Round 14 Match Review, 2025
Senior Men's Match Report
Old Haileyburians 2.5 5.7 9.8 10.9 (69)
University Blues 1.3 4.6 7.11 11.15 (81)
Goals: A.Stefanakis 4, Cody Goonewardene 2, J.Morgan, H.Nosiara, D.Seccull, L.Vaughan
Best: B.Seccull, O.Hotton, H.Lynch, Cody Goonewardene, F.Gregor, K.Turner
How the VAFA saw the match:
University Blues were the headline act, handing Old Haileyburians back-to-back losses and lifting themselves out of the drop zone with a hard-fought 12-point win at Princes Park. Last week on the VAFA’s podcast, we described this game as a potential ‘banana peel’ for the Bloods, and it proved to be just that, as the Blues stormed home with four goals to one to secure a stirring victory that has changed the relegation race landscape. The Bloods led narrowly at the first three breaks (by eight, seven and nine points), but pleasingly for Blues’ coach Matt Smith, the final term proved to be his team’s strongest after a series of heartbreaking last-gasp losses and draws throughout the season.
This week, the Blues refused to go quietly into the night. They booted a couple of important goals late in the third term after slipping 21 points down, then showed further resilience after Ziggy Nosiara booted the first goal of the final term to put the Bloods 15 points up again. But from there, it was all Blues – they clawed back a couple of goals to level things up entering time-on, then hit the front at the 21-minute mark before another major five minutes later sealed their best win of the season to date.
This crucial victory lifts the Blues out of the relegation zone by half a game, which is especially important given their tricky run home against Old Scotch, Uni Blacks, and the top two teams, Old Xavs and Old Brighton. But the Blues can now attack that challenging final month with the confidence of having just knocked off a Top Four contender, while the Bloods have some soul-searching to do after back-to-back losses leave them clinging to fourth on percentage alone.
Daniel Ward (Old Haileyburians): “It was a disappointing loss for our group for the second week in a row. I thought we were a lot better around the contest but didn’t take our opportunities early. We got out to 21 points in front in the third quarter, but the Blues kicked a couple late to stay in the game. Full credit to Blues that when the game was on the line in the last term, they dominated territory and wanted and deserved the victory more. There are no easy games in A-Grade as we look to improve next week vs De La, who have been very good lately.”
For full pictorial coverage of the Seniors' match against University Blues go to the Gallery
Hearts Match Report
Old Haileyburians 1.2 1.3 1.3 1.4 (10)
Power House 1.2 5.8 8.11 12.16 (88)
Goals: J.Feferkranz
Best: C.Schafter-Jacoby, M.Burstin, L.Guastella, E.Gown, P.Murdoch, G.Elcock
Milestone: Serene Vudiniabola (50 games)
How the VAFA saw the match:
Power House flexed their muscles on Saturday afternoon, defeating Old Haileyburians by 78 points. However, the margin could’ve been much larger given they kicked 16 behinds. Power House now find themselves with a shot at finals, sitting in equal fourth on 32 points. It was an even first quarter, with both sides registering 1.2. However, Power house piled on 11 goals after that and only allowed Old Haileyburians to kick one behind, demonstrating a strong four quarter performance both offensively and defensively.
Jessica Waterhouse was best on ground, kicking four goals for Power House. Lisa McCombs and Ciara McGuinness kicked two goals each. Jemma Feferkranz kicked Old Haileyburians' only goal for the game.
Men's Reserves Match Report
Old Haileyburians 0.2 2.3 4.6 6.6 (42)
University Blues 5.3 9.4 14.5 19.7 (121)
Goals: J.Kennedy 3, S.Hall-Kahan, G.Hendrie, J.Hewitt
Best: M.Cowell, J.Kennedy, J.Hewitt, L.Wood, J.Black, A.Williamson
Under 19's Match Report
Old Trinity 1.4 1.8 6.13 7.14 (56)
Old Haileyburians 1.3 2.6 2.8 5.12 (42)
Goals: J.Blight 2, W.Hardeman, W.McPhee, J.Paitaridis
Best: G.Kokoros, L.Giliam, J.Blight, W.Gordon