Connor Probert

Connor Probert is used to making big decisions and usually they work out.

In 2012 the promising footballer left Auckland Grammar School to attend Sacred Heart College.

In football terms this might seem like an unusual choice. Auckland Grammar has won the National First XI title a record ten times. Why did Probert transfer schools?

“I really like the program here at Sacred Heart. Danny Hay is a fine coach. He is a hard taskmaster who won’t build you up to much, but he knows how to get the most out of you,” Probert says.

Last year Sacred Heart won five trophies.  They won the Beswick Trophy as Auckland premier league champions for just the second time in the school's First XI history, while also safely locked away in the cabinet are the Patrick Dunn Cup (played for among Auckland Catholic schools), the Alex Harvey Cup (after beating 2013 National champions, St Kentigern College in the final), the Knockout Cup and the nationals trophy, won for the first time since 2011 and for just the second time ever by Sacred Heart.

Midfielder Probert scored two goals in the Alex Harvey Cup final, 11 goals in 14 matches during the Premier League season, and played a prominent role in Sacred Heart’s national success.

He scored goals in the round robin games against Christ’s College and Tauranga Boys’ College. In the quarter final against Palmerston North Boys’ High School he scored a goal in regulation time to help Sacred Heart earn a 2-2 draw. In extra time Niko Kirwan and Dylan Bull scored goals as Sacred Heart won 4-2.

In the semi-final, Sacred Heart tamed St. Kentigern’s College 2-0, before winning the final 3-1 against Westlake Boys’ High School, Probert scored a goal in the decider.

“We thought last year would be a rebuilding year,” confesses Probert. “We gelled early on and got better and better. It was an amazing season.”

In addition to school success, Probert was a member of the Western Suburbs senior club that won promotion to the top grade in Auckland. Last year Probert estimates he would have played 70 matches. How does he stay fresh?

“Were are really well managed,” Probert says, “we have rest when required, but I love playing.”

In 2013, Probert was a member of the New Zealand under-15 team that went to Malaysia. Last year he attended the Oceania under-17 championship qualifying tournament in American Samoa. New Zealand won the tourney to earn qualification for the World Championships in Chile in June.

Probert was put under the microscope in the final against Vanuatu. Probert explains what happened.

“James McGarry scored the first goal and we led 1-0. I won a penalty in the second-half, but missed. With five minutes to go they equalised and it went to a penalty shootout. In the penalty shootout it was 4-4 and I was asked to take a penalty to win the game, I didn’t want to, but what choice did I have. I scored and we won, it was a huge relief.”

Probert admits he “doesn’t know what to expect” in Chile, but can’t wait for things to get really busy.

“The college season starts in term two and I think we will have a really strong team. We have a few returnees and a good chemistry in the squad. The New Zealand teams goes into camp in the second week of the school holidays. I can’t wait to see all the boys again, especially the ones who are based overseas.”

 

---