There were upsets and regulation wins across the VAFA’s Divisions as finals commenced in brilliant sunshine.
In Division 1 the Second Semi Final at Trevor Barker Oval between Hampton Rovers and Williamstown CYMS was all about the Rovers. A Rovers avalanche of eight goals in the second quarter allowed them to go on to record a 39 point win over the CYs with Dallas kicking five goals. The win sees Rovers return to Premier C a year after being relegated whilst Willy can look to a preliminary final next week.
In Division 2, Yarra Valley OB’s secured a second promotion in as many years as they defeated a listless Therry Penola by 29 points. Yeo and Paton kicked three each for the Bushrangers who are now promoted to Division 1. Corey Bannister kicked 3 in game number 200, however Therry will need to regroup in time for the Prelim to ensure this is not a wasted season.
In Division 3 the 2nd Qualifying Final between UHS-VU and Richmond Central saw the Snakes bow out of the finals. After the Snakes led at quarter time, UHS-VU coupled together two 8 goal quarters in a row to win by 64 points at Central Reserve. Kirk slotted five goals in the win.
All Division 4 finals were played today with Northern Blues producing the upset of the finals to date. The Blues (6th) defeated Hawthorn (1st) by 53 points at Ted Ajani Reserve. The Hawks do get a chance to bounce back but will face Eley Park in a Preliminary Final next week.
Eley Park jumped North Brunswick at Scammell Reserve and were rarely troubled after that. A seven goal opening term was made to look even more imposing considering North Brunswick didn’t score at all. North Brunswick end their season here but will certainly feel there is something to build on for next year.
The unlucky side are Point Cook who also exit the finals today. Had Hawthorn won, then Point Cook could have been the lucky loser, alas it wasn’t to be. West Brunswick led early before the game tightened up to leave Point Cook trailing by just seven points at the final change. West Brunswick did all the goal scoring in the final term to book a preliminary final against Northern Blues next week.
The genesis of Laura Kane’s journey to become one of footy’s most influential administrators can be traced back to her joining the VAFA’s Melbourne Uni women’s team as a 12-year-old.
“For many years, we dared to dream about being a serious footy club. We’ve managed to gain a different type of respect – the worthiness of being a ‘proper club’
The Premier Thirds competition delivered arguably the biggest upset of the entire VAFA season, with St Kevin’s claiming the flag in a 5-point thriller over Old Xaverians, who had finished
