Old Xaverians headed 3 hours north to Wangaratta's Cathedral College for their first pre-season hitout. Over 50 players pulled on the red and black for an entertaining eight quarters against the Ovens and Murray League's reigning champions Wangaratta Rovers.

Dan Richardson's squad took the field in sunny but calm conditions, boasting many young graduates of the U19 and Thirds programs. The home town team moved the ball well with strong running and sharp foot skills but the Xaverians worked hard in the clinches to land an early advantage despite hitting the tall uprights three times in as many minutes.

Rovers were more accurate, taking most of their shots from very close range, and kept pace until the second half. Then, with the stage set, Ted Kennedy emerged from this summer vacation. The Senator took over in the air, Will MacIsaac sparked several scores and the visitors took the contest by around four goals against a young and willing squad who finshed second last year.

Will Bowen played his first game since dominating the U19 Grand Final in 2023, and showed plenty early before tiring. Older stagers Charlie Holmes and Hugh Basset did plenty through the midfield, and Darcy Feutrill was hard at it, as usual. Alby Hewitt looked a likely type as did a number of others playing in this company for the first time.

The major downside was a bad hamstring injury to Rory Calvert.

Dan Donati's team faced a team playing its third and final practice game before its Good Friday opener against its across-the-road rivals Wangaratta Magpies.

Xavs looked on song early but could not convert its opportunities and the Rovers established a narrow scoreboard ascendancy they would hold until the final term. As in the early game, the home team resisted taking difficult shots and their sharp skills saw them lead by a couple of goals for much of the game. The Red 'n' Blacks used the spaces on the big ground while Wang moved well through the corridor until the visitors turned up the pressure.

Midway through the final term, the X-Men hit the front, but Rovers regained the lead minutes later. But the visitors goaled again and held out with some furious battling to finish with their noses in front.

The final result won't deliver premiership points, as coach Donati had told his team, but the fight they showed to win it regardless will give supporters plenty of heart. So too, the performance of plenty of its players. VFL-listed players Alwyn Davey and Stirling Phipps-Parsons were notable when the heat was on, while big Al Spralja gave plenty in the ruck all afternoon. Skippers Campbell Lane and Marcus Stavrou were dynamic performers until the latter had his nose broken in an ugly (but likely accidental) marking attempt. Jack Whitehead looked solid at the back, and Sammy Hansen showed repeated relish for the contest. The large squad prevented all players from having the gametime they might have liked, but all should be happy with their first time pulling on the boots after a summer of sneakers.

After the game, the visitors headed for the picturesque Rovers' home ground and its excellent social facility to enjoy some country hospitality. There was plenty of talk about rekindling this friendly rivalry in the 2027 pre-season. But that is for another day.

Next week will see the Red 'n' Blacks clash with Old Melburnians, this year to be coached by old friend James Byrne. After Easter, another old friend Paul Satterley will bring his Caulfield team to Toorak Park. And then, a week later, it's Opening Day at TH King, for another much-awaited clash with SKOB.

(Pics to come)

‍