Jason Bennett

Round 3 of William Buck Premier Men’s left one team sitting undefeated at the top of the table, while the reigning premiers kickstarted their title defence with a crucial heart-stopping win.

OLD BRIGHTON remain the only undefeated team in Premier Men’s after a dominant second half saw them kick clear of OLD MELBURNIANS at Elsternwick Park.

The Tonners trailed by 8 points after conceding the opening goal of the second half, but they responded by unleashing a 7-goal burst to open up a match-winning lead.

Nick PAVLOU was amongst the goals once again, adding 4 to the 3 he slotted last week, while Sam LAUBE & Jackson PAINE booted 3 apiece for OMs.

Marcel BRUIN (Old Brighton): “That third quarter was probably our best quarter of footy so far this year. We moved the ball a little more purposefully which gave the forwards opportunity.

We maintained our pressure through the fourth with only one fit player on the bench, which was a really gritty effort. Our skipper Harry HILL was exceptional, while Max BENIER controlled our defence across half-back.”

PAUL SATTERLEY (Old Melburnians): “Once again we were very competitive for a half against a team chock-full of familiar quality players.

Our lapse in the third quarter cost us the game as they generated scoring shots from very gettable areas.

Whilst we can see marked improvement in our team, we need to sustain our effort for 4 quarters.”

COLLEGIANS are on the board in 2024 after holding off OLD SCOTCH in a thrilling SEN Match of the Day at Harry Trott Oval.

The traditional Anzac Round clash between the Lions and Cardinals was tight and tough all afternoon.

Scores were level at the half before the Cardinals got on top and threatened to break the game open. But the Collegians’ defence stood firm and despite Old Scotch’s dominance, Brodie EASTON slotted the only goal of the quarter to hand the Cardinals a 10-point 3-quarter time lead.

Then it was the Lions who finally opened the game up with some daring ball movement, booting the first 4 goals of the final term to open up a 15-point lead entering time-on.

But the Cardinals refused to yield – late goals to Jack LIPSCOMBE & Cooper LEAN dragging them back within 3 points before the final siren sounded, much to the relief of the Purple Army.

Jordie McKENZIE (Collegians): “Another tough arm wrestle, but the game opened up in the last quarter as we got back on top around the contest and gave our forwards some good looks with some deep entries.

Scotch kept coming and thanks to some big efforts from the backline, led by Scott BEILBY and Luke McCLEARY, we were able to hold on.

It was great to see debutants Will DEAN and Eddie KING impact the game, and for Ben DARROU to provide a strong target up forward in his first senior game in 3 years.”

Mark GNATT (Old Scotch): “A disappointing result but lots to like about where we are heading. We’re finding cohesion in our ball movement and our defensive structure is holding up well. Matt BENNETT is going from strength-to-strength.

Brodie EASTON & Ben HAYS are two of our leaders and both were outstanding. EASTON brought his own footy in the first half, while HAYS dominated his wing against a very talented opponent.

We had our chances to apply scoreboard pressure in the third quarter but didn’t capitalise. We need to tidy up our connection & conversion Inside 50. They are a quality team and found a way to get the result.”

Collegians celebrate after their first win. Photo: Bruce Tobin

ST BERNARDS handed ST KEVINS their first defeat of the season with an eye-catching performance at home.

The Snowdogs got away to a great start, kicking the first 3 goals of the game and led by a couple of kicks for the much of the opening half.

Three unanswered goals from midway through the third term saw them sneak out to a 22-point three-quarter time lead, followed by the first 2 goals of the final quarter which broke the game open.

The Snowdogs released the shackles to pile on 7 goals in the last term, sending a message to the rest of the competition with an impressive 52-point win.

Steve ALESSIO (St Bernards): “I was very pleased with the boys putting in our first 4-quarter performance this season.

Our players should get a lot of confidence from that, especially our younger brigade – including the likes of Nick DI LIZIO, Luke SAID, Luca ALESSIO, Caleb BURQUEST and Zac OVERMAN – who are all starting to show real maturity and leadership.”

Anthony LYNCH (St Kevins): “We were never really able to get our style of footy going for any period of the game.

St Bernard’s pressure and intensity was fantastic and they won far too many contests, which meant we could never generate momentum.

The highlight of the day was that we were able to debut two more Under 19 graduates.

I’ll be keen to see our group respond next week back at home.”

OLD XAVERIANS got a flyer at W.T Peterson Oval, booting the first 6 goals of the game to enjoy a relatively comfortable afternoon against FITZROY.

Xavs were at their punishing best in the first half, dominating most facets of the game to open up a commanding 47-point lead at the major break, before the Roys regrouped and rallied after half-time.

5 goals to 4 saw Fitzroy eat slightly into the hefty deficit, before banging on another 5 goals in the final term to restore some respectability to the scoreboard and some confidence to take into Round 4.

Dan DONATI (Old Xavs):  “We started really strongly and put together a great first half, with plenty of looks due to our midfield being on top and defending really well. The second half was a different story and credit to Fitzroy for the way they worked their way back into the game.

In the end we managed to get an important 4 points away from home. Ben ANDREWS was among our best across half back, Ed DELANEY was prominent up forward, Dan TUDDENHAM and Shaun CROSS won plenty of inside ball and it was great to see young Mo KUCH kick a couple of important goals.”

Travis RONALDSON (Fitzroy): “We know our best footy is good enough. The challenge for our young group is to deliver it for a full four quarters each week.

Dane HARVEY was a real focal point up forward, kicking 5 goals, while Luke MINIHAN was influential for us in the midfield.”

The first UNIVERSITY DERBY of the season turned out to be a classic, with UNIVERSITY BLACKS coming from behind to score their first win.

UNIVERSITY BLUES started superbly, booting 6 straight in the opening term (4 in the final 15 minutes) to rocket out to a 28-point quarter-time lead.

But the Blacks found their mojo in the second quarter, kicking 5 goals to 2 to reduce the half-time deficit to 9 points.

The Blues peppered early in the third term, but 4 consecutive behinds would ultimately prove costly as Blacks kicked 3 goals in time-on to hit the front for the first time before the final change.

The last quarter teetered on a knife-edge with both teams having their chances. Scores were tied entering time-on before Ayui MAKIENG’s 4th goal at the 22-minute mark proved to be the winner – Blacks on the board with a thrilling 5-point victory.

Dale BOWER (Uni Blacks): “We were behind the 8-ball early, being 28 down at quarter time.

Our boys went to work at what they do best – applying pressure and competing. The second half was an even tussle, the game could have gone either way. So to get the win is great for our belief.

It was a true team effort and once again, I’m very proud of our young team.”

Guy MARTYN (Uni Blues): “We came out and played the type of footy we know we’re capable of. Our energy was up and there was a real buzz with the way we were playing.

Disappointingly, that’s where it stopped for us. Full credit to Uni Blacks, who out worked us for the remainder of the game.

This competition is so even – you just can’t afford to have flat periods throughout a game.”

Main photo credit: OBGFC