VAFA 2025 live stream: Old Xaverians v De La Salle, Round 1

It was all one way traffic at Toorak Park on Saturday with Old Xaverians dominating from start to finish against De La Salle to kickstart their VAFA season with a bang. Watch the REPLAY here.

Anyone questions around Old Xaverians aspirations to play finals football were well and truly answered on Saturday after a monster 129-point win over De La Salle at Toorak Park.

After mentioning the word ‘finals’ in the lead-up to round 1, Xavs coach Dan Donati would have been happy with the performance of his side in the 28.11 (179) to 7.8 (50) victory.

CATCH THE REPLAY ABOVE AND THE RESERVES CLASH BELOW

A 10-goal to one second-quarter was the difference, with the victors pilling on seven goals inside the first 20 minutes in what was a tantalising display.

Ruck man Alec Spralja was best afield for Xavs while Sam Fisher (one goal) and Stirling Phipps-Parsons (three goals) were also among the best.

Ed Delany also booted three in the win and said it was a terrific first-up showing from his side.

“Coming out and doing that in round one is going to give us a lot of confidence for the year,” Delany said.

“I think we really gelled as a team and we can take a lot of positives out of a game like that.”

REPLAYS

Old Xaverians v De La Salle (Premier) – 2025 VAFA Round 1

Old Xaverians v De La Salle (Reserves) – 2025 VAFA Round 1

PREVIEW

The big names are in for Old Xaverians to kick off the Victorian Amateur Football Association season.

Coach Dan Donati is set to field a strong side with several impressive recruits alongside a pair of ex-VFL players who have committed to community level for 2025.

Xavs will open their season against De La Salle on Saturday with the double header to be live streamed on KommunityTV from 11.40am.

Former Collingwood VFL star Campbell Lane is back at Xavs having only played sparingly in recent seasons while Tommy McRae is also back at the club.

Lane will share the captaincy with club star Marcus Stavrou.

Ex-Hawthorn rookie listed player Will Golds is also among the recruits after a year away from footy.

“It’s super exciting at this time of year as it always is,” Donati said.

“Campbell brings great leadership, he’s been awesome around the club in general and he’s obviously a quality footballer.

Old Xavs coach Dan Donati is confident his side can play finals in 2025 after missing them last season. (Photo by Josh Chadwick)

“The goal is to improve, we obviously didn’t play finals last year, and if we can improve we’re going to give ourselves a chance of being in the top-four.

“But the competition is going to improve, it’s not just going to be given to you.”

The quality of inclusions for Old Xaverians could grow with former Essendon player Tex Wanganeen, the son of Brownlow medallist Gavin, a chance to debut.

He is listed at Port Melbourne VFL this season but the Borough have the bye.

It’s also an exciting day off the field for Xavs with the newly redeveloped Toorak Park facilities to be used for the first time.

“It definitely gives you a mental boost,” Donati said.

“We’ve been out of portables the last two years due to the works which are fantastic for the club.

“No one ever complained about what was being done but we’re just thrilled to see it done.”

De La Salle will be looking to cause an upset on the opening weekend of the season after its promotion from Premier B.

This is the first time they’ve been in the VAFA’s top tier since 2019.

Originally published as VAFA 2025 live stream: Old Xaverians v De La Salle, Round 1