VAFA Premier: Old Brighton on top after edging out Old Melburnians

Former AFL star Jack Watts kicked two goals and helped Old Brighton go to the top of the ladder in the Ammos’ top section.

First-gamer Ben Pryor (No 33) gets a drenching as Old Brighton celebrates its win over Old Melburnians. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Jack Watts is back in the red and blue.

And he’s back with a few old mates too.

Melbourne’s No 1 national draft selection has joined Old Brighton Grammarians in the VAFA Premier section and played his second match on Saturday, against Old Melburnians.

And Watts played a handy part in the Tonners’ gritty 11.10 (76) to 9.10 (64) win over a worthy opponent at Brighton Beach Oval.

The 30-year-old, a former Brighton Grammar student, kicked two goals and should have kicked another in the second quarter after taking a strong mark close to goal.

A smiling Jack Watts after the game, flanked by Petrus Olivier and Quintin Montanaro. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Watts’s last AFL game was with Port Adelaide in 2019 – he announced his retirement at the end of 2020 – and the Tonners are using him as a key forward as he builds his fitness.

A stay-at-home forward is probably the best description for his role as he gains match conditioning.

The 12-point win – and Old Xaverians’ surprise loss to the promoted Caulfield Grammar – propelled Old Brighton to the top of the ladder as it chases its first top-division premiership in amateur football.

There was little between the teams, but the hosts edged clear in the final quarter through goals from Seb Williams, Will Lewis and Quintin Montanaro.

Montanaro’s set-shot put the Tonners 18 points up, but Old Melburnians trimmed it back to 12 through Lachie Haysman.

Jack Watts stands up in a tackle for Old Brighton. Picture: Valeriu Campan

A snap from effeverscent Anthony Zimmerman turned back the challenge and the last few minutes played out quietly, a contrast to what had gone on earlier.

The players exchanged hot words throughout the match, and the teams came together as they walked off the ground at half time.

One Old Brighton player had OM’s Sam Dunell in his sights, suggesting in rather impolite terms that he was well past his best.

Still, the Sandringham VFL assistant coach was named in his team’s best, behind another former AFL player, Jackson Paine, who took some strong marks and kicked three goals in a stoppage-filled match.

Neither side enjoyed room to move and find a groove. It was a physical and spirited encounter.

Old Brighton’s Anthony Zimmerman pressures Old Melburnians debutant Chance Doultree. Picture: Valeriu Campan

The Tonners received stout service from Tom Yorgey and the brick-hard Tom Fisher, as well as Josh Le Grice and Reuben Hayward.

But after the match coach Greg Hutchison singled out Dylan Verney for praise, saying he did a “terrific job’’ on Paine in the second half.

Hutchison told his players: “You worked really, really hard. It was a good win and you should be happy and pleased with it.

“It just goes to show that when you turn up and deliver what you do, you’re a pretty solid side. Enjoy it. Fantastic.’’

But he reminded his team that it would travel to Old Trinity next week and would have to “step up again’’.

Old Brighton skipper Harry Hill. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Old Brighton captain Harry Hill said Watts had been “outstanding’’ since linking with the club.

“Having someone with his background … the fact that he played at the top level for 12 years and he wants to come back to his school team and he’s playing for the right reasons … it’s been massive,’’ he said.

“I said to him last week, ‘The boys are going to walk taller with you out here’.

“He’s really invested.’’

Old Brighton had a first-game player in Ben Pryor, the son of Andrew, whose decorated career with the club took in a B grade medal, four club best and fairests and regular VAFA selection.

Old Brighton coach Greg Hutchison at the huddle. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Pryor got a warm hand from his teammates when Hutchison noted how he had “won his own ball’’ when the chance arose.

Old Melburnians had two first-gamers in Sam Cameron and Chance Doultree, who had some good moments.

But it was missing ruckman Nick De Steiger, Sean Hetherington and Charles Lill, and was hampered by hamstring injuries to former SANFL star Ed Smart and Cameron.

Old Melburnians coach Paul Satterley. Picture: Valeriu Campan

It was a busy day at Brighton: the Old Brighton women’s team kicked it off with a thumping win, then came the reserves and senior matches.

The Under 19s followed the main game, playing under lights.