Big V Men blown off-course in Perth

Wasteful disposal was the main culprit in the Big V Men’s 23-point loss to Perth FL in blustery conditions at Steel Blue Oval in Bassendean.

The gusty breeze played havoc with the Vics’ ability to control the ball and uncharacteristic turnovers repeatedly cost the visitors at both ends of the ground, halting possession chains and robbing them of precious momentum.

The Big V kicked with the wind in the opening term, but Charlie MacIsaac was their only goalscorer as they kicked 1.4 to Perth’s 2.1.

“It was difficult conditions in the first quarter,” said Big V coach, Greg Hutchison.

“We didn’t make the most of our early opportunities. We kicked 1.4 with one out on the full. Our kicking skills really let us down.”

Both teams applied plenty of pressure but it was the home team who absorbed it more effectively, shrinking the ground when the Vics were in possession, then spreading it wide when they won the ball themselves.

The Big V booted the opening goal into the breeze in the second term via a classy finish from Nick Pavlou to close within 3 points, before the home team started to get on top, breaking away from congestion and delivering it long and direct to their dangerous forwards, who took their chances.

Kyle Halligan, Julian Hulten and James Corner combined to add 3 goals in just under 5 minutes as the Sandgropers jumped out to a 16-point lead before Sam Laube pulled one back for the Vics, who were fighting to adapt to the conditions and string together meaningful chains of possession.

Hulten added another goal for the Westerners, before livewire forward Trey Kennedy made it a 22-point margin entering time-on in the second term.

Sam Tucker then booted a crucial goal for the Vics, who headed to the half-time break trailing by 17 points but still very much in the contest.

“Every time we had momentum, we weren’t able to convert on the scoreboard,” lamented Hutchison, who repeatedly implored his players to use the ball more effectively throughout the afternoon.

The third quarter loomed as vital, given the Vics were kicking with the aid of what had developed into a strong wind. However, the sins of the opening term resurfaced for the visitors, who controlled territory but repeatedly missed goalscoring opportunities that could have changed the complexion of the contest.

“We worked hard to get back into the game in that third term, but we didn’t make the most of the chances we had and then the opposition would score easily the other way,” said Hutchison.

“We tried several things to get the game on our terms and felt like we were doing well enough in general play but just didn’t apply the scoreboard pressure off the back of that.”

The Big V booted 1.5 to 2.2 in the third term, giving them a combined total of 2.9 from their two quarters with the wind at their backs. It would ultimately prove to be the difference in the game.

Trailing by 20 points at three-quarter time, the Vics started the last term brightly as MacIsaac slotted his second goal before Perth had multiple opportunities to put the game to bed.

But, like the Vics before them, they sprayed kickable chances that kept the door ajar for the visitors, who were trying to rally a late comeback.

Perth FL booted 5 consecutive behinds before Chris Leonard’s goal at the 16-minute mark effectively sealed victory.

The Vics kept fighting and Sam Tucker added a consolation goal entering time-on, but in the end, it was Perth Football League avenging their 2023 Extra Time loss with a well-deserved 23-point win.

Old Brighton’s Will Lewis was named best afield for the Big V, while St Kevin’s speedster Al Richards received the Spirit of Big V Award for his efforts throughout the afternoon. Matt Ward was named best on ground for Perth FL.

Hutchison was full of praise for both sides after the game.

“Congratulations to everyone involved for putting on a fantastic show. Congratulations to the Perth Football League team – you did an outstanding job. Got one back on us from last year.”

PERTH FL          2.1          7.3          9.5          11.10 (76)
VAFA                    1.4          4.4          5.9          7.11 (53)

GOALS
PFL: K. Halligan 2, J. Corner 2, J. Hulten 2, C. Leonard, T. Kennedy, M. Walters, N. Spooner, J. Chapman
VAFA: MacIsaac & Tucker 2, Boucher 1, Laube 1, Pavlou 1.

BEST
PFL: Matt Ward
VAFA: Lewis, Stavrou, Lawrence, Vague, Boucher, Harvey, Richards.

Watch the full match replay >