Round 3 Match Review, 2026

 

Senior Men's Match Report

Old Haileyburians     4.0     6.2     8.3       8.3 (51)

Old Brighton              0.1     4.5     9.9     15.9 (99)

Goals: C.Goonewardene  2, H.Nosiara 2, J.Blight, J.Chilcott, F.Gregor, B.Yates

Best: H.Nosiara, N.Conway, B.Findlay, J.Chilcott, N.Higgins, B.Seccull

Debut in 1sts: Lucas Hornblower

 

We faced a challenging afternoon at home, suffering a 47-point defeat against Old Brighton in a game that tested our resolve. While the final score was tough to swallow, individual efforts shone through, with Hugo Nosiara kicking two crucial goals in a fiery first quarter. Our opponents’ efficiency and relentless pressure after the initial term ultimately saw them control the ball for longer periods. This difficult result reminds the team of the work ahead, and we are determined to address our weaknesses.

The team exploded out of the blocks in the first quarter, showing incredible intensity and skill to build a solid 25-point lead, much to the delight of our home crowd. We totally dominated the clearances with thirteen to Old Brighton's seven, controlling the midfield battle in that term. However, the boys continued to battle hard in the second term, absorbing pressure from Old Brighton as they started to surge back. At half-time, Old Haileyburians clung to a  ten point lead, a testament to our early fight.

Unfortunately, the third quarter saw Old Brighton gain significant momentum, systematically reducing our lead, and by three-quarter time, they had established an  eleven point lead over the Bloods. The team struggled to regain control of the midfield, as our opponents lifted their intensity and made every possession count. In the crucial final quarter, despite efforts from players like Jasper Russell, who collected four strong marks, the side couldn't stem the relentless tide. We ultimately collapsed under the pressure, failing to score a goal while Old Brighton surged with six.

The final scoreboard showed Old Haileyburians 51 to Old Brighton 98, a disappointing end to what began as a promising contest. The disparity in disposals was stark, with the opposition collecting 385 to our 277, highlighting their strong ball movement and control. Despite the significant possession difference, the team showed tremendous fight in the tackle count, laying 67 tackles compared to Old Brighton's 41, demonstrating our commitment. Key contributions included Hugo Nosiara's early two goals, James Connell's four strong marks, and Hugo Lynch also with four marks; we must build on these efforts next week.

How the VAFA saw the match:

Old Brighton extended their winning streak to 11 straight after overcoming an early barrage from Old Haileyburians at Princes Park.  If you weren’t familiar with the league ladder, you could have been excused for believing the Bloods were the undefeated league leaders throughout the first 45 minutes or so of this contest.  They dominated stoppage and capitalised on Old Brighton errors to boot the only four goals of the opening term (all from turnover) to lead by 23 points at quarter time after holding the Tonners to a single point – the third time the reigning champs have been held goalless in a first quarter since Round five last year (with the two previous matches against Old Scotch, including last season’s Grand Final).

Ben Branson dribbled through Old Brighton’s first goal of the day a minute into the second term, but the fightback took a while to build some steam.  Flynn Gregor responded for the Bloods ten minutes later to restore their four goal lead before the Tonners started to build some momentum.  Back-to-back goals to Luke Travers and Charlie Richardson entering time-on provided some reward for effort, and when Ben Pryor marked on his chest two seconds before the half-time siren sounded, his goal reduced Old Brighton’s half-time deficit to just nine points.

The Tonners then upped the ante in the third term, controlling possession (disposals 95-58) and sharing it around effectively. Goals to Goodger and Dick saw them snatch the lead for the first time since midway through the opening term.  Cody Goonewardene grabbed it back temporarily for the Bloods, but three goals in six minutes entering time-on saw the Tonners hold a two goal advantage at the final change.

Any hopes of a blistering Old Haileyburians final quarter as they showcased at home in round one were put to bed early, as the visitors controlled the last term with authority, holding the Bloods scoreless and booting six unanswered goals themselves to blow the final margin out to 48 points – a 71-point turnaround from quarter time.

Luca Macnab continued his scintillating form with 34 disposals for the Tonners, while Max Lohan had 27 and skipper Harry Hill 25.  Jasper Russell was Old Haileybury’s leading ball-winner once again with 24, while Brodie Findlay competed hard in the ruck all afternoon to finish with 19 disposals, 7 marks, 46 hit-outs and a goal.

Guy Martyn (Old Haileyburians): “Old Brighton showed why they’re the best team in the competition. Really strong in the contest (air and ground), they move the ball well with different gears and set up really well defensively. There’s certainly no weakness to try and exploit.

“Obviously, the first half was pleasing. We showed what we’re capable of doing when we play our best footy. But as the game went on against an experienced outfit, we just couldn’t sustain our intensity.  We just need to keep building and developing with this young group. Over the first three rounds, we’ve shown great signs in all facets of the game, but just not all at once or over the entirety of the game.”

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

 

Hearts Match Report

Old Haileyburians                     5.6     5.7     6.10     6.11 (47)

Port Melbourne Chargers 2     0.0     2.1        3.1       4.4 (28)

Goals: T.Baxter 3, J.Bettess, G.Folwell, C.Haydn-Evans

Best: S.Phillips, J.Carty, I.Compton, T.Baxter, E.Main

 

The OHAFC Hearts delivered an outstanding team performance, overcoming a bigger, stronger and more experienced Port Melbourne Chargers outfit to record an impressive 19-point victory.  From the opening bounce, the Hearts set the tone with relentless tackle pressure, grit and desperation, ensuring the breeze had little influence on the contest.

Tess Baxter was electric early, running rampant in the first quarter and providing great drive, while Zahra Clavarino gave the midfield first use with her strong and consistent ruck work. Around the ground, Shay Phillips, along with leaders Jas Bettess and Kate Langford-Jones, set the standard with their attack on the football and composure under pressure.  Across half-back, Jaz Carty, Ivy Compton and Ruby Hartney were outstanding all day, working cohesively to repel repeated opposition entries and rebound the ball with precision and purpose.

When the Chargers lifted their physicality in the second quarter, the Hearts refused to be intimidated, remaining first to the ball and strong over it.  Kicking against the breeze in the final quarter, the Hearts carried out the explicit directions delivered at the three-quarter-time break to defend on the dead side of the ground to concede one goal. These young girls continue to listen and implement all instructions and now find themselves sitting third on the ladder with a strong 2–1 record.

How the VAFA saw the match:

A hot start from Old Haileyburians, with five goals in the first half to two from Port Melbourne, saw immediate pressure applied to the Chargers in their first outing of the year after two forfeits. Ultimately, the five-goal head start proved enough, with the Hearts adding one more goal and running out 19-point winners.

Hearts coach David Lappage highlighted his team’s effort from the first bounce. “(We) set the tone with relentless tackle pressure, grit and desperation, ensuring the breeze had little influence on the contest.” He also mentioned some individual efforts. “Tess Baxter was electric early, running rampant in the first quarter and providing great drive, while Zahra Clavarino gave the midfield first use with her strong and consistent ruck work. Shay Phillips, along with leaders Jas Bettess and Kate Langford-Jones, set the standard with their attack on the football and composure under pressure. Across half-back, Jaz Carty, Ivy Compton and Ruby Hartney were outstanding all day.”

 

Men's Reserves Match Report 

Old Haileyburians     1.3     2.4         3.5          3.7   (25)

Old Brighton              5.2     7.9     12.13     16.17 (113)

Goals: J.Kennedy 2, K.Ta

Best: W.Barrie, E.Hardeman, J.Black, J.Kennedy, R.Seccull, A.Bonwick

Milestone: Ben Oakes (150 games)

Debuts: Tom Hendrie, Lachlan McCurry

 

Under 19's Match Report

Ormond                      0.2     1.3         2.4          3.6   (24)

Old Haileyburians     4.5     8.8     14.13     17.20 (122)

Goals: T.Carty 4, J.Paitaridis 4, W.Hardeman 2, H.Rexhepi 2, C.Wigney 2, J.Chamberlain, N.Law, O.McEwan

Best: L.Jamieson, C.Wigney, J,Cassidy, J.Paitaridis, T.Carty

Debut: Oliver McEwan

 

It was a perfect night for football under lights on Friday as Old Haileyburians Under 19s travelled to Ormond. There was a bit of expectation and excitement around the matchup, with fifth-placed Ormond taking on sixth-placed Old Haileyburians, both sitting at two wins and one loss.

The night started well, with the team bringing heat and pressure right from the opening bounce — something we wanted to make amends for after last week. Will Hardeman seemed to have it on a string early.  At quarter time, Old Haileyburians led 4.5 (29) to Ormond 0.2 (2).

The second quarter was about maintaining the positive start into the half, and the group did just that, keeping Ormond to only four scoring shots for the entire first half. We went into the main break with a 47-point lead.

The second half began much like the first, with plenty of pressure on their ball carriers before the run and dash came off half-back. Oscar Bailey was unstoppable, bounding out of defence. The Bloods were up by 81 points heading into the last quarter.

The final term allowed the coaches to trial a few players in different positions, but once again the team defence stood up, allowing only five scoring shots for the second half.  Final scores Bloods 17.20 (122) defeated Ormond 3.6 (24).

James Paitaridis and Tyson Carty continued their strong form in front of goal, each finishing with four. Luke Jamieson, Charlie Wigney, and Jacob Cassidy were also among the best.