All the key talking points from the VAFA’s round 2 action

Ex-AFL players firing, a remarkable rise from the Thirds and rising stars making their mark. It’s only the beginning of the weekend talking points from across the VAFA.

University Blues and coach Guy Martyn got their first win of the season. Picture: George Sal

Another weekend of Victoria Amateur Football Association action is in the books.

From ex-AFL players making their mark to historic moments and new faces showing off their talent, there was plenty to talk about.

Here’s everything you need to know.

AFL RECRUITS FIRE FOR UNI BLUES

After the disappointment of an opening round loss, University Blues’ ex-AFL players played a key role in a seven-point win over a plucky St Bernard’s. Sam Hayes and James Stewart (three goals) were named among the better players as Guy Martyn’s side moved to 1-1. Other former AFL players including Sam Grimley (five goals) and Marty Gleeson were also impressive with Mitch Taylor named the best player on the ground. Mitchell Hughes was named best for the Snowdogs.

James Stewart impressed in his second game for Uni Blues. Photo: Dylan Burns/AFL Photos.

OLD SCOTCH CONTINUE HOT START

A nine-goal final term from Old Scotch helped secure a 59-point win over Fitzroy in a game which was evenly poised at the final change. James Tarrant and Ryan Valentine both impressed in front of goal with three apiece while Isaac Conway starred in a best on ground performance in just his second game for the club. Douglas Lawrence, Charlie Cormack, Will Townsend and Angus Symons also impressed.

COBRAS GET THEIR REVENGE

In the battle of the Premier Division Women’s newcomers it was Old Yarra Cobras who prevailed by 64 points against Monash Blues. After going down by two points in the Premier B decider last year, the Cobras went about a strong off-season recruiting period and it turned out to be pivotal in Saturday’s result.

OLD CAMBERWELL CONTINUE IMPRESSIVE START

Harry Laukens enjoyed a day out with eight goals as Old Camberwell continued its perfect start to life in Premier B. The Wellers powered to a 26-point win over Williamstown CYMS at home despite a scoreless opening term. Harry McColl was named best afield while James Allen, Lachie Powell, Jack Kerr and Patrick Blew also impressed for the home side. Oskar Manton, the son of former Carlton defender Glenn, was named best for the visitors.

MCLEAN FIRES FOR OLD IVANHOE

Old Ivanhoe, who were also promoted to Premier B last season, secured its first win of the campaign with a 30-point win over Old Geelong at Como Park. Ex-Western Bulldog Toby McLean was the best player on the ground while Luke Scuderi impressed in a four-goal performance. Will Murphy, Jackson Powell and Charlie Simonesen also had strong outings.

Westbourne celebrates its first win of the Premier B women's season.

WESTBOURNE ON THE BOARD

While it went down in its return game, Westbourne quickly bounced back in the Premier B Women’s competition with a 23-point win over Aquinas. The Warriors overcame a scoreless first quarter to take the four points as Hannah McMahon led the way in front of goal with two majors. Roxana Sefton, Kiara Henry, Gracie Lamers, Jade Murrell, Stephanie Fomekong and Paige Trajkovski were named in the best for Westbourne.

PASK HAS ROVERS FIRING

New Hampton Rovers coach Marty Pask couldn’t be happier with his side’s start to the Premier C season. On Saturday, they overcame Parkdale Vultures by 28 points — but it could have been more if not for a scoreline of 9.16 (70). A key element was the ability to limit Mitch Brown to just two goals after he booted nine goals in round one. Rovers captain Christian Carnovale starred with a best on ground performance while Oscar Roberts, Liam O’Driscoll, Lachlan Costello, Jacob Gray and Dillon Melnjak also impressed.

YOUNG TALENT TIME AT THE BULLANTS

The future appears bright at the Preston Bullants. In their first win of the season against West Brunswick, six under-19 players (Matt Marinucci, Serge Mariani, Caspian Furman, Jack Martorana (debut), Jackson Tier (debut) and Zac White played in their first senior victory). Furman was named among the best in a performance which included a goal while Marinucci also put the ball through the big sticks. It was a dominant performance from the Bullants who broke the game open in the second quarter. Alex Johnston finished with three goals while Patrick Smith, Thomas Boddy and Sean Calcedo were among the best.

AN IMPRESSIVE RISE AT PRAHRAN

Prahran is unbeaten to start the Division 1 season and one of the most exciting stories so far is the rise of Luke Gorman. After playing nine Thirds games last season, Gorman has gone onto be named in the best in two straight games. Gorman was best afield as the Two Blues recorded a thumping 104-point win over Old Yarra Cobras. The former Sydney University player was well supported by Mackenzie Mayne and Rory Brodie. Ethan Plaza and Shaun Chapman kicked four goals each.

PARKER PICKS UP WHERE HE LEFT OFF

After joining Brunswick last year, Hayden Parker is enjoying a fine start to the 2024 season. He has booted nine goals in two games with his side perfect to start the Division 2 campaign. He was on the end of some impressive work further up the ground against Hawthorn as Brunswick claimed a 71-point win to sit on top of the ladder. In eight senior games last year, Parker kicked 22 goals. Tomas O’Farrell, Ben Wilson, Jasper Paevere, Thomas Wilson, Lewis White and Oscar Watt were named in the best for Brunswick.

PERFECT START FOR ELEY PARK

Eley Park endured a tough 2023 season, winning just one game, but in their first game of the year they recorded a 27-point win over Albert Park. Aaron Williams, Zac Hayes, Jesiah McGarvie, Kristian Dinas, Joel Kennedy and Ryan Szigeti were named in the best.