Top performers, NGA prospects and more from Brighton v Xavier

A promising 2026 draft prospect turned heads with a brilliant four-goal display while a St Kilda NGA member continued his strong run of form. Get the latest from the APS Insider.

A promising 2026 draft prospect turned heads with a brilliant four-goal display as Brighton Grammar cruised past Xavier College by 44 points in round 7 of the APS football competition.

Given Arki Butler is the only bottom-age player included in Vic Metro’s squad at the AFL Under-18 National Championships, it should come as little surprise he proved to be so potent in Brighton’s dominant display.

“He’s competitive and he’s got plenty of talent and he can win his own footy which is a bonus … he’s pretty composed with the footy,” Brighton Grammar coach Simon McPhee said of Butler.

“He’s spent a lot of his time forward so we’re trying to get him up around the footy a bit more, when he’s got it and he’s kicking it in we’re a better team.”

Butler in his Brighton colours. Picture: Andrew Batsch

Two of Butler’s four majors came from inside the centre square on the pint-sized Crowther Oval, including a special effort on the run from a centre bounce in the second term.

It was Butler’s creation with ball in hand that was equally as impressive however, setting up as many goals as he kicked himself and delivering dangerous inside 50s.

“He’s put together a nice little highlight reel,” mused one AFL recruiter of Butler’s efforts.

Following a high pressure opening quarter where territory was the focus with plenty of rushed kicks out of the contest, Xavier had enjoyed a strong start to the second term and drew level before Brighton kicked away and never looked back.

By three-quarter-time, the home side had established a 50-point lead as it flexed its considerable muscle to add a fifth consecutive win on a fresh and windy Saturday afternoon in the 14.11 (95) to 7.9 (51) triumph.

St Kilda NGA prospect Kye Fincher also stood tall in the win for Brighton. The midfielder has been one of the leading ball-winners this APS season and was fresh off a 27-disposal game for Vic Metro to kick off the national championships a week prior.

Fincher is linked to the Saints. Picture: Getty Images

“He’s big and powerful and he gets to the ball quickly and has enough composure to choose the right option most of the time, he’s playing some good footy,” McPhee said.

“He’s improving, he had a game a couple of weeks ago that was unbelievable but he was solid again.”

NOTABLE PERFORMANCES

Arki Butler (Brighton Grammar)

Butler was the standout player from the match, kicking four goals and setting just as many up, while also delivering quality inside 50s throughout the day. Kicked some impressive goals too.

Sam Niklaus. Picture: AFL Photos

Sam Niklaus (Xavier College)

Niklaus played a solid game at half back and was one of Xavier’s better contributors, but he also produced the highlight of the day with a brilliant goal which brought the crowd to its feet. Having taken a mark in the second term, Niklaus played on and sold the candy superbly to his opponent to leave him on his backside before effortlessly slotting the goal on the run from beyond the 40-metre arc.

Kye Fincher (Brighton Grammar)

The Brighton vice-captain and St Kilda NGA prospect had plenty of the footy in the middle and looked a class above with ball in hand. He also created a number of goalscoring opportunities for his side and took territory from further up the ground when he needed to.

Jesse O’Neill (Xavier College)

Despite a tough outing for Xavier, O’Neill had his moments in the backline where he showcased his class as a promising interceptor.

Archie Ludowyke. Picture: Getty Images

Archie Ludowyke (Brighton Grammar)

The highly rated key forward added another three goals to his season tally in a solid display where he showcased his marking ability overhead, while also taking an impressive grab close to the ground. He could have had an even bigger day out too if not for some narrow misses.

Tyson Bradley (Brighton Grammar)

The key defender was his side’s chief interceptor and few Xavier attacks made their way past him.

Jack Dalton (Xavier College)

Dalton was the pick of Xavier’s midfield crew as he continues his impressive return after missing a large portion of the season through injury. He started the match well and played a significant role in his side gaining the upper hand in the stoppage and contested battle.

James Arnold (Brighton Grammar)

Arnold flourished in a run-with role with Jai Saxena and curbed the influence of the highly touted Collingwood NGA prospect.

Henry Thomas (Brighton Grammar)

Thomas was composed with the footy and played one of his better contested games – an area where he has been improving – in the backline. He also performed well one-on-one.

Haileybury Coach Matthew Lloyd. Picture: Andrew Batsch

THE RUN HOME

The Matthew Lloyd-coached Haileybury remains in the box seat to take home this year’s APS football title, given it is undefeated through seven games and only has three to play.

Should Haileybury falter in the run home, both Brighton and Caulfield Grammar are ready to pounce. The schools sit second and third respectively with 5-1 records and four games to play as they’ve already had their byes.

Brighton is still to play Geelong College, Caulfield Grammar, Scotch College and Carey Grammar in the run home, and would need to win all four to keep its title hopes alive.

“I just prepare for the next (match) coming … we don’t get ahead of ourselves,” McPhee said.

“It’s one of those competitions where you can’t afford to look past the week that you’ve got.”

Meanwhile the loss left Xavier in seventh place on the ladder with a 3-4 record. Of the school’s four losses, two have come by under a goal, including when it came within one point of the undefeated Haileybury in round three.

FAMILIAR FACES

St Kilda great Nick Riewoldt and AFL.com reporter Cal Twomey were among the notable names in attendance for the Brighton v Xavier clash, as well as the typical abundance of AFL recruiters.

At halftime, the staple pastries and sandwiches were offered by Brighton, as well as a Subway platter, tea and coffee, and an array of sweet treats.

Originally published as Top performers, NGA prospects and more from Brighton v Xavier