Time for the best to prove their worth

By Michael Sholly – VAFA Chief Executive Officer

What a thrilling climax to the season in the Premier Sections with the relegation battles going right down to the wire.  Whilst most of the competition’s focus centred on the match between Old Scotch and Old Xaverians, it was the relegation battle in Premier B that went mostly unnoticed.

After Mazenod’s sterling victory over finalists Old Melburnians last week, it appeared that they had staved off relegation.  Parkdale Vultures were not to be denied, winning their final game by enough to grab the 4 points and the required percentage to overcome Mazenod.

Whilst the Premier Sections were still completing their final home and away matches two of our clubs have already gained promotion.  Kew has risen from Division 3 to Premier C in consecutive years and showed a great deal of mental strength in overcoming Ormond. Ormond get their chance for promotion this week as they tackle Old Geelong who convincingly defeated St Mary’s Salesian.

Following in the footsteps of Kew is traditional rival Ivanhoe. They have been the powerhouse of Division 2 and their victory against St John’s came as no surprise.  Ivanhoe have been building a good base and it wouldn’t surprise if they were also able to progress through the sections.  Old Paradians came from behind to inflict Northern Blues’ first finals defeat in the VAFA.  They had a run of six consecutive victories before the weekend.

Division 3 and 4 had contrasting results. In Division 4, the top three teams were all defeated giving only Canterbury the double chance.  After going through the first 17 rounds undefeated the Cobras have lost their last two but still have a chance for promotion when they take on Box Hill North.  In Division 3, Emmaus St Leos and West Brunswick easily accounted for their opposition and they need wins over Aquinas and Hawthorn respectively to gain promotion. West Brunswick and Hawthorn battled out the Division 4 Grand Final last year and have built up a healthy rivalry.

The William Buck Premier Section has four teams in great form contesting the finals.  If De La Salle go through and win the flag they will go one better than Old Xaverians great run in 1996.  At the turn, Xaverians had two wins and seven losses and managed to storm home under Nick Bourke to win the flag.  De La Salle had only one win at the turn and has the form and momentum to go on and achieve the dream.  Still they have to get past University Blues who have been going quietly about their business winning their past six. It is a must win game for St Bernard’s and Old Trinity as neither would want to come off a loss and face one of those two in the Preliminary Final.

St Kevin’s has been the VAFA’s standout team and club in 2015.  They won the Winning Edge Club Championship, have already held up the Premier Thirds Premiership Cup and look ideally placed to win promotion to the William Buck Premier Section.  However there is an inner belief at St Bedes Mentone Tigers who have a wonderful record at Sportscover Arena.

Since being relegated in 2011, Marcellin has played in the finals each year in Premier C and deserve promotion. But promotions are not given away and Monash Blues has been right on their heels all year. The other finalists, Old Ivanhoe and Old Haileybury, have both been in the Premier Section in recent years so they have the experience to win finals.

At the conclusion of the season the VAFA host a few events that are worth considering.  The Woodrow Medal will be presented at Crown’s River Room along with all the other sections Best and Fairest Awards. The VAFA Grand Final Lunch at the Grand Hyatt is being held on Friday September 18, the day prior to the weekend’s Premier Grand Finals.  This year Barrie Cassidy will be grilling Leigh Matthews on the issues facing the AFL with Greg Champion entertaining the crowd.  The focus here is on celebrating the VAFA Grand Finals along with sharing VAFA camaraderie.