Cardinals return to William Buck Premier via classic with Snow Dogs

Old Scotch will return to William Buck Premier in 2018 after they booked a spot in next week’s grand final following a 14-point classic against St Bernard’s at Trevor Barker Oval. Unbelievably, the two power house clubs were drawn on 74 points each at full time, giving the enthusiastic crowd another 10 minutes of football in extra time. The Cardinals had the momentum throughout extra time’s two five-minute halves and capped it off with Matt Seed nailing the sealer. Alexander Van Ryn starred for the Cardinals and was best afield, while Harry Larwill top-scored with three majors. Seed, Jordan Clarke and James Sansom each contributed two goals. The Cardinals will now return to the VAFA’s highest section for the first time since 2015 after facing off in next week’s Premier B decider against Old Brighton. Jack McNamara kicked three goals and was outstanding for the valiant Snow Dogs, while Domenic Iermano and Mitch Hughes were impressive. The young Snow Dogs will now regroup ahead of another tilt at the Premier B flag and promotion to Premier in 2018.

Earlier in the day, Old Brighton made it a chance at the double when their reserves claimed a 51-point preliminary final win over Old Carey. 30 scoring shots to nine painted the picture of the Tonners’ dominance as Hamish Graham continued his fine form with a BOG display and Calum Macleod kicked two goals. Edward Aujard starred for the Panthers alongside two goals from Mitchell Nixon. The Tonners will now meet Scotch in next week’s grand final, making it a double at Trevor Barker Oval on Saturday.