Football celebrated at John James Medal presentation night

August 22, 2025
Featured, News, Sport, Old Collegians, Football

St Patrick’s College Football has gathered in style for its annual John James Medal Presentation Night, with more than 160 guests filling the OCA Pavilion for the gala occasion widely regarded as SPC Football’s night of nights.

The evening recognised the outstanding football achievements across junior, intermediate and senior levels and featured former Geelong footballer and Old Collegian Josh Cowan (SPC 2009) as guest speaker. The celebration also included the presentation of the ACC and BAS 1st XVIII guernseys.

A highlight of the night, emceed by Wes Cusworth, was the presence of Michael James, son of College great and 1961 Brownlow Medallist John James, who proudly presented the 2025 John James Medal to Year 11 student Ethan Drever. The John James Medal is awarded to the player deemed best on ground in the Respect Cup. Ethan was also awarded the W.T. O’Malley trophy after polling the most votes in the 1^st XVIII Best and Fairest count.

SPC 1st XVIII coach Jason Lappin said while 2025 wasn’t the year we had hoped for, results don’t always tell the full story.

“This group has shown resilience, growth, and spirit. And our best performance came when it mattered most — in the Respect Cup against our archrival, St Joseph’s Geelong,” he said.

“That match was a true contest, a dour struggle where every possession counted. You showed grit, teamwork, and belief. That win was about more than football — it was about honouring the tradition of St Pat’s and playing with pride.”

Head of Sport and 1st XVIII coach Jason Lappin.

He also reminded students of the important life lessons football teaches us.

“Boys, footy teaches us more than how to kick, handball, or tackle. It teaches us resilience when results don’t go our way, and it teaches us to value team above self,” he said.

Old Collegian Josh Cowan with emcee Wes Cusworth.

Cowan and SPC Football Coordinator Howard Clark.

Cowan shared insights into resilience, team culture, and the importance of making the most of opportunities.

“Make sure you enjoy it, every opportunity you get, because you might not get to play a lot of footy, you might not get to play with groups of mates ever again,” he said.

“Every opportunity you get to run out and play footy, just make sure you have fun. All those things you worry and stress about, most of the time other people don’t ever think or worry about that so make sure you go out there, have a smile on your face and have fun. Your footy or any other sport will take care of itself.”