VAFA: Thrilling finishes, gaps emerging in the finals race

Thrilling finishes, gaps emerging in the finals race and premiership dark horses appearing were the key talking points from the VAFA. Here’s what you need to know.

It was another huge weekend of VAFA action.

Here’s everything you need to know.

BEAUIE BLITZ SETS UP THRILLER

Beaumaris has claimed a thrilling one-point victory over unbeaten ladder leaders St Bernard’s in Premier B.

In a seesawing match at Banksia Reserve, the Sharks overcame a 31-point deficit at halftime to win 13.9 (87) to 13.8 (86), consolidating fourth spot with a 7-5 record.

Beaumaris blitzed eight goals in the third quarter to level scores at the last break, with Joey Nowell and Ben Hempel igniting the Sharks with five and two goals respectively.

Mark Gregory kicked four goals and Dominic Sullivan three for St Bernard’s.

Beaumaris claimed a thrilling one-point win. (Photo by Josh Chadwick)

ST KEVIN’S POUNCE ON OLD SCOTCH’S SLIP

St Kevin’s has ensured its top-two hopes remain alive after a hard fought three-point victory over Old Brighton.

It came at the perfect time as Uni Blues recorded a massive 74-point win over Old Scotch.

SKOB and Old Scotch now sit at 8-4 heading into the bye weekend with the Blues holding a one-game advantage in second place.

UPSETS, THRILLERS EVERYWHERE

Mazenod produced an almighty upset while tightening its grip on a top-four berth, handing ladder-leader Old Camberwell Grammarians just its second loss of the season on Saturday.

The low-scoring slog produced just nine goals combined in the 5.6 (36) to 4.10 (34) result, as Mazenod led by five points and two points at the main and final breaks.

Two telling goals from Hayden Boyce helped prove the difference while Andrew Kovac finished best afield.

Mazenod now sits six points clear in fourth spot with a 7-4 record, while the Wellers remain on top by two points with nine wins and two losses – ahead of PEGS, which closed the gap following a 13.11 (89) to 6.9 (45) win over Old Carey.

Meanwhile, the seventh-placed Hampton Rovers denied Old Ivanhoe (third) second spot on the ladder by producing a 13.8 (86) to 6.10 (46) boilover. Clinton Young and Luke Nixon-Smith each bagged three goals as the Rovers led at all changes.

Elsewhere, Parkdale denied Ormond its second win of the season in an 8.13 (61) to 9.6 (60) thriller. Down 32 points at half-time and 20 at the final change, Ormond rattled home with 3.2 to the Vultures’ 0.1 in the last term before falling agonisingly short. The victory boosts Parkdale six points ahead in fifth spot.

PRAHRAN’S CONFIDENCE BOOSTING WIN

Prahran grabbed a forceful, confidence-boosting win over fellow finals front runner Oakleigh.

The second-placed Oakleigh jumped out of the blocks with a three-goal first term before Prahran (third) put the clamps on, holding the visitors goal less from beyond the first change.

Daniel Campbell kicked three while Zac Podmore and Ethan Plaza both kicked two in the 10.11 (71) to 3.7 (25) win.

The win keeps Prahran in the three-team log-jam on 28 points.

Elsewhere, Preston Bullants lost to Kew 8.6 (54) to 6.15 (51).

Glen Eira defeated Old Peninsula 10.11 (71) to 7.5 (47).

West Brunswick defeated Ivanhoe 6.11 (47) to 5.8 (38) and Therry Penola defeated Uhs-Vu 16.11 (107) to 10.1 (61).

OGs WARMING UP

Old Geelong braved strong winds and rain to post an important 23-point win over Williamstown CYMS.

The OGs exploded from the blocks to lead by 30 points at quarter time and then fought tenaciously to prevail 12.17 (89) to 10.6 (66).

Luke Morfoot kicked four goals, Will Stephenson three and Mickey Nicholls two for Old Geelong, which has won its past two games to consolidate fifth spot.

Mickey Nicholls finished with three goals. (Photo by Josh Chadwick)

THRILLERS GALORE IN DIVISION 2

There was thrillers galore across the Division with two games decided by under a kick.

South Melbourne Districts held on by one straight kick against lowly Aquinas to maintain its one-game advantage in the race for finals footy.

Jason Clifford and Sam Bradford kicked three goals apiece in the victory.

Meanwhile, Old Yarra Cobras continues to hold its finals hopes in its hands after a thrilling three-point win over Old Paradians.

Despite kicking just two goals after the main break, the Cobras held on.

ST JOHNS KEEP IN TOUCH

St Johns comfortably accounted for Eley Park in Division 4 and the victory came at the perfect time as Albert Park went down to Box Hill North.

Both teams are now locked at 5-7 on the ladder in the race for fourth spot.

AQUINAS EYEING OFF PREMIER B WOMEN’S FINALS

Aquinas proved its best footy is good enough to challenge the best teams in the Premier B women’s competition after a powerful victory against Brunswick.

A monster second term propelled the home side to a 10.7 (67) to 2.3 (15) win as they moved two games clear in the top-four.

Cadhla Schmidli was impressive with two goals.