Old Collegian Sam Lalor’s No. 1 pick in late last year’s AFL Draft was the beginning of big celebrations for some of SPC’s aspiring footballers.
Sam (SPC 2019-22, PY2024) proved forecasters correct with his first-up pick to the Richmond Football Club.
Year 12 student Ollie Hannaford followed at pick 18 for the GWS Giants, while classmate Jack Ough was selected soon after, at pick no. 36.
It was a tense wait though for fellow Year 12 classmate Harry Charleson, who had to wait until the next day to be chosen in the AFL Rookie Draft at pick no. 9 by Carlton.
Six months on, and Sam Lalor has excelled for the Tigers, recording 18 disposals and kicking two goals in front of a crowd of 80,009 people at the MCG in a 13-point victory over Carlton on debut, earning him a rising star nomination for round one.
The powerful midfielder-forward suffered a major setback with a hamstring injury in round 11 against Essendon, and is expected to be out for up to six weeks.
Ollie Hannaford, Jack Ough and Harry Charleson are each working hard for their opportunities to debut.
Despite living away from home as a boarder for three years, the College’s former Boarding Captain is living a dream.
“Life has been very different,” Ollie says.
“I’ve moved out of home, I am living with three other young footballers. And football is now my job! I love it. Whilst I do still love when I get the opportunity to catch up with family and friends from back home.”
Ollie said he has encountered several challenges in stepping into the AFL environment.
“Moving away from family and friends … and I have spent quite a few weeks in rehab after undergoing surgery on my wrist and ankle.
“It can be really isolating at times, times where I would love to just sit on the couch at home with my family. But the club at GWS are like another family to me. So supportive and they look after me very well. Whilst it is challenging, I think that GWS is the best place I could’ve landed.”
While Ollie is no stranger to routine, his typical day is now focused solely on football.
“On a main training day, I get to the club at 7am. I have team/opposition meetings and then I go out and train. I have lunch at midday and from there we would do line meetings, Pilates and spend some time in the gym and also doing some craft.”
Ollie has a clear personal goal for his first AFL season.
“To rehab well and get back to playing some good footy by the end of the year!,” he said.
Likewise, Jack Ough has found there to be some challenges stepping into the AFL environment.
“Probably the overall physical load, with the amount of sessions and the high level of intensity each one is expected to be at, as well as the mental loads with understanding structures and game plans, and also dealing with the stress and pressure of being a footballer,” he says.
Jack remembers the moment he was drafted as feeling quite surreal.
“It honestly didn’t feel real at first. I remember just sitting there, kind of stunned. It was everything I’d dreamed of since I could remember and suddenly it was happening.
“It was probably the best moment of my life but I also knew it was just the beginning.”
Jack is thankful for the many positive influences he encountered during his time as a student at St Pat’s.
In my time at St Pat’s, I was super lucky with the mentors I had. Some that stand out in the classroom were Mr (John) Richards and Mr (Shane) Murphy whose enthusiasm to teach not only being a good student, but a good young man I’m grateful for.
“In a footballing sense Mr (Jason) Lappin and Mr (Howard) Clark were incredible and their dedication and love of the game I’ll forever cherish.”
Equally, Jack says he has been fortunate to have received great support at his new club, the Giants.
“Stephen Coniglio (GWS teammate) has been unreal, (he’s) taken me under his wing, and I’ve learnt so much from his professionalism and attention to detail.
“Also the way he carries himself as a leader of the club, and his caring nature is incredible and something I look up to.”
St Patrick’s College has a long and proud footballing tradition, having educated 121 VFL/AFL football players since 1893, with at least a dozen currently playing at this elite level in 2025.
