University Blues face crunch derby against University Blacks next week as VAFA Premier finals race hots up

THE direction of University Blues’ Victorian Amateur Football Association campaign could be defined by a make-or-break cross-campus derby.

VAFA football: University Blacks V University Blues. No 7 Jeremy Mugavin for Blues. Picture: David Smith

THE direction of University Blues’ Victorian Amateur Football Association campaign could be defined by a make-or-break cross-campus derby.

The Blues return to action this weekend against Premier Division leader St Bernard’s, before tackling their traditional rival University Blacks on July 25.

Uni Blacks have stormed back into finals contention after a slow start to 2015, sitting fourth with a one-game buffer over Uni Blues after 11 rounds.

Uni Blues coach Quinton Gleeson said the latest instalment of the fierce rivalry could be season-defining.

“It’s looking that way,” Gleeson said.

“We’re a significantly different team to what they faced in Round 3.

“No doubt they’ve got their injuries and what not now that happen at this time of year as well.

“It will be interesting to see where we’re both at as a result of that.”

Continuity has been a major problem for Gleeson’s side this year, with injuries and VFL duties forcing the Blues’ selection committee to make a host of changes each week.

“I think we’ve had a minimum of six changes every game bar Round 1,” he said.

Uni Blues disposed of Uni Blacks by 62 points when the teams met in Round 3, with Xavier McMahon best afield.

For more VAFA news, read next week’s Melbourne Leader.