AFL Report

Friday 9 and Saturday 10 May

Friday night officially kicked off the season for the First XVIII. To follow, what is now becoming a tradition, we commenced the night with a ‘Presentation of the Guernsey’ in the Sydney University Oval Grandstand. We had the Head of Sport, Mr Mark Ticehurst, introduce our special guest presenter, Mr Michael Punch. Mr Punch was involved as the AAGPS Chairman and Secretary for over 20 years and introduced AFL to Riverview back in 1978. The CIS Sportsman of the Year is named after Michael Punch. It was an honour to hear from him and how he brought AFL to the private schools. He then presented the boys with their guernsey, and we announced Sam Walton as the Captain of AFL. He then gave a quick speech about this year’s Motto, “Beyond the Bridge”. Going beyond what we have done and defending the bridge. They were all set and ready to go against Newington College.

Newington beat our boys last year by 140 points. Our boys were primed and believed they could compete with them. The game began fiercely, with Newington attacking early and securing two inside 50 marks, but they failed to convert their chances, managing only one goal in the first quarter and ending with just 12 points. Shore responded quickly, with Mitch D scoring the first goal of the season after some quick offensive entries. Captain Sam Walton and defenders Hamish Gilligan and Mack Fortune made crucial efforts, repelling attacks and attempting to rebound. By the third quarter, Shore’s midfielders—Monte Cairns, Daniel Harvey, and Jamie Gandhi—stepped up, creating more attacking opportunities. Mitch D added two more goals, while Matt Melville scored an exceptional snap, drawing Shore level at three-quarter time.

The weather turned as the sky opened up, transforming the game into wet weather football. Shore had several chances to take the lead early in the final quarter but couldn’t capitalise, and Newington seized the opportunity with slicker play to break the tie.

Meanwhile, the Second XVIII faced Redlands in a challenging fixture. The game started with Redlands asserting dominance through relentless pressure and physicality, controlling their forward line with precision. Though the final result was a loss, the effort and attitude of Shore’s team were commendable.

In another encounter, Shore’s Intermediate A team faced Barker, with heavy dew making the conditions resemble a fantasy battleground. Barker started strongly, leveraging their size and strength to dominate early. Shore gained ground as the quarter progressed, but execution remained a challenge. In the second quarter, Shore’s defence stood resolute, repelling repeat entries. A highlight was a cohesive team move culminating in Shore’s sole goal of the match just before halftime. Despite the tough loss, there were lessons to be learned and moments of resilience on display.

The team’s weekend concluded with a match against Waverley, a consistently strong opponent. The Junior A’s played admirably, maintaining an even contest through the first quarter with Waverley’s margin just 11 points. However, Waverley’s superior skill and strength asserted themselves in the second quarter, pulling ahead. Despite the narrow margin and spirited effort, Shore was unable to match Waverley’s class, ending the game with a significant defeat. Nonetheless, the performance was a good effort against a challenging opposition, highlighting areas for growth and the team’s promising resilience.

Next week the First XVIII will be up against Barker. A game, we believe, will be fighting to be top of Pool B. Second XVIII and Intermediate B will be up against the up-and-coming powerhouse of AFL, Waverley College, with the Junior A team having a bye.

“Beyond the Bridge”

Mr Geoff Tesoriero
MIC of AFL

Results

ISC AFL Round 2 – Friday 9 & Saturday 10 May 2025
Team	Round	Date	Opposition	Venue	Result	Score	Highlights
First XVIII – Division 1 – Pool B	ISC Round: 1	Friday, 9 May 2025	Newington College	Sydney University Oval	Shore Lost by 17	Shore 31 (4.7) def. by NC 48 (6.12)	Mitchell D 3
Second XVIII – Division 2	ISC Round: 2	Friday, 9 May 2025	Redlands School	Macquarie University, Northern Oval	Shore Lost by 131	Shore 7 (1.1) def. by Redlands 138 (21.12)
Intermediate A – Division 2	ISC Round: 2	Saturday, 10 May 2025	Barker College	Rofe Park	Shore Lost by 82	Shore 6 (1.0) def. by BC 88 (12.16)
Junior A – Division 2	ISC Round: 2	Saturday, 10 May 2025	Waverley College	ELS Hall No. 3	Shore Lost by 99	Shore 13 (2.1) def. by WC 112 (18.4)
Note: For a student to make Highlights, they need to have kicked three (3) or more goals.
Wins 1 Losses: 3 Draws: 0 Byes/Internal: 0 Match Abandoned: 0
Undefeated Teams: N/A