Xavier College 11 - St Patrick's College Football 2013

Xavier College 11 – 15 – 79 Defeated St Patrick’s College 10 – 6 – 66
Goal Kickers: Jaydon Stiles 4, Nicholas Rippon 2, Angus Kirby 1, Jack Peeters 1,
Daniel Bell 1, James Vanderkley 1
Best Players: Nicholas Rippon, Norton Darrigan, Jaydon Stiles, Zach Hopper, Matt
Short, Nathan Haylock, Xavier Vearing
Xavier College defeated St Patrick’s College by 13 points on Wednesday, April 4 in
the annual game against these two iconic Catholic schools. Xavier College, coached
by Daniel Richardson (son of much loved and acclaimed SPC Old Collegian Barry
Richardson) are alongside St Kevin’s College, the bench mark in the time honoured
APS system. Xavier are a very skilled, well organised side and the game, played in
wonderful spirit on the Roach Oval at Xavier College, was testament to the quality of
both football programmes.
The opening phase of the match was centred on contested football. Unfortunately, we
were beaten in this aspect of the game by a more committed, harder opponent. In the
first half we only executed 23 1% acts (target 80 per game) and this is certainly a
reflection on our poor work rate. In the second quarter alone, we had a miserly nine
1% acts and it is extremely important that as the year progresses that players learn to
assist each other by both voice and action. Our effective tackle count was particularly
low (four) and this was due to two main factors: Poor technique and a low work rate.
It is crucial that when we tackle, we get low to the ground; we wrap our opponent up
by negating his chances of disposing the ball correctly. At times we were reaching
with one arm and not committing our body to the tackle.
The second half was significantly better with the players not only adjusting to the SPC
playing style however with their new teammates. Our work rate improved , (we had
more inside 50’s (12 to 10), we won more contested football (18 to 16) and we broke
even around the stoppages and it was pleasing that we outscored Xavier in the second
half.
Important structural things that we will need to improve on are: players feeding the
ball back in congested situations and knowing their role in the 16 man zone. It is
important that we control an area, not a person and not a blade of grass. It is crucial
that we don’t concede space in the middle portion of the ground and for those players
in the 3 rd line, that they learn to punch from behind. A zone is only as good as the
discipline of the 18 players on the ground and the discipline of each of the 16 players
in the 16 man zone. It is important that every player not only knows their role
however that they are able to read the feel of the game and the weather conditions. It
is important that the players nominate a leader across each of the 3 lines so they can
control the positioning on their line and adjust the line accordingly. When the wind is
strong and the opposition keeps kicking to the negative side of the ground, it is
important that the zone moves across the ground, squeezes the opposition and creates
uncertainty with the opposition’s nominated kicker.

Nicholas Ripppon who was appointed captain for the game was outstanding as the
nominated sweeper and his leadership and ball winning ability provided inspiration
for his team-mates. Norton Darrigan continues to impress with his composure and
excellent foot skills and Zach Hooper provided plenty of run from deep in defence.
Jaydon Stiles was influential up forward kicking four goals and having seven shots at
goal (Eight contested marks) and Matthew Short was composed under pressure and
certainly underlined his potential in the game. Xavier Vearing rucked tirelessly
throughout the game and provided our midfielders with first use of the ball.
Our 2012 Call to Arms is “History is our Opportunity” and as we approach the season
the players are focused on positioning themselves to be in contention to win three
consecutive MCC Herald Sun Shield Premierships for the first time. Player
management is a key aspect into achieving this goal. In the Xavier game, eight TAC
listed players were rested due to either injury or unavailability and this provided
opportunity for others to be introduced into the 1 st XVIII programme for the first time.
It is important that these players seize their opportunity and become important players
for the 1 st XVIII programme.
Our 2012 Mission Statement clearly reflects the players understanding of the
College’s history and their commitment to upholding this rich legacy “Through our
values of education, enjoyment, respect, and trust we will uphold the St Pat’s
tradition” and, it is with an educational focus that the playing group approaches the
year with hope, optimism and the chance to create their own history.