St Kevin’s through to Grand Final after scintillating match – Holmesglen U19 Premier Men’s Preliminary Final Review

St Kevin’s will meet Old Brighton in the Holmesglen Under 19 Premier Men’s Grand Final after a post-match player ineligibility issue voided Old Xaverians’ heart-stopping Preliminary Final win.

The two sides produced a scintillating contest at Revo Fitness Park on Saturday, with Old Xaverians ultimately prevailing by five points, 8.13 (61) to 8.8 (56), before the result was overturned following the discovery of an ineligible player.

It was a tight and defensive opening term, with St Kevin’s holding a four-point advantage at the first change after both sides traded momentum throughout the quarter.

Both sides lifted their offence in the second term, each kicking two goals as SKOB took a slight three-point advantage into the main break.

The intensity continued after the main break, with the game becoming a genuine arm wrestle as both teams struggled to find space inside 50.

St Kevin’s managed to create a slight separation on the scoreboard in the third term, to take a two-point lead into the final change.

With a Grand Final berth on the line, the final quarter produced plenty of drama as the two sides exchanged momentum once again.

Old Xaverians eventually found a way through, kicking three goals in the final term to finish five-point winners.

For St Kevin’s, coach Paul Greenham praised the quality of the contest and the contrasting styles both sides brought to the Preliminary Final.

“It was a quality game of U19 Premier football,” Greenham said.

“Both sides with different game styles were able to showcase their skills in still conditions.

“It was a very defensive game with momentum swings. We had our chances to skip away, however Old Xavs were quick to wrestle back ascendancy.”

Greenham acknowledged the impact of Old Xaverians’ key players.

“In the end, Xavs better players Sam Niklaus and Willem Hanegraaf stood tall to help get them across the line,” he said.

Old Xaverians coach Matt Handley was left to reflect on the result after his side’s performance on the field, with the club subsequently removed from the finals series following the eligibility breach.

After the game, it was identified that Old Xaverians had inadvertently fielded a player who was ineligible to participate in the match.

While the breach was unintentional, player eligibility requirements apply to all clubs and matches, meaning the result could not stand.

Under the competition’s rules and regulations, Old Xaverians were charged with a forfeit, and St Kevin’s will progress to face Old Brighton on Grand Final Day for a third straight season.

It sets the scene for another dramatic premiership decider as the Tonners hunt a hat-trick of titles, while SKOB will be equally desperate to avoid three consecutive Grand Final losses after losing by just four points in 2024 and 18 points in 2025.