here - St Patrick's College Football 2013

1 st XVIII
St Patrick's College 20 – 12 – 132 Defeated Ballarat College 4 – 6 – 30
Goal Kickers: Daniel Butler 4, Matt Johnston 3, Jesse Palmer 3, Arron Sedgewick 2, Xavier
Vearing 2, Rylie Stuhldreier 2, Brenton Payne 1, Sam Clyne 1, Daniel Bell 1, Joe Symons 1,
Best Players: Rylie Stuhldreir, Joey Symons, Xavier Vearing, Brett Bewley, Nicholas
Weightman, Liam Duggan, Matt Johnston
St Patrick's College defeated Ballarat and Clarendon College by 102 points in our most
convincing performance of the year. Played in ideal conditions on the beautifully presented St
Patrick's College main oval, we controlled the game from the outset winning the first
stoppage of contest which ultimately resulted in the first goal of the game. Following a very
positive session that was student led on Monday night, where the players created their Vision
and Mission statement for the 2013 season, the playing group who took the field against
College played with the professional intent that has become synonymous with the 1st XVIII
over the last four years. Our newly created Vision and Mission Statement “We respect past
traditions whilst in 2013 influencing the present through our professionalism,
competitiveness and sacrifice” underpin everything that we stand for and providing a moral
compass for both the playing and coaching group.
Kicking against the aid of a three goal wind in the first quarter, St Patrick's College controlled
the stoppages, ran with purpose and played with an aggressive intent that led to us opening up
a 28 point lead at the first break. Xavier Vearing continues to have a very fine season and his
ruck work was exceptional in this opening phase of the game. Xavier consistently jumped
over his taller opponent and provided our midfield group led by Joey Symons with first use
of the ball. Joey had three clearances in the first quarter alone which led to him being
“tagged” after quarter time. Nicholas Weightman in his first game for the year, played
extremely well and his first contest at the three minute mark of the game where he ran in
from his defensive wing putting his head over the ball in a congested situation was extremely
courageous and set the tone for his teammates for the remainder of the game. In the first
quarter the team was able to effectively execute 25 1% acts, which is the highest tally for one
quarter for the season.
During the second quarter although we kicked three unanswered goals, we dropped our
intensity and lacked the intent from the previous quarter. At times, we didn’t set up
appropriately around stoppage situations (not having numbers on our defensive hit zone) and
it was only skill error from Ballarat and Clarendon College that didn’t adversely affect us on
the scoreboard. Rylie Stuhldreier was one player however who was extremely effective in
this period of the game and his sure hands and precise kicking set us up on several occasions.
With St Patrick's College establishing a 49 point lead at half time, Ballarat and Clarendon
College tried to neutralise our dominance by pushing more players into the stoppages which
resulted into the game being more congested. It is extremely important that if this tactic is
employed in future games that those SPC players who are at the stoppage know their role and
when the time permits, block for the nominated target so they have space and room to move
in. Jesse Palmer continues to have a very fine season and is a most damaging player across
half forward. Jesse has exceptional hands, kicks the ball well and is most courageous and his
development across the year is very pleasing.

The final quarter allowed the coaching group the opportunity to experiment; playing various
players in altered positions, rotating players off the bench with more frequency and resting
players who have had a big workload this season. It was extremely encouraging that we
kicked six goals to one in this final phase of the game, playing the brand of football that has
become synonymous with St Patrick's College over the last few years. It was most pleasing to
see Aaron Sedgewick, Matthew Johnston and Jake Ancrum play their best game for the
season and certainly underlines the great depth to the programme. Of the 23 boys who played
against College, 17 were in Year 11, underlining once again the College’s philosophy and
commitment to development.
As we move into the most important phase of the season it is extremely important that we
honour our 2013 Call to Arms “Respecting the past, embracing the future” and it is with
anticipation that we move into the last month of our 2013 season. Following the holiday
break we play Ballarat Grammar followed by the BAS Grand Final and it is most pleasing
that we will have Dallas Willsmore, Matt Crouch and Shane McAuliffe available for
selection following their U/18 National campaign.
Congratulations on a very clinical, professional performance. Well Done