Young guns on the big stage

Photo: Year 8/9 AFL team at Optus Stadium by Yamato Yap.

The chance to play on the hallowed turf of Optus Stadium provided CBC Fremantle’s Years 8 and 9 AFL team with memories to last a lifetime.

The group of 25 boys represented the College with distinction at the end of the 2019 season when they played the curtain-raiser to the clash between the West Coast Eagles and Hawthorn.

Arriving early for the big game, the group of footy fanatics toured the stadium before preparing for their most challenging match of the season – the Eagles Schoolboys’ Cup Grand Final.

The boys went into the match against Governor Stirling Senior High School with the same energy and passion that had delivered them a lossless season to date, despite challenging fixtures and fierce opponents.

Taking in the awe-inspiring view of the stadium from ground-level, the gentlemen were given a final rev-up from coach Mr Chris Pietroniro before captain Samuel Otto (Year 9) had the final word to his team.

CBC came out firing in the first half, with a determined effort keeping Governor Stirling to a modest lead, 2.2.14 to 1.1.7. A strong start early in the second half by Governor Stirling put a CBC victory just out of reach, but the boys from Freo never rested, giving their absolute all with high-flying marks and hard tackles across the ground even in the final minutes of the game.

Despite the team’s best efforts, CBC’s young guns finished 2.2.14 to Governor Stirling 9.3.57.

Gracious in defeat, the CBC team were quick to congratulate their opponents on their achievement, filling the stadium with their cheers of praise for both Governor Stirling and the umpires who had given their time to officiate the match.

Walking back to the rooms the smiling faces and laughter was an unfamiliar sight after a loss. Proud of their performance on the day, as well as in the many games leading up to the final, the team demonstrated one of the key attributes of the CBC gentleman by giving their best, and knowing that is always good enough.

After plenty of praise and a debrief from their coaches, the boys were free to enjoy the night’s main event as a reward for their persistence and dedication to their team over the year.