VAFA: Should UHS-VU v Oakleigh Division 1 winner have stood?

A VAFA Division 1 thriller played out on Saturday afternoon but should the winning goal have stood? See the vision and you be the judge.

Was it a goal or did the siren sound before Jacob Hunt kicked it?

It depends whether you’re on UHS-VU or Oakleigh’s side of the debate.

UHS-VU came away with a two-point win against the Krushers in their VAFA Division 1 clash on Saturday after Hunt kicked his fourth goal and the matchwinner as the siren sounded.

There was a feeling of “poetic justice” for the Vultures according to coach Paul Rocke who had lost to ladder leader Ormond by a point a week earlier.

“It was very close and how it should have gone depends who you ask,” Rocke said.

“We’ll say it was a goal, some others might say the kick came after the siren.

“It was a win we needed. It was a massive day for the footy club with several reunions and to win like that in front of a big crowd was really exciting.”

In Melbourne’s wet and wild conditions, both teams traded offensive punches with a “really strong breeze” at their backs.

During the second quarter, the home side booted eight goals to one behind to establish a 30-point lead at the main break before the Krushers hit back with seven of their own in the third.

Eventually, the last two goals of the game put the Vultures ahead.

“Late in the game, we just told everyone to run and get forward,” Rocke said.

With four rounds now remaining, Rocke is hopeful his side can end the season with five straight wins.

The Vultures currently sit seventh with a 5-9 record after being “smashed” by injuries this year.

They’ll start as favourites against Elsternwick, Monash Blues and Therry Penola while the final round showdown with Preston Bullants could help shape the top-four.

“The last month we’ve been able to get a few guys back and it’s really helped us to play some of our best footy of the year,” Rocke said.

“I’m quite bullish about how we can finish the year.”

UHS-VU are finishing the year strongly. (Photo by Dennis Timm/VAFA Media)

Despite the tricky conditions, Brandon Jackson continued his brilliant month with six goals to make it 22 in his last four games.

Krushers young gun Rogan Kitts booted six of his own.

The loss was a blow for Oakleigh who are now two games outside of the top-four.

BULLANTS CHASING THE DOUBLE CHANCE

Preston Bullants remain in the hunt for the double chance this season after securing arguably its most impressive win of the year. The Bullants recorded a 21-point win over Kew as coach Tom Hill booted seven goals in the win. The win saw Kew slip to third with Old Peninsula leaping into second. Preston now also has a two-game gap to Oakleigh in fifth with the top-four almost looking set.

WHITEFRIARS CLING TO FOURTH

The chasing pack is hot on Whitefriars’ heels. After a third straight loss, dropping Saturday’s clash to South Melbourne Districts, Whitefriars grip on fourth spot in loosening. They now sit just half-a-game clear of MHSOB and the Swans with Canterbury a game-and-a-half back. They’ll tackle the Unicorns, Hawthorn, West Brunswick and Canterbury in the run home. Winning three might be enough.

BOTTOM TWO ALL BUT SET?

Aquinas and Hawthorn look destined for relegation. After the Hawks dropped their weekend game to St John’s by 20 points, after eight goals from Josh Mourant, they now sit three games behind in the race to avoid the drop.

POWER HOUSE BACK ON TRACK

After going down to Richmond Central a week ago, Power House bounced back with a hard fought 13-point win over Albert Park. The ladder leader was able to keep their hosts at arm’s length for much of the day with Luke Stubbs named the best player on the ground. With Central winning again, a one game-gap has emerged between them in fourth and Albert Park in fifth.