Collegians win top-of-the-table clash to remain Premier B Men’s only unbeaten side

Collegians emerged from the weekend as the only unbeaten team left in Premier B Men’s, coming out winners in an early-season top-of-the-table clash against Beaumaris by 42 points.

After an even first half that saw the Lions trailing by just three points at the main break, a ten-goal-to-four second half helped the hosts eventually complete an 18.13.121 to 12.7.79 victory.

The headline act was Alexander Lukic, who booted eight goals, while the Lions midfield were equally dominant, with Kenny Ong, Hugh Johnson and Herschel Waters each winning eight clearances.

Jai Florent led the way for the Sharks with three goals, while Zach Hawkins stood up in defence all day, with 16 intercept possessions and six intercept marks.

Collegians coach Jordie McKenzie said that he was happy with the way his players were able to respond in the second half.

“We weren’t horrible in the second quarter, but we got done on transition. We felt we were the better side in the first half, but the siren came at a good time for us,” McKenzie said.

“Our intensity lifted and our pressure lifted, which was really pleasing. We showed that our better stuff is good.”

Sharks coach Josh Bourke said he was encouraged by what his players brought in the first half.

“We stood up massively in the contest,” Bourke said. “We expected us to be a bit challenged in the contest, but our pressure early was fantastic.

“Their cleanliness after half-time was too good, but I was really proud. We showed that our best is good enough even against the best sides.”

Williamstown secured victory on the road in the closest match of the round, holding off a fast-finishing Old Geelong to win by four points at Como Park.

Having led by 16 points at the final change, the CY’s were put under immense pressure in the final term, as the OG’s booted three goals to one to draw themselves to within a kick.

But Williamstown managed to hold on, led by the likes of Robbie Cockerell and Dean Cutajar, and improved their record to 2-1.

Will Smyth kicked a game-high five goals for the visitors, while Tom Gorrell continued his fine form to start the season with another four-goal haul.

CY’s coach Con Terzoglou said he was pleased with the way the team fought out the final quarter.

“I can’t speak highly enough of the back six,” Terzoglou said.

“We went 1-4 in close games last year. Over the summer, one of the things we wanted to get better at was winning the close ones.

“We’re rapt that we got through.”

Old Geelong coach Nick Dixon said there were encouraging signs in the second half, but that the OG’s ultimately left themselves with too much to do.

“It was a tale of two halves,” Dixon said. “They outnumbered us around the ground in the first half.

“Our work rate and our method going forward looked better in the second half. There are positives to take away from it, but we left ourselves with too much to do.”

AJAX improved their record to 2-1 with another impressive win away from home, defeating Old Melburnians by 17 points at Elsternwick Park.

The Jackers started strong, kicking seven goals to three in the opening half to open up a 20-point lead at the main break, before keeping the OM’s at arm’s length for the rest of the contest.

The result pushes the Jackers back into the top four, while the OM’s remain in seventh place with a 1-2 record.

Jacker’s coach Lachie Buszard pointed to the fact that it took a team effort to secure victory.

“We had a great contribution from all 22 in what was a tough game,” Buszard said. “James Byrne is a very good coach and credit to OM’s for a great game of footy.

“The blustery wind at Elsternwick does not make for the best-looking footy at times, but (we’re) really proud of our group.”

OM’s coach James Byrne said that his team didn’t make the most of its opportunities on the day, but is remaining optimistic about the year ahead.

“Turnovers hurt us,” Byrne said. “We had the game in control at crucial times and made turnovers. We didn’t capitalise on forward movement or around the contest.

“With youth comes fluctuation. We’ve been in every game. The two games we lost were very much winnable. There’s lots of upside and lots to be excited about.”

Old Camberwell secured its first victory of the season, defeating last year’s minor premiers Old Ivanhoe by 14 points at Chelmsworth Park.

After a tight first half, the Wellers produced a dominant third quarter, kicking six goals to one to open up a 34-point advantage at the final break.

The Hoers responded in the final term but were unable to bridge the gap, falling short to remain winless in 2026.

Liam Thomas was outstanding for the Wellers with a game-high five goals, while Rohan McKenzie and Michael Mitris each booted three majors for the Hoers.

Wellers coach Neil Connell was happy with the balance the team showed between defence and attack.

“We placed a big emphasis on defence during the week, and it was pleasing to see it stand up so well,” Connell said.

“We had plenty of forward-50 entries but weren’t able to convert in the first half. But we got the ball into more dangerous positions in the third term and were able to convert more often.”

Hoers coach Xavier Naish said that the third quarter was the difference between the two sides.

“Camberwell put the foot down in the third term, and it was impressive to see from them,” Naish said. “Credit to their midfielders and their engine room in owning territory with clearances.

“We responded in patches of the game, and it’s a great learning curve for our young group and leaders.”

Old Carey won its second game in a row, defeating De La Salle by 21 points in a hard-fought affair at Dunshea Oval.

After an impressive start by the Panthers, keeping De La scoreless in the opening term, the visitors chipped away at the deficit throughout the next two quarters, heading into three-quarter-time just 13 points behind.

But the Panthers steadied to kick the first two goals of the final term, eventually coming away with the win.

Bede Waters was terrific for the hosts, picking up 36 disposals and 12 clearances, while Charlie Grummett kicked four goals.

De La skipper Fraser Cameron had 30 disposals and 10 clearances for the afternoon, and Nick Leontaritis booted three majors.

Panthers coach Luke Giles said he was pleased with how the team rose to the occasion.

“It was a really pleasing performance,” Giles said. “We’re very alive to the fact that they’re a club that didn’t do a heap wrong in Prem A (last year), so it felt like our biggest challenge in three years.

“I was really proud of us. I thought it was a great day for the club in our first home game of the year, so to go out and be so well-connected defensively was very good.”

De La coach Nick Hyland said he was disappointed with the way his team started the match.

“We were outplayed in every facet of the game,” Hyland said.

“It was a very disappointing display. Credit to Luke — they had dominance all over the ground.

“Our intensity and hunt around the ball improved in the second and third term, and I thought the way we moved the ball was predictable for each other, (but) they were clearly the better team on the day.”