Now in its second year, the match was played at Varley Oval in Inverell on Thursday after the two teams qualified for the final via regional gala days.

Inverell High captain Angus Lindsay could not have been more proud of his side’s display.

The final score was 14.8-92  to 8.14-68.

“Not quite double the score but the boys played well. Probably [the] second quarter would have been best. We worked well as a team and didn't drop the ball much,” he said.

St Mary’s captain Hayden Baker was happy with the result, given his side’s inexperience.

“I think the third quarter was our most dominate. Everyone picked up the game and learned the rules a bit and did well,” he said. “Our commitment to the ball stood out.”

North West development manager Matthew Crawley​ was impressed with both teams and said if the St Mary’s had kicked straighter it could have been a different result.

Crawley said the idea for the Sam Naismith Cup came from AFL North West development officer Sonia Martin.

“I then approached the Sydney Swans to ask Sam if we could use his name and he was cool with it,” he said.

Since then, interest in the event has grown, as the competition is open to any school in the North West. Schools participate in gala days, and the winners of each day qualifies for the grand final.

McCarthy College Tamworth had to pull out of the youth girls grand final on Thursday against Inverell High School, but match should be played at a later date.