Live stream: Old Brighton take on Old Xaverians in crucial VAFA Premier Men’s showdown

Old Xaverians’ finals hopes could be dashed by a horrendous opening quarter as Old Brighton cruised to victory and the VAFA Premier minor premiership with a game to spare. Catch up on the REPLAYS.

Old Brighton are the VAFA Premier Men’s minor premiers after a devastating opening quarter paved the way for a comfortable win over a fading Old Xaverians.

The Tonners kicked 6.7 in an incredible opening salvo while keeping Xavs to a single behind - and that didn’t come until the 27-minute mark.

With just one round remaining, Old Brighton can’t be caught by second place St Kevin’s, who they play next weekend.

Xavs improved markedly after the first term, and even won the next three quarters comfortably, 57-35, but the damage was done.

They now drop to fifth and need victory over Old Scotch next weekend - and hope Fitzroy knock off Collegians to make the finals.

REPLAYS

Old Brighton v Old Xaverians (Reserves)

PREVIEW

It’s first against fourth – and there is plenty riding on this VAFA Men’s Premier result for both Old Brighton and Old Xaverians.

Fresh from a 45-point win over 2023 champs Collegians, Old Brighton comfortably sit atop of the ladder, but don’t let their lofty perch fool you, there will be no easing up.

After winning four in a row to race into finals calculations, Old Xavs have now lost two straight and have Collegians hot on their tail for fourth spot.

Catch the big Reserves/Premier Men’s double act LIVE and EXCLUSIVE on Kommunity on Saturday. Check the full LIVE STREAM schedule for details.

Old Brighton sits two wins clear with a 14-2 record after finishing the home and away season 9-9 in 2023.

And club secretary Doug Dick said they will be very close to full strength for the match.

“One is serving a suspension but everyone else is available, I have never seen anything like it,” he said.

“Usually at this time of the year you might have half a dozen players injured, but we’ve got a really healthy list at the moment.”

There’s usually plenty of feeling in this rivalry.

Old Xavs are in a similar boat with their availability, but coach Daniel Donati says his group must respond after “a couple of poor games”.

“We’ve got to respond, we’ve had a couple of poor games on our end,” he said.

“We’ve locked in on this one, it’s going to be out at Brighton, we know what their ground is like – we’ve got to be up for the contest tomorrow, it’s as simple as that.

“We’ve been sitting fourth for a few weeks now, haven’t been able to lock it in because we’ve let a couple slip, so it’s cut and dry for us now.”

Originally published as Live stream: Old Brighton take on Old Xaverians in crucial VAFA Premier Men’s showdown