Holmesglen Under 19’s Premier Men’s Season Preview

Club predicted to rise, usual suspects to contend again…

Regarded by coaches as one of the best under-age competitions, an electrifying VAFA Holmesglen Under 19’s football season will finally get underway on Saturday.

In what is expected to be another highly competitive season, the big four Old Boys schools (Old Brighton, St Kevin’s, Old Scotch and Old Xavierians) are widely projected to be finals contenders in 2025 after three played in September action in 2024, while Xavs weren’t far behind in fifth.

There’s a flag smokey set to bolt up the table too, and choice of gameplan nearly unanimously agreed upon by coaches for season 2025.

OLD BRIGHTON

In 2025, Old Brighton will be tasked with defending their premiership title after eclipsing St Kevin’s by four points in the 2024 Grand Final. The Tonners were the best team for the majority of the season last year, taking out the minor premiership with a record of 15 wins and three losses.

However, as is the nature of the under 19’s competition, Old Brighton coach Travis O’Donohue revealed that over half of the 2024 premiership side have now moved into the Senior Men’s competition due to age, providing somewhat of a fresh start for the Tonners’ flag defence.

“Fortunately, we’ve gained a really talented crop of players out of Brighton Grammar, who experienced APS success under first XVIII coach Simon McPhee last season,” O’Donohue said.

O’Donohue is fresh in the coaching role himself too, replacing Matt McLennan who had coached the under 19’s since 2022. This year O’Donohue is aiming to align the team’s gameplan with the senior men’s side in hopes of streamlining the development of under 19s players pressing for senior debuts.

“This pre-seasonwe have attempted to adopt a similar game style to our Senior Men’s team with a big focus on team defence and fast ball movement,” O’Donohue said.

“My expectations for this year are to play a really disciplined and unselfish brand of footy and hopefully develop as many players as possible.”

ST KEVIN’S

On the note of Seniors development, 2024 runners-up St Kevin’s are thrilled by being able to hold onto some key players as the VAFA retains its post-Covid Under 19’s age criteria, although they will no doubt continue to strive for senior representation.

“The competition is better for it, and it keeps young men playing this great game for longer,” St Kevin’s coach Paul Greenham said.

“My aim is to make sure we have Senior representation while competing, and enjoyment for the rest of the group.”

In his first season as the sole coach of the SKOB’s Under 19’s side, Greenham has been aiming to build trust with his players this pre-season.

“Starting fresh with a new crop of young men, I’ve worked on gaining their trust… From there the culture is built.”

Falling agonisingly short after pipping Old Brighton in the qualifying final, St Kevin’s aren’t shying away from their intentions in 2025, predicted to be near the pointy end again this season.

OLD SCOTCH

Old Scotch fell just before the final hurdle in season 2024, losing in the preliminary final to eventual premiers Old Brighton.

The Cardinals Senior side claimed the flag in 2024, and with three under 19’s players earning Team of the Year honours, it’s evident this club will be around the mark again in 2025.

UNIVERSITY BLUES

The Uni Blues also reached finals in 2024. Boasting two teams in the under-age divisions, their reserves side found success in Division 2 of the Under 19’s competition, highlighting their depth across the VAFA.

Although winning 12 games in 2024, the Uni Blues lost two of their last three games to miss out on a top-two finish and a double chance. Don’t rule out this side for back-to-back finals berths.

OLD XAVERIANS

Old Xaverians is another side welcoming a new coach, with storied clubman Matthew “Chopper” Handley to take the reins. Boasting over 300 games, 920 goals and five Senior premierships, the young Xavs players will be learning from one of the club’s most successful figures.

ST BEDES/MENTONE TIGERS

St Bedes/Mentone are expecting to be a lively young side in 2025 featuring 17- and 18-year-olds. Welcoming a number of former Sandringham Dragons players on board, the Tigers are expecting to have the quality and talent to overcome their youth.

“We have loads of Dragons kids on our squad, 17 to 18 years of age, and ex-Dragons boys,” St Bedes/Mentone coach Paul McCormack said.

McCormack is also new to the Under 19’s coaching ranks but has a wealth of Talent league and Senior coaching experience behind him.

Like premiership contenders St Kevin’s and Old Brighton, an emphasis will be on fast-paced ball movement in 2025 for the Tigers.

CAULFIELD GRAMMARIANS

Caulfield Grammarians have been regarded as a potential bolter in 2025 after missing the finals last season. Coach Cooper Rule has noted an off-season of recruitment has been the driving force for a competitive season, as has player retention and the talent of current school students.

“We’ve done a number of player acquisitions in the off-season, alongside strong growth from returning players,” Rule said.

“We’ve also got a solid group coming through from the school, which really adds to the depth of our squad.

“We’re keen to play a high energy, well-rounded structured brand of footy… Sustained success is really important for me and for the club, not just this year but long-term. We’re focused on building something that will last.”

DE LA SALLE

Similarly, De La Salle coach Nick Walsh believes his side are building for the future after 32 players from last year’s Under 19’s cohort moved outside the age bracket. With an influx of young players, Walsh is focused on development through his Future Football role at the school, which is aiming to foster a stronger connection between the school and club.

“It’s going to be very hard to compare to last year,” Walsh said on the turnover of talent.

WILLIAMSTOWN CYMS

Williamstown CY’s are expecting to challenge for “more four points” in 2025. New coach Cameron Evans has heard feedback from players suggesting their 4-13 record of 2024 was deceptive, losing eight games by under six goals.

With a pre-season focused on “match fitness, structure and skill”, Evans believes the CY’s will not only fight valiantly, but potentially clinch a lot more wins in 2025.

HAMPTON ROVERS

Arising from Division 1, the Hampton Rovers enter a Premier A division in the VAFA for the first time in close to 50 years.

Despite coming off the back of premiership success, coach Paul Carrigan understands the Rovers may have some “backs against the wall” moments in the higher grade.

Establishing a “rag-tag” gameplan, Carrigan is hoping to see some strides in development from younger players after “around 40 per cent” of last year’s premiership cohort moved up to seniors or changed their allegiance.

Carrigan was clear that the Rovers, despite not having the school affiliation and depth of other Under 19’s sides, will not be easy beats in 2025.

“The expectations are to develop the team and be competitive against the better sides,” Carrigan said.

In Round 1, Old Brighton host the Tigers in an early test of competitiveness for both clubs. Old Scotch face Caulfield in what shapes to be a close encounter, while Old Xavs will christen their redeveloped home ground against newcomers Hampton. University Blues host Williamstown CYMS, while a 2:00pm game between St Kevin’s and De La Salle will close out the action.