Bloods double down in GF rematch while Tonners turn the tables

Old Brighton reversed last season’s Premier Men’s Grand Final result to remain undefeated in 2025 with an emphatic win over Old Scotch at Brighton Beach Oval.

The Tonners were extremely wayward early, so despite dominating general play in the opening term, actually trailed by 4 points at the first break – 0.9 to 2.1. By half-time, their lead was just 20 points despite having  20 more Inside 50s and 15 more scoring shots.

The Cardinals evened up the territory battle in the third quarter but were outscored in the process – the hosts out to a 34-point lead at the last change before ultimately cruising to a 45-point victory that could have been significantly larger if not for their remarkable 8.28 scoreline.

36 scores to 11 was a clearer indication of the Tonners’ dominance as they scored their 13^th consecutive victory at Fortress Brighton, remaining a game clear at the top of the table.

Skipper Harry Hill was everywhere with 37 disposals (26 Contested, 13 Clearances) and a goal. He was ably supported by Kai Dimattina with 33. Sam Grant worked tirelessly in the ruck to be best afield for the undermanned Cards, who have dropped their last 3 to sit 8^th on the table.

Marcel Bruin (Old Brighton): “Really pleased with the method and the way we were able to generate scoring opportunity against what was a really well organised defence for much of the game.

“Scotch put us under a lot of pressure despite being down on personnel and forced us to adjust our entries, which added to some challenging shots on goal, but we were able to keep creating opportunity off the back of good defensive structure and our own pressure.

“Good battle with the rucks and mids all day, our skipper really led the way and was exceptional. Great support from Kai Dimattina and some young defenders in Sam Linder, Max Benier and Mason Szonyi.”

Mark Gnatt (Old Scotch): “There were moments where we were able to execute our game style and find that connection.

“Old Brighton are definitely the benchmark of the competition, so it was great for a number of our boys to experience what it feels like against the best in the top flight.

“Sam Grant was outstanding in the ruck against two high-quality opponents with 59 hitouts. We will continue to develop and educate the group as each week is a learning opportunity.”

Old Haileybury has posted back-to-back wins for the first time this season to be sitting inside the Top 4 after kicking away in the third quarter of 2024 Premier B Grand Final rematch against De La Salle at Princes Park.

De La was right in a hot first half, leading by a goal at quarter-time and trailing by just 3 points at the major break, before dynamic Bloods’ small forward Andreas Stefanakis grabbed the game by the scruff of the neck.

The 20-year-old booted 4 goals in 10 minutes early in the third term to kick his team out to what turned out to be a match-winning lead, claiming the VAFA SEN Skins Player of the Game Award in the process.

That 6-goal-to-2 third quarter propelled the Bloods to a 30-point lead at the last break and while De La Salle continued to fight on and narrowly won the final quarter, the overall result was never in doubt.

Stefanakis has 10 goals in his last 3 games and 13 for the season. He looms as a critical piece of the Bloods’ push for September action, as when he is on song, he is as difficult to contain as any forward in the competition.

Antonio Giampa was a shining light for De La Salle. The 17-year-old, still at school at Mazenod, announced himself at VAFA level with a superb 32-possession performance as a wing/half back in just his second senior game. His hard running saw him rack up 5 Rebound 50s and 6 Inside 50s in a stellar breakout game that will elevate him squarely onto the radar of Big V Under 19 selectors.

Daniel Ward (Old Haileybury): “Scrappy win against a side that came to play. Full credit to De La, who put a lot of pressure on us, and we couldn’t get going early.

“We set the win up with a third quarter where we got on top in middle of the ground and gave our forwards more opportunities.

“We’ve lost a few boys, so our depth will be tested – we look forward to taking on Uni Blues next week.”

Nick Hyland (De La Salle): “We started the game really well and had a strong first half. Our attack on the contest was excellent, and we felt we set the tone early with our intensity. Our pressure around the ball forced turnovers in dangerous parts of the ground and allowed us to attack our F50.

“Kicking 2.4 in the first quarter, then following up with 1.5 in the second quarter was extremely frustrating, as it didn’t allow us to put Haileybury under any scoreboard pressure.

“A flat 15-minute period in the 3rd quarter proved the difference in the game. Haileybury gained ascendancy around the ball, and combined with our sloppy turnovers meant we really struggled to stop their momentum. Credit to Daniel and his team for the way they played in that period, and making the most of their chances.

“Lapses in concentration and intensity, and our inability to convert our chances are proving to be very costly. We need to correct these quickly. We look forward to St Bernard’s at home next week.”

Speaking of the Snowdogs, St Bernard’s were ultimately overpowered at home by an in-form Old Xaverians, who consolidated their position inside the Top 2 with a runaway 35-point win at the Snake Pit.   

The hosts got away to a flying start with the opening 2 goals, before the visitors booted 6 of the next 7 to jump out to a handy lead.

But just as it shaped to be one-way traffic, the Snowdogs kicked the next 3 goals to tie things up early in the third term of an entertaining contest.

Xavs responded with the next 2 majors to re-establish a handy buffer and 2 more to start the last term stretched the margin to 26 points. Credit once again to St Bernard’s, who rallied to kick 2 goals in 3 minutes to keep the game alive.

But it was Old Xaverians finishing the stronger and the last 3 goals of the game extended the final margin to 35 points in a contest that was closer than that in general play.

Reigning Woodrow Medallist Sam Fisher racked up 37 disposals (20 Contested, 11 Clearances) and was well supported by Campbell Lane with 34 (10 Rebound 50s) as Xavs improved to 4-1 on the season.

Dan Donati (Old Xavs): “Super competitive game against a very good Bernard’s outfit at the Snakepit. No easy possessions, lots of contest-to-contest stuff and both sides were pretty evenly matched across the ground for most of the day.

“There were some great one-on-one battles at both ends and through the midfield, but in the end, we had a few more good looks Inside 50 and were able to put the score on the board at crucial moments.

“We were beaten quite convincingly out there last year, so to grind out a tough win against a very good team was certainly pleasing from my perspective.”

Steve Alessio (St Bernard’s): “We were keen to start well this week and try take the game up to Old Xavs who have been in great form.

“The game ended up being a bit of an arm wrestle in the third quarter and we had our chances early in the last to get close, but lacked poise in front of goal and ultimately weren’t able to match their cleaner ball use.”

Collegians scored a pivotal win over University Blacks at Melbourne Uni Oval.

The Blacks started well and led by 9 points at the first break, but they were left to rue early wasted opportunities as the Lions got their possession game going in the second term, adding 5 goals in 12 minutes to open up a 17-point half-time advantage.

Blacks stabilised in the third term to break even for the quarter, but just couldn’t find the middle of the big sticks in the last, adding 0.4 to the Lions’ 2.2, ensuring a vital 27 point victory for Collegians, who remain in touch with the Top 4 while the Blacks find themselves a game further back in the Bottom 2.

Alex Lukic continued his good form with another 3 goals giving him a competition-leading 15 for the season as the Walker boys (Campbell and Josh) combined for 69 disposals, 17 tackles and 15 clearances.

James Clark and Zach Dakis worked hard all day for Blacks, who now face what might prove to be a season-defining fortnight against Old Scotch and De La Salle.

Jordie McKenzie (Collegians): “A solid victory against Blacks on the weekend in what was good reward for effort.

“Blacks got the jump on us with 3 quick first-quarter goals. From that point on, our contested and pressure game lifted, and we were able to concede only 2 more goals for the day.

“We were able to finish the game strongly, which was pleasing, given our drop off the previous week.

“Campbell Walker and Josh Walker were huge around the footy. Matt Warren was instrumental down back, and the dangerous trio of Pewtress, Thomas and Lukic up forward caused plenty of headaches for Blacks.

“Another huge game against SKOB next week, which we are looking forward to.”

Dale Bower (Uni Blacks): “It was a very tough, physical contested game. Unfortunately for us, Collegians were able to create more scoring opportunities and take more of those opportunities.

“We are still working to find four quarters of the type of football we are after. We are currently showing glimpses of it.”

The final game of Round 5 saw St Kevin’s ultimately see off University Blues at TH King Oval.

And despite what many may have expected, it was a free-flowing, high-scoring opening term with 10 goals kicked – SKOB holding a 2-goal break at the opening change.

The hosts seized the initiative with 4 of the first 5 goals in the second term, kicking away to a 30-point lead before the Blues dug in and responded with 3 goals in 7 minutes during time-on to claw their way back within 12 points at the major break of a thoroughly entertaining game.

The third term saw a change of pace, with just 3 goals kicked for the quarter – 2 of them to SKOB, who extended their advantage to 21 points at the last change.

And when Sam Barnett slotted the first 2 goals of the final term, the hosts appeared to hold a match-winning 32-point lead before James Stewart found 2 of his own at the other end to keep the Blues’ flame flickering.

But SKOB ultimately had the answers, kicking the final 3 goals of the game to extend the final margin to a game-high 42 points – forwards Paddy Kerr (5 goals) and Sam Barnett (4 goals) suddenly looming as a major factor in the race for the 2025 premiership.

Kerr is a major threat in his own right. To now have Barnett alongside him makes SKOB all the more dangerous, particularly when receiving quality midfield support from the likes of Luke Winter & Angus Hanrahan (30 disposals apiece).

Hamish Yunghanns led the way with 25 touches for the Blues, while James Stewart finished with 18 disposals and 5 goals.

Next up, a revealing mid-table clash with Old Haileybury, while SKOB face a blockbuster against the Lions at Harry Trott.

Anthony Lynch (St Kevin’s): “I thought it was a terrific contest for a large part of the game, in particular the first 3 quarters. Both teams were able to score during their periods of momentum.

“We challenged our group at three-quarter time to put together a full 30-minute quarter for the first time this year with no lapses, and I was very proud that they delivered on that, which allowed us to kick away in the final term.

“It was extra special as we had four debutants who all showed that the future is very bright.”

Matt Smith (Uni Blues): “A recurring theme for us is that our ‘good footy’ stacks up and is dangerous against anybody. But our ‘poor footy’ is very easy to play against and is seeing teams take control of games.

“St Kevin’s were just too polished and better organised, and pounced on every opportunity we gave them.

“A couple of game-ending injuries to Furphy and Wicks in the first half made it a tall order, especially being a warm day, and we just weren’t able to capitalise on the periods of the game that we had control of.

“We were within touching distance at three-quarter time but just ran out of legs.”

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WILLIAM BUCK PREMIER MEN’S – ROUND 6  

SATURDAY MAY 17:

Collegians               vs             St Kevin’s                  SEN MOTD – 1.45pm on VAFA.com.au & SEN app                 

Old Scotch              vs             University Blacks       VAFA.com.au LIVE STREAM – 1.55pm

De La Salle              vs             St Bernard’s                VAFA.com.au LIVE STREAM – 1.55pm

University Blues     vs             Old Haileybury   

Old Xaverians         vs             Old Brighton            VAFA.com.au LIVE STREAM – 2.25pm                  

Watch matches on-demand on VAFATV