VAFA: How St Bernard’s overturned horror away record

St Bernard’s held a quirky VAFA record last season, one which could have destabilised its top flight status. But a weakness has now become one of the biggest strengths. Here’s how.

St Bernard's coach Steven Alessio. Picture: Andy Brownbill

If St Bernard’s had to hit the road in 2024 it was often a nightmare scenario, losing every game away from home.

Four road trips in 2025 have already seen four wins seeing Steven Alessio’s side turn their horror record on its head.

The latest was a 32-point victory over De La Salle, who sit winless at the foot of the VAFA Premier Men’s ladder.

Remarkably, they’ve lost both home games so far.

Alessio puts the Snowdogs’ form turnaround away from home down to several factors.

“It’s our second year back at this level, we know what to expect most weeks,” he said.

“Having our senior players back has been super important for us. Last year, we had a core group missing for a large part of the season but we’re getting more consistent games into them now.

“Their leadership and experience has helped a lot of their younger teammates settle when the pressure has been on. Speaking to people at the club, they said De La has traditionally been a tough place to go so to go and get four points is an important result.”

While it looked a comfortable win on the scoreboard, Alessio said he was impressed by the pressure the opposition brought to the table throughout the game.

“For the first half of the opening quarter, we could get nothing going out way,” he said.

“When we were able to wrestle momentum back our way, it was important we were able to put it on the scoreboard.”

Big man Matt Sauro continued his impressive form to be named among the better players as Alessio said he had been “going well” in the ruck.

“He went forward and had an impact,” he said.

“It was a real even team performance.”

The next challenge for St Bernard’s is a home game against reigning premier Old Scotch who have fallen to 2-4.

“They looked like they’re starting to get their game going,” Alessio said.

“They kicked several goals in the last quarter on the weekend and we need to be switched on from the first bounce.”

BENIER THE FORWARD?

He has made his name as one of the VAFA’s best defenders but perhaps Maxwell Benier might be an x-factor Old Brighton is looking for in its premiership bid. The impressive Tonner booted three goals as his side recorded a statement 61-point win over Old Xaverians.

UNI BLACKS PUT A DENT IN PREMIERSHIP DEFENCE

Old Scotch’s premiership defence in the VAFA Premier Men’s competition is at a crossroads. The Cardinals went down to five points against University Blacks as James Clark, Max Gray, Matt Grocott and skipper Campbell Moorfield kicked two goals apiece. Both sides now have 2-4 records after a third of the season.

SKIPPER STEPS UP IN MILESTONE

Old Geelong captain Will Horsfall was named best on ground in his side’s impressive eight-point win over Old Trinity. Celebrating his 100th game, the OGs overcame a 26-point quarter-time deficit to climb to fifth on the ladder, outside of the top-four on percentage. Connor Dixon continued his impressive season with four goals.

THE CURIOUS CASE OF OLD MELBURNIANS

Nathan Brown’s Old Melburnians are 2-4 to start the season but they’re much better than the form suggests. They’ve dropped games to Old Carey, Old Ivanhoe and Caulfield Grammarians by a combined 12 points and throw in a 17-point loss to Old Trinity. The 29-point win over Old Camberwell on the weekend was another sign of their footy being super impressive. Adam Richardson ended his goalless drought with five goals in a bets on ground display.

GRYPHONS FAREWELL A FAVOURITE

As Glen Eira/Old McKinnon bid farewell to club favourite Lachlan Myers, it secured a first win of the season after holding on by six points against Marcellin. Myers “a bash and crash” midfielder is returning to Wagga Wagga, where several Gryphons are from, with his partner. Sean Bass was named best afield in the win as he booted five.