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Despite being a student at rugby nursery St Joseph’s College, I am a football nutter who would rather watch the firsts and seconds football rather than the firsts rugby.
Recently, I have seen the improvement of football in GPS schools, and while it’s more popular in some schools in the competition, every school provides terrific talent in which some make the next step.
Players from the Shore School, The King’s School and most recently from St Joseph’s College in Daniel Alessi.
Alessi signed for the Western Sydney Wanderers. All have been able to make that next step in regards to their footballing careers.
Here are some of the best performers this season, and players who are set to shine for next year.
Christopher Diab – Age: 16 – Position Left Winger, Left Full Back, Attacking Midfield – St. Josephs College
A touch of gold on this young player who shows so much promise heading into next years AAGPS competition.
Currently plying the Second XI, Christopher Diab aids his team with his terrific pace and control of the ball, and his intelligent cut-ins and runs he makes off the ball.
A very versatile player who enjoys most of his football on the left side of the pitch, but can also penetrate defences through the middle.
His defensive and attacking work rates are terrific which help when he is slipped into an attacking midfield role.
With the absence of a right foot, it holds back his footballing ability but has not stopped him from scoring four goals and assisting two this season.
Isaac Bell-Herbert – Age: 17 – Position Centre Forward – The King’s School.
This prolific striker shows a lot of potential heading into year 12 next year. Isaac Bell-Herbert has scored four goals in five games and has claimed one assist.
A player who may not be all that versatile but can pop up anywhere and finish with style, almost scoring in every single round this season.
Bell-Herbert uses his pace and strength to win headers and get in behind defences and in scoring half of The King’s Schools goals in the competition, he is showing the qualities of exactly what a thrilling front man should be doing.
Finn Ballard-McBride – Age: 16 – Position Defensive midfielder, Attacking midfielder – Newington College
Strong, scores goals for fun, and chips in for his teammates as well is exactly what you want to hear when you are explaining what a complete midfielder is.
Finn Ballard-McBride is a workhorse in the middle of the park.
Being able to take on defences’ head on or finding a pass from out of nowhere is some of the greatest qualities in this young player.
While scoring three goals this season he has also chipped in with three assists, the most out of any player this GPS season.
With mesmerising strength and stamina along with his technical ability on the ball means Ballard-McBride is sure to shine next year.
Luke Riley – Age: 15 – Position – Centre-Back – St. Josephs College
Now you may go ahead and say that since I am from Joeys, I am being kind of biased because I have picked two players from St. Josephs Second XI.
I have seen every school play more than once, and this year; St. Josephs has brought up an amazing clan of young footballers.
A commanding leader who always strives to get the best out of his players with a loud voice and an even louder boot.
Being captain of the seconds at such a young age puts a lot of pressure on a 15-year old, but he seems to be handling it very well this season.
Leading from the back is Luke Riley’s forte.
Although pace is not on his side, he compensates with his height and he wins his strength as any tackle or ball in the air.
He will definitely be next seasons’ firsts centre-back and continues to lead from the back with authority and profoundness.
All GPS schools have found a spark this season with a terrific array of young footballers, with scouts roaming the ground so of schools a lot more, maybe their could be more success stories soon to come.
With two rounds left, The Scots College and Newington College currently lead the table.
Fixtures for Round 6 Saturday 29th August
The Shore School V Newington College
Sydney Boys High V The Shore School
Saint Josephs College V The Kings’ School
Sydney Grammar School V Saint Ignatius College
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