CMCB Crowned SSV Premier League Champions!

SCHOOL SPORT VICTORIA – PREMIER LEAGUE FOOTBALL

Grand Final CMCB vs Emmanuel College

On a stunning winter’s day, the SSV Premier League Football Competition reached its thrilling conclusion as Catherine McAuley College Bendigo (CMCB) took on Emmanuel College. Warrnambool in what was effectively the SSV Premier League Grand Final. With only three teams in the pool, the stakes were high as both teams went into this match with one win each. As a result, this final round match would not only decide who would be crowned SSV State Champions, but the winning team would also go on to represent SSV in the prestigious Herald Sun Shield Competition.

Captain Gus Hay won the toss and made the strategic call to kick with the wind. That decision paid off instantly, with Tyce Griffin slotting the opening goal within the first minute of play, after a clinical centre clearance by the midfielders ignited a relentless attacking surge from the boys. The entire team dominated play early, winning the contests and peppering the goals before Xavier Grant finally broke through for a major after a clever centring ball from Zane Connick. Gus Hay then stamped his authority on the match by kicking two quick goals in a blistering five-minute spell. Oscar Cail capped off a commanding first term with a classy finish, set up by some terrific rebounding play from the CMCB defenders. At the first break, CMCB led 5.4.34 to Emmanuel’s 0.0.0.

The second quarter turned into more of an arm-wrestle, with Emmanuel looking to use the breeze to their advantage. However, once again the CMCB defence stood tall, with Ben Miller leading the way whilst receiving outstanding support from Oliver Stewart, Harvey White, and Charlie Duke. Their pressure acts and defensive structure blunted Emmanuel’s momentum, and the mids lead by Charlie King, Max Thompson, Gus Hay, Kobi MacDonald, Shannon Tardrew and Jack Nuttall were able to create space and work the ball forward, where once again Oscar Cail was able to kick truly after a great shepherd from Tyce Griffin and pinpoint delivery from Josh Kelly.

Although Emmanuel finally opened their account late in the quarter, CMCB went into the main break with a commanding lead, 6.6.42 to 1.2.8.

The third quarter saw a fierce battle of contested footy, with little separation between the teams. Oscar Cail kicked his third goal early in the term, while Emmanuel responded quickly with one of their own. For much of the quarter, play was bogged down between the arcs, but persistence paid off for CMCB when Max Thompson snapped a brilliant goal late in the quarter following tireless midfield work. The entire squad were heavily invested in limiting Emmanuel’s possession count as Jimmy Mathews, Riley Travaglia, Darby Whatley, Charlie Mortimer and Mack Skinner all negated their opponents, which was exactly what the coach had asked for. Add in the enormous effort from Llogan Mayman and Max Connick up forward, and their ability to bring the ball to ground and be tough at the contest was morale-building. On the back of this team-first work ethic, the boys headed into the final change with a commanding 43-point lead. 8.9.57 to 2.2.14.

The start of the last quarter saw Emmanuel come out firing as they kicked a goal in the first 90 seconds, but the CMCB boys remained composed. Despite missing a few opportunities, their ability to continue to apply scoreboard pressure, albeit with minor scores, was all that was required, as time continued to tick down. The defenders once again proved impenetrable, consistently turning away Emmanuel’s forward entries. Max Thompson iced the game with his second goal of the match at the 10-minute mark, effectively putting the result beyond doubt. While Emmanuel added one final major, late in the term, it was a case of too little, too late, and as the final siren sounded, the boys were able to celebrate a brilliant win.

It was a thoroughly deserved 34-point win for a team whose unwavering commitment, relentless effort, and exceptional teamwork were the backbone of not just this victory but their entire campaign.

Thanks to parents, family, friends, students and staff who came along to support the boys on the day, as well as all the boys who helped on the sidelines. Your support and efforts were greatly appreciated, with special mention to David Griffin for supplying a plethora of lollies for the team.
Special mention to Hugh Behrens and Jaidi Jackson-Leahy, who both missed out on playing and attending the day due to illness.

Final Score: CMCB 9.9.63 defeated Emmanuel College 4.5.29
Best: Ben Miller (Best on Ground), Gus Hay, Max Thompson, Oscar Cail, Charlie King, Tyce Griffin, Harvey White, Riley Travaglia, Darby Whatley, Josh Kelly
Next stop: Herald Sun Shield—good luck, boys! Go CMCB!

TEAM: Mr Leigh Millard (Assistant Coach), Miller Nihill, Joshua Kelly, Max Connick, Charlie Mortimer, Riley Travaglia, Xavier Grant, Zane Connick, Llogan Mayman, Mack Skinner, Ben Miller, Charlie Duke, Thomas Davie, Jimmy Mathews, Jack Nuttall, Patrick Blake, Bailey Warfe, Mr Lee Coghlan (Coach), Carter Reid, Charlie King, Max Thompson, Harvey White, Kobi MacDonald, Oliver Stewart, Shannon Tardrew, Gus Hay, Oscar Cail, Darby Whatley, Tyce Griffin, Lenny McNamara, Kade Hutchinson, Hugh Behrens, Jaidi Jackson-Leahy