All the latest talking points from the VAFA, round 9

A VFL listed forward filled his boots, the competition’s best continued on their way and shock results emerged as the VAFA season hit the halfway mark. Here’s what you need to know.

Ed Michelmore was key in his side’s win at the weekend.. Picture : George Sal

We’re officially at the halfway point of the VAFA season and the latest round of results proved pivotal.

Here’s everything you need to know.

OLD BRIGHTON THRIVE, PUSH LIONS INTO LOGJAM

Old Brighton got back to winning ways with a thrilling two-point win over Collegians as popular club man Michael Karayannis celebrated his 200th game. Marcel Bruin’s side ran out 11.16 (82) to 12.8 (80) winners. James Hope kicked what turned out what to be the match winner in time on after he snuck out the back of a contest when the ball was delivered what inside forward 50. Karayannis crumbed off the back and snapped towards goal, with his attempt called touch by the umpire, as Hope kept calm and collected the ball before running into an open goal. It was a moment which sparked wild celebrations behind the Old Brighton goal. Collegians had the last two scoring attempts, both behinds, but ultimately could walk away with the four points. The result leaves Old Brighton one game clear on top of the ladder while the Lions have slipped to fifth and are in a three-way battle for fourth with Old Scotch and Old Xaverians both 5-4.

Old Brighton’s Michael Karayannis. Picture: Jason Sammon.

A CRUCIAL WIN FOR OLD MELBURNIANS

Old Melburnians have moved clear of the bottom two with a crucial 50-point win over St Bernard’s at Elsternwick Park. With just two points separating the two sides at the main break, Paul Satterley’s side broke the game open in the second half with the Snowdogs kicking just one goal for the rest of the game. Ed Michelmore produced his strongest game of the season with three goals in a best on ground display. Sam Laube continued to prove why he’s one of the recruits of the season with three majors, to take his season tally to 22. Old Melburnians now sit one game clear of the Snowdogs and two of last placed Fitzroy.

ST KEVIN’S LAY DOWN THE MARKER

St Kevin’s Premier Women’s team is again the side to beat. In a highly anticipated clash with Old Scotch, with both teams undefeated heading into the contest, it was the reigning premier who emerged 14-point winners. Emily Condon marked her return to the team with a best on ground performance with Bree Doyle and Jessica Joyce also impressive.

OLD GEELONG HEAT UP PREMIER B FINALS RACE

Just one game separates second place Old Trinity and sixth place Old Geelong at the halfway point of the Premier B season. Old Geelong prevailed by 10 points over De La Salle on Saturday to keep touch with the top-four. Tim Jones produced a strong performance to be named best afield for his side as Connor Dixon was back among the goals with three after being held goalless against Beaumaris two weeks ago. Jack Sheridan, William Eggins, Scott Dixon and Harry Graham were also impressive.

Jack Sheridan was in the best for Old Geelong. Picture: Andy Brownbill

ARE OLD HAILEYBURY THE TEAM TO BEAT?

After dropping the first two games of the season, some sides might not have panicked but Old Haileybury has been simply dominant since then. The Bloods have now won seven straight after pushing aside fellow finals contender Old Camberwell by 76 points. They blew the game open with seven goals to one in the opening term to remain one game clear at the top of the ladder. Box Hill listed forward Andreas Stefanakis was dominant with eight majors in a best on ground display and with Hawthorn experiencing good health at AFL level, Old Haileybury could have him for a few weeks to come. In three VAFA games this season, he has 16 goals. Skipper Brede Seccull was just as influential with another nomination in the best. Seccull has been named in the best for his side in every game. Ex-AFL player James Magner booted five goals.

DOUBLE CHANCE OLD CAREY’S TO LOSE

Old Carey has taken the lead in the race for the Premier C top-two and double chance after an impressive 15-point win over the Parkdale Vultures who were without gun forward Mitch Brown. The Panthers led at every break with Riley Thompson producing a strong display with three majors while captain Zander Adam and Jack Alexander chipped in with two apiece. Luca Anderson’s impressive season continued as he was named in the best for the seventh time.

KEW THE GIANT KILLERS

UHS-VU is no longer unbeaten after being stunned by Kew at Brens Oval. Holding a 30-point lead at the final break, the Bears were forced to cling to their lead as the ladder leader stormed home. It proved to be a critical win for the Bears who remained within one game of the top-four. Richard Hughes underlined his importance to Kew with a best on ground display. Having played six games, Hughes has been named in the best five times. The flexibility of Kew’s forward line proved pivotal in the result with Michael Hannan, William Llewelyn, Cameron Roberts, Regan Smith, Hayden Trewick and Ned Ward all kicking two goals.

COBRAS BITE FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 2024

Old Yarra Cobras scored its first Division 1 win of the season after overcoming an inaccurate Preston Bullants 14.10 (94) to 7.22 (64). Anthony Raso proved why he is still one of his side’s most important players after a best on ground display including a goal. David Tokatliyan made it 12 goals in his last four outings after kicking four goals, providing a strong target up forward. Jack Hall, Sam Robertson, Tom Bell and Bailey Johnson also impressed.

BULLEEN-TEMPLESTOWE DELIVER AN UPSET

The Division 2 ladder is getting tight and Bulleen-Templestowe’s 11-point win over Wattle Park is part of the reason why. Just two games now separate South Melbourne Districts in third and the Bullants who are second last, with Aquinas a game further back at the halfway mark of the season. In a low-scoring contest, captain Harry Vogler delivered from the front in a best on ground performance. Logan Parris, Jack Anderson, Jamie Cortese, Joshua Torounoglou and Lachlan Sticca were named in the best.

CANTERBURY STORMING UP THE LADDER

Canterbury is emerging as North Brunswick’s biggest challenger in Division 3 after six wins on the trot. The Cobras last lost, ironically to the Bulls back in round three, but since then have been nothing short of brilliant and face their fellow contender next weekend. Jayden Cutts booted six on Saturday and remains one of the competition’s leading forwards. Captain James Boarotto was best on ground in the win over Swinburne University is starting to find some of his best form.