UHS-VU edge out Oakleigh, whilst the pirates crack the ton – again!

On an overcast and cold afternoon of Division 1 Men’s footy there was plenty of moments to remember. From UHS-VU’s clutch win in the final moments, to three teams scoring over 100 points, to percentage boosters for the top two teams: this round had a bit of everything.

A thrilling game at Brens Oval saw Jacob Hunt claim victory for UHS-VU with a goal in the dying stages to snatch a 2-point victory over Oakleigh.

The Vultures form to date is certainly not an indication of what their best footy can be. Despite recording just five wins, they have seriously challenged many sides and will be a side to watch in the last four weeks of 2025.

The Krushers got the early lead with Rogan Kitts dominating up forward, but the tables turned quickly in the second quarter as the Vultures silenced their opposition to kick a mammoth eight goals in the second term to lead by five goals at the main break.

As far as conditions and a ‘wind advantage’ goes, the third quarter played to script as it was Oakleigh’s turn to control the game, resulting in the Krushers taking a narrow 6-point lead going into the final term.

Oakleigh got an early goal in the fourth to increase this lead as the game then hit a stalemate with ten minutes of no scoring, as defensive lines played their roles to a tee.

Halfway into the final term, this match was still very much up for grabs and the game opened up somewhat to allow both UHS & Oakleigh to kick a goal, followed by a UHS goal and behind to see the Vultures still trailing by four points.

This game went right down to the final stages and in incredible scenes, UHS’s Jacob Hunt managed to kick a major just moments before the final siren to seal victory for his team and give the home crowd something to remember.

Whilst it will take a miracle for UHS-VU to qualify for finals, this win will nonetheless provide much optimism for a strong finish to the season. This result is perhaps more damning for Oakleigh who are now two games and percentage out of the four.

Brandon Jackson and Jacob Hunt starred up forward for UHS-VU with six and four goals respectively, whilst Rogan Kitts also deserves a commendation for booting six goals for Oakleigh.

Ormond produced yet another impressive performance in an 80-point thrashing of the Monash Blues.

The Blues held themselves in good stead in the first quarter, keeping in the contest and only trailing by a very gettable 4-points at the first change.

Unfortunately, the narrative shifted dramatically from there as a demolition job in the second quarter saw the Monders pile on eight majors to Monash’s one.

As far as goals kicked goes, that was all she wrote for Monash who failed to find the big sticks after half time and were held scoreless in the third quarter.

Whilst Ormond succeeded on most fronts, due credit to Monash for limiting their scoring in the second half and particularly the third quarter in which Ormond kicked just the one major.

This win once again reinforces Ormond’s credentials as the pacesetters and the team set to make an impact in September.

Jeremy Simon, Jack Toouli and Ben Williams were amongst the best on ground for Ormond, whilst on a forgettable day for the Blues, Jake Meade, Sam Coleman and Harrison Frischke were some of their best players.

Another thrashing saw Old Peninsula defeat Therry Penola by 108 points.
With a top two spot on the line should results go their way, the Pirates had plenty to play for, and certainly delivered from the get go.

This game was more or less decided by half-time as Old Peninsula lead by a massive 60 points at the main break, as the Lions struggled to get a look-in and hit the scoreboard.

The Pirates continued to dominate the play in the third quarter, extending their lead to 97 points, and finished in style in the final quarter with another three goals.

In their fourteen matches this season, the Pirates have exceeded 100 points on nine of these occasions – a statistic which they no doubt hope will trouble the top four come finals time!

Thanks to a few results going their way as well as a significant percentage boosting win, the Pirates have reclaimed the all-important second spot, for now.

Old Peninsula’s Nelson Forrest had a day to remember with seven goals to his name, and Connor Kilbane, Nick Turner and Jack Ivers were amongst the best for Therry Penola.

Kew lost second spot on the ladder after going down to the Preston Bullants by 21 points.

Both teams had periods of success throughout the first half, but it was Kew who managed to remain slightly ahead, taking a healthy but narrow lead of 15-points into half-time.

Momentum shifted in the third quarter as Preston came out firing, booting five majors, and whilst Kew had opportunities inside 50, they couldn’t find the big sticks.

Whilst the Bears kicked the first goal in the fourth to bring their deficit back to a competitive 6-points, it was the Bullants who were successful from there-on in with a goal to Tom Hill and two late goals to Adrian Gonnella to seal victory.

Tom Hill had an outstanding game for Preston with seven goals to his name, whilst Lachie James, Harry Brown and Alexander Chiocci were amongst Kew’s best players.

Brunswick recorded their sixth victory of 2025, defeating Elsternwick by 41 points in a consistent four quarter effort.

Brunswick burst out of the blocks with three very early goals to set the tone and disappoint the Elsternwick home crowd. To Elsternwick’s credit, they fought back with two late goals to be trailing by a manageable 8-points at quarter-time.

The second quarter told a familiar story with the opening goals falling Brunswick’s way before Elsternwick found opportunities to fire back.

Brunswick increased their lead to 18-points at half-time and continued to flourish throughout the second half. Despite Elsternwick’s best efforts across all areas of the ground, Brunswick were always just a couple of goals ahead each quarter and ultimately outplayed them.

With just four matches remaining, Elsternwick have their work cut out to leave the relegation zone, and Brunswick will be looking for some late season wins to give them a platform to build on next season.

Elsternwick’s Daniel Marchese kicked five goals to see him sitting in fourth position on the Division 1 leading goalkicker tally, whilst Brunswick’s Mitch Hicks and Paul Scamporlino combined up forward with four goals each.

Round 15 will see Oakleigh (5th) looking to cause Ormond’s (1st) first loss as the Krushers continue to push for a top four place when these sides meet at Scammell Reserve.

Old Peninsula (2nd) host the Preston Bullants (4th) with 2nd, 3rd and 4th spots on the ladder still very much moveable.

Elsewhere, Kew (3rd) will look to get back on the winners list against Therry Penola (9th), Brunswick (6th) take on the Monash Blues (8th), and Elsternwick (10th) play the in-form UHS-VU (7th).