The OX team that took the field at the Snakepit on Opening Day differed somewhat from that which was last seen in the 2019 preliminary final.

There were plenty of familiar faces, to be sure, but plenty of debutants in red and black too. Joey Ayton Delaney and Charlie MacIsaac, last spied in the U19 Grand Final joined the more experienced Ryan Schoenmakers, Jack Noone, Grant Valles and Julian Soccio for the first time, while Dan Robinson played his second-ever game for the club.

With two first quarter goals, MacIsaac, dubbed "The Future" became "The Now". As bright as his start was, he was outshone by Rohan Bewick, who seems to love Opening Day and the Snakepit too. The smooth-moving left footer booted five in the opening stanza, and by the time some severely cramped players left the field after the final siren, he had ten.

The elements threatened to ruin the afternoon's proceedings, as strong winds made linkages quite difficult. St Bernard's began well enough into the gale, and threatened to score early. The Xavs' defence held firm and once the visitors found their range, the offence clicked. The game was all but over at the first break. The home team, lacking the firepower of the Red 'n' Blacks, battled along all afternoon and certainly finished the game well, assuring their fandom that there will be plenty of success this campaign.

Coach Byrne will no doubt be delighted at some of the aspects of the win, and will identify some others for improvement. Next week, a clash with top of the table Old Scotch will present its own challenges, but for now, the Xavs are home and hosed with four premiership points in the bank.

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St Bernard's       0.2-2      4.3-27    6.6-42      11.10-76

Old Xaverians 8.1-49    10.2-62   15.3-93     17.6-108

Goals: R. Bewick 10, C. MacIsaac 2, M. Batten, M. Stavrou, C. Beetham, H. Troiani, D. Symeopoulos
Best Players: R. Bewick, A. Trigar, J. Noone, W. Hams, D. Robinson, M. Batten

Game Film: VAFA TV

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Around the grounds:

Old Scotch 17.16-118 d Old Trinity 7.10-52

Old Melburnians 18.12-120 d Caulfield Grammarians 9.12-66

St Kevins 9.9-63 d Collegians 4.9-33

Uni Blues 10.11-71 lost to Old Brighton 16.17-113 (Elsternwick, Sun)

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