The John James Medal is the pinnacle of the St Patrick’s College football calendar, celebrating the College’s proud football tradition and recognising its highest individual honour.

Named in honour of legendary Old Collegian John James, who attended St Patrick’s College from 1948-52 before going on to play for Carlton and win the Brownlow Medal, the evening provides an opportunity to celebrate not only individual achievement, but the collective contribution of every player, coach, volunteer and supporter.

A special guest with a familiar connection

This year’s event was made even more special with former St Patrick’s College student and North Melbourne and West Coast AFL great Drew Petrie (SPC 1995-2000) returning to the College as guest speaker.

A 332-game AFL veteran, Petrie reflected on his journey from a young footballer watching the senior games at St Patrick’s to establishing a distinguished career at the highest level.

He spoke fondly of his time at the College, recalling his desire as a Year 7 student to one day wear the famous St Patrick’s football jumper.

“I just loved watching the firsts and I always wanted to play in it,” Drew said.

For Petrie, the impact of his time at St Patrick’s extended well beyond football. He reflected on the friendships, values and experiences formed during his school years and the lasting influence they have had throughout his life.

“Don’t forget where you came from,” he told students. “Your family environment, your schooling environment, your community environment is where you will form so many of your values and experiences as a kid that’ll hold you in good stead for the rest of your life.”

He also spoke about the enduring friendships formed during his time at the College.

“My best mates are SPC boys. They’re my best mates and they still are.”

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More than a game

Petrie encouraged the young men in the room to recognise that football is about far more than what happens on the field.

“Sport is such a great platform and vehicle for friendships and learning within sporting environments,” he said. “They helped me later in life.”

“What you’re learning here and the experiences that you’re having at St Pat’s, you’ll carry them for the rest of your life.”

His message of resilience and personal growth also resonated with the students, particularly when reflecting on his own development as a leader throughout his AFL career.

“I grew as a leader through learning the hard way, and that’s okay. As long as you’re learning, and you’ve got good people around you to help point you in the right direction.”

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The famous colours of the famous school

Principal Steven O’Connor said the evening was an important opportunity to recognise the contribution of every student who had represented the College.

“This evening provides us with the opportunity to recognise the commitment, perseverance and achievements of the many young men who have proudly represented the green, white and blue throughout the 2026 season,” Mr O’Connor said.

“Every player who has worn the famous colours of St Patrick’s College has contributed to a tradition built over generations through hard work, courage, teamwork and humility.”

Mr O’Connor said the strength of the College’s football program extended well beyond its results on the field.

“Our football program continues to be one of the great strengths of the College, not simply because of the success achieved on the field, but because of the values it develops in our young men,” he said.

“Throughout the season, our students have demonstrated resilience, discipline and a willingness to place the team before themselves. These qualities will serve them well long after their football careers have concluded.”

Reflecting on the significance of the green, white and blue, Mr O’Connor referenced the words of former Principal Brother O’Malley, who famously described them as the ‘famous colours of the famous school.’

“They continue to unite generations of Old Collegians and current students, creating lifelong friendships and an enduring connection to our College community,” he said.

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A second John James Medal

The evening also recognised the outstanding individual contributions made throughout the season, with Year 12 student Cooper Beseler taking out the ACC 1st XVIII Best & Fairest Award and teammate Ethan Drever claiming the prestigious John James Medal for the second consecutive year.

In doing so, Ethan joins an esteemed group of St Patrick’s footballers whose names have become part of the College’s rich sporting history.

“It’s a great honour to be awarded such a prestigious award and something I don’t take for granted,” Ethan said.

For Ethan, the strength of the football program extends well beyond the opportunities to compete.

“My favourite part of the football program at St Pat’s is the opportunities we’re given to train and play with some of our best mates, and all the coaching resources we’re able to use to develop our footy,” he said.

Ethan thanked all coaches and staff involved in the football program, as well as his parents for their support.��

He encouraged other students to��“never lose the fun and passion for the game”.

“Ultimately, that’s why you started playing footy in the first place so always enjoy playing and having fun,” he said.

2026 Award Winners

Juniors

Year 7������������������������������������

SPC Keniry Best and Fairest: Brody Bauska

SPC Ryan Best and Fairest: Gus Fenwick & Jed Hynes

SPC Galvin Best and Fairest: Lenny Palmer

SPC Nunan Best and Fairest: Ned Hines

Year 8

SPC Blue: Best and Fairest: Charlie Clarke

SPC Gold: Best and Fairest: Aidan Speechley

SPC White: Best and Fairest: Tom Howard

SPC Green: Best and Fairest: Max Edwards

Intermediate

SPC Blue Best and Fairest: Harvey Gittins

SPC Gold��Best and Fairest: Isaac Thomas

SPC White��Best and Fairest: Charlie Toohey

Jim Toohey Perpetual Trophy: Charlie Toohey

Seniors

2^nd XVIII White (Year 9 & 10) Best and Fairest: Jack Ward and Tyson Green

2^nd XVIII SPC Green Best and Fairest: Angus McNamara

Greg Dowd Trophy: Angus McNamara

1^st XVIII

BAS SPC 1^st XVIII Best and Fairest: Nash Armstrong

Year 10 Most Promising Player: Dex Rizzoli

2026 John James Medal (Best on Ground in Respect Cup)��Ethan Drever

ACC Team of the Year: Cooper Beseler and Noah James

2026 W.T. O’Malley ACC SPC 1^st XVIII Best and Fairest: Cooper Beseler

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Where has life taken you since leaving SPC?

After finishing at SPC in 2006, I attended RMIT University to study Applied Science, having developed a keen interest in biology. Oddly enough, after being required to study chemistry in my first year, I found myself much more interested in it. I hadn’t even studied chemistry in VCE but ended up switching my major to it. I completed my degree and then went on to complete a year of Honours, before being fortunate enough to receive an Australian Postgraduate Award (APA) scholarship to undertake a PhD. My PhD took four years and was in the area of chemical synthesis, specifically developing analogues of chemicals used in fragrances.

After completing my PhD in 2016, I moved to China, where I spent three years working at Sun Yat-sen University in Guangzhou, researching ways to modify polymers. I then spent two years working in France, followed by two years working in Poland, working across both industry and academia on the development of biodegradable polymers. Over the course of my research career, I published 23 scientific publications and a patent.

While living in Poland, my wife and I welcomed our son, Alexander, who is now three years old. After seven years overseas, we decided it was finally time to return home to Australia, so that Alexander could grow up here in the lucky country. We returned home to Australia in 2023, and in 2025 we welcomed our second child, Lucy.

Even before returning home, I had decided that I was ready for a change from research and was looking for greater stability and a better work‑life balance. I therefore decided to pursue a career in teaching. Unfortunately, this meant returning to university for more study. Fortunately, I was able to work and study simultaneously through the Teach Today program while completing my Master’s degree. I now teach Science and Mathematics at a school in Wyndham Vale.

Teaching has been a very rewarding career change, and I genuinely feel that I am making a difference in the lives of my students. That said, I expect it will be many years before I feel as confident and skilled in the classroom as I once did working in a laboratory. There is still a lot to learn, but I am enjoying the challenge.

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Do you have family ties with SPC?

I have a younger brother, Matt Plummer, who was in the class of 2009. He’s doing well, living in Geelong with his young family and working as a primary school teacher.

What are your fondest memories of your time at St Patrick’s College?

My fondest memories are of the time I spent with my friends. Those friendships have lasted well beyond our school years, which is something I really value. In fact, a few months ago I travelled internationally to attend one of my friends’ weddings. Likewise, several of my old school friends travelled to Taiwan for my own wedding in 2019.

I also have very fond memories of the school camps, particularly the hiking trip in the Grampians, even though we pitched our tent on low-lying ground and woke up to a storm with water pouring in. I think they call those formative experiences.

Which teacher from your time at SPC had the greatest impact on you? Why?

I had many fantastic teachers during my time at SPC, but two in particular made a lasting impact on me.

Year 7 was a rough year for me. During parent-teacher interviews, Mr Tony Prosia took me aside and gave me some words of encouragement that have stayed with me ever since.

The second teacher that had a great impact was Mr Damian Kinnersly. As a teacher myself, I now look back and realise just how lucky we were as 14-year-olds to have him as a role model and guide. At the time, I probably didn’t fully appreciate it, but I certainly do now.

I hope they’re both doing well.

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How has your time at SPC shaped your personal values and your family life?

Going to St Pat’s gave me more than just an education, it also helped shape the values that I try to live by. In particular, the importance of treating others with respect and taking responsibility for my actions has stayed with me throughout my adult life. Those values were also a major part of why we decided to move home after seven years overseas – I want Alexander and Lucy to grow up with the same values and opportunities that I was fortunate enough to have growing up.

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If you could pass on one message to the students of today, what would it be?

That your past doesn’t define you. That you can turn it all around on a single day if you want to.

Ian was a day student at SPC, starting in First Year and completing Matriculation twice in 1963 and 1964, as was common practice during those years.

He was followed by brothers Alan (SPC 1960-62) (dec), Frank (SPC 1964-69), James (SPC 1967-73) and Gerard (SPC 1971-76).

Ian was a bright student, receiving a junior government scholarship and then scholastic prizes most years. He was the joint winner of the English prize in 1962 and won the Sir Hugh Devine Prize for English Literature in 1964.

He was a Prefect in 1964, and Captain of Boats. He was the stroke in the Firsts rowing crew and a member of the First XVIII Football team in 1963-64 as well as the Combined BPS First XVIII. He also won the College’s “most consistent” football award in his final year.

Not only that, Ian was a member of the 1963 Cross Country team and also excelled in cadets. He was named an Under Officer in 1960 and took out numerous cadet prizes during his school years.

Ian was also a handy cricketer, particularly in his junior years, named captain of the Under 13 XI, and showing impressive bowling form.

In moving tributes, Ian was remembered as a valued member of the Learmonth community, particularly the Learmonth Football Netball Club, where he was remembered for dedicating countless�� hours to supporting the club’s junior football program in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

We extend our condolences to Ian’s family, including his wife Angela and seven children Narelle, Melinda, Daniel (SPC 1988-93), Sam (SPC 1991-96), Jennifer, Jane and John (SPC 2000-05) and their extended family.

Patrick was a boarder from the family farm at Nalangil, near Colac in western Victoria, following in the footsteps of his father Jack (SPC 1917). Patrick’s brother Robert (Bob) also attended, along with his uncles Dan, Patrick (Park) and William, and son Peter (SPC 1976-77).

Patrick was a member of Nunan’s Senior Shed football team and Platoon No.4.��After his time at St Pat’s, Patrick returned to the family farm, where he raised four children with his wife Helen until retiring��into nearby Colac, in western Victoria.

We extend our condolences to Patrick’s extended family.

More than 40 former students converged on the Old Collegians’ Association Pavilion, overlooking the Main Oval, for an evening of reconnecting with classmates, strengthening lifelong friendships and celebrating their shared experiences.

We thoroughly enjoyed welcoming you back!

A tour of the school by OCA Executive Officer Dean Hackwill was popular and showcased the breadth of facilities now available to current students.

Thank you to OCA president Charlie Flynn for offering a warm welcome to the group, as well as Assistant Principal – Faith & Identity, Mr Geoff Brodie, who provided plenty of laughs with his stories of memories from his teaching days with the group in the early 2000s.

We also welcomed College Principal Mr Steven O’Connor as well as current long-time teaching staff Danny Moore, Colleen Pope and John Cosgriff.

2006 College Captain Ed Grinter also offered a warm welcome to his former classmates, thanking them for coming together and celebrating the 20-year milestone.

The reunions are hosted by the Old Collegians’ Association, with Five-Year, 10-Year, 30-Year, 40-Year, 50-Year and 60-Year reunions held already this year.

The final OCA Class Reunion for the year will be our One-Year Reunion for the Class of 2025, which will be held on Saturday, 28 November at the Lake View Hotel.

Make sure your contact details are up-to-date by clicking

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Where has life taken you since leaving SPC?

I’m a comedian now, but when I was starting out, I actually returned to St Pat’s as a substitute teacher to pay the bills. Apologies to any parents of students I taught, because I mostly spent classes telling jokes to the boys. I then left teaching to take a chance on comedy, and my first gig was doing breakfast radio up in Bundaberg, Queensland. But I just got sick of perfect weather so I moved back home to Ballarat, to do stand-up full-time. To this day I could be doing a gig in Brunswick, and people from the audience will call out “Hey! Mr Baxter!” It’s cool catching up with former students after gigs and seeing what they’re up to. Especially because teaching’s like being a paramedic or prison guard: you do your job and then usually never hear from that person again.

Do you have family ties with SPC?

Sure do, my dad Kieran Baxter taught here for 20-plus years.��So if anyone remembers a history teacher named Mr Baxter who actually did teach them, that’s Dad. As a kid growing up, I can’t tell you how many grown men in every store he went into would still refer to him as “Mr Baxter”.

What are your fondest memories of your time at St Patrick’s College?

Honestly there are so many, I loved being a student here (I feel like I’m doing an ad now).

One thing I will say is that the teachers were very supportive. I was always filming little sketches with my mates, and the deputy walked in on us watching one. When he saw it was us lip-syncing ‘Don’t Stop Believing’, he played it at the school assembly. The teachers would always go with stuff like that, it was great. When my mate and I hosted St Pat’s Has Talent, we said to Mr Fisher (in the AV department), “Hey when you’re judging can you just say “thoroughly enjoyed it” every five seconds? And he just did it. Amazing.

On our last day of Year 12, one of the boys got up and read a poem he’d written about us all going our separate ways. That same deputy afterwards said how nice it was to see the support in the room as it was read out. You don’t think about it while you’re there because you’re a kid, but it’s a pretty special time really.

Which teacher from your time at SPC had the greatest impact on you? Why?

Well Dad did teach me in Year 12 (yes it is weird putting your hand up and saying “Dad!”), so we’ll take that one as a given. Aside from Dad, two stand out. The first is a man who is infinitely funnier than I’ll ever be, Mr Geoff Brodie. He and Dad were both funny guys at a time when I was starting to find the world funny. Geoff would just walk into a classroom, do a duck noise, and never explain it. It was honestly like being taught by John Cleese, it was amazing. Our homeroom with him had its own theme song, complete with actions, that we’d lean out the windows and sing to passing classes. He also gave us the best definition for love I’ve ever heard: 1+1=1. He knows his stuff.

The second would be the great man himself, Mr Howard Clark. It’s honestly hard to explain the impact he’s had. He’s one of those people who just leads through his example and presence, makes you want to be the best version of yourself. When I was a teenager and he’d enter the classroom I felt like my posture instantly improved.��Even these days when I see him, he still has that effect.

How has your education shaped your professional life?

As a student, it was a time when I was around funny people and collecting funny stories. And whenever my mates and I would ask to film a sketch in the drama room after school, the teachers just let us go for it. All that stuff adds up.

How has your time at SPC shaped your personal values and your family life?

Well I’m marrying into a footy-mad family, so it does help from time to time to say “I went to school with him”. The school was also doing a lot of great social justice work when I was there, which definitely had an impact on me today. I’m not going to go on record and say I’m better than Mother Teresa, but if you say it, I won’t disagree.

If you could pass on one message to the students of today, what would it be?

Take your headphones out.��Honestly though, we all go out into the world after school and find our place in it, sometimes with new friends, sometimes old. But for me, my best mates to this day are still the mates I made at St Pat’s. Just last month a went to a wedding for a schoolmate, and some of the boys there I hadn’t seen for like 10 years, but I might as well have been 17 again.

Neville recalled enjoying his time immensely at SPC, especially mealtimes, where he recalls plenty of food always on offer, including steak at lunchtime.

He was briefly expelled and remembers writing to College Headmaster Br Nagle at the time, pleading to be able to return, to which his wish was granted.

A keen fisherman, still to this day, he remembers heading to Lake Wendouree on weekends for a spot of fly-fishing.

Neville and Neil were both talented hockey players, playing in the 1^st XI Hockey team during their first year at SPC where they were described in the 1974 College Annual as having “tremendous potential – can be champions next year!”.

They succeeded, playing in the 1976 Champion Hockey 1^st XI team, winning the BPS Hockey Cup in their Form 4 class year.

Their talents were detailed in the 1976 College Annual – “Neville and Neil Mikulandra gave tremendous service to the team, enthusiastically urging their team-mates on to victory – and always in the forefront themselves”.

We thank Neville for visiting us and sharing his memories with us!

Kevin was thrilled to walk the old hallways once again and see photos on the walls of his peers including some of his great schoolmates including Brownlow Medallist John James (SPC 1948-52) and talented runner John Deany (SPC 1949-53).

Kevin came to SPC as a boarder from the Melbourne suburb of Clifton Hill. He started in Sub-Intermediate A and completed his Matriculation.

During his walk, Kevin reminisced when walking past the old boarders dining room, tuckshop, and St Bernard Heinz Theatre, where movies were played on Saturday nights.

Kevin was still able to pinpoint some of his original classrooms, as well as his old dormitory, which is now the College library.

Kevin was a talented student, winning several music awards, who also loved playing sport.

Small in stature, Kevin was the perfect choice as a cox in the First crew in 1950. He was the stroke in the Second crew in 1951 and bow in the Second crew in 1952, which was beaten in a photo finish.

Kevin also played in the Second XVIII Football team and was a member of the Treacy House premiership team in the A Grade Competition.

He also enjoyed basketball, athletics and was a member of the Sodality of Our Lady.

After finishing school, Kevin went to teaching college with his fellow classmate John James and became a schoolteacher.

It was a delight to show Kevin, and his son Peter around the College and we thank them both for visiting us!

Peter joined SPC for only a short time as a student in Form 2, however he was very proud to be a Paddy boy and enjoyed catching up at many St Patrick’s Day lunches over the years.

Peter was a carpenter and builder for many years and at varying stages even worked on some of the maintenance of the buildings constructed in the 80s at the school.

His son Geoff even remembers his dad being involved in the building team which re-invigorated and floated a version of the jetty at the St Pat’s Boatshed in the mid-1980s.

We extend our condolences to Peter’s extended family.

The lunch was held in the College’s Boarding Dining Room, proving very popular with former boarders keen to compare their many and varied boarding memories with the modern facilities our students now enjoy.

1963 College Captain Bill Joyce (SPC 1957-63) was guest speaker on the day, presenting a personal and reflective account of his seven years as a boarder at St Patrick’s College, drawing on both his own experiences and the memories of fellow Old Collegians. His speech combined humour, nostalgia, criticism and gratitude to provide a picture of boarding school life in the 1950s and 1960s.

Fellow former boarder Xavier Maher (SPC 1961-67) was master of ceremonies and kept the crowd well entertained.

Acting Principal Dr Michael Carroll provided insight into Term 2 school activities while OCA president Dr Charlie Flynn thanked the crowd for their turnout, while giving an update into the work being carried out behind the scenes by the OCA.

We were also very pleased to welcome the College’s Boarding Director James Hopper, who gave an informative talk on what day-to-day life is like for our boarders now.

Thank you to James and Boarding Captain Lachlan Lloyd for taking interested Old Boys on a tour of the adjoining boarding precinct.

The Boarding Dining Room venue stirred up plenty of nostalgia and memories, with fellow boarders recounting many tales centred around their own mealtimes.

In his recount as guest speaker, Bill Joyce remembered the dining room seated all 312 boarders at tables of 10, each supervised by a senior boarder. The kitchen was run by Matron Brady.

“My first table captain was Brian “Redman” Dillon, vice captain of the First XVIII (Football),” Bill told the crowd.

“He taught us the art of ‘ripping’ – the daily race to collect the table’s food and, if lucky, fresh bread.”

He recalled boarders came from diverse backgrounds, including many from rural areas, disadvantaged families, or difficult personal circumstances.

The Joyce family has a 132-year association with SPC, with Bill the 18^th member of his family to enrol, following in the footsteps of his older brother Tony (SPC 1954-60).

Despite his reflections on how institutional living can affect vulnerable young people and the legacy of abuse left behind, Bill also fondly recalled friendships, sporting culture, debating, music, academic achievements and the camaraderie of boarding life.

After leaving SPC, Bill spent 39 years working for state institutions and another 19 years on the board of a community housing agency caring for some of Melbourne’s most vulnerable people.

“I learnt that St Pat’s boys have a responsibility to try to make the world a better and more just place,” he said.

The next Old Boys’ Lunch, which is hosted by the Old Collegians’ Association (OCA), will be held on Friday, 27 November, with more details closer to the date. If you would like to be added to the mailing list, please contact Alumni & Foundation Officer Lorrie Liston on 5322 4442 or via email at lliston@stpats.vic.edu.au��

The couple called in to the school during their travels and Andrew, pictured above, was thrilled to discover a class photo of his father on the walls in Front Reception.

His father, Langton (known as Len), was the youngest of seven, and came to SPC as a boarder from Tocumwal, in New South Wales. Len enjoyed both the academic and sporting sides of school life. He was a member of the 1940 First XVIII Football BPS Championship team and a member of the SPC Firsts Crew, which finished second in the 1940 Head of the Lake rowing regatta.

Len was Class Leader and Dux in his first year in 1937 in Remove Class and he continued to excel through to his Leaving studies.

After leaving SPC, Len joined the Federal Treasury in Canberra as an actuary. He then joined the war and saw time overseas, including Borneo. He lost one of his brothers in World War II.

He returned home and after a family disagreement, Len moved away with his family, and took up many different occupations, including droving, picking peanuts and a stockman to name a few, all other Australia, before settling into a role with the NSW Railways.

Len sadly passed away in 2008.��Thank you to Andrew and June for visiting us.

Introduced for Year 10 students in 2026, the subjects are the only dedicated AFL and Basketball curriculum offerings of their kind in Ballarat. Demand has been so strong that the application process was highly competitive, with the College already exploring opportunities to expand the program in 2027 and beyond.

The AFL subject builds on the success of the Liam Duggan Academy, established at the College in 2023, while the Basketball subject was developed following the success of the College’s United States Basketball Tour in December 2024 and the continued growth of basketball within the school community.

Led by Head of Sport Jason Lappin (AFL) and VCE Physical Education teacher Jarrod Fryar (Basketball)—both highly credentialed former players and coaches—the subjects combine practical skill development with classroom learning, covering areas such as sports psychology, performance analysis, leadership, strength and conditioning, recovery and wellbeing.

Students embrace Specialist Sport program

Mr Lappin said the early success of the program reflected by the enthusiasm of students and the College’s commitment to innovation.

“This program has given students a genuine opportunity to learn the game at a deeper level while also developing as people,” he said.

“We are seeing students engaged in analysis, training methods, leadership and preparation in a way that goes well beyond traditional sport participation. The standard of effort and application has been outstanding, and it’s been incredibly rewarding to see how quickly the students have embraced it.”

Deputy Principal – Academic Culture Carol Roberts said the programs were designed to support students in an area many are deeply passionate about.

“So many of our boys love their sport and we developed this program as a way of further supporting their passion through a curriculum dedicated to sporting excellence,” Ms Roberts said.

“The program helps students lift the bar in terms of their skill, performance and gameplay, while also recognising that many are interested in pursuing post-school pathways in the sporting industry.

“It is a way of nurturing their passion for sport while opening their eyes to the many career opportunities that exist within such a dynamic and exciting field.”

Holistic learning experience for students

Importantly, selection is not based solely on sporting ability. Students must demonstrate strong effort, behaviour and commitment across all aspects of College life to earn a place in the classes.

For Year 10 student Jules Stephen, the AFL subject has been one of the highlights of the year.

“I absolutely loved the AFL class,” he said.

“We came together as a team and learned so much more than just football skills. We studied sports psychology, analysed game footage, learned recovery techniques and trained in the gym like footballers.

“It has definitely strengthened my game, but it was also a lot of fun. I’d encourage younger students to give it a go because you learn a lot and really enjoy the experience.”

Providing pathways for elite athletes

Mr Fryar said the Basketball subject reflected the growing success of the College’s elite basketball program, which competed at the NBA Rising Stars Qualifiers earlier this year.

“The recent success of St Patrick’s College basketballers such as Lucas Byrne and Ned Renfree, who have represented Australia at junior level, has also encouraged the creation of the specialised basketball curriculum,” Mr Fryar said.

“These subjects are not only pathways for elite athletes but also provide valuable insights into the world of elite sport and the many career opportunities available within the sporting industry.”

Learn more about the Specialist Sport program here.