Round 7 Match Review, 2025

 

Senior Men's Match Report

St Kevin’s Old Boys     1.2     4.5       4.6       8.8 (56)

Old Haileyburians       3.5     5.7     6.12     9.14 (68)

Goals: H.Jones 3, J.Docking 2, A.Stefanakis 2, L.Giliam, M.Kirkwood-Scott

Best: W.Paul, D.Seccull, J.Bell, C.Riley, B.Seccull, H.Jones, H.Nosiara

Debut in 1sts: Lachlan Giliam

 

How the VAFA saw the match:

Old Haileyburians made history (and a big statement) with their first-ever senior win at TH King Oval as they hung on against St Kevin’s to kick a game clear in third.  The Bloods dominated territory in the first term (17 Inside 50s to 7) and booted the last three goals to lead by 15 points at the first break.

When Harrison Jones added another in the opening minute of the second quarter, the hosts needed to respond – and they did. Sam Barnett booted two goals in two minutes, then Sam Cameron added another midway through time-on to close within two points, before livewire Andreas Stefanakis made it an eight point half-time lead for the visitors.

Goals were hard to come by in the third term, with Josh Docking slotting the only major at the 21-minute mark to give the Bloods a very handy 18-point lead, which could have been more but for Old Haileyburians' 1.5 to 0.1 in the quarter.  SKOB were never going down without a fight, and Patrick Kerr’s goal in the opening minute reduced the margin to 2 goals and sent a clear message of intent.

St Kevin’s started to get the upper hand inside the contest, blitzing the Bloods out of the middle (7-1 Centre Clearances in Q4) and taking control of disputed balls around the ground.  Sam Critchley brought them within five points at the 9-minute mark, before a critical Harrison Jones goal three minutes later gave the Bloods breathing room once more.  However, it was short-lived as Sam Cameron responded 90 seconds later to tighten it again before a piece of Stefanakis magic saw him sell the dummy and finish from the pocket for a 13-point lead, which Mitch Kirkwood-Scott subsequently extended.

Ollie Gill pulled one back for SKOB, but it was the Bloods posting a huge win, not only in terms of ladder position, but also for their confidence and belief. They have announced themselves as a potential contender by saluting on the second most difficult road trip in Premier Men’s.  Jack Bell was outstanding in the ruck, with 49 hitouts, 6 clearances and 5 score involvements, while Sam Cameron, Luke Winter and Jack Mahoney shared 94 disposals between them.

Daniel Ward (Old Haileyburians): “Important win for our footy club against a team that we respect greatly and have been the benchmark for a long time.  We didn’t take our chances well enough in quarters 1 & 3 at the scoring end, finishing with 4.10.  Being up by 18 points at three-quarter time, we knew St Kevs would take some risks and be proactive. Full credit to them as they came out firing to kick the first two goals of the quarter.  Pleasingly, we managed to respond, kicking 3 for the term ourselves. Overall, it gives our group great belief in what’s possible if we play the way we want to.”

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

 

Hearts Match Report

Power House             2.1     7.4       7.8       7.10 (52)

Old Haileyburians     1.4     4.6     5.11     10.12 (72)

Goals: J.Bettess 2, M.Zielinski 2, K.Langford-Jones, S.Vudiniabola

Best: M.Zielinski, S.Vudiniabola, E.Gown, S.Phillips, Z.Clavarino, S.Vanderwaal

 

How the VAFA saw the match:

Old Haileyburians recorded their second win of the season, their first one since Round 3, defeating Power House by a narrow three points. It was a stirring victory, coming from behind the entire game, with a crucial last quarter goal seeing the Bloods snatch victory. They held Power House scoreless in the last quarter in what was a never-say-die team win.  Joanne Down starred for Power House, kicking four goals whilst Grace Read and Rebecca Foley also had a good day out. For Old Haileybury, Mia Zielinski was their best with two goals, whilst Serene Vudiniabola and Ella Gown were also strong.

 

Men's Reserves Match Report 

St Kevin’s Old Boys     5.3     10.5     14.8     20.10 (130)

Old Haileyburians       2.1       2.2        3.3         4.4   (28)

Goals: W.Barrie, B.Oakes, S.Stefanakis, B.Yates

Best: A.Williamson, P.Gleadhill, B.Yates, S.Connolly, W.Barrie, J.Black

 

Under 19's Match Report

Old Melburnians        4.0     7.2     7.8     13.12 (90)

Old Haileyburians     3.1     4.2     8.5          9.5 (59)

Goals: J.Paitaridis 4, E.Jones 2, T.Antonis, R.Caddy, P.Paleologos

Best: E.Jones, O.Tilley, Z.Nosiara, J.Blight, F.Gregor, J.Waring