Get set, get ready, the fight for third is on in Premier C

Premier C continues to power on through 2022. 

This coming weekend marks round 21 of the season, with a fortnight to go Monash Blues have locked away top spot. Hampton Rovers, despite having a faulty fortnight can’t move from second spot, while the intrigue for third and fourth remains high on everyone’s mind. 

Old Geelong (third) will face Mazenod (fourth) this weekend, which may give us a clearer understanding as to who will be wearing the dark shorts in the first semi-final in three weeks’ time. While for the loser, Old Ivanhoe are snapping at their heels and ready to leapfrog themselves back into the top four. 

After going through a five game losing streak, Old Ivanhoe’s recent month has been significantly stronger, displaying form they showed through the opening months of the season. A loss to Monash on the weekend put a dent in the momentum but they’re certainly getting back to their best. They’ll just be hoping they haven’t left their run a little too late. 

With winnable games against Old Mentonians and Preston Bullants to come, the boys of Chelsworth Park have to tick both of those boxes and hope results fall in their favour if they want to see September action. 

Monash Blues are probably tired of the VAFA Podcast boys mentioning the fact they have a “good footy program” at the University. But, it’s been proven this season, they are on a 13 game winning streak. Have one home and away game remaining then having a week off before the finals campaign. Mac Cameron, Beau Harris, Daniel Easson, Nick Argento and Nick Darling have taken it all before them, regularly featuring in the best. While the latter (Darling) has slotted 60 goals for the season, he will take some stopping this finals series. 

You have absolutely got to hand it to the Parkdale Vultures. Starting the season 0-6 they go into this weekend with a 9-9 record coming up against the Preston Bullants. They have a chance to have a positive win-loss record (10-9) for the first time since Round 11, 2016 when they sat 6-5 on the Premier B ladder. You have to go back to 2014 for the last time this club won 10 games in a home and away season. 

On the weekend they produced a boilover, knocking off the second placed Hampton Rovers. While a surprise to many, not inside the Vultures camp as Owen Lalor orchestrated the great demise of his former side. The Rovers can’t move from second spot on the table, but there are some question marks over the side. The past fortnight has been very un-Hampton. UHS-VU and Old Geelong remain in the final fortnight, can they get themselves right before the finals kicks into gear. 

Danny Corp, Christian Carnovale, Ben Marron, Joel Meljnak, Jacob and Ned Gray are all big game players. Thriving when faced with adversity. 

Ormond had to grind through the opening half against UHS-VU over the weekend before exploding in the third quarter with an eight goal blitz. Followed up by another half dozen in the final quarter to come away winners by 68 points. Harrison Burt (4) and Matt Oaten (4) the main men up forward who caused the most havoc, while Tom Buckley had a scoreless day in front of goal still found his way amongst the best players. 

The Monders come up against Monash this weekend, the toughest task in Premier C. Earlier this season they were held to one goal against them. They’ll be hellbent on rectifying that this Saturday. 

UHS-VU have had a terrific few years climbing up the divisions to get to Premier C. Unfortunately, along with Preston Bullants, they’ll be going back to Division 1 in 2023. However, they’ll feel comfortable at this level. They’ve been very competitive right throughout the marathon season and would be confident at Brens Oval with new recruits in the club, and another off-season under the belts. 

The Bullants have found the going tough in Premier C. On the weekend, Mazenod sank their ship early with an 11 goal opening half. Followed by 12 goals in the second half. An 11% boost catapulted them into the top four and Marcellin’s upset win over Old Geelong has meant this weekend is as tantalising as it gets when the Nodders meet the OG’s. 

Held scoreless in the opening term were Old Geelong, they were chasing the game from then on and despite getting within six points at three quarter time ran out of puff as Marcellin were able to kick multiple goals in the final quarter to produce an against the odds victory. 

Adam Tomaro produced a best on ground display for the home side. They’ll have the bye before their final game of the season against Ormond rounds out the year. 

Old Mentonians face Old Ivanhoe this weekend after having the bye last week. Keen to keep Marcellin beneath them on the ladder, and maybe throw Old Ivanhoe’s season into chaos by knocking them off.