Public Holiday Friday big stage set for William Buck Premier Men’s Grand Final

Following a most successful first-up AFL Grand Final Eve Public Holiday season-decider last year, the 2025 VAFA William Buck Premier Men’s Grand Final returns this Friday at Elsternwick Park, and it’s a repeat of last year’s contest, with Old Brighton set to face Old Scotch.

It was a break from tradition in 2024 for the VAFA, with Premier Men’s showpiece played away from its usual Sunday timeslot, and it was a huge day at VAFA HQ with in excess of 4,000 spectators in attendance.

This year promises to be even bigger, and being the only game of community footy in Melbourne on the Public Holiday, another big crowd is expected to descend on Elsternwick Park for the final game of the year.

Minor Premiers Old Brighton will be looking to turn around last year’s result and claim their first Premiership in the top flight in club history, while Old Scotch will be wanting to continue their fine form of late, qualifying for the Grand Final from fourth, including Sunday’s thrilling one-point prelim final victory over Old Xavs.

In the 2025 Premier Men’s Reserves Grand Final, Old Xaverians will be looking to continue their dominance when they face St Kevin’s Old Boys. See the full schedule below.

There will be various activations at Elsternwick Park to enhance the fan experience, including additional food and beverage options, sponsor activations and a jumping castle for the kids. The bar in the social room will be open to the public from 2pm. A full match day guide will be available on the VAFA Website and App prior to Friday.

Those in attendance at the ground can listen to the match live in real-time on SEN Stadium via the SEN App, while the game will also be live streamed on the VAFA Website, YouTube and KommunityTV. Avoid the queues and pre-purchase your tickets online now.

2025 VAFA William Buck Premier Men’s Grand Final Day
Friday, 26th September
Elsternwick Park, Glen Huntly Road, Brighton
11:30am – Premier Reserves: Old Xaverians v St Kevin’s
2:30pm – Premier Men’s: Old Brighton v Old Scotch

Limited seats remain for the Official Match Day Function. Includes a sit-down lunch. 12-2pm upstairs in the Elsternwick Park Social Room, for just $55 per head (includes ground entry). The room will be open to the public following the function at 2pm.