Inaugural ICCES AFL Competition

On Wednesday, 16 August, Braemar attended the inaugural ICCES AFL Competition. Held in Bacchus Marsh Grammar, the day was a great success with four colleges taking part (Braemar, Girton Grammar School, Bacchus Marsh Grammar, and Goulburn Valley Grammar School).

The day was structured as a round robin with each division playing three games. Braemar was represented by a 7/8 Boys team, a 9/10 Boys team and an Open Girls team.

Our 7/8 Boys team did exceptionally well in the competition, placing second overall with only a point between them and the winning team, Goulburn Valley Grammar. Thanks to our senior boys, Wilem Florieani and James Burnip, who helped to coach the team.

Well done to our strongest players on the day; Griffyn Wood, Liam Spry, Oscar Barry, Ben Cosgriff, Charlie May, and Rhys Conolan.

Our 9/10 Boys team played a very competitive day, finishing in third place overall. The windy conditions provided a tough contest, but our boys played courageously through all their games. The ‘home’ team, Bacchus Marsh Grammar, took out top spot at the end of the day. Well done to all the boys who played in great spirit. Special mention to Harry Brockhoff, Jack Hansford, Conor Whitfield, Rohan Nicol, Josh Cooper, and leading goal kicker, Patrick Doyle.

Our Open Girls team were very excited to have their first opportunity to compete in an AFL Competition; They were capably lead by co-captains, Kirrily Mitchell and Sarah Turner, who displayed excellent leadership both on and off the field.

Despite the strong winds of the day making the conditions very challenging, the girls’ skills were of a high standard. As a young side – with Year 7/8 students making up almost half of the team – it was always going to be difficult to match the size and maturity of the other Open teams, however our girls showed great sportsmanship and fought hard all day. Unfortunately, despite their best efforts, the girls weren’t able to clinch a win but still returned home feeling very positive about the day and are all keen to sign up again next year!

Special thanks to Dean Cosgriff who gave his time to train the boys each week up at Braemar and attended the day in Bacchus Marsh.