EMMANUEL College’s Year 8 boys team secured the School Sport Victoria state title with an emphatic display against Shepparton’s Notre Dame College on Thursday.
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For the group of boys that have been runners-up on the grandest stage in recent years, it was a rich reward for effort.
The Glen Martin-coached side defeated Notre Dame 10.3 (63) to 3.5 (23) at Craigieburn.
In wet and slippery conditions, they started well with the breeze in a tight first term and had built a three-goal lead at the main break.
“In our third quarter, I think we kicked four or five goals to none, which really set up the win,” Martin said.
“But they had the wind in the last quarter, so the game was still in the balance.”
Emmanuel College held firm in the fourth quarter to maintain its lead, soon ending any danger of a Notre Dame comeback.
Centreman Fraser Marris was awarded the most valuable player award for his efforts in the decider.
“His use of the ball (was fantastic) and he just got a lot of possessions,” Martin said.
“He was actually the co-captain, too. He really led from the front.”
Flynn Atchison was also impressive, switching between centre half-back and centre half-forward, kicking a couple of “crucial” goals when the game was still there to be won.
Marcus Herbert also rose to the occasion, playing the the centre and back flank.
“But it was a real team effort,” Martin said.
“The boys have won seven games in a row now. In the seven games they’ve worked really well as a team.
“It’s massive (to win the state title). That’s what we spoke about before the game – we said this opportunity might not come around again.”
Emmanuel College’s intermediate boys team took the challenge up to Parkdale Secondary College, but a lack of polish going forward saw them lose 10.5 (65) to 4.6 (30).
Coach Noel Mugavin said in all areas except finishing off, it was an outstanding effort by the team.
“Our efficiency just wasn’t there going forward, but around the ground I think we were exceptional,” he said.
“I think the opposition were quite shocked with how ferocious we were, with our intensity on the ball and how we played the game.”
Earlier in the week, the school’s Year 7 team lost its decider to Notre Dame College.