The Hampton Rovers’ 2026 season has come to an end following a 40-point loss to St Bedes/Mentone Tigers in Saturday’s VAFA Premier C First Semi Final at Trevor Barker Oval.
The day started on a great note off the field, with 120 people packing Sandy by the Bay for our special Finals Match Day Luncheon. It was a fantastic turnout from both clubs and the wider community, with guests hearing from both senior coaches as well as our local MP, the Hon Tim Wilson MP.
Attention then turned to the do-or-die clash, where the Rovers produced a strong first half and took the game right up to the Tigers.
Max Blackie kicked the opening goal of the match before St Bedes/Mentone responded, with scores locked at 1.2 (8) apiece at quarter time.
The Tigers kicked the first goal of the second term, but Hampton answered through Will Crawford before Lui Coughlin put the Rovers back in front. A couple of late behinds gave Hampton a 3.5 (23) to 2.3 (15) advantage at the main break after an impressive opening half.
St Bedes/Mentone lifted after the break and began to take control of the contest. The Tigers held Hampton goalless in the third term while kicking 3.7 themselves, turning the eight-point half-time deficit into a 16-point lead at the final change.
Dan Hall gave the Rovers the perfect start to the last quarter, kicking a goal inside the opening three minutes to reduce the margin to 10 points and keep Hampton firmly in the contest. St Bedes/Mentone responded and gradually extended its advantage as the quarter progressed.
With around five minutes remaining, play was suspended due to lightning, with the players leaving the field and spectators retreating to the grandstand and social club.
When play eventually resumed, the Tigers finished strongly, kicking the final three goals of the game to blow the margin out late and record a 10.13 (73) to 4.9 (33) victory.
The result brings the curtain down on the Rovers’ 2026 campaign after finishing the Premier C home and away season in third position and qualifying for the finals.
Hampton Rovers 1.2 3.5 3.6 4.9 (33)
St Bedes/Mentone Tigers 1.2 2.3 5.10 10.13 (73)
Goals: Dan Hall, Lui Coughlin, Max Blackie, William Crawford
Best: Zachary Ziesing, Lui Coughlin, Lachlan Costello, Dan Hall, Charles Kilburn, Daniel Field
With football now finished for 2026, attention turns to Presentation Night on Thursday 24 September at Sandy by the Bay, where we’ll come together to celebrate the season and recognise the award winners from all five senior teams, along with our major club awards.
Tickets are on sale now through the Rovers Online Shop, and we look forward to seeing everyone there for one of the biggest nights on the club calendar.
