Live stream: University Blues take on reigning premiers Collegians in crucial VAFA Premier Men’s clash

Defending premiers Collegians are on the cusp of the top four after an impressive win over University Blues, and an unexpected slip up from a major rival. Catch up on the REPLAYS.

Alexander Lukic kicked four goals as defending champs Collegians kept their VAFA Premier Men’s title hopes alive with a 28-point victory over University Blues.

Lukic booted two majors in each of the first and third quarters to help Collegians draw level with Old Xaverians, who had a shock seven-point defeat to University Blacks, in fourth place on the ladder.

Collegians kicked four goals in the first quarter, five in the second and six in the third and turned for home 43 points to the good.

But the goals suddenly dried up in the final term. They only kicked six behinds as Uni Blues closed to a more respectable scoreline late on.

Uni Blues v Collegians (Reserves) - VAFA Round 15

University Blues stayed in the hunt for VAFA Men’s Reserves finals action with a 17-point victory over Collegians on Saturday.

A three-goal final proved decisive as Uni Blues battled back from a 16-point halftime deficit to post a 60-43 success. Patrick Sweet and James Paterson kicked two goals each.

Uni Blues currently sit fifth, but find themselves two games behind fourth-placed Old Scotch with three rounds to go. They finish the preliminary rounds with matches against the bottom thre - Fitzroy, Old Melburnians and Uni Blacks.

PREVIEW

The equation is simple for Collegians and University Blues – get the four points.

With four rounds remaining, both teams sit outside the VAFA Premier men’s top-four, with a place come September action looking increasingly doubtful.

The season-defining clash will be streamed LIVE and EXCLUSIVE on KommunityTV on Saturday as part of a massive Reserves/Premier double header.

Check the LIVE STREAM schedule below for full details.

Reigning premier Collegians are one game and percentage behind a red-hot Old Xaverians side who are arguably the most in-form team in the competition.

Uni Blues were left to lick their wounds after being smacked by Old Xavs last weekend, going down by 99 points.

“Another big one, every game has a lot riding on it at the moment,” Collegians coach Jordie McKenzie said.

“Naturally people are going to keep an eye on how things are going and I know it sounds boring, but we’re taking it one game at a time.

“Our focus has been sharp on the short-term because you can’t afford to slip up looking ahead.”

The Blues prevailed in the previous meeting between the two sides, running out 28-point winners against the Lions.

If Collegians want to play finals, they need to keep winning.

“It was a good battle,” McKenzie said.

“We probably didn’t capitalise on our play, especially in the first half. They’re super stacked and we need to be looking to nullify their strengths.”

Nathan Boucher and Josh Walker loom as two of the keys for the Lions while Jim Bazzani’s inside game will be crucial to winning first possession.

Scott Beilby has been brilliant all season and is one of the leading intercept players across the competition.

Uni Blues has lost some of its forward power in recent weeks after Sam Grimley and James Stewart were both absent last weekend.

Reigning league best-and-fairest Marty Gleeson is having another fine season and will be crucial for his side’s hopes.