Hallam Senior College football captains Matthew Rennie, Kevin Kean and Ryan Morrison are set to play on the MCG on Saturday. 84049 Picture: DONNA OATES
By JARROD POTTER
HALLAM Senior College takes to the MCG on Saturday to defend its School Sports Victoria Premier League championship.
Hallam takes one of their strongest teams into the match against Essendon-Keilor College, with 14 players in the TAC Cup system.
The side features 12 listed players with the Dandenong Stingrays – including Hallam captains Ryan Morrison and Matt Rennie – and two players from the Eastern Ranges, making for one of the strongest school teams in the country.
The important aspects for Hallam coach Mark Wheeler are to begin strongly and not get overawed by the occasion.
“Need to have a quick start,” Wheeler said. “If you don’t have a quick start on the MCG, they’ll jump us.
“They (Essendon Keilor) have got a few players on Calder Cannons’ list as well, so they’re going to be a tough side to face.
“The main thing the boys need to remember is there is still grass and poles at either end of the MCG and that they have to enjoy it.”
For a lucky five players, this will be their second time onto the hallowed surface and Wheeler expects them to guide the younger players through the experience.
“Out of the year 12 boys, five have already played this there,” Wheeler said. “It’s a great honour to play there as not many get to play on the MCG.
“The biggest challenge for us is to work through the process and work hard for 20 minutes each quarter.
“We give ourselves a good chance if we prepare well.”
Hallam faces Essendon-Keilor at 10.30am on Saturday as a curtain-raiser to the Collingwood-Hawthorn blockbuster.
