Locked in classics for Premier C Men’s in 2023

With the announcement of the 2023 Premier C Men’s Fixture, VAFA Media has pinpointed five games that you won’t want to miss in the opening rounds of the home and away season.

Round 1: Parkdale Vultures vs. Old Ivanhoe

It was an incredible run from the Parkdale Vultures in 2022. They started the year with five straight losses. From there they went on to win 11 games and lose just four more to finish the home and away season in sixth. 

Old Ivanhoe started the year in a blaze of glory before falling outside the top four as the year went on and missing the finals. Both sides on different trajectories at the conclusion of 2022 will start the new season on a clean slate and go toe-to-toe at Gerry Green Reserve.

The most recent battle saw the Vultures claim a 5-point win that stings the hearts of the Hoers and will be looking to inflict further pain when they meet on the first Saturday of the new season. 

Round 2: Hampton Rovers vs. Ormond

These two sides do not like each other in the slightest. The long-standing rivalry between the Rovers and Ormond dates back beyond the 1951 A-Grade Grand Final. The Rovers took bragging rights in their one and only A-Grade title by five points over 70 years ago, and still like to remind the troops at EE Gunn Reserve all about it. 

Ormond took the honours when the clubs met in a special Queen’s Birthday Friday night footy encounter. The Rovers claimed the return bout. Round 2 will see hostilities resume at Boss James Reserve. 

The clash coincides with it being Anzac weekend, a round in which the Rovers will honour the Anzacs with the on-ground Anzac ceremony before the first bounce. 

Since 2002, the two clubs have met on 24 occasions. The record stands at 12 wins for the Rovers, 11 for Ormond, and one draw.

Round 5: Old Camberwell vs. PEGS

These sides fought out the Division 1 Grand Final in 2022. PEGS blitzed the Wellers in the opening term to set up the win. It was a terrific achievement from Old Camberwell to reach the Grand Final and earn promotion from fourth spot. 

After a month of the Premier C season they’ll meet at Gordon Barnard Reserve. A ground that holds no fears for PEGS who beat the Wellers at the venue in 2022. It will be the first game of the season PEGS are on the road for after spending the opening four weeks at PEGS Sporting Field. 

It will become the first of four straight games in white shorts for the Division 1 Premiers, a unique quirk of the fixture but one they’re accustomed to. 

Round 5: Old Ivanhoe vs. Mazenod

Premier C Grand Final Day 2013 – Old Ivanhoe taking on Mazenod. Conceded seven goals in the first quarter before fighting back to claim a thrilling Premiership over the Nodders.

2023 marks the 10 year anniversary. The last time the boys of Chelsworth Park lifted the trophy. The flag will hang proudly in the clubs change rooms, the trophy shined and polished ahead of this battle in Round 5. 

The sides went 1-1 in the head-to-head battle in 2022, both games decided by less than three goals. Expect more of the same when they meet in early May of 2023. 

Round 6: Marcellin vs. Old Carey

Marcellin trialled Sunday footy in 2022. Coming away victorious on that day. Sunday football returns to Marcellin College in 2023. 

They will take on Old Carey. Relegated from Premier B, the Panthers will cross the road and face off against the Eagles in the ‘Battle of Bulleen Road’ for the first time since 2008. A game in which Marcellin won by 8 points. 

Old Carey has had three seasons they would much rather forget. 5 wins, 40 losses since the beginning of 2019. They have the opportunity to turn their fortunes around in Premier C in 2023. 

Other games of note:

Round 8: Marcellin vs. Old Ivanhoe

• Can Marcellin repeat the Sunday dose to Old Ivanhoe in 2023?

Round 9: Mazenod vs. Hampton Rovers

• The 2-sides to make the finals series in 2022