90 home and away games. 3 finals. We got the one we wanted.

Joe Pignataro

Here we are. Grand Final Week for 2022. 

On Sunday, it’ll be 1,093 days since we last had a William Buck Premier Men’s Grand Final. 

For all the twists and turns of the world in the last three years, and for all the twists and turns we’ve had throughout this home and away season. We’ve got the best two teams left standing in William Buck Premier Men’s. 

The powerhouse of St Kevin’s. The youthful exuberance of Old Brighton. 

Both sides in 2022 are stacked with home-grown talent, with almost all players either graduated from St Kevin’s College or Brighton Grammar. A feather in the caps of both clubs. 

St Kevin’s, celebrating their 75th anniversary, are here for the fourth consecutive season. Two titles in 2017 and 2018, runner up medallions in 2019.

Old Brighton, featuring in a Premier Men’s Grand Final for just the second time in the club’s 55 year history. One Grand Final, in 2007, a loss to Old Xaverians. They’ve had success in Premier B twice in the last decade, but this is a different kettle of fish. 

These sides have been on similar paths across the previous 15 years, playing in the same section most of those years. Premier B, or William Buck Premier. Never crossing paths in a final. The last time they met in a Grand Final was 1997 in Premier B, Old Brighton secured the title. 

Old Brighton is a freight train stopping at no stations. Three consecutive knockout games in a row, their pressure at the contest, and score on the board has stood up. 

Will Lewis has become a full-forward turned full-back. Jackson Paine, Xavier Richards, Dave Mirra; and Paddy Kerr awaits as his next challenge. Paired up with his brother Oscar, they’re a lethal pair coming out of the Tonners backline. 

Can the #1 defence in the game hold out a team that’s riding high on momentum? Not much more needs to be said about the 18-man press. It has worked all year. Minor Premiers with 16 wins this season, and an average score of 51.1 points kicked against them. 

Led by Anthony Lynch, a St Kevin’s and VAFA legend, in his debut season as coach, it’s been remarkable the way this team has maintained its excellence at the top of the ladder week in, week out. 

THE MATCH-UPS

The middle of the ground is going to be fascinating. Cam Hodges, Luke Winter, Tom Jok and his best mate Goy Lok will lock horns with Darby Hipwell, Max Kennedy, Tom Fisher and his best mate Harry Hill. 

In the forward line of St Kevin’s – Paddy Kerr, Shaun Kennedy and Phil Edgar will have to compete against Will Lewis, Quintin Montanaro and Alfie Jarnestrom. 

The back six of the 18-man press will be led by Conor Ross, Michael Pisker and Josh Tynan. Hoping to curb the influence of Anthony Zimmerman, Michael Karayanis and Jordan Segar. 

The wiley veterans of the St Kevin’s side – Sam Critchley and Will Coates, both men know what’s needed today. Old Brighton don’t do veterans, they are the Benjamin Button team of the VAFA, the average age seems to get younger but Tom Yorgey is one who will relish a contest like this, as will Petrus Olivier. 

THE RISING STARS

They’re everywhere. The next crop of talent to drive these sides to further success. 

Luke Winter is on the radar of AFL clubs such has been his influence in the St Kevin’s midfield. Jack Darmody is dangerous around the goal, Ben Mansfield has found a regular spot in the team, while Al Richards and Cal Jones are both 22 with plenty of upside. 

Tom Blamires isn’t overawed by anything or anyone at his age and neither is Jordan Segar in the forward line. Darby Hipwell and Sam Collins (both on VFL lists) have both turned 20 this year, while Oscar Lewis is one of the most exciting prospects across the half back flank.

PREDICTIONS

Grand Final Tip: Old Brighton by 3 points
Jock Nelson Medallist: Will Lewis

2022 WILLIAM BUCK PREMIER MEN’S GRAND FINAL
St Kevin’s v Old Brighton
Sunday, September 18, 2:30pm
Trevor Barker Oval – BUY TICKETS
Live Stream on VAFA.com.au, KommunityTV & RSN Carnival