Uni Blacks v Old Haileybury: The Battle of Premier B

Eliza Wright

With Melbourne’s forecast set to be 15 and showers, this contest is set to be a fiery one with a heavily contested game on our hands. 

Having won the week off and a ticket straight into the big dance, no doubt the Blackers will be gearing up for a tough battle.

The Uni Blacks long awaited return to A grade is finally here, after their 2017 season saw them relegated to Premier B. Since then, this side have improved by leaps and bounds with their defence being second to none. On average during the home and away season, the side conceded a mere 42 points per game. A staggering return. The tightest we may have ever seen across 16 games. It an exceptional feat rarely achieved by teams.

Uni Blacks have played 68 games in Premier B after the 2017 season, with a winning percentage of 84% (57 wins). They have avoided the Preliminary Final route, have enjoyed the weekend off and will be hoping their finals experience will put them in good stead with 10 players including Josh Steadman, Jordan Quaile, Cam Moorfield and Hugh Curnow using the 2018 and 2019 preliminary finals heartbreaks as their motivation for victory. 

At Old Haileybury, their forward line is the heartbeat of the side with an average winning margin of 93 points across the final five rounds of the home and away season.

Among this group is Durras Seccull, who has kicked a huge 60 goals for this year, leading the goal kicking by 14 goals.

Additionally, Old Haileybury have enjoyed the return of seven VFL players returning, enhancing their line up even more. The Preliminary Final trouncing of Beaumaris marks the first time since 2011 that Old Haileybury have been in the William Buck Premier Division, having climbed the ranks since the 2017 C-Grade premiership. Players like Brodie Steele, Brede Seccull, Jack McHale, Lachie Treverton are all hitting their straps just at it matters most.

Jack Lonie, runner up in the GT Moore Medal to Beaumaris’ Jak Nardino has put together a stellar debut season with Old Haileybury, capped off with five majors in the Preliminary Final in a best on ground display. He will need some attention from Uni Blacks, or it will play right into the hands of Old Haileybury should he be allowed to run rampant.

Old Haileybury have been the only team to defeat the University Blacks throughout the year overpowering the Blackers by 46 points in round 11. This coupled with their current form will act as a catalyst to their game style. 

Grand Final Tip: Old Haileybury by 20 points
Best on Ground: Jack Lonie (Old Haileybury)

2022 PREMIER B MEN’S GRAND FINAL
University Blacks v Old Haileybury
Saturday, September 17, 2:30pm
Elsternwick Park – BUY TICKETS
Live Stream on VAFA.com.au & RSN Carnival