VAFA livestream: Young guns on parade as Old Xaverians meet Old Brighton in U19 decider (VAFA Finals Series)

A late venue change and brutal conditions didn’t deter minor premiers Old Xaverians from adding the biggest prize of all to an outstanding season. Relive all the action from our LIVESTREAM.

Old Xaverians are the VAFA under 19 premiers for the fourth time in six seasons after overpowering Old Brighton to win by 20 points at Toorak Park.

It was a tight battle early before Xavs stormed home with three goals to one in the second half to win, 8.8 (56) to 5.5 (35) in the wet conditions.

Xavs star Will Bowen was awarded best on ground for his domination in the midfield.

Old Xavs U19s celebrate their title success.

“I think we were 16 and no losses, and then Brighton came along and swept us so we wanted to play Brighton in the Grand Final,” Bowen said.

“To then defeat them was amazing.”

Hayden Woodhouse was influential for Xavs with two crucial second half goals.

Declan Fitzgerald and Jude Sassi also kicked two for the victors.

Tom Dunne, Ben Bliston-McGillen, Will Stevens and Charlie Thomas were also among the best players.

For Old Brighton, Winston Macgowen was immense in the midfield while Thomas Howard provided spark with a game-high three goals.

Lachlan Caldwell, Thomas Burnell and Jordan Hayter were players who were handy contributors for Brighton.

Will Bowen was awarded best on ground.

PREVIEW

Minor premiers Old Xaverians will be out to steal all the season glory when they face Old Brighton in Sunday’s VAFA under-19 Grand Final.

Due to the poor ground condition at Elsternwick Park, the match has now been moved to Toorak Park and the new time of 10am.

Xavs have been the team to beat all season, having dropped one match.

Old Brighton have hit form at the right time of season and did inflict Xav’s only defeat, a thrilling 22-point decision in round 17.

Since then, the Old Brighton have not dropped a game, winning four on the trot heading into Sunday’s decider.

Old Brighton star midfielder Winston McGowan will return from suspension.

Check out the players to watch below.

Jed Feneley will be a key player for Old Xaverians.

LIVESTREAM: ST KEVINS FACE OLD BRIGHTON IN VAFA DECIDER

WHAT MAKES VAFA MEN’S GRAND FINAL EVEN MORE INTRIGUING

OLD BRIGHTON

Tom Burnell

Position: Midfielder

An inside midfielder who has great endurance and courage. He played several senior matches this season. He has good pace who can run with the footy and deliver good handballs and kicks forward.

Winston McGowan

Position: Midfielder

An inside midfielder who brings other players into the game with his elite handball skills. He has been one of Old Brighton’s best under 19s this season and is one to watch. He will be back in for the grand final this weekend.

Jordie Grey

Position: Midfielder

Has a thumping left foot, according to Old Brighton under 19 coach Matt McLennan. He is a ball winner who racks up possessions in the midfield.

Spencer Wood

Position: Defender

Coach McLennan says he “could talk a glass eye to sleep.” An elite kick who never gives up.

Ben Fisher

Position: Defender

A rebounding defender who loves to run with the ball.

Lachie Brooks

Position: Forward/Midfielder

Has freakish talent. Fast with the ball and strong. He excites the crowd and team with his footy. He is clean with the ball with a great ability to pick up ground balls with ease. A player to watch.

Lachie Caldwell

Position: Defender

He has impeccable judgment in the air, wins one-on-one’s and is the skipper of Old Brighton’s under 19 side. He takes marks in defence and is a reliable player.

OLD XAVERIANS

Edward Kennedy

Position: Key forward.

Has an accurate left foot which has helped him lead the goalkicking this year in the under 19 competition with 57 goals from 19 games. He is yet to debut in the seniors but “the club is certainly excited about his future”, coach Dan Rush said. Kennedy plays like Matthew Lloyd.

Tom Silvagni

Position: Forward

The fifth highest goalscorer in the under 19s competition with 34 goals from 18 matches playing as a high half forward. Tom is the son of Carlton and AFL hall of famer Stephen Silvagni and brother of Carlton footballer Jack Silvagni. He often bobs up with important goals and is a consistent performer for his side. Has good hand and reads the play well. He is likened to Hawthorn footballer Jack Gunston.

Thomas Dunne

Position: Defender

Dunne is the captain of the Old Xaverians under 19s team and is in his second year at the level. Rarely gets beaten as a defender and is helped by his ability to intercept and read the play well. Plays like Tom Stewart. Coach Dan Rush says he is “a great leader of the team.”

Hugh Basset

Position: Midfield

A second-year player at under 19s level. A big bodied midfielder who has a thumping kick and can break lines. He was captain of Eastern Ranges last year and is the vice-captain of the Old Xavs under 19s.

Benjamin Bilston-Mcgillen

Position: Midfield

Played the last month in the seniors, including their elimination final against Old Brighton. He was named in the best players in some of those matches. Surprised onlookers by the impact he had at the level. Coach Rush said “he was more than comfortable at senior level and he would have played the rest of the year up there if the seniors kept on going.” Bilston-Mcgillen is good in tight areas of the field with his pace and explosiveness. Also still an under 19 footballer next season.

Will Bowen

Position: Midfield

A general in the midfield who wins a lot of the ball. Gets the ball to players in better position who is strong likened to Tom Mitchell.

Jed Feneley

Position: Defender

Won the best and fairest last year in the shortened season. Feneley has been recovery from a long-term broken leg injury. Before then he was spending time training with Carlton. He has played in the team in the back half of the season. An exciting and dashing halfback player who takes intercept marks and users the ball well. A player to keep an eye on.

Tommy Mcrae

Position: Midfielder

Mcrae played four games with Casey Demons this season. A player who is strong and fit, can take a nice mark and will come back and play in the under 19 when he is not playing in the VFL. He is a good user of the ball. Mcrae is one of five players on the Casey list who is a mandatory under 19 player.