Round 12 Match Review, 2026
Senior Men's Match Report
Old Haileyburians 3.4 7.6 11.7 16.13 (109)
Old Trinity 4.5 8.6 13.10 15.14 (104)
Goals: C.Harrop 5, J.Chilcott 3, K.Mountford 2, H.Nosiara 2, J.Kennedy, B.Seccull, D.Seccull, M.Sievers
Best: B.Seccull, H.Nosiara, J.Chilcott, C.Harrop, M.Kirkwood-Scott, D.Seccull
Milestone: Will Barrie (50 games)
Debut in 1sts: Sam James
The Bloods produced one of their most courageous victories of the season on Saturday, storming home with a brilliant final-quarter comeback to defeat Old Trinity by five points in a thrilling contest at Princes Park. After trailing at every change, Old Haileyburians found another gear when it mattered most, overturning a 15-point three-quarter-time deficit to secure a win that could prove crucial in the race to avoid relegation.
The visitors controlled much of the opening quarter, but the Bloods remained within striking distance thanks to their ability to limit the damage on the scoreboard, trailing by just seven points at the first break. The second term was a fierce, physical affair, with both sides throwing themselves into the contest. Old Haileyburians' pressure around the ball was outstanding, and four goals apiece for the quarter meant the margin remained just six points at half-time.
The third quarter saw the Bloods challenged again as the opposition stretched the lead to 20 points before a determined response kept the game alive. Two late goals ensured Old Haileyburians entered the final term only 15 points adrift and believing the contest was still there to be won.
That belief turned into action in a remarkable final quarter. Charlie Harrop was simply unstoppable after moving forward, kicking four final-term goals in a match-winning display. His brother, Archer Harrop sparked the comeback before Jack Kennedy added another, and suddenly the Bloods had surged into the lead. Charlie then continued to terrorise the opposition defence with a best on ground performance, finishing with five goals for the afternoon, while relentless forward pressure and composure in the closing stages ensured the Bloods held on despite a desperate late challenge.
Brede Seccull was immense through the midfield, Hugo Nosiara battled through heavy attention to finish with 22 disposals, and Mitch Kirkwood-Scott was once again outstanding across half-back with 29 disposals. The victory sees the Bloods leapfrog their
opponents on the ladder on percentage and provides enormous belief heading into a daunting run home against the competition's top sides. If Saturday's fighting spirit is any indication, this group will relish the challenge.
How the VAFA saw the match:
The afternoon’s other thriller was at Princes Park as Old Haileyburians came from 15 points down at three-quarter time to steal a crucial 5-point win over Old Trinity in what may prove to be a hugely consequential result come season’s end. The T’s led at all of the first three changes. They owned the Sherrin in the opening term (103 Disposals to 56), but as we’ve often seen this year, didn’t convert that weight of possession into an enormous territorial advantage (16 Inside 50s to 12). But they did enough to kick 4.5 to 3.4 and lead by seven points at the first break.
It was more like ‘joint custody’ of the football in the second term as Old Haileyburians evened up the inside numbers, continued their tackling dominance and got their own uncontested game going in what was developing into a passionate, heated encounter with both sides prepared to fly the flag for teammates they perceived to be receiving undue treatment. Four goals apiece was the end result of an entertaining second quarter, with the T’s heading to half-time with a hard-fought six point lead.
The game opened up into some free-flowing football in the third term, and it was Trinity largely controlling proceedings on the outside. They booted three goals in nine minutes to open up a 20-point lead midway through the term, before the Bloods responded with a couple of crucial goals to keep in touch. The T’s then kicked a couple more of their own, and at three-quarter time, it was the visitors holding a handy 15-point advantage.
But we’ve seen Old Haileyburians rally late in front of their home crowd numerous times this season, and so they did again. It took a while in coming, with Archie Harrop booting the first goal of the final term eleven minutes in to close the gap to one straight kick. Jack Kennedy and Charlie Harrop (who swung forward after being on-ball most of the day) then added back-to-back goals a short time later, and suddenly it was the Bloods by seven points and Old Trinity on the ropes.
But credit to the T’s, who didn’t drop their heads and kept on fighting, with Lachie Mulcahy pulling down a big contested mark on the goal-line to make it a one point game at the 19-minute mark, before Hugo Nosiara hit Charlie Harrop on the lead two minutes later to restore the Bloods’ seven point lead. Harrop then applied manic forward pressure four minutes later to pounce on the spillage and dribble it through from point-blank range to give him his fourth goal for the final quarter, making it a two goal game, and allowing the Bloods to enter management mode.
Old Trinity threw everything at them late and were rewarded with an out-on-the-full call after a desperate scrambling play saw the ball ricochet off a Bloods defender in the left forward pocket. With 31 minutes on the clock and no time to waste, Jack Hindson stepped around and bent through a superb goal to make it a four point game once again. The final 90 seconds were desperate, but in the end, it was Old Haileyburians managing to hang on and score a vital five point win that sees them leapfrog Old Trinity out of the drop zone. The pair are now level on 16 points, with the Bloods 8.69% ahead.
Brede Seccull was superb for the Bloods, finishing with 28 disposals, 15 tackles, ten clearances, 12 Inside 50s and a goal, while Hugo Nosiara worked through the tight-checking he received to collect 22 touches, seven tackles, five clearances, eight Inside 50s and two goals. Mitch Kirkwood-Scott had a ton of football down back as always, with 29 disposals, 10 marks and 12 Rebounds, while Charlie Harrop’s five goals proved to be a match-winning contribution.
It was an even more critical victory for Old Haileybury when you consider their run home includes match-ups against ALL of the Top 4 teams, while Old Trinity are left to rue another missed opportunity, but have a road home that only includes two Top 4 sides (Old Brighton next week, and St Kevin’s in Round 17).
Guy Martyn (Old Haileyburians): “A really pleasing win, no doubt one of our better ones for the year. We had eight changes from the side before the bye, and also had eight Under 19s playing, so to come from behind and win a close game with that much change and inexperience was a huge effort. It was important for this season, but also really encouraging for the future. Hopefully, a lot of these young players form the nucleus of the group over the coming years, so it’s great to see them contributing to a win.
“Charlie Harrop was outstanding. He spent most of the day around the ball before we swung him to full forward in the last quarter, where he kicked four goals and really turned the game. Durras Seccull was influential again at both ends with his intercept marking, while Brede Seccull, Hugo Nosiara and Max Sievers did a mountain of work through the midfield.
“It was important to start the last block of the season with a win. We needed it. We’ve been competitive in all but one game this year, but probably haven’t won as many close ones as we would have liked. So to be on the right side of one was really pleasing. Hopefully, it gives the group some confidence heading into the final few rounds.”
For full pictorial coverage of the Seniors' match against Old Trinity go to the Gallery
Hearts Match Report
Old Haileyburians 2.1 3.1 5.3 5.7 (37)
Prahran/Collegians 1.0 1.1 3.2 4.2 (26)
Goals: S.Allan, R.Barbakas, G.Folwell, L.Guestella, I.Nazaretian
Best: L.Guestella, P.Daniel-Reid, M.Nailon, R.Hartney, G.Folwell, S.Allan
Debuts: Bella Cunnington, Sophie Fitchett, Meg Nailon
Despite missing a host of players due to university holidays and injuries, the Hearts produced another impressive team performance to defeat fourth-placed Collegians and continue their outstanding season. On paper, it had all the makings of a danger game. Collegians entered the match sitting fourth on the ladder and were eager to claim a major scalp. However, from the opening bounce, the Hearts showed they had no intention of letting that happen.
Old Haileyburians dominated the territory battle early, repeatedly driving the ball inside 50 and applying relentless forward pressure to lock it in their attacking half. Their hard work was rewarded with first-quarter goals to Izzy Nazaretian and Reanna Barbakus, giving the Hearts early scoreboard control. With four debutants wearing the magenta and black for the first time, there was plenty of youthful enthusiasm on display. Year 12 students Pearl Daniel-Reid and Meg Nailon looked right at home at senior level, both making significant contributions in important moments, while Bella Cunnington and Sophie Fitchett also embraced their opportunities and added valuable energy around the ground.
The Hearts' defence was once again a pillar of strength. Leesa Guastella and Ruby Hartney continually launched attacks from half-back with their composure and drive, while Gypsy Folwell worked tirelessly in attack, presenting strongly all day against taller opponents. With several key absentees, Ciara Scahill was asked to play a crucial tall defensive role despite conceding height, and she competed magnificently. Alongside her, Lexie Connell played with her trademark determination, giving her opponent little opportunity to influence the contest. The victory was made even more special as the four debutants joined the team in singing the club song with plenty of passion after the game—a moment they won't forget.
The win sees the Hearts remain equal on top of the Division 3 ladder alongside Parkdale and Hawthorn with10 wins apiece. This weekend presents a massive top-of-the-table clash against Parkdale. Despite continuing to battle injuries and player absences, the Hearts have shown all season that they thrive on adversity and will head into the contest ready to embrace the challenge.
How the VAFA saw the match:
A fast start from Old Haileyburians set them up well against Prahran/Collegians as they looked to keep their spot at second on the ladder.
With a two-goal lead at the half, the game was there for the taking, however, even with Prahran/Collegians kicking two goals of their own, they couldn’t stop the Hearts from continuing to score. Prahran/Collegians lifted in the last, keeping the Hearts goalless, but couldn’t close the gap, with Old Haileyburians taking away an 11-point victory. This week’s matches see first place Parkdale face second place Old Haileyburians in a clash that will decide first place coming into the later part of the season.
Men's Reserves Match Report
Old Haileyburians 2.3 4.3 5.6 7.8 (50)
Old Trinity 3.2 7.5 8.8 10.11 (71)
Goals: S.Marshall 2, A.Bonwick, J.Gown, B.Oakes, A.Prokupets, S.Stefanakis
Best: A.Bonwick, Matthew Cowell, J.Gown, A.Prokupets, S.Stefanakis, S.Connolly
Milestone: Anthony Wright (50 games)
Debuts: Tait Colee, Paddy Linday
Under 19's Match Report
Old Haileyburians 0.4 1.8 8.11 10.13 (73)
Hampton Rovers 4.2 7.7 8.9 13.13 (91)
Goals: B.Woodman 3, S.Sacrison 3, O.Bailey, K.Bala Manage, T.Carty, W.Hardeman
Best: L.Leo, S.Herman, J.Cassidy, T.Hendrie, O.Bailey, B.Woodman