OGC sports news: The OGFC

JON ANDERSON (OGC 1970)

The Geelong College and the Old Geelong Football Club is a bond through the decades. The connection remains as strong and vibrant as ever. This enduring relationship dates back to 1974, when the club was renamed to reflect the growing number of Collegians joining its ranks at Como Park.

In 2024, this connection was further solidified when the OGFC women’s team achieved a historic milestone. They became the first OGFC side to win promotion to Premier A of the VAFA, securing a thrilling seven-point victory over a spirited Fitzroy team in the grand final at Elsternwick Park.

Charlotte Kay (OGC 2015) and KatieRose Campbell (OGC 2015) were key members of the flag winners.

A highlight of the men’s season, which finished with an agonising twopoint loss to Trinity in the first semifinal of B Grade, was the selection of Jack Sheridan (OGC 2015) as first ruckman in the B Grade Team of the Year. Jack, affectionately known as “Shez,” has built an impressive footballing resume, including two club best-and-fairest awards and the prestigious G.T. Moore Medal for VAFA Premier B Best and Fairest in 2023. He was joined in the Team of the Year by the Club’s captain, Will Horsfall, who came to OGFC via University Blues and Melbourne Grammar.

As part of the Club’s determination for the men’s senior team to push for Premier A in 2025, an U19s program will be re-introduced under the tutelage of Jock Grimshaw and Chris Gubbins (contact Chris on 0434 973 986).

As such we would welcome any Old Geelong Collegians from the past three years to make Como Park their footballing home in 2025. For those worrying they may not make the age group, it’s effectively an U20s competition that calls itself U19s.

The women’s program continues to go from strength to strength, with Charlotte Kay and Katie-Rose Campbell set to return in 2025. Both Jack Sheridan and Matt Bird are also expected to reach their 100-game milestones next season.

For Katie-Rose, who celebrated her 50th game in 2024, OGFC is much more than a club:“Our coach Jack Crameri has been great for us, not only on-field but also from a community feel off the field. Plus I know the boys at the Club respect him as well, making him a key person at Como Park. He has really built up our program and fostered connections with younger girls in terms of recruiting. I love the place and could never play anywhere else.”

Charlotte Kay has enjoyed similar experiences at the club: “My friends are all from the club, the boys are an amazing group who are just so encouraging, and I know other clubs look at us and think that’s where they want to be. There are people who do so much, with ‘Boner’ (Simon Bones) and Jimmy Wright instrumental, through to Sophie Batten who is involved in everything, Nick Edwards has been so helpful, and then those in the background like Jake Ward and Jimmy Legoe.”

The Old Geelong Football Club remains a cornerstone of the Collegian community, offering not just a competitive sporting environment but a home where lasting friendships and memories are made.

Here’s to another exciting chapter in 2025!