Sport
Intermediate Girls’ AFL
On Thursday, August 29, Ringwood Secondary College proudly saw its Intermediate Girls’ AFL team compete in – and win – its first ever State Grand Final, beating Montmorency 51 - 10.
After marching out of the Region finals with the coveted Premiership flag, and revelling in another two convincing wins in the State semi-finals, Coach Roi Boutsikakis put the pedal to the metal to prepare for the ultimate Big Dance, organising after school training sessions to finetune the already high-quality skills of the Intermediate Girls’ squad. Most of the players were balancing RSC football with the final’s series at their grassroots clubs, demonstrating their great commitment to both teams and their earnest passion for the sport.
Whilst transport to the Craigieburn venue posed an unforeseen challenge on the day, the girls did not let the early morning confusion dampen their spirits. The positive vibes were palpable from the moment the group got together, with music pumping, chatter bubbling and all eyes on the prize. A huge thank you to the staff and parents for ensuring the safe and timely arrival of the entire team.
Highgate Reserve boasted a full-size oval and fantastic conditions, ideal for our squad whose fitness and run-and-carry abilities had impressed supporters and blown away opponents in previous matches. From the first whistle, the midfield proved an unstoppable force with ruckwork by Jordy Ross and Soraya Maclean giving Ringwood first use of the ball at most stoppages. Keeley Sherar, deservedly awarded the BOG medal for the day, used her skill and experience to move the ball to advantage with every possession, and Mia Busch was fearless in her run, taking on tacklers with confidence.
Emma Watson and Delaney Madigan were relentless in their attack on the ball, with their skilful body work being rewarded by strong marks and clever disposals. The backline on the day was one of the most effective line-ups the team has seen, keeping Montmorency’s scores low; charging out of the halfback was Darci Innes who put her body on the line time and time again to stop her opponent’s run, and Amber Hart, returning from injury, was crucial as FB, positioning herself well and staying calm in moments of danger.
Each player gave the game everything they had, supporting their teammates with loud voices, directional talk, strong tackles and clever shepherding. Their improvement this year has been immense, and culminated in this amazing win at State level. Coach Roi and Asst. Coach Marissa Lee experienced waves of nerves, excitement and pride from the side-line, surrounded by a number of other RSC staff, and friends and family, who had come to support the team and share in the success of the entire squad.
GO RINGWOOD – STATE CHAMPIONS 2019!
Marissa Lee
Junior School House Coordinator
Australian Olympic Change Maker Program
On the 4th of September, myself and Ethan attended the Australian Olympic Change Maker program for 2019.
This program was for teenagers who make a difference in their community of sport, by leading and making change. The day started off by us going to Victorian University and talking to 5 Olympians and the other teenagers that attended the forum. The 5 Olympians were from all different sports and Olympic games including 2008 women’s basketball team, 2008 400m runner, 2014 skier, 2016 swimmer and 2016 synchronised diver.
They spoke to us about making a change in the community, their journey and experiences at the Olympics, as well as their point of view regarding the Olympic Change Maker Program. Later on in the afternoon they brought a special Keynote speaker to talk to us. This was 2008 Olympic Gold Medallist Steve Hooker, who gave us an insight to his life, journey and thoughts going through his head, right before he won his gold medal. He told us stories and let us hold his Olympic Gold Medal.
It was a special day in which we learnt so much about confidence, hard work and leadership, in order for us to continue to be leaders within our community, surrounding both sport and academics. I would highly recommend this once in a life time experience, as it allows individuals who are passionate about sport and leadership, to be surrounded by like-minded people and to continue to strive to make a change.
Jasmine Cain-Edwards
Year 12