All the key talking points from round four of the VAFA

Every VAFA division is quickly beginning to take shape after four rounds of action. Here are all the key talking points from the weekend.

Old Ivanhoe players celebrate their win. Picture: Valeriu Campan

The latest round of VAFA action had plenty of talking points.

Here’s everything you need to know.

STEWART FINDING ANOTHER GEAR

Uni Blues scored their first win of the season on Saturday with a seven-point win over Old Scotch and ex-AFL forward James Stewart was at the centre of it. The former GWS Giant and Essendon utility booted five goals in a best on ground display as the Blues got on the board after three straight losses. Stewart now has 13 goals in his first four outings. Nicholas Conway, Isaac Dykes, Thomas Cutler, Geordie LaCava and Hamish Yunghanns also impressed.

COLLEGIANS BEGINNING TO ROAR

Jordie McKenzie’s Collegians were a little slow out of the blocks in his first year in charge but the Lions are beginning to roar. On Saturday, the reigning premier made it two straight wins with a 27-point victory over Old Xaverians. McKenzie’s side booted nine goals to four after quarter-time. Ben Darrou booted four goals in a best on ground display to continue his impressive season. Jasper Davy, Scott Beilby, Jim Bazzani, William Pewtress and Joshua Walker were also named in the best.

Mia Caffry was key for Old Scotch. Picture: Valeriu Campan

OLD SCOTCH LAYS DOWN A MARKER

If Old Scotch hadn’t been emphatic enough to start the Premier Division women’s season, there was no bigger result than Saturday’s win. The Cardinals held last year’s grand finalist, Kew, goalless on route to a 47-point win. Mia Caffry continued her brilliant start to the season with another best on ground display while Maggie Wilson produced her best performance since joining the club from Old Camberwell with two goals. Ella Crump, Emma Robins, Annie Muir and Bella Gray were also named among the best.

MCLEAN FIRES OLD IVANHOE TOP

Toby McLean’s impressive start to life in Premier B with Old Ivanhoe. The Western Bulldog premiership player was named best afield as his side secured a thrilling four-point win over Old Trinity to move to the top of the ladder. Despite going goalless in the last quarters, the Hoers held on largely thanks to the home side’s inaccuracy. William Murphy, Seamus Gibbs, Nick Riddle, Reed Jepson and Jackson Powell were also in the better players. Ben Littlefield was best for Old Trinity.

Toby McLean in action. Picture: Valeriu Campan

RISING STAR FIRING FOR CAULFIELD GRAMMARIANS

Young gun Dylan Ting continued his brilliant form for Caulfield Grammarians, kicking three goals in a come-from-behind win against Beaumaris to move to 3-1 on the season, only percentage off the top of the Premier B ladder. Still eligible to play under-19s, Ting has been named in the better players every game this season. Fellow young guns Matt Clark, Flynn Ellis and Noah Sutherland were also among the best. VFL listed prospect Ingo Dammersmith and new recruit Lincoln Sieben also impressed.

SLOW START NO WORRIES FOR HAMPTON ROVERS

Marty Pask’s Hampton Rovers failed to kick a goal in their trip to Mazenod in Premier C but it mattered very little in the end. Rovers eventually ran out 43-point winners with inaccuracy 12.20 (92), their biggest issue. Rising star William Crawford continues his impressive start to the season with another four goals, to take him to 13 for the season. Meanwhile, Max Coughlin impressed in a best on ground display.

Four sets of brothers played for Ormond.

BROTHERLY LOVE AT ORMOND

It was well and truly a family affair in Ormond’s big win over the Old Yarra Cobras as four sets of brothers took to the field. They included Luke and Rhys Kennedy, Henry and Jeremy Simon, Sasha and Josh Levine, and Ethan and Ryan Konstanty. Luke Kennedy was best afield in his first local game of the season after a break from Coates Talent League commitments with the Sandringham Dragons. New recruit Lachlan Crnogorac, formerly of Emerald, led the way in front of goal with four majors.

OUR FIRST DRAW

The VAFA has its first draw of the season after Wattle Park 8.10 (58) and Whitefriars 7.16 (58) couldn’t be separated at Bennettswood Reserve. The lead changed throughout the afternoon with Whitefriars forced to rue their inaccuracy. In his first game of the season since crossing over from Tasmania, James Marshall kicked two goals. Sean Drummond produced his best performance of the year to be named best afield for the Animals. Tim Angus was best for Whitefriars.

NORTH BRUNSWICK ON FIRE

Division 3 has an early pacesetter with North Brunswick the only undefeated side after four games. On Saturday, the Bulls recorded a 41-point win over fellow finals aspirants Swinburne University. Joel Grimmond, a new face at the club this season, produced another impressive performance to be named best on ground.