Round 4 Match Review, 2026

 

Senior Men's Match Report

Old Haileyburians     3.2     9.4     13.7      19.10 (124)

Old Scotch                 5.2     7.4      7.11     11.15   (81)

Goals: F.Gregor 4, J.Bell 2, N.Conway 2, B.Findlay 2, C.Harrop 2, N.Higgins 2, B.Seccull 2, B.Yates 2, L.Giliam

Best: N.Conway, F.Gregor, B.Seccull, J.Bell, J.Connell, H.Lynch

 

How the VAFA saw the match:

 

Old Haileyburians collected a vital 4 premiership points with what turned out to be a comprehensive victory over Old Scotch at Princes Park.  The Bloods struck first through Jack Bell, before the Cardinals clicked into gear and booted the next four goals, including three in two-and-a-half minutes to suggest that last year’s runners-up were switched on and ready to blitz.  The hosts pulled a couple back, but the Cards were more efficient up forward early and led by two goals at the first break despite having five fewer Inside 50s for the quarter.

Flynn Gregor was looking dangerous for the Bloods, and his second goal brought the margin back within a kick as Old Haileyburians started to take control.  Suddenly they were looking more threatening up front as they added five goals to one in a 19-minute patch that saw them convert an 11-point deficit into a 14-point lead.  Old Scotch found a steadier through Cooper Lean, but a crafty snap from Noah Higgins bounced through and gave the Bloods a 12-point half-time lead.

Bailey Yates and Lachie Giliam added two more early in the third term for Old Haileyburians, as the hosts made their move. They held the Cardinals goalless for the quarter while adding four themselves in an impressive display that saw them head to the final huddle with a handy 32-point lead.

Any thoughts of a Cardinals comeback were quickly snuffed out when Noah Higgins pounced on a loose defensive kick and slotted a goal from 45 metres out in the opening minute of the last term.  From there, the Bloods were never headed. They booted the first four goals of the final term to lead by as much as 55 points, before the Cardinals responded with four of their own late.  But the damage was well and truly done – Old Haileyburians home in the end by 43 points to square their season at 2-2 and remain within a game of the Top Four, while the Cardinals slip a game further back at 1-3.

Brede Seccull was awarded the SKINS Player of the Game for his 27 disposals (12 contested), eight tackles, 11 clearances, eight Inside 50s and two goals.  Ned Conway was also outstanding with 26 possessions and two goals of his own, while Max Sievers was busy all day, finishing with 30 disposals, eight tackles and ten clearances for the Bloods. Flynn Gregor had 18 touches, four goals and a backflip celebration!

What a fascinating game next week as Old Haileyburians head to Old Trinity – the League’s two most recent Premier B champions both on a winning streak, colliding head-to-head.

Guy Martyn (Old Haileyburians): “We were able to execute some things we spoke about, and trained during the week on both sides of the ball. Our intent in defence was much better, and we got the balance of our ball use much more effective. We surged/were direct when we needed to be but then had the composure to control at right times.  

“I was really happy with how we defended and stopped Scotch in the way they like to play. We all know how dangerous Scotch can be if given the time and space to execute their game plan. For the most part, we defended well enough to stop this, and then in turn, could score off turnover.

“After a performance like this, it’s easy to reel off half the team for a shoutout, but it was pleasing to see our two VAFA Rep Squad members (our third one didn’t play on Saturday) justify their inclusions – Brede Seccull and Ned Conway. Brede was influential in the middle of the ground with his leadership and contested ball. While Ned worked his backside off to help out in defence, as well as hitting the scoreboard.

“A big focus this year is putting together consecutive weeks of good performances. We were poor after our Round 1 victory, so there will be a real emphasis on not getting ahead of ourselves this week and trying to win two games in a row.”

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

 

Hearts Match Report

Old Haileyburians     0.2     1.4     3.9     5.13 (43)

Hawthorn AFC          0.0     0.3     0.4        0.5   (5)

Goals: R.Barbakas, T.Baxter, J.Carty, G.Folwell, I.Nazaretian

Best: I.Compton, S.Phillips, R.Hartney, C.Scahill, L.Connell, C.Irving

Debut: Emma Middleton

 

How the VAFA saw the match:

Old Haileyburians knocked off the second-placed Hawks with ease.  The Hearts were great both defensively and offensively taking advantage of their opportunities keeping the Hawks goalless for the game and kicking five of their own.  The result shows the Hearts can be a real force this year in Division 3.

Hawthorn coach Aaron Miller admitted they were outclassed by the Hearts. “Haileybury was too strong in the contest for (us) yesterday, not giving us any time or space. After losing two players in the first quarter to injury, the Hawks’ girls really fought hard considering we had very little rotations. We’ll go back to training and work on a few things and hopefully turn it around next week.”

 

Men's Reserves Match Report 

Old Haileyburians     0.1       1.1       2.2         3.2   (20)

Old Scotch                 2.2     10.8     13.7     16.11 (107)

Goals: Matthew Cowell, O.Murphy, S.Stefanakis

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

 

Under 19's Match Report

Old Haileyburians                     2.4     3.5     5.10     7.12 (54)

St Bede’s/Mentone Tigers 2     0.2     2.5       3.7       5.7 (37)

Goals: N.Law 3, H.Rexhepi 2, A.Adams, W.Hardeman

Best: O.Letham, H.Rexhepi, J.Chamberlain, J.Waring, E.Jones, A.Adams

Debuts: Charlie Paynter, Myles Riedel

 

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.