Your ultimate guide to the VAFA Premier B and C deciders

Four teams, two grand finals. The VAFA Premier B and C seasons all come down to this weekend. We profile the key players and get the verdict from every club’s coach.

The end of the VAFA season is drawing closer with two more senior men’s grand finals being held this weekend.

We break them both down below.

PREMIER B PREVIEW

Old Haileybury and De La Salle have already booked their places in VAFA’s top flight for next season.

Now they’re looking to go up as premiers.

We break down the key players and coaches thoughts.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Christian Algeri, De La Salle: Has been one of the leading midfielders in Premier B and will be looking for a big finish to the season.

Tom Filipovic, De La Salle: In his first full season of senior footy, Filipovic has been brilliant and thrived under the pressure of a preliminary final last weekend. Finds the ball with ease.

Hugh Nicholson, De La Salle: Enjoyed a huge game in his return last weekend with 22 disposals and two goals. Couldn’t have come back at a better time.

Brede Seccull, Old Haileybury: A genuine star of the VAFA. Was one of the big performers when these two met in the first final.

Brodie Steele, Old Haileybury: Will play a key role in setting the game up out of defence for his side with his foot skills.

Andreas Stefanakis, Old Haileybury: Combined his local commitments with time in the VFL with Box Hill this season. Been super damaging when available for the Bloods with 32 goals in nine games.

Old Haileybury’s Brodie Steele. Picture: Valeriu Campan

COACHES’ VERDICT

Old Haileybury coach Daniel Ward: “To get here has shown the resilience of the playing group after bouncing back from relegation last season. I’m a great believer in everything happens for a reason and while coming down was tough, the boys have really responded to what we’ve asked of them this season. We’ve executed our plan so far and now there is one step to go.”

De La Salle coach Nick Hyland: “They’re a very powerful side with some big bodied mids. Their ruck took control in the first final and it made a difference in the game. They’re stacked up forward so it’s up to us to try and limit supply to their forward line. But we know we’re capable of putting on some scoreboard pressure as well if we give our forwards enough supply. It should be a cracking game of footy.”

PREMIER C PREVIEW

Old Carey and Hampton Rovers have already ticked off one box this season, earning promotion to Premier B.

Now they’ll meet in the VAFA Premier C decider to earn the right to go up to the second tier as the reigning premiers.

We break down the key players in Saturday’s grand final and get the thoughts of the coaches.

Braden Andrews. Picture: Valeriu Campan

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Braeden Andrews, Old Carey: The major ball winner for his side throughout the season. Was superb in the first final against the same opposition.

Tristan Borghouts, Old Carey: Brought his own footy in the second semi-final with 29 touches, a team-high.

Christian Carnovale: A fan favourite and his side’s best player. Carnovale is a gun midfielder who will have a big say in the outcome of this one.

Max Coughlin, Hampton Rovers: Thrives in the contest, highlighted by 21 contested possessions in the preliminary final. Can break away from stoppage and have a real impact across the ground.

Trent Warren, Old Carey: One of his side’s leading goalkickers this season with 51, alongside Riley Thompson.

Clinton Young, Hampton Rovers: The Hawthorn premiership player kicked four in the first final between these two sides. But he’s usually setting the game up across halfback for Marty Pask’s side.

COACHES’ VERDICT

Old Carey coach Aaron Bailey (via VAFA media): “We’re excited to be there and our last 3 games beating the other 3 sides in the Top 4 gives us the confidence that our best is good enough but we play an opposition that we’ve been really evenly matched with. Hampton are a really good side and all 3 games have been within a kick at three-quarter time, so we know we’ve got a really good opposition this week.”

Hampton Rovers coach Marty Pask: “They beat us soundly in the first half of the first final and we started to play the scoreboard in the second half. In the preliminary final, we spoke about needing to start better which is what we did. Both sides obviously have some really talented players and we’re going to go out there and give it our best effort. This is the fourth time we’ve played each other this year and I feel like both sides match up really well.

“We’ve ticked the first box of being promoted. We’re looking forward to the challenge which is ahead of us. Last year, the club was trying to stay relevant in C-grade now we’re in a grand final. It speaks a lot about the buy in from everyone around the club this season.”