The VFL secured back-to-back wins over the SANFL after winning a five-point classic at Glenelg’s Stratarama Stadium.

In a see-sawing contest that resembled the 2025 clash, the VFL held on for a 15.13 (103) to 14.14 (98) triumph to record its second-consecutive win over its fiercest rival.

Trailing at each of the first three breaks, the VFL kicked four of the opening five goals of the last term to open a 12-point lead early in time-on, before holding off a late charge from the hosts.

Casey Demons half back Riley Bonner won the Frank Johnson Medal as the best player in the win, picking up 32 disposals, 11 rebound 50s and six forward 50 entries.

He had plenty of competition for the award, with Harvey Hooper (22 disposals, seven tackles), Jackson Voss (22 disposals, six marks) and Jackson Hately (22 disposals, one goal) all superb.

Captain Louis Pinnuck stood tall and took a match-saving mark deep in the defence in the final minute. It came just 12 months after he kicked the match-winning goal in the drought-breaking win at Tanunda Recreation Reserve.

Dom Brew was inspirational in the middle with 19 hard-earned touches and two goals, while Mitch Podhajski had a day out up forward with four majors, including a miracle dribble around the goal post during the third term.

The VFL made a hot start and raced to an early advantage with three of the first four goals, before the SANFL responded with the final four majors of the quarter to take a 13-point lead into quarter time.

Jed Hagan put through his second goal via a checkside to break the VFL’s scoring drought early in the second term. But after making a prominent start, the Tasmania star was soon sidelined after taking a heavy hit in a marking contest.

The SANFL opened a game-high 19-point buffer midway through the quarter, however James Tarrant kept the visitors in touch with a great set shot from deep in the pocket.

Mitch Podhajski then kicked the next two majors, which included an outstanding running effort to close the gap to just one point at the main break.

The SANFL started quickly in the third quarter with two early goals, however the VFL refused to go away and responded with the next three goals to take back the lead – the first time it had held the advantage since the first quarter.

The home team kicked the final two goals of the term to lead by five points at the last change, but it was the VFL who had the best of the last quarter to secure a famous win.

Jack Billings put the Big V ahead with a neat set shot from the left forward pocket in the opening minutes of the quarter, before Jackson Hately put through an amazing snap from the opposite pocket.

Dom Brew then nailed a set shot from a similar position to Billings’ earlier effort to extend the lead to 12 points.

Dangerous SANFL forward Lachie Hosie, who was well contained by Jesse Clark, had his moment entering time on to cut the difference to six, but it was quickly countered by Charlie Clarke at the other end.

The home side cut the margin to five points when Matt Allen converted from close range at the 26-minute mark, but the VFL was able to hold strong in the frantic final minutes to record a stirring win on enemy territory.

Final score: SANFL 14.14 (98) def by VFL 15.13 (103)

Best: Riley Bonner, Harvey Hooper, Jackson Voss, Jackson Hately, Mitch Podhajski, Dom Brew
Goals: Mitch Podhajski 4, Dom Brew, Charlie Clarke, Jed Hagan, James Tarrant, 2, Jack Billings, Kye Declase, Jackson Hately