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VAFA William Buck Premier Men's Round 3 in Review
Jason Bennett • April 28th, 2025 7:48 pm
Lions & Blacks on the board
As predicted, anyone can beat anyone on any given day in Premier Men’s, as a couple of 0-2 teams dug in to post their maiden wins in Round 3.
Collegians opened their 2025 account with an extremely impressive Anzac Day display against Old Scotch at Camberwell Sportsground.
Just as in 2024, the Lions entered the game 0-2 and kick-started their season with a gritty, hard-working four-quarter performance, taking control of the contest from the outset with their intensity all over the ground to boot 5 goals to 1 in the opening term and set up the win.
The Cardinals clawed their way back within 16 points after a couple of late second-quarter goals, but the Lions refused to yield, booting the only 3 goals the third term to open up a 35-point lead, which they maintained in the last, cruising to an eye-catching 38-point win – their 11th over Old Scotch from their last 12 meetings.
The Lions controlled the inside contest for most of the afternoon (Clearances 58-38, including 11-3 out of the centre), with Max Pinchbeck and Campbell Walker combining for 26 clearances, aided by a superb debut from combative ruck Jonty McGuinness.
Collegians set up well behind the ball and repeatedly pressured the Cards into turnovers between the arcs, which enabled them to control territory for extended periods.
Alex Lukic was an unstoppable force up forward with 5 goals in the wet and was well supported by Will Mayhood – the Lions with a powerful strike-force Inside 50. Will Clark continued his excellent form for the Cards, finishing with 21 disposals, 10 clearances and 2 goals.
Jordie McKenzie (Collegians): “After an improved effort in round 2, we were out to continue the upward trend. This was evident in the first quarter, with our pressure and intent being at a high level.
“We held onto the lead throughout the day, but not without a few flurries from Scotch, who kept coming.
“Max Pinchbeck was instrumental in the midfield (30 disposals, 14 clearances, 13 tackles), with great support from Campbell Walker (24 disposals, 12 clearances, 10 tackles), Kenny Ong and Jonty McGuiness, who was great on debut.
“Mayhood and Lukic competed up forward all day and got their reward on the scoreboard. The backline was resolute, led by Pewtress, Warren and Canny.
“Overall, it was a very pleasing day for us, with the boys putting together a well-rounded 4 quarter effort. We look forward to taking on St Bernard’s at home in another big clash next week.”
Mark Gnatt (Old Scotch): “A disappointing performance for us. We were beaten in some of the fundamentals, and Collegians were first to the ball and then turned that into scoreboard pressure.
“We look forward to the opportunity to respond against Xavs this week.”
The other 0-2 team to plant their flag in the ground was University Blacks, who also replicated their 2024 start by bouncing back to defeat University Blues in the Uni Derby in heavy conditions at Melbourne Uni Oval.
The Blacks made all the early running and seized control with the first 5 goals of the match, holding the Blues goalless until Jack Whitehead goaled after some fancy footwork midway through the second term.
The Blues won most of the statistical categories across the day and threatened a comeback when Ben Townson reduced the margin to 18 points midway through the third.
But goals to Matthew Grocott and Tom St Clair early in the last quarter effectively put the contest to bed – the Blacks home in the end by 35 points to post a third consecutive win over their arch-rival in a promising all-around team performance that will deliver confidence and belief.
Dale Bower (Uni Blacks): “We always look forward to these games. We have been building over the past few weeks, and we believe our performances and score lines were not a true reflection of our ability.
“We played the way the game needed to be played in the conditions and were able to convert enough opportunities.”
Matt Smith (Uni Blues): “It was really disappointing, given the occasion. Blacks just wanted it more than our boys.
“All of the key stats from the game would suggest we should have been well on top. However, Blacks won more of the important moments, and it essentially came down to who wanted it more. Unfortunately, they were the side that was more desperate and played to the conditions better.”
The thriller of the round was at Toorak Park as Old Xaverians came from behind to pinch a classic against Old Haileybury.
The Bloods controlled the game for most of the afternoon, booting the first four goals, before the Xavs responded with two of their own in time-on to reduce the deficit to 8 points at the opening change.
But the Bloods kicked again in the second term, dominating contested possession, and forcing Xavs into error, adding 5 goals to 2 to hold a handy 28-point lead at the major break.
However, Xavs lifted in the third term and started working their way back, winning the disputed ball that the Bloods had controlled earlier in the game. They dominated territory as a result, racking up 20 Inside 50s to 7, but not quite taking full toll as they booted 4.5 to 2.2 to close within 13 points and set up a thrilling final term.
The Xavs surge continued into the last quarter as they ramped up their pressure and strangled the Bloods, who struggled to create scoring opportunities.
A long-range running goal to Xavier Austin entering time-on reduced the margin to 2 points, after which the home team added a further 3 behinds to edge their noses in front for the first time all afternoon at the 28-minute mark.
Denis Symeopoulos was taken high two minutes later and coolly slotted the banana from the right forward pocket to seal a memorable 7-point win.
A bitter pill for Old Haileybury to swallow after leading almost the entire match, but plenty of positives for them to build upon, having established themselves as more than competitive against a team considered a potential contender.
Dan Donati (Old Xavs): “A genuine tale of two halves. Out-pressured, outworked and out-executed for the first half by a very good Old Haileybury side. We certainly knew they were going to be up and about going into the game, and full credit to OH for the intensity and effort they brought.
“After halftime, we settled into our type of football, got our hands dirtier and managed to grind our way back into the contest. It’s never easy turning things around in a game like that, so super proud of the boys to have responded after halftime to get the points in another tightly contested game.”
Daniel Ward (Old Haileybury): “Disappointed to be leading a quality team at half time, and then at the last change, and not to come home with the 4 points.
“That being said, when the game was on the line in the last quarter Xavs deserved to win. They were cleaner with their ball use and decision-making under pressure. Another lesson for our group on how we need to do everything right at this level to have success.”
St Kevin’s moved to 2-and-1 with a dominant win over De La Salle at Waverley Oval.
De La matched SKOB early before a couple of time-on goals to dynamic duo Sam Critchley and Patty Kerr handed the visitors a 12-point advantage at the first break.
The second quarter saw Plugger Lynch’s men take control of the game, creating 18 Inside 50s to 5 and finishing ruthlessly, slamming on 7.2 to 0.0 to rocket away to a 50-point half-time lead.
The hosts regained their composure and stabilised the contest in the third term, and whilst SKOB would ultimately win the quarter by 10 points, but it was a pleasing show of resilience for De La Salle to build upon.
In the end, it was St Kevin’s with a comfortable 74-point win, setting the scene for a blockbuster next weekend against the Tonners.
Patty Kerr and Sam Critchley combined for 10 goals for the winners, while Luke Winter was superb with 28 disposals (23 Contested, with 14 clearances).
Fraser Cameron, Nick Bufalo and Tom Filipovic all found plenty of the footy for De La, who remain the only winless team after the opening three rounds.
Anthony Lynch (St Kevin’s): “It’s always a special game when we play De La, with the Molan Cup awarded to the winning team.
“I was really pleased with our boys’ consistency over the four quarters and our ability to execute from back half to forward.
“We had real improvement in some key focus areas from the first two rounds, which pleased me, but we still have a bit to work on over the coming weeks as we continue to try and improve.”
Nick Hyland (De La Salle): “We were outplayed by a very professional St Kevin’s outfit - credit to Anthony and their coaching group.
“We saw improvements in our game from Round 2. I felt we were in the contest for a lot longer and had larger portions of certain quarters on our terms.
“Again, though, some lapses in our intensity and concentration really cost us. Particularly in the second quarter, when SKOB ramped up the pressure, and we just couldn’t match them around the ball. Their contest work was strong, and their ability to spread from those contests was damaging.
“When we had momentum, I was pleased with the way we defended the ground. Our ball movement was also the best it’s been so far this year.
“Although it was a loss, I feel the group is improving significantly each week. I’ve got no doubt we will be quick learners and take the lessons from this game into next week.”
The final game of Round 3 was at the Snake Pit and saw last season’s minor premiers Old Brighton hand St Bernard’s their first loss of the season.
It was a comprehensive performance from the Tonners, who controlled proceedings from the outset, denying the Snowdogs time and space to kick the first 4 goals and open a 20-point lead at the first change.
St Bernard’s did a better job of denying Old Brighton the ball in the second term, but the Tonners ramped up their efficiency, still managing to add 5 goals to 2 to hold a 38-point advantage at the major break.
The second half was far more even in general play, with the visitors only adding 5 goals to 4, despite territorial dominance that saw them rack up 30 Inside 50s to 13.
The final margin was 54 points – the Tonners kicking a game clear atop the ladder, but with a blockbuster visit from SKOB next on the horizon.
Old Brighton skipper Harry Hill was superb with 25 touches and 3 goals, ably supported by 32 disposals from Tom Burnell as the Tonners celebrated Finn Campigli’s 100th game in style.
Marcel Bruin (Old Brighton): “The away trip to Bernard’s is one of the most challenging in the VAFA, so it was terrific to have banked 4 points off a really professional game from our group.
“We had even contributions across most of the team, with some impressive impact from individuals. Tom Burnell worked incredibly hard as a mid and was effective all day, along with Harry Hill and Kai Dimattina.
“Campbell Tweedie and Darcy Gilbert defended and gave drive from half back and Jordy Segar played his role very impressively.”
Steve Alessio (St Bernard’s): “It was a tough day at the office versus the ladder leaders Old Brighton.
“Marcel Bruin has got his boys playing some great footy, and they controlled all facets of the game from start to finish. We couldn’t match their slick ball use and outside run today.
“We will re-group this week and look to ensure we can continue our positive start to this season.”
WILLIAM BUCK PREMIER MEN’S – ROUND 4
Saturday May 3rd (2pm):
Old Brighton vs St Kevin’s SEN MOTD – 1.45pm on VAFA.com.au & SEN app
Collegians vs St Bernard’s KOMMUNITY TV DOUBLE-HEADER from 11.35am
Old Scotch vs Old Xaverians VAFA.com.au LIVE STREAM – 1.50pm
University Blues vs De La Salle
Old Haileybury vs University Blacks
Image credit: Bruce Tobin
