ROUND 1: A SECTON

Round 1 of A Section VAFA football tossed up its usual thrill and spills and a couple of surprise results. De La Salle broke a hoodoo that stretched back to 1996 when they disposed of Old Xaverians at Toorak Park by 3 goals. Leigh Harrison booted four goals and was best afield. Hugo Murphy was best for Xavs.
At Brindisi Street, St Bede’s began their season by unveiling their first A Section flag and then proceeded to demolish newcomers Old Essendon by 137 points. Peter McGettigan led the onslaught with 7 goals.
Marcellin unveiled a flag of its own at Bulleen, but then it was lights out as an impressive Old Ivanhoe dominated the day.
University Blues ran all over Collegians in the second half after they went to the long break leading by a goal. The Varsity managed a 51 point victory, with Ben McConnell snagging a hat-trick.
In the much-anticipated clash between Old Brighton and Old Scotch, inaccurate kicking in the third term cost the Tonners any chance of victory. The Cardinals shot straighter and never looked like losing in a final term that they dominated. Veterans Lachy Thompson and Josh Kitchen kicked three apiece, with recruits James Byrne, Luke Brennan and James Bowden, up from the U19s, among the best for the Cards, who won by 35 points.