an early lead kicking the first two goals thanks to some excellent ruck work from Max Tieman and skill from Arben Dani and the midfield group. From then until the third quarter the game went goal for goal in a hard fought contest with both teams giving their all. Darcy Lowrie was unbeatable at centre half back and the run and toughness of Harry Tauber and Mitch Rodda helped keep Northcote in front at half time even though Galen were pressing hard.

In the second half Galen came out firing and kicked 2 early goals, Tim Butler put his body on the line as did Josh May, who unfortunately had to come from the field with a back injury after providing a great contest against 2 Galen players. The theme of this team was discipline and when things got tough in the third quarter players like Clancy Morris Dalton, Will Baker, Liam O’connor, Connor Oxley, John and Chris Zapantis and Jimmy Kern all dug in and helped turn the tide back our way. After doing a power of work in the midfield as well as playing a role down forward Sunny Brazier stepped up in the dying seconds of the third quarter, laid a great tackle and was awarded a free kick on the 50m arc. As the siren sounded Sunny kicked truly to put Northcote up by 11 points. 

The final quarter was frenetic. Charlie Faubel was everywhere, Donovan Toohey willed himself to every contest (as he had done all tournament) and was instrumental in keeping the pressure on thanks to his work at the stoppages. Players who did not have much game time came on and did their job when we needed them most and were crucial to our victory.  Finally with the game in the balance Marcel Laidlaw who had worked hard all game in the midfield and on the wing picked the ball up in the forward pocket and threw the ball on his non preferred foot, kicking an inside out, wobbly, banana kick straight through the middle of the goals. The game was done. Victory was ours. Sunny Brazier was awarded the player of the match and for the first time in over 10 years, a school had won back to back titles. 

As their coach I was extremely proud of the team at every stage of the tournament. They conducted themselves with discipline and respect and played in the spirit of the game. 

I would also like to thank all the parents that came to support the team during the year, with a special shout out to Mr Tieman for always being there and providing lollies. Crucial to any team’s success. 

Josh McDonald

Head of Middle School

Team coach