Victorian Amateur Football Association: St Kevin’s into another grand final after big win over Old Xaverians
St Kevin’s is setting itself for a tilt at a VAFA Premier hat trick after a hefty win over Old Xaverians in the preliminary final.
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For the third year in a row, St Kevin’s have found their way into the big dance after hammering Old Xaverians by 64 points in Sunday’s Premier preliminary final.
St Kevin’s bombarded Xavs from the opening bounce and was relentless in a 20.9 (129) to 9.11 (65) victory at Elsternwick Park Oval.
“I couldn’t have asked for two better performances in the last two weeks,” said St Kevin’s coach Guy Martyn said. “Our form leading into finals wasn’t great but, once you get to finals, it’s a different story and I thought we were really solid against Collegians … and then we stepped it up a further notch yesterday.
“We played out of our skin really, it was beyond expectations.
“We were really tough and physical and won the contested ball, which they probably pride themselves on and when we got it going our way we moved it really slick and fast.”
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St Kevin’s has the opportunity to rewrite recent history and become the 11th VAFA team to win three consecutive grand finals in the top grade, while the Xavs have departed the finals in straight sets for the first time since 1993.
“I think just winning in itself is enough,” Martyn said. “Obviously if we do win this year it’s three in a row but whether its three in a row or three in five years it’s still just another flag.
“I think the guys that have been fortunate enough to play in one or both of the last couple, they want to do it just cause they know the enjoyment and the satisfaction and the memories.”
The ever-reliable Billy Kanakis earned the nod as best on ground a tantalising performance that netted him three goals and 32 disposals, while Jarrad Waite set the tone by kicking five majors.
Matt Handley slotted his 800th goal in a decorated career for Old Xaverians while Marcus Stavrou impressed with 28 possessions and 14 clearances.
St Kevin’s will tackle University Blues in the Premier grand final at Elsternwick Park on Sunday.
VAFA Premier preliminary final
St Kevin’s v Old Xaverians
Elsternwick Park (Sunday, September 15)
Old Xaverians 3.6 5.7 7.8 9.11 (65)
St Kevins 5.1 10.4 14.7 20.9 (129)
OLD XAVERIANS Goal Kickers: R. Bewick 2, H. Cullity 2, F. Pearce, M. Margin, M. Handley, H. Troiani, D. Symeopoulos Best Players: C. Margin, T. Anderson, W. Hams, R. Bewick, H. Cullity, M. Stavrou
ST KEVINS Goal Kickers: J. Waite 5, P. Edgar 3, B. Kanakis 3, C. Jones 2, M. Brown, S. Barnett, H. Wardlaw, L. Merrett, C. Hodges, S. Kennedy, N. Wood Best Players: C. Hodges, P. Edgar, S. Critchley, J. Waite, L. Sullivan, C. Jones
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