The Amateur Footballer 2025 - Week 19

SEASON 2025 - AUGUST 30

VAFA’s Safe & Welcoming Spectator Experience

As we exit the winter months, there is an extra spring in the step of all those Club members involved in the finals.

The warmer weather and the winning performances of those teams that make the top four in each division, attracts a greater number of supporters through the Club during the week. The buzz amongst them builds as they scrutinise the players training form, get the inside information on team selection, and discuss the prospective winning chances with fellow supporters for the coming final.

That energy then builds as they are joined by a wider network of family, friends, work colleagues, school students, teammates, past players and officials on the finals match day (some attending a VAFA match for the first time). This is where the expectations and hopes of the supporters is laid bare as the contest out on the field unfolds. Supporters can experience an emotional rollercoaster as their team’s performance fluctuates, and they try and influence the game with their passionate barracking.

Jason ReddickCEO

The VAFA has long prided itself on delivering a safe and welcoming environment for all patrons to come and enjoy the match day atmosphere, and (‘touch wood’) we have traditionally avoided any such instances to the same degree. Clearly our Alcohol Policy that bans the consumption of alcohol outside of the enclosed function areas, has played a significant role in helping maintain an orderly match day crowd.

The other key reason is due to the VAFA Clubs working with their committees, volunteers, and members to ensure they are aware of, and uphold, the VAFA’s Supporter Code of Conduct. The code is a condition of entry to all finals matches and some of the key requirements are:

Supporters can experience an emotional rollercoaster

The passion of fans to encourage and cheer on their team, give some good natured ‘stick’ to the opposition, and offer some free advice to the umpires to assist their team’s cause, is all a traditional part of the atmosphere of a finals match day.

However, in 2025, community football across the state has seen too many instances of bad spectator behaviour. Unfortunately, several Leagues (both senior and junior) have witnessed such behaviour escalate to a level requiring police intervention, injuries to patrons needing ambulance attendance and ultimately hospitalisation, cancellation of matches etc.

This has forced AFL Vic to release a recent video message from CEO Greg Madigan encouraging fans to behave in the right manner when attending the various community league finals matches this year. This video has been shared across the VAFA’s media channels this week.

• Not inciting hatred towards, contempt for, ridicule of or discrimination against a person or group of persons on the ground of their age, race, religion, gender, colour, sexual preference, orientation or identity or special ability or disability.

• Refrain from using verbal or physical abuse in any form, whether it is against other spectators, umpires, players or VAFA staff.

• Show respect to every person you interact with by demonstrating appropriate social behaviour.

• Not using foul language or harassing players, coaches, match officials or VAFA staff.

In addition to the Club representatives who regularly monitor their own crowd behaviour, the VAFA will have official Match Day Managers and security on hand at all finals, each with the power to evict anyone from the ground who was witnessed to have transgressed the Spectator code of conduct.

We want all our fans to continue to enjoy their VAFA finals experience in the traditional safe and welcoming environment that they have come to expect from our Association.

We ask all patrons to please ensure that you play your part in controlling spectator behaviour and enhancing our competition’s reputation in this regard.

WILLIAM BUCK PREMIER

Jason Bennett

Bloods & Cards to play virtual Elimination Final, while relegation now a race in two between the Dogs & Lions

Both the Finals & Relegation races will be decided on the last day of the home & away season. Here’s Round 17 of Premier Men’s in review.

The pivotal result was at the Snake Pit as St Bernard’s gave their chances of surviving in the top-flight an enormous boost with their biggest win of the season – an incredible 83-point victory that sends a spiralling Old Haileybury into a virtual Elimination Final against reigning champs Old Scotch on the final day.

Entering without a victory over any team other than De La Salle since Round 4, the Snowdogs were on song from the outset. Led by Jackson Hately, who returned from Essendon’s VFL team for his first game of the season (13 disposals and 5 clearances in Q1), they smashed the Bloods 15-4 in Clearances, and led by 17 points at quarter-time.

Hately’s dominance continued in the second (another 12 disposals and 4 clearances) as the Snowdogs added 5.3, while the Bloods – who were creating opportunities – couldn’t find their radar, booting 3.8, with leading goalkicker Andreas Stefanakis contributing 3 of Old Haileybury’s 4 first-half goals.

Leading by 24 points at the half, VAFA fans around the competition wondered whether the Snowdogs could maintain the rage in such a high-stakes game. Not only did they continue to match the 4th placed Bloods, they outstripped them again in the third term, kicking 4.4 to 2.3 to extend their lead to 37 points at the final change, then blew them off the park in the last quarter.

It was a final term display that had the Snowdog faithful in raptures, as they slammed on 8.7 to 1.3 to storm away to a massive win, both in terms of the scoreboard and their chances of remaining in Premier Men’s in 2026.

Hately delivered one of the performances of the season, finishing with 47 disposals (23 contested), 11 clearances, 7 Inside 50s and a goal, leading the Dogs a game clear of Collegians with one to play.

However, the Lions play the winless De La Salle in the final round and have the superior percentage (almost 11%). So, the likelihood remains that the Dogs will need to pull off another Top 4 upset this weekend & roll the in-form St Kevin’s if they are to avoid relegation. They will enter that must-win game riding a wave of momentum and belief.

The same can’t be said of the Bloods, who sat equal second at the halfway mark of the season, 3 games clear of the Cardinals at that point.

But they’ve lost 6 of their last 8 to be clinging to fourth by their fingernails, and will have to defeat the reigning premiers in a virtual Elimination Final this weekend if they are to play finals.

Steve Alessio (St Bernard’s): “It was our most complete four-quarter performance of the season, and the boys rose to the challenge.

“The return of several senior and VFL players had a big impact. They seized the opportunity to lead and brought the physical, contested brand of footy we’ve been missing in recent months.

“That’s the standard we’ll take into next week. With nothing to lose, we’ll be physical, tough, hard-running and uncompromising in our fight to avoid relegation.”

Daniel Ward (Old Haileybury): “We started the game well and it was looking how we wanted it to. But we didn’t take our opportunities in front of goal and St Bernard’s did.

“Credit to Steve and his group as they wanted it more in the end. The game got away from us late with multiple injuries and no bench. We dust ourselves off and go again for all the marbles next week.”

The Snowdogs’ win puts additional relegation pressure on Collegians, who battled bravely against Old Brighton at Brighton Beach Oval, but, like so many before them, couldn’t quite go the full four quarters and fell short late.

Buoyed by pushing Old Xavs to within 2 points last week, the Lions were bolstered by the return of VFL players Luke Nelson (Carlton) and Josh Walker (Coburg) and had just as much footy as the Tonners in the opening term, but 2 goals to Will Lewis saw the hosts lead by 15 points at the first break.

The second term once again showed Collegians’ capacity to stretch any team this season, as they took control around the stoppages, won the territory battle and finally got some return for effort – Campbell Walker leading the way with 11 touches and a goal as the Lions kicked 4 goals to 2 to close within 2 points at the half.

Despite the Tonners’ contest dominance, the scoreboard remained tight throughout the third term, with 2 goals

apiece added, and gun players stepping up in big moments on both sides.

The last quarter was far closer than the final score suggested. Will Lewis gave the hosts a 13-point lead 3 minutes in, but the Lions responded with 2 goals in 2.5 minutes – Alex Lukic kicking a miraculous goal out of the ruck contest to level the scores at the 9-minute mark.

However, the league leaders just find a way to win at Fortress Brighton, and despite having lost skipper Harry Hill to injury, Old Brighton ultimately did so again, kicking the last 4 goals of the game.

Joey Campigli dribbled one through at the 13-minute mark, followed by Luke Travers running into an open goal to give the Tonners some breathing room entering time on.

Will Lewis then sealed it with another 2 in 3 minutes at the death, as Old Brighton prevailed for an 18th straight win at home – two complete home & away campaigns unbeaten at Brighton Beach Oval.

Lewis kicked 5 and looms as a big watch during September, given his Footscray VFL team has won the minor premiership, so he will be called up by the Bulldogs to serve them in the coming weeks. Joey Campigli booted 3 and his Sandringham team is done for the year, so the Tonners will once again look to their young gun to lead them up forward in September.

A familiar refrain for Collegians this season – ultra competitive all afternoon, but ultimately unable to secure the 4 points, which leaves them teetering in 9 th position and with their destiny now out of their hands in the race to avoid relegation.

They must defeat De La Salle and then hope that St Kevin’s do them a favour against St Bernard’s. The idea of the Purple Army barracking for SKOB is almost unthinkable, but that will be the scenario this Saturday!

Marcel Bruin (Old Brighton): “Always a tough game against Jordy and the Collegians boys. It felt like we started really effectively and were playing how we had designed, but they were absolutely on from a pressure perspective, causing turnover and trying to get us in transition. We weren’t as clean as we would like to be, caused by Collegians’ pressure and overused it a bit, making it hard to get the ball to dangerous forwards.

“We were able to eventually get some decent Inside 50’s and defended a lot more effectively across the second 60 minutes, grinding out a good win in the context with Collegians having plenty to play for.

“Hamish Dick has put together some great games in a row, looking dangerous wherever he is put, Corkey terrific again down back in a lot of 1v1’s and Lewis and Campigli worked hard and made the most of some difficult ball movement and not-ideal forward entries!”

Jordie McKenzie (Collegians): “Playing Brighton at Brighton is always a significant challenge, and our boys

put together another spirited outing. Nonetheless, it was disappointing not to get the result after being well and truly in the game once again at 3 quarter time.

“Our second quarter was our most pleasing, where we were able to provide some really strong forward half pressure, and generate some front-half turnovers that resulted in some welldeserved goals.

“Credit to Brighton, their class and slick ball movement prevailed in the last quarter, where they were able to hit the scoreboard against the slight breeze.

“Josh Walker and Jonty McGuiness were outstanding around the ball, with Scott Beilby and Jasper Davey being resolute in the backline.

“A big and exciting week of footy ahead as we fight to stay in Premier, a challenge we are looking forward to.”

The other by-product of Old Haileybury’s big loss was that it left the door ajar for the chasing pack and Old Scotch kicked it wide open with a supreme performance against University Blacks at Melbourne Uni.

With a bunch of big-name VFL stars returning, the Cardinals looked like their 2024 premiership selves, sending a chilling message to the other finals contenders – “If we make it, look out. Our premiership defence is NOT over!”

They were sharp from the outset and the difference in disposal efficiency was telling – the Cards going at 64% Kick Efficiency for the day, compared to just 45% for the Blacks. It enabled Old Scotch to control possession and dictate terms and, despite having one less Inside 50, led 4.3 to 1.1 at quarter time.

They kept it rolling in the term, slamming on 6.2 to 1.1 as the likes of Aiden Franetic, Henry Brown and Hugo Bromell found plenty of the football. Bromell, who lined up for the Cards for the first time since 2023 after spending the last two seasons at Coburg, had 9 touches for the quarter on his way to 28 for the afternoon.

51 points at the half, the Cardinals maintained their pace, adding a further 5 answered goals in the third term as Alex Noblet bobbed up with 12 touches on his way to 30.

5 goals to 1 in the final term saw Old Scotch’s revamped line-up win it by a whopping 105 points - their largest since Round 17, 2023, when they belted Caulfield Grammarians by 176. 8 players had 27 disposals or more, led by Henry Brown with 36, while Tyler Sellers celebrated his return from Essendon with 5 goals.

Sam Conway battled hard all day for the Blacks, while dynamic duo James Clark and Kane Loftus combined for 50 touches.

It was a disappointing way for the Blacks’ brave revival to end – their gritty mid-season revival petering out with losses to St Kevin’s, the Blues and now a revitalised Cardinals, who have come from nowhere to potentially turn the 2025 premiership race on its head.

WILLIAM BUCK PREMIER MEN’S

We all know the old cliché that ‘a week’s a long time in football,’ but this is something else.

Two weeks ago, I declared Old Scotch’s premiership defence ‘officially over’ after dropping 4 games in a row to fall 2 games plus 10% behind both the Bloods and Blacks with just 3 games to play. Sure, they were still a mathematical chance of turning it around, but it would take an incredible set of circumstances.

Enter an incredible set of circumstances.

Just a fortnight later, they’re suddenly hot favourites to make the finals and, if they can keep this line-up together, a genuine chance to defend their title. Such is this crazy, unpredictable 2025 season!

Mark Gnatt (Old Scotch): “It was a strong 4-quarter performance by the boys this week. The question with eight changes was going to be around synergy and our ability to connect across the ground. The good news is that the boys are all across our system and executed brilliantly.

“We have learnt a lot in recent times. 14 days ago, we were in relegation conversations and now we have an opportunity to play finals. Things can change quickly!! So, our immediate focus is Old Haileybury in an elimination final and we look forward to the challenge.”

Dale Bower (Uni Blacks): “It’s all always an interesting time of the year when the regular VFL season ends. Old Scotch loaded up on their VFL talent and were super impressive in how they went about it.

“It was not a great day for our lads, but it was fitting that club great Joel Ernest was awarded the James Green medal in his 150th game for the Blacks. We have one last opportunity to go out and give our all again against quality opposition in Old Xavs.”

Speaking of Old Xaverians, they remained in the race for the minor premiership by ending the University Blues’ 3-game winning streak in no uncertain terms at Toorak Park.

Xavs entered having won 9 of their last 10 and, despite some injury concerns to front-line players, dominated contested footy early to lead by 14 points at the first break.

The Blues responded to even up the inside battle in the second quarter as the game opened up, providing a 10-goal showcase of entertaining football. 3 goals in 7 minutes during time-on gave Xavs 6 goals to 4 for the term, extending their advantage to 29 points at the half.

The script flipped in the third quarter as the game tightened up again. Just one goal apiece was the result as both sides peppered but couldn’t find the middle. The Blues were on top around the stoppages but went at just 48% by foot for the quarter and were particularly wayward entering Forward 50, preventing them from making any inroads on the deficit

Access Team Lists on PlayHQ via VAFA.com.au

– Xavs narrowly winning the quarter to lead by 31 at the last break.

Then, out of nowhere, the hosts put the game to bed with a withering burst which saw them ram on 5 goals in 6-and-ahalf minutes early in the final term. It was an impressive flex and a reminder of Xavs’ ability to score in a hurry.

In the end, they added 9 goals to 2 in the last quarter to explode away to a 74-point win in a game that was much closer than that for most of the afternoon.

Stirling Phipps-Parsons returned from Carlton and shone, with 25 disposals, 10 tackles, 5 clearances and 3 goals, while Charlie Knott and Campbell Lane racked up 28 and 26 respectively.

Youngster Mitch Lloyd had another outstanding game for the Blues, who are safe from relegation alongside the Blacks in mid-table limbo.

Dan Donati (Old Xavs): “This was a really good win in the end by the boys on Saturday. After watching our Reserves lose their first game of the year, it was obvious that Blues had come to play, and their form over the last 6 weeks stacks up with the best in the competition.

“From the outset, we came with pressure and pace in the game, and managed the lead throughout. We finished strong with a few last quarter goals to blow the result out, but it was a game played at high intensity and competitiveness from both teams.”

Matt Smith (Uni Blues): “In the end, it was a disappointing result. Xavs were just clearly a better team on the day – a very polished side and when allowed to run are very difficult to stop.

“We battled hard for the majority of the game, and I couldn’t question our intent. It just wasn’t our day.”

The final game of the weekend was the only one that COULDN’T impact the ladder, and it was St Kevin’s continuing their tune-up for September with a 102-point domination of De La Salle at TH King.

The writing was on the wall early, as SKOB burst from the gates to control contest and territory, compiling a 7-goal opening term to lead by 32 points at the first change – Jack Mahony with an eye-popping 16 disposals, 6 clearances and 2 goals in the first stanza alone!

Credit to De La Salle, who halted the hosts’ momentum in the second term, which produced just 3 goals in total – 2 of them to De La as Rob Amendola rolled up his sleeves with 11 touches and 4 clearances for the term to keep the visitors within 5 goals at the major break.

But St Kevin’s came out with a renewed focus in the third quarter, playing the far more precise and efficient football to control possession and boot 6 goals to 1, blowing their lead out to 62 points.

The final term was more of the same, with another 8 goals to 2 as contested beast Luke Winter ran riot, racking up 18 touches, 9 clearances and 2 goals for the quarter as his team careered away to a 102-point win – their largest since their 155-point Round 14, 2023 win over Caulfield Grammarians.

It was a game of big numbers, with four players topping 30 disposals – Luke Winter (35, with 21 contested and 14 clearances), Rob Amendola (35, with 18 contested and 9 clearances), Jack Mahony (33, with 15 contested and 10 clearances) and Cam Hodges (32, with 10 Inside 50s).

Pleasingly for Anthony Lynch, SKOB finished with 7 multiple goalkickers, led by Sam Critchley with 4 and four players who booted 3 apiece.

In all the uncertainty of the ladder entering the final round, these are the two teams who already know their fate. St Kevin’s will finish third and face a cut-throat First Semi Final against either Old Haileybury or Old Scotch, while De La Salle will return to Premier B after one season in the top flight.

Anthony Lynch (St Kevin’s): I was really pleased with our performance. I know the scoreline flattered us, but I thought the De La boys showed genuine spirit and had a real crack for each other across the duration of the game.

“I was most happy with our ball movement across the ground and our evenness in contribution, that’s what we will require over the next month if we are going to challenge the best teams in the competition.”

Nick Hyland (De La Salle): “A disappointing display from us. Comprehensively outplayed by a very strong St Kevin’s team. Anthony has them really well set for the business end of the season and they are going to be really hard to stop.

“It’s been a challenging year, but we will be looking to finish on a positive note against Collegians next week.”

And, so the season comes down to the final Saturday.

Old Haileybury will host Old Scotch in a virtual elimination final. The winner will progress to face St Kevin’s, while the loser is done for 2025.

St Bernard’s can secure their safety if they defeat St Kevin’s, but if they don’t, Collegians will leapfrog them if they can beat De La Salle.

A thrilling rollercoaster ride awaits on Saturday afternoon!

ROUND 18 TIPS

Old Haileybury V Old Scotch

St Bernards V St Kevin’s

Old XaveriansV University Blacks Collegians V De La Salle University Blues V Old Brighton

ROUND 17 RESULTS

WILLIAM BUCK PREMIER MEN’S

St Bernard’s:

Old Haileybury:

GOALS: St Bernard’s: M. Watson 4, L. Said 4, N. Tonge 3, C. Vague 2, M. Hughes 2, L. Di Lizio 1, D. Gilham 1, J. Hately 1, H. Fuller 1, E. Schumann 1, F. McNicol 1

GOALS: Old Haileybury: A. Stefanakis 5, C. Goonewardene 1, F. Gregor 1

BEST: St Bernard’s: H. Fuller, M. Watson, M. Sauro, L. Said, M. Hughes, E. Schumann

BEST: Old Haileybury: A. Stefanakis, O. Hotton, F. Gregor, M. Rose, C. Riley, J. Paul

St Kevin’s:

De La Salle:

GOALS: St Kevin’s: S. Critchley 4, O. Gill 3, B. Mansfield 3, E. Mahoney 3, J. Mahony 3, W. Pfeiffer 2, L. Winter 2, V. Adduci 1, S. Cameron 1

GOALS: De La Salle: E. MacBeth 2, B. Boscacci 2, M. Miller 2, A. Indovino 1

BEST: St Kevin’s: J. Mahony, T. Ferguson, S. Critchley, L. Winter, A. Mathieson, T. Jok

BEST: De La Salle: T. Filipovic, J. Williams, T. Lyngberg, T. Fogarty, S. Cross, M. Miller

Old Brighton:

Collegians:

GOALS: Old Brighton: W. Lewis 5, J. Campigli 3, L. Travers 2, F. Flockart 2

GOALS: Collegians: A. Lukic 3, J. Walker 2, C. Walker 1, L. Nelson 1, D. Thomas 1, W. Pewtress 1

BEST: Old Brighton: A. Corke, H. Dick, M. Lohan, W. Lewis, J. Campigli, A. Edgar

BEST: Collegians: J. Walker, J. McGuiness, S. Beilby, J. Davy, C. Walker, M. Pinchbeck Old Xaverians:

GOALS: Old Xaverians: S. Phipps-Parsons 3, H. Woodhouse 3, D. Symeopoulos 2, C. Westcott 2, H. MacIsaac 2, C. MacIsaac 2, E. Delany 2, W. Brusnahan 1, C. Holmes 1, W. Goss 1, B. Bilston-McGillen 1

GOALS: University Blues: J. Stewart 3, J. O’Sullivan 2, J. Robinson 1, A. Lord 1, B. Townson 1, J. Goddard 1

BEST: Old Xaverians: S. Hansen, B. Bilston-McGillen, T. Hart, H. Woodhouse, J. Feneley, O. Duncan

BEST: University Blues: M. Lloyd, M. Taylor, G. LaCava, J. Curran, S. Grimley, J. Goddard

Blacks:

GOALS: University Blacks: T. St Clair 2, M. Grocott 1

GOALS: Old Scotch: T. Sellers 5, N. Maginness 3, J. Tarrant 2, H. Stubbings 2, H. Brown 2, H. Bromell 1, W. Clark 1, A. Jelbart 1, C. Cormack 1, A. Jones 1

BEST: University Blacks: L. O’Neill, A. Rana, J. Ernest, H. Robertson, W. Mithen, T. St Clair

BEST: Old Scotch: C. Cormack, R. Galvin, H. Bromell, A. Noblet, B. Easton, A. Jones

WILLIAM BUCK PREMIER MEN’S RESERVE

St Kevin’s:

De La Salle:

GOALS: St Kevin’s: T. Williams 7, T. Davidson 3, M. Canning 2, W. Pearce 2, H. Lefoe 1, Z. Greenham 1, A. Butler 1, A. Hart 1, C. Lynch 1, o. white 1

GOALS: De La Salle: M. Hill 1, L. Eldering 1, L. Liakakos 1, B. Melissinos 1

BEST: St Kevin’s: T. Williams, H. Reimers, X. Duke, T. Davidson, C. Lynch, L. Mazzeo

BEST: De La Salle: C. Day, M. Doherty, J. Harper, M. Hill, A. Browne, E. McMahon

Old Xaverians:

University Blues:

GOALS: Old Xaverians: J. Lucas 2, J. Soccio 1, M. Exell 1, H. Bird 1, J. Boyd 1, H. Bell 1, E. Kennedy 1

(57)

(86)

GOALS: University Blues: A. Dowsley 3, L. Di Lallo 2, J. Paterson 2, H. Wicks 1, A. Sinnott 1, T. Ingram 1, P. Sweet 1, T. McKinnis 1, J. Lloyd 1

BEST: Old Xaverians: B. Scala, H. Bird, H. Bell, M. Exell, H. Basset, B. Moyle

BEST: University Blues: J. Fulton, J. Pring, A. Sinnott, O. Sleiman, L. Di Lallo, J. BOND

Old Brighton: 4.2

Collegians:

(126)

(36)

GOALS: Old Brighton: S. Collins 8, T. Marriott 2, R. Agg 2, S. Litis 2, B. Branson 2, T. Howden 1, L. McCluskey 1, D. Lynch 1

GOALS: Collegians: O. Floyd 2, A. Walker 1, J. Howard 1, J. Carroll 1

BEST: Old Brighton: T. Howden, S. Litis, S. Collins, R. Agg, D. Gilbert, C. Tweedie

BEST: Collegians: O. Floyd, A. Walker, H. Waters, F. Ekins, B. Monahan, Z. Bowes

University Blacks: 1.0

Old Scotch:

(52)

(67)

GOALS: University Blacks: O. Bouchez 3, B. Mithen 1, J. Tunbridge 1, Z. Harris 1, J. Delahunty 1

GOALS: Old Scotch: G. Kennedy 2, R. Spark 2, C. Hocking 1, A. Halse 1, E. McVey 1, F. Leeton 1, H. Japp 1, T. Holding 1

BEST: University Blacks: S. Cleary, O. Bouchez, B. Aurisch, H. Knights, J. Delahunty, C. Canny

BEST: Old Scotch: R. Walsh, G. Kennedy, C. Schilling, H. Byrne-Jones, H. Japp, J. Livingston St Bernard’s:

(116) Old Haileybury:

GOALS: St Bernard’s: D. Barker 4, A. Alessio 3, J. Duvnjak 3, S. Miceli 2, B. Foley 2, H. Coombs

(41)

1, L. Cesarini 1, N. Foley 1

GOALS: Old Haileybury: J. Kennedy 2, M. WALSTAB 1, W. Barrie 1, J. Tuffley 1

BEST: St Bernard’s: W. Riley, F. Shannon, J. Costa, N. Vinecombe, A. Alessio, L. Chillura

BEST: Old Haileybury: J. Grenda, J. Kennedy, J. Munro, J. Black, M. Cowell, L. Wood

WILLIAM BUCK PREMIER WOMEN’S

Powerhouse performances define Round 17 in Premier Women’s

Round 17 of William Buck Premier Women’s delivered a series of dominant performances, with Kew, Caulfield Grammarians, Old Scotch and St Kevin’s all recording convincing victories to set the stage for the run into finals.

Kew continued their charge towards finals with a commanding 9.8 (62) to 2.4 (16) win over Old Geelong, built largely on a dominant front-half game. Coach Emily Avery praised her side’s ability to lock the ball in attack, convert opportunities and maintain strong connection between the lines. “We are really connecting at the moment and have a shared vision of how we want to play,” Avery said. “We’ve had inconsistencies with the playing list through the year, so the team not changing much has also been really helpful.”

The Bears looked dangerous when they took the game on through the corridor and Avery said maintaining momentum would be crucial in the run home. “We need to keep the momentum going this week and will need to put up a strong performance to make finals.”

OG’s coach Jack Crameri was pleased with his side’s efforts despite the final score and continues to take positives out of their debut season in William Buck Premier.

“I thought we started off really well but didn’t get the scoreboard pressure that we needed too.”

“In terms of the season we have taken a lot from it, we’ve been in the contest against a lot of the premier teams, but we are just a few markers off.”

Caulfield Grammarians secured a 7.8 (50) to 1.3 (9) victory over Fitzroy, showcasing the brand of footy they will be looking to carry into finals. Coach Danielle Di Stefano said she was impressed with her side’s ability to stick to their strengths. “I was pleased with our ability to play to our strengths and put our brand on show this weekend,” she said. The Field’s midfield set the tone, with Olivia Rundle, Ellie Cleland and Ella Baxter leading the way through the middle. Di Stefano added that finishing the home-and-away season strongly would be key to giving her team the best possible launch into finals.

Despite the defeat, Fitzroy showed encouraging signs in the first half, with coach Nathan Jumeau praising the pressure applied around the ground. “I was really happy with our first half, our pressure around the ground was amazing,” Jumeau said. “But again, we didn’t put any scoreboard presence on.” Maddie DeBondt, Maddie Smith and Evie Lee each stood tall in their respective lines, and Jumeau said the challenge now was to turn strong patches of play into consistent, scoreboardimpacting performances. “The learning is that our best can compete with the best in the competition—it’s just about converting when we are on top into scores and being more consistent throughout the game.”

Old Scotch strengthened their finals position with a 7.7 (49) to 1.2 (8) win over West Brunswick, but the contest was far from one-sided. West Brunswick coach Ryan Wandel was pleased with his side’s first-half effort, particularly their pressure and ball movement. “Our pressure in the first half was great around the ball, and we had some great passages of play where we took it on and used our legs,” Wandel said. However, he admitted forward entries and conversion once again proved costly. “Our issue, which has been our pain point against the top sides, were our forward entries and ability to convert opportunities going forward. We defended well, but with no scoreboard nourishment, we got overpowered. Old Scotch dominated the air, but we also allowed them to at times with long, high kicks that weren’t to our forwards’ advantage.”

For Old Scotch, Coach Dean Anderson said he was grateful to be tested ahead of finals. “We are lucky to be playing strong teams in the lead up to finals,” he said. “West Brunswick really tested us early and gave us some key areas to work on for our next game. Our defensive pressure was an area for improvement, and our forward craft early wasn’t at our expected level.” What most impressed him, however, was his side’s resilience. “What pleased me as it always does is the response the players produced when challenged. They understand what’s at stake now. The win secured a double chance for our club and I’m most proud of the team’s achievement in backing up after last year’s success.”

Cooper Watkins

St Kevin’s rounded out Round 17 in emphatic fashion, powering past Williamstown CYMS with a 15.18 (108) to 0.0 (0) victory. Coach Tom Purcell was pleased with the even contribution across the board as his side sharpened up for another finals tilt. “It was good to have an even team performance heading into finals,” Purcell said.

Sarah Cameron’s energy at ground level lifted the entire group. With momentum on their side, St Kevin’s look primed for another deep September campaign. Hannah Smith led the charge in front of the sticks with nine majors to her name.

On a down day for the CY’s Chloe Perrett, Krystal Russell and Paras Paton were the best for the away side on the day.

The final round of the home-and-away season promises plenty of intrigue, with Caulfield Grammarians facing West Brunswick, Kew meeting Old Scotch in a crucial top four battle, Old Geelong taking on Williamstown CYMS and Fitzroy up against Beaumaris, while St Kevin’s enjoy the bye before launching into another finals campaign.

ROUND 18 TIPS

Caufield GrammariansV West Brunswick Kew V Old Scotch

Old GeelongV Williamstown CYMS FitzroyV Beaumaris St Kevin’s – Bye

ROUND 17 RESULTS

WILLIAM BUCK PREMIER WOMEN’S

St Kevin’s:

Williamstown CYMS: 0.0

GOALS: St Kevin’s: H. Smith 9, I. Stutt 2, S. Cameron 1, K. Stanton 1, B. Rees 1, H. Kenealy 1

GOALS: Williamstown CYMS:

BEST: St Kevin’s: B. Doyle, S. Cameron, H. Smith, I. Stutt, A. Hynes, K. Stanton

BEST: Williamstown CYMS: C. Perrett, K. Russell, P. Paton, L. Scrivener, L. Mills, J. Farrugia

Grammarians:

GOALS: Fitzroy:

GOALS: Caulfield Grammarians: G. Foran 2, I. Robson 2, S. Kenny 2, M. Purcell 1

BEST: Fitzroy: M. de Bondt, M. Smith, E. Lee, J. Stapleton, P. Duffy, L. Atkinson

BEST: Caulfield Grammarians: O. Rundle, M. Purcell, A. Myers, E. Cleland, E. Baxter, C. Anderson

GOALS: Old Scotch: J. Mifsud 5, J. Wise 2

GOALS: West Brunswick: T. Watson 1

BEST: Old Scotch: J. Mifsud, A. McCulloch, E. Defina, K. Hunter-Scott, L. Hart, M. Caffry

BEST: West Brunswick: C. Piggott, V. Holt, S. Jolly, T. Watson, C. Balbata, A. Trollip

Geelong:

GOALS: Kew: l. stevens 3, C. Dyett 2, S. de Castella 2, G. Rawlings 1, E. Rayment 1

GOALS: Old Geelong: K. Magyar 1, A. Halaby 1

BEST: Kew: A. Melnikas, E. Rayment, l. stevens, G. Wyett, C. Dyett, Z. Clubb

BEST: Old Geelong: A. Kirkwood, J. Grant, J. Gleeson, S. Rothfield, C. Mackenzie, B. Mckay

(16)

PREMIER WOMEN’S RESERVE

St Kevin’s: 5-15-45

Williamstown CYMS: 1--6

GOALS: St Kevin’s: T. Berkowitz 2, E. Macey 2, M. Howard 1

GOALS: Williamstown CYMS: L. Mills 1

BEST: St Kevin’s: M. Howard, R. Fiorentini, R. Wilson, H. Cook, S. Chong, T. Berkowitz

BEST: Williamstown CYMS: B. Krt, M. McGirr, A. Parsons, T. Beagley, T. Conway, P. Kalka

Kew: 0.0

Old Geelong: 0.0 0.0

GOALS: Kew: M. McFarlane 3, y. vinycomb 2, P. O Malley 2, K. Shaw 2

GOALS: Old Geelong:

BEST: Kew: M. McFarlane, P. Lawlor, A. Bruce, P. O Malley, K. Shaw, j. carey

BEST: Old Geelong: D. Willows, A. Owen, S. Hanmer, L. Kelly, A. Skoglund, T. Harvey

Caulfield Grammarians:

GOALS: Fitzroy: C. Hetherington 2, N. Conte 1, E. Boles 1

GOALS: Caulfield Grammarians: T. Hurst 2, L. Toovey 1, H. Grange 1

BEST: Fitzroy: E. Mandy, M. Rodezno, K. O’Malley, T. Tonzing, N. Conte, E. Menzies

(65)

BEST: Caulfield Grammarians: E. Grills, C. Ryan, W. Sweeney Johnston, L. Toovey, E. Rawson, T. Hurst Old

GOALS: Old Scotch: M. Fraser-Smith 4, A. Theodosi 2, E. Rosenow 1

GOALS: West Brunswick: I. Johanson-Blok 1, J. Hooke 1, G. Fogarty 1, A. Mack 1

BEST: Old Scotch: E. Rosenow, M. Fraser-Smith, E. Uittenbosch, I. Griffin, L. Zhang, G. Kerr

BEST: West Brunswick: A. Traill, N. Clarke, I. Johanson-Blok, M. Trompf, G. Fogarty, S. Dekker

PREMIER B MEN’S

Paddy Grindlay

Four doesn’t go into two.

That’s the simple equation ahead of Premier B’s final round, with third and fourth place on the ladder wide open and four teams jockeying for position with a weekend to go before the music stops, and the finals-playing positions are decided.

Caulfield Grammarians have a one-game hold on third place after running up the score against the Hampton Rovers, improving their percentage by nearly 10% in a 128-point thumping.

With the VFL home-and-away season over, the Fields’ cause was aided by North Melbourne pair Ollie Lowe (40 disposals, nine clearances) and Matt Clarkson (32 disposals), Bullant Patrick Fairlie (37 disposals, 7 clearances) and Sandringham’s Josh Hutchings (22 disposals, three goals).

Julian Dobosz joined the party with seven majors, as did Coburg defender Ingo Dammersmith, also booting seven (as recorded by Premier Data) in his first VAFA game of the season.

“We’ve had such a settled backline all year, we’ve been really fortunate,” explained Fields coach Paul Satterley of Dammersmith’s use up forward.

“There’s two motivations, one, he’s coming back to help us. Two, I wanted him to come back and have a little bit of freedom for a week.

“He probably gave five (goals) off. He could’ve kicked ten easily.”

Aware of their poor percentage relative to other finals aspirants coming into the game, Satterley confirmed the coaching group had aimed for a boost when coming up against the Rovers.

“We were one of only two teams yet to have played Hampton twice, we probably saw it as an opportunity with a really strong side … to work on that side of our game, and we were able to capitalise,” he said.

“Whatever happens next week, it could come down to percentage. I thought we achieved what we set out to do.”

Coming up against the top-of-the-table Ts this weekend, Cauflield’s finals fate is in their hands: They can seal their place in the four with a win or draw, but if they lose, wins to both Old Camberwell and Old Carey (the Panthers must also overcome a 2.62% percentage gap to the Fields) will see the Fields miss.

There is an urge to ruminate over the outcome of Round 18, sure to break hearts across the VAFA, but for Satterley and his coaching group, it’s about preparing their chargers fully for the challenge Old Trinity will provide at Glen Huntly Park.

“There’s a high level of confidence in the group. We look forward to Trinity,” said Satterley.

With its fifth win in a six-game run, Old Camberwell extinguished Old Geelong’s finals hopes (outside of a mathematical miracle) with a six-goal-to-two final quarter, riding a season-best haul of eight goals from Liam Thomas to win 14.13 (97) to 9.11 (65).

In a game that was tight and close into the final term, scores were tied within the first five minutes of the lastthe Wellers skipping clear with two quick goals to Thomas and another to Lachie Harker.

Old Geelong’s Mickey Nicholls ran in his third goal at the 16-minute mark of the quarter, tightening the margin to two goals, but Old Camberwell surged again. First David McColl feasted on a kick-in error to re-establish ascendancy, before Thomas kicked his seventh and eighth goals - one from a tidy set shot, the other moments later courtesy of a rolling snap along the carpet - and finished off the game.

Coach Neil Connell and Thomas himself post-game cited “first-rate” supply from the Wellers’ midfield group - Thomas led well to kicks allowing for his launch and was highly sought after in one-on-ones inside 50. With 54 goals this season, he leads the goalkicking title from Williamstown CYMS’ Zach Provest (41).

“I’ve been a bit critical of our disposal and our decisionmaking at times in the past,” said Neil Connell, “but I think it’s all starting to come together, and in the last quarter it all came together.”

“We were challenged in the third quarter again, but we were able to hold steady and kick away in the last.”

In fourth place, level on points with fifth-placed Old Carey but 7.47% clear, the Wellers will tie up a top four spot with a win over Williamstown CYMS this weekend - unless the Panthers were to run up an almighty score and win in their match against the OGs, thus overtaking Old Camberwell on percentage.

It’s an unlikely proposition - meaning there’s history awaiting the Wellers this weekend if they win at home.

“The club’s really excited that we’ve got an opportunity (to make finals) - the president said to me that it’d be the first time Old Camberwell has ever played a B-Grade final in club history,” said Neil Connell.

“Our destiny’s (been) in our own hands from three or four weeks ago. We’ve got to keep winning, and everything else will take care of itself.”

The Wellers’ win effectively ends the OGs’ September hopes. From 9-8, they can draw level on points with 10-7 pair Old Camberwell and Old Geelong with a win over the Panthers next week - but while they can leap over the Panthers, the OGs won’t catch the Wellers’ percentage, which is over 15% better than the OGs.

Critical to these matters is the fact Old Camberwell plays Williamstown CYMS - also at 9-8, but with a near-16% advantage on the OGs. Should the CYs beat Old Camberwell, coupled with an Old Geelong win over Old Carey, it would be the CYs on percentage into fourth place.

Put simply, the percentage chasm is too wide for Nick Dixon’s men to cross. It’s been a year of improbabilities in Premier B - the OGs would need a near impossibility to manifest itself.

“(It was a) game that we never really got going,” lamented Dixon.

“A lot of that was down to Old Camberwell’s pressure and work rate all over the ground. We battled hard to stay with them for three-and-a-half quarters, but just didn’t have the legs to stay with them. Still really proud of our group and how we’ve attacked the year.”

It will be club stalwart Will Sloss’ last game this weekend, the 31-year-old’s 13-year career coming to a close against the Panthers on the road.

“An absolute legend of Old Geelong dating all the way back to 2013 and as beloved character as there has been,” said Dixon.

“The boys getting to play with him one final time will be motivation enough.”

Old Carey’s out-pacing of Fitzroy after half time at home created its own win-and-your-win scenario, with a catch.

The Panthers play Old Geelong in Round 18 but it’s likely they’ll need Old Camberwell or Caulfield Grammarians (or both) to lose in their respective matchups to play finals. The Fields (with a game and 2.62% on Old Carey) are within reach in third place, given they play top-of-the-ladder Old Trinity. Fourth-placed Old Camberwell are also on ten wins, but have a 7.47% advantage, meaning the four points on their own this weekend won’t be sufficient for the Panthers.

“I’ll be honest, I hadn’t looked at the ladder much this year, apart from the last ten days. Now I’m blinded by the excitement of the whole thing,” laughed Old Carey coach Luke Giles.

There was trouble in the first half at the home of the Panthers. Giles cited a “lack of urgency” to cover the ground from his players in the second term, which allowed the Roys to control the flow of the footy. Leading by just four points, Giles’ half time message was strong.

“They (Fitzroy) took 45 uncontested marks in the second quarter,” Giles said.

“At half time, (it was about) coming together and making sure we were on the same page and aware that that level of defensive pressure, and a willingness to allow the opposition to take 45 uncontested marks won’t get it done against Old Geelong, or in a final.”

PREMIER B MEN’S

The Panthers responded, kicked six goals to one in the third term, reduced the Fitzroy uncontested mark figure substantially and continued on to a 16.13 (109) to 8.12 (60) win.

“We’ll have to play better than we did on the weekend if we’re going to play any significant part in the finals … we just need to go out (next week) and make sure we’re a 20%-better side that would allow us to beat an Ivanhoe or Trinity, or whoever else it is,” said Giles.

Daniel Clarke kicked four goals and Luke Kelvie (29 disposals and a goal) was good on return from his time at Coburg VFL.

Laird Ramshaw, who has featured for Footscray VFL this year, kicked a pair of goals from his 31 disposals for Fitzroy, Riley Kelly worked hard on his wing, while Jacob Bourke and Angus Evans led a youthful backline.

“In what has become a bit of a theme for us we had a redhot crack and were right in it at halftime,” said Roys coach Travis Ronaldson.

“We failed to finish off some of our good work however, which proved costly in the second half.

“There were some good signs though and I thought we looked good when we were able to control the tempo of the game in patches.”

The last of the finals aspirants is Williamstown CYMS, which needed to win and win well over Old Melburnians to keep the candle flickering at the weekend - and did.

Access Team Lists on PlayHQ via VAFA.com.au

Breaking a four-game losing skid, including two heartbreakers in the preceding fortnight, the CYs increased their advantage at every break over the OMs, 21.17 (143) to 12.5 (77) victors to give themselves a chance of featuring in September.

“What we wanted to do was make sure we played better for longer, and that’s what the focus was at half time … not resting on our laurels because we have a comfortable lead,” said coach Con Terzoglou.

“Trying to play close to four quarters was one of our driving factors for the weekend.”

Jordan Busuttil (34 disposals and 13 clearances) returned from Essendon VFL in fine form while Werribee VFL forward Harry Miller (23 disposals and seven goals) dominated inside 50, combining seamlessly with talls Zach Provest (five goals) and Ayden McCarroll (two goals).

“It’s like his (Miller’s) game has been sharpened from spending 10-plus weeks at VFL level,” said CYs coach Con Terzoglou.

“That’s exactly what you want out of it - you’ve got a guy who’s showing improvement from that next level of exposure, and then to come back and work within his team and the structure of the forward line, and then complement it. It was magic, to be honest, between the three of them.”

One game back from the Wellers (who they play this week) and Panthers, the CYs need to win, and for Old Carey to lose to Old Geelong, to make the four. A win would send Terzoglou’s team to a positive record of 10-8, the club’s best record in Premier B since arriving in the grade in 2021.

“Amazing for us, and a great launching pad for next year. We’re hoping (for finals), but we’re cognisant that we’ve also blown our chances. It’s about finishing strong, and (with) a positive record,” said Terzoglou.

“Full credit to Williamstown, thought they were first classsome high-quality players across all lines (and) a few VFL lads who ripped it up,” said OMs coach Nathan Brown.

“We competed well for long periods, with lots of new faces and opportunities which is definitely a positive as we’ll continue to look into the future.”

Old Trinity has known its top two destiny for a little while now, but after defeating Old Ivanhoe in a second semifinal preview the Ts are the favourite to take the minor premiership in 2025.

A win or draw over the Caulfield Grammarians will seal first place for Donald McDonald’s men, a game clear atop

the Premier B table after defeating the Hoers 10.11 (71) to 8.11 (59). It’s a second win of the season over Old Ivanhoe for McDonald, although the margin has drifted closer since Round Nine’s 37-point win.

“It’s an interesting one, when you know you’re going to play the team in two weeks’ time, but I still think it’s a really good opportunity to play against a good side - you’re looking at the competition, coming into finals, and as far as we’re concerned, finals have started,” said Ts coach Donald McDonald, with the Fields to follow the Hoers this weekend.

In an arm-wrestle of a game where neither side shirked physicality, Boston Dowling ripped down a contested grab just outside of the square in the dying minutes, kicking truly to give the Ts a game-deciding 11-point advantage.

With Charlie Beasley one of a few Old Trinity players returning over the recent weeks, there’s healthy competition for spots that will give McDonald and his coaching group headaches in the lead-up to Saturday’s game against Caulfield.

“They’ve (Caulfield) been really good this year - they had a lot more scoring shots than we did when we played them at our ground. I think the boys know it’s going to be a really tough game.”

Hugo McGlashan had 34 disposals for the Ts, while for Old Ivanhoe, Toby McLean (30 disposals and a goal) was good on return and young gun Trent McManus kicked three from 19 disposals.

It was a great contest … two teams that knew the end result had no bearing on the first week of finals, but it wasn’t played that way,” said Old Ivanhoe coach Jarrod Gieschen.

“Both teams had a real crack and it was a good four-quarter contest. When the game was there to be won, Trinity stood up and their experienced players did what they had to do to get the win. They deserve to be on top of the ladder and they are a very talented and well-drilled team.”

In Round 18, the Hoers will round out the home and away season against the Hampton Rovers while the Fields host the Ts, the Wellers host the CYs, the OGs travel to take on Old Carey and Fitzroy play Old Melburnians.

ROUND 18 TIPS

FitzroyV Old Melburnians

Hampton Rovers V Old Ivanhoe

Old Camberwell V Williamstown CYMS

Old CareyV Old Geelong

Caulfield GrammariansV

ROUND 17 RESULTS

PREMIER B MEN’S

Caulfield Grammarians:

Hampton Rovers:

GOALS: Caulfield Grammarians: J. Dobosz 7, I. Dammersmith 6, T. Williams 3, C. Cooke 3, J. Hutchings 3, J. Webster 2, J. Freedman 1, O. Lowe 1, K. Watt 1, P. Fairlie 1

GOALS: Hampton Rovers: B. Jensen-Muir 3, O. Sutherland 1, C. Friend 1, h. block 1, W. Crawford 1, J. Melnjak 1

BEST: Caulfield Grammarians: P. Fairlie, M. Clarkson, O. Lowe, J. Dobosz, J. Webster, I. Dammersmith

BEST: Hampton Rovers: L. Costello, C. Carnovale, O. Sutherland, B. Jensen-Muir, C. Friend, Z. Ziesing

Old Carey:

Fitzroy:

(60)

GOALS: Old Carey: D. Clarke 4, D. Godden 2, M. Wooffindin 2, R. Thompson 2, J. Alexander 2, L. Kelvie 1, Q. McKay 1, I. Ellwood 1, B. Andrews 1

GOALS: Fitzroy: H. Grace 2, L. Ramshaw 2, M. Nelson 1, C. Lester 1, T. Strachan 1, H. Kooloos 1

BEST: Old Carey: D. Clarke, R. Thompson, T. Warren, W. Green, L. Kelvie, J. Alexander

BEST: Fitzroy: J. Bourke, R. Kelly, A. Evans, L. Sekhon, L. Ramshaw, M. Nelson

Old Trinity:

Old Ivanhoe:

GOALS: Old Trinity: D. Payman 3, A. Emery 2, E. Chard 1, B. Dowling 1, B. Curtain 1, J. Hindson 1, J. Heath 1

GOALS: Old Ivanhoe: D. Waldron 3, T. McManus 3, T. Mclean 1, A. Franklin 1

(59)

BEST: Old Trinity: L. Mulcahy, B. Littlefield, C. Manoussakis, S. Phillips, J. Jenkins, A. Emery

BEST: Old Ivanhoe: T. Mclean, T. McManus, A. Mirkov, P. Naish, D. Waldron, A. Franklin Old Geelong:

GOALS: Old Geelong: H. Garoni 3, M. Nicholls 3, J. Nicholls 1, H. Kol 1, L. Dunell 1

GOALS: Old Camberwell: L. Thomas 8, J. Gale 2, L. Purcell 1, R. West 1, D. McColl 1, L. Harker 1

BEST: Old Geelong: A. Lazzaro, H. Garoni, E. Hayne, J. Sheridan, W. Sloss, J. Nicholls

BEST: Old Camberwell: L. Thomas, L. Purcell, R. Hopkins, L. McGowan, J. Gale, T. Oliver

CYMS:

Melburnians:

GOALS: Williamstown CYMS: H. Miller 7, Z. Provest 5, N. Sayers 3, A. McCarroll 2, L. Warren 2, W. Bokma 1, J. Busuttil 1

GOALS: Old Melburnians: L. Haysman 3, S. Laube 2, C. Long 1, A. Chirnside 1, J. a’Beckett 1, W. Dethridge 1, B. HAYSMAN 1, C. Boston 1, M. Williams 1

BEST: Williamstown CYMS: H. Miller, Z. Provest, X. Snelling, C. Hira, J. Busuttil, N. Sayers

BEST: Old Melburnians: L. Haysman, S. Laube, O. Williams, T. Spargo, W. Dethridge, E. Chantrell

PREMIER B MEN’S RESERVES

Old Geelong:

(72) Old Camberwell:

(33)

GOALS: Old Geelong: J. Kemp 2, L. Maiden 2, K. Kemp 2, J. Colgrave 1, D. Morgan 1, C. Fox 1

GOALS: Old Camberwell: A. Goodale 1, C. Robertson 1, L. Ross 1, N. Latsas 1, T. Nicholson 1

BEST: Old Geelong: S. Jess, B. Parks, L. Maiden, J. Kemp, J. Davies, G. Sweeney

BEST: Old Camberwell: J. Davidson, L. Powell, C. Smith, W. Allsop, W. Day, M. Vogel

Old Trinity:

Old Ivanhoe:

GOALS: Old Trinity:

GOALS: Old Ivanhoe: T. Kellock 4, J. Agrotis 1, J. Erman-Keogh 1, F. Knight 1

BEST: Old Trinity: N. Gill, H. Thompson, F. McNamara, O. Galbally, L. Milner, C. Comer

BEST: Old Ivanhoe: S. Gibbs, N. Sivakumar, T. corben, F. Knight, M. Gurrisi, A. Stratov

Caulfield Grammarians: 5.3

Hampton Rovers:

(73)

(129)

(35)

GOALS: Caulfield Grammarians: C. Hankin 6, W. Vesely 4, J. Atkinson 3, J. Mehl 1, J. Hill 1, C. Pietsch 1, J. Wallace 1, L. Bevis 1, O. Ursini 1

GOALS: Hampton Rovers: A. Zufic 1, J. Taranto 1, N. Murnane 1, L. Roberts 1, M. Labib 1

BEST: Caulfield Grammarians: M. Kaufman, H. Vandame, C. Hankin, W. Vesely, M. Hamill, J. Atkinson

BEST: Hampton Rovers: D. Merlo, D. O’Shea, D. Lyon, P. Somogyi, J. Taranto, T. Ellinghaus

Old Carey: 2.2

(48) Fitzroy:

GOALS: Old Carey: T. Bucknell 2, F. Park 2, E. Taylor 2, M. Hogg 1

GOALS: Fitzroy: T. Duffin 3, M. Davie 2, C. Holdsworth 2, D. Carr 2, K. Ramshaw 2, C. McAuliffe 1, L. Chiappini 1, L. Engberg 1, L. Brunt 1, K. Scott 1

(103)

BEST: Old Carey: N. Benson, F. Park, S. Zimmermann, T. Zafiropoulos, A. Simpson, M. Hogg

BEST: Fitzroy: C. McAuliffe, C. Holdsworth, L. Chiappini, K. Ramshaw, T. Kewell, K. Scott

Williamstown CYMS: 7.6 11.12 18.18 24.23 (167) Old Melburnians: 0.0 1.0 1.1 2.1 (13)

GOALS: Williamstown CYMS: S. Shepherd 5, j. raymond 2, C. Taylor 2, L. Taylor 2, P. Farrell 2, A. Battisti 1, W. Slight 1, B. Davies 1, B. Philpott 1, A. Fernandes 1, C. Schaap 1, H. Sposato 1, L. Hine 1, L. Tester 1

GOALS: Old Melburnians: N. Brown 1, W. de Zoete 1

BEST: Williamstown CYMS: O. Becroft, P. Farrell, S. Shepherd, J. Neville, H. Sposato, L. Taylor

BEST: Old Melburnians: H. McIntyre, L. Brookie, H. Sibly, W. de Zoete, J. Brown, N. Brown

PREMIER B WOMEN’S

Lauren Atkinson

Omlettes book Grand Final spot, Westbourne survives elimination epic

After months of hard work across the regular season culminating in a finals berth for four deserving teams, Week One of Premier B Women’s finals delivered an electrifying start to “September” football. Both matches went down to the wire, with the lower-ranked side finding a way to prevail in each contest.

In the elimination final between Port Melbourne Chargers and Westbourne Grammarians, Westbourne held on for a gritty four-point win, 4.3 (27) to 3.5 (23), securing their place in the second week of finals and bringing Port Melbourne’s impressive debut season to a close.

With a slight breeze blowing at the notoriously windy Elsternwick Park, it was going to be a matter of who could better adapt to the conditions. Westbourne started with the wind in the first term and were able to capitalise, scoring the first two majors of the day through Kiara Henry and Temeika Cathery.

Alexandra Hose got the Chargers on the board in the second, but they were unable to find a second major to level the score and went into the main break trailing by five. Westbourne continued to use the wind to their advantage in the third term, slotting another two goals to build a handy 17-point buffer going into the final term.

Knowing their season was on the line, Port Melbourne threw everything they had at the contest in the final term. Two early goals brought them back within five points, causing the intensity to skyrocket for the remainder of the match. The Chargers surged the ball forward repeatedly, but Westbourne’s defence withstood the charge, repelling attack after attack.

The Chargers had one more chance to hit the scoreboard late in the term, but could only muster a behind, falling short by just four points at the final siren – a heartbreaking end to their inaugural campaign. Despite the result, Chargers coach Harriet Cooper was immensely proud of the resilience shown by her side. “As a team, we never gave up. Even going into the final quarter, we still felt we had a chance to win, regardless of the score,” she said. “The girls left everything they had on the field and when they look back, they can know they gave it their absolute all and have no regrets.” Cooper highlighted

the leadership of senior players such as Ashlee Ladson, Maegan Harrison, Georgia Harris, Claire Highfield and Alex Hose, whose composure and stability was instrumental in guiding the more junior players through the match.

For Westbourne, coach Chris Grant was thrilled by his side’s consistent pressure and ability to capitalise on opportunities. “Very little separated both teams over the course of the game, and whilst we were able to open up a 17-point lead by the end of the third quarter, Port were always going to come back hard with the aid of a small breeze in the last,” he said. “Ultimately we were able to defend incredibly well over the last quarter, with the girls’ efforts during the final five minutes particularly noteworthy!” Grant praised the midfield trio of Gracie Lamers, Paige Trajkovski, and Roxy Sefton, as well as Sam Moodie in the ruck. In defence, Kayla Koropeckyj and Ciaralii Parnell were rock solid, while Temeika Cathery led the forward line with two goals.

Looking ahead, Westbourne face a tough challenge in the minor premiers, Old Brighton, who defeated them twice during the regular season by a combined margin of 40 points. “We will need to find another level again against OB next weekend, but the girls are really looking forward to the challenge,” said Grant. For the Chargers, their debut season now draws to a close, but it is one they can be incredibly proud of. “It’s obviously disappointing to lose the final, but we have so much to be proud of,” Cooper reflected.

“We’re a new club, and the fact that we were able to field two teams every week and have both reach the first round of finals in our debut season is an incredible achievement. The club didn’t even exist until six weeks before the season started, and our players stuck together through it all. We have been supported by so many people, and what we’ve created here in Port Melbourne – bringing women’s football back to J.L. Murphy – is what really matters. We’ve built a community where players and people want to be, and that’s the greatest achievement of all.”

If the elimination final left hearts racing, the qualifying final between Old Brighton and Old Melburnians was downright heart-stopping. In a match that lived up to its billing, Old Melburnians staved off a fast-finishing Old Brighton to claim victory by the narrowest of margins, 3.7 (25) to 3.6 (24), securing a direct path to the Grand Final.

FINALS RESULTS

PREMIER B WOMEN’S

GOALS: Port Melbourne Chargers: G. Harris 1, N. Wallace 1, A. Hose 1

GOALS: Westbourne: T. Cathery 2, A. Flenley 1, m. graf 1

BEST: Port Melbourne Chargers: A. Ladson, A. Hose, N. Wallace, N. Borg, O. Box, M. Harrison

BEST: Westbourne: K. Koropeckyj, P. Trajkovski, G. Lamers, C. Parnell, E. Kikidis, T. Cathery

GOALS: Old Brighton: K. Grant 2, l. grant 1

GOALS: Old Melburnians:

BEST: Old Brighton: K. Grant, a. grant, S. Grant, J. Tait, G. Buckley, C. Hodgson

BEST: Old Melburnians: E. Williams, G. Dunlop, C. Fraser, S. Peers, S. Barnett, e. faulks

Starting with the breeze, Old Melburnians made the most of early momentum, leading 1.3 (9) to 0.1 (1) at the first change. The Omlettes continued to control the footy across the next two terms, adding a goal in each quarter while holding Old Brighton goalless – a feat no other team has managed against the Tonners this season.

Georgia Dunlop, Ellen Williams, and Clare Fraser were relentless in the engine room of Old Melburnians, winning the contested ball and setting the tone with their intensity. Williams, despite being heavily tagged, continued to find space and deliver with precision, while Dunlop’s work rate and physicality were pivotal in keeping the Tonners’ midfield at bay.

In defence, the Omlettes’ backline was impenetrable, causing stoppage after stoppage and helping to create attack from the half-back line. Heading into the final term leading 3.7 (25) to 0.2 (2), Old Melburnians looked all but certain to be progressing to the Grand Final. However, Old Brighton were not done. The Tonners flipped the script, showing why they have been the benchmark all season.

They launched a spirited comeback in the last quarter, taking back ascendancy in the territory battle and peppering away at the scoreboard with behinds until Lucy Grant finally broke the drought with a great finish in front of goals. This was followed by two clutch majors from Katie Grant, bringing the minor premiers back within two points.

In a nail-biting finish, Old Brighton surged forward one last time. A behind at the 23-minute mark brought them one point shy of the Omlettes, but it wasn’t enough. The siren sounded with the Omlettes clinging to a one-point lead – just enough to punch their ticket to the 2025 Grand Final.

Old Brighton coach Andrew Grant pointed to the second term as their downfall. “After a good first quarter where we held OMs to one goal with the wind, we did not make use of the wind in the second quarter and the OMs defended well, and this quarter proved to be the main difference in the game.” Despite this, Grant was pleased with the fight shown by his team and believes this will hold them in good stead going into the crucial preliminary final. “We were really pleased with our excellent comeback in the last quarter and a half, and we will take a lot of confidence and momentum into this week’s game against Westbourne,” he said.

For Old Melburnians’ coach Nic Stephens, it was a great display of effort and intensity from the Omlettes. “I think we did a great job all game of making it as hard as possible for Old Brighton to get the game on their terms,” he said. “Old Brighton are a great team and they’re going to get their opportunities during the game, what we wanted to ensure was that they didn’t get anything easy when they did win the ball, and I think our entire team contributed to that effort.”

The win marks a defining moment in the Omlettes’ journey to the top. After narrowly missing finals last year, they’ve developed a skilled, determined unit capable of matching it with the best.

Reflecting on the season so far, Stephens said, “I don’t really know where to start. The whole team has come a really long way from where we were last season. Across the board the whole team has improved so much and it’s really rewarding to see the girls play with more confidence now. I’ve said since day one that our goal was to win the club’s first women’s premiership and now, we’re one game away from that so we’re going to be doing everything we can between now and grand final day to make sure we achieve it.” On Sunday, Old Brighton and Westbourne Grammarians will meet in the Preliminary Final at City Oval Coburg, to determine which side will earn their ticket to the big dance.

PREMIER C MEN’S

Harrison McIlwaine

Who stays up? Mazenod’s statement leaves Parkside vulnerable

The race for the final position of safety in Premier C will head into the final week of the home and away season.

Mazenod did their chances of staying up no harm, climbing out of the bottom two on percentage, after piling the pain onto Prahran. Peter Banfield’s men registered a ten-goal final quarter to inflate the margin, running out 19.6 (120) to 4.9 (33), in the second-last game of Banfield’s tenure.

Hayden Boyce rocketed to the top of the division’s goalkicking table on the back of his nine goals, with Banfield highlighting his performance, and that of his leaders, after the match.

“It was an awesome win from us. Hayden Boyce: his nine goals need to be talked about. Jack Sullivan and Damien Byrne – outstanding games. Matt Fewings is just a great captain,” he said.

It’s been a difficult season for the Nodders, with this result, and the step towards safety that it represents, reward for effort. Mazenod head to Gerry Green Reserve next week, with a mammoth challenge against the likely minor premiers awaiting. Banfield insists his side will have a ‘real crack’ at causing what would be a monumental upset.

It’s been a torrid year for Prahran. The reigning Division 1 premiers have battled an injury crisis, and lapses in games, to find themselves winless, with a meagre percentage of less than 50. Their last opportunity to salvage some pride and seize a victory in Premier C will come in Bulleen, where a resurgent Marcellin awaits.

At the end of a see-sawing affair, the Eagles were 15.14 (104) to 13.10 (88) victors over PEGS. On the familiar expanses of their home deck, Marcellin were made to work for the result. Down 20 points late in the first quarter, Bernie Dineen’s men rallied, finding themselves 25 points to the good, ten minutes into the last quarter, when Josh Daniel kicked his seventh major of the contest.

PEGS would kick the next three, reducing the margin to just eight as time-on approached, before schoolboy Josh Kol kicked the sealer. Fellow schoolboys James Stapleton and Patrick Curtain, small defenders, also had some great moments.

Dineen glowed in his praise of Daniel after the match. “I almost could’ve kissed him,” he joked. “He took some clutch contested marks, has serious agility for a big man, and just always seems to know what the game requires. He plays like

‘Tex’ Walker – great skills on both sides of his body, by hand and by foot, and was the standout on the day.”

“We’re trying to indoctrinate a little bit about what a winning culture looks like, in our training, planning, and game day behaviours. There was a real maturity in the group to respond after a strong start from the opposition. I felt we controlled large parts of the second half, and steadied again after PEGS came hard late,” Dineen added.

Marcellin leaders Adam Tomaro, Paddy Howe, Matt Capetola and Elliot Atwell also drew Dineen’s praise in the victory, which represents the first time Marcellin have won back-toback games this season.

A genuine goal of the year contender from James McArdle was the highlight of the contest. Early in the second quarter, McArdle gathered the ball in the back pocket and carved up Bray Oval on a scintillating run, before coolly slotting the finish.

After the match, PEGS coach Rob Kerr was forthright in his assessment of his side’s performance.

“Unfortunately, we turned the ball over way too much by both hand and foot across the whole game. Marcellin got out to around 20 points with early scores in the last quarter, before the move of Max Philpot to an attacking halfback role started to pay dividends. We clearly had the momentum, but as time was running out, a couple of risky kicks missed, and Marcellin punished accordingly.”

“Ade Antikola had a really strong game in the ruck to continue his strong year, Philpot was very good, and Barake was the best of our forwards,” he added.

Marcellin have plenty to play for this week; a victory would mean winning five of their final seven matches, and would ensure a positive winning ratio at home, for the first time since Covid. PEGS will host AJAX in their final match of the season, looking to cause an upset over the finalists.

An eight goal third term from Beaumaris condemned AJAX to their third loss in five matches. Worryingly, all three of these defeats have come at the hands of AJAX’s fellow finalists.

Speaking after the 15.16 (106) to 4.11 (35) defeat, Jackas coach Lachlan Buszard labelled the Sharks the premiership favourites.

“They simply have too much talent and hence work harder for longer,” he said. “Tom O’Rourke’s running power is the best

I’ve seen in the comp for his size, and he was very impressive. Their mids just bat too deep,” he added.

Beaumaris coach Josh Bourke was similarly impressed by his charges, after the match.

“We’ve got a real embarrassment of riches at times — we’re aware how lucky we are to have 4 to 5 VFL listed players playing with us,” he said.

“Our fitness continues to be a strength, and we have good confidence in our ability to run games out.

“Their (AJAX’s) pressure early was outstanding, and really put us on the back foot. We adjusted really well and started to give a better account of ourselves. Our defenders were outstanding, and (skipper Callum) Linehan led from the front,” he said.

The Sharks boast a healthy list as finals approach, and look primed to attack September, with a view to be promoted to the division from whence they came.

In the other finals preview of Round 17, Parkdale Vultures overturned a halftime deficit to defeat St Bedes/Mentone Tigers, 13.13 (91) to 7.11 (53). The Vultures held a slender three-quarter time advantage, but a seven goal to one final quarter proved the difference.

Vultures midfielder Matthew Emmanouil made it 14 bests nominations from 17 appearances this year – outright most in the division, while Darcy Fountain and Jake Ryder headlined Brad Berry’s selections.

Parkdale can secure the minor premiership with a victory over Mazenod next week, but should they slip up, and Beaumaris handle business against Glen Eira/Old McKinnon, the Sharks will claim that honour, on percentage.

Glen Eira/Old McKinnon registered a comfortable home victory over Parkside, in Carnegie. The Devils led at halftime, but 50-10 in the Gryphons favour after the main break consigned Rick Frost’s men to their thirteenth loss of the campaign.

Lachlan Mirams and Nick Mavropoulos continued brilliant seasons for Guy Martyn’s Gryphons, while Matt Holden was again Rick Frost’s best afield.

The Devils must steal an unlikely victory over the Tigers next week, and pray Mazenod does not do something similar against the Vultures, to stay in Premier C. The two sides have won four games each, but Mazenod’s percentage is significantly healthier than Parkside’s.

ROUND 18 TIPS

PEGS v AJAX

Beaumarisv Glen Eira/Old McKinnon

Marcellinv Prahran

Parkdale Vulturesv Mazenod

St Bedes/Mentone Tigers v Parkside

ROUND 17 RESULTS

PREMIER C MEN’S

GOALS: Marcellin: J. Daniel 7, J. Kol 2, H. Greenwood 2, L. Rush 1, P. Bourke 1, M. Capetola 1, J. McArdle 1

GOALS: PEGS: M. Barake 3, R. Simmons 2, M. Philpot 2, J. Fenner 1, L. Weber 1, E. Caddeo 1, J. Kerr 1, M. Baker-West 1, J. Young 1

BEST: Marcellin: J. Daniel, H. Greenwood, J. Kol, J. Stapleton, P. Bourke, J. Harrowell

BEST: PEGS: A. Akintola, M. Philpot, R. Simmons, B. Roach, M. Baker-West, D. Flaherty

Glen Eira / Old McKinnon:

(76)

(38)

GOALS: Glen Eira / Old McKinnon: S. Bass 3, J. French 2, j. hattingh 2, M. Day 1, B. Reid 1, L. Mirams 1, R. Weidemann 1, S. Carey 1

GOALS: Parkside: M. Romano 1, J. Moylan 1, C. Lawson 1, N. Moylan 1

BEST: Glen Eira / Old McKinnon: J. Chilcott, L. Mirams, J. French, N. Mavropoulos, A. Bird, A. Carey

BEST: Parkside: M. Holden, M. Balassone, R. Williams, O. Benson, L. Logozzo, L. Daniels Parkdale Vultures:

(91) St Bedes/Mentone:

(53)

GOALS: Parkdale Vultures: J. Cheep 3, L. Farnbach 2, L. Castle 2, T. Jenkins 2, C. Williamson 1, N. Sullivan 1, L. Bailey 1, J. Peake 1

GOALS: St Bedes/Mentone:

BEST: Parkdale Vultures: J. Cheep, H. Lynch, T. Jenkins, M. Emmanouil, C. Howell, K. Colella

BEST: St Bedes/Mentone: D. Fountain, J. Ryder, K. Arthur, J. Hellier, D. Goodman, T. Meakins

(33)

GOALS: Mazenod: H. Boyce 8, J. Sullivan 2, M. Fewings 2, A. Rubino 2, J. Hendricks 1, J. D’Angelo 1, S. Lovell 1, E. Sherlock 1, J. McCluskey 1

GOALS: Prahran: R. Hogan 1, M. Clifford 1, E. Plaza 1, J. Simonetta 1

BEST: Mazenod: J. Sullivan, H. Boyce, D. Byrne, J. Gava, M. Fewings, M. Whiting

BEST: Prahran: R. Brodie, R. Smyth, G. Alekna, R. Hogan, P. Ribbands, O. LANGTRY-KIERCE

GOALS: AJAX: M. Herzel 2, T. Sheezel 1, B. Krongold 1

GOALS: Beaumaris: J. Cusack 4, M. Harms 3, J. Taylor 3, A. McCarthy 2, C. Linehan 1, J. Pepper 1, C. Heath 1

BEST: AJAX: E. Debinski, N. Spitz, N. Pike, N. Lewis, A. Bryer, C. Zielinski

BEST: Beaumaris: B. Seers, A. McCarthy, R. Mihailovic, J. Taylor, C. Heath, C. Linehan

PREMIER C MEN’S RESERVES

Parkdale Vultures:

St Bedes/Mentone:

GOALS: Parkdale Vultures: W. Reeves 3, M. Hart 3, N. Farnbach 1, B. Dillon 1, A. Bartel 1

(64)

(54)

GOALS: St Bedes/Mentone: L. Carey 4, T. Grech 2, T. Aughterson 1, W. Pearson 1

BEST: Parkdale Vultures: B. Macdermid, J. Duckham, C. Balic, W. Reeves, J. Hardeman, E. Marshall

BEST: St Bedes/Mentone: E. Swain, C. Duffy, L. Carey, f. groves, S. Beasley, B. Goodchild

Marcellin:

(117) PEGS:

GOALS: Marcellin: L. Atherton 6, L. Perrone 3, S. Fitzgerald 3, B. Salerno 2, A. Newell 2, T. James 1, M. Kenna 1

GOALS: PEGS: H. Schiavello 2, M. Luisetto 2, A. Bishop 1, D. Callanan 1, J. Erougian 1

BEST: Marcellin: L. Atherton, C. Barry, W. Campitelli, L. Perrone, C. Bucoy, A. Newell

BEST: PEGS: D. Callanan, L. Flaherty, A. Bishop, M. Luisetto, Z. De Petro, D. Maslin

AJAX:

Beaumaris:

GOALS: AJAX: J. Fibishenko 3, H. Davis 1, N. Micmacher 1, D. Raiter 1, M. Lincoln 1

GOALS: Beaumaris: M. Kornberg 4, C. Reynolds 3, N. Beveridge 2, S. Roberts 1, J. Weightman 1, A. Baruhas 1, J. Rabak 1, C. Eckert 1, Z. Baruhas 1

BEST: AJAX: O. Tobias, T. Southwick, M. Lincoln, H. Davis, J. Nirens, N. Micmacher

BEST: Beaumaris: C. Tedde, C. Reynolds, S. McLennan, T. Murray, M. Kornberg, A. Baruhas Mazenod:

GOALS: Mazenod: S. Quirk 1, C. Noone 1, K. Tellis 1, G. Dissegna 1, A. Palleschi 1

GOALS: Prahran: A. Perez 2, B. Graham 1, A. Morschel 1, J. Hume 1, M. James 1, W. Hebblethwaite 1

BEST: Mazenod: M. Noone, K. Tellis, A. Gilmore, M. Withington, J. McKenna, A. Palleschi

BEST: Prahran: M. Woods, A. Perez, J. Partridge, T. Beddison, M. Hughes, J. Panagiotaros

Glen Eira / Old McKinnon:

(50) Parkside:

GOALS: Glen Eira / Old McKinnon: T. Obrien 2, J. Ludik 2, G. O’Donnell 1, T. Williamson 1, N. Johnston 1

(103)

GOALS: Parkside: I. Romano 3, Z. Blay 3, A. Bianchi 3, A. Chester 2, M. Creek 1, S. Bushell 1, A. Gargano 1, A. Balassone 1

BEST: Glen Eira / Old McKinnon: M. Dickins, W. Mcgowan, T. Williamson, B. Howells, J. Ludik, T. Obrien

BEST: Parkside: C. Cotter, A. Gargano, I. Romano, S. Bushell, M. Creek, L. Triscari

FOR THE LOVE OF THE GAME

#TONWATCH

Jake Dillon kicked his 100 th goal of the season on the weekend for Richmond Central in the last round of the home and away season at Kevin Bartlett Reserve. Jake achieved a feat many doubted was possible in community football in an 18-round season. He has kicked 10 or more goals on five occasions this season with some of his big bags including 19, 15, and 13 goals respectively. He has been a stalwart of the goal-square for the Snakes in Division 3 Men’s Reserves and was swarmed by the spectators on Saturday who came to witness Jake crack the ton!

FOR THE LOVE OF THE GAME

Steve Aarons to hang up the whistle after 499 games

Massive congratulations and thanks to STEVE ‘SAARONS’ AARONS for his 40+ years of active contribution to the Ormond footy club - it comes to an end today umpiring his final Ormond Reserves match.

Whilst his legacy during this time is mainly as the Club’s field umpire, it is also as a player, committee member, fundraiser, press secretary, goal umpire, ‘Club Saarons’ party host, and I’m sure many other roles ……. It has truly been an unbelievable life of service to the club.

Vale John Robinson

The VAFA is sad to announce the passing of Life Member John Robinson, who passed away in Dandenong on the 18th of August 2025.

John was a renowned gentleman who served the VAFA in many capacities for over 20 years, including VAFA Match Day Manager, Timekeeper for VAFA finals, Representative Football Property Steward and Timekeeper, and VAFA Goal Umpire.

His contribution was recognised with a VAFA Certificate of Merit in 2020 and Life Membership of the VAFA in 2022.

FOR THE LOVE OF THE GAME

Men’s Rising Star Nominee

Mitch Lloyd (University Blues)

The VAFA congratulates Mitch Lloyd from University Blues Football Club, who has been nominated as the Week 18 Anytime Fitness Men’s Rising Star. Despite playing four earlier VFL games, Mitch has managed to run out for the Uni Blues Senior Men’s side on 16 occasions this season and is averaging 17.4 disposals, 7.7 marks, and a solid 94.1 Premier Data ranking points.

What the club said:

Nineteen-year-old Mitch Lloyd played his junior footy at his home town Koroit where his family has a strong connection before joining GWV Rebels for two seasons in the Coates U18 League. This year Mitch opted to join his older brother Jamie at Uni Blues and has played 16 games for the senior team.

A Geelong VFL-listed player, Mitch has held down a key defender position for Blues often taking on the opposition’s best key forward. Mitch is strong overhead pulling down 10 marks in the Uni Blues’ loss to Old Xavs on Saturday. Mitch also represented the VAFA in the Big V Under 19’s Representative Football match against the Bendigo FNL earning a spot in the best for a standout performance on the day, going at 100% disposal efficiency and racking up 126 ranking points.

HOLMESGLEN U19’S REPORT

Callum Farquhar

Top four set after one-point thriller, Uni Blues shock St Kevin’s’ minor premiership bid

In a high stakes round of Holmesglen Under 19 Premier, the super Saturday affairs delivered some of the most impactful results of the season.

In a game set to kill or breathe life into De La Salle’s top four hopes, Old Scotch showed they are made for September in a gripping one-point win that officially seals their spot in finals calculations.

Old Scotch, who have kicked more behinds than goals in their last three outings resulting in two shock losses and a two-point win, looked set to rue their kicking woes once again as the De La stormed to a 25-point halftime lead.

The Cardinals were not only comprehensively outplayed in the first half, conceding five more scoring shots than their opposition’s defence, but once again left scores off the board by kicking seven behinds from their 10 scoring shots.

But in the second half, those woes disappeared.

Staring down the barrel of a third loss in four weeks and the potential of slipping outside the four by season’s end, the Cardinals’ forwards clicked into the right gear at the necessary time.

Scotch kicked three goals straight to four behinds in the third term to reel the margin back to 11 points, before an attack-at-all-costs final term opened the ground right up.

De La Salle scored another 19 onto their tally, but Old Scotch punted five, with their only behind in the second half ultimately the cliché handy point that secured a stunning one-point win, 11.8 (74) to 10.13 (73).

The win secures Old Scotch into September as the gap between fourth and fifth extends to 10 premiership points with one game to play, ending De La Salle’s late charge with a round to play.

De La’s last three games have come at a combined margin of just 10 points but resulted in two losses and

a draw, leaving the club to ponder what could have been if their previous five-game winning streak could have been extended just a couple weeks more.

Old Xaverians have avoided relegation after a clinical fourth term handed the club victory over St Bedes/ Mentone Tigers.

The Xavs raced out to a three-goal quarter-time advantage, but SBMT would not lie down, scrapping back to tie the game at three-quarter-time, 66-apiece.

With the game hanging in the balance, and relegation on the line, Xavier Austin and Charlie Landrigan stood tall, as a six-goal-to-one final term saw Old Xaverians run away with the premiership points by 31, 16.10 (106) to 11.9 (75).

Austin and Landrigan combined for six on the day, while Jude McCormack was deemed best on for the Tigers.

Old Brighton remains a chance for the minor premiership after a bounce back victory over Caulfield Grammarians.

Caulfield, who have been the season spoilers and danger-game opponents not to take lightly in 2025, gave the Tonners an early fright as the second-placed side battle for form late in the season.

The Fields led by six at halftime thanks to sharpshooting accuracy, but Old Brighton’s nearcompetition best defence found out Caulfield’s forward line in the second half.

Caulfield who were held goalless under stifling heat from the Tonners, would go on to score 10 second-half goals, bursting away to a confidence-boosting 51 point win despite the Fields’ gallant initial efforts, 7.10 (52) to 15.13 (103).

Anytime Fitness Rising Star nominee, Charlie Richardson’s six majors saw him earn best-on-ground honours in his return from senior football.

University Blues have sent shockwaves through St Kevin’s’ minor premiership hopes after a stunning seven-point upset.

ROUND 17 RESULTS

HOLMESGLEN U19 PREMIER MEN’S

Old Scotch:

GOALS: Old Scotch: T. Wenzel 3, N. Baring 2, A. Johnson 2, T. Farrer 1, F. Nankervis 1, J. Suttle 1, K. Greville 1

GOALS: De La Salle: H. Sheedy 3, m. higginbotham 2, J. Murray 1, A. Glover 1, J. Cripps 1, A. Giampa 1, K. Addison-Welbedagt 1

BEST: Old Scotch: G. Simmons, T. Farrer, Z. Phillips, L. Macneil, F. Nankervis, A. Johnson

BEST: De La Salle: H. Sheedy, E. Ganas, A. Giampa, F. Thompson, L. Mahimarajan, A. Margerison Old Xaverians:

Bedes/Mentone:

A back-and-forth affair that never saw either team establish a significant margin, the Blues’ growing maturity as a side stood tall in another clutch result.

After two fourth quarter fadeouts earlier in the season, the Blues have learnt from experience how to handle the tight encounters and pulled through against the competition’s ladder-leaders.

“It was very pleasing to get that result,” Uni Blues coach Steve Boakes said.

“After De La lost to Scotch we played with a bit of freedom knowing we couldn’t miss finals.

“SKOBS are a quality side but we got our matchups right and also experimented with a few positions which all paid off.

“SKOBS kept coming late in the game as we knew they would, but we held on well – which wouldn’t have happened earlier in the season.”

Boakes also lauded Charlie Summerfield’s display off halfback and Sam Sinnott’s work in the clinches through the midfield.

While the top four is now set, there is still plenty to play for in the final home and away round next week. St Bedes/ Mentone host Caulfield, with the loser set to claim the unwanted wooden spooners title. Old Scotch play Old Xaverians in their warm-up to finals, while the Uni Blues and Old Brighton play a potential early finals preview to gear up for September.

While Old Brighton’s path to steal the minor premiership from St Kevin’s seems tougher than the latter, SKOB will have to beat De La Salle, whose aforementioned winning streak and following heartbreak defeats indicate this will be no easy beat before St Kevin’s’ flag charge begins.

GOALS: Old Xaverians: X. Austin 3, C. Landrigan 3, N. Rogers 2, T. Trist 2, C. Anderson 1, M. King 1, A. Hewitt 1, G. Levinge 1, h. warfe 1, L. Mallett 1

GOALS: St Bedes/Mentone:

BEST: Old Xaverians: X. Austin, T. Trist, P. Kenny, C. Landrigan, T. Hansen, N. Rogers

BEST: St Bedes/Mentone: J. McCormack, A. Shepherdson, A. Hooper-Duffy, L. Napier, A. Lamb, J. Trumble

Caulfield Grammarians:

Old Brighton:

(52)

GOALS: Caulfield Grammarians: r. reid 3, L. Turner 1, A. Tamaressis 1, Q. Cooper 1, z. ross 1

GOALS: Old Brighton: C. Richardson 6, C. Tyler 4, K. Vivian 1, O. Goodger 1, H. Zerna 1, N. Khan 1, j. farrell 1

BEST: Caulfield Grammarians: J. O’Halloran, r. reid, H. Dawson, L. Rudden, W. Allen, A. Ioannidis

BEST: Old Brighton: C. Richardson, C. Tyler, H. Lewis, O. Goodger, T. Keyte, J. Thomas University Blues:

Kevin’s:

(73)

GOALS: University Blues: D. Shier 3, S. de Steiger 3, C. Cotter 2, W. Richter 2, A. Robinson 1

GOALS: St Kevin’s: G. Saunders 2, M. Redenbach 2, L. May 1, J. Gambaro 1, B. Palmer 1, J. Kerr 1, H. Noble 1

BEST: University Blues: C. Summerfield, S. Sinnott, W. Hawker, C. Skipper, G. Wicks, L. Francis

BEST: St Kevin’s: N. Spiteri, T. Bromhead, M. Redenbach, G. Saunders, L. Edwards, A. McGrath

ROUND 18 TIPS

VAFA PODCASTS

Listen to the Official VAFA Podcasts now on the VAFA Website, Spotify, Apple Podcasts & YouTube.

DIVISION 1 MEN’S

Raj Johnston

Preston hearts broken as Oakleigh take fourth spot

The Preston Bullants season has come to a grinding halt after the narrowest of defeats at the hands of UHS-VU, going down by 3 points in a thriller at Ruthven Reserve. The job at hand for Preston was clear. Win - and you qualify for finals.

A competitive first quarter saw plenty of momentum build up for both sides with Preston claiming the early goals before UHS swiftly responded. Both sides had plenty of scoring opportunities and only four points separated the two sides at the first break, going the Bullants way.

The Bullants had the run of the play in the second quarter in a four goal to two display as the Vultures failed to convert in front of goal, allowing Preston to push ahead and build up their lead to 14-points at half-time.

The narrative thus far flipped in the third term as the Vultures worked hard in defence to limit the Bullants to just one goal, as UHS showed they will be a contender in 2026. They overturned their deficit to lead by 1-point at three-quarter time, though could’ve been much further ahead as inaccuracy continued to trouble them: 9.5 (59) to 8.12 (60).

The stage was set for a thrilling final quarter as UHS came out firing with four early goals to shatter the home Preston crowd who could feel this one slipping away and extend the lead out to 26 points. However, to Preston’s credit, they did not give up and played with grit knowing their season was on the line. The Bullants found three goals to bring themselves right back in this game, trailing by 6-points entering time-on.

Despite the best efforts of Preston with multiple opportunities inside 50, the footy kept going through the behind line as the Vultures hung on for a determined 3-point victory, meaning that Preston’s hopes for finals qualification would be reliant on the Oakleigh and Monash Blues result. The final scoreboard read 12.11 (83) to 12.14 (86).

UHS’s Brandon Jackson had another outstanding performance with four goals to take his tally this season to seventy-one majors, whilst Luke Green, Liam Sutton and Dean Calcedo were amongst the best players for Preston. Unfortunately for Preston, Oakleigh thrashed the Monash Blues by a massive 123-points to book their finals ticket and knock the Bullants out of the four.

With a finals spot up for grabs, Oakleigh showed their intent early with five goals to two in the first quarter, and could’ve been much further ahead with eleven scoring opportunities in the first term. The Krushers quite literally crushed Monash

in the second quarter as their forward pressure turned up a gear, kicking five goals and six behinds whilst leaving the Blues scoreless, providing Oakleigh a huge 60-point lead at half-time.

The story was much the same in the second half as Oakleigh’s forwards booted another eleven goals whilst Monash could only manage two more majors. It was a given that Oakleigh were going to win, so all that was left was for pundits at the ground to keep an eye on the Preston vs. UHS-VU score, as the Oakleigh faithful crossed their fingers for a Preston loss.

The Krushers got their wish and their emphatic victory coupled with Preston’s loss has granted Oakleigh fourth spot and a finals berth.

With an average score of 96 points this season, Oakleigh will no doubt be looking to disrupt the order this final series and see if their key forwards can cause damage.

Oliver Thomson and Elliot Black starred for Oakleigh with five and four goals respectively.

Ormond achieved a well-deserved feat of going through the entire season undefeated with their 22-point victory over Brunswick.

Kyle Pinto’s men set the tone early as all lines went to work to leave Brunswick scoreless in the first quarter. Brunswick improved in the second quarter as they found opportunities inside 50, but Ormond nonetheless led by 21-points at the main break.

Both defences held firm at the start of the third quarter with a long period of no goals being scored, until the drought ended with five late goals spread amongst both sides, so Ormond’s lead had gradually increased to 32-points at the final change.

Brunswick had a successful fourth quarter and outscored Ormond, but it was a case of too little too late as Ormond had done the required work to sew up victory and claim their eighteenth win and perfect home-and-away record for season 2025.

By no means have the Monders had an easy run home, playing three of the top five teams in the last four weeks, so will be primed for their next challenge against 2nd-placed Old Peninsula.

A strengthened Old Peninsula side, with the re-addition of former Melbourne Demons captain Nathan Jones, aided the Pirates to a 79-point victory over Kew to lock up their double chance in the finals.

The first quarter was a bit of an arm wrestle as neither side managed to grab hold of the game, with Kew kicking three behinds to Old Peninsula’s one goal and five behinds. However, this quickly changed in the second quarter as the Pirates showed why they deserve a qualifying final kicking eight goals to one to work up an impressive 51-point lead at half-time.

The Bears responded in the third term with two early goals and then a late goal to Regan Smith, but the damage had been done as their 45-point deficit at three-quarter-time proved to be too much to come back from as the Pirates stormed home in an attacking last quarter.

This result sees these teams remaining where they were on the ladder, with the Pirates securing the double chance, whilst Kew hold 3rd spot and will be meeting up with Oakleigh in the elimination final.

Bradley Schuurman was one of the standout players for Old Peninsula with four goals to his name - three of those coming in the fourth quarter.

With both sides set to be relegated to Division 2, it was Therry Penola who ended their season on a positive note with a 13-point victory over Elsternwick.

The Lions experienced success in front of goal at both the early and latter stages of the first quarter, with two late goals giving them a 22-point lead at quarter-time.

Elsternwick were more consistent in the second quarter to bring themselves right back into the contest and reduced their deficit to just 9-points at half-time.

It was game on in the third quarter as both sides made their opportunities count inside 50, but Therry Penola were ever so slightly ahead, and notwithstanding a surge in momentum and intensity from the Wicks in the fourth quarter, the Lions held on to record their third victory of the season.

Patrick Carracher was key to Therry Penola’s forward line with five goals going his way.

The competition pivots to finals with the home and away season demonstrating that Ormond, Old Peninsula, Kew and Oakleigh are the four most deserving teams. However, keep an eye on the Preston Bullants and UHS-VU, particularly, who had strong seasons and will be back to prove a point next season.

The qualifying final sees Ormond hosting Old Peninsula. Ormond would appear to be favourites considering they went through the season undefeated. However, in their matchups with Old Peninsula this season, the Monders only managed to defeat the Pirates by margins of 12 pts & 4 pts, so it will be game on at Trevor Barker Beach Oval.

The elimination final sees Kew taking on Oakleigh at Coburg City Oval. Just one game separated these sides all season, however Kew did convincingly beat Oakleigh in their two matchups this season.

SEMI FINALS TIPS

Ormond v Old Peninsula

Kew v Oakleigh

ROUND 18 RESULTS

DIVISION 1 MEN’S

Preston Bullants:

GOALS: Preston Bullants: A. Johnston 2, N. Perizzolo 2, L. Sutton 2, S. Calcedo 1, T. Hill 1, R. Howard 1, D. Douglas 1, T. Lowe 1, A. Cincotta 1

GOALS: UHS-VU: B. Jackson 4, J. Hunt 3, N. Seiderman 1, R. Harrington 1, F. Urie 1, F. Campbell 1, M. Couper-Johnston 1

BEST: Preston Bullants: L. Green, L. Sutton, D. Calcedo, S. Calcedo, R. Howard, j. douglas

BEST: UHS-VU: T. Rocke, L. Starzer, B. Dimattina, F. Urie, P. Brookes, J. Hunt

GOALS: Kew: M. Gledden 2, R. Smith 1, D. Jardine 1, N. Waters 1, L. James 1, F. Davis 1

GOALS: Old Peninsula: B. Schuurman 4, N. Jones 2, J. Pomeroy 2, E. Evans-Brumby 2, j. bravo 2, W. Crowder 1, K. Thiele 1, B. Payze 1, J. Lovett 1, H. McLeod 1, N. Forrest 1, K. Dalais 1

BEST: Kew: T. Johnstone, T. Voss, H. Brown, J. Mock, M. Waters, L. James

BEST: Old Peninsula: B. Williamson, K. Thiele, J. Lovett, N. Forrest, L. Baczyk, N. Jones

Elsternwick:

Therry Penola:

GOALS: Elsternwick: R. Main 2, C. Campbell 1, D. Roberts 1, j. wiley 1, C. Marinis 1, J. Kirkham 1, W. Easton 1, R. Meehan 1, D. Jones 1

GOALS: Therry Penola: P. Carracher 5, J. Egglestone 2, N. Castaldi 2, N. Turner 1, J. Viola 1, r. gauci 1

BEST: Elsternwick: R. Main, C. Campbell, D. Jones, W. Easton, R. Meehan, M. Harvey

BEST: Therry Penola: P. Carracher, C. Kilbane, N. Castaldi, N. Mcintosh, J. Egglestone, S. Callander Oakleigh:

Blues:

(149)

(26)

GOALS: Oakleigh: O. Thomson 5, E. Black 4, L. Ashen 3, A. Bernardo 3, R. Kitts 2, T. Gillard 1, T. Scott 1, N. Torpey 1, J. McCahon 1

GOALS: Monash Blues: R. Lord 1, J. Hooper 1, H. Frischke 1, O. Armstrong 1

BEST: Oakleigh: N. Torpey, J. Roach, O. Thomson, E. Mahoney, A. Bernardo, T. Gillard

BEST: Monash Blues: A. Vague, J. Hooper, A. Leung, L. Bayly, T. Mew, S. Coleman

(88)

(66)

GOALS: Ormond: L. Crnogorac 2, S. Stait 2, S. Bailey 2, F. O’Toole 1, J. Toouli 1, K. SeetoGrossi 1, J. Hille 1, A. Trusler 1, E. Konstanty 1

GOALS: Brunswick: J. Gale 2, P. Scamporlino 1, O. Watt 1, G. Banova 1, F. Banfield 1, M. Foti 1, B. Wilson 1, L. Jerkovic 1

BEST: Ormond: S. Seymour, J. Levine, A. Trusler, K. Seeto-Grossi, S. Bailey, B. Williams

BEST: Brunswick: F. Banfield, W. McKenzie, J. Browne, R. Hogenbirk, J. Gale, M. Deeth

DIVISION 1 MEN’S RESERVES

Preston Bullants:

(76) UHS-VU:

(62)

GOALS: Preston Bullants: o. Taylor 3, D. Delle-Vergini 2, A. Rider 1, M. Sortino 1, A. Green 1, b. michaelides 1, N. Douglas 1, J. King 1

GOALS: UHS-VU: M. Mallia 4, A. Skerget 1, H. Pham 1, m. sykes 1, S. Beasley-Reickenvater 1

BEST: Preston Bullants:

BEST: UHS-VU: J. Best, L. Trinh, G. Addley, J. Salmon, R. Hajj, S. Beasley-Reickenvater

Oakleigh:

Monash Blues:

(106)

(24)

GOALS: Oakleigh: W. Holton 5, S. Iverson 3, J. Hunt 2, J. Greenaway 2, C. Athans 1, S. Fortune 1, K. Donovan 1

GOALS: Monash Blues: C. McNearney 1, J. Butter 1, C. Connell 1

BEST: Oakleigh: C. Grant, R. Powell, J. Dubois-conte, D. Kitts, S. Iverson, W. Holton

BEST: Monash Blues: A. Byrne, A. Hubbard, C. Connell, W. Stevenson-Vissers, J. Butter, C. McNearney

Elsternwick:

Therry Penola:

GOALS: Elsternwick: C. McCracken 2, H. Sari 1, T. Ramsay 1, N. Zuker 1, L. Pinnegar 1, B. Wallace 1, Q. De Luca 1, J. Harris 1, J. Swire 1

(72)

(64)

GOALS: Therry Penola: J. Vaina 5, S. Skapetis 2, J. Doodie 1, N. Mckay 1, J. Larkin 1, S. Di Lizio 1, C. Matthews 1

BEST: Elsternwick: L. Pinnegar, M. McGuirk, B. Wallace, L. Keating, J. Swire, A. Michael

BEST: Therry Penola: J. Vaina, J. Piccione, L. Scutella, S. Skapetis, S. Di Lizio, C. Combridge

Kew:

(49) Old Peninsula:

GOALS: Kew: J. Davis 2, F. Pike 1, B. Paech 1, G. Smart 1, B. Hosemans 1

GOALS: Old Peninsula:

BEST: Kew: C. Byrne, E. Clinch, B. Hosemans, T. Cook, R. Streader, Z. Johnston

BEST: Old Peninsula: N. Holland, C. Sanders, W. Watson, T. Davis, B. Pulsford, J. McLean

GOALS: Ormond: J. Mason 2, A. Dunne 2, T. Natsikas 2, A. Creak 2, L. Walsh 1, R. Davis 1, O. Smith 1, L. Yaksich 1, H. Penhall 1, E. Hanley 1, C. Roach 1

GOALS: Brunswick: C. Watts 2, N. Burgin 1, B. Daly 1, D. Heenan 1

BEST: Ormond: J. Mason, E. Hanley, L. Beaves, A. Hatchuel, N. Lane, L. Walsh

BEST: Brunswick: A. Pollock, C. Watts, A. Bevanda, D. Oswald, A. Alexandris, S. Hijazi

DIVISION 1 WOMEN’S

Annie Ireland

Defending champs march on, Whitefriars shock Oakleigh in semi final

Finals fever has finally hit, after a great 16-week season of the Division 1 Women’s competition. This year’s finals series sees our top four in Oakleigh, Whitefriars, Glen Eira and the Monash Blues all facing off for the chance to win the premiership.

The Gryphons have been the team to beat all year and come into the finals series looking to defend their 2024 premiership title, no doubt chasing that winning feeling once again. They moved one step closer on the weekend, winning their semi final to progress straight through to the grand final in two week’s time.

Glen Eira/Old McKinnon defeated the other heavyweight in the Monash Blues by 32 points in what was a strong performance from both sides. It was an evenly contested first quarter, however the Gryphs set the game up in the second quarter, piling on 4.2 to the Blues’ singular behind. The Blues mounted a comeback in the third quarter, going into the main break only 11 points down. However, they were scoreless in the last quarter whilst the Gryphs kicked another three goals to seal victory.

Mia Zielinski was instrumental in securing victory, kicking three goals. Sarah Fitzpatrick was best on ground, being named in the best team for the third consecutive week as her form starts to peak at the right time.

Emily Conroy, quickly becoming a household name for the Blues, was named their best once again, bringing her impressive home and away form into the finals series. Aleesha Whittle was another player who impressed, having now strung together four consecutive appearances in the best on ground.

The Gryphs will now enjoy a week off before they host a home grand final, whilst the Blues will host Whitefriars on Saturday in the hopes of booking their ticket through to the big dance.

It was a shock exit from the finals series for Oakleigh, who were defeated by Whitefriars by 9 points on the weekend. It was a stark contrast from the week before, where Oakleigh had defeated Whitefriars.

However, Whitefriars clearly studied Oakleigh’s game plan to secure themselves a place in the final against the Blues next weekend. A very low scoring game overall, the first half saw just five behinds registered between both teams, with a singular goal to Whitefriars in the last quarter ultimately the decider.

Captain Ruby Ford was gallant in defeat for Oakleigh and was once again their best on ground, showcasing her career best form and will no doubt be motivated to get her team even further next year.

Carly Notting and captain Caitlin Ryan kicked both of Whitefriars’ goals, whilst Sophie Smith was the best on ground- another name to be listed in the best for a third consecutive week after stringing together some impressive late season form.

Whitefriars find themselves against the Blues this Saturday and will be full of confidence, having defeated the Blues by 27 points in Round 14. As for Oakleigh, they will be disappointed with their early exit from finals. However, they strung together a highly impressive season with 12 wins to finish third on the ladder.

DIVISION 2 MEN’S

Lincoln Tracy

Old Yarra steal top spot back after dramatic last day

An upset win to West Brunswick sees the Old Yarra Cobras leapfrog into top spot to claim the minor premiership, while Aquinas survived a close encounter with Hawthorn to avoid the wooden spoon.

Third placed West Brunswick finished the home and away season on a high with a six-goal win over St Mary’s Salesian at Ransford Oval. The Saints jumped out of the blocks, putting on four quick goals during the opening quarter to race to a 28-point lead. The Magpies turned things around after the first break, kicking six goals to two in the second quarter and then a further six goals to one in the second half.

West Brunswick coach Regan Tait said his side knew what they needed to do when a team kicked a run of goals against them and was pleased that they were able to execute in the middle of the ground when it mattered. “Mitch Graham, our ruckman, changed the dynamic of the game,” he said. “I think he was away when we played St Mary’s earlier in the year, and we’ve been putting a lot of work into developing his ruck craft. The way he performed yesterday was just phenomenal.”

St Mary’s coach Clay Tait conceded that his side got smashed at the contest and around stoppages but felt that the players never threw in the towel. “Our ball movement wasn’t what we aimed [for it] to be and they just outplayed us. Sometimes that happens [but] you learn a few things and you move on,” he said. Jacob McElroy kicked three goals for the Saints, which saw him leapfrog Old Yarra’s Jack Hall and claim the Division 2 Men’s goalkicking award. McElroy bagged 62 goals from 15 games this season, kicking at least one goal in every game he played and finishing with five or more goals on six occasions.

Old Yarra Cobras took advantage of St Mary’s slip-up, with their 21-point win over MHSOB seeing them return to first place on the ladder on the last day of the home and away season. Things were tight in the first half, with the Unicorns leading by two points at quarter time and four points at the main break. But the Cobras got their noses in front during the third and led by nine at three-quarter time, before kicking away slightly in the last. Victorious coach Nathan Monaco said the minor premiership was a great result for the club, and highlighted the performances of James Allsop, Xavier Bateman, and Matthew Young, with the latter two players making successful returns from injury ahead of the finals.

Old Yarra forward Jack Hall was goalless for the first time this season, but David Tokatliyan and Benjamin Makowski kicked 10 between them to keep the scoreboard ticking over for the Cobras. “It’s not the smallest ground, but it’s just one of those grounds where teams seem to score quite heavily,” Monaco explained. “We knew we had to be super defensive when we could but then make sure we were taking our opportunities forward of the ball. And we did that really well.” Liam Littore, Nick McKinnon, and Mathew Pereira all kicked two goals for the Unicorns, who were unable to get over the line in coach Bernie Pretty’s final game in charge.

South Melbourne Districts secured fourth place with a gritty 11-point win over St John’s at Thomas Carroll Reserve. The victory, which was the Bloods’ sixth on the trot, was their first win on the road since Round 9. Joshua Mourant opened the scoring for the home side with a goal in the first 30 seconds of the game, before the visitors kicked the next two and took a 10-point lead into the quarter time break. Zephyr Howson extended South Melbourne’s lead shortly after play resumed, and when Thomas Foley goaled in the tenth minute the lead reached 20 points, although Mourant’s second for the day late in the quarter reduced the margin to 16 at half time.

The JOC’s came out firing after the long break, putting on five goals to South Melbourne’s one in the third quarter to swing the momentum and hold a nine-point lead heading into the final change. But the Bloods rallied in the last, with Euan Dixon, Blaise Bajram, and Michael Carter all kicking true to take back the lead as the South Melbourne defence held the JOC’s to just two behinds. South Melbourne coach Nick Abbott said his side would take a lot of learnings from the physical contest. “It has us battle hardened for finals… hopefully we can put up a good showing against [West Brunswick],” he said.

A 28-point win to Aquinas over Hawthorn at Rathmines Road Reserve meant the Bloods avoided the wooden spoon while the Hawks finished bottom of the ladder after losing their last nine games of the season by an average of 67.8 points. The win, which was Aquinas’ third of the year, was built on the back of a four-goal to none first quarter. Aquinas held a game-high lead of 44-points partway through the second, although two late goals to the home side reduced the margin to 27 points at the long break. The Bloods pushed their lead out to 34 points at three-

quarter time before three goals in the first seven minutes of the last got Hawthorn right back in it. But Aquinas responded with two goals of their own to give retiring coach Craig Glennie the perfect farewell gift.

Glennie was pleased with the performance of his side, saying they played a good brand of football. Aquinas pushed numbers up around the ball but were able to spread well and work the ball out by hand. Sam Glennie (a team-high three goals) and David Malvaso (one) both returned from injury sooner than expected to play in Glennie’s last game and feature among the eight goal kickers for Aquinas. The Box boys – Toby, Griffin, and Sam – impressed Glennie, with the former two names among the team’s best. Glennie also felt Phillip Edgar (two goals) was dangerous up forward for the Hawks.

Canterbury saved their best game for the year until last, registering their highest score and largest win in a 79-point victory over Whitefriars at the Canterbury Sportsground. The Cobras, who were finally able to access their new rooms, impressed coach Steve Brown with their ability to move the ball end-to-end through the corridor. The Friars trailed by eight points at the first change but were blown away in the second, with Canterbury kicking nine goals to extend the margin to 54 points at the half.

Noah Sealey kicked three second half goals for Whitefriars to try and keep them in the contest, while the retiring Michael Nitas kicked two. Under 19’s player Oscar Bor made his senior debut for the Friars, which senior coach Lucas Matthews described as a nice moment of synergy for the club. “You’ve got a first-year player and a guy who retired but who started playing at the footy club in the nineteens. From a footy club perspective, it’s a good way to finish the year,” said Matthews, who was understandably disappointed with the loss.

Matthew Fotia finished with six goals for Canterbury – his best return for the season – while Mitch Szabo had four and Ryder Daffy, Charlie Deacon, and Michael Topp all added three each. “Our top three goal kickers are all under 19’s which is a really pleasing result for the football club,” said Brown. Another youngster, ruck/forward Dan Welford, impressed Brown in just his third senior game, giving the more experienced Michael Wheeler a chop out throughout the match.

The four remaining teams now turn their attention to finals, with Old Yarra Cobras and St Mary’s Salesian facing off in the qualifying final and West Brunswick and South Melbourne doing battle in the elimination final. The Cobras will be out for revenge against the Saints – who have been the only team to beat them all year – while the Magpies will be hoping to make it three from three against the Bloods in 2025, having won both encounters during the home and away season.

FINALS WEEK 1 TIPS

Old Yarra Cobras v St Mary’s Salesian West Brunswick v South Melb Districts

ROUND 18 RESULTS

DIVISION 2 MEN’S

DIVISION 2 MEN’S RESERVES

GOALS: MHSOB: B. Gunn 7, J. Lake 6, M. Fennessy-Kent 3, D. Epa 2, D. Ryan 1, J. Growse 1, M. McLean 1

GOALS: Old Yarra Cobras: A. Papatheodorou 3, Y. Bushnaq 3, C. Ambatzis 2, T. Endicott 1, D. Esdaile 1, W. Ponsford 1

BEST: MHSOB: C. Westley, B. Gunn, M. Fenwick, J. Lake, D. Ryan, A. Rogers

BEST: Old Yarra Cobras: J. O’Neill, W. Elsworth, Y. Bushnaq, W. Ponsford, J. Glassborow, R. Ong

Hawthorn:

Aquinas:

GOALS: Hawthorn: D. Carroll-Hughes 2, H. Kothari 2, D. Boules 1, C. Thompson 1, P. Vijayakumar 1, E. Bendtsen 1, H. Rooke 1, S. Neohoritis 1, S. Eqbal 1, W. Molloy 1

GOALS: Aquinas: L. Cellante 3, A. Kinghorn 2, M. Allwood 1, M. Sheehan 1, B. Lawrence 1

BEST: Hawthorn: D. Carroll-Hughes, H. Rooke, S. Eqbal, B. McKenzie, M. Lacey, L. Hutchinson

BEST: Aquinas: M. Allwood, H. Oehlmann, L. Cellante, B. Lawrence, N. Wright, L. Koetsier

GOALS: Canterbury: J. Lockwood 1, O. Treloar 1, J. Scammell 1, O. Millward 1, L. Speirs 1, S. Hill 1, F. Castle 1

GOALS: Whitefriars: N. Garratt 3, D. Valentine 1, L. Garlick 1

BEST: Canterbury: M. Bailey, S. Hill, P. Robertson, T. Wilson, O. Treloar, O. Millward

BEST: Whitefriars: N. Garratt, B. Jury, L. Garlick, M. Bradtke, T. Rumble, L. McLean St John’s:

South Melbourne:

GOALS: St John’s: J. Proctor 1, t. tomich 1, K. Newland 1

GOALS: South Melbourne: C. Clancy 7, T. Seccombe 2, M. Morrison 2, T. Bouwman 2, M. Bambino 2, J. Brown 2, J. Doyle 2, L. Galea 1, M. Capp 1, C. Brugeaud 1, M. Heathcote 1

BEST: St John’s: E. Price, k. haynes, D. Allan, S. Gaitely, M. Bennett, J. St mart

BEST: South Melbourne: C. Clancy, D. Carston, M. Morrison, T. Doyle, C. Brugeaud, L. Galea West Brunswick: 4.2

5.7 (37)

(96) St Mary’s Salesian: 2.0

GOALS: West Brunswick: L. Stringer 5, T. Salinger 4, J. Cross 2, T. Cottrell 2, J. Beer 1, T. Christakis 1

GOALS: St Mary’s Salesian: J. Dannaoui 1, B. Mcnally 1, H. Chipperfield 1, J. Reeve 1, L. Spinazzola 1

BEST: West Brunswick: L. Stringer, T. Salinger, A. North, G. Makabory, J. Coltish, R. Blakers

BEST: St Mary’s Salesian: J. Ryan, C. Butler, J. Kidman, L. Mcandrew, L. Turner, J. Dannaoui

DIVISION 2 WOMEN’S

Lachie Moir

Parkside secure Grand Final spot, while La Trobe keep their season alive

Finals footy delivered in spades this week, with Parkside booking their place in the 2025 Women’s Division 2 Grand Final after toppling Old Carey, while La Trobe kept their season alive with a hard-fought victory over UHS-VU. Both matches showcased the intensity and quality that finals are all about.

Parkside have booked their ticket into the 2025 Division 2 Women’s Grand Final after pulling off a convincing 25-point victory against Old Carey. The quality was clear from both sides, with it being very tight throughout the early stages.

Kicking three goals apiece in the first term, it was Old Carey who took a 1-point lead heading into the first break. In what was always going to be an even contest, Parkside were able to grind away in the second and third quarters to keep Old Carey goalless, putting their nose in front at three quarter time.

It was the final term where the Devils did most of the damage, kicking 3 vital goals and securing a grand final appearance. The Devils had a spread of goalkickers on the day with Ella Smallacombe, Maisie Welsh, Diana Cornish, Jasmine Vo and Martina Zeevaarder all booting majors.

Despite the defeat, Old Carey have been quality all season, finishing top of the ladder and showing why they were potential premiership favourites. They were unlucky not to convert their chances this week but will take plenty of confidence into their preliminary final against La Trobe, where another grand final spot is on the line.

La Trobe University has outlasted a very brave UHSVU, in a contest that saw two sides slog it out all day. La Trobe were fast starters, keeping UHS-VU scoreless in the first quarter. However, the second quarter was all UHS-VU, as they began to assert some authority in the game and play with freedom.

La Trobe bounced back in the third term, kicking a goal early on to retain some control. Heading into the final stages of the clash, UHS-VU made the game a nervy one for La Trobe, kicking an early goal and keeping themselves within touching distance.

Nevertheless, Kate Bond stepped up late for La Trobe, icing the game with a late clutch goal. Coach Samantha Greene was full of praise for Bond and her efforts late on. “KB was hugely composed to kick truly 35m out when scores were level”, Greene said.

Despite the loss, UHS-VU can hold their heads high, having produced a strong, consistent season that showcased resilience and quality football. It is a shame to see their campaign end here, given how well they have competed throughout.

Old Carey host La Trobe next week in the Preliminary Final, with a spot in the 2025 Grand Final on the line. Parkside will be eagerly awaiting the result to see who they lineup against, in what should be a scintillating Grand Final.

SEMI FINALS RESULTS

DIVISION 2 WOMEN’S

La Trobe University:

UHS-VU:

GOALS: La Trobe University: K. Bond 2, M. Andrews 1

GOALS: UHS-VU: A. Gilchrist 1

(23)

(17)

BEST: La Trobe University: J. Lowry, K. Bond, E. Lauritsen, M. D’Angelo, E. Conlan, M. Duffy

BEST: UHS-VU: A. Gilchrist, A. Mills, E. Brereton, H. Cowmeadow, M. Gorman, E. Boeck

Old Carey:

(29) Parkside:

GOALS: Old Carey: R. Chiaramonte 1, P. Spillman 1, A. McCormack 1, K. McLeod 1

GOALS: Parkside: E. Smallacombe 2, M. Welsh 2, D. Cornish 1, J. Vo 1, M. Zeevaarder 1

(54)

BEST: Old Carey: L. Sutherland, M. Seabury, L. Wynne, T. Dempsey, M. Tarrant, R. Chiaramonte

BEST: Parkside:

DIVISION 3 MEN’S

Nick Quinlan

Bulls win a thriller as Falcons and Demons finish the year in strong fashion

Albert Park managed to break a four-game losing streak, ensuring their season finished on a high note as they defeated Eley Park by 191 points. Looking to make a strong statement after having put themselves out of finals contention, the Falcons conceded the first goal, which gave Eley Park the lead. That lead, however, would be brief as Albert Park, then had the next 15 scoring shots to lead by 59 points into the first break.

While the lead continued to blow out in the second quarter, the Falcons could have led by more had they not kicked 3.6. But in the third, they certainly made up for it as they proceeded to kick 14.3 to see their lead go over triple digits while holding the Sharks scoreless during that time. And with the result well and truly secured, Albert Park managed to cross past 200 to close out their season with a win.

This win sees Albert Park close out the year with 10 wins in 6th spot. That is the first time they have managed to do that since 2023, when they were in Division 4 before the amalgamation of the competition with Division 3 last year, which just shows the improvements they have made this season.

For the Sharks, the loss closes out what has been a difficult year, having failed to win any match this season and on 14 occasions were beaten by 100 points or more. Hopefully, next year delivers a more competitive season for Eley Park to help break what has turned into a 20-game losing streak.

Box Hill North have finished their season with a bang with a 106-point victory against Chadstone to secure 5th spot on the ladder. It was initially a close match between the two sides, with the margin only getting out to 16 points at quarter time. And it appeared that the game would be dead and buried in the second quarter, but with the Demons kicking 3.8, it kept Chadstone alive despite finishing the half with a 2.9 scoreline.

But in the second half, the Demons managed to find their kicking boots as they kicked a more accurate 14.7 compared to the Synners, who managed to score 3.5 to lose by triple digits. Chadstone may have only won three games this season, but it is still an improvement for a team that only returned to senior divisional football last year. Under coach Ian Ledder’s first year, they have managed to not only beat a side that wasn’t Eley Park but also win consecutive games. Hopefully, with another pre-season under their belt, they can continue to improve and become more competitive for next season.

Having been marred by injuries last year, the Demons have been this season’s biggest performers compared to last year, with an additional seven wins this season. Had they had the same record either in Division 1 or Division 2 men’s competitions, they would be featuring in finals, showing how strong the top four sides have been within Division 3 for the last 18 rounds. Finals are definitely on coach Beau Parthenides’ horizon for 2026.

A second-half comeback has helped North Brunswick pull off a two-point win against Richmond Central to secure 3rd spot. Coming into this match, the Snakes still had the possibility of finishing in the top two. But to stand a chance, they needed to beat the Bulls at home and hope that Swinburne would pull off an upset against Wattle Park.

And as the game started, Richmond Central would start strong, taking the lead at quarter time. However, it was in the second quarter where things got going for the Snakes as they managed to score 5.2 compared to North Brunswick’s 1.3 to lead by 30 points at halftime and keep their hopes of a top two finish alive.

But the second half proved to be a different story. The Bulls would slowly but surely work themselves back in the game as they matched Richmond Central’s five-goal second quarter in the third. They were also helped by the Snakes being inaccurate, as they only managed to kick 2.5 to help see the margin be brought to 16 points. The fourth quarter would see the Bulls’ momentum carry over and manage to take the lead and hold onto it in what proved to be a thrilling match. From this, it now means that North Brunswick leapfrogs the Snakes into third place, while Richmond Central now finishes in fourth place.

Wattle Park secured their double chance in the finals by defeating Swinburne University by 70 points. Like they have done in most of their games, the Animals would generate most of the scoring opportunities early in the first quarter. But this time, they seemingly weren’t able to turn that into a big margin as they kicked 3.7. This would see Swinburne trail by 13 points, as they made the most of their opportunities by kicking two goals and no behinds.

In the second quarter, it was a different story with the Animals kicking a much better 4.3 to extend their lead to 27 points at halftime. And in the second half, they held the Razorbacks to just 22 points as Wattle Park proceeded to add 65 points to their tally and sees them retain 2nd place on the ladder.

Having been the only team relegated from Division 2, the Animals have certainly made the most of their new

surroundings. But having won their last seven games, they have seemed to time their run just right to make a return to their natural environment. For the Razorbacks, it has been a tough year as they have regressed from finishing 6th last year to 8th place despite having only lost two more games.

Scoring woes have defined their season, having only been able to score more than 60 points in just six matches, with the majority of these games being against Chadstone and Eley Park. They were also unable to beat any team above them on the ladder this year, which will be another key target to improve in 2026.

Power House claimed the minor premiership on Saturday with a 132-point win against La Trobe University. It was a clinical performance by the ladder leaders who got out to a 44-point lead at quarter time and continued to apply the pressure throughout the game. They would extend their lead throughout the match as they comfortably secured their 15th win of the season.

This now means for the 17th time this season, Power House has finished out the round in 1st place, making them the premiership favourites in this upcoming finals series. But as North Brunswick showed us last year, the minor premiership means nothing when it comes to finals football. While it was a disappointing way to finish out the year, La Trobe has shown improvement as they managed to more than double their win count in Andy Castles’ second season in charge. If he can do the same next year, the Trobers will be in the finals mix for 2026.

With the regular season now done and dusted, we now turn our attention to what will be a blockbuster of a VAFA finals series. This year’s top four will comprise Power House, Wattle Park, North Brunswick and Richmond Central, who all finished the year with a record of 13-5 or better, showing how dominant these four teams have been throughout the competition.

For North Brunswick, Power House and Richmond Central, it will be their second season in a row that they have made finals. These three teams will be heavily motivated by last year’s finals series, with no side managing to win a finals game last season, with the first two sides going out in straight sets.

In the elimination semi-final, North Brunswick and Richmond Central will play each other for the second week in a row. The Bulls do have the advantage over the Snakes, having won both of their matches in the home and away season. But on both occasions, it required North Brunswick to make a second-half comeback, showing that Richmond Central can make a game out of it, which will make this game an absolute thriller.

A spot for the Grand Final is up for grabs later in the day, with Power House taking on Wattle Park at 2:30pm at the same venue. Both teams were the only sides to sit in the top four for the entire 18 rounds, showing how good they have been all season. In the two matches they have played this year, they have beaten each other on their home turf. With a neutral venue, it’s anybody’s guess as to who will win out and get a well-deserved bye.

SEMI FINAL TIPS

North Brunswick v Richmond Central Power Housev Wattle Park

ROUND 18 RESULTS

DIVISION 3 MEN’S

Richmond Central:

North Brunswick:

GOALS: Richmond Central: T. Tulett 6, T. McMahon 2, J. Bilson 1, J. HIGGINS 1, B. BrowningBriese 1, Z. Southern 1

GOALS: North Brunswick: A. Ramzy 5, M. David 2, Z. Dicianni 2, L. Devlin 1, K. Yamasaki 1, R. Mehlstaubler 1, E. Manne 1

BEST: Richmond Central: T. Tulett, B. Robertson, J. Bilson, B. Parish, T. Forster, R. Luehman

BEST: North Brunswick: L. Rositani, C. Lee, Z. Dicianni, B. Lukies, G. Carrubba, R. Crabtree

Albert Park:

GOALS: Albert Park: T. Wilson 10, W. Zaghis 7, C. Doherty 4, E. Aridis 3, H. Miller 2, D. Miller 2, L. Eaton 1, C. Gebert 1, H. Solomon 1, A. Lupo 1

GOALS: Eley Park: A. Beck 1, T. Johnston 1, J. Steward 1

BEST: Albert Park: T. Wilson, L. Parker, H. Miller, C. Doherty, W. Zaghis, H. Harding

BEST: Eley Park: J. Mcgarvie, Z. Hayes, E. Mulligan, R. Jenaddarsan, T. Draffin, A. Beck

Box Hill North:

GOALS: Box Hill North: B. Williams 8, J. Chivers 3, J. Tommasoni 2, N. Fasanella 2, T. Cheslett 2, M. Newman 2, C. Bull 1, M. Wong 1, E. Filliponi 1

GOALS: Chadstone: I. Guiney-White 2, T. Healey 1, D. Ashton 1, A. Brown 1

BEST: Box Hill North: B. Williams, J. Tommasoni, J. Chivers, M. Newman, C. Bull, R. Keane

BEST: Chadstone: H. Millaras, E. Hoyne, B. Leong, J. Barnard, L. Stott, B. Loh

Trobe University:

GOALS: La Trobe University: I. Williamson 2, T. Hillman 1, T. Spiteri 1

GOALS: Power House: J. Taylor-Evans 4, M. Timmons 4, M. Chisari 4, M. Newman 3, L. Stubbs 2, B. Circosta 1, S. Shier 1, C. Doherty 1, T. ames 1, M. Auchettl 1, K. Wotherspoon 1, J. Kervin 1

BEST: La Trobe University: A. Marulli, T. Hillman, H. O’Callaghan, I. Williamson, T. Herbert, C. McCredden

BEST: Power House: S. Scotland, J. Kervin, M. Chisari, B. Circosta, M. Newman, J. Muscatello

Wattle Park: 3.7

Swinburne University:

(117)

GOALS: Wattle Park: M. Hill 4, H. Yaxley 2, H. Davis 2, N. Bird 2, S. Drummond 2, S. McCarney 2, T. Major 1, J. Greensides 1, J. Rippon 1

GOALS: Swinburne University:

BEST: Wattle Park: M. Hill, S. McCarney, J. Greensides, J. Rippon, S. Drummond, H. Davis

BEST: Swinburne University: L. Brunton, B. Dalgleish, C. Hibbert, E. Twyford, S. Heather, T. Hartney

DIVISION 3 MEN’S RESERVES

Albert Park:

GOALS: Albert Park: l. hutchins 6, B. Tottenham 3, K. MCKAY 2, M. Bullard 2, S. Campbell 2, T. Burgess 1, D. Seiler 1, T. Russell 1

GOALS: Eley Park: C. Roberts 1, S. Roberts 1, J. Lamb 1, M. Alford 1

BEST: Albert Park: l. hutchins, S. Stafford, F. Metz, K. MCKAY, S. Campbell, D. Seiler

BEST: Eley Park: M. Alford, C. Roberts, S. Roberts, R. Tegg, J. Lamb, S. Kirby

La Trobe University:

House:

GOALS: La Trobe University: D. Mitchell 1, R. Cottee 1

GOALS: Power House: D. Nannery 3, N. Smyth 1, B. Carr 1, I. Taylor 1, J. Robinson 1, D. Cameron 1, J. O’Sullivan 1

(12)

BEST: La Trobe University: B. Grech, L. Cargnali, D. Mitchell, J. Horder, R. Cottee, C. Randell

BEST: Power House: A. Mitchell, J. Chapman, N. Smyth, K. Murray, A. Dakin, S. Sheldrick

Richmond Central:

North Brunswick:

(87)

(20)

GOALS: Richmond Central: D. Pratt 3, B. Krieger 2, J. Dillon 2, A. Pini 2, M. Broughton 1, N. Wagland 1, J. Kovacic 1

GOALS: North Brunswick: J. Ombiga 1, M. Issell 1, J. Cameron 1

BEST: Richmond Central: B. Krieger, J. Guest, D. Pratt, J. Jacotine, A. Pini, N. Wagland

BEST: North Brunswick: O. Chitale, J. Bellingham, M. Hattam, B. Davison, L. Brouwer, T. Hobbs

Box Hill North:

(176) Chadstone:

(41)

GOALS: Box Hill North: B. Stratton 5, J. Chirgwin 4, T. Shaw 3, C. Liston 3, A. Ceh 3, D. Luff 3, C. Specha 1, J. Clare 1, H. Cunningham 1, J. Elliott 1, T. MAINE 1

GOALS: Chadstone: J. Gomo 3, A. Smith 1, W. Mendes 1, B. Dennison 1

BEST: Box Hill North: B. Stratton, J. Chirgwin, J. Irish, D. Luff, J. Williams, J. Anderson

BEST: Chadstone: J. Gomo, B. Dennison, L. Enders, B. Loughnan, S. Smith, J. Giddins

Wattle Park: 2.1 6.6 8.7 11.11 (77)

Swinburne

GOALS: Wattle Park: A. Smith 3, Z. Kearns 2, B. Severin 2, J. Sibley 2, F. Cooper 1, J. Brinsden 1

GOALS: Swinburne University: N. ferguson 6, R. Aranyos 3

BEST: Wattle Park: B. Severin, Z. Kearns, J. Sibley, L. Elso, A. Smith, J. Goldsmid

BEST: Swinburne University: O. Sowden, N. Coad, K. Nguyen, N. ferguson, C. Kelly, D. Armstrong

DIVISION 3 WOMEN’S

Elly Kirlis

Ormond secure a one-way ticket, Old Camberwell survive an elimination final

Week 1 of Division 3 Women’s Finals provided some thrilling results with Old Camberwell holding off a fastfinishing Albert Park to avoid elimination. Meanwhile, Ormond advances to the grand final, giving St Mary’s Salesian the second chance in the preliminary final.

Old Camberwell advances to the preliminary final, defeating a resilient Albert Park by three points, 6.1 (37) to 5.4 (34) at Moorleigh Reserve. It was a battle on neutral territory with ‘home ground advantage’ no longer a factor.

The match was tightly contested from the outset with the game seeing multiple lead changes. By the half it was two goals apiece with the Falcons holding a narrow 2-point advantage. Old Camberwell fought back winning the third with 2 goals to Albert Park’s single major, turning a deficit into a four-point lead.

With everything on the line, both teams fought valiantly to keep their finals campaigns alive and the goals kept on coming with the fourth being the highest scoring quarter of the match. It was as tight as they come with Old Camberwell edging out the Falcons by a mere three points and securing themselves a spot in the preliminary final.

There were multiple goal kickers that hit the score sheet for the higher ranked side. Grace Deane kicked two majors for the game. Rebecca Bellpieri, Asha Kennedy, Emma Vogel and Bridget Facey all kicked one goal each. Olivia Willie earned a nod in the best on ground honours for the match for the Wellers.

For the Falcons, Ashlea Wilson was terrific, finishing the game with two goals. Caroline Ma, Bonnie Grining and Zoe Dargoi all played their part, with one goal each.

Whilst its season-over for the Falcons, Albert Park should be proud of their season in 2025, winning three out of their last four matches to gain momentum heading into Finals. They are sure to be ones to watch next season.

Ormond secured an almighty 6.1 (37) to 2.5 (17) victory over table toppers St Mary’s Salesian to propel them straight through to the Grand Final. Ormond got off to the dream start that kick started momentum, scoring two goals in the first quarter by Indiana Harrison. It was a grind for majority of the second quarter, with both teams lifting their work rate around the contest.

An early goal off the boot of Lucy Dobbyn reduced the margin to four, before Indiana Harrison lifted, booting two late in the quarter to extend Ormond’s lead out to 16 points at half-time.

Ormond got the scoreboard ticking in the early stages of the third quarter with some forward pressue. A goal by Georgia Cropley kept St Mary’s within touching distance, but a late major from Hannah Foran gave Ormond a 21-point buffer at the three-quarter time break. Foran’s pressure around the ground and out of the center was palpable, with the Saints unable to curb her influence on the match.

Both teams struggled to find a score in the last quarter, thus it was Ormond that punched their ticket into the big dance, defeating St Mary’s by 20 points at the final siren.

The game was not without its casualties and the Monders’ win is tainted that little bit with two of their own sustaining match-ending injuries. The hunger to secure the win for their teammates spurred Ormond on that little bit more and credit to the side for playing out the game two-rotations short by the end.

FINALS RESULTS

DIVISION 3 WOMEN’S

Camberwell:

Albert Park:

GOALS: Old Camberwell: G. Deane 2, B. Facey 1, E. Vogel 1, R. Bellpieri 1, A. Kennedy 1

GOALS: Albert Park: A. Wilson 2, B. Grining 1, Z. Dragoi 1, C. Ma 1

BEST: Old Camberwell: O. Willie, G. Bianco, G. Deane, I. Burke, J. Humphries, E. Vogel

BEST: Albert Park: B. Grining, R. Binnie, E. Larkin, E. Sullivan, K. Talbot, J. Newitt

St Mary’s Salesian:

Ormond:

GOALS: St Mary’s Salesian: G. Cropley 1, L. Dobbyn 1

GOALS: Ormond: I. Harrison 4, H. Foran 1, T. Engelander 1

BEST: St Mary’s Salesian: C. Dawson, E. Wedrien, S. Kaur, E. Roos, B. Bruce, A. Kerr

BEST: Ormond: H. Foran, I. Di Lecce, I. Harrison, G. Hennequin, S. Radlow, S. Seymour

(34)

Hannah Foran and Isabella Di Lecce earned themselves best-afield accolades for Ormond whilst Indiana Harrison shone in front of the sticks with four goals to her name for the afternoon. Meanwhile at the other end, Charlotte Dawson and Emily Wedrien led from the front for St Mary’s and will need to lift again this weekend when the Saints come up against Old Camberwell in the preliminary final.

The stage is set for a blockbuster preliminary final this Saturday at Trevor Barker Beach Oval in the morning timeslot of 9.20am. St Mary’s Salesian will come up against Old Camberwell fighting for the chance to book their ticket in the grand final. Their recent history this season favours the Saints, but with both sides hungry for victory and making strong cases in the lead up to finals, it really is anyone’s game.

St Mary’s Salesian v Old Camberwell

DIVISION 4 WOMEN’S

Sebastian Tehan

Cobras edge thriller as Fields power into Prelim

It wasn’t the most free-flowing contest we have grown accustomed to from Westbourne Grammarians and Old Yarra Cobras this season but didn’t if feel like finals football. On one of the biggest stages in the VAFA, Elsternwick Park, these two sides were fighting for a one-way ticket straight to the big dance, whilst the other would take the double chance in the Prelim.

Both teams brought such an incredible intensity from the opening bounce that neither team took an advantage on the scoreboard in the first quarter. Despite perfect conditions at Elsternwick Park Oval, we were greeted with repeat stoppages and plenty of tackle pressure on the ball carrier from both sides.

It was not until the second quarter that a score was registered with the Cobras’ quick kick out of congestion glancing across the face of goal for a minor score. Both teams had their fair share of possession inside 50 in the second quarter, but neither could trouble the scorers for the rest of the term. Old Yarra held a 1-point advantage at the main break.

With a grand-final spot on the line, it had seemed that Old Yarra broke the shackles of Westbourne when at the 9 th minute mark of the third quarter the first major of the morning was converted. The Cobras’ goal was coupled with a behind soon after to open up the game high lead of 8-points mid-way through the premiership quarter.

Westbourne almost snared an opportunity out of nothing with a Grace Choate behind, leaving the score at 1-8 at three-quarter-time.

The Grammarians had the momentum early in the final term due to the work of Nicky Porter, Jazmyn Mathers, and Natasha Dunn, giving their forwards the best looks at goal. Consecutive points by Westbourne threatened to shut the door on a one-way-ticket to the grand final. Unfortunately for Westbourne, these behinds proved costly as the final siren rung around Elsternwick Park in a nail-biting win for the Cobras.

The Cobras upset the home side and book their place in the Division 4 Women’s Grand Final! Westbourne don’t have long to wallow in defeat as they will play Caufield Grammarians in the Prelim next week.

Caufield Grammarians did a number on Fitzroy in Saturday’s second semi-final by 28 points. The Grammarians bounced back strongly after “lowering their colours last week” according to coach Lachie Worthy, making a conscious effort to be first to the ball.

A 2 goal to none opening term was exactly the start the Grammarians had envisioned after last week’s loss. Fitzroy responded after the first break almost instantaneously in the third minute mark to register their first major of the day.

Caulfield coach Worthy was particularly impressed with Tori Huggins and Cait Adams, “(they) provided drive from the midfield giving our forwards the opportunities to score,” he said.

The hammer was truly put down in the second term for Caufield when Ruby Neil and Abbey Hants were intercepting for fun off the half-back line. Despite the frequent service to their forwards, Worthy noted a number of opportunities were missed to close out the game.

FINALS RESULTS

DIVISION 4 WOMEN’S

Westbourne 2:

GOALS: Old Yarra Cobras 2: E. Elliott 1

BEST: Westbourne 2: N. Porter, J. Mathers, N. Dunn, c. weston-sirett, M. Dumesny, A. Stone

BEST: Old Yarra Cobras 2: E. Elliott, B. Ferguson, R. Powell, J. Morton, M. Moloney, B. Pascoe Caulfield Grammarians 3:

GOALS: Caulfield Grammarians 3: L. Yarrow 4, L. Finster 2, O. Keyte 1

GOALS: Fitzroy 3: G. Sands 2, C. Poole 1, L. Reupana 1

BEST: Caulfield Grammarians 3: C. Adams, R. Neil, T. Huggins, L. Finster, J. Dunne, A. Hants

BEST: Fitzroy 3: T. Wilkinson-Shore, G. Sands, C. Bigwood, A. Gaskell, M. Jennings, t. baldwin

The third quarter was most productive for the Grammarians booting three unanswered goals to take the margin out to 45 points at the three-quarter-time siren. The job was all but done despite a late flurry of goals by Fitzroy to cut the margin back to 28 points when the siren.

While a preliminary final birth was not to be for Fitzroy, it was largely a successful season for the club culminating in hosting all three Caufield Women’s teams on Saturday.

Caufield march on in Season 2025 and set their eyes on next week’s captivating Preliminary Final against Westbourne.

HOLMESGLEN U19 RESULTS

HOLMESGLEN U19 DIVISION 1 MEN’S

Parkdale Vultures:

Old Melburnians:

(82)

(50)

GOALS: Parkdale Vultures: J. White 2, C. Sells 2, W. Sargeant 2, C. Wilcock 2, N. Groves 1, B. Lamble 1, D. Kelson 1, A. Valastro 1, F. Johnston 1, W. Finch 1

GOALS: Old Melburnians: F. McIntyre 2, B. Kam 2, F. Teelow 1, S. Perrott 1, O. Tyrer 1

BEST: Parkdale Vultures: C. Gleeson, A. Eales, C. Sells, L. MacKenzie, M. Sullivan, D. Kelson

BEST: Old Melburnians: B. Kam, T. Kellock, O. Tyrer, F. McIntyre, S. Seccull, M. Jane

Old Haileybury:

Old Carey:

GOALS: Old Haileybury: W. Hardeman 3, L. Hornblower 2, J. Marshall 2, K. Mountford 2, L. Giliam 2, L. Burfurd 1, E. Jones 1, Z. Nosiara 1, J. Paitaridis 1, N. Law 1, A. Russell 1

GOALS: Old Carey:

BEST: Old Haileybury:

BEST: Old Carey: J. Zimmermann, L. Wheatley, K. Nathanielsz, J. Pezzimenti, J. Klotz, Z. McDonald

HOLMESGLEN U19 DIVISION 2 MEN’S

St Kevin’s 2:

De La Salle 2:

GOALS: St Kevin’s 2: L. Hoffman 2, B. Soetanto 2, T. McCarthy 1, H. Baker 1, A. Kidman 1, T. Lewis 1, J. Choi 1

GOALS: De La Salle 2: B. Kakarantzas 2, W. Bird 2, W. Apted 2, J. Katiforis 1, J. Fisicaro 1, C. Fitzsimmons 1, J. Gurrie 1

(112)

(34)

(64)

(68)

BEST: St Kevin’s 2: F. Mancini, J. McMillan, L. Cornish, L. Arthur, F. Walshe, J. Choi

BEST: De La Salle 2: C. Fitzsimmons, S. Chettibi, J. Katiforis, X. Burns, W. Bird, W. Apted

Old Ivanhoe:

University Blacks:

GOALS: Old Ivanhoe: R. Black 2, R. Johns 2, W. Hanlon 1, L. Vujovich 1, B. Carpenter 1, I. Dugdale 1, H. Price 1, M. Walling 1, K. Papanagiotou 1

GOALS: University Blacks: S. Litras 1

BEST: Old Ivanhoe: C. Oliver, M. Walling, A. Watson, I. Dugdale, B. Daile, J. Shadbolt

BEST: University Blacks: S. McNamara, G. Ingram, J. Thomson, E. Vijayasekaran, G. Evans, C. Carmichael

HOLMESGLEN U19 DIVISION 3 MEN’S

St Mary’s Salesian:

(49) St Bedes/Mentone 2:

(37)

GOALS: St Mary’s Salesian: A. Kenny 1, N. Shinnick 1, E. Bazley 1, G. Micallef 1, M. Skinner 1, A. Trewavas 1

GOALS: St Bedes/Mentone 2: BEST: St Mary’s Salesian: G. Micallef, X. Higgins, Z. Thurman, o. hobday, F. Hopkins, B. Thomas

BEST: St Bedes/Mentone 2: M. Weir, L. Davoren, R. Wilson, M. Kitto, W. Zakic, H. Turner

Beaumaris 2: 0.6 5.10 7.10 12.14 (86) Caulfield Grammarians 2: 0.1 2.2 9.6 10.6 (66)

GOALS: Beaumaris 2: H. Sims 3, O. Lazzari 2, J. Pacitti 2, H. Risvanis 1, R. McMahon 1, B. Whyte 1, L. Papagiannis 1, H. Hurlston 1

GOALS: Caulfield Grammarians 2:

BEST: Beaumaris 2: B. Whyte, H. Sims, H. Czarnota, L. Grant, R. McMahon, B. Lauder

BEST: Caulfield Grammarians 2:

THIRDS RESULTS

THIRDS PREMIER MEN’S

AJAX:

St Bernards:

(84)

(72)

GOALS: AJAX: A. Meyerowitz 5, J. Parasol 1, G. Jotkowitz 1, j. epstein 1, J. Jones 1, S. Alford 1, E. Potash 1, A. Katz 1, Z. Aron 1

GOALS: St Bernards: M. Pisani 2, P. Doyle 1, H. Thorpe 1, C. Barrett 1, S. Isolani 1, J. Maddox 1, X. Tigani 1, M. Bafunno 1, L. Armstrong 1

BEST: AJAX: J. Parasol, Z. Aron, Z. Maidenberg, A. Rosenwax, Y. Jedwab, G. Jotkowitz

BEST: St Bernards: P. Doyle, H. Thorpe, L. Armstrong, M. Bafunno, M. Pisani, A. Mantello

THIRDS DIVISION 1 MEN’S

Old Trinity:

St Kevin’s 2:

GOALS: Old Trinity: M. Scott 2, T. Mitchell 1, W. Curtin 1, M. Stephenson 1, I. Farrell 1

GOALS: St Kevin’s 2: T. Briggs 2

BEST: Old Trinity: O. Stella, W. Curtin, Z. Sparg, T. Mitchell, M. Scott, K. Barres

(44)

BEST: St Kevin’s 2: L. Haig, J. Chaffey, O. Phillips, C. Lanyon, A. Parente, T. Briggs

THIRDS DIVISION 2 MEN’S

Fitzroy 2:

Old Carey:

GOALS: Fitzroy 2: L. Henderson 2, C. Ahern 1, D. O’Connor 1

(32)

(70)

GOALS: Old Carey: J. Helmot 6, H. Barker 1, J. Hunt 1, L. Nicholas 1, S. Inlander 1

BEST: Fitzroy 2: A. Mulligan, E. Janetzki, M. Sweeney, K. Menzies, L. Henderson, N. White

BEST: Old Carey: d. wyer, a. wyer, D. O’Callaghan, J. Helmot, S. Inlander, M. Borland

THIRDS

DIVISION

3 MEN’S

Caulfield Grammarians:

St Kevin’s 3:

GOALS: Caulfield Grammarians: L. Egan 1, D. Rouget 1

GOALS: St Kevin’s 3: B. Griffin 3, H. Ryan 3, B. Branagan 2, R. Fernandes 1, R. Smythe 1, N. McMahon 1, L. Hepburn 1, H. Toohey 1, w. batchelor 1

BEST: Caulfield Grammarians: J. Small, F. Long, H. Wood, T. Sherman, L. Egan, M. Merritt

BEST: St Kevin’s 3: w. batchelor, G. Simpfendorfer, H. Ryan, R. Fernandes, A. Smale, O. Garlick

THIRDS DIVISION 4 MEN’S

Marcellin:

Collegians:

GOALS: Marcellin: L. Furci 3, C. Dimichele-Collins 1, L. Bosio 1, M. Avramopoulos 1, W. McGregor 1, B. Perillo 1

GOALS: Collegians: Z. Fleisher 2, S. Peterson 2, A. Castle 2, C. Collins 1, M. Daphne 1, P. Chalmers 1, C. Sharp 1

BEST: Marcellin: J. Italiano, W. McGregor, L. Facci, C. Dimichele-Collins, L. Furci, M. Frost

BEST: Collegians: B. Hyland, H. Herman, N. Artis, Q. Schwarz, J. Cox, R. Dell

THIRDS DIVISION 5 MEN’S

Wattle Park:

GOALS: Wattle Park: C. Muratore 2, C. MacDonald 2, B. Kearns 2, A. Caldwell 2, J. Eyles 1, J. Davis 1, J. Manapsal-Lucas 1

GOALS: Hawthorn: A. Downie 3, D. Bye 2, D. Pritchard 1, W. Sadler 1

BEST: Wattle Park: C. Muratore, J. Dedes, H. Tulloch, J. Manapsal-Lucas, J. Davis, L. Sketcher

BEST: Hawthorn: W. Sadler, T. Atchison, A. Downie, M. Hannett, D. Pritchard, P. Venables

MILESTONES

Adam Tsardakis (North Brunswick)

Congratulations to Adam Tsardakis on reaching 50 games. Adam is a hard running half back that sets up the play from defence. A terrific young man he is well respected and liked at Allard Park. His ball use is exceptional, and his forwards light up when he gets the ball.

50

50

Angus Edgar (Old Brighton)

Last Saturday Angus Edgar reached his 50-game milestone for Old Brighton. Gus first pulled on the Tonners jumper in 2021 during year 12 at BGS, making his mark in the Under 19s and thirds teams before progressing quickly to the seniors in 2022. He has since played 49 games for Old Brighton, booting 40 goals and earning 16 best-player nods along the way. 2025 has been his strongest season yet — starting in the reserves, fighting his way back into the seniors, and now tallying 10 senior appearances this year. Congratulations to Gus on reaching this milestone. A fantastic achievement for a committed and determined Tonner — and one we’re sure is only the beginning of a long and successful career at Old Brighton.

Lucy Mitchell (Old Brighton)

Congratulations to Lucy Mitchell on reaching 50 games with Old Brighton! Lucy Mitchell is a fierce competitor, who made her mark since joining the team seasons ago. Known for her relentless drive on the field, and sharp-witted humour off it, Lucy has quickly become a standout presence at the OB women’s football team. Her ability to dominate contests, take screamers and lift her teammates with grit both on and off the field, Lucy has earned a reputation as one of the toughest players in the game, which has been shown to easily get under her opponent’s skin. Lucy is a force to be reckoned with. You can always rely on Lucy as a teammate on the field, but also rely on her off-field, with her vibrant character she is always up for an Aperol!

50

100

Luke Di Lizio (St Bernards)

Congratulations to Luke Di Lizio, who chalked up his 100th ‘Senior’ game for the club last week. A St Bernards Junior, Luke progressed through Under 19 ranks before making his senior debut in 2017. In 2018, Luke was selected for the VAFA State U/19 side, and he toured Ireland with the ‘Big V’ U/19 team before topping off the season by playing in our Premier B Premiership side. After a brief stint at Queenscliffe Luke made a welcome return to ‘the Pit’ in 2022. Luke’s versatility has seen him play as an inside midfielder who can also play a strong marking key forward role. Luke was named BOG in our Premiership win in 2023 before injury limited him to 4 games last year. This season Luke has bounced back to once again become a key player in our Senior line-up. We look forward to seeing Luke adding many more games at ‘the Pit’. Well done Luke!

Harry Hill (Old Brighton)

Congratulations to the skipper, Harry Hill, who played his 150th game for Old Brighton last Saturday! Harry made an immediate and profound impact on the club both on and off the field after joining the Tonners from BGS in 2016. After a stellar debut season (senior runner-up B&F), Harry burst onto the scene in 2017 in his second year at the club. He won the first of five Senior Best & Fairests, took out the GT Moore Medal, and Co-Captained the club to the B Grade Premiership at just 20 years of age. Harry’s skill, athleticism and talent is only matched (perhaps surpassed) by his dedication, professionalism and selfless attitude. He has been remarkable as Captain for 9 years now – the longest tenure in Old Brighton history – leading by example, welcoming in new players and uniting the playing group. Whilst the accolades have piled up (Woodrow Medallist 2022, Big V Captain 2024/25), Harry has continued to set the standards from the first pre-season training right through to the last beer on footy trip – which he organises every year! Congratulations Harry on this incredible milestone!

SHARPSHOOTERS

SHARPSHOOTERS

William Buck Premier Men’s

University Blues vOld Brighton

Collegians vDe La Salle

St Bernard’s vSt Kevin’s Old Haileybury vOld Scotch Old XaveriansvUniversity Blacks

William Buck Premier Men’s Reserves

University Blues vOld Brighton Collegians vDe La Salle

St Bernard’s vSt Kevin’s Old Haileybury vOld Scotch Old XaveriansvUniversity Blacks

Premier B Men’s

Caulfield Grammarians vOld Trinity Old Camberwell vWilliamstown CYMS

Hampton Rovers vOld Ivanhoe Old Carey vOld Geelong FitzroyvOld Melburnians

Premier B Men’s Reserves

Caulfield Grammarians vOld Trinity Old Camberwell vWilliamstown CYMS

Hampton Rovers vOld Ivanhoe Old Carey vOld Geelong FitzroyvOld Melburnians

Premier C Men’s

Marcellin vPrahran

PEGS vAJAX

Parkdale Vultures vMazenod

Beaumaris vGlen Eira / Old McKinnon

St Bedes/MentonevParkside

Premier C Men’s Reserves

Marcellin vPrahran

PEGS vAJAX

Parkdale Vultures vMazenod

Beaumaris vGlen Eira / Old McKinnon

St Bedes/MentonevParkside

THIS ROUND’S GAMES

William Buck Premier Women’s Fitzroy vBeaumaris

Old Geelong vWilliamstown CYMS Kew vOld Scotch

Caulfield GrammariansvWest Brunswick

William Buck Premier Women’s Reserve Fitzroy vBeaumaris

Old Geelong vWilliamstown CYMS

Kew vOld Scotch

Caulfield GrammariansvWest Brunswick

Knee problems

Knee

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 MEN’S

University Blacks 17 89003282.74 University Blues 17 69202890.43

St Bernard’s 17610102679.53

Collegians 17511102290.46 De La Salle 1701700046.94

PREMIER B MEN’S

Camberwell 171070040116.61

Old Carey 171070040109.14

Williamstown CYMS 17 980036 117.12

Old Geelong 17 980036 101.27

Old Melburnians 177100028105.74 Fitzroy 1721500871.27

Hampton Rovers

171520060217.87

171250048154.14

Bedes/Mentone 171250048122.31

PEGS 17 98003697.67

Glen Eira / Old McKinnon 17710002884.53 Marcellin 17611002471.38 Mazenod 17413001677.87 Parkside 17413001657.95

PREMIER B MEN’S RESERVES

17710002898.62

Carey 17512002069.53

Camberwell 17413001683.97

DIVISION 1

1811700455.28

188100032100.93

18512002077.84

WILLIAM BUCK PREMIER WOMEN’S

161420156284.56

151320252315.73

161330152170.08

Kew 15 870232 124.61

West Brunswick 15 870232 112.87

Fitzroy 16610012469.22

15510022072.81 Williamstown CYMS 16412011648.4

1641111447.3

B WOMEN’S

15510012077.4

15410111860.72

150150109.08

WILLIAM BUCK PREMIER WOMEN’S RESERVES

2 WOMEN’S

1521302813.5

1511402425.71

Beaumaris 161330052226.99

Vultures 161240048180.84

Melburnians 161240048164.1 Old Haileybury 161150044131.11

Old Carey 161060040108.09

St Bernards 161060040100.83

Williamstown CYMS 16 880032 159.79

Old Trinity 16 880032 106.17

Old Brighton 2166100024141.82 University Blues 216 69002490.29 Fitzroy 16412001668.71

THIRDS

2025 VAFA FINALS SERIES

DIVISIONAL

THIRDS

DIVISIONAL MEN’S – SEMI FINALS