Riverina’s Mater Dei claims Paul Kelly Cup

Wagga Wagga’s Mater Dei has claimed their second consecutive Paul Kelly Cup after defeating Finley Public School by 31 points at Blacktown Olympic Park today.

The win was made even more special for the side with the player the competition is named after, former Sydney Swans legend Paul Kelly, in attendance to present the top-placed teams with their medallions.

For some of the Mater Dei players, it was their second state title in as many years after playing in last year’s final at the home of Team GWS in Sydney’s west.

Coach of Mater Dei, Christin Macri, said his players took a lot out of the experience.

“The day was fantastic, it was great to win it again. There was a bit more expectation on them this year as well but I think we’re a bit stronger team this year,” Macri said.

“It has become a lot more realistic for kids to play in the AFL with Team GWS entering the competition, I know last year a lot of the kids asked why it [the Paul Kelly Cup state final] isn’t at the SCG instead of Blacktown but now they’ve seen the GWS brand for the last 12 months it is really exciting for the kids.”

The Paul Kelly Cup has been used as a potential talent pool for AFL clubs with Sydney Swans young gun Kieren Jack being discovered playing in the competition.

Today, national AFL recruiter Kevin Sheehan was watching on alongside the NSW/QLD Academy Manager Mark Browning.

Sheehan said the future is bright for NSW/ACT players joining AFL clubs.

“It was probably seven or eight years ago when I first had a look at a Paul Kelly Cup finals day and the kids were just learning – the umpires were still pointing them in the direction of which way to go because they were very, very new to the game,” Sheehan said.

“But the type of athletes we’ve got here today, their knowledge and their game sense, it is quite remarkable [how much the standard has improved] in just that period of time and I reckon there will be a few more Kieren Jack’s around [in the AFL shortly].

“Importantly now we have a pathway for these youngsters through both the Swans and Team GWS Academy that will capture the best players and actually give them elite coaching so the players can play in the AFL. It’s a great step forward.”

One person paying close attention to the Paui Kelly Cup was Sydney Swans Talent Identification Coordinator Chris Smith.

Smith said the Swans Academy will provide kids from all sports with an opportunity to learn from experienced coaches as they aspire to join the club in future drafts.

“Without a doubt, if we as an Academy were to just focus on AFL kids, we would find that a huge amount of potential would be lost,” he said.

“We’ve got to look at kids participating in all sports but the idea is to make AFL a very viable option for kids that are choosing sports and I think the Paul Kelly Cup is a wonderful introduction for these kids.”

This year’s Paul Kelly Cup saw over 15,000 players take part from 950 teams as well as the introduction of a girls competition.

AFL (NSW/ACT) Schools and Universities Coordinator Mark Ayers said the event is growing in momentum each year

“This year’s Paul Kelly Cup again went up another notch particularly with the introduction of the girls competition,” Ayers said.

 “It was fantastic to see Mark Seaby from the Swans attend the event as well as former Swans player Jason Saddington and the legend himself Paul Kelly.

“The kids looked as though they had an enjoyable time and the overall skill level is improving each year. 

“The first ever Paul Kelly Cup sprint was a huge success and provided some great entertainment while everyone ate their lunch.

“Congratulations to all the players, coaches, parents, staff and volunteers involved and we hope to see you all again next year.”