Saturday local footy wrap: Match abandoned after trainer’s medical episode
A Victorian local footy game was called off on Saturday afternoon after a trainer required an ambulance. Here’s the latest from across the state.
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A local football game in the Colac region was called off on Saturday afternoon after a medical emergency involving a trainer.
The Colac and District league senior game between the Western Eagles and Alvie was abandoned when an ambulance was required to attend to the individual’s medical episode.
The “beloved trainer” known as Scoob from the Alvie is “currently under the best possible care” according to the club.
“We would like to sincerely thank everyone who assisted during the incident and waited with him until the ambulance arrived,” Alvie said in a social media post on Saturday night.
“We also acknowledge that witnessing such an event can be very distressing.
“We send our heartfelt best wishes to Scoob and the Onderwater family.
“Thank you again to everyone who helped today.”
BULLANTS SEAL HISTORIC WIN
Just when a winless season was looming for VFL battlers the Northern Bullants, they necked the Sydney Swans on Saturday to end a 21-match losing streak.
The Ants rallied from four goals down at halftime to claim a seven-point win that gave heart and hope to the new board of management trying to save the historic Victorian club.
Club champion Jean-Luc Velissaris was best-afield with three goals and 24 disposals in a season when, despite his team’s struggles, he’s averaged 26.5 possessions.
Pocked-sized Sam Donegan had 27 touches, kicked two goals and made an important smother in the final quarter as the Swans made a lunge for the line.
The Bullants could celebrate after Jason Hamilton’s goal in the 29th minute of the last quarter.
Skipper Liam Mackie and emerging defender Liam Coghlan were other worthy contributors for Rohan Welsh’s team, which last won in Round 10, 2024 and has suffered a string of heavy losses this season.
The win was a lifter for the Bullants in a week when the Northern league decided to take its Division 1 finals away from Cramer St, putting further financial strains on the Ants.
Under new president Neil Howard and general manager Peter German, the Bullants have resolved to revert to their original name, Preston, next year.
FIRST TON OF THE SEASON
16 seconds was all it took, and Jason Wells was lining up to slot his 100th goal of the season for Longwarry.
Wells didn’t disappoint and was swarmed by punters from all directions to celebrate the first 100-goal kicker of 2025.
He finished the day with nine goals as Longwarry prevailed over the Catani Blues convincingly 22.13 (145) to 7.4 (46).
Read the incredible story behind Wells and watch the moment here.
BALLARAT LEAGUE PREVAILS
Ballarat has maintained its unbeaten run in under-23 interleague, smashing Hampden by 84 points at Mars Stadium to win 22.15 (147) to 9.9 (63).
The contest was over at half time as Ballarat turned an eight-point lead into a 54-point margin in the second quarter.
It was an onslaught as Ballarat’s speed and electric ball movement was too much for Hampden.
Ballarat continued the domination in the second half, kicking 22 goals overall for the contest.
Isaac Nixon kicked four goals for Ballarat with Jake Egan adding three.
Toby Jenning and Ryley Hutchins, with four and three goals respectively, combined to kick seven of Hampden’s nine goals.
It is the third straight win for Ballarat since the under-23 concept started in 2023.
EX-AFL MAN LIFTS BALWYN
A seven-goal blitz from former AFL player Sam Durdin has spearheaded Balwyn to a 10-point win over Eastern Premier Division top-five rival, Rowville. Trailing at all changes, the visiting Tigers’ eight-goal-to-three second half came as ex-AFL men Kayne Turner and Lachlan Young also finished in the best alongside Nathan Oakes, Steven Slimming, Jamie Ridd. The victory moves Balwyn two games clear in third with an 8-3 record.
HAWKS PREVAIL FOR FIRST TIME
Drouin has ended its winless start to the season with an 11-point win over Wonthaggi in the Gippsland league.
The Hawks, who had lost their past 18 matches, and 11 this season held off a late comeback from the Power to win.
Drouin won the contest in the second and third term, kicking seven goals to two, to open up a 19-point lead at the final break.
The Hawks held on to win despite the Power kicking five final quarter goals.
STEVO, GULLY IN BIG UPSET
A five-goal masterclass from ex-AFL livewire Jaidyn Stephenson has spearheaded Ferntree Gully to a seven-point upset, handing Eastern Division 3 ladder-leader Donvale just its second loss of the season. Rallying from 33 points down at the half, the Gully hit the front by 11 by three-quarter time in the 11.7 (73) to 9.12 (66) boilover. The result lifts the Gully to a 5-8 record – just two matches out of the top-five in the run home.
MAGPIES BUILDING
Narre Warren has won its second game on the trot to hold on to seventh-place in the highly competitive Southern Division 1. The Magpies downed East Brighton by 25 points in a crucial victory.
CAULFIELD GRAMMARIANS BOOST FINALS CHANCE
Caulfield Grammarians now sit in the VAFA Premier B top-four after overcoming Old Geelong by 20 points. Dylan Ting and Oscar Ursini kicked two goals apiece in the win.
DEER PARK’S CRUCIAL WIN
Deer Park consolidated its place in the EDFL Premier Division top-five with a 12-point win over Maribyrnong Park. Vice-Captain Jackson Barling was impressive with three goals.
HAWKS TOPPLE WANDIN
Monbulk caused the upset of the season in the Outer East Premier Division, knocking off previously undefeated Wandin by 16 points.
The Hawks, coming off two disappointing losses, kicked 10 goals to five after quarter time to prevail 12.10 (82) to 9.12 (66). Robert Savory, who plays superules Over 35s at Carrum, was named Monbulk’s best afield. Johnathon Hevern kicked three goals and Josh Wentworth two for the winners. Wandin spearhead Aaron Mullett added five goals to move to 88 for the season.
NEWPORT’S GREATEST WIN
Newport has pulled off arguably the greatest win in club history after stunning reigning Western league top tier premier Hoppers Crossing by a kick. The Panthers prevailed 11.3 6 (69) to 7.21 (63) in a game which couldn’t have been any different on the scoreboard.
LADD BOOTS 8
Ryan Ladd spearheaded a commanding Southern Division 4 victory for Lyndale over South Yarra with eight goals. The win 24.15 (159) to 9.10 (64) win means Lyndale now has an eight-point buffer in fourth.
GRAND FINAL PREVIEW
It was a game worthy of a final. Crushing pressure, excellent skills and a nailbiting finish. Fitzroy Stars kept its undefeated season on track with a thrilling eight-point win over second-placed Laurimar at Sir Doug Nicholls Oval.
The Stars looked down and out at three-quarter-time, trailing by nine points and kicking against a strong wind. However, good teams find a way and having Eddie Betts helps too.
Betts finished with five goals, while Brock Carter was instrumental in the ruck.
COLTS WIN BIG
Port Melbourne Colts rallied to a crucial 10-point upset over Springvale Districts in Southern Division 1.
The win means the Colts now have a two-match buffer from relegation after toppling a Districts side which handed Dingley its first loss of the season only last week.
Port Melbourne had led at every change but trailed midway through the final before goals from Amani Karauria-Lunt and Michael Hibberd sealed the win.
ALBURY WINS BRAGGING RIGHTS
Albury has come back from 18 points down at three-quarter-time to beat rivals North Albury by one point in the Ovens and Murray league.
The Tigers kicked six goals to three in the final term to not only win by keep their finals hopes alive.
Mat Walker kicked six goals as Albury moved to sixth on the ladder and percentage away from a spot in the finals.
COLLEGIANS UPSET
Collegians has produced its best win of the VAFA Premier Men’s season after overcoming reigning premier Old Scotch by 12 points. It was a strong performance from the Lions who led at every break.
CLOKE’S STREAK CONTINUES
Prolific local footy goal-kicker Aaron Cloke is in fine form for Black Rock in Southern Division 3. He’s kicked hauls of 6, 5 and 6 majors across the past three matches now after spearheading the Jets’ 72-point win over Skye.
BULLANTS INTO THE FOUR
Preston Bullants climbed into the VAFA Division 1 top-four after overcoming Elsternwick by 12 points. Coach Tom Hill was influential with four goals.
DOGS AT THE DEATH
There’s something about North Heidelberg and Hurstbridge this season. In Round 3 the two teams played out a draw. On Saturday, North Heidelberg kicked a behind in the dying seconds to snatch a heart-stopping one-point victory.
Lachlan Smith was the hero, kicking the matchwinning point to cap a stunning 29-point fourth-quarter comeback at Shelley Reserve and win 10.10 (70) to 10.9 (69).
It’s North’s second such win of the season after Zane Soulieman booted a goal after the siren to knock off South Morang.
Sing it loud, Burke’s Bulls are on the board
Nathan Burke admitted he “mumbled’’ through the song after Karingal secured its first win of the Mornington Peninsula league Division 2 season — but it was worth it to see his young side finally get reward.
Local footy wrap: Ex-AFL man tons up, former Saint’s surprise return
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