VAFA: Old Ivanhoe midfield lays claim to one of local footy’s best

The Hoers opened their VAFA Premier B season with a 43-point win over Caulfield Grammarians to reaffirm their status as a flag contender.

But the numbers behind the win showed a dominant performance.

Ex-Western Bulldog Toby McLean was best afield with 40 disposals, Patrick Naish, who returned after a year, away had 34 disposals and kicked a goal. Two-time reigning league best-and-fairest Billy Murphy had 33 and kicked three majors.

Former Carlton ruckman Alex Mirkov in his first game back had 38 hit-outs, 16 disposals and booted three goals.

“They’re really starting to develop as a group, their understanding is only getting better,” Gieschen said.

“Alex is back after time with Carlton, we’ve got a relationship and he wanted to come home. He was dominant at centre bounce and had a big influence around the ground.

“Toby McLean is a fantastic person and brings a lot of quality to our side. Billy Murphy is a star in his own right winning the last two league medals.”

There was plenty of excitement for the Naish family on Saturday not only with Pat’s return as his younger brother, Charlie, made his senior debut.

Charlie is a former Ivanhoe Grammar footy captain while Xavier — the third sibling — is the current assistant coach after retiring.

Chris, the boys’ father, presented Charlie with his playing jumper.

“They are great Ivanhoe people,” Gieschen said.

“We’ve been really focused on bringing Ivanhoe people back to the footy club. Charlie has come back from Wangaratta with Pat this year.

“We have a lot of activities with the school and if the school boys are available, we will pick them.

“It’s about ensuring they feel familiar with the environment when they’re ready to come into the program.”

The Hoers now turn their attention to a clash with the promoted Old Carey who stunned Old Melburnians.

“They’ve got a lot of talent, an elite footy program,” Gieschen said.

“It appears the competition has already improved a lot.”

OLD HAILEYBURY ARRIVE WITH A BANG

After winning Premier B last season, Old Haileybury were expected to be a quality outfit on their top tier return. They delivered an almighty statement in round one with a 74-point win over Collegians. The Bloods finished with a romp, kicking 10 goals to two in the final term to run out massive winners. Former Saint Olli Hotton impressed to be named in the best while Jack Bell was a star. Harrison Jones, Hugo Nosiara, Andreas Stefanakis and Lachlan Vaughan kicked three apiece. Bell finished with a whopping 205 ranking points.

OMINOUS SIGNS FROM OLD XAVS

Old Xaverians recorded a 129-point thumping of promoted De La Salle to start the season with Dan Donati’s new look midfield making an immediate impression. Campbell Lane, Sam Fisher and Marcus Stavrou were all named in the best as Xavs kicked 28 goals. Ed Delany, Charlie Knott, Charlie MacIsaac and Stirling Phipps-Parsons kicked four each. Lane had 41 disposals and 183 ranking points.

The news has only got better for Donati’s side in the days following the game with former Sydney star Josh Kennedy registering for the 2025 season. Kennedy is part of Xavier College alumni and last played a game of footy in 2023 when he took part in the Carlton Draft. He retired at the end of the 2022 season.

OLD CAMBERWELL WINS A THRILLER

Old Camberwell was able to hold off a last quarter fightback from Old Trinity to secure a one-point win. Trailing by 41 points at the final break, Old Trinity booted seven goals to one in the fourth. David McColl was best afield for the Wellers after finishing with 18 disposals. James Allen and Ben Hart had 28 apiece.

YOUNG FORWARD’S HUGE DAY

Williamstown CYMS young forward Zach Provest has made a stunning start to the season with eight goals. Provest kicked 27 in 18 games last season and looks to have taken another step forward with his development. Will Chan was named best for the CYs. Provest also had 28 disposals while Will Bokma had a game-high 38.

TIGERS RECRUITS STAR

St Bede’s-Mentone would have been happy with what its recruits produced in the opening game of the season. Dan and Tom Garside were both named in the best following the four-point win over Beaumaris after returning from a stint at Euroa last season. Young gun Xavier Russo was impressive while rising star Jack Behnk booted four.

Originally published as VAFA: Old Ivanhoe midfield lays claim to one of local footy’s best