Round 4 Match Review, 2024

 

Senior Men's Match Report

St Bede’s/Mentone Tigers     1.0     1.2          3.4         5.9 (39)

Old Haileyburians                  4.2     8.4     11.10     13.14 (92)

Goals: C.Harrop 4, S.Loewe 2, H.Nosiara 2, J.Gasparini, S.Lynch, T.McPhee, D.Seccull, B.Seccull

Best: M.Sinclair, J.Gasparini, D.Seccull, H.Lynch, B.Seccull, J.Paul

Debuts in 1sts: Charlie Harrop, Tom McPhee

 

It was Round 4 as we travelled down Bayside to take on St Bede's.  After  comprehensive win over Williamstown CYMS the week before our group had a greater understanding of how we need to play.  With some late call ups of Jack Bell and Harrison Jones to the VFL and injuries to Lachie Treverton, Jess Laity and Max Sievers, we welcomed two more debutants into the Senior group.  Charlie Harrop was a constant danger up forward booting four goals and has a bright future.  Tom McPhee was also given his opportunity after some great form in the Reserves and showed that he was capable at this level of footy.

Right from the first bounce our ability to win the contested ball and drive it down to our forwards was fantastic.  Conversely, when the opposition had the ball our pressure was great, which assisted our backs to defend their attacks inside 50.  Playing this type of footy we led by 44 points at half time and everything was going the way we planned.  The second half became more of a scrap after St Bede's changed a few things up, but we still came out on top with five goals to four to run out convincing winners by 53 points.  A pleasing result against a side that are yet to win a game but will b hard to beat all year on their home deck.

Looking back on the game our midfield were fantastic.  Josh Gasparini won a lot of the ball and worked his backside off.  Brede Seccull set the scene with his attack on the footy and Hugo Nosiara and James Paul created great run and ball use to drive us forward.  As mentioned earlier we were two ruckmen down and Durras Seccull did a great job competing against a much bigger opponent.  He was supported by Bailey Yates who came up from the Under 19s and competed hard all day.  Down back, two of our leaders in Max Sinclair and Brodie Steele led the way for younger guys like Hugo Lynch to perform the role we required.  Next week we head to De La Salle, which will give us a better indication of where we sit as a group.

How the VAFA saw the match:

Old Haileyburians' resurgence after an 0-2 start continued in its clash with St Bedes/Mentone Tigers breaking the game open early and maintaining an early lead to run out 13.14 (92) to 5.9 (39) victors at Mentone Reserve.  Old Haileyburians' team defence and spacing constricted the Tigers in the first half, creating opportunities for intercept and turnover from which the visitors were able to convert.  Daniel Ward’s chargers established a 44-point lead at the long break having held St Bede’s to just one goal, with Charlton Harrop kicking three of his four goals in the first half.

Josh Gasparini (42 disposals and 17 clearances) dominated in the middle while Brede Seccull was outstanding – St Bede’s / Mentone coach Brad Berry taking time to praise the performance of Old Haileybury’s hard-working midfielder.  “He’s a bull,” said Berry of Seccull.   You think you’ve got him out of the contest, but he’s just a brute.”

After a start to 2024 that Ward admitted he wasn’t “overly pleased with,” Old Haileyburians have found form in what promises to be a desperately close season, now sitting fifth on the ladder.

For full pictorial coverage of the Seniors' match against St Bede's/Mentone Tigers go to the Gallery

 

Hearts Match Report

Brunswick                  1.0     2.0     2.0       2.0 (12)

Old Haileyburians     3.3     5.6     6.9     6.14 (50)

Goals: B.Hanrahan 3, E.McCrae 2, E.Gown

Best: S.Vudiniabola, B.Hanrahan, E.McCrae, I.Scaunich, E.Main, E.Gown

Debut: Chelsy Marie

 

The Old Haileyburian Hearts journeyed to Brunswick to take on the Brunswick Football Club in what turned out to be a commanding display of skill and determination. Despite the dew on the grass and the early morning Auskick activities, both teams were ready to battle it out under the emerging sunshine.  Heading into the match, the Hearts were well aware of the need to remain focused despite their  opponents winless record. With key player Ella Gown battling illness, her courage to take the field boosted the team's morale. Serene  Vudiniabola, given the task with rucking solo, rose to the occasion, aided by the relentless efforts of the midfield quartet comprising Bella Scaunich, Eloise McCrae, Felicity Vanin, and Jaz Bettess. Their dominance from the outset set the tone for the Hearts' performance.

A strategic move saw Briget "Junior" Hanrahan deployed forward, a decision that paid dividends as the dynamic captain  notched up three goals while asserting her authority in the air and on the ground. The team's cohesion and leadership were evident throughout the game, with inexperienced players like Erin Learmonth, Lulu Atkins, and Charlotte Haydn-Evans showing rapid improvement.  The highlight of the match came courtesy of Eliza Main, whose exceptional display of skill and determination saw her execute a breathtaking sequence of plays from defense to attack, culminating in a deep forward entry. Such moments of  individual brilliance, combined with the team's collective effort, proved pivotal in setting the Hearts apart from their  opponents.

Despite their dominance, the Hearts were hindered by inaccurate scoring, resulting in a lower margin of victory than their  dominance warranted. Nonetheless, the team's resilience shone through as they secured a convincing 38-point win, with Brunswick's only goals stemming from free kicks and 50m penalties.  While the coach may have harbored some frustration at the missed opportunities, the sight of the team singing the club song with pride undoubtedly brought a smile to his face. With each passing game, the Hearts continue to grow in confidence, reaffirming their status as a force to be reckoned with in the league.

How the VAFA saw the match:

Old Haileyburians held Brunswick winless once again. The first quarter was the only period where the game seemed to be level, with a score line reflecting 3 goals to 1. However, after the main break, Haileyburians went up a gear, holding the Renegades scoreless in the second half, charging home to a 38-point victory.

The second half was more a strong defensive performance than offensive for Haileyburians, but should they wish to climb up a very competitive Division 1 Women’s ladder, they’ll need to keep slotting goals.

Kelly Dungate was a clear standout for Brunswick, kicking their only two goals for the game. For Haileyburians, Serene Vudiniabola was their best along with skipper Bridget Hanrahan who dominated the field, finishing the day with three majors.  Next week Old Haileyburians face a tough challenge, travelling to Brighton Beach Oval to take on the undefeated Old Brighton.

 

Men's Reserves Match Report 

St Bede’s/Mentone Tigers     6.4     9.7     10.11     10.12 (72)

Old Haileyburians                  1.3     1.3         2.7       4.14 (38)

Goals: B.Prior 2, T.Connolly, C.Nolan

Best: A.Bonwick, J.Adams, J.Vaughan, B.Prior, B.O’Leary, P.McPhee

 

An under-manned Reserves team put up a fight as they always do and should be extremely proud of the effort.  You only have to look at the quality and quantity of the players standing on the wrong side of the fence at Brindisi St to understand how decimated the club is with injuries and those unavailable.  For the Mighty Magoos to compete the way they did, a win is not far away, especially when we get some manpower back on the field.

 

Under 19's Match Report

Old Carey                   2.1     9.7     10.10     11.12 (78)

Old Haileyburians     2.0     4.3         7.6       12.9 (81)

Goals: J.Connell 4, J.Kennedy 3, J.Black, L.Riedel, X.Scott, J.Tuffley, W.Tuffley

Best: J.Kennedy, G.Brayshaw, I.Johnson, G.Hendrie, E.Hardeman, J.Black

 

The U19's travelled out to Bulleen to take on Carey in the Grand Final rematch. lt was a fast and physical start where both sides had plenty of the ball, but it was Old Carey that took full advantage of their opportunities and went Into half time 35 points in front. We weren't playing too badly, we were just making a few crucial mistakes that ended in goals for Carey. At half time we spoke about remaining positive and keeping our emotions in check and that if we did that and took full advantage of our opportunities then we could work our way back into the game.

The move of George Hendrie into the middle after the break, to help Jake Black, was the turning point and we were able to keep pumping the ball into our forward line with our forwards, Jack Kennedy & James Connell converting the opportunities. Hayden Whitaker moving to centre half-back and strengthening our defence helped repel all the attacking efforts of carey and the run-down tackle and smother from lsaac Johnston in Carey's goal square with only minutes to go in the game was amazing. Then when James Connell converted at the other end Old Haileyburians were in front for the first time in the game.

The positive belief in the group was fantastic and the groups will to put themselves in a position to win the game was terrific. An eight goal to two second half delivered a superb come from behind victory and was a great reward for effort across the board.