November 19, 2024
RALPH'S NEW ROLE
O'Shaughnessy is Xavs' Footy GM
A Century of the Red & Black
VAFA football can deliver some strong outcomes, particularly in August, when the weather can be weird, teams push for the finals, struggle to avoid relegation and renew rivalries with other clubs they love to hate.
The weekend's round of Premier football saw Scotch topple Brighton, Bernards push OMs and Collegians eke out a one point win over Blues.
St Kevin's, of course, rolled on, and Xavs went home at the half, four points in their bag courtesy of game being on account of lightning.
Earlier, the top-ranked Ressies had fallen to tenth-placed Trinity. The U19 Premier team demolished DLS, while the 19 Twos belted Blacks and the Threes fell to PEGS, putting their finals' chances in jeopardy. The U23s played a derby, with the Reds getting the chocolates and taking over first position on the ladder from their stablemates.
And on Sunday, the Crocodiles survived the Fitzroy challenge and won their way to next Sunday's big dance.
Xavs brought the thunder and the footy gods the lightning in the half-game played at Daley Oval yesterday.
From the outset, the Red 'n' Blacks dominated the middle and werewolf on top in the front half. When the Ts launched a rare attack, the Claret and Stout proved resolute and gave their opponents nothing. Inaccurate kicking by the visitors stopped the affair being a massive blowout, but there was no doubt which team deserved the points when the sky show forced an early dash to the bar.
Prime-movers in the X-Men's offensive were midfielders Dan Robinson and Marcus Stavrou. Grant Valles and Charlie MacIsaac proved effective targets, while Fraser Pearce and Jack Whitehead inched closer to their best form.
Xavs remain fifth on the ladder, needing victories over OMs at Elsternwick and Uni Blues at home to guarantee themselves a spot. Brighton's loss yesterday leaves them in a spot of bother, with St Kevin's and OMs on their dance card. Xavs, OMs, Old Brighton - three teams for two spots, while Kevs top the table and Rolls seem safe.
We will see.
Goal Kickers: C. MacIsaac 3, B. Bilston-McGillen, J. Soccio
Best Players: D. Robinson, M. Stavrou, C. MacIsaac, J. Whitehead, G. Valles, F. Pearce
A general malaise and some poor decision-making late in the games saw the top-placed Old Xavs run down by cellar dweller Trinity at Marles.
After an even first term, it was expected that the visitors would break away. Instead, it was the Hedgeburners who established an ascendancy and a two goal lead at the long break.
Not to be denied, the Red 'n' Blacks slammed home five goals to nothing in the third term, and then moved to a four goal lead in the last. That's when things went pear-shaped. The Ts fought back. Xavs had two opportunities to ice the game late in the piece, bit some impetuous play twice brought them undone. Next week, the Magoos clash with the now top-ranked Old Melburnians.
And finally, the Crocs outlasted Fitzroy in Sunday's preliminary final to move to next week's Grand Final against Old Trinity.
With two grand finalists and several other teams facing must-win contests, Week 18 is shaping up as massive.
Pics here
Goal Kickers: M. Handley 4, C. Knott 3, B. Scala 2, C. Niall, T. Amad
Best Players: J. Langford, M. Handley, D. Feutrill, L. Soccio, A. Spralja, M. Batten
Another romp for the Rampaging Rookies saw the Old Xavs' percentage lift again by another 18 percent. Will Stevens was the dominator, booting five in a best on ground effort. Tom Silvagni kicked four, as did Edward 'Senator' Kennedy in the goal riot.
The Red'n' Blacks added five in each of the first three terms, and then, for good measure, tipped in another five in the last.
DLS, a traditional U19 powerhouse, has struggled this season, with numbers at a premium.
The Xavs meet Old Brighton (4th) and then travel to Caulfield (5th) to complete their home and away season. They seem likely to meet Williamstown CYMS or Old scotch in the second semi.
Pics here
Goal Kickers: W. Stevens 5, T. Silvagni 4, E. Kennedy 4, D. Fitzgerald 3, T. McRae 2, W. Bowen, H. MacIsaac, H. Woodhouse, K. Walford
Best Players: W. Stevens, E. Kennedy, K. Walford, D. Fitzgerald, S. Noonan, H. Woodhouse
Five goals from Mat Doherty and a BOG effort from Jake "Mister" Sandman propelled the X Men to a much-need victory at Crawford. The Xavs were never troubled and cruised away to a big win to keep finals' hopes alive.
Next up, a massive clash at Beaumaris, which is in second place. A win will see the Xavs in the four, while a loss might see them passed by Hampton Rovers, who host Uni Blacks.
Goal Kickers: M. Doherty 5, J. Sandman 4, J. Adkins 2, C. Anderson, N. Pozzi, W. Macisaac, C. Stepnell
Best Players: J. Sandman, M. Doherty, N. Pozzi, J. Rosier, A. Ivak, J. Nelson
PEGS proved too strong in the last after a close contest. Next week, to close the minor round, a trip to seventh-placed St Bede's Mention Tigers. A win there could see them slip into fourth spot, but they will need St Bernard's to top DLS at the Snakebite.
A tight contest between our two U23 teams. The Blacks led at every change, but the Reds finished stronger to steal back top spot.
Pics here
Goal Kickers: O. Tehan 2, J. Cowell, J. Hynes, Z. Connor, T. Bates, S. Stanley, T. Davine
Best Players: L. Agnoletto, M. Dowdell, C. Dunne, T. Bates, P. Bourke, S. Stanley
Goal Kickers: J. Lee 2, B. Whelan 2, C. Westcott, D. Condon, S. Stynes, M. Exell
Best Players: E. Hummerston, T. Paul, B. Whelan, J. Lee, N. McGrath
A tense Sunday for the 'Diles, who trailed early, established a narrow lead in the final term and then hung on, courtesy of a brilliant intercept mark from Jack Bueno. Hicham Nidam was best. He booted three on his trusty left foot, while josh Lyon also did the hat trick. So the Crocs move to next week's Grand Final with the chance to win their 22nd premiership, their first since 2017. Old Trinity stand in their way, but expect a super performance from the Reptiles.
Pics here
Goal Kickers: H. Nidam 3, J. Lyon 3, T. Lyon, C. Stratford, L. Cotchett
Best Players: H. Nidam, W. Wilson, C. Stratford, T. Lyon, M. Perrett, C. Wilson
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