Challenges of the travel bug!

From the numerous discussions I have had with Club representatives, it is abundantly clear that the impact of COVID will continue to have a flow on effect on participation levels in season 2023.

Having been locked down for the majority of 2020 and 2021, followed by uncertainty and some travel restrictions still impacting 2022, this year is the first time in four years when many of our youth in this state were able to confidently make travel plans.

The northern summer appears to be a huge attraction to many of our VAFA players who have booked overseas trips this year. And no one can begrudge them for taking the opportunities that they have been denied until this point.

It’s acknowledged though, that the unprecedented volume of those players departing our shores will prove to be an enormous challenge for many of our Clubs this year. Stories of 17+ players from a single Club heading away for one, two or more months is not an uncommon tale, and many a VAFA coach is nervous about their team’s performance as we head into our winter without their full squad available.

In some instances, the impact will be felt heaviest by those teams without strong player numbers in reserve. No doubt, despite their best recruiting efforts, we can expect to see some teams struggle to field full teams at times.

In this regard, I have been super impressed by some recent great examples of Clubs already collaborating and sharing ‘excess’ players, to ensure everyone was getting a weekly game of football in, where possible.

There is another lever available in the women’s programme to help overcome the loss of players. Women’s teams have the ability to share players with an upcoming opposition team each week, in order to even up numbers

Jason ReddickCEO

and provide a competitive match day experience for everyone.

Whilst the odd coach may see an opportunity to bag 4 points and a huge percentage gain, there is a bigger picture focus that needs to be taken (especially in the lower grades where the impact of falling player numbers is felt most). It is critical that we don’t have teams with reduced numbers getting belted on the scoreboard each week and ultimately leaving some players not wanting to continue, which then leads to the team being unable to field a team for the rest of the season. That then leads to byes and impacts the players in all the other Clubs. Again, the majority of Clubs understand this scenario and are more than willing to share their players when requested.

These supportive actions typify the tremendous VAFA spirit that exists in our competition, and I commend all those Club leaders who are facilitating this. Without your efforts, hundreds of players would be missing out on games of football each week, which can often lead to many of those players being ‘lost’ to the game permanently. And nobody wants that.

Of course, every cloud has a silver lining, and the departure of some senior players in the higher grades will provide earlier than expected opportunities for those players who are required to ‹step up’ and fill the breach. This fast-track development can be priceless for many and the turning point in enabling them to reach their potential, to the extent that the returning travellers may have to work their way back through the twos in order to reclaim their original spot. Once again, a competitive environment is healthy for everyone.

Joe Pignataro

Brace yourselves, the winter grind is coming

Heading into the first weekend of winter in Melbourne our William Buck Premier clubs are juggling injury lists, and the upcoming European sojourns to chase the sun.

The RSN Xtra commentary team is not alone in this as Josh Heriot follows suit, excited to eat the strawberries and cream at Wimbledon, trying to pick the quaddie at Royal Ascot, see the Aussies knock over the Poms and take plenty of photos of old buildings.

For the rest of us, who are lucky enough to be staying in the city of footy, we’ll no doubt be treated to high pressure, high octane contests with this next block of the season determining the lay of the land in the run to the finals.

Shop early, and avoid the rush. Wins, and strong form here is equally as important as the final month of the home and away season. The reigning premiers St Kevin’s have done that and wouldn’t be too fazed about having lost two games in a row. However, the margin and inability to stop the momentum of Collegians has left Plugger Lynch scratching his head, at the same time embracing this challenge. They wouldn’t want to make it three in a row when they face the in-form University Blues at the Melbourne Uni Oval.

The last time they did lose three in a row, rounds 15, 16 and 17 of 2016. The only season since 2011 where the club hasn’t reached the finals series in Premier B or the VAFA’s top-flight.

This is a genuine toss of the coin battle, the Blues have put up three straight wins beating Old Brighton, Collegians and Caulfield. Familiar names Ayce Cordy, Tom Young, Cam O’Shea are playing as well as ever.

Marty Gleeson, the best player at the Uni Blues is more unlikely than likely to take his place having finished last week’s game on crutches with ice on his knee. Guy Martyn has told VAFA Media Sam Grimley and Dane Crognale won’t return before the mid-season bye.

The midfield match up of Ed Ziebath and Luke Winter, two young guns will excite those watching on. Al Richards running one way, Charlie Furphy running the other. And, James Paterson in front of the Blues goal, while Paddy Kerr is threatening to bust a game open.

The RSN Xtra Match of the Day heads to Camberwell Sports Park. Old Scotch has stunned everyone who is on the outside of the Cardinals. Internally this is what they’ve been building towards since promotion after the 2019 B-Grade Grand Final.

Five wins in a row. The one loss they’ve experienced, against Collegians by 10 points. University Blacks have had patches of their best footy across the first seven rounds. Last weekend it all came together.

While Josh Steadman is capable of exposing the Cardinals in the ruck division, the midfield under Mark Gnatt will be at his feet waiting to scoop up every crumb. With so much focus on the youth at Old Scotch, this is a battle of the wise heads, Andrew Jelbart and Aiden Franetic against Louis Vescio and Lachie Knight.

Campbell Moorfield and Joel Ernest have been enormous for the Blacks in their rise into William Buck Premier. One of them will have the tough task of clamping an in-form James Tarrant. 21 goals for the year, averaging three goals a game.

Blacks cannot afford to let the impressive work of last week go to waste, this is a prime opportunity to keep the momentum going and knock the current ladder leaders off their perch.

These two sides are renewing hostilities for the first time since the 2019 B-Grade Preliminary Final, a classic at Elsternwick Park. On that day, much like this season, the Cardinals ran out the full 120 minutes. If Uni Blacks are to walk off the ground winners, they’ll have to do exactly that this Saturday.

I’m excited for what’s to come at Elsternwick Park. Old Melburnians have won two games in a row and the tables are starting to turn. Old Brighton have experienced the high of beating St Kevin’s at the TH King Oval, before going down to Old Scotch seven days ago.

Dan Donati is balancing the European trips, the injury list and the ebbs and flows of VAFA footy that he knows so well. Paul Satterley’s OM’s are working their way back into the season, one weekend at a time.

Jackson Paine is the club’s barometer. This year he is proving he doesn’t need to kick a magical goal to lift the side, he can do so with a big pack mark, a centre clearance or a bone-crunching tackle. His teammates thrive off ‘Jacko’ and they’ll need to feed off his energy if they’re to knock off the Tonners.

Sam Collins will have the job nullifying the influence of Tom Baker who kicked eight goals against Old Haileybury. Tom Blamires was back in the side last week for his second appearance of the season. As was Max Lohan who will add further strength to the backline of the Tonners.

Both sides are missing key personnel - Harry Hill, Hamish Dick are the obvious two for Brighton, Ed Nicholls and Charles Dowling have been the playmakers for OM’s throughout the first part of the season. OM’s have used the turnover game to their advantage in the past fortnight. If they’re to keep on that trajectory it will go a long way to making it three wins on the bounce. Old Brighton will be hell bent on turning the tables from last week’s performance.

Collegians, there was so much to like about the performance against St Kevin’s. Jared Rivers’ men showing the round six performance against Uni Blues was an aberration. They were clinical from the opening bounce, and didn’t let up.

Sam Hibbins put in his best game of the season, owning the midfield. Supported by Viv Michie, King Kenny Ong and Gentleman Jim Bazzani. Irrepressible. And, while handing out praise to the Lions midfield, Will Mayhood has been exceptional in the ruck.

He is undersized compared to his opponents, without Ben Woodful he has given everything he has to every contest and if you’re Greg Hutchison, looking for a back-up ruckman who can play other positions around the ground, strongly consider the Bear in the Collegians centre square.

Caulfield Grammarians by their own admission are in a transition year. Will Bowes, the club President said as much to VAFA Media last Saturday. However, there’s always something you can take from these games, while the transition occurs.

Oscar Roberts will have his work cut out for him at the Harry Trott Oval against the likes of Ed Greene, Alex Lukic, Teigan Otter and Will Pocknee. He won’t die wondering. Oscar Ursini can present as a ‘nuisance’ for the Collegians defence. Julian Dobosz, if he gets it within 60 metres of goal, let him launch.

The expectation is that Collegians win. And, they should. It’s an opportunity for them to put another side in the bottom four to the sword, being one of four teams going into this weekend with fi ve wins, and two losses, another boost of the percentage to stay ahead of that pack will be pivotal in the run home.

Old Xaverians will welcome Old Haileybury to Xavier College on Sunday this weekend. Due to ground availability, James Byrnes’ side has an extra day to prepare for the bounce back after last week’s loss to Uni Blacks.

Old Haileybury went goal-for-goal with the OM’s last weekend. In the past fortnight, Daniel Ward’s side haven’t had a problem getting the ball inside 50 and having enough looks at goal. Lachie Treverton, the lynchpin from clearances to assist in getting the ball moving their way.

Not all seems right at the moment with the Old Xaverians, the opening month of 2018 was the last time the red and black mafia dropped four games in a row. A win this weekend won’t wallpaper over the cracks, but it will go a long way to rectifying this season and putting them to an equal win-loss ratio.

Marcus Stavrou’s return last week is an important inclusion, three goals and part of the best, he will be even better for the run coming into this week.

Charlie MacIsaac and Ben Bilston-McGillen may hold the key to unlocking the Xav’s forward line, fi ve goals between them last weekend. Both capable of being fire-starters and momentum builders.

These two sides haven’t met since 2011. It’s been a long time between drinks. And they’ll have to wait an extra day for their meeting to occur.

The winter grind is about to kick in, Saturday (and Sunday) afternoon around the grounds with a scarf, old coat, a beanie and a hot chocolate to keep warm while watching the best 10 teams in the competition battle it out. Where else would you want to be?

Round 7 Results

2023 WILLIAM BUCK PREMIER MEN’S

GOALS: University Blues: J. Paterson 4, A. Cordy 2, C. Furphy 2, J. Nagle 2, T. Cossar 2, J. Harrington 2, J. Goddard 1, N. Evans 1, T. Young 1

Caulfield Grammarians: O. Ursini 3, J. Rouget 2, J. Dobosz 2, W. Kennedy 1

BEST: University Blues: J. Paterson, M. Crocker, M. Taylor, E. Ziebarth, I. Dykes, C. Furphy

Caulfield Grammarians: W. Vesely, O. Roberts, O. Ursini, P. Bannister, D. Twist , J. Ellwood

GOALS: Collegians: A. Lukic 4, C. Walker 3, E. Greene 2, W. Pewtress 2, S. Hibbins 1, W. Mayhood 1, T. Otter 1, L. Ferguson 1, K. Ong 1, J. Carroll 1

St Kevins: M. Wallis 3, C. Hodges 1, R. Larcher 1, P. Kerr 1, J. Darmody 1, T. Pirola 1

BEST: Collegians: S. Sofronidis, S. Hibbins, K. George, A. Lukic, K. Ong, W. Mayhood

St Kevins: M. Wallis, L. Merrett, J. Darmody, J. Tynan, H. Wardlaw, L. Winter

Old

GOALS: Old Scotch: M. Allen 6, J. Tarrant 2, C. Harvey 2, R. Valentine 2, R. Galvin 1, A. Jelbart 1, H. Brown 1, B. Hays 1

Old Brighton: M. Karayannis 2, B. Pryor 1, C. Hathway 1, T. Burnell 1, L. Otto 1, F. Campigli 1, F. Flockart 1

BEST: Old Scotch: H. Bromell, M. Allen, J. Brown, H. Brown, A. Franetic, B. Hays

Old Brighton: T. Burnell, K. Dimattina, T. Blamires, F. Flockart, F. Murray, M. Karayannis

GOALS: Old Melburnians: T. Baker 8, E. Smart 4, A. Brown 2, W. Nichols 1, S. Kelly 1, E. Michelmore 1, A. Richardson 1, J. Roysmith 1, L. Haysman 1

Old Haileybury: H. Jones 4, D. Seccull 2, J. Munro 2, M. Walstab 1, S. Loewe 1, B. Steele 1, C. Rich 1, P. Gleadhill 1, M. Rose 1

BEST: Old Melburnians: T. Baker, J. Paine, E. Smart, E. Michelmore, R. Morrison, A. Richardson

Old Haileybury: W. Paul, H. Jones, M. Sinclair, L. Treverton, C. Sinclair, B. Steele

GOALS: University Blacks: M. Grocott 4, L. Vescio 2, T. Larby 1, A. McKinna 1,

Hey 1, J. Ernest 1, M. Dow 1, H. Curnow 1, J. Steadman 1, B. Oliver 1

Old Xaverians: C. MacIsaac 3, M. Stavrou 3, B. Bilston-McGillen 2, J. Hewitt 2, D. Tuddenham 1, B. Moyle 1

BEST: University Blacks: J. Steadman, C. Moorfield, L. Vescio, M. Grocott, J. Cassidy, S. McKenzie

Old Xaverians: M. Stavrou, J. Troiani, A. Spralja, A. Trigar, J. Hewitt, C. MacIsaac

2023 PREMIER RESERVE MEN’S

Grammarians

University Blues: P. Sweet 4, N. Conway 4, C. Pleming

E. Guida

B. Coleman

L. Gee 1, S. McMenamin 1

Caulfield Grammarians: L. Edwards 2, J. Waldron 1

BEST: University Blues: S. Hodge, B. Townson, N. Conway, B. Coleman, P. Sweet, W. Mcculloch

Caulfield Grammarians: L. Edwards, S. Vivian, O. Fox, S. Hankin, T. Stewart, H. Gates

GOALS: St Kevins: Z. Ginies 5, P. Edgar 2, J. Hill 2, N. Dachs 2, W. Cooper 2, J. Holden 1, T. Feehan 1

Collegians: W. Dean 2, S. Heriot 1, B. Darrou 1, B. Van Twest 1

BEST: St Kevins: P. Croagh, Z. Ginies, P. Edgar, C. Jones, C. Woolrich, T. Andriske

Collegians: A. Fahie, W. Damico, E. Rice, W. Macdonald, Z. Bowes, C. Watson Old

Brighton

GOALS: Old Scotch: W. Clark 2, L. Dennis 2, W. Griffin 1, A. Jones 1, J. Edwards 1, C. Goodison 1

Old Brighton: M. Ho 2, D. McConnon 1, K. Stewart 1, L. Caldwell 1

BEST: Old Scotch: M. Bennett, R. Spark, W. Griffin, C. Schilling, F. Morrisby, C. Goodison

Old Brighton: J. Bortolussi, L. Caldwell, M. Freeman, E. Tait, D. Lynch, D. McConnon

Old Melburnians

Old Haileybury

(132)

(32)

GOALS: Old Melburnians: J. Regan 7, O. Dowd 2, S. Gibbons 2, D. Dowling 2, S. Connock 2, C. Long 1, O. Hurley 1, S. Anderson 1, A. Chirnside 1, C. Nairn 1

Old Haileybury: C. Racunica 2, C. Nolan 1, J. Gillon 1, W. Gown 1

BEST: Old Melburnians: C. Long, J. Regan, S. Anderson, S. Gibbons, J. Thompson, D. Dowling

Old Haileybury: C. Racunica, W. Gown, J. Gown, J. Grenda, C. Chow, J. Johnston

Old Xaverians

GOALS: Old Xaverians: C. Knott 4, W. Hart 3, B. Kennedy 3, T. Lowe 2, E. Niall 2, C. Westcott 2, A. Sheedy 1, M. Exell 1, D. Fitzgerald 1

University Blacks: L. Pereira 2, J. Carpenter 1, J. Kennedy 1, J. Sleep 1

BEST: Old Xaverians: B. Kennedy, E. Niall, C. Knott, A. Sheedy, T. Lowe, J. Hess

University Blacks: L. Pereira, J. Carpenter, J. Kennedy, T. Cousins, R. Porter, J. Sleep

Ireland

Last year’s grand finalists fall down the ladder, whilst two contenders take a hit

Caulfield Grammarians continued their fall down the ladder this weekend, losing to Coburg by the narrowest of margins. Meanwhile, the top four played off against each other this weekend, with Kew and St Kevins proving they are the real deal, knocking off the other contenders in Old Scotch and Collegians.

Coburg secured a narrow 2-point win over Caulfield Grammarians, with a goal in the last quarter putting them ahead for the first time in the game and most importantly at the final siren. Caulfield got on the ball early, kicking three goals in the first quarter, but only managing another two for the game which ultimately cost them the match. Last year’s grand finalists have now fallen to seventh on the ladder as Coburg jumps up to sixth.

Stephanie Filbay and Sheridan Bennett were the Lions’ best, both kicking two goals, whilst Marguerite Purcell was Caulfield’s best. Next up, Coburg will host West Brunswick in what should be a close game, whilst Caulfield will host a tough opponent in Collegians. Having beat SKOB and Caulfield over the last few weeks, Old Scotch would have come into this clash as the favourites and looking for their fourth win in a row. However, Kew spoiled their party and snapped their winning streak. A two-goal to one second quarter was ultimately the difference, with Scotch playing catch up for the rest of the match and falling one goal short. Kew now take retain spot, whilst Old Scotch falls to fourth.

Mia Caffry was best on for Scotch, whilst Amelia Dawborn was Kew’s best after kicking two goals. Tennille Nash also kicked two goals for Kew. Lily Barr was once again in Kew’s best for the fifth time this season. Next week, Kew will take part in a top of the table clash against St Kevins in what will be the match of the round, whilst Old Scotch will travel to take on Fitzroy.

SKOB returned fresh from the bye with a dominant showing over Collegians, winning by 38 points. Collegians failed to score a goal for the game, managing only five points and none after half time. This had promised to be an exciting match between two top-four teams however, unfortunately did not live up to the hype. Collegians only move to third on the ladder, whilst SKOB are back in second place.

Emily Sainty was Collegians best. Zara Guss was SKOB’s best, whilst Emily Condon was once again in the best for the fifth time this season. Next up, Collegians will travel to Glen Huntly Oval to play Caulfield in the morning, whilst in the afternoon, St Kevins will host Kew in a top of the table clash.

West Brunswick recorded their third win in a row against Melbourne Uni Women’s, only allowing them to kick one goal, which came in the final quarter. The Magpies set themselves up for the game in the first quarter, scoring 32 points in the first quarter to Melbourne Uni’s zero. It was a pretty dire affair for the rest of the game, with a total of 17 points between the teams scored after quarter time.

Sophie Stewart scored three goals for the Magpies, whilst Isabella Robson was Melbourne Uni’s sole goal scorer. Taylah Watson was best on for Brunswick whilst Nell Washington was Melbourne Uni’s best. Next up, West Brunswick play Coburg whilst Melbourne Uni Women’s have the bye.

Caulfield

Round 8 Tips

St Kevinsv Kew

Fitzroy v Old Scotch

Coburg v West Brunswick

Round 7 Results

2023 WILLIAM BUCK PREMIER WOMEN’S

GOALS: Coburg: S. Filbay 2, S. Bennett 2, E. Mangan 1

Caulfield Grammarians: S. Kuo 2, S. Highnam 1, C. O’Malley 1, T. Hurst 1

BEST: Coburg: S. Filbay, S. Bennett, L. Collis, N. Phipps, H. Baber, D. Abela

Caulfield Grammarians: M. Purcell, S. Pribil, M. Duffy, A. Sutherland, J. Mount, B. Wolhuter

GOALS: Kew FC: T. Nash 2, A. Dawborn 2

Old Scotch: A. Arundel 1, L. Morley 1, E. Robins 1

BEST: Kew FC: A. Dawborn, S. Griffin, L. Barr, G. Osborne, L. Mayne, T. Nash

Old Scotch: M. Caffry, S. Anghie, G. Fraser-Smith, A. McCulloch, M. Wells, E. Rosenow

GOALS: St Kevins: C. Stanton 2, Z. Guss 2, C. Straford 1, J. Joyce

Collegians:

BEST: St Kevins: Z. Guss, E. Condon, J. Joyce, M. Gleeson, M. McDonough, C. Straford

Collegians: E. Sainty, J. Gardner, J. Colwell, O. Box, F. Parker

GOALS: West Brunswick AFC: S. Stewart 3, O. Artaiz 1, L. Parrington 1, B. Walsh 1

Melbourne University: I. Robson 1

BEST: West Brunswick AFC: T. Watson, E. Banfield, K. De Pellegrini, S. Stewart, O. Artaiz, U. Fithall

Melbourne University: N. Washington, A. McGinty, F. Walsh, K. Archer, R. Beuzeville, E. Gorman-Jacobs

2023 PREMIER WOMEN’S RESERVE

GOALS: Coburg: E. Balaburov 3, A. Vine 1, A. Wenban 1, M. Kotas 1, J. Mcardle 1

Caulfield Grammarians: L. Yarrow 1

BEST: Coburg: M. Rodezno, A. Wenban, E. Balaburov, J. Smith, S. Griffin, A. Adams

Caulfield Grammarians: L. Toovey, G. Varcoe, I. Coleman, C. Malliaras, R. Hong, B. Connor

GOALS: Kew FC: K. Shaw 6, Y. Vinycomb 2, J. Feferkranz 2, E. Buckley 1, E. BurdettMoore 1

Old Scotch: G. Jansen 1

BEST: Kew FC: K. Shaw, K. Camilleri, R. Toose, A. Schuller, J. Gould, J. Feferkranz Old Scotch: O. McCredie, M. Bornas, L. Johnson, A. Boreham, A. Gration, G. Jansen Collegians

GOALS: Collegians:

St Kevins:

BEST: Collegians:

St Kevins: L. Murray, G. Nolan, A. Lewis, S. Chong, J. Mounas, I. Hoal

GOALS: West Brunswick AFC: C. Carney 2

Melbourne University: C. Mallia 1

BEST: West Brunswick AFC: M. Mullins, H. Theophania, I. Roberts, M. Hammond, C. Carney, S. Townsend

Melbourne University: E. Jorgensen, E. Ennever, P. Miller, C. Gaunt, M. Dorz, M. Salafia

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Josh Heriot Access Team Lists on GameDay via VAFA.com.au

AJAX claim their first win as Trinity hold on in a nail-biter.

Round 7 saw AJAX produce a stunning victory to bring up their first win of the season with every team but Monash Blues with a win on the board. However, the last few rounds have seen the Premier B ladder stay relatively stable with little change.

St Bernards have made it seven wins in a row as they kept Old Geelong to just three goals for the afternoon to win by 65-points. Old Geelong was restricted to one goal after quarter time with the Snowdogs defence on full display to stifle the Geelong attack. Luke Di Lozio and Zac Overman were busy in the forward half for St Bernard’s with both kicking three goals with the Snowdogs finishing with eight individual goal scorers. Meanwhile Matthew Sauro produced a best on ground performance for the Snowdogs.

Old Geelong’s Sam Harrison fought gallantly for his side as he was named their best player but the Snowdog’s once against showed a touch more polish and class with their biggest test of the season to come this weekend.

It’s becoming more of a habit of reporting on Fitzroy winning and they did just that over the weekend. It was to be their toughest challenge yet in terms of a match up, but they delivered the goods to beat Beaumaris by 42 points. Ted Clayton was in scintillating form with five majors and named best on ground for the Roys. He has now kicked 13 goals for the season and trails Charlie Faubel (16 goals) as the clubs leading goal kicker. Donovan Toohey was also strong for the Roys.

Fitzroy along with St Bernards, remain undefeated and two games clear of the Sharks placed in third spot on the ladder. For Beaumaris, they were assisted by Benedict Andrews who hit the scoreboard with two majors with Joseph Nowell their best players. Callum Heath also continues his sensational form this season with another game amongst the best for the Sharks.

De La Salle responded well after their Round 6 loss to the Tigers with an 11-point win over Williamstown CYMS. They were able to start in tremendous style with six goals to one in the first quarter to get the early jump and expand a margin to 36 points. However, it was quick response from Williamstown as they then piled on six goals in the second quarter to cut the margin back to 13 points.

De La Salle were able to hold despite a further five goals to Williamstown in the last as they generated a late fightback. Archi Manton was in fine form with six goals and named as Williamstown’s best player with Liam Conway also kicking two majors. Meanwhile, for De La Salle Josh Cumberlidge was named their best as he also kicked two goals along with Luke Lloyd with booted four and Adrian Indovino who kicked three.

The closest game of the round saw Old Trinity prevail by just two points against St Bedes/Mentone out at the Daley Oval. It was an incredibly tight contest for much of the afternoon with scores level at the main break before Trinity were able to pull clear by 20 points at the final change. The Tigers kicked four last quarter goals to give Trinity a big scare, but it wasn’t quite enough to square things into their favour.

Braydon O’Toole led the charge up forward with Michael Lewis as they both kicked three goals with Nick Grech their best. For Trinity, Dominic Payman was their best with three majors along with Alex Emery with two. Oliver Scott was also strong as he continues his solid form this season.

The highlight of the weekend was seeing AJAX claim their first victory of the season against Monash Blues. It was a terrific game of football with a high scoring affair coming down to just 6 points. The Blues led at both half time and three-quarter time, but AJAX were always within touching distance with four final quarter goals. AJAX finished with 11 individual goal scorers with Richie Simon leading the way down forward with three. Kane Nissenbaum had a best on ground performance along with two majors for AJAX, while Hutch Davis also proved to be influential for the side.

Round 7 Results

2023 PREMIER B MEN’S

Williamstown CYMS

GOALS: De La Salle: L. Lloyd 4, A. Indovino 3, J. Cumberlidge 2, L. Wood 2, T. Docherty 1, J. Williams 1, T. Lyngberg 1

Williamstown CYMS: A. Manton 6, L. Conway 2, M. Jacob 1, O. Becroft 1, W. Bokma 1, R. Chan 1, W. Smyth 1

BEST: De La Salle: J. Cumberlidge, T. Lyngberg, S. Fisher, J. Williams, C. Bedford, S. Williams

Williamstown CYMS: A. Manton, R. Chan, B. Tucker, L. Conway, R. Diwell, W. Bokma

For Monash, Mitch King was huge down forward with four goals along with Riley Smart and Nicholas Darling who both kicked three. Will Snookes was the Blues best who battled hard throughout the afternoon in what ended to be a terrific contest.

Round 8 will be a telling round for Premier B with both undefeated sides in Fitzroy and St Bernard’s facing off against each other. The Roys will have to travel to the Snakepit in what will be the most anticipated game of the season so far. Another clash worth keeping an eye on will be De La Salle and Old Geelong as they do battle out at Waverley Oval. Despite their loss on the weekend Old Geelong had been finding some consistency in their game and the round 8 clash will test both sides. Monash Blues will face St Bedes/Mentone as they look to claim their first win of the year. The final two games will see Williamstown up against Trinity and with Williamstown showing so much competitive spirit this season it could be a close contest. Beaumaris will face AJAX in the final match of the round with the Sharks looking to bounce back after their recent loss to Fitzroy.

GOALS: AJAX: R. Simon 3, B. Joel 2, K. Nissenbaum 2, M. Herzel 1, J. Wrobel 1, T. Sheezel 1, H. Davis 1, B. Caplan 1, Z. Fleisher 1, T. Lipton 1, M. Lincoln 1

Monash Blues: M. King 4, N. Darling 3, R. Smart 3, J. Flett 2, N. Angus 1, J. Kirby 1, J. Hooper 1, N. Argento 1

BEST: AJAX: K. Nissenbaum, H. Davis, B. Joel , T. Sheezel, B. Caplan, A. Bryer

Monash Blues: W. Snookes, J. Flett, D. Easson, S. Simpson, N. Argento, C. Simpson

(70) St Bedes / Mentone Tigers

GOALS: Old Trinity: D. Payman 3, B. Smith 2, A. Emery 2, E. Weatherson 1, F. Jessen 1, O. Scott 1

St Bedes / Mentone Tigers: M. Lewis 3, B. O’Toole 3, S. Barca 1, C. Lewis 1, M. Caia 1, K. Stretton 1

BEST: Old Trinity: D. Payman, T. Wenn, O. Scott, E. Weatherson, L. Mulcahy, A. Emery

St Bedes / Mentone Tigers: N. Grech, Z. Calvez, A. Cross, S. Barca, M. Lewis, K. Stretton

(68)

GOALS: Fitzroy: T. Clayton 5, B. Clayton 2, L. Minahan 2, H. Grace 2, J. Turner 1, J. Hart 1, D. Toohey 1, C. Faubel 1

Beaumaris: B. Andrews 2, J. Freeman 1, W. Skinner 1, C. Heath 1, J. Ward 1, B. Young 1, C. Murphy 1, M. Harms 1

BEST: Fitzroy: T. Clayton, D. Toohey, G. Pyers, D. Lowrie, H. Grace, T. Wilson

Beaumaris: J. Nowell, R. Virtue, C. Linehan, C. Heath, J. Gorman, J. Nardino

GOALS: St Bernards: Z. Overman 3, L. Di Lizio 3, F. McNicol 2, B. Overman 1, M. Hughes 1, D. Hanna 1, M. Holland 1, C. Vague 1

Old Geelong: M. Nicholls 1, C. Dixon 1, S. Barnett 1

BEST: St Bernards: M. Sauro, D. Hanna, J. Agresta, C. Vague, Z. Overman, M. Holland

Old Geelong: S. Harrison, S. Dixon, L. Morfoot, R. Kemp, J. Sheridan, M. Bird

2023 PREMIER B RESERVE MEN’S

GOALS: Fitzroy: C. Lester 4, L. Parker 2, B. Fendyk 2, M. Nelson 1, A. Evans 1, A. Johnson 1, P. Curcio 1

Beaumaris: J. Evans 1, J. Trew 1, C. Ryan 1, M. Barba 1

BEST: Fitzroy: S. Laidlaw, A. Johnson, C. Doherty, L. Vlassopoulos, P. McGrath, M. Deasey

Beaumaris: C. Tedde, L. Edmondson, J. Trew, O. Phillips, L. Daniels, J. Rodwell

Monash Blues

GOALS: AJAX: B. Efron 3, R. Michelson 3, B. Mond 2, A. Berlinski 1, J. Berkowitz 1, C. Nankin 1, C. Wasbutzki 1, D. Cohen 1, O. Levi-Weitzman 1, J. Velleman 1, D. Goodman 1

Monash Blues: J. Godfrey 2, J. Nguyen 1, J. Butter 1, H. Brouwer 1, K. Durdin 1, D. Torpey 1

BEST: AJAX: J. Velleman, N. Micmacher, O. Levi-Weitzman, D. Cohen, J. Berkowitz, B. Efron

Monash Blues: H. Unkenstein, L. Buck, W. Stevenson-Vissers, R. Noor, J. Godfrey, J. Butter

Old Trinity

St Bedes / Mentone Tigers 1.1

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GOALS: Old Trinity: N. Adgemis 2, O. Stella 2, L. Chiaramonte 2, L. Scobie 2, L. McLean 2, L. Martin 1, W. Cooper 1

St Bedes / Mentone Tigers: J. Patounas 1, S. Mayne 1, L. Hanson 1

BEST: Old Trinity: C. Gerwing, O. Stella, L. Milner, N. Adgemis, L. Scobie, B. Cook

St Bedes / Mentone Tigers: B. Goodchild, O. Gribben, L. Hanson, B. Berry, C. McCready, S. Browne

St Bernards

Old Geelong

GOALS: St Bernards: D. Colaco 3, S. O’Keeffe 2, M. Bateman 2, S. Miceli 1, T. Madden 1, N. Foley 1

Old Geelong: A. Crowe 3, E. Russell 2, J. Mitchell 1

BEST: St Bernards: T. Madden, M. Bateman, N. Foley, H. Thorpe, D. Colaco, R. Spicer

Old Geelong: J. Tenace, A. Crowe, L. Morwood, L. Giusti, F. Dwyer, H. McDonald

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Round 7 Report

Round 7 of the 2023 VAFA Premier B Women’s competition kicked-off with Aquinas emerged victorious in a hard-fought battle against Mazenod

Aquinas displayed their dominance from the start, keeping Mazenod scoreless in the first term and outscoring them in each quarter. There was just one goal kicked for each team after the first break as Mazenod’s inaccuracy cost them, kicking one goal and eight behinds. Aquinas were 27 point winners as the final siren sounded.

Aquinas’s goal-kickers were S. Jones, H. Spicer, D. Haines, and Y. Cook, who each kicked one each, while best players were D. Haines, S. Patterson, and J. White. Mazenod’s goal came courtesy of M. Bromley, while E. Clough Good, C. Maguire, and M. Buccella were among their best players.

Richmond Central faced off against North Brunswick in a clash that saw Richmond Central secure a convincing victory. Richmond’s strong performance allowed them to dominate the game, resulting in a final score of 47 to 13 in their favour. The damage was done in the second term as they kicked three goals to no reply, while the Bulls were goalless in the first half. Richmond’s goal-kickers were A. Finn, T. Moselen, K. Brown, K. Birkett, G. Harris, and L. Quinton, while their best players included L. Quinton, K. Birkett, and J. Dortmans. Despite the loss, North Brunswick’s C. Holzheimer and R. Haywood managed to kick a goal each.

In the clash between Brunswick and Monash Blues, it was top-of-the-table Monash Blues who emerged as the dominant force to remain undefeated in the competition. Monash displayed their offensive prowess, accumulating a total of 109 points compared to Brunswick’s single point. Monash Blues’ goal-kickers had a fantastic day out, with E. Draffin leading the way with 4 goals, followed by E. Stephenson, T. Heath, M. McFarlane, J. Dallas, E. Conroy, C. Linehan, S. Rodgers, and S. Barbagallo, each contributing to the team’s impressive scoreline. The best players for Monash Blues were E. Draffin, T. Heath, and E. Grills. Brunswick fought hard but couldn’t find the goals on this occasion, while their best player was E. Molnar.

Old Yarra Cobras faced a determined St Bedes/ Mentone Tigers team in a highly contested match. The Cobras managed to outscore SBMT in every quarter, securing a victory by 21 points. Old Yarra Cobras’ goal-kickers included T. Limburg, B. Harris, and K. Brockway and the best players were A. Bernardo, E. Buckley and C. Moody. St Bedes/Mentone Tigers’ sole goal came from the boot of M. Tilley, while O. Steinfort, R. Bennett, and C. Bowen put in noteworthy performances.

Round 7 Results

2023 PREMIER B WOMEN’S

GOALS: Aquinas OC: S. Jones 1, H. Spicer 1, D. Haines 1, Y. Cook 1

Mazenod OC: M. Bromley 1

BEST: Aquinas OC: D. Haines, S. Patterson, J. White, M. Sheehan, N. Derksen , H. Spicer

Mazenod OC: E. Clough Good, C. Maguire, M. Buccella, E. Michael, K. Lo Surdo, A. Walton

GOALS: Richmond Central: A. Finn 2, T. Moselen 1, K. Brown 1, K. Birkett 1, G. Harris 1

North Brunswick: C. Holzheimer 1, R. Haywood 1

BEST: Richmond Central: L. Quinton, K. Birkett, J. Dortmans, G. Harris, L. Mckay, S. Talarico

North Brunswick: M. Ntalianis, L. Balcombe, M. Bentley, J. Vella, C. Holzheimer, M. Goates

GOALS: Monash Blues: E. Draffin 4, E. Stephenson 2, T. Heath 2, M. McFarlane 2, J. Dallas 2, E. Conroy 1, C. Linehan 1, S. Rodgers 1, S. Barbagallo 1

Brunswick:

BEST: Monash Blues: E. Draffin, T. Heath, E. Grills, J. Dallas, C. Linehan, A. Hansen

Brunswick: E. Molnar, K. Sullivan, R. Poata, L. Dumitriu, J. Brown Old

GOALS: Old Yarra Cobras: T. Limburg 2, B. Harris 1, K. Brockway 1

St Bedes/Mentone Tigers: M. Tilley 1

BEST: Old Yarra Cobras: A. Bernardo, E. Buckley, C. Moody, J. Morton, B. Harris

St Bedes/Mentone Tigers: O. Steinfort, R. Bennett, C. Bowen, M. Tilley, M. Pearson, M. Jenkins

2023 PREMIER B WOMEN’S RESERVE

BRUNSWICK v. MONASH BLUES

Round 7 - 27/05/2023

Monash Blues won by foreit.

GOALS: Mazenod OC: B. Baldwin 2, J. Vissenjoux 2, A. Kaladis 1, Z. Petherbridge 1

Aquinas OC: L. McHugh 4, S. Braunthal 1, I. Schneiders 1

BEST: Mazenod OC: E. Sykes, B. Baldwin, R. Prioriello, N. Prioriello, A. Yiannios, C. Stephenson

Aquinas OC: A. Broderick, I. Schneiders, P. McNamara, J. Campbell, G. Thomson, O. Akaruru

GOALS: Richmond Central: L. Mckay 3, K. Birkett 2, M. Hyde-Smith 2, M. Donal 1, S. Talarico 1, G. Harris 1, X. Botha 1

North Brunswick:

BEST: Richmond Central: M. Hyde-Smith, X. Botha, M. Thesalonikeos, M. Donal, A. Crane

North Brunswick: K. McCollam, J. Alcon, E. Steiner, R. Finlay, M. Dale, S. James

GOALS: St Bedes/Mentone Tigers: J. Honey 1, J. Summers 1

Old Yarra Cobras: K. Lyth 1

BEST: St Bedes/Mentone Tigers: B. Kelly, B. Steinfort, Z. Ricardo, M. Cox, R. Cusack, A. Strode

Old Yarra Cobras: K. Lyth, A. Jevric, M. Kellett-Jackson, B. Lawrence, M. Webb

ANOTHER Prem C draw ends PEGS’ winning streak

In the last four weeks of the Premier C Men’s competition, we have miraculously seen three draws as Round 7 added the competition’s latest.

Carey Sports Complex bore witness to an absolute thriller that will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the season’s best games. PEGS found themselves trailing by 25 points at 3-quarter time to Old Carey, requiring a difficult comeback to maintain their unbeaten streak. As the clock ticked down and Carey held a narrow 7-point lead, PEGS’ Darby Scott took matters into his own hands. Scott showed off his tremendous skill, receiving a handball amidst heavy congestion and quickly booting an incredible goal, narrowing the margin to just one point.

After Carey was able to briefly hold on, PEGS big man Patrick Macdonough seized a critical intercept mark on the half-back flank. With only 15 seconds remaining, PEGS quickly moved the ball through the middle of the ground, getting it to a contest 50 meters out from goal. The ball came to ground, and it was once again Darby Scott who emerged, drawing a high tackle with mere seconds left. With the chance to kick for goal from 50 meters after the siren, Scott’s shot resulted in a behind, resulting in a tied game and ending PEGS’ impressive win streak, however holding onto their undefeated record.

Following their second draw for the season, Carey’s record stands at a difficult-to-fathom 2-2-2 as they find themselves in a respectable position in the middle of the table. On the other hand, PEGS remains atop the standings but now holds only a half-game lead.

In another significant fixture, Mazenod triumphed over Parkdale in a scrappy encounter at Central Reserve. With both teams struggling to find the goals in the first half, Mazenod’s three-goal burst in the third quarter proved decisive, leading them to a crucial 16-point victory.

Mazenod now finds themselves just half a game outside the top four, heading into their upcoming bye. Meanwhile, Parkdale clings to their top-four position but will need a win soon to solidify their standing being only half a game in.

Old Ivanhoe showcased their dominance with a comprehensive 55-point victory over the Hampton Rovers. Although the Rovers were within reach, trailing by less than five goals at three-quarter time, Old Ivanhoe’s dominant six-goal final term sealed their fate.

Hampton, now sitting just ten points outside the top four, faces an uphill battle in turning their season around. In contrast, Old Ivanhoe has solidified their spot in the top four.

The match between Old Camberwell and Ormond was called off during the third quarter due to a player sustaining a suspected spinal injury. With player safety as the top priority, the game was halted for an extended period before both teams agreed to conclude the match with its existing scoreline. Fortunately, the player has been cleared of any serious damage and is on the road to recovery. Camberwell will walk away with the four points as they led by 32 points at the time of the injury.

After a bye week, Marcellin OC looks to return in Round 8, eager to salvage their season and climb off the bottom of the ladder. They face a challenging task as they take on Ivanhoe on Sunday.

Round 8 presents several enticing matchups, including a clash between the fourth-placed Vultures and second-placed Camberwell which is set to unfold at Gerry Green Reserve on Saturday afternoon.

Round 7 Results

2023 PREMIER C MEN’S

GOALS: Mazenod OC: S. Lovell 2, H. Boyce 2, T. Warby 1

Parkdale Vultures: J. Vorbach 2, L. Castle 1

BEST: Mazenod OC: T. Riley, R. Mann, D. Byrne, A. Kovac, N. Peck, R. Lavery

Parkdale Vultures: C. Howell, J. Ricco, C. Yee, L. Bailey, J. Elcock, O. Green

GOALS: Old Camberwell Grammarians: H. Laukens 3, L. Thomas 2, B. Hart 2, A. Milham 2, R. Verbi 1, L. Powell 1

Ormond: M. Oaten 1, D. Langlands 1, Z. Dakis 1, L. Kennedy 1, K. Seeto-Grossi 1

BEST: Old Camberwell Grammarians: A. Milham, D. McColl, H. Laukens, R. Verbi, W. Nevill, H. Veitch

Ormond: L. Kennedy, B. Hardwick, J. Paul, J. Tsakonas , D. Langlands, J. McCartney

GOALS: Old Carey: L. Godden 4, N. Brewin 3, N. Marshallsay 3, M. Wooffindin 2, L. Senior 1, C. Gaiardo 1

PEGS Football Club: D. Scott 3, R. Simmons 3, T. Saggio 2, B. Hannah 2, J. Fenner 2, E. Caddeo 1

BEST: Old Carey: L. Senior, M. Wooffindin, R. Thompson, A. McDonald, C. Ogilvie, L. Godden

PEGS Football Club: R. Simmons, C. Livori, D. Fahey, B. Hannah, B. Roach, J. Mckernan Old Ivanhoe Grammarians

GOALS: Old Ivanhoe Grammarians: W. Murphy 4, H. Frazer 4, L. Scuderi 3, P. Naish 2, J. Bradley 2, T. McManus 1, H. Matheson 1, H. Reid 1

Hampton Rovers: M. Coughlin 3, N. Smith 2, A. Folino 2, C. Morris 1, W. Crawford 1

BEST: Old Ivanhoe Grammarians: N. Reeves-Smyth, W. Murphy, P. Naish, H. Reid, N. Vacirca, H. Frazer

Hampton Rovers: C. Perkins, R. Leslie, L. O’driscoll, C. Carnovale, M. van der Straaten, A. Folino

2023 PREMIER C RESERVE MEN’S

GOALS: Mazenod OC: J. Boyle 2, D. Hayes 1, B. Riley 1, P. Ilic 1, B. Wales 1, E. Sherlock 1, A. Palleschi 1, J. Welsford 1, C. Wales 1, H. Boxshall 1

Parkdale Vultures: E. Marshall 2, J. Brown 1, D. Glascott 1, B. Macdermid 1, C. Valcanis 1

BEST: Mazenod OC: L. Boyle, L. Stewart, P. Ilic, B. Wales, E. Mckenzie, H. Boxshall

Parkdale Vultures: B. Macdermid, T. O’Hehir, C. Valcanis, S. Hamill, L. Murie, B. Peake

GOALS: Old Camberwell Grammarians: H. Crothers 2, J. Seaton-nichol 2, C. Hillier 2, S. Garrard 1, M. Vogel 1, C. MacCallum 1, C. Young 1

Ormond: S. Gunning 3, L. Natsikas 2, H. Bingham 2, H. Penhall 1, B. Williams 1

BEST: Old Camberwell Grammarians: J. Seaton-nichol, S. Garrard, H. Crothers, D. Rossetti, B. Craigie, G. Tolson

Ormond: S. Gunning, H. Bingham, L. Upstill, J. Van Oosten, J. Sharman-Smith, R. Konstanty

PEGS Football Club 0.0

Round 8 Tips

Hampton Rovers v Old Carey

Marcellin OC v Old Ivanhoe

Ormond v PEGS Football Club

Parkdale Vultures v Old Camberwell

GOALS: Old Carey: M. Belicovski 2, J. Walsh 2, H. Bean 2, H. Thomson 2, M. Razums 1, A. Jenkin 1, D. Wolters 1, S. Morarty 1, A. Candlish 1, H. Patel 1

PEGS Football Club: R. Bult 2, R. Jones 1, J. Willmore 1, A. Frazer 1

BEST: Old Carey: D. Wolters, S. Morarty, M. Hogg, R. Turner, E. Evans

PEGS Football Club: G. Iatrou, R. Bult, J. Latter-Gauci, A. Carlini, D. Belia, H. Neo

Old Ivanhoe Grammarians

Hampton Rovers

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GOALS: Old Ivanhoe Grammarians: T. Kellock 5, J. Robinson 4, A. Angelis 3, A. Stenta 2, S. Tsanoudakis 2, A. Bacskos 1, B. Quick 1, L. Jensen 1, B. King 1, C. McIlveen 1

Hampton Rovers: N. Jackson 2, H. Twigg 1

BEST: Old Ivanhoe Grammarians: T. Marshall, B. Quick, J. Robinson, T. Kellock, A. Angelis, A. Stenta

Hampton Rovers: J. Beames, C. Carmeni, N. Jewell, L. Costello, D. Ballard, A. Woolston