The college's First XVIII side went undefeated for the 2021 campaign to claim the crown.
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“Assumption College has a longstanding reputation for sports excellence – a diverse sports program built on the foundation of rich history and tradition,” principal Kate Fogarty said.
“We have a rich footballing history with many well-known AFL and VFL players (having) come through these doors. Past students include Neale Daniher, Francis Bourke, Bill Brownless, Peter McCormack, Peter Crimmins and Shane Crawford, to name just a few.
“Our college has won 38 of the possible 64 AGSV football premierships since joining in 1958. The last premiership won by ACK was in 2014.
“This year’s First XVIII side ensured ACK continued their tradition of having a stronghold on the competition. No matter the restrictions and conditions, the team worked together, changing routines to ensure they were both mentally and physically fit to play.
“Students, staff, coaches and volunteers worked hard to play a season of excellent matches. Although thwarted from playing the last game, we are immensely proud to have had a perfect season and have been confirmed as the AGSV premiers. We finished one game clear on top of the table.
“It is unfortunate the First XVIII football trophy is in lockdown in Melbourne, but when it returns to Assumption College Kilmore it will definitely have pride of place within the Hall of Excellence in the new Neale Daniher Community and Sporting Pavilion.
“Congratulations to all the players led by captain Darcy Stewart and vice-captain Steele Simpson, coach Barry Prendergast, team manager Kerryn Katal and all other staff/trainers involved in the season.
“During these COVID-19 restrictions, it is fantastic to be able to bring home the winning trophy and give our local community something positive to celebrate.”
Pre-season for the First XVIII boys began in late November 2020 and resumed in February this year. Two pre-season games against St Patrick’s College Ballarat and St Bernard’s College Essendon, followed by an intra-club match, were played to conclude the pre-season hit-outs.
The COVID-19 interrupted season began strongly at home with a 64-point win over Peninsula Grammar, followed by a strong 43-point away win over Ivanhoe.
ACK stamped its mark on the competition with a comeback win against Marcellin. Trailing by three goals in the final minutes, the team fought hard to win by a goal thanks to Simpson.
Another close three-point win over Yarra Valley solidified the top position.
The biggest win of the season came against Camberwell Grammar, with a 20-goal team performance resulting in a 74-point win.
The final game of the season was against Trinity Grammar who had already knocked off second-placed Mentone Grammar. It was a hard fought affair, with only two kicks in it at three-quarter time. But ACK had fresher legs and finished strongly to win by 24 points, ensuring it remained on top and finished the season undefeated.
“It was a very difficult season coming in and out of lockdown not knowing if we would play the next week or not. All of the team really pulled through when it mattered and the results showed that,” Stewart said.
“Being 7-0 is an unreal feeling and it was about time ACK had some success again. Had we not been in lockdown, we’re pretty confident we would have taken that cup too.
“I couldn’t be prouder of the boys and how far we’ve come. As a graduating Year 12 student, I’m really going to miss pulling on the Assumption guernsey, but this is a great way to end my time with the team.”ResultsR1: ACK 14.17 (101) d Peninsula Grammar 6.1 (37) (home)R2: ACK 13.13 (91) d Ivanhoe Grammar 6.12 (48) (away)R3: ACK 12.13 (85) d Marcellin College 12.7 (79) (home)R4: ACK 8.8 (56) d Yarra Valley Grammar 8.5 (53) (away)R5: ACK 20.18 (138) d Camberwell Grammar 10.4 (64) (home)R6: ACK 10.10 (70) d PEGS 3.4 (22) (away)R7: ACK 9.12 (66) d Trinity Grammar 6.6 (42) (home)
