The Amateur Footballer 2024 - Week 19

SEASON 2024 - AUGUST 31

Electric atmosphere as 2024 VAFA Grand Finals kick-off

The first of the VAFA Premiership Cups for season 2024 were contested last weekend in the Men’s Thirds competition. There were a lot of tight tussles, and we congratulate the successful teams:

• Premier Thirds: St Kevin’s winning in a thriller by 5 points

• Thirds Div 1: Old Xaverians sneaking past St Kevins for the flag by just 4 points

• Thirds Div 2 North: Old Xaverians overcoming an early deficit to beat Old Carey by 15 points

• Thirds Div 2 South: Mentone Panthers fairytale return to the VAFA in Thirds saw them salute with a senior Premiership victory for only the second time in their Club history

• Thirds Div 3 South: Mazenod completing a dominant season in Thirds Div 3 South and winning the Grand Final by 62 points;

Outside of the games themselves, one of the major talking points centred around the lightning storms that swept over Melbourne on Sunday afternoon and forced the interruption to finals matches at three separate venues: Whitefriars (Donvale), Waverley Oval (Malvern East) and La Trobe (Bundoora).

Jason ReddickCEO

abandoned finals match.

Nobody wants to wait for a mid-week meeting of VAFA Board members to determine if their Club has won a flag or is progressing through the finals, so we are stating the Board’s position ahead of the games as follows:

1. Matches not commenced: the winner will be the team that finished higher on the ladder after the home and away season

2. Matches abandoned prior to half time: the winner will be the team that finished higher on the ladder after the home and away season

3. Matches abandoned after half time: the winner will be the team with the highest score at the time the umpire abandons the game or in the event of scores being tied, the team that finished higher on the ladder after the home and away season.

There were a lot of tight tussles, and we congratulate the successful teams

One comment overhead from a player was accusing the VAFA of scheduling games in the midst of a lightning storm. Whilst we will always be held accountable for finals fixturing, I’m confident that we are not responsible for predicting the Melbourne weather patterns in Winter, 6 days ahead of our matches!

The experiences from last weekend have led us to review and clarify AFL law 11.1.2 and Rule 62 which currently empowers the VAFA Board to determine the winner of an

We are also advising Clubs on the application of the 30min interruption period, allowing two such periods to be enacted for any one match, with the time starting and stopping as directed by the VAFA match day manager and officiating umpires.

Our fingers are crossed for the Melbourne weather Gods to be kind to us and enable all remaining VAFA finals matches to be completed in regular time.

There are another six Grand Finals being played this weekend for Premier B Women’s, Divisional Women’s, and Thirds Div 3 North, and we wish all those teams the very best.

It’s also timely for me to wish all the Dad’s and step-Dad’s in our community a Happy Father’s Day for Sunday. I sincerely hope your day is bathed in sunshine!

WILLIAM BUCK PREMIER MEN’S

William Buck Premier Men’s finals & relegation races heats up

An incredible Saturday of William Buck Premier Men’s action saw three of the bottom four teams win as the relegation and finals races both took another turn.

University Blacks continued their late-season revival, outplaying St Kevin’s at Melbourne Uni to make it three wins on the trot.

Ben Oliver booted three first-quarter goals to give the hosts a 7-point quarter-time lead before SKOB kicked the first three of the second term to lead by 4 points at the half.

The teams went goal-for-goal early in the second half before a couple of Blacks goals in time-on put the hosts back in front by 3 points at the last change.

St Kevin’s snatched the lead early in a tense final term before goals to Louis Vescio and Ayui Makieng (after pulling down one of the marks of the year) got the Blacks home for a critical 7-point win that keeps them 2 games clear of the drop zone with 2 to play.

SKOB’s second straight loss puts them at risk of missing the double chance after being Top 2 all season.

Dale Bower (Uni Blacks): “Our boys bought great effort again. It’s the third game in a row that we have been able to do it for 4 quarters.

“It was great to play that way in front of so many of our supporters and past players in attendance for premiership reunions and James Green Medal Day.”

Anthony Lynch (St Kevin’s): “It was an improved performance on our previous outing although Uni Blacks were fantastic across the entirety of the game.

“We just need to keep working on our consistency in-game, and when we can get back to being a four-quarter team, we will be ready to challenge the best teams again.”

Fitzroy posted their first back-to-back top-flight wins, hanging on for a vital 15-point victory over University Blues that keeps their hopes of avoiding relegation alive.

The Roys led by 2 points after a free-flowing opening term, then booted 4 unanswered goals to jump out to a 26-point half time lead.

The Blues lifted with the first three goals of the third quarter, which dragged them back within a kick. Then, they surged again to slot the first three of the last quarter to hit the front.

However, the Royboys responded with 4 of the last 5 goals to seal a hard-fought win that lifts them off the bottom, one game & percentage behind St Bernard’s and safety.

Travis Ronaldson (Fitzroy): “A pleasing result for us and another step forward for our group. We started the game off well and had a good first half getting some nice ball inside forward 50m. We were

challenged by Blues in the 3rd and early in the last but responded well and finished the game off.

“Anthony Johnson was exceptional in his first senior game in over 10 weeks and busy at ground level. Charlie Faubel was lively up forward and Bill Clayton was influential in the ruck.”

Guy Martyn (Uni Blues): “The biggest difference between the two sides was our ball use. We had way too many costly, unforced errors which Fitzroy were able to capitalise on. When you gift the opposition 5-6 goals, it’s hard to win.

“Full credit to Fitzroy’s midfield group. I thought their running power and ability to hit the scoreboard was influential.”

St Bernard’s delivered their most impressive performance of 2024 with a comprehensive 43-point win over Old Xaverians.

The Snowdogs booted 6 goals to 1 in the opening term to seize a commanding 31-point lead.

Xavs sparked to life in the second quarter but failed to capitalise, booting 2.5 before St Bernard’s regained control with the next 3 majors. Xavs pulled a couple back late, but still trailed by 3 goals at the half.

3 goals in 5 minutes early in third term saw the Snowdogs 6 goals up before the visitors hit back with the next 3 to close again.

The final term was all St Bernard’s, who kicked the first 6 goals of the quarter, ensuring the Snowdogs remain a game clear of the drop zone.

Old Xavs must regroup to face the Top 2 teams in the final 2 rounds with no margin for error & last year’s champions breathing down their necks.

Steve Alessio (St Bernard’s): “Today was a great reward for effort. We have been threatening to play a good game for a while but have been patchy at best.

“Today was a more consistent performance across all four quarters which was pleasing. We were able to sustain the pressure which I think shows a growing maturity in our team.”

Dan Donati (Old Xavs): “Full credit to St Bernard’s who played a really well-balanced game. Their pressure and efficiency when it mattered was the difference.

“Obviously a disappointing outing for us. Similar tale to the last game - we had opportunities we didn’t take, and weren’t able to apply the pressure when it mattered. No excuses, we need to find a way to respond.”

Xavs’ stumble opened the door for Collegians to jump a game clear in fourth, but they were never in the hunt against Old Brighton at Harry Trott.

The league-leaders kicked 4 goals in the opening 10 minutes to snatch a 31-point quarter-time lead which could have been significantly more.

The Tonners had piled on 22 shots to 2 by half-time to hold a commanding 55-point lead against a Lions outfit that just couldn’t get anything going.

Collegians won the second half 8.3 to 5.11, but the damage was done as the Tonners wrapped one hand around the minor premiership with a 45-point win.

Marcel Bruin (Old Brighton): “First half was back to what we’ve come to expect from the group in terms of pressure and then ball movement. Would have been great to capitalise a little more, but we were really pleased we were getting the process right.”

Jordie McKenzie (Collegians): “Our first half was really disappointing, and we weren’t able to bring the intent of the last few weeks.

“Brighton showed why they are ladder leaders. They were very strong in the contest and dominated clearances all day.”

The only team that can deny Old Brighton top spot is Old Scotch, who leapt into second – but only after a scare from Old Melburnians at Elsternwick Park.

OMs rocked the Cardinals with a 6-goal to 3 opening quarter. But their biggest hurdle has been maintaining control and, sure enough, Old Scotch booted 4 goals to close within 3 points at the long break.

The Cardinals peppered early in the third for little reward before OMs had their chances early in the final term, only to kick 1.4. Old Scotch sealed it with the final four goals to post a 28-point win – their ninth straight.

Fitzroy’s win sent OMs to the bottom, a game-and-a-half from safety. They’ll need to win their last two – against Uni Blues, then the team they’re trying to overhaul – St Bernards - in what could be a finalround relegation blockbuster.

Mark Gnatt (Old Scotch): “Another solid performance by the boys this week. OMs brought a high level of pressure from the outset and were the better team in the first quarter.

“We then started to get our own game going, and it was the third quarter when we were able to get the momentum back our way, and this set up the win.”

Paul Satterley (OMs): “We got off to a great start with & felt like we competed hard the entire game. Scotch was able to control the tempo in the third which was telling in the end. We had our chances in the last quarter to draw close, but just couldn’t finish off around goal.”

ROUND 17 TIPS

Fitzroyv Uni Blacks

ROUND 16 RESULTS

WILLIAM BUCK PREMIER MEN’S

Fitzroy:

University Blues:

GOALS: Fitzroy: c. faubel 4, A. Johnson 2, J. Hart 2, j. turner 2, D. Toohey 2, D. Harvey 1

(90)

(75)

University Blues: J. Stewart 3, J. Curran 2, T. Quinn 2, M. James 2, H. Yunghanns 1, M. Crocker 1

BEST: Fitzroy: A. Johnson, c. faubel, B. Clayton, H. Ramshaw, R. Seakins, M. Nelson

University Blues: J. Whitehead, M. James, C. O’shea, T. Quinn, J. Stewart, H. Clatworthy

University Blacks:

St Kevins:

(73)

(66)

GOALS: University Blacks: T. St Clair 3, B. Oliver 3, H. Broderick 2, L. Vescio 1, B. Stephenson 1, A. Makieng 1

St Kevins: E. Mahoney 3, S. Tucker 2, J. Darmody 1, P. Kerr 1, A. Hart 1, W. Pfeiffer 1

BEST: University Blacks: J. Clark, C. Moorfield, S. McKenzie, B. Oliver, M. Gray, H. Bennett

St Kevins: L. Winter, S. Tucker, E. Mahoney, A. Hart, L. Walters, J. Andriske

Collegians:

Old Brighton:

GOALS: Collegians: D. Thomas 4, E. Greene 1, A. Lukic 1, W. Dean 1, J. Walker 1, N. Boucher 1, L. McCleary 1

Old Brighton: S. Collins 6, W. Lewis 3, B. Pryor 1, J. Hope 1, H. Dick 1, J. Campigli 1, N. Pavlou 1

BEST: Collegians: J. Walker, D. Thomas, J. Davy, A. Lukic, E. Greene, R. Andrew

Old Brighton: H. Hill, S. Collins, L. Macnab, N. Pavlou, Q. Montanaro, C. Tweedie

St Bernards:

Old Xaverians:

GOALS: St Bernards: D. Colaco 6, J. Hately 2, M. Holland 2, T. Sullivan 2, C. Vague 2, E. Sibbald 1, T. Sullivan 1, L. Alessio 1, O. Liberatore 1

(120)

Old Xaverians: J. Soccio 3, E. Delany 2, D. Symeopoulos 1, C. MacIsaac 1, A. Spralja 1, D. Tuddenham 1, S. Phipps-Parsons 1

BEST: St Bernards: D. Colaco, J. Hately, H. Schumann, B. Overman, M. Caven, M. Hughes

Old Xaverians: J. Feneley, T. Dunne, S. Ralph, C. MacIsaac, S. Fisher, M. Stavrou Old Melburnians:

GOALS: Old Melburnians: E. Michelmore 3, S. Laube 2, N. Nichols 2, H. Nicholls 1, L. Haysman 1

Old Scotch: R. Valentine 4, H. Byrne-Jones 2, S. Grant 2, J. Polkinghorne 1, O. Badr 1, W. Clark 1, A. Symons 1, C. Goodison 1

BEST: Old Melburnians: S. Anderson, J. Spargo, C. Long, E. Michelmore, L. Templeton, S. Laube

Old Scotch: H. Stubbings, C. Cormack, L. Dennis, R. Valentine, S. Grant, O. Badr

WILLIAM BUCK PREMIER MEN’S RESERVES

University Blacks:

St Kevins:

(64)

(92)

(50)

(73)

GOALS: University Blacks: H. Knights 2, H. Attiwill 2, O. Rouse 1, A. Byrne 1, S. Robertson 1

St Kevins: T. Davidson 2, T. Williams 2, H. Kirkwood 1, T. Sullivan 1, W. Keely 1, B. Bryan 1, V. Stevancevic 1, T. Feehan 1

BEST: University Blacks: H. Attiwill, L. Turnbull-Gent, H. Knights, C. Gauder, H. Robertson, S. Ackland-Evans

St Kevins: B. Bryan, T. Davidson, J. Byrne, T. Sullivan, T. Williams, L. Mahoney

Fitzroy:

Blues:

GOALS: Fitzroy: L. Brunt 3, R. Richardson 3, C. Johnstone 2, D. Bakes 1, M. Bombardieri 1, C. Lester 1, M. Larkin 1

(85)

(61)

University Blues: S. Mcmenamin 2, J. White 2, W. McCulloch 1, S. Brentnall 1, W. Preston 1, L. Makin 1

BEST: Fitzroy: L. Vlassopoulos, D. Bakes, C. Johnstone, P. Savage, L. Brunt, R. Richardson

University Blues: S. Mcmenamin, M. Akoch, J. Ryan, J. Lloyd, J. Harrington, L. Makin St Bernards:

GOALS: St Bernards: D. Pollock 3, T. Riley 1, D. Kennedy 1, C. Barrett 1, S. O’Keeffe 1

Old Xaverians: E. Kennedy 5, M. Mahommed 3, c. Whitehead 3, H. Bell 2, B. Bilston-McGillen 1, J. Hewitt 1, W. Goss 1, F. Pearce 1, S. Turner 1

BEST: St Bernards: A. mcleod, D. Kennedy, A. Belci, C. Barrett, D. Pollock, I. Montebello

Old Xaverians: E. Kennedy, B. Scala, J. Tobin, B. Bilston-McGillen, O. Duncan, J. Whitehead

GOALS: Collegians: E. Rice 1, C. Sharp 1

Old Brighton: C. Hathway 6, H. Hynes 4, L. Filipovic 3, L. Read 3, R. Agg 2, L. Caldwell 1, M. Ho 1

BEST: Collegians: B. Fleming, J. Meacham, C. Mitchell, E. Rice, C. Tassone, H. Butterss

Old Brighton: H. Hynes, J. Hayter, L. Brooks, T. Howard, N. Murray, C. Hathway

Old Melburnians: B. Jackson 2, A. Rush 1, S. Craven

Melburnians:

Scotch:

GOALS:

1, H. Watkin 1, C. Nairn 1

Old Scotch: S. Skinner 4, H. Robenstone 3, H. Japp 2, L. Johnson 1, F. Morrisby 1

BEST: Old Melburnians: T. Spargo, A. Rush, M. Anderson, H. Watkin, g. watson`, C. Dowling

Old Scotch: A. Halse, S. Skinner, C. Jackson, A. Davies, C. Schilling, M. Muller

WILLIAM BUCK PREMIER WOMEN’S

Old Scotch shoot for the stars; Saints de-throned

Caulfield Grammarians have maintained their spot in the top four with a dominant victory over Monash Blues

The Blues had no answers for all that Grammarians threw at them, unable to keep up with their skills and pace.

Caulfield had already gotten off to a 41-point lead halfway through the second before Monash managed to hit the scoreboard for the first time with a goal to Caitlin Williams.

The second half continued in a similar manner, with Caulfield able to stretch their lead out to 65 points by the final siren.

It was another impressive team performance from Caulfield, with six players contributing majors across the day. Sarah Kenny and Kylie Lynch were particularly impressive up forward, finishing with respective hauls of four and three.

For Monash, Saskia Dekker and Emily Conroy showed promising signs.

Collegians have bid farewell to their hopes of finals after failing to deal with a powerful Kew outfit at Ian Johnson Oval.

Only managing one goal for the day, it was a disappointing output from Collegians who prior to the match were still in contention for a spot in the 2024 finals series.

The silver lining for Collegians was the individual performance of VFLW superstar Sarah Skinner, who earned the best-on accolades for her side.

For Kew, it was encouraging to see the side bounce back after losing to Caulfield by a single point the week before, this time registering a decisive 48-point win.

Usual suspects, Ashlea Melnikas, Amelia Dawborn and Dakota Villiva, were instrumental in the Bears’ victory, determined not to let their side lose two weeks in a row.

The biggest fixture of the Home and Away season saw the two best sides battle it out for the second time this year in what shaped as a blockbuster matchup between St Kevin’s and Old Scotch

With superstars on every line for both teams, it was impossible to predict who would emerge victorious. Old Scotch started the game strongly with early goals from Millie Fraser-Smith and Eloise Defina, before Hannah Smith responded late in the first term.

St Kevin’s started to gain momentum in the second, taking the lead for the first time after Hannah Smith got on the end of another goal. Unfortunately, play was suspended midway through the second term due to an injury to an Old Scotch player.

The match resumed after half time, and Old Scotch were able to reclaim the lead after Eloise Defina kicked her second goal of the day.

The last quarter was an arm wrestle between the two sides, with no further scores added. A frantic final 30 seconds, St Kevin’s move the ball from one end of the ground to the other, but alas, Holly Kenealy’s kick was brilliantly smothered by Georgia Fraser-Smith in what was a matchsaving effort.

Maxine Wells and Emma Robins were the best players on the ground for the victors, while Emily Condon was named St Kevins’ best.

The win was a major coup for Old Scotch, who jumped to the top of the ladder with a superior percentage to that of the Saints. With only one round remaining, the Stars now look likely to clinch the minor premiership.

Over at Piranha Park, Coburg saved themselves from relegation with a courageous win over Old Yarra Cobras Coburg peppered away at the scoreboard in the first, struggling with accuracy until Bronte Whyte found the big sticks just before the siren sounded for the first change, earning the Lions a handy buffer.

However, Old Yarra managed to construct more forward entries in the second quarter which allowed them to reduce the margin to five points by the main break.

The inaccuracy continued in the second half with only one more goal kicked for the match, produced by Coburg’s Julia McArdle. With the scarcity of goals on the day, it was enough to seal the win for Coburg, taking them to 7th place on the ladder where they find themselves safe from the drop zone.

At the end of the day, the scoreline read 2.11 (23) to 1.5 (11), a relieving success for Coburg but an indication that both sides need to spend some more time working on goal kicking in the coming week.

Lauren Atkinson

Elaina Domagala and Kiana Minchin starred for Coburg, while Natasha Phipps and Evie Lee did all that they could for the Cobras.

On Sunday, Melbourne University Women’s hosted West Brunswick with both sides fighting for something bigger than the individual result. A win to Melbourne University would put relegation out of the question, while a loss to West Brunswick would take the Magpies out of finals contention.

It was a big first quarter for Annie Mack, who booted two goals to buy West Brunswick a handy 14-point lead, which turned out to be critical in the final standings.

Asha Price responded in the second, bringing the margin back to 7 points until West Brunswick got off the leash again later in the quarter to pull it back out to 13.

Play opened up in the third, with both sides bringing a more attacking style of football to Melbourne University Oval, kicking two goals apiece. In contrast, the scoring dried up in the final term, with just one behind registered for the quarter.

The final scores read 3.4 (22) to 5.6 (36), with West Brunswick taking away the four points to keep their finals aspirations alive and well.

Maddi Katerelos and Angelena Roan continued their hot streak of form for Melbourne University, while Clare Balbata and Alexandra Herrington excelled for the Magpies.

In the final round of the Home & Away season for 2024, teams still have everything to play for.

Caulfield host West Brunswick, which will see the winner book themselves a ticket to September. The Magpies have stormed home to win 6 of their past 7 games, while Caulfield have only dropped 1 game in their last 6. Whoever comes out on top will earn their place in the VAFA Finals Series.

Melbourne University Women’s take on Old Yarra Cobras, who will be aiming to leapfrog the Mugars to maintain their position in the William Buck Premier Women’s competition for 2025.

Old Scotch (vs Collegians) and St Kevins (vs Coburg) are level on points at the top of the ladder with both sides expected to be too good for their opposition, while Kew will have one last chance to build confidence before their elimination final, when they travel to face Monash Blues on Saturday.

ROUND 18 TIPS

Caulfieldv West Brunswick

Coburg v St Kevins

Collegians v Old Scotch

Monash Blues v Kew

Old Yarra Cobras vMUWFC

ROUND 17 RESULTS

WILLIAM BUCK PREMIER WOMEN’S

Caulfield Grammarians:

Monash Blues:

GOALS: Caulfield Grammarians: S. Kenny 4, K. Lynch 3, S. Kuo 2, A. Fyfe 1, I. Mottram 1, C. O’Malley 1

(16)

GOALS: Monash Blues: A. McGinty 1, C. Williams 1

BEST: Caulfield Grammarians: C. Anderson, E. Baxter, S. Kenny, K. Lynch, I. Mottram, A. Fyfe

BEST: Monash Blues: S. Dekker, E. Conroy, C. Williams, A. Myers, A. McGinty, N. Newman

Coburg:

(23) Old Yarra Cobras:

GOALS: Coburg: B. Whyte 1, J. McArdle 1

GOALS: Old Yarra Cobras: A. Murray 1

BEST: Coburg: E. Domagala, K. Minchin, S. Jolly, C. Cashman, D. Abela, M. Rodezno

BEST: Old Yarra Cobras: N. Phipps, E. Lee, M. Giannopoulos, A. Murray, E. Woodford, S. Fell Collegians:

GOALS: Collegians: E. Angelopoulos 1

GOALS: Kew: D. Villiva 2, A. Dawborn 1, A. Melnikas 1, E. McKinnon 1, E. Burdett-Moore 1, A. Fitridge 1, M. Harding 1

BEST: Collegians: S. Skinner, A. Bertagno, K. Russell, E. Angelopoulos, m. shaw, T. Clark

BEST: Kew: A. Melnikas, A. Dawborn, D. Villiva, C. Cococcia, M. Harding, L. Mayne

GOALS: MUWFC: B. Hudson 1, A. Price 1, G. Nicholas 1

GOALS: West Brunswick: A. Mack 2, T. Watson 1, C. Balbata 1

BEST: MUWFC: M. Katerelos, A. Roan, G. Nicholas, V. Holt, M. Klaumanns-Moller, I. Robson

BEST: West Brunswick: C. Balbata, A. Herrington, S. Scott-Hickie, T. Watson, M. Trompf, A. Fithall

GOALS: Old Scotch: E. Defina 2, M. Fraser-Smith 1

GOALS: St Kevins: H. Smith 2

BEST: Old Scotch: M. Wells, E. Robins, E. Defina, J. Wise, G. Fraser-Smith, J. Mifsud

BEST: St Kevins: E. Condon, L. Suleiman, C. Russell, A. Embelton, K. Stanton, M. Beaconsfield

WILLIAM BUCK PREMIER WOMEN’S RESERVE

Caulfield Grammarians: 3.5

Monash Blues: 0.0 0.0

(106)

(0)

GOALS: Caulfield Grammarians: H. Grange 5, N. Barbara 3, N. Ridley 3, R. Hong 2, m. hines 1, S. Highnam 1, E. Rawson 1

GOALS: Monash Blues:

BEST: Caulfield Grammarians: H. Grange, R. Hong, N. Barbara, I. Dingli, P. Laurie, S. Highnam

BEST: Monash Blues: A. Charles, E. Millen, C. Lawyer, B. Mainland, A. McCann, I. Srbinovski

Coburg:

Old Yarra Cobras: 0.2

GOALS: Coburg: G. Painting 1, M. Rodezno 1, E. Menzies 1

GOALS: Old Yarra Cobras:

BEST: Coburg: T. Murphy, A. Adams, M. McNally, E. Menzies, J. Laffey, M. Dib

BEST: Old Yarra Cobras:

GOALS: MUWFC: E. Ashley 1

GOALS: West Brunswick: K. Krithararis 1, S. Kavanagh 1, J. Graco-Ilves 1, I. Reynolds 1, M. Mullins 1, I. Bulford 1, H. DeBuhr 1, M. Constas 1

BEST: MUWFC: S. Senior, C. Gardiner, L. McKay, J. Grisdale, R. Brooker, M. Barr

BEST: West Brunswick: M. Mullins, C. Field, A. Lound, I. Reynolds, G. Fogarty, R. Ullrich

GOALS: Collegians:

GOALS: Kew:

BEST: Collegians:

BEST: Kew: K. Cook, A. Schuller, s. egan, y. vinycomb, O. Wheeler, j. carey

GOALS: Old Scotch: M. Cowan 2, A. Theodosi 2, B. Holloway 2

GOALS: St Kevins: G. Nolan 1

BEST: Old Scotch: G. Johnson, M. Wilson, M. Cowan, O. Arundel, A. Theodosi, G. Kerr

BEST: St Kevins: J. Joyce, E. Doble, G. Nolan, B. Snell, M.

(6)

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PREMIER B MEN’S

Paddy Grindlay

Top two teams locked in with a Round to go in Premier B

Wins for each of the top four sides has seen the Premier B top two locked in - but the race for the minor premiership will come down to the final weekend of the home-and-away season.

The top four teams are nearly set with one more round of football to play - top-of-the-table Old Haileybury (54 points) and second-placed De La Salle (52) are out of reach of thirdplaced Old Trinity (46 points), while Old Geelong (44 points) are a game and 8.8% clear in fourth from Old Ivanhoe (40 points) in fifth.

Old Camberwell (38 points) needed to either beat Old Haileybury or have other results fall its way to remain in the finals hunt in Round 17, but a 45-point loss at the hands of the Bloods, combined with the OGs’ defeat of Beaumaris, has ended its finals hopes.

The Wellers started brightly at Gordon Barnard Reserve, leading the Bloods into half time by five points in blustery conditions.

“We spoke about the start - we had to put some pressure on them early,” said Wellers coach Anson Brownless. “We thought we did that, we had control of the ball.”

“I was disappointed in how we played in that first quarter,” said Bloods coach Daniel Ward. “Old Camberwell were quite good at shutting us down and scoring into the wind…the last three quarters looked how we wanted it to look.”

The Bloods didn’t kick a goal from the 14-minute mark of the first term to the 19-minute mark of the third, but in a 12-minute period of football capitalised on the wind and their momentum, turning a seven-point deficit into a 24-point lead to end the third quarter. From that point, the Bloods were able to hold the Wellers at bay, kicking six goals to two in the final term for an eventual 13.16 (94) to 7.7 (49) victory.

A match with Old Ivanhoe rounds out the season for the Bloods - and Jarrod Gieschen’s Hoers will need to win, win well, and hope Old Geelong loses if it wishes to play finals. For Anson Brownless, it’s Caulfield Grammarians to round out season 2024, and an opportunity to win a tenth game in his side’s first year in Premier B since 2009.

Regardless of results this weekend, De La Salle will meet Old Haileybury in the 1v2 Semi Final, sewing up a top-two spot with a 24.14 (158) to 6.16 (52) defeat of St Bedes / Mentone in East Malvern.

“It was a bit of relief, knowing that we’ve secured what we set out to do before the season,” siad coach Nick Hyland. “It’s pretty exciting. I can’t remember the last time a De La team was in this position, securing a position in the top two with a game to go.”

Christian Algeri, fresh off a VFL debut for Collingwood, was dominant with 39 disposals, 15 score involvements and five goals. “He’s been ultra-consistent all year, and he finally got rewarded last week with a VFL game. In our eyes, it’s well overdue - he’s been playing VFL-level footy all year,” Hyland said. Jack Ferraro (27 disposals, 2 goals), Jack Behnk (23 disposals, 2 goals) and Max Hoult continued their good form for the Tigers.

Old Trinity sealed a place in finals for the club’s first postseason campaign since 2018, overcoming an inform Williamstown CYMS in an entertaining contest at Fearon Reserve.

In a game affected by a strong breeze, the Ts managed eight goals into the wind as compared to the CYs’ two over the course of the game, which proved to be the difference in the 18.12 (120) to 15.7 (97).

With the win, and with the Wellers’ defeat, Old Trinity cannot miss finals, and will either play Old Geelong or Old Ivanhoe in the 3v4 Semi Final in a fortnight’s time. “The fact that we’ve qualified for finals, it’s a good thing for the club to reflect on,” McDonald said.

“I think sometimes you’ve got to pause and go, ‘you know what, it’s a bloody good achievement for the club.’ I think everyone at our footy club should be very proud, especially after where we were.” The CYs are safe from relegation, six points clear of ninth-placed Caulfield Grammarians, but are intent on finishing 2024 strongly.

“At the King’s Birthday break, I said we’d need six weeks to stay up. We’ve actually had five,” said coach Con Terzoglou. “Irrespective of the fact that it’s done, we’d like to complete the plan that we set up in June.”

Old Geelong shored up its place in fourth position by defeating Beaumaris, capably responding to a heavy Round 16 loss to Old Haileybury with a ten-goal-to-two first half on its way to a 15.12 (102) to 6.14 (50) victory. The equation for the OGs is simple - win against De La Salle, and they’re in, with a game and percentage advantage on Old Ivanhoe.

Spearhead Matt Wallis has been a great story for the OGs this year - hailing from country South Australia, Wallis joined the OGs during the season and has been super, booting 26 goals in 12 games. “He’s a terrific fella who was just looking for a footy club (after moving to Melbourne),” Brown said of Wallis, who recorded his season-high tally of goals for the OGs with five.

For Beaumaris coach Josh Bourke, the position of the side is “frustrating,” the Sharks one game clear of Caulfield in ninth, but not assured of their safety from relegation. “We thought we had enough talent to at least make the game a bit closer than it played out - it was a pretty frustrating result for us,” he said.

At Como Park the vibes are high, with the OGs’ Premier B Women’s side playing off this weekend in a Grand Final against Fitzroy - but Brown is intent on his side’s proper preparation. “Head down, keep preparing well. We’ve been pretty consistent with that all year. Nothing changes in that space.”

Old Ivanhoe’s finals hopes are still alive after a 29-point defeat of Caulfield Grammarians, with Jarrod Gieschen’s side needing to beat Old Haileybury this weekend, hope De La Salle defeat Old Geelong, and make up the 8.8% gap to the OGs to play finals.

The equation to escape relegation is similar for the Grammarians: beat Old Camberwell and hope Old Trinity defeat Beaumaris by enough points to bridge the current 3.7% gap between the ninthplaced Fielders and the eighth-placed Sharks.

It wasn’t smooth sailing for Old Ivanhoe - Guy McKenna’s side booting five goals to two in the third quarter to close to within 12 points at the final break. But two goals apiece from Billy Murphy and Luke Scuderi in the final quarter helped the Hoers establish a 23-point buffer by the 12-and-a-half-minute mark of the final quarter, effectively ending the contest.

“We knew what was up for grabs for them, we were prepared that they were going to come at us pretty hard,” said Old Ivanhoe coach Jarrod Gieschen of the 16.10 (106) to 11.11 (77) win, his team’s tenth of the year. “Coming up a grade and (winning ten games) with the personnel issues we’ve had through the year, it’s a decent result,” said Gieschen.

While McKenna couldn’t fault his team’s effort and endeavour, he was left disappointed by the Fielders’ inability to execute with ball in hand. “Our ability to compete and win the ball was fantasticat times, we just turned the ball over, we had some bad ones in the midfield and down back,” he said. “(But) we’ve got a pulse, and we’re looking forward to taking on Old Camberwell.”

ROUND 18 TIPS

Beaumaris v Old Trinity

Old Haileybury v Old Ivanhoe

St Bedes/Mentone Tigers v Williamstown CYMS

De La Salle v Old Geelong

Caulfield Grammarians v Old Camberwell

ROUND 17 RESULTS

PREMIER B MEN’S

Old Geelong:

GOALS: Old Geelong: M. Wallis 5, H. Kol 3, C. Dixon 3, N. Morwood 1, W. Simson 1, S. Barnett 1, N. Dixon 1

Beaumaris: T. Spencer 2, J. Nowell 1, A. Bowd 1, N. Plevritis 1, J. Florent 1

BEST: Old Geelong: S. Barnett, W. Horsfall, M. Wallis, J. Sheridan, H. Kol, S. Dixon

Beaumaris: T. Spencer, C. Heath, P. Pecer, A. Bowd, J. Challands, C. Linehan

De La Salle:

St Bedes / Mentone Tigers:

GOALS: De La Salle: C. Algeri 5, R. O’Meara 3, L. Gawel 2, H. Curtis 2, P. Bohan 2, T. Lyngberg 2, W. Mackie 2, T. Stanton 1, C. Day 1, C. Aitken 1, J. Williams 1, S. Fisher 1, T. Shannon 1

St Bedes / Mentone Tigers: J. Behnk 2, J. Ferraro 2, M. Hoult 2

BEST: De La Salle: L. Healy, C. Algeri, J. Williams, H. Curtis, L. Gawel, T. Deane-Johns

(52)

St Bedes/Mentone Tigers: J. Behnk, J. Harding, N. Taylor, M. Hoult, B. Martin, K. Farris-White

Old Camberwell:

Old Haileybury:

GOALS: Old Camberwell: H. Laukens 2, H. McColl 1, J. Kennedy harris 1, C. Finlayson 1, B. Hart 1, D. McColl 1

(49)

Old Haileybury: J. Magner 4, L. Vaughan 3, C. Riley 2, B. Seccull 2, L. Treverton 1, C. Sinclair 1

BEST: Old Camberwell: B. Hart, H. Veitch, T. Oliver, J. Kennedy harris, P. Blew, H. McColl

Old Haileybury: N. Higgins, L. Vaughan, B. Seccull, C. Sinclair, C. Riley, J. Magner

Williamstown CYMS:

Trinity:

(97)

GOALS: Williamstown CYMS: H. Miller 4, Z. Galea 2, J. Busuttil 2, O. Manton 1, Z. Provest 1, W. Smyth 1, D. Cutajar 1, H. Tambourine 1, W. Bokma 1, J. Haines 1

Old Trinity: D. Payman 4, H. Beasley 3, M. Scott 2, H. McGlashan 2, L. Davidson 1, C. Manoussakis 1, N. Gill 1, m. deayton 1, L. Jackson 1, T. Ferrier 1, S. Phillips 1

BEST: Williamstown CYMS: B. Tucker, J. Busuttil, W. Bokma, D. Tucker, W. Smyth, K. Raju

Old Trinity: H. McGlashan, H. Thompson, H. Beasley, C. Manoussakis, N. Gill, J. Hindson

Old Ivanhoe: 3.2 8.7 10.9 16.10 (106)

Caulfield Grammarians: 3.4

(77)

GOALS: Old Ivanhoe: W. Murphy 5, L. Scuderi 4, L. Agrotis 1, T. Nagel 1, N. Reeves-Smyth 1, T. McManus 1, M. Whiteman 1, T. Mclean 1, H. Frazer 1

Caulfield Grammarians: W. Vesely 2, O. Ursini 2, I. Dammersmith 1, C. Cooke 1, S. McInerney 1, J. Webster 1, N. Sutherland 1

BEST: Old Ivanhoe: N. Riddle, T. Mclean, W. Murphy, J. Harper, J. Agrotis, L. Scuderi

Caulfield Grammarians: S. McInerney, J. Webster, J. Freedman, O. Lowe, N. Sutherland, R. James

PREMIER B MEN’S RESERVES

Williamstown CYMS:

Old Trinity:

(41)

(94)

GOALS: Williamstown CYMS: J. Walker 2, J. Slevison 1, O. Becroft 1, L. Hine 1, B. Parkinson 1

Old Trinity: L. Scobie 3, B. Beamish 3, W. Macafee 2, S. Barendregt 1, T. de Graaff 1, H. TAYLOR 1, N. Adgemis 1, N. Davey 1, L. Milner 1

BEST: Williamstown CYMS: S. Kostizen, R. Patterson, A. Greaves, H. Carter, O. Becroft, L. Downey

Old Trinity: C. Gerwing, L. Milner, H. Taylor, B. Beamish, L. Scobie, S. Barendregt

Old Geelong: 3.5 6.6

Beaumaris:

GOALS: Old Geelong: W. Beattie 5, S. Green 3, J. Adams 2, L. Maiden 1, T. Wilson 1, H. Gubbins 1

Beaumaris: E. Murray 2, M. Ensor 2, A. Poll 1, D. Kelly 1, J. Steward 1

BEST: Old Geelong: W. Beattie, J. Adams, T. Hosking, L. Maiden, T. Wilson, H. Gubbins

Beaumaris: C. Tedde, D. Kelly, A. Reark, R. Young, S. Stewart, M. Ensor

(96)

7.7 (49)

Old Ivanhoe: 7.4 13.7 19.10 26.13 (169)

Caulfield Grammarians: 0.1 0.2 0.4 0.4 (4)

GOALS: Old Ivanhoe: J. Erman-Keogh 8, G. Battistella 3, F. Knight 3, D. Davies 3, T. Kellock 2, J. Bradley 2, N. Graham 1, M. Hooy 1, N. Spokes 1, M. Fricke 1, H. Worsam 1

Caulfield Grammarians:

BEST: Old Ivanhoe: K. Davies, J. Erman-Keogh, S. Daniel, H. Worsam, B. Gliddon, D. Steele

Caulfield Grammarians: H. Neave, N. van der Linden, L. Shelley, L. Dineen, L. Ebbs, L. Lettas

De La Salle: 5.6 6.8

St Bedes/Mentone Tigers:

GOALS: De La Salle: H. Gustin 2, T. Martin 2, E. Fyfe 2, B. Ahearn 2, K. Rossiter 2, E. McMahon 1, L. Liakakos 1

St Bedes/Mentone Tigers: L. Bowles 3, S. Dimachki 3, J. Ryan 2, C. McFarlane-Squires 1

BEST: De La Salle: S. Pennell, S. McNidder, K. Rossiter, T. Robinson, H. Gustin, J. Wiseman

(85)

(57)

St Bedes/Mentone Tigers: J. Heron, M. Valenzuela, K. Chandler, J. Wynd, L. Bowles, E. Swain

Old Camberwell:

(82) Old Haileybury:

(65)

GOALS: Old Camberwell: S. Bennett 4, S. Boyce 3, L. Noack 1, A. Warburton 1, P. Boakes 1, S. Garrard 1, F. Chable 1

Old Haileybury: A. Bonwick 5, M. WALSTAB 2, J. Bourke 2, S. Hall - kahan 1

BEST: Old Camberwell: S. Bennett, F. Chable, S. Boyce, P. Boakes, O. Cirulis, A. Warburton

Old Haileybury: S. Hall - kahan, L. Wood, A. Bonwick, W. Abraham, M. WALSTAB, J. Gillon

PREMIER B WOMEN’S

Kylie Lynch

Fitzroy stuns Williamstown in a Preliminary Final epic

In a match that will be talked about for years to come, Fitzroy pulled off a monumental upset in the VAFA Premier B Women’s preliminary final, edging out minor premiers Williamstown CYMS by just two points.

The 5.3 (33) – 5.1 (31) victory at Bryan Martyn Oval not only shattered Williamstown’s premiership dreams, but also sends Fitzroy into the Grand Final this weekend, where they will face Old Geelong in what promises to be a thrilling decider.

The day couldn’t have started better for Williamstown. Coming off a shocking defeat to Old Geelong in the semi-finals, the CYs were out to prove that their minor premiership was no fluke.

They exploded out of the blocks from the first ball up, playing with the kind of pressure and precision that had been their trademark all season.

Alessia Acquaro was at her brilliant best, showing why she’s been one of Williamstown’s most consistent performers all year.

Fitzroy struggled to get their hands on the ball as Williamstown controlled the tempo, moving the ball swiftly and efficiently from the midfield into the forward line, with some deep 50m entries that allowed them to convert three goals early on.

As the quarter-time siren sounded, Williamstown had raced to a 3.0 (18) – 0.0 (0) lead, and it looked like the game could turn into a Williamstown whitewash.

However, Fitzroy had other ideas. In what can only be described as a remarkable turnaround, Fitzroy completely flipped the script in the second quarter. This quarter was what won the game for them.

Their midfield began to win the contested ball, while Nessa Cooney Hunt emerged as the game’s most dangerous forward, kicking three extremely important goals for the game, that would eventually seal her team’s spot in the Grand Final.

By halftime, Fitzroy had not only erased Williamstown’s lead but had taken a one goal advantage into the main break.

The Fitzroy camp was buzzing with energy, while Williamstown suddenly found themselves in unfamiliar

territory, trailing in a match they were expected to dominate.

With their season on the line, Williamstown came out firing after halftime. The CY’s knew they needed to wrestle back momentum, and they did just that in the third quarter.

Alessia Acquaro and Loren Mills continued to be the focal points up forward, and it wasn’t long before some scoring opportunities sparked Williamstown’s revival.

Fitzroy’s defence was under siege as Williamstown pressed hard to regain control of the game. Kiara Palmar and Lauren Winter were standouts for the CYs, with their work rate and craft around the stoppages helping to lock the ball inside their forward half.

The third quarter ended with Williamstown holding a narrow 5.1 (31) – 4.1 (25) lead, having kept Fitzroy to just a solitary behind. The game was now perfectly poised for a dramatic final quarter, with both sides knowing that a Grand Final ticket was on the line.

The final quarter was a tense, absorbing contest that had fans on the edge of their seats. Both teams threw everything they had at each other, with the intensity and physicality reaching new heights. Fitzroy knew they needed to find another gear if they were to pull off the upset.

Their pressure around the ball was immense, forcing Williamstown into errors and turnovers.

Jaime Nelson was instrumental in the ruck and the Fitzroy midfield worked tirelessly to get the ball into their forward 50.

The CYs were hanging on desperately, but Fitzroy’s relentless attack finally broke through when they calmly slotted their fifth goal to level the scores.

With the clock ticking down, Fitzroy surged forward again. A few hurried shots turned into behinds, but behinds are worth their weight in gold in these close matches.

Williamstown tried valiantly to respond, but Fitzroy’s defence held firm.

In the dying seconds, Williamstown had one last roll of the dice. They surged the ball forward, but Fitzroy’s backline was impenetrable.

As the final siren sounded, Fitzroy’s players erupted in celebration, having secured a famous 5.3 (33) –5.1 (31) victory and a place in the Grand Final.

“It was a very high-pressure finals game of football. And great to get another close win in a big game against a very strong team.” says Fitzroy coach Nathan Jumeau.

“Credit to Williamstown who put up a fight right till the final siren.”

“The vibe was high to have both seniors and reserves into a Grand Final shows the amazing depth we have at the club.”

The crowd was definitely a Fitzroy crowd, even with the game being in Williamstown’s backyard, so it was loud.” He said.

For Fitzroy, this was a win for the ages. They showed incredible resilience and belief, coming back from 18 points down to defeat the team that had dominated the competition all season.

Nessa Cooney Hunt was deservedly named player of the match, her three goals proving the difference on the scoreboard. Simone Mooney and Olivia Brilliant were also outstanding, their contributions crucial to Fitzroy’s success.

Williamstown, on the other hand, will be left to ponder what might have been. To fall short in such dramatic fashion after an unbeaten regular season will be a tough pill to swallow.

Alessia Acquaro and Loren Mills did all they could to keep their team in the contest, while Kiara Palmar and Lauren Winter were also among their best.

The season that promised so much for Williamstown is a reminder of just how unpredictable and unforgiving final footy can be.

But for Fitzroy, the dream lives on. They’ve proven they can beat the best, and now, they’re just one win away from a premiership that few would have predicted at the start of the finals.

Jumeau says that the Fitzroy girls are looking forward to meeting Old Geelong in the Grand Final.

“We’ll be taking into the Grand Final how well we’ve played in tight games and the fact that our best footy is amazing footy.”

As Fitzroy now prepares for a Grand Final showdown against Old Geelong, the question is whether they can carry this momentum into next week.

The Grand Final awaits, and Fitzroy is ready. Watch this space with bated breath as the curtain falls on a classy VAFA Premier B Women’s season.

PRELIMINARY FINALS RESULTS

PREMIER B WOMEN’S

GOALS: Williamstown CYMS: A. Acquaro 2, L. Mills 2, S. Nelson 1

GOALS: Fitzroy: N. Cooney Hunt 3, E. James 1, H. Collett 1

BEST: Williamstown CYMS: K. Palmar, A. Acquaro, L. Winter, C. Tyrrell, E. Gardner, S. Georgas

BEST: Fitzroy: N. Cooney Hunt, S. Mooney, O. Brilliant, S. Demeo, S. Lynas, G. Bennett

PREMIER B WOMEN’S RESERVES

GOALS: Old Xaverians: L. Lentini 1, C. Wapshott 1, M. Ventura 1

(42)

GOALS: Westbourne: c. weston-sirett 2, S. Farley 2, M. Dumesny 1, E. Natale 1

BEST: Old Xaverians: A. Clarke, L. Lentini, E. Forrest, O. Gangi, E. Sheedy, Z. Purcell

BEST: Westbourne: c. weston-sirett, E. Natale, T. Huta, A. Stone, J. Mathers, M. Dumesny

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Raj Johnston

Top three continue to climb as battle for top two heats up

Round 17 produced yet another win for the top three sides in Premier C Men’s, with Old Carey, AJAX, and Hampton Rovers all sitting on fifteen wins for the season thus far. With just one round to go in the home and away season there is a lot at stake. The all-important double chance that accompanies a top two finish is still up-for grabs for the top three.

AJAX continued their strong run of form with an 89-point belting over bottom of the ladder Oakleigh. The home side were quiet in the first term in a quarter that belonged to Oakleigh who took a 2-point lead into quarter time. The Krushers would be disappointed that they couldn’t capitalise on the scoreboard, with inaccuracy inhibiting a further margin.

AJAX responded swiftly in the second quarter to kick seven goals to Oakleigh’s one and control the play. It was a similar story for the rest of the game as AJAX charged ahead to dominate the game and silence Oakleigh as they comfortably got over the line.

AJAX’s Jordan Cohen and Kane Nissenbaum who have consistently found themselves named as best players this season were once again there this week. In the absence of the Jackas’ leading goal kicker, Richie Simon, Cohen stepped up, slotting 10 majors for the afternoon. Meanwhile, 2023 Div 1 Best & Fairest, Luke Ashen, should be credited for kicking four of Oakleigh’s five goals.

Eighth placed Marcellin recorded a great victory over seventh placed PEGS to secure their fourth win of the 2024 season, with a final scoreline of 16.17 (113) to 12.6 (78). PEGS had a brilliant first quarter, bringing their attacking pressure from the first bounce to build-up a 27-point lead. However, PEGS were quickly silenced by Marcellin and left scoreless in the second term as the home side kicked nine majors.

Not ready to roll over, PEGS fought back after the main break and gained back some ground, booting 5.1. With their nose still in front, it was Marcellin who finished off the job in the final quarter to claim the four points. Adam Tomaro and Andrew Carlini impressed for Marcellin and PEGS respectively with four goals each.

A positive takeaway for Marcellin is that they are reaching greater heights on the scoreboard, kicking 118 points two weeks ago, followed by 113 points this week. Meanwhile

PEGS look ahead to their final game of the season against the Parkdale Vultures, which will no doubt be a challenge, but one this promising side will be eager to tackle.

Old Carey retained top spot on the ladder with a 44-point victory against the Parkdale Vultures, holding a 15% advantage over second-placed AJAX. There was a lot on the line for Old Carey coming into this contest with the top three order still up in the air, whilst the Vultures are locked into fourth spot and won’t be able to advance any higher.

The first quarter was tight with both teams having good patches of play, and just a point separating the two sides at the first siren. It was much the same in the second quarter as Old Carey took a 5-point lead into half-time.

Old Carey broke away in the second half with much of the football being played in their forward 50. The Panthers proved that kicking goals wins you games as they put on ten goals in the second half to Parkdale’s three; the Vultures let down by inaccuracy in front of goal.

Jack Alexander was key up forward with four goals for the home side, whilst Prem C’s leading goal kicker, Mitch Brown, continued his impressive season with three goals for the Vultures.

Mazenod had a big victory over the Monash Blues for the second time this season registering a final score of 21.8 (134) to the Blues’ 7.9 (51). Mazenod were the better side from start to finish, taking their chances, building their lead with each quarter and remaining very accurate in front of goal.

They dominated the second half with fifteen goals to the Blues’ four. Mazenod’ skipper Matt Fewings had a day out with 37 disposals, and 4 goals in his side’s triumphant 83-point victory. Noble in defeat, Charles Cosgriff, Fraser Bennett and Jack Thomas were amongst the best on ground for the Blues, whilst Hayden Boyce was a sharpshooter with five majors.

Even though they can’t play finals and will finish fifth, Mazenod nonetheless turned up for the occasion to finish their season on a positive note. Unfortunately for the Blues, this loss means they cannot finish any higher than ninth and will be subject to relegation.

After an impressive few weeks, Glen Eira/Old McKinnon were brought back down to reality by a hungry Hampton Rovers side, who got the job done away from home by a convincing 86 points.

The Gryphons will be ruing their scoreline of 3.10 (28) which is not an accurate reflection of this team’s performance this year, having surpassed expectations since being promoted to Premier C and sitting healthily in sixth.

The Rovers held the Gryphons scoreless in the second term, blowing their lead out to 60 points, a deficit that proved to be too much for the Gryphons to overcome.

In the absence of their leader Christian Carnovale, the Rovers united to prove their strength in the competition and keep their hopes of a final two finish alive. Hampton Rovers’ veteran, Chris Perkins, was simply off the charts, with his impressive performance accumulating 213 ranking points. It’s hard to determine which statistic is the showstopper with 50 disposals, 10 clearances, 3 goals, and 25 contested possessions, but what is certain is that his impact was felt right around the ground in a masterful display.

The Rovers have everything to play for next week with a top two spot up for grabs, whilst the Gryphons will be looking to bounce back and finish the season with an eighth win.

There is plenty on the line in the final round of the regular season as the top three sides fight it out for an all-important top two finish.

The match of the round on the final weekend of the home and away season is sure to be the scintillating battle between first and second, as Old Carey host AJAX in a finals preview. The equation is simple – providing the Hampton Rovers beat Oakleigh, then the winner of this game finishes in the top two whilst the loser drops to third, missing out on the double chance. A lot on the line in this season defining game.

Oakleigh host the Hampton Rovers in a game that the Rovers must win to guarantee themselves a top two finish. The last time these sides met in Round 1, the Rovers triumphed by 26 points.

The Parkdale Vultures host PEGS. The Vultures are firmly locked into fourth spot but will certainly be looking for a win to build some momentum heading into finals.

The other clashes in Round 18 sees Marcellin come up against Mazenod, whilst Glen Eira/Old McKinnon host the Monash Blues.

ROUND 18 TIPS

Glen Eira/Old McKinnonv Monash Blues

Marcellinv Mazenod

Old Carey v AJAX

Parkdale Vulturesv PEGS

Oakleigh vHampton Rovers

ROUND 17 RESULTS

PREMIER C MEN’S

Glen Eira / Old McKinnon:

Hampton Rovers:

GOALS: Glen Eira / Old McKinnon: A. Bird 1, R. Weidemann 1, t. noonan 1

(28)

(114)

GOALS: Hampton Rovers: L. O’Driscoll 3, W. Crawford 3, h. garrow 3, C. Perkins 3, L. Cairns 2, D. Melnjak 1, M. Coughlin 1

BEST: Glen Eira / Old McKinnon: C. Kadish, S. Carey, J. Ludik, N. Mavropoulos, t. noonan, j. Richardson

BEST: Hampton Rovers: C. Perkins, L. O’Driscoll, A. Parker, M. Coughlin, H. Crisp, J. Prosser

AJAX:

GOALS: AJAX: J. Cohen 10, B. Efron 4, C. Zielinski 2, M. Chrapot 2, T. Sheezel 1

GOALS: Oakleigh: L. Ashen 4, C. Athans 1

BEST: AJAX: J. Cohen, K. Nissenbaum, B. Efron, M. Chrapot, R. Spicer, T. Sheezel

BEST: Oakleigh: T. Gillard, R. Kitts, C. Athans, L. Gillard, P. Ioannidis, L. Ashen

Monash Blues:

Mazenod:

(51)

GOALS: Monash Blues: J. Thomas 2, N. Darling 1, B. Price 1, C. King 1, J. Flett 1, A. Bennett 1

GOALS: Mazenod: H. Boyce 5, M. Fewings 4, J. D’Angelo 3, D. Byrne 2, E. Sherlock 2, L. Sherlock 2, J. Boyle 1, J. Raffa 1, A. Kovac 1

BEST: Monash Blues: C. Cosgriff, F. Bennett, J. Thomas, N. Hall, A. Bennett, H. Frischke

BEST: Mazenod: D. Byrne, M. Fewings, S. Lovell, A. Kovac, J. D’Angelo, N. Peck

Old Carey:

GOALS: Old Carey: J. Alexander 4, T. Warren 3, I. Ellwood 2, R. Thompson 2, J. Rule 1, C. Ogilvie 1, H. Hill 1, L. Godden 1, Z. Adam 1

GOALS: Parkdale Vultures: M. Brown 3, O. Green 1, H. Lynch 1, J. Peake 1, K. Day 1, J. Elcock 1

BEST: Old Carey: T. Borghouts, N. Benson, B. Andrews, J. Alexander, C. Connell-Tobin, I. Ellwood

BEST: Parkdale Vultures: J. Peake, J. Ricco, A. Haverfield, T. Jenkins, J. Barden, M. Emmanouil

GOALS: Marcellin: A. Tomaro 4, J. Pekin 3, Z. Tolley 2, M. Capetola 2, J. Harrowell 2, A. Strempel 1, E. Stapleton 1, I. Barry 1

GOALS: PEGS: A. Carlini 4, J. Fenner 2, C. Livori 1, D. Flaherty 1, R. Stathis 1, J. Mckernan 1, M. Luisetto 1, E. Caddeo 1

BEST: Marcellin: M. Lane, Z. Tolley, A. Tomaro, G. Megas, J. Harrowell, O. Butterworth

BEST: PEGS: J. Mckernan, R. Simmons, A. Carlini, C. Livori, R. Macdonald, K. Burke

PREMIER C MEN’S RESERVES

Glen Eira / Old McKinnon:

Hampton Rovers:

GOALS: Glen Eira / Old McKinnon: T. Martino 1, H. Beveridge 1

(14)

(129)

GOALS: Hampton Rovers: A. Woolston 6, N. Jackson 4, R. Leslie 3, N. Jewell 1, J. Dartnell 1, D. McCoy 1, O. Donald 1, J. Wilson 1, B. Crothers 1

BEST: Glen Eira / Old McKinnon: B. Fullerton, T. Clayson, H. Ritchie, T. Strudwick, S. CYLICH, L. Lewis

BEST: Hampton Rovers: D. Field, J. Bowditch, T. Goldsmith, A. Woolston, R. Leslie, N. Jackson

Monash Blues:

Mazenod: 0.1

(166)

1.2 (8)

GOALS: Monash Blues: J. Godfrey 6, N. Crawley 4, W. Kennedy 3, Z. Watson 2, M. Price 1, F. Thompson 1, L. Buck 1, S. Malcolm 1, D. Torpey 1, A. Tomaselli 1, L. McNeary 1, D. Elliott 1, R. Phillips 1, C. Hurley 1

GOALS: Mazenod: A. Palleschi 1

BEST: Monash Blues: M. Price, J. Godfrey, W. Kennedy, L. McNeary, D. Torpey, R. Noor

BEST: Mazenod: M. Whiting, S. Withers, A. Saliba, A. Palleschi, D. Mastos, M. Noone

AJAX: 5.7

Oakleigh:

(132)

(50)

GOALS: AJAX: D. Cohen 5, N. Spitz 4, O. Black 3, M. Lincoln 1, N. Cowan 1, S. Hendler 1, D. Raiter 1, C. Efron 1, D. Goodman 1

GOALS: Oakleigh: J. Hunt 2, T. Weinhandl 1, B. May 1, N. Alderson 1, z. thiessens 1

BEST: AJAX: N. Cowan, O. Black, J. Velleman, N. Spitz, D. Cohen, D. Raiter

BEST: Oakleigh: Z. Barrett, C. Pinney, S. McKenzie, J. Rossington, J. Leopold, J. Hunt Old Carey:

Vultures:

GOALS: Old Carey: J. Taylor 3, J. Waldon 2, J. Desmier 1, N. Dempsey 1, H. Patel 1

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GOALS: Parkdale Vultures: L. Marshall 6, D. Williamson 2, H. Bean 2, J. Vorbach 1, J. Everest 1, S. Sargeant 1

BEST: Old Carey: M. Vandersteen, H. Patel, J. Taylor, J. Peterson, J. Stiliadis, A. Candlish

BEST: Parkdale Vultures: L. Matic, J. Vorbach, L. Marshall, S. Sargeant, H. Hay, B. Macdermid

Marcellin:

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

FOR THE LOVE OF THE GAME

Umpires Corner

Umpire Milestones

Congratulations to long-time umpire, Jeanine McDonald on umpiring her 200th match just a couple of weeks ago. The VAFA also extends congratulations to one of our newer recruits, goal umpire Sullivan Hendrickson on his 50th match as a VAFA umpire.

“Razor” Ray Chamberlain lights up VAFA UA Awards Night

The VAFA Umpires Association was a special night to celebrate the contribution and achievements of umpires in the VAFA across all disciplines. Guests were treated to an entertaining Q&A with legendary AFL Field Umpire, “Razor” Ray Chamberlain who gave insight into his journey and shared memorable moments and highlights. A role model to many aspiring young umpires, Ray no-doubt had a profound impact on many in the room.

Thirds Grand Finals

The VAFA has crowned the first five Premiers of 2024, with 5/6 Thirds Grand Finals taking place over the weekend. In some trying Melbourne conditions, these matches produced terrific contest with some thrilling results that came down to the wire.

Congratulations to all teams who have won a Premiership and best of luck to all those yet to play in the 2024 VAFA Finals Series.

Premiers

Premier Thirds – St Kevin’s OB

Thirds Division 1 – Old Xaverians

Thirds Division 2 North – Old Xaverians

Thirds Division 2 South – Mentone Panthers

Thirds Division 3 South – Mazenod

Visit the VAFA website to read more about Sunday’s Grand Finals.

Premier Thirds

Thirds Division 1

Thirds Division 2 North

Thirds Division 2 South

Thirds Division 3 South

FOR THE LOVE OF THE GAME

Yasmine Budic (La Trobe University)

Women’s Rising Star Nominee

The VAFA congratulates Yasmine Budic from La Trobe University FC, who has received the Anytime Fitness Rising Star nomination for Round 17. In her first year of Senior footy, Yasmine has played in every single match, earning best on accolades on 10 occasions. She has been important for the Trobers through their finals campaign thus far and will no doubt add to their line up in this weekend’s Grand Final.

What the club said:

Yas began her junior football journey in 2017 with the Murray Felines, and her talents quickly drew attention. From 2020 to 2022, she was selected to play for the Bushrangers, where she initially trained as a midfielder before making a seamless transition to the backline. In 2024, Yas made the move to Melbourne to pursue her studies and joined LTUFC. She started the season in the midfield but was soon shifted to the forward line to assist with our transition football, leveraging her potent left foot to great effect. Known for her lightning pace and clean skills, Yas has quickly established herself as a formidable force on the field.

More than just an exceptional player, Yas is a wholesome and down-toearth human being, whose presence has enriched our team dynamic. Her coachability and versatility have made her a joy to work with, allowing her to seamlessly contribute in all areas of the field. Yas has been instrumental in playing a crucial role in the growth and success of our team.

Men’s Rising Star

Nominee

Noah Higgins (Old Haileybury)

The VAFA congratulates Noah Higgins from Old Haileybury who has received the Anytime Fitness Rising Star nomination for Round 17. Noah was instrumental in his side’s win over Old Camberwell on the weekend and will be important for his dynamic speed come finals.

What the club said:

Noah finished at our Haileybury City Campus in 2021, becoming the first City attendee to play for Old Haileybury. In 2022, he played four games with the Under 19s while also competing with the Western Jets in the Coates Talent League. In 2023, he progressed to the Reserves, playing nine games before his season was cut short by a foot injury. Fast forward to 2024, and from the start of Pre-Season, Noah applied himself to Senior Footy. He impressed in our practice matches and hasn’t looked back since, playing 17 of 18 games this year. His season culminated in a Best on Ground performance last weekend against Old Camberwell.

Noah primarily plays as a winger, known for his incredible aerobic capacity to cover the ground. Despite weighing around 70 kg, he is widely regarded as the best tackler on the team due to his attitude toward physical contact and his commitment to doing the little things to help his team. He still lives in Williamstown and demonstrates massive commitment by braving traffic to attend training without fail. With his bright future ahead, Noah is only beginning to show what he can do at this level. He is loved by all his teammates, coaches, and supporters of our club. Congrats, Higgo! This is well-deserved recognition.

2024 VAFA FINALS SERIES

BREAKFAST

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DIVISION 1 MEN’S

Liam Cole

Ned Couper-Johnston steals the show in final-minute thriller

In the final round of the home and away season, it was the last chance for sides not playing finals to end their season on a high - and it was an important finals rehearsal for the top four teams. Ned Couper-Johnston wheeled himself to kick two match-defining goals in the last quarter to win the game for UHS-VU.

In one of the best games of the year, UHS-VU recorded a final score of 9.20 (74) to Kew’s 9.18 (72). The Vultures dominated the first term, with Noah Seiderman delivering wonderfully inside 50 to leading goal scorer in the competition Brandon Jackson. Turnovers from the Bears costed them early, trailing four goals to five behinds at quarter time.

The second term saw a fightback from the Bears, as Regan Smith impressed again in the midfield, winning multiple clearances, and impacting the scoreboard. They started moving the ball more boldly in the corridor, with Richard Hughes and Max Waters taking the game on at half-back. In the third term, the Bears were in full control, with their defence shutting down the space for Brandon Jackson, as Luka Argent played superbly in what was a tough matchup. The Bears’ heat around the ball and great transition gave them a six-point lead at three-quarter time, after trailing by 31 points at one stage.

“We spoke about defending the corridor better at threequarter time and just wanted to make better decisions with the footy in hand,” UHS-VU captain Harrison Kennedy said.

The final term saw Esubalew Ramsay and Jeffrey Fox have some big moments in the stoppages, giving their side a chance late. When Cameron Roberts put through a major, to get the Bears a two-goal buffer, a late comeback was looking unlikely. However, the Vultures won the footy out of the centre clearances when they needed to, with Esubalew Ramsay and Ned Couper-Johnston steering through two match-winning goals. Ned Couper-Johnston lined up in almost the exact spot he kicked a goal earlier in the last to nail it, with only three seconds remaining. It’s been a heartbreaking fortnight for the Bears who drew to the Preston Bullants and arguably coughed up another here.

“It was really pleasing to see the boys dig deep and find a way when challenged,” Kennedy said.

The motivation for Old Peninsula to finish the season on a high was evident, defeating Ormond by 29 points, 15.14 (104) to 11.9 (75). Midfielders Jake Lovett and Hugh Peacock served it up to the Monders, giving their forwards first use. Jeremy Simon stood up down back for the Monders, but numerous entries made it tough to combat.

“We just didn’t apply enough pressure anywhere near where we needed to in the contest,” Ormond coach Kyle Pinto said.

“We matched them in contested possession but when they got out, they got out really easily,” Pinto said.

Bailey Payze loved the service in the forward line, adding six goals to his name, making it 11 majors in the last two weeks. The Pirates have been impressive for the majority of the year, just two wins shy of equal 4th on the ladder.

“The Pirates must develop an under-19 side and grow depth to become ladder leaders,” outgoing Pirates coach Peter Williamson said.

Parkside had 10 different goal-kickers in their 132-point win over the Old Yarra Cobras, 24.19 (163) to 4.7 (31). First term was a tight tussle between both sides, but after quarter time it was all the Devils. The Devils midfield began to dominate contested ball, with great service from Lewis Daniels in the ruck, as the second-placed side kicked the next 10 consecutive goals.

Luciano Logozzo was exceptional in the forward line for the Devils aerially, and his second efforts showed the game before finals meant plenty to the side. Yanek Stecki racked up plenty of disposals across the wing, using it well for his forwards, as they kicked the biggest score of the year.

Prahran defeated West Brunswick by 43 points, 16.5 (101) to 9.4 (58), finishing the season as minor premiers. It was a big game for the Magpies, who were in the battle to avoid relegation, a win meant a good chance of staying up. The Magpies showed plenty around the contest, with

Ben Ablett and Henry Mahoney taking it up to the ladder leaders. Magpies ruckman Emlyn Nettleton competed hard against Rory Brodie and Shaun Chapman around the ground, as the Magpies were only two goals down at three-quarter time. The last quarter saw Prahran take control, with a six to one goal term. Prahran’s Matt Clifford kicked five goals for the day and will prove vital this finals series.

The Preston Bullants brought up their seventh win of the year defeating Therry Penola by 32 points. Therry Penola, kicking into a breeze took advantage in the first quarter, Matthew Lyons got his hands on the footy first and continued on his great season.

The second term saw the Preston Bullants put on nine goals to Therry’s two. Conor Howard was dominant around goal, kicking five for the match, helping his side to a healthy 34-point lead at half time.

Therry Penola stood up in the third term, understanding the ramifications of a loss if the Magpies won. The Preston Bullants’ ability to win the one-on-one battles in the last quarter resulted in a great victory, to end the season.

Now the focus turns to finals - the month of football fans love watching and the month players play for.

Prahran take on Parkside in the Qualifying Final. In the headto-head, both sides are at one each - with the Devils winning the first one early in the season and Prahran winning the second, in a wet affair. Ladder position becomes irrelevant as both teams will appreciate the second chance.

It’s do or die in the Elimination Final, as Ormond take on UHS-VU. Similarly, both sides are at one each, head-to-head this year. The Midfield battle is no doubt a crucial contest this weekend, as will be the Monders defence against Brandon Jackson.

ROUND 18 RESULTS

DIVISION 1 MEN’S

Kew:

UHS-VU:

GOALS: Kew: N. Waters 4, W. Llewelyn 2, M. Hannan 2, R. Smith 1

GOALS: UHS-VU: B. Jackson 5, N. Couper-Johnston 2, N. Seiderman 1, E. Ramsay 1

BEST: Kew: R. Smith, L. Argent, R. Hughes, M. Waters, D. Cotchett, J. Seaton-NICHOL

BEST: UHS-VU: B. Jackson, J. Dimattina, T. Cracknell, j. fox, N. Seiderman, N. CouperJohnston

Old Yarra Cobras:

Parkside:

GOALS: Old Yarra Cobras: B. Makowski 1, M. Parkes 1, D. Esdaile 1, A. Raso 1

GOALS: Parkside: L. Logozzo 4, S. Logozzo 3, C. McKay 3, M. Romano 3, L. Sieben 2, M. Holden 2, M. Lawson 2, C. Cotter 2, B. Douglas 2, M. Creek 1

BEST: Old Yarra Cobras: B. Makowski, F. Joseph, N. Zappala, A. Sukkel, J. Hardy, J. Fleming

BEST: Parkside: L. Logozzo, Y. Stecki, C. McKay, M. Romano, L. Daniels, B. Douglas

Old Peninsula:

Ormond:

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GOALS: Old Peninsula: B. Payze 6, H. Peacock 2, G. Fletcher 1, B. Williamson 1, K. Doyle 1, C. Denton 1, J. Bravo 1, N. Forrest 1, N. Holland 1

GOALS: Ormond: S. Levine 3, T. Natsikas 2, B. Williams 2, S. Stait 1, J. Hille 1, R. Konstanty 1, L. Crnogorac 1

BEST: Old Peninsula: B. Payze, J. Lovett, H. Peacock, E. Evans-Brumby, B. Williamson, K. Doyle

BEST: Ormond: B. Williams, J. Simon, E. Konstanty, J. Hille, B. Hardwick, R. Kennedy

GOALS: Prahran FC: M. Clifford 5, s. chapman 3, M. Milward 2, J. Stent powell 1, T. Seaman 1, E. Plaza 1, J. Bell 1, J. Partridge 1, T. Bamford 1

GOALS: West Brunswick: B. Irving 3, T. Zafiropoulos 2, B. Ablett 2, L. Stringer 1, H. Fithall 1

BEST: Prahran FC: R. Brodie, M. Clifford, M. Mayne, J. Bell, s. chapman, J. Waters

BEST: West Brunswick: H. Mahoney, B. Ablett, E. Nettleton, M. Graham, T. Zafiropoulos, M. Robinson

Bullants:

Penola:

GOALS: Preston Bullants: R. Howard 5, L. McLeod 2, P. Smith 2, S. Calcedo 1, P. Davies 1, H. Byron 1, L. Green 1, L. Morgan 1, D. Stamatakos 1, O. Clark 1

GOALS: Therry Penola: B. McKinnon 2, T. Reymers 2, L. Vaina 1, G. Widdicombe 1, L. Mckinnon 1, M. Lyons 1, J. Pelosi 1, B. Mastromanno 1, Z. Moran 1, J. Egglestone 1

BEST: Preston Bullants: BEST: Therry Penola: B. McKinnon, M. Lyons, Z. Moran, T. Reymers, J. Viola, J. Campagna

DIVISION 1 MEN’S RESERVES

Old Yarra Cobras:

GOALS: Old Yarra Cobras: A. Papatheodorou 2, M. Blundell 1, N. Paton 1

GOALS: Parkside: M. Soligo 11, L. Grist 3, Z. Blay 3, N. Corda 2, J. Woods 2, A. McEvoy 1

BEST: Old Yarra Cobras: J. O’Neill, N. Paton, W. Elsworth, A. Papatheodorou, L. Robertson, L. Hong

BEST: Parkside: M. Soligo, N. Corda, L. Grist, A. Bianchi, O. Benson, A. Swan Old Peninsula:

GOALS: Old Peninsula:

GOALS: Ormond: H. Bingham 6, L. Natsikas 3, T. Thermos 2, H. Penhall 2, N. Lane 1, D. Dilettoso 1, K. Baker Hill 1, D. Smith 1, K. Seeto-Grossi 1

BEST: Old Peninsula:

BEST: Ormond: K. Seeto-Grossi, W. Robertshaw, H. Bingham, A. Hatchuel, L. Smith, B. Northey

GOALS: Prahran: J. MATHERSON 3, D. Marrows 2, E. Espinosa 2, g. torney 1, T. Jennings 1

GOALS: West Brunswick:

BEST: Prahran: J. Matherson, M. Woods, M. Howden, P. Rhodes, T. Bowes, g. torney

BEST: West Brunswick: Preston Bullants:

Penola:

GOALS: Preston Bullants: E. Scott 3, P. Taylor 2, B. Murphy 1, N. Douglas 1

GOALS: Therry Penola: L. Crotty 4, J. Piccione 2, N. Mckay 1, B. Hudson 1, H. Parker 1

BEST: Preston Bullants: R. Stevens, N. Douglas, P. Taylor, o. Taylor, G. Thodis, M. Chamberlain

BEST: Therry Penola: L. Crotty, D. Di Qual, A. De Saint Leger-Allison, C. Matthews, C. Combridge, J. Piccione Kew:

GOALS: Kew:

UHS-VU: M.

GOALS:

Mallia 7, T. Cheyne 2, M. Celestin 1, T. White 1

BEST: Kew:

BEST: UHS-VU: T. White, M. Healey, M. Mallia, R. Gya, J. Lowe, N. Wallace

DIVISION 1 WOMEN’S

Annie Ireland

Epic Grand Final awaits after heavyweights reign supreme

We’ve been tipping it for most of the season but this weekend it becomes a reality – Old Brighton and Marcellin will face off in the Division 1 Women’s Grand Final at Box Hill City Oval on Sunday afternoon.

It will be the third time in five weeks that the two teams will face off, with one win apiece in the past two clashes.

Marcellin’s victory knocks Parkdale Vultures out of the Premiership race. The Preliminary Final started off very evenly with just a goal each way, but it was Marcellin with their nose in front thanks to a few handy behinds.

Marcellin doubled that lead from 4 to 8 points heading into the main break and looked comfortably in control of the game. But as they say, Finals Football is a whole different ball game where anything can happen, and Marcellin did well to keep their cool and keep their foot on the gas.

After half time they came out swinging in defense of their 2023 Premiership flag, kicking 5.5 and keeping Parkdale scoreless. Their defensive effort throughout the day was as impressive as their attack on the footy, really inhibiting the Vultures from getting into the game until the fourth quarter.

Perhaps it was fatigue from the afternoon heat that arrived when the sun broke through the clouds on Sunday afternoon, but Marcellin faded away in the last quarter kicking one point to Parkdale’s two goals. The Vultures should be proud of their resilience shown when the chips are down, as they clawed a 43-point deficit at three-quarter time to 31 points at the final siren.

Marcellin will need to look to improve on their stamina and endurance ahead of the Grand Final as they will have to put in a full four-quarter performance to beat the likes of Old Brighton.

Zagotinos was the leading goalkicker for the game, with three goals, whilst Zoe Glascott slotted two, to bring up 60 goals for the year for the star forward. It

marks the seventh week in a row Glascott has kicked multiple goals and the fourteenth time this season. Glascott, along with Old Brighton’s Lucy Tait loom as major factors for both teams in the grand final as they look to secure the Premiership cup. With absolute dominance in each forward line and no question as to either side’s ability to hit the scoreboard, it will come down to who wins the midfield battle and gets away the all-important center clearance.

Marcellin captain Alana Pane continued her impressive season with yet another best on ground performance. Of the 18 games she has played this year, Pane has been the best on ground for Marcellin on a massive 14 occasions.

Lucy Burgess kicked two goals for Parkdale to be the best on ground, whilst vice-captain Isabella Daddo and and captain Breanna Allen were both impressive. Whilst it marks season over for Parkdale, the team will be impressed with their performance over the season. Finishing third and two win ahead of fourth, as well as some thumping wins over Collegians in Round 16 and finals week one. To their credit, the Parkdale Vultures have made finals for the past two years now. The season wouldn’t have ended how they would’ve liked, but a strong fight this season will prime them for a big off-season and to return even bigger in season 2025.

Now we turn our attention to the big dance. The entire season has come down to this weekend’s game. With both teams evenly matched, they never seem to play the same style game against the other and prove impossible to tip in every match up. While Old Brighton likely go in as favourites, purely off their seamless run through finals, Marcellin will no doubt bring their a-game to the big dance as they look to win back-toback Premierships.

PRELIMINARY

FINALS RESULTS

DIVISION 1 WOMENS

Marcellin:

Parkdale:

GOALS: Marcellin: T. Zagontinos 3, Z. GLASCOTT 2, L. Robertson 1, A. Pane 1, T. Oates 1, J. Getson 1

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GOALS: Parkdale: L. Burgess 2, R. Dalach 1, B. Allen 1, M. Medcraft 1

BEST: Marcellin: J. Walker, A. Pane, T. Oates, S. McMillan, J. Balch, B. Harvey

BEST: Parkdale: L. Burgess, I. Daddo, r. watson, B. Allen, C. Pate, E. Wilson

DIVISION 2 MEN’S

Jainarayan Tiwari

Top four set: Brunswick, Elsternwick, South Melbourne, and Whitefriars in; Hawthorn narrowly misses out

The Division 2 Men’s Finals are here, and the top four teams are ready to battle for glory. It has been a season of intense competition, with each team leaving everything on the field.

In a thrilling season finale, the top four have emerged. Brunswick leads the pack on 60 points, following closely behind is Elsternwick at the second position with 50.

South Melbourne Districts secured the third spot on 48 points, and rounding out the four is Whitefriars, who have 46 points, making them the final team to qualify for the Finals.

The weekend’s action kicked off at Lindsay Hassett Oval, with the South Melbourne Districts triumphing over table-toppers Brunswick by 16 points, and in doing so punching their ticket to the finals.

Brunswick put up an average performance, facing struggles right from the first quarter. They managed to score only one goal in the first quarter, as the Bloods had a slight edge. The highlight was the third quarter, where South Melbourne surged ahead with a massive 41-point lead. Despite Brunswick’s efforts in the final quarter, their earlier mistakes ultimately cost them the match.

South Melbourne’s Aris Moustakas, Jesse Andrew and Zephyr Howson kicked two goals each for their team. Their contributions helping in the 11.17 (83) to 10.7 (67) win. Overall, the Blood’s team effort was terrific, and they’ll face Whitefriars in the elimination final next week.

The sixth-placed MHSOB defeated the seventh-placed St Mary’s Salesian at Melbourne High School by 42 points, the final score was MHSOB 20.8 (128) to St Mary’s at 13.8 (86).

The game was evenly matched in the first quarter, MHSOB managed to take a five-point lead into the first change. However, MHSOB brought their A-game in the second quarter and dominated across the field, making it one of their best quarters of the season.

They prevented St Mary’s forwards from scoring, taking a commanding 40-point lead into half time. As the game progressed to the third quarter, MHSOB maintained its strong pressure and stayed ahead. However, despite a gallant Saints outfit, it was too little, too late for St Mary’s. MHSOB secured its victory in the fourth quarter, finishing the season in sixth place. Will Hellier from MHSOB was the standout player of the match, scoring an impressive 6 goals, while St Mary’s Trent Ryan kicked 3 goals.

At the Ted Ajani Reserve, Whitefriars outplayed the Bulleen Templestowe by 116 points and qualified for the finals in style. The Friars defeated the Bullants 25.13 (163) to 4.11 (47). Whitefriars came out swinging from the opening bounce and didn’t give the Bullants a chance to apply pressure. Their disposal and conversion rates were off the charts, especially in the first quarter, where they nailed some impressive goals.

They needed a big win to secure a spot in the top four, and they delivered. In the third quarter, the Friars’ defence shut down the Bullants’ forwards, sealing their exceptional victory.

Nicholas Garratt from Whitefriars was unstoppable, scoring an outstanding 10 goals, while his teammate Sam Kieseker booted an impressive 7 goals. Yes, they combined for 17. Whitefriars will now face South Melbourne in the Elimination final.

In a competitive clash at Holmes Todd Oval, secondplaced Elsternwick secured a hard-fought 12-point victory over ninth-placed Wattle Park, 15.11 (101) to 12.17 (89). Elsternwick blitzed from the first quarter and claimed an early lead, while Wattle Park, already having a tough season, fought to gain ground.

Despite Wattle Park’s best efforts, it struggled to catch up, trailing the Wickers by 13 points at the main break. In the third quarter, Wattle Park’s comeback looked bleak, and despite a strong effort in the fourth quarter, their early struggles ultimately led to a narrow defeat by just a few points.

Elsternwick’s vice-captain Spencer Hankin kicked 6 goals for his team, and Daniel Hill from Wattle Park kicked 3 goals. Elsternwick will be playing Brunswick in the qualifying final this upcoming weekend, for a spot in Division 2 Grand Final.

At Rathmines Road Reserve, Hawthorn delivered a commanding performance, securing a 50-point victory over Aquinas. The final score was Hawthorn at 17.27 (129) to Aquinas at 12.7 (79). The Hawks set the tone early, leading by 13 points after the first quarter and extending their advantage throughout the match.

By halftime they had built a 31-point lead, but could have surged to an even bigger gap, with the scoreboard reading 8.16 to 5.3. The Hawks’ relentless attack saw them surge ahead in the third quarter. They lead by more than 11 goals, effectively sealing the game.

Hawthorn’s William Meehan kicked 4 goals for the afternoon, he was one of five multiple goal-scorers for the victors. However, unfortunately for the Hawks, they were banking on a loss for the either the Bloods or Friars to have any chance of making the four. South Melbourne’s and Whitefriars’ wins meant there was no path for Hawthorn.

Now that the league stage has finished, it’s time to pack the bags and move on to see the top four teams that will be playing this weekend. As mentioned, Brunswick and Elsternwick will play off for a spot in the Grand Final, while the loser of that match, will play the winner of the Elimination Final between the Bloods and Friars.

ROUND 18 RESULTS

DIVISION 2 MEN’S

GOALS: MHSOB: W. Hellier 6, M. Robertson 3, H. Radcliffe-Smith 2, N. McKinnon 2, W. Cardwell 1, R. Rae 1, S. Hayes 1, C. Westley 1, W. Kruyt 1, J. Dozzi 1, J. Dimogotsi 1

GOALS: St Marys Salesian: T. Ryan 3, H. Macmillan 2, L. Russell 2, A. Howell 1, Z. Gucciardo 1, N. Dekas 1, C. Tait 1, J. op’t Hoog 1, L. Powell 1

BEST: MHSOB: C. Westley, N. McKinnon, W. Hellier, B. Swenson, J. Dimogotsi, S. Hayes

BEST: St Marys Salesian: J. Contencin, L. Powell, H. Macmillan, N. Dekas, J. Bourke, T. Ryan

Elsternwick:

Wattle Park:

GOALS: Elsternwick: S. Hankin 6, D. Marchese 3, J. Yeatman 2, J. Mount 1, B. Pantas 1, E. Manakis 1, K. Tran 1

GOALS: Wattle Park: D. Hill 3, B. Hunt 2, S. Andronicos 2, J. Sibley 1, J. Greensides 1, T. Ferguson 1, M. Hill 1, B. Newbegin 1

BEST: Elsternwick: K. Tran, S. Casey, S. Hankin, P. Sanderson, F. O’Donnell, M. Crutchfield

BEST: Wattle Park: S. Andronicos, T. Ferguson, B. Hunt, M. Hill, H. Davis, J. Rippon

South Melbourne Districts:

Brunswick FC:

GOALS: South Melbourne Districts: J. Andrew 2, A. Moustakas 2, Z. Howson 2, Z. Smith 1, J. Brooker 1, J. Engellenner 1, M. Capp 1, H. Mcintyre 1

GOALS: Brunswick FC: O. Watt 2, H. Parker 2, G. Banova 1, W. McKenzie 1, J. Hedley 1, J. Paevere 1, A. Coverdale 1, M. Foti 1

BEST: South Melbourne Districts: B. Bajram, H. Johnson, L. Johnson, D. Barlow, M. Capp, T. Foley

BEST: Brunswick FC: T. O’Farrell, O. Watt, W. McKenzie, M. Foti, T. Haddock, J. Hedley Hawthorn:

GOALS: Hawthorn: W. Meehan 4, J. Raiti 2, J. Loxton 2, J. Cowland 2, J. Kenny 2, C. Rule 1, X. Bryham 1, E. Avery 1, L. Huber 1, J. Shannon 1

GOALS: Aquinas: G. Asciak 3, H. Dwyer 2, D. Malvaso 2, M. Di Donato 2, J. Costello 1, D. Hieber 1, J. Clinton 1

BEST: Hawthorn: E. Harvey-Cleary, C. Boots, J. Shannon, J. Raiti, B. Hannam, L. Huber

BEST: Aquinas: J. Clinton, J. Costello, L. Robb, R. O’Brien, G. Asciak, J. Livingstone

Bulleen Templestowe: 1.2 5.6 5.11 6.11 (47) Whitefriars: 7.4 14.5

GOALS: Bulleen Templestowe: J. Cowell 3, L. Chu 1, O. Watts 1, W. Mason 1

GOALS: Whitefriars: N. Garratt 10, S. Kieseker 7, C. Feher 2, R. Turner 1, T. Jacotine 1, V. Midolo 1, E. Wu 1, . 1, B. Galtieri 1

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BEST: Bulleen Templestowe: H. Mcclean, J. Cortese, J. Cowell, S. Hamzovski, D. Dakin, C. Henriksen

BEST: Whitefriars: N. Garratt, S. Kieseker, M. Warrick, J. Elmer, C. Feher, R. Turner

DIVISION 2 MEN’S RESERVES

South Melbourne Districts:

GOALS: South Melbourne Districts: J. White 3, M. Dole 1, T. Seccombe 1, M. Bigwood 1

GOALS: Brunswick: J. Haddad 5, D. Heenan 3, B. Daly 2, M. Dickson 2, J. Mackie 1

BEST: South Melbourne Districts: C. Brugeaud, L. McDonald, J. White, A. Elkington, M. Bennett, J. Paxton

BEST: Brunswick: A. Pollock, J. Mackie, J. Haddad, A. Paevere, B. Griffin, D. Heenan

Elsternwick:

Wattle Park:

GOALS: Elsternwick: C. McCracken 2, C. Marinis 1, J. Harris 1, L. Pinnegar 1, J. Oner 1, J. Biviano 1, S. Michael 1, Q. De Luca 1, A. De Vries 1, B. Young 1

GOALS: Wattle Park: L. Virgo 3, J. Greaves 1, K. Jenkins 1, J. Anker 1, j. glare 1, J. MancusiThomas 1

BEST: Elsternwick: R. Hodgkins, J. Biviano, L. Pinnegar, C. McCracken, C. Marinis, K. Wilson

BEST: Wattle Park: j. glare, S. Bourke, L. Virgo, B. Severin, A. Jopling, C. Gardner

Bulleen Templestowe:

Whitefriars:

GOALS: Bulleen Templestowe: D. Florence 1

(7)

GOALS: Whitefriars: B. Tatterson 2, L. Garlick 2, C. Hayes 2, J. Domingo 2, H. Garlick 2, T. Mercuri 1, D. Jacotine 1, . 1, D. Hughes 1, T. Crake 1, B. Smithies 1, M. Willoughby 1, L. Galtieri 1, L. McLean 1, N. Mercuri 1, C. Skien 1, J. Sacco 1

BEST: Bulleen Templestowe: J. Caridi, S. Lambropoulos, W. Ellis, L. Warren, T. Wenborn, D. Milione

BEST: Whitefriars: M. Willoughby, L. McLean, J. Sacco, D. Hughes, L. Galtieri, J. Domingo

Marys Salesian:

GOALS: MHSOB: B. Gunn 4, J. Lake 4, D. Epa 3, J. Cusack 1, A. Brookes 1, M. FennessyKent 1

GOALS: St Marys Salesian: J. Sutherland 2, M. Herbert-Morgan 2, L. McIntosh 1

BEST: MHSOB: M. Fennessy-Kent, W. Suhr, L. Stone, B. Gunn, A. Horton, J. Growse

BEST: St Marys Salesian: M. Herbert-Morgan, J. Evans, T. Cooper, L. McIntosh, N. Bainbridge, M. Healey

GOALS: Hawthorn: W. Molloy 6, D. Quattro 2, S. Neohoritis 2, C. Hannan 1, C. Sloane 1, P. O’Sullivan 1, . 1

GOALS: Aquinas: A. Kinghorn 4, L. Holewa 3, C. Law 2, T. Kinghorn 1, B. Lawrence 1, S. Thorsen 1

BEST: Hawthorn: W. Molloy, E. Bendtsen, D. Quattro, B. Horsell, J. Blundell, C. Fraser

BEST: Aquinas: L. Holewa, A. Kinghorn, . , L. Virgona, T. Crouch, B. Lawrence

(98)

(76)

DIVISION 2 WOMEN’S

Rovers roll on: Hampton sets sights on Grand Final glory!

And just like that… we have our 2024 Division 2 Women’s Grand Finalists. The stage is set for an epic showdown between two powerhouses of the competition where the Hampton Rovers will meet minor Premiers, Glen Eira/Old McKinnon this coming weekend at the big dance. But before we look ahead, let’s unpack the match of the weekend that brought us to this outcome, where Hampton Rovers secured victory over Whitefriars by 16 points.

Whitefriars and Hampton Rovers took to the big stage at ETU Stadium on Saturday afternoon in an all or nothing battle for that final spot in the Grand Final. On paper, one could say these two sides were fairly evenly matched. Finishing second and third on the ladder respectively with just two points separating Whitefriars and Hampton Rovers, both proved they are deserved winners of that significant place in the Grand Final.

Coming face to face for the third time this season, Whitefriars held the record winning both clashes during the home and away season. However, it is Hampton Rovers who have had the better run of form as of late, with two consecutive wins thus far in the Finals series.

In Finals, they say mindset is everything, and the Rovers coming off a win in the Elimination Semi Final may have been just the momentum they needed to take a slight edge heading into the clash against the Friars who were having to utilise the double chance after a loss to Glen Eira in the Semi.

In windy conditions, this was not the day to be sending the ball long into the forward arc. The Rovers utilised their ability to win contested ball and find targets around the ground to urge the ball forward. Hampton owned the first quarter from the outset of the match, registering 3.2 (20) on the scoreboard in a strong opening term whilst restricting their rivals to just a single behind. This sort of domination early on in a high stakes match puts the pressure right back on the opponent to respond.

Whitefriars took ascendency in the second quarter and whilst they added a goal and two behinds to their score, it was not enough to take back the lead from the Rovers. Despite just a point recorded in the second, Hampton retained a 12-point advantage heading into the main break.

The relentless rebound work down back for the Rovers from Mandy Naylor, and co-captain Isabella Cameron, turned the momentum back their way to maintain control of the footy and play the game on their terms.

The Premiership quarter as it is so astutely known proved significant for both sides in a high scoring passage of play. The Rovers extended their lead with 2 majors, before the Friars fought back with a goal of their own in the dying seconds of play.

When the umpire held up the Sherrin to signify the start of the final term, there was just 19 points separating these two sides, Hampton holding the lead as they had been all afternoon.

Whitefriars came out swinging, throwing everything they had into the last quarter, understanding the stakes at play. Some of their star players in Clare Fernandes and Caitlin Ryan stood up for the Friars and one much of the footy. Unfortunately, despite having more opportunities in front of the big sticks, inaccuracy proved costly in trying to close the margin enough, and the deficit proved too significant to overcome.

Sharpshooter Maegan Miller had her best game for the year for the Rovers, equalling her season best of 4 goals. Alannah Graham and Millie Smith each contributed a major to round out Hampton’s final score of 6.5 (41).

Meanwhile Hayley Notting led the charge for the Friars, slotting 2, while Allegra Mattioli finished the day with 1 goal: bringing up a final score of 3.7 (25).

This win had Hampton Rovers up and about and in good spirits as they set their sights on a giant of the competition in Glen Eira/Old McKinnon.

Susan Miller

“We are riding a wave of optimism and enjoyment that has our whole team excited for the great challenge ahead” said Hampton Rovers’ coach Brent Ward.

He acknowledged the team effort that goes into producing success in finals and credited the broader cohort in addition to the playing group. “The Rovers have an incredible team of coaches and brilliant leaders.”

“Bring on the big dance.”

This Grand Final match up that looms large is set to be one for the ages. Glen Eira/Old McKinnon have had close to a clean sweep this season and will be looking to continue their impressive form in the hunt for that Premiership cup. The only thing standing in their way is one almighty Hampton Rovers outfit with a taste for victory and hunger for success.

Interestingly, Hampton Rovers have been the only side able to defeat the Gryphons this season. Their head-tohead record stands at 1-1. That notch on their belt will no doubt give an air of confidence to the Rovers side as they face their biggest challenge to date.

The stage is set at Elsternwick Park this Sunday morning as we prepare to crown our Division 2 Women’s Premiers for 2024.

PRELIMINARY FINALS RESULTS

DIVISION 2 WOMEN’S

Rovers:

GOALS: Whitefriars: H. Notting 2, A. Mattioli 1

GOALS: Hampton Rovers: M. Miller 4, A. Graham 1, M. Smith 1

BEST: Whitefriars: C. Fernandes, C. Ryan, C. Notting, K. Wallace, R. Smith, M. Smith

BEST: Hampton Rovers: M. Miller, K. Geddes, I. Cameron, c. cameron, O. Tuppen, M. Naylor

DIVISION 3 MEN’S

Callum Farquhar

North Brunswick secure minor premiership as top four teams stroll into September

After 18 weeks of Division 3 Men’s football, the final siren has sounded on six teams’ seasons, whilst five more will duke it out in September to achieve Premiership glory.

Box Hill North have finished their year on a high against cross-town rivals Eley Park with a 41-point victory. The Demons capitalised on their attacking transition, whilst the Sharks’ connection into the forward 50 struggled early on.

The Sharks, led out by retiring record-game holder at Eley Park Terrence Dingeldei, started the second-half on their terms, yet continued to shoot wastefully in front of goal.

Aaron Gove kicked a goal on the run to bring the scores within touching distance, however the Demons replied instantly to remain out of reach.

The final quarter was evenly matched, however Box Hill North found Marcus Lorkin and Matthew Hoey inside 50 for game-sealing goals.

The Demons secured their fourth win of the season, concluding a campaign initially wrecked by injuries.

“We had a year described as the worst in club’s history with season ending injuries and all to key players. We really never gained momentum with only three times in 16 games finishing with a bench,” Box Hill North coach Jeff D’Amato said.

Reflecting on his side’s efforts in 2024, D’Amato was keen to improve for next year, on-field and off-field.

“We performed well against the lower teams but really struggled to play four quarters against the top five teams. We managed to pinch a quarter or two against the top teams, which means the boys really never gave up.

“We look to bring in a fresh coach for 2025 and with some of our key personnel returning and some solid recruiting we firmly believe we can bounce back quick in 2025.”

Eley Park coach Matt Embling was pleased with the improvements seen by his Sharks in the second-half of the year. Despite playing in a stronger division this season, Eley Park won two more games in 2024 than 2023, as a young core playing group formed.

“The most pleasing aspect of the season was the improvement week-on-week, as well as the opportunities to blood several younger players into senior footy,” Embling said.

Canterbury head into finals action full of confidence after a 67-point win over La Trobe University. The Cobras dominated from the outset, scoring 35-1 in a one-sided opening term.

La Trobe fought doggedly after the halftime break, outscoring Canterbury by two goals, but a three-quartertime reset sprung the Cobras back into action to secure a victory surpassing 11-goals.

“[We were] outclassed in the first half, Canterbury were forcing us to make a lot of panicked errors. They were super polished,” La Trobe coach Andy Castles said.

“We talked at half time about absorbing the pressure a bit more and it seemed to work. Once again, couldn’t fault out effort, just lacked polish.”

The win was not enough for Canterbury to overcome Power House’s percentage however, leaving the Cobras in fourth place and making every final to come a potential eliminator.

La Trobe finish their season with just three wins, after a strong start to the season had them in the top-five after the fifth round. Castles remains upbeat for the future however, with a young brigade coming through the ranks.

“Overall, it’s been a year of growth for us. We really focussed on trying to build a brand that suits us and keep exposing our young talent. We only have three senior players over the age of 26, so I am pretty excited about what the future holds.”

North Brunswick have secured the Div 3 minor premiership in dominant fashion with a compelling away victory over Richmond Central. The Snakes were held goalless to halftime, as the Bulls piled on the scoring to lead by 53 at the main break. Mitch Hicks continued impressive form, snagging six goals, to extend North Brunswick’s lead into triple figures. The final scores paint a telling picture of North Brunswick’s return to form, winning 18.21 (129) to 2.7 (19).

With the minor premiership secured, the Bulls also land a critical week off. Fresh legs in a high-intensity finals series could be the key for North Brunswick, as they hunt win back-to-back premierships.

Power House have earned themselves a double chance for their 2024 finals campaign, after an early scare against Swinburne University. PHAFC kicked woefully to start

the contest, with two goals and a whopping ten behinds, compared to a sharpshooting five-straight from the Razorbacks.

Power House’s relentless attack continued in the second, slightly improving their accuracy with 3.6. Swinburne were held to just seven points, Power House gaining a halftime lead of nine.

In the third and fourth terms, Power House’s defence continued to stem any Razorback attack, limiting Swinburne to just seven points per quarter again. Power House stacked on 11 goals in the second half, running out 69-point winners.

Luke Stubbs continued to shine for Power House, scoring four goals and finishing second in the competition’s goalkicking tally. Justin Burch and Bradley Field were best on for Swinburne.

A solid season for Swinburne concludes, with three losses to finish the season impacting what could have been a 2024 finals berth.

St John’s head into their finals campaign in ripping form, dismantling Chadstone by 218 points. The JOC’s rampaged on offence, tallying 61 scoring shots to the Synners’ eight. Matthew Carnelley solidified his competition-leading goalkicking with 11 majors, as Shannon Marsh and Tyler Neal booted six and five respectively.

“It was a good way to finish off the home and away season, the boys are feeling really good coming into finals,” St John’s coach Tim Edwards said.

Excited for the challenge of finals football, Edwards gave credit to the fellow finals competitors awaiting his men.

“I’m looking forward to a great finals series. All teams involved have had great years and it’s been a really even and open competition, any team on their day can win it. Can’t wait to crack in next week.”

With an 11-team competition, the Div 3 finals series is different to others in the VAFA. Here’s how week one shapes up:

North Brunswick earn a week off after finishing first. Secondplaced St John’s host Power House in a qualifying final, with the winner to play the Bulls the following week. The loser remains alive however, playing the winner of the elimination final between fourth-placed Canterbury and fifth-placed Richmond Central.

Two epic clashes await the first weekend of Division 3 finals action, as the path to premiership glory begins.

ROUND

18 RESULTS

DIVISION 3 MEN’S

GOALS: St Johns: M. Carnelley 11, s. marsh 6, T. Neal 5, H. Emery 3, T. Werner 2, M. Barry 2, M. Ashman 2, J. D’Atri 1, C. Ely 1, J. Grima 1, B. Mather 1, T. Siposs 1, J. Mourant 1

GOALS: Chadstone: J. Barnard 1, B. Leong 1, T. Thorburn 1, W. Scott Mackereth 1

BEST: St Johns: J. Grima, s. marsh, C. Ely, C. Houghton, M. Carnelley, T. Werner

BEST: Chadstone: D. Marquison, B. Leong, B. Loh, L. Stott, J. Ricardo, W. Scott Mackereth

Power House:

Swinburne University:

SEMI FINAL TIPS

St John’sv Power House

(120)

GOALS: Power House: L. Stubbs 4, J. Taylor-Evans 2, K. Wotherspoon 2, T. Scotland 2, M. Timmons 1, B. Circosta 1, S. Boland 1, J. Muscatello 1, T. ames 1, E. Lafferty 1

GOALS: Swinburne University: B. Ferguson 2, D. Abbott 1, T. Connellan 1, J. Solomon 1, B. Field 1, T. Roberts 1, N. ferguson 1

BEST: Power House: B. Circosta, L. Stubbs, J. Kervin, J. Muscatello, j. dempster, E. Lafferty

BEST: Swinburne University: J. Burch, B. Field, L. Brunton, D. Abbott, N. ferguson, B. Ferguson

Box Hill North:

(97) Eley Park:

(56)

GOALS: Box Hill North: M. Hoey 3, L. Desmond 2, J. Chivers 2, B. Williams 1, M. Lorkin 1, A. D’Amato 1, K. Hocking 1, A. Williams 1, J. Williams 1

GOALS: Eley Park: S. Roberts 2, L. Blunden 1, J. Mcgarvie 1, M. Gallagher 1, D. Wood 1, J. Kennedy 1

BEST: Box Hill North: M. Hoey, B. Marshall, T. Francis, S. Donovan, B. Parthenides, C. Sieger

BEST: Eley Park: J. Mcgarvie, Z. Hayes, L. Blunden, M. Gallagher, A. Gove, S. Roberts

Richmond Central:

(19) North Brunswick:

GOALS: Richmond Central: GOALS: North Brunswick: M. Hicks 6, L. Russell 3, S. Woodward 2, F. Banfield 2, Z. Dicianni 2, J. Grimmond 1, A. Sipala 1, N. Dimarco 1

BEST: Richmond Central: B. Browning-Briese, C. Dalwood, C. Mellor, J. Thomas, N. Poole, D. Holland

BEST: North Brunswick: F. Banfield, M. David, N. Young, S. Woodward, Z. Dicianni, M. Hicks Canterbury:

(59)

(126) La Trobe University:

GOALS: Canterbury: J. Nicolopoulos 4, M. Fotia 4, T. Lowden 2, D. Desmond 2, L. Shearer 1, J. Boarotto 1, S. Hinton 1, N. Szabo 1, N. Beacom 1, O. Williamson 1

GOALS: La Trobe University: A. Castles 2, L. Walsh 2, N. Simons 2, L. Nelson 1, T. Hillman 1, J. Miller 1

BEST: Canterbury: N. Beacom, J. Nicolopoulos, M. Fotia, H. Carter, N. Szabo, R. Di Roberto

BEST: La Trobe University: H. O’Callaghan, J. Randall, S. Benetti-Baker, L. Nelson, S. O’Donnell, A. Conboy

DIVISION 3 MEN’S RESERVES

Box Hill North:

GOALS: Box Hill North: T. Shaw 3, J. Marro 2, C. Liston 2, T. Manno 1, H. Cunningham 1, A. Ceh 1, J. Falzon 1, G. Mansell 1, M. Stemp 1, M. Caligiuri 1, r. ball 1

GOALS: Eley Park: D. De Silva 1, A. Beveridge 1, N. Whan 1

BEST: Box Hill North: R. Cash, M. Stemp, M. Maertzdorf, G. Mansell, D. Luff, H. Cunningham

BEST: Eley Park: D. De Silva, M. Contessotto, S. Kalansooriya, M. Harrington-Johnson, M. Alford, X. Bacash

Power House:

University:

(29)

GOALS: Power House: B. Letch 4, S. Sutton 4, I. Taylor 2, J. Skehan 2, G. Stack 1, K. Mangan 1, c. eliezer 1, S. Madsen 1, D. Cameron 1, J. Stewart 1, M. Prendeville Mancera 1

GOALS: Swinburne University: M. Nolan 1, H. Voegeler 1, R. Aranyos 1, S. Cameron 1

BEST: Power House: S. Sutton, J. Skehan, K. Murray, J. Stewart, W. Jones, B. Stack

BEST: Swinburne University: L. Zabarauskas, H. Taylor, B. Craig, L. Tedesco, J. Spies, K. Nguyen

Richmond Central: 5-4-34

North Brunswick: 8-13-61

GOALS: Richmond Central:

GOALS: North Brunswick: J. Horwood 2, A. Rae 2, N. Murphy 1, G. Carrubba 1, F. Walton 1, J. McDonald Eveleigh 1

BEST: Richmond Central:

BEST: North Brunswick: N. Tsonis, M. Skinner, A. Tsonis, J. Horwood, R. Marson, L. Pardini

GOALS: Canterbury: J. Scammell 7, R. Beejlall 2, S. Woodward 2, Z. Taylor 1, C. Fall-Jablonka 1, O. Millward 1, H. Ymer 1

GOALS: La Trobe: M. Wallace 1, A. Bennett 1, C. Lorenzi 1, H. Russell 1

BEST: Canterbury: J. Scammell, N. Davis, P. Brenchley, T. Walton, O. Millward, H. Ymer

BEST: La Trobe: C. Marcroft, M. O’Brien, A. Bennett, I. Fan, T. Tregea-Copeland, L. Fellowes

Johns:

GOALS: St Johns: M. De Poilly 12, J. Proctor 5, S. Levy 3, J. Rudd 2, D. Allan 2, T. Towers 1, S. Donnet 1, C. Emery 1

GOALS: Chadstone: J. Barnard 2, Z. Talbot 1, L. Jackman 1

BEST: St Johns: M. De Poilly, D. Allan, S. Levy, J. Dexter, J. Rudd, J. Proctor

BEST: Chadstone: T. Healey, J. King, A. MacGregor, J. Barnard, R. Senaratne, K. Rimmer

Joel Kennedy

Buckle up Holmesglen U19 Premier, it’s time for finals footy!

It was a round of Holmesglen Under 19 Premier that would set the ladder in stone, and consequently, the final ladder positions for 2024 as we head into the post-season.

The final round of Under 19 Premier threw one last home-and-away season curveball for 2024.

What was 10 sides, has now been whittled down to just four. After weeks of competition and much speculation, it is now Old Brighton, Old Scotch, St Kevin’s and Uni Blues who will play their hand all in the coming weeks, in an audacious bid for silverware.

As alluded to in last week’s report, it was all up for grabs this weekend, in what was the final round of the regular season.

In the match of the round, perhaps the match of the year, Old Xaverians and Old Scotch jostled for the final seat on the bus destined for September.

Both equal on the ladder, it would come down to this final game to decide who would be the last entrant into the finals ring.

It was an opening quarter filled with excitement; each team landing blows on the other. After the opening stages unfolded at Camberwell sportsground, it was evident that one side held the upper hand.

In the classic flick, Raiders of the lost ark, Indiana Jones famously tussles with an aggressor atop a war tank. Each vies to escape the automobile, as it trudges towards the cliff edge. In the last moment, Indi hastily jumps to safety, whilst his aggressor falls to a perilous death.

As it seems, Old Scotch played the role of Indiana in this one, waiting for the final game of the season, the final moment, to solidify their position in the top 4, avoiding the jagged rocks below in the process.

In a contest that was so cutthroat, every mishap, every slip-up would put one side closer to the cliff edge. As it seemed, it was the reigning premiers were heading to that cliff edge at break-neck speed.

Leading by 17-points at the main break, Old Scotch put their foot to the floor, kicking six goals to one. They would limit Old Xavier to just 55-points, whilst kicking 120 of their own. They would go on to win by 65-points.

One must commend the Old Xaverians, as their almost three-year long hot streak came to a grinding halt. They have acted as a hallmark of the competition for quite some time now. It has been one hell of a run.

However, the past weekend’s result means that we will see a fresh-faced premiership team this year, a new name etched onto the cup that will be held aloft in just three weeks’ time.

Old Scotch’s James Davies kicked four goals for his side, whilst Ben Thomson, Henry Long and Sammy Vidor who were also named in the best.

Elsewhere, De La Salle once again showed their late-season class, beating St Bedes/Mentone by 35-points.

In what was a dead-rubber game, players showed no such sign, playing to each quarter with passion and intent.

In their final game of the year, it was time to have a bit of fun before the summer break. But as it seemed, it was De La Salle who enjoyed themselves just a tad more than their opposition.

Fresh off season-ending heartache, the lure of finals no longer dangled in front of SBMT. And It was evident, their ball movement was a little slow in comparison to previous weeks.

Trailing at the first break, De La Salle effectively flicked a switch. They kicked 8 goals in the second term, to enter half-time with a six-goal lead.

Max Miller, Joel Tyquin and Jack Pickles shone for De La as they held the lead until the final siren.

They should carry their new-found confidence into next season, where they will aim to play finals football.

As for the Tigers, they were so close to the top four this season. They should be around the mark again next year. With some development, they can go deep into September.

Later in the Saturday schedule, Williamstown CYMS thumped Beaumaris at Loft Reserve.

Unable to make finals in 2024, the Sharks actually carried the lead into quarter time. What ensued though, would be a tough watch for their fans.

A second-half blitz allowed for Williamstown to conjure a 67-point victory to close their season. Andreas Martinez, Jack Wheeler and Xavier Snelling were amongst the best for the last game of their year.

In a battle for top two, and the double chance in finals, Uni Blues fell agonizingly short to the impressive St Kevin’s

Trailing by 5-points at the final break, the St Kevins boys knew they had to pull a rabbit out of the hat to snatch second position.

Their last quarter was simply scintillating, mowing down the Blues from behind to win by 15-points. It was Xavier Duke, Paul Parakilas and Samuel Jones who pushed them over the line, in what was a last gasp effort.

A disappointing result for the Blues, who’s latter half of the year has been so impressive, they still get the golden ticket to finals football though and will be looking to make amends.

In the final game of the home and away season, the all-conquering Old Brighton cruised to a 55-point win over Caulfield Grammarians

It was all Brighton from the get-go who cruised to a 37-point lead at the first break. A margin too great for Caulfield to come back from. Zach Bowen booted five goals for the victors, while Oscar Newstead and Kai Vivian also starred.

Finishing on the top of the ladder, the Brighton boys look primed for a tilt at a premiership. It won’t be easy though.

In the first week, they will face the red-hot St Kevins, who stormed into second position after a strong month of football. The two will face off, with the winner to feature in the Grand Final.

The loser of this one, shouldn’t be too disappointed though. They will get a chance to redeem themselves with the double chance. The perks of finishing in the top two! That team will play the winner of Old Scotch and Uni Blues.

That contest holds a little more weight though, with the victor staying alive and the other eliminated. May the best team win!

All four matches of the 2024 Holmesglen Under 19 Premier Finals Series will be streamed exclusively live on KommunityTV via the Herald Sun website and App. Tune in to catch all the action.

SEMI FINAL TIPS

Old Scotch v University Blues Old Brightonv St Kevin’s

HOLMESGLEN U19 RESULTS

HOLMESGLEN U19 PREMIER MEN’S

St Kevins: 1.1 5.2 6.6 11.9 (75)

Uni Blues: 1.6 4.8 6.11 8.12 (60)

GOALS: St Kevins: N. DYNAN 3, S. Duffy 2, O. Gill 2, H. Lefoe 1, X. Duke 1, B. Palmer 1, J. Luscombe 1

GOALS: Uni Blues: G. McCulloch 3, L. Di Lallo 2, R. Webster 2, H. Wicks 1

BEST: St Kevins: X. Duke, P. Parakilas, S. Jones, L. Hepburn, L. Edwards, B. Ball

BEST: Uni Blues: L. Francis, G. McCulloch, H. Wicks, A. Bain, M. Duffell, G. Walker

Caulfield Grammarians: 1.1 6.5 6.6 9.11 (65)

Old Brighton: 7.1 10.3 16.9 18.12 (120)

GOALS: Caulfield Grammarians: C. Hankin 3, N. Madgwick 2, T. Williams 1, M. Kaufman 1, J. Mehl 1, H. McKenzie 1

GOALS: Old Brighton: Z. Bowen 5, R. McKenzie 4, O. Newstead 2, L. McCluskey 2, L. Travers 1, S. Watters 1, J. Pascuzzi 1, A. Langworthy 1, C. Dowe 1

BEST: Caulfield Grammarians: H. McInerney, M. Kaufman, N. Madgwick, K. May, C. Hankin, J. O’Halloran

BEST: Old Brighton: Z. Bowen, O. Newstead, K. Vivian, M. Szonyi, L. Travers, S. Watters

Williamstown CYMS: 2.0 6.5 8.8 16.12 (108)

Beaumaris: 3.6 4.6 5.8 5.11 (41)

GOALS: Williamstown CYMS: A. Martinez 3, S. Shepherd 2, J. Neville 2, B. Davies 2, C. Norris 2, C. Eaton 1, R. Cockerell 1, C. Williams 1, J. Daley 1, L. Taylor 1

GOALS: Beaumaris: J. Rabak 2, C. Reynolds 1, A. Marcombe 1, B. Newman-Morris 1

BEST: Williamstown CYMS: A. Martinez, j. wheeler, X. Snelling, C. Williams, A. Baker, L. Taylor

BEST: Beaumaris: E. Styles, A. Thow, w. snowden, J. Appel, G. Lewis, Z. Bowen

Old Scotch: 5.2 8.7 14.9 18.12 (120)

Old Xaverians: 3.1 6.2 7.5 8.7 (55)

GOALS: Old Scotch: J. Davies 4, H. Long 3, L. Corless 3, A. Johnson 2, C. Ferguson 2, S. Vidor 1, S. Norman 1, C. Hume 1, N. Maginness 1

GOALS: Old Xaverians:

BEST: Old Scotch: B. Thomson, H. Long, S. Vidor, N. Maginness, C. Ferguson, A. Johnson

BEST: Old Xaverians:

De La Salle: 3.2 11.4 12.6 16.8 (104)

St Bedes / Mentone: 4.3 5.4 8.8

GOALS: De La Salle: P. Russell 3, J. Fisicaro 2, M. Miller 2, J. Gurrie 2, C. Besnard 1, A. Liakakos 1, J. Pickles 1, M. Higginbotham 1, A. Margerison 1, L. Lyngberg 1, S. Cross 1

(69)

GOALS: St Bedes / Mentone: S. Dimachki 2, L. Bowles 2, L. Napier 1, J. Fountain 1, J. Pitara 1, O. Etienne 1, T. Aughterson 1, C. Donnellan 1

BEST: De La Salle: M. Miller, J. Tyquin, J. Pickles, A. Margerison, A. Liakakos, P. Russell

BEST: St Bedes / Mentone: J. McCormack, T. Aughterson, O. Etienne, S. Dimachki, F. Chandler, C. Donnellan

HOLMESGLEN U19 DIVISION 1 MEN’S

Old Haileybury: 6.2 6.4 7.4 7.4 (46)

Glen Eira/Old McKinnon: 2.3 6.6 6.6 6.6 (42)

GOALS: Old Haileybury: S. Lynch 2, N. Cleary 2, t. antonis 1, H. Whitaker 1, L. Riedel 1

GOALS: Glen Eira / Old McKinnon: W. Green 1, G. O’Donnell 1, J. Waldren 1, J. Feder 1, j. hattingh 1, H. Martino 1

BEST: Old Haileybury: S. Lynch, A. Daniel-Reid, Z. Nosiara, W. Gordon, A. Russell, N. Cleary

BEST: Glen Eira / Old McKinnon: T. Obrien, J. Waldren, H. Martino, j. hattingh, J. Feder, S. Cockle

Fitzroy: 1.0 4.2 5.4 6.5 (41)

Hampton Rovers: 5.8 6.11 10.14 11.14 (80)

GOALS: Fitzroy: L. Hodder 2, D. Reynolds 1, J. Day 1, O. Deininger 1, J. Oldfield 1

GOALS: Hampton Rovers: C. Kilburn 5, D. Hall 2, J. Grima 1, K. Carrigan 1, M. Carrigan 1, C. McSwain 1

BEST: Fitzroy: J. Oldfield, w. moore, J. Watson, D. Reynolds, J. Day, S. Suarez

BEST: Hampton Rovers: M. Carrigan, K. Carrigan, Z. Ziesing, L. Celantano, C. Kilburn

Old Carey:

St Bernards:

(41)

(66)

GOALS: Old Carey: A. Wilson 1, C. Grummitt 1, J. Smith 1, S.

Razums 1, Z. McDonald 1, H. Gow 1

GOALS: St Bernards: H. Coombs 3, D. Restuccia 1, O. Hallett 1, S. Guida 1, F. Shannon 1, A. Alessio 1, H. Brebner 1, N. Mathewes 1

BEST: Old Carey: L. Neilson, C. Grummitt, J. van Luyk, J. Smith, L. Zimmermann, W. Taylor

BEST: St Bernards: A. Ryan, T. Lowrie, J. Costa, J. Rogerson, L. Hallett, J. Rendelmann

Old Melburnians: --42

Old Xaverians 2: --65 GOALS: Old Melburnians: GOALS: Old Xaverians 2: BEST: Old Melburnians: BEST: Old Xaverians 2:

HOLMESGLEN U19 DIVISION 2 MEN’S

St Kevins 2: 0.2

Old Camberwell: 2.9 6.10 11.14

(40)

(96)

GOALS: St Kevins 2: J. Sawatzki 2, H. Toohey 1, Z. Gleeson 1, J. Hunt 1

GOALS: Old Camberwell: B. Carswell 3, L. Ross 2, M. Gibert 2, J. Blew 2, C. Chun 1, W. Stamper 1, L. Davidson 1, H. Haintz 1

BEST: St Kevins 2: S. McNamara, F. Mancini, L. Farmelo, Z. Gleeson, H. Ryan, D. Deguara

BEST: Old Camberwell: D. Albert, S. Woods, G. Commons, O. Henderson, J. Davidson, L. Ross

Parkside: 0.4

GOALS: St Bernards 2: L. Guarnaccia 4,

Loukomitis 2, O. MacLaren 2, J. Healey 1, C. Gilmour 1, B. Storey 1, O. Jones 1

GOALS: Mazenod OC: M. Boyce 2, S. Quirk 2, C. Mastos 1, M. Jones 1, J. Zapedowski 1, A. Rubino 1

BEST: St Bernards 2: O. MacLaren, A. Momesso, C. Gilmour, b. cervetto, L. Gibson, N. Mora-McDonald

BEST: Mazenod OC:

GOALS: PEGS: B. Murphy 2, J. Read 2,

Cassar 1, F. Reilly 1, C. Ackerman 1

GOALS: Kew: A. Huddleston 5, M. Zicman 4, E. Carlin 3, T. Davidson 2, R. Meeuw 2, H. Warren 2, J. Kol 1, M. Casalaz 1 BEST: PEGS: B. Murphy, D. Cooke, J. Akhurst, J. Willder, L. Nimorakiotakis, J. Cooke

BEST: Kew:

Blues:

Monash Blues: GOALS: Ormond: S. Bailey 3, J. Hine 1, T. Whitney 1, F. Howe 1, M. Hine 1, J. Boag 1

BEST: Monash Blues: J. Stokes, T. Mew, A. Pearce, l. thivillier-lefebvre, B. Murray, D. Krake

BEST: Ormond: K. Vaughan, M. Hine, F. Howe, E. Sanad, N. Edwards, J. Boag

HOLMESGLEN U19 DIVISION 4

(77)

(31) University Blues 2: 2.0

GOALS: Parkside:

GOALS: University Blues 2: D. Shier 3, A. Robinson 1, J. Cheesman 1, G. Ingram 1, M. Milner 1, s. fisher 1, m. scanlon 1, S. Knights 1, L. Rees 1

BEST: Parkside:

BEST: University Blues 2: J. Jamieson, J. Cheesman, A. Robinson, H. Trewin, A. Muhor, S. Knights

St Bedes / Mentone 2: 1.2 3.6 3.8 7.11 (53)

Parkdale Vultures: 4.4 8.5 11.10 13.12 (90)

GOALS: St Bedes / Mentone 2: J. Pugsley 5, C. Brennan 1, L. Raffaut 1

GOALS: Parkdale Vultures: A. Bartel 6, A. Valastro 3, Z. Bayer 3, L. Galjar 1

BEST: St Bedes / Mentone 2: R. Fernando, L. Davoren, J. Pugsley, H. Turner, O. Grasso, A. Lamb

BEST: Parkdale Vultures: A. Bartel, L. Burn, L. MacKenzie, Z. Bayer, N. Marshall, L. Sullivan

Old Ivanhoe: 4.2 5.2 7.5 8.6 (54)

Oakleigh: 0.1 4.8 4.12 7.12 (54)

GOALS: Old Ivanhoe: K. Home 3, W. Buckingham 2, J. Davey 1, W. Hanlon 1, K. Papanagiotou 1

GOALS: Oakleigh: B. Robinson 2, E. Manaras 1, S. Gruevski 1, N. Clifton 1, E. Black 1, C. Ciorciari 1

BEST: Old Ivanhoe: K. Home, M. Iermano, L. Mudie, T. Scardamaglia, C. Mantello, T. Ward

BEST: Oakleigh: S. Gruevski, O. Morton, O. Arnott, B. Robinson, J. Tsitouridis, R. Velona

University Blacks: 1.0

(32)

Old Trinity: 5.3 9.7 11.17 19.21 (135)

GOALS: University Blacks: M. Bailey 2, J. McNicholl 1, D. McInness 1, M. Daffey 1

GOALS: Old Trinity: S. Russell 4, T. Devlin 3, L. Cassidy 2, O. Galbally 2, w. Noumertzis 2, O. Collinson 1, C. Wenn 1, Z. Sparg 1, J. Ewart 1, A. Noumertzis 1, S. Barendregt 1

BEST: University Blacks: D. McInness, M. Daffey, J. Skahill, Z. Delzoppo, M. Bailey, A. Wyborn

BEST: Old Trinity: C. Dytor, T. Devlin, S. Russell, R. Myers, R. Beale, Z. Sparg

HOLMESGLEN U19 DIVISION 3 MEN’S

Collegians:

Preston:

GOALS: Collegians: S. Stone 3, M. Mckeown 3, E. Gibb 1, h. stack 1, A. Hyatt 1

GOALS: Preston: B. Olarenshaw 1, H. Smith 1, S. Harford 1, Y. Papaioannou 1, N. Perizzolo 1, J. Beker 1

BEST: Collegians: A. Hyatt, A. Gebert, j. cotchin, O. Toussaint, A. Nolan, S. Stone

BEST: Preston: M. Marinucci, C. Kilic, H. Stratford-Browne, F. Sinn, L. O’Brien, C. Parker

St Marys Salesian:

1, C. Matthews 1, L. Arthur 1

GOALS: Caulfield Grammarians 2: L. Bevis 2, J. Bevis 1, T. Coleman 1, J. Milton 1

BEST: St Marys Salesian: X. Higgins, X. Robinson, Z. Thurman, A. Axaris, E. Bazley, J. Yannicos

BEST: Caulfield Grammarians 2: Q. Cooper, M. Nisbet, J. Milton, K. Watt, L. Bevis, H. Wood

(121) Old Xaverians 3:

(91) GOALS: Williamstown CYMS 2: F. Puhar 3, L. Eastwood 3, C. Macleod 2, H. O’Brien 2, C. Schaap 2, T. Charleston 1, D. Raymond 1, X. Arapakis 1, G. Mee 1, J. Frisby 1, A. Cranage 1 GOALS: Old Xaverians 3: S. Turner 3, j. Babidge 3, H. Burke 2, J. Knaap 2, Z. Dunphy 1

BEST: Williamstown CYMS 2: F. Puhar, L. Eastwood, J. O‚ÄôToole, H. O’Brien, O. Perry, X. Giovanniello

BEST: Old Xaverians 3: D. Boyle, S. Turner, H. Burke, L. Dring, j. Babidge, D. Hogan

La Salle

GOALS: MHSOB: M. Sesuraj 1, M. Eshwara 1

GOALS: De La Salle 2: D. Spicuglia 5, H. Brady 4, H. Docherty 3, J. Camilleri 2, J. Lanigan 2, R. Eldering 2, W. McCormack 2, B. Marinelli 1, X. Campbell 1, J. Sheedy 1

BEST: MHSOB: M. Sesuraj, L. Sharrock, L. O’Halloran, S. Tralaggan, B. Sharrock, H. Webb

BEST: De La Salle 2: Z. O’Keeffe, H. Brady, W. McCormack, D. Spicuglia, P. Gerrand, B. Marinelli

Glen Eira/Old McKinnon 2:

Bulleen Templestowe:

GOALS: Glen Eira / Old McKinnon 2:

GOALS: Bulleen Templestowe: BEST: Glen Eira / Old McKinnon 2: BEST: Bulleen Templestowe:

Kevins 3:

(52)

(77)

GOALS: St Kevins 3: D. Portelli 1, E. Burley 1, J. McMahen 1, J. Hillyer 1, J. Frain 1, E. Harmon 1

GOALS: Beaumaris 2: S. Lewis 4, M. Cartwright 2, A. Tezay 1, H. Sims 1, C. Galvin 1, M. Moody 1, R. Mccormack 1

BEST: St Kevins 3: A. Dollman, A. McGrath, J. Elsworth, V. Scopelliti, I. Murphy, E. Harmon

BEST: Beaumaris 2: M. Moody, S. Lewis, M. Cartwright, C. Galvin, H. Backman, P. Evans

50

Mickey Nicholls (Old Geelong)

Mickey was a high-profile recruit in the 2018 off-season and played 16 of 18 senior games in the difficult 2019 B grade campaign. As a result of a range of serious knee injuries he was unable to play in the 2021 or 2022 seasons. Instead, he took on a coaching role in charge of the U23 side in those two years. In 2023, Mickey added a role on the committee to his busy schedule as well as making his long-awaited playing comeback. His great form has continued this year (another remarkable comeback following his terrible shoulder injury suffered vs Beaumaris last year). His talent and form were crowned with his selection in the Rep Footy B-D3 side this year. Few have contributed more than Mickey in building the current OGs culture. On behalf of the club, congrats mate and best of luck on Saturday!

Caroline Hart (Glen Eira/Old McKinnon)

50

Congratulations Caz on playing 50 VAFA games. After playing Premier B with Caulfield Grammarians in season 2019, Caz made the move to Glen Eira/Old McKinnon in 2020. A versatile player with speed across the ground, ideally suited to playing on the wing, Caz possesses a good right boot and is an important member of 2024 Senior Women’s team that has won its way through to this season’s Grand Final. We look forward to many more quality games at Packer Park from Caz for years to come.

Doug Pollock

(St Bernards)

100

100

Good luck to Doug Pollock on his 100th VAFA game for the club. A St Bernards Junior, Doug progressed through our U19 program into open age ranks. After mixing Thirds and Reserves footy Doug showed clear improvement last year, establishing himself as an important part of the Ressies line-up culminating in his role in our 2023 Reserves Premiership team. We look forward to Doug continuing his development and racking up many more games at ‘the pit’.

Max Gray (University Blacks)

Max Gray (aka the cleanest man in the VAFA) has rocketed to his century of games at the Uni Blacks. Max was always coming to the Club once finished his schooling at St. Kevins - his family having a strong connection to the Blacks. Max was straight into the 2s in his debut season 2018. Max impressed in the Reserves 2018 Prelim Final in a cracking win vs Snow Dogs, and hasn’t looked back since. A state champ (no fact checking provided) at high jump, it is clear to see Maxy’s athletic ability on the wings of the Uni Main, effortlessly bounding around his opponents and flying high to pull down inspiring marks, despite his ‘light’ frame. A Blacker through and through, you would not want a more selfless teammate in your side than Max Gray. The Club would not be surprised to see him hit 200, no pressure Maxy! Go well mate.

Sam McKenzie (University Blacks)

Congratulations to Sam “Snags” McKenzie makes his 150th game milestone this weekend vs Fitzroy. Snags has been a clubhouse leader for a number of seasons now, and has become a staple of our Senior backline in the process. Snags came through the Club in 2015 as quiet 18 year old, and slowly developed through the ranks to become a forward in the 2s before debuting in the Seniors to help cover injuries. Not satisfied with being a depth player, Sam continued to work hard and developed out of sight - he would now be one of the first magnets thrown on the board when picking the team. Remarkably consistent, prior to this season - Sam had missed only 2 games (not including covid cancellations). However in game 148, an unfortunate hand injury meant missing a chunk of games in 2024. We are stoked to have him back on the team and celebrating one of the most reserved players at the Club who always lets his footy do the talking. Go well Sam!

MILESTONES

150

Ed Mahady (St Bernards)

Good luck to Ed Mahady on his 150th VAFA game for the club. After playing his Junior footy at St Patricks and in the Hume Football League Ed joined St Bernards U19 program before establishing himself as a regular mainstay in our Reserves line up. Ed enjoyed a strong 2023 season culminating in his role in our dominant Reserves Premiership win. Ed has been a popular and committed clubman who continues to make a great contribution both on and off field. Well done Ed!

150 Sam Stait (Ormond)

Staity joined Ormond in the U/10s. He first played in the seniors in 2013 and has been a part of the senior leadership group. He has played in reserves premierships in 2017 and 2018 and played in senior grand finals in 2013 and 2015. Congratulations from everyone at Ormond on reaching this milestone.

Ben Ayache (St John’s OC)

200

Congratulations to Ben on 200games. Joining the U18’s program in 2010, Ben quickly became a senior footballer making his senior debt that same year. Ben is your quintessential clubman, stepping up to do many roles across his 15 years at the club. On field he is Mr Fix it playing in a variety of roles & always putting the team first, whether we need a key back or key forward, even a ruck, he will put his hand up to do the roll although usually undersized. Out of 200 games, 170 have been with the senior team. Such a fantastic effort & the club thanks him for sticking around through the tough times, without guys like Ben, the JOCS wouldn’t be around today. All the best in your 200th Ben!

Ben Fullerton (Glen Eira/Old McKinnon)

200

200

Congratulations to Ben Fullerton on playing 200 games. Ben started out at the Monash Gryphons in 2009 as a reliable key back and nothing has changed since. Playing both Reserves and Senior football, including a stint as Senior ruckman in 2017, Ben’s contribution has also been significant off-field. A former Monash Gryphons executive quality human being, we look forward to Ben continuing to be a part of our great club for years to come.

Simon Bennett (Old Camberwell)

Congratulations to Simon “Simo” Bennett who last week against Old Haileybury played his 200th game for the Wellers. Simo followed his older brother Phil to the club in 2009 and enjoyed immediate success with the Under 19s that year playing in a premiership. The following year, playing in the U19s Premier division, he won the team’s Best & Fairest award and was promoted to the Senior XV111 to play his first senior match in the First Semi Final that year, as a key position player. Simo captained the Club in 2019 – 2022, leading by example, voice and presence. Congratulations Simo, you are a Club great, and on behalf of the entire Old Camberwell community, we wish you and your family well for the future and we are all so proud of knowing and playing with you.

THIS ROUND’S GAMES

William Buck Premier Men’s

Fitzroy vUniversity Blacks

Old Scotch vCollegians

St Kevins vSt Bernards

University Blues vOld Melburnians

Old BrightonvOld Xaverians

William Buck Premier Men’s Reserves

Fitzroy vUniversity Blacks

Old Scotch vCollegians

St Kevins vSt Bernards

University Blues vOld Melburnians

Premier B Men’s

Old BrightonvOld Xaverians

Beaumaris vOld Trinity

Caulfield Grammarians vOld Camberwell

Old Haileybury vOld Ivanhoe

St Bedes / Mentone Tigers vWilliamstown CYMS

De La SallevOld Geelong

Premier B Men’s Reserves

Beaumaris vOld Trinity

Caulfield Grammarians vOld Camberwell

Old Haileybury vOld Ivanhoe

St Bedes / Mentone Tigers vWilliamstown CYMS De La SallevOld Geelong

Premier C Men’s

Glen Eira / Old McKinnon vMonash Blues

Marcellin vMazenod

Old Carey vAJAX Parkdale Vultures vPEGS OakleighvHampton Rovers

Premier C Men’s Reserves

Glen Eira / Old McKinnon vMonash Blues

Marcellin vMazenod

Old Carey vAJAX Parkdale Vultures vPEGS OakleighvHampton Rovers

William Buck Premier Women’s

Caulfield Grammarians vWest Brunswick

Coburg vSt Kevins

Collegians vOld Scotch Monash Blues vKew Old Yarra CobrasvMUWFC

William Buck Premier Women’s Reserve

Caulfield Grammarians vWest Brunswick

Coburg vSt Kevins

Collegians vOld Scotch Monash Blues vKew Old Yarra CobrasvMUWFC

PLAYER ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

Not feeling like yourself lately?

Not sure how to deal with Mental Health challenges?

Are you feeling more stressed or anxious than normal?

Do you need someone to talk to?

The VAFA Player Assistance Program provides all current registered VAFA players with access to FREE counselling services with a qualified practitioner.

WOMENS RESULTS

DIVISION 1 WOMENS

Marcellin:

Parkdale:

(64)

(33)

GOALS: Marcellin: T. Zagontinos 3, Z. GLASCOTT 2, L. Robertson 1, A. Pane 1, T. Oates 1, J. Getson 1

GOALS: Parkdale: L. Burgess 2, R. Dalach 1, B. Allen 1, M. Medcraft 1

BEST: Marcellin: J. Walker, A. Pane, T. Oates, S. McMillan, J. Balch, B. Harvey

BEST: Parkdale: L. Burgess, I. Daddo, r. watson, B. Allen, C. Pate, E. Wilson

DIVISION 2 WOMEN’S

Whitefriars:

Hampton Rovers:

GOALS: Whitefriars: H. Notting 2, A. Mattioli 1

GOALS: Hampton Rovers: M. Miller 4, A. Graham 1, M. Smith 1

(41)

BEST: Whitefriars: C. Fernandes, C. Ryan, C. Notting, K. Wallace, R. Smith, M. Smith

BEST: Hampton Rovers: M. Miller, K. Geddes, I. Cameron, c. cameron, O. Tuppen, M. Naylor

DIVISION 3 WOMEN’S

La Salle:

GOALS: La Trobe: J. Yew 1, I. Hart 1

GOALS: De La Salle:

BEST: La Trobe: K. Bond, J. Lowry, T. D’Angelo, E. Lauritsen, G. Molloy, K. Ritchie

BEST: De La Salle:

(4)

DIVISION 4 WOMEN’S

GOALS: St Kevins: J. Mounas 2, p. edwards 1

GOALS: MCC: H. Brodribb 1

BEST: St Kevins: L. Leckey, L. Straford, M. Harrington, J. Mounas, P. Stephenson, p. edwards

BEST: MCC: R. Strickland, E. Pratt, C. Sexton, R. Wade, H. Brodribb, I. Jeffrey

GOALS: Albert Park: R. O’Donnell 2, A. Wilson 2, J. Griffin 1, B. Grining 1, K. Lang 1

GOALS: Kew: R. Young 1

BEST: Albert Park: G. Roberts, R. O’Donnell, K. Talbot, B. Grining, B. Turner, D. Faqihah

BEST: Kew: P. Lawlor, J. Feferkranz, C. Schafter-Jacoby, R. Young, L. Walby, L. Prestidge

Move with enhance performance.

THIRDS PREMIER MEN’S

Old Xaverians:

St Kevins: 1.0

THIRDS RESULTS

(60)

(65)

GOALS: Old Xaverians: S. Asdagi 4, T. Mantesso 2, T. Amalfi 1, O. Tehan 1

GOALS: St Kevins: M. Canning 4, O. Doyle 1, J. Martin 1, J. Ritchie 1, J. Romanin 1, J. Arazi 1

BEST: Old Xaverians: T. Mantesso, S. Asdagi, J. Kennedy, B. Whelan, G. villiers de casanove, J. Alexeyeff

BEST: St Kevins: J. Romanin, M. Canning, H. Carlin, O. Doyle, A. Butler, J. Liszukiewicz

THIRDS DIVISION 1 MEN’S

GOALS: Old Xaverians 2: J. Hanger 2, W. Curtis 2, D. Nash 2, P. Cockerill 1, L. Strathdee 1

GOALS: St Kevins 2: R. Caldow 4, X. Dietze 2, J. Chaffey 2

BEST: Old Xaverians 2: E. Ponari, W. Curtis, O. Silk, N. Nunan, J. Hanger, W. Mantesso

BEST: St Kevins 2: L. Haig, Z. Close, H. Read, C. Lanyon, C. Dachs, J. Chaffey

THIRDS DIVISION 2 MEN’S SOUTH

De La Salle:

(38) Mentone Panthers:

GOALS: De La Salle: G. Moutsidis 2, B. Richter 1, D. Kaminaris 1, H. Pietsch 1

GOALS: Mentone Panthers: C. Sharp 4, L. Hull 2, B. Rossi 2, T. Wiltshire 1, F. Angus 1, G. McMullan 1, D. Mills 1, J. henderson 1, K. Smith-Cameron 1

BEST: De La Salle: D. Kaminaris, L. Thomas, D. Melissinos, B. Melissinos, J. Ingram, L. Appleton

BEST: Mentone Panthers: C. Sharp, G. Snow, K. Smith-Cameron, B. Rossi, T. Wiltshire, M. Parker

THIRDS DIVISION 2 MEN’S NORTH

Old Xaverians 3:

Old Carey:

GOALS: Old Xaverians 3: J. Lyon 2, C. Abrahams 1, E. Chiodo 1, S. Stanley 1, M. Perrett 1

GOALS: Old Carey: D. Wolters 2, J. Best 1, G. Trumbull 1

BEST: Old Xaverians 3: S. Stanley, W. Veljkovic, D. O’Shannassy, T. Lyon, M. Speakman, C. Kim

BEST: Old Carey: D. Maurice, J. Virgona, J. Kierce, D. Wolters, D. Bolton, T. Atkins

THIRDS DIVISION 3 MENS SOUTH

(30)

GOALS: Mazenod OC: C. Chilcott 4, C. Hronopoulos 3, S. Davis 2, N. Klavins 2, S. Mann 1, J. Cetraro 1, J. Mazzeo 1

GOALS: Parkdale: S. Chitty 2, O. Long-Remfry 1, E. Williams 1

BEST: Mazenod OC:

BEST: Parkdale: E. Williams, D. Strom, M. Graham, C. Lalor, O. Long-Remfry, S. Chitty

THIRDS DIVISION 3 MEN’S NORTH

Old Ivanhoe:

GOALS: Old Ivanhoe: T. Owen 4, N. Stratov 1, A. Steer 1, A. Mckern 1, M. Volpe 1

(55)

GOALS: Whitefriars: S. Linkin 2, C. Dentith 2, S. Franklin 1, Z. Kornitschuk 1, D. Maher 1, N. Mannix 1

BEST: Old Ivanhoe: J. Fear, J. Coco, A. Mckern, Z. Soulaiman, D. Edwards, J. Simpson

BEST: Whitefriars: N. Mannix, B. Linkin, L. Fox, Z. Glover, C. Dentith, Z. Kornitschuk

SHARPSHOOTERS

SHARPSHOOTERS

OrthoSport Victoria 13 surgeons across multiple Melbourne locations highly trained in the diagnosis, treatment and management of all musculoskeletal conditions and injuries.

Surgeons at OrthoSport Victoria specialise in the following areas:

Knee problems

Hip problems

Shoulder problems

Foot & Ankle problems

Sports injuries

Arthritis surgery

Trauma & Limb reconstructions

Hand, wrist & elbow surgery

Fractures & broken bones

Joint replacement surgery

WILLIAM BUCK PREMIER MEN’S

P W L D

Old Brighton 161420056148.72 Old Scotch 161240048139.04 St Kevins 161141046120.46

Old Xaverians 16970036 115.68

Collegians 16970036 109.29

University Blues 16610002485.47

University Blacks 16610002479.43

St Bernards 16511002089.02

Fitzroy 16412001672.1

Old Melburnians 16312101475.38

BUCK PREMIER MEN’S RESERVES

161330052138.81

161150044191.28

161060040114.51

1679002893.31

16 79002881.96

16610002481.46

16610002476.01

16412001662.67

1601600031.4

PREMIER B MEN’S RESERVES

171331054157.53 De La Salle 171340052155.16 Old

17512002080.21

Caulfield Grammarians 17413001676.49 St Bedes / Mentone Tigers 1721500861.95

171520060211.3

171520060196.49

171160044150.9

17 98003690.45

17710002870.09

17611002492.15

17413001665.35

1711600448.13

DIVISION 1

181620064196.74

181350052158.25

181260048136.16

181260048128.29

Peninsula 181080040104.24 Kew 18 891034 102.09

Bullants 18710103085.66 Therry Penola 18513002063.52 West Brunswick 18414001662.79 Old Yarra Cobras 1821600853.8

181530060150.53

181251050111.25

181260048122.09 Whitefriars 181161046125.02 Hawthorn 181170044104.82

18710103092.47 St Marys Salesian 18611102696.86 Aquinas 18513002075.67

Park 18413101879.82

18413101868.24

WILLIAM BUCK PREMIER WOMEN’S

TEAM P W L D B PTS%

Old Scotch 171610064426.72

St Kevins 171610064347.43

Kew 171160044157.11

Caulfield Grammarians 171061042122.54

West Brunswick 17107004090.99

Collegians 1798003694.62

Coburg 17413001662.42

MUWFC 17313101465.95

Old Yarra Cobras 17314001241.11

Monash Blues 1721500822.34

WILLIAM BUCK PREMIER WOMEN’S RESERVES

TEAM P W L D B PTS% Collegians 171520060502.52

Kew 171520060404.19

Old Scotch 171340052185.57

West Brunswick 171250048173.97

St Kevins 171070040213.71

Caulfield Grammarians 17710002875.09

Coburg 17 59102250.91

Old Yarra Cobras 17313101443.93

Monash Blues 1721500823.27

MUWFC 1721500816.55

DIVISION 1

161150044267.33

16511002081.78 Aquinas 16412001626.92

16313001242.02

P