2019 Paul Kelly Cup title on the line tomorrow

The 2019 Paul Kelly Cup State Finals are set to kick-off tomorrow.

Named after Sydney Swans legend and the New South Wales’ own, Paul Kelly, the Paul Kelly Cup is the premier primary school sports competition in the state, and the largest Australian Football primary schools competition in Australia.

Now in it’s 22nd year, the Paul Kelly Cup will this year host 16 schools from around the state and territory at the home of the GWS GIANTS, GIANTS Stadium in Homebush. GIANTS players will also be in attendance to support the students throughout the day.

Defending Champions, Lindsay Park Public School (Girls) and Knox Grammar (Boys) return to the finals this year, with Knox gunning for a three-peat of wins.

Players to watch include Radford College’s Amber Smith Gibson who has been labelled as a talented young athlete who pushes herself in competition to always be better. She is humble in her abilities, which allows her to be an exceptional team player. Keep your eye on her agility, strength and accuracy with kicks. She is a strong tackler and often able to read the play to intercept or coordinate her team to gain control.

Rex Wardie from Dudley Public School, who also plays for the Warner’s Bay Bulldogs is said to live and breathe Australian Football. He was selected to represent the Hunter in the PSSA State AFL competition and is a tough all-round player. He goes hard at the ball, takes outstanding overhead marks and prides himself on his accurate kick.

AFL Programs Operations Lead, Adriana Harpas says she is keen to see who raises the cups this year.

“We are looking forward to the 22nd year of Paul Kelly Cup,” said Harpas.

“It is great to see the continued growth of the competition with more schools involved in the program across 2019 than ever before, proving the strength in primary schools Australian Football in the region.

“Congratulations to all the teams that participated this year, and a special congratulations to the teams who have progressed to tomorrow’s State Final.

“All the very best, and we wish travelling teams a safe journey.”

More information on this year’s Paul Kelly Cup State Finals including the match-day booklet, can be found here.

AFL NSW/ACT wishes all the schools involved in this year’s competition, all the very best of luck. 

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