2017 Annual Report by VAFA Media

ANNUAL REPORT

2017

Victorian Amateur Football Association

126th ANNUAL REPORT SEASON 2017

Presented to the Members at the Annual General Meeting Melbourne Cricket Ground 4 December 2017

Cover: Julia Bortoli made her VAFA debut with Mazenod in 2017

Mission Statement To provide all stakeholders of the VAFA with an affordable, enjoyable and competitive game of Australian Rules football in a safe environment, whilst making a meaningful contribution to the community and the development of the game.

The Victorian Amateur Football Association was established in 1892 and incorporated under the Companies Act 1961 on the 26th day of February 1970.

Contents

VAFA 2017

President’s Report

Chief Executive Officer’s Report

Football Operations Report

VAFA Women’s Report

Umpire Operations Report

Commercial Operations Report

Media and Communications Report

William Buck Premier

Premier B

Premier C

Women’s Football

Division 1

Division 2

Division 3

Division 4

Big V vs AFL Vic Country Seniors

Big V vs AFL Vic Country U19s

Big V Women’s

VAFA Ireland Tour

Big V Club Inductees

Holmesglen Under 19

Club XVIII

Rising Star Winners

Highlights 2017

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2017

VAFA 2017 Patrons:

Independent Tribunal:

Life Members

Messrs. J.F.X. Dillon and M.G. Russel

Chairmen: Messers. A. Anderson, D. Dann, D. Hughes, A. Marshall, J.K. Pilkington, D. Reynolds, S. Theodore, G. Thomas. Members: Messers. J. Boorn, R. Dore, S. Grey, S. Handley, R. Harris, P. LaVale, A. McAdam, T. Miller, M. O’Brien, O. Oostermeyer, D. Sheales, F. Stafford, R. Stilling, M. Wells, M. Rush, P. Olive, M. Legge, D. Weybury

Messrs. V. J. Deane*, L. A. Adamson*, H. J. Stewart*, J. S. McCann*, E. F. Atkins*, F. H. Coldrey*, O. J. Meehan*, P. A. Matthews*, G. T. Moore*, L. S. Zachariah*, J. Fullerton*, Mrs. N. Fullerton*, Messrs. A. G. Perrin*, I. A. Brown*, G. W. McTaggart*, R. A. Sinclair*, M. G. Russel, T. A. Johnson OAM*, N. C. Rundle OAM*, J. F. X. Dillon, A. J. Keam, J. A. Miles*, J. A. Fisher, J. F. Hawkins, P. J. Harris*, Dr B. W. Costello, D. H. Scott, A. H. Stephens*, C. C. Bastow, T. M. Lyon, I. H. Munro, A. J. O’Callaghan, D. R. Burnes, N. W. Nugent, A. L. Langford-Jones, Mrs. N. M. McTaggart, Messrs. J. F. Nelson, P. O’ Donohue*, K. W. Sharkie, D. R. Booth, D. J. Cook, J. A. Wilson*, R. L. Evans, Mrs. M. L. Bastow, Messrs. P. W. Hutchinson*, J. C. Wilson, B. R. McTaggart, P. B. Stevens, J. W. Bell, B. J. Ivey, P.G. Rhoden, N. M. Bourke, Dr. G. Janko, Mr. D. J. Hughes, Dr. S. Costello, Mr. G. Reilley, Mr. T. Brain and Mrs. S.J. Anderson.

President: Mr T. Nelson

Vice President: G.A. Voyage

Treasurer: Mr A.L. Kirkwood-Scott

Investigation Panel:

Board:

Chairmen: Messers. R.L. Evans, P.W. De Young, Members: Messers. P.J. Grima, G.L. Reilley, S. Grey

Messers. A.M. Amad, B. A. Connell (joined VAFA 10 July), N.W. Credlin, Mrs. M.C. Dwyer, Mrs. F Frederico**, Messers R.A. Heath (resigned 6 September) J Jankie, M Overman, Mrs. L Racky**, Messer. M.W. Sholly (resigned 30 June) G.A. Voyage ** Board appointees

Chief Executive Officers: Messers B. A. Connell, M.W. Sholly

General Manager- Football and Umpire Operations: Mr. B.L. Goodman

Registration Secretary: Mr. C. C. Bastow

Saturday Score Recorder: Mrs. N.M. McTaggart

Elsternwick Park Duty Officer:

*deceased

Mr. J. Robinson

Publications Editor: Mr. N.J. Armistead

General Manager- Commercial Operations:

VAFA Board

Mr. B.C. O’Hara

Umpire Operations Manager: Mr. B.G. Woodhead

Football Operations Manager: Mr. S. A. Confait

Women’s Football Development Manager: Ms. S. MacInnes

Media and Communications Co-Ordinator: Mr. N.J. Armistead

T.J. Nelson President

G.A. Voyage Vice-President

A.L. Kirkwood-Scott Treasurer

B.A. Connell CEO

A.M. Amad

N.W. Credlin

M.C. Dwyer

F. Frederico

J. Jankie

M. Overman

L. Racky

Assistant Accountant: Ms. R.D. Kaur

Football Operations Assistant: Ms. M.J. Sykes

VAFA Lawyers: James Paterson of Anzarut & Holm

VAFAUA President: Mr. O. Hinson

Club XVIII Umpire Co-ordinator: Mr. P. Lambert

Tribunal and Investigations Co-ordinator: Mr. B. L. Goodman and Mr. C. C. Bastow

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2017

President’s Report 2017 was a year of great change, growth and celebration for the VAFA, culminating in a hard-fought and tense William Buck Premier Grand Final played under difficult conditions. The game was played in great spirit and epitomised much of what our unique competition is all about: persistence, team work, passion, community, comradery and respect. Congratulations ultimately goes to St Kevin’s OB for winning their first-ever Premier section premiership. I would like to acknowledge and congratulate all premiership clubs and teams, players, committee members, supporters and volunteers who know how difficult it is to win a flag in our competition. During season 2017, Brett Connell was appointed and welcomed as the new Chief Executive Officer of the VAFA. We wish Brett well in his second stint with the VAFA and we anticipate he will make a big impact on the organisation and the competition. Brett has big shoes to fill as Michael Sholly significantly advanced the Association throughout the past 12 and a half years. On behalf of the Board and the members, I again would like to acknowledge Michael’s enormous contribution to the VAFA. We are much indebted to Michael. He changed the face of the competition in many ways. Significantly, under his watch and with the support of the Board, Michael had the foresight and ambition to launch our foray into women’s football. No one could have possibly predicted that our women’s competition would launch out of the blocks with 40 teams and 1958 players. In one year, we have established the largest women’s football competition in Australia; a competition that will continue to grow in 2018 and beyond. I would like to acknowledge the terrific work of our administration and, in particular, our inaugural Women’s Football Development Manager, Shona MacInnes, for her outstanding leadership. The theme of change also carried through to the Board where we welcomed several new Board members; namely, Jeffrey Jankie, Michael Overman, Felicity Frederico and Laura Racky. Each of these new members have brought new ideas, energy and enhanced the professionalism and governance of our overall Board. I would personally like to thank all Board members and the various sub-committees and project teams that operated in 2017. I would like to recognise the support of the Vice-President, George Voyage, who continues to work tirelessly across all facets of the VAFA. While we transition with a new CEO and new Board members, the world of VAFA football evolves. We have a large competition and with limited resources we are confronted by numerous

issues and challenges across the course of the year. While we may not always get it right, the team is always focused on doing the right thing and acting in the interests of the competition. As our competition continues to grow, the VAFA Board and Administration are highly conscious of the demands on players, officials, volunteers and clubs in general and the need for transparency and effective decision-making. To ensure we remain ahead of the evolving football curve and as we transition into 2018, the Board has initiated a review of the rules to eliminate, where achievable, any ambiguities and inconsistencies in our current rules. In addition, the Board has commissioned a review of our Articles of Association to ensure our governance standards and operating practices are updated and compliant with the needs of our members and the relevant legislation. Throughout 2017, the Board and Administration have continued to focus on growing the top line of the Association and expand our reach via social media, VAFA.com.au, newsletters and communication forums. I would like to acknowledge the work of our commercial team under Blair O’Hara and particularly thank our all our sponsors for their continued support. Our partnership with William Buck continues to go from strength to strength, the Wilson Group came on board as our inaugural women’s football naming rights sponsors and I would also like to acknowledge the continued support of Sportscover. Throughout 2017, we integrated our 125 Anniversary celebrations within our growing number of events. The decision to strike commemorative recognition medals for outstanding VAFA club contributors over the last 25 years was well received by clubs and the award recipients. Our William Buck Grand Final Lunch, hosted by Sam Lane and featuring Alastair Clarkson, proved popular and we will continue to fine tune the event to get the mix right. One of the seasons’ event highlights for me was the VAFA Women’s Awards Night. The energy and excitement in the room speaks volumes for the future of the VAFA women’s competition.

and state-of-the-art facilities, we will ensure the future home of VAFA football remains based in Elsternwick, enabling us to play our flagship games for years to come. While we have a sound financial base, this project will require additional funding from the VAFA. I am pleased to announce that despite all the challenges and changes we were able to achieve a surplus this year. With a larger competition, our costs will continue to rise and we must remain diligent in determining our budget and extracting maximum value from expenditure and investment programs. The overarching vision for our plan continues to be the ‘leader in community football in Victoria’. The VAFA Board and Administration is committed to taking the organisation forward and striving to be the best administered sporting association. To achieve this we need the support, advice and ideas across the Association as it is our commitment as a Board to continue to find ways to stay ahead of the pack, to innovate and lead. Finally, I would like to acknowledge the continuing dedication and commitment of our clubs, volunteers, families, players, sponsors and stakeholders. We have much to be proud of, but we cannot stand still, we need to embrace change while protecting our brand and heritage as we build for the future. Thank you Tim Nelson VAFA President

With a new Board in place, a formal strategic planning process has commenced for 2018 – 2020 and beyond. We will be looking to the members for significant input as we refine and define what our future looks like. In the immediate term, the priority is to successfully complete the Elsternwick Park/Sportscover Arena redevelopment project. With a significantly upgraded playing surface

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2017

Chief Executive Officer’s Report In its 125th year, the Victorian Amateur Football Association experienced much change and celebration. The VAFA opened its season under lights at Boss

125-year celebrations were low key, however, the

James Reserve with the first-ever women’s game

recognition of more than 250 club volunteers by

between Hampton Rovers and Ormond and we

way of a presentation to each of a specifically

never looked back. 40 teams from 35 of our clubs

struck VAFA 125-year medallion was a vital way in

participated in the competition with 1958 players

which we celebrated the significant contribution

across five sections – ground breaking by any

of key club people across our vast competition.

measure. A credit to the clubs and their tireless

Winning Edge are thanked for their support

volunteers who began their planning back in

of these significant awards. With the 125-year

June 2016, progressed to a Lightning Premiership

volunteer medallions, the commemorative 125-

in March 2017 – congratulations to Old Geelong

year logo and the William Buck Grand Final Lunch

and Marcellin on winning both days - and then

VAFA panel featuring key personnel from the past

completed a 14-week season. The women’s

25 years, the significance of the Association’s

sections enjoyed wonderful camaraderie and

successful longevity was not lost.

competition. With the addition of the VAFA’s

including a senior player from each of our senior sections, to tour Ireland in early October. Sam Confait led this tour and worked tirelessly, off a short lead in, to plan and implement the experience for all. Well supported by Board members George Voyage, Mick Overman and

first-ever women’s representative game against

On a competition front, St Kevin’s OB won their

Anthony Amad, the team enjoyed on-field

AFL Goldfields in July, the competition went

first Premier section premiership as well as the

success in both Ireland and London, while

from strength to strength. The culmination was

Winning Edge Club Championship, while the

taking in experiences such as consular visits

also truly amazing to witness with close, hard-

Marcellin Sheagles claimed the first-ever William

and other tourist attractions. The touring party

fought finals matches capped off by a wonderful

Buck Premier Women’s pennant. We had it all in

also included many parents which added to the

presentation night in August.

2017; lightning disrupted matches, we soundly

camaraderie of the venture. Nick Armistead kept

defeated AFL Victoria Country to reclaim the Brian

everyone abreast via social media of the tour

The foresight of the VAFA Board, former

Molony Cup in July and our finals series, while

both on and off the field which gave the VAFA an

CEO Michael Sholly and the dedication and

restricted due to ground availabilities, was once

enviable social media presence in what is usually

unparalleled passion displayed by our Women’s

again a terrific celebration of amateur football.

a quiet time for community sport. Overall, the

Development Manager Shona MacInnes has set the VAFA on an enviable path as a leader in female

Congratulations to all premiers in every section

football in this state.

across our vast competition. Eight weeks of finals was certainly a brilliant way to complete another

tour is a wonderful way to celebrate all that is great about the VAFA and to Dave Murray (Head Coach) and Luke Mahony (Assistant Coach), well done on your leadership of the playing group.

Thanks is also extended to both the Wilson Group

very successful season. Special congratulations

(women’s sponsor) and William Buck (women’s

to Old Brighton (Premier B), Prahran Assumption

While on-field we continued to experience

Premier partner) for their support in what was a

(Division 2), UHS-VU (Division 3) and Aquinas

strong participation and growth, off-field we

great unknown 12 months ago.

(Division 4) for completing the double by winning

were equally successful commercially. I would

both senior and reserve grade premierships.

like to formally acknowledge all of our sponsor

Hearty congratulations are also extended to St

partners, in particular Sportscover, William Buck

Mary’s Salesian as they compete in Premier C for

and the Wilson Group. Your support of the VAFA

the first time in the club’s history in 2018.

and its associated clubs provides a wonderful filip

Elsternwick Park is being re-developed both on and off the field with new changerooms, canteen, social and office space being built as we speak, along with the re-surfacing of the oval. We would like to acknowledge the key partners for their collaboration and diligence in getting the project up and running; including, the Victorian State Government, Sport and Rec Victoria, the AFL,

There were no more popular winners of our highest individual honours than Bede Mahon (University Blacks) and Tash Ross-Harris (Fitzroy-

for our competition to continue to be a leader in community sport and your involvement remains vital for us to achieve what we do.

ACU), Woodrow Medallist and Women’s Premier

I would like to thank Tim Nelson and the VAFA

Best & Fairest. Both individuals had outstanding

Board for their terrific support of me during

years and spoke from the heart in their

my first six months in the role. The VAFA Board

acceptance speeches, extolling the virtues of the

continues to strive to support our clubs and to be

VAFA – loyalty and comradeship. Congratulations

a leader in community sport in this state, thank

to you both.

you all for your dedication and service.

leading this project on behalf of the VAFA are also

The season, however, did not end in September

To the Administration team, thank you for

acknowledged.

as the VAFA assembled a representative squad,

welcoming me. I have witnessed firsthand your

AFL Victoria, Old Melburnians FC, Elsternwick Cricket Club and the Bayside City Council. Once completed, there is no doubt Sportscover Arena and its facilities will be a first-class venue for both tenant club, Old Melburnians, and the wider VAFA community. Former CEO Michael Sholly’s efforts

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2017

passion and endeavour to be the best we can be

and we look forward to embracing further digital

network come 2018 and more will be advised to

and I would like to acknowledge each of you for

technology to not only spread the word of the

VAFA clubs in the ensuing months as this structure

your selfless efforts in my short time leading the

VAFA but also to enhance our support of club

is realised. In short, working with AFL Victoria will

team.

volunteers. Rajman Kaur continues to develop

provide the VAFA and our clubs further resources

into a key member of our administration team

in a club development perspective to support and

Brian Goodman, Sam Confait, Brian Woodhead

leading our financial department. Rajman’s work

grow their long-term sustainability. We thank AFL

and Matt Dervan (part-time) continued to manage

ethic and key support role to myself and Adam

Victoria for this opportunity and look forward to

the largest community competition in the country

Kirkwood-Scott (Treasurer) cannot be undersold.

working collaboratively to grow the game across

and do so with pride and a willingness to go the

our communities.

extra mile in both football and umpire operations.

To Owen Hinson and his Committee of the

Mikala Sykes displays maturity beyond her

VAFAUA, thank you for your support and we look

To say I am humbled and privileged to be leading

forward to continuing to build on the strong

the VAFA is an understatement. I look forward to

existing relationships in support of umpiring

the opportunities that lie ahead to work with the

going forward.

VAFA community and continue to maintain our

years in support of the Football Department and her efforts in co-ordinating most of our major functions successfully in the second half of the year was first class. Blair O’Hara leads our

commercial operations area and continues to

Development Manager Jack Henty to the team

drive strong outcomes. With a view to expanding

in November. AFL Victoria invested in extra

support for Blair in 2018, we look forward to

Football Development Managers in metropolitan

greater outcomes being achieved across the

Melbourne in late 2017 and, while Jack will service

board. Nick Armistead manages our media &

the LGA’s of Port Phillip, Bayside and Glen Eira,

communications area and his role in the digital

and the football clubs in each, more importantly

engagement space is industry leading. Our web

he will be based at Sportscover Arena. All VAFA

and social media presence has never been better

clubs will have access to the AFL Victoria FDM

also

welcomed

AFL

Victoria

Football

position as the leader in community football in this state. Brett Connell VAFA CEO

Matt Dervan, Sam Confait, Shona MacInnes, Mitch op’t Hoog, Brett Connell, Rajmandeep Kaur, Blair O’Hara, Mikala Sykes, Brian Goodman, Brian Woodhead, Nick Armistead

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2017

Football Operations Report 125 Years in operation and the VAFA continues to go from strength to strength. We welcomed 40 new women’s teams in an historic year, increasing our total number of teams to 273 consisting 11,906 players across 30 sections. We welcomed Melbourne University Women’s

is comparatively allocated to other Metropolitan

Football Club into the community as they entered

competitions. The adjacent table displays each

two teams into our newly-formed women’s

VAFA clubs highest PPA Value and average for the

competition. Box Hill North experienced a decline

season.

in player numbers which unfortunately resulted in the senior club entering just one team in Club XVIII (2) with the aim to stabilise and rebuild, while St Francis Xavier re-entered Division 4. Three teams were relegated from the 12-team Division 3 competition with the aim to restore 10-team sections across the board to ensure all teams play each other twice.

Live Scores

Representative Football VAFA State football is alive and well with our representative program reaffirming its status as the number one community football competition. Senior Coach, Stuart Powell, and his team put in a remarkable effort dedicating months of planning and preparation and were rewarded with a record breaking 82-point victory against AFL Victoria Country. This was a direct result of

College. Fortunately, we secured premier venues in Box Hill City Oval and Coburg City Oval for key dates in the finals series. It is essential to recognise and thank our relations at Trevor Barker Oval, Waverley Oval, Garvey Oval, Scammell Reserve and Casey Fields and their respective councils for

The introduction of the live scores function to

the engagement of quality personnel, a clear

Sports TG enabled the VAFA to transition from

direction, plan and sound operations.

the continued support of the VAFA finals series.

Our U19 Big V team performed remarkably well

The engaged security staff operated efficiently,

under the guidance of David Gately and David

experiencing

Kinsella but fell agonisingly short of victory in

monitoring crowd behaviour to ensure the

the dying minutes at Frankston City Oval. The

environments are family-friendly and club

playing surface, function area, facilities and

supporters adhere to the no alcohol policy.

two operating systems to one and allow club administrators to access the pre-game, in-match and post-match operations in one location. The new platform increased club operation by 14% and in doing so reduced live score fines and enabled our community to view additional match scores live. The change did have an unfavourable impact on the sponsorship & usage benefits we

accommodation by the Frankston Football Club was first class and we off sincere thanks for their

minimal

issues

and

closely

Finals entry pricings remained consistent with last season so community football in the VAFA

received previously and this will be a focus to

hospitality.

resolve via the introduction of a new application.

In its inaugural season, our Women’s Big V

ground hire, cleaning and security whilst funding

Competitive Balance

team ventured to Ballarat to encounter AFL

the Elsternwick Park Re-Development and

Goldfields, tasting success in a 49-point triumph.

ensuring affiliation fees remain low.

We are pleased to administer a competition that accommodates participation at all levels and offers a competitive game of football each week. As such, all VAFA sections are monitored

Operationally, a new program with fresh faces is an arduous task and one that Shona MacInnes and her decorated coaching team accepted and

is affordable and covers the cost incurred with

Acknowledgements Thank you to the VAFA Football Operations Department, led by Brian Goodman; Benny’s

thoroughly each round of the season to ensure

accomplished.

competitive balance. The adjacent table outlines

In its seventh instalment, for the first time,

Sykes continues to blossom with opportunity and

all seven VAFA men’s senior sections were

Shona MacInnes’ passion for women’s football is

represented in Ireland. The tour is a life experience

unrivalled. Each member plays a significant role

we offer to allow players to represent themselves,

in the delivery of the competition and I am very

the average match margin across the entire season for each VAFA section.

Independent Integrity Division

knowledge of the competition is invaluable, Mikala

In 2017, the VAFA initiated an Independent Integrity

their club, their state and their country. In 2017,

Division (IID) that sits entirely independent from

we celebrated the little wins and not just on-

the VAFA administration in an effort to uphold the

field success. A pre-tour practice match against

integrity of the competition. The IID is committed

the Victorian State GAA team, media coverage,

to preventing any matter that may undermine

mentor programs and training sessions at

the integrity of the competition and whilst it is

CBC College Cork were several new initiatives

difficult to determine the success of the Division

implemented this year.

in its infancy, the model is critical to maintaining

Finals

and contribution. Lastly, to all volunteers involved

VAFA Football Operations places significant

with our finals series, representative program and

Player Points System

importance and resources to provide our clubs

day-to-day operations, we acknowledge and

In the second year of AFL Victoria’s Sustainability

with the highest quality venues possible for finals

thank you for your willingness, experience and

Program, the VAFA reduced all senior men’s

matches. This year was particularly difficult with

commitment to the Association.

section’s player points allocation from 50 to 48.

the Elsternwick Park Re-Development, closure of

The two-point reduction is aimed at assisting in

Ikon Park and Bill Lawry Oval as well as limited

Sam Confait

the equalisation of our senior competitions and

access to Coburg City Oval and St Bernard’s

Football Operations Manager

the integrity of our competition.

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2017

proud to work alongside terrific hardworking and efficient people. To the Football, Growth & Integrity Sub-Committee of the Board, we acknowledge and thank Chairman and VicePresident George Voyage, Board member Robert Heath and Director of Representative Football Mick Overman and for their guidance, expertise

2017 VAFA Player Points Averages

Player Points Values (Per Club)

VAFA Competitive Balance

90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90

Average Match Margin

William Buck Women's Premier Women's Development Division 1 Women's Development Division 2 Women's Development Division 3 Women's Development Division 4 William Buck Premier Premier Reserves Premier Thirds Premier B Premier B Reserve Premier B Thirds Premier C Premier C Reserve Premier C Thirds Division 1 Division 1 Reserve Division 2 Division 2 Reserve Division 3 Division 3 Reserve Division 4 Division 4 Reserve U19 Premier U19 Premier Reserve U19 Section 2 U19 Section 3 U19 Section 4 U19 Section 5 Club XVIII (1) Club XVIII (2)

Ajax Albert Park AFC Aquinas Beaumaris Brunswick NOBS Bulleen Templestowe AFC Canterbury Caulfied Grammarians Collegians De La Salle Eley Park Sharks Elsternwick Eltham Collegians Emmaus St Leos Fitzroy Glen Eira Hampton Rovers Hawthorn Ivanhoe AFC Kew AFC La Trobe University Mannignham Cobras Marcellin OC Masala Football Club Mazenod MHSOB Monash Blues Mt Lillydale OC North Brunswick Oakleigh Old Brighton Old Camberwell Grammarians Old Carey Old Geelong Old Haileyburians Old Ivanhoe Old Melburnians Old Mentonians Old Paradians Old Scotch Old Trinity Old Xaverians Ormond Parkdale Vultures Parkside PEGS Peninsula OB Point Cook Power House Prahran Preston Bullants Richmond Central South Melbourne Districts St Bedes / Mentone Tigers St Bernards St Francis Xavier OC St Johns St Kevin's OB St Marys Salesian Swinburne University Therry Penola Uhs-Vu AFC University Blacks University Blues West Brunswick Westbourne Grammarians Whitefriars Williamstown CYMS Yarra Old Grammarians 0

Highest PPA Value

Average PPA Value

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2017

VAFA Women’s Report A breath of fresh air swept through the VAFA this year. In its 125th year, the VAFA commenced a women’s football competition and irrevocably changed the landscape of our Association in the most positive way. Although women have been playing competitive footy in Victoria in the VWFL for 35 years, it took the formation of an AFL Women’s competition to bring the women’s game into the public’s consciousness. It was timely we started our own competition this year and we emphatically delivered. From scratch, 40 teams from 35 of our clubs took to the field for the first time on the weekend of April 8th. The first match of VAFA Wilson Women’s football was played under lights in front of a big crowd at Boss James Reserve on Friday 7th April, 2017, between Hampton Rovers and Ormond. Ormond took the honours and in doing so made history. It was an exciting and emotional weekend. Clubrooms and Instagram reverberated with our club songs as they have never been sung before. Before the season started, we held a highly successful women’s coaching forum at the T.H. King Oval with a focus on injury prevention and tackling. Wayne Siekman, Collingwood AFLW’s senior coach, spoke about coaching women’s football, saying fundamentally women can be coached in the same fashion as men, but gave important insight as to where differences arose. Both coaches and players from each team’s leadership group were invited to attend which proved a successful method of processing, interpreting and relaying the messages back to the clubs and playing group. 28 newly-formed teams descended on Sportscover Arena in April for the first-ever Lightning Premiership. The weekend gave clubs an opportunity to test themselves against fellow beginners, while we used it as an adjunct to our three grading rounds. Old Geelong claimed victory on the Saturday, while Marcellin triumphed (a sign of things to come) on the Sunday. Competitive balance was a main priority when establishing the competition and, as such, the first three weeks of the season were used as grading rounds. Using results from both the Lightning Premiership and grading rounds, we fixtured five sections consisting of Premier and four Development Divisions. A huge thank you to Sam Confait for fixturing these five new sections inside an extremely tight time frame. The home and away season, including grading, ran 14 rounds and finals commenced on the first weekend in August. Finals culminated in a

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2017

spectacular weekend of five Grand Finals in front of enthusiastic crowds at Trevor Barker Oval on August 19 and 20. Congratulations to all grand finalists and premiership winners, particularly to Marcellin for taking out the honours in the inaugural William Buck Premier section with a thrilling seven-point victory over SKOB Saints. Our historic opening year was rounded out by two significant events. The VAFA women donned the Big V jumper for the first time and created history when 24 players travelled to Ballarat and comfortably defeated a representative side from AFL Goldfields. We thank coach, John Kanis, and his well-credentialed assistants, Cam

We did this because our VAFA umpires embraced the concept. And we did this because 1,958 young women

(Fitzroy-ACU) was crowned our first William Buck

were chomping at the bit to play our great game and brave enough to get out there and give it a go. Future generations of VAFA women and men will look back on us all with great respect and gratitude. Pre-season training camps, post season footy trips and Thursday nights around the clubs will never be the same. Women strengthen communities and we will see our already robust Association grow closer and stronger, allowing us to achieve greater things. It has been a privilege to write this inaugural annual report and a pleasure to be part of something so significant. Still loving the game!

Premier Section Best and Fairest and our first

Shona MacInnes

Roberts, Ted Woodruff and Jess Rottura for their involvement with the women’s representative football program. John, Cam and Ted have each coached premierships in William Buck Premier while Jess was the first-ever women’s Head Coach in the VAFA, indicating the expertise leading our first group of women’s players. The first VAFA Women’s Football Awards Night was held on the Monday night leading into our grand final weekend. Anyone who was there under the magnificent chandeliers at The Park will never forget the buzz and energy of the night as we celebrated all our inaugural Best and Fairest winners, leading goal kickers and the Anytime Fitness Rising Star. Tash Ross-Harris

Anytime Fitness Rising Star was Sarah Cameron

Women’s Football Development Manager

(SKOB Saints). We now direct our attention to next year as we look forward to expanding our competition and welcoming at least 20 more teams; including, new VAFA provisional club, Melbourne Cricket Club. How did we do all this in such a short time? We did this because our Board made one of the most significant decisions in the 125-year history of the VAFA. We did this because our clubs are run by progressive and motivated people who were accommodating and prepared to put in the hard yards. We did this because our coaches enthusiastically and expertly took on the challenge. We did this because the small band of administrators at VAFA headquarters, initially lead by Michael Sholly, worked together and made it happen.

Tash Ross-Harris (Fitzroy-ACU) – William Buck Premier Best & Fairest

Old Geelong were crowned the first-ever winners of the VAFA Lightning Premiership at Sportscover Arena

Development Division 1 Premiers – St Mary’s Salesian

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2017

Umpire Operations Report With the introduction of the VAFA Women’s competition came huge challenges to provide umpires to manage the additional games. What did transpire was the willingness of many umpires prepared to double up and officiate both men’s and women’s matches.

the youngsters during the year and follow their

2017 was a year of consolidation for the senior group of field umpires after 14 made their Premier debut in 2016. There was a total of 25 umpires who officiated Premier football and a further 10 who achieved their highest grade, Premier B. Premier C was again regarded as an opportunity to develop our up-and-coming umpires with 16 having their first taste at umpiring at this level and thus their first chance to critique their performance on VAFATV.

led the coaching team and was supported by

VAFATV has proven to be an invaluable resource for both umpires and umpire coaches. Many umpires will send queries to their respective umpire coaches after viewing their matches each week. In particular, umpires have become accustomed to noting down any ‘incidents’ which may need further scrutiny/investigation and can be used for coaching discussions.

challenging year with two senior umpires, Sam

The online coaching forum has also proved to be an asset in the umpire coaching programs, engaging umpires in open discussion around umpiring decisions, their position at the time and the relative decision-making process. The involvement of the younger umpires alongside the senior umpires provides a great learning platform, allowing for valuable feedback and guidance. Field umpire numbers grew to 162 in 2017 with 35 new field umpires joining our main group. Six umpires had long-term injuries which kept them off the park for most of the year, but we trust they are back fit and ready for 2018. Our relationships with the respective junior umpiring groups from both SMJFL and Yarra Juniors FL continues to grow with the VAFA Umpiring Department looking to promote the respective groups to potential umpires as well as providing mentorship and coaching experience. Once again the Summer Umpire Academy was conducted in November 2016 with the majority of the VAFA participants experiencing senior football in 2017. The other promotional activities were the involvement of VAFA Umpires in the VFL Rookie Squad whereby junior umpires experience several training sessions with the VFL umpires at Victoria Park throughout the season. In addition to this program is the AFL Mates Program where two VAFA Field umpires are paired up with AFL Senior Umpires who mentor

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2017

progress. The Field Umpiring Coaching Team was supported by new Fitness Coach, Gavin de Kretser, who ramped up the education component of the fitness program. Tony Hales Mark Gibson and Guy Hexter with the inclusion of Mark Mounsey for 2017. The coaches were again supported by the Match Day Observers Stephen Kong, Bruce McGregor, Rob Hanson, Frank Robinson and Zach Schloeffel. Our alternative training venues were under the guidance of Terry Gunn & John Hall / Zach Zchloeffel with the Club 18 Umpires again being led by Paddy Lambert. Boundary Umpire Coach, Ryan O’Shea, had a Beer and Adrian Pretorius, promoted to the VFL squad and six other senior umpires falling to injuries or heading overseas, leaving the quality very thin. Ryan worked hard developing the skills of a group of the younger umpires who were called upon to step up to the premier sections. Our boundary umpire numbers dropped from 126 in 2016 to 113, 41 of which were new in 2017. Bernie Jephson continued the Head Coach of the VAFA goal umpires and was ably assisted by John Hall & Shane Herbert. The delegation of responsibilities into the new, developing and

who make the VAFA such an enjoyable place to be, allowing our umpires to reach their potential. Owen Hinson stepped into the position of VAFAUA President & expanded the team around him, each of whom assisted in the improvement of a great culture. There were several initiatives from themed nights at training to post-training events and food nights.

VAFAUA Pre-Finals Dinner Award Winners Golden Whistle Award: Josh Ball

Most Improved Field Umpire:

senior umpires assisted in the management and

Will Houston

coaching of the group. The coaching group’s

Andy Carrick Award:

hard work was rewarded through the elevation of Michael Driver & Antonio Valente to the VFL squad in 2017 following their 2016 nomination for trial. It was pleasing to achieve our recruitment target of 90 which we set as a two-year aim in 2016. 29 new goal umpires were recruited at an average age of 23. What is extremely pleasing is the number of youngsters looking at a potential career path, with 20 of the new goal umpires being 19 years of age or less. The intent is to continue to increase the junior group, provide quality leadership for them to advance through the grades and look to further their career. On a staffing front, Matthew Dervan joined the umpiring department in a part-time role & brought his umpiring knowledge and expertise to support the growing needs of the VAFA. The team was complimented by La Trobe

Jeanine McDonald

Best First Year Umpires:

Tom O’Connor / Peter Kostaridis

Most Improved Boundary Umpire: Nick Obst

Bob Dunstan Award: Terry Gunn

Young Achiever of the Year: Raushaan Seychell

Most Improved Goal Umpire: Jack Stammers

The VAFA Woodrow Medal Night saw the presentation of the following VAFA awards;

VAFA Umpire of the Year: Haydn O’Connor

VAFA Most Promising Umpire: Benjamin Traplin

University Placement Student, Jake Ledwich, who did a fantastic job supporting the weekly administration. Our appreciation goes out to all VAFA Clubs and their coaches, support personnel and volunteers

William Buck Premier Grand Final Umpires Field:

Matthew Oakley Haydn O’Connor

Boundary: Curtis Ary Nick Obst

Goal:

Thomas Moloney

Daniel Silfo

Raushaan Seychell Jack Punshon Christopher Kearney

Representative Football Men’s - Seniors VAFA v AFL Vic Country Saturday July 8, Frankston Oval Field:

Haydn O’Connor Daniel Silfo

Boundary:

Raushaan Seychell Nick Weidmann

Goals:

Haydn O’Connor (VAFA Umpire of the Year) & Ben Traplin (VAFA Most Promising Umpire) received their awards at the 2017 VAFA Woodrow Medal & Awards Night

Clayton Evans

Men’s - Under 19’s

Gavin de Kretser. Tia Chitty & Tope Adepoyibi officated the first-ever Women’s Representative Match in the VAFA

VAFA v AFL Vic Country Saturday July 8, Frankston Oval Field:

Ben Traplin Josh Ball

Boundary: Luke Myatt Nick Obst

Goals:

Jack Stammers

Women’s VAFA v AFL Goldfields Sunday July 9, Mars Stadium, Ballarat Field:

Gavin de Kretser

Boundary: Tia Chitty

Goals:

Tope Adepoyibi

My personal thanks go to Michael Sholly and Brett Connell and the team at HQ for the support shown. Benny, Blair, Sam, Mikala, Nick, Shona, Matthew as well as the part-timers/students, who were all available to assist at the drop of a hat to ensure each weekends’ games had umpires. Again, I also thank Tim Nelson and the VAFA Board for their ongoing support and special thanks to the Umpiring Subcommittee consisting of Nigel Credlin, Benny Goodman and Merv Monty, all whom have bought into the future of umpiring in the VAFA and supported the moves required to grow our numbers & develop our talent. Brian Woodhead

Umpire Operations Manager

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2017

Commercial Operations Report In an exciting year for the VAFA competition, FY2016-2017 was a mixed bag of success stories & challenges but will allow the administration & clubs to build for sustainable growth with the addition of female players into our community.

SPONSORSHIP

The emergence of the women’s competition opened up opportunities for sponsorship with new assets available. We were delighted to pencil a deal with Wilson Group as our naming rights partner very soon after the competition was announced. Wilson were highly visible from the outset, providing access to their experienced parking, security & medical staff at our inaugural lightning premiership event and throughout the season. Existing partners, William Buck & Anytime Fitness were also very quick to secure partnerships in the women’s competition alongside their established men’s involvement. VAFA also reconnected with Sports Performance Tracking to power our Plays of the Year. This business started out with VAFA clubs as its original customer base and in a short space of time has become a global player in the sports GPS tracking industry. Great work Will Strange and his team! We also welcomed health & goal management app, R-U-On Trak into the fold. This is also a startup company that is progressing positively and ready to hit a steep growth curve. Sportscover Arena is transforming into a premium community footy venue as we speak and this year marked the 15th year of Sportscover’s major sponsorship of the VAFA and 27th overall. This longevity is hard to come by in the world of sports sponsorship but a credit to both organisations for its growth and development. I’d like to acknowledge Premier naming rights partner, William Buck, for their increased involvement in the women’s competition and increased annual investment into the VAFA since our partnership began three years ago. We have a tremendous mix of partners from various industries and the people involved in each business are wonderful to work with. Each partner is highly valued and (in alphabetical order) include: Bayford Group, Beiersdorf Australia, BJS Insurance, Club Warehouse, Coca-Cola, East Malvern Community Bank (Bendigo Bank),

Epworth Richmond, Four’N Twenty, High Sierra, Holmesglen Institute, Lifecare, Sherrin, Tahbilk, Thick & Thin, VRGF, Winning Edge, ZEN Sports. A major commercial setback was the demise of exclusive apparel partner, BLK. The sudden collapse of the business forced the VAFA to re-evaluate our supply model and go through another thorough tender process. It also resulted in a significant loss of sponsorship revenue BLK had invested to maintain the VAFA as its flagship Aussie Rules football community competition. We made great ground in sponsorship revenue through new and expanded partnerships, however, we failed to exceed last year’s record amount because of this. A review of the numbers shows sponsorship income remained constant in comparison to 2016 with a slight reduction in sponsorship costs.

PROPERTIES

Our apparel supply program was altered significantly from an exclusive arrangement to a limited licence arrangement with three suppliers. The VAFA insisted on an open, competitive marketplace for our suppliers to operate in. We believe this has increased the level of customer service clubs have received and kept prices below average compared to other metro or country community competitions. We are also pleased to see there is a reasonably even market share across the three suppliers, indicating each has a unique value proposition that appeals to different clubs for different reasons. Now the model has had a year to establish itself, we expect the second year of this model to run very well and clubs to continue to receive terrific product and great service. VAFA made advances into a more streamlined e-commerce experience for clubs and faster fulfilment of items through a 3PL provider in Dandenong. We did experience some technical glitches and unreliability in some delivery of product by an established courier business outside of our control. On the back-end of the technology, this saved many, many hours of manual order entry by staff and greatly reduced margin for error. This is an area of focus for next year, not only to improve the customer experience for clubs but also offer relevant product to our playing community that can be fulfilled in a cost effective way.

EVENTS

Our major events program expanded with the addition of the Wilson Women’s VAFA Awards Night in mid-August. It was certainly a night to remember as the predominantly female crowd, mostly players, enjoyed the inaugural occasion and celebrated the historic first-year winners. The third William Buck Grand Final Lunch was the best-ever with a star-studded line up, a VAFA legends panel and a record attendance to celebrate our 125th year. Sam Lane was outstanding as MC and brought the best out of Hawks supercoach, Alastair Clarkson, and women’s football pioneer, Susan Alberti. Hockeyroo-turn-Big V Women’s Captain, Claire Messent, joined this panel, while VAFA champions Barry Richardson, Andrew Thompson, Kevin Segota, Graham Burgen, and patron John Dillon all contributed to the wonderful afternoon, closed out with comedy by sports satirist, Titus O’Reilly.

BRAND

VAFA commemorated our 125th year with a brand re-fresh incorporating the trademark ‘V’ in circle while including our title, year of formation & anniversary, and word play on our motto ‘Still Loving the Game’. The VAFA is in the process of determining what is the best way forward to create a brandmark that best represents our competition. The overall aim is to create a logo that became easily recognisable inside or outside the VAFA community. The ‘V’ on its own cannot do this due to its widespread usage in other Victorian sports and organisations. Although, it could be said 2017 was a challenging year, it also provided an indication of the stable base we have to work with to support the competition’s growth and continue to work towards removing cost barriers for participation in the VAFA. Finally, I would like to thank the members of the Commercial sub-committee led by Tim Nelson with terrific input from Anthony Amad & Felicity Fredirico alongside staff members, Nick Armistead and Mikala Sykes, and new CEO Brett Connell.

First ever women’s Big V game

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2017

Blair O’Hara General Manager, Commercial Operations

Celebrating a new car purchase, free footballs, and 100 Years of Bayford

Wilson Parking, Security & Medic One staff at the inaugural womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lightning premiership

Sam Lane enjoying her MC duties at the William Buck Grand Final Lunch

A star studded panel: Claire Messent & Alastair Clarkson alongside Susan Alberti and Sam Lane

Al Armstrong (Old Melburnians) with his High Sierra bag on VAFA Ireland Tour

East Malvern Community Bankâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s George Prodromidis is delighted with new footy on display

Players show their support for the new Wilson Group sponsorship

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2017

Media and Communications Report VAFA Media experienced another year of growth across all digital media platforms in 2017 as we aim to continually develop & increase engagement for an ever-increasing VAFA community. VAFA.com.au

VAFA Ireland Tour

As the hub of VAFA Media and the number one source of content and information, VAFA. com.au underwent necessary changes prior to the season’s commencement in a bid to ensure an improved user experience via a modern and simplistic design. We repositioned key elements such as section links to add prominence, increased advertising positions without impacting user experience, introduced a cleaner layout for articles on the home page and updated colour themes (high contrast) in line with 2017 design trends. A key change was the focus of video content on the home page to coincide with VAFA Media’s new video media strategy aimed at producing more content and making it readily available for supporters. Despite losing more than 900K page views due to the change of Live Scores provider redirecting users away from the website, VAFA. com.au still increased its page view count by more than 500K to 3.6m at 16.6%.

Facebook video was at peak engagement on the VAFA’s Tour of Ireland and London whereby 10 separate videos garnered an average of 5.4K views, including 8K and 6.2K for two HQ News episodes involving interviewees (coach, player umpire etc) and Gaelic women’s players, respectively. The Ireland Tour was an exceptional chance for VAFA Media to promote one of our Association’s greatest opportunities for players and content produced included interviews with world class personnel such as Sarah Rowe (Women’s Gaelic) and Fergal McGill (GAA), match footage and reports, photography and, most importantly, behind-the-scenes footage of the incredible experience each player, coach and support staff received on the tour.

VAFA TV VAFA TV is the main source of engagement among players and supporters, and changes were implemented to ensure the quality and interest of all productions continued to increase this year. After being named Best TV Show at the 2016 AFL Victoria Media Awards, VAFA Tragics underwent a format change in its third year of production with the focus moving from weekly match analysis to discussion of issues facing the VAFA and our clubs. The revised opinion-based format allowed the panellists to discuss the relevant talking points from within our Association; including, the first-ever abandoned match and subsequent splitting of points between Beaumaris and Old Melburnians, the unsubstantiated rumours surrounding St Kevin’s with captain Anthony Lynch and prescribed penalties. Both men’s and women’s players joined the panel as guests for the first time, while highlights included the production of two shows from the VAFA Awards Nights and the exclusive announcement of Club XVIII Section 1 & 2 Best & Fairest winners. The use of Facebook video is of the utmost importance to VAFA Media’s ability to promote our competition across the social space and thus we released 113 direct-to-Facebook videos throughout 2017 for record totals of 467.1K views at an average of over 4.1K per clip. VAFA Tragics clips, HQ News, SPT Plays of the Week, promotional videos (125 Years an Ammo) and match highlights each contributed to the improved growth of our strongest social media asset.

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2017

VAFA Women’s As the VAFA community grows due to the influx of women’s players, so too does our commitment to providing quality content across all forms of media. A first in community football, @vafawomens Instagram page was established as a standalone female promotional tool and it quickly grew to more 1000 followers throughout the season. Eight extra pages of full colour were added to the Amateur Footballer record to include women’s team lists, photos and content, and VAFA photography increased each weekend to incorporate one women’s match.

VAFA Media Days Following the success of the inaugural VAFA Media Days in 2016, we held the second instalment across two days in March with more than 85 male and female players taking part. Content created from the two days included

player interviews, promotional videos, photography and the popular Lip Sync Battles between sections.

Acknowledgements VAFA Media is made up of a large contingent of dedicated volunteers, each of whom I would like to personally thank for their involvement throughout the 2017 season. Special thanks to Ken Petrucco and the team at 96.5 Inner FM, Glenn Scarborough (North-West FM), Andrew Leonard and Brenton Mann (VAFA Tragics), Mitch op’t Hoog (Amateur Footballer Coordinator), our dedicated Amateur Footballer Scribes and all players and club personnel who contributed to the success of VAFA Media this year.

Awards VAFA Tragics was awarded Best Use of Online Media (TV Show) at the AFL Victoria Community Media Awards in December 2016. VAFA Media had been nominated for five awards on the day and it was the second time we won the Best TV Show category. Nick Armistead Media and Communications Coordinator

More than 85 men & women attended the 2017 VAFA Media Days in March VAFA Media filmed and released 7 lip sync battles at the VAFA Media Day

Up’ing the numbers

University Blacks midfielder Tyrone Bean interviewed by VAFA Media following the Big V’s victory over Bishopstown on the 2017 VAFA Ireland & London Tour

Facebook

8758 likes

Twitter

5963 followers

Instagram (@vafahq)

2482 followers

Instagram (@vafawomens)

1054 followers

YouTube

136,196 views

Total

412,478 mins viewed

Facebook Video

467.1K total views

Total

4.13K average views

489 followers

VAFA.com.au

3.6m page views

Total

400K users

VAFA Newsletter

28,814 recipients

34% 9.2% 77% NEW 18.7% 15.9% 50.4% 1.3% 14.5% 16.6% 15.6% 8.1%

VAFA Tragics was named Best Use of Online Media (TV Show) at the 2016 AFL Victoria Community Media Awards

VAFA Media & My Sport Live at the VAFA Women’s Awards Night

VAFA Media caught every moment of the 2017 VAFA Ireland & London Tour with Lochie Dornauf (Uni Blacks) & Tom Jok (St Kevin’s OB) celebrating after the Big V’s record win over AFL London

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2017

William Buck Premier

SKOB make history History was made at the conclusion of the 2017 William Buck Premier season as St Kevin’s OB claimed their first-ever premiership in the VAFA’s top section via a thrilling three-point victory over Collegians. Prior to the season’s commencement, excitement

Viv Michie, Corey Cassidy and Nick Dixon. They spent

was high as several ex-AFL and VFL players either

the remaining five weeks of the home and away

entered or returned to the VAFA’s ranks and

season on top of the ladder after they exploded

ultimately strengthened the overall competition.

out of the blocks with six wins in the first six rounds;

SKOB were at the forefront of attracting quality to their club as they brought in players the ilk of Sam Critchley, Jay Schulz and Mitch Brown. Mark Jamar also returned after first signing in 2016 before playing the season with Essendon as a top-up player. While Schulz and Brown were particularly influential throughout the season, it was SKOB’s depth and Shannon Grant’s coaching nous which played the largest role in their breakthrough season. They spent 13 of a possible 18 weeks on top of the

including, a 90-point drubbing of SKOB under lights at Harry Trott Oval. After averaging just 64ppg in 2016, coach Shane Joyce added an offensive arsenal to their game style while maintaining their elite defensive structures and increased their output to 83ppg this season. Ferguson led all Lions with 12 votes from 11 games in the Woodrow Medal, Sam Hibbins and Courtney Hylton were named in the Team of the Year while Hibbins, Cassidy and Michie represented the Big V.

ladder throughout the home and away fixture after

Under new senior coach, James Walker, University

losing just two matches with an average winning

Blues commenced the season with three losses

margin of 55.5 points. Harassment of the ball

from their first five matches before securing 11

carrier and scoring prowess were the two main

wins and one draw in their last 13 outings. Ross

strengths of Grant’s game plan with SKOB leading

Young returned from a season in the country and

the competition in points for (105) and against (64).

dominated through the midfield, finishing equal

Five players were named in the William Buck Team of

second in the Woodrow and as the starting centre

the Year, while six (Anthony Lynch, Gerard Gleeson,

in the Team of the Year. Tim Geappen (49) and Kieran

Thomas Jok, Sam Critchley, Bill Coates and Mitch

Harper (43) played their first full seasons with the

Brown) represented the Big V in the senior side’s

club and kicked 92 goals between them, but the

82-point victory over AFL Victoria Country in July.

Blues suffered their second consecutive straight

Brown was equal second in the Woodrow Medal

sets exit after finishing second on the ladder.

count while Gleeson (=2nd), Brown (=6th) and Rising Star winner, Lachlan Sullivan, (=6th) finished in the top six for the Premier Coaches MVP.

After narrowly missing finals in 2016, De La Salle went one step further this season with 11 wins and a semifinal appearance against Collegians, eventually

Collegians also recruited hard over the off-season

going down by 15 points. Despite losing their first

as they brought in talent the ilk of Lachlan Ferguson,

two games of the year, De La got their season back

Bede Mahon (University Blacks) – Woodrow Medallist

Ben Dowd (St Kevin’s OB)

on track with five wins in the ensuing six rounds. The Paul Satterley-led unit were the kings of the close shave, winning five of seven games decided by eight points or less. Coaches MVP, Jason Tutt, was outstanding across half back in his first year at the club, while Tom Humphrey was selected as captain in the Team of the Year after another standout season in defence. Old Xaverians were unable to reclaim their premiership-winning form of 2016 as they completed the season with nine wins and in fifth spot on the ladder. James McDonald replaced Ted Woodruff and Pat Hawkins as senior coach and had the Xavs firing early in the season as they won their first four games. However, they struggled to find consistency over the last 14 rounds as they mixed supreme performances such as their 92-point victory over SBMT with losses against University Blacks and Old Trinity. Denis Symeopoulos had a breakout season through the Xavs’ midfield while Matt Handley registered 44 goals despite playing largely in the ruck. Old Melburnians mirrored their 2016 win/loss record of eight wins, nine losses and one draw as they once again sat sixth on the ladder at the end of the year. The top-tier talent at OM’s is as strong as any club, with Thomas Paule, Josh Freezer, Nick De Steiger and Al Armstrong four of the best players on the ground during the Big V’s senior win over AFL Vic Country. Tom Cameron captained the Big V U19’s to a thrilling four-point loss, while Freezer, De Steiger and Paule were each named on the ground in the Team of the Year. Victories against Uni Blues and Xavs showcased their potential alongside a onegoal loss to eventual premiers, SKOB. Despite being suspended and thereby ineligible for the Woodrow Medal, Matt Thomas was recognised by the umpires with 14 votes in just 11 games. Three consecutive victories in their last three matches helped Old Trinity avoid relegation after they failed to maintain their winning form from the past two seasons. Two consecutive grand final losses took its toll on the T’s as they lost nine straight games between Rounds 7 and 15. With five games remaining in the home and away season, Adam Andrews and the T’s parted ways after six years at the helm and senior stars, Brendan Iezzi and Luke Pacconi, took the reins and helped win their final three to avoid relegation. Harry Thompson established himself as an A-Grade ruckman of the competition and Iezzi was at his dominant best with a standout display for the Big V in July. St Bedes/Mentone Tigers returned to William Buck Premier for the first time since 2014 and registered four wins and a draw against local rival Beaumaris. With a new-look coaching staff led by premiership

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2017

player, Sam Anstey, the Tigers commenced their season with three losses before upsetting both Uni Blues and De La in Rounds 4 and 6. They managed just three wins from their nine home games and lost their final five games by an average of 79 points but, having avoided relegation by half a game, have the chance to regroup ahead of 2018. Needing an unlikely Round 18 win over St Kevin’s at TH King Reserve, University Blacks were unable to claim victory and will thereby compete in Premier B for the first time in six years. Injuries to key personnel and unavailability’s derailed the Blacks’ season as they managed just four wins. Despite the disappointment of relegation, Blacks captain Bede Mahon was sensationally awarded the Woodrow Medal on 17 votes, with a BOG performance in the last game loss to SKOB enough to go ahead of the chasing pack on 14. Beaumaris struggled to find consistency throughout the season and were relegated one year after claiming the Premier B flag. The Sharks were unable to taste victory until a breakthrough Round 14 win over Old Trinity paved the way for three wins in their final five games. Nick Dickinson polled nine votes after an outstanding individual season, while Stephen Milne kicked 39 goals and was instrumental during the Big V’s record-breaking victory. Nick Armistead

Premier

St Kevin’s OB

William Buck Premier Premiership Team: St Kevin’s OB B BP C HF

Conor Ross, Sam Critchley, Lachlan Merrett Steven Salopek, Will Coates, Nick Wood Ben Dowd, Mitchell Brown, Tom Jok Joshua Wallis, Henry Parkes, Callum Matheson

Billy Kanakis, Jay Schulz, Lachlan Sullivan

Anthony Lynch, Gerard Gleeson, James Strauss

INT

Jason Salopek, Jack Holden, Chris Gleeson, Zac Ginies

COACH

Shannon Grant, Guy Martyn, Tom Williams, Jess Sinclair

Leading Goal Kickers Name

Club

Tim Geappen

University Blues

Total 44

Matthew Handley

Old Xaverians

Kieran Harper

University Blues

Jay Schulz

St Kevins OB

JN Woodrow Medal

Jock Nelson Medallist

Mitch Brown (St Kevin’s OB) Woodrow Medallist

Bede Mahon (University Blacks) Leading Goal Kickers

Matt Handley (Old Xaverians) & Tim Gaeppen (University Blues)

PLAYER

CLUB

Bede Mahon

University Blacks

Mitch Brown

St Kevin’s OB

Matt Thomas*

Old Melburnians

Ross Young

University Blues

Lachlan Ferguson

Collegians

Jason Tutt

De La Salle

Scribe Team of the Year FB

Sam Critchley (SKOB), Tom Humphrey (DLS) – C, Connor Lappin (Blues)

CHB

Courtney Hylton (Coll), Josh Freezer (OM), Jason Tutt (DLS)

Tom Jok (SKOB), Ross Young (Blues), Hugh Curnow (Blacks)

CHF

Kieran Harper (Blues), Mitch Brown (SKOB), Lachlan Sullivan (SKOB)

Lochie Dornauf (Blacks), Tim Geappen (Blues), Stephen Milne (Beau)

FOLL I/C Coach

VOTES

Nick De Steiger (OM), Gerard Gleeson (SKOB), Tom Paule (OM) – VC Sam Hibbins (Coll), Jaryd Robertson (SBMT), Brendan Iezzi (OT), Denis Symeopoulos (OX), Bede Mahon (Blacks), Jeremy Taylor (Blues) James Walker (Blues)

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2017

William Buck Premier Results WILLIAM BUCK PREMIERSHIP LADDER P

For

Agst

PTS

St Kevins OB

1896

1152

164.58

University Blues

1562

1212

128.88

Collegians

1511

1249

120.98

De La Salle

1367

1311

104.27

Old Xaverians

1428

1379

103.55

Old Melburnians

1389

1359

102.21

Old Trinity

1257

1443

87.11

St Bedes/Mentone Tigers

1174

1702

68.98

University Blacks

1402

1624

86.33

Beaumaris

1214

1769

68.63

Tom Young (Old Trinity)

William Buck Premier Grand Final at Trevor Barker Oval St Kevin’s OB Collegians

1.2-8

6.3-39

10.4-64

10.10-70

2.5-17

5.6-36

6.11-47

9.13-67

St Kevin’s OB Goal Kickers: M. Brown 2, B. Kanakis 2, J. Wallis 2, C. Matheson, B. Dowd, H. Parkes, J. Strauss Best Players: M. Brown, S. Critchley, C. Matheson, B. Kanakis, C. Ross, J. Wallis Collegians Goal Kickers: K. Ong 2, A. Croft 2, V. Michie, F. Cameron, C. Hylton, J. Trotter, W. Johnson Best Players: T. Penberthy, S. Hibbins, M. Jenkinson, N. Dixon, K. Ong, A. Fahie Jock Nelson Medal: Mitch Brown (St Kevin’s OB) Tom Jok (St Kevin’s OB)

Jason Tutt (De La Salle) - Premier Coaches MVP

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2017

Premier Reserves PREMIERSHIP LADDER P 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18

University Blues Old Xaverians St Kevin’s Old Melburnians Beaumaris Collegians Old Trinity Grammarians University Blacks De La Salle St Bedes / Mentone Tigers

W 17 16 12 11 11 7 6 4 3 3

L 1 2 6 7 7 11 12 14 15 15

D 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

B 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

FF 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

For 1563 1668 1523 1313 1230 1217 1248 998 730 744

Agst 821 877 1103 1030 1063 1030 1396 1297 1683 1934

% 190.38 190.19 138.08 127.48 115.71 118.16 89.4 76.95 43.37 38.47

PTS 68 64 48 44 44 28 24 16 12 12

Premier Reserves Premiership Team: Old Xaverians B: HB: C: HF: F: R: I/C Coach

Premier Reserve Winners – Old Xaverians

Tommy Amad , Josh Anderson, James Woods Sam Lees, Ben Plant , Luke Barry Hamish Cullity, Louie Denton, Luke Bisset Mitch Parker, Matt Margin, Lachie Keith Robbie Ralph, James Forrest , Tyler Scarce Ed Lachal, Tom Anderson, Nick Nunan Hamish Morris, Matt Smith, Jack Kelliher, Matt Sitch Murray Browne

Premier Reserves Grand Final Old Xaverians St Kevins OB

0.1-1 1.6-12

4.4-28 2.6-18

5.5-35 4.6-30

8.7-55 5.10-40

Old Xaverians Goal Kickers: L. Denton 3, J. Forrest 2, L. Bisset, N. Nunan, R. Ralph Best Players: L. Barry, N. Nunan, S. Lees, L. Bisset, J. Woods, L. Denton St Kevins OB Goal Kickers: A. Clough, S. Kennedy, Z. Carter, P. Karageorgiou, J. Tighe Best Players: H. Lagastes, J. Stewart, N. Meehan, M. Jamar, L. Mahoney, T. Sullivan Best on Ground Medal: Nick Nunan (Old Xaverians)

PREMIERSHIP LADDER St Kevin’s OB Gold Old Xaverians Red Old Xaverians Black St Kevin’s OB Green St Bernards University Blacks University Blues Old Melburnians Beaumaris Collegians

Premier Thirds Winners – St Kevin’s OB Gold

Premier Thirds

For

Agst

PTS

18 17 17 18 18 18 18 16 18 18

15 14 12 13 8 7 7 5 4 2

3 3 4 5 9 11 11 11 14 16

0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

1617 1507 1298 1293 1202 1082 1041 798 853 625

628 791 922 952 1330 1108 1087 1545 1427 1694

257.48 190.52 140.78 135.82 90.38 97.65 95.77 51.65 59.78 36.89

60 60 54 52 34 28 28 20 16 8

Premier Thirds Premiership Team: St Kevin’s OB Gold B: HB: C: HF: F: R: I/C Coach

Dan Code, Anthony Kirwan, James Mustey Nicholas Murphy, Rhys Gregory, Charles Ring Pat Rhodes, Matt Murphy, Chris McPherson Jonathan Ring, Charles Randles (c), Will Russell Julian Gambaro, Luke McDonell, Edward Ring Jerome White, Michael Moore, Troy McMaster Tim Sharpe, Tom Crookes, James Dimattina, Julian Staffieri, Ben Omizzolo, James Bethlehem Ben Omizzolo, Jarad McMaster

Premier Thirds Grand Final St Kevins OB Gold Old Xaverians Red

1.2-8 2.2-14

2.6-18 2.4-16

3.6-24 5.6-36

St Kevins OB Gold Goal Kickers: E. Ring 3, T. McMaster, N. Murphy, W. Russell, M. Moore Best Players: T. McMaster, P. Rhodes, C. Randles, E. Ring, C. Ring Old Xaverians Red Goal Kickers: H. Kelly 3, C. Kennedy, T. Bergin Best Players: J. Samartzis, M. Cain, B. Curtis, J. Buffon, H. Kelly, F. Nugent Best on Ground Medal: Troy McMaster (St Kevin’s Gold)

Viv Michie (Collegians)

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2017

7.9-51 5.7-37

Premier B

Tonners dominant season The 2017 Premier B season brought with it a dominant display from the Old Brighton Grammarians, who rollicked their way to double premiership flags in both their seniors and reserves squads. The seniors, having lost just one game throughout the home and away season, faced off against Old Scotch after defeating the Cardinals two weeks earlier in the first round of finals. The players went in full of confidence led by strong performances from co-captains Dylan Verney and Harry Hill, with Verney being named Ian Cordner Medalist and Hill slotting three goals for the day. The Tonners secured a three-goal margin at half time, and after an arm-wrestle of a third quarter, controlled the pace and flow of the final term to run out six-goal winners. It topped of an impressive season for the Grammarians, leaving them with their first premiership since 2013 and returning them to William Buck Premier. Throughout the season, spearheads Alex Mastromanno and Michael Karayannis featured prominently in front of the big sticks, each of them slotting an impressive 41 majors for the season. Co-Captains Dylan Verny and Harry Hill were recurringly in the best and coach Greg Hutchison exuded tactical genius. The only slip up for the season came in an unlikely 44-point loss to St Bernard’s in Round 15, with a draw to Old Scotch in Round 8 also standing in the way of an undefeated season. Although the season ended in disappointing fashion, Old Scotch worked their way back into William Buck Premier. Facing Old Brighton in Harry Hill (Old Brighton) – GT Moore Medallist

the first round of the finals would have been a daunting task for the Cardinals and after a four-goal loss they regrouped to face a driven St Bernard’s in the preliminary final. The Snow Dogs threw everything at the Cardinals, with the match heading to an incredible overtime finish. The Cardinals secured the win, but whether this marathon game effected their fitness leading into the grand finale against the Tonners remains to be unseen. A breakout season for James Sansom, along with strong performances yearround from Jack Bull saw them through their impressive year. Jordan Clarke was their leading goal scorer for the year with 39 majors. The Snow Dogs returned strongly from relegation in 2017, and after fighting their way to third place, would have fancied their chances against the minor premiers had they come up against them after being the only team to defeat them for the 2017 season. St Bernard’s steamed into Premier B with four straight wins, and looked to be hitting their straps with a few rounds left in the year with big wins against Old Brighton, Monash Blues and AJAX. A narrow win over the Monash Blues saw them into a semi against Old Scotch, but they were bested in an extra time classic which left them agonisingly short. A ripper year from Adam Bentick along with 30-odd goals for Christopher Spinella, Edyn Sibbald and Jack McNamara led the way for the Snow Dogs.

Monash Blues rounded out the top four in Premier B this year and for the second year in a row they bowed out of contention after a loss in the first week of finals. Making the finals was still a feat for the Blues after going 2-4 in the first six rounds of the season. They bounced back and fought their way into the top four, securing their place with two rounds to go after winning six of their last seven games of the home and away season. The loss in these 7 games was to St Bernard’s however, and facing them in the first week of finals proved to be their downfall – although the match was only decided by 13 points. Joe Harrison and Charles Cosgriff were standouts throughout the season. Towards the end of the season, it became apparent there was only one other real contender for finals success, which came in the form of Mark Williams’ AJAX football club. The Jackers had threatened to look dangerous throughout the season but never managed to convert their strengths into regular on-field success. They fell two games and 11% short of securing a finals position. Josh Ludski and Nicholas Lewis proved to be regular contributors on the field, while Premier B leading goalkicker Jake Lew slotted 46 goals for the season in a stellar performance. Joining Premier B after securing the 2016 Premier C premiership, Mazenod had a troubling start to their campaign. Two huge losses to St Bernard’s and Old Brighton, which, in hindsight were always going to be difficult starts to the season, had the Nodders struggling to impose themselves on the competition. Throughout the year they managed to fight out the close games, with five of their eight wins by less than three goals. Dean Izon showed his prowess throughout the season whilst Brad Kovac provided firepower up forward with 25 goals. After suffering relegation from William Buck Premier, Old Carey would have been looking to prove their worth in Premier B in 2017. Unfortunately for them they struggled throughout the year, managing only six wins for the season. Their year featured some close losses but overall the club struggled to find their feet after relegation, and only secured their spot in Premier B for 2018 by eight premiership points. A positive for the year was the outstanding season from recruit Marc Lock, who featured regularly in the best on for the Panthers. Sam Cust was their leading goal scorer with an admirable 28 goals. Once again avoiding relegation by the skin of their teeth, Parkdale Vultures will rue another season spent towards the bottom of the ladder. The season started poorly for the Vultures after going 2-5 in the first seven rounds and they struggled to find form against stronger opponents. A lot of work is needed to lift the Vultures from the bottom of the table in 2018,

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2017

but players like Matthew Boland (35 goals) and Jason Bristow form the foundations of a team with the potential to be stronger in future years. After narrowly missing the top four in 2016, Fitzroy seemingly lost their bite this year. Two wins throughout the year against Old Carey along with a win against AJAX showed a taste of the ‘Roys of 2016, but they were unable to capture any of that form as a string of injuries curtailed their season. A disappointing year and tight finish sees them heading to Premier C for the 2018 season. A disheartening year for the Peninsula Old Boys after climbing to Premier B for the first time in the club’s history. Being unable to play at the school for most of the season railroaded any potential run of form for the Pirates as they return to Premier C with far more experience under their belt. Euan MacDonald

Premier B Premiership Team: Old Brighton B:

Ben Austen, Dylan Verney, Stuart Hooy

HB:

Matt Gadsden, Tom Garner, Luke Healy

C: HF:

Andrew Dewar, Brock Rawlinson, Ben Jakobi Anthony Zimmerman, Tom King, Michael Dewar

Michael Karayannis, Daniel Anthony, Ollie Cavallaro

Ben Jarick, Tom Fisher, Harry Hill

I/C

Pat Liston, Michael Slater, Raury Bolger, Jim Davis

Coach

Greg Hutchison, Mitch Pepper

Leading Goalkickers Name

Club

Goals

Jake Lew

AJAX

Alessandro Mastromanno

Old Brighton

Michael Karayannis

Old Brighton

Jonathan Daggian

Old Scotch

GT Moore Medal

Premier

Old Brighton Ian Cordner Medallist

Dylan Verney (Old Brighton) GT Moore Medallist

Player

Club

Harry Hill

Old Brighton

Votes 25

Jack Bull

Old Scotch

Adam Bentick

St Bernard’s

Ashley Kalb

AJAX

Shaun Clarke

St Bernard’s

Ben Jarick

Old Brighton

Josh Ludski

AJAX

Scribe Team of the Year

Harry Hill (Old Brighton)

Dylan Verney (OB), Andrew Sloan (OC), Dean Izon (Maz)

Jason Bristow (PV), Keegan Mason (MB), Marc Lock (OC)

Leading Goal Kicker

Brad Kovac (Maz), Alex Mastromanno (OB), James Sansom (OS)

Michael Karayannis (OB), Jake Lew (Ajax), Jordan Clarke (OS)

Ben Jarick (OB), Josh Ludski (Ajax), Max Ellis (Fitz)

Jake Lew (Ajax)

I/C COACH

Adam Bentick (StB), Nick Lewis (Ajax), Conor O'Beirne (OS)

Jack Bull (OS), Jordan Pomeroy (Pen), Chris Spinella (StB), Joe Harrison (MB) Greg Hutchison (OB)

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2017

Premier B Results PREMIERSHIP LADDER Chris Hughes (St Bernardâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s)

For

Agst

PTS

Old Brighton Grammarians

1748

898

194.65

Old Scotch

1885

1082

174.21

St Bernards

1748

1266

138.07

Monash Blues

1374

1213

113.27

Ajax

1335

1299

102.77

Mazenod

1029

1460

70.48

Old Carey

1359

1461

93.02

Parkdale Vultures

1107

1612

68.67

Fitzroy FC

1111

1625

68.37

Peninsula

1020

1856

54.96

Premier B Grand Final at Trevor Barker Oval Old Brighton Grammarians

2.9-21

6.12-48

7.12-54

11.13-79

Old Scotch

2.2-14

4.6-30

5.6-36

6.7-43

Old Brighton Goal Kickers: H. Hill 3, M. Karayannis 2, P. Liston, B. Rawlinson, A. Zimmerman, B. Jakobi, D. Anthony, L. Healy Best Players: D. Verney, H. Hill, B. Jarick, B. Jakobi, T. Fisher, A. Dewar Old Scotch Goal Kickers: J. Halsall 2, J. Sansom, J. Clarke, H. Larwill, N. Cox Best Players: G. van den Broek , T. McKinley, J. Bull, A. van Ryn, M. Seed, D. Gilbert Ian Cordner Medal: Dylan Verney (Old Brighton) Rory Angiolella (Fitzroy)

Brayden Stevenson (Parkdale Vultures)

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2017

Premier B Reserves PREMIERSHIP LADDER P

Old Scotch Old Brighton Gr St Bernard’s Old Carey Monash Blues Mazenod Fitzroy FC Ajax Parkdale Vultures Peninsula

18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18

17 14 12 11 10 9 6 6 4 1

1 4 6 7 8 9 12 12 14 17

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

For

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

1747 1375 1508 1295 1067 1039 1151 897 1031 526

Agst

671 716 981 1133 874 1062 1465 1242 1193 2299

260.36 192.04 153.72 114.3 122.08 97.83 78.57 72.22 86.42 22.88

PTS 68 56 48 44 40 36 24 24 16 4

Premier B Reserve Premiership Team: Old Brighton B: HB: C: HF: F: R: I/C Coach

Premier B Reserves – Old Brighton

Hugh Hamilton, Riley Cummin, Keiran Rawlinson Nick Graham-Bowman, Josh Dickerson, Tom Larkworthy Tom Fisher, Jack Toouli, Brandon Harris Alexander Gunning, Zack Alcott, George Yeoman Jandre Olivier, Ben Gadsden, Nick Coroneous Hamish Graham, Lucas Forato, Jack Cowling Marty Ho, Calum McLeod, Levi Otto, Joel Balleggi Ross Stewart, Brian Randal, Ryan Joseph

Premier B Reserves Grand Final Old Scotch Old Brighton Grammarians

2.0-12 1.3-9

2.1-13 7.8-50

5.5-35 8.8-56

5.6-36 9.16-70

Old Scotch Goal Kickers: E. Furey 2, C. Long, T. Kerr, J. Couch Best Players: D. Di Donato, K. Searle, J. Long, C. Long, J. Beard, J. Daggian Old Brighton Goal Kickers: B. Gadsden 2, Z. Alcott, J. Toouli, G. Yeoman, J. Balleggi, N. Coroneos, H. Graham, L. Otto Best Players: M. Ho, H. Graham, L. Forato, R. Cummin, J. Toouli, N. Graham-Bowman Best on Ground Medal: Martin Ho (Old Brighton)

Brad Kovac (Mazenod)

Premier B Thirds

PREMIERSHIP LADDER Old Scotch De La Salle AJAX Fitzroy Monash Blues Old Trinity Parkdale Vultures Old Carey Gr

16 16 16 16 16 15 15 16

15 12 12 8 8 5 2 1

1 4 4 8 8 10 13 15

D 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

B 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

FF 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0

For

1696 1543 1334 1354 1069 952 595 671

Agst

729 810 814 1060 990 1167 1871 1855

PTS

232.65 190.49 163.88 127.74 107.98 81.58 31.8 36.17

60 48 48 32 32 24 8 4

Premier B Thirds Premiership Team: Old Scotch Premier B Thirds – Old Scotch Jacob Murphy (Old Carey)

B: HB: C: HF: F: R: I/C Coach

James Parsell, Nick Lindsay, Chris Perrot Dom McDermott, Nick Stavris, Matt Tyler V.Capt Jack McIntosh, Nick Sheehan, Jack Slobom Richard Goodey Capt., Will Michael, Tim Melville V.Capt Corey MacKenzie, Ned Walmsley, Andrew Hayes Harry McCallum, Luke Daggian, Jack Otter Stephen Filippou, Will Hewson, Josh Gordon, John McLellan, Brenton Morley, Mitch Bradley Paul Gregor, Terry Kendell Asst., Joan DeVond Team Mgr

Premier B Thirds Grand Final Old Scotch De La Salle

4.0-24 0.1-1

6.3-39 1.1-7

7.9-51 2.3-15

10.16-76 2.6-18

Old Scotch Goal Kickers: J. Otter 3, B. Morley 2, N. Walmsley, N. Sheehan, W. Michael, A. Hayes, S. Filippou Best Players: J. Otter, N. Lindsay, H. McCallum, L. Daggian, D. McDermott, M. Tyler De La Salle Goal Kickers: J. Hanley 2 Best Players: S. McGraw, J. Hanley, L. Bull, M. Breda, H. Zaia, S. Griffin Best on Ground Medal: Jack Otter (Old Scotch)

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2017

Premier C

Bloods make it two out of three In an historic 125th year of the VAFA, Premier C exemplified the VAFA’s emphasis on competitive balance. So much so that the top four wasn’t finalised until the very end of the regular season. In fact, heading into the final two rounds of 2017, teams from third to eighth on the ladder were all in with a chance of playing finals. While the competition throughout the mid-table was intense, there were two sides which stood out as true contenders all year, Caulfield Grammarians and Old Haileybury. In the end, it was a fair result that these two teams would earn promotion into Premier B and face off for the Premier C flag.

Peter Shakallis, who was unstoppable through the midfield. On the scoreboard, Corey Rich top-scored with three while Nick Gooda kicked two high pressure goals in the second quarter to steady the ship. Eight goals to three in the second half sealed the deal for the Bloods.

For the Bloods, the grand final appearance put an end to their short-lived venture down into Premier C after demotion from Premier B in 2016. For the Fields, the grand final berth secured promotion after an extended time in Premier C, finishing minor premiers in 2016 but failing to make the grand final.

While the Fields were minor premiers and entered the finals on a six-game winning streak, they had no answers for the Bloods as they lost both postregular season match-ups.

Leading into the match, it was near impossible to predict. Caulfield had been the best team in Premier C all year, but the Bloods were hitting their straps at the business end of the season. Despite the Fields’ minor premiership, it was Old Haileybury who capped off their return to Premier C in sensational style, claiming a 48-point victory at Casey Fields. It was the second Premier C flag for Old Haileybury in three years. Despite winning the second semi-final, you’d have to say Old Haileybury entered the game as underdogs. Yet the Bloods found themsleves up by seven points at quarter time and their lead grew every break thereafter. Their dominance was in large thanks to the Michael Ritterman Medallist,

The other two teams to make the Premier C finals in 2017 were Williamstown CYMS and Marcellin. The CYs managed to sneak into the four on percentage, just ahead of Old Geelong; while Marcellin were unlucky not to secure a top-two finish, eventually finishing in third but with the same win-loss record as second-placed Old Haileybury. Outside the top four, the competition was intense with many teams keeping their finals hopes alive until the end of Round 18. Fifth-placed Old Geelong would’ve been delighted to have pushed for finals after coming up from Division 1 in 2016. Having said that, they’ll no doubt rue missed opportunities with their inconsistency costing them dearly. Throughout the season, OGs would often win games as the underdogs and let the winnable games slip. In his first year at the club, Jez Nettlefold took out Old

Geelong’s Senior Best & Fairest award! Another Division 1 graduate, Old Mentonians, pushed for a spot in the finals but they too fell just short on percentage, eventually finishing the season in sixth. In an odd season of football, it too was their inconsistency that cost them. The Panthers started the season with a bang, claiming three victories in the first three rounds. However, with injuries and unavailability’s plaguing their list, they failed to recapture their early season form and only managed six more wins for the year. For Old Camberwell, the season also started promisingly with back-to-back away wins against Marcellin and Old Ivanhoe. At the halfway mark of the season, they were sitting at five wins and four losses, giving themselves every opportunity to secure a finals berth. Unfortunately, in the back half of the season they could only secure three more wins to finish the year in seventh place. Despite missing finals, there were plenty of highlights for the Wellers, including Ben Hart winning the Premier C Zachariah Medal (the club’s first senior men’s competition B&F since Graeme Ewart in 1993). In eighth place and narrowly avoiding relegation was Old Ivanhoe, who took a step backwards in 2017 after playing finals in 2016. Their season followed the same path as Old Camberwell’s, claiming five wins in the opening half of the season yet only managing three in the back end of the year. As Caulfield Grammarians and Old Haileybury return to Premier B, we also bid farewell to two relegated teams, Hampton Rovers and Kew. The Rovers, who now suffer relegation in successive seasons, won just six games while the Bears will return to Division 1 on the back of a three-win season. As four teams leave, we welcome four new competitors to Premier C. St Mary’s Salesian and PEGS will be joining Premier C in 2018 from Division 1 - the Saints for the first time in their club’s history. While Peninsula and Fitzroy will join Premier C from Premier B - Fitzroy relegated by the heart-breakingly slender percentage of just 0.3%. Mitch op’t Hoog

Ben Hart (Old Camberwell) – L. Zachariah Medallist

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2017

Premier C Premiership Team: Old Haileybury B:

Brodie Steele, Aaron Toy, Tim Witherow

HB:

Jarrod Plymin, Lachie Treverton, Nick Garratt

Jack Munro, Peter Shakallis, Jordan Donnelly

HF:

Corey Connelly, Ed Limon, Corey Rich

John Nicolopoulos, Nathan Waite, Alex Woltering

Jackson Arthur, Jordan Toy, James Paul

I/C

Nick Gooda, Shane Valenti, Ben White, Scott Ellis

Coach

Daniel Ward

Leading Goalkickers Name

Club

Goals

Declan Reilly

Caulfield Grammarians

Nathan Waite

Old Haileybury

Andrew Kay

Marcellin OC

Jack Davis

Old Mentonians

L Zachariah Medal Premier

Old Haileybury Michael Ritterman Medallist

Peter Shakallis (Old Haileybury)

Player

Club

Timothy Nixon

Caulfield Grammarians

Votes 19*

George Burbury

Old Geelong

15*

Ben Hart

Old Camberwell

Callum Wood

Old Geelong

William Barker

Caulfield Grammarians

Carl Groth

Old Ivanhoe

Michael Mitris

Old Ivanhoe

Scribe Team of the Year

Zachariah Medallist

Ben Hart (Old Camberwell) Leading Goal Kickers Declan Reilly (Caulfield Grammarians) & Nathan Waite (Old Haileybury)

Will Sloss (OG), Comrey Edgeworth (O.M), Jack Connolly (CYs)

Tom Small (C.G), Michael Mitris (O.I), James Paul (O.H)(vc)

Christian Carnovale (HR), Carl Groth (O.I), Jack Davis (O.M)

Nick Reeves-Smyth (O.I), Andrew Kay (Mar.), Ben Gray (CYs)

George Burbury (OG) (c), Nathan Waite (O.H), Declan Reilly (C.G)

FOLL. I/C COACH

Nick Blackney (CYs), Xavier Jordan (CG.), Jono Blanch (Mar.) Kyle Margaritis (Kew), Simon Bennett (OCam), Nick Baltas (C.G), Callum Wood (OG), Peter Shakallis (O.H), Jackson Green (Mar.) Jarrod Carlson (Mar.)

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2017

Premier C Results PREMIERSHIP LADDER Keiffer Smith-Cameron (Old Mentonians)

For

Agst

PTS

Caulfield Grammarians

1918

1146

167.36

Old Haileyburians

1682

1241

135.54

Marcellin OC

1791

1349

132.77

Williamstown CYMS

1780

1520

117.11

Old Geelong

1460

1365

106.96

Old Mentonians

1538

1639

93.84

Old Camberwell Grammarians

1374

1663

82.62

Old Ivanhoe Grammarians

1261

1533

82.26

Hampton Rovers

1134

1586

71.5

Kew AFC

1060

1956

54.19

Premier C Grand Final at Casey Fields Old Haileyburians

3.4-22

6.6-42

10.8-68

14.10-94

Caulfield Grammarians

2.1-13

3.4-22

4.8-32

6.10-46

Old Haileybury Goal Kickers: C. Rich 3, N. Gooda 2, C. Connelly 2, A. Woltering, B. White, N. Waite, S. Ellis, J. Nicolopoulos, E. Limon, J. Munro Best Players: P. Shakallis, J. Paul, A. Toy, N. Gooda, J. Arthur, L. Treverton Caulfield Grammarians Goal Kickers: N. Baltas 3, D. Reilly 2, T. Nixon Best Players: J. Woodman, N. Baltas, J. Stewart, T. Nixon, N. Fallu, J. Presnell M. Ritterman Medal: Peter Shakallis (Old Haileybury)

Jarrod Plymin (Old Haileybury)

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2017

Jarrod Carlson (Marcellin)

Premier C Reserves PREMIERSHIP LADDER Sam Mackie (Marcellin)

Caulfield Grammarians Marcellin OC Old Geelong Old Camberwell Gr Hampton Rovers Old Haileyburians Williamstown CYMS Kew AFC Old Ivanhoe Grammarians Old Mentonians

For

Agst

PTS

18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18

16 15 12 12 8 8 6 5 3 3

2 2 5 6 9 10 11 13 15 15

0 1 1 0 1 0 1 0 0 0

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

1687 1792 1508 1343 1205 1272 987 932 922 769

680 634 832 1101 1195 1439 1342 1595 1674 1925

248.09 282.65 181.25 121.98 100.84 88.39 73.55 58.43 55.08 39.95

64 62 50 48 34 32 26 20 12 12

Premier C Reserves Premiership Team: Caulfield Grammarians B: HB: C: HF: F: R: I/C Coach

Premier C Reserves Caulfield Grammarians

Andrew Clark, James Anderson, Andrew Spittal Dominic O'Keefe, Jackson Small, Drew Dickson Harrison Mills, Ryan Harris, Hamish Marshall Robert Handel, Lachlan Kellock, Lachlan Nixon Robert Handel (C), Harry Schaffer, Damien Hay (C) Tom Smith, Ryan Lewis, Lloyd Everett Adrian Bednarek, Tom Tonkin, James Small, Darcy Levin Seb Gotch

Premier C Reserves Grand Final Caulfield Grammarians Marcellin OC

1.6-12 0

1.7-13 4.3-27

6.12-48 4.3-27

9.17-71 5.3-33

Caulfield Grammarians Goal Kickers: W. Kingwill 4, R. Handel 2, J. Small, H. Marshall, D. Hay Best Players: T. Smith, R. Harris, J. Anderson, W. Kingwill, L. Everett, D. Hay Marcellin OC Goal Kickers: S. Mackie 2, J. Licciardi, M. Donnoli, A. Salvatore Best Players: J. Baxter, J. James, R. Elphinstone, A. McHenry, J. Maher, S. Mackie Best on Ground Medal: Ryan Harris (Caulfield Grammarians)

Premier C Thirds

PREMIERSHIP LADDER Williamstown CYMS Caulfield Gr West Brunswick AFC PEGS Marcellin Ormond Old Geelong Therry Penola OB St Mary's Salesian Kew AFC

For

Agst

PTS

14 15 16 16 16 16 16 15 15 16

13 12 10 9 9 7 6 5 3 2

1 2 5 6 7 8 10 10 12 14

0 1 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 0

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

1599 1351 1373 1129 1128 1072 996 906 639 688

653 598 838 889 993 1050 1144 1540 1654 1673

244.87 225.92 163.84 127 113.6 102.1 87.06 58.83 38.63 41.12

60 54 42 38 36 30 24 20 12 8

Premier C Thirds Premiership Team: Williamstown CYMS B: HB: C: HF: F: R: I/C Coach

Cam Fennell, Tom Humberstone, Matthew Tennant Andrew Hobday, Luke Molan, Loz Henry Mick Cavarra, Cal Richards, Mike Keating Con Terzoglou, Ben Hynes, Lachlan Mckenzie Beau Coyle, Chris Galea (VC), Mark Busuttil (C) Steven Puhar, Mick Mclaughlin (VC), James Farley (VC) Ged Colreavy, David Streets, Charles Solomon, James Munro, Liam Cavarra, Michael Porter Matt Wynd, Brad Gatt (C), Brent Hart

Premier C Thirds Grand Final Williamstown CYMS Caulfield Grammarians

1.1-7 0.2-2

4.4-28 1.5-11

5.4-34 4.8-32

Williamstown CYMS Goal Kickers: J. Farley 2, B. Coyle 2, C. Terzoglou, C. Galea, B. Hynes Best Players: S. Puhar, L. Molan, J. Farley, C. Richards, C. Fennell, M. McLaughlin Caulfield Grammarians Goal Kickers: A. Clarke, C. Hammond, M. Liddell, M. Wood Best Players: N. Karoly, S. Wood, M. Linklater, A. Lawson, A. Clarke, W. Kedmenec

Premier C Thirds Williamstown CYMS

Best on Ground Medal: Steve Puhar (Williamstown CYMS)

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2017

7.7-49 4.11-35

Tarryn Jeffery (Old Carey)

Eliza Straford (SKOB Saints)

St Maryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Salesian

Louise Conwell (West Brunswick) and Erin McLeod (Old Haileybury)

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2017

Rebekan Watson (Mazenod)

Women’s Football The inaugural season of VAFA Wilson Women’s was a success of the highest order with more than 1900 registered women representing 40 teams from 35 clubs across five sections. William Buck Premier and Development Divisions 1 and 2 fielded eight teams each, while Development Division 4 had 10. Development Division 3 was made up of six teams and played all of their matches on Sundays. William Buck Premier Marcellin created history when they became the first-ever William Buck Premier champions in VAFA Wilson Women’s, defeating SKOB Saints by seven points at Sportscover Arena. After claiming one of the two pre-season Lightning Premiership victories, the Sheagles were promoted to the highest women’s section alongside established teams the ilk of SKOB, Fitzroy-ACU and Brunswick Renegades. Even more remarkable was the fact the Sheagles came from third on the ladder, defeating Old Trinity and the Roy Girls on their way to the decider. Laura Robertson was named best on ground in the grand final, while Tessa Zagontinos kicked two clutch goals. While the memories of the grand final will forever remain in the minds of all those at Marcellin, it was a disappointing end to what had been an otherwise successful year for SKOB. Led by Rising Star winner, Sarah Cameron, and leading goal kicker, Georgie Lupson, the Saints were firm favourites after coming from the disbanded VWFL, and after losing just one game throughout the season. The Roy Girls also came from the VWFL but were unable to emulate their home and away form of 12

wins from 14 games as they were bundled out in straight sets to SKOB and the Sheagles. However, ruck Tash Ross-Harris was unstoppable as she polled 27 votes en route to the competition best & fairest award. Old Trinity rounded out the top four in their first year of existence as Big V skipper and former Hockeyroo, Claire Messent, starred through the midfield. After winning four of their first six post-grading round games, Caulfield were defeated in four of their last five with two heavy losses to SKOB and Marcellin making a finals berth a difficult task given their percentage of 66.31%. Brunswick Renegades and Old Xaverians claimed five wins each, while Melbourne University did not win a game after grading, giving up 46ppg while averaging just eight themselves.

Davie helped the Saints over the line at final siren’s sound. Just one point separated the two sides when they met in the second semi-final two weeks prior, so it was a fitting result for two talented units. Beaumaris, who were well-known for their legions of support at Banksia, finished third following a hard-fought preliminary final loss to the Saints, while Old Haileybury settled in fourth. The Hearts were on track for a grand final berth earlier in the year but lost star midfielder, Sarah Casey, to a season-ending knee injury.

Development Division 1

Casey, who missed the last six games, had already

The two strongest sides in Development Division 1 faced off in the grand final on the back of 11win seasons, with St Mary’s Salesian claiming a thrilling one-point victory at Sportcover Arena. No more than one point separated the two sides at every break throughout the day as best-onground recipient Tash Rappos and forward Lisa

polled 14 votes from the opening eight rounds and still finished second in the best and fairest count. Old Geelong and Old Brighton both fielded strong squads but inconsistency and unavailability’s at crucial periods of the year caused them to finish just outside the four in fifth and sixth, while Monash Blues and Ormond brought up the tail with four and three wins, respectively. Despite finishing last, Ormond and Big V star forward, Kate Macqueen, edged out Casey as the best and fairest player in Division 1.

Development Division 2 Old Camberwell proved far too strong for all comers in Development Division 2, claiming the premiership with a 21-point victory over Old Carey at Trevor Barker Oval. Leading by 14 points at the half, the Wellers booted three unanswered in the third to seal the outcome. In her first year of competitive Aussie Rules, midfielder Rhiannon Green claimed the triple crown by winning the premiership, best on ground medallion and competition best and fairest. Such was her brilliance, one of Green’s sublime grand final goals was also named SPT Play of the Year. Sitting second-last on the ladder after Round 6, it was a remarkable effort from Old Carey to earn a spot on grand final day. They won four of the last five heading into finals and won through to the decider via a strong 34-point victory against

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2017

Ivanhoe and a one-point thriller over Collegians.

will be disappointed after coming so close to an

Collegians posted the third-best points for and

inaugural flag, but did an outstanding job to come

second-best points against totals for the season,

from third spot on the ladder with finals wins over

but fell in straight sets by a combined seven

Hampton Rovers and ladder leaders, Ajax. The

points, while Ivanhoe rounded out the four. UHS-

Jackettes were the one remaining club who made

VU’s season was derailed when captain and Big

the move following the disbandment of the VWFL

V star, Mara McSweeney, tore her ACL, losing five

and were the dominant force throughout the

of their last six games. Oakleigh and SBMT/St

home and away season with nine wins placing

Peter’s claimed five wins apiece, while Yarra Old

them atop the ladder. Despite having competition

Grammarians found the going tough, triumphing

medallist, Chelsea Fisher, in their midfield, the

just twice.

Jackettes were knocked out in straight sets by just

Development Division 3 Development Division 3 was the VAFA’s sixteam Sunday competition and it was Mazenod

two points each time. Melbourne Uni’s second team missed finals by just one game and Therry Penola managed just two wins for the season.

who held the premiership cup aloft following a

Development Division 4

stunning two-point victory over Old Mentonians.

With 10 teams competing, Development Division

Trailing by seven points at half time, the Nodders

4 was the largest in VAFA Wilson Women’s and

kicked two goals to one, including the winner with

was home to four ‘reserves’ sides, SKOB Saints,

less than five minutes remaining on the clock.

St Mary’s Salesian, Fitzroy-ACU and Brunswick

Jennifer Vissenjoux starred in a best-on-ground

Renegades. However, it was Hawthorn AFC

performance, while Julia Bortoli will never forget

who came away with the premiership after

kicking the winning goal. The Nodders had a series

they defeated SKOB by 17 points. Penny Brown

of stars in their midst, none more dominant than

was unstoppable and added a best-on-ground

Big V representative, Bek Watson, who polled

medallion to her haul of premiership and Division

nine times for 19 votes and was runner-up in the

4 best and fairest. The Saints came from third to

competition best and fairest count. The Panthers

give themselves a chance at an unlikely flag, while

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2017

South Melbourne Districts suffered two successive finals losses to the eventual grand finalists after finishing the home and away season in second. Swinburne University held off De La Salle’s run for a finals berth with a Round 18 victory to claim fourth, with percentage separating the two sides. Three of the bottom five sides were the ‘reserves’ teams while Canterbury and Bulleen Templestowe rarely threatened the top four.

William Buck Women’s Premier PREMIERSHIP LADDER SKOB Saints Fitzroy ACU Marcellin OC Old Trinity Caulfield Grammarians Brunswick Renegades Old Xaverians Melbourne University

FOR

AGST

PTS

14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14

13 12 10 9 8 5 5 3

1 2 4 5 6 9 9 11

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

742 479 404 404 309 233 218 114

148 202 334 303 466 364 439 647

501.35 237.13 120.96 133.33 66.31 64.01 49.66 17.62

52 48 40 36 32 20 20 12

William Buck Women’s Premier Grand Final at Sportscover Arena SKOB Saints Marcellin OC

0 2.3-15

1.4-10 2.3-15

2.6-18 2.7-19

2.8-20 3.9-27

SKOB Saints Goal Kickers: S. Cameron, S. Straford Best Players: A. Hynes, C. Brown, E. Straford, G. Fink, B. Doyle, G. Lupson Marcellin OC Goal Kickers: T. Zagontinos 2, E. Spencer Best Players: A. Rock, L. Robertson, B. Keogh, O. Getson, A. Wang-Hartman, T. Zagontinos

B: HB: C: HF: F: R: I/C:

Leading Goalkickers Club St Kevins OB St Kevin’s OB Marcellin OC Old Trinity

Total 29 27 25 19

West Brunswick St Mary's Salesian Old Haileybury Beaumaris Old Geelong Old Brighton Monash Blues Ormond AFC

Coach

14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14

11 11 9 8 8 8 4 3

3 3 5 6 6 6 10 11

Women’s Development Division 1 Grand Final at Sportscover Arena 1.0-6 1.1-7

1.0-6 1.1-7

2.1-13 2.1-13

3.1-19 3.2-20

West Brunswick Goal Kickers: K. Krithararis, E. Burry, M. Caddy Best Players: E. Burry, J. Bell, E. McLaughlin, M. Caddy, J. Allen, B. Walsh St Mary’s Salesian Goal Kickers: L. Davie, G. Barry, R. Grant Best Players: N. Rappos, L. Davie, R. Grant, J. Cannizzo, A. Thorbecke, R. Gill Best on Ground Medal: Natarsha Rappos (St Mary’s Salesian)

Leading Goalkickers Player Laura Jago Molly McFarlane Thea Brown Mietta McDonald

Club Fitzroy-ACU Old Trinity Caulfield Grammarians Marcellin SKOB Saints SKOB Saints

Votes 27 18 16 16 15 15

Angie Wang-Hartman, Anja Marshallsay, Claudia Piva Jackie Greaves (C), Ali Rock, Lani Pane Eliza Roughead, Georgina Robertson, Brianne Keogh Tessa Zagotinos, Sophia Ikosidekas, Jess Redmond Jennae Wakefield, Chiara Moretta, Laura Roberstson Olivia Getson, Magdelene Antypas, Natalie MacDonald Zoe MacDonald, Ebony Spencer, Tania Carpenteri, Taryn Bates, Laura Page, Grace Pisasale Tom Stafford, Luke Boyd, Tim Money

Development Division 1

PREMIERSHIP LADDER

West Brunswick St Mary's Salesian

Player Tash Ross-Harris Claire Messent Irena Malliaras Taylor Padfield Sarah Cameron Eliza Straford

William Buck Premier Women’s Premiership Team: Marcellin

Best on Ground Medal: Laura Robertson (Marcellin)

Player Georgie Lupson Sarah Cameron Chiara Moretta Georgia Fleiter

William Buck Premier Best and Fairest Award

Club West Brunswick Monash Blues Beaumaris Old Haileybury

Total 27 23 23 21

D 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

B 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

FF 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

For

479 487 435 439 315 292 251 289

Agst 235 285 394 356 306 397 429 585

PTS

203.83 170.88 110.41 123.31 102.94 73.55 58.51 49.4

44 44 36 32 32 32 16 12

Women’s Development Division 1 Best and Fairest: Player Kate Macqueen Sarah Casey Morgan McGregor India Tait Natarsha Rappos

Club Ormond Old Haileybury Old Brighton Old Brighton St Mary’s Salesian

Votes 15 14 11 11 11

Women’s Development Division 1 Premiership Team: St Mary’s Salesian B: HB: C: HF: F: R: I/C: Coach

Kayla Smith, Jasmin Cannizzo, Meg Boyd Tash Rappos, Katrina Aabryn, Pip Wallish Chloe Söderström, Annemieke Thorbecke, Eliza Stanley Holly Ellis, Lisa Davie, Viv Ellis Grace Barry (C), Bec Grant, Mads Stanley Maddy Tickle, Rachel Gill, Alice Angley Nicole Shue, Elise Burton, Kate Selir, Avalon Tickle, Natasha Hastie, Alice Nunan Damian Sutherland

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2017

Development Division 2 PREMIERSHIP LADDER Old Camberwell Collegians Old Carey Ivanhoe AFC Uhs-Vu Afc Oakleigh SBMT / St Peters AFC Yarra Old Grammarians

For

Agst

PTS

14 14 14 14 14 13 14 13

12 9 8 8 7 5 5 2

2 5 6 6 7 8 9 11

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0

696 416 401 324 426 367 254 134

176 229 336 274 396 453 475 724

395.45 181.66 119.35 118.25 107.58 81.02 53.47 18.51

48 36 32 32 28 24 20 8

Women’s Development Division 2 Grand Final at Trevor Barker Oval Old Camberwell Old Carey

2.2-14 0.1-1

2.4-16 0.2-2

5.6-36 0.3-3

5.7-37 2.4-16

Old Camberwell Goal Kickers: R. Green 2, E. Defina, A. Sturrock, L. Anderson Best Players: R. Green, S. Anjou, C. Nolan, M. Wilson, L. Anderson, S. Defina Old Carey Goal Kickers: G. Keramitsis, M. Hermann Best Players: C. Hollebone, H. Pangrazio, M. Hubbard, M. McQueen - Miscamble, J. Corcoran, A. Nichols

B: HB: C: HF: F: R: I/C

Leading Goalkickers Club Old Camberwell Old Camberwell UHS-VU Old Camberwell

Player Rhiannon Green Mara McSweeney Sarah Kerr Kate Dempsey Eloise Defina

Club Old Camberwell UHS-VU Ivanhoe SBMT/St Peter’s Old Camberwell

Votes 25 21 18 15 12

Women’s Development Division 2 Premiership Team: Old Camberwell

Best on Ground Medal: Rhiannon Green (Old Camberwell)

Player Eloise Defina Ashley Sturrock Madeline Hince Rhiannon Green

Women’s Development Division 2 Best and Fairest

Total 36 22 18 17

Coach

Katherine Mirabella, Maggie Wilson (VC), Anna Donkin Samantha Bangs, Stephanie Defina (C), Stephanie Elovaris Sophie Bangs, Samantha Anjou (VC), Gabrielle Opray Cassandra Nolan, Amelia Robison, Samantha Franklin Eloise Defina, Ashley Sturrock, Claire Wilson Megan Harper, Rhiannon Green, Louise Anderson (VC) Eleanor Taverner, Alexandra Osborne, Jessica Sincock, Natalie Edwards, Khadiga Mohamed, Katherine Bithavas Ken Schwab (Coach), Andrew Romanin & Jay Tapscott (Ass. Coaches), Tim Wilson (Team Manager)

Development Division 3 PREMIERSHIP LADDER AJAX Mazenod OC Old Mentonians Hampton Rovers Melbourne University Therry Penola

For

Agst

PTS

14 14 14 14 14 14

9 8 6 6 5 2

5 6 8 8 9 12

0 0 0 0 0 0

487 356 408 199 308 239

141 291 297 264 501 503

345.39 122.34 137.37 75.38 61.48 47.51

36 32 24 24 20 8

Women’s Development Division 3 Grand Final at Sportscover Arena Mazenod OC Old Mentonians

1.2-8 0.1-1

1.2-8 2.3-15

2.5-17 2.3-15

3.6-24 3.4-22

Mazenod Goal Kickers: J. Bortoli, M. Little, C. Welsford Best Players: O. Goder, J. Vissenjoux, C. Maguire, B. Charman, K. Watson, J. Bortoli Old Mentonians Goal Kickers: H. Stuart, E. Powerlett, M. Maitland Best Players: H. Stuart, E. Powerlett, M. Maitland, M. De Amicis, N. Linossier

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2017

Laura Backhouse, Georgia Anderson, Julia Bortoli Isabella Farrar, Jennifer Vissenjoux (C), Kelly Van Os Hayley Watson, Claudia Maguire (C), Brydie Charman Alannah Acciarito, Kimberley Watson, Leah Paola Magdalene McPhee, Madison Little, Caitlin Welsford Olivia Goder, Nicola Pigott, Rebekah Watson Tiarne Young, Blaire Bunter, Emily Peck, Lauren Santalucia, Michaela Anderson, Tayla Anderson Paul Deegan

Leading Goalkickers

Women’s Development Division 3 Best and Fairest Club AJAX Mazenod Old Mentonians Therry Penola Mazenod

B: HB: C: HF: F: R: I/C Coach

Best on Ground Medal: Jennifer Vissenjoux (Mazenod)

Player Chelsea Fisher Rebekah Watson Monique Maitland Eliza German Kimberley Watson

Women’s Development Division 3 Premiership Team: Mazenod

Votes 23 19 16 12 11

Player Belinda Griffiths Maya Glikfeld Toni Hamilton Monique Maitland

Club Old Mentonians AJAX AJAX Old Mentonians

Total 16 14 12 10

Development Division 4 PREMIERSHIP LADDER Hawthorn AFC South Melbourne Districts SKOB Saints Swinburne University AFC De La Salle Canterbury Football Club St Mary's Salesian Bulleen Templestowe Fitzroy-ACU Brunswick Renegades

For

Agst

PTS

14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14

9 8 8 8 8 5 5 2 2 1

4 3 4 5 5 9 9 12 12 13

1 3 2 1 1 0 0 0 0 0

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

482 315 545 481 309 348 221 168 104 50

180 194 143 188 199 335 423 319 488 554

267.78 162.37 381.12 255.85 155.28 103.88 52.25 52.66 21.31 9.03

38 38 36 34 34 20 20 8 8 4

Women’s Development Division 4 Grand Final at Trevor Barker Oval Hawthorn AFC SKOB Saints

2.0-12 1.2-8

4.2-26 2.2-14

4.4-28 2.2-14

4.7-31 2.2-14

Hawthorn Goal Kickers: A. Sarec, P. Brown, E. Lilley, M. Johnston Best Players: P. Brown, E. Lilley, D. Kloufetos, S. Delbosc, A. Sarec, E. Yang SKOB Saints Goal Kickers: N. Aldridge, M. Meehan Best Players: S. Zago, B. Croagh, C. Lloyd-McDougall, E. Wedgwood, E. Davies, A. Chisholm Best on Ground Medal: Penny Brown (Hawthorn AFC)

Leading Goalkickers Player Hayley Wurfel Nicole Aldridge Penny Brown Madeleine Pattison

Club Swinburne University SKOB Saints Hawthorn SKOB Saints

Eleisha Lilley (Hawthorn AFC)

Total 26 20 20 13

Women’s Development Division 4 Best and Fairest Player Penny Brown Charlotte McKinnon Sally Fyfield Rita Azzopardi Brianna Murphy

Club Hawthorn AFC Bulleen/Templestowe De La Salle Canterbury Swinburne University

Votes 20 15 14 11 11

Women’s Development Division 4 Premiership Team: Hawthorn B: HB: C: HF: F: R: I/C Coach

Greta Dane, Georgia duPlessis, Emily Scott Sarah Ward, Sarah Delbosc, Grace Webster Emma Peel, Penny Brown, Emily Yang Kiera Colegate, Holly duPlessis, Tessa Bodin Michelle Foo, Molly Johnston, Hannah Nicholls Alana Sarec, Eleisha Lilley, Diamond Kloufetos Kate Masters, Taylah Wynen, Alice Johnston, Sam Khong, Ady Anderson, Mandie Lee Simon Boots

Natalie MacDonald (Marcellin)

Laura Jago & Bridie Walsh (West Brunswick)

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2017

Division 1

Bombers fly high The 2017 Division 1 season was a treat for players and spectators alike. All season long matches were precariously placed. The bounce of a ball deep in the forward pocket, or the way the wind pushed a ball the moment after it was dropped to the boot, swaying it just enough to push it across the goals for a minor score, separated victor from loser. The ball bounced right for PEGS as they claimed an unbelievable premiership victory from third on the ladder. After handling the newly-relegated Oaks in the first final, PEGS overcame dangerous Ormond to make their way through to the big dance against St Mary’s Salesian. Unfortunately, on their way there they lost club gun, Cam Livori, to suspension. Though, as the big day rolled round, fans were reminded PEGS accounted for two of the three losses SMS sustained during the season. As it generally did in 2017, a howling gale played a part in the result of this match. Despite being down 57-points as half time neared and having lost high flier, Tylar Vujanic, the smell of a PEGS comeback swept through Box Hill with every gust of wind. Ruckman Robert Baddeley, awarded the J.W. Manton Medal for best afield, continued an amazing season to lead a remarkable comeback. Slowly fighting their way back into the match, it was not until the 18th minute of the last when PEGS finally gained the lead, which they never relinquished. Strong performances across the board for the season, particularly in the finale, underscored a

truly memorable season for the Bombers. Recruit, Adrian Romanyk, kicked 57 goals on the season while their outstanding defensive six was the stingiest in the competition. Their gobsmacked opponents, SMS, will be struggling to see the forest through the trees for some time after virtually having two hands on the premiership cup. However, the silver lining lies in their ascension to the premier sections. The emergence of young star, Manny Dolan, will sweeten the bitter palate of a Grand Final loss. Dolan booted 76 goals to be the leading goal kicker in the competition and haunted the dreams of many a Div 1 defender. It was not a one man show though, Tim Dudgeon and Jos op’t Hoog led from the front as senior players and Alexander Bussell broke through to become one of the best defenders in the league. Despite finishing second on the ladder at the conclusion of the home and away season after dropping back from Premier C, third-placed Ormond would have been hoping to at least make the big dance. A strong back half of their season was instituted by midfield bull, Dylan Buckley, and Team of the Year constituents Jeremy Simon, Blair Atkins and recruit, Matt Hine. The undoubted highlight of their season was their Round 17 victory over PEGS.

won his second competition medal in three years during the campaign. Therry Penola came into the season with a new coach and ferocity after bowing out in finals last year. It was a disappointing year for them though as they limped through the season, recording just five wins from their first 15 games. The Egglestone brothers battled hard all year for the Lions despite the disappointing result. It was all laid out for Ivanhoe in 2017. Young guns, Reuben Blackmore-Moore and Mitch Lovell, are rock stars up that way and they give some colour to the drab black and white of the Magpies guernsey. Despite matching it with every team in the competition on a weekly basis, and even knocking off SMS, Ivanhoe were never able to take the next step. Brunswick NOBSPC had a season to forget after battling just to avoid relegation in 2017. The team never hit their straps during the year but, individually, big Scott Thomas had a stellar season in the ruck and Chris Ford did all he could up forward. The 2016 Division 2 Grand Finalists, St Johns, struggled with the increased standard of Division 1 and failed to score 100 points in any game during the season. Although, unstoppable forward Aaron Thornton booted 55 goals and, captain, Glenn Costas, had a memorable year. Nine years of Division 1 action ended for Whitefriars as they succumbed to relegation. Rarely looking likely, the Friars were winless until Round 7 and locked to the bottom of the ladder from Round 4. Angus Hands was their best player all year and topped off his season with a resounding best and fairest win. Brinley Duggan

After dropping back from the premier leagues, Oakleigh were tipped to have a difficult year. However, they exceeded expectations and snuck into finals on the back of a triple figure victory late in the season. The Oaks were a challenge to their opponent every week due to “the trident”; their three-pronged forward line of Aaron Cloke, Tim Scott and Trevor Bromley, who played his 300th game during the season. After a premiership last year, their third in four years, Preston were a team to be wary of. They started the season with a bang and sat equalsecond at the mid-point of the year. Unfortunately, their season was derailed by European vacations and they missed finals for the first time since their VAFA inauguration. Star midfielder Dean Calcedo

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2017

Dean Calcedo (Preston Bullants) – LS Pepper Medallist

Division 1 Premiership Team: PEGS Football Club B: HB: C:

Aaron Bell, Andrew Khallouf, Ryan Jones Lain Genovesi, James Lenhart, Jed Watson Brett Hannah, Brad Jones, Tylar Vujanic

HF:

Jackson Young , Hugh Schiavello, Tom Black

Adrian Romanyk, Trent Skurrie, Mark Wilson

Robert Baddeley, Damien Cerantonio, Daniel Ryan

I/C

Jack Condon, Scott Whillas, Andrew Frazer, Jarryd Rogers

Coach

Dane Pound, Mitch Williams, Kane Honan

Leading Goalkickers

Premier

PEGS

Name

Club

Michael Dolan

St Mary’s Salesian

Goals 72

Aaron Cloke

Oakleigh

Aaron Thornton

St Johns

Adrian Romanyk

PEGS Football Club

LS Pepper Medal

J.W. Manton Medallist

Robert Baddeley (PEGS) Pepper Medallist

Dean Calcedo (Preston Bullants)

Player

Club

Dean Calcedo

Preston Bullants

Votes 20

Aaron Cloke

Oakleigh

Bradley Jones

PEGS

Sean Calcedo

Preston Bullants

Daniel Cattolico

St John’s

Gary Bennett

Oakleigh

Jarrod Egglestone

Therry Penola

Scribe Team of the Year Leading Goal Kicker

Michael Dolan (St Mary's Salesian)

FF:

A. Thornton (JOCS), A. Cloke (OAK), T. Scott (OAK)

HF:

A. Romanyk (PEGS), M. Dolan (SMS), M. Nitas (Friars)

C: HB: FB:

B. Hannah (PEGS), J. Lenhart (PEGS), B. Atkins (Ormond) J. Simon (Ormond), R. Jepson (Preston), A. Bussell (SMS)

FOLL:

R. Baddeley (PEGS), R. Blackmore-Moore (Hoes), J. Egglestone (Therry)

INT:

C. Ford (NOBS), A. Hands (Friars), T. Dudgeon (SMS), S. Thomas (NOBS)

Coach:

M. Hine (Ormond), G. Costas (JOCS) – C, J. op’t Hoog (SMS)

E. Leyden (SMS)

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2017

Division 1 Results PREMIERSHIP LADDER Todd Cleary (Brunswick NOBSPC)

For

Agst

PTS

St Mary's Salesian

1926

1295

148.73

Ormond

1901

1288

147.59

PEGS Football Club

1797

1248

143.99

Oakleigh

1829

1487

123

Preston Bullants

1513

1388

109.01

Therry Penola OB

1566

1701

92.06

Ivanhoe AFC

1509

1783

84.63

Brunswick NOBSPC

1317

1774

74.24

St Johns

1276

2005

63.64

Whitefriars OC

1302

1967

66.19

Division 1 Grand Final at Box Hill City Oval St Mary's Salesian PEGS Football Club

8.2-50

11.4-70

14.6-90

14.7-91

0.1-1

5.5-35

12.7-79

15.14-104

St Mary’s Salesian Goal Kickers: L. Dykes 4, M. Dolan 4, D. Ryan 2, S. Jones, C. Angley, D. Grant, B. Andrews Best Players: T. Dudgeon, J. Perriam, C. Angley, J. Elliston, J. Kenyon, L. Dykes PEGS Football Club Goal Kickers: T. Skurrie 3, A. Romanyk 2, J. Young 2, H. Schiavello 2, T. Black 2, M. Wilson, J. Rogers, D. Cerantonio, B. Jones Best Players: R. Baddeley, D. Ryan, A. Khallouf, B. Jones, B. Hannah, S. Whillas J. W. Manton Medal: Robert Baddeley (PEGS)

Tim Dudgeon (St Mary’s Salesian)

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2017

Division 1 Reserves

PREMIERSHIP LADDER

Brad Jones (PEGS)

Ormond PEGS Football Club St Mary's Salesian Ivanhoe AFC Preston Bullants Therry Penola OB Brunswick NOBSPC Oakleigh Whitefriars OC St Johns

For

Agst

PTS

18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18

18 16 14 10 8 8 7 5 4 0

0 2 4 8 10 10 11 13 14 18

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

2440 1869 1809 1474 1116 1180 1107 855 887 637

612 568 1047 1348 1233 1395 1335 1757 1795 2327

398.69 329.05 172.78 109.35 90.51 84.59 82.92 48.66 49.42 27.37

72 64 56 40 32 32 28 20 16 0

Division 1 Reserves Premiership Team: Ormond B HB C HF F FOLL I/C COACH

Lloyd Anrep, Sam Barnes, Luke Saunders Jonty Sharman-Smith, Rob Chisholm, Dan Brosnan Nick Oaten, Sam Ashton, Lachlan Upstill Adam Schwarz, Nick Houghton, Daniel Riazah-Kesheh Dan Frazier, Matt Oaten, Matt Robbins Tom Haysom, Jesse Selby-Hele, Damien Casey Luke Duthie, Sam Stait, Ben Hardwick, Stewart McCooke Andrew Kahofer

Division 1 Reserves Grand Final Ormond

2.3-15

5.6-36

10.12-72

13.13-91

1.1-7

2.2-14

4.2-26

6.3-39

St Mary's Salesian

Ormond Goal Kickers: M. Robbins 4, M. Oaten 3, A. Schwarz 2, B. Hardwick 2, R. Chisholm, N. Oaten Best Players: D. Casey, R. Chisholm, L. Saunders, S. McCooke, L. Anrep, A. Schwarz St Maryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Salesian Goal Kickers: N. Baxter 2, R. Williams, K. Reynolds, J. Strangward, X. Leonard Best Players: J. Evans, M. Howard, A. Pathirana, N. Baxter, B. Semmler-Farr, J. Strangward Best on Ground Medal: Damien Casey (Ormond)

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2017

Division 2 Report Prahran Assumption completed the double in their return to

to tame to Two Blues and lost for the third time

Division 2, taking out the seniors and reserves double against

second for both points for (88) and against (66.8)

from their three match-ups this year. They were and, more importantly, fielded five teams with the

West Brunswick.

introduction of their women’s and are well-placed

The Two Blues were far and away the strongest

Kicking with the breeze in the first term, the Two

for sustained success in Division 1.

team throughout the 2017 season after strong

Blues nailed six unanswered goals and took a

Old Paradians were slow out of the blocks and

recruitment gave them every chance of avenging

39-point lead into the quarter time break. The

suffered four losses from their first five but

their three-win season and subsequent relegation

Westies managed just one when kicking with the

gradually improved as the season progressed and

same wind advantage in the second. Musster led

successfully made the preliminary final against

his chargers to another three unanswered goals

the Westies. Although going down by 27 points,

in the third, sealing the game and the A.R Fellows

the Raiders were valiant in defeat and, had it

Medal for the best player on the ground while

not been for a stunning run of six wins between

Kuret and Tim Maya registered two goals each.

Rounds 11-17, may not have been there at all. The

in 2016. Former Coburg skipper, Eric Kuret, and ex-Bomber Ariel Steinberg led the long list of ins, while captain James Musster was unstoppable and claimed the Fullerton Medal with a whopping 33 votes. Averaging 111 points per game and suffering just two losses throughout the home and away

While the Two Blues were numero uno, the Westies were a clear second as they pieced together a strong 14-win season and jumped into

Raiders replaced Yarra Old Grammarians’ top four spot in Round 15 and refused to give it up for the remainder of the season.

season, the Two Blues booked themselves a

Division 1. Bill Irving once again found himself at

Finals was an outstanding result for MHSOB

grand final spot against the ever-improving West

the forefront of the Westies’ run toward finals with

after they commenced the season with just

Brunswick at Sportscover Arena.

16 Fullerton Medal votes, but they were unable

one win from their first six games. Two of those losses, however, were consecutive one-point heart breakers against Emmaus St Leo’s and the Westies. Four wins from Rounds 7-10 got the Unicorns’ season back on track with midfielder James Tran leading the charge. A three-point loss to Old Paradians in the first semi-final was indicative of the Unicorns’ season, but they will be buoyed by their grand final appearance in U19 Section 5 after years of disappointment in the junior ranks. Yarra Old Grammarians and Emmaus St Leo’s both finished with nine wins, but it was the Bushrangers who will rue missed opportunities after sitting in the four until Round 15. At 8-4 and two games clear of the next best, the Bushrangers slumped to six losses from their last seven games, including the final four on the trot. The Round 17 loss to the Raiders ultimately ended their season but it was certainly one to remember for Simon Yeo who performed consistently all year while Nick Chamberlain booted 43 goals. Bulleen Templestowe, Eltham Collegians and Glen Eira each finished with seven victories, but it was the Gryphons who suffered relegation. Despite the average win count of the bottom two sides from every senior section being 3.1, the Gryphons were awfully unlucky as they claimed the most number of victories of any relegated side in the VAFA. As for the Turtles and Bullants, despite their disappointing seasons, they boast the two leading goal kickers in Division 2, Kristian Cherbakof (49) and Brent Gutterston (45).

James Musster (Prahran Assumption) – Fullerton Medallist

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2017

Hawthorn AFC battled a severe loss of personnel following their 2016 Division 3 Grand Final defeat,

with 14 senior players from that team retiring or joining rival competitions. As such, the Hawks struggled to find consistency and were unable to register a win, giving up 132 points per game. They gave up 100 or more points 14 times and hit that mark just once themselves (R12 vs Bulleen Templestowe) in a tough year for the brown and gold.

Division 2 Premiership Team: Prahran Assumption B: HB: C: HF:

L Kerr, T Atwell, T Freeman J Simonetta, P Donahoo, B Adams J Hogarth, G Hogarth, T Maya

A Steinberg, B Dickinson, D Freeman

A Sleight, E Kuret, J Musster

I/C

N Costin, T Quinn, H Taylor, T Rogers

Coach

Premier

T Webb, J Stocker, J Gottschalk

A Mills

Leading Goalkickers

Prahran Assumption A.R. Fellows Medallist

James Musster (Prahran Assumption)

Name

Club

Kristian Cherbakof

Bulleen Templestowe

Goals 49

Brent Gutterson

Eltham Collegians

Nicholas Chamberlain

Yarra Old Grammarians

Danny Nolan

Old Paradians

J Fullerton Medal

Fullerton Medallist

James Musster (Prahran Assumption)

Player

Club

James Musster

Prahran Assumption

Votes 33

Matthew Harris

Glen Eira

James Tran

MHSOB

Paul Baranello

Emmaus St Leoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

Bill Irving

West Brunswick

Scribe Team of the Year

Leading Goal Kicker

Kristian Cherbakof (Bulleen Templestowe)

Nathan Baranello (ESL), David Sorgiovanni (MHSOB), Evan Lloyd (WB)

Brodie McLaughlin (BT), Tom Atwell (PA), Alexander Schipp (WB)

Jon Simonetta (PA), James Musster (PA) (C), James Tran (MHSOB)

Danny Nolan (OP), Bill Irving (WB) - VC, Kane Smith (MHSOB)

Greg Hogarth (PA), Kristian Cherbakof (BT)

Adam Sleight (PA), Mitch Wilson (MHSOB), Brent Gutterson (OEC)

I/C COACH

Tim Campbell (MHSOB), Matt Crooks (OEC), Vaughn Coyler (GE), Chris Beluszar (ESL), Tom Freeman (PA) Ashley Mills (PA)

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2017

Division 2 Results PREMIERSHIP LADDER Tom Freeman (Prahran Assumption)

For

Agst

PTS

Prahran Assumption

West Brunswick

2001

951

210.41

1591

1203

132.25

MHSOB

Old Paradians

1507

1221

123.42

1402

1368

102.49

Yarra Old Grammarians

Emmaus St Leos

1476

1487

99.26

1450

1594

90.97

Bulleen Templestowe AFC

Eltham Collegians AFC

1449

1488

97.38

1327

1390

95.47

Glen Eira

Hawthorn

1414

1560

90.64

1023

2378

43.02

Division 2 Grand Final at Sportscover Arena Prahran Assumption West Brunswick James Tran (MHSOB)

6.4-40

6.6-42

9.9-63

10.11-71

0.1-1

1.3-9

1.6-12

6.10-46

Prahran Assumption Goal Kickers: E. Kuret 2, T. Maya 2, J. Hogarth, G. Hogarth, B. Dickinson, A. Steinberg, T. Quinn, J. Simonetta Best Players: E. Kuret, T. Freeman, J. Musster, L. Kerr, D. Freeman, J. Stocker West Brunswick Goal Kickers: J. Iacono, S. Fleming, M. Booth, D. Muscat, B. Irving, D. Ferrier Best Players: C. Mitchell, E. Lloyd, A. Schipp, T. Stokes, D. Sinnott, B. Simpson A. R. Fellows Medal: James Musster (Prahran Assumption) Julius Waras Carstensen (Glen Eira)

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2017

Division 2 Reserves

PREMIERSHIP LADDER P

For

Agst

PTS

Prahran Assumption

2198

583

377.02

West Brunswick

2033

484

420.04

Mhsob

1927

766

251.57

Eltham Collegians AFC

1048

1391

75.34

Yarra Old Grammarians

1287

1119

115.01

Glen Eira

1002

1335

75.06

Hawthorn

860

1541

55.81

Bulleen Templestowe AFC

628

1732

36.26

Emmaus St Leos

802

1856

43.21

Old Paradians

673

1651

40.76

Division 2 Reserves Premiership Team: Prahran Assumption B HB C

Boris Kenny, Aidan Dodson, Ryan Costin Blayne Dempsey, Jayden Williams, Jordan Taylor Bryce Heeps, Nathan McCulloch, Luke Rundell-Gordon

Ryley Conlan, Ben Leske, Evan Scicluna

Will Brereton, Rick Ellis, Jimmy Brereton

Liam Burton, John Panagiataros, Michael Bremner

INT

Tom Marmo, Adam Hall, Tom Candy, Tom Matherson

Division 2 Reserves Grand Final West Brunswick Prahran Assumption

0.1-1

1.6-12

3.6-24

3.10-28

2.2-14

3.2-20

5.5-35

5.6-36

West Brunswick Goal Kickers: J. Hyslop 2, A. Campbell Best Players: J. Malseed, J. Hyslop, J. Hayes, X. Fowler, P. Carroll, H. Paez Prahran Assumption Goal Kickers: T. Marmo 3, E. Scicluna, R. Ellis Best Players: B. Leske, R. Conlan, N. McCulloch, B. Dempsey, L. Burton, M. Bremner Best on Ground Medal: Ben Leske (Prahran Assumption)

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2017

Division 3

Vultures end nine-year run After a fantastic season that finished in amazing fashion, it’s time to dissect each side in Division 3: For 16 weeks of the Division 3 season, two teams sat inside the top two positions on the ladder as both UHS-VU and Power House led all-comers in one dominant year. The two sides continued their form throughout finals met in the decider, with UHS-VU proving too strong for Power House at Sportscover Arena, running out 21-point winners. Led by four goals and a best-on-ground display from Brandon Jackson, the Vultures kicked out to a 27-point lead at the first break and kept the House at an arm’s length for the remainder of match. The Vultures’ win ended a nine-year run in Division 3, claiming their first senior premiership since 2007. The Vultures lost just three games throughout the season (in the last four rounds) but finished below the House heading into finals. It mattered little as the Vultures reclaimed their outstanding form and defeated the House by 44 points in the second semi-final. Captain and CHB, Nick Devereux, led the stingiest defence in the competition averaging 59 points against, while their closest rival and grand final opponent allowed 74.5. Esubalew Ramsay continued to development into an outstanding senior footballer and polled 16 votes to finish fourth in the Hutchinson Medal count, while Mitch Sweeney booted 63 goals; including, six bags of five or more. Power House did little wrong in their pursuit of Division 3 glory, dropping just two games for the season and averaging 104ppg. Their boom recruit and full forward, Nick Nagel, registered 75 goals from 15 home and away games and the return of midfielder, Sam Confait, alongside stalwart, Adam Collet, had all the makings of a premiership-

winning season. Unfortunately for the House, they stalled against the Vultures twice throughout finals but will still make the move to Division 2 for the first time in nine years. Ben Circosta was outstanding through the midfield, while Team of the Year CHB, Fiachra O’Deasmhunaigh, claimed the team’s best and fairest for his breakout season. Rounding out the top four were Swinburne University and Westbourne Grammarians; two sides who underwent significant improvement in 2017. The Razorbacks’ offence improved exponentially and averaged 96ppg at an increase of 21 from 2016. Ben Higgins was the main contributor in front of goal with 59 while recruit, Daniel Close (33), Jackson Manning (30) and Richard Lugg (30) each finished in the 30s. Ruckman, David Thwaites, was a standout as evidenced by his 16 Hutchinson Medal votes. As for Westbourne, they were unable to match it with the House in the preliminary final, going down by 42 points one week after accounting for the Razorbacks by a goal. A Round 18 win against UHS-VU and two losses to the House by an average of 6.5 points throughout the home and away fixture proved the Warriors are capable of mixing it with the best. Chris Hudson was named Hutchinson Medallist following a standout year in the ruck, while young gun, Michael Culliver, came third and showcased leadership qualities capable of captaining the club in the coming years. Ryan Schneider - Albert Park

Canterbury and La Trobe University had lists capable of playing finals but inconsistency at crucial times throughout the season meant they finished fifth and sixth, respectively. Cobra,

Thomas Lowden, finished runner-up in the Hutchinson Medal, while Jonathon Neville and Mitch Gleeson roamed the Trobers’ forward line successfully as they combined for 80 goals. Four consecutive losses at the start of the season made it difficult for Richmond Central to make inroads towards finals despite boasting leading goal kicker, Jake Munro. Round 17 and 18 summed up the Snakes inconsistent year as they defeated South Melbourne Districts by 93 points only to go down to the Cobras by 118 in the last game of the year. Cam Pullen was a dynamo through the midfield and led all teammates with nine votes. Point Cook managed seven wins but the club’s committee decided it was in the best interest of the club to leave the VAFA and join the WRFL at the conclusion of the season. With one of the largest junior programs in Victoria, the club stated retention of talented young players was too difficult in the VAFA given travel and the offerings of rival western clubs in a competitive region, ending an eight-year affiliation with our Association. As such, just one team will be relegated to Division 4 in a bid to create a consistent 10-team structure in our senior sections, meaning Albert Park will remain in Division 3 despite finishing ninth with four wins. Unfortunately, South Melbourne Districts will still head to Division 4 after being unable to win a game in a seriously tough season for the Swans. Nick Armistead Media and Communications Coordinator

Chris Hudson (Westbourne Grammarians) – Hutchinson Medallist

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2017

Division 3 Premiership Team: UHS-VU B: HB: C: HF:

Ben Anderson, Nick Ingleton, Nik Amourgis Ryan Smith, Nick Devereux [capt], Ethan Clarke Michael Healey, Essa Ramsay, Joseph Turner Sam McSweeney, James McGee, Connor McCutcheon

Myles Legudi, Mitchell Sweeney, Brandon Jackson

Fraser Allen, Doug Payton, Charlie Jackson

I/C

Nick Wallace, James Healey, Gerard Sharrock, Jack Saill

Coach

Brendan Payne, Craig Mawdsley

Leading Goalkickers

Premier

Name

Club

Jake Munro

Richmond Central

Goals 73

Nicholas Nagel

Power House

Mitchell Sweeney

UHS-VU

Ben Higgins

Swinburne University

P Hutchinson Medal

UHS-VU V.B. Zanin Medallist

Brandon Jackson (UHS-VU)

Player

Club

Chris Hudson

Westbourne Grammarians

Votes 22

Thomas Lowden

Canterbury

Michael Culliver

Westbourne Grammarians

Esubalew Ramsay

UHS-VU

David Thwaites

Swinburne University

Scribe Team of the Year

Hutchinson Medallist

Ryan Smith (UHS), Nicholas Devereaux (UHS), Nick Moran (Swin)

Chris Hudson (Westbourne Grammarians)

Kane Fitzpatrick (Swin), Fiachra Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Deasmhunaigh (PH), Will Carrington (Cant)

River Carroll (PH), Mitchell Sweeney (UHS), Tom Lowden (Cant.)

Leading Goal Kicker

Ben Higgins (Swin.), Nicholas Nagel (PH), Jake Munro (Rich. Cent.)

FOLL

Jake Munro (Richmond Central)

I/C Coach:

Adam Collett (PH), Ben Circosta (PH), Kynan Barnes (UHS)

David Thwaites (Swin.), Daniel Close (Swin.), Michael Culliver (WBG) Chris Hudson (WG), Steve Clarke (SMD), Mason Kip (PC), Esubalew Ramsay (UHS) Anthony Voyage (PH)

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2017

Division 3 Results PREMIERSHIP LADDER Kynan Barnes (UHS-VU)

Power House AFC Uhs-Vu Afc Swinburne University AFC Westbourne Grammarians Canterbury Football Club La Trobe University AFC Richmond Central Point Cook Albert Park AFC South Melbourne Districts

For

Agst

PTS

18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18

16 15 11 11 10 8 8 7 4 0

2 3 7 7 8 10 10 11 14 18

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

1870 1871 1734 1595 1674 1480 1533 1321 1357 820

1341 1062 1408 1354 1396 1427 1487 1622 1802 2356

139.45 176.18 123.15 117.8 119.91 103.71 103.09 81.44 75.31 34.8

64 60 44 44 40 32 32 28 16 0

Division 3 Grand Final at Sportscover Arena UHS-VU AFC Power House AFC

5.2-32 0.5-5

UHS-VU Goal Kickers: B. Jackson 4, M. Sweeney 3, S. McSweeney 2, C. Mccutcheon 2, E. Ramsay, M. Legudi Best Players: B. Jackson, J. McGee, M. Legudi, J. Turner, S. McSweeney, B. Anderson

11.11-77 5.12-42

13.14-92 9.17-71

Power House Goal Kickers: N. Nagel 3, P. Healey 3, R. Yak, A. Collett, D. Mitchell Best Players: T. Sardone, G. Bell, P. Healey, A. Reynolds, B. Circosta, A. Collett

V.B. Zanin Medal: Brandon Jackson (UHS-VU) Adam Collett (Power House)

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2017

7.5-47 4.10-34

Division 3 Reserves

PREMIERSHIP LADDER P

For

Agst

PTS

UHS-VU AFC

1947

545

357.25

Richmond Central

1583

752

210.51

La Trobe University AFC

1521

988

153.95

Swinburne University AFC

1404

1048

133.97

Westbourne Grammarians

1216

1187

102.44

Power House AFC

1001

1477

67.77

South Melbourne Districts

833

1646

50.61

Point Cook

975

1220

79.92

Canterbury Football Club

888

1695

52.39

Albert Park AFC

813

1623

50.09

Division 3 Reserves Premiership Team: UHS-VU B:

Chris Berogna, Jamie Ford, Tom Woodlock

HB:

Tom Pendlebury, Sam Pratt, Lachie Allen

Nick Rowland, Shaun Collins, Tom Bates

HF:

Sean Rathjen, Tom Coburn, Issac Brambley

Sam Turner, Shaq Parker, Adam Lade

David Fazakerley, Tom Buttigieg, Craig Mawdsley

I/C

Sam Bolitho, Aaron Pincott, Hugo Everist, Jackson Lowe

Coach

David Fazakerley, Craig Mawdsley, Michael Blandthorn

Division 3 Reserves Grand Final UHS-VU AFC

7.1-43

7.4-46

8.5-53

Richmond Central

2.2-14

3.4-22

3.5-23

5.7-37

UHS-VU Goal Kickers: H. Everist, D. Fazakerley, S. Parker, T. Coburn, S. Collins, S. Turner, A. Lade, L. Allen Best Players: T. Woodlock, T. Bates, S. Pratt, T. Coburn, A. Pincott, A. Lade Richmond Central Goal Kickers: M. Pietrzak, S. Bugeja, R. Bowen, C. Spence, R. Ison Best Players: R. Bowen, J. Daly, R. Ison, G. Holland, A. Fiske, M. Broughton Best on Ground Medal: Tom Woodlock (UHS-VU)

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2017

Division 4

Bloods bounce back in Division 4 One year after suffering relegation from Division 3, Aquinas bounced back in sensational style by taking out the Division 4 premiership with a 25-point victory over Manningham Cobras. Leading by just two points at the half time break and seven at three quarter time, the Bloods launched into action with five goals to two in a match-winning fourth term. The 2017 premiership topped off an exceptional year for Aquinas who not once ventured out of the top two on the ladder during the home and away season. After being relegated from Division 3 as the third-last side, the Bloods banded together to produce a remarkable season, only dropping the two games for the year. After recruiting heavily over the off-season under the tutelage of new senior coach, Ash Naulty, they started the season in excellent fashion with a 96-point Round 1 victory against Mt Lilydale. They dropped their first match of the season to North Brunswick in Round 3 but came back from that with a huge 175-point win one week later. The only other game the lost was to the Cobras late in Round 18, but that certainly had no impact on their grand final performance. Despite the disappointment of falling agonisingly short, Manningham should be very proud of their efforts throughput the 2017 season. As I said in the season preview, if the Cobras could shake that ‘middle of the table’ trend they would have a great chance at finishing somewhere around

the top and pressing for a grand final spot. That prediction came true as Manningham not only managed to defeat enough teams to finish 3rd in the home and away season, they knocked off the two teams above them throughout the year and defeated the Bulls in the preliminary final to book a spot in the big one. Kane Maghamez (63) and Chris Jolly (50) were unstoppable up forward with 113 goals between them. Adam Baltruweit was phenomenal through the midfield and took home the Division 4 OJ Meehan Medal. North Brunswick had the most impressive start to 2017 as they commenced the year with 11 straight victories and looked likely to break a 17-year run in Division 4 under new coach Marcus Butera. They lost their first game at the hands of the Cobras in Round 13 (bye round included) before making it two in a row against Aquinas the following week, ultimately relinquishing top spot. The Bulls looked like they would be competing with the Bloods in the season decider but fell short, going down to Manningham in the preliminary final. As disappointing as it was for North Brunswick, their

losses came at the hands of those who played in the grand final and they had the leading goal kicker in Division 4, Jake George, who managed to 66 for the year. Mt Lilydale rounded out the top four but were unable to match the Cobras in the first semifinal and bowed out via a 113-point loss. The Rams were inconsistent with a Round 5 victory against the Cobras offset with losses to Parkside and Elsternwick. Stephen Donald (35) and Max Hampton (31) were outstanding up forward with 66 goals between them. Eley Park Sharks narrowly missed the finals after commencing the season with seven wins from their opening 11 games. They were two games and nearly 20% clear of the Rams after Round 12, but lost their final five games to miss a finals berth by half a game. Their strongest performance was a 25-point victory over Mt Lilydale in Round 5. Elsternwick floated around the middle of the table all season after suffering relegation from Division 3. They were far too good for the teams below them on the ladder and registered two fantastic victories over Eley Park Sharks (44 & 9 points) but struggled against the top four, losing seven of their eight outings by an average of 51 points. Parkside was the third of the trio of relegated sides to re-enter Division 4 at the end of 2016 and were unable to make ground in the lower section. The Red Devils had just one win after their Round 13 bye but galvanised for an exceptional finish to the season as they won four of their last five and climbed to seventh on the ladder. Masala and St Francis Xavier OC managed the two wins apiece in 2017 to finish in eighth and ninth spot, respectively. The Tigers’ first victory came in Round 9 and they showcased significant

Adam Baltruweit (Manningham Cobras) – OJ Meehan Medallist

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2017

improvement with a Round 10 tie against the Rams and a six-point loss to the Sharks. Young gun, Phillip Solomon, was a standout in his 12 games despite his tender age of 16, while Sam Freeman bagged 44 majors. The X-Men returned to Division 4 from Club XVIII and their two wins came against the Tigers. Jake Cowan was lively in front of goal with 22 for the season, while Brendan Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Hara was named in the best 12 times from his 16 games. Jason Bast

Premier

Division 4 Premiership Team: Aquinas B:

D.D'Angelo, A.Guthrie, M.Prouse

HB:

R.Foster, L.Barnes, M.O'Malley

J.Rosewarne, J.Wright, J.Fisher

HF:

S.Ragozinni, J.Perrett, J.Butcher

P.Mahon, S.Williams, B.O'Loughlin

A.Naulty, J.Miles, N.Morrison-Story

I/C

J.McMahon, P.Jurkovsky, W.Morrison, L.McDonald

Coach

A.Naulty, C.Williams, S.McGrath

Leading Goalkickers Name

Club

Jake George

North Brunswick

Goals 65

Liam Whelan

Aquinas

Patrick Mahon

Aquinas

Kane Maghamez

Manningham Cobras

O J Meehan Medal

Aquinas A.K. White Medallist

Nick Morrison-Storey (Aquinas) Meehan Medallist

Player

Club

Adam Baltruweit

Manningham Cobras

Votes 18

Phillip Soloman

Masala

Adam Densten

North Brunswick

Ayden Sukkel

Manningham Cobras

Jesiah McGarvie

Eley Park Sharks

Andrew Oldfield

Elsternwick

Scribe Team of the Year

Adam Baltruweit (Manningham Cobras) Leading Goal Kicker

Jono Kikklis (Eley Park), Anthony Waters (Parkside), Tim Legg (Mt Lilydale)

Isaac Romano (Parkside), David Brambilla (Mt Liydale), M. Coutts (North Brunswick)

A. Baltruweit (Manningham), A. Oldfield (Elsternwick), B. Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Hara (St Francis Xavier)

Kane Maghamez (Manningham), Jake George (North Brunswick), Liam Whelan (Aquinas)

Chris Jolly (Manningham), Patrick Mahon (Aquinas), Jesiah McGarvie (Eley Park)

FOLL

Jake George (North Brunswick)

INT COACH

Philip Dyck (Aquinas), W. Croagh (North Brunswick), Ash Naulty (Aquinas) Shane McLaren (Parkside), Matt Dyson (Eley Park), Aaron Potter (Mt Lilydale), Adam Wells (Parkside) Ash Naulty (Aquinas)

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2017

Division 4 Results PREMIERSHIP LADDER Aquinas North Brunswick AFC Manningham Cobras AFC Mt Lilydale OC Eley Park Sharks Elsternwick Parkside Football Club Masala Football Club St Francis Xavier OC

For

Agst

PTS

16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16

14 14 13 7 7 7 5 2 2

2 2 3 8 9 9 11 13 14

0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0

2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

2065 1716 1652 1160 1384 1196 957 1016 991

750 859 971 1443 1588 1427 1491 1819 1871

275.33 199.77 170.13 80.39 87.15 83.81 64.19 55.85 52.97

64 64 60 38 36 36 28 18 16

Division 4 Grand Final at St Bernard’s College Aquinas

2.3-15

6.7-43

9.9-63

14.10-94

Manningham Cobras AFC

2.1-13

6.5-41

8.8-56

10.9-69

Aquinas Goal Kickers: S. Williams 5, P. Mahon 2, J. Butcher 2, A. Naulty, N. Morrison-Storey, S. Ragozzini, P. Jurkovsky, J. Perrett Best Players: N. Morrison-Storey, A. Naulty, M. O’’Malley, J. Fisher, S. Ragozzini, A. Guthrie Manningham Cobras Goal Kickers: M. Parkes 2, M. Muller 2, K. Maghamez 2, A. Sukkel, A. Baltruweit, C. Jolly, J. Stephens Best Players: K. Maghamez, N. Zappala, T. Conn, A. Sukkel, L. Morris A.K. White Medal: Nick Morrison-Storey (Aquinas)

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2017

Division 4 Reserves PREMIERSHIP LADDER P

For

Agst

PTS

Aquinas

2647

265

998.87

Eley Park Sharks

1579

1121

140.86

Manningham Cobras AFC

1596

795

200.75

North Brunswick AFC

1510

993

152.06

Mt Lilydale OC

1240

1209

102.56

Elsternwick

976

1456

67.03

St Francis Xavier OC

984

1486

66.22

Parkside Football Club

728

1798

40.49

Masala Football Club

432

2613

16.53

Division 4 Reserves Premiership Team: Aquinas B

M.Palmer, S.Porter, D.Zuccon

N.Gordon, D.Lord, L.Toomey

S.O'Loughlin, J.Morrison-Story, S.Fox

L.Fringuelli, L.Naulty, N.Spencer

H.Judge, A.Kinghorn, C.Williams

P.Jess, D.Keltie, T.Rosevear

I/C Coach

K.Rosewarne, N.Weidemann, L.Lewis, J.McDonald S.McGrath

Division 4 Reserves Grand Final Aquinas Eley Park Sharks

4.4-28

7.5-47

9.7-61

13.9-87

1.1-7

4.1-25

4.4-28

5.7-37

Aquinas Goal Kickers: L. Fringuelli 2, D. Keltie 2, L. Naulty 2, A. Kinghorn 2, J. Morrison-Story 2, T. Rosevear, N. Spencer, C. Williams Best Players: D. Lord, D. Keltie, P. Jess, L. Toomey, J. Morrison-Story, K. Rosewarne Eley Park Sharks Goal Kickers: N. Bahnsen 2, J. Beasley, M. Ross, D. Crawford Best Players: J. Smith, B. Parker, J. Dowling, C. Olson, J. Leonard, M. Tanner Best on Ground Medal: Kyle Rosewarne (Aquinas)

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2017

Big V vs AFL Vic Country Seniors The Big V senior side registered their first win over AFL Victoria Country since 2013 as they comprehensively defeated their rivals by 82 points at Frankston Oval on Saturday 8 July. With 12 players making their senior debut and Stu Powell back at the helm as senior coach, the Big V went head-to-head with the Country in the first term, with Jason Tutt (De La Salle) repelling several forward thrusts from half back with skill and poise. The VAFA trailed by eight points at quarter time but exploded in the second with nine unanswered goals. Nick De Steiger (Old Melburnians) and best-onground award recipient Anthony Lynch (St Kevin’s) were instrumental in the Big V’s second term dominance, giving Tom Paule (Old Melburnians) and Viv Michie (Collegians) first use from every ruck contest. Al Armstrong (Old Melburnians) starred as he finished off the great work from the Big V midfield and he headed into the main break with five goals. The Country regained momentum in the third term and reduced the margin to just 26 points at the final break, before the Big V finished with a bang, kicking 10 goals to one in the final term. Jack Bull (Old Scotch), Sam Hibbins (Collegians) and Brendan Iezzi (Old Trinity) excelled across the four quarters, with Iezzi entering the centre ruck contest alongside Paule in the second term and playing a leading role in the Big V’s goal blitz. Thomas Jok’s (St Kevin’s) second half was the best of any player on the ground and he was deservedly rewarded with the Spirit of the Big V. Armstrong finished the day with seven goals and was named the VAFA’s best player, alongside three-goal hauls from Hibbins, Sam Critchley (St Kevin’s) and Stephen Milne (Beaumaris). Josh Freezer (Old Melburnians) and Bill Coates (St Kevin’s) led a dominant back six for the Big V, with Sam Crocker (Old Carey) and Sam Williams (De La Salle) providing outstanding run and carry alongside Tutt. 82 points is the VAFA’s largest win in the 33-year history against the Country, eclipsing our 60-point win at Elsternwick Park in 2001.

The Big V Senior side celebrate their record-breaking 82-point victory over AFL Victoria Country

Brian Molony Cup VAFA Seniors

3.2-20

12.4-76

14.6.90

24.8-152

WorkSafe Victoria Country

4.4-28

4.6-30

9.10-64

10.10-70

VAFA Seniors Goal Kickers: A. Armstrong 7, S. Milne 3, S. Hibbins 3, S. Critchley 3, C. Cassidy 2, T. Jok 2, G. Burbury 2, T. Humphrey, T. Paule Best Players: A. Lynch, J. Freezer, T. Paule, V. Michie, A. Armstrong, J. Tutt WorkSafe Victoria Country Goal Kickers: S. Stroobants 4, J. Davenport 2, B. Dobson, B. Graham, C. Ryan, C. Moreland Best Players: J. Davenport, B. Graham, S. Stroobants, J. Spina, J. Symes, S. MacLeod Spirit of the Big V Award: Thomas Jok (St Kevin’s OB) Best VAFA Player: Al Armstrong (Old Melburnians) Best on Ground: Anthony Lynch (St Kevin’s OB)

Back row: Steve Powell (Midfield Coach), Andrew Leoncelli (Backs Coach), Gerard Gleeson (St Kevin’s OB), Sam Crocker (Old Carey), Sam Williams (De La Salle), Corey Cassidy (Collegians), Brendan Iezzi (Old Trinity), Josh Freezer (Old Melburnians), Tom Jok (St Kevin’s OB), Tom Humphrey (De La Salle), Sam Hibbins (Collegians), Nick De Steiger (Old Melburnians), Anthony Lynch (St Kevin’s OB), Sam Critchley (St Kevin’s OB), Al Armstrong (Old Melburnians), Mitch Brown (St Kevin’s OB), Bill Coates (St Kevin’s OB), Will Johnson (Assistant Coach), Barry Stoneham (Forwards Coach) Front row: Jason Tutt (De La Salle), Viv Michie (Collegians), Thomas Paule (VC) (Old Melburnians), Stuart Powell (Senior Coach), George Burbury (C) (Old Geelong), Sam Cust (Old Carey), Stephen Milne (Beaumaris), Jack Bull (Old Scotch), Dave Murray (Assistant Coach)

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2017

Big V vs AFL Vic Country U19s Earlier in the day, the U19’s showcased elite talent and determination as they came from 23 points down at the last break and fell agonisingly short by just four points against the Country.

U19 Challenge Cup

A four-goal to one final term led by captain Tom Cameron (Old Melburnians) and Tate Short (SBMT) gave the U19’s their closest loss since last beating the Country in 2013.

Energy Safe Victoria Country

Vice-captain Alex Mastromanno was unstoppable when the ball entered the Big V’s forward 50, backing up his sensational start to the year at Old Brighton with five of the Big V’s nine majors.

VAFA U19

Christian Carnovale (Hampton Rovers) and Sam Michael (De La Salle) were outstanding throughout the entire game, while Short chipped in with two goals.

VAFA Under 19 Energy Safe Victoria Country

1.2-8

3.6-24

5.8-38

9.9-63

3.4-22

5.8-38

8.13-61

9.13-67

Goal Kickers: L. Smith 2, J. Kelly 2, J. McLachlan, M. La Fontaine, J. McMahon, H. Coulton, R. Turnbull Best Players: S. Downie, J. Blood, S. Mannagh, R. Turnbull, J. Kelly, N. Carlon

Goal Kickers: A. Mastromanno 5, T. Short 2, X. Morgan, T. Cameron Best Players: T. Cameron, T. Short, S. Michael, C. Carnovale, M. Williams, A. Mastromanno Spirit of the Big V Award: Tate Short (St Bedes/Mentone Tigers) Best VAFA Player: Tom Cameron (Old Melburnians)

Jono Aujard (Old Scotch)

Back row: Mark Tomlinson (Physio), David O’Brien (Runner), Pete Callinan (Assistant Coach), Christian Carnovale (Hampton Rovers), Joe Harrison (Monash Blues), Xavier Morgan (De La Salle), Ethan East (Monash Blues), Jack Sheridan (University Blues), Matt Blair (University Blues), Max Williams (Beaumaris), Sam Ralph (Old Xaverians), Tate Short (St Bedes/Mentone Tigers), Cam Tennant (Collegians), Michael Pisker (St Kevin’s OB), David Kinsella (Assistant Coach), Jeffrey Jankie (Team Manager) Front row: Fraser Cameron (Collegians), Sam Michael (De La Salle), Beau Harris (Monash Blues), Ben Dance (St Bedes/Mentone Tigers), Alessandro Mastromanno (VC) (Old Brighton), David Gately (Head Coach), Tom Cameron (C) (Old Melburnians), Lachlan Byrne-Jones (VC) (Old Scotch), Jonathan Aujard (Old Scotch), Max Martin (Old Scotch), Nicholas Baltas (Caulfield Grammarians), Tom Sullivan (St Bernard’s)Sam Lynch (Old Scotch), Kylie da Fonte (Trainer), John Robinson (Time Keeper)

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2017

Big V women’s strike gold in debut rep match The inaugural Big V women’s program was established in 2017 with the VAFA pitting a representative side against AFL Goldfields at Mars Stadium in North Ballarat on Sunday 9 July. Coached by John Kanis, his assistants, Cam Roberts, Jess Rottura and Ted Woodruff, and led by inaugural captain, Claire Messent (Old Trinity), the women’s Big V side consisted of 24 players from every section of the VAFA. The women kick-started their Big V journey in emphatic fashion, defeating AFL Goldfields by 49 points in front of a large contingent of VAFA supporters who had made the trek to Ballarat to be a part of the historical day. Led by a best-on-ground performance from Irena Malliaras (Caulfield Grammarians) and a threegoal haul from Sarah Cameron (SKOB Saints), the Big V won the game in the second half as they piled on six goals to one.

their opponents scoreless in the final term. Captain Claire Messent (Old Trinity), Sasha Long (Beaumaris) and Grace Buchan (Caulfield Grammarians) gathered disposals at will, while Kate Macqueen (Ormond) dominated with a

supreme performance at centre half forward. Macqueen’s ability to complete contested marks with one grab is second-to-none in the women’s competition and it was showcased in its entirety throughout the match.

VAFA Womens vs AFL Goldfields VAFA

1.0-6

4.2-26

7.6-48

8.9 - 57

AFL Goldfields

0.0-0

1.2-8

1.2 - 8

Best: I. Malliaris, R. Christgoergl, S. Cameron, C. Messent, M. McDonald Goals: S. Cameron 3, M. McDonald 2, C. Messent 2, K. Macqueen 1 Spirit of the Big V: Riley Christgoergl (Old Xaverians) Best on Ground: Irena Malliaris (Caulfield Grammarians)

It was a tough first quarter as both outfits asserted their dominance but remained goalless until Cameron converted a set shot after the siren to give the Big V a seven-point lead at the first break. Mietta McDonald (Old Haileybury) picked up where Cameron left off as she gathered and snapped a left-foot stunner four minutes into the second term, the first of two goals for the Hearts goal sneak, and extended the lead to 13 points which remained until the main break due to the elite defensive prowess of Riley Christgoergl (Old Xaverians) and the Big V back six holding the Goldfields scoreless. Tash Ross-Harris (Fitzroy-ACU) exerted her influence in the ruck for the Big V as she continually palmed the ball into the hands of her midfielders, before following up and gathering a bevy of disposals throughout the match. The Big V broke the shackles of the Goldfields in the third with three goals to one before mirroring their own production in the fourth while keeping

Mietta McDonald (Old Haileybury)

Back row: John Kanis (Head Coach), Shona MacInnes (Women’s Development Manager), Jessica Rottura (Assistant Coach), Bridie Walsh (West Brunswick), Lisa Davie (St Mary’s Salesian), Steph Wood (Oakleigh), Magdelene Antypas (Marcellin), Sarah Cameron (SKOB Saints), Riley Christgoergl (Old Xaverians), Tash Ross-Harris (Fitzroy-ACU), Kate Macqueen (VC) (Ormond), Cam Roberts (Assistant Coach), Tash Rappos (St Mary’s Salesian), Ted Woodruff (Old Xaverians), Brianna Murphy (Swinburne University), Grace Buchan (Caulfield Grammarians), Natalie MacDonald (Marcellin), Mietta McDonald (Old Haileybury), Andrew Leonard (Runner), Sean Scully (Team Manager) Front row: Philippa Atkins (Beaumaris), Monique Maitland (Old Mentonians), Irena Malliaras (Caulfield Grammarians), Kate Dempsey (SBMT/St Peters), Rebekah Watson (Mazenod), Mara McSweeney (UHS-VU), Tessa Zagontinos (Marcellin), Eliza Straford (SKOB Saints), Gabby Golds (Old Xaverians), Claire Messent (C) (Old Trinity), Sasha Long (Beaumaris)

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2017

VAFA Ireland Tour The fifth biannual tour of Ireland and London took place from October 1-16 as 21 players from all seven senior sections of the Association donning the Big V in four matches. The Big V played International Rules games against Bishopstown, Tuam Stars and Donaghmore/Ashbourne, before concluding the tour with an Australian rules match against an AFL London All Stars squad in Reading. Led by coach Dave Murray, assistant coach Luke Mahoney and senior captain George Burbury (Old Geelong), the Big V concluded the tour with a 2-2 win/ loss record. Burbury was named Player of the Tour for his outstanding performance.

Game 1: VAFA vs Bishopstown The Big V Ireland squad kickstarted their campaign in emphatic fashion, defeating Bishopstown by 47 points under lights at their home stadium. Led by a best-on-ground display from Tom Cameron (Old Melburnians) and two stunning unders from Louis Denton (Old Xaverians), the Big V proved too strong as they shot out to a 24-point first-term lead and held Bishopstown at an arm’s length for the remainder of the match. VAFA vs Bishopstown VAFA

1.4.6

1.7.8

2.8.8

3.12.11 (65)

Bishopstown

0.0.0

0.1.2

0.3.3

0.5.3 (18)

Best: T. Cameron, D. Symeopoulos, G. Burbury, A. Armstrong, L. Whelan Goals: (Unders) L. Denton 2, T. Jok 1, (Overs) A. Armstrong 4, D. Symeopoulos 4, G. Burbury 2, T. Bean, 1, T. Jok 1 Spirit of the Big V Award: Tom Cameron (Old Melburnians)

Game 2: VAFA vs Tuam Stars The Big V were unable to go two from two as they narrowly went down to Tuam Stars by 13 points in County Galway. As soon as the first siren sounded, the Stars used their elite foot skills and agility to get on top of the Australians, kicking six unanswered overs in the first 14 minutes. The Big V gradually made inroads and came within three points following a third term of five overs to one under, but a change of tactic to slower football helped the Stars to a thrilling victory.

Game 3: VAFA vs Donaghmore Ashbourne The Big V fell to their second consecutive loss of the tour, going down to Donaghmore/Ashbourne by 29 points in Dublin. Ashbourne, who were represented by five VFL-quality County players and one AFL-quality All-Ireland star, showcased the utmost discipline in the second half as they removed the Big V’s ability to use their physical superiority by refusing to handball. Instead, they kicked and tapped on every ball to pressure the Big V defence on their way to six second half unders; including, a dominant fourth term after leading by just one point at the final break. VAFA vs Donaghmore Ashbourne VAFA

0.1.5

0.5.10

1.6.11

1.7.14 (41)

Donaghmore/Ashbourne

1.2.3

1.2.4

4.2.6

7.7.7 (70)

Best: J. Musster, C. Hughes, B. McLaughlin, L. Dornauf, G. Burbury, S. Hibbins Goals: (Unders) T. Jok 1, (Overs) G. Burbury 1, A. Armstrong 1, D. Symeopoulos 1, L. Dornauf 1, N. Nagel 1, M. Dolan 1, J. Musster 1 Spirit of the Big V Award: James Musster (Prahran Assumption)

Game 4: VAFA vs AFL London The Big V completed an outstanding tour with a record-breaking 147-point victory over AFL London in Reading. Leading by just five points after a competitive first term, the Big V exploded with 23 goals to one over the final three quarters. With the game over by three quarter time, the VAFA piled on 12 unanswered majors, with 14 goal kickers sharing in the spoils throughout the day. VAFA vs AFL London VAFA

2.1

10.5

14.10

26.14 (170)

AFL London

1.2

2.2

3.4

3.5 (23)

Best: L. Di Lizio, T. Jok, M. Culliver, G. Burbury, N. Nagel, L. Dornauf, L. Whelan, B. McLaughlin Goals: N. Nagel 4, L. Dornauf 4, M. Dolan 3, A. Armstrong 3, E. Sibbald 2, C. Carnovale 2, S. Hibbins 1, Jok 1, N. Reeves-Smyth 1, L. Whelan 1, J. Grimshaw 1, J. Musster 1, L. Mahoney 1, T. Cameron 1, Spirit of the Big V: Luke Di Lizio (St Bernard’s) Player of the Tour: George Burbury (Old Geelong)

VAFA vs Tuam Stars VAFA

1.0.2

2.3.4

2.8.7

2.9.10 (49)

Tuam Stars

0.6.2

2.7.5

3.7.7

3.11.11 (62)

Best: G. Burbury, L. Dornauf, C. Hughes, C. Carnovale, N. Reeves-Smyth Goals: (Unders) L. Dornauf 1, N. Nagel 1, (Overs) L. Dornauf 2, N. Nagel 2, G. Burbury 2, A. Armstrong 1, L. Denton 1, T. Cameron 1 Spirit of the Big V Award: Christian Carnovale (Hampton Rovers)

Back row: Luke Mahoney (Assistant Coach), Tom Cameron (Old Melburnians), Jock Grimshaw (Old Geelong), Christian Carnovale (Hampton Rovers), Nick Nagel (Power House), Edyn Sibbald (St Bernard’s), Liam Whelan (Aquinas), Luke Di Lizio (St Bernard’s), Brodie McLaughlin (Bulleen Templestowe), Tyrone Bean (University Blacks), Manny Dolan (St Mary’s Salesian) Front row: Tom Jok (St Kevin’s OB), Chris Hughes (St Bernard’s), Sam Hibbins (Collegians), Denis Symeopoulos (Old Xaverians), Lachlan Dornauf (University Blacks), George Burbury (C) (Old Geelong), Al Armstrong (VC) (Old Melburnians), Nick Reeves-Smyth (Old Ivanhoe), Michael Culliver (Westbourne Grammarians), James Musster (Prahran Assumption), Dave Murray (Head Coach)

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2017

VAFA Ireland Tour

Michael Culliver (Westbourne Grammarians)

Lachlan Dornauf (University Blacks)

The Big V celebrate their win over Bishopstown

Nick Reeves-Smyth (Old Ivanhoe)

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2017

Big V captain George Burbury was named Player of the Tour

Big V Club Inductees

Honour Board Big V Legends

Russell Barnes and Nick Bourke receive their Big V Champion awards

Year 2007 2007 2007 2007 2007 2007 2007 2008 2008 2009 2013

Name Bruce Bourne John Fisher Robert Fuller Geoff Hibbins Shane Murphy Jock Nelson Jim Peters Paul Considine Manson Russel Simon Costello Ian Cordner

2015

Rohan Brown

Club Ormond Kew Old Scotch Collegians De La Salle MHSOB Uni Blacks North Old Boys Old Scotch Uni Blacks Uni Blacks & Old Melburnians Old Melburnians

Big V Champions Year Player 2008 Rick Brockwell 2008 Ian Cordner

Russell Barnes (Big V Champion)

Nick Bourke (Big V Champion)

Big V Career (1981-82, 1986-89)

Big V Career (Player: 1982, 84-85, 99-2005)

• 11 Big V Games

• 7 Big V Games (Player)

• Vice-Captain (1987)

• 13 Big V Games (Coach)

• AAFC Carnivals (1986, 1988)

• All-Australian AAFC Coach (2002-04)

• Team Runner for Barry Richardson (1992-94)

• Equal BOG (1982)

Club Career

Club Career Player: Marcellin (1982, 1984, 1991-93), Old Xaverians (1985-90, 1994)

Ormond (1979 - 1992, 1995-1996) • 255 Games

Coach: Old Xaverians (1995, 1996-97, 2013)

• Premierships: 1985 (Capt), 1987 (Capt), 1988 (Capt), 1990

• 3x Senior Premiership Coach • Reserves Premiership Coach (1995)

• Ormond Amatuer Football Club 50 Year Team (1982) • Life Member (1996)

2008 2008 2008 2009 2009 2009 2009 2009 2010 2010 2010 2010 2011 2011 2011 2011 2012 2012 2012 2013 2013 2014 2014 2014 2015 2015 2017 2017

Phil Kingston Rowan Brown Peter Hutchinson Tony Fellows Leigh Grant Ken Jorgensen Phil McLaghlin Greg Wade Norm Beattie Brett Connell Ian Galbraith Ian Turnbull Sam Birtles Brian Goodman David Hughes Peter Slattery Doug Arnold John Jones Shane Maguire John Anderson Bruno Conti Duncan Anderson Michael Blood Andrew Ramsden Nick Burne Robert Gross Michael Deveson Peter Sherwen

Club West Brunswick & Banyule Uni Blacks & Old Melburnians Ormond Old Melburnians Power House Thomastown Power House Comm Bank & VAFAUA Old Paradians St Bernards Coburb Ormond Uni Blacks MHSOB Hampton Rovers VAFAUA Old Scotch Old Xaverians Hampton Rovers Marcellin North Old Boys Old Scotch North Old Boys Uni Blues Old Xaverians Old Trinity Uni Blacks & Old Xaverians Marcellin & St Kevin’s De La Salle Old Scotch

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2017

Holmesglen Under 19 The standard of U19 football is continually improving due to an evenly-matched competition across the grades coupled with well-credentialed and well-prepared coaches. Games each week are filled with skill, pace and power, all which sets the tone for watching the next generation of VAFA stars. Competitive balance was strong in 2017 and each weekends’ games were consistently of significance. This was because of a brave decision made by the Football Operations Department of the VAFA to increase the evenness of each section, improve quality of games, and reduce the number of forfeits and lopsided games whereby thrashings had the unintended consequence of impacting upon player retention. In this, the VAFA are to be applauded. As a result, this made for tight games, unpredictable results and gave the players hope each week they could compete at the pointy end of the season.

U19 Premier In Under 19 Premier, Old Xaverians, after an indifferent start to the season, found their form and had an undeniable team spirit when they prevailed in a high-scoring, close grand final against Beaumaris. They were a tight-knit unit and played accordingly en route to the premiership. Beaumaris were again runners-up in this section and, despite not saluting on the last day, they were a powerful unit when at their best and an exciting team to watch. With CR Newbury Medallist, Hayden Bruce, the future is bright at Shark Park. De La Salle returned to finals football after a four-year absence and they marked off a few firsts throughout the year; including, victories over all teams in the four. SKOB were a different team from the 2016 premiership side and played finals again, but were always a little behind the top three. They are, however, proof a strong U19 program is vital to building towards sustained

U19 Premier Reserve

strong effort alongside their Premier victory. For

in 5th and, like SKOB, were always chasing the teams above them despite being more than a

In U19 Premier Reserve, it was the depth of SKOB,

the next generation coming through and this will

match for those around them on the ladder.

De La Salle and Old Xaverians which stood out

no doubt help their senior U19 team. Old Scotch

Caulfield Grammarians and Parkdale both had

as these teams filled the top three positions on

finished 5th and were competitive, but just

moments in their inaugural seasons in the top

the ladder while playing finals in Premier. Come

lacked the depth of the other sides above them,

flight. Caulfield had some mid-season hopes of

season’s end, it was back-to-back for SKOB when

whereas Beaumaris and SKOB (3) unfortunately

making finals, but were unable able to turn close

they ran away from a tiring De La Salle in the

had more bad days then good.

games to their favour. For Parkdale, a bright

grand final to cap another successful season

start wasn’t sustained, and they should look

for their club. Their dominance in this section

U19 Section 2

back at this season with pride as they regroup

was evidenced when Tom Andriske won the

Section 2 saw the re-emergence of Collegians

back in Section 2. For St. Bernard’s, it was a long

competition best and fairest award. For De La,

who, because of their outstanding grand final

campaign, but they are a resilient group, and will

with all three teams making finals it should be

win, now graduate to Premier football in 2018.

no doubt bounce back on the strength players at

considered another great effort by this perennially

They were well led by a strong core of players

the College and their Premier Reserve group.

strong U19 club. Old Xaverians finished 3rd in a

from the college and with Tristan Van Driel as

senior success. Old Scotch finished the season

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2017

St. Bernard’s, this gives the club hope they have

the competition best and fairest winner, they were well worthy of their success. Runners-up, Old Carey, should be pleased and this represents consecutive promotions for them all which augers well for their clubs’ future. Old Melburnians were burdened with premiership favouritism at the start of the year and were seriously strong with their top-line players. St Bedes Mentone Tigers were much more competitive this season and, with a young group, they can look forward to next year with optimism. For those outside the top four, Williamstown CYMS would be disappointed at missing out on finals because of Round 18 results, but they appear to be a club on the rise with a strong junior feeder and a distinct home ground advantage. University Blues and Fitzroy had topsy-turvy campaigns where they enjoyed some good wins, but struggled against the top teams. University Blacks brought up the tail and played without luck throughout the season.

U19 Section 3 Old Ivanhoe overcame a nervous start in their Section 3 Grand Final and ran away from Old Haileybury as they gain promotion to Section 2. For Old Haileybury, their continued investment into the U19’s is reaping benefits and that injection of youth was a catalyst for their senior team’s success in Premier C. It was only two years ago they were lingering on the edges of the lower reaches of Section 4 and now they have turned it around with Section 2 awaiting them. Marcellin and Ormond, who with Dae Szydlik as the competition best and fairest winner, are two clubs who are also following that blueprint of investing in juniors and they rounded out the top four. Old Brighton is another club who have reinvested in their U19’s and came home strong to just miss out on finals. Old Trinity struggled as they garnered just six wins for the season. Hampton Rovers were unlucky to drop, but they have several clubs in the immediate area and yet, conversely, they fielded two teams. Old Geelong struggled to get their season stared with three victories.

be looking to rectify this in 2018 and beyond.

and Hampton Rivers all played finals which

Preston, Parkside and Therry all had up and

should assist in player retention and recruitment

down seasons, but they were all competitive for long stretches of matches, and if the yardstick of success at this level is developing players then all

for season 2018 and beyond. For Williamstown CYMS’ and Fitzroy’s 2nd teams, they performed

U19 Section 4

clubs have done that well.

well and should be congratulated for their

Section 4 saw Mazenod cap off a glorious season

U19 Section 5

resilience across the year as they came up

with a well-deserved premiership. PEGS were

against strong one-team clubs. For Aquinas, Old

runners-up and, with their seniors also clinching

In Section 5, Old Camberwell rebounded in 2017

promotion, they look a club reinvigorated, while

and were crowned premiers with a dominant

Monash Blues and Old McKinnon rounded out

four-quarter performance against MHSOB in

the four. Old McKinnon were a new team this year

the grand final. After a number of years in the

competitive against those around them and

and credit to the players and the club on their

doldrums, it was a significant turnaround in

will have benefitted from the year. La Trobe

seasons’ achievements. Adding to their 1st year

results for the Unicorns as they now look set to

success, they also had the competition best and

climb the grades. De La Salle finished 3rd with a

University had a long season and a constant

fairest winner, Jesse Maxfield. Whitefriars just

young side acting as their major source of player

missed out on finals and they would no doubt

recruitment. St Bedes Mentone Tigers, Oakleigh

Paradians and Peninsula, sometimes the results just don’t show the effort. They were more than

struggle to retain players. Marty Kelliher

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2017

Under 19 Premier PREMIERSHIP LADDER Beaumaris Old Xaverians De La Salle St Kevin’s OB Old Scotch Caulfield Grammarians Parkdale Vultures St Bernards

For

Agst

PTS

17 18 18 18 18 18 18 17

13 13 13 12 7 5 5 3

4 5 5 6 11 13 13 14

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

1647 1701 1597 1434 1022 1173 1076 907

1167 1203 1138 1080 1303 1397 1438 1854

141.13 141.4 140.33 132.78 78.43 83.97 74.83 48.92

56 52 52 48 28 20 20 12

U19 Premier Grand Final Old Xaverians Beaumaris

CR Newbury Medal 3.3-21 4.3-27

7.8-50 6.9-45

11.10-76 11.14-80

15.14-104 13.16-94

Old Xaverians Goal Kickers: L. Soccio 4, P. Phillips 2, T. Williamson 2, B. Scala 2, S. Ralph, B. Kennedy, T. O’’Brien, H. Vanderkley, M. Batten Best Players: A. Trigar, S. Stanley, M. Batten, J. Dalbosco, M. McKay, J. Hart Beaumaris Goal Kickers: J. Cusack 4, M. Hennig 3, L. Diggins 2, H. Edwards, C. Grigoriadis, J. Bailey, M. Grigoriou Best Players: L. Diggins, J. Cusack, J. Davidson, C. Grigoriadis, M. Rothberg, H. Bruce T.A. Johnson Medal: Alex Trigar (Old Xaverians)

Leading Goalkickers Player Matt Ball Xavier Morgan Harrison Edwards Christian Masson Moyle

Club Caulfield Grammarians De La Salle Beaumaris St Kevins OB

Total 51 44 34 34

Player Hayden Bruce Matthew Colak Christian Hatzis Michael Batten Thomas Kennedy

Club Beaumaris De La Salle St Kevin’s OB Old Xaverians Caulfield Grammarians

Votes 16 14 13 12 11

Under 19 Premier: Old Xaverians B: HB: C: HF: F: R: I/C Coach

Michael Speakman, James Hess, Thomas Hart Michael McKay, William Velkovic, William Mantesso Billy Kennedy, James Delbosco, Sam Ralph Patrick Phillips, Tiernan O'Brien, Nicholas Russ Alex Trigar, Lucas Soccio, Thomas Williamson James Hart, Sean Stanley, Michael Batten Daniel O'Loughlin, Harrison Vanderklay, Bailey Thomas, Jeremy Power, Ben Scala, Wiliiam Prowse Sam Shaw, Declan Pittonet, Patrick Wallace

Under 19 Premier Reserve PREMIERSHIP LADDER St Kevin’s OB De La Salle Old Xaverians St Bernards Old Scotch Beaumaris St Kevins OB (3) Old Scotch

FOR

AGST

PTS

17 16 16 17 16 17 17 18

13 11 10 10 7 5 1 3

4 4 6 7 8 12 16 15

0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0

1 2 2 1 2 1 1 0

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

1547 1352 1385 1219 1180 964 563 989

842 886 1160 901 1004 1499 2192 1744

183.73 152.6 119.4 135.29 117.53 64.31 25.68 56.71

56 54 48 44 38 24 8 12

Under 19 Premier Reserve Grand Final De La Salle St Kevins

2.3-15 2.5-17

2.4-16 5.10-40

5.10-40 7.14-56

7.10-52 16.18-114

De La Salle Goal Kickers: R. Rando, R. Watson, J. Almeida, N. Antonucci, D. Melissinos, H. Bowen, L. Manakis Best Players: R. Rando, M. Riley, D. Melissinos, J. Ingram, T. McDonald, T. Harrington St Kevins OB Goal Kickers: B. Pearce 5, N. Bird 2, J. Langton, O. Zemdegs, L. Bown, T. Shanley, L. Sfetkidis, H. Fithall, E. Ryan, L. Campbell, T. Andriske Best Players: H. Hopkins, J. Langton, L. Bown, T. Shanley, T. Andriske, D. Xaiz T.M. Lyon Medal: Dom Xaiz (St Kevin’s OB)

Leading Goalkickers Player Joshua Lyon Liam Manakis Benjamin Pearce Michael Lo Monaco

Club Old Xaverians De La Salle St Kevins OB St Bernards

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2017

Total 43 42 36 34

U19 Premier Reserve Best and Fairest Award Player Thomas Andriske Dominic Xaiz Michael Canny Daniel Keating Jack Catterall

Club St Kevin’s OB St Kevin’s OB De La Salle Beaumaris St Bernard’s

Votes 17 12 11 10 10

Under 19 Premier Reserve Premiership Team: St Kevins OB B: HB: C: HF: F: R: I/C, Coach

Herbert Fithal, Edward Bourke, Brenton Lohan William Borcoski, Jackson Doyle, Thomas Cooper Jack Davidson, Harry Hopkins, Thomas Norris Nicholas Bird, Lachlan Bown, Lachlan Campbell Domenic Xaiz, Benjamin Pearce (vc), Leigh Sfetkidis Thomas Andriske, Thomas Shanley, Jake Langton Ed Ryan, Ryan Dossetor (c), Lewis Powell, Oskar Zemdegs, Joshua Rowe, Nicholas O’Donoghue Wayne Oswald

Under 19 Section 2 PREMIERSHIP LADDER Collegians Old Carey Grammarians St Bedes / Mentone Tigers AFC Old Melburnians Williamstown CYMS University Blues Fitzroy University Blacks

For

Agst

PTS

18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18

13 13 12 12 11 7 4 0

5 5 6 6 7 11 14 18

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

1620 1375 1569 1356 1348 1242 1136 583

1042 1176 926 1046 889 1398 1347 2405

155.47 116.92 169.44 129.64 151.63 88.84 84.34 24.24

52 52 48 48 44 28 16 0

Under 19 Section 2 Grand Final Collegians Old Carey Grammarians

5.5-35 2.4-16

GW McTaggart Medal 8.8-56 4.8-32

10.11-71 6.8-44

13.13-91 9.10-64

Collegians Goal Kickers: N. Punter 3, C. Tennant 3, E. Greene 2, T. Van Driel 2, S. Walker 2, M. Schwab Best Players: S. Walker, L. McCleary, T. Van Driel, N. Punter, C. Tennant, M. Pollock Old Carey Goal Kickers: W. Brusnahan 3, N. Brewin, T. Harris, C. Virgona, J. Athanasopoulos, M. Field, J. de Paiva Best Players: D. Reinbold, J. Alexander, A. McDonald, W. Brusnahan

B: HB: C: HF: F: R: I/C

Leading Goal Kickers Club Collegians University Blues St Bedes/Mentone Tigers Old Carey

Total 56 39 37 28

Coach

Old Ivanhoe Grammarians Old Haileybury Marcellin OC Ormond Old Brighton Old Trinity Grammarians Hampton Rovers Old Geelong

18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18

14 14 13 11 9 6 5 3

4 4 5 7 9 12 13 15

Under 19 Section 3 Grand Final 1.0-6 2.5-17

Connor Hobbs , Matthew Pollock , Nick Marsh Jack Cotton, Cameron Ensor , Jack Hibbins Cameron Tennant (c), Luke McCleary , Matthew Cresp Oscar Glover , Andrew Scott , Hugo Ling Michael Schwab , Ed Greene , Nick Punter James Pullan, Tristan Van Driel, Samuel Walker James Hibbert, Will Porter, Darcy McKenzie, Flynn Siassios, Riley Thompson, Luke Smith Paul McGowan, Chris Pollock

D 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

B 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

FF 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

For

1629 1477 1252 1495 1427 1218 1166 1085

Agst

987 908 1051 1138 1177 1392 1261 1810

PTS

165.05 162.67 119.12 131.37 121.24 87.5 92.47 59.94

56 56 52 44 36 24 20 12

IA Brown Medal 7.3-45 4.8-32

12.3-75 5.8-38

16.5-101 6.11-47

Old Ivanhoe Goal Kickers: M. Jones 4, L. Scuderi 3, W. Nagel 2, N. Reeves-Smyth 2, J. Bradley 2, D. Motalli, S. Gibbs, M. Vacirca Best Players: S. Gibbs, J. Powell, S. Keogh, A. Willison, M. Vacirca, N. Reeves-Smyth Old Haileybury Goal Kickers: J. McHale 2, S. Hall-Kahan 2, J. Hurley, S. Ward Best Players: S. Ward, W. Paul, R. Thompson, J. Constable, S. Hall-Kahan, J. McHale P.J. Harris Medal: Shamus Gibbs (Old Ivanhoe)

Leading Goalkickers Player Durras Seccull William Nagel Isaac Nolan Luke Scuderi

Votes 17 16 16 13 13 13 13 12 12

Under 19 Section 3

PREMIERSHIP LADDER

Old Ivanhoe Grammarians Old Haileybury

Club Collegians Old Melburnians Old Carey Williamstown CYMS Collegians Williamstown CYMS Old Carey Old Melburnians Old Melburnians

U19 Section 2 Premiership Team: Collegians

J.A. Miles Medal: Luke McLeary (Collegians)

Player Edward Greene Liam Maiden Brandon De Zilva Henry Chapman

Player Tristan Van Driel Luka Thorpe Henry Chapman William Chan Edward Greene Mac Short Jack Quarterrmaine Fergus Lappin James Regan

Club Old Haileybury Old Ivanhoe Marcellin Old Ivanhoe

Total 81 48 40 39

Player Dae Szydlik Durras Seccull Max Jones Sebastian Contos Scott Ebbott Samuel Jordan

Club Ormond Old Haileybury Old Ivanhoe Old Trinity Hampton Rovers Old Trinity

Votes 23 22 16 15 14 14

Under 19 Section 3 Premiership Team: Old Ivanhoe B: HB: C: HF: F: R: I/C Coach

Michael Altis, Trent Marshall, Finbar Conlan Ben Oliver, Samuel Keogh, Antony Willison Seamus Gibbs, Nick Reeves-Smyth, Jackson Powell Jack Bradley, Max Jones, Daniel Motalli Luke Scuderi, Tiger Nagel, Harry Frazer Oscar Mcintyre, Kane Veliou, Mat Vacirca Charlie Fitzsorious, Cooper Wilson, Will Coulter, William Larkin Jordan Stanton, Jordan French, Tony Jackson

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2017

Under 19 Section 4 PREMIERSHIP LADDER Mazenod Monash Blues PEGS Old McKinnon/Glen Eira AFC Whitefriars Preston Bullants Parkside Football Club Therry Penola OB

For

Agst

PTS

18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18

15 12 11 13 10 8 6 1

2 6 6 5 8 10 12 17

1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

1473 1290 1262 1007 1238 1108 1223 879

892 850 887 949 1166 1208 1350 1695

165.13 151.76 142.28 106.11 106.17 91.72 90.59 51.86

62 48 46 44 40 32 24 4

U19 Section 4 Grand Final Mazenod PEGS

U19 Section 4 Medal

2.2-14 2.2-14

7.7-49 2.3-15

8.7-55 4.10-34

12.10-82 4.10-34

Mazenod Goal Kickers: A. Brand-Oliver 4, T. Riley 3, J. Raffa 2, M. D’’Angelo, I. Saina, L. Sherlock Best Players: A. Brand-Oliver, A. Khaiyath, L. McKenna, L. Sherlock, T. Riley, J. Minack PEGS Goal Kickers: M. Tonna 2, A. Coutts, M. Luisetto Best Players: N. Senserrick, L. Arrowsmith, T. Fenner, A. Carlini, Z. Genovesi, N. Constantinou J.S. Simpson Medal: Aiden Brand-Oliver (Mazenod)

Club PEGS Football Club Whitefriars Monash Blues Mazenod

Club Old McKinnon/Glen Eira Parkside Mazenod PEGS Monash Blues

Votes 26 24 17 15 12

U19 Section 4 Premiership Team: Mazenod B: HB: C: HF: F: R: I/C

Leading Goalkickers Player Thomas Saggio Riley Attard Sam McLay Aiden Brand-Oliver

Player Jesse Maxfield Marco Creek Jarryd Raffa Zachary Genovesi Patrick Easson

Total 45 40 36 32

Coach

Nicholas Gramatakas, Aaron Theodore, Nathan Decleva Jack Minack (C), Nicholas Byard, Lachlan McKenna Mitchell D'Angelo, Aiden Brand Oliver (C), Jarred Raffa Liam Sherlock, Arlyn Khaiyath, Tom Riley Jackson D'Angelo, James Deegan, James King Phil Ilic, Ben Gannon, Taylor Siwek Travis O'Hara, Mitch Whiting, Matthew Jago, Itai Saina, James Taylor, Drew Milner Paul Deegan

Under 19 Section 5 PREMIERSHIP LADDER Old Camberwell Grammarians De La Salle Oakleigh Melbourne High School Old Boys St Bedes / Mentone Tigers AFC Hampton Rovers WIlliamstown CYMS Aquinas OC Old Paradians Peninsula OB La Trobe University Fitzroy FC

For

Agst

PTS

18 16 17 17 16 18 16 18 18 18 14 15

14 12 12 11 9 9 7 7 7 3 3 1

4 4 5 6 7 9 9 11 11 15 11 14

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 2 1 1 2 0 2 0 0 0 0 0

1612 1411 1367 1243 1173 1174 1033 1095 1019 961 628 497

690 753 989 994 915 1069 1095 1124 1438 1596 1647 1979

233.62 187.38 138.22 125.05 128.2 109.82 94.34 97.42 70.86 60.21 38.13 25.11

56 56 52 48 44 36 36 28 28 12 12 8

Under 19 Section 5 Grand Final Old Camberwell Grammarians MHSOB

2.5-17 0.0

U19 Section 5 Medal 5.6-36 2.4-16

10.11-71 2.4-16

11.15-81 3.8-26

Old Camberwell Goal Kickers: H. Veitch 3, L. Powell 3, J. Purcell, H. Lucas, M. Schumann, R. West, A. DallaRiva Best Players: J. Holding, L. Lewit-Mendes, F. Mascitelli, H. Lucas, L. Powell, K. Percy Melbourne High School Old Boys Goal Kickers: L. Dowling, C. Tetaz, E. Vassos Best Players: C. Overton, B. Gunn, C. Douros, A. Horton, J. Radcliffe-Smith, J. Hodder Harry Overman Medal: Josh Holding (Old Camberwell)

Leading Goalkickers Player Mike Schumann Lachie Powell Dylan Goodwill Durham McNamara

Club Old Camberwell Old Camberwell Oakleigh MHSOB

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2017

Total 51 49 36 34

Player Connor Shaw Chris Tetaz Mitchell Fletcher Adam Martuccio Jack Whitelaw

Club St Bedes/Mentone Tigers MHSOB Old Camberwell De La Salle St Bedes/Mentone Tigers

Votes 24 14 14 13 13

Under 19 Section 5 Premiership Team: Old Camberwell B: HB: C: HF F R I/C

Jono Elliott, Matt Appleyard, Lucas Lewit-Mendes Mitch Fletcher, Harrison Lucas, Jake Purcell Thomas Oliver, Will Dalrymple, Jonathan Tan Alex Dalla Riva, Mike Schumann, Steve Everitt Harry O’Brien, Lachie Powell, Declan Hudson-Mollard Kallen Percy, Josh Holding, Robert West Dan Straw, Fraser Mascatelli, Harry Veitch, Rowan Soloman, Seb Terriaca, Mitch McPherson

Club XVIII

Crocs, Demons take out Club XVIII The Club XVIII competition underwent minimal change in 2017 barring St Francis Xavier returning to Division 4, Chadstone fielding teams in both 1 & 2 and Westbourne Grammarians re-entering a team in Section 2 for the first time since 2015. The two extra teams in Club XVIII (2) resulted in an eight-team structure in both sections.

Section 1

Section 2

Old Xaverians claimed their 21st Club XVIII premiership and 12th since the turn of the century, defeating South Mornington by 47 points at Sportscover Arena. Led by a best-on-ground performance and five goals from King/Landrigan Medallist, Alastair Wood, the Crocs exploded in the fourth term with nine unanswered goals after leading by just six points at the last break. Adding to the Crocs’ celebrations is the fact David Landrigan kicked three goals in his 300th match – the first Xav to reach the milestone.

After being forced to enter a Club XVIII team due to an inability to field both a seniors and reserves side in Division 4, Box Hill North capped off a sensational season with the Section 2 premiership, defeating Chadstone by 57 points.

The Crocs won through to the decider with a 28-point victory over the reining premiers, Hawthorn Spartans, while the Tigers, who finished third, demolished Prahran Assumption by 65 points in the first semi before sending the Spartans home in straight sets with a 53-point victory in the preliminary final. Spartan forward, John Farah, claimed the Stephen Mason Medal for the second year in a row as the Best & Fairest player in Section 1. Richmond Central were unable to replicate their finals berth from 2016 and finished one game behind Prahran Assumption in fifth spot on the ladder, while Melbourne High School Old Boys and Brunswick NOBSPC each ended their seasons sixth and seventh. Chadstone struggled in their first season back in Club XVIII (1) since they first entered the VAFA in 1997 as Syndal Tally-Ho, winning just one match.

Despite kicking an inaccurate 9.21, the Demons proved too strong across the course of the match as they won every quarter except the third when the Synners kicked two goals to one. Leon Desmond received the best-on-ground medallion from the officiating umpires for his standout performance, kicking a goal and stepping up when the game was in the balance. Both sides entered Club XVIII from Division 4 in 2016 and finished one and two after the home and away season.

going at the bottom of the ladder. Thank you, Norm Norm Nugent announced his retirement as Club XVIII Scribe prior to the season after filling the role for more than 30 years. We offer our sincerest thanks to Norm who is a Life Member, stalwart and much-loved figure in our competition for providing us years of dedication and his intimate knowledge of the Club XVIII competition.

Nick Armistead Media and Communications Coordinator

Despite winning 12 of their 15 games throughout the home and away season, UHS-VU fell to Monash Blues in the first semi-final before the Blues met a rampaging Chadstone in the preliminary and were defeated by 26. Just like Farah in Section 1, Blues’ onballer Michael Chapman replicated his Section 2 Best & fairest Award-winning form from 2016 by taking it home again for the second consecutive year. West Brunswick unable to emulate their grand final appearance from 2016 and finished in fifth, while Monash Gryphons also missed finals on the back of five wins for the season. Westbourne and Swinburne University struggled to get their season

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2017

Club XVIII Results Leading Goalkickers Player Adrian Gileno David Landrigan Louis Meyer John Farah

Club Hawthorn Old Xaverians MHSOB Hawthorn

Total 63 61 29 28

Club XVIII (1) Premiership Team: Old Xaverians B BP C HF F R Int Coach

Tim Trahair, Jeremy Pytel, John Donohue David Hansen, Matt Mclean (C), Ryan Gallagher Simon O'Brien, Alistair Wood, James Smith Tim Silk (VC), Harry Healey, Matt Romanin Ben Corcoran, David Landrigan, Sam Adams Josh Smith, Dom Quinn, Matt Walsh Robert Follachio, Andrew Leoncelli, Hugo Denton, Anthony Keyhoe, Jack Silk, Alex Corsi Ciaran Nolan, Oliver Keogh, Sam Walker

Stephen Mason Medal Player John Farah Nicholas Gouin Robert Nolan Matthew Walsh

Club Hawthorn Spartans Prahran Assumption Richmond Central Old Xaverians

Votes 23 13 12 11

Club XVIII (Section 1) Grand Final Old Xaverians South Mornington

David Landrigan (Old Xaverian) - Photo Ari Hatzis

PREMIERSHIP LADDER Club XVIII (1) Hawthorn AFC Old Xaverians South Mornington Prahran Assumption Richmond Central MHSOB Brunswick NOBSPC Chadstone AFC

P 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15

W 12 11 8 7 7 5 5 1

L 2 2 4 6 8 10 10 14

D 1 2 3 2 0 0 0 0

B 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

FF 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

For 1423 1124 998 849 833 751 550 543

Agst 578 677 727 815 907 1044 955 1389

% 246.19 166.03 137.28 104.17 91.84 71.93 57.59 39.09

PTS 50 48 38 32 28 20 20 4

7.4-46 6.4-40

14.4-88 6.5-41

Old Xaverians Goal Kickers: A. Wood 5, D. Landrigan 3, H. Healey 2, B. Corcoran 2, M. Walsh, S. Adams Best Players: A. Wood, M. Walsh, T. Trahair, D. Hansen, J. Smith, J. Smith South Mornington Goal Kickers: Best Players: R. Wilson, Z. Kurts, L. Allen, T. Mitchell, R. Willmott King/Landrigan Medal: Alastair Wood (Old Xaverians)

Leading Goalkickers Player Adam Kinniburgh Daniel Penny Matthew M Mallia Patrick Lithgow

Club Chadstone Box Hill North UHS-VU Monash Gryphons

Total 45 32 31 26

Club XVIII (2) Premiership Team: Box Hill North B: HB: C: HF: F: R: I/C Coach

Sam Kenna, Greg Tiley, Brendan Berechree Josh Conway, Scott Howe, Michael Tilley Dean Templeton, Ben Pearce, Tom Cheslett Rhys Ball, Luke Van den Akker, Daniel Penny (C) Leon Desmond, Rob Hughes, Brenton Odza Cam Liston, Eamon Stewart, Nick Lang Mick Penny, Liam Carey, Nick Fowler, Neal Crossan Laurie Zarafa, George Cavallo (Assistant)

Club XVIII (Section 2) Medal Player Michael Chapman Matthew Mallia Cameron Liston Adam Kinniburgh

Box Hill North celebrate their grand final victory

PREMIERSHIP LADDER Club XVIII (2) Box Hill North AFC Chadstone Uhs-Vu Afc Monash Blues West Brunswick AFC Monash Gryphons Westbourne Grammarians Swinburne University

P 14 13 15 15 15 13 14 15

W 13 10 12 8 7 5 2 0

L 1 3 3 7 8 8 12 15

D 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2017

B 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

FF 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 0

For 1311 1071 1071 818 832 696 431 421

Agst 583 504 533 748 844 1057 1100 1344

% 224.87 212.5 200.94 109.36 98.58 65.85 39.18 31.32

PTS 56 48 48 32 28 20 8 0

Club Monash Blues UHS-VU Box Hill North Chadstone

Votes 15 11 10 10

Club XVIII (Section 2) Grand Final Box Hill North AFC Chadstone

1.5-11 0.3-3

5.13-43 0.4-4

6.14-50 2.6-18

Box Hill North Goal Kickers: D. Penny 3, B. Odza 2, L. Desmond, R. Ball , R. Hughes, T. Cheslett Best Players: B. Odza, L. Desmond, J. Conway, D. Liistro, S. Howe, D. Penny Chadstone Goal Kickers: A. Nicolopoulos, D. DePrazer Best Players: B. Cullen, D. Smith, T. Binks, J. Lapthorne, T. Broersen, M. Lima Best on Ground Medal: Leon Desmond (Box Hill North)

9.21-75 2.6-18

Rising Star Winners

Lachlan Sullivan (St Kevin’s OB)

Sarah Cameron (SKOB Saints)

Winning Edge Club Championship

Seniors

Reserves

U19

Thirds/ Club XVIII

Women’s

Total

St Kevins OB

191

Marcellin OC

163

Caulfield Gr

13.5

156.5

Old Brighton Gr

153

Old Camberwell Gr

146

Ormond AFC

7.5

144.5

Old Xaverians

143

Collegians

143

West Brunswick AFC

10.5

142.5

Old Haileyburians

138

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2017

Highlights 2017 •

Michael Sholly stood down as CEO after 12 and a half years of service to the VAFA.

•

Brett Connell was appointed as VAFA CEO in June.

•

Matt Dervan joined the VAFA staff as Umpire Operations Assistant in January, replacing Kelley Gillespie-Jones. Mitch op’t Hoog oversaw the production of the Amateur Footballer and Jack Henty joined as Football Development Manager in November.

•

Davina Calheam, Bruno Conti, Phil De Young and Michael Hazell resigned from the VAFA Board (December 2016). Felicity Frederico and Laura Racky were seconded as Board appointees. Mick Overman, Megan Dwyer & Rob Heath were elected to the Board (December 2016) and Jeffrey Jankie (March 2017) rounded out a full Board of (9) Directors and (2) Board appointees. Rob Heath resigned in September.

•

Sue Anderson and Tom Brain were inducted as Life Members of the VAFA.

•

The Big V senior representative side defeated AFL Victoria Country by a record-breaking 82 points at Frankston City Oval in July.

•

The VAFA held a 125 Club Round on July 1 and recognised volunteers who had contributed to the success of their clubs over the past 25 years with specialised medallions.

•

St Kevin’s OB won their first-ever Premier/A Grade flag.

•

Women officially played football in the VAFA for the first time with more than 1900 registered players and 40 teams across five sections.

•

The VAFA secured Wilson Group as naming rights sponsor of the women’s competition and William Buck extended their sponsorship to the women’s Premier section.

•

Tash Ross-Harris (Fitzroy-ACU) was awarded the VAFA Women’s Premier Best & Fairest with 27 votes from 12 games.

•

Rhiannon Green (Old Camberwell), Penny Brown (Hawthorn AFC) and James Musster (Prahran Assumption) claimed the triple crown with a premiership, best on ground medallion in the grand final and competition best & fairest award.

•

Bede Mahon (University Blacks) became the first player to win the Woodrow Medal for a team who suffered relegation in the same year.

•

PEGS won the Division 1 Grand Final against St Mary’s Salesian after trailing by 58 points during the second quarter.

•

The Big V Women’s side played their inaugural representative match against AFL Goldfields in North Ballarat and ran out 49-point winners.

•

St Kevin’s OB won the Winning Edge Club Championship

•

Lachlan Sullivan (St Kevin’s OB) and Sarah Cameron (SKOB Saints) were named Men’s and Women’s Rising Star winners.

•

John Farah (Hawthorn Spartans) and Michael Chapman (Monash Blues) claimed back-toback wins (2016-17) in their respective Club XVIII Best & Fairest Awards.

•

Old Brighton (Premier B), Prahran Assumption (Division 2), UHS-VU (Division 3) and Aquinas (Division 4) each claimed the double with flags in both seniors and reserves.

•

Marcellin Sheagles and Old Geelong won the first-ever Pre-Season Lightning Premierships, with the Sheagles going on to claim the William Buck Premier women’s flag.

•

Paul Deegan (Mazenod) became the first person to coach a men’s (U19 Section 4) and women’s (Development Division 3) premiership in the same season.

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2017

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