Hope Turns Heartbreak at the Snakepit

After breathing new life into their season with a remarkable victory over league leading University Blues the previous week, St Bernard’s entered the clash with reigning premiers Old Brighton knowing another upset would keep their fight for survival alive. 

Despite the spirited and fiercely competitive performance, St Bernard’s just fell short. 

Old Brighton claimed a 10.17 (77) to 10.7 (67) victory, with the result confirming that St Bernard’s will return to Premier B in 2027. 

It is a difficult pill to swallow for a group that has spent much of the past two seasons fighting desperately to maintain their place in the VAFAs top division and after the game being so close for majority of Saturday's contest, this one hurt.  

St Bernard's had already gone within five points of University Blacks at three quarter time, lead Old Xaverians for much of the day before falling by four points, and then surrendering a final quarter lead to lose to Old Haileybury by just two points. Being so close for so many weeks meant that the Snowdogs had begun to build genuine momentum. 

The momentum finally translated into consecutive victories over Caulfield Grammarians and University Blues. 

Coach Steve Alessio had repeatedly spoken about the importance of effort and belief, and his players had responded accordingly. 

The challenge against Old Brighton was another enormous one, but there was a sense that the Snake Pit could once again provide the stage for something special. 

St Bernard’s supporters turned up, ready to make their voices heard and create an atmosphere fitting of the occasion and the boys gave them every reason to believe. 

The Snowdogs matched Old Brighton's intensity from the opening bounce however with some inconsistencies in front of goal, it meant even with equal scoring opportunities, St Bernard's were 15 points down at quarter time. The contest remained tight with St Bernard's refusing to allow the Tonners to establish the fast free flowing game that has made them such a dangerous side. 

In the second quarter St Bernard’s were able to capitalise on their possessions and be rewarded on the scoreboard, taking the lead into half time. 

After the main break, St Bernard’s extended their lead and kept Old Brighton goalless. That is when the genuine belief that the win was possible really sank in. However, close games had been a constant this season and ensuring the players can make the most of the big moments. It all was going to come down to the last quarter. 

Old Brighton dominated the final term and eventually recorded the 10 point victory and ended St Bernard’s hope of escaping relegation. Despite the result, the Snowdogs once again showed the fight that has defined their season. 

The Overman brothers were again enormously important, bringing their trademark competitiveness and skill level into the content, ensuring Old Brighton was made to work for every goal. 

Harrison Schumann used the space of the wing exceptionally well, providing important run and connection for St Bernard's throughout the afternoon. 

Forward Ferg McNicol also stood tall, using his height to present as a dangerous target and kicking three important goals and Luke Di Lizio embodied the combative nature of the performance, attacking the contest with strength and intent as has continued to fight until the final siren. 

For much of the afternoon, St Bernard’s were right there. Every element of the game carried enormous significance and even after giving themselves every chance, they could not hold on to keep their survival hopes alive. 

Premier B awaits, the loss means there is now no hope escaping relegation for next year.

However for now, St Bernard's have one last chance to leave a mark in 2026. With one game remaining in 2026 it gives the playing group an opportunity. One final chance to reward the supporters who have stood behind the club throughout a long and challenging season. One final chance to leave Premier A football in a way that reflects exactly what this group wants to be remembered for and how they will return. 

This Saturday against Old Trinity, they have the ability to produce one more performance built on the qualities that have emerged so strongly throughout the back half of the season, effort, courage and belief. 

 

SCORES
St Bernard’s 1.4 10 7.6 48 10.7 67 10.7 67 

Old Brighton 4.1 25 6.4 40 6.9 45 10.17 77

BEST
St Bernard’s Ben Overman, Harrison Schumann, Luke Said, Fergus McNicol, Zac Overman, Luke Di Lizio

Old Brighton Sam Linder, Luca Macnab, Oliver Goodger, Felix Flockart, Thomas Burnell, James Hope

GOALS
St Bernard’s F. McNicol 3, L. Di Lizio 2, M. Watson 2, A. Belci, L. Papley, L. Said 

Old Brighton T. Burnell 2, F. Campigli 2, J. Hope 2, H. Dick, S. Flockart, C. Richardson, J. Segar

Written by Hannah Juricskay

Images by @capturedbybrigette