VAFA livestream: Grand final reward as Old Brighton face Williamstown in U19 preliminary final (VAFA Finals Series)

Williamstown have bowed out in straight sets as red-hot Old Brighton set up a Grand Final blockbuster with Old Xaverians next weekend. Relive the action from our LIVESTREAM.

Old Brighton are through to the VAFA Premier Men’s Under 19 grand final after an impressive display to defeat Williamstown by 31 points.

Old Brighton will take on Old Xaverians next week and are the only side to have knocked off the minor premiers this season.

It was a tight wrestle for Old Brighton all day as Williamstown stayed within 10-point deficits at every break.

Thomas Howard led the way for Old Brighton, delivering in the midfield with his energy and ball-winning capabilities.

Caden Arnold kicked a crucial goal in the fourth quarter to extend Old Brighton’s lead to 14 points with 10 minutes remaining.

Cameron Hathway sealed the win minutes later, scoring his second goal for the game in a solid performance.

Jordan Hayter also kicked two for Old Brighton.

Lachlan Brooks was eye-catching alongside Joshua Bortolussi.

Jai Haines was electric for Williamstown until he went down in the fourth quarter with a knee injury.

Calvyn Vicino was also impressive in the midfield alongside tall forward Keegan Andrews in the forward line.

Old Brighton will take on Old Xaverians next week with the big inclusion of Winston Macgowan returning from a two-week suspension for a high bump.

PREVIEW

Old Brighton will be hoping to get a big day off to a rollicking start when their U19 side face Williamstown CYMS at Elsternwick Park on Sunday.

The action will begin at 9:20am LIVE on the Herald Sun website through KommunityTV where both teams will be striving for the edge to get them into the grand final next week against Old Xaverians.

Last time they met, Williamstown won away from home by a goal, 10.8-68 to 8.14-62.

Old Brighton senior captain Harry Hill, whose younger brother George plays in the U19 side, hopes the club’s young players can start the day off well.

Hill will play against Collegians in the men’s preliminary final later on Sunday.

“They are a great group,” Hill said

“I am hopeful that they can have a good day.

“If they can start us off well and we can follow suit, it would be nice.”

Old Brighton's George and Harry Hill

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Old Brighton

Lachlan Caldwell

The under 19’s Old Brighton captain, who club senior captain Harry Hill “could see playing senior footy next year and for years to come.”

Caldwell has recovered from some soft tissue injuries this season but is fit and firing for this week’s big game.

He is a player who reads the ball well off halfback.

He will set up plays and can drop off his opponent and intercept mark.

George Hill

The brother of Old Brighton senior captain Harry.

George is a 17-year-old attending Brighton Grammar, who has a left foot kich his older brother describes as “beautiful.”

A player of the future and could have an impact with his impressive skills this weekend.

Thomas Burnell

Burnell played six games in the Old Brighton senior side this season and kicked four goals.

Harry Hill describes him as “a workhorse” who is “as tough as anything.”

“He came into the seniors after playing the first 12 or 13 rounds in the Under 19’s and he was best on in his second game for us,” Hill said.

“The physical side of it did not worry him at all, his pressure and tackling did not worry him at all, even at senior level.

“For an 18-year-old to come in and still not look out of place, that was really impressive for me.”

Lachlan Brooks

Missed the first half of the season. Harry Hill said “he has got some tricks” and is “a very talented player.”

A midfielder-forward who has “an amazing side step” and “unbelievable agility and speed.”

Also a good kicker of the footy.

Someone who can also turn nothing into something.

Cameron Hathway

Hathway is set to provide a spark for Old Brighton as he has all season kicking 38 goals from 18 matches, the fourth most in the competition.

Williamstown CYMS

Keegan Andrews

Andrews has kicked 32 goals from 14 matches this season and remains a threat up forward for Williamstown.

He has kicked four goals four times this season and could fire for another big performance this week.

William Bokma

Bokma has kicked 30 goals from 15 matches and featured among his side’s best players on seven occasions this season.

He kicked two goals last week and was in his side’s best players.

Hamish Tambourine

Tambourine has featured in his side’s best players in nine of 13 matches this season and will be one to watch with his pace and good kicking skills.

Calvyn Vicino

Vicino has featured in his side’s best players on nine occasions this season from 19 matches.