VAFA: Old Melburnians ‘ready’ to break 20-year drought

Old Melburnians say they are “ready for a physical game” against a “hostile” Old Brighton as the club attempts to break a 20-year drought in a club stalwart’s milestone match.

After a 46-point loss to finals bound Old Xaverians last week to hand them a finals spot, Old Melburnians have set themselves up for a must-win game against Old Brighton this Saturday.

A victory for Old Melburnians will put the club into an A-grade final for the first time since 2002 while a loss will see Old Brighton take the last spot in the top four.

The last time the teams met in round nine, Old Melburnians won by 19 points on their home deck.

Both teams will be striving to bounce back from losses after Old Brighton also copped a heavy defeat, losing to St Kevins by 77 points last week.

The OM’s will be boosted by the milestone of five-time best and fairest winner Thomas Paule, who will play his 200th game for the club.

Old Melburnians stalwart Thomas Paule handballing against Old Brighton in a previous meeting. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Coach Paul Satterley said Paule’s milestone will lift his players when they head to Brighton Beach Oval on Saturday.

“It is a big deal for us and for him,” Satterley said.

“I know his teammates will want to do everything possible to do the right thing by him.

“It’s a massive occasion, 200 games in this competition, you don’t see it too often.

“So I think it just adds a nice little spice to the game and I know there’s a lot of people around our club who will make an effort to get to the game and support him and our team.”

Paule won the best and fairest award five times in eight seasons in 2010, 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2017.

OM’s will also receive a boost with the return of VFL guns Sam Dunell (Sandringham) and Tom Cameron (Port Melbourne) for the finals-deciding match.

Cameron Banfield and Edward Smart will also be available after coming back from injury.

The club will be without ruck Nick De Steiger however after breaking his left leg last week and Jonathon Grimwade who hurt his shoulder in the same game.

Old Melburnians Nick De Steiger taken off injured during the VAFA football match between Old Melburnians and Old Xaverians in Brighton. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Gus Borthwick who went down in the second quarter with a left knee is waiting on scans but the club says he has improved significantly since the injury and remains a 50/50 chance of coming back this week.

Tom Baker is clear of any injury after he came off the field in the fourth quarter with cramping.

Satterley says he is prepared for the quality players that could come in for Old Brighton this week including the Lewis brothers, William and Oscar.

“We’re playing Brighton, you’ve got to be ready for a physical game,” he said.

“They’re one of the most combative teams in the competition so we got to match them in contested footy.

“You need to be up for the fight against them.”

Old Melburnians coach Paul Satterley addressing his players in their loss against Old Xaverians last week. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Satterley said he would ensure the boys knew what they were up for ahead of the game.

“I believe in our playing group but we just know we have to turn up ready to play against a pretty hostile opposition in a hostile environment,” he said.

“That’s the way we’ll approach it, it’s game on, I look forward to it.”

KommunityTV will be streaming the VAFA Premier Men’s finals this season with the first game going live on Saturday, September 3.