All the key talking points from round six of the VAFA
An ex-AFL forward’s massive display, an emotional win in Division 3 and a former Australian gymnast’s stunning start to their footy career. All that and more in the VAFA wrap.
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The weekend’s VAFA action had it all.
Those who look set to be in finals contention distanced themselves.
Meanwhile, some players staked their claim for the best individual performance of the season.
Here’s everything you need to know.
ORMOND CONTINUE TO RISE
Ormond is one of the in form teams in Division 1. The Monders have won four straight after they got the better of Preston Bullants by eight points. Jeremy Simon was named best afield to continue his strong start to the season. Joshua Levine, Senin Seymour, Matthew Oaten, Sam Stait and Rhys Kennedy all impressed. They had won their previous three games by triple figures before the weekend’s fixtures.
ST MARY’S SALESIAN BREAK THROUGH
They were busy in the off-season but St Mary’s Salesian has now broken through for its first win of the season. The Saints ran out 66-point winners over South Melbourne Districts in division two. Nicholas Alexopoulos led the way in front of goal with four while Nathan Catherwood booted three in a best on ground display
Concerns would not seriously be raised at the Swans who have now lost four games on the trot to slide down the bottom. Despite the win, the Saints remain last.
MITCH BROWN’S RIDICULOUS SHOWING
As Parkdale Vultures recorded a 109-point thumping of Monash Blues, star recruit Mitch Brown was making the most of his opportunities. The former AFL forward had 31 disposals, 14 goals, 16 marks, 20 contested possessions and 234 Premier Data ranking points in the big win. Brown now has 37 goals for the season, with this his second double figure haul. Harry Kilfoyle enjoyed his own monster performance with 172 ranking points, 37 disposals, eight clearances and eight tackles.
COLLEGIANS NOW ON THE RIGHT TRACK
After dropping its first two games of the season, Collegians are now quickly finding their best footy under new coach Jordie McKenzie. The Lions have won four straight Premier Men’s games after overcoming St Bernard’s by 55 points. Josh Walker starred with 30 disposals and three goals to score 155 Premier Data ranking points. Sam Hibbins was named best for his side after collecting 26 disposals while Jim Bazzani had the most of any player with 34.
THE MOMENT OF THE SEASON SO FAR?
Chadstone’s return to the VAFA’s senior fold was celebrated earlier this year. Now the fairytale is getting better. The Division 3 club claimed its first win of the season with a 57-point win over Eley Park. Skipper Anthony Brown dominated with six goals as Ben Ogilvie finished with five. Joshua Kubeil, Logan Stott, Jan Barnard, Will Arrow, Lachie Dowsett were among the best. It was the perfect day for the Synners as the reserves picked up a 14-point win.
BEAUMARIS STAR’S STUNNING RUN
Sunday Hollingsworth was the captain of the Australian Trampoline team in 2023, now she’s established herself as one of the VAFA’s leading young stars. After joining the Sharks in pre-season, she’s gone onto make a stunning start to the season. Hollingsworth has now been named in the best in four straight matches including Saturday’s huge win over Aquinas. She booted two goals as Beaumaris recorded its third win of the season. The VAFA last week named her as the round five rising star nominee.
CYMS GET ON THE BOARD
Williamstown CYMS picked up its first win of the 2024 season with a convincing 49-point victory over Beaumaris. Holding a 10-point lead at three-quarter-time, the home side booted nine goals in the last to get off the bottom of the Premier B ladder. Archi Manton, son of Carlton great Glenn, kicked seven goals in a best on ground performance. Liam Conway and Jordan Busuttil also impressed.
DE LA SALLE’S GRINDING EFFORT
De La Salle’s 54-point win over Old Ivanhoe in Premier B added to the log jam that is the top half of the ladder. Five teams now sit at 4-2 after six rounds. Young gun Christian Algeri (three goals) was best afield in the win as the visitors kicked eight goals to one in the second half. Thomas Docherty, Tom Stanton, Sebastian Filipovic, Ryan O’Meara and William Mackie were also named in the best.
WOES FOR HAMPTON ROVERS?
Marty Pask’s Hampton Rovers have now suffered back to back losses. The latest defeat came at the hands of Ajax who jumped into third place on the ladder courtesy of its 46-point win. Maor Chrapot and Toby Sheezel kicked three goals while Toby Lipton was best on.
COLLEGIANS FINDING FORM
Collegians’ Premier Women’s team has enjoyed a fine run of form in recent weeks, winning three straight matches. The latest was a eight-point win over West Brunswick to maintain a place in the top-four. Aine Bennett, Tanisha Clark, maddi shaw, Alexandra Hose, Tayissa Gray and Ash Bertagno all impressed in the win. The Lions will now test just how far they’ve come when they take on ladder leader Old Scotch.
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