WA Footy Greats Oversee Next Generation of Stars Friday, July 1, 2022 - 11:30 AM - by Mark Readings

WA football greats Barry Cable and Glen Jakovich have fond memories of their junior playing days, and both are proud to be associated with a local junior football competition named in their honour. 

The Senior Schoolboys Cup is a high school competition run by the WAFC (with support from School Sport WA) for Year 11 & 12 boys, with the Cable Division representing the best schools in the Perth metropolitan area (outside of the PSA). 

As a WA football legend, Cable’s name has been associated with the competition for more than three decades. 

The Senior Schoolboys Cup – Cable Division Grand Final saw Comet Bay College play Churchlands Senior High School. 

Both schools were shooting for their second Cable Division titles. 

Comet Bay were the defending champions and undefeated all season, but in the game that mattered they lowered their colours to Churchlands in an entertaining decider. 

Despite a slow start, Churchlands led by 9 points at half time, with Sam van Rooyen proving a key weapon for Churchlands with a dominant performance around the ground taking several contested marks. 

A late surge by Comet Bay proved fruitless as Churchlands ran out winners by 8 points, taking out their second Cable Division Grand Final, 5.7.37 to 4.5.29. 

Cody Angove was named best afield for Churchlands, while Jackson Klepzieg was Comet’s best player. 

The Rhys Kampen Medallist for Best Team Player of the competition was awarded to Kai Humphrey (Churchlands SHS) 

Cable, who rarely misses the Grand Final, was again present to speak to the players and present the winning team with their trophy. 

“It’s always great to see some of these young players begin their football journey. 

Some may become AFL players; others will simply enjoy having a kick with their school mates and the bond that comes from playing our great game. 

It’s an honour to have my name still associated with this great junior competition,” Cable said. 

The former Eagles game record holder was on hand at UWA Sports Park for the Senior Schoolboys Cup-Jakovich Division Grand Final between Swan Christian College and Mandurah Catholic College. 

Both teams played a fast, running game style with Mandurah Catholic College taking full advantage of a slight breeze, kicking 6 goals to 1 in the opening half. 

Swan Christian College had their share of the ball and had more inside 50's but were unable to reduce the margin, eventually losing 8.4.52 to 3.4.22. 

Luke Gill (Mandurah Catholic College) and?Samuel Cameron (Swan Christian College) were named best on ground for their respective schools, and each received a match ball. 

Jakovich spoke to the players following the match before presenting the competition trophy to the Mandurah Catholic College captain and coach. 

The Grand Final brought back great memories for the dual Eagles Premiership player. 

“For me, representing Hamilton Hill Senior High School in the open school competition back in the mid 1980’s was a great thrill when I was a teenager. 

Our school enjoyed great success, winning three consecutive Grand Finals, and we even played a curtain raiser before an Eagles match at the WACA. 

It was also an opportunity for recruiters to assess players with potential to reach the top level,” Jakovich said.  

The event was successful due to the co-operation of several parties. 

School Sport WA and the longstanding partnership between the WAFC and School Sport WA in running the SSC competition. 

Also this week, the Freo Dockers Cup – White Division Grand Final was staged at the home of the Fremantle Football Club in Cockburn. 

Wanneroo Secondary College defeated Melville Senior High School by one point in a thrilling decider, with Olivia Crane best afield for the winners and Indi Strom Melville’s leading player.