Round 10 Match Review, 2025
Senior Men's Match Report
Old Haileyburians 2.0 7.5 9.8 10.10 (70)
Old Brighton 5.6 5.9 7.14 9.17 (71)
Goals: A.Stefanakis 5, Cody Goonewardene, C.Harrop, N.Higgins, D.Seccull, C.Sinclair
Best: J.Bell, A.Stefanakis, H.Lynch, J.Gasparini, B.Seccull, R.Seccull
Debut in 1sts: Lachie Burfurd
How the VAFA saw the match:
The other thriller played out at Princes Park as Old Brighton prevailed by the barest possible margin over Old Haileyburians. It wasn’t shaping as a nail biter when the Tonners dominated the opening term, slamming on 5.6 to 2.0, courtesy of 22 Inside 50s to nine. But Daniel Ward’s men flipped the game around in the second quarter, controlling the territory battle for five unanswered goals and an eight point half-time lead.
The Bloods’ intercept game saw them continually turn back the tide in the third term, taking nine Intercept Marks for the quarter as the teams booted two goals apiece – the hosts up by a goal entering the final quarter. The Tonners struck first to draw within a point via a Ben Pryor goal at the eight minute mark, before Cody Goonewardene responded from a free kick at the 18-minute mark to re-establish a buffer for the Bloods.
Trailing by a goal, Alfie Jarnestrom crumbed a ruck contest to tie things up at the 22-minute mark, then the Tonners scrambled two late behinds to lead by that margin before Mattias Rose’s quick snap at the 29-minute mark missed right to make it a one point game. Try as they might, the Bloods couldn’t find the late winner – the Tonners hanging on desperately for a heart-stopping win that maintains their one-game advantage at the top, while Old Haileyburians slip a game further back in outright third.
Harry Hill led from the front with 32 touches for Old Brighton, while Mitch Kirkwood-Scott continued his excellent form for the Bloods with 36 disposals and an incredible 23 Rebound 50s.
Daniel Ward (Old Haileyburian): “A great game of quality VAFA football with great effort and intensity from both sides. Very disappointed not to get the result when leading at the last change and kicking to the scoring end in the last. In this competition, you win or you learn and, fair to say, there were some things late that we can fix up. Credit to OB who, led by Harry Hill and Tom Fisher, won key moments in the last term and deserved the four points.”
For full pictorial coverage of the Seniors' match against Old Brighton go to the Gallery
Hearts Match Report
Old Haileyburians 1.2 3.2 3.3 3.3 (21)
Richmond Central 4.1 9.4 10.5 13.7 (85)
Goals: C.Ratcliffe 3
Best: S.Vudiniabola, C.Ratcliffe, J.Bettess, E.Gown, P.Murdoch, Z.Clavarino
Milestone: Pulli Gardiyawasam played her 90th game, breaking the previous record for games played by a Heart (Lauren Oliver 89)
How the VAFA saw the game:
Richmond Central recorded their third win for the season and their first string of consecutive wins for the year, defeating Old Haileyburians by 64 points away from home. It was a strong four quarter performance as they managed to hold Haileyburians to just one behind after half time. A five goal second quarter really set up the game for victory. Devina Lai and Erin Eldon could not be split for best on ground, kicking four goals apiece for Richmond, kicking eight of their total thirteen goals. Charli Ratcliffe was a clear best for Haileyburians, kicking all three of their goals.
Men's Reserves Match Report
Old Haileyburians 0.1 1.1 2.1 2.3 (15)
Old Brighton 1.9 3.12 8.15 13.18 (96)
Goals: E.Hardeman, M.Walstab
Best: P.Gleadhill, E.Hardeman, S.Hall-Kahan, J.Black, J.Laity, J.Morgan
Milestone: Bailey Yates (50 games)
Under 19's Match Report
Old Haileyburians 2.1 6.3 8.5 12.10 (82)
Williamstown CYMS 1.2 5.3 7.8 9.9 (63)
Goals: K.Mountford 9, F.Gregor, Z.Nosiara, J.Paitaridis
Best: J.Blight, K.Mountford, O.Bartal, W.McPhee, O.Tilley, A.Russell
Debuts: Oliver Bartal, Samuel Herman, Luke Leo