Australian Rules program growing by leaps and bounds Courtesy of a hard-fought, nail-biting, one-point extra-time victory against Knox Grammar in July at Gore Hill, the 1st XVIII qualified for the 2022 AAGPS Grand Final. The much-anticipated decider took place at 7.00pm on Friday 5 August at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium in Carlton, an impressive venue at which the boys were excited to perform. The boys took on Saint Ignatius’ College for the premiership and a place in the state finals in September. The finals are a new initiative from the AFL. St Ignatius’ was too strong on the night, but that does not diminish the achievements of the Newington Australian Rules program in 2022. The 1st XVIII was undefeated at the end of the season proper, having drawn with St Ignatius’ in round two and beaten Knox Grammar School on two occasions by just one point – which included the semi-final game. Most games were played under lights on a Friday night. Felix Rugge-Price, Hayden Forner, George Boyd and Bili Robertson were outstanding during the season. The College fielded six teams in the 2022 season – a Year 5/6 team from both Wyvern and Lindfield, two Year 9/10 teams and a 1st and 2nd XVIII. To cap the season, the first official game of Australian rules football was played on Newington soil on Saturday 13 August, with the friendly fixture against St Ignatius’ held on Buchanan Oval for Back to Newington Day. Rev Geordie Barham Director of AFL, Chaplain Images from the top to bottom: Max Negri kicks for goal; Bili Robertson handballs; George Boyd interviewed by former Sydney Swans player Callum Sinclair; Newington supporters in fine voice at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium.