ST BERNARD’S HAVE THAT PREMIERSHIP FEEL

St Bernard’s have all the makings of a premiership side. The club will be wanting to keep a lid on things, but watching them dismantle Old Trinity, it was clear to any neutral supporter that St Bernard’s have key winners on every line. Old Trinity weren’t at their best and were depleted in their defensive stocks, however, this was a clash between second and third, two teams both with eight wins this year. That St Bernard’s made Old Trinity look like a team back in the jam that has formed below the top three was instructive. 
The St Bernard’s machine is as well drilled as any out there and it all starts in defence. Led by skipper Tom Caven the St Bernard’s back line have all the right components that make a premiership back six. Against Old Trinity, it was Simon Caven who took mark, after intercept mark, whilst also ensuring his direct opponent had little influence. The Caven brothers are the spine but defensive abilities of Michael Angel and Alex Singleton, both also very good with the ball in hand. Added to this is Tom Overman, playing that most valuable of roles in football, the creative half back. 
It’s also a frightening prospect in the forward half of the ground. St Bernard’s have the best forward combination in the competition. Whilst they have only had two wins of more than 10 goals, the Snowdogs options inside the attacking half are all capable of booting big bags of goals. Chad Jones and Andrew Merrington have both kicked bags this year, but Tom Gleeson and David Wall have done so in the past and both kicked three each on Saturday. Their smalls are dangerous too. Jesse Manunzio (2 games) and late inclusion Isaac Madden (1 game) did their chances to remaining in a competitive team no harm last week with five goals between them against the T’s. 
Then there is a midfield group comparable with any in the section. Bentick, Sullivan, Hannan, Bevanda, Kazuro, Cooke and a multitude of others that run through the centre square are all playing great footy. Importantly they are all kicking goals too. 
What is more exciting for supporters of St Bernard’s is that there is more improvement to come. Senior players would all agree that they are still taking on more and more of Anthony Rock’s desired style and game plan each week. 
Furthermore their stocks are overflowing with extra resources. The reserves are three games clear on top with a percentage of over 200 and their U19 Premier team are two games clear on top with a percentage of over 300. Added to this their thirds are second on the ladder and they also have a second under 19s team and a VAFA Colts team both finals bound. 
They are not there yet though. It’s a shame St Bernard’s clash with University Blacks in Round 18 and not earlier when there might be a little more on the line. Old Trinity will still have a say in the finals this year, but on the evidence of Saturday, they shouldn’t hold too many fears for Bernards. 
A year after the club celebrated their 50th year in the VAFA, the club could be looking at their best ever season in the VAFA.