VAFA 2025 live stream: Old Brighton v Collegians, Round 17
Old Brighton are just won game away from locking up the VAFA minor premiership following a hard-fought win over Collegians on Saturday. Watch the REPLAYS.
Old Brighton are one win away from locking up the VAFA Premier Men’s minor premiership following a dominating last quarter display against a valiant Collegians on Saturday.
The 12.11 (83) to 9.6 (60) win came off the back of a five-goal final-quarter, with Old Brighton up by just four-points at the final break.
WATCH THE FULL REPLAY ABOVE AND THE RESERVES BELOW
But a strong defensive effort ensured the margin would only extend after the break, with Collegians scoring just two final-quarter goals.
Old Brighton now sits atop the ladder with a 15-2 record heading into the final round, with Old Xaverians (14-3) a chance to pip them for the minor premiership depending on the final round results.
The win was also an important one for the club with captain Harry Hill celebrating his 150th game.
William Lewis (five goals) was the man of the match inside 50, with Collegians unable to curtail his influence whenever the ball was inside 50.
“It was a pretty good day,” Lewis said.
“It was important to get the win in Harry’s 150th game.
“I don’t think we played at our best for the majority of the day but the fourth-quarter we started playing our brand of footy.”
In the reserves clash, it was a big win for Old Brighton 19.11 (125) to 5.6 (36).
REPLAYS
Old Brighton v Collegians (Reserves)
PREVIEW
Old Brighton’s list is getting healthier at the right time of the year.
Having already secured a VAFA Premier Men’s double chance, the Tonners are set about writing the wrongs of last season’s grand final loss across the next month.
But first they are targeting a second straight minor premiership. Old Brighton’s next test comes against a Collegians side which finds itself in the midst of a relegation battle.
The game will be live streamed on KommunityTV from 2pm on Saturday afternoon.
Despite having lost big man Sam Flockart and swingman Max Benier out for the season with knee injuries, the Tonners are confident in their depth.
It’s a confidence which was reinforced during the middle part of the season when players travelled and injuries hit hard.
“We’re starting to get healthier,” Tonners coach Marcel Bruin said.
“Campbell Tweedie is back from a holiday this week and he’ll have a run through the twos, like we have done with all of our players.
“Touch is such a big thing and you see it when these guys do play their first game back.”
The Tonners have also welcomed back 2024 VAFA rising star award winner Jonah Campigli back for the rest of the season in recent weeks.
After a breathtaking season he earned his way onto Sandringham’s VFL list and played 16 games kicking 10 goals.
He was primarily used as a high half-forward and on the wings under the guidance of former St Kilda star Brendan Goddard.
“His family has a really strong connection to the club and we’re glad to have him back in time to qualify for finals,” Bruin said.
Despite sitting in eighth spot and out of the relegation zone on percentage, Bruin knows his side has a massive challenge ahead.
“Their record doesn’t reflect the quality of side they are,” he said.
“They’ve got plenty to play for like us so they can’t be underestimated. There’s no real game where you’re not going to be tested.
“Even against De La Salle (who are winless at the bottom of the ladder) last week, they were on top for most of the first half especially around the contest.
“It took us until the second half to get on top.”
