Back On The Winners List
After a tough loss the week prior, St Bernard’s hit the road with a point to prove, taking on Collegians at their home fortress, Harry Trott Oval.
The weather didn’t disappoint, and neither did the quality of football on the day, with both teams producing strong passages of play. Collegians kicked the first two goals, but St Bernard’s came out with intent, bringing manic pressure that quickly swung the momentum. The boys were fierce around the contest, moved the ball efficiently, and were rewarded on the scoreboard by kicking the next five majors.
As expected, Collegians weren’t going to lie down easily. They brought intensity and won key battles around the ground. The game remained tense, with neither team able to break clear and establish a decisive lead. Karan Bharathi and Lachy Papley led the way up forward, applying suffocating pressure and forcing turnovers that kept the ball locked in our attacking half for long stretches.
Despite mounting pressure, St Bernard’s refused to let the game slip. Our defensive unit held strong, ensuring the Collegians’ forwards couldn’t gain too much momentum, while the midfield dug deep to win crucial clearances. In our forward line, Matthew Watson was a dominant presence, clunking marks in the 50 and finishing with five goals. Ben Huggard also stood out, having a major impact across the ground and booting three goals.
Heading into the final term, Bernard’s trailed by two points and were kicking against the wind. But with experience in tight games, the boys switched into gear, continuing to attack and capitalise on every opportunity. The match built to a dramatic crescendo, with Bernard’s clinging to a one-point lead and the game still up for grabs.
It was in these dying moments that Luke Di Lizio took a gutsy contested mark, flying back with courage into the pack. Cool under pressure, he calmly slotted the set shot to put St Bernard’s ahead by seven points — a moment that sealed a hard-fought and memorable win.
The boys held firm in the final moments to secure a gutsy victory against a top opponent. It was a performance full of character, resilience, and belief — the kind of win that builds serious momentum heading deeper into the season.
COLLEGIANS 5.5 8.6 11.9 13.12 (90)
ST BERNARD’S 6.5 8.5 11.6 15.7 (97)
GOALS
Collegians: A. Lukic 4, K. George 3, D. Thomas 2, H. Anderson 1, J. Carroll 1, C. Brennan 1, L. McCleary 1
St Bernard’s: M. Watson 5, B. Huggard 3, M. Holland 2, L. Di Lizio 2, O. Liberatore 1, D. Sullivan 1, C. Vague 1
BEST
Collegians: J. McGuiness, M. Pinchbeck, K. George, J. Walker, D. Thomas, A. Lukic
St Bernard’s: M. Watson, K. Bharathi, H. Schumann, L. Said, M. Hughes, B. Huggard
Next week, we return home to the Snakepit to face Old Xavs, who are coming off an impressive win against the reigning premiers. With the Ladies Day Luncheon sold out, it’s set to be a fantastic afternoon — and hopefully another strong showing from the boys.
Written by Hannah Juricskay
