SNOWDOGS KEEP A-GRADE HOPES ALIVE
On Saturday, St Bernard’s stormed onto the Snakepit in a do-or-die clash against Old Haileybury, knowing their 2026 A Grade campaign was hanging in the balance. The air was thick with tension. Both sides had everything to play for — the Bloods chasing a finals berth, the Snowdogs fighting for survival. It was billed as a blockbuster, and it delivered in spades.
From the first bounce, the Dogs showed their intent. Skipper Mitch Hughes lit the spark, crashing through a pack and snapping truly from the pocket to get the Snakepit rocking. The contest was fiery, bodies flying, voices raised. In the middle, Matt Sauro was colossal — dominating the ruck, giving his mids silver service, then hunting the footy himself to keep the heat on Old Haileybury.
The second term saw the Bloods bite back, but their wayward kicking kept the Snowdogs in charge. At the half, a four-goal buffer was the reward for relentless team-first footy.
Then came the knockout blows. Hughes willed himself into contest after contest, while the Schumann brothers were everywhere — Ethan racking up 28 disposals and Harry burning the wings with tireless run. Up forward, Matt Watson (3 goals) was a constant tower of strength, Luke Said (4 goals) was electric with his pressure and finishing, and Nick Tonge (3 goals) cashed in with class.
But it was down back where the cult hero emerged. Harrison Fuller put on a defensive masterclass — spoils, tackles, sheer desperation. And when he drifted forward to kick his first-ever senior goal, the Snakepit erupted. His teammates swarmed him. The crowd went wild. A moment to remember.
By the last quarter, the Dogs were in full flight. Wave after wave of forward entries crushed Old Haileybury’s resistance, the scoreboard surging as the Snowdogs stormed home. It was the complete performance — every man, every role, united in purpose.
Final Score
ST BERNARDS 4.1 (25) | 9.4 (58) | 13.8 (86) | 21.15 (141)
OLD HAILEYBURY 1.2 (8) | 4.10 (34) | 6.13 (49) | 7.16 (58)
Goals:
St Bernards: L.Said 4,M. Watson 3, N.Tonge 3, M. Hughes 2, C.Vague 2, E. Schumann 1, L. Di Lizio 1, F.McNicol 1, D.Gilham 1, J.Hately 1, O.Liberatore 1
Old Haileybury: Stefanakis 5, C.Goonewardene 1, Gregor 1
Best:
St Bernards: Harrison Fuller, Matthew Watson, Matthew Sauro, Luke Said, Mitchell Hughes, Ethan Schumann
Old Hailebury: Andreas Stefanakis, Olli Hotton, Flynn Gregor, Mattias Rose, Connor Riley, James Paul
The song belted through the rooms with pride, but the message was clear: this story isn’t finished. Next week decides everything. One game. One mission. One chance to secure our A Grade future.
And here’s the truth, our boys can’t do it alone. To every supporter, this is the moment to stand tall with your club. The Snakepit must shake. Every clap, every cheer, every voice will matter.
So bring your colours, bring your passion, bring the noise. Because next week, it’s not just a game — it’s survival. It’s history. It’s St Bernard’s.
Be there. Be loud. Be the difference.
Written by: Hannah Juricskay