VAFA: All the talking points from the Premier grades
Parkside got revenge in its grand final replay against Prahran and after two weeks in the VAFA’s third tier the Devils feel they’re finding their feet. Here’s how life is being made a little easier.
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Two games into the 2025, Parkside is starting to find its feet in a new competition according to assistant coach Vinnie Romano.
On the back of three straight promotions, the Devils are now in Premier C and quickly adjusting to the level.
A huge confidence boost came on the weekend with a 35-point win over Prahran in a replay of last year’s Division 1 grand final.
They were far from disgraced in their season opener, going down to premiership contender Parkdale Vultures by 35 points, and at 1-1 heading into the Easter break there’s growing belief at Pitcher Park.
“We’re really pleased how we went about it (on Saturday),” Romano said.
“Guys are really starting to find their feet, we’ve found the game is a little quicker than what we’ve previously played.
“There was a little more commitment to the footy on the weekend which is something we spoke about before the game. We made fewer mistakes which really allowed us to play more like the way we want to.”
Devils coach Ricky Frost said in pre-season his side was embracing the “uncommon” as they chase a fourth straight promotion.
Already the club is seeing differences in how they can prepare for games.
“All the games are recorded which means we can sit down and watch vision of our opponent, but it goes both ways,” Romano said.
“It can helps us can a bit more of an understanding of the sides we might not know too much about.
“We were disappointed not to win the first game but we’ve had a decent start and it’s something for us to build off.”
Among the better players for the Parkside against the Two Blues was Matt Holden who returned for his first game of the season.
Corey McKay and Michael Romano both impressed with three goals.
“A lot of our guys have had interrupted pre-seasons like players at other clubs so they’re starting to build towards full fitness,” Romano said.
“One of Matt’s biggest attributes is his fitness and we saw that on Saturday with the way he can burn guys off. He’s always getting to the right spots.
“We felt all of the boys played their roles as they were asked which is a positive for us heading into the break.”
A home game with Marcellin awaits after the bye.
JOK THE SAVIOUR
St Kevin’s star Tom Jok was brilliant in the dying stages against Old Xaverians, taking two games saving marks. The one-game Essendon player went back with the flight on both occasions to help his side to an eventual two-point win. Jok was his side’s highest ranked player with 144 ranking points — finishing with 30 disposals and eight intercept disposals. Campbell Lane continued his brilliant start to the year for Old Xavs with 36 disposals and two goals.
SON OF A GUN FIRES IN PREMIER B
In his first game for Old Melburnians in Premier B, Noah Yze (the son of Richmond coach and ex-Melbourne forward Adem) starred with five goals in a best on ground display. Yze was released for the weekend from VFL side Casey due to the representative game against the SANFL. He proved to be a class above in the huge win as Jeremy a’Beckett also booted five. Old Melburnians prevailed by 94 points. Yze finished with 20 disposals, 16 contested possessions and five clearances. Other impressive performances came from Will Nichols (27 touches), Sam Laube (21 touches and three goals) and Jack Spargo (23 disposals). At VFL level this season, Yze has kicked four goals in three games.
NEW FACES IMPRESS FOR MARCELLIN
Marcellin would be pleased to have walked away with the four points against Mazenod and the new faces made an impact. While leader Elliott Atwell (25 disposals) was the best player on the ground, Josh Daniel showed off his class around goal booting four majors. Daniel joined the club from Heidelberg in the summer and kicked two in the opening game of the season. Debutant Pat Curtin, who is a Year 12 student at Marcellin College, impressed to be named in the better players. Adam Tomaro had a huge outing for Marcellin finishing with 42 disposals, two goals and 198 Premier Data ranking points.
PEAKE’S HUGE PERFORMANCE
Parkdale Vultures vice-captain Jarrod Peake produced a huge performance in his side’s 77-point win over PEGS finishing with a whopping 203 ranking points. Peake’s performance includes 24 disposals, 16 contested possessions, seven clearances and three goals. PEGS’ Blake Roach was impressive with 31 touches while Vultures gun Jack Edwards racked up a game-high 34 touches.
LAUKENS FILLS HIS BOOTS
Old Camberwell star Harry Laukens is in ominous form to start the Premier B season. He booted 10 goals in a 154-point win over Hampton Rovers to go along with 16 disposals. Liam Thomas enjoyed a strong performances with 20 disposals and six goals. Lachie Harker found plenty of the footy with 39 disposals, a goal and 174 ranking points.
TALK ABOUT A TURNAROUND
Steven Alessio’s St Bernard’s side didn’t win a game in 2024, they’ve now won two in a row to start this season. The Snowdogs completed the roadtrip double over the University sides, Blues and Blacks, after overcoming the latter by 46 points on the weekend. Oliver Liberatore, the son of Western Bulldogs champion Tony, starred in a best on ground performance which included three goals.
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