Grand Final rematch set after Preliminary Final decided in extra time epic

The grand final stage is set – but it required more than four quarters to determine who would play Old Brighton in the decider.

St Kevin’s and University Blues have played out a thrilling extra time clash at Elsternwick Park to fight for the final spot in this season’s Holmesglen Under 19 Premier Men’s grand final, with a spirited fight back the catalyst for the additional periods of action.

St Kevin’s’ coach Paul Greenham admitted he was “surprised” by a changed Uni Blues line-up, which Blues coach Steve Boakes stated arose due to injuries in the elimination final against Old Scotch, plus the loss of ruckman Ryan Fowler in the warm-up.

Still despite the Blues’ undermanned side, Boakes was confident is his players’ ability to defeat a St Kevin’s team ready to “breathe fire” after its loss to the Tonners.

“We thought we could dial up the pressure with the twilight experience in our favour, so we went in with a degree of confidence,” Boakes said.

It was a back-and-forth first half affair, with the Blues holding a slim advantage over St Kevin’s at the quarter time break, before SKOB would pip the lead back in their favour at the half, leading a low-scoring battle 4.2 (26) to 3.4 (22).

With pristine conditions on the Saturday evening, outside ball use was key through the midfield, which Greenham conceded the Blues had done better than his men early on.

“From the outset it was a really contested game,” he said.

“The side that used the ball on the outside better was probably going to get more looks at scoring.

“University looked that side, especially early, so when we were able to tidy up their fat side ball use, we felt we were right in the contest.”

St Kevin’s exceeded just matching the Blues around the contest in the third term, ripping away to a 14-point lead, but the Blues wouldn’t die wondering.

A surging University outfit tore the game wide open again.

Enter Charlie Cotter.

6 points down, full time siren has sounded. Best on ground, Charlie Cotter takes a mark in the forward pocket at the Glen Huntly Road end. The roar of the crowd reaches a crescendo compounded by the blast of the full-time siren. The field umpire races over to relay the rules, ensuring Cotter is aware he could snap the kick without playing on, but must kick truly over the man on the mark.

Right foot snap = goal. Cotter has clawed the Blues back into the game and locked up points after four quarters.

The twilight match was entering time on and with University Blues carrying all the momentum in the fourth, it was up to St Kevin’s to respond.

“To say we were on the ropes is an understatement,” Greenham said.

“A full momentum swing in play and a vocal Uni crowd against us, we had to find something.”

And St Kevin’s did.

A brain-fade 50 metre penalty handed SKOB a much-needed stabilising goal to stem the bleeding from University’s onslaught, and it would pay dividends.

As the second siren of extra time rang, St Kevin’s had pulled through on top by the skin of its teeth, 14.7 (91) to 12.11 (83).

“Like we have done all year under extreme adversity, especially inside our four walls, the boys got up off the canvas to find it within themselves to get us across the line,” Greenham said.

“The resilience this group has shown all year I haven’t encountered before.

“The leaders were next level, and they found a way to give us a chance to take on the very best in the competition – Old Brighton.”

Boakes, with mixed emotions after defeat, was proud of his side but gutted after falling short following such a courageous fight back.

“The extra time was certainly a different experience,” Boakes said.

“The message was to be composed and keep running but the 50 metre penalty that gifted SKOBS a goal made the task all the tougher.

“In the end we fell short despite the boys giving it everything they could.

“I am proud of the effort put in by this group and they should be proud to get this far.”

Now, the grand final rematch beckons.

The reigning premiers Old Brighton did it the hard way in 2024, losing its qualifying final to St Kevin’s before defeating the blue, green and gold in a four-point epic.

Much the same can be expected this time around.

Despite Old Brighton’s 32-point win in the qualifying final, just six points and 10 points have split the two sides in games this season.

Worryingly for St Kevin’s, they’ve never been on the right side of those results, and with potential heavy legs following its energy-draining preliminary final, Old Brighton will go in as favourites.

But with an insurmountable level of unwavering resilience and determination, it would be a rookie mistake to write off the minor premiers, who undoubtedly have the late-game experience in finals if the game comes down to the wire, which could be critical in the dying moments.

After an entire season of Under 19 Premier Men’s action, just two sides remain. The first bounce hits the turf at 5:00pm, Saturday, September 20 at Elsternwick Park. This is one you won’t want to miss!