Previewing the Holmesglen U19 Footy Festival

The Holmesglen Under 19 Division 1 Men’s Footy Festival is set to provide an exciting day of football action next weekend on Saturday, June 17, at Elsternwick Park.

The festival will feature three highly anticipated matches that will showcase the talent of the emerging young players.

VAFA Media has taken a closer look at the matches and the teams involved.

Old Trinity vs. Old Xaverians (9:20am)

The day kicks off with an enticing clash between Old Trinity and Old Xaverians. Both teams have shown promising form in the competition and are currently placed second and third on the ladder, respectively.

Old Trinity has had a solid season so far, with five wins from eight matches. They boast a strong scoring record, with Ed Chard leading the charge, having scored 17 goals this season.

The last fortnight has seen the T’s kick over 100 points in both victories. Their ability to find the goals early on will be crucial in this encounter.

Marcus Deayton, Jack Jenkins and Torren Arthur have been instrumental across the first eight weeks of the season for the green and gold, and fans will be expecting more of the same from the trio against the strength of the Xav’s.

Old Xaverians have also displayed their proficiency in front of the posts in 2023. Averaging 93 points per game across the first two months of the year.

With a well-balanced team, they will rely on the goal-scoring prowess of their key player, Justin Salce, who has found his way to 20 goals this season. Since losing to the ladder leaders Beaumaris by 101 points, the red and black mafia have won their last three matches.

Expect a competitive battle between these two sides as they vie for an important victory.

Stream Live

Beaumaris Sharks vs. Old Melburnians (11:40am)

In the second match of the day, Beaumaris will clash with Old Melburnians. The Sharks currently sit at the top of the ladder, undefeated after eight rounds, while Old Melburnians are not far behind, occupying the fifth spot. One game outside the top four.

The Sharks have been a dominant force this season, showcasing their strength both in attack and defense. (Ranked #1 for points for: 116.75 a game, and ranked #1 for points against: 50.25 points per game).

Led by the scoring duo of Calsher Dear and Seb Stewart, who have a combined total of 38 goals, the Sharks will be looking to extend their unbeaten streak and further solidify their position at the top of the ladder.

Old Melburnians have demonstrated their competitiveness with four wins to their name. They’ll be keen to arrest the tide after three straight losses to the Rovers, Old Xaverians and Old Trinity.

This OM’s side has chopped and changed through the early part of 2023, Arthur Rush has had such a strong start to his campaign, he was elevated to the senior side to make his debut a fortnight ago, that included a contender for the goal of the year.

The Navy Blue senior side, under Paul Satterley, are certainly not afraid to give young men in this side, the opportunity higher up.

With Henry Nicholls leading their scoring charts with 18 goals, they will be determined to upset the ladder leaders and make a statement of their own.

Stream Live

Hampton Rovers vs. Parkdale Vultures (2:00pm)

The final match of the day features a clash between arch-rivals Hampton Rovers and Parkdale Vultures. This will be the first time these two sides have met this year.

Hampton Rovers have been bolstered by the scoring prowess of Will Crawford, who has registered an impressive 19 goals this season. Their ability to maintain their scoring form will be vital in securing a victory against a determined Vultures side.

Nine players in the Rovers line-up have played every game so far this year. Despite an unfortunate pregame incident, Josh Hudghton (son of St Kilda legend Max) was recently elevated to make his senior debut. Should he be asked to play in this contest, he’ll come in with 15 goals next to his name, a complimentary forward to Crawford.

Parkdale have had a challenging season, with only one win to their name. However, they will be motivated to cause an upset against their rivals and turn their season around.

Will Watson and Luke Sullivan have been two shining stars for the Vultures in an otherwise bleak start to 2023.

The clash between these two teams promises an intense contest with pride and bragging rights on the line.

Stream Live

Entry to Elsternwick Park the day is free and on-site parking is available for $5.

All games will be streamed live through the VAFA Website and VAFA Facebook Page. You will not miss a moment of the action right throughout the day.

The Holmesglen Under 19 Division 1 Men’s Footy Festival at Elsternwick Park is set to provide a day of thrilling football action. With top teams battling it out, high-scoring players showcasing their talent, fans can look forward to an exciting and memorable day of VAFA footy.