The Independent Schools Boys AFL Competition is back for 2025 - and with an extra school and four more teams joining the fray, this season is shaping up to be the biggest and most competitive yet.
A total of 72 teams from 16 schools will contest the competition across Term 2 and Term 3, a reflection of the growing appetite for AFL among the state’s independent schools.
All eyes will be on St Ignatius Riverview, who return as reigning Opens Division 1 premiers after a gritty 50-36 win over Knox Grammar in the 2024 decider. With their trademark discipline and grit, Riverview will be aiming to go back-to-back in 2025.
But the challengers are circling. Waverley College, who were dominant across multiple age groups in 2024 - including a statement win in Year 9/10 Division 1 - are poised to push the traditional powerhouses. With a program boasting 14 teams, Waverley’s strength in numbers could prove crucial in the race for their first Opens premiership.
This weekend’s Opens Division 1 fixtures promise fireworks to kick off the season:
- St Ignatius Riverview vs Waverley
- Newington vs SHORE
- Knox vs St Aloysius
- Cranbrook vs Barker
- Trinity vs St Ignatius Riverview 2
With rivalries intensifying, future stars emerging and more teams than ever involved, 2025 is shaping up as a season to keep an eye on.
Good luck to all players, coaches and schools involved!