Dreams of back-to-back flags is alive and well after Old Scotch stunned Old Xaverians in a preliminary final thriller on Saturday at Elsternwick Park.

The 14.10 (94) to 14.9 (93) contest was one of 2025’s most memorable contests, with momentum swings galore right until the final siren.

Just one point separated the two sides at three of the four breaks in the game, with Old Xaverians climbing back from a 13-point halftime margin to trail by one at the final break.

After Will Clark’s goal early in the final term extended the Cardinals margin to seven, Xavs kicked back-to-back goals to take the lead at the 11-minute mark.

Xavs next major didn’t come until the 27-minute mark but two late goals – the last with only 17 seconds on the clock – from Old Scotch saw the reigning premiers overrun them to secure a famous 1 point victory.

Old Scotch
3.2-20    4.6-30    10.7-67    14.10-94

Old Xaverians
3.3-21    6.6-42    10.8-68    14.9-93

Best Players:
Angus Jones, Oliver Badr, Harry Stubbings, Sam Grant, Charlie Cormack, Andy Jelbart

Goalkickers:
Angus Jones 5, Will Clark 3, James Tarrant 3, Tom Farrer 2, Rhys Galvin 1