Finals must be close. The temperature in Melbourne could attest to that but as teams went through their final preparations, others bid farewell.
In Premier, the relegation of St Bedes/Mentone Tigers was confirmed after they fell by 24 points to Collegians. The Tigers will now return to Premier B after a seven year stay in the top section. Collegians has them holding on to fourth spot by half a game. Michael Wintle kicked five goals in a losing side.
Old Trinity returned to form in a big way snapping a six game losing streak to upset the Old Xaverians apple cart running out winners by 28 points. Ed Weatherson booting four goals in the win that sees Old Trinity move back to fifth spot game behind Collegians.
Old Scotch moved away from Beaumaris in the final quarter to record a 35 point win to seal a spot in the four.
St Bernard’s brought De La Salle back to earth with a 39 point win at the Snakepit. De La Salle cling to 8th spot ahead of Old Brighton on percentage. Gleeson bagged six goals in the win.
University Blacks showed no mercy for Old Brighton at the Beach Oval, the Blacks storming to a 94 point win. Joel Ernest had a day out booting six goals for Blacks.
In Premier B, Caulfield Grammarians took matters into their own hands with a stunning final round win over University Blues by points. The win sees the Fields earn the right to contest in Premier B next season as they end the year in 7th place.
Old Haileybury spoiled any notion of an Old Ivanhoe miracle with a 19 point win over the Hoes. The Bloods exit Premier B on a positive note as Johnson kicked four in the win.
St Kevin’s returned the favour to Old Carey with a 70 point win over the Panthers. The size of the win also means St Kevin’s jumped past Old Carey on the ladder and have earned first shot at University Blues in the second semi final. It was a worrying Old Carey performance on the eve of the finals, the Panthers now need to re-group before playing Old Melburnians.
Old Melburnians proved too strong for Mazenod early before the Nodders got to within 8 points at the final siren on Sportcover Arena. OM’s will be hoping for a similar performance at the same venue next week when they will confront Old Carey in the 1st Semi Final on Sunday.
AJAX’s 38 point win over Fitzroy was all they could control but wins to SKOB and OM’s meant the Jackas were always going to be short of making it interesting. AJAX finish the season a game outside the four.
With Hampton Rovers running out comfortable 90 point winners over Old Camberwell at Gordon Barnard, it meant all other matches in Premeir C had little riding on them bar pride as they rounded out the home and away season. The Rovers were best served by seven goals from Ed Turner, this haul was enough to take him to the top of the Sharpshooter’s list.
Banyule’s last game in the VAFA was a solid 23 point win over finals bound Parkdale Vultures.
Monash Blues will play in the first semi final next week despite their 22 point win over an inaccurate Oakleigh. Aaron Cloke kicked five goals in a losing side.
PEGS signed off their 2014 campaign with a 42 point win over the already relegated Ormond. Five goals from Forrest allowed PEGS to go out on a high.
Marcellin claimed the minor premiership outright with a 19 point win over Peninsula.
Finals times and dates will be published at vafa.com.au on Sunday evening.
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
