VAFA: Old Brighton superstar Harry Hill will miss his side’s push for a premiership

One of the best local footballers in Melbourne is set to miss his side’s finals campaign after going down with concussion on Saturday.

It’s a setback of the highest order for Old Brighton and its superstar captain Harry Hill.

Hill will miss the VAFA finals series after sustaining a concussion in the final home and away round of the year on Saturday.

The Tonners’ skipper was sent to hospital after an accidental knee to the head during his side’s one-point win over St Kevins and has entered the mandatory 21-day protocol.

Hill won a clearance but appeared to lose his footing while firing out a handball and was collected by chasing St Kevins player Tom Jok.

The three-week rest means Hill will miss the grand final by one day should the Tonnors be competing.

Old Brighton secured the minor premiership in round 17 and finished three wins clear on top of the ladder.

Harry Hill. Picture: Mark Dadswell

Every premier of the top comp since 2017 has finished as minor premiers.

Tonners’ coach Marcel Bruin said Hill was sent to hospital as a precaution and has since been discharged.

“He is well, the group that looks after us from a physio perspective have got great medical and health care experience,” he said.

“They sent him straight to hospital as a precaution, he was in the rooms and was cognisant, was communicating well but they sent him off to get checked up.

“I caught up with him yesterday, he said he slept well but kept waking up in the middle of the night going: ‘f***, I can’t play finals’.

“I feel sick for him, he was a really young skipper when he was put into the role, he’s carried the club, brought great culture and driven success.

“If there was anyone who deserves the opportunity of playing finals, it is him, but his health is paramount.”

The Tonners finished three wins clear of SKOB in second. Picture: George Salpigtidis

St Kevins kicked four unanswered goals to close within a point after Hill was taken off the ground.

Bruin said the Tonners were immediately aware of what Hill’s injury meant and it was reflected in their fourth-quarter performance.

“An injury like that always does (have an impact on the group),” he said.

“Harry has been lucky, he hasn’t had that many injuries that have kept him out of the game, he just loves football and loves this group.

“The cultural figure, the talent that he is and the amount of care and empathy he has for the rest of the group – they’re a really connected playing group so they care about anyone that gets injured.

“They knew immediately that the protocol that has come in there this year was going to sting him.”

Old Brighton takes on St Kevins again this Saturday for a place in the grand final.

The winner advances through while the loser plays the winner of Old Scotch and Collegians in the preliminary final.