Knox Grammar joins the AFL
Knox Grammar became only the second private school in Sydney to enter an AFL team in the Greater Sydney Juniors last weekend.
It is a significant step forward for Knox, located on Sydney’s North Shore in Wahroonga, with rugby union being the preferred sport for almost 90 years.
Since the Sydney Swans relocated to the harbour city in 1982, AFL has grown significantly.
More than 125,000 people play the game in NSW/ACT every year, a record 18 NSW/ACT players were drafted by AFL clubs in 2010 and last year the GWS GIANTS became the second Sydney-based team.
Knox’s decision to field two AFL teams in the under-12 and under-14 age groups is a true reflection of the hard work put in by the Swans and the staff of AFL NSW/ACT over the years.
AFL is now a viable option for boys and girls of all ages to play across Sydney, regional NSW and the nation’s capital.
A number of Knox’s students, among other schools, are also part of the QBE Swans Academy and will be given every opportunity to join the club when they turn 18-years-old.
In a fitting commencement to Knox’s debut season on Saturday, April 9, the school played Killarney Vale at Adelaide Street Oval in Tumbi Umbi.
The oval was once the home ground of Sydney Swans co-captain Jarrad McVeigh and brother Mark of Essendon, who grew up on Central Coast as kids.
A large crowd gathered to watch Knox’s first match and they were not disappointed. Killarney Vale were too strong in the under-12s match defeating Knox, 11.9.75 to 2.4.16.
The under-14s was an entirely different story. With a number of QBE Swans Academy players taking to the field for Knox, the hand and foot skills, as well as the marking prowess and direct ball transition allowed the school to record their first victory, winning 10.10.70 to 3.3.21.
Killarney Vale President Paul Forster said after the match that the Central Coast GSJ is better suited with Knox participating.
“’It is great that Knox Grammar are in the competition and it will give our boys a better chance of improving,” Forster said.
“That is what our club is about and that is what we need in our competition.
“Results don’t matter to us – we just want the kids to enjoy it and continue to develop their skill set.”
