Scotch College

A case of what might have been

WORDS: Mr Steve Holding – 1st XVIII Coach

The 2009 APS football season was one of the closest in recent years, with the top four schools only separated by one game at season’s end.

After showing much promise during the pre-season and the early games, Scotch ended up in a very creditable fourth place, losing to premier St Kevin’s by four points (after hitting the post on the siren); losing to Haileybury by four goals in a very high standard match; and to Brighton by three goals in a very disappointing performance.

The closeness of the competition was highlighted by the fact that Scotch won two very close games against traditional rivals Melbourne Grammar, and a resurgent Wesley, games in which an undermanned Scotch team showed its character and true potential when the pressure was on, and also came from behind to defeat Xavier at Xavier.

There were no easy games this season, and the nature of the competition meant that anything short of best effort was not good enough. The playing group will regret that they were unable to duplicate the intensity displayed against Melbourne Grammar, when they fronted up to St Kevin’s and Brighton.

Best and fairest winner for the season was the amazingly talented Liam Jones, runner-up was Matt Seed, and third place went to James Sansom. Captain Seb Woodard won the players’ award for most inspirational player. GS