The Amateur Footballer 2024 - Week 23

SEASON 2024

Friday September 27

OLD BRIGHTON v OLD SCOTCH

2024 WILLIAM BUCK PREMIER MEN’S GRAND FINAL

EDITORIAL Paul Newton VAFA President

Friday’s two remaining Grand Finals, the William Buck Premier Men’s and Premier Men’s Reserves brings to a close the 2024 season. Before releasing the 2024 fixture on 1st November last year, the VAFA identified and researched the opportunity to showcase these two feature games on Melbourne’s public holiday in advance of the AFL grand final.

across metropolitan Melbourne and like the clubs this represents a lot of travel for the umpires. They do a great job often in trying circumstances; our unique game is recognized as difficult to officiate, and we thank them for their tireless efforts.

I acknowledge we are breaking new ground with this initiative.

It will be the only community games of football in Melbourne for the day and, being a public holiday, we are hoping it will attract heightened interest. Let’s hope the crowds come to Elsternwick Park and enjoy the games, the weather looks to be on our side in this respect.

The Board was thrilled to include Representative Football as part of the 2024 season. We took teams to Perth and hosted the Bendigo FNL at Elsternwick Park as well as showcasing our Holmesglen U19 talent. Rep football is part of the VAFA culture and history, fostering lifelong friendships. 2025 will mark 100 years of Big V football and we will again have the pride of the Big V on display.

It’s exciting to see the two teams play off in the senior game, with Old Brighton and Old Scotch seeking to win the coveted premiership. It’s been a while since either have played in the Prem A Grand Final, a win to Old Brighton will be a first, whereas for Old Scotch their last Prem A grand final victory was back in 1978.

In 2024 our 68 clubs fielded a combined 323 teams. This resulted in 2,763 games including the finals. The season commenced on Saturday 6 April and concludes Friday 27 September, running a combined 175 days, add to that the club preseasons and that is a lot of football. Games were officiated by our 560 umpires and as we know our competition spans the whole of Melbourne, across 23 LGA’s.

Football is a contact sport, and injuries are unfortunately inevitable, we were reminded of this with the very serious injury to St Kevin’s player Michael Pisker midseason. An unfortunate collision resulted in Michael sustaining a traumatic head injury. Michael is making good progress and we wish him the best on his road to recovery. I am amazed by the generous support of the extended VAFA community, it speaks volumes of what the VAFA is all about, not to mention the immediate care exhibited by SKOB’s President Patrick Mount and his St Kevin’s community.

I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate all premiership teams

The Board is indebted to the VAFA administration, capably led by our CEO Jason Reddick. I have witnessed first-hand the many hours Jason and his team put in to ensure the competition meets club expectation in line with our rules and integrity. I am proud of this team and take this opportunity to acknowledge their professionalism and commitment.

I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate all premiership teams, in particular the players, coaches and support staff, as mentioned above, the season has been long and has presented challenges, however that’s what makes winning a premiership all the more special. Furthermore, congratulations to the various award winners.

Our competition is unique for several reasons, apart from being played under amateur rules we adopt 2 team promotionrelegation. This often keeps the competitions alive until the final round as there can still be a lot to play for in avoiding the “drop”.

You only have to look at Caulfield Grammarians senior men, they remain in Premier B by a slender % differential after winning their final game in emphatic style against the higher placed Old Camberwell to stay up.

In closing, thank you all for your commitment to the VAFA, I hope 2024 has delivered memories that you will treasure and has provided a source of enjoyment during Melbourne’s winter.

Best of luck to the teams competing this Friday and I hope to see many of you at the VAFA Awards Night on Wednesday 9 October at the San Remo Ballroom. We will celebrate the Best & Fairest recipients as well as a host of other medals to be awarded. For the first time, the VAFA will be presenting Premiership Flags at the Awards Night and encourage all premiership players, coaches, and volunteers to come along.

A lot is asked of our Umpires, and I take this opportunity to thank them for their commitment and service, as stated we play games

Tickets can be purchased online at: https://www.intix.com. au/event/vafa-awards-night-2024

The Amateur Footballer The Journal of the Victorian Amateur Football Association September 27, 2024 I Vol 23 No. 23 1

THE OFFICIAL NON-ALCOHOLIC BEER OF THE VICTORIAN AMATEUR FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION FINALS.

THE AMATEUR FOOTBALLER 2024

2

3

WILLIAM BUCK PREMIER MEN’S Jason Bennett

Access Team Lists on PlayHQ via VAFA.com.au

William Buck Premier Men’s Grand Final Preview – Old Brighton vs Old Scotch RD 14: OLD SCOTCH 16.9 (105) d. OLD BRIGHTON 11.14 (80) by 25pts at Camberwell

It all comes down to this… History will be made when a team that’s never won a Premier Men’s flag faces a team that’s claimed just one in 90 years.

Old Scotch confirmed their premiership credentials by powering away to an imposing win over pace-setters Old Brighton at Camberwell Sportsground.

It’s a golden opportunity for Old Brighton or Old Scotch to get their hands on some long-overdue silverware.

It was another slow start for the Cardinals, who conceded 6 opening quarter goals to trail by 20 points at the first change.

However, they responded with a 5-goal second term to get back within 3 points at the half despite losing spearhead James Tarrant to a hamstring injury.

Old Brighton has never lifted the cup in Premier Men’s, with their best finishes twice as runner-up in 2007 and 2022, when they fell 22 points of St Kevin’s in a low-scoring slog.

Now they’re back into the premiership decider for the second time in three years, seemingly better equipped to win it all.

The Cards continued to press in the third, finding multiple avenues to goal to boot 4 to 2 and lead by a kick at the final change of a highly entertaining contest.

Will 2024 be the year that Old Brighton slides their first Premier Men’s premiership cup into the cabinet at Brighton Beach Oval?

They seized control with the first 3 goals of the final term to ultimately post an eye-catching 25-point victory.

Old Scotch is chasing its tenth Premier Men’s title, but just its second since 1934. It has lost six of the seven A-Grade Grand Finals it has played in the last 90 years, leaving 1978 as its only triumph in nine decades.

KEY ABSENCES HARRY HILL – The inspirational Old Brighton captain is also their most important player but will be missing due to concussion. He has been their midfield prime mover all season, leading the Tonners in disposals, clearances, tackles and Inside 50s when he went down in the final round.

They comprehensively defeated the Tonners the last time they met and will enter the decider full of confidence after two powerful finals wins over teams that have had their measure in modern times – Collegians and St Kevin’s.

Is 2024 the year that the Cardinals finally break their 46-year drought?

The midfield still functioned superbly without him in the Second Semi – a testament to their depth, and maybe the less predictable mix with others grabbing some midfield minutes might ultimately hold them in good stead. Big shoes to fill though, given his innate ability to step up and seize the big moments.

2024 MEETINGS RD 6: OLD BRIGHTON 14.8 (92) d. OLD SCOTCH 10.6 (66) by 26pts at Brighton Beach Oval The Tonners won the inside battle and controlled territory to boot the first 4 goals and open up a 21-point quarter-time lead.

The second term delivered more of the same, the ladderleaders kicking the only 3 goals of the quarter to hold a commanding 37-point advantage at the major break – the second-placed Cardinals held to just one first-half goal.

Old Scotch added 3 goals in the third term, but the home side added 4 of their own, heading into the final quarter with a 46-point lead.

Old Scotch brought some respectability to the scoreboard with 6 goals to 3, but the damage was done - the Tonners 6-and-0 with a statement win, while the Cardinals slid from second to fourth.

THE AMATEUR FOOTBALLER 2024

AIDEN FRANETIC – The Cardinals also suffered a significant blow to their midfield mix when the dynamic Franetic limped off during the third quarter of the Preliminary Final with a hamstring injury.

He had been the most influential mid on the ground, racking up 24 disposals, 9 clearances and 9 Inside 50s but the upside for Old Scotch is that other midfielders stepped up to cover his absence, which they will have to do again in the Grand Final, given Franetic is ranked #1 Clearances & Inside 50s and #2 Tackles.

4

STYLES MAKE FIGHTS

PREDICTIONS

OLD BRIGHTON’s biggest strength may be its balance of talent and experience across every line. Their depth is a weapon, because just when you have one gun covered, another pops up to do some damage.

PADDY GRINDLAY –

The Tonners pride themselves on their contested game.

Ranked #1 for Ground Ball Gets, #2 Tackles & Contested Possessions, #3 Clearances, they set up games via winning the ball at the source.

JOEY PIGNATARO –

While the Tonners will be without their #1 Clearance player, Harry Hill, the Cards will be without their Top 2 Clearance players, Aiden Franetic and Isaac Conway. Old Brighton will fancy their chances of controlling the game from the inside, denying Old Scotch the chance to stretch them on the spread.

JASON BENNETT –

The Tonners are also clinical with their ball use (fewest Turnovers) and brutal at punishing opposition errors by taking their chances (#1 Score Efficiency).

FRIDAY 2.30pm (Elsternwick Park) – live coverage from 1.30pm

THE CARDINALS MUST:

RADIO COVERAGE - SEN app, SEN.com.au & VAFA.com.au

•

Try to at least break even inside the contest & at worst, close the exits.

•

Hunt the Tonners & force them into error (Old Scotch LAST for Pressure Acts).

•

Take their chances around goal – inaccuracy has plagued them at times this season.

OLD SCOTCH is the #1 Disposal team in the competition and are deadly when allowed to string together uncontested possession chains. They use the ball well, making it difficult to win back off them when they’re out & running. They love the open expanses of Elsternwick Park.

They are also the #1 Contested Marking team in the league, so are happy to kick to contests if pressured, knowing that big men James Tarrant, Ryan Valentine & Will Clark are strong in the air. Few defences can handle that tall trio, who have combined for 79 goals between them.

The Cards also boast a strong Intercept game with Charlie Cormack & Doug Lawrence happy to hoover up any long bombs into the opposition’s front half. Cormack is their prime rebounder with almost double any other Cardinal & can instantly turn defence into attack.

THE TONNERS MUST: •

Close down the exits to prevent the Cardinals’ spread at ground level.

•

Compete tirelessly in the air to negate Old Scotch’s marking power.

•

Negate Charlie Cormack’s influence in the back half.

LEAD-IN FORM •

OLD BRIGHTON - WON 10 of LAST 11

•

OLD SCOTCH - WON 11 of LAST 13

OLD SCOTCH by 12pts Jock Nelson Medal: James TARRANT

OLD SCOTCH by 19pts Jock Nelson Medal: Charlie CORMACK

OLD BRIGHTON by 1pt Jock Nelson Medal: Nick PAVLOU WILLIAM BUCK PREMIER MEN’S GRAND FINAL:

LIVE STREAM – VAFA.com.au & KOMMUNITY TV

TALE OF THE TAPE Old Brighton

Old Scotch

#5

Disposals

#1

#3

Disp Eff %

#2

#1

Turnovers

#2

#2

Kicks

#1

#3

Kick Eff %

#2

#5

Handballs

#2

#8

Hits to Adv.

#6

#3

Clearances

#4

#1

Ground Balls

#4

#5

Hard Gets

#4

#2

Tackles

#8

#8

Pressure Acts

#10

#2

Cont.Poss.

#5

#1

Loose Gets

#3

#7

Total Mks

#1

#4

Uncont.Mks

#1

#8

Cont.Mks

#1

#7

Intercept Mks

#5

#5

Mks I50

#3

#4

Inside 50s

#3

#1

Score Eff.

#3

5

GRAND FINAL CLUB REVIEW - OLD BRIGHTON PREMIER DATA STAT LEADERS

Joined VAFA: Premier Men’s Grand Finals:

Premier B Grand Finals:

425 412 384 377 342

CLEARANCES:

Harry Hill Nick Pavlou Tom Fisher Sam Flockart Hamish Dick

116 109 98 88 73

TACKLES:

Harry Hill Tom Fisher Sam Flockart Tom Burnell Nick Pavlou

135 125 110 87 75

REBOUND 50s:

Campbell Tweedie Luca Macnab Tom Yorgey Kai Dimattina Alfie Jarnestrom

91 76 53 36 33

INTERCEPT MARKS:

Campbell Tweedie Quintin Montanaro Darcy Gilbert Sam Flockart Max Benier

56 30 27 27 26

MARKS:

Campbell Tweedie Tom Yorgey Finn Campigli Alfie Jarnestrom Luca Macnab

113 81 80 76 73

INSIDE 50s:

Nick Pavlou Harry Hill Tom Fisher Jordan Segar Sam Flockart

88 83 64 51 46

MARKS I50:

Jamie Hope Sam Collins Jonah Campigli Ben Pryor Nick Pavlou

31 27 21 14 13

GOALKICKERS:

Nick Pavlou Jamie Hope Sam Collins Will Lewis Hamish Dick

28 27 25 24 19

3

0 5 1992, 1997, 2000, 2006, 2017

Premier B Premierships:

Harry Hill Nick Pavlou Tom Fisher Luca Macnab Alfie Jarnestrom

1957

2007, 2022, 2024 Premier Men’s Premierships:

DISPOSALS:

3 1997, 2013 & 2017

Old Brighton first entered the VAFA as Old Brightonians in the 1920s and 30s before returning to the Ammos in their current form in 1957.

They began in F-Section (Division 2 these days), and their first senior premiership came 20 years later when they claimed the 1977 Division 1 title.

The core of that group went on to win the 1980 Premier C flag 3 years later, which saw them elevated to Premier B. It would take the Tonners 17 years to win the Premier B crown in 1997. A stint in A-Grade saw them make the 2007 Grand Final before returning to Premier B and winning the 2013 flag six years later.

They slid back to Premier B for three years, claimed a third premiership in 2017, and have been in the top tier ever since.

In 2024, they finished as minor premiers, an incredible 3.5 games clear of St Kevin’s, who they defeated in a 6-point Second SemiFinal thriller to progress straight through to their second William Buck Premier Men’s Grand Final in three years.

THE AMATEUR FOOTBALLER 2024

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GRAND FINAL CLUB REVIEW - OLD SCOTCH PREMIER DATA STAT LEADERS

Joined VAFA: Premier Men’s Grand Finals:

472 419 368 360 357

CLEARANCES:

Aidan Franetic Isaac Conway Andy Jelbart Will Clark Henry Brown

125 91 74 74 57

TACKLES:

Andy Jelbart Aidan Franetic Angus Symons Isaac Conway Henry Brown

83 73 68 68 57

REBOUND 50s:

Charlie Cormack Jack Brown Ben Hays Will Townsend Alex Noblet

105 55 47 45 41

INTERCEPT MARKS:

Charlie Cormack Jack Brown Doug Lawrence James Tarrant Will Townsend

39 36 34 26 23

MARKS:

Ben Hays Will Townsend Jack Lipscombe Brodie Easton James Tarrant

149 114 101 90 89

INSIDE 50s:

Aidan Franetic Ben Hays Jack Lipscombe James Tarrant Angus Symons

77 74 50 46 68

MARKS I50:

Ryan Valentine Will Clark James Tarrant Mackenzie Allen Harry Scott

38 23 21 14 71

GOALKICKERS:

Ryan Valentine Will Clark James Tarrant Angus Symons Mackenzie Allen

32 26 21 20 13

17

9 1923-24, 1926-27, 1931-32-33-34, 1978

Premier B Grand Finals:

Ben Hays Charlie Cormack Will Townsend Jack Lipscombe Aidan Franetic

1921

1923-24-25-26-27, 1931-32-33-34-35, 1946, 1958-59, 1978, 1997-98, 2024 Premier Men’s Premierships:

DISPOSALS:

7 1955, 1965, 1970, 1977, 1980, 2017 & 2019

Premier B Premierships:

3 1965, 1970, 1977

Old Scotch has been a VAFA stalwart since 1921 and, except for the 6 years of World War II, has competed continuously ever since.

Their 35 straight years in the top flight until the end of 2015 remain the longest continuous stint of any club in VAFA history, and they have never slipped further than B-Grade.

They are chasing an impressive tenth A-Grade flag in 2024. However, 8 of their previous 9 came in a remarkable 12-year period of dominance from 1923 to 1934.

But they’ve won just one in 90 years since that golden era.

The Cards faithful had to wait 44 years for their ninth flag in 1978 and have so far waited another 46 years to try and capture their tenth.

They’ve played in 7 A-Grade Finals in those 9 decades, for 6 losses and the 1978 success.

2024 has already been a stunningly successful season for Old Scotch, making the Seniors & Reserves Grand Finals in both the Premier Men’s and Premier Women’s competition – an incredible achievement.

Their women won the flag last weekend with a brilliant performance that ended St Kevin’s run of 3 straight flags. Can their men also hoist the cup and finally return to the top of the VAFA mountain?

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WIL LI A M BUCK PREMIER MEN’S

OLD BRIGHTON

OLD SCOTCH

Senior Coach: Marcel Bruin Assistant Coach: Luke Daffy Other Coaches: Josh Homann, Travis O’Donohue

Senior Coach: Mark Gnatt Assistant Coach: Andrew Millar Other Coaches: Darren Flanigan

No. Name

G

B

No. Name

G

1

Thomas Burnell

1

Andrew Jelbart (Captain)

2

Jordan Segar

2

Henry Brown

3

Tom Yorgey

4

Ben Hays

4

Harry Hill (c)

6

Angus Symons

5

Campbell Tweedie

7

Jack Lipscombe

6

Thomas Fisher (vc)

9

Jack Polkinghorne

7

Lachlan Filipovic

10 Jack Brown 12 James Tarrant

13 Finn Campigli

13 Matt Bennett

15 Kai Dimattina

14 Rhys Galvin

16 Hamish Dick

15 Will Townsend

18 Sam Collins

18 Harry Scott

19 Jonah Campigli

22 Doug Lawrence

22 Max Lohan

23 Cooper Lean

23 Michael Karayannis

24 Charlie Cormack

24 Ben Pryor

30 Charlie Jackson

28 Elliot Avis

31 Lachie Dennis

29 Fraser Gregson

35 Harry Stubbings

34 Sam Flockart

36 Ryan Valentine

41 Luca Macnab

39 Sam Grant

43 Nicholas Pavlou

44 Will Clark

48 Jamie Hope

45 Ben Thomson

60 Maxwell Benier

52 Lachie Johnson

64 William Lewis

56 Alex Noblet

77 Alfred Jarnstrom

59 Ollie Badr

88 Quintin Montanaro

63 Robbie Beckworth

1st Qtr

B

2nd Qtr

3rd Qtr

1st Qtr

4th Qtr

G

G

B

B THE AMATEUR FOOTBALLER 2024

8

2nd Qtr

3rd Qtr

4th Qtr

WILLIAM BUCK PREMIER RESERVE MEN’S

7 11 21 22 25 27 28 31 37 38 42 43 44 45 47

OLD XAVERIANS

OLD SCOTCH

Senior Coach: Dimitri Panotis Assistant Coach: John Symeopoulos

Senior Coach: Rhett Wilsmore Assistant Coach:

Jack Hewitt Fraser Pearce William Egan Charlie Whitehead Ben Moyle Billy Kennedy Jack Whitehead Will Goss Joseph Tobin Charlie Knott Ben Scala Harrison Bell Angus Sheedy Lucas Agnoletto Charlie Westcott

59 60 61 62 63 65 66 67 72

16 25 29 30 46 47 49 50 51 52 53 55 57 60 61

Nick Brown Makuc Mahommed Hamish MacIsaac Sam Turner William Hart Connor Dunne Edward Kennedy Hugh Basset Matt Lowe

LIVE COVERAGE FROM 1:30PM

Cam Melville (C) Fraser Morrisby Connor Goodison Charlie Jackson Mitch Bradley Tom Clarke Angus Jones Harry Robenstone Matt Vacirca Lachie Johnson Charlie Schilling (VC) Howie Japp Hamish Bolton Ryan Walsh Tom Holding

9.00 AM 11.30 AM 12.00 PM 2.00 PM 2.30 PM 5.00 PM

9

62 63 64 65 66 67 68 70 73 74 75

Michael Tassiopoulos Robbie Beckworth Will Easton Charlie Hocking Alex Davies Hugh Byrne-Jones Lachie Harker Matthew Muller Dwayne Darcy Sam Skinner Angus Halse

WILLIAM BUCK PREMIER MEN’S Jason Bennett

Access Team Lists on PlayHQ via VAFA.com.au

Cardinals end SKOB’s golden Grand Final run & will face the Tonners in the Big One Skipper Andy Jelbart extended the margin to a dangerous 15 points with his goal in the opening minute as his team started breaking even in and around the contest. This allowed the Cards to balance up the territory battle and start turning most of the major stat categories for the first time all day.

And then there were two…

Old Scotch ended St Kevin’s incredible run of five consecutive Premier Men’s Grand Finals, leading from start to finish in an impressive Preliminary Final performance at Elsternwick Park.

PRELIMINARY FINAL IN REVIEW: ST KEVIN’S vs OLD SCOTCH

Enter Tom Jok. He launched a long-range bomb at the 16-minute mark that brought the margin back to just 7 points and ignited the St Kevin’s faithful. Suddenly it felt like their team was back in the game.

The Cardinals jumped out of the blocks and settled into the game with 3 goals in the opening 10 minutes as Ryan Valentine, Angus Symons & Cooper Lean all hit the scoresheet with an early major – Symons and Aidan Frenetic were directly involved in all three to immediately send SKOB onto the back foot.

And when Callum Jones added another goal for SKOB, the margin had shrunk to a single point entering time-on in the third term.

Frenetic would open with an impressive 11 disposals and 3 Goal Assists in the first term, but last season’s runners-up didn’t panic and started creating opportunities of their own.

Suddenly it was incumbent on Old Scotch to stabilise the situation and the prolific Ben Hays stepped up and seized his moment 2 minutes to ensure the Cards would retain the lead they’d held all day.

In fact, they dominated possession (+29 for the quarter) and Inside 50s (16-7), winning it on the inside and retaining it through uncontested chains to post the final 5 scores of the first quarter and negate the early damage as they drew back within 3 points.

But when Cardinal midfielder Aiden Franetic - who had racked up 24 disposals, 9 clearances and 9 Inside 50s to that point – limped off with a hamstring injury, it felt like SKOB were right in the contest and well capable of finishing strongly enough to secure another Grand Final berth.

QTR TIME: St Kevin’s 2.3 (15) Old Scotch 3.0 (18)

With just one goal separating the teams, were we in for a Preliminary Final thriller?

The second quarter showcased the defensive resilience of both teams, with a combined 20 Inside 50s yielding just 3 goals as both sides dug in for the long haul.

3-QUARTER TIME: St Kevin’s 5.9 (39) Old Scotch 7.3 (45)

Cooper Lean booted his second goal at the 3-minute mark to re-establish some breathing room for the Cardinals before Ollie Gill kicked a beauty for SKOB 8 minutes later.

The game sat on a knife-edge for the first 7 minutes without a goal in the final term before Angus Symons bobbed up to kick his second and steel the Cardinals who now sat on a 12-point lead, and when Cooper Lean added another 2 minutes later the margin extended to 19 points which, given the tightness of the game all afternoon, suddenly felt like a significantly larger gap.

It was tight and tough contested footy with big Will Clark once again establishing a little buffer for the Cards with his first goal at the 21-minute mark.

And while Old Scotch would head to the major break with a 9-point lead, territory dominance belonged to SKOB, who had racked up a whopping 30 Inside 50s to 13 in the opening half.

The script from earlier in the game had virtually flipped, with Old Scotch now dominating on the inside and gaining territory based on that control. The Cards finally got their damaging uncontested possession chains going and when Lean booted his 4th goal at the 16-minute mark, the 27-point advantage started to feel like a bridge too far for SKOB.

With spearhead Patty Kerr held to just 4 touches, the big question became – could St Kevin’s find a way to crack the Cardinals’ defence in the second half? They had generated one extra scoring shot but trailed the relatively accurate Cards by 9 points.

But credit to Anthony Lynch’s men, who fought on and responded with a goal to Jack Darmody at the 22-minute mark to hang in at 21 points with time to play, but when Will Clark set up Jack Polkinghorne to run into an open goal at the 25-minute mark, it was all over.

HALF TIME: St Kevin’s 3.5 (23) Old Scotch 5.2 (32) Just as they’d done in the opening term, the Cardinals seized the early initiative in the third, having the better of the first 10-12 minutes.

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Clark was unstoppable as he took control Inside 50 and became the difference maker and VAFA Media commentator Joey Pignataro was full of praise for the big man.

“We have enormous respect for St Kevin’s - full credit to Plugger and his boys on yet another successful season albeit under adversity.”

“Where there’s a will there’s a way and Will Clark inspired them to victory in that final quarter. Not only did he kick two himself, he was part of 3 others, 2 of them directly to Cooper Lean.”

Anthony Lynch (St Kevin’s): “We are obviously very disappointed not to be going on into a sixth consecutive Grand Final.

Ryan Valentine added another in what turned out to be an explosive 7-goal final term from the Cardinals that blew the final margin out to a comprehensive 44 points in a contest that had been much closer than that all afternoon.

“We gave ourselves opportunities in both finals games to win, but ultimately, both Scotch and Brighton took theirs, and we didn’t and that’s finals footy.

FINAL SCORE: Old Scotch 14.7 (91) d. St Kevin’s 6.11 (47)

“I think the two form teams have deservedly made the grand final and I wish them both well.

“Culturally, I couldn’t be more proud of the players and club as a whole. We have had some real challenges through the year, but we have been totally united and come together to support each other through that and those bonds will allow us to do great things in the future.”

So back-to-back 44-point finals wins for Old Scotch, who will head into Friday’s Grand Final against Old Brighton full of confidence and belief, albeit potentially without dynamic midfielder Aidan Franetic.

But given the Tonners will be without prime-mover Harry Hill, those two absences would virtually cancel each other out.

WILLIAM BUCK PREMIER MEN’S GRAND FINAL:

Jubilation for Old Scotch, into their first top-flight Grand Final since 1998 and just one win away from their first top-flight premiership since 1978. What a Grand Final it promises to be!

FRIDAY 2.30pm (Elsternwick Park) – live coverage from 1.30pm LIVE STREAM – KOMMUNITY TV & VAFA.com.au

Full credit to St Kevin’s, who gave it everything but will watch the Grand Final from the sidelines for the first time since 2016.

“St Kevin’s stayed with Scotch for three quarters but ran out of steam and were outmuscled by the Cardinals late. But the SKOB era definitely isn’t over,” said Pignataro.

“They were one kick away from being in the Grand Final a week ago and they’ve had adversity off the back of last year’s Grand Final belting.

RADIO COVERAGE - SEN app, SEN.com.au & VAFA.com.au

PRELIMINARY FINAL RESULTS

“Plugger (Anthony Lynch’s) biggest supporter – his Mum – passed away at the start of the year. Then the Michael Pisker injury rattled the whole club, putting footy as far less of a priority. They also had injuries to key players at different points of the year.

WILLIAM BUCK PREMIER MEN’S St Kevins: 2.3 3.5 5.9 6.11 (47) Old Scotch: 3.0 5.2 7.3 14.7 (91) GOALS: St Kevins: O. Gill 2, J. Darmody 1, T. Jok 1, A. Hart 1, C. Jones 1 GOALS: Old Scotch: C. Lean 4, W. Clark 3, A. Symons 2, R. Valentine 2, J. Polkinghorne 1, B. Hays 1, A. Jelbart 1 BEST: St Kevins: W. Coates, S. Critchley, C. Hodges, L. Walters, C. Jones, L. Gunson BEST: Old Scotch: C. Cormack, J. Brown, C. Lean, L. Dennis, S. Grant, H. Brown

“But they have a model for sustained success like Xavs of the late ‘90s and early 2000s.”

He was full of praise for the Cardinals.

“Yet again the defensive profile stands up in finals. Charlie Cormack marked everything in his area across half back. He was our SKINS Player of the Game.

“They have such a strong balance between defence and attack, they are skilful by foot and prepared to change lanes to attack.

WILLIAM BUCK PREMIER MEN’S RESERVE

Mark Gnatt (Old Scotch): “It was a great game of footy - a tough battle and neither side gave an inch.

St Kevins: 3.1 4.2 7.3 9.6 (60) Old Scotch: 3.1 6.4 6.8 11.9 (75) GOALS: St Kevins: E. Mahoney 2, B. Bryan 2, L. Mazzeo 2, V. Stevancevic 1, W. Pearce 1, T. Williams 1 GOALS: Old Scotch: F. Morrisby 4, L. Johnson 2, A. Jones 1, H. Robenstone 1, R. Beckworth 1, M. Muller 1, M. Vacirca 1 BEST: St Kevins: J. Byrne, E. Mahoney, L. Mahoney, L. Mazzeo, B. Bryan, C. Woolrich BEST: Old Scotch: R. Beckworth, F. Morrisby, L. Johnson, R. Walsh, M. Muller, C. Schilling

“We got off to a great start with 3 goals in the first 10 minutes or so and then SKOB fought back and took control around the stoppages.

“However, our backs stood up brilliantly and repelled a number of inside 50s from SKOB. “We have confidence in our ability to run out games and this proved pivotal in the final quarter.

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12

13

WILLIAM BUCK PREMIER WOMEN’S Lauren Atkinson

Access Team Lists on PlayHQ via VAFA.com.au

Stars align for Old Scotch in Premiership glory Old Scotch continued to build momentum in the second, with Mietta Kendall getting them off to another hot start, as they capitalised on a ball that got out the back.

Old Scotch have claimed bragging rights for 2024 after ending St Kevin’s Premiership dominance over the past three years. The Stars recorded a defiant 32-point victory over the Saints to claim their first women’s Premiership at the top level.

Although St Kevin’s managed to lock the ball in their attacking half for a long stretch, they failed to hit the scoreboard, before Old Scotch got the game back on their terms once again.

St Kevin’s had long been considered the benchmark of women’s football – minor premiers in the inaugural season of the VAFA Premier Women’s competition, finalists the following year, and Premiers for the past three consecutive Grand Finals. They are a side who continued to outclass the rest of the competition year after year, coming into this year’s Grand Final pushing for a fourth consecutive premiership.

Two goals to the competition’s leading goalkicker, Eloise Defina, pushed the margin out to 37 points, leaving St Kevin’s with a mountain to climb.

If there is a team that could engineer such a comeback, it would be St Kevin’s, who showed their ability to turn a game on its head back in the qualifying final against Old Scotch. With that turnaround still fresh in the memory, there was a feeling around the grounds that it was only a matter of time before St Kevin’s would shift gears and make an impact on the scoreboard.

On the other hand, Old Scotch only started their women’s program in 2018 but quickly shot up the ranks, tasting premiership glory along the way as they worked their way into the top division where they now had the chance to make history with their first William Buck Premier Women’s flag.

19 minutes into the second quarter, St Kevin’s finally got their first major of the day when Kate Stanton snapped truly from the boundary line to give her side the lift they so desperately needed.

The scene was set for an epic Grand Final, with two formidable teams fighting it out for one premiership cup at the home of VAFA football, Elsternwick Park.

Shortly after, Sarah Cameron converted her first shot at goal for the day and there was a palpable shift in momentum as the Stars suddenly founded themselves under siege.

In the 2024 home and away season, Old Scotch and St Kevin’s only loss came at the hands of each other, and in their third clash this year it was the SKOB Saints who took home the chocolates in the Semi Final.

Luckily for Old Scotch, they were granted a reprieve when the siren sounded for half time moments later, putting a halt to St Kevin’s charge.

The standard of the two sides was evident from the first bounce, with both teams exhibiting strength and skill above that of the rest of the competition. Old Scotch brought a level of pressure that they had not shown so far this year, as they refused to allow St Kevin’s control of the Sherrin while providing themselves ample opportunity as they continued to win the clearance battle.

As was the theme all day, Old Scotch started the third term with a greater level of intensity than St Kevin’s, winning the first clearance and launching the ball inside their forward line, where Maggie Wilson was waiting to pounce.

Jordan Mifsud was electric, with the football seemingly drawn to her as she kicked three first term goals utilising various avenues to set the tone for Old Scotch.

Kate Stanton once again attempted to lift her team, attacking the ball with an unmatched ferocity. Displaying serious x-factor, Stanton kicked two goals in a minute to bring St Kevin’s back within three goals.

Despite working their way back into the contest late in the quarter, St Kevin’s only sniff at goal was a shot from Tess Cattle that was touched on the line by Old Scotch’s brick wall, Bella Gray.

THE AMATEUR FOOTBALLER 2024

Inspired by their teammate, the Saints took things up a notch, locking the ball in their forward half, however, the Scotch defenders withstood the barrage, not allowing any additional scores.

14

A late goal to Sara Fortunato took the wind out St Kevin’s sails, as the Saints players appealed that it had been touched to no avail.

With one quarter left to play, St Kevin’s trailed by a hefty 25 points, meaning a miracle final term would be required if the Saints were to continue their premiership reign.

Who else to deliver the coup de grace but Jordan Mifsud, who had been causing headaches for St Kevin’s all day.

Rewarded after laying a strong tackle, Mifsud slotted the first goal of the fourth quarter, making a Saints comeback feel near impossible.

The Saints were quick to respond through Sarah Cameron, leaving the door slightly ajar, however, it would turn out to be their last goal of the day.

Old Scotch were able to wind down the clock, until Jade Wise joined the list of goal scorers at the 20-minute mark, putting the icing on the cake for the Stars.

Anderson said, “The competition has been in awe of St Kevin’s for a long time and the work we put in to trying to bridge the gap was enormous. We needed to instil the belief within our group that we could not only match them but beat them.”

“That was one of the hardest games I’ve coached. St Kevin’s are just so good, and we knew that they would keep coming all day. They are a sensational team with some absolute talent that can really lift them, and we saw glimpses of that.”

We certainly saw St Kevin’s talent showcased throughout the final, with Kate Stanton leading the way as she gave all she had to try to propel her side to a comeback. Annabelle Embelton, Emily Condon and Lauren Suleiman were all enormous in defence, minimising the scoreboard damage from Old Scotch, while Sarah Betts and Jessica Joyce fought valiantly all day through the midfield.

With another season complete, one thing is for sure – Old Scotch and St Kevin’s are sure to be ‘the hunted’ in 2025.

As the final siren sounded, the scoreboard read 5.2 (32) to 10.4 (64). Unbelievable scenes of jubilation swept through the Old Scotch faithful as they celebrated their first premiership in the William Buck Premier Women’s competition.

GRAND FINAL RESULTS

Jordan Mifsud was awarded the Michael Sholly Best on Ground medal for her influential role in the victory, leading from the start with strength and determination, highlighted by her first quarter efforts that ultimately set Old Scotch up for the day.

WILLIAM BUCK PREMIER WOMEN’S St Kevins: 0.1 2.1 4.2 5.2 (32) Old Scotch: 3.2 6.2 8.3 10.4 (64) GOALS: St Kevins: K. Stanton 3, S. Cameron 2 GOALS: Old Scotch: J. Mifsud 4, E. Defina 2, M. Wilson 1, J. Wise 1, S. Fortunato 1, M. Kendall 1 BEST: St Kevins: K. Stanton, A. Embelton, E. Condon, S. Betts, J. Joyce, L. Suleiman BEST: Old Scotch: J. Mifsud, B. Gray, M. Caffry, M. Wilson, K. Hunter-Scott, E. Crump

While every Star contributed throughout the day, there were some that deserved extra recognition from their coach.

Through the midfield, Ella Crump did a brilliant job at nullifying the strength of the Big V ruck, Sarah Betts, while Mia Caffry was a contested bull, winning clearance after clearance to provide opportunities for her side. In defence, Bella Gray and Katie Hunter-Scott were resolute, keeping the usually lively St Kevin’s forwards at bay.

WILLIAM BUCK PREMIER WOMEN’S RESERVE

One factor that was consistent across the whole Old Scotch line up was their pressure and belief.

Collegians: 4.2 9.2 13.3 14.6 (90) Old Scotch: 0.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 (10) GOALS: Collegians: J. Stolz 2, B. Tuszynski 2, B. Rees 2, A. Henderson 2, K. Dudley 2, G. Lambley 1, C. Mcdermott 1, C. Pritchard 1, A. Kamberis 1 GOALS: Old Scotch: L. Morley 1 BEST: Collegians: BEST: Old Scotch: G. Johnson, I. Tuttle, G. Kerr, Z. Fodor, N. Griffiths, A. Stubbings

“I was so proud of our teams contested footy,” Old Scotch coach Dean Anderson said.

“Our pressure and tackling was at our best. Our midfield clearance work went to plan, and our structure up forward put the kind of pressure on St Kevin’s defence that we were hoping for.”

It was clear that the win meant even more due to the high standard of the opposition, who have built a dynasty over the last five years.

15

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PREMIER B MEN’S Paddy Grindlay

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Bloods crowned Premiers in Grand Final romp “The game was looking the way we wanted it to look, the only missing piece was putting the score on the board,” Ward said, emphasising the need for a high level of energy and pressure around the ground at the first break.

“It was awesome, mate.” Daniel Ward puts it simply.

Old Haileybury’s masterful 2024 season concluded with its third-largest winning margin of the year, and the largest winning margin in a Premier B Grand Final since the Blood’s 1990 triumph over Old Melburnians.

“We didn’t really take our chances in the first quarter; we dominated territory a little bit.”

An emphatic 19.15 (129) to 5.5 (35) belting of De La Salle at Trevor Barker Beach Oval has secured the club its second senior flag in three years and fired a shot across the bow of many a William Buck Premier side for season 2025.

The message stuck. The Bloods scored 6.3 (39) in the second term - each score coming from turnover. Despite holding their own around stoppage - indeed, De La would take a +7-clearance differential into half time and a slim advantage in the contested possessions count - Hyland’s men had committed 50 turnovers already, with only one goal to their name through Ryan O’Meara.

Facing De La for the fourth time of the season and second time of the Finals Series, the Bloods saved their best for last, erring only in their execution in front of goal in the first term in one of the most complete performances ever seen in the competition - and in the wider Association this year.

An eight-goal lead in place at half time, the Bloods only needed to shore up their position in the third term to all but secure victory - and did so, kicking four goals to one to put paid to the Grand Final with one quarter remaining.

Rare talent Andreas Stefankais, who has wowed the VAFA in his ten games at the Bloods while impressing in his time at Box Hill, was awarded the Ian Cordner medal as the player adjudged best on field with five goals from his 14 disposals.

Coach Ward has noted frequently this season a focus at Haileybury on timing their run, peaking at the right time an approach that began from the pre-season.

Two losses to start their 2024 Premier B campaign wasn’t exactly the ideal start, but since then the Bloods’ form has been imperious: 14 wins, one loss and one draw from Round 3 until the Grand Final last Sunday.

Still yet to celebrate his 20th birthday, Stefanakis will be one to keep a keen eye on next season, when the Bloods will return to William Buck Premier with an almighty spring in their step after a 2023 season where they were desperately unlucky to be relegated.

And with a full complement of stars raring to go - dynamic goalsneak Stefanakis, swingman Durras Seccull, midfield beast and 2022 Ian Cordner medallist Brede Seccull, and ball magnet Josh Gasparini just a few names that leap from the team sheet - the Bloods were always going to be difficult to tip against.

“The way that they’re playing at the moment - the two finals games they played against us, they’ve been really, really strong,” said De La Salle coach Nick Hyland.

“I walked away from (Sunday) thinking ‘that’s the best game of footy I’ve seen a Premier B team play all year’.”

“I’ve spoken about it a lot, I was quite nervous, quite anxious, when everything’s gone so smoothly - your team’s fit and firing, not too many injury issues,” Ward said.

There were signs early in the piece that it would be the Bloods’ day - uncharacteristic De La fumbles and turnovers giving rise to the intense pressure applied by the Bloods’ midfielders and forwards - the likes of Charlie Sinclair and Charlie Harrop feasting across half forward.

Harry Jones (four goals), Harrop (21 disposals, three goals), James Magner (21 disposals, three goals), Gasparini (38 disposals, eight clearances) and Durras Seccull (13 kicks from 12 intercepts) were all superb, but special mention must go to Charlie Sinclair.

Seven of the eight scoring shots registered by the Old Haileyburians in the first term would come directly from De La turnovers - but luckily for Hyland’s men the Bloods converted just two of those shots into goals, leading 2.6 (18) to 0.2 (2) at the first break.

THE AMATEUR FOOTBALLER 2024

18

The half forward feasted on De La’s unassuredness across half back, racking up 30 disposals, 11 inside 50s, 13 score involvements and a remarkable five goal assists in what was surely his finest performance of the year.

“I’ve stated to several people, I thought Charlie Sinclair was our best player,” said Ward “He’s probably the best pressure small forward in the comp…he worked his backside off.”

Ward will head back to William Buck Premier with lessons learned from a six-win 2023 season safe in the knowledge his group is well prepared for the challenge,

“It’s not an easy feat to get promoted and get back to A Grade.”

With the trophy engraved for 2024, the focus for both Old Haileybury and De La Salle will turn to remaining in William Buck Premier beyond 2025. The last time both promoted sides stayed in William Buck Premier for two seasons, or more was in 2021, where both Caulfield Grammarians and Old Scotch held onto their top flight places for 2022, albeit after a shortened 2021 season followed the abandonment of the 2020 season entirely.

“History would say it’s going to be a challenge (to stay up). But we’re in this position, we’ve given ourselves an opportunity to attack it full-on,” Hyland said.

“I’ve learnt a few things around game style - everyone says it, there’s no easy game in A Grade,” he said.

“This is our ambition, to be a successful, sustainable A-grade club”.

“They’re the small things - we’ve learnt a lot, that was our first experience in A grade for 12 years. I’m looking forward to it, the group’s really looking forward to it, they’re hungry, they’re eager.”

Speaking on the phone on Monday afternoon, Ward’s participation in the premiership afterglow had concluded somewhat - but the same couldn’t necessarily be said about the playing group.

“The personal relationships I have with some of those boys…I was just rapt. We had a great night last night; the boys are still going at the moment.”

GRAND FINAL RESULTS

PREMIER B MEN’S Old Haileybury: 2.6 8.9 12.12 19.15 (129) De La Salle: 0.2 1.3 2.4 5.5 (35) GOALS: Old Haileybury: A. Stefanakis 5, h. jones 4, C. Harrop 3, J. Magner 3, L. Treverton 1, B. Steele 1, B. Seccull 1, H. Nosiara 1 GOALS: De La Salle: R. O‚ÄôMeara 2, C. Algeri 1, A. Indovino 1, F. Cameron 1 BEST: Old Haileybury: C. Sinclair, J. Gasparini, C. Harrop, D. Seccull, C. Riley, h. jones BEST: De La Salle: J. Williams, C. Aitken, L. Gawel, H. Nicholson, T. Shannon, F. Cameron

The questions will come for Nick Hyland and De La Salle on whether there was simply not enough left in the tank after a remarkable and emotional preliminary final win over Old Trinity - but the coach of the William Buck Premier-bound Dees refuses to use the game as an excuse.

“Did it take a lot of effort and physical exertion to win last weekend? Absolutely. Did it take its toll during the week?

Yes. Is it an excuse? Absolutely not.”

PREMIER B MEN’S RESERVE

The disappointment in losing the Grand Final will be tempered by the club’s return to top flight after a five-year hiatus following relegation in 2019 - Hyland has already viewed the game back and found plenty of lessons to come from the defeat.

“I encouraged them, and however long this will be, once they process the whole year in totality, I think they’ll come to realise this was a successful year.”

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Old Trinity: 0.7 4.9 5.11 8.14 (62) De La Salle: 1.1 1.3 5.6 6.10 (46) GOALS: Old Trinity: N. Adgemis 2, W. Macafee 1, T. de Graaff 1, M. Scott 1, E. Chard 1, L. Scobie 1, B. Smith 1 GOALS: De La Salle: P. Russell 1, T. Fogarty 1, H. Gustin 1, E. MacBeth 1, S. McNidder 1, B. Ahearn 1 BEST: Old Trinity: N. Adgemis, W. Macafee, L. Chiaramonte, H. Taylor, F. Robertson, F. Hall BEST: De La Salle:

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PREMIER C MEN’S Raj Johnston

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Panthers thrash Rovers to be crowned kings of Premier C possession and continually work the footy inside 50. The Panthers capitalised on every opportunity as Nick Brewin walked into an easy goal half-way through this quarter, swooping on a loose ball bombed inside 50, making the most of the circumstances with no Hampton defender in front of him inside the 50.

The Premier C Grand Final saw Old Carey get the job done and in scintillating fashion no less, demolishing the Hampton Rovers by a massive 89 points in a one-sided affair.

On an overcast day at Trevor Barker Beach Oval, Old Carey skipper Zander Adam won the toss and elected to kick to the city end. And that decision paid off as the Panthers had a strong start with the first couple of goals of the game going their way, showing early signs of just how damaging their pressure and intensity could be throughout the afternoon. Old Carey star forward Riley Thompson was already looking dangerous and going to be someone that the Rovers needed to keep an eye on.

Three-quarter time came about, and the scoreboard read Old Carey 16.9 (105) to Hampton Rovers 5.4 (34).

It was going to take a miracle for the Rovers to turn this result around and the feeling around the ground was that the Panthers had one hand on the premiership cup. Old Carey’s coach Aaron Bailey was pleased that his side’s efforts in defence were being rewarded and creating opportunities for his team.

At quarter-time, Old Carey lead by 15 points; 3.3 (21) to 1.0 (6). Hampton coach Marty Pask cited at quarter time that his side needed to play with more dare and take risks to counter Old Carey’s fast style of play.

The Panthers showed no signs of slowing down in the final term and continued to dominate the play. To the Rovers credit, they continued to fight until the final siren and showed dignity and class despite the scoreline, managing two goals in the fourth quarter, but unfortunately for them, nowhere near enough to chase down Old Carey.

The Panthers kicked a number of behinds this quarter, but it did not matter given how far ahead they were as they continued to take the game on and play with speed.

Riley Thompson continued to pile on the goals to finish the afternoon with an incredible seven goals. The siren sounded as Old Carey’s players and coaching staff began to celebrate on the ground as their excited supporters rushed onto the field to soak up every moment!

The Rovers indeed found some dare and took on the game more in the second quarter, benefiting with three goals added to the scoreboard, however, they simply could not stop the pace of Old Carey who found five majors in the second term. The Panthers composure and tactics paid off as their midfielders worked in good pace with their forwards to get the ball through the goals more often than not.

The main break at half-time saw Old Carey extend their lead to 29 points. There was still another half of footy to be played and a case could be mounted that the Rovers could plot a comeback and fix up their deficiencies, however it was clear that the Panthers were dangerous with ball in hand and were finding many ways to break through Hampton’s defence.

After the game, Aaron Bailey acknowledged how special this premiership is, being the club’s 70 th year. “It’s a magnificent reward for our club and the people that put all the effort in behind the scenes. It hasn’t quite sunk in yet…it’s just brilliant.” Bailey singled out Isaac Ellwood for his efforts on the wing, and Bede Waters efforts to restrict star Hampton midfielder Christian Carnovale. “It was great that we played our best game when it mattered.”

Old Carey proved why the third quarter is coined as the premiership quarter, rampaging with a further eight goals, much to the dismay of Hampton’s supporters who only saw their side kick one major this quarter. Old Carey’s pressure to the contest and ability to work seamlessly as a team continued to shine, using their speed to gain

THE AMATEUR FOOTBALLER 2024

This game brings an end to a successful season for the Hampton Rovers. To finish second in a very competitive top four was a significant achievement. William Crawford and Liam O’Driscoll were key up forward in the Grand Final with two goals each. Despite their losses in the Semi 22

and Grand Final, the Rovers will be thrilled with their strong finish to the season which saw them win twelve consecutive matches from Round 7 to Round 18.

Old Carey was ultimately the best side in it and very deserving of a premiership. Finishing on top of the ladder with a great percentage and a lot to play for ultimately worked in their favour. Riley Thompson and Trent Warren were both incredible assets to the side with 66 and 52 goals, respectively.

GRAND FINAL RESULTS

PREMIER C MEN’S Old Carey: 3.3 8.7 16.9 20.17 (137) Hampton Rovers: 1.0 4.2 5.4 7.6 (48) GOALS: Old Carey: R. Thompson 7, N. Brewin 2, B. Andrews 2, C. Connell-Tobin 1, T. Newton 1, T. Jepson 1, T. Borghouts 1, J. Alexander 1, J. Rule 1, M. Wooffindin 1, L. Godden 1, T. Warren 1 GOALS: Hampton Rovers: W. Crawford 2, L. O’Driscoll 2, h. garrow 1, A. Hug 1, M. Coughlin 1 BEST: Old Carey: R. Thompson, T. Jepson, B. Waters, L. Anderson, H. Hill, O. Dickson BEST: Hampton Rovers: M. Van der Straaten, H. Lay, L. O’Driscoll, J. Delaney, A. Hug, J. Prosser

Another season of Premier C footy has been run and won with Old Carey proving they finished on top of the ladder for a reason, rightfully being crowned the kings of Premier C. Both Grand Final sides, Old Carey and the Hampton Rovers will be promoted up to Premier B in 2025, whilst Prahran and Parkside will be welcomed up from Division 1.

PREMIER C MEN’S RESERVES On the relegation side, the Monash Blues and Oakleigh will Parkdale Vultures: 1.4 5.11 6.12 10.16 (76) move down to Division 1, whilst Beaumaris and St Bedes/ AJAX: 1.1 2.2 5.3 5.7 (37) Mentone Tigers join Premier C after finishing at the bottom of GOALS: Parkdale Vultures: L. Marshall 2, L. Farnbach 2, H. Bean 2, L. Smith 1, L. Sargeant 1, B. Austin 1, L. Murie 1 Premier B this year.

2024 saw the top four in Premier C remain relatively unchanged which left the other six teams scratching their heads unable to break into the top four. With new teams entering the mix next year, the stage is set for a fascinating Premier C battle in 2025.

GOALS: AJAX: L. Siegel 2, N. Spitz 2, J. Spicer 1 BEST: Parkdale Vultures: J. Day, B. Austin, J. Vorbach, L. Smith, J. Duckham, N. Farnbach BEST: AJAX: J. Tonkin, J. Burston, J. Machlin, B. Mond, N. Spitz, B. Antman

THE OFFICIAL NON-ALCOHOLIC BEER OF THE VICTORIAN AMATEUR FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION FINALS.

THE AMATEUR FOOTBALLER 2024

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FOR THE LOVE OF THE GAME

Send any FTLOTG stories to media@vafa.com.au

by Tuesday 5pm.

VAFA x GFA Raffle win a mark knight poster for your club The VAFA is partnering with the Good Friday Appeal for the first time to raise funds for the Royal Children’s Hospital; a cause close to the hearts of many within the VAFA community, and we invite your club to get involved!

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Raffle closes on 15th October at 11:59pm (unless sold out prior) 25

FOR THE LOVE OF THE GAME

Premiers After the penultimate weekend of the VAFA Finals Series,, another 9 Premiers have been crowned.

Congratulations to all teams who have won a Premiership and best of luck the three clubs featuring in Friday’s William Buck Premier Men’s Seniors and Reserves Grand Finals.

Premiers William Buck Premier Women’s – Old Scotch Premier Women’s Reserves – Collegians Premier B Men’s – Old Haileybury Premier B Men’s Reserves – Old Trinity Premier C Men’s – Old Carey Premier C Men’s Reserves – Parkdale Vultures Division 3 Men’s – Canterbury Division 3 Men’s Reserves – Richmond Central Holmesglen Under 19 Division 4 Men’s – Caulfield Grammarians Visit the VAFA website to read more about the Grand Finals.

THE AMATEUR FOOTBALLER 2024

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Brotherly love at Parkdale It was a special day for the Parkdale Vultures in Round 13 when five different sets of brothers played in the Club’s Thirds!

What could have been Family Feud turned out to be brotherly love as the Vultures posted an impressive 12-goal win over South Melbourne Districts.

19 goal haul for one of the JOCS St John’s kicked 38 goals in their match against Eley Park in Round 4, 19 of which were kicked by new recruit Matthew Carnelley.

Carnelley went on to win the Div 3 Men’s leading goal kicker and kicked the second most goals of anyone in the entire VAFA competition for 2024.

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by Tuesday 5pm.

Representative Football The 2024 Rep Footy campaign was a huge success with the VAFA claiming 2 out of 3 possible cups in the Premier B-Division 3 Big V Men’s match against Bendigo FNL and the Big V Women’s team defeating Perth FL. The inaugural Holmesglen Under 19’s showcase was a highlight, providing opportunity for the VAFA’s young talent to play at the highest level. The Big V Men’s side fell short to Perth FL but will no doubt be searching for redemption on 2025 when the Big V faces off against the Adelaide FL.

Daisy Thomas joins Div 12 Ressies Daisy Thomas pulled on the boots for the Wattle Park Animals against Oakleigh under lights at Scammell Reserve. The Thirds Division 3 South match drew a huge crowd with Daisy making his return after playing a one-off game in the VAFA last year. Daisy kicked 1 goal for the game and Wattle Park came away with the win.

31

THE AMATEUR FOOTBALLER 2024

32

2024 VAFA

Join us as we celebrate the 2024 VAFA Season!

OCTOBER Wednesday

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AT 6.30 PM

2024 San Remo Ballroom 365 Nicholson St, Carlton North VIC 3054

Tickets: $170 Formal Attire 33

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35

THE AMATEUR FOOTBALLER 2024

36

37

DIVISION 3 MEN’S Callum Farquhar

Access Team Lists on PlayHQ via VAFA.com.au

King Cobras! Canterbury overcome scoring woes to prevail in Division 3 decider Bahaa Khoweiss stuck his boot out on the goal line in the final minute of the first half to create something out of nothing for St John’s, and all of a sudden it was a sevenpoint margin at the main break, 6.0 (36) to 5.13 (43).

Canterbury have been crowned premiers in Division 3 Men’s, after a scintillating match against St John’s hung in the balance for three and a half quarters.

As Canterbury approached their initial positions for the opening bounce, the message was clear.

“I wouldn’t say I was confident we’d turn it around (the scoring accuracy), but we definitely felt we were good enough to give ourselves the opportunity to win the game,” Ward said at halftime.

“Keep it simple,” Canterbury coach Josh Ward said his instruction was. “Don’t be overawed by the day, execute the basics and get on with the game.”

The Cobras maintained their quality skill level in the third quarter, but the heavy wind fuelled a resurgence from the JOC’s.

Canterbury found multiple marks inside 50 early on, however a ferocious wind affected the distance of a couple shots at goal, whilst closer attempts went wayward. Ultimately, St John’s found the opening goal through Callum Houghton.

Canterbury’s early third-quarter lead of 13 began to close, as Harvey Emery and Houghton tacked on two goals to square the ledger. The two clubs exchanged behinds twice, before Jayden Rudd nailed a set shot to hand St John’s an unlikely lead. The Cobras had dominated possession and attack, but St John’s accuracy had given them life. A long set shot from St John’s faded left after the siren, with just one kick separating the two sides at the final change.

It was set to be a tough day up forward for the JOC’s.

Missing competition-leading goalkicker Matthew Carnelley through suspension, as well as Michael Ashman - two players who have combined for 103 goals this season - St John’s forward line was depleted for the decider.

The JOC’s stayed in the hunt throughout the majority of the match however, crucially making the most of every opportunity they had.

Canterbury had the “scoring end”, but in a Grand Final, they knew that wasn’t going to cut it.

Brad Kelleher, Canterbury’s liveliest forward for the day, kicked truly in the sixth minute of play to regain the lead after an overstepping-the-mark fifty meter penalty, whilst John Nicolopoulos lapped up the opportunity presented from a harsh rushed behind call.

“The three-quarter-time message was the scoring end wasn’t going to do it for us, we had to execute and work hard for it,” Ward said.

Emphasising their finals motto of “just one more”, Ward galvanised the troops for the last 30 minutes of their year.

A back-and-forth contest ensued after, as the Cobras continued to rue missed opportunities in front of goal – a key theme for the afternoon.

St John’s coaching staff too spurred on their side with an expletive-laden rev-up to add some extra fire in the belly.

The Cobras would surge relentlessly again, emulating their second quarter that had St John’s on the ropes. Yet again though, scoring goals was a struggle for the Cobras. Six behinds in a row, whilst conceding one to St John’s, had Canterbury tantalisingly close to the lead, trailing 58-59.

A late goal to Canterbury skipper James Boarotto and a behind after the siren levelled the scores at 30 apiece at quarter time – however it was five straight to the JOC’s, 4.6 to the Cobras.

With the breeze in their favour, the Cobras polished field kicking began to catch the JOC’s off-guard. End-toend transitions that could’ve matched Saturday’s AFL preliminary final, the Cobras relentlessly tallied inside 50 after inside 50, however the scoreboard failed to increase.

After an early Jayden Cutts goal, Canterbury would go on to score seven consecutive behinds, failing to put away a St John’s outfit who struggled to keep up with the pace.

THE AMATEUR FOOTBALLER 2024

After mountains of pressure on the St John’s defence, Cobra Roham Walmsley led and marked inside 50. At the 19 th minute mark of the fourth quarter, there was finally a goal, and Canterbury had finally regained the lead.

38

Tension could be felt all around the boundary of Martin Reserve, with the sense that one more goal from Canterbury would be the straw to break the camel’s back.

Insert Brad Kelleher. The number 16 stabbed the football through the middle sticks, and Canterbury’s momentum began to spike, as St John’s brave defence started unravelling. Kelleher nailed another, Nicolopoulos another two, and it was party time for the Cobras.

A strapping contest that hardly exceeded a two-goal margin for 110 minutes of action, the JOC’s eventually gave way to a highly-composed Canterbury side, who’s inaccuracy finally resolved. The fulltime scores saw Canterbury triumph by 29, 11.22 (88) to 9.5 (59).

The curtains now close on a remarkable season of Division 3 Senior Men’s football.

The top four was separated by just two wins, and it was fourth-placed Canterbury, who had to play essentially a month of consecutive elimination finals, that claimed the ultimate prize. Finalists North Brunswick and Richmond Central will hold high hopes for 2025 given their reserves’ Grand Final appearances, as will Power House who finished third in 2024. The Division 3 teams will be joined by Bulleen Templestowe and Wattle Park next year, who have been relegated from Division 2 following low-ladder finishes.

The final siren was a blur for Canterbury players and coaches alike.

“Emotions were a bit of a whirlwind really, everything happened so quickly, and we were swamped by all our supporters,” Ward said.

Ward’s premiership side is the final one he’ll coach at Canterbury, moving on from his head coach role in 2025.

“Yes, finishing up. [I’m] very happy the group got the reward to finish it off.”

GRAND FINAL RESULTS

DIVISION 3 MEN’S

Tom Lowden’s aerial dominance around the ground, as well as efforts in the ruck and forward-line, earned him the man of the match medal.

St Johns: 5.0 6.0 9.4 9.5 (59) Canterbury: 4.6 5.13 6.16 11.22 (88) GOALS: St Johns: C. Houghton 2, J. Rudd 1, H. Emery 1, B. Robson 1, T. Neal 1, B. Khoweiss 1, B. Ayache 1, M. Barry 1 GOALS: Canterbury: J. Nicolopoulos 4, B. Kelleher 3, J. Cutts 2, J. Boarotto 1, r. walmsley 1 BEST: St Johns: C. Houghton, J. Mourant, C. Ely, J. D’Atri, B. Robson, M. Barry BEST: Canterbury: T. Lowden, B. Kelleher, J. Nicolopoulos, J. Boarotto, M. Szabo, N. Beacom

Houghton was one of St John’s best, easily the most poised for the JOC’s, and tactical with his possession.

DIVISION 3 MEN’S RESERVES

It’s Canterbury’s first taste at VAFA premiership glory since it’s 2015 Division 4 flag, and they’ll be promoted to Division 2 for the first time in their history.

St John’s too will advance to Division 2, without the silverware however, leaving JOC’s coach Tim Edwards gutted after the match.

“Disappointing result. Canterbury played an excellent brand of footy and were really tough and well drilled. Unfortunately, we ran out of soldiers and had nothing left in the tank late…

This one really hurts but I’m proud of where the club has come from. I know this group will be even more determined next year to go one better,” Edwards said.

North Brunswick: 0.0 3.2 4.3 5.5 (35) Richmond Central: 3.4 4.5 6.8 7.10 (52) GOALS: North Brunswick: A. Ramzy 2, M. Waterson 2, K. Thomson 1 GOALS: Richmond Central: J. Jacotine 3, N. Banks 2, T. Waite 1, W. Hocking 1 BEST: North Brunswick: L. Pardini, M. Skinner, B. Davison, M. Waterson, S. Widdicombe, J. Horwood BEST: Richmond Central: J. Jacotine, T. Waite, D. Dignam, D. Pratt, N. Banks, E. Smith

39

THE AMATEUR FOOTBALLER 2024

40

9.00 AM 11.30 AM 12.00 PM 2.00 PM 2.30 PM 5.00 PM

2024 VAFA

FINALS SERIES

THE AMATEUR FOOTBALLER 2024

42

43

SHARPSHOOTERS

LR

TOTAL

William Buck Premier Women’s

LR

Patrick Kerr

St Kevins

0

50

Eloise Defina

Old Scotch

0

32

James Stewart

University Blues

0

45

Hannah Smith

St Kevins

0

27

Sam Grimley

University Blues

0

41

Sarah Kenny

Caulfield Grammarians

0

26

Charlie MacIsaac

Old Xaverians

0

38

Asha Price

MUWFC

0

25

William Buck Premier Men’s

TOTAL

William Buck Premier Reserve Men’s

LR

TOTAL

William Buck Premier Reserve Women’s

LR

TOTAL

Ben Jackson

Old Melburnians

0

41

Brooke Tuszynski

Collegians

0

36

Cam Hathway

Old Brighton

0

38

yolanda vinycomb

Kew

0

15

Harrison Bell

Old Xaverians

0

37

Bethany Carr

St Kevins

0

15

Ryan Agg

Old Brighton

0

36

Alice Straford

St Kevins

0

15

LR

TOTAL

LR

TOTAL

Premier B Women’s

Harry Laukens

Old Camberwell

0

46

Matilda Arthur

Old Geelong

0

34

Dominic Payman

Old Trinity

0

45

Loren Mills

Williamstown CYMS

0

30

Adrian Indovino

De La Salle

0

35

Sofi Georgas

Williamstown CYMS

0

21

Connor Dixon

Old Geelong

0

33

Alessia Acquaro

Williamstown CYMS

0

21

Premier B Men’s

LR

TOTAL

Premier B Reserve Women’s

LR

TOTAL

Jake Erman-Keogh

Old Ivanhoe

0

37

Larissa Lewis

St Bedes / Mentone Tigers

0

26

Luke Scobie

Old Trinity

0

32

Kensley Ward

Westbourne

0

19

Jonty Wiseman

De La Salle

0

31

Summer Farley

Westbourne

0

16

Lucas Liakakos

De La Salle

0

31

Tui Huta

Westbourne

0

15

LR

TOTAL

Premier B Reserve Men’s

LR

TOTAL

Division 1 Women’s

Mitch Brown

Parkdale Vultures

0

78

ZOE GLASCOTT

Marcellin

0

56

Richie Simon

AJAX

0

62

Lily Tait

Old Brighton

0

40

Jordan Cohen

AJAX

0

60

Sienna Symons

Parkdale

0

27

Riley Thompson

Old Carey

0

56

Caterina OBrien

Old Brighton

0

27

LR

TOTAL

Premier C Men’s

LR

TOTAL

Division 2 Women’s

Liam Marshall

Parkdale Vultures

0

65

Zoe Rossiter

Glen Eira / Old McKinnon

0

20

Noah Dempsey

Old Carey

0

50

Kaitlyn Sidopoulos

Oakleigh

0

19

Dylan Williamson

Parkdale Vultures

0

47

Maegan Miller

Hampton Rovers

0

17

Andrew Woolston

Hampton Rovers

0

46

Lily Fitzpatrick

Glen Eira / Old McKinnon

0

16

Premier C Reserve Men’s

Holmesglen U19 Premier Men’s

LR

TOTAL

Division 3 Women’s

LR

TOTAL

Luca Di Lallo

Uni Blues

0

37

Abbey Duggan

Therry Penola

0

39

Nicholas DYNAN

St Kevins

0

33

Eliza German

Therry Penola

0

35

Callum Hankin

Caulfield Grammarians

0

33

Ruby O’Halloran

Therry Penola

0

29

Jonah Campigli

Old Brighton

0

33

Amy McCormack

Old Carey

0

25

LR

TOTAL

LR

TOTAL

Division 4 Women’s

Alex Dowsley

Uni Blues

0

61

Jade Wulkan

MCC

0

35

Linden Brunt

Fitzroy

0

33

Johannah Griffin

Albert Park

0

28

Matthew Canning

St Kevins

0

28

Ruby-Rose Gibson-Haywood

North Brunswick Football Club

0

19

Joshua Willmott

St Kevins

0

25

Isabella Allan

Collegians 3

0

12

Premier Thirds Men’s

THE AMATEUR FOOTBALLER 2024

44

SHARPSHOOTERS

LR

TOTAL

Division 1 Reserve Men’s

LR

TOTAL

Brandon Jackson

UHS-VU

0

50

Matthew Mallia

UHS-VU

0

51

Bailey Payze

Old Peninsula

0

47

Sam Pritchard

West Brunswick

0

41

Ned Waters

Kew

0

42

JACK MATHERSON

Prahran

0

37

Lachlan Crnogorac

Ormond

0

37

Declan Marrows

Prahran

0

34

LR

TOTAL

Division 1 Men’s

LR

TOTAL

Division 2 Reserve Men’s

Hayden Parker

Brunswick FC

0

71

Jonathon Haddad

Brunswick

0

53

Spencer Hankin

Elsternwick

0

65

Ben Daly

Brunswick

0

47

Division 2 Men’s

Sam Kieseker

Whitefriars

0

61

James Lake

MHSOB

0

46

Nicholas Garratt

Whitefriars

0

43

Lucas Zita

Whitefriars

0

39

LR

TOTAL

LR

TOTAL

Division 3 Reserve Men’s

Matthew Carnelley

St Johns

0

72

James Scammell

Canterbury

0

56

Luke Stubbs

Power House

0

54

Matthew De Poilly

St Johns

0

54

Blake Williams

Box Hill North

0

41

Declan Nannery

Power House

0

35

Nick ferguson

Swinburne University

0

39

Tom Roberts

Swinburne University

0

34

LR

TOTAL

Division 3 Men’s

Holmesglen U19 Division 1 Men’s

LR

TOTAL

Thirds Division 1 Men’s

Louis Hodder

Fitzroy

0

69

Amir Meyerowitz

Ajax

0

42

Charles Kilburn

Hampton Rovers

0

54

Rory Calvert

Old Xaverians 2

0

31

Samson Guida

St Bernards

0

39

Will Mantesso

Old Xaverians 2

0

30

Bailey Yates

Old Haileybury

0

37

Charlie Fox

Old Geelong

0

25

Holmesglen U19 Division 2 Men’s

LR

TOTAL

Thirds Division 2 Men’s South

LR

TOTAL

Jai Pugsley

St Bedes / Mentone 2

0

50

Laurence Panozzo

De La Salle

0

23

Donovan Shier

University Blues 2

0

44

Samuel Doree

De La Salle

0

21

Lachlan Webber

Parkside

0

35

Jordan Brasher

De La Salle

0

18

Lachie Ross

Old Camberwell

0

34

Bailey Rohan

Old Brighton 2

0

18

LR

TOTAL

Holmesglen U19 Division 3 Men’s

LR

TOTAL

Thirds Division 2 Men’s North

Samuel Bailey

Ormond

0

36

Josh Lyon

Old Xaverians 3

0

64

Jack Beker

Preston

0

28

Matt Perrett

Old Xaverians 3

0

28

Ryan Meeuw

Kew

0

25

Sam Hartmann

Richmond Central

0

23

Patrick Di Berardino

Preston

0

24

Emmett O’Donnell

Kew

0

22

LR

TOTAL

Holmesglen U19 Division 4 Men’s

LR

TOTAL

Thirds Division 3 Men’s South

Angus Kenny

St Marys Salesian

0

42

Christopher Chilcott

Mazenod OC

0

44

Charles Galvin

Beaumaris 2

0

31

Costas Hronopoulos

Mazenod OC

0

36

Ryan Eldering

De La Salle 2

0

30

Steve Mann

Mazenod OC

0

35

Charlie Matthews

St Marys Salesian

0

29

Caden MacDonald

Wattle Park

0

31

LR

TOTAL

LR

TOTAL

Thirds Division 3 Men’s North

Steve Crapper

Marcellin

0

10

Sam Linkin

Whitefriars

0

37

Dustin Cracknell

Marcellin

0

9

Matt Volpe

Old Ivanhoe

0

33

Jason Wood

Marcellin

0

6

Conor O’Brien

Old Xaverians 4

0

27

Anthony Bourke

Marcellin

0

5

Todd Owen

Old Ivanhoe

0

24

Mecwacare Masters

*Goal tallies from home & away season only

45

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46

47

ORTHOSPORT VICTORIA VAFA PREMIERSHIP LADDERS WILLIAM BUCK PREMIER MEN’S

WILLIAM BUCK PREMIER MEN’S RESERVES

TEAM

P

W

L

D

B

PTS

%

TEAM

P

W

L

D

B

PTS

%

Old Brighton

18

16

2

0

0

64

144.28

Old Xaverians

18

16

1

1

0

66

233.97

St Kevins

18

12

5

1

0

50

119.27

St Kevins

18

15

3

0

0

60

144.98

Old Scotch

18

12

6

0

0

48

132.2

Old Scotch

18

12

6

0

0

48

123.29

Collegians

18

11

7

0

0

44

109.82

Old Brighton

18

11

6

1

0

46

175.73

Old Xaverians

18

10

8

0

0

40

112.92

Old Melburnians

18

8

10

0

0

32

85.26

University Blues

18

7

11

0

0

28

87.47

University Blues

18

7

11

0

0

28

91.48

University Blacks

18

7

11

0

0

28

81.34

St Bernards

18

7

11

0

0

28

78.16

St Bernards

18

5

13

0

0

20

88.95

Fitzroy

18

6

12

0

0

24

79.25

Fitzroy

18

5

13

0

0

20

74.69

Collegians

18

6

12

0

0

24

67.1

Old Melburnians

18

4

13

1

0

18

76.56

University Blacks

18

1

17

0

0

4

33.93

TEAM

P

W

L

D

B

PTS

%

TEAM

P

W

L

D

B

PTS

%

Old Haileybury

18

14

3

1

0

58

160.41

Old Trinity

18

17

1

0

0

68

239.97 214.94

PREMIER B MEN’S

PREMIER B MEN’S RESERVES

De La Salle

18

13

5

0

0

52

147.43

De La Salle

18

14

4

0

0

56

Old Trinity

18

12

5

1

0

50

128.2

Old Ivanhoe

18

13

5

0

0

52

167.59

Old Geelong

18

12

6

0

0

48

110.92

Old Geelong

18

13

5

0

0

52

149.82

Old Ivanhoe

18

10

8

0

0

40

96.54

Williamstown CYMS

18

9

9

0

0

36

102.16

Old Camberwell

18

9

8

1

0

38

97.22

Old Camberwell

18

9

9

0

0

36

101.62 91.48

Williamstown CYMS

18

5

12

1

0

22

78.5

St Bedes/Mentone Tigers

18

7

11

0

0

28

Caulfield Grammarians

18

5

13

0

0

20

80.77

Beaumaris

18

5

12

0

0

20

65.62

Beaumaris

18

5

13

0

0

20

78.78

Old Haileybury

18

2

15

0

0

8

48.48

St Bedes / Mentone Tigers

18

3

15

0

0

12

64.8

Caulfield Grammarians

18

1

15

0

0

4

30.5

TEAM

P

W

L

D

B

PTS

%

TEAM

P

W

L

D

B

PTS

%

Old Carey

18

16

2

0

0

64

208.07

Parkdale Vultures

18

17

1

0

0

68

381.27

PREMIER C MEN’S

PREMIER C MEN’S RESERVES

Hampton Rovers

18

16

2

0

0

64

183.37

AJAX

18

16

2

0

0

64

270.06

AJAX

18

15

3

0

0

60

182.03

Old Carey

18

14

4

0

0

56

129.92

Parkdale Vultures

18

12

6

0

0

48

149.96

Hampton Rovers

18

13

5

0

0

52

263.24

Mazenod

18

9

9

0

0

36

90.13

Marcellin

18

9

9

0

0

36

110.54

Glen Eira / Old McKinnon

18

8

10

0

0

32

73.77

Monash Blues

18

6

12

0

0

24

63.56

PEGS

18

6

12

0

0

24

91.2

Mazenod

18

5

13

0

0

20

52.44

Marcellin

18

5

13

0

0

20

67.51

Oakleigh

18

4

13

1

0

18

51.71

Monash Blues

18

2

16

0

0

8

47.47

Glen Eira / Old McKinnon

18

4

13

1

0

18

50.16

Oakleigh

18

1

17

0

0

4

47.33

PEGS

18

1

16

0

0

4

26.43

HOLMESGLEN UNDER 19 PREMIER MEN’S

THIRDS PREMIER MEN’S

TEAM

P

W

L

D

B

PTS

%

TEAM

P

W

L

D

B

PTS

%

Old Brighton

18

15

3

0

0

60

166.03

Old Xaverians

16

13

3

0

0

52

185.89

St Kevins

18

13

5

0

0

52

166.24

St Kevins

16

10

6

0

0

40

166

Old Scotch

18

12

6

0

0

48

155.68

Old Scotch

16

10

6

0

0

40

124.89

Uni Blues

18

12

6

0

0

48

153.96

Old Trinity

16

10

6

0

0

40

102.69

Old Xaverians

18

10

7

1

0

42

114.25

Uni Blues

16

8

7

0

0

32

128.77

St Bedes / Mentone

18

10

8

0

0

40

96.98

Old Brighton

16

5

10

0

0

20

83.15

Caulfield Grammarians

18

6

12

0

0

24

63.95

St Bernards

16

5

10

0

0

20

45.07

De La Salle

18

5

12

1

0

22

67.45

Fitzroy

16

4

12

0

0

16

68.55

Williamstown CYMS

18

4

13

0

0

16

67.3

Beaumaris

18

2

16

0

0

8

44.98

Sports Injuries Arthritis Fractures THE AMATEUR FOOTBALLER 2024

48

ORTHOSPORT VICTORIA VAFA PREMIERSHIP LADDERS DIVISION 1 MEN’S

DIVISION 1 MEN’S RESERVES

TEAM

P

W

L

D

B

PTS

%

TEAM

P

W

L

D

B

PTS

%

Prahran FC

18

16

2

0

0

64

196.74

Parkside

18

16

2

0

0

64

276.01 193.21

Parkside

18

13

5

0

0

52

158.25

Ormond

18

14

4

0

0

56

Ormond

18

12

6

0

0

48

136.16

Prahran

18

13

5

0

0

52

163.74

UHS-VU

18

12

6

0

0

48

128.29

West Brunswick

18

13

5

0

0

52

157.38

Old Peninsula

18

10

8

0

0

40

104.24

Kew

18

11

7

0

0

44

149.43

Kew

18

8

9

1

0

34

102.09

UHS-VU

18

9

9

0

0

36

112.24

Preston Bullants

18

7

10

1

0

30

85.66

Old Yarra Cobras

18

6

12

0

0

24

69.32

Therry Penola

18

5

13

0

0

20

63.52

Preston Bullants

18

5

13

0

0

20

53.81

West Brunswick

18

4

14

0

0

16

62.79

Therry Penola

18

2

16

0

0

8

29.3

Old Yarra Cobras

18

2

16

0

0

8

53.8

Old Peninsula

18

1

17

0

0

4

38.63

TEAM

P

W

L

D

B

PTS

%

TEAM

P

W

L

D

B

PTS

%

Brunswick FC

18

15

3

0

0

60

150.53

Brunswick

18

17

1

0

0

68

311.41

Elsternwick

18

12

5

1

0

50

111.25

MHSOB

18

15

3

0

0

60

201.39

South Melbourne Districts

18

12

6

0

0

48

122.09

St Marys Salesian

18

13

5

0

0

52

168.47

Whitefriars

18

11

6

1

0

46

125.02

South Melbourne Districts

18

11

7

0

0

44

171.02

Hawthorn

18

11

7

0

0

44

104.82

Whitefriars

18

11

7

0

0

44

151.9

MHSOB

18

7

10

1

0

30

92.47

Elsternwick

18

8

10

0

0

32

90.56

St Marys Salesian

18

6

11

1

0

26

96.86

Hawthorn

18

7

11

0

0

28

95.71 63.53

DIVISION 2 MEN’S

DIVISION 2 MEN’S RESERVES

Aquinas

18

5

13

0

0

20

75.67

Wattle Park

18

5

13

0

0

20

Wattle Park

18

4

13

1

0

18

79.82

Aquinas

18

3

15

0

0

12

62.97

Bulleen Templestowe

18

4

13

1

0

18

68.24

Bulleen Templestowe

18

0

18

0

0

0

11.07

TEAM

P

W

L

D

B

PTS

%

TEAM

P

W

L

D

B

PTS

%

North Brunswick

17

15

2

0

1

60

230.42

Power House

16

14

2

0

2

56

247.06

St Johns

16

14

2

0

2

56

280.46

Richmond Central

17

14

3

0

1

56

311.45

Power House

16

13

3

0

2

52

217.18

North Brunswick

17

13

3

1

1

54

194.13

Canterbury

17

13

4

0

1

52

175.28

St Johns

16

11

5

0

2

44

202.26

Richmond Central

17

10

7

0

1

40

117.47

Canterbury

17

11

6

0

1

44

168.3

Swinburne University

17

7

10

0

1

28

91.07

Box Hill North

16

7

8

1

2

30

121.4

Albert Park

16

6

10

0

2

24

72.43

Swinburne University

17

7

10

0

1

28

107.8

Box Hill North

16

4

12

0

2

16

58.89

La Trobe

16

6

10

0

2

24

92.79

DIVISION 3 MEN’S

DIVISION 3 MEN’S RESERVES

La Trobe University

16

3

13

0

2

12

71.97

Albert Park

16

4

12

0

2

16

46.73

Eley Park

16

3

13

0

2

12

29.81

Chadstone

16

2

14

0

2

8

29.95

Chadstone

16

2

14

0

2

8

50.7

Eley Park

16

0

16

0

2

0

13.84

MECWACARE MASTERS TEAM

P

W

L

D

B

PTS

%

Marcellin

7

5

2

0

0

12

243.36

De La Salle

6

5

1

0

0

12

203.01

Preston

5

0

5

0

2

0

21.85

Oakleigh

2

0

0

0

2

0

0

Sports Injuries Arthritis Fractures 49

ORTHOSPORT VICTORIA VAFA PREMIERSHIP LADDERS WILLIAM BUCK PREMIER WOMEN’S

DIVISION 1 WOMEN’S

TEAM

P

W

L

D

B

PTS

%

TEAM

P

W

L

D

B

PTS

%

Old Scotch

18

17

1

0

0

68

417.07

Old Brighton

16

15

1

0

0

60

484.68

St Kevins

18

17

1

0

0

68

355.09

Marcellin

16

14

2

0

0

56

395.22

Kew

18

12

6

0

0

48

175.74

Parkdale

16

8

8

0

0

32

126.67

Caulfield Grammarians

18

11

6

1

0

46

132.83

Collegians 3

16

6

10

0

0

24

53.05

West Brunswick

18

10

8

0

0

40

82.01

Old Melburnians

16

5

11

0

0

20

63.78

Collegians

18

9

9

0

0

36

91.44

Old Haileybury

16

4

11

0

0

16

61.66

Coburg

18

4

14

0

0

16

58.87

Old Yarra Cobras

18

4

14

0

0

16

48.49

MUWFC

18

3

14

1

0

14

60.68

DIVISION 2 WOMEN’S

Monash Blues

18

2

16

0

0

8

20.63

TEAM

P

W

L

D

B

PTS

%

Glen Eira / Old McKinnon

16

15

1

0

0

60

378.92

Whitefriars

16

12

4

0

0

48

181.01

Power House

16

11

4

1

0

46

286.94

Hampton Rovers

16

11

4

1

0

46

196.21

Oakleigh

16

11

5

0

0

44

159.5

Richmond Central

16

6

10

0

0

24

107.16

WILLIAM BUCK PREMIER WOMEN’S RESERVES TEAM

P

W

L

D

B

PTS

%

Collegians

18

16

2

0

0

64

497.98

Kew

18

16

2

0

0

64

431.47

West Brunswick

18

13

5

0

0

52

171.48

Old Scotch

18

13

5

0

0

52

169.62

St Kevins

18

11

7

0

0

44

210.63

Caulfield Grammarians

18

7

11

0

0

28

75.4

Coburg

18

5

10

1

0

22

51.32

Old Yarra Cobras

18

4

13

1

0

18

53.97

Monash Blues

18

2

16

0

0

8

22

DIVISION 3 WOMEN’S

MUWFC

18

2

16

0

0

8

15.41

TEAM

P

Therry Penola

16

La Trobe

16

De La Salle

16

Box Hill North

PREMIER B WOMEN’S TEAM

P

W

L

D

B

PTS

%

Williamstown CYMS

16

16

0

0

0

64

314.89

Old Geelong

16

13

3

0

0

52

253.19

Fitzroy

16

11

5

0

0

44

267.33

St Bedes / Mentone Tigers

16

9

7

0

0

36

136.4

Beaumaris

16

6

10

0

0

24

89.44

Westbourne

16

5

11

0

0

20

81.78

Aquinas

16

4

12

0

0

16

26.92

Old Xaverians

16

3

13

0

0

12

42.02

PREMIER B WOMEN’S RESERVES

Old Trinity

16

6

8

0

0

24

48.62

Hawthorn

16

4

12

0

0

16

52.12

Mazenod OC

16

3

13

0

0

12

40.66

Old Camberwell

16

1

15

0

0

0

15.07

W

L

D

B

PTS

%

15

1

0

0

60

570.37

11

5

0

0

44

156.34

10

6

0

0

40

135.26

16

10

6

0

0

40

127.85

Old Carey

16

9

7

0

0

36

89.9

UHS-VU

16

7

9

0

0

28

88.54 82.74

Parkside

16

7

9

0

0

28

Wattle Park

16

4

12

0

0

16

41.5

Preston Bullants

16

4

12

0

0

16

36.03

Brunswick

16

3

13

0

0

12

54.99

DIVISION 4 WOMEN’S TEAM

P

W

L

D

B

PTS

St Kevins Div 4

15

13

1

0

1

52

280

MCC

16

11

4

0

0

44

613.86

%

TEAM

P

W

L

D

B

PTS

%

Albert Park

14

9

5

0

2

36

169.8

Fitzroy

16

14

2

0

0

56

451.5

Kew Div 4

15

9

6

0

1

36

115.93

Old Xaverians

16

11

5

0

0

44

163.18

North Brunswick Football Club

15

7

8

0

1

28

236.94

Westbourne

16

10

5

0

0

40

268.18

St Marys Salesian

15

6

9

0

1

24

125.81

St Bedes / Mentone Tigers

16

10

6

0

0

40

157.43

South Melbourne

15

5

10

0

1

20

30.27

Williamstown CYMS

16

8

8

0

0

32

115.93

Canterbury

14

4

10

0

2

16

59.67

Beaumaris

16

7

9

0

0

28

104.02

Old Yarra Cobras Div 4

15

4

9

0

1

16

52.65

Old Geelong

16

6

10

0

0

24

58.08

Elsternwick

15

3

12

0

0

12

57.17

Aquinas

16

0

15

0

0

0

4.77

West Brunswick Div 4

15

2

13

0

1

8

13.51

Sports Injuries Arthritis Fractures THE AMATEUR FOOTBALLER 2024

50

ORTHOSPORT VICTORIA VAFA PREMIERSHIP LADDERS HOLMESGLEN U19 DIVISION 1 MEN’S

HOLMESGLEN U19 DIVISION 3 MEN’S

TEAM

P

W

L

D

B

PTS

%

TEAM

P

W

L

D

B

PTS

%

St Bernards

18

15

3

0

0

60

173.86

Collegians

17

15

1

0

1

60

208.07 143.36

Hampton Rovers

18

14

4

0

0

56

173.16

Ormond

18

13

5

0

0

52

Old Haileybury

18

14

4

0

0

56

152.03

Kew

18

12

6

0

0

48

135.9

Old Carey

18

9

9

0

0

36

129.25

Preston

18

11

7

0

0

44

144.8

Fitzroy

18

9

9

0

0

36

86.92

St Bernards 2

18

11

7

0

0

44

127.25

Old Xaverians 2

18

6

12

0

0

24

75.19

Mazenod OC

18

5

13

0

0

20

78.85

Old Melburnians

18

5

12

0

0

20

65.46

Monash Blues

17

3

14

0

1

12

58.87

Glen Eira / Old McKinnon

18

4

14

0

0

16

62.43

PEGS

17

3

14

0

1

12

57.44

HOLMESGLEN U19 DIVISION 2 MEN’S

HOLMESGLEN U19 DIVISION 4 MEN’S

TEAM

P

W

L

D

B

PTS

%

TEAM

P

W

L

D

B

PTS

%

Old Camberwell

18

16

2

0

0

64

213.16

St Marys Salesian

17

13

4

0

1

48

225.87

Parkdale Vultures

18

15

3

0

0

60

189.06

De La Salle 2

17

13

4

0

1

52

216.01

University Blues 2

18

12

5

0

0

48

195.47

Beaumaris 2

16

12

4

0

2

48

179.07

Oakleigh

18

11

6

1

0

46

152.19

Caulfield Grammarians 2

17

11

4

0

1

44

150.27

St Bedes / Mentone 2

18

10

8

0

0

40

97.37

Williamstown CYMS 2

17

10

6

0

1

40

130.26

Parkside

18

9

9

0

0

36

111.77

Therry Penola

16

7

9

0

2

28

128.26

St Kevins 2

18

6

11

1

0

26

74.57

Bulleen Templestowe

17

7

8

0

1

24

90.84

Old Trinity

18

5

13

0

0

20

80.75

Old Xaverians 3

17

5

12

0

1

20

80.45

Old Ivanhoe

18

3

12

2

0

16

56.87

Glen Eira / Old McKinnon 2

16

4

9

0

2

16

49.56

University Blacks

18

1

16

0

0

4

24.97

St Kevins 3

16

3

13

0

2

12

61.26

MHSOB

17

0

17

0

0

0

26.17

THIRDS DIVISION 1 MEN’S

THIRDS DIVISION 3 MENS SOUTH

TEAM

P

W

L

D

B

PTS

%

TEAM

P

W

L

D

B

PTS

%

Old Xaverians 2

14

14

0

0

2

56

233.12

Mazenod OC

16

15

1

0

0

60

521.73

St Kevins 2

14

12

2

0

2

48

183.98

Ormond

16

12

4

0

0

48

181.89

Ajax

14

10

4

0

2

40

164.34

Parkdale

16

10

6

0

0

40

173.14

Fitzroy 2

14

9

5

0

2

36

151.16

St Marys Salesian

16

10

6

0

0

40

110.32

Williamstown CYMS

13

7

6

0

3

28

114.1

Wattle Park

16

10

6

0

0

40

96.79

University Blacks

14

4

10

0

2

16

54.04

Oakleigh

16

7

9

0

0

28

75.41

Old Geelong

15

4

10

0

1

16

45.8

South Melbourne

16

5

11

0

0

20

90.82

Collegians

14

2

8

0

2

8

55.21

Elsternwick

16

4

12

0

0

16

73.47

THIRDS DIVISION 2 MEN’S SOUTH

Monash Blues

16

3

13

0

0

12

37.5

Masala 2

16

0

16

0

0

0

18.5

THIRDS DIVISION 3 MENS NORTH

TEAM

P

W

L

D

B

PTS

%

TEAM

P

W

L

D

B

PTS

%

Mentone Panthers

16

15

1

0

0

60

287.47

Old Xaverians 4

16

12

3

1

0

50

356.22

De La Salle

16

13

3

0

0

52

218.99

Old Ivanhoe

12

11

1

0

0

44

305.94

Ajax 2

16

12

3

0

0

48

299.08

Whitefriars

16

10

6

0

0

40

154.42

Old Brighton 2

16

10

6

0

0

40

143.01

Marcellin 2

16

10

6

0

0

40

90.92

Glen Eira / Old McKinnon

16

6

8

0

0

24

57

MHSOB

16

9

6

1

0

38

120.08

Old Scotch 2

16

4

11

0

0

16

54.39

Hawthorn

16

8

8

0

0

32

109.64

Hampton Rovers

16

3

12

0

0

12

56.19

Box Hill North

16

7

8

0

0

28

83.56

Williamstown CYMS 2

16

3

9

0

0

12

54.95

West Brunswick

16

6

10

0

0

24

69.5

UHS-VU

16

5

11

0

0

20

63.3

Swinburne

16

3

13

0

0

12

39.35

Old Yarra Cobras

16

3

12

0

0

12

35.71

Canterbury

16

2

14

0

0

8

42.11

THIRDS DIVISION 2 MEN’S NORTH TEAM

P

W

L

D

B

PTS

%

Old Xaverians 3

16

16

0

0

0

64

413.49

Old Carey

16

14

2

0

0

56

168.71

Old Camberwell

16

8

7

1

0

34

89.98

Masala

16

8

8

0

0

32

95.13

Marcellin

16

8

8

0

0

32

94.39

Kew

16

7

8

1

0

30

107.56

Parkside

16

7

9

0

0

28

88.58

Richmond Central

16

2

12

0

0

8

56.68

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