August 1, 2026
TOUGH DAY
Good wins, but some setbacks
A Century of the Red & Black
A Crocs loss was the only setback as the Village continued to prosper.
The Thirds took down Uni Blues at Crawford and regained top spot.
Old Trinity had the better second half to beat the Crocodiles, sending the Reptiles back to second place.
Early arrivals at Toorak Park witnessed one of the more sensational wins in recent club history as the Red 'n' Blacks took the points from the second-placed Tonners.
At half-time, Coach Andrew McLaughlin rued the lost opportunities in the first quarter, and the fade-out in the second, but told his team that their fitness would win the day. At three-quarter time, that view seemed a trifle outdated, as Brighton blew out the margin with seven straight goals.
But while McLaughlin and assistant Sam McClure were providing some tough love in thehuddle, the Wizard of the Whiteboard Richard Curtain was moving the magnets. His masterstroke was reassigning Will "The Unicorn" Troy and calmy telling him to 'just win the contest, and win the game."
And so began the fightback, which ended with Will Sheedy's fifth goal that put the Xavs in front. The X-Men had themselves kicked seven straight in the final term and rarely has there been a louder rendition of the club song.
It's fair to say that the exuberance continued long after the siren, but now it's back to business. Two wins to close the season will mean a home semi-final against these same Tonners.
Old Xaverians boosted finals chances with a solid win over Fitzroy. closing it out with two wins should see them finish fourth, but any slip-up will be costly.
The T-Birds flew again, doubling Old Geelong's score and keeping them firmly in second place. Murray Francis was named the best of a long list of performers and Will Beattie chimed in with seven goals. The Birds must beat Caulfiled and third-placed Fitzroy to secure second spot, but there's no doubt the boys are up to the challenge.
