Paul Kelly Cup state final set for SCG

By Tom Naghten

Tens of thousands of students have been narrowed down to just 17 teams across both the boys and girls competitions.

Teams will travel from as far as Bega, Hay and Kempsey to challenge for the 2015 title in the modified 12-a-side tournament, which began in 2001.

Several of the teams in this year’s finals boast strong pedigree, including Paul Kelly’s former school, Wagga Wagga’s Bishop Henschke Primary, which has claimed several titles in the past in both the girl’s and boy’s divisions.

Henschke will once again prove tough to beat in the boy’s competition while inaugural winners Sydney’s Willoughby Public School are looking to build upon their strong showing in last year’s finals.

In the girl’s division Cherrybrook Public School, Kanwal Public School and Bathurst’s Holy Family Kelso all experienced the intensity of the finals and will be looking to go one better this year.

Schools Program Manager for AFL NSW/ACT, Stuart Newman is excited by the prospect of finals football.

“It should be a great day with lots of good footy and memorable moments,” said Newman.

Players will also be given the chance to meet Sydney Swans players on the day.

“The opportunity to play on the SCG and meet some of their heroes isn’t something everyone gets to experience and it’s going to be pretty special for these students,” said Newman.

Above: Students in action at the 2014 Paul Kelly Cup finals

Match Day Information

The Paul Kelly Cup State Finals will take place on the Sydney Cricket Ground on Monday, August 17.

Matches will begin at 10am before the grand finals at 2pm.

Boys and girls teams will compete across four pools, before the top two teams from each pool advance to the semi-finals to determine who will battle it out for the 2015 title.