VAFA scores: Alex Fasolo fires as Uni Blues defeat Old Xaverians

The ex-AFL forward was influential as University Blues toppled one of their VAFA rivals in a tense clash.

Alex Fasolo delivered an important burst for Uni Blues. Picture: David Mariuz

Former AFL forward Alex Fasolo produced a match-winning cameo in his first outing for reigning premier University Blues on Saturday.

Fasolo bagged three goals in 10 minutes in a devastating third-quarter burst as the Blues inflicted Old Xaverians first loss of the season in their blockbuster Victorian Amateur Football Association Premier clash.

The home side finished strongly after trailing by 19 points at the final change, but the Blues ultimately extended their winning run to three games with a four-point triumph, 11.9 (75) to 10.11 (71).

“He just broke the game open in that third quarter,” Uni Blues football manager David Phefley said of the ex-Collingwood and Carlton player.

“He was very, very good. We haven’t had him so far this year and he was a very valuable asset.”

Daniel Batarilo booted four goals for the Blues. Picture: Dennis Timm Photography

Another small forward in Daniel Batarilo was best afield, showcasing his class with four majors.

Batarilo contributed 36 goals two years ago as the club claimed the flag and has displayed impressive form so far this season.

“He’s been with us for six years now … he’s uncanny and he’s just one of those guys that you never know what he’s going to do,” Phefley said.

“He does some absolutely remarkable things and you think, ‘how did he do that?’

“He’s just got the ability to read the play well and a couple of times the ball had no right to get over the back and it did, and he’s there. He’s an amazing footballer and his brother (Thomas) is equally as good.”

James Carr, Cam O’Shea and Hugh Goddard also played important roles for the Blues.

Old Xavs got the jump on the visitors, establishing a 17-point lead at quarter-time.

But that gap was reduced to seven points at the main break, with the home team registering four goals from 13 scores.

The Blues then responded with five goals to one in the third quarter before Old Xavs’ launched a late bid for victory.

“We were fortunate they missed a couple of goals (in the first half), hit the post twice, and that would have made a world of difference,” Phefley said.

“But the third quarter made all the difference.

“I think I’ve said it before, but the likes of (Ayce) Cordy, Goddard, (Sam) Grimley, they don’t get any shorter.

“It’s always nice to go down there and come away with four points. It’s a very hard ground to play on, they play it well.”

The Blues were soundly beaten by Old Brighton (42 points) in Round 1, but have since knocked off Caulfield Grammarians (20 points), Old Melburnians (25 points) and Old Xavs.

They sit fifth with a 3-1 record, equal on points with the top-four teams.

“Prior to Round 1, our boys had had seven quarters of footy,” Phefley said.

“Our pre-season was very disjoined, not being able to get grounds and various other complications.

“We’re still slow at starting, we’ve got to address that, but every week we’re getting better.

“We had five kids in the side under 21 on Saturday and that’s a huge bonus.

“You go back two years and our youngest player in our premiership team was 23. We’ve got five or six guys who are well and truly under that age. That bodes well for the future.

“They’re good players, good kids and love playing footy.”

Uni Blues will tackle Collegians at home this weekend.