Old Peninsula thrash Ormond to claim Division 1 title

The Division 1 Men’s Grand Final saw Old Peninsula get the job done, defeating the previously unbeaten Ormond by a massive 74 points to claim the ultimate prize: premiership success.

Recent history from 2025 suggests that when these two sides meet, we were in for a close one. Ormond had won all three matchups prior to the Grand Final by 12 points, 4 points and 17 points respectively.

This is by no means a laurel to rest on but would’ve provided a small degree of optimism nonetheless to the Monders, knowing what is required to defeat this team.

Ormond got off to the right start with the first goal going to Ethan Hanley.

It was the Pirates who found the momentum throughout the middle stages of the quarter, booting four consecutive goals across eight minutes as they made their way through Ormond’s defenders and built up a healthy lead.

The Monders found a late goal by way of Samuel Bailey but will be ruing their inaccuracy in a quarter which they recorded two goals and seven behinds, missing their opportunities to get ahead.

QT: Ormond 2.7.19 trails Old Peninsula 4.1.25

The Pirates had a phenomenal second quarter, outworking Ormond across all lines and showing their hunger to win an elusive premiership.

Two of their five goals were spaced out in the first half of the quarter, before three consecutive late goals really put the pain into the Monders, leaving Ormond, the undefeated team and pace setters of the competition thus far, with some questions to ponder at the main break.

HT: Ormond 2.10.22 trails Old Peninsula 9.7.61

To Ormond’s credit, they came out wanting to respond in the third quarter and knew that any greater deficit to reduce would be a major mental barrier.

The Monders were still somewhat inaccurate in front of goal, but importantly still managed three majors to the Pirates two.

The Old Peninsula faithful at Box Hill City Oval could sense a premiership looming, but the job wasn’t done yet.

But as VAFA Media commentator Cal Cummins noted in the broadcast at three quarter-time, of all the quarters Ormond have lost this year – almost half have been fourth quarters alone.

3QT: Ormond 5.15.45 trails Old Peninsula 11.8.74

Early goals were going to be critical for Ormond to give them any chance, but that glimmer of hope quickly faded as the Pirates kicked three majors in the first ten minutes, two of those going to Nathan Jones.

Whilst Ormond managed one more goal soon after, it was too little too late for the Monders, who despite a terrific season up until this point, were just not good enough on Grand Final day.

The Pirates proceeded to pile on a further five goals, with the final goal of the day deservedly going to the son of Old Peninsula great Shaun Payze, and Big V representative player, Bailey Payze.

The siren sounded to finish proceedings as the Pirates players and supporters revelled in the celebrations. Old Peninsula were able to achieve a feat that no other had accomplished all season: beating the previously undefeated Ormond, and by an incredible 74 points no less.

FT: Ormond 6.17.53 defeated by Old Peninsula 19.13.127

Despite Old Peninsula’s dominance, both sides had standout performers. For Ormond, Jack Mason, Aaron Trusler and Aaron Taylor were amongst their best players. Trusler was also the leading goal-kicker for the Monders with two majors to his name.

As for the Pirates, Nathan Jones had a stellar day out with six goals, supported by George Fletcher and Bailey Payze with three majors each. Even taking out Jones’ six goals, Peninsula would still have won by an impressive margin.

In the post-game analysis on the broadcast, VAFA Media expert and former Elsternwick premiership coach, Hugo Higginbotham, said that “Peninsula came with a plan, and they executed it perfectly….they took away the time and space of Ormond”.

Both sides are to be commended for the way they carried themselves this season. Statistically, they lead the way on-the-field in most categories and metrics. They were both number 1 and number 2 in offense and defence.

Old Peninsula, in particular, produced an exciting, attacking brand of footy, reflected in their average score this season of 111 points per game.

Ormond have plenty of depth with many exciting young players coming through and are to be congratulated for winning the Division 1 Men’s Reserves premiership earlier in the day.

That brings to a close to another season of Division 1 footy. Ormond had an incredible season but couldn’t quite get it done on Grand Final day, outplayed by a well-drilled Old Peninsula outfit.

Both sides will be promoted to Premier C in 2026, whilst the two standout sides of Division 2, the Old Yarra Cobras and St Mary’s Salesian have earnt promotion to Division 1.

On the relegation side, Therry Penola and Elsternwick will move down to Division 2, whilst both Prahran and Parkside will make their return to Division 1 after tough seasons in Premier C.

2025 was a mixed bag in Division 1. Ormond and Old Peninsula lead the way as the best two sides, closely followed by Kew. The Preston Bullants and Oakleigh both played brilliantly and fought it out for fourth spot, whilst UHS-VU made a late surge and will be a team to watch next season. With four new teams entering this section next year, 2026 promises to be a fascinating year of Division 1 Men’s football.