Nick Armistead
The chance to become the 11th team in VAFA history to win three consecutive A Grade/William Buck Premier flags is well and truly alive for St Kevin’s OB after they defeated Old Xaverians by 64 points in today’s preliminary final at Elsternwick Park.
SKOB, who entered finals in fourth spot on the ladder, fought back from a blistering opening 10 minutes from Xavs who had the first four scoring shots of the match but could manage just the one goal through Matt Handley. It may have been Handley’s only goal for the match but amazingly it was number 800 over a storied Xavs career.
Phil Edgar pounced for the first goal of his three goals at the 11-minute mark of the first term which kickstarted a SKOB onslaught culminating in 20 of the next 28 majors.
Jarrad Waite was outstanding for SKOB with five goals, including four in the first half, while Billy Kanakis kicked three and accumulated 32 disposals and seven inside 50’s in a BOG display.
After starting well with nine touches in the first half, Big V U19’s captain Cam Hodges came into his own after the main break with 19 and six tackles, finishing the game with 28. Sam Critchley was outstanding across half back and peeled off 12 marks and Lachie Sullivan re-entered the side with 27 in another sensational performance from the midfielder. Conor Ross stood tall down back yet again after copping some huge hits but fighting on valiantly.
Marcus Stavrou was a standout for Xavs with a team-high 28 possessions and 14 clearances while Tom Gilbert (23), Will Hams (21) and Chris Margin (20) found plenty of it on an otherwise disappointing day.
After finishing second on the ladder, it is the first time since 1993 Xavs have been bundled out of finals in straight sets. They were outstanding throughout the home and away season with 13 wins and showed glimpses of their best particularly early when Hamish Cullity used his elite speed to kick two goals.
SKOB will now face off against Uni Blues in next Sunday’s William Buck Premier Grand Final at Elsternwick Park after the Blues earnt the week’s rest with a win over Xavs.
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