2025 VAFA live stream: University Blacks v Old Xaverians, Men’s Premier League

The Old Xaverians old guard made their presence felt in a dominant second-half display as the red and blacks put an exclamation point on their title credentials. Watch the REPLAYS.

The Old Xaverians old guard tormented rivals University Blacks in a brutal second-half performance to cruise to a fifth win on the bounce in the VAFA Men’s Premier League.

Big V hopeful Charlie MacIsaac finished with three goals as Old Xaverians cruised home to a crushing 15.8 (98) to 8.7 (55) win at University Oval.

WATCH THE FULL GAME REPLAY IN THE PLAYER ABOVE. SCROLL DOWN FOR THE RESERVES REPLAY

In what was a cracking clash between two clearly finals-bound sides, University Blacks kept pace with the second-placed Xaverians through a physical first half.

While the red and black brigade led at every break, University Blacks managed to cut the lead to a single goal and looked to have all the momentum on their side midway through the third term.

It’s just someone forgot to tell Xavs.

Spearheaded by the usual suspects Marcus Stavrou and Sam Fisher through the midfield, Old Xaverians turned the match on its head in the blink of an eye.

It was a red and black wave crashing over University Oval as Xavs booted four goals in five minutes to shoot out to a 30-point lead at the third-quarter break.

University Blacks kicked their way back into the contest with the first goal of the final term, but as they had done all day long, Xaverians dominated the ruck and cut the momentum in an instant.

Alex Trigar dominated the bounce all afternoon for the red and blacks, while Stavrou and Fisher proved why Xavs possess the most-feared midfield in the league.

With one game left before the double bye, Xaverians coach Dan Donati gave his players license to enjoy their spoils.

“It was a super competitive game, a tough game of footy. Heap of contests,” Donati said.

“In the contest I thought our big fellas Alex Trigar was great. Skipper (Fisher) and Stavrou were great as well.

Replay: Uni Black v Old Xaverians (Reserves)

“In the end I think we have won nearly every last quarter this year so we ran the game out well again.

“We need to enjoy this one first. We have one more game before the double bye.

“We have four who played today who won’t be there next week so we will be a little bit skinny, but our twos have been playing so well so we look forward to giving some opportunities to other boys.”

PREVIEW

Old Xaverians find themselves in the middle of a testing three-game period.

Coach Dan Donati’s side accounted for St Kevin’s last week and now face the VAFA Premier Men’s most in-form side, University Blacks, at a time where the depth is being tested.

Blacks counterpart Dale Bower and his charges have won five on the trot to storm into fourth on the ladder setting the scene for one of the games of the season.

The senior game will be live streamed on KommunityTV from 2pm on Saturday with the reserves kickstarting the action from 11.40am.

Donati said he was expecting Blacks to be their “tough usual selves”.

“We haven’t played them this year so there’s nothing we can really look back on,” he said.

“They’re a really strong contested ball side usually who are able to intercept really well.”

Xavs are currently having their depth tested – and there is plenty of it – with several key players missing through travel, injury and suspension.

Old Xaverians are on a four-game winning streak of their own heading into the clash with the Blacks. Picture: Dennis Timm/VAFA Media

And while they have been bolstered in recent weeks by former AFL star Josh Kennedy, who has played the last fortnight, the ex-Sydney midfielder will miss Saturday’s clash with a hamstring injury.

On debut against De La Salle, he finished with 27 disposals and 21 contested possessions showcasing his ball winning ability which made him one of the AFL’s elite.

A victory for the second-ranked Xavs would make it their fifth straight as they aim to stay in touch with ladder leaders Old Brighton.

Originally published as 2025 VAFA live stream: University Blacks v Old Xaverians, Men’s Premier League