Round 3 Match Review, 2025

 

Senior Men's Match Report

Old Xaverians            2.6      4.8     8.13     11.16 (82)

Old Haileyburians     4.2      9.6     11.8        11.9 (75)

Goals: H.Jones 3, A.Stefanakis 3, C.Harrop, O.Hotton, C.Riley, M.Rose, L.Vaughan

Best: B.Seccull, O.Hotton, W.Paul, H.Lynch, M.Sievers, J.Bell

Debut: Josh Docking

 

How the VAFA saw the match:

The thriller of the round was at Toorak Park as Old Xaverians came from behind to pinch a classic against Old Haileyburians.  The Bloods controlled the game for most of the afternoon, booting the first four goals, before the Xavs responded with two of their own in time-on to reduce the deficit to eight points at the opening change.  But the Bloods kicked again in the second term, dominating contested possession, and forcing Xavs into error, adding five goals to two to hold a handy 28-point lead at the major break.

However, Xavs lifted in the third term and started working their way back, winning the disputed ball that the Bloods had controlled earlier in the game. They dominated territory as a result, racking up 20 Inside 50s to seven, but not quite taking full toll as they booted 4.5 to 2.2 to close within 13 points and set up a thrilling final term.  The Xavs surge continued into the last quarter as they ramped up their pressure and strangled the Bloods,  who struggled to create scoring opportunities.

A long-range running goal to Xavier Austin entering time-on reduced the margin to two points, after which the home team added a further three behinds to edge their noses in front for the first time all afternoon at the 28-minute mark.  Denis Symeopoulos was taken high two minutes later and coolly slotted the banana from the right forward pocket to seal a memorable seven point win.  A bitter pill for Old Haileyburians to swallow after leading almost the entire match, but plenty of positives for them to build upon, having established themselves as more than competitive against a team considered a potential contender.

Daniel Ward (Old Haileyburians): “Disappointed to be leading a quality team at half time, and then at the last change, and not to come home with the 4 points.  That being said, when the game was on the line in the last quarter Xavs deserved to win. They were cleaner with their ball use and decision-making under pressure. Another lesson for our group on how we need to do everything right at this level to have success.”

For full pictorial coverage of the Seniors' match against Old Xaverians go to the Gallery

 

Hearts Match Report

Hawthorn AFC          0.1     0.1       1.1       2.1 (13)

Old Haileyburians     1.6     3.7     4.13     6.13 (49)

Goals: J.Abraham, M.Burstin, L.Guastella, P.Murdoch, C.Ratcliffe, S.Vudiniabola

Best: L.Guestella, J.Carty, Z.Clavarino, S.Vudiniabola, J.Bettess, P.Murdoch

Debuts: Alexandra Amvazas, Claire Schafter-Jacoby

 

How the VAFA saw the match:

The final match of the round was the opportunity for one side to claim their first 4-points of the season and start their climb up the Division 1 Women’s ladder. Hawthorn hosted Old Haileyburians at Rathmines Road Reserve in the evening timeslot. The yellow Sherrin was a hot commodity at both ends of the ground in a competitive looking outfit, with Old Haileyburians claiming victory by 36 points.

On paper, this appeared an even match up coming in with both teams looking to get on the board and make their mark in the competition. In the end it was Haileyburians who wanted it more and were able to deliver on the scoreboard. To their credit, we did see a much-improved Hawks side through persistent defensive efforts under the leadership of skipper Tessa Bodin.

Haileyburians held the Hawks to just one point in the first half, piling on 3.7 to take a 24-point lead into half time. They threatened to put the game away in the third quarter, however, kicking 1.6 kept the Hawks with a slight chance. Ultimately, Haileyburians held strong with two goals in the last quarter.

Poppy Murdoch had two goals for Haileyburians, whilst Leesa Guastella, Jasmine Carty and Zahra Clavarino rounded out the top three. Vice-Captain Charlotte Miller led from the front for the Hawks in defeat.

 

Men's Reserves Match Report 

Old Xaverians            7.4     9.10     16.15     26.15 (171)

Old Haileyburians     2.0        3.0         4.0         5.1   (31)

Goals: Cody Goonewardene 2, Cooper Goonewardene, S.Marshall, S.Stefanakis

Best: J.Black, Cooper Goonewardene, E.Hardeman, T.McPhee, B.Yates, J.Hewitt

Debut: Cooper Goonewardene

 

Under 19's Match Report

Old Haileyburians     4.7     8.12     14.13     21.18 (144)

Old Xaverians 2        0.3        3.3         4.5          7.6   (48)

Goals: G.Brayshaw 9, J.Harrop 3, F.Gregor 2, W.Hardeman 2, A.Russell 2, J.Blight, J.Cassidy, J.Waring

Best: G.Brayshaw, R.Oakley, L.Giliam, J.Blight, F.Gregor, W.Hardeman

Debuts: Kai Chrystie, Benjamin Hardeman, James Paitaridis