MacKillop boots Daramalan

By Nick Fairbairn
The Canberra Times

The Cup is contested by 30 schools across three age divisions and engages kids from other sports to try out AFL.

This year Lyneham High swept the under-14 and under-16 age divisions with some strong performances while the open category was dominated by Mackillop Collage, which went through undefeated winning the final against Daramalan

15.10(100) to 3.6(24)

AFL development manager Cameron James was optimistic about the outcome of the ACT tournament and what it meant for the code in Canberra.

“It’s an introductory program to expose kids to AFL, “James said. “The level of football has been better than last year, it’s a good experience for the kids who don’t play AFL and want to have a crack at it. Those elite kids then have the opportunity to be spotted by talent scouts.

Mackillop coach Dale Argall was satisfied with the development of his team throughout the competition and how several of his players improved with each match.

“They’ve really started to involve the other [non-AFL background] players a lot more rather than just the key AFL players, “Argall said. ” All of the other players have slowly stepped up and started to play a little better each game.

“It [the Swans Cup] is really good for the AFL in the ACT; it’s really promoted in the schools in the sense of getting the game out there.

Mackillop’s Sean Kiddey is one player who has been encouraged to turn his attention to AFL because of the success of his competition and the participation of his mates.

“I’ve been playing soccer for 12 years but it’s good to have a kick with the boys.”Kiddey said. “I’ll probably play AFL next year for a club with the boys to get me involved. A few of my teammates play rugby league, so we didn’t know how we were going to go.

Daramalan Coach Roy Jaques was equally optimistic about the outlook for Australian football in Canberra, praising the efforts of the AFL to increase its junior player base.

“The competition’s a great idea, it’s great for the AFL players who get to play against guys they know but it probably does more for the guys who don’t play footy,”Jacques’ said. “It’s a wonderful opportunity for them to experience what it’s like to have a kick and play a sport they’re not used to.

Mackillop’s open team will now go to Batemans bay to contest a NSW quarter final against Nowra.