APS Football – Two undefeated bayside rivals go head-to-head in a classic

There was a huge build up to the 1st XVIII Football game between the undefeated Brighton Grammar and Haileybury College.

The day began with constant drizzle, a strong wind, and arctic temperatures. It was going to be a tight, contested tussle. By the time of the first bounce, spectators surrounded every nook and cranny of the Crowther Oval to get a view of the game. Brighton’s student supporters were positioned at the Rosstrevor end of the ground, while Haileybury supporters were down the Mitchell Oval end.

The first half was an absolute arm wrestle, with both teams set up so well structurally and the conditions making it challenging to score. Brighton kicked the only goal of the first half and went in 4 points ahead (1.2.8 to 0.4.4). The message was simple from coach McPhee – continue to win the football around the source, gain territory, and press the ground, which in turn would give Brighton good opportunities to score and make it difficult for Haileybury to score.

Haileybury came out strongly after the halftime break and was able to put some scoreboard pressure on, kicking 4 goals to 1 for the quarter and going in 10 points in front at the final break (4.5.29 to 2.7.19). There was some lack of concentration and breakdown in structures that resulted in Haileybury goals, which frustrated the Brighton coaching staff. Brighton knew if they could tidy up a few small areas, they could challenge Haileybury in the final quarter.

The last term was on for young and old, with every spectator in attendance riding every bump and contest. Haileybury got out to a 15-point lead 7 minutes into the final quarter and some thought Brighton was on the canvas. To Brighton’s credit, they responded quickly with a goal from centre bounce and the belief was back. Brighton surged the ball forward, time and time again, kicking another goal.

Some missed opportunities in front of goal late in the game resulted in scores being tied with 5 minutes to play. Just as the huge crowd thought that the game could result in a tie, Brighton was able to switch the ball out of their defence and kick the ball long to centre half-forward where Luke Trainor took a magnificent mark on the 40m logo. You could hear a hush over the ground as he took his long shot on goal, missing to the left-hand side.

Brighton was a point up with 2 minutes to play. During the last 2 minutes of the game, there were several contests that could have gone either way, with both teams putting their bodies on the line, trying everything to get their teams across the line. The final play saw the ball thrown in on Brighton’s half-back flank and the siren sounded. Euphoria for Brighton, devastation for Haileybury. The Tonner Army charged for the 22 players to celebrate!

It is a game that will go down in history and be remembered forever by those who were in attendance.

Brighton still needs to beat St Kevin’s (away) and Geelong Grammar (home) in the final two fixtures to take out the APS Premiership outright.

Jack Joslin
Director of Sport