SKOB open flag defence in style, Panthers overrun De La

St Kevin’s OB kick-started their premiership defence in style with a comprehensive 61-point victory over Collegians at TH King Oval. It was a tight, low-scoring opening half with SKOB taking a 28-24 lead into the main break. As they have done for two years, the home side accelerated in the space of one quarter and put the game away with eight goals to three in the third term. Michael Di Natale and debutant Jarrad Waite kicked three goals apiece for SKOB, while Will Coates, Sam Critchley and Billy Lloyd were outstanding across half back. Nick Wood, Gerard Gleeson and Phil Edgar starred through the midfield for SKOB while Shaun Kennedy kicked two and dished out a pair of choice celebrations. Courtney Hylton led from the front for the Lions and spent the second half rucking against Anthony Lynch while Viv Michie racked up disposals at will. Nik Papadopoulos kicked three goals in his Collegians debut, while Al Fahie and Sam Sofronidis impressed. Both sides were missing key personnel expected back in coming weeks.

Four goals from Woodrow Medallist, Ayce Cordy, helped University Blues to a 10-point Round 1 victory over Old Brighton at the Beach Oval. Trailing by four points at quarter time, the Blues hit form with 10 goals to four in the second and thirds terms before the Tonners bounced back with six goals to two in the fourth. Former Port Adelaide and Carlton utility Cam O’Shea starred in a best-on-ground performance for the Blues, while Josh Green and Tom Young kicked two goals alongside Cordy’s four. Will Lewis was outstanding for the Tonners with five majors while Nick Pavlou kicked four and was named their best player.

A combined nine goals from Brendan Goss (5) and Matt Handley (4) led Old Xaverians to a comfortable 44-point victory over Old Melburnians at Elsternwick Park. Xavs kicked six unanswered goals in a dominant first term before nailing 13 to 11 in the final three quarters. Former Brisbane Lion Rohan Bewick kicked three goals on debut, while Tom Gilbert nailed two in a BOG performance. Tom Cameron fought valiantly for OMs with three goals alongside standout performances from Edward Michelmore and Stu Watson. Josh Freezer found himself in unfamiliar territory up forward and kicked two goals for OMs.

Seven goals to two in the opening term paved the way for an ideal return to William Buck Premier for St Bernard’s as they defeated Old Trinity by 44 points. After going goalless in the second term, the Snow Dogs piled on another eight goals to five in the second half. Michael Caven was unstoppable with six majors for the Snow Dogs, while Luke Di Lizio and Charlie Vague nailed three each. Charlie Beasley led the charge for Old Trinity as their best player alongside James Spassopoulos and Ben Howell.

Old Carey and De La Salle played out the match of the round, with the Panthers running out four-point winners in a thriller at Waverly Oval. The Panthers trailed by 10 points late in the fourth but piled on two late goals to overrun the home in final moments. Will Nichols and Marc Lock were named best afield for the Panthers, while Kristian Jaksch top-scored with four goals. Adrian Indovino kicked four of his own for De La and Hugh Nicholson starred as their best player.