Round 6 Match Review, 2024

 

Senior Men's Match Report

Old Haileyburians              2.7     6.10     14.12     15.14 (104)

Caulfield Grammarians     3.1       5.4         5.6        6.12   (48)

Goals: A.Stefanakis 6, C.Sinclair 2, H.Nosiara, J.Paul, B.Seccull, D.Seccull, B.Steele, M.Sinclair, B.Yates

Best: A.Stefanakis, B.Seccull, J.Constable, J.Gasparini, J.Paul, B.Steele

Milestones: James Paul (200 games), Brede Seccull (50 games)

 

Round six and we welcomed Caulfield for a battle that was second versus third.  It was our Captain Brede Seccull's 50th game for the club but more importantly was the 200th game for former skipper James Paul.  Although uncomfortable with the attention a lot of effort was put into recognising Jimmy's achievement during the week and the boys were keen to get the result for him.

Typically on a Saturday there was a breeze going to the one end and we had first use of it.  Our contest and ball movement was good but we were wasteful in front of goal kicking 2.7.  Caulfield made the most of their limited opportunities and we went into the first break with scores level. We needed to keep our elfort up and defend better on the turnover.  After an even 2nd quarter we had gotten our noses in front and led by 12 points at halftime.

Coming out for the 3rd term we needed to make sure we maximised our dangerous forwards and increase our lead.  Pleasingly that's what we did as we banged on eight goals for the quarter including one to Jimmy that got the boys up and about. The last term became a bit of a scrap but our effort continued right to the final siren as we ended up with a 56 point win.  A great result that took us to the top of the ladder on percentage.

From an individual perspective it was great to welcome Andreas Stefanakis and Connor Riley for their first games of the year from the VFL. Dre was best on ground kicking six goals and providing a great target up forward all day.  Our midfield was again strong around the contest and driving the footy forward. We have two fantastic leaders in Brede Seccull and Josh Gasparini who set the standards every week around the middle of the ground.  After a shaky start our backs responded well. ln particular Lachie Vaughan, Hugo Lynch and Joel Constable did a
great job in shutting down their multiple tall forwards.  ln his big game Jimmy Paul used the ball well and provided great run off half back.

How the VAFA saw the game:

Six Premier B sides sit at 4-2 after six weeks of football, with Old Haileyburians nabbing top spot, on percentage, with a 56-point win over Caulfield Grammarians.  Leading by 12 points at the long break in Caulfield, the Bloods played some of their finest football in the third term, punting 8.2 (50) to 0.2 (2) and effectively killing the contest in former captain James Paul’s 200th game.

“James has been fantastic for our footy club,” said coach Daniel Ward.  James’ dad Roger – who himself played 200 games for the club – gave a stirring address to the playing group pre-game on what Old Haileyburians means to the wider Paul family.  The 31-year-old was typically solid for the Bloods in his milestone match, even finding a way to get in on the scoring act as part of Old Haileybury’s third quarter romp. “I said to the boys on the sideline, ‘I’ve got to try and orchestrate getting him a goal in the last quarter’,” explained Ward.

As the coach was planning his move late in the third quarter, Paul duly cut off a kick inside forward 50 and kicked the seventh goal of the quarter for his side – subsequently disappearing from view under a pack of celebrating teammates.  Andreas Stefanakis, fresh off some solid VFL form for the Box Hill Hawks, proved to be a handful for Caulfield’s defence, punting seven goals in the 15.14 (104) to 6.12 (48) win.

For full pictorial coverage of the Seniors' match against Caulfield Grammarians go to the Gallery

 

Hearts Match Report

Old Haileyburians     0.0       1.2        1.2         2.4 (16)

Old Brighton              3.7     6.10     9.15     13.20 (98)

Goals: S.Vudiniabola 2

Best: I.Scaunich, S.Vudiniabola, E.Gown, B.Hanrahan, G.Vanderwaal, R.Allen

Debuts: Ava Alexander, Leena Pang

 

The Hearts faced off against top-of-the-table old Brighton, hoping to pull off an upset and set a positive tone for the Ladies Luncheon that followed. Despite the final score heavily favoring old Brighton, the Hearts' performance left a significant impression on those in attendance.  Coach David Lappage expressed immense pride in the team, recognizing their relentless effort against a seasoned opponent; Old Brighton's players have been together for over three years, whereas the Hearts' roster includes eight 18-year-olds and even a 16-year-old. This youth and inexperience didn't deter the Hearts from putting up a strong fight, showcasing their potential for the future.  Coach Lappage is  optimistic that with more games and time, the Hearts can reach the same level as Old Brighton.

Standout performances included Serene and Ella, who battled tirelessly In the ruck, while Gracie and Junior demonstrated exceptional leadership in defence. The team sorely missed last year's best and fairest winner, Eloise McCrae, who was sidelined with a broken finger. Nonetheless, onballers Bella, Poppy, and Flick worked tirelessly throughout the game.   Kate Langford-Jones also shone brightly, especially when she was moved into defense in the final quarter.

Looking ahead, the Hearts are set to return to Princes Park this week for another early start, this time against Parkdale.  Both teams have three wins each, and with Parkdale sitting just one spot above the Hearts inside the top four, this match promises to be a thrilling battle. The winner will secure a crucial spot within the top four, making this a must-watch encounter.

How the VAFA saw the match:

Old Brighton posted an 82-point victory against Old Haileyburians, and had they been more accurate in front of goals the margin could have potentially been a lot larger. It was another percentage-boosting win for Brighton, their percentage sitting at an insurmountable 507.89%.  A tough day out for Haileyburians, who managed only 2.4 for the match. Brighton got going early on, taking a score of 46 points into the main change and registering another 52 points in the second half, not showing any signs of slowing down.

Shanelle Hodgkinson was the best on ground with two goals to her name, whilst Lily Tait starred again, kicking four goals to take her goal tally to 13 for the season. Captain India Tait was also impressive.  Haileyburians captain, Isabella Scaunich shone against a formidable opponent, whilst Serene Vudiniabola kicked their only two goals. It seemed like an off day for Haileyburians, who have now recorded three wins from six rounds to find themselves in fifth, only below Parkdale on percentage.

 

Men's Reserves Match Report 

Old Haileyburians              4.1     10.4     14.8     18.14 (122)

Caulfield Grammarians     1.5       2.6       4.8          5.8   (38)

Goals: B.Oakes 6, R.Cairns 4, M.Walstab 4, J.Adams, P.Paleologos, S.Stefanakis, N.Traficante

Best: A.Williamson, J.Adams, P.McPhee, M.Walstab, B.Oakes, C.Nolan

 

Under 19's Match Report

Old Haileyburians     3.0     4.2       8.4     12.5 (77)

Fitzroy                        1.2     2.8     3.10     6.14 (50)

Goals: L.Riedel 5, J.Connell 2, B.Gathercole, G.Hendrie, J.Kennedy, S.Lynch, W.Tuffley

Best: L.Riedel, T.Antonis, I.Johnson, S.Lynch, H.Whitaker, G.Kokoros

Debut: Fyndon Davis

 

The U19's kicked off a magnificent day for the club's annual Ladies Day Lunch when they took on Fitzroy at Princes Park. I'm not sure what it was but our guys weren't switched on when they hit the ground and played an uncharacteristically sloppy brand of football. We generally play a terrific brand of football but were overusing the ball, missing targets and tackles and the overall effort wasn't there. lf not for Fitzroy's inaccuracy in front of goal, we would have been looking at a four or five goal deficit at half time. As it was, we went into the main break with a slender six point lead, thanks to a goal after the siren by James Connell.

Football is a tough game and one that requires your attention and effort for the full hundred minutes and sometimes when it's not there, it's not there and it's hard to turn it around and get back on track but to our guys credit that is exactly what we were able to do.  Tom Antonis, Scanlon Lynch and Alex Russell put their hands up to go into the middle and they set the standard for the rest of the players to follow. James Connell went forward and kicked another and set up another three or four goals and Jack Kennedy was enormous presenting to the ball and clunking some big marks. Liam Riedel finished off all the good work by kicking five goals for the game.

We talk all the time about effort and making sure that we are happy with the effort of the team, but more importanily that as individuals we can take pride in our own efforts and how that contributes to the team as a whole. Each of our guys stepped up after half-time and it takes a certain type of character to be able to turn your form around mid-game. Well done guys, you should be very proud of your efforts.