All roads lead to Brighton Beach Oval

Joe Pignataro

For all the twists and turns we’ve seen this season. The shape of the William Buck Premier finals series all comes down to this weekend.

Saturday afternoon will determine the finishing order of Old Brighton and Old Melburnians. For both sides, it’s a simple equation – Win, and you’re in. Lose, and it’s all over in 2022. Only a drawn game at Brighton Beach Oval, and an Old Xaverians loss to University Blues will see them both play against each other again next week in the first semi-final. But, I’ve never seen a team play for a draw before.

Old Melburnians experienced the worst of footy last weekend with significant injuries, and an early onslaught on the scoreboard. Nick De Steiger, the mainstay in the ruck, sadly suffered a broken leg. Gus Borthwick’s day ended just before half-time, Jonno Grimwade just before three quarter time and Tom Baker late in the piece. There’s hope in the OM’s camp for Borthwick, Grimwade and Baker to be right for this contest.

Given the VFL home and away season has concluded, there’s potential for Sam Dunell, Tom Cameron, Brodie Tonkin to play for OM’s. While at Old Brighton, Will and Oscar Lewis, Darby Hipwell, Sam Collins could be in contention. It’s been 20 years since Old Melburnians have featured in William Buck Premier finals. After coming up from B-Grade in 2017, Old Brighton were part of the 2018 finals series.

After BBO being a fortress, the Tonners have lost three of the past four matches at home leaving them vulnerable. They’ve been inside the top four all year until the conclusion of last weekend, it would be heartbreak for them to miss out on finals action.

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A fuse has been lit at Old Xaverians, since the double bye they are five wins, one loss (by 3 points to Collegians). Kicked 100+ twice in that run. Held St Bernard’s to two goals, and in the half played against Old Trinity, a solitary point.

With history on their side, reputation through the roof, the Xav’s aura. They’re the one side no team wants to face in September. University Blues could dispel all that if they’re to go to Toorak Park this weekend and finish the year they’d rather forget with a win.

They’ll be playing for the inaugural Carmody Cup. Named in honour of the contribution the Carmody family have made to both clubs, and specifically in honour of Dan Carmody who passed away in 2020. The Carmody family is close to a lot of people connected with both of these proud clubs and it will be a powerful day on Saturday when the presentation takes place.

On the field, Sam Grimley is expected to return after a fortnight away through injury. Last time they met he found his way to four goals. At the other end, Xavier Richards was a late withdrawal, this time around, Marty Gleeson will be ready to stand him. Ayce Cordy will face Tom Hart in the ruck. The battle of the small forwards will excite the fans, Jack Hewitt & Charlie MacIsaac for Xav’s. Tom Quinn and Mark James for the Blues.

There’s only one theme Caulfield Grammarians must go into their final game against Old Scotch with. “Win it for Punchy” Earlier this week, Simon Williams announced that he will finish up as coach of the Fields after this weekend.

‘Punchy’ took the reins at Caulfield in 2016. He coached them to the 2019 B-Grade Premiership, giving the club their first A-Grade win for over 30 years, which set them on a seven game winning streak through 2021. He goes out with a winning record of 70% and will forever be regarded as a great of their football club.

While Old Scotch may use the theme of losing that 2019 B-Grade Grand Final and getting some form of redemption. It will matter little given it was so long ago. However, it was the last time a Grand Final was played. Mark Gnatt has encouraged, implored, supported his group all year, he backs them in every week and got incredible results. They’ve claimed the scalps of Old Brighton twice, University Blues twice, and pushed St Kevin’s, Old Xaverians, Old Melburnians and Collegians.

He has the blueprint for success. 2023 is the opening of the window to break into the top echelon.

Will Edwards, Sam Dorevitch, Will Barker, Jared Risol, Isaac Morrisby. These guys are proud Caulfield players and will want to send off their coach in the best possible way. While it hasn’t come together for the Fields this season, it could well come together for ‘one last dance’ in front of the Fields faithful.

Old Trinity will head to Premier B in 2023. Along with St Bernard’s. Both sides have got one last box to tick in 2022. Old Trinity welcomes Collegians (second) to the Daley Oval. St Bernard’s hosts St Kevins (first) at the Snakepit.

The small amount of bias in me would love to see the Snowdogs come off the ground with a final round win. However, the St Kevin’s team is an absolute powerhouse. Led by Anthony Lynch, a man who knows every piece of VAFA history there is to know about heading into finals, top ranked sides against bottom ranked sides.

They are a system based side that’s absolutely humming. For all the talk off the defence that’s conceding 51 points per game. The last three weeks, they’re scoring 113 points per game. The previous two weeks have read 16.15.111 def. 5.4.34 (Caulfield and Old Brighton). It’s been a battle for St Bernard’s to score all year. And, it could get ugly if St Kevin’s gets hold of them.

Collegians have no room to slip up. They will play finals. That’s locked in. They’re not locked in for second spot. There are permutations around that. The only thing they can control is themselves, and the outcome of this game. So, Jared Rivers will implore his side to do what they’ve done for the last nine weeks – Win.

Campbell Walker is free from VFL duties, Josh Watson may be another week away from returning. Old Trinity have got the #1 ruckman in the competition Harry Thompson. If the Lions curtail his influence then Kenny Ong, Viv Michie, Sam Hibbins and Freddie Sullivan can run riot through the midfield.

Footy throws up all sorts of twists and turns. It has been in William Buck Premier all season long. Upset results, low scores, standout individual performances, moments we wish we had back. After 85 home and away games, with 5 remaining, this may be the best of the bunch.