2026 VAFA Finals Fixture – August 29-30
The fixture has been released for the Week 2 of the 2026 VAFA Finals Series, featuring Men’s Thirds Preliminary Finals, Premier B, Divisional Women’s Preliminary Finals and Holmesglen U19 Finals.
Old Brighton have capped off a stunning season with a Grand Final victory to claim the Premiership; made even sweeter by knocking off reigning premiers Marcellin.
It promised to be a cracking Grand Final, with the two best teams all year going head-to-head once again and both with a point to prove. Marcellin were looking to defend their Premiership title, whilst Old Brighton were looking to back up their minor Premiership with the real deal.
It was a low scoring affair, keeping the game close and entertaining. Marcellin were the better of the two teams in the first quarter, with one goal to none. However, Brighton took the reins in the second quarter, kicking 3.3 to Marcellin’s three behinds.
Brighton’s strong second quarter placed them in good stead for the remainder of the game – their ability to capitalise when it mattered ultimately won them the game.
Both teams were wayward in front of goal, with Brighton kicking 2.6 after half time and Marcellin 1.3. They both had their chances to put the game away and, on their terms, but were unable to.
Over the times they’ve played each other this year, we’ve seen some great battles with the talent these lists both have to offer.
With sharpshooting forwards like Lily Tait and Zoe Glascott both vying forward line positions in the team of the year, as well as some of the great captains in Alana Pane, Caterina O’Brien and India Tait lining up to try take their team to Premiership glory, the match ups in this game were always going to be exciting.
Old Brighton co-captains India Tait and Caterina O’Brien could not be split for best on ground. The pair led their team to victory from the front with truly inspirational performances, both kicking two goals apiece. Two very deserving and proud Premiership captains.
Lily Tait was held goalless for the first time all year, with Marcellin placing emphasis on their defense. On the other side of the ledger, Zoe Glascott scored two goals for Marcellin, whilst it was their captain in Alana Pane who was awarded the best on ground for the match as determined by the officiating umpire panel. It really was a day out for all captains involved.


That wraps up an impressive season for the Division 1 Women’s Competition. The depth of talent amongst the competition was highlighted throughout the season and alludes to the growth of Women’s footy. Hopefully we will see an even bigger competition next year as Old Brighton kick off as the reigning premiers whilst the other teams will be seeking premiership glory.
OLD BRIGHTON 0.0 3.3 4.4 5.9 (39)
MARCELLIN 1.0 1.3 1.6 2.6 (18)
The fixture has been released for the Week 2 of the 2026 VAFA Finals Series, featuring Men’s Thirds Preliminary Finals, Premier B, Divisional Women’s Preliminary Finals and Holmesglen U19 Finals.
Jason Bennett, Matthew Donald & Brayden May dive into all the latest news, views, scores and analysis from Week 19 of VAFA season 2026, which saw Premier sections battling for
Half of the William Buck Premier Men’s relegation race has been resolved, but three clubs will face a very anxious final day of the home & away season, while the
