VAFA Record 2025 - Week 2

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Cones or no cones? When I was a young PE teacher, swinging a whistle and learning the ropes, a seasoned colleague posed this question. It wasn’t a groundbreaking thought, but it was the first time I’d really considered it. The debate that followed shifted between the efficiency of a well-run drill and the deeper growth that comes from a free-flowing environment.

At the time, I’d never really thought about how something so seemingly simple could be so impactful. The structured world of cones had always felt like the natural way to train, prepare, and develop skills. But my colleague’s question made me realise that there was more to it.

His question lingered in my mind and has stayed with me over the years, both on the field and beyond. I find myself returning to it time and again. When do we need to lean into the structure and support of the cones, and how are they setting us up to jump the fence and leave them behind?

Sometimes, the choice isn’t yours to make. I remember a warm-up session from my country footy days. It couldn’t have been more than four degrees, the sun barely showing its face despite it being close to 2 p.m. The ground’s facilities left you wanting a little, but we found a ‘flat enough’ patch to get some early touch and defrost.

Dan Mahony

Tackle Your Feelings

Partnership Lead

But what does this balance look like off the field, in the social rooms, and around the grounds? Football clubs, and especially VAFA clubs, have evolved beyond just a place to lace up the boots each weekend and backslap each other after a good win or a hard-fought loss. They’ve grown, and continue to grow, into spaces for deeper connection and support.

clubs are becoming hubs for fostering connection

Over the fence we went, no cones, just a couple of pills and 22 blokes chasing cracks in the clouds for a rare kiss of sunlight. And didn’t we warm up quick! Within minutes, it became clear we weren’t the only ones enjoying that flat spot. From behind a tree stepped the biggest bull I’d ever seen. We didn’t need a second invitation, jets on, back over the fence, and suddenly, we were as ready as ever to take the field. We kicked 6 goals to zip in the first quarter, not a bad warm-up in the end!

That moment reminded me that at times, like in the case of the unexpected bull, adaptability isn’t just beneficial, it’s necessary. There are moments when the plan goes out the window, when the conditions shift in ways you never anticipated. In those instances, it’s not the drills or the carefully laid-out cones that get you through, it’s your ability to think on your feet, react, and embrace the support around you.

Don’t get me wrong, there are definitely times when the cones are well and truly needed. They provide structure, direction, and safety, bringing a coach’s vision to life, allowing players, new and old, to get on board and ‘get a feel’ for the game plan. They are an integral part of training, the cones are there to guide us, not to hinder us.

So, what’s the answer, cones or no cones? For me it’s all about balance, there’s a time and place for both.

In the past, football clubs were primarily about the game. But these days, the focus is shifting. The importance of mental health, wellbeing, and the overall support of players and community members has become just as significant as the game itself. There’s a growing recognition that mental and emotional support is just as critical to success as physical performance. As such, clubs are becoming hubs for fostering connection, where players, coaches, and volunteers alike come together to support one another in ways that go far beyond the sport.

You don’t have to look too hard to see evidence of this across the VAFA. More and more clubs are bringing structure to the wellbeing space, with specific committees or coordinators, the league’s very own Player Assistance Program, and here at TYF, we enter this season off the back of our biggest year yet in terms of VAFA participants. Each example further highlights the importance of prioritising wellbeing alongside performance.

But what does this have to do with cones? Well, just like with footy, the cones are set up so you can nail the fundamentals. Mental health support and wellbeing initiatives serve as the cones in this context, they provide structure and guidance to ensure that players and club members are supported off the field. And when the cones are gone and it’s just you and a mate, standing there without the usual structure, that’s when the real work shows up. Without the cones, it’s all about connection, being able to hold each other up and talk through life with a sense of understanding and support.

So, whether it’s in footy or life in general, the cones are there to prepare us for whatever comes our way in the open field, even if it’s an unexpected bull!

WILLIAM BUCK PREMIER MEN’S

Jason Bennett

Early statements made in William Buck Premier Men’s

Some clear statements of intent were made in the season’s opening round.

Old Scotch launched their premiership defence with a hard-fought victory over St Kevin’s at Camberwell Sportsground. SKOB had their share of territory early but booted 1.5 to 4.3 to trail by 16 at the first change.

The Cardinals got their uncontested game going and extended their lead to 26 before SKOB made some corrections in the third term. But they squandered their opportunities again, booting 1.5 to lose the term despite winning more of the footy. They finished with 5 goals to 2 in the final quarter, but it was a more efficient Old Scotch posting a 14-point win.

Mark Gnatt (Old Scotch): “We were really pleased with our pressure at the source and the ability to create turnovers. “It was great to welcome some debutants into the team - Jake Torney and Tom Farrer - who played their roles very well. Ryan Walsh, Max Suttle and Angus Halse all acquitted themselves very well, having only played a handful of senior matches. Halsey had a tough match-up on Kerr, and he did a brilliant job.”

Anthony Lynch (St Kevin’s): “We learned that Scotch are still very much the benchmark in 2025. They didn’t allow us to get our game going with their pressure and intensity. “We had periods of the game where we had some good control, but we couldn’t convert during those times and therefore couldn’t build any scoreboard pressure.”

The thriller was at Melbourne Uni as University Blues & St Bernard’s played a Round 1 classic. The Snowdogs took a game-high 16-point lead early in the last quarter, before the Blues kicked four of the next five goals, including Mojwok Akoch at the 23-minute mark to snatch the lead.

But there was one final twist. A hurried kick out of the Blues’ defensive goalsquare was marked by Joey Agresta, 25 metres out on a slight angle. The siren sounded and Agresta calmly slotted the goal for a thrilling one-point after-the-siren win. St Bernard’s snapping their run of 9 consecutive away losses in the most dramatic fashion!

Steve Alessio (St Bernard’s): “Great endeavour and attack on the ball in a hard-fought game all day. “We

continue to grow as a team, with our ability to stay in the game for longer. Yesterday was a step forward in what was a real arm wrestle. “The contribution of our debutants was pleasing, as was the solid return of our midfield leaders in Luke DiLizio, Ben Huggard and Ethan Schumann.”

Matt Smith (Uni Blues): “It could’ve gone either way, and unfortunately it went against us this week, but we fought the game right out to the end and could see patches of the way we want to play. We’ll continue to work on being more difficult to play against.”

Old Haileybury made a huge statement, returning to the top-flight with a thumping win over Collegians.

The margin was 4 goals at the last change, but the last quarter was a major flex from the Bloods. They converted 19 Inside 50s into an incredible 10.4, running riot to celebrate their return to the big time with an eye-catching 74-point win.

Daniel Ward (Old Haileybury): “Pleased with the belief that our group had on the day. We had a plan and executed it really well. We learnt that if we play our brand of footy week in, week out it will hold us in good stead. “Jack Bell was super all day in the ruck. All of our leaders stood up and the VFL boys we had all came down with a great attitude and a willingness to do what was required for the group to be successful.”

Jordie McKenzie (Collegians): “Old Haileybury were far too good for us on the weekend and deserved the comfortable win. They were dominant in the contest, both at ground level and aerially. “We were able to have some good patches where we got our running game going, but ultimately, we couldn’t contain it. Nick Canny and Matt Warren were defiant in defence and kept battling all day.”

It was a tougher day for the other newcomer to Premier Men’s as De La Salle ran into a red-hot Old Xaverians at the grand opening of the refurbished Toorak Park.

The hosts booted the only 4 goals of the opening term, then delivered a scintillating 10-goal second quarter to lead by 75 points at the half. A further 14 goals to 5 in the second half saw Xavs send a message with a commanding 129-point win.

Dan Donati (Old Xavs): “De La gave themselves plenty of good looks, and if not for missing a few early chances, would’ve been a lot closer early on. “What pleased me the most was the evenness of the performance over four quarters. We stuck to the plans and played out the minutes, which was great to see. Our finishing in front of goal was also a highlight.”

Nick Hyland (De La Salle): “I thought the first quarter was relatively even. We had a fair amount of the ball and applied fantastic pressure. We just didn’t get any reward on the scoreboard.

“Second quarter, we dropped our pressure and overall intensity and they made us pay. We must be better at defending turnover and taking chances in front of goal. “I was proud of our work rate and ability to not give in, despite the scoreline. Plenty of learnings to take away, and I’ve got no doubt each individual, and us as a collective, will be better for that two hours we experienced against quality opposition.”

The final game of Round 1 saw last season’s minor premiers continue their winning ways at home as Old Brighton ran away from University Blacks.

The Tonners clicked into gear in the second term, booting 5 goals to 1 before really opening their shoulders in the third, slamming on a further 8 goals to 1. Another 6 to 1 in the final term rounded out a crushing 96-point win and the ideal start for a team hungry to savour the ultimate success after a couple of near-misses in recent seasons.

Marcel Bruin (Old Brighton): “It was a ripper day at Brighton Beach, which is somewhat rare!

“The second half opened up a little more as we were able to get clearer ball into forwards, we were better at stoppage and backs gave us a lot of drive. It was great to finish really strongly, given the rust and Blacks’ quality early. “Nice having Felix and Sam Flockart together - Felix looking dangerous all day, finishing with 6 goals.”

Dale Bower (Uni Blacks): “We worked really hard to be in the contest in the first half. Unfortunately, we were not able to go with Old Brighton when they went up a gear or two. “We are disappointed with our second-half performance. It’s a long year - we will look to improve significantly next week and progressively.”

ROUND 2 TIPS

ROUND 1 RESULTS

WILLIAM BUCK PREMIER MEN’S

Old Haileybury:

Collegians:

GOALS: Old Haileybury: H. Nosiara 3, h. jones 3, A. Stefanakis 3, L. Vaughan 3, C. Harrop 2, O. Hotton 2, B. Seccull 2, J. Bell 1, M. Rose 1, N. Higgins 1

Collegians: C. Cassidy 1, M. Stobie 1, J. Bazzani 1, W. Mayhood 1

BEST: Old Haileybury: J. Bell, O. Hotton, M. Rose, D. Seccull, R. Seccull, J. Gasparini

Collegians: N. Canny, M. Warren, J. Carroll, W. Mayhood, S. Hibbins, J. Davy

Old Scotch:

St Kevin’s:

(74)

GOALS: Old Scotch: W. Clark 3, W. Townsend 2, J. Torney 2, A. Franetic 2, J. Lipscombe 1, C. Jackson 1, A. Symons 1, H. Stubbings 1

St Kevin’s: E. Mahoney 2, P. Kerr 2, S. Barnett 2, L. Winter 1, J. Darmody 1, S. Critchley 1, C. Jones 1

BEST: Old Scotch: S. Grant, H. Brown, J. Lipscombe, D. Lawrence, W. Clark, J. Torney

St Kevin’s: C. Jones, C. Hodges, L. Winter, L. Gunson, S. Barnett, A. Seaton

Old Brighton:

University Blacks:

GOALS: Old Brighton: F. Flockart 6, J. Hope 3, B. Pryor 3, F. Campigli 2, T. Fisher 1, H. Dick 1, J. Segar 1, S. Flockart 1, K. Dimattina 1, M. Karayannis 1

University Blacks: M. Grocott 2, L. O’Neill 1, W. Trompf 1, T. St Clair 1

BEST: Old Brighton: F. Flockart, T. Burnell, T. Fisher, B. Pryor, M. Benier, M. Lohan

University Blacks: S. McKenzie, C. Moorfield, L. O’Neill, L. Vescio, Z. Dakis, K. Loftus University Blues:

Bernard’s:

GOALS: University Blues: B. Townson 4, S. Grimley 2, H. Wicks 2, M. Akoch 1, D. Chirgwin 1, A. Sinnott 1, J. Stewart 1

St Bernard’s: N. Conlan 3, O. Liberatore 3, B. Huggard 1, L. Di Lizio 1, E. Sibbald 1, M. Sauro 1, M. Watson 1, J. Agresta 1

BEST: University Blues: M. Gleeson, B. Townson, H. Wicks, N. Conway, D. Chirgwin, J. Goddard

St Bernard’s: N. Conlan, B. Huggard, L. Di Lizio, O. Liberatore, L. Alessio, T. Sullivan Old Xaverians:

De La Salle:

GOALS: Old Xaverians: E. Delany 4, C. MacIsaac 4, C. Knott 4, S. Phipps-Parsons 4, W. Brusnahan 3, T. Wanganeen 3, C. Lane 2, J. Soccio 2, S. Fisher 1, M. Stavrou 1

(179)

(50)

De La Salle: A. Indovino 3, V. Stevancevic 2, S. Dimachki 1, J. Brooker 1

BEST: Old Xaverians: C. Lane, M. Stavrou, C. MacIsaac, S. Fisher, A. Trigar, E. Delany

De La Salle: W. Mckinnon, J. Williams, F. Cameron, T. Stanton, J. Brooker, A. Indovino

WILLIAM BUCK PREMIER MEN’S RESERVE

Old Brighton:

University Blacks:

GOALS: Old Brighton: L. Travers 3, A. Edgar 3, P. Olivier 2, Z. Bowen 2, M. Hofmann 2, R. Agg 1, E. Avis 1, L. McCluskey 1, B. Branson 1

University Blacks: R. Edwards 1, S. Henning 1

BEST: Old Brighton: L. Travers, A. Edgar, T. Skewes, C. Hathway, M. Speirs, T. Marriott

University Blacks: D. McInness, H. Knights, R. Edwards, B. Aurisch, J. Sleep, B. Clay

Old Scotch:

GOALS: Old Scotch: F. Morrisby 4, T. Holding 1, J. McCorkell 1, W. Hucker 1, R. Spark 1, A. Joubert 1

(95)

St Kevin’s: W. Pearce 3, S. Duffy 3, T. Williams 2, H. Lefoe 2, L. Mazzeo 1, T. Ferguson 1, O. Gill 1, J. Ball 1

BEST: Old Scotch: H. Byrne-Jones, F. Morrisby, A. Davies, C. Schilling, W. Hucker, M. Muller

St Kevin’s: T. Ferguson, H. Lefoe, S. Duffy, R. Larcher, J. Ball, B. Mansfield

Old Xaverians: 1.3

De La Salle:

(126)

2.3 (15)

GOALS: Old Xaverians: E. Kennedy 4, C. Westcott 3, B. Moyle 3, O. Duncan 2, D. O’Loughlin 1, A. Scally 1, J. Cumberlidge 1, c. Whitehead 1, B. Scala 1, N. Brown 1, M. Mahommed 1

De La Salle:

BEST: Old Xaverians: O. Duncan, C. Westcott, C. Holmes, J. Cumberlidge, H. Bowen, T. Hart

De La Salle: D. Ford, A. Kelly, E. Bowden, A. Browne, S. Pennell, A. Stanton

University Blues:

St Bernard’s:

GOALS: University Blues: G. McCulloch 4, A. Dowsley 4, J. Paterson 2, T. Ingram 2, T. O’Brien 1

St Bernard’s: D. Barker 3, T. Basile 2, N. Vinecombe 2

BEST: University Blues: C. Furphy, S. McNulty, G. McCulloch, J. Lloyd, N. Evans, J. Pring

St Bernard’s: A. Ryan, N. Tonge, J. Rendelmann, L. Papley, R. Spicer, D. Barker

Old Haileybury:

Collegians:

GOALS: Old Haileybury: B. Yates 2, A. Williamson 1, . 1, M. WALSTAB 1

(92)

(49)

(39)

Collegians: W. Pocknee 2, J. Properjohn 2, M. Mckeown 2, B. Fleming 1, J. McGuiness 1, H. Waters 1, L. Smith 1, W. Houghton 1, h. stack 1

BEST: Old Haileybury: P. Gleadhill, M. Gathercole, B. Yates, S. Connolly, A. Williamson, J. Kennedy

Collegians: B. Fleming, A. Gebert, J. McGuiness, L. Smith, B. Hill, J. Meacham

WILLIAM BUCK PREMIER

Newcomers make their mark as 2024 powerhouses dominate early

The William Buck Premier Women’s competition started with a bang on Saturday, with a host of new storylines emerging from Round 1. The competition welcomed Premier B-elevated clubs Old Geelong, Williamstown CYMS and Fitzroy. Meanwhile, stalwarts of the William Buck Premier Women’s competition, St Kevin’s and Old Scotch, stamped their authority, with the premiers and runners-up from season 2024 putting together strong four-quarter performances in their first hit-out for 2025.

Last year’s Premier B Women’s victors Old Geelong began season 2025 with a hard-fought win over West Brunswick — a side that won ten games in Premier Women’s last season. The win marked Old Geelong’s first ever in the top tier in the club’s 71-year history in an accurate 4.1 (25) display to the Magpies’ 2.3 (15).

Head Coach Jack Crameri was pleased with the first-up performance and credited his side’s pressure for the 10-point win over the Magpies.

“The game was won on the pressure we were able to apply… that led to turnovers, which led to scores,” Crameri said.

The OG’s featured nine different players in Round 1 compared to their Grand Final side and will continue to build connection and cohesion as the season progresses. Crameri noted that this lack of familiarity showed inside 50 and highlighted it as an area of focus heading into Round 2. “The main area we’ll be focusing on is converting forward entries to scores — it’s simply a connection piece with so many new players in the line-up.”

On the other side, West Brunswick Head Coach Ryan Wardel praised his team’s effort while acknowledging areas for improvement. “It was a pretty even and tough contest, but what separated the game was the ability to connect from midfield to forward.”

Wardel also took heart from individual performances, including that of Victoria Holt, “I was very pleased with our ability to hold up defensively… Vic Holt was particularly strong in winning her one-on-ones and getting the ball out of dangerous space.”

Old Geelong will look to make it two from two when they face Kew in Round 2, while West Brunswick take on Old Yarra Cobras.

Fitzroy travelled to Victoria Park to face Kew in their Round 1 matchup. The newly elevated side had their work cut out for them coming up against the Kew Bears who have been competitive in A-grade for a number of seasons. Nathan Jumeau’s side were unable to match Kew’s fast start, trailing 33–2 at half-time and ultimately conceding 7.5 (47) to 4.2 (26) at the final siren.

Jumeau acknowledged the slow start but praised his team’s second-half response, “The game was lost in the first half — we took too long to adjust to the pace of Premier football… We were really pleased with the second half. We adjusted as a team with a few changes and were able to play our style of footy.”

Kew Coach Emily Avery was pleased with her team’s performance, referencing both list turnover and cultural priorities established over the off-season.

“This year we have a relatively new playing list, including four debutants… At the Bear Cave, our focus is on fostering team connections and playing enjoyable, dynamic footy.”

Avery also highlighted the efforts of Lauren Rinaldi, who stood tall in the ruck amid injury concerns in that area, “As our primary ruck, she played the majority of the game… Loz has worked incredibly hard during the pre-season, and it’s clear that effort is paying off in her performance.”

Reigning premiers Old Scotch picked up where they left off with a dominant Round 1 performance over newcomers Williamstown CYMS, runny away with an 87-point victory. The Cardinals are eyeing back-to-back flags, with Jordan Mifsud and Mia Cowan leading the way up forward with four and three goals respectively.

Round 1 served as a perfect tune-up for Dean Anderson’s side ahead of a Grand Final rematch against St Kevin’s at Camberwell Sportsground awaiting them this Saturday.

Williamstown Coach Xavier Smith remained level-headed after his side’s first match in the Premier division noting, “I’m happy to tick off Round 1. We know we have to continually improve… but we’re up for the challenge and know we’re headed in the right direction.”

The Loft Reserve outfit finished the 2024 season undefeated in the home-and-away season of Premier B before bowing out in straight sets come Finals. Smith believes the match

Cooper Watkins

against Old Scotch was a valuable learning opportunity. “Scotch are by far the standard setters in Premier, and that’s the level we want to get to. Overall, they were a lot more disciplined with their structures and dominated us at the contest.”

Caulfield Grammarians opened their 2025 campaign in style with a commanding 79-point win against the Old Yarra Cobras. Head Coach Danielle Distefano and her team will be looking to build upon a strong 2024 season, which included 11 home-and-away wins and a preliminary final appearance.

Nat Barbara led the way with four goals and was joined by six other individual goal-kickers in a strong team display. Not only did the Fields’ dominate up forward but they produced a comprehensive defensive effort, denying their opposition a single score.

Despite the one-sided result, the Cobras will aim to bounce back and build into their season. The Cobras can take encouragement from standout performances by Josephine Muscat and Belinda Wriedt.

A clear theme of Round 1 was the continued dominance of the 2024 elite. St Kevin’s delivered a commanding four-quarter performance against Melbourne University Women’s and will now gear up for a highly anticipated Grand Final rematch with Old Scotch in Round 2.

Hannah Smith and Kate Stanton starred for St Kevin’s, kicking nine and eight goals respectively in a clinical display. The SKOB Stars 20-goal, 17-point onslaught was no match for the Mugars in the first opportunity of the season to secure four points.

MUWFC will look to treat this performance as an outlier when they face Fitzroy next week. While the scoreboard wasn’t flattering, there were positives in the performances of Jolyn Collins and Lily Harris.

Melbourne Uni Women’s Coach Michael Goldsmith was upbeat about the performance and looked to the positives. “Despite the result, there were still positives to take away. Our group stuck together under real pressure, which says a lot about character,” he said.

Goldsmith alluded to what the coaching department will be preaching heading into the opening weeks of the season. “We’ll be putting a lot of work into our contest craft, transition setups, and forward structure so we can generate more scoring opportunities and keep the game on our terms longer.”

ROUND 2 TIPS

ROUND 1 RESULTS

WILLIAM BUCK PREMIER WOMEN’S

GOALS: Kew: E. Brown 2, J. Burger 1, y. vinycomb 1, A. Dawborn 1, S. Griffin 1, l. stevens 1

Fitzroy: C. Haritopoulos 3, N. Cooney Hunt 1

BEST: Kew: L. Rinaldi, L. Barr, K. Dorsett, V. Murphy, C. Dyett, j. carey

Fitzroy: O. Brilliant, C. Haritopoulos, J. Nelson, M. de Bondt, M. Carter, M. Smith

Williamstown CYMS: 1-2-8

Old Scotch: 13-17-95

GOALS: Williamstown CYMS:

Old Scotch: J. Mifsud 4, M. Cowan 3, A. Vrsecky 2, S. Fortunato 2, K. Hunter-Scott 1, E. Defina 1

BEST: Williamstown CYMS:

Old Scotch: G. Fraser-Smith, K. Hunter-Scott, M. Cowan, E. Defina, S. Fortunato, E. Jago

St Kevin’s:

GOALS: St Kevin’s: H. Smith 9, K. Stanton 8, B. Rees 2, L. Watkin 1

MUWFC:

BEST: St Kevin’s: K. Stanton, H. Smith, M. Wilson, E. Condon, B. Doyle, B. Rees

MUWFC: J. Collins, L. Harris, M. Noack, B. Hudson, E. Ashley, N. Washington

Caulfield Grammarians:

Old Yarra Cobras: 0.0

(79)

(0)

GOALS: Caulfield Grammarians: N. Barbara 3, E. Angelopoulos 2, C. Peters 2, L. Aruci 2, E.

Baxter 1, B. Tuszynski 1, S. Kenny 1

Old Yarra Cobras:

BEST: Caulfield Grammarians: E. Cleland, R. Finster, N. Barbara, O. Rundle, E. Angelopoulos, C. O’Malley

Old Yarra Cobras: J. Muscat, B. Wriedt, E. Woodford, C. Moody, A. Billing, C. Coleman

West Brunswick:

Old Geelong:

GOALS: West Brunswick: S. Jolly 1, C. Balbata 1

Old Geelong: T. Longden 2, S. Rhodes 1, M. Passon 1

BEST: West Brunswick: A. Fithall, V. Holt, C. Balbata, S. Jolly, A. Traill, M. Amon

Old Geelong: C. Taylor, T. Longden, A. Halaby, M. Seebeck, B. Mckay, N. Wilson

PREMIER WOMEN’S RESERVE

(15)

Caulfield Grammarians: 6.14 6.14 7.15 10.19 (79)

Old Yarra Cobras: 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 (0)

GOALS: Caulfield Grammarians: E. Shalders 3, D. Hadwin 3, H. Grange 1, L. Wenk 1, G. Casey 1, B. Connor 1

Old Yarra Cobras:

BEST: Caulfield Grammarians: E. Shalders, D. Hadwin, I. Beerens, G. Casey, L. Toovey, R. Neil

Old Yarra Cobras: M. Jevric, B. Lawrence, A. Jevric, H. Donelan, E. Bourke, C. Scaife

Kew: 1-0-6

Fitzroy: 14-12-96

GOALS: Kew: G. Smith 1

Fitzroy: E. Murphy 3, M. Rodezno 3, T. Lind 2, A. Madden 1, M. Tancred 1, C. Hetherington 1, A. Francese 1, J. Walsh 1, C. Bigwood 1

BEST: Kew: S. Nodin, G. Smith, K. Rinaldi, M. Haeusler, P. Lawlor, K. Cook

Fitzroy: M. Rodezno, A. Francese, E. Murphy, H. Fitzgerald, J. Walsh

West Brunswick:

Old Geelong:

GOALS: West Brunswick: E. O’Beirne 2, J. Hooke 2, R. Ogle 2, A. Mack 1, J. Riddoch 1, S. Kavanagh 1

Old Geelong: C. Mackenzie 1, I. Owen 1, A. Perrott 1

BEST: West Brunswick: C. Piggott, M. Constas, M. webb, M. Baldwin, R. Ogle, J. Hooke

Old Geelong: M. Naylor, D. Willows, S. Gorton, H. Conheady, C. Mackenzie, K. Magyar

(59)

(23)

Williamstown CYMS: 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 (0)

Old Scotch:

GOALS: Williamstown CYMS:

(115)

Old Scotch: K. Noseda 4, A. Theodosi 3, Z. Kemp 3, K. Kerr 1, G. Kerr 1, G. Ryan 1, L. Das 1, E. Uittenbosch 1, Z. Fodor 1

BEST: Williamstown CYMS: B. Krt, T. Wright, T. Beagley, I. Hickman, J. Fitzpatrick, A. Parsons

Old Scotch: G. Kerr, A. Theodosi, S. Pont, Z. Fodor, Z. Kemp, K. Kerr

PREMIER B MEN’S

Paddy Grindlay

Panthers, Wellers win thrillers, Old Ivanhoe make Round 1 statement

Old Carey is perhaps the story of Premier B’s first weekend of competition, the Panthers punctuating their ascent to the division by defeating the Old Melburnians in a thriller at league HQ.

Last year, Old Ivanhoe and Old Camberwell proved the jump from Premier B to Premier C was far from insurmountable. This year, Old Carey and the Hampton Rovers are out to repeat the dose, and for new Panthers coach Luke Giles the early signs are good. “What more do you want to start off your journey in Premier B - a win over a team coming down from A grade,” said Old Carey coach Luke Giles on Sunday.

In a game influenced by a wind blowing to the Glen Huntly Road end, Old Carey held a slender lead at the final break, and then broke free in the first ten minutes of the final term, kicking three quick goals to take a 21-point advantage. But the Old Melburnians weren’t to be denied, kicking four of the last five majors, and Adam Richardson’s third goal of the afternoon cut the margin to five points with just seconds remaining.

The Panthers held firm in the final passages, holding off the Old Melburnians 14.10 (94) to 13.11 (89) winners.

Returning Old Melburnians coach Nathan Brown was positive in his review of “a great little game,” and effusive in his praise of Old Carey. “Lots of young talent everywhere, and I believe they’ve been together (for a) couple of years, so (they’re) building beautifully,” he said. “Loved our players’ game and effort - just let ourselves down in the second quarter.”

Old Ivanhoe has been tipped to launch into finals football in 2025, and certainly did its pre-season reputation no harm with a 43-point win over Caulfield Grammarians at Chelsworth Park - impressing the new Grammarians coach Paul Satterley greatly. “I would be staggered if Old Ivanhoe are not a top two side in Premier B, based on the quality of their midfield - and their stoppage work was absolutely A grade,” said Satterley.

Old Ivanhoe recognised club legend and ‘Godfather’ of the club Godfrey ‘Goff’ Stevens, who sadly passed away in December last year. Across his two decades as coach, Jarrod Gieschen rates the late great as “probably our biggest supporter,” Stevens having attended almost every Hoers game until his passing. “A fair bit of emotion before the game,” said Giechen, “and the players were able to start really well … (they) played as good as footy as I’ve seen us play (perhaps) ever”.

After a seven-goal Old Ivanhoe opening quarter, Caulfield worked its way back into the contest, before two goals apiece from Murphy and Archie Franklin in an eight-minute burst before the final break set the three-quarter-time margin at 38 points to the Hoers. Another burst of goals to start the final term - four in nine minutes this time - put the contest to bed, Old Ivanhoe running out 18.10 (118) to 11.9 (75) victors.

The Grammarians will look to rebound after a tough assignment first up, Paul Satterley impressed with the list he’s inherited from former coach Guy McKenna. “My first look at the lads, and (I) really think we will be super competitive this season, we had periods of control throughout the game which was testament to the lads’ effort,” he said.

Caulfield will fancy its chances against Fitzroy this weekend after the Roys’ slow start to 2025, misfiring on return to Premier B in a five-goal loss to Nick Dixon’s Old Geelong Fitzroy kicked just four goals to three quarter time, trailing by 51 points at Brunswick Street Oval - and despite more than doubling its score in the final term fell short, 9.6 (60) to the OGs’ 13.12 (90).

Dixon, who has the reins full time at Como Park this year, was thrilled, having gone into the game with an element of unknown after some unavailabilities over the club’s practice matches. “I thought it might’ve taken a few weeks for us to click, but it was pleasing that our senior boys really stood up, really led the way … we were able to show the way we wanted to play straight away,” he said on Sunday.

Dixon lauded Jack Sheridan and Tim Jones, who waxed beautifully in the middle of the ground early and continued their good work across the four quarters.

“I think (Jones) is as good a midfielder in the comp as there is - I played a lot of VFL footy against him … he’s an exceptional person and player,” Dixon said.For Fitzroy, it’s a wobbly start, but coach Travis Ronaldson knows his chargers are capable of better football.

In the second thriller of the opening round of the season, Old Camberwell held off a fast-finishing Old Trinity by a point, kicking new coach Neil Connell’s reign off with a win - albeit one that went to the final moments.

The Wellers had the play all day, leading by 41 points at the final break, before last year’s preliminary finalists roared into gear, the Ts punting seven goals to one in a blitzkrieg that more than doubled their three-quarter time score.

With fewer than 20 seconds remaining in the game, Hugh Beasley converted a set shot that gave the Ts a chance to steal the most unlikely of victories, cutting the margin to one point. But the Wellers would hold on from the next centre bounce, 13.11 (89) to 12.16 (88) winners at Gordon Barnard Reserve.

“We were very good early - our pressure was through the roof. We put a lot of pressure on them, caused turnovers … that was really pleasing,” said Connell.

Of the finish? “We just froze a little bit,” explained Connell. “The spread and the run was really good for three quarters, but we just panicked a bit, which is going to be a good learning for us.”

Old Trinity coach Donald McDonald lamented a sloppy start from the Ts, highlighting the first quarter and parts of the second as the difference between the two sides. “We were just making so many mistakes, and they were just beating us up around the contest … it just took us a while to get back on an even keel,” he said.

Finally, exciting Williamstown CYMS forward Zac Provest wasted no time in stamping his name on the 2025 season, franking a bountiful pre-season with eight goals in a 53-point win over the Hampton Rovers at Fearon Reserve.

Provest, who finished with eight goals, four behinds and a whopping 18 score involvements, looked at his most dangerous leading at the football, with smalls Will Bokma and Harry Miller prepared to rove at his feet.

“I think it stands to say that it gives you a lot of confidence as a midfield group when you’ve got targets like that leading at you,” explained Terzoglou. “We think Zac’s hands are great, and if we can just put it out in front of him all day, he’ll be pretty hard to stop.” Will Chan was superb in the 17.22 (124) to 11.5 (71) win, coming off a strong pre-season of his own.

For the Rovers, James Keys was a spark with 38 disposals and ten rebound 50s, while Dillon Melnjak and Christian Carnovale led the way in tight, leading the game for clearances.

Old Ivanhoe’s Round 2 clash with Old Carey at Chelsworth Park will tell us plenty about both sides - as will the game between Caulfield Grammarians and Fitzroy at Glen Huntly Park.

Old Melburnians host Old Geelong, the Hampton Rovers return to Boss James Reserve for a meeting with Old Camberwell, and Old Trinity travel to face Williamstown CYMS at Fearon Reserve.

ROUND 2 TIPS

Caulfield Grammarians V Fitzroy

Old IvanhoeV Old Carey

Williamstown CYMS V Old Trinity

Hampton Rovers V Old Camberwell

Old MelburniansV Old Geelong

ROUND 1 RESULTS

PREMIER B MEN’S

Old Ivanhoe:

Caulfield Grammarians:

(75)

GOALS: Old Ivanhoe: H. Frazer 3, W. Murphy 3, A. Mirkov 3, A. Franklin 2, T. Nagel 2, N. Hill 1, R. McKenzie 1, c. naish 1, J. Bradley 1, P. Naish 1

Caulfield Grammarians: S. Hankin 2, C. Cooke 2, A. Loughnan 1, J. Moren 1, J. Freedman 1, O. Ruddock 1, M. Clarkson 1, D. Ting 1, J. Iverson 1

BEST: Old Ivanhoe: T. Mclean, A. Mirkov, T. Nagel, M. Mitris, W. Murphy, P. Naish

Caulfield Grammarians: H. McInerney, M. Clarkson, C. Eerhard, C. Cooke, O. Ruddock, J. Freedman

Old Melburnians: 5.4

Old Carey:

13.11 (89)

GOALS: Old Melburnians: J. Paine 4, A. Richardson 3, S. Laube 2, B. Jackson 2, L. Reid 1, W. Brown 1

Old Carey: T. Warren 2, N. Brewin 2, C. Grummitt 2, J. Alexander 1, O. Dickson 1, L. Godden 1, M. Wooffindin 1, L. Kelvie 1, I. Ellwood 1, B. Andrews 1, T. Horton 1

BEST: Old Melburnians: J. Spargo, A. Richardson, J. Paine, S. Laube, B. HAYSMAN, A. Rush

Old Carey: I. Ellwood, T. McCarthy, T. Warren, C. Connell-Tobin, N. Brewin, C. Grummitt

Old Camberwell:

Old Trinity: 1.3

(89)

(88)

GOALS: Old Camberwell: H. Laukens 3, J. Gale 2, L. Thomas 2, C. Finlayson 2, D. McColl 2, J. Allen 1, B. Hart 1

Old Trinity: H. Beasley 3, S. Barendregt 2, B. Dowling 2, O. Scott 1, S. Barendregt 1, S. Phillips 1, C. Manoussakis 1, G. Belcher 1

BEST: Old Camberwell: D. McColl, C. Rutledge, J. Gale, L. Harker, C. Finlayson, J. Allen

Old Trinity: B. Dowling, L. Teal, L. Mulcahy, O. Scott, B. Thatcher, S. Barendregt

Williamstown CYMS: 3.10

Hampton Rovers: 4.1

(124)

GOALS: Williamstown CYMS: Z. Provest 8, W. Smyth 2, C. Diwell 2, A. Williams 2, H. Miller 1, R. Chan 1, C. Brown 1

Hampton Rovers: W. Crawford 4, L. O’Driscoll 3, C. Jones 1, J. Delaney 1, L. Costello 1, C. Carnovale 1

BEST: Williamstown CYMS: W. Chan, W. Smyth, C. Hira, Z. Provest, X. Snelling, L. Downey

Hampton Rovers: J. Melnjak, W. Crawford, J. Keys, H. Lay, C. Carnovale, L. Costello

Fitzroy:

Old Geelong:

(60)

(90)

GOALS: Fitzroy: J. Hart 3, B. Clayton 2, L. Ramshaw 1, L. Minahan 1, A. Johnson 1, N. Wright 1

Old Geelong: M. Nicholls 3, R. Page 2, C. Dixon 2, M. Wallis 2, O. Grodski 1, S. Jess 1, S. Alvarez de toledo 1, S. Anderson 1

BEST: Fitzroy: D. Shepherd, M. Nelson, H. Grace, A. Johnson, L. Hodder, R. Seakins

Old Geelong: M. Nicholls, T. Jones, J. Sheridan, H. Pierson, C. Dixon, J. Jess

PREMIER B MEN’S RESERVES

Fitzroy:

Old Geelong:

(26)

GOALS: Fitzroy: S. Roberts-Lovell 3, J. Robinson 3, C. Lester 3, W. Hodgman 3, S. Jordan 2, E. Vagnarelli 2, L. Vlassopoulos 1, C. Johnstone 1, H. Roy 1

Old Geelong: C. Fox 1, M. Planner 1, J. Kemp 1, J. Colgrave 1

BEST: Fitzroy: C. Johnstone, T. Strachan, C. McAuliffe, R. Kelly, H. Roy, J. Bourke

Old Geelong: L. Maiden, J. Kemp, J. Colgrave, E. Johnstone, M. Kirkwood, D. Morgan

Williamstown CYMS:

Hampton Rovers:

GOALS: Williamstown CYMS: H. Tambourine 3, j. raymond 2, A. Greaves 1, P. Farrell 1, A. Fernandes 1, S. Shepherd 1, T. Ball 1

(43)

Hampton Rovers: B. Crothers 1, J. Scanlon 1, J. Dermott 1, O. Horigan 1, J. Bowditch 1, T. Folino 1

BEST: Williamstown CYMS: J. Neville, H. Tambourine, A. Greaves, J. Tripodi, j. raymond, T. Ball

Hampton Rovers: S. Raghdo, J. Bowditch, T. Goldsmith, S. Ebbott, T. Folino, B. Crothers

Old Ivanhoe:

Caulfield Grammarians:

GOALS: Old Ivanhoe: D. Davies 2, J. Erman-Keogh 2, L. Scuderi 1, N. Reeves-Smyth 1

Caulfield Grammarians: C. Hankin 2, R. James 2, M. Kaufman 1, K. May 1, J. Pinder 1

BEST: Old Ivanhoe: N. Stratov, S. Daniel, D. Davies, F. Wilkinson, H. Worsam, C. Wilson

Caulfield Grammarians: R. James, J. Hill, O. Ursini, H. short, K. May, F. Ellis

Melburnians:

Carey:

GOALS: Old Melburnians:

Old Carey: Z. Dempsey 2, J. Trevorah 1, F. Park 1

BEST: Old Melburnians: S. Connock, C. Long, M. Grosso, A. Williams, T. Facy, W. Dixon

Old Carey: C. Ogilvie, F. Park, N. Benson, A. Simpson, M. Vandersteen, Z. Dempsey

Camberwell:

GOALS: Old Camberwell: O. Lloyd 2, B. Carlisle 2, J. Davidson 1

Old Trinity: E. Chard 5, H. Taylor 3, O. Galbally 1, B. Curtain 1

BEST: Old Camberwell: D. Augustes, C. Robertson, B. Carlisle, N. Latsas, J. Davidson, M. Vogel

Old Trinity: B. Curtain, F. Hall, E. Chard, H. Taylor, T. Rasdell, N. Gill

(48)

(49)

PREMIER B WOMEN’S

Lauren Atkinson

Goals galore and gritty contests in Premier B Women’s opener

Round 1 of the Premier B Women’s competition was a rousing affair, featuring a mixed bag of dominant performances and closely contested battles. New game plans were on display, while debutants made their mark, setting the stage for an intriguing year ahead.

From Westbourne Grammarian’s statement victory over Coburg, to the nail-biting debut of Port Melbourne Chargers, each match brough its own unique storyline. Here is a closer look at how each of the opening matches unfolded.

To kick things off, Beaumaris travelled to Gerry Green Reserve bright and early, where they got their season off to a flying start with a commanding 15.17 (107) to 1.1 (7) victory over Parkdale Vultures.

Despite the best efforts of Parkdale’s Ellie Wilson, Sophie Goddard and Breanna Allen, the home side struggled to contain Beaumaris’ relentless attack, as the Sharks piled on hauls of 2, 5, 5 and 3 goals across each of the respective quarters.

It was a true team effort from Beaumaris, who shared the load with 11 individual goal scorers. Off the back of a strong debut season in 2024 that saw her nominated for the Anytime Fitness Rising Star award, Sunday Hollingsworth continues to develop as a star of the competition, earning the best on ground accolade.

The match, which marked the debut of Beaumaris’ new coach Sam Calogero, also saw both teams come together to honour Holly Bowles and Bianca Jones in a touching tribute.

It was a one-sided affair at Coburg City Oval, where Westbourne Grammarians dominated the play against Coburg from start to finish.

Westbourne came out of the gates firing, scoring 22 points to nothing in the first term, and they refused to slow down, with the final scoreboard reading 0.0 (0) – 19.10 (124).

On a day where their team failed to hit the scoreboard, Natalia Rebollo Sampedro and captain Tara Chetcuti did all they could to stem the flow.

Westbourne Grammarians Coach Chris Grant praised his team’s ability to move the ball into the forward line and maximise their opportunities. While all players contributed, Temeika Cathery and Kensley Ward were two of their most prolific, as they continuously found the big sticks to finish with respective bags of seven and eight majors.

Grant acknowledged Coburg’s ongoing development, suggesting that the scoreboard did not necessarily reflect the contest over each quarter.

Westbourne now look ahead to next week, where they will face a tougher challenge in Division 1 premiers Old Brighton.

Chris Grant: “I think we are going to learn a lot about our team over the first half of the season as we really don’t know the opposition due to such a new comp with many new teams. Some are very experienced compared to our very young squad, but the girls are really looking forward to the challenge.”

In their inaugural match, the Port Melbourne Chargers faced off against Old Melbournians in a thrilling battle that ended with the Omlettes narrowly edging out the Chargers 4.6 (30) to 4.3 (27).

Georgia Harris went straight into the history books when she booted the Chargers’ first ever goal early in the second term, with the Port Melbourne fans celebrating the milestone loudly and proudly.

Despite strong performances from Tanisha Clark and Maegan Harrison, the Chargers were unable to quell the late charge from the more experienced Omlettes, whose preseason work on skills and composure was evident.

Returning from long-term injuries, Ellen Williams and Stephanie Barnett both slotted back into the Old Melburnians lineup seamlessly, appearing in the bests for their side, while new recruits Olive Mclean and Bella Freeman also stood out. Freeman kicking goal of the day as determined by the VAFA commentary team, late in the fourth to secure the 4 points for OMs.

In a solid start to their season, St Bedes/Mentone Tigers recorded a convincing 6.8 (44) to 2.4 (16) victory over Marcellin

ROUND 1 RESULTS

PREMIER B WOMEN’S

GOALS: St Bedes/Mentone: I. Gietzmann 5, M. Wilson 1

GOALS: Marcellin: Z. GLASCOTT 2

BEST: St Bedes/Mentone: I. Gietzmann, B. Steinfort, B. Ousley, T. McAlroy, M. Wilson, C. Saultry

BEST: Marcellin: Z. GLASCOTT, T. Carpinteri, L. Robertson, B. Harvey, B. Feehan, T. Menzies

GOALS: Coburg:

GOALS: Westbourne: K. Ward 8, T. Cathery 7, P. Trajkovski 2, M. Gaston 1, S. Burns Bradley 1

BEST: Coburg: N. Rebollo Sampedro, T. Chetcuti, L. Dawe, J. Wightman, E. Putyra

The Tigers were led by an outstanding performance from Isabella Gietzmann, who kicked five goals, and was best on ground. Strong contributions also came from Brydie Steinfort and Belinda Ousley.

Zoe Glascott fought valiantly for Marcellin, scoring two majors and earning the best on accolade for her side, however the Sheagles still ultimately fell short.

Meg Fisher will be delighted to have started her coaching career with a win, while Marcellin will need to work hard to turn their glimpses of potential into a more consistent effort going forward.

Over at Basil Reserve, Old Brighton showed no signs of a premiership hangover, putting Old Xaverians to the sword to win by 50 points.

From the first bounce, Old Brighton brought immense pressure, setting the pattern for the day. Paired with their hard running and quick ball movement, Old Xaverians were unable to get the game back on their terms.

Chloe George and Lucy Grant were the leading goalkickers, finishing with two goals apiece. Old Brighton Coach Andrew Grant praised the leadership of India and Jasmine Tait, highlighting their strong performances.

On a tough day for Old Xaverians, Melissa Poulton and Emily Callinan never gave up, earning recognition from their coach as the best players on the day. Old Xaverians will look to use this experience against a quality opposition to fuel them going into the next round.

ROUND 2 TIPS

BEST: Westbourne: T. Cathery, E. Kikidis, K. Ward, J. Desira, R. Sefton, m. graf

GOALS: Port Melbourne Chargers:

GOALS: Old Melburnians:

BEST: Port Melbourne Chargers: T. Clark, M. Harrison, A. Ladson, Z. Wilson, A. Kamberis, C. Millias

BEST: Old Melburnians: E. Williams, O. Mclean, S. Barnett, B. Freeman, J. Gough, G. Dunlop

GOALS: Old Xaverians:

GOALS: Old Brighton: l. grant 2, C. OBrien 2, M. Mcgregor 1, C. George 1, S. McLoughlin 1

BEST: Old Xaverians: M. Poulton, E. Callinan, M. Clarke, A. Benifer, Z. Purcell, O. Benston

BEST: Old Brighton: I. Tait, J. Tait, C. OBrien, G. Buckley, K. Grant, B. Hagan

GOALS: Parkdale Vultures: S. Symons 1

GOALS: Beaumaris: K. Randall 2, R. Byrne 2, J. boyd 2, S. Crofts 2, R. Raymond 1, C.

Newman 1, L. Parsons 1, D. Gower 1, S. McLean 1, R. Barker 1, P. Phelan 1

BEST: Parkdale Vultures: E. Wilson, S. Goddard, B. Allen, B. Di-Giovambattista, S. Symons, G. Collinson

BEST: Beaumaris: S. Hollingsworth, R. Byrne, S. Tedde, R. Raymond, J. boyd, P. Phelan

PREMIER C MEN’S

Harrison McIlwaine

Ajax flex while the newly promoted find their feet

Round 1 of the Premier C Men’s competition produced three two-score results, in a thrilling opening slate for the division.

The weekend was destined to be headlined by the Beaumaris and St Bedes/Mentone Tigers clash, and those in attendance at Banksia Reserve were treated to a match that lived up to the billing.

In the latest instalment of their rivalry, the Tigers were victorious, outpointing Beaumaris 12.8 (80) to 10.16 (76), with Tigers coach Brad Berry highlighting his team’s ability to execute role and system under pressure, post-match.

“The game was always going to be an arm wrestle, and whoever could get away from contest best was going to win it,” he said.

Berry lauded the games of Sam Beasley and Lachlan Palfrey, whose tandem approach to quelling the impact of premier ruckman Callum Heath, paid dividends. Jack Behnk’s four majors also pleased Berry, who stressed that Behnk’s work up the ground “doesn’t always get rewarded”.

Beaumaris’ ability to drag intercepting weapon Zac Calvez deeper than usual brought fellow half-back flanker Jake Harding to the fore, with Berry pleased with his production. The games of Louis Hanson and Jake Ryder also drew the commendation of their coach.

Sharks coach Josh Bourke lamented poor conversion in front of goal and conceded that the Tigers’ ability to draw his backline up the ground, only to get in behind them for scores, was something his side will take learnings from.

Inaccuracy was also a feature of Glen Eira/Old McKinnon’s performance, with the Gryphons falling to Mazenod 13.5 (83) to 9.18 (72). Scores being level at quarter-time, despite the Gryphons producing eight scoring shots to Mazenod’s three was costly, according to first-year coach Guy Martyn.

Martyn’s charges produced a last quarter comeback of sorts, on the back of a defensive acumen that had been found wanting in the middle two stanzas.

“When Mazenod got on top, it was because we couldn’t stop their run and carry off half-back and through the middle of the ground. We finished strong because we were able to turn them over and get some good looks,” Martyn said.

Mazenod coach Peter Banfield was pleased to eke out the result, noting a large portion of his players lacked matchfitness after interrupted pre-seasons kept them out of practice matches.

“Focus will be on recovery,” Banfield added, while also expressing his pleasure with the performances of Jarryd Raffa, Lachie Stewart and Brendan Wales.

In promising signs for the division and its competitiveness this season, both newly promoted sides comported themselves with aplomb, in close-run losses against fancied opposition.

Prahran fell to PEGS 10.9 (69) to 10.7 (67), in a game described by Bombers’ coach Rob Kerr as “a very tough game of contested football”.

“Pressure and contest was the most pleasing element of our game. Neither team took a backwards step, which was pleasing, given our younger list.”

“(It was a) scrappy game that opened up a bit as both teams tired,” said Kerr. Both sides were forced to contend with injury concerns, and both coaches lauded the ‘ticker’ of their respective sides under the duress limited rotations engendered.

“Pretty proud of the boys to put themselves in a position to win it under those circumstances,” said Prahran coach Craige Milward.

Oscar Bales was a difference-maker for the Bombers, first around the ball, then as a ruckman, after a hamstring injury sidelined Ade Akintola for the final 20 minutes of the contest. Jack Fenner picked up where he left off last season, booting four majors.

Usual suspects and prized recruits alike led the way for the Two Blues, with Shaun Chapman, Matt Clifford and Patrick Marks earning praise from the opposition coach post-match, while Mackenzie Mayne and Ryan Smyth predictably found themselves in the best.

Parkside held a slender half-time lead away at Parkdale Vultures, but last year’s preliminary finalists were ultimately too strong for the plucky Devils, running out 12.16 (88) to 8.5 (53) victors. Fatigue cruelled Rick Frost’s men in the second half, where waning Devils pressure allowed the Vultures to find space.

“We need to run out the game at a higher intensity,” acknowledged Frost.

Luke Logozzo and Lachlan Moylan fought valiantly for the Devils in defence, while makeshift ruck pairing Joel Stevens and Josh Moylan also earned praise from Frost for their

endeavour, after losing Lewis Daniel to a fractured wrist. Former Vultures skipper Charlie Dillon’s return to Gerry Green Reserve was an entertaining one, with his 3 goals equalmost on the ground.

In Bulleen, AJAX kick-started Lachlan Buszard’s coaching tenure with a commanding 17.19 (121) to 7.5 (47) victory over Marcellin. AJAX held a two-point advantage after an attritional first quarter, before the Jackas produced four of the first five goals in the second quarter, creating a buffer that only grew.

Buszard was impressed with the youth in his team, while also praising his half-backs, and forward line. “I’m really still learning what I’ve got to work with,” said Buszard.

Crafty operator Jordan Cohen flexed his footballing IQ, repeatedly finding himself in scoring positions, and creating for his fellow forwards. The ‘sticky mitts’ of the AJAX tall brigade were also a feature of the victory, hauling in multiple memorable contested marks, and converting more often than not.

Marcellin coach Bernie Dineen has been left to rue a ‘loss of shape’, after commanding the opening quarter with suffocating defensive set-ups, particularly against kick-ins, and a significant advantage in the territory battle.

More ‘bang for buck’ in front of goal, when the game was on the Eagles’ terms would have made for a closer contest, but Dineen admits there were numerous areas where Marcellin will look to improve in the coming weeks.

“We didn’t adjust to the adjustments they (AJAX) made against us,” admitted Dineen.

“We allowed them out the front of stoppages too easily, which gave them good looks going inside 50. We should’ve made it an arm wrestle when momentum was against us, instead of still trying to play fast. We needed more composure,” he added.

Minimising turnover goals will be a major focus for the Eagles, after conceding 13 goals from this source to the Jackas. Dineen’s men will now turn their attention to a clash with Mazenod this weekend.

Elsewhere, Prahran will unveil their premiership flag at the newly refurbished Toorak Park, before playing the side they vanquished for said flag, in Parkside. Glen Eira/Old McKinnon hosts Beaumaris, Parkdale head to Windy Hill to face PEGS, and on Sunday, AJAX face St Bedes/Mentone Tigers.

ROUND 1 RESULTS

PREMIER C MEN’S

Beaumaris:

GOALS: Beaumaris: T. Spencer 4, J. Trew 2, W. Skinner 1, T. O’Rourke 1, J. Taylor 1, P. Pecer 1

St Bedes/Mentone: J. Behnk 4, L. Hanson 2, N. Hughes 1, J. Harding 1, S. Beasley 1, X. Russo 1, S. Barca 1, N. Henricks 1

BEST: Beaumaris: C. Heath, T. Spencer, J. Florent, A. McCarthy, J. Taylor, J. Whitehouse

St Bedes/Mentone: T. Garside, X. Russo, f. groves, L. Hanson, D. Garside, J. Behnk

PEGS:

(69)

(67)

GOALS: PEGS: J. Fenner 4, M. Barake 2, R. Simmons 1, O. Bales 1, E. Caddeo 1, A. Akintola 1

Prahran: P. Marks 3, M. Clifford 2, J. Hume 2, M. Milward 1, J. Taylor 1, E. Plaza 1

BEST: PEGS: M. Baker-West, J. Kerr, O. Bales, B. Roach, J. Akhurst, J. Fenner

Prahran: s. chapman, L. Gorman, M. Mayne, J. Simonetta, R. Smyth, J. Taylor

Parkdale Vultures:

Parkside:

(88)

(53)

GOALS: Parkdale Vultures: C. Dillon 3, R. Macdermid 2, M. Brown 2, L. Castle 2, M. Phillips 1, L. Bailey 1, J. Peake 1

Parkside: C. McKay 3, J. Moylan 2, H. Kenny 1, Y. Stecki 1, C. Bingle 1

BEST: Parkdale Vultures: J. Edwards, O. Green, J. Peake, M. Emmanouil, C. Howell, J. Noske

Parkside: N. Mcintosh, C. McKay, M. Romano, L. Moylan, J. Woods, J. Moylan

Glen Eira / Old McKinnon:

(83)

(72)

GOALS: Mazenod: J. Raffa 3, M. D’Angelo 3, M. Cappiello 2, H. Boyce 1, M. Fewings 1, E.

Sherlock 1, D. Byrne 1, J. D’Angelo 1

Glen Eira / Old McKinnon: L. Mirams 3, B. Reid 2, D. McDonald 1, X. Verdnik 1, B. Gillett 1, S. Bass 1

BEST: Mazenod:

Glen Eira / Old McKinnon: L. Mirams, N. Mavropoulos, S. Cockle, O. Krivaci, J. Maxfield, J. Chilcott

Marcellin:

AJAX:

GOALS: Marcellin: L. Rush 3, J. Daniel 2, C. Barry 2

AJAX: J. Cohen 5, M. Herzel 3, J. Gunn 2, B. Efron 2, J. Vogel 2, B. Krongold 1, T. Sheezel 1, A. Caplan 1

BEST: Marcellin: J. Daniel, T. Dennis, L. Rush, A. Tomaro, J. McArdle, N. Khan

AJAX: M. Chrapot, J. Wrobel, C. Zielinski, N. Lewis, J. Gunn, T. Sheezel

PREMIER C MEN’S RESERVES

PEGS:

GOALS: PEGS: D. Flaherty 5, A. Bishop 1

Prahran: N. Hura 7, A. Perez 3, T. Bamford 3, J. Partridge 2, T. Beddison 2, T. Maya 1, G. Alekna 1, N. Edwards 1

BEST: PEGS: D. Cooke, D. Flaherty, R. Allan, P. Steward, S. Rachmani, D. Maslin

Prahran: N. Hura, g. torney, T. Crepin, A. Morschel, G. Alekna, T. Loomes

Marcellin:

AJAX:

GOALS: Marcellin: L. Bosio 1

(47)

(11)

(79)

AJAX: T. Smorgon 2, B. Nussbaum 2, N. Micmacher 1, R. Spicer 1, O. Sormann 1, T. MarabelWhitburn 1, J. Levy 1, C. Klein 1, D. Rothschild 1

BEST: Marcellin: Z. Williams, A. Newell, L. Bosio, T. Harvey, F. paonessa, J. Robertson

AJAX: J. Machlin, T. Smorgon, N. Micmacher, J. Wrobel, C. Klein, L. Zielinski

Mazenod: 1.1

Glen Eira / Old McKinnon:

GOALS: Mazenod: S. Quirk 3, J. McCluskey 2

Glen Eira / Old McKinnon: T. Johnston 5, F. O’Donnell 3, j. hattingh 2, T. Dobson 1

BEST: Mazenod: J. Mucha, M. Withington, J. hatzi, J. Hendricks, A. Rubino, A. Saliba

ROUND 2 TIPS

Marcellin v Mazenod

Prahranv Parkside

Glen Eira/Old McKinnon v Beaumaris

PEGS v Parkdale Vultures

AJAX v St Bedes/Mentone Tigers

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Glen Eira / Old McKinnon: T. Clayson, H. Rose, E. Hourigan, E. Tran, l. kotsandis, G. O’Donnell

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Bedes/Mentone:

GOALS: Beaumaris: C. Reynolds 3, J. Williams 2, C. Eckert 2, M. Kornberg 1, L. Daniels 1

St Bedes/Mentone: G. Kelly 4, J. Whitelaw 2, T. Nash 1, L. Carey 1, L. Bowles 1

BEST: Beaumaris: O. Phillips, D. Johns, C. Eckert, A. Marcombe, C. Tedde, L. Daniels

St Bedes/Mentone: Z. Winter, L. Bowles, J. Whitelaw, G. Kelly, C. Duffy, T. Jaensch

Parkdale Vultures: 4.1

(115) Parkside:

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GOALS: Parkdale Vultures: M. Hart 4, J. Hesline 4, D. Williamson 3, N. Farnbach 2, B. Austin 2, N. Petty 1, L. Farnbach 1, C. Williamson 1

Parkside:

BEST: Parkdale Vultures: N. Petty, A. Kenny, S. Sargeant, M. Hart, B. Austin, A. Stefanec

Parkside:

FOR THE LOVE OF THE GAME

Beaumaris tribute to Bianca & Holly

There was a touching Round 1 tribute to honour Beaumaris Sharks Holly Bowles & Bianca Jones, who tragically lost their lives in Thailand over the summer. Players from the Parkdale Vultures, St Bedes/Mentone Tigers and Old Carey joined Holly & Bianca’s Beaumaris Sharks team-mates in paying their respects.

The sudden loss of Holly & Bianca sparked a public outpouring of emotion and support, once again reinforcing the special tight-knit community that is the VAFA.

FOR THE LOVE OF THE GAME

Phil Avery breaks Haw’s all-time games record

It was a day of celebration for Hawthorn Amateurs as club legend PHIL AVERY broke the Hawks’ all-time games record with his 329 th appearance. Phil has been involved with the club for 30 years, having won two premierships, plus League & Club Best & Fairests in his stellar career.

An ever-reliable defender for three decades, he managed to sneak forward and boot a rare goal to celebrate the occasion in front of family & friends. Congratulations Phil! You’re the sort of heart & soul contributor that the Spirit of the VAFA is built upon.

Old Geelong’s first ever top-flight win

The Ogettes, Old Geelong’s women’s team made history on the weekend winning the first ever match in A-Grade in the entire Club’s 71-year history. Old Geelong secured the illustrious four points in Round 1 with a 10-point victory over West Brunswick in the William Buck Premier Women’s competition. Old Geelong women’s team were promoted to the top flight this season after claiming the Premier B 2024 premiership in illustrious fashion.

FOR THE LOVE OF THE GAME

Umpiring on the rise

The VAFA are proud to have over 500 registered umpires ready to officiate Men’s and Women’s football matches across the board for season 2025. This record-breaking number heading into Round 1 is credit to the hard work of the VAFA UA and the positive culture amongst the VAFA umpiring cohort.

One Team. Three Brothers.

It was a sibling affair, as Matt, Josh and Zac Peker all played for AJAX Premier Thirds on the weekend, marking the first time all three brothers have ran onto the park together for the senior club.

VAFA PODCASTS

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

DIVISION 1 MEN’S

Raj Johnston

Brunswick set the tone early in their Division 1 debut

The Division 1 Men’s competition resumed for 2025 with the newly promoted Brunswick making their mark early with an emphatic win, whilst other teams snuck over the line to claim the first four points up for grabs this season.

Ormond started their season on the right note, defeating Division 2’s 2024 premiers Elsternwick, by 38 points. The contest was tight throughout the first half so there wasn’t much separating the two teams on the scoreboard, as Ormond carried a narrow two and three-point lead into quarter-time and half-time respectively.

Things quickly changed in the third quarter as Ormond broke away with six majors to grow their lead to a mammoth 46-points by three-quarter time. Despite a late surge from Elsternwick in the final quarter, the damage had been done and Ormond had done the work to ensure they had this game locked away.

Harrison Ross, Mason Thatcher and Ethan Konstanty were identified amongst the best players for Ormond, whilst Elsternwick captain Julian Yeatman, along with Daniel Marchese, stood up for their side on a difficult day with three goals each.

Over at Brens Oval, UHS-VU’s hosted Kew for their season opener. Despite UHS-VU finishing higher than Kew in 2024, on the two occasions these sides met, the Vulture’s winning margins were just two and nine points, so there was certainly a curiosity factor as to how this match would play out.

The home side started strong to build up a 21-point lead and leave Kew scoreless. The Bears quickly responded with three goals of their own in the second term, and the third quarter was evenly matched to leave the Vultures with a five-point lead at three-quarter time.

Ultimately, it was Kew who prevailed in the last quarter as they found their way through UHS-VU’s defence and went home victorious by 19 points. William Llewelyn and Ned Waters got their seasons off to a good start with three goals each for Kew, whilst Patrick Brookes likewise managed three majors for UHS-VU.

The Monash Blues first game in Division 1 didn’t go as they would’ve hoped, falling to Old Peninsula by 42 points. The first half had peaks and troughs for both teams resulting in Old Peninsula taking a four-point lead into half-time, which could’ve been much higher if not for some inaccuracy in front of goal.

It was in the third term however that Old Peninsula began to surge, and this momentum carried them through to the end of the game for a comfortable win. Bailey Payze starred for Old Peninsula with four goals. There were some positives for Monash as they managed to keep Old Peninsula goal-less in the second quarter, however, a loss still hurts, and they will look to bounce back next week.

An incredibly close final quarter saw Oakleigh triumph, opening their account with a nine-point victory over the Preston Bullants

It was clear early on that this would be a close contest with both sides locked on 2.2.14 at quarter-time. Oakleigh found their way ahead in the second term, but the Bullants quickly responded in the third to build up an 11-point buffer. Nonetheless, it was not enough, as it was Oakleigh stood up in the fourth quarter to work their way back into the game and kick five goals to Preston’s two: sneaking over the line to claim the win.

The ever-reliable Luke Ashen was instrumental for Oakleigh, carrying them on his own boot kicking nine of their twelve goals, immediately stamping his authority on the Division 1 competition. He will be one to watch this season with the ability to kick a bag week in-week out.

Brunswick couldn’t have asked for a better start to their time in Division 1, emphatically defeating Therry Penola by 64 points. Brunswick dominated the scoreboard from the get-go, and that remained a consistent trend throughout the game.

The home side had built up a 43-point lead by half-time and it was clear Therry Penola would have their work cut out to reduce this lead. The third quarter was interesting as Brunswick managed 2 goals, yet 10 behinds, so the

ROUND 1 RESULTS

DIVISION 1 MEN’S

GOALS: Brunswick: A. Jaycock 4, O. Watt 3, P. Scamporlino 2, Z. Hooke 1, T. Wilson 1, L. Pearson 1, L. Bonney McKenzie 1

Therry Penola: C. Wrigglesworth 2, L. Crotty 1, J. Egglestone 1

BEST: Brunswick: F. Banfield, A. Jaycock, B. Wilson, B. Young, T. Hedley, M. Foti

Therry Penola: L. Crotty, N. Thomas, C. Wrigglesworth, S. Callander, N. Castaldi, D. Watson

Old Peninsula:

Blues:

GOALS: Old Peninsula: B. Payze 4, W. Crowder 2, T. Feldgen 1, J. Lovett 1, H. Peacock 1, J. Fletcher 1, F. Bardolph 1, G. Fletcher 1, N. Forrest 1

Monash Blues: A. Headberry 3, M. King 3, K. Durdin 1, O. Armstrong 1, F. Bennett 1, T. Mew 1

pain could’ve been a lot worse for Therry Penola if not for Brunswick’s inaccuracy.

Whilst Therry Penola put up a stronger fight in the last quarter, the game was over by then as Brunswick comfortably got over the line. Andre Jaycock was key up forward for Brunswick with four goals, whilst Lachlan Crotty, Nathan Thomas and Cairan Wrigglesworth were amongst the best players for Therry Penola.

Round 2 sees five new matchups that all have their own appeal but the match to cast an eye over would be Old Peninsula v UHS-VU. Last season, UHS-VU finished 4th with 12 wins and Old Peninsula were close behind having finished 5th with 10 wins. Their second encounter in 2024 saw Old Peninsula scrape over the line with a 5-point win. Both these sides are highly competitive and regarded as serious contenders in 2025, so claiming the four points from this game will go a long way in both club’s campaigns. Whilst Old Peninsula had a convincing Round 1 victory over Monash, UHS-VU put up a serious challenge in the first three quarters against Kew and only fell away in the fourth quarter and couldn’t keep up with Kew’s scoring. This game is anyone’s for the taking.

Other head-to-heads in Round 2 include, Therry Penola taking on Ormond at home, while Kew will host Elsternwick at Victoria Park. The Preston Bullants will travel to face the Monash Blues, and Brunswick are fixtured to come up against Oakleigh.

ROUND 2 TIPS

Therry Penola v Ormond

Old Peninsula v UHS-VU

Kewv Elsternwick

Monash Blues v Preston Bullants

Brunswickv Oakleigh

BEST: Old Peninsula: G. Fletcher, P. Evans-Brumby, J. Pomeroy, J. Williams, s. barbour, B. Payze

Monash Blues: A. Headberry, T. Mew, B. Price, J. Baring, J. Flett, M. King

Preston Bullants:

GOALS: Preston Bullants: B. Douglas 4, A. Cincotta 2, T. Hill 2, D. Douglas 1

Oakleigh: L. Ashen 9, J. McLaughlin 1, R. Velona 1, R. Kitts 1

BEST: Preston Bullants: N. Perizzolo, L. Green, B. Douglas, M. Marinucci, R. Howard, J. De Napoli

Oakleigh: L. Ashen, N. Torpey, J. McLaughlin, J. Roach, T. Scott, N. Clifton

GOALS: UHS-VU: P. Brookes 3, F. Urie 2, B. Jackson 1, A. Skerget 1, N. Seiderman 1, N. Wallace 1, T. Cracknell 1, N. Couper-Johnston 1

Kew: W. Llewelyn 3, N. Waters 3, R. Smith 2, R. Hughes 1, M. Casalaz 1, M. Waters 1, S. Heaton 1, D. Jardine 1, M. Poletti 1

BEST: UHS-VU: B. Dimattina, M. Dimattina, L. Starzer, H. Kennedy, P. Brookes, A. Frazer Kew: M. Poletti, H. Brown, R. Hughes, M. Casalaz, M. Waters, L. Hazeldine Elsternwick:

GOALS: Elsternwick: D. Marchese 3, J. Yeatman 3, D. Jones 2, L. Thornton 1, R. Main 1

Ormond: S. Bailey 4, H. Simon 2, L. Crnogorac 2, E. Konstanty 1, S. Gunning 1, T. Nicholls 1, H. Ross 1, r. konstanty 1, J. Tsakonas 1

BEST: Elsternwick: M. Harvey, P. Sanderson, J. Yeatman, Z. Angus, J. Kirkham, T. Falco

Ormond: H. Ross, M. Thatcher, E. Konstanty, r. konstanty, S. Bailey, A. Taylor

DIVISION 1 MEN’S RESERVES

Bullants:

GOALS: Preston Bullants: Oakleigh: T. Cashman 5, K. Donovan 2, R. Anderson 2, J. Eadie 2, A. Abel 1, P. Kasimis 1, S. Fortune 1

BEST: Preston Bullants:

Oakleigh: T. Cashman, J. Eadie, O. Arnott, z. thiessens, J. Greenaway, C. Gillard

Peninsula:

Blues:

GOALS: Old Peninsula: B. Stewart 2, H. Wassylko 2, A. Luca 1, J. Taylor 1

Monash Blues: A. Bateman 2, B. Fellows 1, T. Baker 1, R. Phillips 1, A. Tomaselli 1

BEST: Old Peninsula: L. Gibbs, B. Goates, O. Green, C. Harrison, N. Holland, C. Sanders

Monash Blues: L. McNeary, W. Kennedy, A. Tomaselli, A. Bateman, R. Phillips, M. Hanfeld

GOALS: UHS-VU: M. Mallia 2, X. Ellingham 2, A. Ley 1, J. Best 1, J. Kennerley 1, J. Dimattina 1

Kew:

BEST: UHS-VU: J. Dimattina, M. Mallia, X. Ellingham, T. White, J. Catterall, J. Best

Kew: B. Marchant, T. Lowe, C. Smith, J. Davis, J. Ton, T. Harbrow

Therry Penola:

GOALS: Brunswick: B. Daly 3, M. Deeth 3, A. Alexandris 1, S. houghton 1, D. Heenan 1, J. Doherty 1, L. Jerkovic 1

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Therry Penola: S. Lyons 2, L. Scutella 1, O. Moran 1, S. Di Lizio 1

BEST: Brunswick: M. Deeth, A. Pollock, J. Noonan, e. dwyer, D. Heenan, B. Griffin

Therry Penola: J. Hamilton, A. Mudgway, V. Petrongolo, T. O’Halloran, S. Skapetis, C. Edwards

Elsternwick:

Ormond:

GOALS: Elsternwick: Q. De Luca 1, I. Smith 1, J. Driscoll 1, J. Harris 1, H. Toogood 1, B. Wallace 1

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Ormond: T. Natsikas 1, N. Lane 1, T. Putamorsi 1, K. Seeto-Grossi 1, T. Thermos 1, T. Oaten 1

BEST: Elsternwick: H. Toogood, B. Dolan, D. Higgins, L. Pinnegar, J. Biviano, B. Wallace

Ormond: T. Oaten, K. Seeto-Grossi, T. Thermos, H. Penhall, M. Horrigan

DIVISION 1 WOMEN’S

Annie Ireland

Oakleigh and Therry Penola kickstart 2025 with a bang as others failed to fire

The Division 1 Women’s season kicked off with some big games on the weekend, with certain teams showing that they were here to compete for their shot at premiership glory. Oakleigh, Glen Eira/Old McKinnon and Therry Penola were hot out of the gates, all recording dominant wins.

After Round 1, Monash Blues looked the strongest side in the competition. Coming down from William Buck Premier, we knew they were going to be a strong side, with their first test against the Hampton Rovers no exception.

It was an extremely competitive match, with the Rovers leading by three points at the main break. Monash Coach Shane Chapman called out ahead of the season that there was a big focus last year on defending the opposition, but this year he wants his side to play an exciting and fun brand of footy, and that is exactly what they did in the second half.

The Blues scored 3.5 in the second half and kept the Rovers to just one behind, displaying their strengths both defensively and offensively. Tiarna Jericho was best on ground, kicking two goals for the Blues, whilst Maegan Miller was equally impressive for the Rovers with three goals.

Whilst it was not the start to the season that the Rovers would’ve hoped for after losing the Grand Final last year, they would be confident knowing they were able to compete against a team who was slated to be one of the premiership favourites this year.

Next up, the Rovers will host Power House on Saturday afternoon, whilst Monash will travel to play Whitefriars, with both of these looming as big matches.

Oakleigh have had the ideal start to the season, defeating Hawthorn by 96 points to sit atop the ladder and set their percentage up nicely for the year. The tone of the game was set from early on, with a seven goal to none first half it was going to be difficult for the Hawks to come back. A rampaging Oakleigh went on to kick another seven goals in the second half, holding Hawthorn to a singular behind for the entire game.

Coming into Round 1, both sides were quite unpredictable given they both missed finals in 2024. It was an even match up going into the game, however the Krushers were the better of the two sides on the day. Jasmine Ballestrin and Kaitlyn Sidopoulos both had three goals each for Oakleigh, whilst Marguerite Parker was best for Hawthorn.

The Hawks will want to quickly turn around their game play heading into Round 2 as they take on Therry Penola. Oakleigh will host Glen Eira in their first home game of the season.

The match of the round was definitely between Power House and Whitefriars, with the Friars coming out as 11-point winners. After both teams suffered heartbreaking finals exits at the end of 2024, you could tell they were both ready to move on and start their year off strong.

It was an even match right until the final siren, however Whitefriars ultimately secured their win in the third quarter. In a low scoring affair, their one goal lead coming into the final change proved the difference. Both teams scored another two goals in the fourth quarter as it went right down to the wire, but Whitefriars were able to close out the game.

Jessica Moloney, Ciara Knight and Hollie McCormack all impressed for Whitefriars, whilst Zoe Uwland, Grace Read and Georgia McHolmes were all gallant in defeat for Power House.

Whitefriars will host Monash in Round 2 in a huge matchup, whilst Power House will travel to play Hampton Rovers in the Saturday twilight slot in another massive game.

Old Haileybury have started in a precarious position, going down to Therry Penola by 59 points. The Lions came up two divisions this season, and on paper this game heading into the round looked like it was going to be a close and fierce battle.

In the second quarter, Haileybury fought back to go into the main break just 20 points down, with plenty of things to like with the game in the balance. However, their defensive play broke down in the second half as the Lions attacked the ball, scoring nine goals to Haileybury’s three.

ROUND 1 RESULTS

DIVISION 1 WOMEN’S

GOALS: Old Haileybury: g. elcock 2, T. Baxter 1, S. Vudiniabola 1, M. Burstin 1

GOALS: Therry Penola: A. Duggan 5, R. O’Halloran 4, M. Halton 3, E. German 1, S. Hallo 1

BEST: Old Haileybury: C. Ratcliffe, S. Vudiniabola, E. Gown, I. Compton, K. Langford-Jones, E. Main

BEST: Therry Penola: E. Pullen, E. German, A. Duggan, C. Brown, G. Macgregor, M. Halton

GOALS: Hampton Rovers: M. Miller 3, T. Jones 1

GOALS: Monash Blues: T. Jericho 2, J. Dallas 1, G. Cowin 1, R. Hetherington 1, A. Elliott 1

BEST: Hampton Rovers: H. Brodribb, T. Jones, T. Annear, M. Smith, B. Kavanagh, M. Miller

BEST: Monash Blues: T. Jericho, A. Elliott, C. Konstanty, N. Bauza, G. Cowin, E. Conroy

Abbey Duggan was prolific, with five goals, whilst Ruby O’Halloran had four of her own. Charli Ratcliffe was impressive, whilst Serene Vudiniabola continued her strong run of form from 2024.

Therry will be extremely pleased with their start in Div 1 and will look to attack the footy again next weekend against the Hawks at home. Old Haileybury will play Richmond Central.

Finally, Glen Eira/Old McKinnon registered a 38-point victory over Richmond Central. The Div 2 Premiers looked at ease in Div 1, and all the skills which won them that premiership cup were on display once again. They were a cohesive team up forward, with 2024 Leading Goalkicker Zoe Rossiter launching her title defense in style, kicking three goals for the game. Captain Gemma Strangio was also impressive.

Vice-captain Laura Quinton lead from the front on a tough day for Richmond, whilst Ella Marsich and Jordyn TomsWedge were their only goal scorers. Much like the Hawks, Richmond will need to find further avenues to goal if they are to cement their place in Div 1.

Richmond will host Old Haileybury next weekend in what will be a great test to see where their skills are lying and some areas for improvement, with those looming as a crucial game. Glen Eira will travel to play Oakleigh on Saturday morning.

GOALS: Power House: L. Bergin 2, J. Down 1, S. Doorley 1

GOALS: Whitefriars: A. Vine 3, C. Ryan 1, A. Belmonte 1

BEST: Power House: Z. Uwland, G. Read, G. McHolmes, S. Doorley, L. Bergin, C. Maguire

BEST: Whitefriars: J. Moloney, C. Knight, H. McCormack, R. Smith, A. Vine, B. Whitehead Glen Eira / Old McKinnon:

Central:

GOALS: Glen Eira / Old McKinnon: Z. Rossiter 3, L. Fitzpatrick 1, R. Bureta 1, S. Harris 1, E. Nicholls 1, S. Fitzpatrick 1

GOALS: Richmond Central: E. Marsich 1, J. Toms-Wedge 1

BEST: Glen Eira / Old McKinnon: Z. Rossiter, G. Strangio, K. Moonpen Euvrard, C. McIntosh, K. Dalman, L. Fitzpatrick

BEST: Richmond Central: L. Quinton, J. Dortmans, K. Brown, M. Bergamin, G. Harris, A. Geary

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ROUND 2 TIPS

Therry Penolav Hawthorn

Whitefriars v Monash Blues

Oakleighv Glen Eira

Richmond Central v Old Haileybury

Hampton Roversv Power House

GOALS: Hawthorn:

GOALS: Oakleigh: K. Sidopoulos 3, J. Ballestrin 3, E. Heverin 2, D. Bird 1, P. Hobday 1, R. Luntz 1, S. Bernardo 1, M. Sullivan 1, C. Hall 1

BEST: Hawthorn: M. Parker, C. Miller, L. Hutchinson, E. Johnson, M. Mathias, H. Proimos

BEST: Oakleigh: S. Bernardo, R. Ford, D. Bird, J. Ballestrin, K. Sidopoulos, P. Hobday

DIVISION 2 MEN’S

Lincoln

Tracy

Access

Old Yarra Cobras, Whitefriars headline a weekend filled with big wins

The opening round of the VAFA Division 2 Men’s season featured four one-sided games and one nailbiter, with injuries and player availability challenging some teams early.

St John’s had a rough welcome to Division 2, going down to former Division 1 side West Brunswick by 73 points at Thomas Carroll Reserve.

The Magpies had an even spread of contributors up forward with eight different goalkickers, led by Herbert Fithall (four) along with Caleb Bloomer and Bill Irving (three each).

JOC’s coach Tim Edwards acknowledged West Brunswick were too strong – especially in the second quarter when the Magpies kicked seven goals to one – but was excited to get some gametime into his side’s five debutants.

“Three of them played in the back line, so it was a tough day for them, but I felt they held their own. They’re only going to be better for [the run],” he said.

Edwards flagged the JOC’s would look to build their fitness on the run after an interrupted pre-season saw two of their three scratch matches cancelled.

Old Yarra Cobras, the other side to drop down from Division 1, flexed their muscles on their way to a 104-point victory over South Melbourne Districts at Koonung Reserve.

After a tight first quarter it was all Cobras from that point on, with the Cobras too strong for the Bloods in the remaining three quarters – emphasised by kicking 8.6 while keeping their opponents scoreless in the final quarter.

Old Yarra Cobras coach Nathan Monaco said the Cobras ran out the game was reward for effort after a massive preseason. “We couldn’t do that last year, that’s where we were losing games. There were five times last year where we were either up or within a goal in the last quarter but lost.”

Max Parkes kicked six goals for Old Yarra, with Jack Hall (five) and David Tokatliyan (four) also making valuable contributions up forward. But Monaco was quick to point

out that the Cobras could have kicked another nine or ten goals, describing their current goalkicking form as “an Achilles heel” for the side.

Bloods’ coach Nick Abbott said the team gifted Old Yarra multiple goals as a result of skill errors. “We’ve got work to do, but with a number of new players it’s [about] trying to get everyone familiar with one another and all understanding how we want to play,” he said.

Canterbury came into the 2025 season on the back of a six-game winning streak, but that ended abruptly as the 2024 Division 3 Premiers went down to St Mary’s Salesian by 59 points at Ferndale Park.

The two teams were evenly matched in the first half, with the Cobras leading by four points at quarter time before the Saints were ahead by the smallest of margins at the half.

But the second half of the game was played on St Mary’s terms, with the home side kicking 12 goals to four after the main break.

The first-up win was the first time St Mary’s had saluted in Round 1 since before the pandemic, according to senior coach Clay Tait.

“Canterbury started pretty well – they were getting us out the back on transition pretty quickly. But I spoke about that at half time and in the second half we were able to create turnovers in the middle of the ground and capitalise on those going forward,” Tait said. Tait identified Ben Tricarico and young ruckman Tom Voller as standouts from the match.

The match between Hawthorn and MHSOB went right down to the wire at Rathmines Road Reserve, with just four points separating the two teams at the final siren.

The biggest lead held by either team throughout the contest was 18 points, which happened in the 21st minute of the last quarter after the home team kicked two goals in as many minutes.

And while the Unicorns did all the scoring in from that point on (2.2), they couldn’t catch the Hawks.

Hawthorn coach Mark Murray was happy with his side’s performance, and was hoping to continue to build a sense of connection amongst the team over the coming weeks. Murray also praised the Unicorns’ Petro Pirozek, who kicked two goals, conceding that the young forward got under the Hawks’ skin throughout the game. “He took some really good marks and he’s a little cheeky… when you look back at the game, you actually love players like that.”

Whitefriars completely dominated Aquinas across all four quarters of their match at Aquinas College, running out 76-point winners. The victory was set up in the first half, with Whitefriars scoring 10 goals to three in the first half to lead by 40 points at the main break.

And while the Friars scoring slowed down in the second half, their defence was impenetrable as they held Aquinas to just two behinds after the main break.

Aquinas coach Craig Glennie also felt the effort was there despite losing two players to injury after shortly half time. “Our tackle pressure and work around the ground was really good. There were long periods where no one was scoring, and we kept them at bay for the third quarter until they kicked two goals late. But Glennie said that the forward line didn’t function as well as they would have liked compared to Whitefriars’, who were led by Sam Kieseker (six goals).

Whitefriars coach Lucas Matthews said their defensive matchups worked well, although he highlighted that the team needed to tighten up on some of the structural aspects of the game.

Round 2 sees Aquinas host Old Yarra Cobras at Aquinas College in what could be another tough game for the Bloods, and Hawthorn travel to Ferndale Park to face off against St Mary’s Salesian, who will be keen to continue their good form at home.

MSHOB welcome Canterbury to Melbourne High, with both teams looking to bounce back after first up losses. St John’s will hopefully be better for the run when they play Whitefriars at Thomas Carroll Reserve, while West Brunswick play their first home game for the season as they look to do battle with South Melbourne Districts at Ransford Oval.

ROUND 2 TIPS

Aquinas v Old Yarra Cobras

St Mary’s Salesianv Hawthorn

MHSOBv Canterbury

St John’s v Whitefriars

West Brunswickv South Melbourne Districts

ROUND 1 RESULTS

DIVISION 2 MEN’S

Mary’s Salesian:

Canterbury:

GOALS: St Mary’s Salesian: H. Macmillan 4, L. Russell 3, J. McElroy 3, T. Ryan 2, J. Contencin 2, C. Tait 1, J. Dannaoui 1, J. Ryan 1, H. Ryan 1, B. Tricarico 1

GOALS: Canterbury: J. Smith 3, S. Gotch 2, F. Richards 2, J. Boarotto 1, R. Di Roberto 1, J. Lynch 1, A. Marx 1, T. Gordon 1

BEST: St Mary’s Salesian: T. Voller, T. Ryan, N. Evans, H. Macmillan, B. Tricarico, J. Contencin

BEST: Canterbury: J. Smith, A. Marx, R. Crawford-Rust, S. Gotch, T. Wilson, F. Richards Aquinas:

GOALS: Aquinas: T. Box 1, J. Reid 1, S. Cosham 1

GOALS: Whitefriars: S. Kieseker 7, J. Perrin 2, M. Willoughby 2, M. Nitas 1, F. Ward 1, N. Sealey 1, D. Hughes 1

BEST: Aquinas: H. Flack, D. Hieber, R. O’Brien, G. Box, C. Pedretti, J. Clinton

BEST: Whitefriars: J. Perrin, S. Larsen, S. Kieseker, F. Ward, L. McLean, T. Angus

John’s:

GOALS: St John’s: B. Khoweiss 2, M. Barry 1, N. Beer 1, K. Seing 1

GOALS: West Brunswick: H. Fithall 4, B. Irving 3, C. Bloomer 3, B. Ward 1, C. Fowler 1, B. Ablett 1, I. Rossi 1, J. Lynch 1

BEST: St John’s: N. Beer, D. McCormack, B. Robson, C. Ely, M. Barry, J. Ely

BEST: West Brunswick: C. Ralph, M. Graham, E. Nettleton, B. Ablett, B. Irving, C. Bloomer

Yarra Cobras:

GOALS: Old Yarra Cobras: M. Parkes 6, J. Hall 5, D. Tokatliyan 4, M. Young 2, N. Zappala 1

GOALS: South Melbourne: H. Portelli 2, H. Twigg 1

BEST: Old Yarra Cobras: C. COPELAND, R. Chipman, M. Parkes, D. Tokatliyan, A. Lamanna, J. de Waard

BEST: South Melbourne: J. Cotton, B. Bajram, D. Commins, A. STAMATELATOS, C. Jacoby, T. Henderson

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GOALS: Hawthorn: J. Kenny 3, J. Cowland 1, E. McLaren 1, E. Avery 1, W. Fleming 1, T. McMaster 1, S. Dicintio 1, C. Fraser 1, T. Miller 1

GOALS: MHSOB: M. Pereira 3, J. Lees 2, P. Pirozek 2, L. Judd 2, R. Maringoni 1, L. Sharrock 1

BEST: Hawthorn: J. Kenny, T. Miller, J. Fouracre, E. Avery, E. McLaren, W. Fleming

BEST: MHSOB: P. Pirozek, C. Witt, Y. Gunawardena, R. Maringoni, N. McKinnon, J. RadcliffeSmith

DIVISION 2 MEN’S RESERVES

Old Yarra Cobras:

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GOALS: Old Yarra Cobras: C. Ambatzis 2, J. King 1, F. Mcmahon-normand 1, A. Peter-Budge 1, F. King 1

GOALS: South Melbourne: C. Clancy 2, M. Bennett 1, C. Brugeaud 1, N. Thomas 1, N. Wilson 1, J. Doyle 1, T. Seccombe 1

BEST: Old Yarra Cobras: J. Glassborow, S. Hooper, W. Juler, C. Arthurton, E. Fleming, M. Tsalikis

BEST: South Melbourne: C. Brugeaud, H. Johnson, N. Wilson, T. Dunne, B. Borg, B. Palmer

St John’s:

(19) West Brunswick:

GOALS: St John’s: J. Proctor 1, J. Coutts 1

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GOALS: West Brunswick: S. Pritchard 8, T. Salinger 7, D. Higgins 3, T. Cottrell 2, T. Christakis 2, A. Tilley 2, R. Blakers 1, J. Cross 1, J. Parini 1

BEST: St John’s: M. Bennett, J. Proctor, D. Allan, C. Emery, J. Cipressi, D. Perawiti

BEST: West Brunswick: S. Pritchard, T. Salinger, J. Cross, A. Tilley, M. Meadows, J. Parini

Hawthorn:

GOALS: Hawthorn: W. Molloy 2, E. Tran 1, A. Bongart 1, M. Zavarella 1

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GOALS: MHSOB: B. Gunn 7, L. Sharrock 2, L. Stone 1, M. Fennessy-Kent 1, M. Giarracca 1, J. Lake 1, A. Shipperlee 1, A. Claney 1, B. Italiano 1, N. Anaan 1, H. Webb 1, J. Crilly 1

BEST: Hawthorn: D. Carroll-Hughes, B. Stefani, W. Molloy, D. Quattro, C. Goldstraw, P. Lehman

BEST: MHSOB: A. Claney, L. Stone, B. Gunn, D. Ryan, O. Seelander, B. Italiano

St Mary’s Salesian:

GOALS: St Mary’s Salesian: J. op’t Hoog 5, Z. Gucciardo 3, B. Mcnally 3, A. Howell 2, J. Barrie 2, N. Dekas 1, B. McMahen 1, L. Turnbull 1

GOALS: Canterbury: J. Scammell 4, C. Deacon 3, B. Thomas 1, M. Halls 1, F. Castle 1

BEST: St Mary’s Salesian: N. Bainbridge, A. Howell, J. op’t Hoog, Z. Gucciardo, R. Nuttall, H. Gastin

BEST: Canterbury: J. Pisani, C. Deacon, D. Bell, M. O’Mahony, J. Scammell, K. Hearn

GOALS: Aquinas: J. McMahon 3, D. Foley 2, L. Cellante 2, A. Buckingham Brown 1, N. Milner 1

GOALS: Whitefriars: D. Smith 6, C. Spencer 1, A. Tzimokas 1, R. Edmunds 1

BEST: Aquinas: D. Foley, J. McMahon, L. Cellante, N. Milner, L. Koetsier, L. Holewa

BEST: Whitefriars: D. Smith, M. Makao, B. Jury, M. Scutella, A. Tzimokas, C. Garlick

DIVISION 2 WOMEN’S

Lachie Moir

UHS-VU deliver first nail-biter of the season

Round 1 is always an opportunity for learning, as teams find their feet, evaluate the competition and have their first taste of gameday experience for the season. Division 2 Women’s served up a mixed bag of results with a couple of nail biters, while some teams left their mark in a dominant performance, running away with the four points.

Of the former was a nail-biting affair at Aquinas College, which saw UHS-VU record a narrow come-from-behind victory away from home.

Aquinas pretty much led all day and had a comfortable seven-point buffer at three-quarter time. However, UHSVU rallied in the final term, keeping Aquinas scoreless and booting a late goal to kick off their season in style. UHSVU coach Alex Henry attributed his side’s performance to their polished ball skills, a part of their game that Henry believes has come a long way since last season.

Henry was also full of praise for the quickness and talent of Hannah Virgona, who helped the side claw back the deficit. “She’ll be one to watch this season, a real challenge for opposition sides to deal with,” Henry said.

A tough pill to swallow in the end for Aquinas, as the start to life in Division 2 kicked off in a heartbreaking manner. Although it was a crushing defeat for the club in the season opener, there were plenty of positives to take out from their second and third quarter efforts.

A dominant first-half performance from La Trobe University guided the club to a 23-point victory over Brunswick

Being pegged as a team to beat this season, La Trobe Uni certainly lived up to the hype, controlling by foot all day. Kate Bond and Kaitlyn Ritchie starred for La Trobe, showing strong signs of quality early on in 2025. As well as a gritty effort from club captain Jessica Lowry, who led from the front all day.

Not all doom and gloom for Brunswick, with the club showing serious signs of progress from last season. Coach Sasha Dougherty admitted her side had to change things up structurally at halftime to stop the flow of La Trobe and was impressed with her side’s second-half display, praising her backline for keeping the Trobers to only one goal in the final two terms. It was never going to be an easy start for last season’s wooden spooners, but Dougherty admits that her side’s first game can be viewed as a respectable hit out.

Brunswick hosts UHS-VU next week and will be looking to implement the positives from the second half against La Trobe for four quarters in Round 2.

MCC FC avoided a late scare by Parkside to record a 9-point victory at home. Not kicking a goal since the 5th minute mark of the third quarter, MCC was challenged by an honest Parkside outfit who came home strong. Plenty of favourable work forward of the ball for Parkside saw them create many scoring chances, which kept them in the game until the death.

Kicking one goal five in the final term, Parkside was left wondering what could have been if not for more accurate goal kicking. Anna Harris and Lucy Doyle shared the spoils with two goals apiece for MCC, showcasing the side’s strong start to proceedings. On top of this, a stellar individual performance from Nikita Rogers helped MCC hold off the late charge.

Parkside will be looking to part ways with their inaccuracy in front of goal next week, as they host an in-form La Trobe side.

The win of the round came down at Bennettswood Reserve, as Old Carey demolished Wattle Park by 59 points. A dream start for the club, with a plethora of goal kickers on the day capping off a well-rounded and dominant performance from Ryan Dobson’s side.

The mauling finished with a 9-14 scoreboard for Old Carey, leaving even more goals begging in the end. It was an opening round to forget for Wattle Park, with the side only kicking one major all afternoon.

ROUND 1 RESULTS

DIVISION 2 WOMEN’S

Trobe University:

Brunswick:

GOALS: La Trobe University: I. Hart 2, T. Sar 1, K. Bond 1, C. Wilson 1

BEST: Brunswick: E. Collins, A. DILLON, E. Daddow`, S. Elstub

BEST: La Trobe University: K. Bond, K. Ritchie, I. Hart, J. Lowry, S. Castagnini, C. Croome

De La Salle:

Box Hill North:

GOALS: De La Salle: E. Carson 2, J. Coleman 1, S. Hume 1, A. Arnold 1, P. O’Brien 1

GOALS: Box Hill North: N. Halford 1, J. Pope 1

BEST: De La Salle: P. Palma, G. Martin, A. Tankard, E. Carson, S. Hilliard, B. Jackson

BEST: Box Hill North: E. Loue, L. Griffiths, O. Lawrie, M. Toscano, A. Mobilia, A. Nic a Bhaird

Unable to stop the run of goals from Old Carey, the Animals had their work cut out for them from minute one. A near ten-goal defeat in the club’s first game at home was not the way they wanted to kick off their 2025 season. The start to the year does not get any easier for Wattle Park, travelling to Elgar Park next week to take on Box Hill North.

De La Salle continued their strong home form from last season to defeat Box Hill North in convincing fashion. A relatively cagey opening two quarters from both sides set the game up for a close finish.

An inaccurate 2-6 start for De La Salle inevitably kept the door ajar for Box Hill North, keeping them well and truly in the contest. However, a commanding third term saw De La Salle boot three goals in four minutes and keep their opposition scoreless.

Box Hill North head coach Steve Jackson applauded his rival’s performance, complimenting how well coached they looked. Jackson also admitted that his side’s lack of rotations after halftime enabled De La Salle to break the game open and pull away. The nature of De La Salle’s win makes their mouthwatering Round 2 clash against other big winners, Old Carey, even more intriguing.

Park:

GOALS: Wattle Park: P. Hill 1

GOALS: Old Carey: A. McCormack 3, L. Walshe 3, R. Chiaramonte 1, A. Forrest 1, T. Dempsey 1

BEST: Wattle Park: M. Biggar, L. Sonnemann, T. Sutharsan, P. Hill, T. Murphy, L. Eales

BEST: Old Carey: A. Forrest, R. Chiaramonte, L. Walshe, L. Wynne, K. McLeod, A. McCormack

GOALS: Aquinas: N. Derksen 2, O. Akaruru 1, E. Box 1

GOALS: UHS-VU: H. Greaves 2, E. Boeck 1, P. Skeels 1

BEST: Aquinas: H. Virgona, A. Broderick, N. Derksen, E. Box, D. Haines, M. Edwards

BEST: UHS-VU: H. Greaves, A. Mills, E. Boeck, M. Martin, A. Edwards, A. Gilchrist

GOALS: MCC: L. Doyle 3, A. Harris 1

GOALS: Parkside: M. Zeevaarder 1, A. Crisp 1

BEST: MCC: N. Rogers, A. Smythe, C. Reid, B. Lewis-toakley, A. Harris, R. Wade

BEST: Parkside: G. Lindemans, A. Crisp, D. Ward, H. Baird, M. Zeevaarder, M. Cooney Hunt

ROUND 2 TIPS

DIVISION 3 MEN’S

Nick Quinlan

Power, precision and plenty to prove

The Division 3 men’s competition has officially begun.

While there were no real surprises looking at the results, there were positive signs for all ten teams in their matches as they look to build their match play and fitness into Round 2 and beyond.

In the first match of the season, North Brunswick showed that they are still one of the teams to beat in Division 3 with a 30-point victory over Albert Park

The match was a close battle between the two sides, with the game teetering within a three-goal margin for the first three terms.

But the Bulls’ structure and clarity under coach Domenic Fontana around their roles, would get them over the line as they managed to kick three consecutive goals in the space of five minutes within the last quarter to get out to an unassailable lead.

For Albert Park, Coach Jack Aimes believes that for the Falcons to have remained so close with a limited bench for the second half showed promise for what they can do this season.

Accuracy also had an impact with Albert Park only scoring 6.12 while the Bulls scored 12.6 with Aimes believing that they should have capitalised on their chances, particularly in the first half.

With their new additions still gelling into the senior side, the Falcons will look to build upon this foundation into next week’s match.

In Wattle Park’s first game back in Division 3, they showed their prestige and ability with a 95-point belting against Eley Park

The Sharks kept the game competitive throughout the first quarter as they took the lead at points and kept it close till halftime with great accuracy helping them.

Sharks Coach Matt Embling was particularly proud of the team’s efforts considering they only had one on the bench in the second half, particularly against Wattle Park who in his words were unlucky to be relegated. Despite the loss, Eley Park demonstrated some classy skill in front of the big sticks, slotting an accurate 10.1 for the afternoon.

However, Wattle Park’s experience of playing in the higher levels would show as the game progressed, with their ability to move possessions from stoppage to the outside.

Coach Glen Hopkins was also pleased by the performances of his tall forwards who provided a point of difference compared to previous seasons with Will McDonell leading the way with six goals.

It was Power House by name and Power House by nature in their Round 1 clash against Swinburne University winning out by 140 points. This sees Power House sit on top of the ladder with a whopping 975 per cent.

The game started out slowly, taking Power House a leisurely 11 minutes to register the first goal and score of the game. But from that point, it was a goal fest for the black, white and green managing to kick 24 goals throughout the match.

Chief among them was Jack Taylor-Evans who scored seven majors and Michael Timmons scoring four among Power House’s eight goalkickers for the match.

While happy with the result, Power House coach Nick Cox admitted that the scoreline may be somewhat misleading feeling that Swinburne played a lot better than what their 16 points may suggest saying “They’ll win plenty of games… they’ll be okay.”

Swinburne did suffer a similar defeat last season, losing to North Brunswick by 120 points in Round 12 but recovered the week after against Chadstone. This shows they are more than capable of regathering and putting a result like that behind them as they focus on their next match.

La Trobe University opens their 2025 campaign with a 57-point victory over Chadstone

The Trobers managed to keep the Synners scoreless in the first quarter and only conceded three points in the first half which set the game up for them to win comfortably.

La Trobe Coach Andy Castles was quite impressed with his team’s performance considering that they played under windy conditions which somewhat limited their ability to move the ball quickly.

While the result may not have gone their way, Chadstone should be pleased that they did not give up scoring 25 out of its 41 points in the 4th quarter.

This coincided with Ledder’s players being able to play similarly to what they had done during pre-season which will give them optimism about their ability to translate their training into match play.

Even Castles was impressed on the development that Chadstone has made over the last year believing they will be a far more competitive team this season.

ROUND 1 RESULTS

DIVISION 3 MEN’S

Power House:

Swinburne University:

GOALS: Power House: J. Taylor-Evans 7, M. Timmons 4, M. Chisari 3, K. Wotherspoon 3, C. Doherty 3, B. Circosta 2, M. Auchettl 1, M. McCulloch 1

Swinburne University: S. Heather 2

BEST: Power House: M. McCulloch, M. Chisari, J. Halloran, M. Timmons, B. Circosta, L. Stubbs

Swinburne University: B. Field, B. Dalgleish, T. Hartney, H. Walsh, L. Randello

Eley Park:

Wattle Park:

GOALS: Eley Park: T. Johnston 4, B. Bowyer 2, X. Bacash 1, J. Kennedy 1, J. Weaver 1, Z. Arbab 1

Wattle Park: W. McDonell 6, H. Davis 5, N. Bird 3, J. Rippon 2, J. Moran 1, J. Greensides 1, K. Mair 1, T. Ferguson 1, M. Hill 1, J. Crothers 1

Richmond Central would manage a comfortable 33-point win against Box Hill North to begin their season on the right foot.

Goal inaccuracies would keep the Demons right in the match in the first half as they led at both quarter-time and half-time breaks with the Snakes kicking 2.11 compared to Box Hill North’s 5.3.

However, the Snakes were able to find their kicking boots in the second half, kicking a much more respectable 9.9 to be able to close out the match.

They were also able to hold Box Hill North to just a singular point in the third quarter although coach Michael Motta has noted they will continue to work on their defence, particularly after their first-half efforts.

Despite the loss, there are plenty of positives that Box Hill North can take out of this game helping reconfirm to coach Beau Parthenides that his side is capable of playing finals this season.

In particular, he was pleased with the fact that they were able to play their style of ball movement for the majority of the game.

Considering that their last fixture against the Snakes saw them go down by 65 points, to have only lost by five and a half goals is a sign that Box Hill North should be able to compete against most teams in 2025.

Round Two will feature one clash between undefeated sides with Wattle Park hosting North Brunswick. Swinburne will face off against Chadstone with both teams looking for their first win for 2025. Eley Park will come up against the top-of-the-ladder Power House. Box Hill North will be looking to build on their positive performance from last week when they play La Trobe in their first home game for the season. And to finish the round, Albert Park will clash against Richmond Central. With both teams expected to be in finals contention, this should provide a good benchmark for where each team is at.

BEST: Eley Park: J. Mcgarvie, J. Tennent, Z. Hayes, B. Field, B. Bowyer, A. Williams

Wattle Park: H. Davis, W. McDonell, N. Bird, T. Wales, T. Clarke, C. Xipolitos

Richmond Central:

Box Hill North:

GOALS: Richmond Central: T. Tulett 3, L. Hehir 2, M. Gleeson 2, J. Dillon 1, G. Murray 1, R. Luehman 1, A. McKelvie-Hill 1

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Box Hill North: B. Williams 4, S. Donovan 2, C. Specha 1, C. Christopoulos 1

BEST: Richmond Central: T. Tulett, M. Gleeson, K. Sait, F. Muscara, B. Parish, R. Luehman

Box Hill North: B. Marshall, T. Stanghi, B. Williams, T. Slocomb, M. Newman, J. Chivers

GOALS: Chadstone:

La Trobe University: T. Hillman 4, M. Collins 2, T. Spiteri 2, L. Walsh 2, T. Herbert 1, J. Guy 1, J. Randall 1, A. Castles 1

BEST: Chadstone:

La Trobe University: J. Randall, J. Miller, J. Gronow, T. Hillman, W. Barnes, C. McCredden

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GOALS: North Brunswick: A. Ramzy 5, E. Aitken 2, A. Rae 1, J. Horwood 1, D. Burns 1, C. Lock 1, L. Rositani 1

Albert Park: J. Beets 1, A. Lupo 1, m. togher clancy 1, E. Aridis 1, A. Evans 1, L. Eaton 1

BEST: North Brunswick: N. Trewhella, C. Lee, A. Ramzy, D. Marcantonio, E. Aitken, A. Tsardakis

Albert Park: D. Donaldson, W. Zaghis, L. Eaton, H. Fyfe, A. Evans, P. Hutchins

DIVISION 3 MEN’S RESERVES

Power House:

Swinburne University:

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GOALS: Power House: I. Taylor 3, B. Taylor 3, C. Dougherty 2, J. Robinson 2, A. Dakin 1, D. Cameron 1, S. Crowley 1, H. Morgan 1, D. Fogarty 1, D. Sexton 1, J. Stewart 1, B. Stack 1

Swinburne University:

BEST: Power House: S. Sutton, J. Hulley, D. Fogarty, J. Stewart, M. Nicholson, I. Taylor

Swinburne University: R. Aranyos, M. Cassells, J. McKenzie, A. Byrne, E. Twyford, L. Wyatt North Brunswick:

Park:

GOALS: North Brunswick: P. FRENCH 1, P. Day 1, K. Jones 1, A. Abou-Eid 1

Albert Park: C. Marson 5, A. Kaufmann 3, J. Lehmann 1, S. Campbell 1, B. Tottenham 1

BEST: North Brunswick: K. Jones, F. Griffett, G. Carrubba, C. Harfouche, S. Bright, L. Brouwer

Albert Park: T. Antonie, A. Kaufmann, T. Patrick, C. Marson, G. Moore, O. Mclean

Eley Park:

Wattle Park:

GOALS: Eley Park: M. Contessotto 1, D. Wood 1

ROUND 2 TIPS

Albert Park v Richmond Central

Eley Park v Power House

Swinburnev Chadstone

Wattle Parkv North Brunswick

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Wattle Park: A. Smith 6, J. Lindros 6, L. Virgo 4, H. Yaxley 3, J. Greaves 2, M. Price 2, J. Brinsden 2, M. Lewis 2, J. Webb 2, J. Tatterson 2, J. Adams 2, C. Gardner 1, Z. Kearns 1, J. Anker 1

BEST: Eley Park: M. Lockett, A. Hugo, C. Roberts, R. Szigeti

Wattle Park: M. Lewis, B. Severin, J. Lindros, J. Greaves, Z. Kearns, J. Brinsden

Richmond Central:

(135) Box Hill North:

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GOALS: Richmond Central: B. Foster 5, D. Pratt 4, M. Motta 3, L. Cartwright 3, B. Dillon 2, J. Lewis 1, J. Kovacic 1, S. Bugeja 1

Box Hill North: T. Shaw 1, H. Cunningham 1, C. Liston 1

BEST: Richmond Central: J. Graf, D. Pratt, S. Bugeja, A. Pini, J. Kovacic, B. Foster

Box Hill North: H. Cunningham, J. Chirgwin, j. white, J. Anderson, N. Harle, T. MAINE

Chadstone:

Trobe University:

GOALS: Chadstone: La Trobe University: . 3, B. Morse 3, L. Randall 1, M. Wallace 1, L. Pike 1, B. Dowler 1, A. Mawson 1

BEST: Chadstone: La Trobe University: E. Stevenson, D. Mitchell, L. Pike, C. McPherson, B. Morse

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DIVISION 3 WOMEN’S

Elly Kirlis

Statement blowout contents in season opener

Round 1 of the Division 3 Women’s competition was a statement of blowouts, with the opening game between North Brunswick and Albert Park the sole scoreline that came down to the wire in a thrilling encounter. The buzz and excitement from players and coaches was palpable with Round 1 producing fresh energy, new game tactics, new talent, and setting up an exciting year ahead.

Here is a closer look at how each of the opening games unfolded:

To start off the round, Ormond travelled to Elsternwick Park bright and early, where they opened their campaign in winning fashion with a strong 7.15 (57) to 1.0 (6) victory over Elsternwick.

Despite the best efforts of Elsternwick’s Tori Christie, the home side struggled to contain Ormond’ strong attack, as Ormond piled goals of 2, 2 and 3 goals across each quarter of the game.

It was a terrific team performance from Ormond, who shared the load with four individual goal scorers, and Teagan Engelander leading the charge with 4 majors to her name.

It was a thrilling down to the wire match at Allard Park, where Albert Park kicked the winning goal in the final quarter against North Brunswick, with the final scores reading 2.4 (16) to 1.3 (9).

Both teams were tight for majority of the match, with Albert Park kicking the only goal in the first quarter. North Brunswick got back into the game kicking a goal in the second, coming off the boot of Molly Dale.

Albert Park retained the lead in the third quarter, with neither side capitalising on opportunities. Goals dried up as a few more behinds progressed the scores and Albert Park held on to win by seven points.

In a strong performance to start their season, St Mary’s Salesian recorded an emphatic 13.13 (91) to 1.0 (6) victory over Canterbury

St Mary’s were led by an unbelievable performance from Georgia Crowley, who kicked seven goals. Strong contributions also came from Emily Wedrien, Lucy Dobbyn, Holly Wilson, Emma Hall and Phoebe Stephen.

Brigette Roberts fought valiantly for Canterbury, scoring one major and doing her best for her side.

It was a one-sided affair at Central Reserve where Mazenod dominated from start to finish over South Melbourne Districts, as Mazenod piled goals of 1, 4, 1 and two goals in each quarter respectively.

Lara Del Conte finished with three goals for Mazenod, whilst having strong contributions from Clough Good and Davies-Todd with two goals, whilst Basham finishing with a single goal.

In the last game of the round, Old Camberwell kicked off their campaign in style, coming away with the chocolates at Gordon Barnard Reserve in a 90-point defeat over Prahran

Old Camberwell were on song from start to finish, kicking 1, 3, 3 and five goals respectively in each quarter.

Old Camberwell shared the load of goals throughout the match, with Facey, Peterson, Vogel and Willie all finishing with two majors for the match.

Looking ahead, either Prahran or Elsternwick will secure their first win of the season when they face off at Toorak Park. Elsewhere, Albert Park host Old Camberwell, while Canterbury will come up against Mazenod at Central Reserve. Finally, St Mary’s Salesian will host the South Melbourne Districts and rounding out the weekend North Brunswick will go head to head with Ormond.

ROUND 1 RESULTS

DIVISION 3 WOMEN’S

North Brunswick:

Albert Park:

GOALS: North Brunswick: M. Dale 1

GOALS: Albert Park:

BEST: North Brunswick: M. Ntalianis, T. Shields-Bathgate, C. Muscat, K. Ruthven, H. Meyer, M. Dale

BEST: Albert Park:

South Melbourne:

GOALS: Mazenod: L. Del Conte 3, E. Clough Good 2, A. Davies-Todd 2, A. Basham 1

GOALS: South Melbourne:

BEST: Mazenod: E. Clough Good, A. Basham, L. Del Conte, E. Boatman, G. Di Petta, Z. Lukies

BEST: South Melbourne: J. Whattam, A. Ryan, H. Singleton, C. Samms, J. Peuo, K. White

GOALS: St Mary’s Salesian: G. Cropley 7, E. Wedrien 2, E. Hall 1, L. Dobbyn 1, H. Wilson 1, P. Stephen 1

GOALS: Canterbury: B. Roberts 1

BEST: St Mary’s Salesian: E. Wallace, G. Cropley, L. Dobbyn, H. Wilson, P. Stephen, S. Kaur

BEST: Canterbury: Z. Choo, J. Gomes, K. Jebb, B. Thompson, I. Tipper, C. Reiger

GOALS: Elsternwick: T. Christie 1

GOALS: Ormond: T. Engelander 3, I. Harrison 2, C. Fisher 1, A. Morcom 1

BEST: Elsternwick: N. Berto, E. Horsfall, J. Berto, L. Davies, A. Dyer, T. Christie

BEST: Ormond:

Old Camberwell: O. Willie 2, B. Facey 2, E. Vogel 2, T. Peterson 2, J. Humphries 1, B. Kertes 1, I. Burke 1, A. Frampton 1

GOALS: Prahran:

BEST: Old Camberwell: G. Bianco, E. Vogel, O. Willie, T. Peterson, C. Lacey, B. Facey

BEST: Prahran: L. Edwards, M. Caponas, A. Meich, K. Fitz Patrick, K. Perree, B. Elith

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DIVISION 4 WOMEN’S

Susan Miller

Port Charge home to secure inaugural VAFA victory

The opening round of the Division 4 Women’s 2025 season delivered strong early statements, thrilling match-ups, individual brilliance, and a moment of league history.

The Preston Bullants kicked off their campaign with a gritty and composed 18-point win over West Brunswick. In what was a closely contested battle for much of the day, it was Preston’s forward firepower that ultimately proved decisive.

Suwindi Buckley was a standout, slotting three goals and leading from the front. The Bullants’ work around the stoppages gave them clean looks inside 50, where Buckley capitalised with confidence.

West Brunswick battled hard and showed structure in their play but struggled to match Preston’s efficiency when it mattered most.

All eyes were on Port Melbourne Chargers this weekend as they made their much-awaited VAFA debut – and they did not disappoint. In front of a proud home crowd, the Chargers stormed to a historic 75-point win over Oakleigh

Paige Holt was simply electric in the forward line, booting five majors and will no doubt be one to watch for those opposition defenders. Her pace and finishing touch were a constant threat, and Oakleigh had few answers. Across the ground, the Chargers looked well-drilled, composed, and hungry. It was a powerful statement from the competition newcomers who are clearly ready to contend from the outset.

Chunmin Zhou and Claire Peters were named best on for the home side, while Gisselle Jones-Wilson was a stand out for Oakleigh on a tough day out.

St Kevin’s brought their trademark intensity and system into Round 1, overcoming a spirited Fitzroy by 25 points. Last year’s Div 4 Women’s premiers hit the ground running with their winning form and a cohesive

looking outfit. The game saw several momentum swings, but it was SKOB’s ability to convert under pressure that proved telling.

Petra Edwards and Elizabeth Macey were crucial contributors, each kicking two goals and providing spark through the middle and forward half.

Fitzroy showed fight and glimpses of promise but couldn’t maintain the same level of polish across four quarters. Still, their competitiveness bodes well for the weeks to come.

Westbourne Grammarians delivered a clinical and complete performance, recording the biggest win of the Round in Division 3 Women’s with an 85-point thumping over the Monash Blues. It was a display of attacking flair and defensive structure, led by Ashleigh Pearson who starred with four goals.

The Grammarians dominated possession, moved the ball with purpose, and suffocated Monash’s forward entries. Pearson’s strength in marking contests and ability to finish cleanly underlined her value in Westbourne’s forward mix. They are making their mark early as one’s to watch under the experienced guise of skipper Ella Dickie.

For Monash, it was a tough initiation, but the match will provide valuable lessons as they find their rhythm in the weeks ahead. Aimee Vuong managed the sole major for the Blues on Saturday afternoon, and Ruby Rosas and Skye Blackshaw were amongst the best in a match up that proved an up-hill battle.

Unfortunately, the final clash of the round was decided off the field as Old Xaverians were forced to forfeit, handing Beaumaris the points. While both sides would have preferred to open their seasons on the park, Beaumaris will take the early ladder advantage as they gear up for their first competitive hit-out next week. Old Xavs will be keen to regroup and come back strong in Round 2.

ROUND 1 RESULTS

DIVISION 4 WOMEN’S

GOALS: West Brunswick 3: M. Dowie 1, E. McDiarmid

GOALS: Preston Bullants: S. Buckley

BEST: West Brunswick 3: M. Hunter, E. Mitchell, R. Terrey, A. Steer, M. Chea, A. Ventura BEST: Preston Bullants: T. De Santis, L. Musig, L. Magiatzis, H. Thompson, J. Mellington, E. Boylan

Port Melbourne Chargers 2:

Oakleigh 2:

GOALS: Port Melbourne Chargers 2:

GOALS: Oakleigh 2:

BEST: Port Melbourne Chargers 2: C. Zhou, C. Peters, A. Gurr, M. Ledgerwood, T. Maloney, T. Ryan

(76)

With Round 1 wrapped, the season is already showing signs of intrigue and unpredictability. Port Melbourne Chargers dream debut and Westbourne’s blistering form are early talking points, while Preston’s balance of experience and emerging talent sets them up nicely. Individual stars have already made their mark, proving that this year’s competition won’t be short on standout performers.

As we look ahead to Round 2, fans can expect tighter contests, improved cohesion, and more breakout performances. Kicking things off, Oakleigh are set to host Old Xaverians while Westbourne Grammarians travel to face Fitzroy. Either West Brunswick or Monash Blues will secure their first win of the season as they do battle in the early hours at McAlister Oval. While the match of the round is set to be a showdown between St Kevin’s and Port Melbourne Chargers. Rounding out the weekend, Beaumaris will use the yellow Sherrin when they host Preston Bullants in the late afternoon time slot. If Round 1 is any indication, the 2025 Division 4 Women’s season is shaping up to be one to remember.

BEST: Oakleigh 2: G. Jones-Wilson, T. Cohen, A. Delaney, B. Boyce, L. Kenny, J. Kendall

Old Xaverians 2:

Old Xaverians 2:

GOALS: Monash Blues 2: A. Vuong 1 GOALS: Westbourne 2: A. Pearson 4, G.

Monash Blues 2: R. Rosas, S. Blackshaw, M. Dore, I. Fishlock, A. McCann, N. Pullin

Westbourne 2: J. Murrell, E. Natale, T. Hohapata, G. Choate, g. d’amico, A. Pearson

ROUND 2 TIPS

Oakleighv Old Xaverians

St Kevin’s v Port Melb Chargers

Fitzroy v Westbourne Grammar

West Brunswickv Monash Blues

Beaumarisv Preston Bullants

Fitzroy 3: BEST: St Kevin’s 3: N. Kanhutu, p. edwards, L. Leckey, C. Lupson, G. Happell, K. Woodhouse

BEST: Fitzroy 3: E. Mandy, R. Stothers, A. Gaskell, B. Barton, A. Becker-Scott, P. Aucar

HOLMESGLEN U19’S REPORT

Callum Farquhar

Uni Blues hold off CY’s late charge as old boys clubs kickstart season in style

A close encounter between the Uni Blues and Williamstown headlines an enthralling start to the Holmesglen Under 19 Premier season, as four other prestigious sides kickstarted their seasons with dominant victories.

Reigning premiers Old Brighton got their season underway with a 65-point win over St Bedes/Mentone at Brighton Beach Oval thanks to a prolific start.

The Tonners notched the first 26 points of the game before the Tigers kept withing touching distance at the quarter time break, reducing the margin back down to two goals.

Both sides exchanged majors on the other side of the break, but the Tonners would soon wrestle all the momentum in their favour, kicking the next four goals while the Tigers remained scoreless for the remainder of the term, branching their lead out to 38 at halftime.

Inaccuracy prevented an avalanche in the third term, with Old Brighton scoring 3.5 to St Bedes/Mentone’s 3.2, but a brick wall defence in the final term put the game beyond doubt. Limiting the Tigers to just two behinds in the fourth quarter, the Tonners romped to a near 11-goal victory to kickstart their premiership defence.

2024 Team of the Year member Mason Szonyi was amongst the Tonners’ best, as was Andrew Langworthy (three goals) and Zach Travers (two).

Sole multiple-goalkicker Simon Taylor was amongst the best for SBMT, as was Cooper Donnellan.

Old Scotch have begun the season with a statement win over Caulfield Grammarians, overcoming a sluggish start to put away The Fields by nearly triple figures.

An inaccurate start to the contest saw the Cardinals trail by two points at the first break, kicking 1.4 (10) to The Fields’ two goals straight.

Old Scotch clicked into gear in the second term, firing five goals onto the scoreboard while limiting Caulfield to just one, opening up a lead of 24 at the main break.

The momentum wasn’t stifled by the halftime siren however, as the Cardinals continued their rampage in the third term, once again allowing just one goal for Caulfield Grammarians while piling on eight goals themselves. Old Scotch again were defensively sound in the final term, preventing all but a behind in the final half an hour of action, as the lead extended to 95 by the final siren.

A bag of five for Spencer Hunter highlighted the comprehensive result while captain and vice-captain duo Finn Nankervis and Kieran Greville each booted two. James Smith of The Fields was best-on-ground for his club, while Aleksander Tamaressis was the lone multiple goalscorer.

Old Xaverians have soared to the top of the ladder after a demolition job of newcomers Hampton Rovers in Round 1.

The straight-kicking Xavs punted 10 goals straight to just two behinds to start the contest in an ominous sign for the season to come. Missing finals by one place in 2024, it’s clear the Old Xaverians have a point to prove this season.

The Xavs tallied 100 points by halftime and led by 86, before the Rovers battled hard in the third term to show competitiveness, only outscored by 15.

The damn wall broke in the final term though, with Old Xaverians romping home to the tune of a 149-point victory.

Xavs’ Harry Wharfe currently leads the competition’s goalkicking tally with seven for the match, followed by Max King who snagged five. Harry Ockerby was best-on for the Rovers, as Charlie Steen found the goals twice.

The Xavs now sit atop of the table with an intimidating percentage to their name.

In the closest contest of the round, the University Blues held firm in a late surge from Williamstown CYMS to bank a 14-point win.

The Blues’ lead grew through each break, beginning with a 15-point margin, out to 32 at halftime, and an eight-goal advantage at the final change.

Leaking goals in time-on was the damning factor for the CYs, as their defensive efforts came undone in the closing moments of each quarter.

“The Uni Blues had good players through the outside… and we just leaked goals in extra time, the last two minutes,” Williamstown coach Cameron Evans said.

“We were ineffective through our forward half with disposals and composure… composure and communication going forward (is what we need to improve on).”

As nine debutants, six of which were bottom-agers, began to hit their straps as a unit, the CY’s surged back into the contest.

Scoring six goals to one, it was too little too late to steal victory, but Evans will take the positive finish into Round 2.

“We really started to shine… Eric Wingard was brewing off half back, Maahi Patel kicked four in the last quarter.”

The Uni Blues’ best in the win were Lachlan Gilligan and Sam Lindsay, while Charlie Cotter nabbed three majors.

2024 runners-up St Kevin’s began their season in style with a 91-point victory over De La Salle, but despite the one-sided result, coach Paul Greenham isn’t satisfied.

Greenham lauded De La’s performance, believing the score didn’t reflect the evenness of the contest.

“Full credit to De La. The scoreboard doesn’t tell the whole story, De La were very young and competitive,” Greenham said.

“They had their moments and should have finished a lot closer.”

SKOB’s fired with the wind straight out the gates, scoring 37 points while De La Salle remained scoreless. A competitive second quarter saw De La Salle capitalise on their possession with three goals, while St Kevin’s struggled to convert in front of goal with a term of one goal and six behinds.

Harnessing the breeze in the third term, the lead extended to 11 goals as SKOB’s kicked 32 points to just two minor scores.

Unable to make the most of their ball use, a “dinted in confidence”

De La Salle let their guard down enough to allow St Kevin’s to score six more goals against the wind and sail home to a large victory.

Although pleased with a couple of experienced members, Greenham ensured there was lots to work on for the young men in green, gold and navy blue.

“I was pleased that two of last year’s players in (Ben) Cantwell and (Noah) Spiteri led the way with their hardness and pressure,” Greenham said.

“We are so far from being where we want to be as a group. All facets of our game need attention.”

With focus turning to Round 2, St Kevin’s will meet with the Rovers at Boss James Reserve to target a 2-0 start. De La Salle will look to overcome their losing performance against Old Scotch, while Old Brighton host Williamstown CYMS.

A gruelling dual between Old Xaverians and University Blues is set to take place too, with both sides eyeing an undefeated start, however Round 2 all kicks off under Friday night lights, as St Bede’s/Mentone host Caulfield Grammarians at Mentone Reserve on April 11.

ROUND 2 TIPS

St Bede’s/Mentonev Caulfield Grammarians

De La Salle v Old Scotch

Old Brightonv Williamstown CYMS

Hampton Rovers v St Kevin’s

Old Xaveriansv Uni Blues

ROUND 1 RESULTS

HOLMESGLEN U19 PREMIER MEN’S

University Blues:

GOALS: University Blues: C. Cotter 3, R. Webster 2, T. Hill 2, J. Robinson 2, W. Richter 1, C. Ziebarth 1, S. Lindsay 1, S. de Steiger 1, A. Hayden 1

GOALS: Williamstown CYMS: M. Patel 4, A. McCarroll 3, T. Round 1, C. Macleod 1, O. Perry 1, B. Tenaglia 1, A. Martinez 1

BEST: University Blues: L. Gilligan, S. Lindsay, T. Hill, C. Cotter, O. Keleman, J. Robinson

BEST: Williamstown CYMS: E. Wingard, A. Martinez, C. Galea, J. Daley, M. Patel, j. wheeler

St Kevin’s:

De La Salle:

GOALS: St Kevin’s: N. Nankervis 4, J. Quinlan 3, J. Morice 2, L. May 2, B. Palmer 2, G. Saunders 1, A. McGrath 1, E. Burley 1, H. Noble 1, D. Prime 1

GOALS: De La Salle: B. Miller 2, J. Stewart 1, c. mackie 1, K. Barnes 1

BEST: St Kevin’s: A. phillips, N. Nankervis, D. Prime, B. Palmer, G. Saunders, N. Spiteri

BEST: De La Salle: L. Williams, A. Giampa, E. Sawade, H. Sheedy, B. Miller, c. mackie

Old Xaverians:

(35)

(184) Hampton Rovers:

GOALS: Old Xaverians: h. warfe 7, M. King 5, L. McNeill 2, G. Forrest 2, L. Mallett 2, A. Hewitt 2, C. Landrigan 2, T. Delahunt 2, T. Trist 1, M. Loughnan 1, M. Regan 1, J. Godde 1, C. Hummerston 1

GOALS: Hampton Rovers: C. Steen 2, J. Haines 1, S. Somogyi 1, J. Gibson 1

BEST: Old Xaverians: T. Delahunt, J. Stafford, h. warfe, M. King, L. Mallett, J. Godde

BEST: Hampton Rovers: H. Ockerby, J. Seddon, h. block, W. Rogacki, B. Jensen-Muir Old Scotch:

Caulfield Grammarians:

GOALS: Old Scotch: S. Hunter 5, K. Greville 2, L. Macneil 2, T. Meggitt 2, A. Johnson 2, Z. Phillips 1, D. Swan 1, T. Wenzel 1, F. Nankervis 1, A. Sellers 1

GOALS: Caulfield Grammarians: A. Tamaressis 2, J. Mehl 1, J. Jillings 1

BEST: Old Scotch: L. Macneil, G. Coldwell, W. Verge, M. Mayes, E. McVey, S. Hunter

BEST: Caulfield Grammarians: J. Smith, H. Martino, K. Celik, A. Tamaressis, J. Jillings

Old Brighton:

St Bedes/Mentone:

(107)

(42)

GOALS: Old Brighton: A. Langworthy 3, M. Chilcott 2, Z. Travers 2, S. Fanning 2, M. Lorden 2, T. Keyte 2, H. Richey 1, j. farrell 1, l. robinson 1

GOALS: St Bedes/Mentone: S. Taylor 3, O. Etienne 1, T. Coleridge 1, J. Meredith 1

BEST: Old Brighton: A. Langworthy, Z. Travers, M. Szonyi, J. Carr, S. Fanning, S. Linder

BEST: St Bedes/Mentone: C. Donnellan, H. Shepherdson, S. Taylor, T. Coleridge, C. Howe, R. Fernando

HOLMESGLEN U19 DIVISION 1 MEN’S

Parkdale Vultures: 3.3

Old Melburnians:

Parkside:

(114)

Oakleigh: 2.1 3.3 5.8 6.10 (46)

GOALS: Parkdale Vultures: S. Gibson 4, J. White 3, J. Deng 3, A. Valastro 2, J. Ruberto 1, D. Jackson 1, W. Finch 1, b. austin 1, C. Sells 1

Oakleigh: N. Goodman 2, B. Robinson 1, E. Black 1, S. Ung 1, N. Papageorgiou 1

BEST: Parkdale Vultures: J. White, F. Johnston, A. Eales, W. Finch, W. Sargeant, W. Kingston

Oakleigh: J. Casuscelli, N. Goodman, M. Morton, S. Iverson, X. Green, E. Black

Beaumaris: 11-14-80

Old Carey: 13-5-83

GOALS: Beaumaris: T. Federici 2, N. Whitehouse 2, H. Jongen 2, M. Newman-Morris 2, A. Ward 1, C. Galvin 1, E. Styles 1

Old Carey: J. Sharrock 6, A. Blake 2, J. Pezzimenti 2, L. Wheatley 2, B. Hilton 1

BEST: Beaumaris: A. Ward, H. Backman, D. Richards, T. Federici, M. NewmanMorris, N. Bodi

Old Carey: J. Sharrock, L. Wheatley, J. Pezzimenti, Q. McKay, A. Timms, J. van Luyk Old Xaverians 2: 11-7-73

St Bernards: 4.1 5.2 6.6 11.6 (72)

GOALS: Old Xaverians 2: W. Maxa 3, R. Shale 2, C. Anderson 2, H. Glass 1, J. Nania 1, T. Mcauliffe 1, B. Nixon 1

St Bernards: C. Gilmour 3, B. Foley 3, L. Hallett 1, M. Momesso 1, J. Restuccia 1, A. Alessio 1, K. Hughes 1

BEST: Old Xaverians 2: W. Maxa, H. Glass, R. Shale, N. Rogers, C. McLean, P. Kennedy

St Bernards: B. Sauro, A. Alessio, H. Coombs, b. cervetto, J. Costa, J. DYNAN

University Blues 2: 0.1 3.1 5.1 7.4 (46)

Old Haileybury: 2.4 4.9 5.13 8.18 (66)

GOALS: University Blues 2: J. Jamieson 3, T. Coakley 2, C. Alcock 2 Old Haileybury: J. Blight 2, J. Harrop 2, A. Russell 1, L. Giliam 1, P. Paleologos 1, R. Oakley 1

BEST: University Blues 2: O. Hart, O. Charles, m. scanlon, W. Hawker, A. Watson, F. Jackson

Old Haileybury: L. Burfurd, A. Russell, J. Harrop, L. Giliam, P. Paleologos, J. Blight

Fitzroy: 5.2 8.5 13.7 16.14 (110) Old Camberwell: 1.1 2.3 2.3 3.5 (23)

GOALS: Fitzroy: S. Suarez 3, D. Carr 2, j. watson 2, Z. White 2, H. Exton 2, E. Baxa 1, B. Payne 1, L. Haydon 1, L. Hamilton 1, S. Kennedy 1 Old Camberwell: j. haintz 1, N. Smith 1, W. Allsop 1

BEST: Fitzroy: W. Kaye, S. Suarez, Z. White, L. Hamilton, j. watson, D. Carr Old Camberwell: h. taylor, J. Blew, j. haintz, N. Smith, B. Gale, O. Henderson

HOLMESGLEN U19 DIVISION 2 MEN’S

Ormond: 1.2 3.3 4.5 7.9 (51)

Collegians: 3.5 8.7

(97)

GOALS: Ormond: F. Pacak 2, J. Werbik 1, D. Galgut 1, R. Hayward 1, a. moalem 1, o. karamihos 1

Collegians: A. Walker 4, O. Andrews 3, E. Davies 3, G. Bowes 2, J. Archer 1, F. Wright 1

BEST: Ormond: G. Stikoltzik, H. Orfanos, D. Galgut, J. Werbik, a. moalem, O. Whitney

Collegians: J. Archer, A. Walker, j. cotchin, A. Petracca, E. Davies, C. Tassone

Preston Bullants: 1.2 2.10 6.12 7.14 (56)

University Blacks: 5.1 7.6 9.8 11.10 (76)

GOALS: Preston Bullants: T. D’Alessandri Weis 2, P. Di Berardino 2, T. Hill 1, G. Brooks 1, L. Pappas 1

University Blacks: E. Peucker 3, K. Lane 2, W. Sands-Morris 2, P. Martin 1, C. Carmichael 1, C. Craig 1, T. Ripper 1

BEST: Preston Bullants: P. Di Berardino, A. Anderson, L. O’Brien, L. Olarenshaw, A. Parker, C. Bretherton

University Blacks: K. Lane, C. Carmichael, P. De Luca, E. Peucker, S. Ale, E. Vijayasekaran

St Kevin’s 2: 0.2

Old Trinity:

(151)

(7)

(57)

(76)

GOALS: St Kevin’s 2: W. Young 3, G. Iannarella 2, M. O’Mahony 2, A. Kidman 1 Old Trinity: W. Comer 2, M. Gontier 1, C. Lockyer 1, C. Dytor 1, L. Miritis 1, R. Myers 1, O. Collinson 1, C. Wenn 1, H. Tam 1, s. backwell 1

BEST: St Kevin’s 2: H. Williams, D. Deguara, M. O’Mahony, J. McMillan, B. Soetanto, J. Choi

Old Trinity: C. Dytor, R. Myers, F. McNamara, F. McDonald, O. Collinson, S. Hood

GOALS: Old Melburnians: S. Perrott 6, O. Cheetham 3, O. Hanisch 3, F. McIntyre 2, M. Jane 1, H. Hines 1, S. Seccull 1, H. Henham 1, T. Bridger 1, H. Dale 1, A. Whitehead 1, H. Nelson 1, F. Warne 1

Parkside: j. mcauliffe 1

BEST: Old Melburnians: S. Perrott, O. Hanisch, S. Seccull, F. McIntyre, H. Dale, M. Michaca

Parkside: C. Roberts, L. Talalla, J. Holden, j. mcauliffe, j. wills

Old Ivanhoe:

St Bedes/Mentone 2:

(133)

(27)

GOALS: Old Ivanhoe: R. Johns 5, J. Tragardh 3, T. Scardamaglia 2, B. Carpenter 2, J. Rogers 2, K. Home 1, F. Cleary 1, W. Hanlon 1, M. Zappone 1, A. Fuaux 1

St Bedes/Mentone 2:

BEST: Old Ivanhoe: J. Shadbolt, W. Hanlon, F. Cleary, L. Gilligan, B. Carpenter, J. Hopkins

St Bedes/Mentone 2:

HOLMESGLEN U19 DIVISION 3 MEN’S

De La Salle 2:

GOALS: De La Salle 2: J. Sekker 3, E. Ganas 2, T. Eyles 1, J. Ogilvie 1, J. Fisicaro 1, J. Gurrie 1

Kew: R. Meeuw 6, A. Noonan 3, O. Kerford 1, J. Medak 1, D. Webb 1, H. Sue 1, B. CAHIR 1, O. Di Marzo 1

BEST: De La Salle 2:

Kew: R. Meeuw, J. Pereira, M. Holland, O. Kerford, H. Maccarrone, B. McGowan

St Mary’s Salesian:

Williamstown CYMS 2:

GOALS: St Mary’s Salesian: Z. Dunphy 4, J. Tuszynski 3, B. Thomas 2, C. Matthews 2, A. Sutherland 1, o. hobday 1, X. Higgins 1, M. Skinner 1, S. Vayenas 1, A. Axaris 1, B. Hallas 1, T. Borrett 1 Williamstown CYMS 2: D. Phemister 3, T. Mitchem 1, K. Lill 1, G. Pinkney 1, O. Dowling 1, A. Currie 1

BEST: St Mary’s Salesian: A. Axaris, I. Murphy, S. Vayenas, B. Thomas, J. Yannicos Williamstown CYMS 2: D. Bennett, H. McMahon, D. Phemister, W. Mitchell, P. Cranage, J. Fraser

UHS-VU:

GOALS: UHS-VU: M. Tobin 2, M. Papandrea 1, S. Posar 1, A. Tsatsiadis 1, I. Ali 1

Beaumaris 2: A. Malaeb 5, O. Lazzari 3, J. Ferguson 2, J. Pacitti 2, T. Vayenas 1, D. Taitoko 1, D. Waters 1, L. Grant 1

BEST: UHS-VU: M. Tobin, W. Hey, F. Baber, M. Thomas, S. Posar, A. Tsironis

Beaumaris 2: A. Malaeb, L. Grant, J. Mier, O. Lazzari, D. Paron, J. Ferguson

Whitefriars:

Old Brighton 2:

GOALS: Whitefriars:

(242)

Old Brighton 2: J. Kilgour 7, C. Tyler 6, t. farrell 4, L. Wall 3, H. George 3, J. Thomas 2, C. Perla-Dowdell 2, O. Di Crosta 2, T. Breen 2, H. Hales 1, J. Jowett 1, T. Orb 1, R. Trim 1, L. Silva 1, F. Hall 1, M. Tiver 1

BEST: Whitefriars: O. Bor, D. Anastasiou, J. Dorrat-Sims, D. Rowland, M. Paten, T. Falkiner

Old Brighton 2: C. Tyler, J. Kilgour, J. Thomas, L. St Leger, T. Orb, H. George

Caulfield Grammarians 2: 2.3 3.5 4.6 7.8 (50)

Monash Blues: 1.2 2.4 6.6 6.11 (47)

GOALS: Caulfield Grammarians 2: L. Turner 3, J. McVean 2, N. Hume 1, c. pinnegar 1

Monash Blues: L. Mckern 1, W. Broom 1, H. Richardson 1, H. Steele 1, S. Cook 1, Z. Wong 1

BEST: Caulfield Grammarians 2: J. Malone, A. Ioannidis, N. Hume, M. English, L. Turner, B. Ford

Monash Blues: H. Mason, H. Steele, T. KELLEY, W. Broom, W. Bowles, L. Mckern

THIRDS RESULTS

THIRDS PREMIER MEN’S

St Bernards: 5.3, 6.5, 10.12, 14.12 (96)

AJAX: 1.2, 6.4, 8.5, 9.9 (63)

GOALS: St Bernards: L. Salter 3, L. Armstrong 3, S. Miceli 2, I. Montebello 1, A. Belci 1, J. Maddox 1, M. Bafunno 1, L. Riccardi 1, A. Hooper 1

GOALS: AJAX: A. Meyerowitz 2, J. Jones 2, J. Jones 1, Z. Aron 1, L. Meyerowitz 1, K. Gold 1, G. Jotkowitz 1

BEST: St Bernards: E. Russell, L. Salter, A. Belci, L. Gibson, A. Hooper, L. Armstrong

BEST: AJAX: L. Smart, J. Parasol, S. Alford, K. Gold, J. Jones, Z. Peker

St Kevin’s: 5.1, 10.4, 13.7, 15.13 (103)

Old Brighton: 2.1, 3.2, 6.3, 9.6 (60)

GOALS: St Kevin’s: M. Naughton 3, J. Smith 2, J. Willmott 2, H. Mulcahy 2, Z. Grace 2, C. Pammer 2, A. Nguyen 1, S. Mulcahy 1

GOALS: Old Brighton:

BEST: St Kevin’s: J. Ritchie, J. Willmott, S. Mulcahy, F. McCallum, P. Croagh, M. Naughton

BEST: Old Brighton:

University Blues: 2.2, 5.3, 7.7, 8.10 (58)

Old Scotch: 3.0, 4.4, 5.7, 5.8 (38)

GOALS: University Blues: O. Sleiman 3, R. Murphy 2, N. Koroneos 2, B. Livermore 1

GOALS: Old Scotch: E. Furey 2, A. Hummerston 1, T. Kelly 1, G. Simmons 1

BEST: University Blues: O. Sleiman, D. Gastaldello, N. Koroneos, C. O’Brien, G. Dwyer, M. Diffey

BEST: Old Scotch: T. Kelly, C. Loveridge, R. Higgins, G. Simmons, C. Sewell, S. Townsend

Fitzroy: 0.2, 1.2, 2.5, 4.5 (29)

Old Xaverians: 3.5, 10.10, 13.13, 20.14 (134)

GOALS: Fitzroy: L. Brunt 1, Z. Cocco 1, A. Percy 1, T. Duffin 1

GOALS: Old Xaverians: O. Tehan 3, N. Honeyman 2, f. visentini 2, T. Curtain 2, H. Mcauliffe 2, M. Exell 1, T. Davine 1, S. Asdagi 1, B. Whelan 1, T. Comer 1, T. Gorman 1, W. Stevens 1, T. Bourne 1, J. Hansen 1

BEST: Fitzroy: L. Sekhon, A. Ligris, J. Kadaoui, R. Richardson, Z. Cocco, T. Bishop

BEST: Old Xaverians: M. Exell, N. Honeyman, f. visentini, T. Curtain, C. Cranderson, T. Bourne

THIRDS DIVISION 1 MEN’S

De La Salle: 2.4, 6.6, 8.11, 11.15 (81)

University Blacks: 0.3, 1.3, 1.3, 2.3 (15)

GOALS: De La Salle: M. Elliott 4, L. Panozzo 2, J. Brasher 1, S. Doree 1, D. Melissinos 1, P. Burns 1, J. Tyquin 1

GOALS: University Blacks : J. Leviston 1, J. Floyd 1

BEST: De La Salle: M. Elliott, L. Panozzo, S. Kelliher, j. Zitzen, B. Richter, J. Ingram

BEST: University Blacks: O. Gale, H. McManus, C. Canny, H. King, S. Pick, R. Sheldrick

Old Xaverians 2: 2.4, 5.12, 9.14, 16.17 (113)

Old Carey: 1.0, 1.3, 3.3, 5.3 (33)

GOALS: Old Xaverians 2: A. Barr 3, J. Lowe 3, A. Ivak 3, J. Lyon 3, M. Perrett 1, C. Abrahams 1, S. Stanley 1, J. Ralph 1

GOALS: Old Carey: J. Helmot 2, A. Azzopardi 1, B. Hewitt 1, E. Wise 1

BEST: Old Xaverians 2: J. Lowe, E. Ralph, A. Barr, S. Stanley, A. Ivak, E. MacIsaac

BEST: Old Carey: J. Best, L. Nicholas, J. Virgona, M. Shuttleworth, M. Noble, J. Helmot

Williamstown CYMS: 1.1, 3.2, 5.2, 6.4 (40)

St Kevin’s 2: 4.2, 7.5, 11.8, 14.8 (92)

GOALS: Williamstown CYMS: B. Gray 3, H. Barnett 1, T. Mccoll 1, R. Danaher 1

GOALS: St Kevin’s 2: J. Battistella 3, J. O‚ÄôShannassy 3, N. DYNAN 2, X. Dietze 2, J. Hill 2, L. Haig 1, M. Day 1

BEST: Williamstown CYMS: T. Payne, T. Mccoll, S. Puhar, J. Craigie, B. Gray, J. Mackenzie

BEST: St Kevin’s 2: L. Haig, H. Serpell, N. Montague, J. Hill, J. O‚ÄôShannassy, F. Evans

Old Geelong: 3.1, 5.3, 6.4, 8.6 (54)

Fitzroy 2: 0.1, 2.4, 5.7, 7.10 (52)

GOALS: Old Geelong: C. Ward 2, H. Alexander 1, L. Rowbury 1, T. Nattrass 1, J. Stirling 1, L. Winston 1

GOALS: Fitzroy 2: M. Gaite 2, R. Bulmer 1, M. Facchinetti 1, T. Butler 1, K. Menzies 1, D. O’Connor 1

BEST: Old Geelong: M. Oates, L. Rowbury, H. Alexander, B. Denduang, T. Brotchie, W. Clerk

BEST: Fitzroy 2: S. Moore, M. Gaite, L. Henderson, K. Bagnall, T. Craigie, A. O’Sullivan

THIRDS DIVISION 2 MEN’S

Hampton Rovers: 1.2, 5.3, 6.3, 6.4 (40)

Old Camberwell: 3.2, 6.3, 10.6, 15.8 (98)

GOALS: Hampton Rovers: O. Anderson 1, D. Merlo 1, N. Anderson 1, R. ATKINS 1, W. Hunter 1

GOALS: Old Camberwell: C. Dore 4, B. Carswell 3, T. Heavey 3, N. Curwen 2, L. Peake 1, M. Kearsley 1, C. Young 1

BEST: Hampton Rovers: H. Lamb, J. Lovig, D. Merlo, F. Concaig, N. Anderson

BEST: Old Camberwell: B. Carswell, D. Dick, C. Dore, T. Heavey, J. Wilson, C. Young

Old Ivanhoe: 0.3, 4.5, 6.6, 9.8 (62)

Masala: 3.2, 5.3, 5.6, 7.6 (48)

GOALS: Old Ivanhoe: M. Harper 2, D. Edwards 2, C. McIlveen 1, G. Vavlitis 1, A. Mckern 1, Z. Soulaiman 1, K. Sano-Toney 1

GOALS: Masala: D. Hoellfritsch 4, J. Gurry 2, B. Coldebella 1

BEST: Old Ivanhoe: C. Caulfield, C. McIlveen, Z. Soulaiman, J. Wooller, E. Henriksen, N. Goldie

BEST: Masala: F. Cassar, D. Hoellfritsch, D. Gilbert, J. Willett, J. Gurry, J. Gibbon

Old Scotch 2: 1.4, 2.5, 2.11, 5.12 (42)

AJAX 2: 3.4, 5.6, 7.7, 11.9 (75)

GOALS: Old Scotch 2: T. Kaya 1, C. Fergusson 1, T. Edney 1, T. Noseda 1, W. Genovese 1

GOALS: AJAX 2: T. Kavallero 4, O. Hoffman 3, M. Hendel 2, O. Black 1, J. Berman 1

BEST: Old Scotch 2: N. Crummy, A. Parsons, W. Genovese, W. Taylor, E. Shearer, T. Kaya

BEST: AJAX 2: L. Mitsel, T. Southwick, T. Kavallero, O. Tobias, M. Hendel, J. Dzienciol

Glen Eira / Old McKinnon: 0.2, 1.3, 1.3, 1.4 (10)

Old Xaverians 3: 4.3, 8.6, 9.12, 13.16 (94)

GOALS: Glen Eira / Old McKinnon: Z. Jacobs 1

GOALS: Old Xaverians 3: W. MacIsaac 5, W. Mantesso 3, R. Calvert 3, H. Hatton 1, E. Ponari 1

BEST: Glen Eira / Old McKinnon: J. Pearson, A. Yuen, P. Rohr, R. Smith, K. Stewart, B. Rose

BEST: Old Xaverians 3: R. Calvert, W. Mantesso, L. Hecker, W. MacIsaac, N. Nunan, K. LOWREY

THIRDS DIVISION 3 MEN’S

Parkdale Vultures: 3.1, 5.3, 8.8, 12.11 (83)

Parkside: 1.1, 2.4, 4.7, 5.9 (39)

GOALS: Parkdale Vultures: S. Coukoulas 3, M. Standish 2, A. Bartel 2, E. Marshall 2, J. Foster 1, B. Mutimer 1, K. Wilkinson 1

G OALS: Parkside: L. Elliott 2, G. Nairn 2, M. Daminato 1

BEST: Parkdale Vultures: E. Marshall, S. Coukoulas, M. Standish, N. Green, N. Hammersley, O. Martin

BEST: Parkside: L. Bamford, D. Thomas, M. Doyle, D. Brennan, O. Wilson

MHSOB: 1.4, 2.5, 7.7, 9.9 (63)

Mazenod OC: 4.0, 6.6, 7.10, 10.12 (72)

GOALS: MHSOB: B. Mullin 4, B. Sharrock 3, K. Lugod 1, C. Duncan 1

GOALS: Mazenod OC: C. Chilcott 6, F. Reed 2, N. Klavins 1, B. Davidson 1

BEST: MHSOB: M. Fenwick, B. Mullin, B. Sharrock, C. Hayden, L. Leeden, B. Drummond

BEST: Mazenod OC: N. Klavins, C. Chilcott, A. Hunt, F. Reed, R. Ramsay, M. Rich

THIRDS RESULTS

Ormond: 2.3, 5.6, 8.9, 11.14 (80)

Richmond Central: 1.1, 3.1, 5.2, 7.4 (46)

GOALS: Ormond: D. Finnigan 2, A. Seeto-Grossi 2, A. Kalogeratos 2, N. Topakas 2, O. Harrison 1, L. Teague 1, T. Ralph 1

GOALS: Richmond Central: J. Weller 2, L. Roach 2, J. Gaddum 1, L. Flaherty 1, W. Guest 1

BEST: Ormond: N. Fato, A. Seeto-Grossi, A. Kalogeratos, W. Sayce, T. McKay, T. Ralph

BEST: Richmond Central: S. Mack, J. Guest, J. Gaddum, M. Williams, L. Roach, H. Moon

Old Xaverians 4: 5.3, 10.4, 16.7, 19.15 (129)

Kew: 1.1, 1.1, 2.2, 5.2 (32)

GOALS: Old Xaverians 4: C. Ralph 3, C. O’Brien 3, W. Troy 2, T. Wood 2, L. Santalucia 1, L. Telford 1, A. McCormack 1, S. Purcell 1, M. Murphy 1, O. Sheehan 1, N. Pozzi 1, J. Corser 1, M. Robinson 1

GOALS: Kew: H. Wild 1, S. Marinakis 1, L. Poletti 1, P. Coe 1, N. Bruce 1

BEST: Old Xaverians 4: E. Logan, O. Sheehan, C. Ralph, C. Bourne, T. Wood, W. Troy

BEST: Kew: S. Britton, M. Vlahos, R. Webb, H. Wild, S. Marinakis, N. Bruce

THIRDS DIVISION 4 MEN’S

Williamstown CYMS 2: 4.3, 7.10, 9.12, 16.19 (115)

Oakleigh: 1.1, 2.1, 3.4, 3.6 (24)

GOALS: Williamstown CYMS 2: C. Vicino 3, J. Slee 3, D. Cross 3, H. Chan 2, E. Tuck 2, L. Cavarra 1, B. Griffiths 1, J. Lynch 1

GOALS: Oakleigh:

BEST: Williamstown CYMS 2: N. Arapakis, J. Slee, S. Sarandopoulos, L. Cavarra, T. Fischer, C. Vicino

BEST: Oakleigh: M. Phillips, J. van de Ven, J. Murphy, B. Punyani, D. Goodwill, R. Waller

St Mary’s Salesian: 2.2, 3.3, 3.7, 4.7 (31)

St Kevin’s 3: 7.1, 12.5, 16.12, 22.16 (148)

GOALS: St Mary’s Salesian: N. Simcocks 3, A. Roddam 1

GOALS: St Kevin’s 3: B. Griffin 6, O. Garlick 5, L. Hepburn 2, E. Harmon 2, T. Batchelor 2, J. Bayley 1, M. Wiseman 1, B. Branagan 1, R. Smythe 1, B. Mahony 1

BEST: St Mary’s Salesian: N. Simcocks, J. Baum, O. Mahoney, T. Cooper, F. Nguyen

BEST: St Kevin’s 3: B. Griffin, O. Garlick, B. Branagan, l. groves, S. Doyle, B. Mahony

Hawthorn: 1.1, 1.2, 2.3, 4.4 (28)

Old Trinity: 4.4, 7.12, 7.17, 14.21 (105)

GOALS: Hawthorn: M. Tanis 1, A. Downie 1, P. Avery 1, S. Moussi 1

GOALS: Old Trinity: H. Gioulekas 5, L. Wong 2, R. Sanders 1, C. Ewart 1, H. Bowman 1, J. Scott 1, C. Walker 1, F. Braden 1, I. Farrell 1

BEST: Hawthorn: W. Sadler, O. Dumsday, M. Avery, J. Downie, S. Moussi, A. Downie

BEST: Old Trinity: H. Gioulekas, A. Scott, F. Braden, W. Rees, L. Wong, J. Cooper

Wattle Park: 1.1, 1.3, 3.5, 6.7 (43)

Collegians: 3.4, 5.6, 8.10, 13.14 (92)

GOALS: Wattle Park: C. MacDonald 4, W. Taylor 1, A. Toussaint 1

GOALS: Collegians: S. Stone 3, S. Peterson 3, T. Winneke 2, L. Keam 1, Z. Climpson 1, H. Nankin 1, R. Fogarty 1, A. Matthews Wood 1

BEST: Wattle Park: D. Keegan, D. Thorson, L. Sketcher, C. MacDonald, L. Sketcher, B. Kearns

BEST: Collegians: S. Peterson, T. Winneke, S. Stone, L. Castine, Z. Climpson, C. Sharp

West Brunswick: 1.0, 2.3, 2.5, 2.5 (17)

Marcellin: 5.2, 6.3, 8.5, 9.6 (60)

GOALS: West Brunswick: T. Forbes 1, A. Cerroti 1

GOALS: Marcellin: J. Barbuto 3, J. Italiano 2, B. Perillo 1, N. James 1, C. DimicheleCollins 1, T. Brugliera 1

BEST: West Brunswick: H. Tippett, L. Trigg, T. Lewis, G. Levantis, T. Milentijevic, S. Baldock

BEST: Marcellin: L. Carletti, B. Rodwell, J. Italiano, A. Turner, L. Wyatt, J. Barbuto

THIRDS DIVISION 5 MEN’S

Beaumaris: 1.0, 1.3, 5.4, 6.5 (41)

St Bedes/Mentone: 4.3, 9.9, 15.10, 19.14 (128)

GOALS: Beaumaris: Z. Sniezek 2, H. Marcombe 2, R. Young 1, G. Finnegan 1

GOALS: St Bedes/Mentone: M. Ford 4, S. Ralph 4, L. Membrey 3, L. Ritchie 1, C. McLeod 1, W. O’Brien 1, J. Patounas 1, O. Grasso 1, H. Cox 1, K. Chandler 1

BEST: Beaumaris: B. Forster, R. Young, G. Finnegan, D. Collins, S. Stewart, J. Dickson

BEST: St Bedes/Mentone: L. Ritchie, J. Dawes, C. McFarlane-Squires, S. Ralph, J. Vicendese, J. Bolton

Elsternwick: 5.4, 6.4, 11.10, 14.13 (97)

UHS-VU: 0.3, 7.9, 7.11, 8.12 (60)

GOALS: Elsternwick: J. Hunter 5, L. Wallace 1, L. Connor 1, J. Swire 1, L. McCracken 1, B. Irwin 1, D. Guastalegname 1, B. Glasser 1, P. Orfano 1, J. Wills 1

GOALS: UHS-VU: N. Cheyne 3, T. Kruisheer 2, S. Bigwood 1, H. Pham 1, J. Ivano 1

BEST: Elsternwick: C. McCracken, B. Glasser, B. Lanesman, J. Hunter, B. Irwin, J. Hill

BEST: UHS-VU: N. Cheyne, H. Pham, F. Walshe, L. Bainbridge, J. Manley, G. Ceylan

Whitefriars: 5.3, 8.8, 13.11, 18.14 (122)

South Melbourne: 0.1, 0.1, 0.1, 0.1 (1)

GOALS: Whitefriars: M. Fijan 8, M. Kolobaric 2, P. West 1, S. Franklin 1, C. Spurr 1, A. Doyle 1, J. Key 1, D. Sund 1, Z. Kornitschuk 1, M. Rogers 1

GOALS: South Melbourne:

BEST: Whitefriars: S. Franklin, M. Fijan, C. Sebafundi, J. Key, B. Fijan, J. Moroney

BEST: South Melbourne: S. Lorenz, G. Baird, M. Lorimer, J. Musco, T. Travis, N. Riegler

Monash Blues: 1.1, 1.1, 1.1, 1.1 (7)

St Bernards 2: 4.9, 6.16, 13.20, 17.25 (127)

GOALS: Monash Blues: B. Egerton 1

GOALS: St Bernards 2: P. Doyle 3, M. Pisani 3, C. Thorley 2, D. Scarpino 2, L. Mason 1, L. Flynn 1, D. Pannunzio 1, b. Jones 1, J. Dimauro 1, J. Munari 1, B. Mather 1

BEST: Monash Blues: J. Gordon, T. Bendel, S. Malcolm, J. Ly, A. Hussaini, B. Egerton

BEST: St Bernards 2: P. Doyle, D. Scarpino, O. Jones, C. Ward, C. Thorley, M. Pisani

Old Yarra Cobras: 7-11-53

Masala 2: 4-3-27

GOALS: Old Yarra Cobras: T. Endicott 2, J. Buswell 2, I. Grover 1, C. MacLennan 1

GOALS: Masala 2: S. Tabak 1, r. sims 1, N. Bakhach 1, S. Fitzpatrick 1

BEST: Old Yarra Cobras: T. Endicott, S. Brown, l. walsh, A. Mohammed, C. Patterson, T. Hall

BEST: Masala 2: A. Markovitch, S. Grant, J. McCusker, r. sims, J. Roberts, M. Rebecchi

THIRDS DIVISION 6 MEN’S

Old Melburnians: 2.1, 2.2, 2.5, 2.7 (19)

Caulfield Grammarians: 0.3, 4.7, 5.8, 11.10 (76)

GOALS: Old Melburnians: S. Craven 1, A. Nicholls 1

GOALS: Caulfield Grammarians: D. Sherman 4, J. Milton 2, J. Bevis 1, N. van der Linden 1

BEST: Old Melburnians: M. Officer, J. Temby, T. Happell, S. Craven, A. Nicholls, S. Grimwade

BEST: Caulfield Grammarians: D. Sherman, N. van der Linden, T. Milton, O. Field, J. Brown, H. Wood

MHSOB 2: PENDING

AJAX 3: PENDING

Old Xaverians 5: PENDING

Preston Bullants: PENDING

MILESTONES

50

Brianna Lane (Elsternwick)

50

100

100

VAFA congratulates the following players on reaching these incredible milestones. Well done!

Bri Lane has become the first women’s player in Elsternwick Amateur Football Club’s storied history – dating back to 1906 – to reach 50 games! Being an augural player of our Women’s team she has lead on and off the field helping to shape our game style and culture. She is natural leader and, proudly captained the side through the 2023 and 2024 seasons, setting the standard with her efforts, and determination. She is fierce competitor who isn’t afraid to take the game head on. Congratulations Bri!

Connor McCredden (La Trobe University)

Congratulations to La Trobe Seniors co-captain Connor McCredden on reaching 50 games. Turtle first joined the ‘Trobers in 2022 slotting straight into the senior side and becoming an attacking half back and key member in our premiership team in his first season. Consistently featuring among the best players, Turtle finished runner-up in the 2023 Best & Fairest and was appointed co-captain at the beginning of 2024. He is rarely beaten and like all good defenders, he loves to sneak forward and slot a goal or two! Well done Turtle on your 50 games in the red & black and may there be many more!

Marcus Holland (St Bernards)

Congrats to Marcus Holland on his 100th VAFA game in the clubs round one win over Uni Blues. After impressive form at 19s level Marcus Marcus’s lightning pace, strength over the ball and strong tackling have made him a regular in the senior line-up in recent seasons and included a stint in VFL ranks. We look forward to seeing Marcus rack up many more at ‘the pit’. Well done Marcus!

Sam Benetti-Baker (La Trobe University)

Congratulations to La Trobe Seniors co-captain Sam Benetti-Baker on reaching 100 games. BB joined the Trobers in 2017 playing in the Reserves plus a Senior game before establishing himself as a regular and reliable midfielder in the Ones. While able to gather plenty of possessions and provide opportunities for his teammates, BB has also been able to nullify the opposition’s best and is a tackling machine. Our 2021 B&F winner, two seasons as Club Treasurer, a 2022 premiership player and the past 2 seasons as co-captain have all been part of his substantial and valuable contribution to our Club. Well done BB on your 100 games in the red & black – a significant achievement at La Trobe!

Ethan Swain (St Bedes/Mentone Tigers)

100

For the last 3-4 years, Ethan Swain’s name has been picked first almost every week. In games where our defence has been significantly tested, Chop has been the key pillar holding us together. The man never gets beaten one on one and is happy to play such a selfless role for our group. Hopefully 2025 is a year where Chop gets the success he wants, and there wouldn’t be anyone more deserving!

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William Buck Premier Men’s Old Brighton vOld Haileybury

Collegians vUniversity Blues

De La Salle vOld Scotch

St Kevin’s vOld Xaverians University BlacksvSt Bernard’s

William Buck Premier Men’s Reserves

Old Brighton vOld Haileybury Collegians vUniversity Blues

De La Salle vOld Scotch

St Kevin’s vOld Xaverians

University BlacksvSt Bernard’s

Premier B Men’s

Caulfield Grammarians vFitzroy Old Ivanhoe vOld Carey

Williamstown CYMS vOld Trinity

Hampton Rovers vOld Camberwell Old MelburniansvOld Geelong Premier B Men’s Reserves

Caulfield Grammarians vFitzroy Old Ivanhoe vOld Carey

Williamstown CYMS vOld Trinity Hampton Rovers vOld Camberwell

Premier C Men’s Reserves

Marcellin vMazenod

Prahran vParkside

Glen Eira / Old McKinnon vBeaumaris

PEGSvParkdale Vultures

THIS ROUND’S GAMES

Division 3 Men’s

Albert Park vRichmond Central Eley Park vPower House

Swinburne University vChadstone Wattle ParkvNorth Brunswick

Division 3 Men’s Reserves

Box Hill North vLa Trobe University

Albert Park vRichmond Central Eley Park vPower House

Swinburne University vChadstone

Wattle ParkvNorth Brunswick

William Buck Premier Women’s

William Buck Premier Women’s Reserve

Vultures

Division

Therry

Division 3 Women’s Prahran vElsternwick Albert Park vOld Camberwell St Mary’s Salesian vSouth Melbourne Mazenod vCanterbury

SHARPSHOOTERS

Knee

Knee problems

Hip problems

Hip

Shoulder problems

Shoulder

Foot & ankle problems

Foot & ankle

Sports injuries

Arthritis surgery

Arthritis surgery

Trauma & limb reconstruction

Trauma & reconstruction

Hand, wrist & elbow surgery

Hand, wrist & elbow surgery

Fractures & broken bones

Fractures &

Joint replacement surgery

Joint

PREMIER B MEN’S

PREMIER B MEN’S RESERVES

PREMIER B WOMEN’S

DIVISION 1 WOMEN’S

DIVISION 3 WOMEN’S

DIVISION 2 WOMEN’S

DIVISION 4 WOMEN’S

THIRDS DIVISION 1

THIRDS DIVISION 3

THIRDS DIVISION 5 MEN’S

HOLMESGLEN U19 DIVISION 3 MEN’S

THIRDS DIVISION 6 MEN’S

NEXT ROUND’S GAMES

William Buck Premier Men’s University Blues vUniversity Blacks

Old Scotch vCollegians

St Bernard’s vOld Brighton

De La Salle vSt Kevin’s Old XaveriansvOld Haileybury

William Buck Premier Men’s Reserves

University Blues vUniversity Blacks

Old Scotch vCollegians

St Bernard’s vOld Brighton

De La Salle vSt Kevin’s Old XaveriansvOld Haileybury

Premier B Men’s Old Camberwell vOld Carey

Old Geelong vCaulfield Grammarians

Hampton Rovers vOld Trinity Old Melburnians vOld Ivanhoe FitzroyvWilliamstown CYMS

Premier B Men’s Reserves Old Camberwell vOld Carey Old Geelong vCaulfield Grammarians Hampton Rovers vOld Trinity Old Melburnians vOld Ivanhoe FitzroyvWilliamstown CYMS

Premier C Men’s Beaumaris vParkdale Vultures Parkside vMarcellin

AJAX vPrahran

PEGS vMazenod

St Bedes/MentonevGlen Eira / Old McKinnon

Premier C Men’s Reserves

Beaumaris vParkdale Vultures

Parkside vMarcellin

AJAX vPrahran

PEGS vMazenod

St Bedes/MentonevGlen Eira / Old McKinnon

Division 1 Men’s

Ormond vUHS-VU

Therry Penola vMonash Blues

Preston Bullants vElsternwick

Oakleigh vKew BrunswickvOld Peninsula

Division 1 Men’s Reserves

Ormond vUHS-VU

Therry Penola vMonash Blues

Preston Bullants vElsternwick Oakleigh vKew

Division 3 Men’s Power House vChadstone

La Trobe University vRichmond Central Swinburne University vEley Park

North Brunswick vBox Hill North Wattle ParkvAlbert Park

Division 3 Men’s Reserves Power House vChadstone

La Trobe University vRichmond Central Swinburne University vEley Park

North Brunswick vBox Hill North Wattle ParkvAlbert Park

William Buck Premier Women’s Old Geelong vCaulfield Grammarians Old Yarra Cobras vWilliamstown CYMS

St Kevin’s vFitzroy Kew vWest Brunswick MUWFCvOld Scotch

William Buck Premier Women’s Reserve Old Geelong vCaulfield Grammarians Old Yarra Cobras vWilliamstown CYMS

St Kevin’s vFitzroy KewvWest Brunswick

Premier B Women’s Coburg vMarcellin Beaumaris vOld Melburnians Old Brighton vSt Bedes/Mentone Old Xaverians vWestbourne Parkdale VulturesvPort Melbourne Chargers

Division 1 Women’s Hampton Rovers vOakleigh Glen Eira / Old McKinnon vWhitefriars Monash Blues vRichmond Central Hawthorn vOld Haileybury Power HousevTherry Penola

Division 2 Women’s Aquinas vOld Carey UHS-VU vParkside De La Salle vWattle Park Brunswick vBox Hill North La Trobe UniversityvMCC

Division 3 Women’s South Melbourne vCanterbury St Mary’s Salesian vNorth Brunswick Mazenod vAlbert Park Ormond vPrahran Old CamberwellvElsternwick