Top-of-the-table blockbuster headlines round 6 in Prem Men’s

Round 6 of VAFA William Buck Premier Men’s features the match of the season to date as the Top 2 clash at Brighton Beach Oval.

OLD BRIGHTON can take a stranglehold on top spot if they can see off second-placed OLD SCOTCH in a top-of-the-table showdown that pits the #1 Attack in the competition (OB) vs the #1 Defence (OS).

The Tonners will put their perfect 5-0 record on the line against a Cardinals line-up high on confidence after a big win over St Bernards.

The Cardinals average just 54pts per game against and completely controlled territory against the Snowdogs, chipping the ball around and using their UNCONTESTED POSSESSION game to good effect.

Coach Mark Gnatt will be hoping their defenders and midfielders can set up just as strongly behind the ball once again, allowing their pressure forwards to get to work and create scoring opportunities.

But Old Brighton’s high-octane attack averages 94pts per game and doesn’t need many chances to punish you on the scoreboard. They are ranked #1 for Scoring Efficiency for a reason – Will LEWIS their main focal point this season with 14 goals, but he has plenty of dangerous support all around him.

As you would expect when the Top 2 teams lock horns, the INSIDE BATTLE will be key – the Tonners #1 for Contested Possessions, Ground Ball Gets & Clearances.

Can Old Scotch match them on the inside and then beat them on the outside or will Old Brighton continue their winning ways?

Catch every moment of our VAFA SEN MATCH OF THE DAY LIVE on the SEN app, SEN.com.au & VAFA.com.au from 1.45pm Saturday.

OLD MELBURNIANS will be desperate for a win when they host UNIVERSITY BLACKS at Elsternwick Park.

OM’s started the season with a great win over Collegians, but haven’t won since – 4 straight losses tumbling them to the bottom of the table and in need of a victory to keep in touch with the pack.

They led Fitzroy early in the final term last week before being overrun – a common theme for them in 2024.

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

And they will need to hang tough against a team known for its grit and grind – Uni Blacks – whose margins this season have been just 9, 9, 5, 18 & 10 points.

Blacks have played some eye-catching footy but have only been able to get over the line twice in those 5 close games. Hence, they also need a win to stay in touch with the Top 4.

They play a tough contested style (#1 Tackles; #2 Contested Possessions, Ground Gets & Contested Marks; #3 Clearances) but are looking for greater conversion up forward, where they are equal last with St Bernard’s for Scoring Efficiency.

Ayui MAKIENG & Nick CARIS have both been dangerous (with 10 and 9 goals respectively) – is this the week that Blacks get off the chain & improve upon their average of 74 points per game?

Or will Old Melburnians, led by the in-form Sam LAUBE (12 goals), Ben HARDING and the NICHOLS boys fire up in front of their home crowd to snap their 4-game losing streak?

Catch OLD MELBURNIANS vs UNI BLACKS live streaming on Kommunity TV from 11.40am Saturday (Reserves) into the Seniors from 1.45pm.

Reigning premiers COLLEGIANS celebrate premiership captain Sam HIBBINS’ 200^th game in what will be an emotional occasion as they host ST BERNARD’S at Harry Trott Oval.

The Lions, who dropped their first two games, are on a 3-game winning streak since and Hibbins believes they’re tracking in the right direction.

“We’ve got a very different team to last year, due to retirees and VFL opportunities,” he said.

“Plus, our first five weeks have seen an awful run of injuries, so we only had 7 of our premiership 22 out there last weekend. But we’re blooding a very strong core of 19-21 year olds that are making the most of their opportunities. We’re a couple of weeks away from getting a few blokes back. Our core group is gelling well.”

The Lions’ INTERCEPT MARKING game is once again one of its main strengths, leading the league in that category thanks to the form of Scott BEILBY, Jasper DAVY & Will PEWTRESS who have all started the season well.

They are playing a balanced style, as evidenced by their percentage of 100% (329 points for & against).

St Bernards have been more potent in attack but also leakier in defence, so who will get the game on their terms? Can the Snowdogs turn it into a free-flowing affair or will the Lions create a tight arm-wrestle?

A spot inside the Top 4 is up for grabs. It promises to be a revealing afternoon lakeside.

ST KEVIN’S have ridden the rollercoaster in 2024 – Win-Win-Loss-Win-Loss – experiencing the in-game form swings that can come from blooding young players.

This week they host a FITZROY team buoyed by their first Premier Men’s win on an unforgettable afternoon for the Royboys and their passionate faithful.

Last week SKOB just fell short in a gripping 4-point thriller against Uni Blues after hitting the front in time on, only to see victory agonisingly slip through their fingers at the 31-minute mark.

But coach Anthony LYNCH saw the positives.

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

St Kevin’s are middle-of-the-road in just about all the major stat categories – evidence of their balanced style and even spread.

This week, they will need to find an answer for Fitzroy spearhead Dane HARVEY, who booted 7 goals last week to take his season tally to 17.

“Our young group has shown great improvement over the first 5 rounds,” said coach Travis RONALDSON after their breakthrough win.

“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.”

The Roys will need to win their share of inside ball against SKOB if they are to take territory and provide Harvey and his fellow forwards with the opportunity to kick a winning score.

Ranked #9 for Contested Possessions & Clearances, and last for Disposals & Ground Gets, the Lions will need to bring the heat around the ground and pressure SKOB into error (St Kevins are last for Disposal Efficiency).

Can Fitzroy post their first ever AWAY win in Premier Men’s or will St Kevin’s defend their Top 4 spot?

The final clash of Round 6 sees UNIVERSITY BLUES host OLD XAVERIANS on SUNDAY at Melbourne Uni Oval.

The Blues are knocking on the door of the Top 4, having won 3 matches by just 5, 7 and 4 points.

Last week’s nailbiting win over SKOB represented their season to date as they found a way to win, led by their spearheads up forward.

Sam GRIMLEY (20 goals) and James STEWART (17 goals) lead the League goalkicking and will, as always, be at the centre of opposition planning. Can Old Xavs find a way to negate their ability to hit the scoreboard & keep Uni Blues in games, even when the tide has turned against them?

The Blues’ defence is as good as any at turning opposition forays around  – #1 Rebound 50s, led by reigning Woodrow Medallist Marty GLEESON, who leads the league in Intercept Marks, Disposals, Kicks & Rebound 50s. Xavs coach Dan DONATI will have spent plenty of time planning for Marty too!

Old Xavs are playing a high-possession style (#2 Disposals & Marks) which is successfully starting at the source (#2 Clearances). Led by #1 Clearance player Alec SPRALJA, they’ll be looking to exploit their inside dominance (Blues are last for Contested Possessions & Clearances), then spread it to the outside via the likes of link-man Marcus STAVROU.

If Xavs can get first hands on the footy, then control territory (and avoid GLEESON across HB), they can limit the opportunities for the Blues’ match-winning forwards to decide the game.

It feels like a big afternoon for Xavs in particular. 3-3 looks a lot healthier than 2-4.

Join the VAFA SEN MATCH OF THE DAY call team for our live coverage of OLD BRIGHTON vs OLD SCOTCH from 1.45pm Saturday on SEN.com.au & the SEN app.

Catch OLD MELBURNIANS vs UNIVERSITY BLACKS live streaming on Kommunity TV from 11.35am (Reserves) into Seniors from 1.45pm Saturday.

Keep up-to-date with live scores and the latest news at VAFA.com.au