St Patrick鈥檚 College celebrated another outstanding season of football at the annual John James Medal presentation night, recognising the commitment, perseverance and achievements of the young men who represented the College throughout 2026.
The John James Medal is the pinnacle of the St Patrick鈥檚 College football calendar, celebrating the College鈥檚 proud football tradition and recognising its highest individual honour.
Named in honour of legendary Old Collegian John James, who attended St Patrick鈥檚 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鈥檚 event was made even more special with former St Patrick鈥檚 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鈥檚 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鈥檚 football jumper.
鈥淚 just loved watching the firsts and I always wanted to play in it,鈥� Drew said.
For Petrie, the impact of his time at St Patrick鈥檚 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.
鈥淒on鈥檛 forget where you came from,鈥� he told students. 鈥淵our family environment, your schooling environment, your community environment is where you will form so many of your values and experiences as a kid that鈥檒l hold you in good stead for the rest of your life.鈥�
He also spoke about the enduring friendships formed during his time at the College.
鈥淢y best mates are SPC boys. They鈥檙e 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.
鈥淪port is such a great platform and vehicle for friendships and learning within sporting environments,鈥� he said. 鈥淭hey helped me later in life.鈥�
“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.
鈥淚 grew as a leader through learning the hard way, and that鈥檚 okay. As long as you鈥檙e learning, and you鈥檝e got good people around you to help point you in the right direction.鈥�
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The famous colours of the famous school
Principal Steven O鈥機onnor said the evening was an important opportunity to recognise the contribution of every student who had represented the College.
鈥淭his 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,鈥� Mr O鈥機onnor said.
鈥淓very player who has worn the famous colours of St Patrick鈥檚 College has contributed to a tradition built over generations through hard work, courage, teamwork and humility.鈥�
Mr O鈥機onnor said the strength of the College鈥檚 football program extended well beyond its results on the field.
鈥淥ur 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,鈥� he said.
鈥淭hroughout 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.鈥�
Reflecting on the significance of the green, white and blue, Mr O鈥機onnor referenced the words of former Principal Brother O鈥橫alley, who famously described them as the ‘famous colours of the famous school.’
鈥淭hey continue to unite generations of Old Collegians and current students, creating lifelong friendships and an enduring connection to our College community,鈥� 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鈥檚 footballers whose names have become part of the College鈥檚 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.听
He encouraged other students to听“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听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听
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听Best and Fairest: Isaac Thomas
SPC White听Best and Fairest: Charlie Toohey
Jim Toohey Perpetual Trophy: Charlie Toohey
Seniors
2nd XVIII White (Year 9 & 10) Best and Fairest: Jack Ward and Tyson Green
2nd XVIII SPC Green Best and Fairest: Angus McNamara
Greg Dowd Trophy: Angus McNamara
1st XVIII
BAS SPC 1st XVIII Best and Fairest: Nash Armstrong
Year 10 Most Promising Player: Dex Rizzoli
2026 John James Medal (Best on Ground in Respect Cup)听Ethan Drever
ACC Team of the Year: Cooper Beseler and Noah James
2026 W.T. O鈥橫alley ACC SPC 1st XVIII Best and Fairest: Cooper Beseler
