Locals return as state champs

By Contributed

May 24, 2023

Bob Bevan with Jordan Swann (Berrigan Public School) holding the Bob Bevan Cup and Stuart Beveridge (Riverina Coach).

Four local boys were members of the Riverina AFL boys team which won the NSW PSSA State Championships last week, going through the tournament undefeated.

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Captain of the side was Jordan Swann from Berrigan Public School, with Harvey Pound from Coleambally, Ollie Ryan from Barooga Public School and Tocumwal Public’s Harrison Wilson helping to make up the side competing at Bateman’s Bay.

On the back of their performances, Jordan, Harvey and Ollie have been selected for the state team.

Finley Zone PSSA president Laura Keech said she was incredibly proud of the boys’ achievements.

“It is very competitive to actually make the Riverina side in the first place, and to have four members from our zone in the team is a wonderful accomplishment.

“To then go through the whole competition undefeated to become champions is amazing. This is the first state win for Riverina since 2017.

According to Jordan, the win would not have been possible without the huge effort from the 2022 team, whose third place finish (up from ninth in 2021) meant that this year’s side started in the top pool.

“A huge congratulations must go to Jordan, Harvey and Ollie who were named in the state side,” Keech said.

“With 286 boys vying for only 23 positions, it is a testament to their skills. In addition, Jordan was awarded the Riverina Medal as voted for by the coaching and management team.

“Former Finley local, Bob Bevan, after whom the state winning cup is named, was on hand to present the trophy.

“Bob had a long history of coaching young footballers and involvement with the Finley Zone PSSA. He was very excited that the cup was coming back to the Riverina where it belonged.”