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John James Medal celebrates proud football tradition

August 21, 2026
Featured, News, Sport, Football

St Patrick’s 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’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.”

Old Collegian and AFL great Drew Petrie (SPC 1995-2000) shared some wonderful insights on both his time at St Pat’s and his AFL journey.

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.”

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.

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.