Soccer

First XI Soccer

In spite of the majority of the squad being new, the First XI Soccer team entered the 2022 season in hopes of a successful season following the cancellation of the previous two. The team looked strong following some good pre-season results, forming a tight-knit group on the Gold Coast Tour. For the first three rounds of the AGSV season, we drew the three powerhouse schools: Marcellin, PEGS, and Trinity, for what we knew would be a difficult season.

Our game against Marcellin saw a big home crowd as we aimed for winning ways. Alas, we were down narrowly 2-0 at halftime, though a second-half goal from Hugh Fukumura set up a grandstand finish. Both sides had chances toward the end, but the away team was more clinical with the final score 3-1.

We next made an away trip to PEGS hopeful for our first win of the season. The team got off to a strong start, with a resilient backline withstanding PEGS. A penalty awarded to PEGS on the brink of halftime put us 1-0 down at the break. Despite a valiant effort from everyone, PEGS came away 3-0 winners. The following match against Trinity saw us battle it out for the prized Mitre Cup. Although we lost 10-0 to a well-oiled Trinity side, this game gave us plenty of things to think about for the rest of the season. Notable performances from Callam McClure and Ethan Ensor gave us optimism for upcoming games.

Our first win came in Round 5 against Yarra Valley. Both sides were yet to register a win and were eager to get the three points. Despite a dominant first-half display with several opportunities, the teams entered the break nil all. Brimming with confidence at the restart, we knew a goal was just a sniff away. Taking opportunities of poor clearances in Yarra’s backline, well-finished goals from Andrew Lee and Gregory Kerdemelidis gave us a 2-0 first win of the season.

Drawn against Yarra Valley again in our final game, which was a 7 vs. 8 position play-off, Camberwell Grammar put in a sublime performance, with the deadlock broken by none other than Nate Seow who hammered the ball into the top right corner, giving us a 1-0 victory, a fitting way to end a season filled with ups and downs.

Kai Sapolu

Captain

Second Soccer

The 2022 season began as an uphill battle for the Second XI Soccer team, losing their two mainstay strikers by the conclusion of Round 1 to injury. However, a restructure gave Stef Raydan, Rick Kovos, and AJ Ananthapavan the opportunity to play more forward off the ball than usual. These three did not let the team down, scoring the bulk of the goals in what became a highly successful season on the scoreboard.

Captain Jonathan Pettolino led the midfield and teamed up very well with fellow midfielders, Hugo Thornton and Charles Lewis. The simple no-nonsense working of the ball between these players launched countless successful attacks. The defensive unit was led by Alexander Hatzicostas, whose energetic and upbeat approach to the game ensured a positive outlook from the rest of the team. Edging out the fiery left full-back Zachary Kyriakos for Best Player was Charles Ghostine. Charles’ consistency was unmatched and his effort never lacking. Overall, the team won as much as they lost; however, the most impressive feature of the season was the team’s constant improvement in cohesiveness and spirit in every training session and match. They should be congratulated on a very successful season.

Mr Nick Martin

Coach

Third Soccer

The commitment and determination shown by the Third Gold Soccer team this season were very commendable, in what was a very challenging year on the scoreboard. The highlight of the season was a triumph over a handy Mentone team, 8-2. This performance was one to be marvelled at, with Oscar Smith bagging himself a double hattrick, Elliot Choi curling a sublime free-kick into the top right corner, and a fabulous defensive display that saw our second-half goalkeeper, Aydan Yim, keep a clean sheet with the help of the defensive mastermind of Leo Simo-Orgonas. All aspects of our game came together perfectly, with every player being worthy of a best-on-ground award. Despite having one win to the team’s name across the season, all the students in the team were constantly full of vigour and determination to improve.

The Thirds Blue Soccer season was an eventful and enjoyable one, with lessons learnt outside the classroom. Moments of brilliance were on display, including unbelievable saves, flashy skills, opponents left in the dust (or mud), and my personal favourite – the ‘row the boat’ goal celebration. In addition to developing a basic understanding of Soccer skills and tactics, the team learnt invaluable life skills along the way. They had to problem-solve, using pitch conditions to their advantage and playing around muddy patches. They honed creative thinking skills in devising strategies to outwit opponents and developed collaborative skills to work together for a common cause. The team demonstrated resilience in committing to doing their best in difficult scenarios against tough opposition and challenging weather, and they showed a drive to continue to learn and improve.

Mr Matthew Mckenna and Mr Shiv Pawa Coaches

Fourth Soccer

The Fourth Blue Soccer side encapsulated everything that sport at Camberwell Grammar should be: passionate, resilient, and vibey. A tough loss at Mernda ensured the season would be an uphill battle, having to start with the basics and build a foundation from there. New signings, such as striker David Thomas and keeper Caeden Yap, helped remedy some losses to the squad at the start of the season. From there, led by their fierce Captain Jerry Lu, the bond and willingness to learn fostered amongst this group translated in their incredible mid-season run of form, even beating Yarra 20-0. Everyone played a role this season, never giving up, and always playing for each other. This made every game a rollercoaster of emotion, which was a joy to be a part of.

The Fourth Gold Soccer team started the season as a team of 22 students, none of whom really knew where they best played on the pitch. There were many laughs and jokes throughout the season. The highlight of the season was during the game against Yarra Valley: Tony Zhao dribbled past a few players and put the ball into the top corner of the goal from a long distance to put us up 7-0. Watching the team progress every training session was very satisfying, and they all had a lot of respect for each other and their coach.

Ms Sarah Alton Teacher in Charge

Intermediate Soccer

It was a solid season for the Intermediate A Soccer team. Every training session the squad put in their best efforts, working tirelessly on skill acquisition and improving their tactical mindset. Every week the squad grew closer together, celebrating victories and learning from defeat. The squad was awarded the ‘Team of The Year’ during the Soccer Presentation Night due to their efforts.

The Intermediate B Soccer team had a season that was up and down in terms of results. However, it wasn’t the results that made this season a pleasurable one, as the students over time picked up some basics (like throw-ins), and learnt to play more intelligently week by week. Overall it was great to see them compete hard in games, get mentioned in Assembly, and establish great bonds to their roles, to the sport, and to each other.

Although the Intermediate C Gold Soccer team didn’t find much success during the season, major strides were made in skill development and chemistry on the pitch. Over the season, the team grew and developed a strong club culture that will hopefully grow further and result in future success in later seasons. The positive communication between teammates and encouragement to put in effort at training is testament to the integrity and strength of the group.

The Intermediate C Blue Soccer team had a successful season winning the majority of their games. Indeed, each member learnt the value of a team mentality and incorporating tactics into games. The increased ability and growing respect the team has demonstrated will hold them in good stead for the future.

The Intermediate D Blue Soccer team had a very up and down season with the loss and inclusion of players throughout the season, forcing the team to adapt to changing positions and roles on a weekly basis. The students hung in every game and never gave up hope, running their hearts out until the end of every match. The team bonded at training and became used to playing together, which was complimented with their sportsmanlike and courageous attitudes on the field.

The Intermediate D Gold Soccer team didn’t manage to win many games on paper, however, the enjoyment and comradery the team experienced each week trumped the final score lines. They came across a few challenges internally throughout the season, due to numbers, but by the end created a really promising, fun culture for the students which I hope has contributed positively outside the sport.

Mr Nathan Jones, Mr Connor Kovos, Mr Christopher Kyriakos, Mr Michael Barry, Mr Josh Monks, and Mr Brandon Clover Coaches

Year 8 Soccer

The 8A Soccer season was overall a successful one, with the team finishing 4th on the leaderboard. After starting the season with a narrow loss to a strong PEGS side, the team came out the next week to beat Trinity. After being down the entire game, three goals from Jarred Costanzo resulted in a 4-3 victory. The next few games resulted in a couple of losses and a couple of gutsy wins, with keeper Harrison Ross quite literally saving us from a loss and pulling off some unbelievable saves in multiple games. Chester Tymms had a breakout season turning out to be a pivotal part of the defensive line, along with Alex Bianchini, Michael Wong, Edward Liang, and Nathan Chan. Midfielders, Christian Iacobucci, Archie Dore, Oliver Pope, and Rui Yi Rong scored all the goals for the team with a powerhouse forward in Harish R-Roshan, who always gave opposition defences a run for their money.

The 8B Soccer team started their season with a defeat against Yarra Valley. Fortunately, the season got better from there. From the outset, the team worked hard in training, pushing each other to improve both individually and as a team. Their efforts showed in the results with the team winning three out of the following four matches, displaying miles of improvement. Their hard work was rewarded throughout the season with a couple of really good wins, particularly against Marcelin and Assumption.

The 8C Soccer team had a season of mixed results, starting off spectacularly as a dominant Camberwell Grammar side put 7 goals past the Yarra Valley defence. Following a few close losses, the team was able to finish the season strongly, winning two out of their final three games thanks to some great individual performances, including Evan Hu in defence and Owen O’Brien in midfield. The final game of the season was against our rivals, Trinity, and after a hard-fought match, Camberwell Grammar was able to win 2-1, thanks to a lastminute winner by George Charles.

Mr Gareth Cox, Mr Lewis Winkett, and Mr Deylan Razmara Coaches

Year 7 Soccer

The 7A Soccer team faced a tumultuous season, but what remained constant was persistent effort throughout the season and all the way up to the final whistle. Despite losses in the beginning, the team highlighted their tenacity to remain strong and optimistic, allowing them to thrive after getting to full strength. It all started with the gripping 5-5 draw with Ivanhoe on the KAO. Launching off this, they were able to secure successive victories against Mentone and PEGS. Notably, it was a clear highlight to see the development of all the players.

The 7B Soccer team came together as a passionate bunch. Not having a specialist goalkeeper in the team meant that each player had to bravely step up and take on an unfamiliar role at various points in the season, and this produced some of the most memorable performances, including penalty saves and acrobatic efforts. It was a difficult season results-wise, but the team always had a smile on their face and kept their heads high. An away game at Ivanhoe towards the season’s end was a particular highlight, with three brilliant goals shared amongst the forwards, resulting in the team almost completing a stunning secondhalf comeback victory. The team’s improvement from the first game to the last was astronomical, with each player growing as footballers, teammates, and individuals.

This year’s 7C Soccer team had a great first Winter Season at Camberwell Grammar. The team quickly gelled into an effective squad consistently building on their constructive relationships. They were encouraged to try out some new formations that stretched and challenged them throughout the season. Each player helped do their part to help the team win a collection of games throughout the season. The students were generally well matched and played some well contested games, whilst consistently demonstrating the values of fair play and good sportsmanship.

Mr Jack Hu, Mr Jamie Garnham, and Mr Ben Richardson Coaches