On 18 October 2019, I had the honour of coaching the Junior Girls AFL Team at the Diocesan Gala Day. 

Some of the girls were quite hesitant towards the competition, as this was the first time they would be playing an actual AFL game. Although this was the case, we had a good balance of experienced players who helped the other students throughout the day. The Gala Day was a big learning curve for individuals and as a team As a team, the girls went from strength to strength with each game they played. 

The girls won their first couple of games against Corpus Christi and John Therry. We then had to face two hard opponents. In our third game, we played St Johns. Our team were up for the challenge taking the lead early and keeping the pressure on. Unfortunately, we would go down by 8, as St Johns pulled away. We then went on to play St Marys. The girls put up a valiant effort but St Marys were too strong on the day. It gave us some satisfaction, at least, that St Marys went on to win the day.

There were some big contributors throughout the day. None other than Jasmine McAllister who scored 7 goals throughout the day and was a key leader throughout the group. Jasmine was awarded MVP for the day. I was also proud to see the emergence of Mia Warby. Consistently playing a strong defensive role. I was also pleased to see Amber English, Bianca Dibella and Katarina Wojcik take to the sport so fluently. There were so many great performances and I congratulate all the girls on their efforts on the day.

The girls finished 5th overall (out of 10 schools), an amazing effort. Well done girls. I was proud to say how well you presented yourselves on the day and how well you represented our College.

Mr Matthew Bubb