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VAFA Live Coverage – July 27
VAFA Media’s Round 13 live coverage features two William Buck Premier Men’s clashes pivotal to the race for fourth spot. This week’s SEN VAFA Match of the Day sees University Blues host Old
The thrill escalates as Round 8 of Division 2 concludes with electrifying and balanced performances by all the teams, making the competition more challenging week by week.
The table toppers Brunswick emphasise their firm grip over the competition table, this time defeating Whitefriars by 15 points at the Gillon Oval. The Nobs are known to rampage, leaving little opportunity for their opponents to get a foot in the game, but the Friars looked solid in the contest, challenging the Nobs throughout the four quarters.
Despite an early lead to Brunswick, Whitefriars took charge in the third, scoring 4.5 to get their side within 13 points heading into the final change. Brunswick did what they do best and swung momentum back in their favour to run out victors for the 8th straight time this season.
Brunswick’s Hayden Parker once again kicked a hattrick of goals, while Angus Coverdale had 4 goals of his own. From Whitefriars, Nicholas Garratt and Lucas Zita kicked 4 goals together, but they still fell short in the end.
Even though Whitefriars lost the game, their coach, Luc Matthews, was positive and said, “Brunswick are a good side, and we tried our best. Our players were trying to clear the ball as much as they could. We missed a few chances, and some crucial turnovers cost us the game.”
In a solid showdown at Melbourne High School, MHSOB clinched a stunning victory over Bulleen Templestowe by 43 points. Whilst the final margin indicates a dominant performance by the Unicorns, the contest was tight right up until the fourth term with the scoreboard reflecting the tight tussle. Both teams played like they were here to outplay each other, and it was unpredictable who would win until put their foot down to give their all or nothing in the fourth and decisive quarter.
After the third quarter, MHSOB only had a slight lead of 12 points. In the fourth quarter, MHSOB’s forwards and defence played like beasts, and it was unexpected to have a final score of 142 to 99.
MHSOB’s Brendan Cook was the player of the match as he booted in 7 goals, including 2 crucial goals in the fourth quarter. Mathew Pereira also kicked 6 goals to support Brendan Cook. Meanwhile, Corey Shiels and Ashwyn Mohandas of Bullants kicked 8 goals for their team.
After the game, MHSOB’s coach, Bernie Pretty, said, “It was a competitive game, and the opposition was really tough. In the final quarter, the boys executed the instructions well and pressured the opposition to win the contest.”
Elsternwick defeated the home team, Aquinas, by 23 points, ending the game with a final score of 100-77 at Aquinas College.
The hosts, Aquinas, lagged in the first two quarters but managed to gain momentum in the third quarter, narrowing the point difference to just 7.
However, a dominant fourth quarter saw the Wickers pull ahead decisively in the contest. Elsternwick’s Quinn De Luca kicked 4 goals, and to support him, Daniel Marchese and vice-captain Spencer Hankin booted in 6 goals for their team.
After the game, Elsternwick’s coach, Peter Higginbotham, said, “The players are confident in their ability to run out a game and finish strongly, which has been evident in most games this year.”
As the fourth consecutive defeat looms over Aquinas in Division 2, the competition intensifies the pressure on their team.
St Mary’s Salesian, who were struggling in the initial stage of the competition, are now becoming the team to watch out for. This time, St Mary’s defeated Hawthorn by 41 points at the Rathmines Road Reserve.
St Mary’s forwards and defensive players supported each other from the first quarter, creating pressure against the Hawks.
St Mary’s had a decent lead of 23 points in the first quarter. In the second quarter, they didn’t let the Hawks take possession. In the fourth quarter, the Hawks gave their everything, but it was too late, and the final score was St Mary’s at 133, whereas Hawthorn at 92.
Overall, St Mary’s aggressive team effort led them to victory. St Mary’s Lachlan Russell had a splendid show, booting 4 goals. Hawthorn’s Justin Raiti also kicked 4 goals, but the team effort wasn’t enough to take the team towards the victory.
The South Melbourne Districts fought hard for a gritty 10-point victory over Wattle Park in a tough Division 2 encounter. The final scoreline read 69-59, reflecting the contested nature of the game, with multiple lead changes.
South Melbourne had a 19-point lead by the end of the first quarter, but the Animals made a terrific comeback in the second quarter to take a 4-point advantage into the main break.
It was a competitive game. South Melbourne again took a 10-point lead in the third quarter and maintained that small lead in the fourth quarter, leading them to victory.
South Melbourne’s Zaron Smith and Leigh Sfetkidis each scored a couple of goals, adding to their team’s impressive performance on the field. Wattle Park’s Daniel Hill kicked 2 goals for his team.
The ninth round will commence on June 15, so all the teams will have a week’s break. Coming back off the bye round, South Melbourne will face MHSOB, and both teams are currently on a winning streak. Whitefriars will play against Aquinas at the Whitefriars College Oval.
The competitive St Mary’s Salesian will play against Elsternwick, and Hawthorn will face the mighty Brunswick. At Ted Ajani Reserve, Bulleen Templestowe will be challenging Wattle Park; a game to watch out for.
VAFA Media’s Round 13 live coverage features two William Buck Premier Men’s clashes pivotal to the race for fourth spot. This week’s SEN VAFA Match of the Day sees University Blues host Old
Venues for the 2024 VAFA Finals Series have been announced, highlighted by four state league grounds. 131 finals matches across 32 divisions will be played over a seven week period,
A couple of pivotal matches in the finals and relegation races headline Round 13 of VAFA William Buck Premier Men’s. Collegians & Old Xaverians enter the weekend locked together at