Brighton Grammar vs. Haileybury College: Who performed on the APS’ biggest stage

Brighton Grammar moved closer to another APS football title on Saturday off the back of some fine performances. See our top 10 and all the photos from the day.

Brighton Grammar took command of the APS football title race with a stunning one-point victory over reigning champions Haileybury College.

Luke Trainor turned forward late yet again, while Charlie Rowe and Levi Ashcroft played out an enthralling battle in the midfield.

Sam Linder was exceptional and Tairon Ah-Mu continued his steady improvement.

The likely decider was determined by a number of players. Here are the players that stood up on the day …

The Charlie Rowe (L) vs. Levi Ashcroft first-half battle was top-tier. Photo: Andrew Batsch

TAIRON AH-MU (Haileybury)

Ah-Mu was close to the best player on the ground in the first half, playing a dominant role in the ruck. Whether it was fatigue or injury, he spent more time deep forward in the second half which slowed down Haileybury’s dominance around the ball. He is a bottom-age product with plenty of upside.

LEVI ASHCROFT (Brighton)

Ashcroft was quiet until his side was on the canvas. He was nullified, particularly at stoppages, for the first two and a half quarters but took control in the back end of the third and final term. He kicked 0.3 in what was close to another massive day.

LENNY HOFMANN (Brighton)

The conditions gave Hofmann the advantage in his eye-catching match-up with Haileybury star Harry Armstrong, but Hofmann barely lost a dual all day. Armstrong kicked just one goal, which came through an unbeatable transition play.

MITCH KIRKWOOD-SCOTT (Haileybury)

Kirkwood-Scott is no stranger to important APS games. The Haileybury captain played undersized on Brighton’s Charlie Richardson while finding plenty of the footy himself. He kicked a long-range goal and was immense in defence during the third quarter.

Mitch Kirkwood-Scott. Photo: Andrew Batsch

SAM LINDER (Brighton)

Linder was the most consistent performer throughout a day where players mainly had moments. He was terrific from the outset but showed his bravery and composure late. Linder took a courageous mark under a high ball before piercing the perfect kick to fuel Brighton’s game-winning play.

KEEGAN MOUNTFORD (Haileybury)

What a third quarter. Haileybury hadn’t kicked a goal to the main change but Mountford single-handedly injected life into the visitors with two in short time. His second goal running along the boundary was the finish of the day.

Keegan Mountford applies a tackle. Photo: Andrew Batsch

LUKE TRAINOR (Brighton)

The conditions didn’t allow Trainor to have his normal impact in the air but he rose to the occasion when it mattered the most. His mark – against two opponents – in the context of the game was more impressive than the long-range point.

ZACH TRAVERS (Brighton)

Travers was Brighton’s best during the second quarter when the game was at its hottest. The intent to be physical on a rain-soaked ground resulted in players from both sides falling over everywhere, but Travers simply nailed the fundamental of keeping his feet.

CHARLIE ROWE (Haileybury)

It was a real blue-collar performance from Rowe. He took it to Ashcroft during the first half and it was obvious he was having an effect. Rowe showed he’s got the ability to play multiple roles in the midfield.

KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR …

Arki Butler kicked a neat snap to bring Brighton back within striking distance late in the fourth quarter. He is only a Year 10 student but he showed more than enough to keep tabs on for the future.