VAFA: How Beaumaris has grown in season 2025

Beaumaris has won seven straight but the last fortnight has been the greatest indication of growth. Here’s why they’ve taken a “big step” and the star emerging as a leading midfielder.

Beaumaris have won seven straight. Photo: Cath Coady/VAFA Media.

If Beaumaris coach Josh Bourke needed an indication of his side’s improvement, it has come in the last two weeks.

The Sharks have recorded back-to-back wins against St Bede’s/Mentone and Ajax — a pair of teams right in the VAFA Premier C flag mix.

Bourke’s side came away with a 10-point victory against the Jackas on Saturday after James Failla and James Pepper kicked the last two goals of the game.

They’ve now won seven on the trot after suffering a 63-point loss to ladder leader Parkdale Vultures back in Round 3.

“We’re in an interesting spot,” Bourke said.

“We had spoken a lot about rectifying what went wrong that day and I thought the last two weeks have been a big step towards showing our growth against the top sides.

“There was a lot of maturity in the win against St Bede’s. The boys showed a great amount of teachability and willingness to follow instructions.

“Against Ajax it came down to grit and determination. When they hit the lead late, we were two down on the bench, I was interested to see how we would respond and we did it in the best possible way.”

Jai Florent was named the best player on the Sharks as he continued an impressive season which has included six mentions in the best.

His two goals took his season average to one a game.

“He’s an incredible student of the game,” Bourke said of Florent.

“He works closely with our midfield coach and is reaping the rewards of an enormous pre-season. No one internally doubted his quality when he’s up and running and he’d probably be the first to say last year wasn’t his best.

“Good overhead and has a first three or four metres like his brother (Sydney Swan Ollie). He’s a nightmare matchup.”

The Sharks now sit third on the ladder, just over two per cent behind the Jackas, ahead of two games against Parkside and Prahran leading into the double bye.

“We’ve given ourselves a good chance of top-two which is pivotal in the Ammos,” Bourke said.

“Percentage might come into it which means consistency across four quarters and every game is going to be critical. Since Round 3, our effort and consistency has been outstanding.

“We’re determined to finish this block strongly.”

KEEP AN EYE ON THE GRYPHONS

Ben Reid has been with Glen Eira-Old McKinnon since 2023 but coming into this season had only played nine goals. In the seven games he’s played this year, he’s shown why he’s such an important player. He’s now played the last three games, all of which have been wins, as the Gryphons emerge as one of the form teams of Premier C. Reid booted three goals on the weekend and was among his side’s better players.

TROUBLE FOR STAR BIG MAN?

Old Ivanhoe star Alex Mirkov could be set for a stint on the sidelines after being red carded in his side’s 20-point win over Caulfield Grammarians on Saturday. Mirkov was sent from the ground late in the second quarter after making a high contact to a Caulfield opponent. Footage of the incident showed some minor remonstration before the umpire showed the ex-Carlton big man a red card. He immediately left the ground and did not argue with the official. Under the rules of the card system, he was able to be replaced.

PANTHERS BACK INTO THE FOUR

In a finals like game, Old Carey jumped back into the Premier B top-four after securing an 11-point win over Old Geelong. The Panthers raced out of the blocks with a seven goal to three opening term which helped to set up the win. Nick Brewin starred with three goals in a best on ground display while Lachy Godden also was a strong performer in front of goal.

UNI BLUES DOUBLE DRAW

It’s been a strange fortnight for coach Matt Smith and Uni Blues. They’re unbeaten in their last two but have drawn both games. The latest was a 6.10 (46) to 7.4 (46) result against Collegians. Smith’s side now sit half-a-game clear of the relegation zone with the Lions in ninth.

CARDINALS BIG MAN GOES LARGE

Old Scotch ruckman Sam Grant enjoyed a fine outing against De La Salle on the weekend finishing with 199 Premier Data ranking points. Grant’s performance included 61 hit-outs, 25 disposals and seven score involvements. He was the highest rated player of any player across the round.