Previewing the Divisions: The Run to September

As we head into the penultimate round of footy for the Divisions, VAFA Media has taken a look at what’s in store for the final fortnight in the run to the finals.

Glen Eira will claim this year’s minor premiership, after finishing the 2022 season in third place this year has shown plenty of promise for the Gryphons. 

A surprise loss to Therry Penola in round 13 the only blemish on the season so far, with a fortnight to go against UHS-VU and Oakleigh, they’re primed to go all the way this year.

Timothy Johnston has been their focal point with 48 goals for the season, only bettered by Aaron Cloke (Oakleigh) who has 57. 

The Krushers are facing Kew this weekend and will need to win if they want to hold onto second spot and the double chance before facing Glen Eira in the final round. 

With Prahran FC (third) facing off against Therry Penola (fourth) this weekend there is no room for error. 

The two-blues are the in-form side of Division 1 at the moment having won seven games in a row. However last time they met Therry, it was the Lions who triumphed in a low-scoring affair by six points. 

A win for Prahran keeps them breathing down the neck of Oakleigh. The final round pins the Gryphons against the Krushers, Prahran face off against Ivanhoe AFC (10th) in their final game in the VAFA. 

UHS-VU can still make the finals, it will almost certainly come down to their final game of the season against Therry Penola. This Saturday is week four of five at Bren’s Oval. The fortress for the home side. 

At the other end of the table, the Preston Bullants face West Brunswick. A win for the Ants brings them one game closer to the Magpies as well as a stronger percentage and sets up a fascinating final round when it comes to the battle of relegation. 

A Parkside slip-up to Whitefriars in Round 16 leaves the door slightly ajar for Brunswick to walk through and claim the minor premiership. Four points and 42% ahead with a fortnight to go. They can slam the door shut by claiming victory this weekend against the bottom placed Aquinas. 

Remarkable to think this side came up a division after finishing fourth last year in Division 3, had a dream run in September that was halted by South Melbourne. Ben Radford has been an inspired recruit, kicking 64 goals to this point of the season. 

If Whitefriars want to see September action, they have to beat Brunswick this weekend at the College at 12:20pm. Sitting fifth behind South Melbourne Districts, they’ll face Aquinas in the final round. The Wicks head into that match having won five of their last six, and knowing they’ve beaten the Friars once already this season. 

The Bloods will have an Elimination Final of sorts against the Old Yarra Cobras this weekend. This year’s merged side has had a memorable season in their inaugural year. Sitting third, and barring catastrophe, will play in the finals. 

If South Melbourne wants to continue to dream of going back to back and keep climbing up the divisions, this weekend against the Cobras is a must-win battle. 

Should St Mary’s be determined to stay in Division 2 beyond 2023, this weekend against Bulleen Templestowe is a win-at-all-costs contest. The Ants overcame Aquinas last weekend and will be out to continue that formline running into the pre-season. 

Elsternwick stamped their premiership credentials on the weekend with a hard fought eight point victory over Canterbury. 

The victory puts them two games clear of Hawthorn AFC with a fortnight to run. This weekend against La Trobe University will likely see them lock up the minor premiership and set themselves for redemption after last year’s finals heartbreak. 

The loss for Canterbury has cost them second spot on the table, Hawthorn are powering to September with six wins from the past seven matches. Not only are they winning, they’re scoring at an average of 131 points per game.

Such is the dominance, Justin Raiti sits on top of the competition sharpshooters list with 55 goals, going past his teammate Will Meehan in second with 54. 

The top four is locked away with fourth placed Wattle Park four games clear of fifth placed Power House. This will be the Animals first finals series since 2019. Taking on Richmond Centrals this week before playing the Hawks in the final round.

The next fortnight is an opportunity to find an ace card to wheel out in September.

The two sides to come up from Division 4 have found the going tough in 2023. Swinburne and La Trobe University have certainly had their moments which the coaching staff can point towards during the 2024 pre-season. 

They’re all chasing North Brunswick. There was understandable disappointment from the Bulls at the conclusion of 2022. Falling into Division 4 on the back of a lowly percentage. 

This year, they’re on top of the table with a percentage that’s the envy of the entire VAFA community – 309.89% 

It’s incredible to think that this team averages 104 points per game, and concedes just 33.5, it’s the Bulls title to lose. 

Box Hill North can lay claim to being the second best team in it. It’s a credit to the Demons the way they’ve attacked season 2023. Heading into the final fortnight with 10 wins next to their name and a draw. 

Between 2018 – 2022, the club won 10 games in total. Against Albert Park this weekend they can lock into a double chance and give the Falcons a scare before September, leaving them vulnerable in third place. 

The boys of Masala had their first taste of finals in 2022, and they loved it. Spicy Footy in September. Although with North Brunswick and Albert Park in the final fortnight, and St John’s closing in fifth, the destiny in 2023 is in their own hands. 

Win both, and they’re in again. Lose both, and they’ll be left to think about what if’s. St John’s could come from the clouds in the final fortnight to be part of this years finals. 

Eley Park produced a brilliant win over Masala-Dandenong for their first win in 427 days back in Round 15. Box Hill North got hold of them last weekend, with two rounds to go they’ll finish the year off with pride, the same way they’ve attacked every contest each week.

Will the Bulls recreate the storyline they produced in 2018? It won’t be 37 years in the making this time, but if they’re to prevail, it’ll be just as sweet.