SEASON 2025 - June 14
As longstanding Premium Sponsor’s of VAFA, we’re proud of our contributions to the league and support to the VAFA community over the last 10 seasons.
At William Buck, our team of specialist accountants and advisors are dedicated to helping you achieve your business goals. Whether you’re managing a local sports club or a global enterprise, we have the specialised expertise to support your financial success.
Call us for a consultation or visit williambuck.com
Round 9 on Saturday 14 June is a significant occasion as the VAFA community celebrates Umpiring Round. In exciting news, umpire registrations for 2025 have increased significantly over the past 4 years with over 600 registered league umpires now signed up. This special milestone is the result of consistent investment and resourcing into the Umpiring Program over a number of years. These results have been achieved through strong junior programs, school courses and innovative umpire marketing campaigns.
On this special weekend, clubs and the broader community are encouraged to celebrate the crucial role that umpires play in our competition. Clubs can show their support of the Umpiring group by acknowledging their role on game day, shaking hands with umpires before and after games and inviting umpires into club rooms for the post-match presentations. Clubs are also encouraged to share images of umpires on social media throughout the week. Whilst it’s an ideal time to recognise the 600 registered league umpires, it’s also vital to highlight the significant contribution of club umpires who volunteer their time each week.
The VAFA has invested significantly in umpire retention and coaching. This approach is aligned with the VAFA’s strategic plan priorities to develop a best practice umpire environment that offers pathways to the State Leagues.
Stephen PriviteraVAFA Umpire Operations Manager
Fitness Coach and Physio – Tom O’Connor
Strength/Conditioning Coach – Will Tobin
Assistant Fitness Coach – Aiden McDonald
The Umpiring group has been preparing for the start of the season since February. Pre-season featured a large focus on fitness and conditioning to ensure umpires were ready to run out games from round 1. During the season, training takes place at Elsternwick Park on Monday and Wednesday nights. Umpires split up into individual squads to ensure they can receive tailored coaching and feedback on their performance from the weekend’s game. This includes regular on field skills training and video analysis. The VAFA has also established mutually beneficial partnerships with junior leagues. These programs ensure that junior umpires can progress into the VAFA competition once they are ready to officiate senior football.
It is a priority that our umpires receive the best level of coaching available
Female Umpiring is also a key focus with the VAFA Female Umpire Academy launching at the start of the season. The coaching panel has been expanded in 2025 and features high calibre coaches that have VFL experience. It is a priority that our umpires receive the best level of coaching available. We thank the below coaches for their hard work and dedication this season:
Field Discipline Lead – Owen Hinson
Senior Field Coach – Lionel Katz
Accelerator Field Coach – Campbell Hymans
Development Field Coach – Ben Lefebvre
Assistant Field Coach – Michael Gough
Boundary Discipline Lead – Shaun Bourke
Boundary Assistant Coach – Matthew Gough
Boundary Assistant Coach – Julia Stokes
Goal Discipline Lead – Cooper MacDonald
Goal Assistant Coach – Adrian Keane
Goal Assistant Coach – Graham Templar
As umpires are acknowledged during VAFA Umpiring Round, it’s important to recognise a talented umpire who have recently been promoted to the VFL. The VAFA continues its reputation as the leading competition for umpiring talent with the exciting promotion of Angus Bunker Smith, one of the VAFA’s standout field umpires. This significant milestone is a moment worth celebrating for Angus and the entire VAFA community.
The VAFA is focused on increasing the number of umpires appointed each week across the competition. This round not only celebrates the contribution of umpires but also seeks to encourage more people to consider becoming an umpire. We need more umpires for Reserves and Thirds football and there are still opportunities for interested individuals to get involved before the start of finals. Umpiring offers an opportunity to stay involved in our competition, give back to our game, increase your fitness and get paid. Please visit vafa.com.au for further information on how to become a league appointed umpire. I wish all VAFA and Club Umpires the best for this Umpiring Round, enjoy your games, run well and thank you for your service to our Association.
Jason Bennett
Two incredible come-from-behind wins provided the exclamation points to an entertaining afternoon.
An astonishing back-from-the-dead performance occurred at Melbourne Uni Oval as University Blacks stole the most unlikely of last-gasp wins from St Kevin’s. Eight points was the largest lead throughout the first three quarters (held by Blacks early in the third term). So, when St Kevin’s kicked 3 goals in 5 minutes entering time-on in the final quarter, their game-high 18-point lead felt like a winning one.
12 points down at the 31-minute mark, the Blacks needed a miracle, given they had only kicked 8 goals for the day. Enter the miracle.
Ben Oliver goaled to make it a one-kick game, then Kane Loftus nailed a 45-metre running goal from the restart to tie the scores. A desperate scramble ensued before Joel Ernest marked a hurried defensive kick 45 metres out at the 34-minute mark. The veteran went back and calmly slotted the go-ahead goal as the Blacks crowd lost their collective minds. The siren sounded 45 seconds later to complete the most miraculous come-from-the-clouds win - 3 goals in 3 minutes stealing a critical win that no Blacks player, coach or fan in attendance will ever forget.
Dale Bower (Uni Blacks): “It was a remarkable finish for us, kicking four goals in the last few minutes. “St. Kevin’s had the better of us for a period in the last quarter, but we stuck at it and found something special late. Our pressure was at an elite level for most of the game.”
Anthony Lynch (St Kevin’s): “It’s a brutal lesson for our players on the importance of playing every minute and having that ruthless edge in everything we do. “I have to acknowledge Uni Blacks - their group showed incredible character to never give up and to be able to execute when it mattered will give them great belief.”
Saturday’s other remarkable finish came at Camberwell, with Old Scotch storming home to break University Blues’ hearts again. The Blues led the Cardinals by 19 points at the final change after a 5-goal-to-2 third term with complete territorial dominance. But the Cards peppered away early to close the gap to 10 points at the 9-minute mark before Old Scotch’s spearhead James Tarrant grabbed the game by the scruff of the neck.
With his midfield generating repeat Inside 50s, Tarrant got hot in a hurry, booting an incredible 5 goals in 13 minutes as the Cards rocketed past a shell-shocked Blues, who could barely believe another final quarter fade-out. Old Scotch pulling
off a remarkable 22-point win that sees them close within percentage of the Top 4.
Tarrant finished with 22 disposals, 9 marks and 8 goals after putting his team on his back in the final term. James Stewart was superb at the other end for the Blues with 18 disposals and 5 goals of his own.
Mark Gnatt (Old Scotch): “Even with a 19-point deficit at three-quarter time, we felt that we had more in the tank and just needed to up our pressure rating. The boys executed superbly, and you could see the hunt across the ground.”
Matt Smith (Uni Blues): “The third quarter saw us play the sort of footy we’d been looking for. Our at-ball pressure increased, shape behind was excellent and was rewarded with a 3-goal lead at ¾ time.”
Old Haileybury made it five consecutive wins with a hardfought 2-goal victory over a resilient St Bernard’s at Princes Park. The Bloods kicked the first 4 goals of the game before the Snowdogs kicked three of their own to reduce the damage to a single kick at the first break.
But the Snowdogs rallied to give the Bloods a few uncomfortable moments late, kicking 5 of the first 6 goals for the quarter to close within 13 points with ample time on the clock. However, the Bloods held their nerve to score a12-point win that entrenches them inside the Top 3, two games clear of fourth.
Daniel Ward (Old Haileybury): “It was a game of mistakes in the first half due to pressure put on. “We got our game going in the 3rd quarter to lead by 38 points at the last change, but a disappointing start to the last, where we let St Bernards back into the game.”
Steve Alessio (St Bernard’s): “It was a really hard-fought quality contest all day. Daniel Ward’s team was really up for the contest, and I thought both teams put on a great show. Unfortunately, our ball use at times let us down, but I was encouraged by the spirit of the team to keep fighting until the end against a strong team that is now well entrenched in the top 3.”
There were no nerves at Toorak Park, with Old Xaverians in command of Collegians all afternoon. Xavs kicked the first 6 goals before the Lions finally found a major approaching time-on in the second quarter. Leading goalkicker Alex Lukic kicked the last couple of goals of the half to reduce the margin to 26 at the major break, but Xavs snuffed any Collegians comeback out by booting 4 goals in a hurry to start the second half.
Xavs successfully defending second spot with a powerful 66-point win – their fifth victory in six starts. Charlie MacIsaac continued his great form with another 5 goals to move to equal second on the goal kicking table, 2 goals behind Alex Lukic, whose 3 majors took him to 22 for the season – level with James Stewart.
Dan Donati (Old Xavs): “We had a focus to start the game better this week, and it was pleasing to have finally done that! We’ve shown ability to come from behind in games this year, so this week at quarter time, it was a different challenge for us being out in front. Most pleasing for me was the early response in the third, where we kicked 4 goals in 10 minutes to take the ascendancy and from there managed the game pretty well.”
Jordie McKenzie (Collegians): “Once again we started poorly, with Xavs capitalising. Our second quarter was solid, where we were able to match Xavs in the clearance and contested possession area and were able to slightly peg the lead back.”
Old Brighton scored a healthy victory over De La Salle at Brighton Beach Oval. De La booted the first 2 goals before the Tonners kicked 4 of the next 5 to edge in front at the opening break. De La was once again first out of the blocks in the second term, however it was all Old Brighton after that as they added the next 4.5 to kick out to a handy 26-point half-time advantage. Sure enough, the third term continued the pattern – opening goal to De La Salle, then the Tonners peeled off the next 7 goals, putting the result beyond doubt to head to the bye with a perfect 8-0 record, courtesy of an 86-point win.
The star of the show was Will Lewis. The VFL-listed Bulldog had a day out up forward, with 23 disposals, 12 marks, 8 tackles and 10 goals in one of the great individual displays in Premier Men’s so far this season.
Marcel Bruin (Old Brighton): “Nick has the De La boys giving tremendous effort and it won’t be long before they get winning momentum. Their pressure outdid our group, and we had to work hard to equalise.
Nick Hyland (De La Salle): “For the majority of the first half I thought we played at a level that stacks up against the league leaders. “After halftime - particularly in the 3rd quarter - it was a different story. They upped their intensity around the ball and were able to gain momentum and field position. That allowed them to be proactive, particularly around the contest, which proved really difficult to stop. Credit to Marcel, he’s clearly got them playing a really strong brand of footy.
Old Haileybury:
St Bernard’s:
(81)
GOALS: Old Haileybury: h. jones 3, C. Goonewardene 3, M. Kirkwood-Scott 2, L. Giliam 1, C. Riley 1, J. Docking 1, A. Stefanakis 1, C. Harrop 1, H. Nosiara 1
GOALS: St Bernard’s: M. Watson 3, C. Vague 2, N. Conlan 2, L. Papley 1, L. Said 1, L. Di Lizio 1, T. Sullivan 1, F. McNicol 1
BEST: Old Haileybury: M. Kirkwood-Scott, W. Paul, J. Connell, M. Sievers, C. Riley, h. jones
BEST: St Bernard’s: L. Said, K. Bharathi, C. Vague, D. Gwynne, D. Sullivan, F. McNicol
University Blacks:
St Kevin’s:
(80)
(74)
GOALS: University Blacks: M. Grocott 3, K. Loftus 2, L. Vescio 1, M. Gray 1, H. Driscoll 1, J. Clark 1, B. Oliver 1, J. Ernest 1
GOALS: St Kevin’s: S. Barnett 2, S. Critchley 2, P. Kerr 1, W. Pfeiffer 1, C. Hodges 1, C. Jones 1, A. phillips 1, L. Winter 1, S. Cameron 1
BEST: University Blacks: J. Ernest, M. Gray, L. O’Neill, S. McKenzie, A. Makieng, J. Drummond
BEST: St Kevin’s: A. Seaton, T. Jok, A. Hart, D. Prime, A. phillips, S. Tucker
Old Scotch:
GOALS: Old Scotch: J. Tarrant 8, J. Torney 3, O. Badr 2, A. Jelbart 1, W. Hucker 1
GOALS: University Blues: J. Stewart 5, S. Grimley 2, A. Bain 2, J. Curran 1, G. LaCava 1, B. Townson 1, N. Evans 1
BEST: Old Scotch: J. Tarrant, H. Brown, C. Cormack, J. Brown, A. Jelbart, J. Braddy
BEST: University Blues: J. Stewart, S. Grimley, H. Yunghanns, D. Chirgwin, J. Curran, A. Bain
Brighton:
Salle: 3.3
6.5 (41)
GOALS: Old Brighton: W. Lewis 10, Z. Travers 2, A. Jarnestrom 2, H. Hill 2, S. Flockart 1, B. Pryor 1, M. Karayannis 1
GOALS: De La Salle: M. Miller 1, S. Fisher 1, S. Filipovic 1, J. Williams 1, S. Dimachki 1, L. Healy 1
BEST: Old Brighton: W. Lewis, S. Flockart, M. Benier, A. Jarnestrom, L. Butler, T. Burnell
BEST: De La Salle: W. Mckinnon, T. Stanton, S. Karvellas, R. O’Meara, S. Dimachki, T. Docherty
Old Xaverians:
Collegians:
(104)
(38)
GOALS: Old Xaverians: C. MacIsaac 5, W. Brusnahan 3, C. Lane 1, C. Westcott 1, C. Knott 1, H. Woodhouse 1, J. O’sullivan 1, S. Fisher 1, A. Spralja 1
GOALS: Collegians: A. Lukic 3, D. Thomas 1, B. Fleming 1
BEST: Old Xaverians: M. Stavrou, A. Spralja, C. MacIsaac, C. Lane, J. Feneley, A. Trigar
BEST: Collegians: N. Boucher, H. Anderson, D. Thomas, J. Davy, N. Canny, A. Lukic
Old Brighton:
De La Salle:
GOALS: Old Brighton: M. Hofmann 4, L. Travers 4, R. Agg 3, D. Lynch 1, J. Munnings 1, T. Howden 1, M. Freeman 1, Z. Bowen 1, M. Speirs 1, N. Freeman 1
(45)
GOALS: De La Salle: S. McNidder 1, J. Brooker 1, B. Boscacci 1, A. Browne 1, D. Ford 1, D. Kaminaris 1
BEST: Old Brighton: L. Travers, T. Howden, M. Hofmann, S. Litis, M. Speirs, T. Skewes
BEST: De La Salle: B. Richter, A. Kelly, D. Ford, A. Stanton, A. Browne, L. Liakakos University Blacks:
Kevin’s:
GOALS: University Blacks: S. Henning 5, H. Lamb 1, O. Rouse 1, S. Cleary 1
(51)
(114)
GOALS: St Kevin’s: O. Gill 5, S. Duffy 3, M. Canning 3, n. dachs 2, H. Reimers 1, J. Ball 1, T. Feehan 1, G. Delimitrou 1
BEST: University Blacks: O. Rouse, S. Henning, J. Hansen, H. Lamb, J. Kennedy, R. Satanek
BEST: St Kevin’s: O. Gill, T. Pirola, G. Delimitrou, T. Feehan, T. Burley, T. Andriske
GOALS: Old Xaverians: E. Delany 9, O. Duncan 3, J. Lucas 2, M. Mahommed 2, J. Cumberlidge 2, B. Moyle 1, J. Gangi 1, H. Troiani 1, M. Exell 1, N. Brown 1, c. Whitehead 1, E. Kennedy 1
GOALS: Collegians: M. Mckeown 2, L. Payne 1, H. Waters 1
BEST: Old Xaverians: M. Mahommed, E. Delany, H. Basset, O. Duncan, S. Hansen, H. Troiani
BEST: Collegians: A. Mackay, T. van Twest, F. Ekins, W. D’Amico, L. Heriot, M. Mckeown Old Scotch:
Blues:
GOALS: Old Scotch: S. Skinner 3, H. Wild 2, T. Chandler 1, F. Leeton 1, J. Davies 1
GOALS: University Blues: T. McKinnis 3, J. Paterson 3, J. BOND 2, G. McCulloch 2, J. Harrington 2, J. Muhor 1, A. Dowsley 1
BEST: Old Scotch: M. Muller, S. Skinner, C. Schilling, A. Davies, H. Wild, C. Jackson
BEST: University Blues: J. Lloyd, J. Ryan, A. Sinnott, T. O’Brien, T. Cossar, T. McKinnis
Haileybury:
St Bernard’s:
(63)
Cooper Watkins
Round 8 of the William Buck Premier Women’s competition lived up to the hype with several fantastic clashes and a huge boil over between Williamstown CYMS and St Kevin’s headlining the weekends footy.
After a number of disappointing performances in the past month, Williamstown CYMS hosted St Kevin’s at Fearon Reserve with hopes of an unlikely upset over last year’s grand finalist.
What ensued was a spectacular performance from a young CY’s team who dominated the Saints 11.4 (70) to 3.4 (22). Williamstown blitzed St Kevin’s in the first term with five goals, several of which coming from CY’s star Polly Conway. The CY’s held onto their momentum across the whole contest and were ultra-impressive.
Williamstown coach Xavier Smith was full of positivity on the bench throughout the game and welcomed every player with a fist bump and some encouraging words.
Smith said after the contest that his side went into the game with three key focus areas.
“Dominate the contest, own the outside and get back to basics. I felt as though we ticked all those boxes.”
Despite the fast start, Smith put his team on notice early in the game that the 2024 grand finalists were unlikely to go down without a fight.
“St Kevin’s were always going to fight back; we just rode that wave and took our opportunities when they came.”
The previously aforementioned Conway was phenomenal in the CY’s triumph and 17-year-old Jacinta Eteuati blew the game to shreds with her physicality in the back half of the ground.
St Kevin’s coach Tom Purcell was all class as per usual and gave the CY’s side its due credit after the performance.
“Let’s recognise the brilliant performance of Williamstown. Outstanding team performance controlling the stoppages, clearances, contested footy and great ball movement into the forward line.
Purcell was quick to reflect on his sides performance and the improvements they will make as a result.
“We will lick our wounds and looking forward to rebounding after the break. Focus will be winning the contested footy and keeping shape around the contest.”
Beaumaris made the trip to Kew to face a Bears side who have played in some thrilling games in the past month of footy. The Sharks, however, were unable to match the intensity early in the game and were defeated 9.10 (64) to 1.2 (8).
Kew’s fast start can be attributed to the Bears pressure around the contest and aerial dominance which put them out of the Sharks reach by the main break. With Lauralee Rinaldi and Amelia Dawborn, the standouts for Kew.
Sharks coach Sam Calogero praised his sides efforts in the second half and some returning players from injury.
“We worked back in the second half lifting our intent and pressure. Players such as Piper Phelan returning after a long injury and Zali Reynolds worked hard across the backline.”
Kew Coach Emily Avery expressed her positivity surrounding the outlook of her side and the potential for improvement from the midpoint of the season.
“Halfway through the season and I am relatively happy with how we are progressing.”
West Brunswick 6.8 (44) defeated Old Geelong 3.4 (22) to make it two wins on the bounce after a slow start to season 2025 for the Magpies.
The Magpies utilised their handball game and composure to build a sizeable half time lead which set them up for the 22-point victory.
Taylah Watson was at her damaging best in her milestone game, alongside strong performances from fellow midfielders Bronte Carlin and Sarah Jolly.
“West Brunswick coach Ryan Wardel was pleased with the victory but noted several areas for improvement in his side’s second-half performance.
“In the coming weeks, we’ll work on our situational awareness and our ability to control the tempo and retain possession when the game demands it.”
With the defeat, Old Geelong have slipped to equal bottom on the William Buck Premier Women’s ladder despite their three wins to date. Highlighting the competitiveness of this year’s competition.
Despite the loss, Mietta Passon and Brooke Mckay were two of the standouts for the OG’s.
In the final game of Round 8, Caulfield Grammarians faced Fitzroy to extend their winning streak without loss to 8 on the trot. The Field’s led the whole way in a hard-fought victory 3.7 (25) to 2.4 (16).
Caulfield coach Danielle Distefano admitted her side weren’t as sharp as they’d like to be but acknowledged their ability to battle out a tough win.
“I was pretty happy with our ability to grind out a win despite 4 quarters of intense pressure from Fitzroy. We will look to rest, recharge and review over the bye week and then get straight back into it.”
Fitzroy Coach Nathan Jumeau was happy with several aspects of his sides performance despite the result and lauded the performance of Jaime Nelson.
“I was really happy with our defensive efforts this week; our tackles were back at numbers we were seeing last year if we bring that effort every week we will be in every game we play.”
“Jaime Nelson was the best player on the ground by a long way, dominated in the ruck, being a presence in the air and defensively on the ground.”
Old Scotch were the only side with the bye this week and head into the King’s Birthday weekend in 3rd place, with Caulfield Grammarians, St Kevin’s and Beaumaris rounding out the top 4 positions.
GOALS: Kew: C. Dyett 2, J. Hillas 2, L. Barr 2, T. Christensen 1, A. Dawborn 1, G. Rawlings 1
(8)
GOALS: Beaumaris: C. Newman 1
BEST: Kew: L. Rinaldi, A. Dawborn, L. Barr, V. Murphy, C. Dyett, T. Christensen
BEST: Beaumaris: P. Phelan, K. Randall, Z. Reynolds, S. Hollingsworth, C. Weiss, L. Stockdale
Williamstown CYMS:
GOALS: Williamstown CYMS: P. Conway 4, S. Georgas 2, M. Russell 2, J. Farrugia 1, A. Acquaro 1, O. McGie 1
GOALS: St Kevin’s: H. Smith 2, B. Rees 1
BEST: Williamstown CYMS: J. Eteuati, P. Conway, A. West, A. Woodhead, E. Pawlowski, C. Snow
BEST: St Kevin’s: B. Woolcock, B. Doyle, C. Russell, B. Rees, E. Burvill, H. Smith Old Geelong:
Brunswick:
GOALS: Old Geelong: J. Gleeson 1, M. Passon 1, S. Nicholls 1
GOALS: West Brunswick: S. Jolly 2, B. Carlin 2, T. Watson 2
BEST: Old Geelong: M. Passon, A. Halaby, J. Gleeson, T. Longden, B. Mckay, E. Hoban
BEST: West Brunswick: T. Watson, B. Carlin, C. Balbata, E. Domagala, E. Mirabella, V. Holt
Caulfield Grammarians:
GOALS: Caulfield Grammarians: B. Tuszynski 1, E. Baxter 1, C. O’Malley 1
GOALS: Fitzroy: T. Lind 1, N. Cooney Hunt 1
BEST: Caulfield Grammarians: J. Baxter, I. Mottram, C. O’Malley, E. Baxter, E. Cleland, A. Myers
BEST: Fitzroy: J. Nelson, M. Smith, G. Murphy, P. Duffy, S. Lynas, e. bridgewater
GOALS: Kew: R. Young 1, J. Lennen 1
(22)
GOALS: Beaumaris: I. Allan 2, S. Shipton 1, A. Pearce 1, S. Keogh 1, N. Fitzgerald 1, P. Barrow 1, B. Scott 1
BEST: Kew: K. Cook, I. Yze, K. Rinaldi, S. Nodin, K. Shaw, R. Young
BEST: Beaumaris: A. Pearce, L. Barker, P. Barrow, S. Keogh, N. Stainforth, j. farrow
Caulfield Grammarians:
(57) Fitzroy:
GOALS: Caulfield Grammarians: E. Shalders 2, T. Hurst 1, C. Ryan 1, R. Neil 1, L. Wenk 1, D. Hadwin 1, B. Connor 1
(1)
GOALS: Fitzroy:
BEST: Caulfield Grammarians: T. Hurst, C. Ryan, W. Sweeney Johnston, L. Wenk, L. Toovey, T. Huggins
BEST: Fitzroy: M. McNally, F. Myers, G. Mcerlain, H. Fitzgerald, G. Hassan, C. Bigwood
Williamstown CYMS:
(28) St Kevin’s:
GOALS: Williamstown CYMS: L. Mills 1, l. hudson 1, I. Iannacone 1, S. Martin 1
GOALS: St Kevin’s: S. Cameron 3, T. Berkowitz 2, E. Seymour-Pessah 1, J. Mounas 1
(53)
BEST: Williamstown CYMS: B. Page, l. hudson, E. Whybrow, P. Kalka, I. Hickman, I. Iannacone
BEST: St Kevin’s: B. Gray, H. Cook, L. Leckey, S. Grundmann, A. Buffham, S. Cameron
Old Geelong:
Brunswick:
GOALS: Old Geelong:
GOALS: West Brunswick: S. Dekker 2, I. Johanson-Blok 2, M. Mullins 2, G. Fogarty 2, J. Hooke 2, E. O’Beirne 1, M. Constas 1, S. Kavanagh 1
BEST: Old Geelong: J. Povey, D. Willows, J. Edwards, W. Jay, S. Shaikh, A. Allsopp
BEST: West Brunswick: S. Dekker, G. Fogarty, I. Johanson-Blok, M. Mullins, S. Kavanagh, A. Traill
(1)
(86)
Paddy Grindlay
After eight rounds of football in 2024, Williamstown CYMS found itself marooned in ninth, three wins outside of eighth place, with the grim reality of a relegation battle to come through wintertime.
This time around, the CYs go galloping into the King’s Birthday weekend with a 5-3 record and a spot in the top four, backing up a head-turning win over Old Carey in Round 7 with an 11.11 (77) to 7.14 (56) victory over the Old Melburnians at Elsternwick Park.
The CYs found four goals from the returning Calvyn Vicino and strong performances from Will Chan, Will Bokma and Hamish Tambourine, with the key names of Jordan Busuttil (Essendon VFL), Zac Provest (suspension) and Keshava Raju (absent) missing from the team list.
It was 21-year-old Vicino’s first senior game in almost two years, after a torrid time with injury and an extended run in the Thirds and Reserves this year to get him up to speed.
“Cal did his ACL in Round 10 2023; he was in the under 19s at the time and was getting his three games with us (the seniors) as a bit of experience. Unfortunately, in the third game, he did his ACL (and) had some complications post-surgery,” explained coach Con Terzoglou.
“He’s been part of the senior squad since November, he knows how we play and what we want to do,” said Terzoglou.
Old Melburnians coach Nathan Brown said the CYs were “too good” for his side, which was left to rue inefficiency in front of the big sticks.
Veteran forward Jackson Paine was the Redlegs’ only multiple goalkicker with two, while Albert Brown, Nicky Christian and Arthur Rush were some of Brown’s best.
Like the OMs, the Caulfield Grammarians were left to rue their poor kicking in front of goal, unable to put together its fourth win in a row and losing to Old Trinity at the Daley Oval.
The Fields had 10 more scoring shots than the Ts but kicked 7.19 (61) to the green-and-gold’s 10.6 (66), going down by five points.
“(We) were pretty wasteful so only have ourselves to blame,” said Fields coach Paul Satterley.
Donald McDonald, who left the coaching duties to his assistants as he recovers from a knee replacement, said he’s been impressed by the Caulfield Grammarians this year, the Fields having made back some ground after a slow start and going to the break 4-4.
“‘Satts’ has got to be pretty happy with his squad - they’ve got a lot of depth and they’re going to really challenge teams. I think they’re as good as anyone in it,” said McDonald
At 6-2, in second place and with a game on a three-team pursuing pack, McDonald is more concerned with the cohesion and chemistry of his Ts, and not necessarily the win column.
“It’s probably more about how you want to go about it (at this time of year). Consistency of effort and the players trying to get a bit of stability with playing with each other, I think that’s really important,” he said.
It’s been a rollercoaster five weeks for Old Geelong - win, loss, win, loss, win. The OGs were able to counter Round Seven’s trough against Old Ivanhoe with a peak over Old Camberwell, steaming home with 11 of the second half’s 15 goals to win 16.9 (105) to 8.12 (60).
“The comp’s so even, it’s hard to string wins together - I think our group’s naturally been really good at bouncing back from losses, finding a way to stay together and really improve in areas we need to,” coach Nick Dixon said.
“On the flipside, we want to be better at stringing wins together and have four or five weeks in a row where we can really set ourselves up for the season. We were able to do that last year.”
It was a day for defenders-turned-forwards at Gordon Barnard Reserve, with typical OGs key back Harry Graham booting four goals in the second half after being thrown up forward for the second half.
“He’s got great hands and competes really well, so we thought at least he’ll bring the ball to ground,” explained Dixon.
“He went from bringing the ball to ground to clunking everything, big pack marks … he played really well and gave our forward line a different look”.
Jacob Jess, a defender with some experience up front, also made the long trek to the other fifty-metre arc and excelled with four goals of his own, while Jack Sheridan enjoyed another day out in the middle.
Old Camberwell coach Neil Connell, without a few regulars including Jimmy Allen, was pleased with his players’ bright start to the game but found them wanting when the OGs applied second-half pressure.
“Some poor turnovers were costly, and this gave OG momentum that we couldn’t wrestle back,” he said.
After appearing to be in some trouble early in the second half, Old Carey will go into the bye in third place after once again outperforming their opponents in the fourth.
Down by seven points at three quarter time, the Panthers screamed home at Brunswick Street Oval with eight final term goals to two, pocketing win number five with a 16.9 (105) to 12.14 (86) win over Fitzroy.
“One really pleasing thing from the weekend, and from all our games, is that our running capacity seems to be a real thing,” said Old Carey coach Luke Giles.
“The way we finish games is really strong - I had a feeling that would be our brand coming into the season, given the make-up of the group, our running power, and the amount of work they put in pre-season.”
The Panthers score an average of just over 31 points in fourth quarters, which on average is their highest-scoring term this season.
“There’s a pattern now emerging that we’re really finishing well … it probably felt to me the longer the game went, the more we were getting away,” said Giles of the contest last Saturday afternoon.
There were positive signs for Fitzroy coach Travis Ronaldson, with wingman Rhys Seakins “exceptional” and Laird Ramshaw and Nathan Ligris solid, but the coach was ultimately left disappointed.
“We let Carey get the jump on us and had to work really hard to get back in the game, our third quarter especially showing the high-pressure fast ball movement style that we are aiming to play,” Ronaldson said.
“Unfortunately, the big push to get back in the game meant we ran out of petrol tickets in the last, with Carey lifting another gear to take the game away from us.”
Old Ivanhoe head to the break a game clear atop the ladder, tying off a 7-1 start with an emphatic 130-point win over the winless Hampton Rovers
A dozen Old Ivanhoe players kicked goals in the 23.15 (153) to 3.5 (23) win, which saw the Hoers skip a game and some 20% clear of second-placed Old Trinity.
“We put a lot of effort into making sure we started the game well and jumped out of the blocks pretty hard,” said Hoers coach Jarrod Gieschen.
“I was really happy with the way the guys went about it - the last time we played Hampton, they beat us by about 50 points at their ground in 2023. We just wanted to make sure that we didn’t let them in at the start and build any confidence.”
After the King’s Birthday break, Old Ivanhoe and Old Trinity play off in a first-versus-second blockbuster at Chelsworth Park.
Old Geelong host Fitzroy and Old Carey host the Old Melburnians, the Fields travel to take on the Rovers and Williamstown CYMS have a meeting with Old Camberwell.
Old Melburnians:
Williamstown CYMS:
GOALS: Old Melburnians: J. Paine 2, S. Laube 1, L. Haysman 1, B. Jackson 1, N. Nichols 1, A. Richardson 1
Williamstown CYMS: C. Vicino 4, A. Fernandes 2, W. Smyth 1, N. Sayers 1, R. Diwell 1, H. Carter 1, W. Bokma 1
BEST: Old Melburnians: A. Brown, S. Laube, N. Nichols, A. Rush, L. Haysman, N. Christian
Williamstown CYMS: W. Bokma, H. Tambourine, C. Vicino, C. Diwell, N. Sayers, H. Carter
Fitzroy:
Old Carey:
GOALS: Fitzroy: j. turner 2, M. Davie 2, S. Roberts-Lovell 2, S. Jordan 2, D. Harvey 1, C. Johnstone 1, C. Lester 1, L. Ramshaw 1
(86)
Old Carey: j. horsey 4, L. Godden 4, T. Warren 2, Q. McKay 2, T. Borghouts 1, N. Brewin 1, T. McCarthy 1, B. Andrews 1
BEST: Fitzroy: R. Seakins, L. Ramshaw, N. Ligris, j. turner, I. Gorman-Andrews, J. Hart
Old Carey: M. Wooffindin, T. Newton, Q. McKay, E. King, T. Borghouts, j. horsey
Old Camberwell:
Old Geelong:
GOALS: Old Camberwell: H. Laukens 2, J. Holding 2, L. Harker 1, L. Ross 1, D. McColl 1, C. Finlayson 1
Old Geelong: H. Graham 4, J. Jess 4, P. Kol 2, C. Dixon 2, O. Grodski 1, L. Maiden 1, S. Harrison 1, J. Adams 1
BEST: Old Camberwell: J. Blew, P. Blew, J. Harker, D. McColl, R. Hopkins, J. Holding
Old Geelong: H. Graham, L. Maiden, J. Jess, J. Sheridan, S. Anderson, J. Anderson
Old Ivanhoe: 7.2
Hampton Rovers:
GOALS: Old Ivanhoe: W. Murphy 4, T. Nagel 4, W. Hanlon 3, A. Mirkov 3, R. McKenzie 2, J.
(153)
(23)
Harper 1, C. Opie 1, M. Whiteman 1, J. Powell 1, M. Mitris 1, B. Gliddon 1, L. Scuderi 1
Hampton Rovers: L. O’Driscoll 2, B. Crothers 1
BEST: Old Ivanhoe: W. Murphy, A. Mirkov, A. Franklin, T. Nagel, T. Mclean, J. Powell
Hampton Rovers: O. Bater, B. Jensen-Muir, J. Prosser, C. Perkins, J. Dermott, L. Costello
Old Trinity:
Caulfield Grammarians:
GOALS: Old Trinity: H. Beasley 2, B. Dowling 2, H. McGlashan 2, G. Belcher 1, N. Gill 1, O. Scott 1, T. Wenn 1
(66)
(61)
Caulfield Grammarians: C. Hankin 1, J. Atkinson 1, h. mckenzie 1, S. Mcinerney 1, S. Hankin 1, A. Loughnan 1, O. Lowe 1
BEST: Old Trinity: L. Mulcahy, H. McGlashan, G. Belcher, N. Gill, J. Hindson, B. Thatcher
Caulfield Grammarians: S. Mcinerney, O. Lowe, C. Eerhard, W. Edwards, C. Pietsch, R. Pietsch
Fitzroy:
Old Carey:
GOALS: Fitzroy: J. Robinson 6, L. Sekhon 2, W. Roberts 2, B. Levens 2, T. Strachan 2, L. Engberg 1
(108)
(58)
Old Carey: N. Dempsey 2, S. Morarty 2, J. Athanasopoulos 2, S. Zimmermann 1, E. Taylor 1
BEST: Fitzroy: L. Sekhon, F. Andrew Frazer, T. Bishop, J. Robinson, B. Levens, T. Strachan
Old Carey: N. Valentine, S. Morarty, L. Smith, M. Vandersteen, J. Sharrock, N. Dempsey
Old Camberwell: 1.0 1.2 2.3 3.4 (22)
Old Geelong: 0.2 2.4 4.8 5.10 (40)
GOALS: Old Camberwell: L. Campbell 2, O. Purcell 1
Old Geelong: J. Colgrave 1, C. Fox 1, H. Atkins 1, G. Sweeney 1, B. Parks 1
BEST: Old Camberwell: J. Schreuder, F. Wells, L. Visser, O. Cirulis, L. Campbell, L. Davidson
Old Geelong: M. Kirkwood, A. Brasseur, S. Jess, J. Mitchell, H. Atkins, J. Green
Old Melburnians: 5.4
GOALS: Old Melburnians: C. Higgins 4, S. Connock 2, L. Swaney 2, W. McIntyre 1, H. McIntyre 1, M. Grosso 1, O. Williams 1, W. Welsh 1, O. Hurley 1
Williamstown CYMS: j. raymond 4, B. Johnson 1, C. Taylor 1, S. Shepherd 1
BEST: Old Melburnians: T. Facy, W. Dixon, C. Higgins, O. Williams, A. Chirnside, L. Swaney
Williamstown CYMS: j. raymond, J. Neville, N. Hannaford, O. Becroft, S. Shepherd, P. Farrell
Old Ivanhoe:
Hampton Rovers:
(30)
GOALS: Old Ivanhoe: T. Kellock 6, L. Agrotis 4, N. Sivakumar 3, J. Erman-Keogh 3, F. Knight 3
Hampton Rovers: N. Velten 1, L. Cowell 1, S. Hegarty 1, P. Somogyi 1
BEST: Old Ivanhoe: C. Wilson, T. Kellock, D. Steele, N. Sivakumar, F. Knight, L. Smithers
Hampton Rovers: L. Sharp, O. Donald, T. Goldsmith, R. Leslie, L. Cowell, M. Blackie
Old Trinity:
Caulfield Grammarians:
GOALS: Old Trinity: m. deayton 4, w. Noumertzis 2, O. Manton 1, M. Moran 1, A. Hain 1, L. Milner 1, H. Taylor 1
Caulfield Grammarians: T. Williams 3, J. Wallace 2, B. Mullen 2, H. Neave 1
BEST: Old Trinity: m. deayton, N. Emery, L. Milner, B. Smith, T. Rasdell, M. Moran
Caulfield Grammarians: J. Wallace, K. May, H. short, J. Harrison, T. Williams, L. O’Keefe
(73)
(58)
Lauren Atkinson
Round 8 of the Premier B Women’s season brought the heat – Old Yarra Cobras took home the chocolates for the first time this year, Port Melbourne Chargers and Old Melburnians continued to prove themselves as contenders, and Old Brighton once again had the wood over rival side Marcellin.
Old Yarra Cobras secured their first victory of the season in emphatic fashion, overpowering Melbourne University Women’s 15.15 (105) to 2.2 (14) at Doncaster Reserve.
With both sides entering the match yet to score a win, it was anyone’s game. However, it was the Cobras who seized control from the first bounce, dominating territory and applying relentless pressure. Their midfield group set the tone early, winning contests and locking the ball in their forward half.
By halftime, they had built a commanding 38-point lead, and they didn’t let up from there.
The Cobras piled on another 10 goals in the second half to triumph by 91 points at the final siren, a result that reflected weeks of hard work and improvement from the young group.
“Resilience is one of our program values, and if you saw the smiles on the players faces each week, and the continual drive to improve each session, you wouldn’t know that we have had a tough start to the season scoreboard wise,” said Cobras coach Michael Talbot.
Talbot praised the evenness of the team performance and the growing connection across all three lines.
Amelia Hitchcock was standout up forward, earning three goals by applying consistent pressure, while Ashton Billing and Charli McClure were also strong finishing with two apiece. The return of experienced defenders Casey, Ellie, and Carly helped steer the backline, while the ruck duo of Belinda and Steph not only controlled the hit-outs but also hit the scoreboard.
While the scoreboard didn’t fall their way, MUWFC showed glimpses, particularly through their developing midfield craft – something they’ll look to build on in the back half of the season.
“Our backline was outstanding under constant pressure, led by Nell Washington with great support from Beth Hennessy, Iona Moller, Phoebe Johnson and Scarlett Senior,” said Melbourne University coach Michael Goldsmith.
“Our effort and commitment to playing four quarters never wavered.”
Port Melbourne Chargers continued the exceptional start to their inaugural season with an impressive 59-point win over Old Xaverians
From the outset, the Chargers were clinical, kicking three goals in the opening term while holding Old Xavs to just a solitary behind. Their intensity around the contest and ability to maximise opportunities proved decisive, as they extended their lead at every break.
While Old Xaverians applied significant pressure, the Chargers ability to stay calm and execute the game plan kept them in control of the game, eventually defeating Old Xavs 9.13 (67) to 1.2 (8).
Coach Harriet Cooper pointed to voice as a key element in the win, stating: “The communication on the field was also much improved, leading to better defensive organisation and more fluid attacking plays. It was clear that everyone was playing for each other, and that’s a truly powerful thing to witness.”
Lydia Rainey and Cameron Millias were influential in the midfield and half-back line, showing relentless work rate while they amassed disposals. In attack, usual suspect Georgia Harris added another two to their season tally to reclaim the league’s lead.
Old Xaverians struggled to find rhythm against the welldrilled Chargers outfit but continued to bring the heat throughout the day, forcing unnecessary turnovers from the Chargers. Julia McLean kicked their only goal in the final term, while Eliza Hynes and Melissa Poulton were among the best in a tough outing.
With the win, Port Melbourne solidified their place in the top two, while Old Xavs will look to regroup ahead of a crucial stretch in the second half of the season.
Old Melburnians travelled to Mentone Reserve to take on St Bedes/Mentone Tigers, with the two sides competing for third place on the ladder. It was the Omlettes who came away victorious, defeating the Tigers 8.8 (56) to 2.5 (17), in a match that showcased Old Melburnian’s two modes: manic pressure and composed ball use.
The Omlettes got off to a fast start, kicking two goals in the opening term while keeping the Tigers scoreless. Although St Bedes/Mentone Tigers responded with more intensity in the second quarter, Old Melburnians held firm, maintaining a 13-point lead at the main break.
From there, they pulled away, kicking five goals to one in the second half to seal a convincing 39-point victory.
Omlettes coach Nick Stephens credited the win to his side’s ability to stay calm and bring pressure across all lines.
“At half time we asked the girls to take a breath, don’t rush and then do the extra 1%ers to help give each other a little extra time to make the right decision and execute. To me that was the key for us holding on to the lead for the remainder of the game.”
Tigers coach Meg Fisher lauded the strong performance of the Omlettes, while also acknowledging inconsistency and inefficiency as two key concerns for her side.
“Old Melburnians were clean with the ball, strong in the air and stayed switched on for most of the game. We had lapses in concentration that cost us, and a few chances on goal that we let slip.”
Despite the result, Fisher was more than happy to celebrate the small wins within her team.
“So happy with Larissa Lewis hitting the scoreboard, she has been influential in setting up scores the past few weeks and really deserved those 2 goals of her own.”
For Stephens, it was hard to separate the players in another team performance, with everyone stepping up when needed.
Eloise Faulks was the main target up forward, finishing with three goals, while Millie Peterson and Em Cafferky led by example with forward pressure. In the middle, Lily Wallace and Ella Bennetts dominated in the ruck, giving the midfield group – led by Ellen Williams, Zari Mildenhall, and Clare Fraser – first use. Down back, Caitlyn Bayley and Holly Hunt were tasked with shutting down key Tigers and delivered with poise.
In a highly anticipated rematch of last year’s Division 1 Grand Final, Old Brighton once again proved too strong for Marcellin, claiming a 20-point win at Bulleen Park, 6.16 (52) to 5.2 (32).
The contest was a genuine arm wrestle, with both sides bringing intensity and physicality from the opening bounce. Old Brighton jumped out to an early lead, kicking three goals to one in the first term, and maintained their advantage through disciplined defence and midfield dominance.
Marcellin’s pressure was commendable, particularly in forcing Old Brighton into inaccuracy in front of goal, but costly lapses late in the second and third quarters saw the visitors capitalise.
Marcellin coach Paul Harvey acknowledged the impact of those moments: “They scored three goals in red time in the second and third quarters which hurt us and showed that our defensive efforts waned a little as the quarters wore on. Old Brighton are too good to give them a sniff.”
Port Melbourne Chargers:
Old Xaverians:
GOALS: Port Melbourne Chargers: T. Clark 2, G. Harris 2, T. Maloney 1, C. Millias 1, A. Hose 1, A. Kamberis 1, C. Kamberis 1
GOALS: Old Xaverians: J. McLean 1
BEST: Port Melbourne Chargers: C. Millias, C. Highfield, C. Kamberis, L. Rainey, T. Clark, M. Harrison
BEST: Old Xaverians: E. Hynes, M. Poulton, E. Callinan, K. Jobling, E. Sheedy, J. McLean
Old Yarra Cobras:
GOALS: Old Yarra Cobras: A. Hitchcock 3, S. Fell 3, A. Billing 2, C. McClure 2, e. watson 1, E. Woodford 1, A. Murray 1, L. Moussa 1, C. Baslis 1
GOALS: MUWFC: A. Price 1, E. Ashley 1
BEST: Old Yarra Cobras: S. Fell, A. Hitchcock, E. Woodford, M. Giannopoulos, A. Billing, C. Jevric
BEST: MUWFC: N. Washington
Brighton:
GOALS: Marcellin: Z. GLASCOTT 2, A. Menzies 1, C. van der Vlies 1, T. Zagontinos 1
GOALS: Old Brighton: S. Courtney 3, m. ellin 2, C. OBrien 1
BEST: Marcellin: A. Menzies, B. Feehan, T. Carpinteri, S. Bridge, A. Pane, C. van der Vlies
BEST: Old Brighton: J. Tait, I. Tait, S. Courtney, m. ellin, B. Hagan, G. Buckley
GOALS: St Bedes/Mentone: L. Lewis 2
GOALS: Old Melburnians: e. faulks 3, E. Cafferkey 1, L. Wallace 1, C. Fraser 1
BEST: St Bedes/Mentone: L. Lewis, M. Tilley, I. Gietzmann, M. Wilson, T. McAlroy, S. Hedger
BEST: Old Melburnians: C. Bayley, L. Wallace, e. faulks, Z. Mildenhall, E. Williams, P. Harvey
Coach Andrew Grant praised his side’s collective performance: “We won the game through our strong midfield and a tight, disciplined defence. Again, the performance was very even with everyone contributing.”
For Marcellin, Ava Menzies was best on, repeatedly taking the game on to try and help her side craft an attack, while Alana Pane and Stephanie Bridge were also standout.
Old Brighton remains undefeated atop the ladder, while Marcellin will look to bounce back after the bye by eradicating their late quarter lapses.
All teams have the weekend off with the King’s Birthday Bye round. Football returns the following weekend as we enter the second half of the season. Old Melburnians are set to take on the Old Yarra Cobras, while Port Melbourne Chargers welcome St Bedes/Mentone Tigers to JL Murphy Reserve. Old Xaverians will host Marcellin in a battle of 7th vs 6 th and MUWFC have a home game on Sunday against Westbourne Grammarians. Old Brighton has a chance to catch their breath after a red-hot start with a bye in Round 9.
Harrison McIlwaine
In a match that somehow lived up to its considerable billing, Parkdale Vultures emerged 13.6 (84) to 11.8 (74) victors over AJAX, in their top of the table clash.
AJAX opened up a first quarter buffer on the back of manic pressure and an ability to capitalise on the turnovers. This pressure garnered; coupled with poor discipline from Parkdale only contributed to the AJAX lead 31-8, with multiple downfield free kicks going the Jackas’ way.
The Vultures fought back gamely from a four-goal deficit early in the second term and found themselves 23 points to the good when Kai Day kicked truly, eight minutes into the last. Not a side to go down without a fight, the Jackas kicked the next three majors, to bring the margin under one straight kick as time on approached.
Enter Lloyd Bailey.
Parkdale’s ‘pressure animal’ of a half-forward flanker took a running bounce, before curling a magnificent checkside through the big sticks from 40 metres out. When Charlie Dillon slotted his first of the day, less than a minute later, the game appeared over, before AJAX’s Bailey Nussbaum brought the margin back under two goals.
Tense final minutes ensued, but a huge intercept mark in the backline from Liam Marshall all but secured the victory, in front of a raucous home crowd. Coach Owen Lalor described the grab as ‘Leo Barry-esque’, with the romance of the moment only amplified by Marshall’s story, having come back from two shoulder reconstructions.
“We grinded our way back into the game, with contest, and pressure of our own,” said Lalor. “Our ‘bottom’ four to six players are really value-adding – having a reserves side that’s also undefeated is quite the luxury,” he added.
A leader of the club’s Under 19’s side, Jordy Burgess debuted in the massive clash, and had solid impact from half-forward. “He didn’t look lost at the level – at all,” glowed Lalor. The victory sees the Vultures usurp AJAX atop the Premier C ladder, while the loss is the first in Jackas’ coach Lachlan Buszard’s tenure. The return fixture promises to be better again, with both sides without significant talent on the weekend.
At the other end of the table, Glen Eira/Old McKinnon have climbed out of the relegation places following their 16.11 (107) to 8.13 (61) home victory over Prahran. After a winless first five rounds of the season, the Gryphons have won twice in three weeks.
“That was the best ball movement we’ve displayed all year,” remarked coach Guy Martyn, when asked about his side’s seven goal outburst in the third quarter. “We’ve probably been found out for speed against some of the stronger sides in the competition, but I thought our young guys took full advantage of their superior speed in this matchup,” he added.
The young players in question – the likes of Seamus Cockle, Nick Mavropolous and Tom Noonan – were touted as needle movers by Martyn in the pre-season and were powerful in their latest outing. The latter’s three majors were a feature of the victory, as was the forward play of the side’s resting rucks.
“Frenchy (James French) and Mirams always give us a good contest when they have spells up forward. We had pace at the drop of the ball too, which was pleasing,” Martyn added.
The four-week block of fixtures after this weekend’s bye shapes as a real season-defining period for the Gryphons.
Matches against like-types in Parkside, Mazenod and PEGS, either side of an encounter with a St Bedes/Mentone side who Martyn concedes ‘touched them up’ earlier in the season, present his side with a real opportunity to distance themselves from the drop zone.
The Beaumaris Sharks now boast the strongest percentage in the division, following their ominous 16.19 (115) to 4.2 (26) victory over Marcellin.
Sharks coach Josh Bourke was well-pleased after his side’s latest performance.
“Up to half-time it’s probably our best football to date… Wilce down back and Florent around the midfield were really important for us, and we’re starting to perform with consistency,” he said.
Conversely, Eagles coach Bernie Dineen casted an image of disappointment following the result.
“We went in with an optimism that if we can get some of the elements we’ve gotten right over the past 5 or 6 weeks, we could be really competitive, but unfortunately, the game was almost over at half-time,” he said.
“They (Beaumaris) were efficient, fast, confident and attacking… we lost contests all over the ground,” Dineen added.
St Bedes/Mentone Tigers survived a spirited Mazenod performance, pulling away in the last quarter to record a 17.11 (113) to 11.10 (76) victory, in Glen Waverley. The Nodders recorded the first 20 points of the contest, but a late flurry in
the third quarter saw the Tigers head into the final change leading by a point. A score of 6.7 to 1.1 in the last sealed the result for Brad Berry’s men.
Ben Murphy and Liam Bowles provided timely scoring for the Tigers, combining for eight majors, with the former playing higher up the ground in the last quarter. Acting as a conduit between the lines, Murphy orchestrated quicker, higher quality forward 50 forays, with Oliver Mangoni a major beneficiary of the move, recording two goals in the quarter, and three for the match.
“These boys have a pretty special bond – they’re prepared to play for the team before the self,” Berry said. “It was a really pleasing win – they upheld our system, despite our outs,” he finished.
The returning Matt Fewings caused Berry ‘headaches’ but ultimately, the likes of Jack Hellier and Matt Lehpamer got the job done for the Tigers in the middle, supported ably by the two-way running of Darcy Fountain.
“We just didn’t get any football in the last to give our forwards any supply, but we will take positives from this (performance),” said Mazenod coach Peter Banfield.
In Keilor East, PEGS eked out a 13.8 (86) to 10.7 (67) victory over Parkside, in a game of shifting momentum.
“We got on top early with some quick ball movement out of the back half. Parkside were winning clearance, but we managed to rebound pretty well,” said PEGS coach Rob Kerr.
The game turned in the second, with the Devils outscoring the Bombers 5.2 to 1.2. “We allowed Parkside to hit up on multiple leads, completely disregarding the need to find a man,” Kerr added.
The match again changed in the third, with an accountability for Parkside’s spare spurring Kerr’s men to a 40-1 period, which was ultimately too big a buffer, come the final siren, despite Parkside winning the last quarter 25-0.
“In the ruck, Joel Stevens had his best game for the club, and Matt Holden accumulated on the wing. Yanek Stecki was excellent – it was good to see him back after injury,” said Devils coach Rick Frost.
After the bye, Prahran host Mazenod at Toorak Park and PEGS welcome the undefeated Parkdale Vultures. Glen Eira/Old McKinnon travel to Alphington, where Parkside await. Marcellin face the daunting prospect of a trip to AJAX at Gary Smorgon Oval, while St Bedes/Mentone Tigers renew hostilities with local rivals, Beaumaris.
Prahran v Mazenod
AJAXv Marcellin
PEGS v Parkdale Vultures
St Bedes/Mentone Tigers v Beaumaris
Parkside vGlen Eira/Old McKinnon
GOALS: PEGS: J. Fenner 3, R. Allan 2, E. Caddeo 2, A. Frazer 2, M. Barake 1, L. Weber 1, M. Baker-West 1, C. Livori 1
Parkside: M. Lawson 3, C. Cotter 1, M. Romano 1, L. Grist 1, J. Stevens 1, Y. Stecki 1, J. Woods 1, C. McKay 1
BEST: PEGS: R. Allan, O. Bales, M. Baker-West, B. Roach, C. Livori, J. Fenner
Parkside: J. Stevens, M. Holden, Y. Stecki, H. Dehne, M. Romano, C. McKay
Mazenod: 4.4
St Bedes/Mentone: 4.1
11.10 (76)
(113)
GOALS: Mazenod: H. Boyce 2, A. Kovac 2, M. D’Angelo 2, A. Rubino 1, J. hatzi 1, F. Ford 1, J. Raffa 1, J. McCluskey 1
St Bedes/Mentone: B. Murphy 4, L. Bowles 4, O. Mangoni 3, L. Hanson 2, f. groves 2, S. Barca 1, K. Arthur 1
BEST: Mazenod: F. Ford, M. Fewings, M. D’Angelo, D. Byrne, J. Raffa, H. Boyce
St Bedes/Mentone: B. Murphy, D. Fountain, D. Goodman, K. Hutchinson, J. Hellier, K. Thomson
Glen Eira / Old McKinnon: 5.5
Prahran:
(107)
(61)
GOALS: Glen Eira / Old McKinnon: B. Reid 4, C. Kadish 3, t. noonan 3, L. Mirams 2, S. Bass 2, T. Dobson 2
Prahran: J. Waters 2, M. Milward 1, T. Maya 1, M. Clifford 1, g. torney 1, O. Burke 1, J. Simonetta 1
BEST: Glen Eira / Old McKinnon: S. Carey, t. noonan, J. Maxfield, D. Irvine, S. Cockle, R. Weidemann
Prahran: M. Mayne, g. torney, R. Smyth, P. Marks, M. Clifford, J. Simonetta
Beaumaris:
Marcellin: 1.0
(115)
2.1 4.2 (26)
GOALS: Beaumaris: J. Failla 4, T. Spencer 3, P. Pecer 2, C. Heath 2, A. Marcombe 1, J. Pepper 1, J. Trew 1, J. Weightman 1, B. Mathews 1
Marcellin: J. Daniel 1, A. Tomaro 1, L. Rush 1, P. Howe 1
BEST: Beaumaris: C. Wilce, P. Pecer, C. Heath, K. Dyer, J. Florent, L. Hayes
Marcellin: J. Daniel, L. Rush, T. Dennis, S. Tyquin, J. May, S. Billinge
Parkdale Vultures:
(74)
GOALS: Parkdale Vultures: L. Castle 3, K. Day 2, L. Bailey 2, C. Dillon 1, J. Noske 1, O. Green 1, H. Lynch 1, C. Balic 1, K. Colella 1
AJAX: M. Herzel 3, M. Chrapot 2, A. Caplan 1, A. Bryer 1, Z. Nissen 1, B. Nussbaum 1, R. Israel 1, N. Pike 1
BEST: Parkdale Vultures: K. Day, L. Marshall, J. Barden, L. Bailey, K. Colella, D. Brown
AJAX: A. Bryer, B. Efron, M. Herzel, R. Spicer, N. Pike, M. Chrapot
Mazenod:
GOALS: Mazenod:
St Bedes/Mentone: T. Aughterson 3, J. Cain 3, K. Chandler 3, C. McFarlane-Squires 3, T. Grech 2, J. Whitelaw 2, M. Ford 2, A. Barba 2, E. Hale 1, H. Cox 1, E. Hall 1, O. Grasso 1, W. O’Brien 1, N. Hughes 1, R. Kennedy 1
BEST: Mazenod: D. Huggins, M. Noone, K. Tellis, B. Heller, A. Palleschi, J. Dennehy
St Bedes/Mentone: C. McFarlane-Squires, Z. Winter, K. Chandler, J. Whitelaw, J. Cain, J. Patounas
Beaumaris: 5.3 9.8 11.10 17.14 (116)
Marcellin: 0.0 0.0 0.1 1.2 (8)
GOALS: Beaumaris: L. Daniels 5, J. Davidson 3, J. Rabak 2, M. Cartwright 1, M. Kornberg 1, B. Forster 1, Z. Baruhas 1, N. Beveridge 1, Z. Gorsuch 1, H. Gardner 1
Marcellin: C. Pozzan 1
BEST: Beaumaris: B. Young, A. Baruhas, J. Rabak, L. Daniels, J. Ward, Z. Baruhas
Marcellin: Z. Williams, D. Pierce, N. Watty, J. Keenan, C. Kemp, F. paonessa
Parkdale Vultures: 1.2 5.8
AJAX: 1.5 2.6
(92)
5.7 (37)
GOALS: Parkdale Vultures: J. Hesline 6, B. Austin 2, A. Stefanec 1, L. Matic 1, M. Hart 1, A. Kenny 1, C. Williamson 1
AJAX: B. Mond 1, N. Micmacher 1, M. Lincoln 1, T. Marabel-Whitburn 1, C. Wasbutzki 1
BEST: Parkdale Vultures: B. Austin, A. Kenny, S. Luscombe, J. Duckham, J. Hesline, A. Haverfield
AJAX: J. Hart, M. Lincoln, C. Chrapot, R. Herman, D. Paltiel, H. De Bortoli
GOALS: PEGS: D. Flaherty 6, H. Neo 1, J. Rizzo 1, l. leeds 1
Parkside:
BEST: PEGS: D. Flaherty, P. Steward, A. Young, H. Neo, A. Carlini, L. Flaherty
Parkside: Glen Eira / Old McKinnon: 4.3
(64)
(91)
GOALS: Glen Eira / Old McKinnon: T. Obrien 4, M. Johnston 1, W. Mcgowan 1, F. O’Donnell 1, H. MacLeod-Smith 1, A. Hunter 1, B. Tang 1
Prahran: J. Elwin 4, T. Jennings 3, M. Juricic 2, A. Perez 2, B. Graham 1, W. Axford-Wood 1
BEST: Glen Eira / Old McKinnon: T. Clayson, E. Hourigan, W. Mcgowan, F. O’Donnell, T. Shalev, L. Taffe
Prahran: J. Elwin, M. Woods, A. Perez, H. Taylor, A. Amalfi, T. Jennings
Hawthorn spread their Wings Round 8 marked an important weekend on the Hawthorn AFC calendar. The annual Wings Round raises awareness and funds for the club’s Mental Health Program. Through the goal-a-thon initiative, a donation was made for each of the 39 goals kicked for the round from the club’s four teams. The fund is in place for members of the HAFC community to financially support access to mental health services by covering the Medicare gap fee.
Whitefriars Under 19’s: Commitment. Growth. Brotherhood. Despite a winless start to the season, the Whitefriars U19s are building something special. Formed by ten mates wanting to stay connected through footy, the group has grown into a tight-knit squad full of heart. Many hadn’t kicked a footy before, but under Coach Nick Hee’s guidance, they’re showing up, training hard, and embracing the journey. As midfielder Oscar Bor says, “It’s just a matter of when, not if.” Their energy, unity, and resilience are inspiring the whole club. #ForTheLoveOfTheGame
Club Connect Club of the Month – May
Fitzroy Football Club has been named the VAFA Club Connect Club of the Month for May in recognition of their strong display of the VAFA’s core value of Community and Respect.
Fitzroy showed outstanding support for Beaumaris’ ‘Shining Bright’ tribute, raising $1,600 and embracing the cause with care. The club actively supports community programs and VAFA initiatives, including coach education sessions, awareness rounds, and AFL Vic programs – highlighting Fitzroy’s reputation as one of the most engaged, community-minded clubs in the VAFA.
Other clubs nominated in May included Old Scotch and Masala Dandenong.
To celebrate the 2025 Sir Doug Nicholls Round, AFL Victoria put a call out for local clubs across the state to submit their 2025 Indigenous Round guernsey designs. The Magpies have been selected as one of the 8 clubs selected as finalists for the best Indigenous Guernseys, and to have the story behind their design published on Play.AFL alongside the other 7 clubs.
The inaugural Magpies First Nations guernsey was introduced last year, featuring artwork by past WBAFC players Steven Hanning (Arrernte and Anmatyerre) and Jethro Calma-Holt, (Kungarakan and Iwaidja). The Guernsey will be worn again this season by all six teams (3 women’s and 3 men’s teams) at their annual First Nations Round, held in NAIDOC Week.
We encourage the VAFA community to vote for West Brunswick! Vote on AFL Vic’s Instagram post.
The Old Scotch Football Club are hosting a Past Premiership Players Reunion on Saturday 21 June 2025 at the Camberwell Sportsground. The 1965 & 1970 seniors plus 1967 & 1969 reserves Premiership teams will be recognised at the pre-match luncheon. All past players, members, partners, parents and supporters are cordially invited. Bookings can be made at: www.trybooking.com/DAESC
THURSDAY EVENING | 10 JULY 2025
CENTREPIECE AT MELBOURNE PARK
Jacinta Baxter (Caulfield Grammarians)
The VAFA congratulates Jacinta Baxter from Caulfield Grammarians Football Club who has been nominated as the Round 8 Anytime Fitness Women’s Rising Star. At just 19 years old, Jacinta started the season with Collingwood VFLW and has committed to the Caulfield Grammarians fulltime. With just 2 games under her belt with the Fields, Jacinta has polled in both matches, impressing with her contested game play, and was named best on ground on the weekend.
What the club said:
While its Jacinta’s second season on the CGFC list, she only made her club debut in Round 7 this year. Jacinta hails from the Caulfield Grammar footy factory and with Coates League and VFLW experience, she has had an immediate impact in the navy blue.
Known for her big smile and kindness, Jacinta is the perfect teammate, incredibly encouraging and supportive. Despite the sweet exterior, Jacinta is a bull on the field, bursting through stoppages like a woman possessed. Her enormous tank allows her to move from contest to contest all over the ground barely breaking a sweat. The group love the energy she brings to training and on game day.
Women’s Coach Dani Distefano on Jacinta: “Jacinta’s silky skills and footy IQ have had an immediate and enormous impact on the playing group. Her toughness and work rate sets a standard that others can’t help but match at training and on game day.
“Jacinta is a pleasure to coach, she is more than happy to play whatever role is needed on game day, she works incredibly hard at training, and her leadership skills will ensure that the CGFC women’s program is successful for many years to come.”
Griffin Box (Aquinas)
The VAFA congratulates Matt Mayes from Old Scotch Football Club who has been nominated as the Round 7 Anytime Fitness Men’s Rising Star. Griffin has polled coaches votes in 5 out of 8 games for the season and has showed composure beyond his years with the ball in hand to step up when his side needs it most: booting a crucial fourth quarter goal in Aquinas’ win over Canterbury
What the club said:
Griffin is a spritely 16-year-old playing his first year of senior footy, having come through the Vermont Juniors. Griff joined us this year as he wanted to play with his two cousins Toby and Sam. His Dad Justin also played at Aquinas.
He has certainly surprised us. Griffin is a lovely kid that has fitted in well, and the older boys love him.
Callum Farquhar
The buffer between the top four and the rest of the Holmesglen Under 19 competition has continued to grow following Round 8.
Old Brighton have continued their undefeated start to the year with a 37-point victory over Old Xaverians, thanks to a second-half scoring burst.
The Tonners led by 10 points at the quarter-time break, then just five at halftime, as Xavs found a way to remain in touch with a late goal in the second term.
Old Brighton blitzed the score sheet in the third quarter however, piling on seven straight scores, but slight inaccuracy plus another red-time goal from the Xavs kept the margin within striking distance of 21 points.
The Tonners scrapped a further eight points to start the final quarter before Old Xaverians responded again, however it was the last meaningful goal of the game for the red and black, as Old Brighton went on to score three of the last four majors to claim their seventh victory of 2025.
Charlie Richardson was best on for the Tonners as Andrew Langworthy maintained his spot in second of the leading goalkickers with a haul of three.
The loss now sits Old Xaverians on the bottom of the ladder after suffering their fourth consecutive defeat.
De La Salle have jumped to fifth on the table after a hard-fought second half saw them overcome a valiant St Bedes/Mentone Tigers outfit.
De La began with a hot start, booting the first 21 points, before the Tigers charged with a wet sail to finish the first quarter to reduce the margin back to five.
SBMT continued their momentum into the second term , extending their lead initially out to 11 points before De La Salle hit back, but the Tigers continued to roll on to a 17-point advantage.
However, two goals in the final 90 seconds of the half brought De La roaring back to life and made the halftime margin just five points again, although this time it was in SBMT’s favour.
It was at halftime where De La Salle coach Nick Walsh decided to make deliberate changes to get the game back on his side’s terms.
“It was a competitive game. St Bedes/Mentone had the better of us in the first half,” Walsh said.
“We changed a few things up in the second half and swung momentum back our way.”
It worked a treat, as De La went on to kick a staggeringly accurate 10.1, six of those goals coming in a final quarter barrage. It wasn’t without a challenge, as SBMT even increased their halftime advantage to 10 points at threequarter-time, but were held to just nine points in the final term as De La ran over the top to win by 17.
Emmanuel Ganas was best on for De La Salle as Mack Higginbotham slotted a game-high five goals. Jai Pugsley and Oliver Moodie punted four each to earn votes in the best for the Tigers.
St Kevin’s have increased the gulf between premiership contenders after dismantling the previously 6-1 Old Scotch
The Cardinals were coming off a shock loss to Caulfield Grammarians in Round 7, with this week providing a genuine challenge for a rebound victory.
However, St Kevin’s capitalised on Old Scotch’s form slump, extending their lead out to 42 by halftime. The Cardinals were able to curtail some of SKOBS’ first-half efforts in the third quarter, but St Kevin’s matched the response, resulting in a 67-point victory that has only furthered their premiership credentials.
St Kevin’s coach Paul Greenham said he approached the game as a challenge to separate his side from the rest of the pack.
“I sold it as an early season eight-point game,” Greenham said.
“We set ourselves for a big challenge as Old Scotch were a bit of an unknown to us as we had no real gauge to go by due to the competition changeups. We saw it as an opportunity to separate ourselves from the lower part of the top four.”
With multiple players set to miss game time across the coming weeks for overseas holidays, Greenham stressed the importance of securing a win against quality opposition.
“Banking wins now was of huge importance,” Greenham said.
“The game was played on our terms for the first half which was pleasing. We were able to win at the contest then move the ball freely forward which gave us good looks at goals. Old Scotch adjusted in the third term, however by then the damage had been done on the scoreboard.”
Greenham commended defenders Ged Saunders, Matthew Redenbach, and Dom Portelli for their stingy displays, while Old Scotch’s Matthew Mayes was best-on for the Cardinals yet again, recording votes in all eight encounters this season.
St Kevin’s now holds top spot with a strong percentage, as Old Scotch now sit a game behind the top two with a winloss record of 6-2.
The University Blues have increased the buffer between the top four finals spots and those who will miss out on September action after a 30-point win against Caulfield Grammarians
Coming off three wins in the last four weeks, the Fields were not to be taken lightly against the Blues, who made sure of maintaining a four-quarter effort.
The Fields remained in touch, trailing by just 13 at quartertime, but as the game wore on the Blues began to slip away. By three-quarter-time the lead had ballooned out to nearly 50 points, but Caulfield’s ability to fight, as seen many times this year, ensured the final result was not a blowout.
However, University’s win now means there is a two-game gap between fourth and fifth on the table, indicating there may have to be a stunning form slump or rise for the current top four sides to relinquish their position inside of finals calculations.
Looking ahead, all eight sides will take a bye across the King’s Birthday long weekend, with the competition set to resume on Saturday, June 14.
Grammarians:
Blues:
GOALS: Caulfield Grammarians: Q. Cooper 2, A. Tamaressis 2, O. Sail 1, J. O’Halloran 1, H. Martino 1, A. Ioannidis 1, L. Emms 1
GOALS: University Blues: W. Furphy 5, D. Shier 3, C. Hogan 1, S. Lucardie 1, C. Ziebarth 1, T. Hill 1, G. Wicks 1
BEST: Caulfield Grammarians: J. O’Halloran, K. NTIMIH, Q. Cooper, E. Petersen, E. Gibb, H. Appel
BEST: University Blues: W. Furphy, C. Ziebarth, G. Walker, J. Gunaratnam, W. Hawker, C. Hogan
St Bedes/Mentone:
De
(92)
GOALS: St Bedes/Mentone: J. Pugsley 4, O. Moodie 4, R. Francis 2, J. Fraser 1, A. Lamb 1, J. Robinson 1, R. Jewitt O’Reilly 1
GOALS: De La Salle: M. Higginbotham 5, B. Rossney 4, L. Goudie 3, J. Cripps 3, J. Fisicaro 1, A. Margerison 1
BEST: St Bedes/Mentone: J. Pugsley, J. Trumble, A. Lamb, O. Moodie, J. McCormack, H. McDonald
BEST: De La Salle: E. Ganas, L. Breguet, M. Higginbotham, B. Rossney, L. Goudie, E. Sawade
St Kevin’s:
(106) Old Scotch:
GOALS: St Kevin’s: T. Bromhead 3, T. Fernandes 2, N. Nankervis 2, J. Gambaro 2, L. May 1, B. Palmer 1, D. Tomarchio 1, G. Saunders 1, T. Conlan 1, D. Kerr 1, J. Morice 1
GOALS: Old Scotch: A. Johnson 2, N. Macmillan 1, F. Nankervis 1, T. Hucker 1
BEST: St Kevin’s: G. Saunders, M. Redenbach, T. Conlan, T. Fernandes, T. Bromhead, D. Portelli
BEST: Old Scotch: M. Mayes, Z. Phillips, G. Furphy, F. Nankervis, T. Hucker, A. Johnson Old Brighton:
Xaverians:
(83)
(46)
GOALS: Old Brighton: A. Langworthy 3, O. Newstead 2, l. robinson 1, j. farrell 1, J. Kilgour 1, t. farrell 1, C. Tyler 1, T. Keyte 1, J. Lohan 1
GOALS: Old Xaverians: G. Forrest 2, P. Kenny 1, T. Trist 1, L. Mallett 1, C. Landrigan 1
BEST: Old Brighton: C. Richardson, H. Lewis, A. Langworthy, S. Fanning, C. Tyler, R. Hamson
BEST: Old Xaverians: A. Rizzo, H. Lasscock, X. Austin, P. Kenny, L. Mallett, C. Anderson
Listen to the Official VAFA Podcasts now on the VAFA Website, Spotify, Apple Podcasts & YouTube.
Raj Johnston
Round 8 of the Division 1 Men’s competition was fairly uneventful with most of the favourites getting up and ascending their claim on the top half of the ladder. After losing their first six games, the Monash Blues won their second on the trot to give their season a much-needed boost.
The Monash Blues recorded their second win of the season in a 2-point nailbiter against UHS-VU. With both teams having struggled to get wins on the board thus far, it was clear that this game was anyone’s for the taking.
It was the Vultures who got off to a positive start with the only two goals in the first quarter falling their way. If not for some inaccuracy in front of goal, they could’ve been much further ahead as they took a 13-point lead into quarter-time.
The ledger turned in the second quarter as Monash found their way back into the contest and saw more success for effort as they tied the scores up to 30 a-piece at half-time.
This game continued to evolve into “must-watch” footy in the third quarter as both sides held each other accountable and could not be separated on the scoreboard which read 50 a-piece at three-quarter time.
An incredible fourth quarter saw no goals kicked as both sides could only manage behinds. In the end, it was the Blues who won the battle of the minor scores as their six behinds won out to UHS-VU’s four behinds, to record their second win on the trot and provide some much-needed momentum to their season.
Ormond continued to push their stake as the team to beat in a 34-point victory over Kew, who have dropped away in recent weeks following a dominant start to the season.
Both sides experienced success in the first quarter with Kew taking a narrow 2-point lead into quarter-time. The Bears continued to find the footy inside 50 in the second quarter to stretch their lead to 8-points at the main break.
The Monders fired up in the premiership quarter, bringing more intensity and pressure to the contest to shift the game back in their favour and turn their deficit into a 4-point advantage at three-quarter time.
At three-quarter-time, the feeling was that this game was very much open and whichever side wanted it more would go on to win the game. Ormond started on top with the first four goals of the quarter, and despite Kew’s best efforts to bring themselves back in it, they left their run too late as Ormond comfortably got over the line and claimed the four points.
Special mention must go to Ormond vice-captain Jackson Hille who had a brilliant day up forward with eight goals to his name.
The Preston Bullants retained their top four spot in a 24-point win over Brunswick in what was a high-scoring clash at Ruthven Reserve.
The first half was fairly even as the momentum of the game fluctuated between both teams which saw Preston lead by 9-points as the main break. It was Brunswick who owned the third quarter with five goals to three but could’ve been much further ahead as they kicked seven behinds in the term.
Brunswick were hot out of the gates in the final term with an 8-point buffer in tow. They extended their advantage with a quick goal to open the quarter, but the Bullants quickly fired back and controlled the majority of the final quarter. In an impressive 9-goal display in the final 30 minutes of play. Brunswick charged home to win by four goals. The NOBs will be ruing their scoreline of 16 goals and 17 behinds which arguably cost them this game.
In a high-scoring affair that saw Preston finish 137 and Brunswick 113, Tom Hill of Preston and Oscar Watt of Brunswick starred for their sides with six and four goals respectively.
A statistic that will worry other teams is Preston’s “Points For” average this season. The Bullants are averaging 103 points in 2025, an incredible number that shows how much power up forward they have. The lowest score they have kicked all season is 86 points.
Despite the loss for Brunswick, they cannot be too disappointed given Preston are one of the better performing sides this season, not to mention the NOBs managing to crack triple-figures for the second time this season after coming up from Division 2 is a positive to
take from this clash.
Oakleigh recorded their fifth win of the season in a dominant display against Therry Penola, finishing the day 54-point winners.
The Krushers started this game with precision with the first three goals falling their way. Good patches for both sides saw Oakleigh lead by 6-points at quarter-time and built on these efforts in the second quarter to lead by 23-points at half-time.
If Therry Penola were going to get back in this game, they had to respond swiftly and not let Oakleigh claim the opening stages of the second half. And whilst the Lions successfully scored the opening goal of the third term, they couldn’t stop this strong Oakleigh outfit who virtually silenced the Lions in the remainder of this quarter, to be trailing by a massive 60-points at three-quarter time.
Although the Lions’ won the fourth quarter and showed much improvement from their third quarter, the task at hand was simply too large as Oakleigh comfortably claimed victory. Jay Rossington impressed up forward for the Krushers with six goals to his name.
Old Peninsula have put themselves two games clear in second place with a commanding 87-point victory over Elsternwick
The Pirates had a strong first quarter in which they booted six majors, but Elsternwick weren’t far behind and only trailed by 17-points at quarter-time. Unfortunately for the Wickers, the Pirates virtually silenced them in the second quarter as the margin blew out to 63-points.
This trend continued throughout the rest of the match as the Pirates continued to build their lead at each break and were ultimately just too good.
The competition takes a break over the King’s Birthday weekend before play resumes with Round 9 on Saturday June 14. UHS-VU (7th) hosts the Preston Bullants (4th), Elsternwick (10th) will be looking for their first win when they meet Therry Penola (9th), Kew (3rd) face the tough road trip of Old Peninsula (2nd), the Monash Blues (8th) host Oakleigh (5th), and the undefeated Ormond (1st) travel to play Brunswick (6th).
UHS-VU v Preston Bullants
Therry Penolav Elsternwick
Old Peninsulav Kew
Monash Blues v Oakleigh Brunswickv Ormond
GOALS: UHS-VU: N. Couper-Johnston 2, A. Ley 1, S. Adams 1, X. Ellingham 1, B. Jackson 1, N. Seiderman 1
Monash Blues: J. Flett 2, T. Mew 1, M. King 1, F. Thompson 1, O. Armstrong 1, J. Walker 1
BEST: UHS-VU: T. Cracknell, N. Seiderman, L. Hull, D. Beer, X. Ellingham, J. Healey
Monash Blues: D. O’Brien, B. Price, C. King, J. Flett, A. Vague, A. Leung
Elsternwick:
Old Peninsula:
GOALS: Elsternwick: C. Marinis 2, M. Harvey 2, J. Yeatman 2, W. Davis 1
Old Peninsula: G. Fletcher 4, B. Williamson 3, B. Dunne 2, W. Crowder 2, M. Kleverkamp 2, J. Lovett 2, H. Peacock 1, A. Luca 1, H. McLeod 1, N. Holland 1
BEST: Elsternwick: j. wiley, B. Bullard, P. Sanderson, M. Harvey, C. Marinis, W. Davis
Old Peninsula: M. Kleverkamp, J. Lovett, j. bravo, E. Evans-Brumby, K. Thiele
Bullants:
GOALS: Preston Bullants: T. Hill 6, B. Douglas 4, A. Johnston 3, S. Logozzo 2, A. Cincotta 1, J. Malkoun 1, R. Howard 1, D. Douglas 1, S. Ganci 1, H. Smith 1 Brunswick: O. Watt 4, P. Scamporlino 3, G. Banova 3, J. Gale 2, R. Hogenbirk 1, D. Mott 1, A. Jaycock 1, F. Banfield 1
BEST: Preston Bullants: T. Hill, J. Tier, B. Douglas, D. Calcedo, A. Johnston, N. Perizzolo
Brunswick: D. Mott, G. Banova, L. Bonney McKenzie, F. Banfield, R. Hogenbirk, M. Foti
Kew:
Ormond: 3.1
(68)
GOALS: Kew: R. Smith 3, L. James 2, D. Jardine 1, L. Hazeldine 1, W. Llewelyn 1, T. Johnstone 1, N. Ward 1
Ormond: J. Hille 8, L. Yaksich 1, B. Williams 1, A. Taylor 1, J. Werbik 1, H. Ross 1, E. Hanley 1, L. Crnogorac 1
BEST: Kew: L. James, H. Brown, M. Casalaz, A. Chiocci, R. Smith, R. Griggs
Ormond: J. Hille, r. konstanty, J. Levine, J. Simon, M. Oaten, A. Taylor
Therry Penola:
GOALS: Oakleigh: J. Rossington 6, L. Ashen 4, R. Kitts 3, C. Grant 1, T. Cashman 1, J. Hunt 1, J. McCahon 1, E. Black 1, T. Gillard 1, L. Park 1
Therry Penola: C. Wrigglesworth 2, r. gauci 2, J. Hamilton 2, J. Egglestone 1, J. Young 1, j. caligiuri 1, N. Castaldi 1, J. Viola 1, N. Turner 1
BEST: Oakleigh: J. Rossington, N. Torpey, J. Roach, T. Gillard, R. Kitts, O. Arnott
Therry Penola: S. Callander, N. Castaldi, J. Pelosi, J. Viola, N. Thomas, C. Kilbane
UHS-VU:
GOALS: UHS-VU: J. Kennerley 1, M. Mallia 1
Monash Blues: H. Wrigglesworth 6, C. Gibb 3, R. Phillips 3, O. Widdicombe 2, E. Harris 1, D. Torpey 1, L. Davis 1
BEST: UHS-VU: D. Baker, J. Best, A. Ley, M. Couper-Johnston, J. Lowe, m. sykes
Monash Blues: O. Widdicombe, J. Meade, H. Wrigglesworth, C. Gibb, R. Phillips, C. McNearney
Oakleigh:
Therry Penola:
GOALS: Oakleigh: C. Athans 4, J. Guergues 3, K. Donovan 3, d. parrott 2, B. May 2, J. Greenaway 2, S. Ison 1, P. Kasimis 1
Therry Penola: C. Lyons 2, L. Scutella 2, C. Matthews 1, C. Edwards 1
BEST: Oakleigh: W. Iverson, B. May, J. Guergues, A. Abel, R. Velona, J. Greenaway
Therry Penola: J. Ivers, C. Lyons, L. Scutella, J. Doodie, J. Larkin, J. Piccione
Elsternwick: 2.4
Old Peninsula:
(117)
(37)
(81)
(33)
GOALS: Elsternwick: T. Ramsay 3, S. Convery 2, P. OTTEN 2, D. Guastalegname 1, H. Sari 1, Q. De Luca 1, S. Michael 1
Old Peninsula: C. Sanders 2, A. Hochegger 2, A. Craig 1
BEST: Elsternwick: M. Quint, R. Hodgkins, H. Sari, B. Dolan, D. Higgins, S. Convery
Old Peninsula: J. McLean, A. Craig, Z. Evansbrumby, A. Hochegger, O. Green, C. Sanders
Kew:
Ormond:
GOALS: Kew: D. Allen 2, L. McLean 2, T. Harbrow 2, G. Smart 2, M. Pearce 1, F. Pike 1, N. Drummond 1, J. Davis 1, J. Ton 1
(88)
(64)
Ormond: L. Walsh 5, P. Beaves 2, L. Natsikas 2, K. Baker Hill 1
BEST: Kew: Z. Johnston, G. Smart, A. Lawrence, J. Ton, M. Pearce, T. Lowe
Ormond: T. McDonald, L. Walsh, T. Thermos, L. Beaves, I. Smeaton, S. Gunning
Preston Bullants:
(64) Brunswick:
(71)
GOALS: Preston Bullants: M. Chamberlain 2, M. Sortino 2, P. Davies 1, J. Butera 1, N. Douglas 1, A. Rider 1
Brunswick: B. Daly 5, D. Heenan 2, D. Gilbert 1, M. BalaamGunderson 1, b. holder 1
BEST: Preston Bullants: M. Sortino, N. Douglas, D. Zou, J. Wilkes, N. Savvidis, P. Taylor
Brunswick: A. Bevanda, C. Watts, S. houghton, e. dwyer, A. Dib, A. Pollock
Annie Ireland
Round 8 marked the halfway point of the 2025 VAFA Division 1 Women’s season, and with finals slowly coming into focus, the competition delivered another weekend of entertaining, hard-fought footy. From the Gryphons continued unbeaten run, to Hampton’s big second half and the Friars’ clinical finish, it’s clear that the race to September is well and truly on.
At the top of the ladder, Glen Eira/Old McKinnon remains the competition’s benchmark, recording their eighth straight victory with a confident 29-point win over Therry Penola. The Gryphons set the tone early, kicking four goals to one in the opening half and holding the Lions at bay from there.
Leading the charge was L. Fitzpatrick, who slotted three goals in a polished display up forward, while M. Box and G. Strangio dictated terms across the ground with poise and pressure. The Gryphons’ ability to spread the load with six different goal kickers and a deep best list is a sign of a side with serious premiership ambitions.
Despite the result, Eliza German was a standout for the Lions, producing a valiant individual performance that included all three of her side’s goals. Supported by R. O’Halloran and G. Macgregor, Therry showed glimpses of their best footy but struggled to consistently match the Gryphons’ clean ball movement and pressure.
One of the most eye-catching performances of the round came from Whitefriars, who blew open their contest against Old Haileybury with a stunning seven-goal final quarter to seal a 14.10 (94) to 6.4 (40) win on the road.
The Friars started strong and gradually pulled away, but it was their last-quarter explosion where they piled on 6.3 to just one behind that truly underlined their credentials. Vine was electric with five goals in a best-on-ground effort, ably supported by Belmonte and Fernandes, who each added two of their own. R. Smith and L. Mimmo were also instrumental, providing plenty of drive and class around the ball.
For the Bloods, the scoreboard didn’t quite reflect the fight they showed across the first three quarters. C. Ratcliffe led from the front with three goals and was among their best alongside J. Carty and E. Gown, but the weight of Whitefriars’ inside-50 entries and forward pressure eventually wore them down.
Hampton Rovers kept their momentum building with a powerful second-half showing to defeat Parkdale Vultures by 41 points at Gerry Green Reserve. In what was a tight contest early, with just one point separating the sides at halftime, the Rovers flicked the switch in the third quarter, kicking four unanswered goals before finishing the job in the last.
M. Pearson was simply outstanding, booting five goals in a dominant forward display. Her clean hands, leading patterns and accuracy in front of goal gave the Rovers a real edge. Fellow forward G. Bonanno chipped in with three majors and was also named among the best, while M. Smith and S. Raywood were tireless in the contest.
Parkdale battled hard, with B. Allen, N. Russo and S. Symons leading the resistance, but they struggled to capitalise on early opportunities and couldn’t stem the Rovers’ run in the second half.
After a couple of narrow losses in recent weeks, Monash Blues returned to form with a convincing 18-point win over Power House. A consistent four-quarter effort saw the Blues gradually build a lead before closing out strongly in slippery conditions at Frearson Oval.
A. Elliott was the difference-maker up forward, slotting three goals, while S. Rose and H. Konstanty each added one. The midfield brigade led by T. Jericho and S. Lock controlled the tempo, winning clearances and setting up repeat forward entries.
For Power House, the scoreboard didn’t quite do justice to their effort. They matched Monash for intensity early and stayed in the contest until late, thanks to spirited games from A. Jones, G. McHolmes, and Z. Uwland. A sharper finish inside 50 might’ve changed the equation, but the effort and pressure were there.
Old Haileybury:
Whitefriars:
GOALS: Old Haileybury: C. Ratcliffe 3, P. Murdoch 2, J. Bettess 1
GOALS: Whitefriars: A. Vine 5, A. Belmonte 2, C. Fernandes 2, C. Ryan 2, C. Notting 1, J. Campbell 1, I. Akers 1
(94)
At Kevin Bartlett Reserve, Oakleigh proved too slick for Richmond Central, controlling the game from the outset to record a solid 6.6 (42) to 1.4 (10) victory. The Krushers set up the win with a six-goal opening half, and while scoring dried up in the second, their defence held firm.
S. Bernardo impressed with two goals and a tireless work rate, while E. Cashman, J. Ballestrin and D. Bird gave Oakleigh the ascendancy around stoppages and across halfback. It was a performance built on structure, team defence, and clean execution.
The Snakes showed spirit after a goalless first half, eventually getting reward via E. Eldon, who was also one of their best. M. Bergamin and D. Lai worked hard across the four quarters but were often under pressure from a well-organised Krushers outfit.
At the halfway point of the season, Glen Eira/Old McKinnon remain undefeated and firm favourites heading into the second half of the year. Hot on their heels are the Whitefriars, Hampton Rovers and Oakleigh, all building strong cases for finals action. With form lines emerging and key matchups ahead, every win from here becomes increasingly vital.Top of Form
Coming off the bye weekend, Therry Penola are geared up to host the Monash Blues in Round 9, whilst the Hampton Rovers will face off against Old Haileybury. Power House have the tough task of coming up against Glen Eira/Old McKinnon at Packer Park. Richmond Central host the Parkdale Vultures and Oakleigh are set to come up against Whitefriars in the afternoon time slot.
Therry Penola v Monash Blues
Hampton Roversv Old Haileybury
Glen Eira/Old McKinnonv Power House
Richmond Centralv Parkdale Vultures
Oakleighv Whitefriars
BEST: Old Haileybury: J. Carty, g. elcock, C. Ratcliffe, E. Gown, S. Phillips, J. Feferkranz
BEST: Whitefriars: R. Smith, A. Vine, H. McCormack, L. Mimmo, C. Money, R. Sterry
Richmond Central:
GOALS: Richmond Central: E. Eldon 1
GOALS: Oakleigh: S. Bernardo 2, J. Ballestrin 1, R. Ford 1, K. Sidopoulos 1, G. Nancarrow 1
BEST: Richmond Central: M. Bergamin, D. Lai, L. Allen, E. Eldon, E. Marsich, J. Dortmans
BEST: Oakleigh: S. Bernardo, E. Cashman, J. Ballestrin, D. Bird, r. klooger, R. Ford
GOALS: Monash Blues: A. Elliott 3, S. Rose 1, H. Konstanty 1
GOALS: Power House: G. McHolmes 1, J. Down 1
BEST: Monash Blues: T. Jericho, H. Konstanty, S. Lock, S. Rose, G. Thomas, E. Conroy
BEST: Power House: A. Jones, G. McHolmes, Z. Uwland, E. Doorley, G. Read, S. Doorley
Therry Penola: 3-4-22
Glen Eira / Old McKinnon: 7-9-51
GOALS: Therry Penola: E. German 3
GOALS: Glen Eira / Old McKinnon: L. Fitzpatrick 3, J. Pavlou 1, Z. Rossiter 1, E. Hall 1, A. Whittle 1
BEST: Therry Penola: E. German, R. O’Halloran, G. Macgregor, M. Colussa, B. Kennedy, S. Hallo
BEST: Glen Eira / Old McKinnon: M. Box, G. Strangio, Z. Rossiter, H. Carter, J. Pavlou, E. Hall Parkdale Vultures:
GOALS: Parkdale Vultures: R. Dalach 1, N. Russo 1
GOALS: Hampton Rovers: M. Pearson 5, G. Bonanno 3
BEST: Parkdale Vultures: B. Allen, N. Russo, S. Symons, H. McCorquodale, C. Phillips, v. furlonger
BEST: Hampton Rovers: M. Smith, S. Raywood, G. Bonanno, M. Pearson, B. Arnold, M. Naylor
Lincoln Tracy
Access
The last round of the Division 2 Men’s competition before the bye saw the visiting teams win four of the five matches.
Old Yarra Cobras suffered their first loss of the season, falling seven points short of St Mary’s Salesian at Ferndale Park.
The Cobras started slowly and trailed by 16 points at quarter time but responded strongly with four goals to one in the second to lead by four points going into half time. Old Yarra kicked the first two of the second half to extend their lead to 16 points before St Mary’s returned fire with five of the next six to lead by nine points at the final change. The ladder-leading Cobras had more scoring opportunities in the last quarter but couldn’t make them count.
Cobras coach Nathan Monaco said St Mary’s were able to take full advantage of the patches where his side lost switched off.
“They were quite quick and ran well off half back… but great learnings can come out of losses, you can see where they get on top of you and where you can exploit them next time,” he said.
“Both teams played their brand, and they took the four points this time, but we’re confident that next time we can turn the tables [on them].”
MHSOB notched up their fifth win of the season and now sit outside the top four on percentage following their 20-point win over Whitefriars. It was a tough start to the day for the home side, losing a player to a partial ACL tear in the warmup.
“[Thankfully] it’s not a complete tear. The way we’ve had injuries this year, a six to eight week injury is a pretty good outcome for us,” said Whitefriars coach Lucas Matthews, who felt his side struggled to find their groove in the forward half.
“We failed to execute moving forward and turned the ball over coming into our forward line at crucial moments.
Unicorns coach Bernie Pretty described the win as his side’s most complete performance of the year.
“Our pressure was really good. We [stuck] to our structure much more than we had [been] and started to fix some mistakes we’ve been making. We still need to work on our ball movement and how we transition away from the contest, but it’s a step forward.”
St John’s got back to an even 4-4 scoreline with a tight 11-point win over Canterbury. The high-scoring affair saw the two teams combine for 17 goals at half-time, with 11 of these coming in the first quarter.
JOC’s coach Tim Edwards was pleased with the effort shown by his side, especially with four players backing up for their second game of the day after playing in the reserves, who otherwise were down to 13 men.
“We played a smaller forward line and swung a few magnets around – it was one of those games where we went in wanting to try a few things and if we win, we win, [or] we lose, we lose,” he said.
Edwards was pleased to get revenge on the Cobras, who defeated the JOC’s in the Division 3 Grand Final last season, but felt there was still room to improve.
“We felt there was a couple of times where we could have blown them away, but we let them back into the game on the back of a few skill errors.
In the battle of the Bloods, South Melbourne Districts made it four wins on the trot with a 10-point win over Aquinas, although winning coach Nick Abbott far from pleased with the performance.
“It was probably the ugliest game of football we’ve played in the three years that I’ve been here – we’ll have to do a fair bit of work and take some learnings away from it, that’s for sure… we’re not playing to the standard that we’ve set for ourselves,” he said.
South Melbourne have played just two of their eight games at home so far this season, and Abbott is looking forward to spending less time on the road in the back half of the season.
Aquinas coach Craig Glennie said losing three key midfield players – two to injury during the game and one to an overseas holiday – made it difficult to run out the game.
“We lacked run in the last quarter. [South Melbourne] set up the ground very well and played the last quarter better than we did,” he said.
Despite the late fadeout, Glennie praised his back six – led by Jacob Costello – as the Bloods conceded their lowest score for the season, and debutants Jacob Birch and Andre Cochrane, who kicked Aquinas’ first two goals of the game.
West Brunswick snapped their two-game losing streak with a 61-point win over Hawthorn at Rathmines Road Reserve. Although the final margin exceeded 10 goals, the Hawks were in the contest for the best part of the match.
“They brought the pressure early,” said Magpies coach Regan Tait. “Their reserves had a good win over our reserves, and I think the team rallied behind the reserves. It was a bit of a shock at the start.”
Tait was pleased with how his side responded to Hawthorn’s pressure.
“Last year we had some pretty bad habits, not being able to take control of the game and knowing when to slow down. Yesterday there was a point where we started to go back to those old habits, but were able to quickly adjust to that, which was good.”
Hawks coach Mark Murray said his charges were in good spirits despite their 1-7 record, and keen to continue building connection heading into the bye.
“The difference in the game was our forward entries, we just butchered the ball going forward and that really hurt us. But we’re all keen to keep at it and we’re going to keep working hard. I know the scores don’t look like it, but I don’t think the wins are far away.”
Division 2 action resumes on June 14, with West Brunswick hosting Whitefriars in a clash between two top-four teams, new ladder leaders St Mary’s travel to Thomas Carroll Reserve to play St John’s, Old Yarra will look to bounce back when they face off against Canterbury in the Cobra bowl, MHSOB square off against South Melbourne, and Hawthorn will be keen to avoid their eighth consecutive defeat of 2025 in their match against Aquinas.
St John’s v St Mary’s Salesian
Old Yarra Cobrasv Canterbury
West Brunswick v Whitefriars
MHSOBv South Melbourne Districts Aquinasv Hawthorn
DIVISION 2 MEN’S
GOALS: Canterbury: r. walmsley 2, C. Deacon 2, S. Hinton 1, M. Collins 1, J. Roe 1, S. Gotch 1, A. Marx 1, M. Topp 1, R. Di Roberto 1, O. Williamson 1, J. Boarotto 1, T. Wilson 1, O. Millward 1, J. Smith 1
GOALS: St John’s: M. Ashman 4, M. Barry 3, A. Unger 3, B. Robson 2, B. Khoweiss 2, J. Rudd 1, B. Ayache 1, s. marsh 1
BEST: Canterbury: N. Szabo, M. Topp, m. wheeler, C. Deacon, J. Roe, S. Gotch
BEST: St John’s: J. Day, B. Ash, K. Khodr, B. Khoweiss, T. Siposs, M. Ashman
Aquinas:
GOALS: Aquinas: C. Pedretti 1, A. Cochrane 1, J. Birch 1, J. Reid 1, H. Flack 1, T. Box 1
GOALS: South Melbourne: T. Foley 3, H. Twigg 2, Z. Smith 1, J. Paxton 1
BEST: Aquinas: G. Box, J. Costello, J. Reid, T. Hogg, H. Flack, C. Pedretti
BEST: South Melbourne: Z. Smith, M. Carter, C. Clancy, B. Palmer, V. Armenia, C. Jacoby
Brunswick:
GOALS: Hawthorn: J. Raiti 4, B. O’Leary 1, S. Dicintio 1
GOALS: West Brunswick: B. Irving 5, H. Fithall 2, T. Cottrell 1, A. Tilley 1, W. Dillon 1, B. Ablett 1, D. McMahon 1, M. Benstead 1, I. Rossi 1
BEST: Hawthorn: B. Hannam, C. Loorham, J. Raiti, B. O’Leary, J. Cowland, T. Ktenas
BEST: West Brunswick: B. Ablett, B. Irving, D. Ferrier, I. Rossi, W. Dillon, B. Ward Whitefriars:
GOALS: Whitefriars: J. Perrin 3, M. Nitas 2, N. Sealey 1, S. Larsen 1, F. Ward 1, T. Warrick 1
GOALS: MHSOB: M. Pereira 3, J. Radcliffe-Smith 2, W. Hellier 1, L. Littore 1, A. Clarke 1, J. Lees 1, N. McKinnon 1, Y. Gunawardena 1
BEST: Whitefriars: . , B. Galtieri, Z. Garrett, F. Ward, C. Hayes, J. Perrin
BEST: MHSOB: L. Littore, A. Clarke, W. Hellier, M. Wilson, Y. Gunawardena, J. Radcliffe-Smith
St Mary’s Salesian:
(80) Old Yarra Cobras: 2.4
GOALS: St Mary’s Salesian: J. Contencin 5, T. Ryan 3, A. Circelli 1, H. Macmillan 1, Z. Gucciardo 1, M. Skinner 1
(73)
GOALS: Old Yarra Cobras: J. Hall 2, J. Lesko 2, B. Makowski 2, F. Joseph 1, M. Parkes 1, M. Young 1, A. Papatheodorou 1
BEST: St Mary’s Salesian: J. Salloum, T. Ryan, J. Contencin, H. Macmillan, H. Ryan, N. Dekas
BEST: Old Yarra Cobras: E. Hanrahan, X. Bateman, R. Chipman, T. Bell, F. Joseph, B. Makowski
Hawthorn:
GOALS: Hawthorn: M. Zavarella 3, B. Johnston 2, T. Miller 2, E. Tran 1, E. Bendtsen 1, J. Smith 1, H. Kothari 1
GOALS: West Brunswick:
BEST: Hawthorn: T. Miller, C. Hicks, F. Dunn, A. Iser, M. McKay, M. Zavarella
BEST: West Brunswick: M. Hamra, G. Makabory, T. Griffiths, S. Pritchard, J. Chan, J. Parini
GOALS: Whitefriars: M. Willoughby 1
GOALS: MHSOB: A. Shipperlee 5, D. Ryan 4, J. Lake 2, M. McLean 1
BEST: Whitefriars: D. Massarotti, L. Stanborough, E. Wu, M. Willoughby, M. Makao, N. Geilman
BEST: MHSOB: G. Beet, D. Ryan, A. Shipperlee, A. Rogers, O. Seelander, L. Stone
St John’s:
GOALS: Canterbury: S. Hill 2, S. Woodward 2, . 1, B. Thomas 1, J. Carter 1, T. Robinson 1
(87)
GOALS: St John’s: K. Seing 4, K. Newland 3, A. Unger 2, J. Mitchell 1, J. St mart 1, J. Proctor 1
BEST: Canterbury: S. Hill, C. Fall-Jablonka, S. Woodward, D. Bell, M. O’Mahony, Z. Taylor
BEST: St John’s: K. Newland, D. Clark, D. Perawiti, J. St mart, J. Forster, S. Gaitely
Aquinas:
South Melbourne:
GOALS: Aquinas: M. Allwood 1, A. Love 1, B. Lawrence 1
(20)
(92)
GOALS: South Melbourne: S. Coombes 3, C. Geason 2, M. Bambino 2, H. Watson-Hann 1, P. Dolan 1, N. Wilson 1, J. Doyle 1, R. Tilley 1
BEST: Aquinas: M. Allwood, B. Lawrence, L. Cellante, D. Knox, T. Kinghorn, D. Jayasinghe
BEST: South Melbourne: S. Coombes, M. Bambino, P. Dolan, S. Philbin, J. Doyle, C. Geason
St Mary’s Salesian:
(59) Old Yarra Cobras: 3.1
GOALS: St Mary’s Salesian: L. Spinazzola 4, C. Matthews 2, o. hobday 1, T. Coyle 1, B. Mcnally 1
(50)
GOALS: Old Yarra Cobras: Z. MCLEOD 3, D. Esdaile 1, C. Robinson 1, W. Ponsford 1, W. Juler 1
BEST: St Mary’s Salesian: H. Gastin, L. Turnbull, L. Spinazzola, T. Coyle, C. Matthews, R. Nuttall
BEST: Old Yarra Cobras: Z. MCLEOD, W. Elsworth, C. Arthurton, J. Allsop, C. Arman, J. Hardy
Lachie Moir
Round 7 saw four matches played as the competition looks to reset over the coming weekend with the King’s Birthday bye round. UHS-VU made it two wins in a row after defeating Coburg by 42 points, while Old Carey established themselves as the team to beat, downing fellow challengers De La Salle in an impressive display.
Old Carey was able to take it up to De La Salle away from home at the Dairy Bell and leave with the four points. Old Carey set the tone right from the outset, showing elite tackling pressure and clean ball skills that proved too powerful for De La.
In what was a complete team performance by the Panthers, it was hard to single out any individual efforts that were standouts. However, Lisa Walshe and Kellie McLeod provided the goals for the away side, kicking two apiece, leading from the front.
With the win, Old Carey remains one game clear on top of the ladder, further solidifying their premiership credentials. On the flip side, De La Salle put in an uncharacteristic effort at home; not being able to put one point on the board is something that they will be eager to move on from. The bye offers the opportunity to recover and regroup and set a game plan ahead of the second half of the season, which De La will no doubt be eager to do.
The other big win of the round took place at Brens Oval, as UHS-VU put in a commanding performance to down Coburg. At halftime the scoreboard was looking grim for Coburg, with the side trailing by 40 points behind and yet to register a score of their own.
The Lions were able to kick a couple of goals in the final term to make the scoreline a little bit more respectable, with the final scoreboard reading 8.8 (56) to 2.2 (14).
Vice-captain Hannah Greaves led the charge in front of the sticks for the Vultures with three majors for the morning, whilst Ella Brereton put in a special performance of her own to be named best afield for UHS.
Coburg’s Alana Benakovic impressed for her side on a tough day out and slotted one of the Lion’s two goals alongside Lucy Dawe.
UHS-VU is starting to build something special, not only putting wins together but also winning the games in emphatic fashion. Coach Alex Henry would be full of praise for his side’s ability to kick goals and put severe scoreboard pressure on their opponents.
Aquinas was able to grind out a hard-fought victory at home against MCC. Overturning a marginal deficit at the first break, they did most of the heavy lifting in the second quarter, booting two goals as they skipped out to an eight-point lead.
There was only a total of one point scored in the final half, signifying a tightly fought contest between two teams in similar positions on the ladder.
Aquinas have played some of their best footy in the last three weeks, narrowly losing to a professional La Trobe side and recording two wins against the likes of Brunswick and now MCC.
Parkside rallied in the final term to run over the top of a gallant Hawthorn outfit. In a see-sawing affair, this evenly weighted contest was exciting to watch with no score easy to come by.
However, the game was marred after Hawthorn’s reigning B&F winner, Mia Mathias, was taken out of the action during the second quarter due to what Hawthorn believes to be a suspected ACL, as they await results. We wish her all the best in her recovery.
De La Salle:
Old Carey:
GOALS: De La Salle:
GOALS: Old Carey: K. McLeod 2, L. Walshe 2, S. Davey 1, A. McCormack 1, R. Chiaramonte 1, M. Coleman 1
BEST: De La Salle: G. Martin, A. Ten Harkel, A. Tankard, J. Nash, P. Hinrichs, I. Catrice
BEST: Old Carey: L. Kelvie, L. Sutherland, K. McLeod, M. Seabury, L. Walshe, R. Chiaramonte UHS-VU:
GOALS: UHS-VU: H. Greaves 3, P. Skeels 2, E. Boeck 1, A. Mills 1, B. Schnioffsky 1
GOALS: Coburg: L. Dawe 1, A. Benakovic 1
BEST: UHS-VU: E. Brereton, A. Mills, H. Greaves, A. Edwards, A. Gilchrist, P. Skeels
Hawthorn coach Aaron Miller admitted it was difficult to break Parkside’s strong team defence. “We changed a few things at halftime, and the girls responded with some great passages of play in the third quarter.”
Parkside has got deadly duo Alice Mayne and Ella Smallacombe to thank for the two goals each, ultimately getting their side over the line.
The Devils sit a game outside the top four and know that they will have to be at their very best to overtake fourthplace Box Hill North.
The competition is beginning to become more and more interesting as the weeks progress. Old Carey are clearly the flag favourites at the half way mark after their dominant win away at De La Salle, while Aquinas and UHS-VU are starting to bank the wins when it matters.
BEST: Coburg: A. Benakovic, T. Chetcuti, L. Dawe, N. Rebollo Sampedro, N. Rainbird, H. Gemmell
GOALS: Hawthorn: T. Bodin 2, L. Hutchinson 1, P. Miller 1
GOALS: Parkside: A. Mayne 2, E. Smallacombe 2
BEST: Hawthorn: T. Bodin, L. Hutchinson, E. Johnson, S. Khong, P. Miller, M. Wilson
BEST: Parkside: M. Renaudin, G. Lindemans, E. Smallacombe, D. Cornish, M. Cooney Hunt, H. GARDAM
GOALS: Aquinas: E. Box 1, A. Broderick 1, N. Derksen 1
GOALS: MCC: N. Rogers 1, A. Harris 1
BEST: Aquinas:
BEST: MCC: S. Costello, K. Melvin, N. Rogers, H. Brooks, L. Scally-Leprevost, A. Harris
Nick Quinlan
Round 8 of the Men’s Division 3 competition proved to be an exciting one as the gap between the top four and the trailing pack gets tighter.
Three matches in last week’s matches were decided by 19 points or less. On the other side of the spectrum, Richmond Central would break North Brunswick’s record of the biggest winning margin this season.
North Brunswick becomes the first team to defeat Power House this season, winning by seven points in a ding dong battle.
It would be a tight contest between the ladder leaders and second place, with neither team able to generate many scoring opportunities.
Both sides would trade leads, with North Brunswick leading at quarter time and Power House leading at half time.
However, the game would break open in the third with the Bulls able to keep Power House scoreless, which proved to be the difference between the two sides.
For Bulls coach Domenic Fontana, he felt this was a result of his side making better decisions with the ball in the second half, which created better opportunities on goal.
Power House coach Nick Cox felt his side “didn’t take our chances in front of goal and we just fell down with basic skill errors” during that stage.
Richmond Central delivered the biggest winning margin this season with a thumping 237-point victory over Eley Park to jump into third place. The Snakes are one of three sides with a percentage over 200!
The Snakes were dominant from start to finish, consistently scoring between eight to ten goals in each quarter as they ran up the scoreboard.
On the scoring end, it would be Jack Bilson who led the way for Richmond Central, scoring 11 goals with a further eleven players getting on the goal sheet.
On the defensive end, the Snakes were even stronger as they held Eley Park to just 13 points all game.
While their measuring stick remains their fellow top four sides, having such a big victory should only give them confidence going into the bye of being able to contend with those sides.
This result for Eley Park is yet another loss as they sit 0-8 and appear unlikely to find a win anytime soon.
With the bye next week, it should provide a great opportunity to reset for the second half of the season.
After starting the season 6-0, Wattle Park has now suffered consecutive defeats as Box Hill North upset the Animals in a 10-point victory.
The game proved to be a close affair with Wattle Park looking comfortable throughout the first half, having held a lead right up until the main break; entering halftime with a 22-point buffer.
But the Demons were able to flip the switch in the second half with their physicality around the ball helping contribute to kicking six unanswered goals in the third.
This would give them the lead at three-quarter time, which they held onto throughout the fourth.
With this win, the Demons become the first side outside of the top four to defeat a team within it. As a result, playercoach Beau Parthenides feels confident that Box Hill North can really compete for a finals spot.
While Wattle Park has now had back-to-back defeats, there are no signs of panic stations just yet. They will take full advantage of the upcoming league-wide Bye Round to regroup.
They could have won this match had they been more accurate than 12.16, but alas, it was not to be.
La Trobe University has won the University derby, having successively defeated Swinburne University by 19 points.
The Trobers led for the vast majority of the game, but Swinburne was always within striking distance, with the margin staying within four goals throughout.
Swinburne did manage to get the margin to within four points, but La Trobe kicked three of the last four goals to ice the result in their favour.
It is a step in the right direction for Andy Castles’ men, given that La Trobe lost both of their matches against Swinburne last season.
Once again, the majority of Swinburne’s goal came through the combination of Simon Heather and Nick Ferguson.
In this match, they would score eight of Swinburne’s nine, showing how reliant they are on these two to perform.
If they can spread the goals around the team, they’ll prove to be far more dangerous going forward.
Albert Park managed to achieve a resounding 141-point win against Chadstone
The Falcons got out to a red-hot start, managing to boot 8.1 in the first quarter. They would maintain their accuracy for the game, with Albert Park scoring 26.9 for the match.
Their goalkicking efforts would be led by Thomas Wilson and Will Zaghis, who kicked nine goals and six goals respectively.
It is the first time that the Falcons have broken even on their win-loss record this season, having started 0-3.
However, player-coach Jack Amies was best pleased with the defensive efforts to hold the Synners to just 24 points.
Chadstone coach Ian Ledder was disappointed by the result. He feels now that their performance against the Falcons was a backwards step after making progress in their first victory against Eley Park in Round 7.
He also put the result down to his team not being able to follow their game plan and reverting back to a kick-and-hope strategy, which he’ll look to fix in the second half of the season.
Round 9 will serve as the first opportunity for some teams to get revenge, as it is the first week that the fixture repeats itself.
Box Hill North will hope to follow up their win against Wattle Park with another victory against a top four side in Richmond Central. A win for the Demons would make the race for fourth place well and truly on.
Albert Park faces a tough assignment against North Brunswick. The Falcons have shown to be competitive against the top four sides, but the Bulls are determined to extend their winning streak to seven games.
La Trobe will be keen to keep in touch with the chasing pack for finals as they take on Chadstone. It’s not a given that the Trobers will win, having only beaten the Synners by nine points last year, but they should go in as favourites.
Swinburne is hoping to play a much better game against Power House than they did in Round 1. They do have the advantage of being home at St James Park, but with Power House coming off their first loss and the bye, it should give the ladder leaders some extra motivation to win big.
Wattle Park should return to winning ways when they take on Eley Park. It’ll be the Animals’ first home game since Round 6, which should only help their cause.
Box Hill North v Richmond Central
Albert Park v North Brunswick
La Trobev Chadstone
Swinburne v Power House
Wattle Parkv Eley Park
Richmond Central:
Eley Park:
GOALS: Richmond Central: J. Bilson 11, B. Young 7, B. Browning-Briese 5, S. Bugeja 3, T. Waite 3, C. Spring 2, C. Mellor 1, F. Muscara 1, N. Poole 1, J. HIGGINS 1, O. Kelly 1, A. McKelvie-Hill 1
Eley Park: R. Lockett 1, T. Draffin 1
BEST: Richmond Central: J. Bilson, C. Spring, S. Araldi, T. Waite, C. Mellor, G. Murray
Eley Park: T. Draffin, J. Tennent, A. Williams, J. Kennedy, M. Harrington-Johnson, N. Nilsson
Box Hill North:
Wattle Park:
GOALS: Box Hill North: B. Williams 8, W. Schmidt 2, J. Tommasoni 1, B. Parthenides 1, C. Finnie 1, C. Bull 1, R. Keane 1
Wattle Park: T. Ferguson 3, H. Yaxley 2, H. Davis 2, W. McDonell 1, S. Howard 1, T. Major 1, M. Hill 1, J. Greensides 1
BEST: Box Hill North: B. Williams, R. Keane, L. Stevens, B. Parthenides, M. Lorkin, J. Tommasoni
Wattle Park: J. Rodda, T. Ferguson, L. Virgo, H. Yaxley, N. Bird, Z. Durrant
North Brunswick:
Power House: 2.1
(47)
GOALS: North Brunswick: E. Manne 2, A. Ramzy 2, G. Carrubba 1, M. Ambrose 1, A. Tsardakis 1
Power House: S. Scotland 3, M. Timmons 1, B. Circosta 1, j. dempster 1, N. O’Connell 1
BEST: North Brunswick: Z. Dicianni, L. Russell, N. Trewhella, A. Tsardakis, K. Jones, E. Manne
Power House: M. Newman, T. Scotland, J. Kervin, K. Mangan, Z. Westbrook, C. Officer Chadstone:
GOALS: Chadstone:
Albert Park: T. Wilson 9, W. Zaghis 6, T. Wills 2, A. Priestley 1, l. hutchins 1, A. Lupo 1, L. Eaton 1, E. Aridis 1, J. Amies 1, T. Moore 1, J. Beets 1, H. Olive 1
BEST: Chadstone: B. Leong, A. Brown, L. Stott, A. Letzing, J. Schelling, K. Weissmann
Albert Park: T. Wilson, H. Olive, W. Zaghis, A. Priestley, J. Amies, H. Solomon
La Trobe University:
Swinburne University:
GOALS: La Trobe University: T. Hillman 3, H. O’Callaghan 3, M. Collins 2, T. Herbert 1, J. Gronow 1, I. Williamson 1, L. Walsh 1
(78)
(59)
Swinburne University: S. Heather 5, N. ferguson 3, L. Randello 1
BEST: La Trobe University: H. O’Callaghan, T. Herbert, I. Williamson, J. Russell, L. Walsh, S. Benetti-Baker
Swinburne University: L. Brunton, S. Heather, N. ferguson, O. Mitchell, H. Haszard, C. Hibbert
North Brunswick:
GOALS: North Brunswick: P. Day 1, J. Ryan 1, P. FRENCH 1, T. Hobbs 1, W. Bishop 1, A. Abou-Eid 1
Power House: I. Taylor 4, D. Nannery 3, D. Sexton 1, J. Stewart 1, D. Cameron 1, T. O Carroll 1, D. Fogarty 1, J. Robinson 1
BEST: North Brunswick: K. Van Hees, L. Sproul, A. Fuentes, N. Dimarco, O. Chitale, A. Abou-Eid
Power House: J. Robinson, T. Sly, T. Stack, J. O’Sullivan, I. Taylor, D. Nannery
La Trobe University:
Swinburne University: 1.4
GOALS: La Trobe University: A. Bennett 6, L. Pike 2, T. Delves 1
Swinburne University: B. Ferguson 5, J. Spies 1, R. Aranyos 1, O. Sowden 1
BEST: La Trobe University: A. Bennett, R. Cottee, L. Pike, A. McCaffrey, N. Uren, T. Delves
(60)
(59)
Swinburne University: B. Ferguson, E. Twyford, A. Byrne, R. Aranyos, C. O’Bree, B. Einsiedel
Richmond Central: 7.4
Eley Park:
(164)
(25)
GOALS: Richmond Central: J. Dillon 12, B. Dillon 3, W. Swale 3, N. O’Loughlin 2, D. Pratt 2, M. Motta 1, J. Clark 1, Z. Kangelaris 1
Eley Park: S. Bakker 1, B. Robertson 1, J. Lamb 1, R. Starr 1
BEST: Richmond Central: J. Guest, J. Thomas, J. Dillon, Z. Kangelaris, A. Panton, M. Broughton
Eley Park: M. Alford, C. Roberts, S. Bakker, J. Lamb, T. Shaw, E. Mulligan Box Hill North:
GOALS: Box Hill North: J. Williams 3, C. Liston 2, J. Chirgwin 2, T. Shaw 1, r. ball 1
Wattle Park: D. Hill 4, Z. Kearns 4, X. Bright 2, J. Ivey 1
BEST: Box Hill North: C. Liston, B. Stratton, J. Williams, T. MAINE, T. Cheslett, N. Harle
Wattle Park: D. Hill, C. Gardner, Z. Kearns, G. Hansen, L. Elso, J. Mitchell
GOALS: Chadstone: c. hopcraft 1, J. Gomo 1, J. Giddins 1
(22)
Albert Park: m. togher clancy 4, D. Miller 3, M. Bullard 2, L. Beck 1, T. Patrick 1, W. Joyce 1, J. Connah 1, Z. Aupaau 1, M. Carub 1, H. Sullivan 1, M. Wallen 1, D. Buegge 1
BEST: Chadstone: S. Oxley, T. Healey, J. King, A. Smith, c. hopcraft, J. Veal
Albert Park: D. Miller, D. Buegge, W. Joyce, T. DeRuiter, M. Bullard, m. togher clancy
Elly Kirlis
Old Camberwell recorded a comprehensive win on the road at Elsternwick Park to maintain second spot, whilst Elsternwick continue searching for their first win of the season in Division 3 Women’s.
The Wellers started the match strongly, kicking three first-quarter goals. Their scoreboard dominance continued in the second term, with a further two goals added to extend the margin to 35 points at the main break.
Old Camberwell were efficient with their ball movement, applying the pressure in their defensive 50 and not allowing any easy options for Elsternwick.
Whilst Old Camberwell were goalless in the third quarter, Elsternwick should be credited for their third quarter efforts, keeping the pressure on Old Camberwell to rush in front of goal who were unable to convert opportunities.
Maclyn Matheson had a fantastic game keeping up her brilliant form, booting three goals for the game.
North Brunswick continued their surge towards the top five, defeating fellow top five contenders Albert Park by nine points away from home at the Bill Woodful Oval.
There were three different goal kickers who scored for North Brunswick. Whilst Albert Park had momentum in the first half, two goals-to-one going the way of the Bulls in the last quarter all but tied up the game in favour of the visitors. With just 39 seconds left on the clock, Ruby-Rose Gibson-Haywood kicked the sealer of the match to bring the final scoreboard to 2.1 (13) to 3.4 (22).
Juliette Baxter and Chloe Hoskinson also hit the scoreboard for North Brunswick, whilst Zoe Dragoi and Bridget Turner booted a major each for the Falcons.
The match between the South Melbourne Districts and St Mary’s Salesian unfortunately resulted in a forfeit, with St Mary’s taking the points.
Ormond extended their undefeated winning streak to eight on the trot, defeating the inaugural Prahran Women’s side by 63 points at E.E Gunn Reserve.
The match was set early in the first quarter, with Ormond kicking accurately in front of goal in the first half, holding a 34-point lead at the main break.
Credit to Prahran for keeping Ormond to one goal in the last quarter, whilst the Two Blues finished their day with three last-quarter behinds.
All in all, a competitive match that sees Ormond the only undefeated team left in the competition, whilst Prahran remain on one win as we approach the half way mark of the season.
In an entertaining matchup, Wattle Park continue their touch with the top five, with a thrilling four-point victory at home at Bennettswood Reserve.
They have found some momentum in the competition and are most certainly not looking to slow down as they ascend the Div 3 ladder, with their match up against Mazenod their most recent victory.
It was a nail-biting first quarter, with Emily Severin hitting the scoreboard to generate an early margin for the Animals, helping her side taking a 12-point advantage at quarter time (18-6).
GOALS: Wattle Park: E. Severin 1, E. Ratcliffe 1, J. Waghorne 1
GOALS: Mazenod: N. Prioriello 2
BEST: Wattle Park: j. clancy, T. Sutharsan, E. Ratcliffe, L. Eales, T. Murphy, E. Haylock
BEST: Mazenod: B. Bunter, N. Prioriello, L. Gartland, S. Smith, L. Giannetti, A. Gissara
GOALS: Albert Park: B. Turner 1, Z. Dragoi 1
GOALS: North Brunswick: R. Gibson-Haywood 1, C. Hoskinson 1, J. Baxter 1
BEST: Albert Park: A. Smyth, K. Talbot, K. Hopkins, J. Newitt, B. Grining, B. Turner
Wattle Park came bursting out of the gates in the opener and were quick to hit the scoreboard. This attacking style of play came to a halt at the first break, whereby the second term was a more defensive grind; both sides lifting their work rate in the defensive 50s, which saw scores remain the same at the half.
A goal from Mazenod kept them in touch going towards three quarter time, with Natalia Prioriello going to work and playing key roles. Alas, it wasn’t enough to get the Nodders over the line, going down to a spritely Wattle Park outfit by just four points.
Round 9 promises to be another fantastic round of must watch action around the grounds after the King’s Birthday long weekend mid-season break. With the tank refueled, Elsternwick will be hungrier than ever to claim their first victory as they come up against North Brunswick. Prahran will welcome Mazenod to Toorak Park and South Melbourne Districts will come up against their neighbours in Albert Park. St Mary’s Salesian will host Wattle Park, and Old Camberwell will face off against Ormond in the afternoon time slot to round out the weekend.
BEST: North Brunswick: M. Ntalianis, S. Ulcoq, E. Steiner, D. Adams, J. Baxter, R. GibsonHaywood
South Melbourne:
St Mary’s Salesian:
GOALS: South Melbourne:
GOALS: St Mary’s Salesian: G. Cropley 6, S. Bakic 1, H. Wilson 1, E. Wallace 1, L. Dobbyn 1
BEST: South Melbourne: F. Adinata, H. Singleton, A. Thatcher, L. McRostie, K. White, C. Dowsett
BEST: St Mary’s Salesian: G. Cropley, H. Wilson, B. Bruce, E. Hall, A. Jones, M. Robbins
GOALS: Ormond: I. Harrison 6, C. Fisher 1, C. Apps 1, C. Gaze-Persson 1
GOALS: Prahran:
BEST: Ormond: I. Harrison, A. Diaz, M. Di Lecce, C. Apps, I. Di Lecce, A. Morcom
BEST: Prahran:
GOALS: Elsternwick:
GOALS: Old Camberwell: M. Matheson 3, R. Bellpieri 2, A. Kennedy 1, B. Facey 1
BEST: Elsternwick: M. Riddle, C. Doherty, J. Berto, B. Lane, E. Horsfall, K. James
BEST: Old Camberwell: C. Lacey, M. Matheson, G. Bianco, J. Humphries, B. Kertes, A. Kennedy
Sebastian Tehan
On the final day of Autumn, round 8 delivered some highscoring contests with two teams cracking the ton!
Canterbury (2-6) had their sights firmly on causing a stir for the 2nd place Fitzroy (6-2) at Canterbury Sportsground. However, early momentum was seized by the Fitzroy side, who looked tougher and cleaner around the contest. An emblem of the first quarter was Fitzroy’s fanatic forward pressure that contributed 5 scoring shots to Canterbury’s minor score at the first break.
The second term was quite a lull for both teams as the game ping-ponged between the 50m arcs. Canterbury failed to maximize Fitzroy’s turnovers into productive scores, finishing the term with 2 behinds to show for.
An early Fitzroy major in the third term seemingly arrested Canterbury’s forward charge and by doing so, extending the margin to 18 points mid-way through the third quarter. However, against the run of play, Canterbury’s Georgia Bold slotted a much-needed goal to cut the margin back to 11 points.
Trailing by 11 points at 3 quarter time, Canterbury threw caution to the wind booting consecutive goals from Stephanie Langley and Eva Catania to get Canterbury within touching distance of their third victory for the season. However, the ball lived in Fitzroy’s forward 50 for the final four minutes of the match crucially denying Canterbury an upset win. Fitzroy winners by 7 points: 3.5 (23) to 4.6 (30).
Doncaster Reserve hosted Old Yarra Cobras and West Brunswick in a clash for aspiring top four candidates.
The first quarter certainly reflected the two similarly placed sides in Season 2025, with both teams struggling to gain an upper hand with one behind apiece.
However, the floodgates opened in the second quarter as Old Yarra were able to transition the ball well from their back half to kick 2.2 for the quarter. The Cobras’ Jacqui Morton was lively in the second quarter with assistance from fellow goal-scorer Kimberely Lyth. The Magpies struck back with 1.1 to end the quarter trailing by just 7 points thanks to a clever goal from Clodagh Fox.
Old Yarra responded to the Magpies’ late second quarter flurry with a couple of behinds, but nothing of significant damage for the possession they occupied. West Brunswick’s Lydia McAluiffe-Holt underpinned the value of straight goal-kicking to give her side the impetus for a final quarter comeback.
However, much like their season to date, Old Yarra proved too strong in the clinches doing all the scoring for the final quarter. Old Yarra’s 3.2 final term proved utterly decisive as West Brunswick failed to hit the scoreboard in the most important quarter of the match. The Cobras rattle their way to a 23-point win!
Port Melbourne charged their war to a 103-point victory over Preston Bullants at Elwood Park on Saturday afternoon.
Preston’s desire for a response after last week’s loss was stalled early when the Chargers kicked an unanswered 5.5 to open the match. Emma Meggs, Paige Holt, Tanasija Mili proved to be a tough task for the Preston backline in the first quarter.
The scoreboard continued to tick over for Port Melbourne thanks to goals from Meggs, Peters and Ross, all demonstrating excellent forward patterns and craft. It was not all doom and gloom for the Preston side as Mia Minguez Baird kicked the travelling side’s first for the day before the half time break.
However, that was the extent of the day’s goal-scoring for the Bullants as Port Melbourne bombarded their attacking fifty, offering plenty of opportunities for Peters and Meggs to score their 3rd and 5th goals respectively. Meggs finished the match with her first handful this season!
A three goal to zero final term from the Chargers capped off a clinical day at the office. It was a tough ask for a Preston side coming up against the Chargers for the first time. They are most definitely still in the competition currently in eighth on the ladder as we ring in the midseason break with this weekend’s bye round and plenty more football to be played on the other side.
Who’s going to stop Westbourne? Is the question on everyone’s lips in 2025. Westbourne Grammarians were ruthless again on Saturday, dismissing Monash Blues by a mammoth 113 points.
Westbourne set the tone for a big afternoon, with a 6.4 opening onslaught to a scoreless Monash. Isabel Choate and Chiaralii Parnell were a significant presence up forward, who both booted three goals in the first quarter.
Who would have thought the opening term could be outdone?
Westbourne continued to pile on the pain with a 45-point second quarter, with Jessica Nannup, Georgia D’Amico, Kensley Ward and Montana Dumesny all joining the evergrowing goal-scorers list. Parnell’s double in the second quarter made it 5 goals for her afternoon already at half time – quite an incredible feat!
Parnell and Choate continued to rule the forward fifty, as Parnell booted another 1.2 but could have finished the day with 8 goals! The margin hit the century mark in the final minute before the three-quarter time siren blew.
Despite the carnage that ensued all day, Monash’s Natasha Pullin, Eliza Millen, Caitlin Carpenter, Alli Charles, Amber McCarthy, and Vanessa Calcinotto held their heads up.
Westbourne hit the slow-down button in the final term to put key players on ice as the damage had been done. A 17-goal performance in addition to keeping their opposition scoreless is truly a reflection of a great team performance across the park!
Saturday’s twilight fixture saw Oakleigh host the in-form Caufield Grammarians. With a handful of top-up players from the Oakleigh women’s first team, the Krushers got off to a positive start kicking 2 goals to Caufield’s zero in the first quarter.
Oakleigh coach Gavin Kenny highlighted Kaitlyn Sidopolous’ first quarter goal as one of the moments of the day. “Sidopolous went for a run, took a few bounces and slotted one through!” he said.
However, the Krusher’s margin was reduced thanks to an important second quarter goal from Caufield’s Addy Taylor.
An old football adage is that the third quarter is the “premiership quarter.” Indeed, Caufield upheld that adage by bursting out of the change rooms with Caufield’s Hannah Buur converting thrice aided by a number of forward entries from Cait Adams, Ruby Hong and Claire Ryan winning the ball out of the guts.
“Oakleigh just kept attacking and forcing the ball in their direction, but we were able to sustain the pressure with the backline holding strong,” said Grammarians coach Lachlan Worthy. It was this strong backline that was pivotal in Caufield holding onto a 28-point buffer at the final siren.
GOALS: Old Yarra Cobras 2: J. Morton 2, K. Lyth 2, H. Donelan 1
GOALS: West Brunswick 3: L. McAluiffe-Holt 1, C. Fox 1
BEST: Old Yarra Cobras 2: J. Morton, H. Donelan, J. Major, E. Elliott, S. Finch, M. Forlano
BEST: West Brunswick 3: . , H. Lee, M. Hunter, C. Fox, L. McAluiffe-Holt, I. Reynolds
GOALS: Canterbury: e. catania 1, G. Bold 1, S. Langley 1
GOALS: Fitzroy 3: P. Southey 3, K. Whitby 1
BEST: Canterbury: D. Calvisi, G. Bold, R. Furlan, C. Reiger, B. Thompson, C. Shaw
BEST: Fitzroy 3: A. Davey, R. Fraiia, P. Southey, E. Deasey, T. Wilkinson-Shore, A. Gaskell
Westbourne 2:
Monash Blues 2:
(113)
GOALS: Westbourne 2: C. Parnell 6, I. Choate 4, K. Ward 2, J. Nannup 2, g. d’amico 1, M. Dumesny 1, E. Dickie 1
GOALS: Monash Blues 2:
BEST: Westbourne 2: C. Parnell, J. Nannup, I. Choate, A. Pearson, g. d’amico, J. Mathers
BEST: Monash Blues 2: N. Pullin, E. Millen, C. Carpenter, A. Charles, A. McCarthy, V. Calcinotto
Port Melbourne Chargers 2:
(112) Preston Bullants: 0.0
(9) GOALS: Port Melbourne Chargers 2: E. Meggs 5, C. Peters 3, T. Milić 2, P. Holt 2, . 2, J. Ross 1
GOALS: Preston Bullants: M. Minguez Baird 1
BEST: Port Melbourne Chargers 2: E. Meggs, J. Ross, R. Davies, C. Peters, K. Segond, . BEST: Preston Bullants: T. De Santis, S. Gray, E. Boylan, H. Thompson, M. Minguez Baird, C. Luci
(18)
Grammarians 3:
GOALS: Oakleigh 2: J. Ballestrin 1, K. Sidopoulos 1
GOALS: Caulfield Grammarians 3: H. Buur 3, C. Ryan 1, E. Leyva McEnroe 1, A. Taylor 1
(46)
BEST: Oakleigh 2: K. Sidopoulos, L. Firth, J. Kendall, L. Kenny, O. Rossato, O. Leitl
BEST: Caulfield Grammarians 3: R. Hong, A. Taylor, H. Buur, C. Adams, E. Hargreaves, C. Ryan
Old Haileybury: 6.5 8.8 12.13 18.13 (121)
Old Camberwell: 2.1 6.4 6.4 10.8 (68)
GOALS: Old Haileybury: L. Burfurd 6, G. Brayshaw 3, J. Paitaridis 3, F. Gregor 2, J. Blight 1, E. Jones 1, W. Gordon 1, W. Hardeman 1
Old Camberwell: N. Shinnick 2, N. Smith 2, J. Day 1, h. taylor 1, D. McCabe 1, j. haintz 1, C. Inston 1, F. Askew 1
BEST: Old Haileybury: L. Burfurd, F. Gregor, K. Chrystie, G. Brayshaw, J. Paitaridis, A. Prokupets
Old Camberwell: F. Askew, h. taylor, O. Lowe, C. King, A. Mcneill, J. Day
Old Brighton 2: 2.5 4.6 5.8 8.12 (60)
St Bernards: 3.5 6.11
GOALS: Old Brighton 2: H. Richey 2, K. Vivian 1, J. Catalano 1, H. George 1, H. Pollock 1, X. Mitchell 1, J. Spicer 1
(64)
BEST: De La Salle 2: X. Campbell, M. Newman, C. Besnard, B. Marinelli, S. Chettibi, T. Bolton
Collegians: E. Davies, j. cotchin, A. Wilson, F. Arnold, J. Archer, O. Andrews
Parkside:
GOALS: Parkside: M. Youssef 3, T. Coakley 2, H. Kenny 2, Z. Dghman 2
Oakleigh: E. Manaras 4, B. Robinson 2, N. Goodman 1, c. franzoni 1, C. Bernardo 1, S. Iverson 1
BEST: Parkside: H. Wallace, H. Kenny, R. Fowler, D. Edwards, H. Pickett, J. Angel
Oakleigh: J. Casuscelli, E. Mahoney, E. Manaras, S. Iverson, J. Borg, J. Leopold
Old Ivanhoe:
Old Xaverians 2:
St Bernards: H. Coombs 2, B. Foley 2, J. Dynan 1, C. Gilmour 1, A. Alessio 1, J. Smith 1
BEST: Old Brighton 2: H. Pollock, L. Lewis, H. Richey, L. St Leger, N. McCluskey, T. Breen
St Bernards: J. Di Paola, H. Coombs, A. Momesso, B. Foley, J. Costa, A. Alessio
Fitzroy: 1.1 3.2 4.5 7.7 (49)
Old Carey:
GOALS: Fitzroy: D. Carr 2, B. Payne 1, G. McEvey 1, J. Margetts 1, F. Cozzo 1, K. Scott 1
(65)
Old Carey: O. Stambe 2, N. Muller 2, J. Sharrock 1, W. Alexander 1, W. Verwoert 1, O. Lansfield 1, R. Demir 1, s. fox 1
BEST: Fitzroy: K. Scott, W. Kaye, Z. White, w. moore, D. Carr, F. Culham
Old Carey: D. Godden, O. Stambe, N. Muller, C. Clough, O. Lansfield, J. Wirth
Old Melburnians:
GOALS: Old Melburnians: F. Newing 1
Williamstown CYMS: BEST: Old Melburnians: Williamstown CYMS: Parkdale Vultures:
GOALS: Parkdale Vultures: L. Sullivan 1, A. Valastro 1, W. Finch 1, C. Sells 1, D. Kelson 1, B. Lamble 1
Beaumaris: A. McCarthy 2, H. Jongen 2, B. Whyte 1, T. Federici 1, A. Barba 1, M. Torcasio 1, N. Whitehouse 1
BEST: Parkdale Vultures: L. Kinsella, L. Burn, D. Kelson, W. Kingston, r. bowles, N. Groves
Beaumaris: H. Long, A. McCarthy, E. Styles, S. Meredith, J. Stewart, A. Bowd
Old Trinity: 0.3
(53)
(50)
(20) University Blues 2:
GOALS: Old Trinity: W. Ball 1, C. Dytor 1
University Blues 2: C. Skipper 5, m. scanlon 3, L. Freeman 1, L. Gill 1, S. Knights 1
BEST: Old Trinity: C. Comer, R. Myers, C. Lockyer, F. McDonald, W. Ransom, L. Miritis
University Blues 2: C. Skipper, O. Hart, S. Knights, H. Correll, O. Charles, I. Conlan
HOLMESGLEN U19 DIVISION 2 MEN’S
St Kevin’s 2:
(68)
(67)
(102)
(45)
GOALS: Old Ivanhoe: R. Black 5, K. Papanagiotou 4, B. Carpenter 2, M. Walling 1, M. Zappone 1, F. Cleary 1, K. Home 1
Old Xaverians 2:
BEST: Old Ivanhoe: R. Black, B. Daile, J. Hopkins, Z. Bennett, O. Silfverberg, K. Papanagiotou
Old Xaverians 2: J. Dalton, M. Baggio, D. Scalisi, W. Maxa, J. Lee-Conway, M. Brancatisano
Preston Bullants:
GOALS: University Blacks: O. Davies 3, A. Newman 2, C. Craig 2, J. Enticott 1, G. Ingram 1, S. Litras 1, S. McNamara 1, H. Holmes 1, E. Peucker 1, F. Japp 1
Preston Bullants: G. Diab 3, B. Olarenshaw 1
BEST: University Blacks: C. Craig, O. Davies, S. McNamara, J. Enticott, G. Ingram, A. Newman
Preston Bullants: A. Anderson, C. Parker, W. Saccone, B. Olarenshaw, G. Diab, T. Maddison
2:
GOALS: St Bedes/Mentone 2: C. Armistead 3, M. Smith 2, T. Mastos 2, o. gould 2, L. Hecker 1, W. Woodford 1
Beaumaris 2: R. Griffiths 2, R. Starow 2, F. Vorrath 1, D. Butler 1, B. Lauder 1, O. Lazzari 1
BEST: St Bedes/Mentone 2: L. Cartwright, H. Turner, M. Weir, H. Crosby, F. McNamara, R. Jennings
Beaumaris 2: J. Mier, D. Paron, R. Starow, H. Hurlston, H. Sims, J. Ferguson
Parkdale Vultures 2:
GOALS: Parkdale Vultures 2: W. Reeves 5, C. Costa 1, L. O’Hara 1, H. Dow 1
(56)
Monash Blues: L. Mckern 4, M. Kennedy 2, W. Broom 2, D. Blinco 1, M. O’Brien 1, W. O’Connor 1, T. KELLEY 1
BEST: Parkdale Vultures 2: A. Simonelli, W. Reeves, J. Atkins, H. Dow, C. Costa, H. Baker
Monash Blues: j. upton, W. Broom, L. Mckern, W. Bowles, h. balcam, C. Ortiz
De La Salle 3:
UHS-VU:
GOALS: De La Salle 3: Z. Maillard 2, K. Barnes 2, S. Gleeson 2, A. Nelson 1, L. Moutsidis 1, W. Apted 1, F. Howard 1, L. Arapovic 1
UHS-VU: J. Leake 2, J. Handbury 2, A. Tsironis 1, W. Hey 1, S. Clausen 1
(83)
(53)
(58) Kew:
GOALS: St Kevin’s 2: W. Young 4, L. Teal 3, F. Walshe 1, J. Quinlan 1
(73)
Kew: J. Stewart 3, O. Kerford 3, R. Meeuw 1, O. Di Marzo 1, N. Murphy 1, O. Evans 1, M. Zicman 1
BEST: St Kevin’s 2: J. Quinlan, r. Ellett, L. Teal, W. Young, P. Lynch, F. Walshe
Kew: J. Pereira, S. Joseph, M. Holland, M. Zicman, O. Kerford, J. Stewart
Hampton Rovers:
Ormond:
BEST: De La Salle 3: K. Barnes, W. Apted, A. Nelson, J. Wall, C. Howard, L. Moutsidis
UHS-VU: J. Vlachos, A. Tsironis, O. O’Flynn, S. Clausen, J. Shears, B. Reid
Caulfield Grammarians 2:
Williamstown CYMS 2:
(93)
(86)
GOALS: Hampton Rovers: M. Carrigan 5, E. Jurdukian 2, J. Taranto 1, h. thompson 1, C. Friend 1, C. Steen 1, H. McConkey 1, A. Zufic 1, b. mcgurgan 1
Ormond: A. Jobling 3, H. Brady 2, H. Orfanos 2, O. Harrison 1, J. Boag 1, A. Savran 1, D. Galgut 1, F. Pacak 1, a. moalem 1
BEST: Hampton Rovers: M. Carrigan, C. Friend, J. Delaney, S. Somogyi, C. Steen Ormond: M. Bogue, H. Brady, N. Edwards, K. Vaughan, H. Orfanos, J. Boag
De La Salle 2: 3.2 6.7 6.8 6.9 (45) Collegians: 2.4 3.4 6.6 8.8 (56)
GOALS: De La Salle 2: B. Marinelli 2, J. Gurrie 1, S. Motyl-Coverdale 1, J. Sekker 1, W. Bird 1
Collegians: H. Edwards 3, X. Molino 1, G. Bowes 1, F. Wright 1, E. Davies 1, A. Petracca 1
(134)
GOALS: Caulfield Grammarians 2: J. McVean 2, H. Lee 2, L. Crockett 1, c. pinnegar 1
Williamstown CYMS 2: W. Yiannis 6, D. Phemister 3, J. Taylor 3, W. Mitchell 2, A. Horsburgh 2, H. O’Brien 1, j. wheeler 1, K. Lill 1
BEST: Caulfield Grammarians 2: Z. Coplestone, T. Martino, J. McVean, T. Milton, J. Vessey, H. Lee
Williamstown CYMS 2: W. Yiannis, j. wheeler, A. Cranage, D. Phemister, J. Kelly, P. Cranage
Whitefriars:
(16) St Mary’s Salesian:
GOALS: Whitefriars: M. Paten 2
St Mary’s Salesian: X. Higgins 5, S. Edney 4, C. Matthews 2, J. WALKER 2, G. Micallef 2, B. Thomas 1, e. rodgers 1, J. Claydon 1, L. Greening 1, J. Yannicos 1
(134)
BEST: Whitefriars: M. Paten, D. Rowland, D. Anastasiou, O. Bor, M. King, H. Ryan
St Mary’s Salesian: G. Micallef, o. hobday, X. Higgins, J. WALKER, J. Yannicos, K. Peck
St Kevin’s:
Old Xaverians:
GOALS: St Kevin’s: J. Luscombe 2, N. Jackson 2, M. Mulcahy 1, E. Boal 1
(45)
(101)
GOALS: Old Xaverians: W. MacIsaac 3, W. Stevens 2, T. Davine 2, S. Purcell 2, T. Curtain 1, T. Bourne 1, W. Exell 1, S. Asdagi 1, W. Sheedy 1, A. Scally 1
BEST: St Kevin’s: D. Gambell, S. Nogara, P. Croagh, J. Luscombe
BEST: Old Xaverians: J. Hansen, C. Bourne, W. Sheedy, W. Stevens, A. Scally, D. McCarthy
Fitzroy:
Old Xaverians 2:
(45)
(114)
GOALS: Fitzroy: B. Erez 1, D. Blake 1, C. Guest 1, N. Wright 1, Q. Watson 1, O. van Toledo 1
GOALS: Old Xaverians 2: A. MacIsaac 5, J. Lyon 3, N. McGrath 2, T. O’Brien 2, M. Perrett 1, J. Lowe 1, S. Stynes 1, N. Harries 1, S. Stanley 1
BEST: Fitzroy: Q. Watson, N. Wright, F. Herrmann, C. Howlett, R. Harry-blackall, C. Guest
BEST: Old Xaverians 2: W. Bryce, T. O’Brien, A. MacIsaac, E. Chiodo, E. Ralph, M. Speakman
AJAX: 1.1 5.5 8.7 9.8 (62)
St Bernards: 1.2 3.2 4.2 5.7 (37)
GOALS: AJAX: G. Jotkowitz 4, A. Meyerowitz 1, B. Goldhirsch 1, E. Herszberg 1
GOALS: St Bernards: L. Salter 2, S. Isolani 1, A. Galt 1, L. Armstrong 1
BEST: AJAX: G. Jotkowitz, E. Potash, L. Meyerowitz, A. Franks, Z. Peker, A. Katz
BEST: St Bernards: L. Salter, L. Armstrong, A. Galt, X. Tigani, C. Brock
Old Scotch:
Old Carey:
Fitzroy 2:
GOALS: Old Carey: J. Helmot 1, S. Inlander 1, R. Stubbs 1, B. Hewitt 1
(27)
GOALS: Fitzroy 2: K. Menzies 2, T. Butler 1, D. Mewes 1, S. Moore 1, O. Salvatore 1, B. McAdam 1, L. Alexander 1, S. Long 1, D. O’Connor 1
BEST: Old Carey: J. Virgona, L. Nicholas, D. Wolters, S. Inlander, R. Ermer, H. Barker
BEST: Fitzroy 2: K. Menzies, L. Alexander, g. hurley wellington, T. Butler, M. Sweeney, S. Moore
Old Xaverians 5:
Old Geelong:
GOALS: Old Xaverians 5: C. Spears 4, H. West 2, C. O’Brien 2, J. Mccarthy 2, B. Sherman 1, E. Browne 1, J. Gomezel 1
GOALS: Old Geelong: L. Winston 2, S. Richardson 2, P. Poulter 1, C. McDonnell 1, A. Gunn 1, A. Macafee 1, C. Ward 1
BEST: Old Xaverians 5: L. Fares, W. Beattie, J. Mccarthy, J. Knaap, C. Spears, H. West
BEST: Old Geelong: G. Orford, J. Planner, C. Ward, S. Green, L. Mailer, S. Richardson
St Bernards 2:
GOALS: St Bernards 2: C. Thorley 6, O. Turley 4, L. Flynn 3, N. Kazuro 3, O. Jones 2, l. chillemi 2, J. Carew 1
GOALS: Williamstown CYMS 2: E. Tuck 4, J. Macdonald 2, J. Franze 1, K. Vassallo 1, D. Cross 1
BEST: St Bernards 2: L. Flynn, C. Thorley, F. Saade, O. Turley, J. Chapman, N. Kazuro
BEST: Williamstown CYMS 2: R. Gunn, C. Doyle, X. De Brincat, J. Firth, J. HuntStapleton, K. Vassallo
(48)
(77) University Blues:
GOALS: Old Scotch: E. Furey 4, C. Sewell 1, A. Hummerston 1, C. Millar 1, N. Walmsley 1, T. Kelly 1, G. Simmons 1, C. Loel 1
GOALS: University Blues: L. Di Lallo 3, O. McDonald 1, A. Gorman 1, J. Macula 1, N. Harding 1
BEST: Old Scotch: N. Walmsley, C. Millar, E. Furey, A. Hummerston, C. Sewell, J. Wiseman
BEST: University Blues: C. O’Brien, M. Milner, O. McDonald, J. Fisher, L. Di Lallo, J. Macula
Glen Eira / Old McKinnon: 4.6 6.10 12.12 18.15 (123)
Old Scotch 2: 0.3 2.4 5.8 6.10 (46)
GOALS: Glen Eira / Old McKinnon: Z. Jacobs 4, J. Waras Carstensen 4, B. Duarte 3, N. Smith 3, H. Rose 1, J. Boul 1, J. Rose 1, J. Pekar 1
GOALS: Old Scotch 2: W. Taylor 2, B. Duggan 1, J. Molony 1, J. Smith 1, T. Edney 1
BEST: Glen Eira / Old McKinnon: Z. Jacobs, R. Smith, J. Waras Carstensen, E. Lovett, M. Ramanathan, N. Smith
BEST: Old Scotch 2: R. Roberts, B. Shaw, J. Smith, J. Molony, J. Pearce, E. Findlay
Masala: 3.1 5.5 7.6 9.8 (62)
Old Ivanhoe: 4.5 5.5 6.10 7.13 (55)
GOALS: Masala: A. Bou-Karroum 4, Z. Pahos 3, D. Hoellfritsch 1, T. Edwards 1
GOALS: Old Ivanhoe: G. Walker 2, A. Sawaya 2, A. Steer 1, J. Ren 1, N. Kumar 1
BEST: Masala: A. Bou-Karroum, B. Coldebella, F. Cassar, Z. Pahos, N. Palleschi, D. Hoellfritsch
BEST: Old Ivanhoe: G. Walker, S. Paradisis, C. Katsogiannis, A. Sawaya, T. Tseros, G. Vavlitis
AJAX 2: 3.3 5.5
(68)
Old Camberwell: 4.0 5.0 6.2 7.8 (50)
GOALS: AJAX 2: J. Becker 2, O. Black 2, C. Schwartz 1, S. Kirsh 1, . 1, T. FLINKIER 1, J. Levy 1, B. Worth 1
GOALS: Old Camberwell: C. Dore 2, L. Noack 1, T. Mckie 1, M. Kearsley 1, O. Cox 1, S. Everett 1
BEST: AJAX 2: B. Waislitz, T. FLINKIER, C. Gross, T. Marabel-Whitburn, D. Feldman, J. Nissen
BEST: Old Camberwell: E. Biggs, D. Dick, C. Dore, S. Larkin, W. Woods, C. Young
GOALS: Parkdale Vultures: A. Bartel 4, S. Coukoulas 2, J. Roberts 2, L. Sargeant 1
GOALS: Richmond Central:
BEST: Parkdale Vultures: J. Ciappara, S. Coukoulas, T. Panagiotidis, J. Roberts, L. Sargeant, A. Bartel
BEST: Richmond Central:
GOALS: Beaumaris: M. Kambouris 1, S. Stewart 1, D. Collins 1
GOALS: St Kevin’s 3: B. Griffin 3, A. Rolleston 3, H. Jones 1, T. Buultjens 1, M. Wiseman 1
BEST: Beaumaris: H. Mentiplay, L. Rundmann, D. Collins, S. Zahra, C. Ursprung, E. Murray
BEST: St Kevin’s 3: R. Smythe, N. Conwell, H. Toohey, A. Smith, A. Rolleston, O. Garlick Ormond:
GOALS: Ormond: C. Thorne 2, J. Land 1, j. howells 1, N. Topakas 1, M. Visintin 1, L. Teague 1
GOALS: St Bedes/Mentone: S. Ralph 8, C. Michaud 4, M. Kent 3, B. Morrow 2, J. Kinna 2, A. Rosenthal 2
BEST: Ormond: j. howells, J. Land, C. Thorne, C. Heaslip, N. Fisher, A. Seeto-Grossi
BEST: St Bedes/Mentone: B. Morrow, M. Valenzuela, S. Ralph, T. Jaensch, H. Luscombe, C. Michaud
Caulfield Grammarians:
Kew:
GOALS: Caulfield Grammarians: N. van der Linden 9, D. Rouget 3, J. Edwards 2, N. Collinson 2, E. McDonald 2, J. Milton 2, J. Paterson 2, D. Sherman 2, N. Cunningham 1, T. Sherman 1, G. Farmer 1, C. Lord 1, H. Wood 1
GOALS: Kew: J. McCubbin 3, M. Plain 2, J. Gray 2, B. Pritchard 1, P. Coe 1
BEST: Caulfield Grammarians: N. van der Linden, J. Paterson, D. Rouget, J. Milton, J. Brown, h. douglas
BEST: Kew: L. Appleton, P. Coe, Z. Rodezno, S. McSweeney, J. McCubbin, E. Clinch
Elsternwick:
MHSOB:
(53)
GOALS: Elsternwick: J. Swire 3, G. Takac 2, M. Riley 2, J. Harris 1, D. Hookway 1, M. Datson 1, J. Lloyd 1, J. Hill 1, S. Galgani 1
GOALS: MHSOB: A. Shulman 3, A. Nair 1, O. Dark 1, s. sritharan 1
BEST: Elsternwick: M. Riley, J. Swire, T. Umbers, D. Burrows, M. Datson, R. Jayamaha
BEST: MHSOB: A. Shulman, A. Ashton, K. Lugod, A. Nair, C. Hayden, O. Dark
GOALS: Parkside: G. Nairn 3, C. Pringle 2
GOALS: Old Melburnians: W. de Zoete 4, G. Cleary 3, A. Smith 2, N. Brown 2, S. Craven 1, W. McMurrick 1
BEST: Parkside:
BEST: Old Melburnians: W. de Zoete, S. Craven, A. Nicholls, M. Pappas, w. dunlop, G. Cleary
GOALS: Mazenod OC: C. Chilcott 3, N. Klavins 1
GOALS: West Brunswick: L. McDowell 3, A. Katsiroubas 1, S. Wassel 1
BEST: Mazenod OC: N. Rafton, S. Veltman, M. Rich, T. Csuka-Knight, M. Butler, R. Ramsay
BEST: West Brunswick: A. Cerroti, D. Kelly, L. McDowell, T. Milentijevic, F. Wild, N. Dynon Collegians:
GOALS: Collegians: H. Nankin 6, L. Jorgensen 2, J. Clarke 2, B. Copeland 2, R. Fogarty 2, J. Tassone 1, M. Daphne 1
GOALS: Whitefriars: M. Bradtke 2, L. Zita 2, D. Maher 1, S. Franklin 1, C. Sebafundi
1
BEST: Collegians: H. Nankin, L. Keam, Z. Climpson, B. Copeland, L. Castine, L. Jorgensen
BEST: Whitefriars: S. Franklin, L. Fox, G. Ibbott, J. Young, C. Sebafundi, J. Moroney
Marcellin:
(68)
GOALS: Marcellin: T. Crabb 3, N. Crabb 1, T. Brugliera 1, N. Baggio 1, M. Frost 1, C. Lamperd 1, L. Wyatt 1, J. Italiano 1
GOALS: Hampton Rovers: R. ATKINS 2, J. Lovig 1, J. Baxter 1, O. Beaton 1
BEST: Marcellin: M. Frost, C. Dimichele-Collins, L. Facci, L. Wyatt, X. Espinoza, T. Crabb
BEST: Hampton Rovers: M. Green, J. Lovig, J. McLean, R. Ironmonger, R. ATKINS
(117) Monash Blues:
(44)
GOALS: Hawthorn: K. Pargeter 4, S. Moussi 4, S. Waldron 3, D. Bye 3, T. Pengilly 1, J. Swan 1, H. Goodwin 1, J. Pearce 1
GOALS: Monash Blues: S. Chapman 2, K. Lieu 1, B. Egerton 1, M. Peethamparam 1
BEST: Hawthorn: M. Tanis, G. Ashby, J. Swan, W. Scott, K. Pargeter, D. Bye
BEST: Monash Blues: J. Graves, T. Bendel, S. Chapman, A. Tomaselli, K. Lieu, J. Donnellon
Masala 2:
GOALS: Masala 2: J. Ellis 1, M. Woods 1, A. Ibrahim 1
(21)
GOALS: Oakleigh: R. Gonzalez 5, A. Murray 5, W. Harris 2, B. Cooke 1, B. Logan 1, A. Malhotra 1, M. Firth 1
BEST: Masala 2: R. Taweel, J. Ellis, S. Beaumont, N. O’Rourke, M. Allen, S. Kennedy
BEST: Oakleigh: W. Harris, J. Murphy, A. Murray, B. Punyani, M. Phillips, R. Gonzalez
Old Yarra Cobras:
2:
GOALS: Old Yarra Cobras:
GOALS: MHSOB 2:
BEST: Old Yarra Cobras: BEST: MHSOB 2:
GOALS: Wattle Park:
GOALS: St Mary’s Salesian: A. Maniatis 1, A. Sutherland 1, F. Nguyen 1, J. Curnow 1, D. Stary 1
BEST: Wattle Park: A. Cookson, E. Stronach-Smith, J. Manapsal-Lucas, B. Kearns, L. Hicks, J. Keegan
BEST: St Mary’s Salesian:
GOALS: South Melbourne: M. Lorimer 3, S. Weidenhofer 1, L. Willsie 1
GOALS: Preston Bullants:
BEST: South Melbourne: T. Travis, L. Buncle, A. Hogan, L. Sfetkidis, S. Behan, C. Denahy maloney
BEST: Preston Bullants: J. Ilijoski, B. Casey, M. Cannizzaro, D. Young, L. O’Neill
GOALS: AJAX 3: Y. Rosenbaum 3, A. Rosenwax 1, J. Goldfarb 1, L. Slade 1, D. Lazar 1, Y. Procel 1, J. Surdut 1, T. Glick 1, L. Lowinger 1
GOALS: UHS-VU: S. Bak 2, M. Mallia 2
BEST: AJAX 3: I. Dubrovski, A. Syber, Z. Smolarski, s. Hurwitz, Y. Procel, L. Slade
BEST: UHS-VU: G. Addley, M. Mallia, H. Tomas, L. Bainbridge, N. Cheyne, R. Girvan
Jack Sheridan (Old Geelong)
100
VAFA congratulates the following players on reaching these incredible milestones. Well done!
Jack Sheridan plays his 100th game for Old Geelong this weekend—and whether you’ve had the pleasure of lining up alongside him, or the misfortune of trying to beat him, you’ve probably heard him called “Shed.” The nickname says it all. And if you’re still wondering why… just look at him. After coming through the Uni Blues U19s in 2016–17, Jack joined OGs in 2018. He kicked two on debut in the 2s (and nearly took out a goalpost), then slotted straight into the senior side the following week where he’s been a fixture ever since. A dual OGs Best & Fairest (2022, 2023) and 2023 VAFA B Grade B&F medallist, Jack has also donned the Big V in 2017 and 2024. He’s been named in the best in 58 of his 99 OGs games and since 2021, has added elite intercept marking to his already dominant ruck craft. Congrats, Shed. A genuine unit, and a genuine star.
Cheree Peters (Caulfield Grammarians)
This weekend we celebrate a massive milestone as Cheree “Books” Peters lines up for her 100th game. Books is one of a kind. Tough, reliable, endlessly hardworking, and always team-first. She’s the kind of player who leads with actions, chasing down every contest, standing tall under pressure, and never, ever taking a backwards step. Off the field Books has left just as big a mark. She brings warmth, loyalty, and a kindness that keeps the group grounded and laughing, no matter the week. 100 games is a testament to the years of commitment, resilience and heart you’ve poured into footy and this team Books. Congratulations on a huge milestone, you’ve given so much to this club, and we’re all better for it.
Ruby Hong (Caulfield Grammarians)
Congratulations to Ruby Hong for playing her 100th game for CGFC this weekend! ‘Rubyhong’ is the kind of teammate every club dream of. Dependable. Determined. Humble. She doesn’t chase accolades or the spotlight. She simply shows up, week after week, and delivers. Her game is built on smarts, clean skills, and calm under pressure. She plays with a quiet strength that lifts everyone around her. Ruby is the player who always does the team things. She plays with her head up, heart in it, and the kind of integrity that earns the deepest respect from teammates, coaches, and opponents alike. 100 games is no small feat, but for those who know Ruby, it feels inevitable. A reflection of her loyalty, resilience, and deep love for this club. Congratulations, Ruby. You wear the jumper with pride, and we are proud to call you one of our own.
Kate Wicks (Caulfield Grammarians)
Congratulations to Kate “Wicksy” Wicks on the extraordinary milestone 150 games. From her very first game to now leading our newly formed women’s thirds, Wicksy has been a powerhouse in the footy world. Her leadership isn’t loud or flashy, it’s calm, considered, and deeply respected. She leads with grace under pressure, steadiness in the chaos, and unwavering care for those around her. Wicksy has always been the one to steady the ship. In tough matches, you’ll find her composed in the backline. In the changerooms, you’ll hear her voice cut through the noise with clarity and encouragement. And as captain of our thirds, she’s helping to build something special. Congratulations Wickys. This milestone is so well deserved. Thank you for leading with grace, playing with heart, and showing us all what it means to wear the jumper with pride.
200
Tara Chetcuti (Coburg)
Tara Chetcuti form Coburg FC is playing her 200 th career game this Saturday 14th June. Tara is the current captain of the Coburg senior women’s team and is an original member of the team that commenced 5 years ago. She is a reliable utility who can & plays in any position required, a popular team member and very passionate about football. Never misses training and loves to mentor new players to the team and the game. She prides herself on doing all the training required including programs away from the club on the non-training nights and has excellent hand and foot skills on both sides of her body. Congratulations on this incredible milestone!
Sean O’Keeffe (St Bernards)
200
Great to see popular big man Sean O’Keeffe set to chalk up his 200th VAFA game this week. A St Bernards Junior, Sean progressed through U19 ranks to become a mainstay in the Ressies for many seasons before playing senior footy in 2023 & 2024. Whether in the Ruck, key back or key forward Sean always gives his all to the team. Sean becomes only the 44th player to achieve the 200-game milestone in the club’s history… a terrific testimony to his endurance and love of the game. Well done Sean!
Virgo
300
Virgs came to the club in 2004 and has played in every season since he debuted, right up to now, in his 21st season! Across the journey Virgs has played in 227 senior games, 72 reserves, and snuck in a thirds game at one point. Known for his aggressive, but quiet style on-field, Virgs has been a perfect utility player for the club, being able to play out of the square as a forward, pinch hit in the ruck and as he’s still doing in the seniors, locking down on opponents’ best forwards. Off-field, Virgs has become a beloved club figure across generations, getting along with everyone at the club, and always willing to help out with anything when asked! He also is well and truly in the club’s end of season trip hall of fame, still attending to this day. Virg’s longevity is a testament to his commitment to his conditioning, and his willingness to do whatever is needed on field. Well done Virgs, a true club legend and can’t wait to chair you off in game 300!
William Buck Premier Men’s
Collegians vOld Haileybury
St Bernard’s vUniversity Blues
De La Salle vOld Xaverians
St Kevin’s vOld Scotch University BlacksvOld Brighton
William Buck Premier Men’s Reserves Collegians vOld Haileybury
St Bernard’s vUniversity Blues
De La Salle vOld Xaverians
St Kevin’s vOld Scotch University BlacksvOld Brighton
Premier B Men’s
Old Geelong vFitzroy Old Ivanhoe vOld Trinity
Williamstown CYMS vOld Camberwell Hampton Rovers vCaulfield Grammarians Old CareyvOld Melburnians
Premier B Men’s Reserves Old Geelong vFitzroy Old Ivanhoe vOld Trinity
Williamstown CYMS vOld Camberwell
Hampton Rovers vCaulfield Grammarians Old CareyvOld Melburnians
Premier C Men’s
Division 3 Men’s Box Hill North vRichmond Central
Albert Park vNorth Brunswick
La Trobe University vChadstone
Swinburne University vPower House Wattle ParkvEley Park
Division 3 Men’s Reserves
Box Hill North vRichmond Central
Albert Park vNorth Brunswick
La Trobe University vChadstone
Swinburne University vPower House
Wattle ParkvEley Park
William Buck Premier Women’s Fitzroy vOld Geelong West Brunswick vKew
Old Scotch vBeaumaris
Caulfield GrammariansvWilliamstown CYMS
William Buck Premier Women’s Reserve Fitzroy vOld Geelong West Brunswick vKew
Old Scotch vBeaumaris
Caulfield GrammariansvWilliamstown CYMS
Premier B Women’s
Port Melbourne Chargers vSt Bedes/Mentone
Old Xaverians vMarcellin
Old Melburnians vOld Yarra Cobras MUWFCvWestbourne
Division 1 Women’s
Hampton Rovers vOld Haileybury
Richmond Central vParkdale Vultures
Glen Eira / Old McKinnon vPower House
Therry Penola vMonash Blues OakleighvWhitefriars
Division 2 Women’s Box Hill North vBrunswick Parkside vCoburg
La Trobe University vDe La Salle Old Carey vUHS-VU AquinasvHawthorn
Division 3 Women’s
South Melbourne vAlbert Park Prahran vMazenod
St Mary’s Salesian vWattle Park Elsternwick vNorth Brunswick Old CamberwellvOrmond
Division 4 Women’s
Old Yarra Cobras 2vCaulfield Grammarians 3
Canterbury vMonash Blues 2
Westbourne 2vFitzroy 3
Oakleigh 2vPort Melbourne Chargers 2
St Kevin’s 3vWest Brunswick 3
Knee
Knee problems
Hip problems
Hip
Shoulder problems
Shoulder
Foot & ankle problems
Foot & ankle
Sports injuries
Arthritis surgery
Arthritis surgery
Trauma & limb reconstruction
Trauma & reconstruction
Hand, wrist & elbow surgery
Hand, wrist & elbow surgery
Fractures & broken bones
Fractures &
Joint replacement surgery
Joint
St Kevin’s8440016 116.73
Old Scotch844001697.98
St Bernard’s844001686.52
University
844001683.99
734011297.84
William Buck Premier Men’s University Blues vCollegians
Old Scotch vDe La Salle
St Bernard’s vUniversity Blacks
Old Haileybury vOld Brighton
Old XaveriansvSt Kevin’s
William Buck Premier Men’s Reserves University Blues vCollegians
Old Scotch vDe La Salle
St Bernard’s vUniversity Blacks
Old Haileybury vOld Brighton Old XaveriansvSt Kevin’s
Premier B Men’s
Caulfield Grammarians vOld Ivanhoe
Old Camberwell vHampton Rovers
Old Geelong vOld Carey
Old Trinity vWilliamstown CYMS
Old MelburniansvFitzroy
Premier B Men’s Reserves
Caulfield Grammarians vOld Ivanhoe Old Camberwell vHampton Rovers
Old Geelong vOld Carey
Old Trinity vWilliamstown CYMS
Old MelburniansvFitzroy
Premier C Men’s
St Bedes/Mentone vParkdale Vultures
Parkside vPrahran
Glen Eira / Old McKinnon vMazenod PEGS vMarcellin BeaumarisvAJAX
Premier C Men’s Reserves
St Bedes/Mentone vParkdale Vultures
Parkside vPrahran
Glen Eira / Old McKinnon vMazenod PEGS vMarcellin BeaumarisvAJAX
Division 1 Men’s
Ormond vElsternwick
Therry Penola vBrunswick Kew vUHS-VU
Oakleigh vPreston Bullants
Monash BluesvOld Peninsula
Division 1 Men’s Reserves
Ormond vElsternwick
Therry Penola vBrunswick Kew vUHS-VU
Oakleigh vPreston Bullants
Monash BluesvOld Peninsula
Division 2 Men’s
Whitefriars vSt John’s
Canterbury vMHSOB South Melbourne vWest Brunswick
Hawthorn vSt Mary’s Salesian Old Yarra CobrasvAquinas
Division 2 Men’s Reserves
Whitefriars vSt John’s
Canterbury vMHSOB
South Melbourne vWest Brunswick
Hawthorn vSt Mary’s Salesian Old Yarra CobrasvAquinas
Division 3 Men’s
Eley Park vAlbert Park
Chadstone vBox Hill North
Power House vLa Trobe University
Swinburne University vWattle Park North BrunswickvRichmond Central
Division 3 Men’s Reserves
Eley Park vAlbert Park
Chadstone vBox Hill North
Power House vLa Trobe University
Swinburne University vWattle Park North BrunswickvRichmond Central
William Buck Premier Women’s Beaumaris vWest Brunswick Fitzroy vSt Kevin’s
Williamstown CYMS vOld Geelong Old ScotchvKew
William Buck Premier Women’s Reserve Beaumaris vWest Brunswick Fitzroy vSt Kevin’s
Williamstown CYMS vOld Geelong Old ScotchvKew
Premier B Women’s Old Yarra Cobras vSt Bedes/Mentone Westbourne vPort Melbourne Chargers
Old Brighton vOld Melburnians Old XaveriansvMUWFC
Division 1 Women’s Monash Blues vHampton Rovers Whitefriars vGlen Eira / Old McKinnon
Old Haileybury vRichmond Central Therry Penola vPower House OakleighvParkdale Vultures
Division 2 Women’s Parkside vAquinas Old Carey vLa Trobe University Brunswick vCoburg MCC vDe La Salle HawthornvBox Hill North
Division 3 Women’s Albert Park vWattle Park
Old Camberwell vSt Mary’s Salesian Mazenod vElsternwick
Ormond vSouth Melbourne North BrunswickvPrahran
Division 4 Women’s Old Yarra Cobras 2vFitzroy 3 West Brunswick 3vWestbourne 2
Monash Blues 2vOakleigh 2 Port Melbourne Chargers 2vSt Kevin’s 3 Preston BullantsvCanterbury
