VAFA Division 1 2025 grand final: How Old Peninsula created history

The Pirates ended Ormond’s unbeaten season in the biggest game of the season and it was only fitting he presented the premiership medallions and cup to coach Brendan Dunne and skipper George Fletcher.

Payze, who played over 400 games in front of his beloved Pirate army, was the man who directly reached out to Dunne to get him on board as the senior mentor for 2025.

“I got a phone call from Payzey who I admired as a player and it took him a while to convince me,” Dunne said.

“I’m really glad I did it. It’s a really special club. It’s one of the best cultures.

“There’s so much family, that’s what we love.”

While it was hard to pick the moment of the day for the Pirates, it would be hard to go past the embrace between Shaun and his son, Bailey, during the medal ceremony.

Bailey is considered one of the most talented young players in the VAFA and capped off his afternoon with three goals, including the last of the game.

But while Bailey was strutting his stuff on the footy field, Dunne pointed to the impact Shaun was having off it.

“For him to see Bailey do this, it’s a very special moment,” he said.

“I actually said to him (Shaun) halfway through the year, you’ve got to play two games.

“I’ve never seen someone have so much passion for one football club.

“He can get a bit over the top sometimes but he’s so passionate and he’ll do anything for anyone in this footy club.

“I sent him a text last night (on Saturday) and told him I was so proud of him no matter what happens.

“Everyone knows how much he does, but he does a lot more than people don’t see as well.”

Former Melbourne skipper was one of the headline acts of the day and finished with six goals, helping to break the game open in the first half with three majors.

Hugh Peacock was named the best player on the ground.

‘Battle of two styles’: How VAFA contenders plan to nullify opposition

Unbeaten Ormond against the experience of Old Peninsula is what the VAFA Division 1 season comes down to.

Ahead of Sunday’s decider at Box Hill City Oval, we break down where the game will be won and lost.

KEY PLAYERS

Sam Bailey, Ormond: One of several young stars who have had a big impact on the Monders this season. Plays as a high half-forward who beats his opponent back to goal with his pace. A fine kick of the footy.

Will Crowder, Old Peninsula: Been a brilliant pick up this season and has gone to another level during the finals series with eight goals in two games.

Jackson Hille, Ormond: A Big V VAFA representative earlier this year, Hille is one of the first names on the board for the Ormond coaching staff. Does his best work through the middle and up forward.

Nathan Jones, Old Peninsula: His inclusion heading into the finals series has been a controversial one, needing just two games to qualify. His experience is going to be vital.

Bailey Payze, Old Peninsula: Every club would love having this rising star in their senior side. Can win the game off his own boot but also have an impact through the middle.

Aaron Trusler, Ormond: The former VFL player was a mid-season pick up and his brilliant. Uses the ball extremely well by foot.

TEAM NEWS

Ormond is expected to regain Ryan Konstanty after he missed the first final against the Pirates. He played in the reserves last weekend against Kew to keep up match fitness and should slot into the senior side. He’s been in the best on eight occasions this season.

At the Pirates, there’s a watch on two of their main men. Kurt Thiele and Max Kleverkamp both missed the preliminary final win against Kew and if they do play, they’ll give Old Peninsula a major boost.

WHAT THE COACHES SAID

Ormond, Kyle Pinto: “There have been three really good games between us this year. They’ve got a great midfield and their only adding more strengths when someone like Nathan Jones is able to come into your side. The key for us is going to be matching them in the contest and then trying to beat them on the outside with our skills and speed. It’s a battle of two different styles.”

Old Peninsula, Brendan Dunne: “They’re a good footy side, who are even across the board, they don’t have a lot of weaknesses. They’ll go in as favourites, the key for us is going to be staying in the game for longer. They’ve obviously got a lot of handy players — O’Toole, Hanley — to name a few but we’ll worry about ourselves. It’s going to be a really good game of footy.”

‘A bonus’: Ex-Dees skipper’s influence on VAFA flag pursuit

Old Peninsula will be hopeful of creating history in the coming week and former Melbourne skipper Nathan Jones is set to play a key role.

Jones has been a late inclusion to the Pirates’ side now having played three games including Sunday’s Division 1 preliminary final win over Kew.

He linked up with the VAFA club late in the season to play alongside his mates including Old Peninsula coach Brendan Dunne and former Mt Eliza skipper Sam Gill.

Both were cleared to join the side chasing a first senior premiership in club history at the clearance deadline on June 30.

“2004 was the last time we all played together,” Dunne said.

“We grew up playing junior and school footy together and pulling the boots on together was something we had spoken about before the start of the season. It hadn’t quite come together with Jonesy’s work at Melbourne but it’s all lined up for us together.

“Jonesy is coaching the school team (Peninsula Grammar) with Sam as his assistant so it’s really helped us to grow the connection with the school. Sam has brought a lot of leadership and experience to the group, he thought he was done.

“To have this experience as close mates is only a bonus in what has already been a great season.”

After securing a place in the decider against Ormond, the Pirates have also locked away promotion to Premier C next season.

“It was definitely one of the goals,” Dunne said of his side’s achievement of reaching the grand final.

“The club is rapt to have ticked that box. We’re just a little club who is continuing to grow. The committee have done a great job in helping us get to this point.

“The next goal for next year is to get the under-19s up and running again which will help us continue to grow.”

Sunday’s 17.13 (115) to 8.11 (59) win was built on the back of a four-quarter performance according to Dunne.

William Crowder and Bailey Payze were the difference up forward with four goals each.

Payze will be hoping to carry the family legacy forward by playing in a senior premiership. The family has a rich history at the club with his father, Shaun, playing over 300 games.

“I actually said to him at the start of the year, the last time I pulled on the boots at Old Peninsula, you were still in your mum’s belly,” Dunne said.

“He’s only just turned 21 and he’s well beyond his years. He’s bloody talented — the thing about him is he just works and works.

“He’s filled in as captain when George Fletcher has been out the last few weeks.”

Originally published as VAFA Division 1 2025 grand final: How Old Peninsula created history