The match, which is the biggest in the schoolboys’ footy calendar, will be the College’s chance for redemption after a heart-breaking one-point loss to Geelong’s St Joseph’s College last year.

The nail-biter broke St Patrick’s stranglehold on the title after six consecutive wins.

“There’s some pretty big expectations,” Gray said.

“Obviously there’s a fair bit of history with the school.

“For my first year to experience it, it’s a pretty big one.”

Gray is among a host of Hampden’s brightest young stars set to run out on Simonds Stadium.

Terang Mortlake’s Harry Hobbs and Scotty Carlin, Hamilton Kangaroos’ Tom Scott and Lochie Dawson, Koroit’s Josh Chatfield and Ethan McLaren and Camperdown recruit Dale Cox have all been named in the St Patrick’s side. 

Gray said while last year’s loss had not been spoken about much, the team was keen to regain its standing as Victoria’s premier schoolboys outfit.

The 17-year-old has been starting on a forward flank for St Patrick’s and has the potential to move into the midfield or on a wing.

He backed the college’s form heading into the final, with big wins in two major games en route.

“Our semi-final was better than expected – we almost won that by 100 points – and the same with the BAS (Ballarat Associated Schools) final where we beat Clarendon (by a similar margin),” Gray said.