Round 4 Match Review, 2025
Senior Men's Match Report
Old Haileyburians 4.0 11.2 12.6 15.10 (100)
University Blacks 2.4 3.5 5.11 7.14 (56)
Goals: Goonewardene 3, Stefanakis 3, Jones 2, Riley 2, B.Seccull 2, Conway, Rose, Sinclair
Best: Conway, Hotton, Sievers, Riley, Gasparini, Bell
Debut in 1sts: Cody Goonewardene
How the VAFA saw the match:
Old Haileyburians continued their promising return to Premier Men’s with an impressive wire-to-wire win over University Blacks at Princes Park. The Bloods controlled the football, racking up 86 more disposals – predominantly handballs – as they shared it around and linked up effectively. Turnovers cost Blacks dearly, as they conceded eight goals to three, while the Bloods also found a way to repeatedly convert throw-ins into goals, slotting four for the afternoon.
Ultimately, Old Haileyburians' finishing efficiency proved to be the difference. They booted 11.2 in the first half to lead by 45 points at half-time and, from there, managed to control the game as they cruised to their second win of the season. Andreas Stefanakis and Cody Goonewardene finished with three goals apiece for the victors, while Jake Gasparini hit the 40-disposal mark (with 14 Contested, nine tackles and eight clearances). Olli Hotton also dominated with 37 disposals (18 Contested, six tackles and nine clearances) on a productive day for the Bloods, who bounced back superbly after last week’s disappointing fadeout against Xavs.
Daniel Ward (Old Haileyburians): “Overall, a pleasing performance against a side who we respect greatly and are always well prepared. In the second quarter, we got our ball movement to a level we’re trying to achieve and kicked 7.2. “Credit to Blacks, who lifted their effort in the second half as the game became a bit of a scrap. We’re looking forward to welcoming De La Salle to Princes Park for the GF rematch this week.”
For full pictorial coverage of the Seniors' match against University Blacks go to the Gallery
Hearts Match Report
Old Haileyburians 0.0 2.3 2.4 3.6 (24)
Glen Eira/Old McKinnon 2.5 2.6 2.13 2.16 (28)
Goals: L.Guestella, P.Murdoch, S.Vudiniabola
Best: E.Bannon, S.Phillips, P.Murdoch, K.Langford-Jones, Z.Clavarino, G.Vanderwaal
Debuts: Emily Bannon, Shaylin Phillips
How the VAFA saw the match:
The contest between Old Haileyburians and Glen Eira/Old McKinnon was perhaps the match of the round, as Glen Eira battled to run away four point winners. This was a much tighter contest than most would’ve anticipated heading into the round, with the Gryphons inaccuracy keeping Old Haileyburians in the contest, as the game went right down to the wire. The Gryphons were off to a strong start, kicking 2.5 in the first and holding Old Haileyburians scoreless as it looked like there was a big victory looming already.
However, Old Haileyburians came out firing in the second quarter, kicking 2.3 to the Gryphs singular behind. Ten behinds in the second quarter nearly cost the Gryphs the game as Old Haileyburians kicked the only goal of the entire second half.
Emily Bannon, Shalyn Phillips and Poppy Murdoch were the best for Old Haileybury in what was one of their most competitive games for the season so far. Callie Georgiadis, Eliza Morrison and Grace Bridges were the best for Glen Eira. Despite the scare, Glen Eira remains undefeated and sit second on the ladder, but they have some ground to make up on percentage if they are to leap up to first place. Old Haileyburians hold onto just the four points in sixth on the ladder.
Men's Reserves Match Report
Old Haileyburians 3.3 5.4 6.6 9.10 (64)
University Blacks 2.2 4.3 8.5 10.5 (65)
Goals: S.Stefanakis 4, Cooper Goonewardene 2, T.McPhee, L.Riedel, A.Williamson
Best: P.Gleadhill, E.Hardeman, J.Kennedy, S.Stefanakis, T.Sennitt, S.Connolly
Under 19's Match Report
Old Carey 3.1 7.4 11.5 13.6 (84)
Old Haileyburians 4.4 7.7 9.9 12.15 (87)
Goals: G.Brayshaw 3, J.Harrop 3, R.Caddy, L.Gilliam, W.Hardeman, N.Law, J.Marshall, R.Oakley
Best: L.Giliam, A.Russell, W.Hardeman, J.Blight, W.Gordon, Z.Nosiara
Debut: Nate Law