Just prior to Christmas, Blake Caracella and Daniel Harford returned to their old school to be honoured with having their names attached to the Coaches Boxes on the new Waterford Oval.

Both completed their schooling at the College in 1994 as highly decorated students. Both represented the College in the victorious Herald Shield winning team, Daniel as captain. Both excelled in a number of sports beyond football, Daniel in Cricket and Blake in golf and swimming.

Family and friends enjoyed an afternoon tea where College Principal, Andy Kuppe, presented both men. They responded with great pride and humility on the honour extended. Andy was also able to formally welcome the coaching staff of the Northern Knights Football club who officially will call the Waterford Oval their home base for the 2023 season. 

Both Blake and Daniel played in the TAC Cup with the Knights where they were first drafted to the AFL in 1994. Daniel at Pick 8 and Blake at Pick 10 in that year’s draft. Ironically Knights men’s coach for 2023 Anthony Rocca played with Daniel and Blake in the Northern Knights in 1994 before being drafted to Sydney.

Daniel forged an excellent AFL career playing 153 games for the Hawthorn Football Club and 9 with Carlton. He went on to forge a coaching career with Balwyn in the Eastern Football League, St Kevin’s Old Collegians and the Carlton AFLW team. He is also very prominent in the sports media industry as host of SEN’s breakfast program and commentary on 3AW. 

Blake played in two AFL premierships with Essendon (2000) and the Brisbane Lions (2003) in a 187-game career with Essendon, Brisbane and Collingwood where he kicked 228 goals. His career was cut short by a serious neck injury at Collingwood. Blake has forged a very successful coaching career at the AFL as a Senior assistant at Collingwood, Geelong, Richmond and currently back at Essendon.

We at the OPA and the College are very proud of these two Old Paradians.