VAFA men's premier livestream: Collegians fall to red-hot Old Brighton in preliminary final (VAFA Finals Series)

Old Brighton are sure to present a tough test for St Kevins in next weekend’s Grand Final if their semifinal win over Collegians is any indication. Relive the action from our LIVESTREAM.

Old Brighton are through to a grand final for the first time in 15 years after defeating a gallant Collegians by 26 points at Elsternwick Park.

Old Brighton’s Finn Campigli kicked the first two goals of the game and also ensured victory with the last goal of the contest as Brighton took the match, 12.7 (79) to 8.5 (53).

Alfred Jarnestrom produced one of the plays of the match late on, grabbing a contested defensive mark which resulted in a party-time snap goal from Petrus Olivier.

Lions halfback Sam Sofronidis kicked a running goal just before quarter time to put his side up by a point, but it was Old Brighton thereafter, leading by 19 points at halftime and 21 points at three-quarter time.

Olivier kicked two goals in his 100th game while 19-year-old youngster Jordan Segar booted two.

Michael Karayannis continued his fine form this season with two goals to maintain his spot as the side’s leading goalkicker.

Skipper David Mirra shone for the Lions with three goals, including a stunning goal in the final quarter which got the bounce of a lifetime to put his side within 15 points.

It will be the first time Old Brighton will be playing in a grand final since 2007, when they lost to Old Xaverians by 47 points.

Old Brighton will face minor premiers and reigning premiers St Kevins next week in the decider.

PREVIEW

Collegians have been struck a major blow ahead of their VAFA men’s preliminary final showdown against Old Brighton with their best midfielder, Kenny Ong, ruled out with an ankle injury.

The star midfielder has featured in his side’s best players in 12 of 17 matches this season.

You can watch the Collegians v Old Brighton clash LIVE on Sunday from 2.15pm on the Herald Sun website through KommunityTV.

Collegians will be leaning on David Mirra to help get them across the line.

Lions halfback Luke Mccleary must undergo a fitness test on his knee before being cleared to play.

Experienced defender Sam Sofronidis has been cleared of any injury and will play. Sofronidis, who has featured in his side’s best players on eight occasions this season, was dealing with cramping in his calf last week against St Kevins, which he managed to play through.

Old Brighton, on the other hand, have been blessed with injuries.

The only change this week will be ruckman Felix Flockart missing due to a concussion he suffered his the first quarter last week.

Flockart will be replaced by ruckman Andrew Doyle who has been cleared by the doctors to return this week from a concussion which ruled him out for four weeks.

RECENT FORM

Collegians: The Lions have won 10 of their past 11 games. Their only loss came last week against minor premiers St Kevins. who defeated them by 17 points to qualify to the grand final.

Old Brighton: Old Brighton have hit form at the right time of the season. They thumped Old Melburnians by 79 points to scrape through to the finals. They then continued their domination last week, defeating Old Xaverians by 57 points.

LAST TIME THEY MET

Round six: Old Brighton won by 67 points.

Round 11: Collegians won by 28 points.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Collegians: David Mirra is definitely a player to watch. The former Hawthorn AFL player has starred for the Lions this season, kicking 47 goals as skipper and he sits second for leading goal scorers in the competition.

Edward Greene looks sure to continue his fine form in the forward line. The medium-sized forward has kicked 10 goals in his last three games, including two last week against minor premiers St Kevins.

Brayden Fleming has been a important player in his side’s forward line with his pressure and goal sense.

Vivian Michie will be gathering the ball as he does on most weeks in the midfield. He will be an important player for the Lions.

Sam Sofronidis will be a key in defence for the Lions this game. He could have a big day out against an Old Brighton outfit who haven’t had a notable big tall target up forward like some other teams.

Collegians midfielder Vivian Michie.

Old Brighton:

Harry Hill has been in the best players for his team more than any player in the competition this season. As skipper, he has been in the best players in 16 of 19 games, playing in every game.

Darcy Hipwell kicked three goals playing in the midfield last week. He could prove the difference in this match. Hipwell played in the Sandringham VFL side earlier this season.

Thomas Fisher has featured in his side’s best players the last four games. Skipper and housemate Harry Hill said he was a player that “set the tone in the midfield.”

Youngster Jordan Segar is a forward who has kicked six goals the last two weeks and 24 goals for the season. The 19-year-old played in the club’s under 19 side last season.

William Lewis led the goalkicking tally in the competition last year with 33 although a move to defence in the later stages of this season has proved successful. Skipper Hill said he “has been in really good form” having kept Xavier Richards, a player who has kicked multiple goals in 10 of 14 games last season, to one goal last week.

KEYS

Midfield battle, Old Brighton small forwards and William Lewis-David Mirra match up

Lions coach Jared Rivers said “contested ball is a big area in their game and their dangerous small forwards.”

“We have to be right in the contest against these guys to match against them around the footy. They got some quality midfielders.

“We feel confident with our boys inside, but that’s their engine room and that’s probably ours as well, so whoever gets ahead in that area of the game is probably going to get the chocolates.”

Old Brighton skipper Harry Hill said, “We will want to win the midfield, that’s probably been our strength for most of the year.”

Hill added his small forwards will be a key as well.

“It’s pretty shared across the board when you look at our goalkickers.”

Small forward Michael Karayannis, who was best on ground last week, leads the goalkicking tally for his side this season and will be a key again in this game.

VFL-listed William Lewis is set to go to star Collegians forward David Mirra, which will be a key matchup for the game.

The winner of the preliminary final will play St Kevins next week.