All the talking points from the VAFA’s opening round

An AFL listed player taking to the field, stunning upsets and recruits firing all highlighted the VAFA’s opening round. See all the talking points from across the competition.

Old Melburnians’ Ben Haysman. Picture: Andy Brownbill

The VAFA season kicked off at the weekend with thrilling action across the board.

Here are all the key talking points from across the competition.

UPSET OF THE YEAR? ALREADY?

Old Melburnians narrowly missed relegation last season and in the season opener stunned reigning premier Collegians by 21 points. Paul Satterley’s side overcame a slow start to take home the four points. Lachie Haysman, Ben Haysman, Sam Laube, Jack Spargo, Adam Richardson and Robbie Morrison all impressed. Nick Canny was named best for Collegians.

OLD BRIGHTON GIVES CONTENDER THE BLUES

Many eyes were on University Blues as they unveiled big name off-season recruits including ex-AFL duo James Stewart and Sam Hayes. Somebody forgot to let Old Brighton know they weren’t the main event. With club legend Marcel Bruin in the hot seat, Old Brighton produced a stunning 30-point win with Alfred Jarnestrom making a stunning start to the season after being limited to just seven games in 2023. A seven-goal to two second quarter broke the game open. James Brighton booted five goals for the Tonners as Sam Grimley kicked seven in a losing effort.

BATEMAN A SNOWDOGS HERO

Mitch Bateman will have a story to tell for the rest of the year after booting the match winning goal in St Bernard’s thrilling two-point win over Fitzroy in a rematch of last year’s Premier B decider. Bateman kicked truly with more than 30 minutes on the clock to hand his side the come from behind win. Charlie Vague, Mitch Hughes and Ben Overman were among the best for the Snowdogs.

AN AFL LISTED PLAYER IN ACTION?

Old Ivanhoe went down to Old Camberwell Grammarians in Premier B action with Richmond listed ruckman Oliver Hayes-Brown in action for the former. The category B rookie turned out Ivanhoe in an intriguing battle against Old Camberwell skipper Gus Milham. It was the 210cm prospect’s first game of senior footy after played 13 NBL games for the Perth Wildcats. “He competed really hard against a really high-quality ruck in Gus Milham,” Ivanhoe coach Jarrod Gieschen told VAFA Media. Old Camberwell kicked the last two goals of the game to snatch victory with Ben Hart and Lachlan O’Neill named among their best.

OLD CAREY RECRUITS MAKE STRONG FIRST IMPRESSION

Old Carey enjoyed a busy off-season and its recruits made strong impressions in a 15-point win over Monash Blues, who was relegated from Premier B last season. Off-season signings Bede Waters and Tristan Borghouts were among the best while Trent Warren booted two goals. Charlie Connell-Tobin, who was connected to the club last season while playing five games for the Northern Knights in the Coates Talent League, impressed in his first outing in Carey colours.

OLD SCOTCH LAY DOWN A MARKER

After an impressive maiden campaign in the Premier Women’s division, Old Scotch laid down an early marker with a big win over competition newcomers Old Yarra Cobras. The Cardinals recorded a 91-point win with Eloise Defina the best player on the ground with four goals while Lucy Morley and Millie Fraser-Smith booted three each. Ella Crump and Mia Caffry were also impressive.

EXCITING STARTS FOR NEW LEADERS

There was plenty to celebrate for the new leaders in Division 1. New Therry Penola skipper Joel Costello produced a best on ground performance as the Lions secured a 50-point win over West Brunswick as Brenton and Jarrod Egglestone both kicked three goals. Prahran won its first game under new coach Craige Milward by 34 points with skipper Rory Brodie named best in a performance which included two goals. Ethan Plaza and Matt Clifford kicked three apiece. Meanwhile Jack Cole led Kew to a 51-point win over Preston Bullants with Jack Delbridge, William Llewelyn, Patrick Chard and Max Waters among those to impress.

Therry Penola's leaders for the new season.

MITCH BROWN’S STUNNING DEBUT

Mitch Brown had a day out on debut for Parkdale Vultures in the VAFA’s Premier C competition as he booted nine goals. The ex-AFL tore the game open as his side won by 173 points. Harry Kilfoyle, Oliver Green, Jack Vorbach, Charlie Yee, Lewis Castle and Joshua Ricco also impressed.

PERFECT STARTS FOR DIVISION 2 NEWCOMERS

Hawthorn and Wattle Park have already proven they look comfortable after their respective promotions to Division 2 with wins to start the season. The Hawks secured a 34-point win over MHSOB. Skipper Charlie Boots and Luke Huber impressed while Austin Bongart (four goals) and Wil Fleming made strong starts to their first seasons with the club. Meanwhile the Animals secured a 22-point win over Aquinas with Hugh Schaeche, Baxter Newbegin, Scott McCarney and Bailey Hunt named among the best.

ALBERT PARK FORWARD FIRES

Jack Lee has made a perfect start to life in season 2024 with a 10-goal haul in his side’s opener against Box Hill North. The Albert Park star troubled North in a 39-point win at Ian Johnson Oval. Christopher Marson finished with five of his own to also be named among the best. In other Division 3 games, Matthew Carnelley showcased his goal kicking powers with six on debut for St John’s in a big win over La Trobe University.