Newsletter

There’s a real buzz in the air at St Aloysius College as we proudly celebrate a historic moment in our school’s sporting journey — the fielding of our first ever full Year 7 boys and girls AFL squads in the Association of Co-educational Schools (ACS) competition.

As St Aloysius continues to grow as a co-educational school, the benefits of this change are shining through in every corner of the school community — none more so than on the sporting field. This year’s new AFL program has seen a surge of enthusiasm, teamwork, and pride as students embrace new opportunities to participate in a sport traditionally seen as male-dominated.

For the girls, the chance to pull on the St Aloysius top and take the field together marks an inspiring shift. The rise of professional women’s sport, including the AFLW and the Matildas, has had a powerful impact — showing our students that they belong in every part of the sporting world. That confidence is now flowing through to school sport, where our girls are stepping up with skill, strength, and spirit.

And for our boys, the sense of unity, growth, and competitive drive is just as strong. With a full squad and dedicated training, our Year 7 team is already showing what’s possible when young people are supported and encouraged to represent their school. Families, staff, and students are rallying behind our teams — celebrating progress, cheering on achievements, and showing what it means to connect through sport.

ACS Round 2 Results Recap – AFL

Girls: St Aloysius College vs Aitken College
Final Score: St Aloysius 6 – Aitken College 18

The girls were full of determination this week, showing huge improvement from their first match. Their tackling pressure, team spirit, and never-give-up attitude laid the foundation for a fantastic win.

Best Players:

• Hattie Fogarty – kicked a goal and led by example all game
• Kleo Cieplik – strong around the contest and tireless in defence
• Violeta Rengifo – smart ball use and outstanding work rate

Boys: St Aloysius College vs St Michael’s Grammar
Final Score: St Aloysius 74 – St Michael’s 0

The boys turned on a show this week, producing an electric team performance built on skilful ball movement and unselfish play. It was a commanding display and a great sign of what’s ahead.

Best Players:

• Flynn Carr – clean and explosive through the midfield
• Max Blythman – composed under pressure and vice-like hands
• Jenson Portelli – dynamic all over the ground with ruck class
  

Honourable Mentions:

• Marlon Moncrieff – goal scoring machine
• Seb Edmund – excellent ball use and great decision-making

Let’s hear from some of our players!

ACS Girls Footy in St Aloysius has been amazing so far, with all my great teammates and coach (Mr Sullivan). The girls on the team have been improving a lot with all the training sessions and games. For the past two games, we have been getting closer to winning each time, but with our collaboration and Mr Sullivan's supportive feedback, for sure we are for sure going to get a win for the girls' footy team.
Violeta Rengifo

I chose footy because I love playing footy and easy to get involved and there are many possibilities you can accomplish many different things including kicking a goal, assisting a goal putting on shepherd for someone and so much more. The last thing for me is that no matter where you play on the ground there is always so much opportunity to do something great.
Max Blythman

Playing ACS AFL has been so much fun. The girls’ team has gotten so much stronger over the 2 weeks we have been playing, each game being better than the last as we get closer and closer to a win. Mr. Sullivan has been a great coach sporting us on and off the field with encouraging feedback. I have enjoyed playing footy with my team helping and making connections with them on and off the field.
Kleo Cieplik

For me, I think that it is fun even if you get tackled very often. There is always enough time to have fun with your friends outside of the roughness and bad umpires. It gets even better when you kick a goal because your team celebrates with you afterwards.
Jenson Portelli

Jordan Miller
Year 7 Leader & Transition Leader