Round 1 Match Review, 2025
Senior Men's Match Report
Old Haileyburians 4.4 7.7 11.7 21.11 (137)
Collegians 1.1 3.4 7.7 9.9 (63)
Goals: H.Jones 3, H.Nosiara 3, A.Stefanakis 3, L.Vaughan 3, C.Harrop 2, O.Hotton 2, B.Seccull 2, J.Bell, N.Higgins, M.Rose
Best: J.Bell, O.Hotton, M.Rose, D.Seccull, R.Seccull, J.Gasparini
Debut for club: Olli Hotton
Debut in 1sts: Jake Black
How the VAFA saw the match:
Old Haileyburians made a huge statement, returning to the top-flight with what ultimately turned out to be a thumping win over Collegians. The Bloods established inside and territorial dominance from the outset, booting 4.4 to 1.1 in the opening stanza before the Lions found their feet around the contest in the second to stabilise the scoreboard.
Collegians won their share of contested ball in the third, but midfield turnovers harmed their cause as the hosts retained their comfortable lead to be 4 goals up at the last change. The last quarter turned out to be a major flex from Old Haileyburians. They converted 19 Inside 50s into an incredible 10.4, running riot to celebrate their return to the big time with an eye-catching 74-point win.
Daniel Ward (Old Haileyburians): “Pleased with the belief that our group had on the day. We had a plan and we executed it really well. We learnt that if we play our brand of footy week in, week out it will hold us in good stead. “Jack Bell was super all day in the ruck, giving our mids first crack at it. All of our leaders stood up and the VFL boys we had all came down with a great attitude and a willingness to do what was required for the group to be successful. We understand the challenge we face in heading to Old Brighton this week. We look forward to it as we see them as one of the benchmarks.”
For full pictorial coverage of the Seniors' match against Collegians go to the Gallery
Hearts Match Report
Old Haileyburians 1.1 2.2 3.4 5.4 (34)
Therry Penola 4.1 5.4 9.7 14.9 (93)
Goals: G.Elcock 2, T.Baxter, M.Burstin, S.Vudiniabola
Best: C.Ratcliffe, S.Vudiniabola, E.Gown, I.Compton, K.Langford-Jones, E.Main
Debuts: Jess Abraham, Maya Burstin, Jasmine Carty, Zahra Clavarino, Gemma Elcock, Maddi Everard, Jemma Feferkranz, Kelly Ferguson, Alessia Lettieri, Amy Montebelli, Charli Ratcliffe, Sienna Turudia
How the VAFA saw the match:
Old Haileyburians have started in a precarious position, going down to Therry Penola by 59 points. The Lions came up two divisions this season, and on paper this game heading into the round looked like it was going to be a close and fierce battle. In the second quarter, Haileyburians fought back to go into the main break just 20 points down, with plenty of things to like with the game in the balance. However, their defensive play broke down in the second half as the Lions attacked the ball, scoring nine goals to Haileyburians' three.
Abbey Duggan was prolific, with five goals, whilst Ruby O’Halloran had four of her own. Charli Ratcliffe was impressive, whilst Serene Vudiniabola continued her strong run of form from 2024. Therry will be extremely pleased with their start in Div 1 and will look to attack the footy again next weekend against the Hawks at home. Old Haileyburians will play Richmond Central.
Men's Reserves Match Report
Old Haileyburians 2.2 4.2 5.7 5.9 (39)
Collegians 4.4 8.7 9.11 12.15 (87)
Goals: B.Yates 2, W.Barrie, M.Walstab, A.Williamson
Best: P.Gleadhill, M.Gathercole, B.Yates, S.Connolly, A.Williamson, J.Kennedy
Debut: Sam Marshall
Under 19's Match Report
University Blues 2 0.1 3.1 5.1 7.4 (46)
Old Haileyburians 2.4 4.9 5.13 8.18 (66)
Goals: J.Blight 2, J.Harrop 2, L.Giliam, R.Oakley, P.Paleologos, A.Russell
Best: L.Burfurd, A.Russell, J.Harrop, L.Giliam, P.Paleologos, J.Blight
Debuts: James Blight, Regan Caddy, Jacob Cassidy, Noor Ebeid, Lachlan Giliam, Flynn Gregor, Jack Harrop, Emerson Jones, Oliver Letham, Jed Marshall, Matt Meehan, Ryan Oakley, Oscar Tilley, Jasper Waring, Hamish Wilson-Moran