Round 16 Match Review, 2025

 

Senior Men's Match Report

Old Haileyburians       2.4     2.5       6.6          7.9 (51)

St Kevin’s Old Boys     1.3     6.6     9.11     11.15 (81)

Goals: A.Stefanakis 5, E.Hardeman, J.Morgan

Best: C.Riley, D.Seccull, A.Stefanakis, J.Gasparini, C.Sinclair, M.Rose

 

How the VAFA saw the match:

The Blacks’ loss meant that Old Haileyburians could effectively wrap up fourth spot if they could defeat St Kevin’s at Haileybury College.  It’s always a special day for the Bloods when they get to play at the school, and they booted the last couple of goals of the opening term to lead by seven points at the first change.  But the second quarter belonged to the visitors as SKOB took control around the contest and booted five unanswered goals to open a 25-point half-time advantage – Jack Ball with two second-quarter majors for St Kevin’s.

Leading goalkicker Andreas Stefanakis threatened to bring the Bloods back into the game with a couple of early third-quarter goals, but St Kevin’s held firm and responded with two of their own early in time-on.  But Stefanakis wasn’t done. He booted two goals in two minutes late in the quarter to give him four for the term, keeping the Bloods alive as they headed to the break 23 points down and still in with a chance.

The hosts added a couple of minor scores to begin the last term, but two goals in three minutes pushed the margin out beyond 30 points, and, from there, Anthony Lynch’s men were able to control the game and post a comfortable win that effectively locks them into third spot and their seventh consecutive finals campaign.  While the chance to secure fourth spot slipped from the Bloods’ hands, they still maintain a strong hold on that last finals position. Win either of their last two games, and they will qualify for September.

Daniel Ward (Old Haileyburians): “We matched their intensity early and deserved to have a lead at quarter time.  St Kevin’s won crucial contests and territory to dominate the second term, and that was the difference in the game. Credit to Plugger and his group, who, despite significant changes, were able to stay disciplined and play their roles.  We still have our destiny in our own hands but need to find our best footy fast.”

For full pictorial coverage of the Seniors' match against St Kevin's Old Boys go to the Gallery

 

Hearts Match Report

Old Haileyburians     2.2     3.3     5.4     6.5 (41)

Hampton Rovers       2.0     3.1     3.3     4.4 (28)

Goals: P.Gardiyawasam 3, G.Folwell 2, Z.Clavarino

Best: L.Guestella, C.Schafter-Jacoby, P.Gardiyawasam, S.Vudiniabola, G.Folwell, N.Nolan

 

How the VAFA saw the match:

In the final game of the home and away season, Old Haileyburians caused a big upset to dash any chance of the Hampton Rovers securing a finals spot. It was only Old Haileyburians third win of the season, but perhaps the most important of them all.  The Rovers’ form across the back half of the season had their finals hopes hanging by a thread, with Round 16 no exception. Haileyburians got the jump early, but the Rovers stuck with them creating a good contest. Despite their being just two points separating the two sides at the half, it was the Bloods that wanted it more in the third, putting their foot on the gas to gain ascendency in the match.

Haileyburians fought tooth and nail in a four-quarter effort they should be so proud of and can take some confidence into their off-season from their growth over the 16 rounds. Alas, this 13-point loss has stunted Hampton’s run and sees them conclude the season in sixth.  Pulli Gardiyawasam kicked a game high three goals for Old Haileyburians, whilst Leesa Guastella and Claire Schafter-Jacoby were also strong. Meanwhile, Hollie Brodribb kicked a goal and was the Rovers’ best along with captain Shae Raywood.

 

Men's Reserves Match Report 

Old Haileyburians       0.3       0.3          2.4         2.5   (17)

St Kevin’s Old Boys     3.2     10.7     14.10     18.15 (123)

Goals: J.Kennedy 2

Best: J.Black, J.Adams, J.Gown, J.Grenda, S.Hall-Kahan, B.Prior

Debut: Riley Dickson

Milestone: Brad Prior (100 games)

 

Under 19's Match Report

Old Haileyburians     1.2     2.11     6.14     10.18 (78)

Beaumaris                 1.3       2.4        2.4         4.5 (29)

Goals: L.Burfurd 3, T.Antonis 2, J.Paitaridis 2, A.Russell 2, K.Mountford

Best: T.Antonis, L.Giliam, A.Russell, L.Hornblower, W.Gordon, Z.Nosiara