19 - 2 0 SEP T EMBER
WILLIAM BUCK PREMIER OLD TRINITY vs ST BERNARD’S
PREMIER B ST KEVIN’S vs OLD MELBURNIANS
PREMIER C MONASH BLUES vs OLD HAILEYBURY
FOR THE LOVE OF THE GAME
2 015
Tim Nelson
EDITORIAL
A WEEKEND OF FOOTY TO SAVOUR What a great finals series we have witnessed so far; and it’s only going to get bigger with this weekend’s premier grand finals. On Sunday all roads lead to Ikon Park in Carlton for the William Buck Premier Grand Final clash where the fleet footed Old Trinity take on the might and power of St Bernards. It promises to be a great game at this historic ground. This break from tradition will no doubt upset some who are more familiar with the vagaries of the Elsternwick Park gale but the Board and Executive believe it’s time to try something new. We will sit back and review once the season is complete. It will be a most interesting experiment for our competition and something we have deemed necessary to enhance the quality of the game and provide a great spectator experience. We are not locked in for the future, however our Premier game of the season demands a Premier venue. I prefer to think of this not as change but as progress. Just as our clubs and players embrace the evolution of the game and increasingly look for points of difference, so must we as a Board and Administration. Over the past few weeks, the football across the sections has been of an exceptional standard. Congratulations to those that have worked hard for promotion and
won the ultimate prize. Whilst those that drop back now have the chance to rebuild and fight another day. Some of the highlights so far for me include; Old Paradians first premiership first for 29 years in Division 2 in their contest with Ivanhoe, West Brunswick pulled off an amazing upset in Division 3 over Emmaus St Leo’s by a solitary point, Kew’s three peat in Division 1 at Coburg City Oval in their clash with newly forged rivals Ormond and Canterbury’s maiden VAFA premiership victory at Garvey Oval in a classic game against Parkside. In Premier B, Old Melburnians set up a Grand Final at Sportscover Arena against the undefeated St Kevin’s in their preliminary final comeback win over raging favourite St Bede’s Mentone Tigers and Old Xaverians held out a hungry St Bernards in their gutsy win in the Under 19 Premier grand final. It truly was a special weekend of footy, as VAFA CEO Michael Sholly had foretold in last week’s editorial. On Wednesday at Crown Casino, we feted the stars of our competition at the Woodrow medal. What an exciting vote count in Premier. In the end the umpires couldn’t split two VAFA champions of the game, St Bernard’s Adam Bentick and University Blues’ Ross Young. Both players have been
stars for their clubs, the competition and for the Big V and maybe only a premiership for one will top the accolade. Adam Bentick has a genuine chance this weekend when his side St Bernards take on the relentless run of the Old Trinity side. The weekend is the culmination of years of hard work for players, umpires, club officials and wider volunteers and all for the love of the game. We remain a truly unique and pre-eminent power in community football across Victoria. On our showcase weekend I encourage our clubs, players and supporters to embrace the challenge of striving for the ultimate success in a spirit that is respectful, shows tolerance and humility be it in victory or defeat.
The scene for the William Buck Premier Grand Final: Ikon Park
The Amateur Footballer THE JOURNAL OF THE VICTORIAN AMATEUR FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION September 19-20, 2015
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VAFA GRAND FINAL 2015
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Michael Sholly VAFA CEO Old Trinity by 7 St Kevin’s by 34 Monash Blues by 14
Tim Nelson VAFA President St Bernards by 14 St Kevin’s by 30 Monash Blues by 18
Nick Armistead VAFA Media Old Trinity by 12 St Kevin’s by 30 Monash Blues by 4
Brian ‘Benny’ Goodman GM Football & Umpiring VAFA St Bernards by 17 St Kevin’s by 24 Monash Blues by 29
Blair O’Hara GM Commercial Operations VAFA St Bernards by 3 St Kevin’s by 17 Monash Blues by 11
Nathan Buckley Collingwood Coach Old Trinity by 14 St Kevin’s by 19 Old Haileyburians by 2
Josh Frydenberg Federal Member for Kooyong Old Trinity by 8 Old Melburnians by 11 Monash Blues by 8
Cameron White Australian & Victorian Cricketer St Bernards by 6 St Kevin’s by 21 Old Haileyburians by 7
Chris Scott Geelong Coach and St Kevin’s Old Boy St Bernards by 7 St Kevin’s by 20 Monash Blues by 9
Neil Balme Former Richmond footballer and Collingwood General Manager Old Trinity by 6 St Kevin’s by 38 Monash Blues by 11
VAFA GRAND FINAL 2015
2
MEDIA SIMULCAST BETWEEN 96.5FM AND 98.9 FM VAFA Footy Show SATURDAY — 9.00-11.00AM Ken Petrucco and guests live from Sportscover Arena
2015 Premier Grand Finals SATURDAY 1:00-6:00PM Premier B: St Kevin’s v Old Melburnians SUNDAY - 1:00-6:00PM WB Premier: Old Trinity v St Bernards Glenn Scarborough from 6PM
STREAMING LIVE AT SUNDAY AT 9:30AM
southernfm.com.au
WILLIAM BUCK PREMIER GRAND FINAL REPLAY Watch a replay of the William Buck Premier Grand Final on Channel 31 on
SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 26 1:30PM
C YA N PRE SS VICTORIA
PTY LTD
The VAFA would like to thank our important partners in 2015 3
VAFA GRAND FINAL 2015
Andrew Leonard
T’S TO CREATE HISTORY The best two sides of the year have made the Grand Final. In many ways that’s all we could hope for. Old Trinity is in unchartered territory, a chance to do as no other side in their previous 60-odd years have managed. St Bernard’s has been here before, but probably should have more than their two premierships in the top section. The Snowdogs get the chance on Sunday to add a third after they beat University Blues at Sportscover Arena. The win was St Bernard’s most complete performance for a number of weeks. A fast start and an early report to Pete Summers meant Uni Blues were behind the eight ball. Jack Watts couldn’t have the same influence as he had the week before against De La Salle. In fact Jack also found his name in the umpire’s book before the day was done. Where the Blues had flourished in recent week was the clearances, but St Bernard’s expertly won the contested ball then coupled that with sharper movement of the ball on the outside. Shaun Clarke was influential in the ruck and Old Trinity will have a big task to match him up. The St Bernard’s forward line fired and importantly both Tom and Simon Caven (pictured) were in great touch too. When St Bernard’s were playing their best football at the start of the year, both Tom and Simon were regularly in their best. Add younger brother Michael and things were looking particularly rosy. For Blues, it was a season of mixed fortunes. Injuries cruelled their chances of making serious inroads, but you have to admire how far they have come in the past 24 months. From Tom McKenzie’s knee injury pre-season, the broken ankles of Silvestro and Hart to the sickening neck injury to Jack Townley, it was a tumultuous season. The rise of Blues under Gleeson has been impressive, let’s hope he has at least one more year in him, if not, then there is certainly enough talent there for a keen coach to get their hands on.
William Buck Premier Grand Final Preview Anyway you look at it, this match presents itself as a mouthwatering contest. Their three meetings this year have been decided by five, six and seven points respectively. Ipso facto we should have a cliffhanger on our hands late Sunday afternoon. Two of VAFA GRAND FINAL 2015
the three contests had St Bernards with more scoring shorts and a poorer conversion rate. The Snowdogs turned that around last week, but in 10 of their 20 games this year they have missed more times than they have split the middle. Old Trinity is a last half specialist, but it’s harder to swing momentum in Grand Finals and Adam Andrews will be imploring his side to not give up a start. St Bernard’s seem to get better with confidence. Their game style becomes more expansive and they back their skills in too. Their key forwards – any of whom on their day can kick a bag – pose the biggest threat. Who does Nick Howell go to? Does Harry Tinney (pictured) have to play a key defensive post all day thus sacrificing his creative run? Jones and Boyse have 80 goals between them, but Merrington and Gleeson pose an equal concern. Of their 39 players used, only Simon Caven, Alex Singleton and James Bennie have played every week. As is the case in most weeks of the season, it is in 4
the midfield where the battle will be won. St Bernard’s are not short on value there too. Clarke we have mentioned is a force in the ruck. At his feet he has the best clearance pair in William Buck Premier, Adam Bentick and Tom Sullivan. Bentick is no stranger to Ikon Park and was influential in the VAFA’s pre-season win over the Northern Football League at the same venue.
A win for Old Trinity would be a win for Amateur football. Whilst there is plenty of homegrown talent at St Bernard’s, Old Trinity don’t have an academy setup like the Snowdogs. Instead they have invested in an old boy as coach and have brought together the most exciting group of talent to enter the VAFA in recent seasons, all from the school. Despite all this good fortune and good management, Old Trinity players have still had to get it done. The end of last season saw the close of legend Andrew Ramsden ‘s senior career. At Round 8 this year, the T’s lost their captain and talisman Brendan Iezzi to a season ending knee injury. They haven’t letup since. Old Trinity’s talent might be a little thinner, they have used just 34 players, and five have played every game. Despite this only 22 run out on the day and these T’s don’t hold any punches. The plaudits on the St Bernard’s forward line are warranted, but we overlook that Old Trinity have more players that have kicked at least 20 goals this year; Nicolosi, Polidoros, Weatherson, Walsh and Jack Hunt are the five. Enough superlatives have been shared on the way Old Trinity play when they are up and about. Let’s hope we get to see it on Sunday.
St Bernard’s at their best are a phenomenal side, but Old Trinity do not allow them to play at their best. Old Trinity has hung tough all year, so regardless of where this game heads on the weekend, the T’s will fancy their chances. Both sides would be wonderful results, but a first Premier pennant for Old Trinity with a week’s break is how I see this going. Whatever the result on Sunday, it is sure to be a family affair. With Cavens, Hunts, Howells are all likely to play key roles. Unfortunately this is not good news for the VAFA. With so many sets of brothers and in St Bernard’s case, cousins playing in the one side, it will reduce the potential number of parents that will attend.
Previous meetings: R1 Old Trinity 12.8.80 def St Bernards 10.15.75 (at Old Trinity) R10 St Bernard’s 14.14.98 def Old Trinity 13.14.92 (at St Bernard’s) SF Old Trinty 8.7.55 def St Bernard’s 5.18.48 (at Craigieburn) Tip: Old Trinity by 11 points, Gabe Hamilton to win the Jock Nelson Medal. 5
VAFA GRAND FINAL 2015
WILLIAM BUCK PREMIER Old Trinity v St Bernards 2:15pm Sunday 20 September - IKON Park OLD TRINITY
ST BERNARDS
Coach: Adam Andrews
Coach: Anthony Rock
Assistant: Gerard Sholly, Lucien Dean-Johns, Richard Burrows
Assistants: Matt O’Connor, Marcus Barham, Simon Atkins, Chris Davis
Reserves: Speros Beasley No.
Name
Goals
Behinds
No.
Name
3
Harry Tinney (DVC)
3
Alex McLeod
4
Ned Hunt (DVC)
4
Tom Sullivan
7
Brendan Iezzi (C)
5
Adam Bentick (VC)
8
Ben Howell
6
Jacob Bevanda
9
Jake Steinhart
7
Michael Angel
10
Jack Osborn
8
Nathan Kazuro
11
Kris Spassopoulos
9
Ben Considine
12
Luke Pacconi (VC)
11
Sam Fleming
14
Gabe Hamilton
12
Chris Peart
15
James Spassopoulos
13
Tristan Cartledge
17
Jack Hunt
14
Nick Cooke
18
Ed Weatherson (DVC)
16
Mitch Hannan
19
Nick Howell (VC)
18
Alex Singleton
21
Jake Walsh
19
Andrew Merrington
22
Brett Barratt
20
Shaun Clarke
24
Luther Juric
22
Simon Caven
26
Andrew Kyriacopoulos
23
Jake Forder
27
Sebastian Nicolosi
24
Alex Boyse
28
Christos Manoussakis
26
Tom Gleeson
31
Callum Pohl
27
Chad Jones
33
Nick Roberts
32
Tom Caven (C)
41
Fergus Stewart
33
David Wall
43
Alex Heuston
36
Sam Woods
46
Henry Winter
40
Michael Caven
48
Tom Young
41
Darren Colaco
51
Alex Polidoros
44
James Bennie
53
Hugh Tyson
49
Michael Sullivan
51
Giacomo Zoccali
52
Jesse Manunzio
53
Ben Ronke
54
Chris Hughes
60
Zac O’Halloran
65
Marcus DeLeur
1st Qtr
2nd Qtr
3rd Qtr
4th Qtr
1st Qtr
Goals
Goals
Behinds
Behinds
VAFA GRAND FINAL 2015
6
2nd Qtr
Goals
Behinds
3rd Qtr
4th Qtr
PREMIER RESERVE University Blues v Old Xaverians 11:30am Sunday 20 September - IKON Park UNIVERSITY BLUES
OLD XAVERIANS
Coach: Christian Neeson
Development Coach/Reserves Coach: Murray Browne
Assistants: James Walker, Ben McKinley
Assistant Coaches: John Symepoulos, Pat Myers, Oliver Gidley
No.
Name
Goals
Behinds
No.
Name
3
Matthew Hart
3
Andy Pasceri
4
Andy Wettenhall
4
Matt Jenkinson
8
Ben Taylor
8
Michael Henderson
13
Tom Girdwood (C)
12
Andy Bowen
17
Rich Langham
13
Cauley Beetham
18
Dan Zambon
15
Matt Skidmore (C)
19
Angus Twopeny
23
James Ulbrick
23
Hayden McDonald
27
Robbie Ralph
25
Angus Nice
28
Hugh Symon
26
Jack Maxwell
30
Nick Serafini
27
Hugo Steinfort (VC)
34
Nick Nunan
29
Patrick Gardiner
35
Ed Lachal
30
Gus Ford
36
Nick Pepperell
34
Will Hartnell
37
Daniel Harangozo
35
James Coumans
38
Matt Douglas
36
David Withers
42
Matthew Peric
37
Tom Foott
45
Lachlan Keith
40
James Carr
47
Mikkel Kjoege
41
Jacob Callahan
49
Jonathan Pintal
46
Charlie Craig
50
Ben Plant
48
Hugh Evans
51
James Midgley
49
Will McFarlane
52
Tristian Parker
50
George Chisholm
54
Michael Cain
57
Jack Heinz
59
Andrew Mathis
58
Ed Long
60
Matthew Hess
61
Aaron Harris
61
Luke Pirrie
62
George McFarlane
62
James Woods
74
Zach Thomson
63
Harry Batten
76
Daniel Van de Pol
64
James Forrest
79
Bernie Chomley
86
David Cumming
1st Qtr
2nd Qtr
3rd Qtr
4th Qtr
1st Qtr
Goals
Goals
Behinds
Behinds
7
2nd Qtr
Goals
Behinds
3rd Qtr
4th Qtr
VAFA GRAND FINAL 2015
David Chalmers
PREMIER B
OMS ONE STEP CLOSER TO FAIRY TALE FINALE WITH REMARKABLE COMEBACK “This could just about be game, set and match.” These immortal and, in the end, very incorrect words were uttered by the Inner FM commentary team at the 27 minute mark of the first quarter of the Premier B preliminary final. St Bede’s/Mentone star Chris Richards had just kicked his team’s fifth goal against the wind and their opponents Old Melburnians were lamenting wasted opportunities and sitting on 1.6. Indeed, given what the crowd at Sportscover Arena had witnessed to that point and even to halfway through the second term, it was hard to envisage anything but a Tiger triumph. The breeze heading to the golf course end seemed significant considering how much the ball held up when kicked the other way and OMs Tom Paule confirmed our suspicions when he lined up for an early set shot from outside the arc and made the distance easily. There was confusion early on when everyone in the ground bar the goal umpire thought that Paule had snagged the first goal of the match. However, the one finger went up from the flag-waver and that’s all that mattered. Paule, Hurley-Wellington and spearhead Al Armstrong all squandered early chances and the Tigers made them pay with deadly accuracy up the other end of the ground. Luke Velluto, Mitchell Coen and Tim Doherty all contributed in a positive start for the Tigers, who would have been delighted to go into the quarter time break with a 5.0 to 1.7 lead, knowing they had the wind at their backs in the second term. The Tigers first goal of the second quarter came within the first two minutes. OMs Charlie Cumbrae-Stewart raced out of halfback surrounded by teammates, but was just too slow to get rid of the ball and was dispossessed. The resulting free kick found Michael Barnes who slotted it home. Chris Richards was causing the OMs some headaches when he goaled three minutes later. Both his goals were as identical as they were brilliant. A ball-up at the top of the goal square, ball knocked down, text-book roving off the back of the pack and running into the open goal. From this point, the game entered a dry spell, during which no goals were scored in 17 minutes. Chris Mangoni was one of several Tigers doggedly applying good midfield pressure and the OMs were getting frustrated, culminating VAFA GRAND FINAL 2015
in an undisciplined free kick at a stoppage by Nick Daish, but Pat Tyquin was unable to take advantage of the subsequent 25m penalty. The teams traded behinds for a while and when Pat Keane missed for the Tigers at the 11 minute mark, the margin was out to 30 points, 7.2.44 to 1.8.14, and it seemed “How far the Tigers?” However, the OMs slowly worked their way back into the match and kicked three of the last four goals of the quarter to trail by 18 at the main break. 8
Luke Velluto opened the scoring in the third quarter for the Tigers with a behind, but from there the Tigers didn’t get a lookin and it was all Dark Blue. Chris Righetti nailed a long running goal and Will Thompson finished off some clever work from Stuart Watson, who had a hand in another goal when he intercepted a Tiger forward thrust and got it to Al Armstrong. Cameron Beck slotted one when he snapped truly from a stoppage and it had turned into a Redlegs avalanche. Beck and Armstrong goaled twice each and the OMs capped off
the perfect quarter with possibly the goal of the day from Lachie Borthwick. He fumbled and bumbled the ball forward from the centre bounce, eventually got it under control, took a bounce, let go from outside the arc and it sailed through over the top of desperate fingertips on the goal line. When the siren sounded to end the third term, the Redlegs held a healthy 25-point lead but few would have dared suggest the contest was anywhere near over, given that the Tigers were coming home with the wind and they were second only to St Kevins in goals kicked in the last quarter. Alas for the Tigers, it wasn’t to be their day. The OMs defence held firm and continually repelled the Tiger attacks. The Redlegs kicked the first four goals of the quarter to extend their lead to 46 before James Tyquin finally saluted for the Tigers at the 20 minute mark. In a reversal of the first term, the inaccurate Tigers could only manage 2.6 to 6.0 and the final margin was 43 points. The win propels Old Melburnians to the VAFA Premier section for the first time since 2011 and although it will be mere consolation, St Bede’s/Mentone has an opportunity to consolidate themselves as the team to beat in Premier B in 2016.
St Kevin’s perfect season to remain in tact
G.T. Moore Medal – Congratulations Rory Angiolella! The Premier B Best and Fairest was held on Wednesday September 9th and broadcast on 96.5 Inner FM. It was won by Fitzroy’s Rory Angiollella on 26 votes, followed by St Kevin’s star Steven Salopek. For full results, as well as club-by-club and weekby-week summaries, please visit my blog: http://dcsportsjourno.blogspot.com
drew Leonard for giving me the opportu-
In closing I want to especially thank An-
everyone for your engagement.
nity to write, as well as Andrew Mullet from Old Brighton Grammarians for his weekly informative match reports; they have helped me immensely. Well, that brings me to the end of my first season covering Premier B footy. I’ve really enjoyed it and received some positive feedback, so thanks
The OMs would have taken heart from St Bedes/Mentone’s effort against St Kevin’s in their semi-final last week. The Tigers were within five points late in the game and pushed the SKOBs all the way. They would also do well to completely blot out their two previous encounters against the ladder leaders. In Round 3 the OMs kicked 3.12 and lost by 91 points, then in Round 12 they were handed an 86-point belting. Since then the Redlegs have won six of eight and while I may have been guilty of underestimating them at times this season, I don’t believe it will be a one-sided affair in the ‘Big One’. To have any chance, they will need to avoid a repeat of their 1.7 in the first quarter of the Preliminary Final and Al Armstrong and Cameron Beck will both have to bring their A-Game up forward. Josh Freezer had a ripper in defence against the Tigers and they will be relying on him and the other defenders to step up again to avoid a repeat of the 18 and 20 goals conceded in their previous two meetings against St Kevin’s. I am picking St Kevin’s to win by five goals. 9
VAFA GRAND FINAL 2015
PREMIER B St Kevin’s v Old Melburnians 2:15pm Saturday 19 September - Sportscover Arena ST KEVIN’S
OLD MELBURNIANS
Senior coaches: Daniel Harford & Jon Edgar
Coach: Nathan Brown
Assistant: Michael Christian
Assistants: Peter Nunn
Development: Hartley Stone
Reserves: Sam Quennell, Jack Macciolli Thirds: Nick Molony
No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 37 38 44 46 51 78
Name Matthew Murphy Nicholas Wood Benjamin Dowd Callum Matheson Patrick Dowd Steven Salopek Charles Ring Jordan Gysberts Julian Staffieri Karl Wissell Dylan Jones Nicholas McArdle Jason Salopek Zachary Ginies Billy Kanakis Stephen Gilham Shaun Kennedy Francis Keely Philip Edgar Tom Simpson Michael Shanahan Lachlan Nankervis Troy McMaster Gerard Gleeson Chris Gleeson Tom Cunningham Anthony Lynch (C) William Coates Kelvin Williams Benjamin Sullivan Bradley McCann Luke Sabato Panayioti Karageorgiou Henry Parkes Conor Ross James Stewart Nicholas Meehan 1st Qtr 2nd Qtr
Goals
3rd Qtr
Behinds
No
Name
No
Name
1
Harry Macciolli
46
Lewis Haralambous
2
Tim Marshall
47
Harry Allen
3
Thomas Paule (C)
48
Guy Shearman
4
Tom Healey
49
Tim Spargo
5
Cam Beck
50
Charlie Clemenger
6
Chris Righetti
51
Stewart Madsen
7
Ted De Fegley
52
James Bate
8
Al Armstong
53
Alex Thorley
9
Alex Carter
54
Hamish Lade
10
Lachie Borthwick
55
Harry Michelmore
11
Tom Bachet
56
Tom Lackmann
12
Chris Wischer
57
Damon Velakoulis
13
Ed Fanning
58
Oscar Dixon
14
Sam Gibbons
59
Josh Benson
15
Cam May
60
Henry Hanlon
16
Nick Voyage
61
Alex Coleridge
17
Oscar Hosking
62
Josh McMullin
18
Harry Jupp
63
Tom De Fegley
19
Will Thompson
65
Alex Townsend
20
Guy Brayshaw
66
Seb Clarke
21
Charlie Cumbrae-Stewart
67
Rupert Alstergren
22
Patty Garschagen
68
Tom Watson
23
Nick De Steiger
69
Jim De Fegley
24
Tom Hywood
70
Harrison Lane
25
Cameron Tunbridge
71
Ted Stobart
26
Ed Court
72
Will Boyd
27
Marty McCoy
73
Matt Marangon
28
Adrian Karatzas
74
James Fink
29
Lachie Bennett
75
David Herman
30
Nick Madders
76
Ned Hoyle
31
George HurleyWellington
77
Cal Williamson
78
Sam Daddo
32
Sammy Peacock
79
Max Figgins
33
Nic Daish
80
Theo Rosenthal
34
Nick Baring
81
Gus Borthwick
35
Nick McLardy
83
Josh Rundell
36
Robbie Hayward
84
Andy Fischer
37
Chris Barry
86
Jack Burmeister
38
Justin De Steiger
87
Lachie Prendergast
39
Ed McMullin
89
Jeremy Tan
40
Conrad Lucas
90
Sam Brand
41
Will Beasley
91
Von Bibra Nick
42
James Newton
96
Jack Brandwood
43
Rupert Middleton
97
Peter May
44
Stuart Watson
98
Nick Molony
45
Henry Nevile
99
Morne Spies
4th Qtr
1st Qtr
Goals
Goals
Behinds
Behinds
VAFA PREMIER GRAND FINAL 2014
G
10
B
2nd Qtr
3rd Qtr
G
4th Qtr
B
PREMIER B RESERVE Old Melburnians v St Bedes / Mentone Tigers 11:30am Saturday 19 September - Sportscover Arena OLD MELBURNIANS
ST BEDES/MENTONE TIGERS
Coaches: Sam Quennell, Jack Macciolli
Coach: Steve D’Andrea Assistants: Jamie Shanahan, Greg Siwes, Mark Tyquin
No
Name
No
Name
1
Harry Macciolli
G
46
Lewis Haralambous
2
Tim Marshall
47
Harry Allen
3
Thomas Paule (C)
48
Guy Shearman
4
Tom Healey
49
Tim Spargo
5
Cam Beck
50
Charlie Clemenger
6
Chris Righetti
51
Stewart Madsen
7
Ted De Fegley
52
James Bate
8
Al Armstong
53
Alex Thorley
9
Alex Carter
54
Hamish Lade
10
Lachie Borthwick
55
Harry Michelmore
11
Tom Bachet
56
Tom Lackmann
12
Chris Wischer
57
Damon Velakoulis
13
Ed Fanning
58
Oscar Dixon
14
Sam Gibbons
59
Josh Benson
15
Cam May
60
Henry Hanlon
16
Nick Voyage
61
Alex Coleridge
17
Oscar Hosking
62
Josh McMullin
18
Harry Jupp
63
Tom De Fegley
19
Will Thompson
65
Alex Townsend
20
Guy Brayshaw
66
Seb Clarke
21
Charlie Cumbrae-Stewart
67
Rupert Alstergren
22
Patty Garschagen
68
Tom Watson
23
Nick De Steiger
69
Jim De Fegley
24
Tom Hywood
70
Harrison Lane
25
Cameron Tunbridge
71
Ted Stobart
26
Ed Court
72
Will Boyd
27
Marty McCoy
73
Matt Marangon
28
Adrian Karatzas
74
James Fink
29
Lachie Bennett
75
David Herman
30
Nick Madders
76
Ned Hoyle
31
George HurleyWellington
77
Cal Williamson
78
Sam Daddo
32
Sammy Peacock
79
Max Figgins
33
Nic Daish
80
Theo Rosenthal
34
Nick Baring
81
Gus Borthwick
35
Nick McLardy
83
Josh Rundell
36
Robbie Hayward
84
Andy Fischer
37
Chris Barry
86
Jack Burmeister
38
Justin De Steiger
87
Lachie Prendergast
39
Ed McMullin
89
Jeremy Tan
40
Conrad Lucas
90
Sam Brand
41
Will Beasley
91
Von Bibra Nick
42
James Newton
96
Jack Brandwood
43
Rupert Middleton
97
Peter May
44
Stuart Watson
98
Nick Molony
45
Henry Nevile
99
Morne Spies
1st Qtr
B
2nd Qtr
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No. 10 17 20 22 23 25 26 27 29 31 32 34 36 38 39 40 41 42 43 45 46 47 48 49 52 57 58 59 60 62 66 67 70 73 74 76
B
Name Michael Wintle Mitchell Coen Pat Liston Ben Nicoll Jarrod Blenkinsop Jack Beckwith Jimmy Colyvan Brenton Schubert Trent Pastura Dale Foley Luke Hulse Jack O’Kearney Chris McCready Michael Seeber Nick Seeber Jake Townley Mark Geschke John Dawes Johnnyn Cayhun Aaron Hodges Josh Heron Matthew Caia James Dalzotto Fin Neaves Luke Porter Ben Hodges Tom McMahon John Patounas Tim Jeans Luke Porter Damien Waters Cory Michaud Luke Terrell Lewis Stutterd Matthew Pitt Mitchell Kent 1st Qtr
4th Qtr
Goals
Goals
Behinds
Behinds
11
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Behinds
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VAFA GRAND FINAL 2015
James Ried
BLOODS JOIN BLUES IN PREMIER B Fourth placed Old Haileyburians proved it wasn’t there to make up the numbers in Premier C’s finals as it progressed past top seed Marcellin to earn a grand final spot. Leading at every change, the Bloods knocked out the Eagles in straight sets to gain promotion back into B grade. And with an average losing margin of 68 points against Marcellin in the home-and-away season, it was a stellar feat for Haileybury, besting the team that comfortably had its measure all year. Old Haileybury now meets Monash Blues in the grand final at Trevor Barker Oval, Sandringham this Saturday.
quarter according to the coaching staff. While they couldn’t score a major themselves the pressure they put on the ball carrier kept the Bloods in front by three points at the major break. The reward for their effort came in the third quarter as the Bloods nailed five-goals-to-one. A 33-point buffer was established and Haileybury had to hold out against the wind to succeed. And they did just that as they out-fought and outmuscled Marcellin once again in the fourth quarter to register two majors against the breeze to trump the Eagles by 27 points. In the end the scoreboard didn’t illustrate the dominance of the Bloods as much as it could have. Old Haileybury had 30 scoring shots to 13 by game’s end with 21 of those coming as minor scores. But as the siren sounded, it was irrelevant, as the Bloods had run over Premier C’s best during the home-and-away season, after almost struggling to make the finals and now play in the grand final. Captain Peter Gleadhill led from the front through the midfield while Brett Voss also chipped in with two goals and plenty of possessions. Jordan Toy’s inside grunt is what finals footy are about as he continues to feed on the contested ball as help his team getting the result. Andrew Kay was Marcellin’s only multiple goal kicker with two in one of the most disappointing days for a club that has dominated the past three home and away seasons only to pull up short when it really matters in Premier C. Perhaps next year they can finally break the developing duck and win their way into Premier B. They certainly are due for a little bit of luck in that regard.
Grand Final Preview
Preliminary Final Review To open the contest Marcellin won the toss and decided to kick against the threegoal wind advantage. And by quarter time the Bloods would’ve thought they were in trouble. While holding the Eagles to one point throughout the quarter Haileybury couldn’t damage the minor premiers with scoreboard pressure and take its chances kicking two goals eight. Old Haileybury weathered the storm in the second quarter in what was the Bloods’ most important VAFA GRAND FINAL 2015
Old Haileybury meet the well-rested Monash Blues who also ran through Marcellin to make the big dance. The Bloods match up better against the Blues than they did with the Eagles but still couldn’t top Monash during the regular season. In their first encounter in Round 10 Monash embarrassed Haileybury at Frearson Oval, Monash University by 91 points. Nicholas Petering booted five and Damien Hatch kicked four in the victory. Haileybury did regain some respect in the reverse game at Princes Park but still fell 28 points short of victory. Monash’s mids reigned supreme as Maddison Hardiman put three goals past Haileybury. Alfred Oppy has kicked five goals in two games against the Bloods. 12
Since there last meeting however Haileybury has lifted tenfold especially in the midfield which is where Monash was dominant. It may have been only a month ago but confidence does wonders and for a club that had been drowned for success for too long, it’s come back in spades. If Haileybury can produce the same pressure they did against Marcellin it’ll put them in good stead to claim the premiership. 10 per cent off their best and the Bloods could get outshone fairly comfortably as Monash have proven to have stars all across the ground. History says Monash will win with its 2-0 record against Haileybury but the Bloods’ underdog status has grown legs and is hard not to want to see come to fruition. Heart says Bloods but mind picks Blues. Here’s hoping the fairy-tale finish can prevail one more time.
2015 matches between Old Haileyburians and Monash Blues Round 10: Monash Blues 18 18 126 defeat Old Haileyburians 5 5 35 Round 17: Old Haileyburians 7 15 57 defeat by Monash Blues 12 13 85
Old Haileyburians v Monash Blues
PREMIER C GRAND FINAL 2:15pm Saturday 19 September - Trevor Barker Oval
2 2 3 4 5 6 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 20 21 22
MONASH BLUES
OLD HAILEYBURIANS
Coach: Paul Groves Assistants: Michael Sandry, Maddison Hardiman
Coach: Daniel Hughes Assistants: Jarrod Rafferty, Leigh Boughton
Nicholas Petering Michael Chapman (R) Matthew Davidson Nicholas Woodland Alfred Oppy Michael Davidson Calvin Oppy (R) Andrew Young Andrew Hickey Samuel Baring William Kittelty James Taylor George Smyth Charles Cosgriff Joel Bartram Benjamin Tilley Darcy Meehan Jake Meade Joseph Cosgriff Zacchary Ledin Daniel Easson Taylor Cameron
23 24 25 25 26 28 29 29 30 31 31 32 33 33 34 35 36 38 39 40 41 42
Sam Le Lievre Gareth Taylor Damien Hatch Thomas Waters (R) Samuel Whatley Tom Lancaster Maddison Hardiman Andrew Costley (R) Joseph Griffiths Callum Dick Hayden Davies (R) Matthew Whitty Gibson Crampton Rami Shenouda (R) Keegan Mason Chris Godsil Charlie Rossetti Lachlan Buck Zachary Rundell-Gordon Daniel Brogden Samuel Hawkins James Duffy
43 44 46 47 48 49 50 53 55 57 59 67 69 74 76 80 87 90 93 94
Thomas Duffy Liam Darcy Sam Walsh James Mooney Matt Mason Christian Dougherty Joshua Anaf Nicholas Cowan Jake Cockburn Patrick Long David Meulendijks Tom Ruddell Tim Kenyon Ryan Phillips Hayden Devanny Gavin Powles Nicholas Burri Hayden Davies Matthew Davies Haydn Brouwer
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 11 12 13 14 15 16 17
Corey Rich James Paul Hamish McLauchlan Alex Woltering Corey Rich John Nicolopoulos Lachie Nash Nick Gooda Peter Gleadhill (C) Jordan Donnelly Josh Dawson Brett Voss Corey Connelly Brodie Steele Nick Harrison Mitch Rafferty
18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 31 32 41
Jack Hayes Jordan Toy Scott Ellis Campbell Faulkner Tim Witherow Lachie Treverton Aaron Toy Ben O’Leary Nathan Waite (VC) Tyler Faulkner Chris Povey Adam Weekes (VC) Ed Limon Michael Stowe
PREMIER C RESERVES GRAND FINAL 11:30am Saturday 19 September - Trevor Barker Oval
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MARCELLIN
PEGS
Coach: Daniel Fraser Assistants: Daniel Considine, Luke Boyd
Coach: Stuart Dale Assistants: Dane Pound, Frank Troost
John McIntyre Anthony Manakis Joe Licciardi Josh Edwards Jon Sammut Tom Natoli James Baxter James Baxter Steve Crapper Matt Beayni Xavier Burns Laine Rice Daniel Redmond Anthony McGlin (C) Adrian Coburn (VC) Tim Blanch Patrick Lunn
39 42 44 45 48 50 52 60 63 66
Will Delahunty Rob Di Roberto Tom Black VC John Dimattina Ari Loucas Oliver Grant Sam Mackie Paul Lacarruba Stephen Gill Nick Watty
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Matt Semini Jimmy Vovos Huw Wilson Josh Stormont Luke Shultz Grant Stubbs Hayden Federico Nick Semini Lachie Marr Daniel Roscoe Jackson Marr Andrew Baddeley Jack Clarke James Federico Jake Barrett Liam Flaherty Brad Roscoe
22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 35 41 44 46
Jack Condon Jarryd French Daniel Rowland Nick Karikas Sam Skurrie Andrew Khallouf David Bianchi Liam Fitzgerald Tom Memery Mark Wilson Dane Pound Tom Mules Jesse Saunders Butchy Glassford Liam Sutawon Ben Caminiti
VAFA GRAND FINAL 2015
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VAFA GRAND FINAL 2015
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GRAND FINAL UMPIRE APPOINTMENTS We’ve received intel from the great Brian ‘Benny’ Goodman, VAFA GM of Football and Umpiring, in regard to the umpires officiating the three games over the weekend. They are in no particular order as at the Name Peter Bailes
Ollie Bell
Michael Hooper
Ben La Vale
Merv Monty
Matt Oakley
Daniel Silfo
Grant Wardrop
Tom Windlow
time of print no one was completely sure which umpire would be handling which game. For the umpires, just as it is for the players, this is the pinnacle. We wish the following umpires, field, boundary and
Comments Has continued to mature as an umpire and person; has great match management skills; excellent running and very composed when the going gets a bit heated. The dark horse for a top 6 finish. Is a good sound decision maker ; last 6 weeks has umpired as well as anyone; huge improvement in position; much more confident in selling decisions. Capable of featuring high. Has umpired very well over the past 8 weeks; has improved his communication and composure greatly; can Hoops go back to back after umpiring the premier Grand Final in 2014. Ben is a running machine & has improved his communication and skill level throughout 2015 and should feature well after consistent performances in the second half of the season. Merv has been umpiring consistently throughout the season and umpired the senior Rep match against Vic Country. Merv has an outstanding work rate; works well in all aspects and loves the big stage, can he continue his good form to get the big one? Matt in his first season of amateur football has acquitted himself very well after a good career at VFL level. Always seems composed and has very good rapport with players. Matt does not over react in tough situations and has been consistent throughout the season, Should feature prominently. After overcoming knee surgery Daniel is back to his best and is hungry for success after a disappointing 2014. Daniel has cut out the technical side to his umpiring, only paying major and obvious frees; works as hard as anyone on the field. This veteran has umpired really well; been consistent with decision making all year; reads the game very well and gets to the right position more often than not. A top rated umpire. Tom has had a stellar season and received the best umpire award at the U23 carnival in Tasmania. Tom has had a very consistent season and continues to work and analyse his performances to get the best out of himself. Could this be his year?
PLAYER TO UMPIRE TRANSITION At the end of a long hard season, it is the perfect time to suggest a substitution to any man who has got over the hard bumps, and cold winter mornings that footy seems to encourage. Just as relevantly, it is also the time for women who play or enjoy the game to think about the same thing. If you still desire to be directly involved in the contest, is there a better way to do it than to umpire the sport you love? Becoming a VAFA umpire opens you up to all sorts of possibilities in the long run, or just an enjoyable hobby to pursue over the weekend. The VAFA is always searching for exfootballers to move into umpiring as their capacity to make good football decisions and their ability to run hard all day is crucial to being a successful umpire. The possibility to umpire representative games, and even move to a higher level such as TAC Cup, state leagues and AFL is a distinct possibility for those who show potential. Through that, come handsome remuneration and life skills gained. Ex-players also give their former clubs a chance of making
VAFA GRAND FINAL 2015
In addition to these nine field umpires officiating the three senior grand finals, the boundary umpires and goal umpires for the senior fixtures this weekend are: Sam Beer Anthony Damen Jack Punshon Clayton Evans Ben Rickard Chris Harding Owen Hinson Michael Ellway Antonio Valente Andrew Stolzenburg Patrick Dwyer Hamish McCartney Tom Moloney James Hackett Smith Daniel Campbell Eddie Boal Ryan Hudson Joe Dorrat-Thorpe Jack Cooper Michael Driver Jack Rogers Kevin Segota Andrew Luther Patrick Newson Lachlan Moore Paul Tuppen
Daniel Silfo
$750 if they make a successful transition from playing to umpiring*. ‘I believe umpiring in the VAFA offers the best foundation for any aspiring ump.’ – Robert Harvey, AFL champion and two time Brownlow medallist. ‘The VAFA has been and continues to be a great breeding ground for AFL and VFL umpires. In recent years we have recruited from numerous field, goal and boundary umpires from the VAFA’ – Jeff Gieschen, former AFL Umpires’ Manager.
Peter Bailes
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goal all the best in their respective fixtures. In addition to this, we have to thank all the umpires who have passionately committed themselves to such a noble cause throughout the 2015 season.
RETIREMENTS Tom Moloney (De La Salle) ‘Tom Moloney, one of the clubs finest players of the modern era, announced his retirement after the William Buck Premier first semi final. An outstanding player across 13 seasons and 234 games, he is universally respected across the VAFA and is one of the most decent people you are ever likely to meet in or out of football. Tom has been runner up and third on two occasions in the senior Best & Fairest. He represented the VAFA in 2010 and was named on a half back flank in the club’s team of the decade. But if there were an award for the most popular and respected player at the club then Tom would have a cupboard full of awards. A medium sized defender, he has been renowned for his fi tness and durability and has taken on and beaten ‘talls and smalls’ alike.’ Warwick Baker (West Brunswick) ‘Number 46, Warwick Baker is hanging up the boots after this weekend’s Division 3 grand final, his 111th game. A hugely popular figure at Ransford Oval since his arrival in 2008, his on-field courage and desperation will be sorely missed from the West Brunswick backline. Not nearly as much, though, as the generous and gracious man whose conduct as a human being and footballer has been a shining light for everyone at West Brunswick. We say a heartfelt thank you to ‘Waz’, the two-time premiership player (possibly three-time if we get up on Sunday); second in the 2013 club best and fairest winner; and all ‘round stand-up guy.’ – Ben Lichtenstein
Sam Murray (Peninsula Pirates) 238 games 187 senior, 51 reserves Three time runners in the B&F 2003-2005 Matt Robbins (Hampton Rovers) ‘Matt’s AFL career with the Cats and the Dogs spanned 12 season from 1996-2007, culminating in 146 games and 135 goals. He retired from AFL in 2007 before embarking on local footy, first returning to his junior club Ormond. He coached the Rovers in 2010 and the club welcomed him with open arms this year, returning as a player. Robbo will run out one final time this Saturday when the Hampton Rovers face Parkdale Vultures in the final round of the VAFA Premier B season at Gerry Green Reserve. Everyone at the Rovers congratulates Matty on an outstanding career.’
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VAFA GRAND FINAL 2015
LEAGUE BEST AND FAIREST MEDALS William Buck Premier – Woodrow Medal
Division 4 OJ Meehan Medal:
At the time of printing – confidential information
Shane McLaren (Parkside) 30 votes
Premier B Rory Angiolella (Fitzroy)
Under 19 Premier Roland De Biase (St Kevins Old Boys) 21 votes Division 2 Fullerton Medal: Timothy Harper (MHSOB) and Dean Calcedo (Northern Blues) 19 votes
Under 19 Section 2 Max Davie (Fitzroy) 22 votes
Premier C Carl Groth (Old Ivanhoe Grammarians) 19 votes
Under 19 Section 3 Ryan Forgerty (Hampton Rovers) 26 votes
Division 1 LS Pepper Medal: Sidney Jones (St Mary’s Salesian) 19 votes
Division 3 Hutchinson Medal: Paul Baranello (Emmaus St Leos) 31 votes
Under 19 Section 4 Andrew Watson (Beaumaris) 18 votes
Colts Ramsay Esubalew (UHS-VU/Flemington) 17 votes
VAFA GRAND FINAL 2015
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KEW PULL OFF THREE IN A ROW… FOR THE SECOND TIME? With all the excitement surrounding Kew’s miraculous threepeat, it was frequently said that this was the first in the club’s history. In fact, according to Ian Job, it technically isn’t. How you ask? Well, with Kew winning the D1 Premiership last Saturday it seems opportune to clarify the issue of it being the club’s first run of three straight Premierships. This is indeed the first time for the Senior Team, but not the first time for the club. Back in 1928/29/30 the Kew Reserves won a hat-trick of flags in the now defunct Victorian Football League Sub District Football Association, Second Division. (The senior team, i.e., Kew FC, played in the First Division of the same competition.) The Reserves then played under the name of Kew District, and yes it was the same team that during 1926 played in the inaugural C Grade of the Metropolitan Amateur FA (Now VAFA).
mittee. VFL and VFA clubs were the leaders in this regard, e.g., former MAFA club Leopold represented South Melbourne until they changed name to South Melbourne 2nd XVIII FC in 1925, but still remained autonomous.)
In summary it is the club’s first hat-trick of premierships for the Seniors, the first hattrick in the VAFA, but the second for the club when rightfully including the Reserves hat-trick of flags during 1928/29/30. Technicalities, hey!
(You may say different name, different club. The Reserve team or 2nd XVIII of clubs in early days wore the same jumper and played on the same ground but on the alternate Saturday. VFL 2nd XVIII’s became curtain raisers c1959. The Seconds also had a separate President, Secretary and Com-
YOUNG GUNS ON SHOW AT COLTS GF A feel good story coming our way from the Colts Grand Final on the Saturday just passed. UHS-VU/Flemington upset Ivanhoe and claimed the cup in a boilover, and one of the key young men to help UHS-VU/Flemington claim the victory was Mohamed Mohamed who was awarded the best afield medal. UHS-VU official Tony Boyce let us know this of Mohamed. ‘Mohamed is seventeen and lives with his other brother in North Melbourne. It is his first year with us after having played with West Coburg. He had trained several times with us prior to this year. As soon as he started training with us this year we he bonded extremely well with our first year coach Marcus Butera and based on what he was learning at UHS Flemington he decided to play with our amateur club. He is currently in one of the Calder Cannons Development squads.’ This was followed up by another neutral official, Richard Evans, showing his respect to the club who ‘through the VAFA environment and Affiliation gives young lads in the Flemington area the opportunity to play football in our competition and experience all those life emotions/ accomplishments/disappointments that goes with that. Their side, UHS Flemington Colts won the premiership on Saturday. The support of these lads at Club and Parental level was quite uplifting and clearly demonstrated a great commitment to their club and our Association.’ What a wonderful story to cap off a great week for UHS-VU. Well done to all involved, and a big well done to the talented Mohamed. We expect to hear much more from the young man in the future. 19
VAFA GRAND FINAL 2015
VAFA GRAND FINAL 2015
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VAFA GRAND FINAL 2015
William Balme
DIVISION 1
KEW COMPLETE THREE-PEAT TO SECURE SPOT IN FOLKLORE John Kennedy Senior once bombarded his players with the unforgettable ‘do something!’ quip. It seemed that Ian Aitken took it upon himself to go down a similar route on Saturday afternoon at three quarter time during the Division 1 grand final at Coburg City Oval with the game firmly in the balance. Ormond had responded to a devastating second quarter from Kew that put them up 32 points at the long break. On the back of goals to Dimitri Fasoulis and Jeremy Simon, Ormond had come within four points before Kew’s Jeremy (Fultheim) steadied the ship with a clutch snap goal in the dying seconds of the third term. Of course, in hindsight, Ormond needed to be leading at three quarter time to have any chance of winning this game as the wind advantage was significant and exhausting for both sides, however, the drama of the situation called for a hero, and Kew enjoyed the seductive narrative idea. Mal Michael stirred the pot a little more in the final stanza when he kicked the first goal of the term, however from that point on it was all Kew, with Orchard, Spencer, Droessler and even a remarkable boundary line goal from Michael ‘Clamp’ Henderson to seal the deal. Henderson had a magnificent afternoon to cap off an exceptional season as vice-captain of Kew Football Club. His job on the talented Isaiah Tahana on Saturday was formidable, blocking the young man’s run and quelling any sort of influence Tahana would have very much desired to have in the build up to this epic clash. This was certainly a game built on quality defence. In the second term, Ormond seemed to only rely on two men. Nick Edwards and Simon Keleher, who mopped up over and over, saving Ormond from an even bigger deficit at half time. At the other end, Simon Barnes again matched up well with Andrew Brazzale, who despite kicking two impressive goals, wasn’t at his scintillating best. He was, however, one of the fantastic stories of the afternoon, coming back from a broken nose inflicted in round 17 against Bulleen Templestowe. The other man to go down that day was Rob
Maibaum, who too returned to the foray after having his jaw fractured on that very same afternoon. Finally, there was Michael Cochrane. The Kew captain dismantled Matthew Martinov from go-to-woe. Whilst Cochrane doesn’t have the innate ability of a Kyle Margaritas in regard to his skill and ball-use, he is a competitive beast, and once again he did not take a backward step against his sizable opponent. Ormond’s best player on Saturday in my opinion was Sam Blandford. He was a very dangerous proposition throughout the day, and it was clear that the theme had carried on from the week before where he cut up Old Geelong from the half back line. Perhaps Kew didn’t take the threat of his run and carry seriously in the build up to the game, but at three quarter time, it was pretty clear that he had to be stymied. For Kew, Jack Delbridge and Kyle Margaritas were the two outstanding players on the field. Delbridge, the runner up in the LS Pepper League medal during the week, was pivotal in the clinches, as he racked up first touch after first touch from ruckman Paul Brough. He was Josh Kennedy like in his proficiency in the centre clearances. Margaritas. Well, what can we say about Kyle Margaritas. His game was near perfection. It is pretty apparent that Ormond had either run out of answers or accepted that he was going to get a lot of ball on the day, because his omnipresence throughout the day was mystifying. The quiet young man won his second grand final best on ground medal in a row, an amazing feat for a man of 19 years. The moment that will be talked about for years to come is the send off of Dimitri Fasoulis. His forceful hit on Zac Jones left Jones dazed and confused, however whether it was deserved of a red card is subjective. Jones played on after a short spell, but did complain of dizziness late in the game, however that could have been attributed to several other instances when he showed bravery beyond his slight frame’s capacity. He was one of several Kew players, short in stature but humongous in terms of heart. Fasoulis was dangerous throughout the game, and certainly brought his swagger along with him, how-
VAFA GRAND FINAL 2015
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ever his hit cost Ormond serious momentum as they were reduced to 17 men for 12 minutes, allowing Kew to capitalise and extend their lead to one that many would argue was insurmountable. Whilst Ormond had foot soldiers who played their role, such as the Simon brothers, Coghlan, Stait and Schwarz, they lacked genuine outside pace that Kew has in spades. Kinsella, Couvalias, the aforementioned Margaritas and Jones, along with the class of the back six that included Max Waters, who had an afternoon to savour, taking pack marks, using the ball well and ending the game with a lovely, long torpedo to the centre square, and Sam Bishop, the St Kevin’s stalwart cum Kew assistant coach, were all massive handfuls for their Ormond opponents. Whether or not Kew can continue to rise within the Premier sections is yet to be seen, however history will certainly look back kindly on the Aitken years. I would suggest that many within the Kew camp, myself included, would argue that this is most certainly the sweetest. The regular season was dampened with late losses to all three of the other top four sides, and injuries crippled their run to the finals, however Kew found a way to get it done, against a pretty formidable opponent in Ormond. For Ormond, they’ve had an exceptional year, losing only three games, and producing some spellbinding football for much of the season. Unfortunately, the only side that could beat them was Kew. The Jack Russell of the 70s and 80s in the Premier sections where Ormond was the prized pooch. They couldn’t seem to stem the relentless run of the Bears. I suspect that Ashleigh Lever and his coaching panel would be lamenting along the same lines. It has been another wonderful season, and I bid farewell to all of you who have read my column. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the passion of each of the side’s within the division and wish you all the best in the future. Next season, I’m tipping Old Geelong to take on Whitefriars in the big dance. Final score Kew 13 9 87 defeat Ormond 8 9 57
Brenton Mann
RAIDERS PILLAGE HOES IN DECIDER Old Paradians snapped a 29-year premiership drought in glorious style on the back of their stunning 15-point win over Ivanhoe at Highgate Reserve. While the result was a surprise to most, including myself, the boys from Garvey Oval proved the doubters wrong by grinding out a memorable win. Parade limped into the finals with a round 18 win over South Melbourne, and looked set to merely make up the numbers. To their credit, the Raiders took all-before them in the postseason, taking the three biggest scalps in Division 2 on their way to a drought-breaking premiership win. After a swift finals exit in 2014, Dave Boundy clearly pin-pointed the tightening of defensive structures and contested ball as main areas of improvement, and his chargers delivered on the biggest stage. Parade was beaten comfortably by Ivanhoe in the pair’s previous two meetings this year, and with Ivanhoe fresh after a week-off, the result seemed skewed in the Hoes favour. Both sides play contrasting styles and it’s fair to say, Highgate Reserve can be a tricky place to play, especially for the first time. Still days at Highgate are as rare as hen’s teeth and inaccuracy in front of goal generally greets the unfamiliar. This was well and truly the case for the boys from Ivanhoe. Luckily for the Raiders, this was their third encounter at the venue in two-years, and their local knowledge shone through. For Paul Harris and his side, they were endeavouring to hold the illustrious cup aloft for the first time since 1969 when John Gorton was prime minister and man landed on the moon. After Ivanhoe’s shock loss, here’s hoping the powerbrokers at Ivanhoe don’t oust Paul Harris as the Liberal Party did to Tony Abbott earlier this week. As is said across all grades of amateur football, the semi-final or prelim win is for the club and the grand final is for the players. Their promotion into Division 1 is great reward for a club keen to climb the heights of the VAFA ranks and recapture the glory of days gone by.
Expectation is a fascinating pressure heading into a grand final. It usually hovers over one side like a cloud and infects the minds of some, whilst others are completely free of that weight. Last Saturday, the weight of expectation of capturing ultimate glory clearly asphyxiated Ivanhoe who were not given the chances they expected to come. The Raiders on the other hand went in with the “us against the world” mentality as they bottled the barbs of doubt that were thrown at them all yea, fuelling their steely resolve. The Raiders went into the game after accounting for Northern Blues in a cut-throat semi-final and steam-rolled St John’s in a come-frombehind prelim final win a week previous. Ivanhoe on the other hand had the luxury of “putting their feet-up” over prelim final week and no doubt watched Parade’s stunning performance against St John’s with intrigue.
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The Raiders came from five-goals down to win by four in the end, in arguably their best performance of the year. As Ivanhoe was clearly the best side all year, and had been so dominant, the Raiders were only given a glimmer of hope by most. That faint glimmer was if the Raiders could somehow turn the game into a dogfight, and they did. Inaccuracy can become an infectious disease come finals time, and in grand finals it can spread like wild-fire. Bad kicking for goal plagued the Hoes early, as the Raiders, as they have done all finals series, took their chances when they presented themselves and remained within striking distance. The fact the Parade slotted three goals in the second-term was not a shock, the fact it held Ivanhoe goalless certainly was. The Raiders reversed an eight-point deficit into a sevenpoint lead and went into the main change brimming with confidence. Inaccuracy again welcomed Ivanhoe in the third, as it simply struggled with the blustery conditions at Highgate and as a result, failed to arrest back the lead heading into the last. The final term was simply a test of attrition, and in keeping with the theme, was a dour affair. Only three goals were scored as pure ecstasy was felt by the boys from Garvey Oval as the final siren bellowed across Highgate Reserve. Ivanhoe will no doubt rue its second-quarter aberration, as this was another premiership that slipped through their grasps. For Dave Boundy and his crew, this was a victory to savour, born out of hard-work and desire and a steely resolve that caught many by surprise. VAFA GRAND FINAL 2015
Gavin Southern
DIVISION 3
THE IMPOSSIBLE WAS POSSIBLE The ‘twitterverse’ was running hot last Saturday for the Division 3 Grand Final that was played at Trevor Barker Oval Sandringham, where the impossible became possible. Blustery conditions met the two sides however discounting that, it was almost the perfect day for football. The Animals won the toss and took the wind for the first quarter. After a Scott Hulm goal, Animal key forwards were held by multiple Magpie defenders and found it very hard to get a kick but they were able to sneak two goals just before quarter time to go in with a seven-point lead. Listening at the quarter time huddle, West Brunswick Coach Angus Hamilton was pleased with the way the game was being played and felt it was on their terms. The second quarter saw the Magpies take some advantage with the wind, and their defence was just as good restricting the Animals to just the solitary point. Third quarter finally saw the ESL’s forwards break free in the third to kick 5 goals and set up a 26 point lead at the end of what was supposed to be the premiership quarter. In the context of the game, this looked like an insurmountable lead. Wests had different ideas and attacked relentlessly missing a few shots but pegged back the lead having the ball in their forward line for most of the last quarter. Bill Irving’s marks again were a highlight. Whilst West Brunswick kicking 4.6 in a defensive match was pretty astounding, it was over-shadowed as they AGAIN made the impossible possible, restricting the highest scoring team to just the 3 points in the final quarter and a one point lead. In the last 30 seconds, the Animals had a shot on goal but it bounced along the scoring area and out and the siren sounded. The best for the Animals in a great battle was on baller Nath Baranello, who earned man of the match honours and kicked 2 goals in an epic battle. Chris Beluszar had a quiet day despite his 2 goals. For the Magpies, Dylan Muscat and Billie Irving kicked two goals each. Evan “Red” Lloyd commanded the back-line and
a Congratulations to playing president, Anthony Gibson, who announced his retirement and his tenure with the club. What a way to go out. Leading up to the Grand Final between Emmaus St. Leo’s and West Brunswick last Saturday I posed some questions, which turned out to ring true. “If it’s low scoring, could it play into the Magpies hands?” - The scoreline of 53-54 in favour of the Magpies resulted in the lowest score for the year by the Animals (previously 82 points in their clash with Aquinas) and 3 points for a 4th quarter is certainly not something anybody would have predicted. A 54 point outing for the Magpies was their second lowest for the year which only just beat their round eight score line of 41 points which funnily enough happened in their game with the Animals. Before Saturday, the Animals averaged 129 points a game and the expectation was that the side would in-
evitably get into a rhythm, which just did not happen. The strengths of both sides is the ESL forward line/WB backline. - The ESL’s forward line of Harding, Beluszar, Hillman, Robin, Lalor and Hill scored 3 goals in total. Whilst the defence, led by Cormac Cashin, Evan «Red» Lloyd, Warwick Baker and co. dictated the terms throughout the day. Can the Animals utilise the ball from kickouts and clearances coming out? - Anthony Ballard was one of ESL’s shining lights down back and was able to repel most forward entries but the back-line as a collective, did not hit as many targets up the ground as they would have liked. Can Magpie Owen Taylor, restrict the influence of Jon O’Connor in the ruck? - In short, the answer was, YES. The Animals have been sensational all season, finishing the home and away fixture on top of the ladder and without a loss. Despite their loss, the boys from Emmaus should hold their heads high after a fantastic season and look forward to having an impact alongside West Brunswick in Division 2 next year. Coming down to join Division 3, we will see South Melbourne Districts and Elsternwick. And that is a wrap for season 2015, thank you to all those who read my column on a weekly basis. Enjoy the rest of the year!
VAFA GRAND FINAL 2015
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Rich Hummerston
DIVISION 4
COBRA JUGGERNAUT STRIKE WITH VENOM Juggernaut, sensational, dominant, rampant. I’ve gone to adjective world on numerous occasions this year when describing the Canterbury Cobras. And while arguably some might have been a touch embellished, the Cobras on Saturday proved that they genuinely were the best side in the competition in 2015 in perhaps the strongest pool of Division four clubs in recent history. After an early week venue change, Garvey Oval would be the canvas for the two sides to ply their craft. The deck was in it’s usual near perfect condition, the sun shining, a deceptively strong breeze favouring the car park end a strong crowd, many of which exposing their pasty calves after the long winter. Within moments of the first bounce, to the naive eye, it was impossible to detect the differences in seasons the two sides had experienced. Canterbury, after so nearly finding promotion in their first year were installed by many as favourites to take the chocolates this year. And true to form, they played up to the lofty expectations, losses in the last round of the season and the semi-final their only blemishes for the year. They’ve been the best team all year, and deserved Grand Finalists. Parkside on the other hand, the great unknown at seasons start, have gone about things a little differently. After losing to Canterbury by the smallest of margins in the first round, there stocks took a hit, their season peppered with disappointing loses, a stark contrast to the season of their Grand Finalist counterparts.
After scraping through to the top six, many, myself included, didn’t give Parkside a chance. While we were all singing the praises of Canterbury and Westbourne, Parkside were unassumingly going about their business and unbeknownst to the rest of the competition, taking aim at the ultimate accolade. But that didn’t matter now. Kicking with the breeze, it was paramount that Parkside got off to a great start, and while they did well to negate Canterbury’s pace early, they didn’t get the scoreboard pressure they wanted or needed. Surprisingly, Parkside did better against the breeze than with it, their silky skills and pace coming to the fore in the second term, Shane ‘Scott’ McLaren was, as usual, the ring leader, getting his hands on the pill at will, at leaving a trail of fledgling opponents in his wake. While Jeremy Gillen and Cam Woods started firing for Canterbury. Canterbury kicked the first goal of the second half, stretching the lead to 26 points. With alarm bells ringing, and the lead becoming a concern, to Parkside’s credit, they dug their nails in and wrestled back momentum. Darren Gresham was finding a lot of footy, and Clint Virgona lead from the front. But despite the hard work, and winning the quarter, the deficit was still 17 points, and with Canterbury kicking to the scoring end for the entire day across both matches, it made for worrying signs.
through to the finals to becoming grand finalists. A plea the players dutifully acknowledged. Kicking the first of the quarter, and controlling play for most of the last quarter. The margin got within 10 points with 7 minutes to play, and it could have been less had Parkside converted their opportunities in front of goal. But Canterbury is the best side in the competition for a reason. With calm heads, they unassumingly went about their business. It was as if they were completely unaware of the scoreline. Lachlan Chapman was a giant in the last term, winning every contest he went to, and ensuring the lead would always be protected. Tommy Pearce and Tim Nichols were sensational down back, thwarting countless attacks and the little Nick Szabo running around like a Jack Russell. It’s been a tough decade or so for the Canterbury. Spanning across three different leagues, they’ve spent far more time at the lower echelons of the ladder than the top. On Saturday at 4:45pm when the siren echoed across Garvey Oval for the final time of the season, all that misery ended. The Cobras had completed the dream season, two flags, and a lifetime of memories. Both sides will prove significant handfuls in Division 3, particularly considering that the two strongest sides within that division have both moved up to Division 2.
Joe D’Angelo pleaded with his troops at the final break to summon the same belief that has seen them accelerate from barely scrape
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VAFA GRAND FINAL 2015
VAFA GRAND FINAL 2015
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John Donohoe
MEGT U19 PREMIER
PREMIERS! OLD XAVS CLAIM FIRST UNDER 19 FLAG SINCE 2011 Now, being an Old Xaverian footballer myself it is hard to really give an unbiased view of things when you win a premiership, but I will try. There are two reasons why a lot of Australians play football. Firstly, because it is the greatest game on the planet, and secondly, to get that ultimate glory in the form of a premiership. It doesn’t matter whether you play 1sts footy or 8ths footy in the bush, winning flags is what every player plays for. That was the feeling that greeted the Old Xaverian players at 5:25pm on Saturday evening, in the shadows of Sandringham beach as the Xavs held the cup aloft after 22 weeks of hard, gruelling football. It was the heavyweight battle, Ali v Frazier with the two best in the business fighting it out one last time for the title. The Old Xaverians had redemption on their minds, avenging their gut wrenching loss two weeks earlier to the same team. For Bernards, they were looking to go Back to Back after last year’s triumph over St.Kevins. The game began with two St.Bernards goals inside the first 10 minutes. The Snowdogs were full of running and up for the fight but then came the counterpunch as the Xavs kicked four straight and five for the first term including an impressive goal from 45m on the run from young gun Jack Kelliher, and the Xavs went in 36-18 up at quarter time. It was a frenetic first quarter that saw one poor St.Bernards player leave the field on a stretcher with a broken ankle and a quarter that also saw the Old Xavs outmuscle and
outgun St.Bernards and set up their day. However, St.Bernards didn’t lay down, a testament to their club, they fought back and kicked five goals in the second term to three and the Old Xaverians lead was cut to just three points at the half. It was a free flowing quarter of football but St.Bernards were able to expose the Old Xavs. O’Halloran, Delzoppo and Considine started to impose themselves on the game and it looked like they may have been starting to get on top of the minor premiers for the first time all day. The third quarter was a scrappy affair with both sides only kicking one goal a piece, the footy was being moved beautifully from end to end, and Charlie Kennedy and Todd Vander Haar began to really settle in taking some outstanding pack marks and really imposing themselves on the contest as potential match winners. Harry Lucas had an outstanding day and he continued his good form with a fierce tackle that Jono Lomu would have been happy with. Declan Kennedy began to accumulate more and more of the footy and was proving to be one of Bernards most important players in the second half. Old Xaverians went into the final change six points ahead and had set up one of the most exciting final quarters of football in recent memory. A stirring speech from Old Xavs coach Pete Callinan at the break inspired his troops to go for one final time and fill space like a tsunami. Bernards got the first of the final term and hit the lead at one point. It was a tight
27
tussle as players were out on their feet, but the Old Xavs main men started to stand tall. Troiani, Morris, Lucas, Kennedy, Cleeve were all vital while in defence skipper Barlow, Ongarato, Fantasia and Richards were rocks all day, absorbing every blow and never giving up the fight. The score was deadlocked at 69 all and I was beginning to worry that this one was headed for extra time; it would have been cruel to both teams and supporters. It didn’t need to because up popped Agius, who gave us his best Lionel Messi impression and just popped one in on the goal line to give the Xavs the momentum back. Bernards kept grinding it out though, but names like Cullity, Banting, Silk and Ingham began to lift their intensity and found a way to get the footy. The big man Cleeve, kicked a ripping bouncing ball to goal that brought the house down and gave the Xavs the two goal buffer they needed. Enter Jake French, a quiet enough day early on, he was having no more of that, roving his own footy off the ensuing pack and snapped truly to seal the contest. Bernards got one back late but it was all over and the Xavs ran out 10-point winners on what was a proud day for the club. Coach Callinan and Kennedy’s relief was evident at the end and it was great to get club legend Brendan O’Sullivan the premiership he so sorely deserved. Well done to both sides on an outstanding year. Hamish Morris was awarded the Best on Ground medal.
VAFA GRAND FINAL 2015
Tom Neuendorf
MEGT U19 SECTION 2 & 3
UNDER 19 SECTION 2 - GRAND FINAL REVIEW An inaccurate showing from raging hot favourites Parkdale Vultures has seen them fall short of the rampaging Caulfield Grammarians, who turned a fourth position finish into a premiership season. The minor premiers Parkdale were well rested going into the clash, however they were lethargic in the first term, trailing by 21 points at the first break. They struck back in the second quarter through a series of goals, but their seven behinds displayed a lack of poise in front of the big sticks. Caulfield Grammarians rattled on in the third and opened up a 33-point lead that appeared to be insurmountable. They kicked three goals in the final term to Parkdale’s 3.8 to secure a premiership in what has been an otherwise wayward year for the entire club. Parkdale’s end tally of 8.20 cost them dearly, particularly when kicking into the wind.
len kicked a couple. When looking at Parkdale’s magnificent H&A season, it is hard to fathom how they lost this outing, however
as they say in the classics, football is a funny old game. Good luck to both sides in Under 19 premier next season.
For Caulfield, Jesse Toniolo was outstanding, well supported by Lachlan Topp and Finn McEvoy who kicked 3 goals each. Parkdale had winners across the ground, but simply could not convert when it mattered. Jack Vorbach continued his fine season with another excellent outing, as Dhanesh Jayasa-
UNDER 19 SECTION 3 - GRAND FINAL REVIEW Old Carey Grammarians are the U19 Section 3 premiers after they overcame a valiant Old Geelong to win by 14 points at Sportscover Arena. Old Geelong entered the game as warm favourites after a magnificent home and away season however Old Carey had other ideas with a strong win over Old Geelong.
Grimshaw stood tall and kicked two for the Oggers. Old Geelong will take confidence out of finishing first on the Division 3 ladder at the conclusion of the home and away season, with 15 wins from their 18 appear-
In a match where the leader changed at every break, the Panthers nailed three goals to one in the final term to run over the top of their opponents. Karsten Rodenberg was named Max Lyon medallist for his dominant display, while Jack Quartermain saw his fair share of the sherrin in a sensational fourquarter performance. The first and third quarter saw Old Geelong kick efficiently with the wind but the game was arguably won by Old Carey in their third quarter when they managed three goals against the tide of momentum to trail by one point going into the last. From there it was only a matter of putting the score on the board for Old Carey, which they did with relative ease. Mitchell Nixon starred in front of goal, booting four majors for the winners’, while Jock VAFA GRAND FINAL 2015
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ances. However, at the end of the day, they simply didn’t have quite enough kick to go with Old Carey over the four quarters, which would no doubt be a particularly hard pill to swallow for the coaching staff.
Jack Paynter
VAFA U19 SECTION 4 & COLTS
ST KEVIN’S TAKE THE CHOCOLATES St Kevin’s have produced a stunning final quarter display to take home the U19 Section 4 premiership over the much fancied Peninsula Pirates. It was an up and down contest, with SKOB getting the jump early to lead by 14 at quarter time. The Pirates hit back on the scoreboard during the second quarter with 3 goals but SKOB were still getting enough of the ball, however they just couldn’t convert any majors.
Mazenod and Peninsula who dominated the regular season. Lachlan Wray had a terrific
year with 59 goals and turning in big performances when it mattered in the finals.
The third quarter belonged to Peninsula, and with their big names such as Feutrill, Kellerman and Whitty beginning to get their hands on the ball more often, it looked like the minor premiers would run away with the game. However, St Kevin’s leaders had other ideas. Best on ground Matthew Olsen and Lachlan Wray (3 goals) stood up to turn a 3 point 3 quarter time deficit into a 31 point victory. The loss is a bitter end for Peninsula who were clearly the best side all year, only dropping 1 regular season game. The had a team of consistent performers with Mitchell Glenn, Ben Williamson, Oscar Whitty and Sebastian Barbour all featuring in the top 14 of the league B&F. St Kevins has definitely been the form side of the last month and deserve their premiership, knocking off both
UHS-VU STORM TO COLTS PREMIERSHIP Coming off a huge win in last week’s preliminary final, UHS-VU Flemington has turned in a dominant display over Ivanhoe to take out the Colts premiership. A 7 goal second quarter and a rock solid defence that only conceded 4 goals proved to be the difference.
Samuel Aanensen in the first term, UHS-VU blew open the game in the second term. Craggill-Haren (3 goals), Lay and Munari (2 goals) got into the game to help take their side to the main break with a commanding 33 point lead.
Trailing by 12 at quarter time, thanks to hard work by Ivanhoe’s guns, Max Post and
Ivanhoe will rue their missed opportunities in the third term, kicking 2 goals 5 points to
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let UHS-VU off the hook. UHS-VU weathered the storm and then preceded to kick 6 unanswered final quarter goals to extend the full time margin to 71 points and take the flag. Mohamed, Czajko and Legudi all had terrific games for UHS-VU and it was fitting that the regular season’s two best sides were able to fight it out in the decider.
VAFA GRAND FINAL 2015
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VAFA GRAND FINAL 2015
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Geoff Reilley
RETRO
5 YEARS AGO 2010 During the finals the VAFA launched a SMS service to enable the reporting on any incidents at VAFA matches where a compromise may have occurred against the high standards expected in the VAFA. It was a benchmark within community based football and further proof of the continuing success of the competition. Old Xaverians retained the L A Adamson Cup in Premier with a typically fierce contest with their great rivals, Collegians. Xavs established a 14 point lead at quarter time but Collegians had their noses in front at the main break by 3 points in a low scoring affair, 6.9 to 6.6. Xavs took the lead back at three quarter time 9.7 to 6.11 and were too strong in the final quarter, taking out the premiership 11.8 to 7.12, their 13th win in the top division and their 11th in 16 remarkable seasons. Best – Colbert, Allan, Rogerson, Biddlecombe, Mercuri (3), Howard (Xavs) and Inglis, Stone, Harvey, Bull, Tardif, Ries (Coll). The field umpires were Russell Davidson, Merv Monty and Grant Wardrop. De La Salle on-baller, Aaron Shields, won the J N Woodrow Medal for the best player in Premier Section. VAFA Coaches of the Year were Senior Sections, Trevor Rowe (Old Carey) and Junior Sections, Jon Edgar (De La Salle). The Premier B Section premiership was won by Old Carey over Old Haileybury and was a bonus for Old Carey who would compete in Premier A the following season for the first time. The grand final was an absorbing, hard fought affair with the lead changing several time before Carey were outstanding in the last quarter to win 19.14 to 14.6. This had been Old Carey’s best result since their runners-up title in C Section in 2007. In C Section, after Caulfield Grammarians opened with 6.9 to nil in the first term, Beaumaris started their comeback with a 5.3 to 1.1 second term. Beauy played a great third quarter outscoring Caulfield but still trailing by 2 points. In a hectic and dramatic last quarter, the match went down to the wire with Beaumaris winning by the smallest of margins 10.11 to 9.16 for their finest achievement in amateur football.
10 YEARS AGO 2005 2005 concluded with the B and A Section Grand Finals at Sportscover Arena on Saturday Sunday respectively. It had been another great year for the VAFA with Bruce McTaggart as President, Chief Executive Officer, Michael Sholly, in his first year as Chief Executive Officer. The first female executive member, Davina Connors-Calhaem elected, the Noel Rundle Entrance opened at Elsternwick Park, Mike McArthur-Allen coaching his 500th senior match and two great VAFA people, Jack Wilson and Peter Hutchinson elected as VAFA Life Members. Old Xaverians came from 4th position at the end of the home and away season to defeat Uni Blues in the grand final 13.7 to 11.10. The Blues had started strongly in their second successive A Section grand final but the Xavs achieved their 8th A Section flag in 11 seasons. Best – Chatfield, Arnold, Beardsley, Bowen (3), Lethlean, McDonald (Xavs) and North, Torney, Gleeson, Paterson, Clark (Blues).
The two best teams in B Section, De La Salle and Old Ivanhoe met in the B Section Grand Final with Old Ivanhoe leading at every change and finally winning 9.4 to 5.11. Best – Hope, Thomson, Curatolo, Oates, Weddle (3), Russian (Old Ivan) and Jarvis, Shields, Corin, L Harrison, Seager, T Moloney (DLS).
and Murphy kicked 4 for De La Salle.
University Blacks won the C Section premiership 20.12 to Beaumaris 8.5. The Blacks led from start to finish with Beaumaris struggling to hold the Blacks on each line. Best – Batten, Evans (3), Purcell, M Kempton, Goonan, Bevacqua (Blacks) and Haynes, L McNicholas, Wonnacott, Heath, Ensor, L Atkins (Beaumaris). The field umpires were Wayne Hinton and Peter James.
Marcellin were too strong for Caulfield Grammarians in B Section after Caulfield led at the first two changes. Marcellin’s last quarter (6.2 to 1.4) decided the premiership; the final score in Marcellin’s favour 13.14 to 8.12. Best – A Cullinan, P Carafa, Amad, Paatsch, Holmes, Cooper (Marc) and Fish, Cooney, Berzins, C Stone, Matthews, Collett (Caulfield).
20 YEARS AGO 1995 Old Xaverians won their second A Section Grand final when they defeated Uni Blues, 15.11 to 2.5 in a one-sided affair. The Blues had won through to the grand final via the first semi and preliminary finals. Best – McDonald, McKay, M Blood, Tuddenham, Dillon, Wood (OX) and Wilson, Hutchins, Hazeldine, Meade, Polkinghorne, B Blood (UB). The 1995 B Section home and away season was dominated by the eventual finalists, Old Haileybury, Mazenod, Old Brighton and Therry with all 4 sides jostling for positions throughout the season. By grand final day it was Haileybury v Mazenod and a low scoring contest followed. Although somewhat wasting opportunities in the first quarter, Haileybury had taken the lead by 6 points at half time. Mazenod levelled the scores at three quarter time but Haileybury were too strong in the final quarter and went on to win 9.13 to 6.9. Best – D Seccull, Morey, Rae, Ralph-Smith, G Phillips, Constable (OH) and Verbeek, Barker, D Murray, O’Hara, Rogers, Pickering. The A Section best and fairest was shared by Matt McConvill (Ormond) and Christian Davidson (Collegians). This was successive A Section medals for Matt McConvill. Andrew Pryor (Old Brighton) won the B Section award and St Bedes Mentone Tigers’ Adam Thompson won the C Section award. Old Ivanhoe Grammarians won the C Section grand final against local rivals Ivanhoe Amateurs, 15.12 to 10.13 after an even first half. Best – Dyson (3), Haros, Jenkins, Veal, Sigley, Douglas (OI) and Bullen, Kennedy, Tucker, Lynch (3), Nibali, La Rosa (Ivan).
30 YEARS AGO 1985 In A Section it was an outstanding grand final between two great rivals, De La Salle and Ormond. After a frenetic first quarter, De La held the upper hand 5.4 to 4.2 and they increased their lead slightly by half time, indicating that their experience may again prove too much for their opponents. It was looking like a repeat of the 1984 event. Ormond bounced back strongly and kicked 7.5 to 4.2 in the ‘premiership’ quarter and it was level at the final break. By the final siren it was all Ormond and a final score in their favour 16.14 to 14.11. Best – Barnes, McCooke, McAsey, D McDonald, Russell, Gilmore (Ormond) and Cooke, Klarica, McHenry, Maher, Green, Harrington (DLS). Leading goalkickers in the match: Singleton and Michael Oaten for Ormond with 3 each 31
Andrew Smith (Old Scotch) was the winner of the A Section J N Woodrow Medal, Jack King (Parkside) won the G T Moore Medal as best player in B Section and C A Robson (St Kevins Old Boys), won the L S Zachariah Medal as best player in C Section.
40 YEARS AGO 1975 St Bernards were comfortable premiers in the A Section Grand Final, 19.13 to 12.10. Apart from the 4 point deficit at the first change, St Bernards were well in control for the greater part of the game, building on their lead after half time, never leaving the final result in doubt. It was a great day for St Bernards whose Reserves also won the flag, even though by only 1 point over Old Trinity. De La Salle were B Section premiers 15.17 to Uni Blues 9.15. At the final break De La had been behind and their final quarter was an excellent display. This was De La Salle’s highest achievement in the VAFA and their first senior flag since their success in C Section in 1958. It was to be the start of a fine record of achievement in the VAFA. Michael Bates of Reservoir Old Boys won the J N Woodrow Medal as the best players in A Section. John Morgan (Old Scotch) won the G T Moore B Section trophy.
50 YEARS AGO 1965 In their first year as tenants at the St Kilda Cricket Ground (Junction Oval), the VAFA hosted the A Section Grand Final at ‘The Junction’ between minor premiers Uni Blacks and Coburg. Coburg had narrowly won their way into the grand final from 4th place and after the Blacks started strongly, Coburg fought their way back into the game and were only a few points down at half time. Coburg remained in the game at three quarter time but the Blacks unleashed their full power in the final term to win 17.12 to 10.5. In B Section, Old Scotch were far too accomplished for Caulfield Grammarians 18.10 to 4.11 and had completely turned around the result of the second semi final win by Caulfield. Jock Nelson (MHSOB) won the J N Woodrow Trophy in A Section and Geoff Ward (Caulfield Grammarians) won the G T Moore B Section trophy.
60 YEARS AGO 1955 The Old Melburnians made it three A Section flags in a row when they defeated the favourites, Ormond, at Warringal Park, 11.18 to 6.12. The OM’s had won a close contest in the semi final, won the preliminary final in the dying seconds of the match but had been at their very best in the Grand Final. G W Dahlenburg (Uni Blues) won the A Section goalkicking with 70 goals. The previous five seasons had seen J D Anderson of Uni Blues and Old Melburnians fame win this award. VAFA GRAND FINAL 2015
LADDERS WILLIAM BUCK PREMIER St Bernards Old Trinity Gr. University Blues De La Salle University Blacks Old Xaverians Old Carey Gr. Collegians Old Scotch Beaumaris
P W L 18 15 3 18 14 4 18 11 7 18 9 8 18 8 10 18 8 10 18 7 9 18 8 10 18 6 12 18 2 15
D 0 0 0 1 0 0 2 0 0 1
PREMIER C F 1798 1616 1599 1576 1467 1441 1490 1368 1395 1077
A 1339 1177 1315 1441 1466 1496 1597 1523 1563 1910
% 134.28 137.3 121.6 109.37 100.07 96.32 93.3 89.82 89.25 56.39
Pts 60 56 44 38 32 32 32 32 24 10
Marcellin OC Monash Blues Old Ivanhoe Gr. Old Haileyburians Peninsula OB Oakleigh Williamstown CYMS Old Camberwell Gr. Therry Penola OB PEGS
DIVISION TWO P 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18
W 15 15 13 11 10 8 7 5 4 2
L 3 3 5 7 8 10 11 13 14 16
D 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
B 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
FF 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
F 2122 1670 1554 1414 1614 1708 1613 1233 1131 1198
A 1108 902 1376 1466 1167 1800 1887 1729 1965 1857
% 191.52 185.14 112.94 96.45 138.3 94.89 85.48 71.31 57.56 64.51
Pts 60 60 52 44 40 32 28 20 16 8
Ivanhoe St Johns OC Old Paradians Northern Blues Eltham Collegians MHSOB Richmond Central Monash Gryphons Elsternwick South Melbourne Districts
P 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18
W 16 14 12 12 11 9 7 5 3 1
L 2 4 6 6 7 9 11 13 15 17
D 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
F 2122 2089 1639 1840 1944 1576 1793 1523 1355 1178
A 1187 1391 1220 1573 1498 1630 1936 1820 2338 2466
% 178.77 150.18 134.34 116.97 129.77 96.69 92.61 83.68 57.96 47.77
Pts 64 56 48 48 44 36 28 20 12 4
DIVISION TWO RESERVES PREMIER RESERVE Old Xaverians University Blues Old Scotch Collegians Old Trinity Gr. St Bernards University Blacks De La Salle Beaumaris Old Carey Gr.
P 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18
W 16 13 12 12 9 9 7 6 5 0
PREMIER C RESERVES L 1 5 5 6 9 9 11 12 13 18
D 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
F 1663 1406 1312 1429 1115 1148 1144 1201 924 670
A 750 1013 1034 982 1302 1388 1220 1151 1365 1807
% 221.73 138.8 126.89 145.52 85.64 82.71 93.77 104.34 67.69 37.08
Pts 66 52 50 48 36 36 28 24 20 0
PREMIER THIRDS P 14 14 15 14 13 14 15 14 9 14
Old Xaverians St Kevins OB Collegians St Bernards Old Scotch University Blacks Old Melburnians University Blues Beaumaris De La Salle OC
W 12 12 11 8 6 6 6 4 2 1
P 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18
W 17 12 12 10 10 9 8 6 3 2
L 1 5 6 7 8 9 10 12 15 16
D 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0
FF 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
A 745 874 1020 1161 1178 1444 1339 1559 1611 1620
% 236.78 123.23 120.39 123.86 134.8 84.14 79.16 83.26 60.34 56.23
Pts 68 50 48 42 40 36 32 24 12 8
D 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
B 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
FF F 1 1513 1 1132 0 914 1 1100 2 1004 1 990 0 1087 1 848 0 419 0 487
A 458 650 820 775 823 959 1249 899 1372 1712
% 330.35 174.15 111.46 141.94 121.99 103.23 87.03 94.33 30.54 28.45
Pts 52 52 44 36 32 28 24 20 8 4
PEGS Marcellin Monash Blues St Mary's Salesian Williamstown CYMS Collegians Therry Penola OB Old Ivanhoe Hampton Rovers Parkdale Vultures
P W 12 11 12 10 13 9 14 9 13 5 13 6 13 5 9 3 11 1 10 1
L 1 2 4 5 8 7 8 6 10 9
D 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
FF 3 3 2 1 2 0 1 1 1 1
F 1577 1409 1367 1336 1111 885 951 663 537 610
A 623 712 740 910 1169 1135 1272 1255 1476 1695
% 253.13 197.89 184.73 146.81 95.04 77.97 74.76 52.83 36.38 35.99
Pts 56 52 44 40 28 24 24 16 8 8
DIVISION ONE
P St Kevins OB 18 St Bedes / Mentone Tigers 18 Old Melburnians 18 Old Brighton Gr. 18 Ajax 18 Fitzroy 18 Hampton Rovers 18 Parkdale Vultures 18 Mazenod OC 18 Caulfield Gr. 18
W 18 14 12 10 10 8 6 5 5 2
L 0 4 6 8 8 10 12 13 13 16
D 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
B 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
FF 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
F 2351 1943 1549 1623 1427 1531 1503 1227 1250 1103
A 995 1311 1324 1346 1454 1422 1897 1766 1870 2122
% 236.28 148.21 116.99 120.58 98.14 107.67 79.23 69.48 66.84 51.98
Pts 72 56 48 40 40 32 24 20 20 8
PREMIER B RESERVES P 17 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 17 18
W 17 15 14 11 9 7 5 5 3 3
L 0 3 4 7 9 11 13 13 14 15
D 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Ormond Kew Old Geelong St Mary's Salesian Whitefriars OC Prahran Assumption Old Mentonians NOBS/St Pats Bulleen Templestowe Yarra Valley OB
P 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18
W 17 14 13 12 8 7 7 6 4 2
L 1 4 5 6 10 11 11 12 14 16
D 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
P W L 13 13 0 14 9 5 13 7 6 14 7 7 14 7 7 14 6 8 12 2 10 8 0 8
D 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
F 1959 1894 2029 1789 1629 1638 1529 1385 1291 1264
A 1167 1123 1335 1697 1641 1543 1889 1933 1842 2237
% 167.87 168.66 151.99 105.42 99.27 106.16 80.94 71.65 70.09 56.5
Pts 68 56 52 48 32 28 28 24 16 8
DIVISION ONE RESERVES B 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
FF 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
F 2536 1767 1838 1240 1138 1247 1152 941 910 660
A 585 769 1072 1230 1374 1515 1512 1916 1769 1786
% 433.5 229.78 171.46 100.81 82.82 82.31 76.19 49.11 51.44 36.95
Pts 72 60 56 44 36 28 20 20 12 12
Ormond Kew St Mary's Salesian Prahran Assumption Old Geelong Yarra Valley OB Bulleen Templestowe NOBS/St Pats Whitefriars OC Old Mentonians
P 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18
W L 16 2 15 3 15 3 14 4 8 10 8 10 5 13 4 14 4 14 1 17
D 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
B 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
FF 2 1 2 1 1 1 1 0
F 1944 1236 1295 1125 1335 1114 783 245
A 546 1012 1235 948 1132 1160 1452 1957
VAFA GRAND FINAL 2015
% 356.04 122.13 104.86 118.67 117.93 96.03 53.93 12.52
F 2114 2153 1949 1642 1419 1036 922 926 683 463
A 569 727 979 976 1224 1377 1451 1568 1899 2598
% 371.53 296.15 199.08 168.24 115.93 75.24 63.54 59.06 35.97 17.82
Pts 64 60 60 56 32 32 20 16 16 4
Pts 60 40 36 32 32 28 12 0
32
P 18 18 18 18 18 18 17 18 17 18
W 17 16 13 12 8 8 7 4 3 1
L 1 2 5 6 10 10 10 14 14 17
D 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
FF 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0
F 2420 2155 1570 1377 1480 985 1146 944 761 549
A 644 668 999 1210 1238 1108 1358 1956 1959 2277
% 375.78 322.6 157.16 113.8 119.55 88.9 84.39 48.26 38.85 24.11
Pts 68 64 52 48 32 32 32 16 12 4
L 0 2 4 5 8 8 11 11 11 14 14
D 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
B 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
F 2077 1680 1463 1492 1377 1126 1186 1164 1003 956 1144
A 964 773 1110 1292 1439 1341 1399 1463 1583 1411 1893
% 215.46 217.34 131.8 115.48 95.69 83.97 84.77 79.56 63.36 67.75 60.43
Pts 72 64 56 52 40 40 28 28 28 16 16
DIVISION THREE Emmaus St Leos OC West Brunswick Aquinas OC Hawthorn Swinburne University UHS-VU Albert Park Power House Glen Eira La Trobe University Eley Park Sharks
P 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16
W 16 14 12 11 8 8 5 5 5 2 2
DIVISION THREE RESERVES West Brunswick UHS-VU Power House Swinburne University Emmaus St Leos OC Hawthorn Albert Park La Trobe University Aquinas OC Eley Park Sharks Glen Eira
P 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16
W 16 12 12 11 9 8 7 4 3 3 3
L 0 4 4 5 7 8 9 12 13 13 13
D 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
B 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
F 1859 1216 1111 1440 933 974 903 829 853 792 561
A 434 820 851 711 1029 994 1190 1226 1218 1569 1429
% 428.34 148.29 130.55 202.53 90.67 97.99 75.88 67.62 70.03 50.48 39.26
Pts 72 56 56 52 44 40 36 24 20 20 20
L 1 2 3 5 7 8 9 11 13 14 15
D 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
B 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
F 2163 2110 1752 1705 1500 1525 1364 1200 957 771 658
A 830 795 976 1059 1265 1292 1513 1179 2100 2349 2347
% 260.6 265.41 179.51 161 118.58 118.03 90.15 101.78 45.57 32.82 28.04
Pts 68 64 60 52 44 40 36 28 20 16 12
A 443 676 679 855 1138 1282 1062 1749 1758 2054 2719
% 551.02 289.2 229.9 200.35 121 113.65 110.64 49.06 42.38 27.46 20.93
Pts 72 60 56 56 48 48 32 24 16 16 12
DIVISION FOUR Canterbury Westbourne Gr. Point Cook Box Hill North Parkside North Brunswick Mt Lilydale OC Manningham Cobras South Mornington Masala Chadstone
P 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16
W 15 14 13 11 9 8 7 5 3 2 1
DIVISION FOUR RESERVES Westbourne Gr. Canterbury Point Cook Box Hill North North Brunswick South Mornington Manningham Cobras Parkside Mt Lilydale OC Chadstone Masala
PREMIER B RESERVES Old Xaverians Ajax (Black) Old Carey St Kevins Old Trinity Fitzroy Mazenod Ajax (Red)
F 1764 1077 1228 1438 1588 1215 1060 1298 972 911
PREMIER C THIRDS L 2 2 4 6 7 8 9 10 7 13
PREMIER B
St Kevins OB Old Melburnians St Bedes/Mentone Tigers Old Brighton Gr. Fitzroy Parkdale Vultures Ajax Mazenod OC Caulfield Gr. Hampton Rovers
Marcellin OC Monash Blues PEGS Peninsula OB Williamstown CYMS Old Camberwell Gr. Old Ivanhoe Gr. Old Haileyburians Oakleigh Therry Penola OB
Ivanhoe MHSOB Richmond Central Eltham Collegians Northern Blues Old Paradians St Johns OC Monash Gryphons South Melbourne Districts Elsternwick
P 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16
W 16 13 12 12 10 10 6 4 2 2 1
L 0 3 4 4 6 6 10 12 14 14 15
D 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
B 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
F 2441 1955 1561 1713 1377 1457 1175 858 745 564 569
MEGT UNDER 19 PREMIER Old Xaverians St Bernards St Kevins Beaumaris De La Salle University Blues Old Melburnians Old Scotch University Blacks Old Trinity
P 17 17 18 18 18 18 18 18 16 18
W 15 14 15 13 9 8 5 4 2 2
L 2 3 3 4 9 9 13 14 14 16
D 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0
FF 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
F 2023 2083 2036 2023 1477 1153 816 1376 765 861
UNDER 19 SECTION 2 A 1029 909 1058 1126 1165 1531 2234 1528 1940 2186
% 196.6 229.15 192.44 179.66 126.78 75.31 36.53 90.05 39.43 39.39
Pts 64 60 60 54 36 34 20 16 8 8
P Parkdale Vultures 17 Old Brighton 18 Fitzroy 18 Caulfield Gr. 18 Whitefriars 18 St Bedes/Mentone Tigers 18 Old Ivanhoe Gr. 18 Marcellin OC 18 Mazenod 18 Collegians 17
W 15 16 12 11 8 7 7 6 5 2
L 2 2 6 7 10 11 11 12 13 15
D 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
UNDER 19 SECTION 3 FF 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
F 1942 1764 1622 1381 1349 1201 1230 1032 1062 734
A 859 816 1131 1167 1397 1452 1618 1613 1358 1942
% 226.08 216.18 143.41 118.34 96.56 82.71 76.02 63.98 78.2 37.8
Pts 64 64 48 44 32 28 28 24 20 8
Old Geelong Williamstown CYMS Old Carey Gr. Ormond Hampton Rovers Old Xaverians Old Camberwell Gr. St Bernards
P 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18
W 15 13 13 11 11 4 3 2
L 3 5 5 7 7 14 15 16
D 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
F 1866 1820 1413 1470 1425 1148 838 781
A 937 1145 995 1176 1142 1799 1688 1957
% 199.15 158.95 142.01 125 124.78 63.81 49.64 39.91
Pts 60 52 52 44 44 16 12 8
RESULTS OF TRIBUNAL 15 SEPTEMBER
UNDER 19 SECTION 4 Peninsula OB Mazenod OC St Kevins OB Northern Blues Monash Blues Beaumaris Old Haileyburians De La Salle OC Therry Penola OB Oakleigh Parkdale Vultures MHSOB
P 16 18 18 18 18 16 17 18 18 16 18 17
W 15 10 12 12 12 10 8 8 7 5 4 0
L 1 1 5 6 6 6 8 10 11 11 14 17
D 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0
VAFA COLTS FF 2 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0
F 1952 1455 1670 1817 1302 1538 1522 1586 1039 851 1275 539
A 797 502 904 1335 1175 1209 1279 1372 1340 1751 1866 2510
% 244.92 289.84 184.73 136.1 110.81 127.21 119 115.6 77.54 48.6 68.33 21.47
Pts 68 56 50 48 48 44 38 32 28 20 16 0
Ivanhoe UHS-VU / Flemington St Bernards La Trobe University University Blues Williamstown CYMS Old Paradians Point Cook Parkside Bulleen Templestowe
P 16 15 16 17 16 16 16 9 15 2
W 14 12 11 9 8 4 4 2 1 0
L 2 3 5 8 8 12 12 6 13 2
D 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0
B FF 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 0 1 0 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 0
F 1466 1258 1161 950 969 931 755 770 657 15
A 797 624 679 825 1359 1142 1320 1526 1409 990
% Pts 183.94 64 201.6 60 170.99 52 115.15 40 71.3 36 81.52 24 57.2 24 50.46 18 46.63 14 1.52 0
Paul Florance, Bulleen Templestowe. Striking, 12 matches. Paul Florance, Bulleen Templestowe. Striking, 12 matches. Jack Johnson, Williamstown CYMS (Under-19). Unreasonably rough conduct, 4 matches. *Peter Summers, University Blues. Forceful front-on contact, 2 matches. *Jack Watts, University Blues. Striking, 2 matches. *Dimitri Fasoulis, Ormond. Forceful front-on contact, 2 matches. *Michael Muir, Parkside. Striking, 2 matches. *Accepted Prescribed Penalty
Division 4
William Buck Premier
LR
Total
Dale Collins
Westbourne Gr.
3
106
SHARPSHOOTERS
Shane Potter
Parkside
6
62
Daniel Penny
Box Hill North
6
62
Benjamin Gallagher
North Brunswick
0
57
Division 1
Division 4 Reserve
LR
Total
LR
Total
LR
Total
Matthew Handley
Old Xaverians
2
54
Andrew Brazzale
Kew
0
68
Bradley Courts
North Brunswick
0
76
Leigh Harrison
De La Salle OC
4
41
Callum Wood
Old Geelong
4
58
Daniel Wills
Manningham Cobras
4
48
Alexander Boyse
St Bernards
2
39
Robert Maibaum
Kew
0
56
Mitchell Szabo
Canterbury
3
36
Nick Corp
Collegians
1
38
John Robbins
Prahran Assumption
1
55
Arnel Davis
Westbourne Gr.
0
35
Premier Reserve
LR
Total
LR
Total
U19 Premier
LR
Total
William Strange
Old Scotch
0
33
James Barrie
St Mary’s Salesian
3
56
Sam Cleeve
Old Xaverians
11
52
Sam Cutts
Collegians
0
27
Matthew Vlahos
Kew
6
46
Edyn Sibbald
St Bernards
4
48
George Chisholm
University Blues
4
26
Jon Rice Prahran
Assumption
0
45
Andrew Padbury
Old Scotch
8
46
Dylan Chaplin-Burch
Collegians
1
25
Nicholas Alexopoulos St Mary’s Salesian
1
43
Sam Gibbins
Beaumaris
0
35
LR
Total
Premier B
Division 1 Reserve
LR
Total
Division 2
LR
Total
Jake Lew
AJAX
7
69
Jake Munro
Richmond Central
6
87
Daniel O’Connor
Fitzroy
3
43
Luke Velluto
St Bedes/Mentone Tigers
4
59
Aaron Thornton
St Johns OC
4
75
Lachlan Topp
Caulfield Gr.
9
37
Daniel Anthony
Old Brighton Gr.
0
45
Mitchell Lovell
Ivanhoe
3
73
Joseph Hill
Fitzroy
3
35
Philip Edgar
St Kevins OB
3
40
Lachlan McRedmond Northern Blues
2
59
Declan Fowler
Mazenod OC
5
35
Division 2 Reserve
Premier B Reserve
U19 Section 2
LR
Total
LR
Total
U19 Section 3
LR
Total
Matthew Caia
St Bedes/Mentone Tigers
9
41
Eamonn Scott
Northern Blues
9
74
Jock Grimshaw
Old Geelong
4
68
Jack Mullen
St Kevins OB
6
38
Kane Smith
MHSOB
4
41
Mitchell Parkinson
Williamstown CYMS
4
65
James Dalzotto
St Bedes / Mentone Tigers
6
36
Jason Lewis
MHSOB
0
38
Jake Slee
Williamstown CYMS
0
45
Matthew Lattanzio
St Kevins OB
3
34
Benjamin Grigg
Ivanhoe
0
35
Matthew Perry
Ormond
4
41
Premier C
LR
Total
LR
Total
U19 Section 4
LR
Total
Aaron Cloke
Oakleigh
0
77
Ryan Harding
Emmaus St Leos OC
0
70
Damien Delle-Vergini Northern Blues
8
84
Nicholas Ebinger
Williamstown CYMS
0
61
Christopher Beluszar
Emmaus St Leos OC
0
58
Lachlan Wray
St Kevins OB
5
49
Trevor Bromley
Oakleigh
2
56
Dylan Muscat
West Brunswick
3
46
Anmol Malhotra
Oakleigh
5
42
Jeremiah Antypas
Marcellin OC
0
54
Thomas Kennedy
Swinburne University
4
46
Mitchell Kellerman
Peninsula OB
2
40
Premier C Reserve
Division 3
LR
Total
LR
Total
LR
Total
Timothy Blanch
Marcellin OC
0
40
Division 3 Reserve Aaron Thompson
West Brunswick
6
36
Samuel Aanensen
Ivanhoe
4
47
Ben Hynes
Williamstown CYMS
1
33
Patrick Arnold
Power House
2
32
Liam Guy
La Trobe University
5
43
Michael Jenkin
Old Camberwell Gr.
1
31
Richard Benjamin
West Brunswick
4
30
Patrick Carroll
La Trobe University
2
40
Mati Christakakis
Williamstown CYMS
1
29
Justin Perillo
Swinburne University
0
30
Max Post
Ivanhoe
1
25
33
Colts
VAFA GRAND FINAL 2015
PRAHRAN ASSUMPTION FC
Invites applicants for the position of senior coach for the 2016 season. Affiliated with the VAFA in Division 1, PAFC are located at Toorak Park in Armadale and offer first class grounds and facilities, a committed and developing playing group and a rich club history. We seek the services of an enthusiastic individual with a professional attitude, excellent leadership / development skills and a strong understanding of the modern game. The successful applicant will require excellent communication skills and be prepared to commit plenty of time and energy to the role. Please provide your application outlining your football coaching credentials and your ideas for developing PAFC to: Will Walford - Football Director will.walford@au.ey.com ph: 0403 067 968 Applications close October 9th.
CAULFIELD GRAMMARIANS FC SENIOR COACH WANTED for 2016 Caulfield Grammarians FC is seeking a Senior Coach for the 2016 season in Premier C Division of the Victorian Amateur Football Association Applicants will need to demonstrate: • A strong desire to teach and develop players • Excellent communication skills, on and off the field • Experience in enhancing existing player skills • Embrace the ethos of amateur football • Positive attitude, organised and well prepared • Desire to nurture young and emerging talent • Ability to build a cohesive coaching team • A preparedness to build strong ties with Caulfield Grammar School and its Affiliates Please email all applications in writing to the Chair of Football Operations: Richard Harris Email: camelot@vicbar.com.au Mob: 0412 237 029 Applications will close on Monday 21 September 2015
COLLEGIANS FC
VAFA PREMIER SECTION 2016 EST. 1892 Collegians Football Club is seeking applications for the following coaching positions in season 2016: Seniors – Premier Section – VAFA* Reserves – Premier Reserves Thirds – Premier Thirds Under 19 – Under 19 Section 2 Second Thirds Team – Premier C Thirds Collegians have a long and proud history in the VAFA. Based in Albert Park we have outstanding facilities, a great ground with the best lights in the competition, great infrastructure/resources, all year round access to our ground, a stable and vibrant committee, great medical , gym , equipment and infrastructure, and culture we are very proud of. We have a number of coaching vacancies that should appeal to a wide cross section of applicants. Player numbers are strong, and prospects for the future are high. If you would like to be a part of our club in 2016 we would love to hear from you. *Please note – current 2015 Senior Coach is not continuing in the role, but will be retained in a football department role currently being determined. All applications can be forwarded by October 16, 2015 to: Rodney Nancarrow Secretary / Football Operations Manager Ph: 0412 687 430 or email rnancarrow@iprimus.com.au
OAKLEIGH AMATEUR FC VAFA C Grade Positions Available
Senior Assistant Coach Reserves Coach Season 2016 Applications are invited for coaching positions with the Oakleigh Amateur FC to assist the Club meet its aim of playing the highest possible standard of football. Currently a solid VAFA Premier C Club with 2 senior and one Under 19 teams, the club is seeking 2016 coaches who can assist the Senior coach with the continued development of our players, game plan and training management. You will be working within the existing OAFC Football Operations group. Our experienced Club Committee will continue to support the Football Operations group with the best possible on and off field support as we strive for the next level. Applications should outline your Coaching experience and achievements by 30 Sep 2015.
OLD PARADIANS FOOTBALL CLUB
Old Paradians Football Club is seeking applications for the following coaching positions in season 2016: Seniors, Seniors Assistant, Reserves and Under 19s All applications can be forwarded by September 25, 2015 to: Brendan Flynn Football Operations Manager P.O. Box 2160, University Hill 3083 or email brflynn@agility.com Tel: 0488316880
Chadstone Football Club invites applications for the following positions for the 2016 season; -Senior Coach (playing or non-playing) -Assistant Senior Coach (playing or non-playing) -Reserves Coach (playing or non-playing) -Assistant Reserve Coach (playing or non-playing) *NEW Position – Coach Women’s team* -Chairman of Selectors The clubs committee are dedicated to improving the clubs on field performances and are looking for the right people to help achieve success. If you are looking for one of the biggest challenges in the VAFA, then Chadstone FC can provide that for you next year. All queries can be directed to club President Steve Allsopp on 0415 997 669. Applications are to be submitted via email to chadstonefc@gmail.com or mail to Chadstone FC PO Box 48 Holmesglen VIC 3148 Closing date 18th of September 2015
Remuneration negotiable Please send all applications in writing to: pnikakis@tpg.com.au Paul Nikakis - Club Secretary
THE OLD MENTONIANS FOOTBALL CLUB Northern Blues Amateurs FC
NORTH BRUNSWICK AMATEUR FOOTBALL CLUB EST: 1971 VAFA – CURRENTLTY DIVISION 4 APPLICATIONS ARE INVITED FOR THE FOLLOWING POSITIONS
SENIOR COACH RESERVES COACH
After playing finals in 2015 the bulls are ready for continued success in season 2016 With a good mixture of older and younger players the bulls are ready to take the next step being led by a dynamic coaching group and support staff. With excellent facilities led by a strong committee off the field Please send applications to ezio cirillo at ezio.cirillo@tollgroup.com Applications close 5.00Pm Friday 18th september 2015
be part of an exciting future Coaches / Committee positions sought In only our third year in the VAFA the Club has finished the home and away season as finalists in Division 2 (after winning the Premiership in Division 4 in a history making first year in 2013 and then winning the Division 3 Premiership last year). With a brand new complex (pavilion and club rooms ) just completed– our club has a vibrant and exciting future ahead and invites you to join us in 2016.
Applications are now invited for all coaching positions (Seniors, Reserves & Under 19s) for the 2016 season by Friday 16th October 2015. Enquiries and further details on the club and positions available can be made to: Ian Parke (Football Operations Manager) on 0408 176 339 or Fred Lehmann (Secretary) on 0425 768 605
DIVISION 1 – 2016 EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST ARE SOUGHT FROM PROSPECTIVE COACHES “We are a young playing group looking for coaches who can help us take the next step” Excellent playing and training facilities SENIORS & RESERVES PLEASE SEND APPLICATION AND RESUME TO: OMFC.COACHING@GMAIL.COM Please direct any enquiries to: JUSTIN COSTELLO: 0416 144 049
PEGS FOOTBALL CLUB
Westbourne Grammarians Football Club Inc.
PEGS Football Club is seeking applicants for the position of Senior Coach (playing or non-playing) for the 2016 season. The club is offering the right candidate an opportunity to play a major role in the rebuilding and shaping of the future of the club. The successful candidate should possess the following:• Strong emphasis on player development • Good communication, leadership and organisational skills necessary to build a strong culture • Good football and coaching credentials • Ability to communicate with the supporter base, committee and the community All applications can be forwarded by September 24th 2015 to:-
VAFA Division 4 2016
Mark Skurrie - President
Expressions of Interest is sought for Coaching Positions for 2016 and beyond.
PO Box 49, Niddrie 3042 or email: mark@elizabethmachines.com.au
BOX HILL NORTH AFC
After a 2015 finals campaign, Box Hill North is seeking expressions of interest for senior coaching positions to help the club take the next step: The ideal candidate will have: A proven track record Minimum level one coaching accreditation A network to recruit players (Can be Playing or non-Playing)
Located at the Westbourne Grammar School, Truganina, the Club’s committee is dedicated to building on the successes of previous seasons.
x
Successful Applicants will need to possess: x Strong Ability to Develop and Teach players. x Good Coaching and Football Credentials. Preparedness to build and enhance the relationship with the Westbourne Grammar School.
All applications to be forwarded by Thursday 24 September 2015 to; Simon Christo – President president@wgfc.com.au
Contact: Ally Rodrigues 0419 133 916 BHNFC Secretary or email alistairpaulrodrigues@gmail.com
ST BEDES MENTONE TIGERS AFC
Seniors, Reserves & Thirds Finalists 2015 Reserves Premiers 2014, U/ 19’s Premiers 2013 Seniors & Thirds Grand Finalists 2014 The club is seeking applicants for the following coaching positions for Season 2016 • Reserves Coach • Under 19’s Coach • Under 18’s Coach • Assistant Coaches Seniors, Reserves, U\19’s & U\18’s
SEEK EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST FOR NUMEROUS COACHING POSITIONS IN 2016 St Bedes/Mentone Tigers Amateur Football Club are seeking EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST from qualified people in all Grades both Senior and Junior for season 2016. The roles are autonomous and have you taking full responsibility for the performance your sides for the 2016 season. Qualities we require are; * That you are a proven experienced Coach willing to take on a big challenge * Ability to nurture young and emerging talent, and follow a game plan set up by the Senior Coaching Co-Ordinator. * Excellent communication and organisational skills.
Our entire Coaching Panel will work under the guidance of our Senior Coach Jess Sinclair in setting the clubs direction and developing our youth. A minimum Level 1 coaching accreditation is required and an understanding of the VAFA is preferred. The club will assist with obtaining coaching accreditation. Please provide a covering letter outlining your experience by 1/10/2015. Forward Applications or Enquiries to: David Malcolm President St.Mary’s Salesian Amateur Football Club smsafc@bigpond.com 0409 311 553
Level 1 Coaching Accreditation is a pre requisite and knowledge of the MSJFL and VAFA Competition is a distinct advantage. Interest sought from suitable Applicants for positions ranging from U8’S through to Under 17’s, and then from Under 19 (2 Sides,) plus Thirds, Reserves and seniors. All applications in strict confidence to; Tom Brain, brainco@optusnet.com.au Enquiries to 0423 433 488 Football Operations Manager Applications close 30/09/2015.
ST.MARY’S SALESIAN AMATEUR FOOTBALL CLUB (VAFA Div 1)
VAFA Premier Section – Head of Medical and Conditioning 2016 Applications are invited for the position of Head of Medical and Conditioning of the Beaumaris Football Club for the 2016 season of the Victorian Amateur Football Association. The role is to manage and co-ordinate the medical and fitness personnel for the 5 senior teams playing in the VAFA to optimise injury management and player conditioning. Applications (including CV) are to be sent to beaumarisfc@bigpond.com. The application period closes on 30 September 2015. Position descriptions will be provided on request. Enquiries can be made to John Murton (President) on 0409 937 641.
by Andrew Hartnett
Big Dave’s, Big Record Last weekend David Lepair ran in the Division 2 Grand Final to complete a set. In the last five seasons he has umpired Premier (2013), Premier B (2011), Premier C (2014), Division 1 (2012) and Division 2 (2015).
Well, we’re finally at the end of the season. It seems like only a few weeks ago we were looking forward to the year full of expectations and now, we’re done. From all at the VAFAUA, we’d like to wish Monash Blues, Old Haileyburians, Old Melburnians, St Kevin’s OB, St Bernards and Old Trinity the best of luck in your Grand Finals and for those who have gained promotion good luck next year.
We know Craigieburn’s a long way, but… We couldn’t let this one slip by, but a fortnight ago Tony Corr had the early game out at Highgate Reserve. Given the early start Tony was getting ready to leave in the dark, so as not to upset his better half. It was a nice gesture, but with one unexpected outcome. After arriving at for his game he proceeded to get ready only to discover that he still had his PJs on under his regular off field apparel. We’re not sure but he might have had a quick nap before the drive home.
Tony Hales has searched the archives, and has found that only two other umpires have completed this feat, Wayne Hinton and the short time retired Steve McCarthy, but Dave is the only umpire to do it in consecutive years.
Merv and Grant flying are the flag for the over 40s and Peter showing us what the next group of kids can do. There’s also two “Sons of Guns” running around, with Tom (son of David) and Ben (son of Paul), following in their father’s footsteps and umpiring in the VAFA. We’re sure both are fathers are extremely proud of their sons achievements this year. Matt Oakley and Daniel Silfo bring VFL experience and Michael has WAFL experience. It’s fair to say, that this year’s big games are in safe hands.
Grand Final Day So after a pre-season where we had to dodge a couch, Tom flogging us into submission, two time trials, and two beep tests, we have arrived at the final weekend of the year. To umpire a Grand Final is an honour and is the reward for hard work both during the season and over the break. This season Tony’s job has been made harder with the retirement of Russell Davidson, who has umpired seven Premier Grand Finals, one Premier B Grand Final and one Premier C Grand Final. This year, the three big games will be controlled by Merv Monty, Michael Hooper, Daniel Silfo, Matthew Oakley, Tom Windlow, Ben La Vale, Ollie Bell, Peter Bailes and Grant Wardrop. All these guys have had fantastic years and cover a wide range of ages within the umpiring group.
Good luck guys and run well.
One final word So that’s it for season 2015, and it’s time to sign off for the year. Thank you to everyone who contributed Umpires Corner this year. For those of you who dobbed in a mate, sincere gratitude, for those who were unfortunately running with a scribe and provided content, keep up the good work and for those of you who dobbed yourself in, the biggest thanks of all! Personally, I’d like to thank Greg Rolfe, Daniel Silfo and Rob Parry who provided a different voice for a few weeks and covered when I was not available. Good luck to everyone officiating this week. Have a great day and we’ll see you next year, bigger and better than ever!
EMMAUS ST LEO’S OCFC Emmaus St Leo’s OCFC is seeking applications for the following coaching positions in season 2016:
ALBERT PARK FALCONS FOOTBALL & NETBALL CLUB Currently seeking applications for the following coaching positions in season 2016:
SENIOR COACH
Senior Coach Senior Assistant Coach Reserves Coach Reserves Assistant Coach Under 19s Coach
All applications can be forwarded to:
Please email a covering letter and your CV to Nathan Baranello at nbaranello88@gmail.com or call 0422 356 430 for more information
Justin Mahoney secretary@albertparkfc.com.au
Applications for all positions close Monday 5th October, 2015
VAFA GRAND FINAL 2015
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