All the latest talking points from the VAFA

Young forwards kicking goals for fun, an unfortunate concussion pre-game and a senior return three years in the making highlighted the VAFA on the weekend. See the talking points.

Harry Hill of Old Brighton. Picture: Valeriu Campan

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

Here’s everything you need to know.

TONNERS SETTING THE PACE

Old Brighton remains the only unbeaten side in the Premier Division men’s competition after a 35-point win over Old Melburnians. Skipper Harry Hill impressed to be named the best player on the ground with Max Benier, Tom Burnell and Quintin Montanaro also impressive. Marcel Bruin’s side broke the game open in the third quarter with eight goals to two.

AN UNFORTUNATE CONCUSSION

In Division 1, Old Peninsula endured a tough afternoon going down by 69 points to Preston Bullants. But the day started to go downhill in the warm up when Jake Williams was left concussed after being struck by a ball. Under new concussion protocols, Williams will now be sidelined for a minimum of 21 days. He has been a senior regular for the Pirates since 2018. Preston came away with the win on the back of a best on ground performance from Alex Johnston which included five goals.

A LONG AWAITED SENIOR RETURN

Ben Darrou returned to the Collegians senior side for the first time since 2021 and played a key role with two goals in the reigning premiers first win of the season. Limited to just seven reserves game in the last two years, Darrou had been knocking down the door with six goals across the first two games this season. A former VAFA league representative, Darrou was the only multiple goalkicker with recruit Josh Walker. Scott Beilby was named the best player on the ground for his side.

OLD IVANHOE AREN’T MAKING UP THE NUMBERS

After losing in the opening round, Old Ivanhoe couldn’t have responded in more impressive fashion. Following promotion last season, the Hoers have now won back-to-back games after a 62-point thumping of St Bedes/Mentone. Luke Scuderi celebrated his 100th game for the club with two goals while young gun Max Whiteman booted his four in his first outing for the season. Old Ivanhoe will now face Old Trinity in a top of the ladder clash.

Harrison Jones of Old Haileybury. Picture: Hamish Blair

HARRISON JONES FLYING FOR OLD HAILEYBURY

Harrison Jones made his VFL debut on April 19 for Frankston, a week later he was back in the VAFA and had the perfect response. Jones booted seven goals to lead Old Haileybury to its first win of the Premier B season — a 126-point thumping of Williamstown CYMS. Jones has found goals easy to come by across the opening month, having kicked 14 in his only under-19 outing for the club.

GRYPHONS MARK PREMIER C ARRIVAL

Glen Eira is on the board for the first time this season after securing a 22-point win over Marcellin. The Gryphons broke away in the last quarter with five goals to one as Will Green dominated with three majors in a best on ground display. New recruit Darcy Irvine continued his impressive start to the season with another mention in the best.

YOUNG TALENT TIME AT ORMOND

The Ormond kids might just be building something special. The Monders grabbed their first win of the season on Saturday with a 107-point thumping of Therry Penola with two young forward front and centre. James Tsakonas and Will Drummond, who started the year in the under-19s, kicked six goals apiece in the win. Senin Seymour and Aidan Soria were other young guns to be named among the best.

Corey Shiels is a rising young star.

SHIELS SHOWS OFF HIS TALENT

Young forward Corey Shiels has enjoyed a strong fortnight for Bulleen Templestowe with eight goals. Five of those came at the weekend as his side recorded its first win of 2024 with a 20-point win over St Mary’s Salesian. In his two previous under-19 seasons, Shiels had booted 77 goals in 25 outings. Hamish McClean was best afield for the Bullants while Tom Abbey, Owen Watts, Jamie Cortese and Harry Vogler also impressed.

POWER HOUSE, NORTH BRUNSWICK EARLY PACE SETTERS

Power House and North Brunswick are the only unbeaten teams remaining in the Division 3 competition. The Bulls overcame Canterbury, coming from behind to win by seven points as Simon Woodward kicked three goals. Michael Timmons booted eight goals as Power House accounted for Chadstone.

ARE OLD SCOTCH READY TO CONTEND?

Old Scotch is 3-0 to start the VAFA Premier Women’s season after a powerful 43-point win over Coburg. Annie Muir, Emma Robins, Bella Gray, Ella Sciberras, Mia Caffry, and Jade Wise were all named among the best. They now sit on top of the ladder and are shaping as a team to keep an eye on in the coming weeks.