This Friday’s two remaining Grand Finals, the William Buck Premier Men’s and Premier Men’s Reserves bring to a close the 2025 season.
On the success of the 2024 initiative, we will again showcase our premier Men’s two senior games on our “closing day” this Friday being Melbourne’s public holiday in advance of the AFL grand final.
I acknowledge this extends the season by another week and in doing so we ask a lot of our member clubs and in particular players, coaches, committee and volunteers. However, we are excited to showcase the VAFA to all football lovers and utilize the holiday to be the only Metropolitan competition playing our great game. We had an impressive crowd in 2024 and are preparing for similar numbers on Friday.
Let’s hope the weather gods are kind and the crowds come to Elsternwick Park and enjoy the games; they promise to be two high quality contests.
I take this opportunity to thank all clubs involved on Friday for their cooperation and wish them all the very best: Old Brighton, Old Scotch, Old Xaverians and SKOB.
Looking to the William Buck Premier game we again have Old Brighton and Old Scotch battling it out, one the defending premier and the other hoping to win their 1st ever William Buck Premier premiership. Old Brighton have been the best performed team all season whilst Old Scotch came hard late in the season and have played some gripping football and now set themselves to defend their title.
The Reserves season has been dominated by the Old Xaverians, however archrival SKOB cannot be underestimated.
I had the pleasure of witnessing our William Buck Premier Women’s GF’s on Sunday and marveled at the standard of the game and the rapid development of the players. Old Scotch Stars and Caulfield Grammarians have wonderful programs enabling players to fast track their development, love of the game and their commitment to club. Congratulations to Old Scotch Stars winning both games, an exceptional achievement.
In 2025 our 67 clubs fielded a combined 307 teams, this resulted in 2,616 games including the finals. The competition comprised a total of 11,600 players of which 2,700 played in our women’s program. The season commenced on Friday 4th April and concludes this Friday, 26th September, running a combined 176 days, and adding to that the club preseasons and that is a lot of football. Games were officiated by our 610 umpires and as we know our competition spans greater Melbourne, across 23 LGA’s.
I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate all premiership teams, in particular the players, coaches and support staff. The season has been long and has presented challenges, however that’s what makes winning a premiership all the more special.
Paul NewtonVAFA President
A lot is asked of our Umpires, and I take this opportunity to thank them for their commitment and service, as stated we play games across metropolitan Melbourne and like the clubs this represents a lot of travel for the umpires. They do a great job often in trying circumstances; our unique game is recognized as difficult to officiate, and we thank them for their tireless efforts.
The Board was thrilled to provide Representative Football as part of the 2025 season with senior men’s and women’s matches at home to Perth FL, whist our B-D3 men and U19’s ventured to Bendigo to take on the best of the Bendigo FL. The program coincided with the celebration of 100 years of Big V football, commencing with the Big V Gala Dinner, Thursday 10 July at Centrepiece at Melbourne Park. Despite it being a cold winter’s evening, we welcomed 500 plus to an unforgettable evening that honoured the rich legacy and spirit of the Big V. Past players, coaches, clubs, and the broader VAFA community gathered to celebrate a century of history, pride, and passion. The Board is indebted to the VAFA administration, capably led by our CEO Jason Reddick. I have witnessed first-hand the many hours Jason and his team put in to ensure the competition meets club expectations in line with our rules and integrity. I am proud of this team and take this opportunity to acknowledge their professionalism and commitment.
In closing, thank you all for your commitment to the VAFA, I hope 2025 has delivered memories that you will treasure. Best of luck to the teams competing this Friday and I hope to see many of you at the VAFA Awards Night on Wednesday 8th October at Lakeside Pavilion Albert Park. We will announce the Best & Fairest recipients as well as a host of other medals to be awarded. Premiership Flags will also be presented and encourage all premiership players, coaches, and volunteers to attend.
Tickets can be purchased online at : https://www.vafa.com.au/ news/events/2025-vafa-awards-night/
WILLIAM BUCK PREMIER MEN’S
Jason Bennett
William Buck Premier Men’s Grand Final Preview –
Old
Brighton vs Old Scotch
For just the third time this century, we have the same two teams meeting in consecutive Premier Men’s Grand Finals.
St Bernard’s and Old Xaverians met in 2002-03, with the Snowdogs winning Part 1, then Xavs turning the tables the following season.
Then, in 2017-18, it was St Kevin’s & Collegians, with SKOB winning two nail-biting classics by 3 and 5 points, respectively.
In 2025, it’s Old Brighton and Old Scotch running it back and there are captivating storylines on both sides.
Old Brighton (17-2) is chasing a piece of history that has slipped through their fingers twice in the past three seasons –their FIRST Premier Men’s premiership – in what will be their fourth A-Grade Grand Final.
In their three previous Grand Final losses, they squandered their chances around goal, finishing with more behinds than goals and were left to rue those missed opportunities.
In 2007, they kicked 10.16 to be well beaten by Old Xavs.
In 2022, they booted 3.6 to fall 22 points shy of St Kevin’s in a low-scoring slog.
Last year, their wasteful first half proved costly against the Cards, when they had 16 shots to 13 in the opening two quarters but kicked 6.10 to 8.5 and trailed by 7 points at the half. In the end, they finished with 27 shots to 25, but fell three goals short of hoisting the cup, kicking 10.17 to Old Scotch’s 14.11.
The Tonners have paid their dues. Have they learnt their lessons?
Earlier this season, they kicked 8.28 against the Cards, including 0.9 in the opening term. The pressure and tension will be unbearable if they start the Grand Final in a similar fashion!
Old Scotch (11-9) is chasing its eleventh Premier Men’s title, having ended a 46-year drought last season.
The Cards know all about Grand Finals slipping through their fingers, given they had lost 6 of their previous 7 premiership deciders over the past 90 years. It made last season’s triumph all the sweeter as they finally seized their opportunity for the first time since 1978.
If they can win it again, they’ll go back-to-back for the first time since their glorious four-in-a-row dynasty of 1931-34.
THE ROAD TO THE GRAND FINAL
Both teams enter on winning runs, full of confidence and belief. But their paths could barely be more different.
Old Brighton finished on top, with a 16-2 record for the second straight season.
Just as they did in 2024, the Tonners then saluted in the Second Semi Final, earning the week’s rest with an express pass to Grand Final Day. Their season could barely have gone smoother.
But Old Scotch had to defy massive odds to get anywhere near September, let alone Grand Final Day.
The Cardinals sat three games (plus 14%) behind the fourthplaced Bloods with just three games to play. No one plays finals from there!
However, the Bloods and Blacks both faltered late, and the Cardinals stormed home to secure a spot in the Final 4 with three critical wins that enabled them to sneak in with a 9-9 record – the fewest wins to make the Premier Men’s Finals in more than 15 years.
They subsequently accounted for SKOB by 23 points in the First Semi Final, before coming from the clouds to pinch an epic Preliminary Final from Xavs by a single point with the final kick of the game last week.
The Cards arrive at Grand Final Day having effectively played five consecutive Elimination Finals!
Can they ride that wave of momentum all the way to another premiership, or will the best team across the course of the entire season cap another stellar campaign with a historic win?
2025 MEETINGS
RD 5: OLD BRIGHTON 8.28 (76) d. OLD SCOTCH 4.7 (31) by 45pts at Brighton Beach Oval
The Tonners reversed last season’s Premier Men’s Grand Final result to remain undefeated in 2025 with an emphatic win over the Cardinals for a 13th straight win at Fortress Brighton.
The margin could have been much greater, with 36 scores to 11 a clearer indication of the Tonners’ dominance.
Skipper Harry Hill was everywhere with 37 disposals (26 Contested, 13 Clearances) and a goal. He was ably supported by Kai Dimattina with 33. Sam Grant worked tirelessly in the
ruck to be best for the undermanned Cards, who have dropped their last 3 to sit 8th on the table.
RD 13: OLD BRIGHTON 13.17 (95) d. OLD SCOTCH 8.12 (60) by 35pts at Camberwell
The Cards had their uncontested and intercept games going early, leading by 15 points at the first change, before the visitors started to take control midway through the second term.
The tight contest continued in the third term, with Old Brighton holding a slight edge heading to the last change after kicking 4.5 to 2.3 – Sam Fanning with 2 goals in the quarter for the Tonners, who led by 16 points at three-quarter time.
Their start to the final term was impressive, holding Old Scotch scoreless until the 18-minute mark while booting 3.2 themselves to effectively put the game to bed.
Big V captain Harry Hill was refreshed after the week’s break and was a standout with 30 disposals and 3 goals to collect the SKINS Player of the Day Award, as his team remained alongside Xavs at the top of the table. Brodie Easton racked up 35 touches and 9 Rebound 50s for the Cardinals.
KEYS TO THE GAME
OLD BRIGHTON – Daniel Ward, 2024 Premier B premiership coach
EXECUTION – Marcel Bruin and his coaching staff would be very pleased with their preparation and how smoothly things have gone to date. They don’t need to change too much - just execute their roles from an individual and team perspective. Be reliable, not remarkable!
MIDFIELD DOMINATION – It’s crucial that Felix Flockart, Harry Hill, Tom Fisher & Tom Burnell control the middle of the ground so the Tonners can dominate territory and keep Old Scotch’s defensive group under constant pressure.
BALL USE GOING FORWARD – Not only do they need to play a front-half game, the WAY they go forward is the MOST CRUCIAL aspect of this entire game. Scotch’s strength is their defence and its ability to set up devastating counter-attacks. Charlie Cormack is the best in the entire competition at reading the ball in the air and getting across to help his fellow defenders. If Old Brighton can lower their eyes going forward and hit up leading targets, that will make Cormack’s aerial ability null and void. Avoid long high bombs Inside 50!
OLD SCOTCH – Hugo Higginbotham, two-time Elsternwick premiership coach
DEFENCE WINS YOU THE CUP – If superstar Cards defender Charlie Cormack and his fellow backs hadn’t been able to repel multiple Xavs entries in the last quarter under immense pressure, the game would’ve been unsalvageable - even so, they conceded 14 goals.
Against a high-scoring Tonners team that finished the homeand-away season with the highest percentage, they’ll have to be just as good - and if they can hold back the tide again when the Tonners are pressing, that will go a long way to securing back-to-back premierships.
THE BATTLE OF THE BIGS – Sam Grant vs Felix Flockart will be THE pivotal contest of the day. Both are elite ruckmen, regularly providing their midfielders with first use of the ball. But it’s their around-the-ground work that could decide this game. Grant is at his best when he slides behind the footy to rack up intercept marks (often contested in high-pressure situations). But Flockart is just as dangerous drifting forward. Can one get on top of the other inside the Tonners’ Forward 50? If so, it may prove decisive.
DON’T GET BEATEN BY WHAT YOU KNOW – Cardinal forwards James Tarrant & Will Clark are two of the league’s most dangerous. They’ve repeatedly shown they can hit the scoreboard against the best defenders in the competition.
But it was Angus Jones’ 5 goals (after booting 3 in the First Semi) that won Old Scotch the Prelim Final. However, the young gun’s past fortnight will have put him squarely on Marcel Bruin’s whiteboard. He will now be the player the Tonners put the most time & effort into nullifying, so Old Scotch needs to ensure a healthy spread of goalkickers to share the load and kick a winning score.
IT’S NOT OVER ‘TIL IT’S OVER – The Cardinals have played Elimination Finals for the past 5 weeks. One slip along the way and their premiership defence would have been over. Down by 11 points in the dying stages last week, they kept the faith, stuck to their processes and found a way to win.
They need to maintain that belief that the training and execution that has kept them alive week after week is good enough to take them all the way, no matter the situation in the game. Their remarkable resilience might just get them over the line one more time.
LEAD-IN FORM
• OLD BRIGHTON - WON LAST 7 by an average of 43pts
• OLD SCOTCH - WON LAST 5 by an average of 38pts
VAFA MEDIA TIPS
DANIEL WARDOLD BRIGHTON by 15pts
Jock Nelson Medal: Felix FLOCKART
HUGO HIGGINBOTHAMOLD BRIGHTON by 5pts
Jock Nelson Medal: Harry HILL
PADDY GRINDLAYOLD BRIGHTON by 23pts
Jock Nelson Medal: Joey CAMPIGLI
MATTHEW DONALDOLD SCOTCH by 8pts
Jock Nelson Medal: Charlie CORMACK
WILLIAM BUCK PREMIER MEN’S GRAND FINAL: FRIDAY 2.30pm (Elsternwick Park) – live coverage from 2pm LIVE
GRAND FINAL CLUB REVIEW - OLD BRIGHTON
Old Brighton first entered the VAFA as Old Brightonians in the 1920s and 30s before returning to the Ammos in their current form in 1957. They began in F-Section (Division 2 these days), and their first senior premiership came 20 years later when they claimed the 1977 Division 1 title.
The core of that group went on to win the 1980 Premier C flag 3 years later, which saw them elevated to Premier B.
It would take the Tonners 17 years to win the Premier B crown in 1997. A stint in A-Grade saw them make the 2007 Grand Final before returning to Premier B and winning the 2013 flag six years later.
They slid back to Premier B for three years, claimed a third premiership in 2017, and have been in the top tier ever since.
In 2024, they finished as minor premiers, an impressive 3.5 games ahead of St Kevin’s, whom they defeated in a 6-point Second SemiFinal thriller to go straight through to their second William Buck Premier Men’s Grand Final in three years, but fell 3 goals short of Old Scotch.
Twelve months later, they return for their third Grand Final in four seasons, having once again claimed the minor premiership and advanced straight to the decider via the Second Semi. Even their Grand Final Day opposition will be the same as 2024.
But the Tonners will be fiercely determined to ensure that the ultimate result is very different.
Old Scotch has been a VAFA stalwart since 1921 and, except for the 6 years of World War II, has competed continuously ever since.
Their 35 straight years in the top flight until the end of 2015 remain the longest continuous stint of any club in VAFA history, and they have never slipped further than B-Grade.
They are chasing an impressive eleventh A-Grade flag in 2025 after breaking their 46-year drought last season, having previously lost 6 of their 7 A-Grade Finals in the 9 decades since 1934.
If they can come from fourth to snatch the cup again in 2025, it will be their first back-to-back triumph since that glorious 4-in-a-row dynasty of the 1930s.
The club won the Premier Double in 2024, winning both Premier Men’s and Premier Women’s.
Their women claimed back-to-back glory last weekend. If their men can follow suit, Old Scotch will become the first club in VAFA history to win simultaneous back-to-back top-flight premierships in both the men’s and women’s competitions.
PREMIER DATA STAT LEADERS
DISPOSALS: Brodie Easton459
Henry Brown458
Charlie Cormack451
Jack Lipscombe419 Ben Hays388
CLEARANCES: Henry Brown129
Aidan Franetic101
Sam Grant79
Brodie Easton75
Will Clark66
TACKLES: Henry Brown102
Jake Torney94
Brodie Easton82
Andy Jelbart66
Aidan Franetic53
REBOUND 50s: Charlie Cormack105
Brodie Easton70
Jack Brown60
Ben Hays48
Jack Lipscombe39
INTERCEPT MARKS: Charlie Cormack62
Jack Brown59
Sam Grant40
Ryan Walsh23 Max Suttle21
MARKS: Ben Hays126
Brodie Easton120
Will Clark104
Jack Brown100
Charlie Cormack100
INSIDE 50s: Henry Brown84
Brodie Easton65
Aidan Franetic57
Ben Hays54
Jack Lipscombe54
MARKS I50: Will Clark37
James Tarrant29
Fraser Morrisby21
Tyler Sellers 18
Angus Jones13
GOALKICKERS: Will Clark31
James Tarrant26
Angus Jones15
Fraser Morrisby14
Tyler Sellers 14
Paul Newton
Dyl Buckley
Sam McClure
Paddy Grindlay
Marmalade
Tom Morris
WILLIAM BUCK PREMIER MEN’S
OLD BRIGHTON
Senior Coach: Marcel Bruin
Assistant Coaches: Luke Daffy, Michael Holland, Josh Homann
No.NameGB
1Tom Burnell
2Jordan Segar
3Tom Yorgey
4Harry Hill
5Campbell Tweedie
6Tom Fisher
7Jamie Hope
11Felix Flockart
13Finn Campigli
15Kai Dimmatina
16Hamish Dick
19Jonah Campigli
20Louis Butler
22Max Lohan
23Michael Karayannis
24Ben Pryor
26Quintin Montanaro
29Fraser Gregson
31Sam Linder
40Angus Edgar
41Luca Macnab
45Luke Travers
61Gus Corke
64Will Lewis
77Alfred Jarnestrom
OLD SCOTCH
Senior Coach: Mark Gnatt
Assistant Coaches: Andrew Millar and Rhett Wilsmore
No.NameGB
1Andrew Jelbart (C)
2Henry Brown
4Ben Hays
6Angus Symons
7Jack Lipscombe
8Alex Noblet
10Jack Brown
11Aidan Franetic
12James Tarrant
15Will Townsend
22Doug Lawrence
24Charlie Cormack
26Jack Torney
27Ryan Walsh
31Lachlan Dennis
32Brodie Easton (VC)
33James Braddy
35Harry Stubbings
39Sam Grant
40Hamish Wild
41Tom Farrer
42Nelson Troon
44Will Clark
49Angus Jones
53Charlie Schilling
59Ollie Badr
WILLIAM BUCK PREMIER RESERVE
OLD XAVERIANS
Senior
ST KEVIN’S
WILLIAM BUCK PREMIER
Jason Bennett
Cardinals through to the decider after classic last-kick Preliminary Final
One of the great William Buck Premier Men’s Preliminary Finals was decided by the last kick of the day, with Old Scotch breaking Old Xavs’ hearts by just one point to keep their back-to-back dream alive and secure a second consecutive Grand Final clash with Old Brighton.
A healthy crowd was treated to one of the best VAFA finals of the modern era as the Cards & Xavs went stride for stride all the way to the final siren in an epic Preliminary Final at Elsternwick Park. It turned out to be a 28-goal classic which, incredibly, was tied at quarter time, and had 1-point margins at three-quarter time and the final siren. Both sides brought their strengths into play early and counter-balanced each other almost perfectly in the opening term.
Xavs had a slight edge on the deck (+10 Ground Balls) and for Marks Inside 50 (7-2) as expected, while the Cards’ intercept game was typically on song (7-3 Intercept Marks). But in virtually every other category, the numbers matched relatively evenly, and the scoreboard duly reflected it.
The Cards went coast-to-coast from the first kick-in of the game, with livewire small forward Angus Jones opening the scoring with a goal for the Cards 3 minutes in. This was countered by Charlie MacIsaac’s first major for Xavs 5 minutes later – both players looking dangerous at their respective ends of the ground (MacIsaac with 4 marks Inside 50 for the quarter). Tom Farrar crumbed an immediate response for Old Scotch, before Xavs started to get the upper hand.
Julian Gangi found MacIsaac on the lead for his second goal, and the Red & Black faithful started to find their voice as their team grabbed the initiative when Connor Dunne threw his boot at a loose ball in the goalsquare to give Xavs an 8-point buffer.
But Rhys Galvin closed the gap back to within a kick with an intercept and long-range running goal at the 28-minute mark and the two teams headed to the opening change locked together. Clean disposals were harder to find in the second term as both sides ratcheted up the pressure. The Cards tried to get their uncontested game going (17 Uncontested Marks to 3), but it was Old Xavs on top inside the contest, and they started to gain territorial dominance (12 Inside 50s to 7).
They booted 3 of the first 4 goals of the quarter, including MacIsaac’s third, following an intercept by big man Alec Spralja at centre half-forward. The margin snuck back out to 13 points when Ben Bilston-McGillen slotted a goal from 35 out, and, after conceding 6 of the first 7 scores of the term, it was time for Old Scotch to dig in and respond.
The Cards came up with the final three scores of the first half, but all were behinds as they stabilised their half-time deficit at 12 points. Alex Noblet (17 disposals) and Marcus Stavrou (16) were the main ball-winners of the opening half, while Charlie MacIsaac’s 11 possessions, 6 marks and 3 goals has stamped him as the most likely-looking forward on the ground.
With their season at stake, the Cardinals came out firing in the third quarter to take control of the game by making the most of the chances that had gone begging in the first half. They would boot 5 goals in a withering 9-and-a-half minutes of football, with Angus Jones and James Tarrant contributing two apiece as the reigning champs found another gear, turning their 12-point deficit into a 17-point lead and threatening to run away with the game.
Suddenly, it was Xavs needing to steady and respond, and they did so superbly via 2 goals in a minute to Connor Dunne and Jack O’Sullivan to close back within 4 points entering time-on. Scores from Turnover had been the name of the game all afternoon, and this continued in the third term, with 10 of the 13 scores for the quarter coming from pouncing on loose play from the opposition. Will Clark re-established a 10-point advantage for the Cards with a strong mark and goal from outside the arc, but 2 goals in two minutes to Hayden Woodhouse (his second) and Jack O’Sullivan (his second for the term) saw Xavs edge their noses back in front by a single point at the final change. The stage was set for a grandstand finish.
The big forwards at both ends had been threatening to grab the game by the scruff of the neck for much of the day, and when Will Clark ‘called his shot’ and launched a bomb from inside the centre square 2 minutes in, he had 3 goals and the Cards were back in front by 5 points. Enter Xavs’ big forwards at the other end. MacIsaac converted on the lead from 45 out for his fourth, then Ed Delaney ripped down a strong contested mark in the goalsquare, and it was Xavs by a goal with 10 minutes gone.
FINALS RESULTS
WILLIAM BUCK PREMIER MEN’S
Xaverians:
GOALS: Old Xaverians: C. MacIsaac 5, J. O’sullivan 3, H. Woodhouse 2, C. Dunne 2, M. Stavrou 1, B. Bilston-McGillen 1
GOALS: Old Scotch: A. Jones 5, W. Clark 3, J. Tarrant 3, T. Farrer 2, R. Galvin 1
BEST: Old Xaverians: M. Stavrou, C. Westcott, J. O’sullivan, E. Delany, C. Lane, C. Dunne
BEST: Old Scotch: A. Jones, O. Badr, H. Stubbings, S. Grant, C. Cormack, A. Jelbart
WILLIAM BUCK PREMIER MEN’S RESERVE
St Kevin’s:
Old Brighton:
That lead doubled when the ever-influential Marcus Stavrou slotted a superb shot from deep in the right forward pocket, and Xavs looked to be on the verge of potentially breaking the game open. But the Cards weren’t done yet, taking it straight out of the centre and launching it Inside 50. A scramble ensued, James Tarrant was legged, a 50-metre penalty paid for dissent, and he duly reduced the margin back to a straight kick once again at the 13-minute mark.
Goals then became hard to come by, and the next 15 minutes was tight, tense football with both teams desperately throwing everything at each other. So, when Xavs won a boundary throw-in from smack bang on centre wing and launched it long into an open Forward 50, Jack O’Sullivan’s bouncing goal from the top of the goalsquare (his third for the second half) looked to be a real body blow for the Cards, who were back to 11 points down at the 28-minute mark.
However, the resilience of the reigning champs has been on full display for the past 5 weeks, and they responded with the perfect centre break just when they needed it most. Ruck Sam Grant punched it forward, Andy Jelbart ran onto the bouncing ball, and gave it off to Tom Farrer streaming past. He nailed the pressure shot on the run from 40 metres out. The entire play took 10 seconds from the ball leaving the umpire’s hands, and it was back to a 5-point game. The following four minutes were agonising for fans of both teams, as Xavs’ fans willed the siren to sound while Cards’ fans prayed for a miracle.
In the end, it would come down to one last foray forward for the Cardinals at the 32-minute mark. A throw-in 60 metres out from the Cards’ goal at right half-forward saw a quick kick from Xavs intercepted by Will Townsend on the wing. He drove it long to a huge pack 30 metres from goal, Brodie Easton swooped on the crumb, and his high kick to the top of the goalsquare was crumbed by Angus Jones, who swung onto his right boot and snapped through his fifth goal from 20 metres out as the Scotch fans behind the goals lost their collective minds.
Exhausted Xavs players slumped to the ground in unison, united in their disbelief at somehow surrendering a lead they’d given their all to protect for most of the afternoon. The ball was returned to the centre, and after two further ball-ups chewed up 25 precious seconds, the final siren sounded.
(16)
GOALS: St Kevin’s: T. Williams 5, H. Lefoe 2, Z. Greenham 2, L. Mazzeo 2, J. Ball 2, X. Duke 2, W. Pearce 2, T. Feehan 1, S. Jones 1
GOALS: Old Brighton: T. Marriott 1, B. Branson 1
BEST: St Kevin’s: H. Reimers, W. Pfeiffer, o. white, J. Ball, H. Lefoe, T. Williams
BEST: Old Brighton: N. Hannah, R. Agg, E. Avis, L. McCluskey, T. Howden, H. Hynes
Utter devastation for Xavs, who lose their fifth consecutive top-flight final since 2016, and by the barest possible margin to what was literally the last kick of the game. Total jubilation for the Cards, who miraculously pulled victory from the jaws of defeat, and closed to within four quarters of the most unlikely of premiership defences, given they were three games plus 14% out of the Top 4 with just three games to play.
Sam Grant was magnificent in the ruck once again, with 16 disposals, 49 hit-outs and 4 Goal Involvements, while Harry Stubbings and Alex Noblet combined for 59 disposals for the Cards. Angus Jones was the last-gasp hero – his matchwinning 5-goal performance following on from his 3 goals last week.
Marcus Stavrou worked tirelessly for Xavs to finish with 31 disposals, 5 clearances and a goal. He was ably supported by the hard-running Campbell Lane with 27 touches, 6 Rebound 50s and 8 Inside 50s. Charlie MacIsaac was the best key forward on the ground, finishing with 15 disposals, 7 marks and 4 goals.
The final numbers reinforced the evenness of this incredible contest:
TOTAL DISPOSALS:
326-324 Old Xavs
CONTESTED POSSESSIONS: 150-150
INTERCEPT POSSESSIONS: 83-85 Old Scotch HARD BALL GETS: 26-24 Old Xavs
TURNOVERS: 90-88 Old Xavs
Finals at any level can’t get much more gripping than this.
WILLIAM BUCK PREMIER WOMEN’S
Scotch Stars go back-to-back
Old Scotch have claimed the 2025 VAFA William Buck Premier Women’s premiership in a thrilling five-point win over Caulfield Grammarians, 4.9 (33) to 4.4 (28), at the end of an intense contest that tested the nerves of players, coaches, and supporters alike. The 2024 premiers had a testing 2025 season but achieved the rare feat of back-to-back Women’s premierships.
Caulfield started the stronger of the two sides, taking a seven-point lead into quarter time with Isla Mottram and Olivia Rundle instrumental in the Field’s gaining ascendancy. By half time, however, the Cardinals had worked their way into the game, lifting their clearance work and forward efficiency to edge ahead 3.2 (20) to 2.4 (16).
The third quarter proved pivotal. The 2024 premiers dominated territory and added 1.6 while holding Caulfield scoreless, establishing what looked like a match-winning 16-point lead at the final change. However, the Fields weren’t finished, with the wind at their backs and renewed intensity, they surged forward repeatedly in the last quarter, cutting the margin to just five points. Despite relentless pressure, Old Scotch’s defence held firm across the final 10 minutes to secure the premiership.
For Old Scotch, Jordan Mifsud was once again outstanding on the big stage, booting two goals and earning best-on-ground honours for the second consecutive grand final. She was well supported by Katie Hunter-Scott and Emily Tassiopoulos, while Mia Cowan and Lucy Murphy added vital goals.
Caulfield’s fight was led by Isla Mottram, Olivia Rundle and Chloe O’Malley, with O’Malley, Ebony Angelopoulos, Nat Barbara and Marguerite Purcell each contributing majors.
Caulfield Grammarians coach Danielle Di Stefano praised her team’s growth across the season.
“Obviously we are disappointed with the loss but really pleased with our season overall. Our goal was to compete with and beat some of the best and I think we were able to do that. Our strong start and pressure were pleasing, but ultimately our inability to capitalise on inside 50s let us down. While the loss hurts, I know this has made the group even hungrier for ultimate success.”
Old Scotch coach Dean Anderson reflected on his side’s resilience in the face of a late Caulfield surge.
“The game was tight, testing everyone’s nerve and capacity to hang in there. Clearances and effective use post-clearance were important, and we managed to get on top in the critical third quarter. Our inaccuracy in front of goal kept Caulfield in the game, and their determined last quarter almost got them over the line. Our stars held a five-point lead for almost 10 minutes, and the brave efforts to thwart repeat entries will be a lasting memory from what was an intense game.”
“Our inaccuracy in front of goal kept Caulfield in the game, and their determined last quarter almost got them over the line.”
Anderson was also full of praise for Mifsud and her performance on the big stage.
“Jordan thoroughly deserved all accolades for her second best-on-ground grand final in a row.”
In the end, Old Scotch’s composure under pressure delivered premiership glory, while Caulfield Grammarians walked away with enormous respect and plenty of belief for the future.
GRAND FINAL RESULTS
WILLIAM BUCK PREMIER WOMEN’S
Grammarians:
GOALS: Old Scotch: J. Mifsud 2, M. Cowan 1, L. Murphy 1
GOALS: Caulfield Grammarians: M. Purcell 1, N. Barbara 1, C. O’Malley 1, E. Angelopoulos 1
BEST: Old Scotch: J. Mifsud, K. Hunter-Scott, E. Tassiopoulos, S. McIntosh, I. Tuttle, S. Fortunato
BEST: Caulfield Grammarians: I. Mottram, O. Rundle, C. O’Malley, J. Baxter, E. Cleland, M. Purcell
PREMIER WOMEN’S RESERVE
Caulfield Grammarians:
Old Scotch:
GOALS: Caulfield Grammarians: L. Wenk 1
GOALS: Old Scotch: M. Fraser-Smith 2, G. Ryan 1, K. Kerr 1
BEST: Caulfield Grammarians: G. Casey, L. Toovey, B. Wolhuter, E. Grills, L. Gudgin, E. Shalders
BEST: Old Scotch: I. Griffin, G. Kerr, E. Uittenbosch, M. Fraser-Smith, A. Stubbings, B. Holloway
Cooper Watkins
PREMIER B MEN’S
Paddy Grindlay
Ts take senior men’s title for first time since 1999
For the eighth time and for the first time since 1999, Old Trinity are senior men’s premiers, taking out the Premier B flag over Caulfield Grammarians on Saturday afternoon.
In what was otherwise a close and entertaining game of football, the Ts’ premiership quarter came early, a sevengoal-to-two second term setting the two sides apart and flipping a three-point quarter time Ts lead to a 35-point half time advantage.
Only six goals were kicked after half time - the Fields would kick five of them - but it wasn’t enough to knock the green and gold from its perch.
To break the 26-year drought, the Ts returned to the scene of the crime on Saturday afternoon; Trevor Barker Beach Oval, the site of last year’s preliminary final defeat at the hands of De La Salle. Another football team would’ve struggled to march back into September following that heartbreaking loss, which saw De La promoted and forced Old Trinity to wait. But Donald McDonald and his side are made of sterner stuff.
“After last year it was so disappointing to get that close,” McDonald said on Monday.
“There’s no guarantees, B Grade is getting tighter. I really wanted us to get up to Premier … when we missed that opportunity I thought we might have to go back to square one again.
“But to everyone’s credit, they all jumped back on board. And we’ve got it.”
Round Seven’s thumping defeat of Fitzroy saw Old Trinity punch into the top two, a lofty position on the ladder in which they resided for the remainder of the home-andaway season, swapping first place with Old Ivanhoe week-to-week. Their 14-4 record through the regular season matched the Hoers, who went into September minor premiers with a slightly superior percentage.
A more accurate indicator of success though were games in Round Nine and Round 17 where the Hoers and Ts played off - on both occasions, it was McDonald’s men who took the four points. On second semi-final day it was the Ts over Old Ivanhoe for a third time, their miserly defence holding stoutly into the Preston City Oval breeze. They held the Hoers goalless in the last, winning their way to the Grand Final and therefore earning promotion to William Buck Premier for 2026.
The Ts enjoyed the week off, in which the Fields shocked the competition and sent minor premiers Old Ivanhoe packing in straight sets. With a 1-1 home-and-away record against Paul Satterley’s team - and with that loss coming in Round 18 - there was reason to believe the Premier B Grand Final would be befitting of the occasion.
In front of a boisterous crowd in Sandringham, the first quarter entertained. Tom Williams and Julian Dobosz started brightly for the Fields with a first-term goal apiece, Dobosz continuing to threaten out of full forward and Williams happy to snap up the crumbs left in his wake.
But in the ruck, the Harry Thompson and Boston Dowling partnership had been firmly established. A six-to-zero skew to the Ts in the centre clearance column the Ts was indicative of what was to come.
“That second quarter was the perfect storm for us,” explained McDonald.
“We’d only had Harry (Thompson), Dom (Payman), Boston (Dowling) and Hugh (Beasley) play together in those last three games. And because of the wind in those first two games, it just wasn’t working with Hugh and Dom (in the forward line) - they were alright in isolation, playing one-out, but playing together they really battled, because they both play a similar sort of role.
“Especially early on, (Caulfield defender Oscar) Roberts was sagging off our high half-forwards and intercepting really well. So we said ‘we’re got to soak them up’, and roll the dice and put all three of them in the forward line with Harry Thompson in the ruck.”
With 21 clearances to eight and 19 inside 50s to nine, the Ts went to work in the middle, Christos Manoussakis and Hugo McGlashan the destroyers when the ball hit the deck. Hugh Beasley and Dom Payman kicked respective majors after marking deep inside 50 to put a small gap on the Fields early in the quarter. A goal-apiece lull in the middle part of the quarter - then, four Ts goals in six minutes: Louis Davidson, Dowling, McGlashan and Jack Jenkins in a flurry to finish the quarter.
“Their talls were amazing,” said Fields coach Satterley when assessing the game.
“I think we’ve shown that our players have shown they can play over and above their size and weight division all year.
I think all of our defenders were giving away five-to-ten
kilos on their direct opponents. In contested footy - an area we’d been really good at - Old Trinity really matched it in that space, and they stifled our run and ability to get into open space and test them.”
The six-goal advantage was significant. The Ts had made the most of the breeze, and had good form into the wind fresh in mind from their last outing against the Hoers. But there was a third term momentum shift - Donald McDonald would later highlight some lapses in composure and focus, his players turning and bombing blindly inside fifty, rather than taking their time. This was the impetus for the Fields’ forward momentum, employing their potent intercept defence and driving the football up the ground.
PREMIER B MEN’S
“We were a bit like we were in the second quarter against Old Ivanhoe - we just lost our way a bit. I don’t know if subconsciously, (the players) look at the scoreboard, they’re six goals up, they just lose their focus a bit … we just didn’t play it smart,” McDonald said.
Back came the Fields with a three-goals-to-none third term, but a 17-point deficit at the final break looked tricky to overcome. Satterley would later point to a lack of scoreboard pressure as critical - so often this year have the Fields come rattling back late but on this occasion, their starting point was too far back.
From the ruck to start the final term, Boston Dowling took the ball, stepped, and snapped truly to re-establish a 21-point lead. It was his third goal, and the Ts last for the game - the Fields would kick two final quarter goals, but they didn’t come until time-on. The final siren
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sounded on a 12.11 (83) to 10.11 (71) Grand Final win for Old Trinity, promotion to WIlliam Buck Premier sealed with the best possible result.
“It was a really good reward for them all. A lot of those boys have been training since November - and that’s good, because if you’re going to Premier, you’ve got to do the same. They really made the effort to get fit, and they got the rewards. They did the work,” said McDonald.
“The two-week bye, I didn’t think we handled it that well. Aside from that, I couldn’t fault them. For them and their families … just fantastic for all of them to experience the thrill of winning a Grand Final.”
With 24 disposals, 18 contested possessions, five intercept marks and 61 hitouts, Thompson was named Old Trintiy’s best - Manoussakis (33 disposals, 18
clearances and 14 tackles) and Dowling (17 disposals, 18 hitouts and three goals) rounded out the top three Ts players.
With 12 marks and 19 disposals Charlie Eerhard finished his season once again as the Fields’ best, Dobosz, Williams and Connor Cooke finishing with two goals apiece.
Paul Satterley’s first year in charge of the Fields has been a bountiful one. From near-relegation in 2024 to promotion in 2025, the Fields have found some excellent young talent and should be able to mix it with William Buck Premier in 2026.
“Incredibly proud of the entire squad, to give us a chance to compete in a Grand Final. I think it’s been an outstanding year … I think we’ve probably exceeded our expectations at the start of the year to some degree,” Satterley said.
“The closer we got, the more I learned about (the players) and their capabilities … with every week I felt our scope was there. If you’d said to me, ‘the outcome will be a Grand Fina; and you’ll be within two goals,’ I would’ve taken that.
Satterley is aware the Fields will need to recruit well for their trip back to top flight, and the groundwork is already underway at Caulfield. There’s a healthy, young group of players that have blossomed in 2025 - Satterley will look to complement them with some older, experienced bodies in 2026.
“The profile of our list is really exciting. I think we’ve had a great year in B Grade with, for the most part, a young group of boys … Hamish McInerney, Charlie Eerhard, Hughie McKenzie, this is pretty much all their first seasons.”
With eight-from-nine wins at their Glen Huntly Park home there’s a level of confidence; with a penchant for lastquarter, come-from-behind wins there’s a level of resilience. Both traits will be required in 2026.
“We’re just excited to be tested at another level, and we deserve our spot to go up.”
Like Satterley, Donald McDonald has experienced the rigours of top flight recently, as Old Scotch’s football director earlier in the decade, and knows the steps his team will need to take to compete.
“The good thing about top flight … you want to have guys that are aspirational, to play the best footy they can,” he said.
GRAND FINAL RESULTS
PREMIER B MEN’S
Caulfield Grammarians:
GOALS: Old Trinity: B. Dowling 3, D. Payman 2, J. Jenkins 2, H. Beasley 2, B. Curtain 1, H. McGlashan 1, L. Davidson 1
GOALS: Caulfield Grammarians: J. Dobosz 2, T. Williams 2, C. Cooke 2, J. Webster 1, S. Mcinerney 1, J. Ellwood 1, S. Hankin 1
(71)
BEST: Old Trinity: H. Thompson, C. Manoussakis, B. Dowling, J. Jenkins, T. Ferrier, S. Phillips
BEST: Caulfield Grammarians: C. Eerhard, J. Webster, C. Cooke, J. Hutchings, S. Mcinerney, N. Sutherland
PREMIER B MEN’S RESERVES
GOALS: Old Trinity: H. Taylor 3, N. Davey 1, E. Chard 1, B. Smith 1, C. Wenn 1
GOALS: Fitzroy: H. Roy 2, L. Engberg 1, K. Ramshaw 1, M. Davie 1, S. Jordan 1, W. Roberts 1, S. Roberts-Lovell 1
BEST: Old Trinity: H. Taylor, L. Teal, J. Teal, C. Comer, L. Milner, L. Chiaramonte
BEST: Fitzroy: H. Roy, W. Hodgman, C. Johnstone, P. McGrath, A. Evans, M. Davie
“I’ll never stand in their way if they want to go to the VFL, because they’re just making themselves better - and that’s what the competition is … that’s part of the attraction”.
When asked of his own reaction to the win, McDonald’s reaction was typical:
“For me? It was nice! It was probably just relief. It was good for all the coaches and the staff, they were all really excited. For me, I just felt like ‘oh well, at least I’ve done my job,’” he laughed.
PREMIER C MEN’S
Harrison McIlwaine
Going up, with the cup!
Sharks coronated as Premier C champions after a near-flawless campaign
Beaumaris withstood a spirited performance from AJAX to claim Premier C supremacy. Their seventeenth consecutive victory is a club record, according to jubilant coach Josh Bourke, further franking the spellbinding run the Sharks have been on for much of the season.
Having not lost a match since April 26th, the Sharks were red-hot favourites pre-game and were made to work for a first senior premiership since the Premier B triumph of 2016.
The 12.9 (81) to 8.12 (60) victory was a spiteful affair, with numerous spotfires breaking out across the afternoon. Individual brilliance was another feature of the contest, particularly early, with Matt Harms and Jordan Cohen trading exquisite finishes in the first quarter.
The Sharks held a 17-point advantage at the first change, and a 20-point lead at the long break, thanks in no small part to the contrast in scoring shot efficiencies between the two teams (8.2 to 4.6 at the half). The margin would grow to as big as 33 in the third quarter, but a young Jackas outfit ought to be praised for the consistency of their effort, in refusing to allow a ballooning margin.
Clearance and contested possession counts, AJAX’s noted strengths, were largely identical at game’s end, with the difference in the match the class with which the respective sides moved the ball.
AJAX looked to surge the ball forward, taking territory with no distinguishable method, which at times, led to ineffective inside 50 entries. Conversely, Beaumaris were slick, fast and polished, fumbling less, too. Jhett Haeata had a memorable impact on the match, despite a relatively low disposal count. The Richmond VFL-listed talent’s speed and cleanliness below his knees was eye-catching, presenting an obvious danger whenever the Sherrin was nearby.
Haeata engaged in byplay with the rowdy crowd at Trevor Barker Beach Oval, only adding to the spectacle. The reason for the fiery engagements with those on both sides of the fence would become clear, postmatch, amidst his joy.
“Funnily enough, I was a junior player at AJAX, and went to school with a few of ‘em, so today meant a lot. I’m bloody stoked mate. It’s a whole club flag - ressies, thirds, everyone,” Haeata said.
Harms was another who appeared to be in every bit of ‘afters’ across the affair, alluding to the way this physicality brings out his best, post-match.
“Teams like to get under my skin, but I think it makes me play a little bit better,” he said. “I’m not gonna lie, I love a bit of argy bargy, (it) brings me up a little bit.
“My game starts with pressure; if my pressure’s up, goals will come. All I wanted to bring (sic) was kick some goals for the boys and get the win,” he said.
Backman Charlie Wilce claimed best on ground honours for a clinical performance across the halfback line. Frankly impenetrable for much of the afternoon, Wilce claimed eight intercept marks and 13 intercept possessions, while kickstarting many of Beaumaris’ forward forays, with his 10 rebound 50’s.
Per Premier Data, reigning Premier B Team of the Year ruckman Callum ‘Chopper’ Heath was the highest rated player on the ground, earning 21 disposals, 14 clearances and 52 hitouts in an enthralling battle with Jackas big man, Jake Wrobel. Heath was also an effective outlet option coming out of defence, particularly in the second half, when AJAX were throwing significant punches in the hopes of a famous comeback.
James Taylor was workmanlike as always, contributing 10 tackles on the big stage. Nick Lewis, Kane Nissenbaum and Toby Lipton had no qualms getting their hands dirty for the Jackas, tipping in 37 contested
FINALS RESULTS
PREMIER C MEN’S
GOALS: Beaumaris: M. Harms 3, T. Spencer 3, J. Cusack 2, L. Hayes 1, J. Haeata 1, B. Seers 1, J. Florent 1
GOALS: AJAX: J. Parasol 2, J. Cohen 2, N. Spitz 2, j. israel 1, J. Vogel 1
BEST: Beaumaris: C. Wilce, C. Heath, M. Harms, T. Spencer, K. Dyer, J. Haeata
BEST: AJAX: N. Spitz, E. Debinski, N. Lewis, T. Lipton, j. israel, N. Pike
PREMIER C MEN’S RESERVES
possessions between them. Nissenbaum’s 12 clearances were second-most on ground, trailing only Heath.
Intelligent veteran Cohen’s nine score involvements were the most on the ground, while habitual thirds representative Joel Parasol was another bright spark for the Jackas. The Albert Park natives were hamstrung by an early injury to the influential Toby Sheezel, compounding well documented player availability issues Lachlan Buszard has had to contend with in an interesting first season at the helm.
“(It was a) bitterly disappointing way to finish, as I thought we were pretty even for most of the game, but did not take our chances when they presented,” Buszard said, post-match.
“We won clearance, but got beaten on forward half turnovers. I thought our group was really good and competitive, and did not give up. Given we had a 17-yearold, an 18-year-old and eight players 21 and under, our effort was huge, and if not for some decisions that ended in Beaumaris goals, the result may have been different. Very proud of our young group,” he finished.
The loss ends a magical September for AJAX, who’d turned in two memorable upset victories to earn promotion, and this date with Beaumaris, after a season in which they were forced to use 58 players. This depth is sure to hold the side in good stead in the higher-grade next season, with the performances of youth in particular, a real hallmark of this campaign.
Beaumaris, and Big V skipper, Callum Linehan, was overcome with emotion at the final siren. The flag, and promotion, are just desserts and such sweet validation, for a leaders-led drive to retain talent after last year’s relegation.
GOALS: Parkdale Vultures: J. Hesline 3, L. Sargeant 2, L. Farnbach 2, S. Sargeant 1, J. Brown 1, J. Hardeman 1
GOALS: Beaumaris:
BEST: Parkdale Vultures: J. Hardeman, B. Austin, J. Hesline, S. Luscombe, J. Duckham, J. Day
BEST: Beaumaris:
“Yeah it’s unreal,” he said. “You look at where we were at the end of last season, to where we are now; it’s just been incredible to be a part of. I remember being in the rooms after being relegated last year and it was just heartbreaking. The turn around now… I’m getting a bit choked up thinking about it. I just love this group - it’s been unreal to be a part of.”
“It’s (premiership success) something we’ve come close to a few times. We’ve lost prelims, went down in a few 19’s games, and just to finally have it, surrounded by so many friends and so many family, it’s pretty surreal,” he finished.
Coach Josh Bourke gushed with pride in his comments post-match.
“It takes a bit of commitment and a bit of fortitude to stay together and to stay strong, and they have not put a foot wrong,” he said.
“Even when we were 1-2, their improvement and consistency’s been huge. We’re blessed with talent - we know that - we’re a good, strong club, and (we) should be aiming for higher things, but we respect where we arewe’re in C grade for a reason.”
“I thought AJAX today, their final series has been super, Toby goes off early, I thought their fight was great but yeah I’m really proud of our boys.”
The sides will renew hostilities in Premier B next season, with AJAX undoubtedly keen to snap the 15 -match win streak the Sharks boast over them, dating back to 2011.
FOR THE LOVE OF THE GAME
Grand Finals
The penultimate weekend of the 2025 VAFA Finals Series saw another seven Premiers crowned.
Congratulations to all teams who have won a Premiership and best of luck to the four club’s competing in William Buck Premier Men’s Grand Final Day on Friday at Elsternwick Park.
Premiers
William Buck Premier Women’s – Old Scotch
Premier Women’s Reserves – Old Scotch
Premier B Men’s – Old Trinity
Premier B Men’s Reserves – Fitzroy
Premier C Men’s – Beaumaris
Premier C Men’s Reserves – Parkdale Vultures
Holmesglen Under 19 Premier Men’s – Old Brighton
FOR THE LOVE OF THE GAME
FOR THE LOVE OF THE GAME
VAFA and William Buck Extend Premium Partnership
The Victorian Amateur Football Association is delighted to announce the extension of its long-standing partnership with William Buck, one of Australia’s leading chartered accounting and advisory firms, committing to a further three-year term as the VAFA’s Premium Partner. The renewed agreement continues William Buck’s naming rights to the VAFA Premier Men’s and Premier Women’s competitions, reinforcing their commitment to supporting community football and the thousands of players, coaches, volunteers and supporters involved across metropolitan Melbourne.
Daniel Silfo Record Breaker
Daniel Silfo will break the record for the greatest number of William Buck Premier Men’s Grand Finals umpired by a field umpire. Daniel will umpire his 8th Grand Final on Friday, following his selection in 2011, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2022, 2023 and 2024. The entire VAFA community congratulates Daniel for this significant accomplishment and wish him well for the game.
VAFA App
The recently launched Official VAFA App has proven popular, with thousands of downloads already, giving supporters, players, coaches and volunteers a new way to stay connected with Australia’s biggest senior community football competition. The App places everything you need at your fingertips, with the latest news, fixtures, results and ladders across every section. Live scores for all sections and detailed statistics are available within the one platform. Supporters can track comprehensive stats and leaderboards across William Buck Premier Men’s, Premier B Men’s and Premier C Men’s thanks to Premier Data. Download the VAFA App today from the App Store and Google Play.
HOLMESGLEN U19’S REPORT
Callum Farquhar
Old Brighton claim back-to-back Holmesglen Under 19 Premier flags despite defiant St Kevin’s challenge
Old Brighton has successfully defended its throne in Holmesglen Under 19 Premier Men’s against the same challenger from its previous triumph, under lights at Elsternwick Park on Saturday.
It had been evident all year that the Tonners and St Kevin’s were the two teams to beat in 2025, and when both sides stood facing one another, arm-in-arm for the national anthem, not many would have opposed either club’s credentials for the deciding affair.
Old Brighton entered the contest as favourites, having never lost to the SKOBS in the pair’s three previous encounters, including a statement 32-point qualifying final win, while St Kevin’s was coming off a draining extra-time preliminary final thriller.
All the odds stacked in the Tonners’ favour, and continued to do so in the early going.
As the ball was thrown aloft into the twilight sky at Elsternwick Park, Old Brighton made its early charge, tallying the opening two goals.
Amongst the scoreboard threat, St Kevin’s had issues aplenty – Nick Hulls was knocked out and out of the game with concussion, while Ben Cantwell was taken to hospital for a spleen injury. So bad was the impact injury that Cantwell spent the night in ICU.
A controversial red card was additionally handed to St Kevin’s’ Dom Portelli, leaving the green, blue and gold down to 17 men for a quarter, and pressing their backs against the wall.
But what SKOB have done so often this year is show resilience when the going gets tough.
Evidenced last week in its ability to stop a surging Uni Blues outfit from pinching victory in extra-time, St Kevin’s, despite losing those three players in the first term, stuck fat as a group and continued to hunt the football with unwavering determination.
SKOB had responded with two goals back prior to the red card, and by the second quarter with one less on the field, they had stolen the lead from the red and blue – albeit not for long.
Two late goals in red time for Old Brighton handed them a 10-point advantage at the main break, 5.2 (32) to 3.4 (22).
Another back-and-forth quarter resumed after halftime, with Old Brighton looking to take the game by the scruff of the neck from the siren, converting the first major within two and a half minutes.
However, St Kevin’s gave the Tonners another run for their money, booting three goals on the trot to claim a slim one-point advantage, although once again Old Brighton and their fresher legs closed out the quarter stronger and kicked two goals back-to-back to return the margin out to 11 at three-quarter-time.
The fourth quarter became a dog fight as St Kevin’s’ leaders attempted to will their side over the line, but fatigue had set in.
Old Brighton found the sealer a third of the way through the last, and it would be the final goal of the game as three behinds between the pair of clubs followed.
Then, elation, as the final siren rung.
The Tonners were kings of the under-19s mountain again. Old Brighton coach Travis O’Donohue was rapt to have brought his side back to the pinnacle of success after the club claimed the silverware in 2024.
“Just as we expected, it was a really tough contest all game,” O’Donohue said.
“St Kevin’s have been the benchmark all year and we knew they’d be really physical and make us earn every possession.
“We tried to get the ball out in space and make it a running game, knowing they’d had a hard prelim.
“To St Kevin’s credit, it took us all night to wear them down.
“I’m incredibly proud of the players, they’ve worked so hard for this and it’s satisfying to see them get reward after a long season.”
GRAND FINAL RESULTS
HOLMESGLEN U19 PREMIER MEN’S
GOALS: Old Brighton: l. robinson 5, C. Richardson 2, A. Langworthy 1, C. Dowe 1
GOALS: St Kevin’s: B. Palmer 4, N. Nankervis 1, T. Conlan 1
BEST: Old Brighton: l. robinson, S. Fanning, J. Thomas, J. Carr, A. Langworthy, M. Szonyi
BEST: St Kevin’s: B. Palmer, S. Pitot, E. Burley, N. Nankervis, G. Saunders, L. May
While understandably gutted by consecutive runner-up results, St Kevin’s coach Paul Greenham was full of praise for O’Donohue, with the pair working closely together throughout the season despite their rival colours.
The two clubs have shared incredible moments of sportsmanship throughout the season, and the grand final display only rubberstamped the admiration and respect between the sides.
“Travis and myself have a really strong relationship, we never knew each other before season 2025 however we spoke regularly during the course of the year about all matters, football, life, and in particular, coaching 19-year-olds,” Greenham said.
“We are very similar, we plan and install belief in the group for them to execute – tonight’s game was no different.
“Both of us had a plan, and I couldn’t have asked any more of our group in their endeavours to buy in and play the way which I believed gave us the best shot at victory.
“In the end though, Old Brighton were just a little more polished on the outside… the 18-point margin is probably fitting.
“Personally, I couldn’t be more proud of all my boys.”
As the moon rose to its peak across Elsternwick Park, the cup was hoisted by O’Donohue and skipper George Hill, as Andrew Langworthy celebrated with two medallions around his neck after earning best-on-ground honours for a scintillating first half.
Tonners’ Luca Robinson starred in the forward line too with five goals, while Benjamin Palmer of St Kevin’s played his part with four goals on the night.
The Holmesglen Under 19 Premier season has delivered again, now with the foundations of a Tonners dynasty has been put in place – and its latest silverware is no doubt worth its weight in gold.
SHARPSHOOTERS
Jack
David
SHARPSHOOTERS
Knee
Knee problems
Hip problems
Hip
Shoulder problems
Shoulder
Foot & ankle problems
Foot & ankle
Sports injuries
Arthritis surgery
Arthritis surgery
Trauma & limb reconstruction
Trauma & reconstruction
Hand, wrist & elbow surgery
Hand, wrist & elbow surgery
Fractures & broken bones
Fractures &
Joint replacement surgery
Joint
WILLIAM BUCK PREMIER
PREMIER B MEN’S
181260048112.42
Carey 181170044110.28
Williamstown CYMS 181080040120.22
Old Camberwell 181080040111.66
Old Geelong 18 99003699.58
Old Melburnians 187110028102.33 Fitzroy 18315001274.54
