The biggest lessons from the VAFA’s weekend action

The VAFA’s most in-form teams continued to climb the ladder while the competition’s newest faces continued to make their mark. Here’s who impressed across the weekend.

Old Scotch’s Jack Polkinghorne. Picture: Andy Brownbill

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

Here’s everything you need to know.

OLD SCOTCH BOUNCE BACK

After back-to-back losses, Old Scotch is now back on track after a 50-point win over St Bernard’s, to jump into second place on the ladder. In an interview with VAFA Media, coach Mark Gnatt credited his side’s defensive effort for the win. The Cardinals kicked nine goals to three in the second half to break the game open. Ben Hays produced his best performance of t

Eloise Defina. Picture: Valeriu Campan

he season as one of Old Scotch’s better players. Brodie Easton, Jack Lipscombe, Douglas Lawrence, Jack Polkinghorne and James Braddy also impressed.

RECRUITS FIRE FOR PREMIERSHIP CONTENDERS

Old Scotch and St Kevin’s are setting the early pace in the VAFA Premier Division women’s competition and their newest players are starting to make a serious impact. Former Old Camberwell player Eloise Defina produced her best performance of the season for the Cardinals with a five goals in a best on ground display in the 70-point win against Monash Blues. Mietta Kendall returned from VFLW duties with Box Hill to be named in the better players alongside Defina. For St Kevin’s, Jessica Cox (from Swan Districts in the WAFL), continued her brilliant run of form to be named in the best for the third straight game. Cox played a key role in leading her side to a win over Melbourne University.

FITZROY MAKE HISTORY

Fitzroy is on the board in the Premier Division men’s competition for the first time. The Roys recorded a 17-point win over Old Melburnians with Dane Harvey the star with seven goals. Charlie Faubel, Max Ellis, Darcy Lowrie, Anthony Johnson and Thomas Holmes were also named among the better players for their side. Ned Nichols was best for the visitors.

IT’S STARTING TO CLICK FOR OLD HAILEYBURY

Old Haileybury well and truly started the season on the back foot after relegation to the second tier with two straight losses. But the Bloods have now won three on the trot to move to third on the ladder. On Saturday, they overcame De La Salle by seven points but had to hold on after losing the final term by 33 points. Sam Loewe was named best afield after kicking five goals while Will Abraham kicked three of his own. Brede Seccull, Jack Bell, Luke Bailey, Joshua Gasparini and Maxwell Sinclair were also impressive.

Old Carey during the win against Hampton Rovers.

OLD CAREY’S PREMIER C STATEMENT

The Premier C ladder sees the top-four all locked at 4-1 and Old Carey’s win over Hampton Rovers is a key reason why. The Panthers recorded 12-point win at Trevor Barker Beach Oval with Tim Newton named the best player on the ground. Trent Warren backed up an excellent performance against PEGS a week earlier, where he kicked five goals, to be named in the best. Parkdale Vultures were able to move to the top of the ladder with a 48-point win over AJAX with Jai Elcock best afield with three goals as Max Phillips kicked four.

PARKSIDE’S FORM CAN’T GO UNNOTICED

Since going down to ladder leader UHS-VU in the opening round, Parkside has been one of the form teams of the Division 1 competition. The Devils have won four straight and sit third on the ladder with a percentage of 132.84. They were forced to come from behind on Saturday, overturning a 22-point Old Peninsula three-quarter-time lead. Michael Romano was the star with four goals while Ciaran Cotter was just as effective with three of his own. Riley Williams caught the eye to be named in the best alongside Lewis Daniels, Lucian Logozzo and Matt Holden.

ELSTERNWICK STORM HOME FOR A DRAW

Elsternwick trailed by 20 points at the final change against MHSOB, the Wickers had been behind all day, bit managed to storm home and could have almost pinched it. They booted 5.4 to 3.2. Vice-captain Spencer Hankin kicked seven goals, his best haul of the season, to help his side earn a share of the points. Matt Harvey was named best afield for the Wickers. Mason Fennessy-Kent was best for MHSOB. It was the second draw of the Division 2 season.

CYMS TOO GOOD FOR FELLOW CONTENDER

Williamstown CYMS sits undefeated on top of the Women’s Premier B competition after getting the better of fellow contender Old Geelong by 16 points. Loren Mills, who joined the club from Werribee Centrals in the off-season, was best afield after booting four goals. Paras Paton also put together a strong game for her side.