Inside Eley Park’s emotional drought breaking win

Eley Park broke through for its first reserves win in four years on the weekend but the four points meant much more after the “heartache” many had endured. Plus, the special tribute to a club trainer.

Eley Park broke a losing streak which dated back to 2021.

Xavier Bacash-Power has seen the trials and tribulations Eley Park has suffered since 2021.

But it reached a peak on Saturday afternoon when the reserves side broke through for their first win since the last game the Sharks played four years ago before the season was cancelled due to Covid.

Bacash-Power took over the coaching role for 2023 after filling in “a couple of times” a year earlier and set about ensuring the club continued to field two sides every week.

He believes the number of times he’s “doubled up” — played seniors and reserves — in the same day is now in double figures.

But he wouldn’t change it for the world after his side prevailed by 54 points against Chadstone ending a 1394-day drought.

“I haven’t seen that many men and women cry after a game of footy,” Bacash-Power said.

“A lot of people involved in this footy club having seen so much heartache but they’ve never given up on us and this was so much about them as well.

“It’s taken a lot of perseverance. We’ve lost games by 200 points, had no bench but I’m proud to say we’ve always got 18 on the ground.”

The day was extra special for the playing coach as he reached the 50-game milestone.

But when he kicked his goal for the day, he blew kisses towards the sky in memory of beloved trainer Alex Beveridge who sadly died in the off-season.

“He absolutely loved the club,” Bacash-Power said.

“Even when he was 72, he would fill in to make sure we weren’t short. I’d tell the boys to be at a ground by a certain time and he was always there to make sure everyone was ready.

“We miss him every day.”

With their first win under their belt, the Sharks are aiming for further improvement according to Bacash-Power.

“It’s about creating a good culture,” he said.

“We emphasise everything good — whether it is big or small.”

Inside a weekend of season shaping VAFA results

It was moving day in the Victorian Amateur Football Association across the weekend with several important results which could shape the rest of the season.

Here are 10 key talking points.

BRUNSWICK’S STATEMENT WIN

Jason Reynolds’ Brunswick have moved just outside the top-four on percentage after two strong wins in a row. Brunswick accounted for Kew by nine points, despite being held goalless in the last quarter, to improve their record to 4-3. It’s a run of form which has come at the right time with Preston Bullants and Oakleigh dropping back-to-back games. Tom Wilson and Oscar Watt kicked four and three goals respectively to highlight the performance. Gabriel Banova was named best on ground.

MONASH BLUES ON THE BOARD

Andrew Batten’s Monash Blues secured their first win of the season, holding on against Elsternwick, who remain winless. The scoreboard read 12.10 (82) to 8.20 (68) in trying conditions. Blues co-skipper Mitch King kicked three goals with John Walker best afield. It was a win which lifted the Blues up to eighth position on the ladder and out of the relegation zone on percentage. Batten’s side will now face UHS-VU before the bye.

SOUTH MELBOURNE DISTRICTS ARE COMING

We’ll be the first to admit, we thought South Melbourne Districts were in big trouble at 0-4 but now they’re looming as a side you don’t want to play. The Swans recorded a 52-point win over St John’s on the weekend and now are a game outside of the top-four. While their percentage is low in comparison to the teams above them, Nick Abbott’s team is showing if they get a head of steam up, they could take some stopping through the middle parts of the season.

David Malvaso put together a huge performance for Aquinas.

AQUINAS LEAP INTO ACTION

The early season relegation battle took another turn as Aquinas got the better of Canterbury by 12 points to claim its first win of the season. David Malvaso was the star of the show in his best game of the season after finishing with seven goals in a best on ground display. It was a result which left Aquinas, Canterbury and Hawthorn all on one win after the opening seven rounds.

A PERFECT DAY FOR ELEY PARK

In the Division 3 reserves, Eley Park tasted success for the first time in 1394 days after getting the better of Chadstone by 54 points. There was a special moment when playing coach Xavier Bacash, playing in his 50th game, kicked a goal and pointed to the sky in a tribute to beloved club trainer Alex Beveridge who died earlier this year. Chadstone won the senior game by 29 points.

POWER HOUSE THE TEAM TO BEAT?

Power House claimed the battle of the two unbeaten teams in Division 3 after overcoming Wattle Park by 28 points. Kevin Mangan was named best on ground as Harry Officer marked his return with five goals to prove why he’s one of his side’s most important players. Michael Timmons was also back with four majors.

OLD HAILEYBURY ANNOUNCE THEIR ARRIVAL

It’s the win which proves Old Haileybury are not just a genuine shot of playing Premier Men’s finals, but the one which suggests they’re a premiership contender. Daniel Ward’s side overcame St Kevin’s by 12 points, winning for the first time away against SKOB. Will Paul impressed in a best on ground performance while Harry Jones booted three.

UNI BLACKS KEY WIN

It’s important Uni Blacks win the games they’re meant to and those include the weekend’s victory over De La Salle. Blacks ran out 70-points winners to stay one game clear of the relegation zone as Louis Vescio and Matt Grocott kicked four each. Zach Dakis was best afield as he continued his impressive form after crossing from St Kevin’s.

THE GAP WHICH MIGHT BE HARD TO CLOSE

As Old Melburnians secured a 42-point win over Hampton Rovers in Premier B, it set up an interesting 11 games to end the season. There’s plenty of time but Old Melburnians now sit two games clear of Fitzroy with Rovers one further back in last during the race to avoid the drop. Old Melburnians have a superior percentage to both and based on evidence so far, we’re going to need to see a remarkable upturn of events.

GAME OF THE YEAR?

All eyes will be on Premier C this weekend when undefeated duo Parkdale Vultures and Ajax go head-to-head. Ajax currently sit in top of the ladder. Among those to keep an eye on include Lewis Castle, Matt Emmanouil and Oliver Green. For the Jackas, names include Max Herzel, Elliott Debinski and Justin Vogel.

GRAMMARIANS WIN A THRILLER

Caulfield Grammarians underlined its premiership favouritism in the VAFA Premier Women’s competition after securing a four-point win. They were able to hold on against reigning premier Old Scotch. Ella Baxter, Chloe McDonald and Jacinta Baxter all put together impressive performances.