All the talking points from the latest VAFA Action

An Ormond forward had a debut to remember, several players went to new heights with their 2024 form and the Ajax hero with a new lease of life. All that and more in our VAFA talking points.

St Kevin’s Pat Kerr has been in outstanding form. Picture: Andy Brownbill

As the VAFA mid-season break approaches, the top teams are beginning to separate themselves.

Here’s everything you need to know from the latest round of action.

BEWARE THE SNOWDOGS

St Bernard’s did its chances of VAFA Premier survival no harm with a 42-point win over University Blues. Edyn Sibbald booted four last-quarter goals in the upset win while Jeremy O’Sullivan, Michael Caven, Charlie Vague and Fergus McNicol were named among the better players. The win over a finals contender, the Snowdogs’ third of the season, saw coach Steve Alessio’s side move to seventh on percentage. The loss drags the Blues from third to fifth place after Collegians and Old Scotch both recorded wins.

IS KERR THE MAN TO BREAK OPEN GOALKICKING RACE?

St Kevin’s star Patrick Kerr has quietly climbed his way up to 30 goals from 10 games and could soon take the lead in the goalkicking race. Uni Blues pair James Stewart (34 goals) and Sam Grimley (33) currently lead the way, but it is worth noting Kerr’s form. He has kicked multiple goals in every game this season but in the last three matches has hauls of four, three and four. With St Kevin’s finding their best footy, could he race away in the second half of the season?

William Murphy is enjoying a standout season. Picture: Valeriu campan

ARE THESE TWO THE BEST PLAYERS IN PREMIER B?

Old Ivanhoe gun Billy Murphy and Old Haileybury star Brede Seccull may just lay claim to being the best two players in the second tier. Murphy was among the best as his side recorded a 40-point win over Old Camberwell on the weekend. It was the ninth time Murphy has been in his side’s best this season in 10 games. While Seccull might have missed Old Haileybury’s win over Beaumaris, his nine straight nominations in the best is no slouching effort either. Also those who play claim to being among the better performers this year include James Allen (Old Camberwell), Alex Emery (Old Trinity), Michael Nicholls (Old Geelong) and Nathan Scollo (De La Salle). If we missed anyone, who’s name would you put up?

A HISTORIC WEEKEND FOR THE MONASH BLUES

Monash Blues had plenty to celebrate across its men’s and women’s programs come Saturday night. The women won their first game in the Premier division with a tight 14-point win over Old Yarra Cobras. In game 50, Brook Thompson, who has been in the best in eight out of 10 games, starred with a best on ground display while the ever reliable Emily Conroy kicked her first goal of the season and was named among the better players. Meanwhile in the under-19s, Oscar Smith, the son of club legend, Julian, turned out in Blues colours for the first time. Smith played on a permit from Ashburton in the Yarra Junior Football League.

Then there was Shane Chapman’s 300th game for the club. Playing in the thirds on Saturday, the man known as Muncha booted a goal in his milestone game. He has held multiple roles at the club including playing in all five men’s teams, coached both women’s teams and leading the women’s seniors to their first flag.

ROVERS FIRING AGAIN AS YOUNG TURNS BACK THE CLOCK

A few weeks ago, we were a little concerned about Marty Pask’s Hampton Rovers after back-to-back losses, but how wrong we were. Rovers produced arguably their best performance of the season in a 30-point win over fellow finals contenders Parkdale Vultures. Again without Mitch Brown, the Vultures have dropped back-to-back games and have slipped to third on the ladder. Former Hawthorn and Collingwood player, Clinton Young wound back the clock with a four-goal haul to be named among the best. Max Coughlin was best afield.

A NEW LEASE OF LIFE FOR AJAX HERO

Ahead of his 200th game this season, Ajax described Richie Simon as Mr Fix It — no nickname could have been better suited. In his career, he’s played in key posts as both ends of the ground. It’s as a forward he’s doing the damage this year. Simon has a career high 51 goals for the season so far, his previous best was 29 over a decade ago when he kicked 29 in Premier B in 2013. He’s the leading goalkicker in Premier C right now.

Tom Natsikas starred on debut. Photo: Ormond Facebook.

FIND A BETTER DEBUT THIS YEAR

Ormond supporters won’t be forgetting the name Thomas Natsikas anytime soon. The young forward starred on debut with five goals in his side’s thrilling Division 1 win over Therry Penola as he booted five goals. Natsikas had been in dominant form at reserves level, 27 goals in seven games, after starting the year in the thirds and thrived at the higher level. He was named among the best as Ormond kept touch with the top-two. Jack Mason continued his brilliant season with a best on ground display.

YOUNG GUN LIFTS SOUTH MELBOURNE DISTRICTS TO UPSET

Brunswick has been handed its first loss of the season after Jess Mildenhall, who is at the Sandringham Dragons, ran riot in his return to VAFA action for South Melbourne Districts. After playing four games earlier in the season, Mildenhall was named best afield in the five-point upset. Skipper Tom Foley was also influential in the result.

Elsternwick's leaders are playing a key role this season.

SANDERSON’S STUNNING FORM

Elsternwick vice-captain Paul Sanderson is having some sort of season. Now in his second year with the club, Sanderson is probably sitting well and truly clear in the club’s best-and-fairest. He’s played 10 games and been named in the best every week with his side second on the ladder. You’d expect he’s in league medal contention too.

BULLS CLAIM CRUNCH CLASH

North Brunswick has underlined its status as the team to beat in Division 3 after getting the better of the in-form Canterbury by 16 points. Jon Sharp marked his return to the senior side with a mention in the best as Luke Russell bobbed up with three goals. Canterbury was able to quell the influence of gun Bulls’ recruit Fletcher Banfield but it wasn’t enough. It was the first time Banfield hasn’t been mentioned in the best this season for his side.