Old Melburnians kick start the season with shock win over Collegians

After narrowly avoiding relegation last season, Old Melburnians adopted an “A-mentality” over the summer as coach Paul Satterley speaks on his side’s shock round one win and the new faces.

Old Melburnians’ Charles Dowling. Picture: Andy Brownbill

When Old Melburnians narrowly avoided relegation at the end of 2023, no one could have predicted the impact it would have in a short space of time.

The Redlegs survived by just 1.62 per cent, maintaining their VAFA Premier Division status for another season.

On Saturday, they produced an almighty upset of reigning premier Collegians 15.13 (103) to 12.10 (82) to send a strong message to the rest of the competition.

OMs coach Paul Satterley said the final round of last year had proven to be a turning point for his group.

“It reset the mindset of our playing group,” he said.
“When it happened we knew we had to adopt an A-grade mentality and it was reflective of how we turned up in pre-season and the work the playing group has put in.

“We’re absolutely thrilled to have come away with the win, we obviously thought it was going to be a tough game, I was really pleased with how we finished.

“There was just one-point in it a three-quarter-time and we managed to get the lead out to 30 points before they kicked a couple late.”

Old Melburnians endured a busy summer after a 2023 season where they were forced to use a “record” 54 players in the senior side.

It was a number which included calling players out of retirement to help “play a role” according to Satterley.

“There’s been a massive overhaul in the list the last few seasons,” he said.

“Last year was challenging for a variety of different reasons but we feel we’re in a good position at the moment. I thought we recruited very well in the off-season and they’ve immediately added to the club.”

Ben Harding. Picture: Andy Brownbill

James Harrold, Lachie Swaney, Sam Laube and Sam Wundke all made their debut on the weekend for the Redlegs.

Laube booted three goals to be named among the better players.

“They’ve really come in and set the standard at training,” Satterley said.

“I thought they all had really good games first up.”

Satterley’s side will now look to make it two straight wins when they travel to Toorak Park to take on Old Xaverians on Saturday.

“I had a look at their list and they look very similar to us in the fact they’ve had a bit of change,” he said.

“Three or four of their recruits didn’t play so I wouldn’t read too much into their lost.

“We’re expecting another tough one.”