The Hampton Rovers will face Monash Blues in the Premier C Second Semi Final on Saturday, with ground unavailability meaning the minor-Premiers will host the match at Monash University.
The action will kick off at 2:15pm on Saturday on the Frearson Oval at Monash University in Clayton. As the ground is non-gated, entry is free for all spectators, and we look forward to seeing a big Hampton Rovers crowd on hand to cheer on the boys.
For the winner, it’s a spot in the 2022 Grand Final, to be played on AFL Grand Final eve at Elsternwick Park and promotion to Premier B for 2023, while the loser gets to fight another day, taking on the winner of Mazenod-Old Geelong Saturday-week at Trevor Barker Oval in Sandringham.
With the Rovers locking in a top-two spot several weeks ago, the form of late hasn’t matched the early season form that saw Hampton on top or equal-top of the table for the majority of the season. Form has however been on the improve and despite a 23-point loss to Old Geelong, who had to win to lock in finals, on the weekend, the Rovers are ready for the business end of the season.
The VAFA announced the venues for the Premier C Semi Finals on Tuesday after all avenues had been exhausted to secure neutral venues for the games. With two key venues usually used for finals and Grand Finals unavailable in 2023 (due to AFLW and a renovation), priority was given to divisional Grand Final’s this weekend at Trevor Barker Oval, bumping Premier C Semi Finals elsewhere. The league said numerous other venues were sought; however, all were unavailable due to other commitments (including AFLW), or cricket wicket preparations.
The Rovers will go to Monash University with the confidence of knowing they defeated the Monash Blues by 63 points on their home deck earlier in the season, and as always, the Rovers supporters are guaranteed to travel in big numbers to get behind the team.
