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The young guns who stole the show in VAFA grand final

A trio of rising stars from Old Haileybury stole the show on the VAFA’s biggest stage and proved why they should be playing more regularly at a higher level. Plus, the unsung heroes who deserve their own praise.

Old Haileybury celebrates a goal in the grand final. Picture: Andrew Batsch
Old Haileybury celebrates a goal in the grand final. Picture: Andrew Batsch

If there’s anything to take away from Old Haileybury’s grand final win, it has some serious young talent.

Best on ground Andreas Stefanakis (five goals), Harry Jones (four goals) and Charlie Harrop were at the forefront of the Bloods thumping win in the VAFA Premier B decider against De La Salle.

The trio all spent time on VFL list this season with Stefanakis playing 11 games for Box Hill.

“They’ve all got bright futures for different reasons,” Old Haileybury coach Dan Ward said.

“We’re just glad as a club we’ve managed to create an environment where they can come and enjoy their footy and get the best out of themselves when they’re not in the state league.

“I knew once we got the ball in the forward line, those three boys were capable of helping us to put a score on. Charlie Harrop kicked a goal right on the quarter-time siren which helped ease the tension for us a little bit because we were 1.7 at the time.

“They’re all great kids and I am glad to have them involved in our footy club.”

While the young trio did the damage on the scoreboard, Ward couldn’t fault any of the 22 who had ran out onto the ground for his side.

“Everyone pulled their weight,” he said.

“Charlie Sinclair and Lachie Vaughan both had big games oup forward, even though they might not have kicked a heap of goals. Charlie’s ability to apply pressure helped us to turn the ball over in dangerous areas.

“We gave Lachie a job at centre half forward and did everything we asked of him.”

The 94-point margin was telling and proved why Old Haileybury won’t be making up the numbers when they return to the Premier competition in 2025, a year after being relegated.

Ward said he had felt nerves coming into the match given the preparation had been near perfect.

“You just have those thoughts when everything had been so smooth,” he said.

“We managed to control the game in our forward half and it allowed us to put a good score on the board.”

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Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/localfooty/vafa/the-young-guns-who-stole-the-show-in-vafa-grand-final/news-story/fa4e1a6df95bcd03659c9d21da29b903