First XI makes presence felt, despite narrow Grand Final defeat

They fell just short of the ultimate prize, but Blackfriars’ First XI soccer team has every reason to hold their heads high.

In a season of highs and lows, the boys battled their way through the Sports Association Adelaide Schools (SAAS) competition to earn a place in this year’s Division 1 Grand Final – falling just short to Christian Brothers College, 0-1, at Service FM Stadium on Wednesday afternoon.

After being promoted to Division 1 just last year, and finishing mid-field, the boys stepped it up to make their presence felt in 2025. In May, they won the Intercol match against CBC, 4-1.

Blackfriars’ First XI with Soccer Academy Director Ernie Luongo, assistant coach Jai King-Byrne and coach David Moffa. Picture: Kelly Barnes

“It’s been a very successful year,” Blackfriars Soccer Academy Director Ernie Luongo said.

“We had a great start, a little bit of a mid-season slump and we had some injuries. But then we had a good run towards the Grand Final.

“I knew they would be around the mark this year, because, technically, their skills are phenomenal. Amazing. But it’s just that on Grand Final day, CBC had a plan that worked.

“We had our chances. But chances go. Those moments go. And on the day, when it’s a Grand Final, anything can happen.”

Jacob Thang in action for Blackfriars. Picture: Kelly Barnes

It was Blackfriars’ first Division 1 Grand Final appearance since the Twilight Soccer League was absorbed into the SAAS competition in 2019.

The First XI won the SAAS Division 2 Grand Finals in 2023 and 2021 and the Twilight Soccer League decider in 2015. They were runners-up in 2017.

With about 80% of the team set to graduate this year, Mr Luongo said the 2026 season would be a rebuild.

Alex Battistella in one of his final appearances for Blackfriars. Picture: Kelly Barnes

“I’ve known a lot of those boys since Year 3, 4, 5. So, a long association with that group and we’ve travelled through and now that cycle is ending,” Mr Luongo said.

“We will have a very young squad next year. I can see a core group in our Year 7s, 8s, 9s, 10s – that your next cycle. So, we regroup, redevelop and move through. We’re not having any expectations of finals.”

Mr Luongo paid tribute to First XI coach David Moffa and assistant coach Jai King-Byrne (BPS’19) for a great season: “It has been a great team effort.”

The First XI will be back in action next week in the School Sport SA statewide schools knockout competition, also at Service FM Stadium.

Kalan James was among Blackfriars’ best in the Division 1 SAAS Grand Final. Picture: Kelly Barnes

Meanwhile, as part of Blackfriars’ Old Scholar Business Networking event, Mr Luongo (BPS’82) will tonight (Friday) be one of three guest speakers reflecting on the school’s soccer evolution.

He will be joined by BOSA FC President Ralph Armiento (BPS’88) and Liverpool FC International Academy Australia Director of Football Kevin Grima.

More than 90 old scholars and current First XI players are expected to attend the event, at Adelaide City Soccer Club, which will culminate in a match between Adelaide City and Croatia Raiders, featuring old scholars Jai King-Byrne and Luis Lawrie-Lattanzio (BPS’19).