2018 Paul Kelly Cup Champions crowned

Twenty schools traveled to the Sydney Cricket Ground today to take part in Australia’s largest primary schools AFL competition, the Paul Kelly Cup.

After a year’s worth of competition right across the AFL NSW/ACT region, it all came down to the State Finals where twelve girls and eight boys teams squared-off.

Teams battled it out in front of Paul Kelly himself, who traveled to the SCG from his home in Southern New South Wales to celebrate the 21st year of the competition’s running.

Children were also thrilled to spot some Sydney Swans signing autographs and taking photos throughout the day, including Isaac Heeney, Heath Grundy and George Hewitt, as well as former Paul Kelly Cup participant, Harry Cunningham.

After a day of round-robin competition, it all came down to two Grand Finals.

In the Girls competition, Lindsay Park Public School from the South Coast took on Castle Hill Public School from Sydney’s West.

After some fierce competition from both sides, it would be Lindsay Park Public School who would hold the 2018 Girls Paul Kelly Cup aloft in front of their families who sat in the Noble Stand.

In the Boys, returning 2017 Champions, Knox Grammar from Sydney’s North would get the opportunity to defend their title against Deniliquin South Public School from the state’s Riverina region.

A close game ensued between the two sides, however Knox Grammar would become back-to-back Boys Paul Kelly Cup Champions, winning for the second year in a row.

AFL NSW/ACT would like to congratulate and thank all the schools that participated in the 2018 Paul Kelly Cup – we cannot wait to see you all back again for the fun next year!

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