Round 14 Match Review, 2026
Senior Men's Match Report
Old Haileyburians 4.2 7.4 9.7 13.10 (88)
St Bernard’s OC 3.1 6.4 10.8 13.8 (86)
Goals: B.Seccull 3, J.Bell 2, J.Blight 2, C.Goonewardene 2, H.Nosiara 2, B.Yates 2
Best: B.Seccull, H.Nosiara, J.Bell, B.Findlay, J.Lasscock, O.Hotton
Milestones: Rayner Seccull (150 games), Hugo Nosiara (50 games)
Old Haileyburians recorded a vital two-point victory over St Bernard’s on Saturday in a match that featured enormous momentum swings from start to finish. The Bloods looked set to break the game open on three separate occasions, building 20-point leads in the second, third and fourth quarters. Each time, however, St Bernard’s responded with tremendous resilience, fighting their way back into the contest. After cutting the margin to just a single point late in the game, the visitors threatened to steal victory before Old Haileyburians held their nerve to secure animportant win.
While the result was crucial, one of the most pleasing aspects of the afternoon was the continued development of the club’s emerging talent. Nick Mavropoulos, Lachie Gilliam, Archer Harrop and Joel Lasscock all produced what were arguably their strongest senior performances to date, providing another exciting glimpse into the future of the football club.
Around the contest, Old Haileybury’s engine room laid the foundation for the win. Ruckmen Belly and Brodie Findlay combined superbly to give the midfield first use, while Brede Seccull, Max “Dogga” Sievers, Ollie Hotton and Hugo Nosiara were outstanding around the stoppages. Their dominance at the contest and clearance work ensured the forwards received enough quality supply to post a winning score.
With four rounds remaining, the victory keeps the Bloods moving in the right direction. Three of the next four opponents are currently finals-bound, presenting an excellent opportunity for the group to test itself against some of the competition’s best sides and hopefully claim a significant scalp before the season concludes.
How the VAFA saw the match:
There was another relegation race thriller at Princes Park as Old Haileyburians found a way to hold out a typically determined St Bernard’s in a game that could have gone either way. The numbers suggested there would be little to separate these teams, and so it proved. The Snowdogs were sharp early, booting two goals in the opening four minutes, before the Bloods settled in and responded with two majors of their own to tie things up again ten minutes in. The Bloods were controlling the footy (95-68 Q1 Disposals), but their uncontested marks didn’t translate to territory, with the Snowdogs +3 Inside 50s in the opening term. However, two late goals gave the hosts a narrow advantage, and they headed to the quarter-time huddle with a seven point lead to show for their early efforts – big man Jack Bell with a couple of first-quarter goals.
It was a game seemingly delivering goals in quick succession, and the Bloods kicked 20 points clear when Brede Seccull and Cody Goonewardene capitalised on turnovers to boot two in a hurry. But, sure enough, the Snowdogs responded with a couple of quick ones of their own four minutes later to draw back within single digits, and when Matthew Watson kicked his third at the 27-minute mark, the Snowdogs had worked their way back into the lead by a point. However, Hugo Nosiara provided a clever step and classy finish two minutes later to put the Bloods back in front, and they headed to the major break with a six point lead in a game that felt destined to go down to the wire.
The arm wrestle continued in the third term, with the Bloods striking first via goals to Goonewardene and Bailey Yates to kick 18 points clear once more, only for the Snowdogs to snatch momentum back again, and four goals in seven minutes entering time-on (three of them to veteran Ferg McNicol) saw them recapture the lead and hit the final change with a seven point buffer.
Would the Bloods start stronger in the final term as well? The answer was yes, with the hosts regaining control of the game from inside the contest. They would kick the first four goals of the quarter to rocket past the Snowdogs once again, with Jack Bell’s mark and goal (his third) giving them what felt like a match-winning 19-point lead at the 23-minute mark. But the Dogs simply refused to quit, and this rollercoaster ride still had one last dramatic twist.
Enter spearhead Matthew Watson. St Bernard’s won it out of the middle and found Watson at the top of the goalsquare. He wasted no time in making it a 13-point game. Less than two minutes later, Charlie Vague found Watson on the lead. Another steady kick, and it was a seven point game with 26 minutes gone, as the Snowdogs’ belief returned and the vibe at Princes Park tangibly changed. The Dogs won it from the centre once again and found Watson for a third time. This was the toughest kick, 50 metres out from just inside the boundary at left half-forward. But he flushed the kick, which comfortably sailed through to make it a one point game with 27 minutes gone.
It had been three Matt Watson goals in three minutes, with the Bloods barely touching the ball, and suddenly the Snowdogs were travelling like winners, storming home with all the momentum and at least three minutes left on the clock to find the winner. The Bloods needed to dig in and find a way to regain control. A mark to Jack Kennedy at centre half-back allowed them to switch into ‘game save’ mode and burn some time off the clock with a couple of short uncontested marks as the Dogs scrambled to man everyone up. A long down-the-line kick resulted in a strong contested mark to Brodie Findlay, who, in turn, hit up Jack Bell on the lead within range of goal, on the boundary at left half-forward. Bell went back, took his allotted 30 seconds, and as his set shot sailed goalwards, the final siren sounded, with the resultant behind handing the Bloods a nerve-wracking (and extremely important) two point win.
The ‘Baby Bloods’ could be renamed the ‘Cardiac Kids,’ given that was their FIFTH game decided by five points or less this season! Fortunately for Guy Martyn’s crew, they have won the last three of them – 1pt Caulfield R9, 5pts Old Trinity R12 & now this 2pt win over St Bernard’s in R14. Without those victories, they would be stone motherless last and definitely headed back to Premier B. But their ability to learn from a couple of heartbreaking early season losses (4pt Caulfield R2 & 1pt Blues R6) has kept their heads above water in what’s been a challenging campaign.
This victory has kept them out of the drop zone for at least another week. They currently sit half-a-game ahead of Old Trinity (plus 2.3%), and they’re now a full three games clear of the Snowdogs, who now face a monumental task to avoid relegation. It’s been an agonising stretch for Steve Alessio’s gallant troops, who have kept showing up and fighting hard week after week, but without any premiership points to show for their endeavours. Their losing streak now extends to seven, but includes a four point loss to Old Scotch, a four point loss to Old Xavs, and a two point loss to OId Haileyburians in the past five rounds. Throw in a six point loss to Old Trinity back in Round 4, and the Doggies are 1-4 in games decided by a goal or less this season, and if those four narrow losses had all been wins, they’d be safely clear of the drop zone right now. But there are no points awarded for honourable losses, and as it currently stands, St Bernard’s are three games behind Uni Blacks and Old Haileybury with four to play, and appointments with finalists Uni Blues and Old Brighton to come over the next two weeks.
Brede Seccull continued his fantastic form for Old Haileyburians, collecting 26 disposals (12 contested), 5 clearances, 4 tackles and 3 goals, while Hugo Nosiara was at his creative best with 23 touches, 5 tackles, 7 clearances and a goal. Jack Bell also had a huge influence for the Bloods, with 17 disposals, 7 marks, 3 clearances and 3 goals, while Max Sievers stuffed the stats sheet with 35 disposals (16 contested) and 8 clearances.
It was such a critical win for the Bloods, particularly given their challenging final month, facing three of the top four teams plus the always unpredictable and tricky Uni Blacks in the final round. So, given they’re just half-a-game ahead of Old Trinity, they are far from safe yet! While it’s looking grim for the Snowdogs, who are now three games plus 7% away from safety with four to play. However, as we just noted, the Bloods have got a particularly tricky run home and won’t start favourites in any of those matches.
Guy Martyn (Old Haileyburians): “It was a really interesting game. We managed to build a 20-point lead on three separate occasions across the second, third and final quarters, so it felt like we had the momentum and were getting on top of the game. Full credit to St Bernard’s though; they kept responding every time. They reeled us back in after each break, and in the third quarter, they kicked five unanswered goals to turn a deficit into a handy lead. Even late in the game, they got back to within a point.
“To be able to withstand those momentum swings and still come away with the four points was really pleasing. It was an important win for us and showed some resilience when the game could easily have gone the other way. Brede Seccull was outstanding again with 26 disposals, 3 goals and plenty of clearances and contested possessions. He was really well supported through the midfield by Olli Hotton, Max Sievers and Hugo Nosiara, who gave us a strong engine room all day. Our rucks, Brodie Findlay and Jack Bell, were also influential, with Bell kicking a few important goals.
“We’ve got another huge challenge this week against St Kevin’s. We probably need another win or two before the end of the season, and we’d love to knock off one of the competition’s Top 4 sides. We’ll certainly be giving it everything.”
For full pictorial coverage of the Seniors' match against St Bernard's OC go to the Gallery
Hearts Match Report
Old Haileyburians 1.2 1.5 3.8 6.9 (45)
Hawthorn AFC 1.1 3.1 5.3 5.3 (33)
Goals: T.Baxter 2, G.Folwell 2, K.Langford-Jones (2)
Best: T.Baxter, J.Bettess, G.Folwell, C.Scahill, S.Phillips, I.Compton
The Hearts strengthened their premiership credentials with a thrilling 12-point victory over Hawthorn at Princes Park in a blockbuster clash between second and third on the Division 3 ladder. With so much at stake, the contest had a finals-like intensity from the opening bounce. The first quarter was played at a frantic pace, with fierce pressure from both sides. The Hearts won the territory battle through their relentless attack on the football, forcing repeat forward entries and ensuring the game was played largely in their attacking half.
The second quarter presented a different challenge. Hawthorn's experience began to show as the Hearts' young side found themselves laying tackle after tackle rather than winning first possession. Despite their outstanding defensive effort, Old Haileyburians went into the main break trailing by eight points.
The halftime message was simple: be first to the football and the response was outstanding. The Hearts took control through the midfield, winning the contested ball and dictating the tempo of the game. Although Hawthorn's only two inside 50's for the quarter both resulted in goals, our girls had firmly wrestled back the momentum and looked the more dangerous side heading into the final term.
That momentum exploded in the last quarter. With their superior fitness, energy and relentless pressure, the Hearts ran over the top of their more experienced opponents. The opposition struggled to move the ball with our pressure and the Hearts piled on three unanswered goals to secure a deserved 12-point victory in front of the home crowd. The statistics told the story, with Old Haileyburians recording 15scoring shots to Hawthorn's eight, highlighting their dominance formuch of the afternoon.
Tess Baxter was lively and dangerous in attack, while the return of captain Jas Bettess proved invaluable. She led from the front with her trademark tackling pressure and inspirational leadership. Schoolgirl Meg Nailon continued her remarkable rise, producing a dominant performance in the ruck to give the Hearts' midfield first use all day.
Although the Hearts remain in third position on the ladder, only percentage separates the top three teams, setting the stage for a thrilling finish to the home-and-away season. On the evidence of Saturday's performance, our girls have every reason to believe they can challenge for this year's premiership.
How the VAFA saw the match:
Old Haileyburians has joined the three teams equal on points at the pointy end of the ladder after beating the Hawks in a battle of second versus third. An even first quarter saw the Hearts up by a point at the first break. However, a goalless second quarter from the home side saw the Hawks take an eight-point lead into the half. After a two-goal-apiece third quarter, Hawthorn took a seven point lead into the last quarter. However, the Hearts held the Hawks scoreless in the final quarter, kicking three goals to clinch a 12-point victory.
Old Haileyburians coach David Lappage explained the high-pressure nature of the game. “It was a manic and frantic first quarter with high pressure football. Hawthorn was the first to settle and dominated the second quarter. Emogen Johnson for them was dominating. She’s the best in the comp. Our girls started to get our hands on the ball first in the second half with Tess Baxter and Gypsy Folwell dangerous up forward. Shalyn Phillips put a hold on Johnson’s dominance and with Meg Nailon dominating in the ruck and feed Jas Bettess we were able to run over the top of them.”
Men's Reserves Match Report
Old Haileyburians 0.2 4.4 5.6 6.6 (42)
St Bernard’s OC 6.0 9.2 10.5 14.10 (94)
Goals: S.Stefanakis 2, B.Dann, L.Kirkwood-Scott, L.Riedel, K.Ta
Best: J.Black, M.Cowell, E.Hardeman, J.Connell, C.Bell, S.Marshall
Under 19's Match Report
Old Haileyburians 1.2 5.2 6.2 8.3 (51)
Williamstown CYMS 1.3 3.8 8.9 10.12 (72)
Goals: B.Woodman 2, T.Carty, W.Hardeman, J.McNamara, O.Murphy, J.Paitaridis, J.Waring
Best: E.Jones, J.Cassidy, B.Woodman, J.Waring, J.Paitaridis, L.Jamieson
This week our Under 19s took on Williamstown for the third time this season. The last time we met, Old Haileybury came away with a 12-point win in a top-of-the-table clash back in Round 9. On a cold morning, the boys were ready to go, boosted by the return of several players from injury and holidays. It was a tight opening quarter, with Old Haileybury trailing by just one poin tat the first break. We made the most of our opportunities in the second quarter and defended strongly, forcing Williamstown into difficult shots. That effort saw us take a six-point lead into half-time.
Williamstown responded after the main break, taking advantage of the scoring end and capitalising on their chances. They opened up a 19-point lead heading into the final quarter. Fatigue began to set in during the last term, but the boys never gave up. They continued to fight hard until the final siren, eventually going down by 21 points. It has been a challenging stretch with so many Under 19's playing senior football, but the team is determined to bounce back this Friday night when we take on St Bede's under lights in Mentone.