All the latest talking points from the VAFA

Premiership contenders out of form, new names shaping as key in the finals race and the race for survival heats up. See all the VAFA talking points form the weekend.

Zaron Smith gets a kick away for South Melbourne Districts. Photo: Facebook.

The VAFA divisions were the centre of the action this weekend with the Premier grades still on a bye.

Here’s everything you need to know.

LATE GROUND CHANGE, NO WORRIES

Prahran was forced to move its game from D.W Lucas Reserve against Ormond due to “less than ideal conditions” but it matter little as the Division 1 ladder leader stormed to a 19-point win. The home side kicked seven goals to one in the third quarter to break the game open and despite five majors to none in the last, Ormond wasn’t able to claw its way back. Taylor Bamford continued his bounce-back year with four goals in a best on ground display for Prahran. Rory Brodie and Mackenzie Mayne were again named among the best while Rhys Kennedy impressed for the visitors.

PANIC STATION FOR UHS-VU?

It might not be panic stations but concerns would be starting to rise at UHS-VU. After eight rounds, the Vultures were flying on top of the ladder but have now dropped three of their past four games. They were upset by Preston Bullants, who have the slimmest of finals hopes, who led at every break on Saturday with Hugo Byron named the best player on the field. Luke Green, Caspian Furman, Alex Johnston, Conor Howard and Matthew Marinucci all impressed for the visitors in the four-point win.

BREATHING SPACE IN THE RELEGATION BATTLE

West Brunswick moved one game clear of the drop after coming from behind to beat fellow relegation contenders Therry Penola by two goals. Bill Irving produced his best performance of the season with five goals to play a key role up forward while Tom Zafiropoulos was best afield in a performance which included three goals.

Brunswick sing the team song. Photo: Andrew Batsch

BRUNSWICK FLEX PREMIERSHIP MUSCLE

Division 2 ladder leader Brunswick has underlined its status as the team to beat with a 28-point win over Elsternwick in the battle of the top-two. Tom Hunter’s side came from behind at the final break. Angus Cloverdale continued his impressive run since returning to the side in round 5 with a best on ground display. Tom Wilson was recalled into the senior team and delivered three goals after a fortnight in the reserves.

IS A SOUTH MELBOURNE DISTRICTS RECRUIT SET TO EXPLODE?

Jay Engellenner has been in brilliant form in the last two games. He’s kicked seven goals and been named in the best either side of the break. He’s quickly emerged as a key player in his side’s finals hopes this season. He was best afield in the 51-point win over Bulleen Templestowe as Districts kept touch with the top-two and all important double chance. In just his sixth games of the season, Blaise Bajram was also among the best. David Commins, Max Collier, Jesse Andrew and Jack Cotton also impressed.

RETURNING FACE PLAYING A KEY ROLE IN AQUINAS SURVIVAL PUSH

Garrison Asciak hadn’t played footy since 2021 and now he could play a key role in his side’s push for Division 2 survival after beating St Mary’s Salesian by three points on Saturday. Asciak, a former under-19 captain at the club, kicked three goals in a best on ground display with Adam Reichart also booting three. Asciak has spent time up forward and through the middle of the ground this season. Aquinas captain Michael Di Donato also impressed for his side.

ARE THE FINALS SET IN DIVISION 3?

It’s hard to see the Division 3 top-four changing from here in terms of the teams who will play finals. After the weekend’s results, fourth-placed Canterbury sit 12 points clear of Richmond Central in fifth, although the latter does have a game in hand.

A DAY OUT FOR MOURANT

Joshua Mourant had his best day in front of goal for several years when he booted nine goals in St Johns OC’s win over Box Hill North. It was more or equal to the amount of goals he had kicked in previous seasons post-Covid. Jayden Rudd, Jon Grima, Ben Ayache, Jarrod Ely, Laurence Kazinoti and Damien Wilsnach were named in the best for their side.