University Blues to consider key changes for VAFA final round after securing top-four finish

UNIVERSITY Blues will weigh up whether to rest several key players for their final-round showdown against Old Trinity after locking away a top-four spot in Premier Division.

VAFA football: St Bernard's V University Blues. University Blues coach Quinton Gleeson. Picture: Josie Hayden

UNIVERSITY Blues will weigh up whether to rest several key players for their final-round showdown against Old Trinity after locking away a top-four spot in Premier Division.

Blues coach Quinton Gleeson said the Victorian Amateur Football Association club needed to tread carefully as it considers whether to prioritise the health of its list or maintaining its formidable form.

Uni Blues have won their past five matches, extending their unbeaten streak with a 51-point triumph over Old Scotch on Saturday.

“As I’m sure St Bernard’s and Trinity have been experiencing the last few weeks, it’s about just trying to get the balance right between still playing to the right structures and behaviours that you want but making sure (you) stay healthy as well,” Gleeson said.

Tom Quinn, Marshall Rippon, George Cameron and Xavier McMahon could all return this weekend from injury or illness, paving the way for a busy selection night.

“We expect 3-4 to come back in this week, maybe give 1-2 sore boys a rest and hopefully be cherry ripe for the following week,” Gleeson said.

Uni Blues looks destined to face the division’s hottest side — De La Salle — in the opening week of finals.

De La Salle has strung together eight wins on the bounce, transforming itself from relegation battler to premiership contender.

“We (helped start) their run, hopefully we can end it,” Gleeson said.

Uni Blues’ fixture against Old Trinity kicks off at 2pm on Saturday at Daley Oval.

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