2025 VAFA live stream: St Bernard's v University Blues, Men's Premier League
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University Blues coach Matt Smith knows every game for his side is now 'crucial'.
Sitting eighth on the ladder with a 2-6 record, the Blues find themselves in a battle to avoid relegation from the VAFA Premier competition.
The path forward to potentially closing a gap on the teams above them starts with a trip to take on St Bernard's this weekend with the senior and reserves games to be live streamed on KommunityTV.
'Every game from here on out is massive,' the first year Blues coach said.
'They beat us in the opening round with a kick after the siren so this is one we want to get back.
'We've had patches or quarters in games where we've been too easy to play against, it's been the story of the season. We've been in winning positions but relinquished leads going away from what we've worked on.
'It doesn't look good being 2-6 but the positive is it can turn quickly given how even the competition is. If you pick up a couple of wins you're right back in the mix.'
While Smith's side have now lost four on the trots, there have been some positives against the better sides in the competition.
In a side which has ex-AFL talent including Marty Gleeson and competition leading goalkicker James Stewart, several others have taken their games to another level this season.
James Curran has adopted his new found role as a half-forward to be one of the Blues best.
'He's been super consistent,' Smith said.
'He's very unassuming, a quiet guy who just goes about his role. He's so disciplined.
'He's not someone who needs the accolades.'
Smith said Ben Townson was a player who had been a 'revelation' this season playing up forward with Stewart and Sam Grimley, two players who have played at the highest level.
'His ability to get up the ground and take a mark is one of the real features of his game,' he said.
Despite their record, the Blues have proven their worth as a defensive unit and Smith is determined to see his side improve their link between the forward line.
'We're aiming to get some deeper entries so we can have field position and set the ground up a lot easier,' he said.
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