2022 Grand Finalists remain undefeated as the Cardinals put the comp on notice

It was an emphatic round of footy from the victors of William Buck Premier. None more bold than that of Old Scotch who dismantled University Blues from every point of the compass.

The lead grew at every change. From 14 points at quarter time, to 36 at half time. An incredible 10 goal final quarter saw the Cardinals walk off the ground winners by 103 points. It was the clubs highest score and greatest winning margin since Round 17, 2019. Three times now the Cardinals have had the measure of Uni Blues, not many, would’ve predicted such a discrepancy in the scoreline. A great team effort. The back 6 were very solid led by Hugh Longbottom and Jordan Clarke.

Full credit to Mark Gnatt, his coaching staff and the players on the field who have no doubt caught the attention of the rest of the competition after dismantling a side in the manner they have. The Cardinal forwards worked well together and got reward for effort. Cormack and Blenheim were brilliant and had lots of support.

They’re in the box seat next week when they face Old Melburnians for the Australia Cup at Elsternwick Park. University Blues have got some questions that need answered, after a fortnight of wins they came back to earth with a thud.

Old Brighton, under the guidance of local-footy coach legend Dan Donati, have started 2023 in the best fashion. Three wins from three starts. Collegians proved to be a worthy challenger, and the closest contest of the round played out at Harry Trott Oval.

The reports from eagle eyes in the stands, saw a really high quality game. A tough and contested first half then broke wide open in the second half. Just as Old Brighton threatened to pull away after leading by 24 points, Collegians through Kenny Ong, Viv Michie and Dave Mirra the Lions were able to reel them back in. Campbell Tweedie was given the job on Dave Mirra, however after a clash of heads with Ben Jarick, came off worse for wear and had to go to hospital with a suspected broken jaw.

Jamie Hope, has put his hand up for this weeks Anytime Fitness Rising Star nominee with a bag of five, while the club was very excited to get the services of Max Kennedy back from the VFL to add another string to the midfield bow.

Jared Rivers will learn plenty from this contest, Sam Hibbins played in the reserves could put his hand up for next week as the Lions travel to Princes Park to tackle Old Haileybury. The Tonners welcome Caulfield Grammarians to Brighton Beach Oval.

The red and black mafia of Old Xaverians set the tone with a six goal opening quarter at Glen Huntly Oval against Caulfield Grammarians. Much like Old Scotch, the Xaverians grew the lead at every change. Had it not been for inaccuracy in front of goal, the final margin could have been much greater than 66 points.

James Byrnes continues to change the side and promote the youth of the club with another two debutants. Will Doquile and Jack Boyd (3 goals). Jordan Kelly was named the best on ground across half back and Dennis Symeopoulos very good also. Campbell Lane kicked three from the wing.

Hugh Sandilands followed up his performance from last week with another two majors, and amongst the best for the Fields, Jack Ellwood and Oscar Roberts also didn’t stop trying.

Old Xavier will be looking to move to 3-1 and retain the Carmody Cup against Uni Blues at Melbourne Uni Oval.

St Kevin’s had little trouble against Old Melburnians. A 10-goal opening half set up the days proceedings. Shaun Kennedy (4 goals), Mitch Wallis (3 goals) were dangerous in front of the sticks. Josh Wallis, Nick Sing, and Josh Tynan amongst the best on the ground.

Ben Haysman kick four goals for the OM’s, the club had patches through the day, winning on the scoreboard in the final term. There’s plenty of change to the side in 2023, they’re still finding their feet and working in tandem with one-another. The damage inflicted during the opening quarter was too big of a mountain to climb.

The OM’s reserves were able to come away winners, and with players like Harry Bede, Stuart Watson, Nick Daish, and Hunter Watkin running around, they could all be considered by Paul Satterley leading into their must-win contest against Old Scotch. At 0-3 he will understand better than most the challenge that’s in front of him from here on in.

Old Haileybury came into the Grand Final rematch against University Blacks with a “chip on their shoulder” and not feeling like the competition is giving them the respect they deserve. Daniel Ward unpacked those comments in the Saturday warm-up on the RSN Xtra Match of the Day coverage. 30 minutes later, his side went bang from the opening bounce.

Four goals in the opening quarter to start, another four to take a 15 point lead at half time. Then put down the accelerator and exploded away from there. 10 goals to 3 after half-time.

Three minutes into the game the Blacks lost arguably their most important Josh Steadman after a poke in the eye, and blurred vision stopped him from reappearing. Dale Bower had to rejig the ruck stocks as Ayui Makeing and Xavier Chalkley fought to the end against Lachie Treverton.

Four goals to Durras Seccull, and Corey Rich. Two goals to Brodie Steele in a best on ground performance. Old Haileybury have now proven too strong for Uni Blacks the last three occasions at Melbourne Uni Oval. It’s the highest score Uni Blacks have conceded since Round 7, 2018.

Daniel Ward’s men claim their first win in William Buck Premier for 2023, and for the first time in A-Grade since 2011, the song was sung with great gusto. They will enter next weeks contest against Collegians full of confidence. Dale Bower’s men are off to T H King Oval to face St Kevin’s looking to avoid a 0-4 start to 2023.