The Royboys make history in William Buck Premier Men’s

Jason Bennett

The ‘Roys have won their first Premier Men’s match in club history, headlining a fantastic Round 5 of action.

FITZROY hosted OLD MELBURNIANS in front of a healthy and raucous crowd at Brunswick Street Oval.

The bottom two teams on the ladder entering Round 5 put on an entertaining and spirited contest through 3-and-a-bit quarters – the Lions leading by 2 & 13 points at the first two changes, before OM’s threatened to take control with a 6-goal third quarter that saw them head to the three-quarter time break with a 6-point advantage.

When they conceded the first goal of the last term, the ‘Roys looked to be in trouble – but they were far from done. Led by 13 disposals, 7 marks and 7 goals from best afield Dane HARVEY, Fitzroy finished the stronger, kicking 5 goals in 13 minutes to send the home crowd into raptures.

The Kevin Murray Stand was rocking to its foundations as ‘We Are the Boys from Old Fitzroy’ rang out across Brunswick Street after the final siren confirmed Fitzroy’s first Premier Men’s victory on a day that no dyed-in-the-wool Lion will ever forget.

Travis RONALDSON (Fitzroy): “A great day for the club, registering our first ever win in A grade.

The most pleasing aspect of the performance was that when we were challenged by OMs in the third quarter, we responded and managed to kick away.

Our young group has shown great improvement over the first 5 rounds. Dane HARVEY presented really well across half forward, Charlie FAUBEL was busy and applied great pressure (24 disposals) and Max ELLIS was reliable as ever down back.”

Paul SATTERLEY (OMs): “Outplayed by a really spirited, well-supported team who ran out the game stronger than we did. Harvey & Faubel – a real handful on the day – proved too good.

We have been in almost every game this year – just having some poor periods. Not far off stringing 4 quarters together.”

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Reigning premiers COLLEGIANS held off a strong-finishing UNIVERSITY BLACKS at Harry Trott Oval to post their third straight win and jump up into the Top 4 for the first time this season.

A 5-goal second quarter saw the Lions lead by that margin at the major break and despite Blacks pushing hard in the second half, the 10-point final margin was the closest they managed to get.

Collegians shared the load up forward with 8 individual goalkickers – Dylan THOMAS their only multiple, with 2 – while Nick CARIS was the main focal point for Blacks, finishing with 4.

Jordie McKENZIE (Collegians): “It was a hard-fought win. We had a terrific second quarter in which we used our hands and kept speed on the ball. We were unable to capitalise on some good looks in the third quarter and credit to Blacks, they got themselves back in the game.

The boys hung on in a tense final term and it was great for this young group to stick it out and grind the win.

Richie ANDREW earned his debut and showed he was up to the level. Jasper DAVY continues his terrific form and, along with the other back 6, held us in good stead.”

Dale BOWER (Uni Blacks): “We were beaten soundly in the second quarter by a team that was far more determined than us.

We fought harder in the second half, but the gap in the scoreboard was too big to close. Collegians deservedly took the 4 points.”

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After suffering narrow back-to-back losses, OLD SCOTCH emphatically returned to the winners’ list with a thumping 50-point win over ST BERNARDS at the Snake Pit.

The Cardinals dominated territory most of the afternoon with sustained pressure that didn’t allow the Snowdogs’ time and space to get their offence rolling.

The margin was only 2 goals at half-time before Old Scotch hit top gear in the third, ramming on 5 goals to 1 to seize a 39-point lead at the final break, before cruising to a percentage-boosting win that sees them sit second on the ladder, while St Bernard’s tumble from fourth to seventh.

MARK GNATT (Old Scotch): “The +31 inside 50 entries for the match was a testament to our defensive structure behind the ball. Our backs and midfield set up really well and we were able to obtain repeat entries.

The forward pressure was up as well with 17 Forward 50 tackles, so we were able to play the game predominantly in our half.

Brodie EASTON continued his great start to the season (37 disposals and a goal) and was well supported by Ben HAYS (33 disposals) and Jack LIPSCOMBE (27 disposals) to name a few.

It was great to welcome another Under 19 player Lachie HARKER for his debut and he acquitted himself well.”

Steve ALESSIO (St Bernards): “Our depth was tested against a hardened Old Scotch that played some very impressive footy.

Full credit to our backline who did a great job under pressure all day – in particular Mick CAVEN (34 disposals) and Fergus McNICOL.

We’ll have to do better and find some form very quickly against Collegians next week.”

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OLD BRIGHTON’s impressive start to 2024 keeps getting better – the Tonners now a perfect 5-0 after overpowering OLD XAVERIANS at Toorak Park.

The first quarter was a tight defensive struggle, with the visitors posting 2 goals to 1 before adding a further 3 goals to 1 in the second term to build a 20-point half-time lead.

Old Brighton ultimately broke the game open in the second half, booting 11 goals to 4 to power away to a 66-point win that maintains their one-game advantage at the top of the table.

Ranked #1 in Attack and #2 in Defence, they have strength across all zones and have firmly established themselves as early premiership favourites.

Marcel BRUIN (Old Brighton): “Super win against quality opposition and coach. We went into the game needing to match them at the contest and thought we were really strong throughout.

Team defense has been a focus and was really consistent and that gave us some good opportunities up forward.

Hamish DICK was again superb and got great reward for effort (4 goals) and Quintin MONTANARO has been fabulous having been given multiple roles for us this year.”

Dan DONATI (Old Xavs): “Really physical battle for both teams, played in good spirit and tough conditions at times. It was pretty tight for nearly three quarters, and we didn’t feel far away during that time. In the end, OB’s pressure and ball use eventually took over and they had a deserved win.

We’ve been building more connection each week with a pretty young side and new coaching staff. It’s expected to take some time. I’ve no doubt our best footy is still ahead of us – it’s a long season.”

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The closest match of the round was a gripping contest at Melbourne Uni Oval as UNIVERSITY BLUES & ST KEVINS played out a 4-point thriller.

The Blues led by 9 and 11 points at the first two breaks, before SKOB – who had started with 2.11 – found their radar and got their nose in front with 4 goals to 2 in the third term. Angus HART’s second goal put the visitors in front at the 25-minute mark and they led by 3 points at the last change.

The final term balanced on a knife-edge. The Blues booted the first two goals to open up a 10-point lead at the 14-minute mark before SKOB responded superbly, with goals to Patrick KERR (his second) and Billy McGEE GALIMBERTI to hit the lead again 23 minutes in.

James STEWART’s fourth goal put the Blues back in front at the 31-minute mark, before KERR’s set-shot missed in the final seconds – Uni Blues surviving an epic contest that sees them join St Kevin’s at 3-and-2.

Guy MARTYN (Uni Blues): “Another high quality, close game with an amazing finish.

Probably our best win given the changes in personnel we’ve had over the past couple of weeks. We worked really hard for one another to try and slow down SKOB, whose ball movement can be lethal.

When picking our ‘best’ after the game, it was really tough to name individuals as it was a very balanced team effort which was very pleasing.”

Anthony LYNCH (St Kevin’s): “An incredible contest and I’m sure any neutral supporters would have loved the spectacle.

Both teams had experienced talent missing, but the future for both is very bright given the standard and ferocity of the game.

I’m super proud of our group and their ability to never give up. We fought until the very end, but in the end Blues’ ability to finish their opportunities was the difference.”

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Catch the VAFA William Buck Premier Men’s SEN MATCH OF THE DAY every Saturday afternoon from 1.45pm on the SEN app & VAFA.com.au.

This Saturday, we’ll be at Brighton Beach Oval for a TOP 2 SHOWDOWN as OLD BRIGHTON host OLD SCOTCH in arguably the match of the season to date.

Join Paddy Grindlay and the SEN Match of the Day call team for all the action from 1.45pm.

Our KOMMUNITY TV DOUBLE-HEADER will be OLD MELBURNIANS vs UNIVERSITY BLACKS, with Reserves coverage from 11.35am followed by the Senior match from 1.45pm.