St Bernard’s find its radar in front of goal to progress to the VAFA Premier Division grand final

ST BERNARD’S will meet Old Trinity Grammarians in the VAFA Premier Division grand final after a thumping preliminary final win on Sunday.

VAFA: St Bernard's V University Blacks

ST BERNARD’S bounced back to progress to the VAFA Premier Division grand final with a thumping 53-point win over University Blues on Sunday.

The minor premier suffered a disappointing five-point major semi-final defeat to Old Trinity Grammarians in the opening week of finals, but responded in clinical fashion to earn a spot in Sunday’s decider.

Snowdogs coach Anthony Rock was treated to an even contribution by his 22 players as St Bernard’s prevailed 18.5 (113) to 8.12 (60) in the preliminary final at Elsternwick.

Sharp shooting in front of goal was a highlight for St Bernard’s fans, a vast contrast to the side’s 5.18 scoreline seven days earlier.

“It was obviously pleasing to bounce back,” Rock said.

“We’ve really been able to do that in the last few years — the times when we haven’t got the four points, we’ve responded pretty quickly. I was pleased we put in a four-quarter performance on the weekend. Kicking straight helps.”

Rock said his team talked during the week about the importance of taking its opportunities.

“I think everyone has a focus on kicking goals — we did have some focus on it during the week,” he said.

“We’ve been perennial point scorers this year. Last weekend, conditions played a massive part.”

The Snowdogs have dropped just four games this season, losing by a combined 37 points.

Two of those losses have come against Old Trinity.

St Bernard’s prevailed by six points when the pair met in Round 10.

“We finished on top and earnt the right for a double chance, so we expected to rectify our performance from the week before,” Rock said.

“We’ve had some really close battles with Trinity. We respect the way they play the game.

“Hopefully, we put in a better performance than we did two weeks ago. It’s sure to go down to the wire again.”

Rock said the Snowdogs would welcome back Footscray-listed Mitch Hannan, while Essendon VFL’s Alex McLeod would also be in contention.

“Grand finals are very, very difficult to get into, and even harder to win,” he said.

“We’re a 50-50 chance. The two best teams are playing in the grand final and rightly deserve it.

“It will come down to the best team on the day.”