ANNUAL REPORT
2018
Victorian Amateur Football Association
127th ANNUAL REPORT SEASON 2018
Presented to the Members at the Annual General Meeting Elsternwick Park 3 December 2018
Cover: North Brunswick celebrate their first senior premiership in 37 years
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 2018 President’s Report Chief Executive Officer’s Report Football Operations Report VAFA Women’s Report Club Development and Tribunal Umpire Operations Report Commercial Operations Report Media and Communications Report William Buck Premier Premier B Premier C Women’s Football William Buck Premier Women’s Women’s Premier B Blue Women’s Premier B White Women’s Division 1 Women’s Division 2 Women’s Division 3 Division 1 Division 2 Division 3 Division 4 Big V Men’s vs Adelaide Footy League Big V Women’s vs Adelaide Footy League Big V B-D4 vs WAAFL Big V U19s vs AFL Vic Country Big V Club Inductees Holmesglen Under 19 Thirds Rising Star Winners Winning Edge Club Championship Highlights 2018
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2 3 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 22 26 31 32 33 34 34 35 35 36 40 44 48 52 53 54 55 56 57 62 64 64 65
VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2018
VAFA 2018 Patrons:
Independent Tribunal:
Life Members
Messrs. J.F.X. Dillon and M.G. Russel
Mr. T. Nelson
Chairmen: A. Anderson, D. Dann, D. Hughes, A. Marshall, J.K. Pilkington, D. Reynolds, S. Theodore, G. Thomas, H. Robert, S. Grey, N. De Young,
Vice-President:
Tribunal Members:
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, Mr. K. Petruco.
President:
Mr. G.A. Voyage
J. Boorn, R. Dore, S. Handley, R. Harris, P. LaVale, M. Legge, A. McAdam, T. Miller, M. O’Brien, O. Oostermeyer, D. Sheales, F. Stafford, M. Wells, M. Rush, P. Olive, M. Legge, D. Weybury, J. Leung.
Treasurer: Mr. A.L. Kirkwood-Scott
Board: Messrs. A.M. Amad, B.A. Connell, N.W. Credlin, Mrs. M.C. Dwyer, Mrs. F Frederico**, Messers. J Jankie, M Overman, G.A. Voyage, Mrs. L Racky** ** Board appointees
Chief Executive Officer: Mr. B.A. Connell
General Manager, Football Operations: Mr. S.A. Confait
General Manager, Commercial Operations:
Investigation Panel: Chairman: Messrs. R.L. Evans. Members: Messrs. P.J. Grima, G.L. Reilley, S. Grey
Registration Secretary: Mr. C. C. Bastow
Saturday Score Recorder: Mrs. N.M. McTaggart
Elsternwick Park Duty Officer:
*deceased
Mr. J. Robinson
Mr. B.C. O’Hara
Umpire Operations Manager: Mr. H.S. O’Connor
VAFA Board
Women’s Football and Engagement Manager: Ms. S.J. MacInnes
Club Development & Sustainability Manager Mr. B.L. Goodman
Football Operations and Events Coordinator: Ms. M.J. Sykes
Head of Media:
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
Mr. N.J. Armistead
Media, Marketing & Events Officer: Ms. A.S. Min
Accountant: Ms. R. Kaur
VAFA Lawyers: Mr. James Paterson of Anzarut & Holm
VAFAUA President: Mr. O. Hinson
Tribunal and Investigations Co-ordinator: Mr. B.L. Goodman and Mr. C.C. Bastow
VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2018
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PRESIDENT’S REPORT 2018 was an outstanding VAFA season. In my time on the Board, no doubt one of our best yet. We made tremendous progress off the field, and on the field our football competition went from strength to strength. I would like to acknowledge and congratulate all premiership clubs and teams, players, committee members, supporters and volunteers. We all know how difficult it is to win a flag in our competition. In 2018 our women’s competition continued to explode; no one could have predicted the impact women’s football has already had on our clubs, our competition, our brand and our culture. In 2019 and beyond we will continue to witness significant growth in this competition and the VAFA will fast become the go-to place to play women’s community football. A big thankyou to Shona MacInnes who has been the driving force behind the growth and popularity of VAFA Women’s. Our Premier football standard across the sections is unsurpassed, our clubs now attract the best community players who, not only play for the love of the game, but quickly are drawn to the unique elements of our competition – comraderie, opportunity, community, family and a sense of belonging. In our Divisions we witness some of the traditional rivalries and derbies of bygone eras and the lure of improvement and promotion drives many. The talent and competitiveness of our Divisional clubs is second-to-none. Whilst winning is still everything for most, for others the opportunity to pull on the jumper, represent your club, turn out with your mates, strive for victory and win or lose, enjoy the after match is just as important. One of the years’ highlights was our women’s Big V team victory in Adelaide. The women set the tempo for what was to be an incredibly successful and rewarding day for the VAFA. After a few years where we lowered our colours in representative football, we continued our revival with four significant victories, once again setting the standard in community football. A special thanks to coaches Stuart Powell, John Kanis, Russell Barnes and David Kinsella and their assistants for their outstanding leadership and commitment. Also to Mick Overman from the Board and his team who so ably led the representative program. In 2018 we also successfully relaunched a revamped Elsternwick Park. Phase one included a total resurfacing and resizing of the oval and a substantive new pavilion and change rooms. The feedback regarding the surface and facilities from all clubs who played at the ground was overwhelmingly positive. The redevelopment was a significant undertaking, chewing up many hours of staff and Board time; however, the ground and facility will prove to be a prudent investment over the longer term for the VAFA, Old Melbournians and all clubs. On behalf of the current Board, I would like to thank previous Board Members/Directors and immediate past CEO Michael Sholly for their foresight and sound
financial management in enabling the VAFA to make such a significant investment in the future of the competition. However, there remains a lot of work to do to further develop the precinct. Elsternwick Park Oval No. 2 will be redeveloped with the oval being resurfaced and a new pavilion built. This is an outstanding and much-deserved result for Elsternwick Amateur Football Club, one of our longest-serving member clubs. For Elsternwick Park Oval No. 1, the Board has plans for a new scoreboard, lighting and improved spectator facilities over the ensuing years. This will require further substantive capital expenditure. Revenue raising through sponsorship, grants, fundraising and related activities remains a challenge and a threat to the growth and stability of our competition. Our goal as a Board is to minimise the financial impact on our clubs and look towards commercial sponsors, government and third parties to support the growth and infrastructure required to run our great competition. Unfortunately, during a time of major capital investment our commercial activities in 2018 went largely unrewarded. As we venture into 2019, a renewed focused on commercial sponsorship and fundraising is required to ensure we continue to invest in the competition and Elsternwick Park infrastructure. There will be new commercial initiatives launched in 2019 and the Board and administration will continue to explore alternate sources of revenue with your support. Several important projects beyond Elsternwick Park occupied our time during 2018 and will continue to form part of our agenda in 2019. These include: • a review of the rules to eliminate, where achievable, any ambiguities and inconsistencies in our current rules • 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 • focus on the recruitment and retention of umpires and the long-term planning for an umpire’s academy • a review of our VAFA brand to ensure we are attractive to commercial partners including the launch of a modernised VAFA logo • ongoing reviews of the structure of our competition of all levels with a focus on U19’s • a club and community engagement program to ensure the VAFA supports, learns from and remains relevant for all clubs and stakeholders
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• a commitment to taking a stronger advocacy position in community sport and, in particular, health and wellbeing of our playing and broader club community I would like to thank all our sponsors and, in particular, William Buck, Wilson and Holmesglen. Without their financial support, commitment, partnership and loyalty our task would be so much harder. Our Board and staff have done a phenomenal job during a year of great change. Our competition continues to grow at a rapid rate, yet our staffing levels remain relatively constant. Without the support of our clubs and VAFA administration volunteers we would not be able to achieve to the highest level that we are renowned for. I know our Association is the envy of others as we are held in such high esteem by our rival football competitions. A big thank you to Brett Connell our CEO, now with a full year under his belt. Brett’s experience, judgement and football knowhow ensures we are in safe hands. Brett is also willing to learn and continues to develop his own leadership style and persona. I would also like thank our Vice-President, George Voyage, for his loyalty and support and the Board who ensure that Board meetings are always lively, debaterich and grounded in sound governance practices. Whilst 2018 was a year of great success, challenges remain. The larger the competition the larger our costs. Coupled with an aspirational program of work, costs will continue rise and we must remain diligent in determining our budget and extracting maximum value from expenditure and investment programs. In 2019 we must bring focus and renewed energy to raising income for the association. Finally, I would like to acknowledge and thank the continuing dedication and commitment of our clubs, volunteers, families, players, sponsors and stakeholders. 2018 will be my last year on the Board and as President. After eight years on the Board and almost six as Vice President/President, it’s time for a new vison and voice to take the VAFA forward. I remain indebted to you all for allowing me the honour of leading the VAFA. Thank you Tim Nelson
VAFA President
VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2018
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER’S REPORT A year of change on many fronts is how I would describe the 2018 VAFA season. The major focus for the VAFA Board and Administration was the Elsternwick Park redevelopment. A project totalling $6.4M began in September 2017 with the ground re-surface, the new pavilion and eventually the handover.
VAFA, our clubs and the local councils, placing undue pressure on grounds, facilities and umpiring numbers – all matters we are working on with key stakeholders to produce improved outcomes for everyone.
The new Elsternwick Park Oval No. 1 was realised when Old Melburnians and Old Scotch battled it out for the Australia Cup in late April and the VAFA Umpires began training on the new surface as did home club Old Melburnians in the lead-up.
Across the last two years, AFL Victoria has put football facility strategies in place in metropolitan Melbourne which aim to prioritise and support new grounds and amenities. While a number of these strategies are in their early stages (Eastern & Northern), strategies developed so far (North West and Southern) have brought to fruition new facilities for all community clubs as the sport works collaboratively for industry-related outcomes.
The new administration building and pavilion were handed over in early July to the clubs (Old Melburnians, VAFAUA and the Elsternwick Cricket Club) and the VAFA. It is fair to say the amenities provided, both on and off the field, place the VAFA as one of the elite sporting competitions and venues in community sport. The ground and pavilion were officially opened by the Sport Minister John Eren in September and as the VAFA finals were in full swing, players, coaches, umpires and patrons were able to experience all the amenities on match days. The upstairs function room has also hosted a number of functions allowing all stakeholders the opportunity to celebrate and enjoy the new facilities. Thanks is extended to the State Government, Sport & Recreation Victoria, Bayside City Council, the AFL, AFL Victoria and Old Melburnians for their combined support of the project. Currently Elsternwick Park Oval No. 2 (home of the Elsternwick AFC) is being re-surfaced with a new pavilion and lights also part of the project. The Elsternwick Park precinct is certainly taking shape and putting in place first-class facilities for the clubs and community to benefit from for years to come. We thank Bayside City Council for their on-going partnership with the precinct. The growth of our women’s football competition continues to expand at a rapid rate. I would at this point like to once again congratulate Shona MacInnes (Female Football and Engagement Manager) for her energy and drive in this space. There is no doubt the VAFA women’s competition is the largest and most competitive at a community level and clearly reflects the passion Shona has for our female competition. 63 teams competed in the 2018 season, up from 40 the year previous. Our clubs have done an amazing job embracing this new football market and the successes, both on and off the field, continue to amaze all involved. Growth continues to present challenges for the
VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2018
Commercially, it was a tough year with the loss of our long-term major sponsor and naming rights partner Sportscover as well as other partners not continuing. Blair O’Hara (GM Commercial Operations) led his team in a highly-competitive and changing market across 2018 and implemented several new initiatives. We would like to thank Bastion Collective for their support in assisting with a major VAFA brand revamp and logo re-design. The Board invested in these projects to add additional support and resources to the commercial team with a view to making the VAFA more contemporary and relevant in the market place. While not resting on our laurels, the commercial team conducted a competition wide census to assist in understanding more fully our market both internally and externally, and we will look to use this information to better guide our commercial strategies and returns in the ensuing years. We also added an additional resource to the Commercial Operations team in Alisha Min. Alisha joined us from Vicsport and provided valuable support and assistance across the areas of publications, media, marketing activations and events. Seeking alternative revenue streams is a priority focus for the Board going forward and one area we have begun some work on is fundraising. Fundraising will be a major focus for the VAFA in the next two to three years, all in all geared towards keeping our game at an affordable level for all concerned. While not reaching the level we set ourselves financially in 2018 , we have re-focussed our endeavours in exploring new revenue opportunities across the business. We will continue to drive strong financial outcomes
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for the good of the Association, with the end goal being an affordable and well-managed competition. I would like to acknowledge the work of Rajman Kaur (VAFA Accountant) who oversees this area of the business in collaboration with Adam Kirkwood-Scott (Treasurer). Our events were once again cutting edge and terrific celebrations of all that is great about the VAFA. Mikala Sykes (Football Operations & Events Co-ordinator) led this area of the business with innovation and initiative and was ably supported by most of the Administration team. The William Buck VAFA Finals Lunch was a huge success after changing its focus and timing to better suit the whole of the VAFA competition. Add to this the arrival of the new social room facilities at Elsternwick Park where we held several VAFA functions as the season drew to a close. None better than the William Buck VAFA Grand Final Lunch where guest speaker Luke Beveridge gave all 120 attendees an insight into coaching at the highest level and reflections upon the St Bedes/ Mentone Tigers AFC success he led 10 years prior. Overall it was a successful year in VAFA events. Club development was a major focus across 2018, with the VAFA surveying all clubs mid-year in order to ascertain their most pressing needs. Two well attended sessions with clubs were held in August where the VAFA could share the survey results and collectively plan for better club development programs annually. The AFL Victoria Football Development Managers are also thanked for their expertise and involvement, as is Brian Goodman (Club Development & Sustainability Manager) whose role changed at the end of the 2017 season to become more club development focussed, an area where Brian excels. We are looking forward to implementing key sessions of need for our clubs across the next 12 months as we look to provide greater assistance and support to all of our clubs. There were many highlights on the field too with St Kevin’s OB going back-to-back in William Buck
Premier, St Bernard’s OC winning their way back into the Premier competition by virtue of the Premier B premiership, while Fitzroy and Old Geelong will play in Premier B in 2019, with the OGs returning to Premier B for the first time in 50 years. Ormond won the Division 1 premiership in a nail-biter against old rivals Hampton Rovers, while UHS-VU completed the double by winning the Division 2 premiership after taking out Division 3 honours in 2017. By far the best story for me was the North Brunswick FC who celebrated the end of a 37-year premiership drought by completing the senior and reserve double in Division 4. In the women’s sections, congratulations to the following clubs who achieved premiership success: Melbourne University WFC (William Buck Premier), Marcellin (Premier Reserve), St Mary’s Salesian (Premier B Blue), West Brunswick (Premier B Blue Reserve), Old Haileybury (Premier B White), Hawthorn AFC (Division 1), Whitefriars OCFC (Division 2) and Westbourne Grammarians (Division 3). To the Wilson Group for their proud support of the VAFA women’s competitions, thank you for your continued backing. On a representative front, all four VAFA Big V teams were victorious in 2018. In a first for the competition, the VAFA took a senior women’s team to South Australia to play the Adelaide FL. The girls won well, as too did our senior men’s team against the same opposition in the match that followed. A VAFA team represented by Premier B – Division 4 players hosted the WAAFL U23 in July and they won an exciting match at Trevor Barker Oval. The next day at Mars Stadium (Ballarat) our U19 team completed the quadrella by defeating AFL Victoria Country in bleak conditions. Congratulations and thanks are extended to all involved in the programs from trainers and medical staff to associated team officials, in particular to coaches Stuart Powell, John Kanis, Russell Barnes and David Kinsella.
for clubs and administrators alike, with a view to thoroughly review our current operating rules to make them more contemporary. Our GM Football Operations Sam Confait leads a hardworking, club-focussed and results-driven team and to Sam, Shona MacInnes, Haydn O’Connor and Mikala Sykes, well done to you all on the season you delivered hand in hand with our tireless club officials and behind the scenes volunteers. You should be all very proud of your efforts. Led by Laura Racky (Board Member), another major piece of work was the review of our current Articles of Association and Constitution. To conform with legal changes and community expectations, the development of a newer and more contemporary governance structure will remain a key focus for the Board going forward. On a media front, Nick Armistead (Head of Media) continued to drive terrific outcomes across all our media platforms. In the changing face of how people consume their media via print, broadcast and digital channels, we are looking at how we satisfy all our VAFA customers equally and our current systems of delivery are reviewed annually. Highlights in media this year for mine were the 10,000 Facebook followers we received late in the year, the evolution of the VAFA website and the newly-created weekly in-season VAFA podcast, For the Love of the Game.
improvement of the VAFA on and off the field. To the sub-committee chairs Adam Kirkwood-Scott (Finance & Risk), Tim Nelson (Commercial, Media & Events), Laura Racky (Governance), Jeffrey Jankie (Community, Clubs and Stakeholders – including Heritage), Nigel Credlin (Umpiring), George Voyage (Football, Growth and Integrity), Mick Overman (Representative Football), Felicity Frederico (Fundraising & Elsternwick Park precinct), Megan Dwyer (People & Culture) and Anthony Amad (Life Members), thank you for your on-going vision and leadership. A key focus for the Board in the second half of the year has been developing a new vision and strategic plan for the VAFA going forward. We look forward to sharing and consulting with all stakeholders as we work towards its completion and implementation for the 2019-2021 years. To Owen Hinson (VAFAUA President), his committee and the VAFAUA running members thank you for your on-going support of the VAFA and our programs and initiatives. Our VAFA clubs do an amazing job administering their clubs and providing welcoming and inclusive social and playing environments for all our players, coaches, umpires and volunteers – to you all thank you and well done. Without all of your efforts we would not be held in the high regard we are today.
Umpiring took on a new look in 2018 with the retirement of Brian Woodhead and Matthew Devan leaving us in late 2017. Haydn O’Connor (former William Buck Premier Umpire & VAFA Umpire of the Year – Umpire Manager) took the reins and has worked diligently to increase umpiring numbers and standard across the VAFA. Working closely with the VAFAUA and our clubs in recruiting, retaining, educating and training our umpires is a key focus for our Umpire Department across the next two years.
To our valued sponsors, partners and suppliers a huge thank you for your on-going involvement, service and financial support in all areas of our business. Without your efforts we would not be able to deliver such a high-quality experience to all associated with the VAFA.
I would like to give my thanks to the VAFA Board who dedicate volunteer many hours to the
Brett Connell
Overall while dominated by change and innovation across 2018, we look forward with great excitement to the opportunities that lie ahead as we continue to strive to be the best community football competition in the land. VAFA CEO
Our Thirds competition continues to evolve as it transitions from the former Club XVIII sections. We are aiming to continue to work with all clubs wishing to field thirds teams to find the right mix of competition going forward. Our U19 competition is also under review with a view to providing a competitive structure for all of our clubs and the competing players, coaches and teams. Integrity is a cornerstone of our competition and to this end our Independent Integrity Division continues to evolve so we can best address any matters of an integrity nature that may arise. We also reviewed and re-vamped our video reporting procedures to streamline the processes
Back row: Nick Armistead, Rajman Kaur, Shona MacInnes, Mikala Sykes, Sam Confait, Haydn O’Connor Front row: Blair O’Hara, Alisha Min, Brett Connell, Brian Goodman
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VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2018
FOOTBALL OPERATIONS REPORT 33 sections. 301 teams. 13,031 players = Australia’s largest senior community football competition. COMPETITION
Year two of VAFA women’s experienced a 38% increase in participation and reached a remarkable 63 teams. All seven senior men’s sections featured 10-team competitions, allowing an equal draw of two home/away encounters across the season. In what was the most competitive U19 Premier competition we have seen in years, despite reluctantly only seven competing teams, the view was to ensure the sustainability of teams in U19 Section 2 with the aim to fixture 10 teams in U19 Premier in 2019. The number of U19 teams entered remained at 51; however, the Thirds competition experienced a significant rise to 46 teams. Club XVIII (formally known as G Section) concluded after 31 years in operation, serving a purpose for primarily social teams to participate in the VAFA. The changing landscape of the Thirds structure resulted in current Club XVIII teams transitioning into Thirds Section 4 and 5.
FIXTURING
GSS software allows the VAFA to produce fixtures in a timely manner, ensuring the delivery of a fair competition despite certain constraints. During the pre-season, we adopted a new online form for clubs to complete which assists our administration in managing club fixture preferences and ensuring we can meet as many as the software will allow. The season for all sections commenced on April 7, one week earlier than usual, to relieve pressure and help secure premium finals venues while accommodating the mass of club feedback. The growth in teams places limitations on ground availability and game time slots so, to alleviate this pressure, clubs utilised the 4:45pm twilight time predominately for senior women’s matches with success.
INDEPENDENT INTEGRITY DIVISION
In the second year of the Independent Integrity Division (IID), VAFA Amateur Status Declaration forms were introduced for all ex-AFL players participating in the VAFA. The next phase of the IID will request further details on the arrangements involving player and club, and a thorough review of the current Amateur Status Guidelines. The integrity of our competition is paramount and the IID will continue to prevent any matter that may undermine it.
PLAYER POINTS SYSTEM
All country and metropolitan competitions in Victoria commenced phase two of AFL Victoria’s Community Club Sustainability Program (CCSP), with the introduction of the Player Payment Policy which, for obvious reasons, did not apply to the VAFA. However, this implementation
VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2018
prompted our association to initiate stricter monitoring of our player points allocations, as per the Player Points System, conducting weekly audits of all senior men’s team sheets. Findings were positive with minor adjustments required in educating clubs. Setting the allocation budgets requires consideration of several factors due to the uniqueness of our competition and whilst lowering our budgets is desired moving forward, we need to be very mindful of the potential impact to clubs located within the vicinity of other metropolitan competitions.
FINALS
committed and talented amateur players onfield = Big V success. The Big V is alive and well!
As our association continues to grow, the timing of the season for each level of competition is vital to ensure we secure finals venues to meet our standard of football and restrict travel for our clubs. Football operations were pleased to secure specific dates at key VFL venues Box Hill City Oval, Coburg City Oval, Bill Lawry Oval, Burbank Oval, Trevor Barker Oval and VAFA school venues Whitefriars College, Parade College and Marcellin College. I wish to extend a thank you to all involved; in particular, David Cannizzo, Daniel Napoli, Dennis McNiece, Jason Reddick, Sebastian Spagnuolo and their respective councils; Whitefriars Football Club, Old Paradians Football Club and Marcellin Old Collegians.
ADMINISTRATION The
VAFA
Portal
launched
at
the
VAFA
Conference in February to create efficiencies in communicating with clubs. The password protected platform allows club administrators to access rules and policies, submit online forms and view content distributed by AFL Victoria and VAFA Football Operations. This initiative will develop into the main source of communication across all departments of the VAFA. The VAFA Football, Growth and Integrity SubCommittee continued to drive football strategy and I wish to extend a thank you to Vice-President
Administration explored various community volunteer options to operate our finals gate entrances with little success; however, we were able to attain quality personnel to provide customer service of a high standard. Looking to 2019, a key aim is to provide our community with eftpos payment facilities at all finals venues and focus on engaging entertainment and providing further food/beverage options.
and Chairman Mr George Voyage for his leadership,
REPRESENTATIVE FOOTBALL
Football & Events. To successfully administer
4 from 4! An outstanding achievement for all players, coaches and officials involved. The senior men’s and women’s defeated the Adelaide Footy League and created history as the first senior community football competition to travel interstate simultaneously with logistics all operating effortlessly. Both the U19 and Premier B - Division 4 programs reclaimed overdue victories against AFL Victoria Country and Western Australia. I wish to extend a sincere thank you to all Big V officials; Head coaches Stuart Powell, John Kanis, David Kinsella, Russell Barnes and their respective coaching panels for offering their expertise, time and passion for the Big V. Finally, special mention to Director of Football Mr Mick Overman for his guidance, expertise and love of the Big V in overseeing the entire program. Acquiring quality personnel off-field + attracting
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support and trust in Football Operations and all members for their commitment and input. The Football Operations department experienced significant change in 2018 with the addition of Haydn O’Connor leading our umpiring department, joining Shona MacInnes in Women’s Football & Engagement and Mikala Sykes across 33 competitions, coordinate 569 umpires, liaise with 73 clubs, manage four representative programs, re-locate mid-year to a new facility and operate our largest finals series should not be underestimated and I am incredibly proud of what has been achieved as a team by three dedicated and efficient professionals. The conclusion of the 2018 finals series marked the off-season for Football Operations with the focus on improving processes for team sheets, reducing match day volunteer requirements and utilising technology to create efficiencies in how we operate. Season 2018 continued growth, witnessed change and experienced success, once again reminding us what a privilege it is to be an ammo! Sam Confait
General Manager, Football Operations
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VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2018
VAFA WOMEN’S REPORT
BUILDING IT BIGGER AND BETTER It’s hard to believe 2018 was only the second year of women’s football in the VAFA. The surge in women’s football can be expressed in figures. A snapshot of this is in Victoria where in 2010 there were only 58 dedicated female football teams (includes junior and senior) and just eight seasons later in 2017 there were 747. This year, over 1,000 female football teams took to the field in this state alone. Our own competition reflects this growth with our founding 40 teams from 2017 expanding to 63 teams from 47 clubs this year. The VAFA now administers the largest senior women’s football competition in the country.
the Auskick and under-age football systems. We
What can’t be quantified is the immense benefit the integration of women into the VAFA has brought to our clubs and the wider community.
of Old Mentonians. We thank the club for hosting
Some common themes from the clubs are increased numbers of volunteers, stronger financial positions, booming social events and enhanced club cultures.
have their first hit out in a real match situation.
We commenced a five-year longitudinal study on the participation of women on club committees and in coaching roles, with a view to develop and increase these numbers next year and beyond.
into Premier, Premier B Blue, Premier B White and
Not only is our competition expanding in size, but the standard of our female players is ever-improving. The opening round this year showcased the marked increase in skill level, fitness and game sense across the board from last year. It was astounding the changes our first full pre-season produced.
The season went for 14 rounds with each team
A testament to this is that over 120 of our players are on VFLW lists. Our competition is now consolidating as a pathway to the elite level for women’s football.
during the game produced one of the iconic
We kicked off the season again with a Coaches’ Forum where 78 coaches and players, from the club’s leadership groups, attended the TH King Oval in early March. Many of our players have come across from other sports and are skilled at reading and reacting to play but haven’t had those years of deliberate practice needed to hone skills such as kicking, handballing and tackling. The forum concentrated on these areas with an element of physical conditioning as well. St Kilda FC 300-gamer, Nathan Burke, was the keynote speaker for the occasion. With his current role as the assistant coach for St Kilda VFLW in mind, and as the father of three daughters, Burke gave a fantastic insight into coaching female footballers.
The Marcellin Sheagles were victorious against
In future years these gaps in the women’s game will close as the new crops of players come through
VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2018
need to be patient until these skills develop. With the re-development of Elsternwick Park underway the Lightning Premiership weekend was held at Keysborough Playing Fields, the home and assisting with this event. This tournament gave 24 mainly new teams the opportunity to Kew won the day on Saturday and Beaumaris took the honours on Sunday. This year the women’s competition was structured Divisions 1-3. We had two Reserves competitions, one in William Buck Premier and the other in Premier B Blue. playing each other twice and finals commenced in the first week of August. Sunday 19th August saw eight women’s grand finals played across all senior and reserves sections. Melbourne University WFC defeated Marcellin in William Buck Premier by 18 points. A hail storm photographs for the season with not only 475 likes on @vafawomens Instagram but an astounding 4,750 likes when it was reposted by @aflwomens. Fitzroy-ACU in Premier Reserve. St
Mary’s
Salesian
made
it
back-to-back
premierships by winning Premier B Blue and Old Haileybury defeated the favourites, Scotch Stars, in Premier B White. West Brunswick overcame Old Geelong in Premier B Blue Reserve. Hawthorn AFC also went back-to-back after defeating Ivanhoe in Division 1, Whitefriars defeated Old Melburnians in Division 2 and in Division 3, Westbourne Grammarians were victorious over minor premiers Preston Bullants. We hosted our second Women’s Best & Fairest Presentation Night at The Park in Albert Park, with Marcellin ruck Taylor Padfield taking out the William Buck Premier women’s B&F while teammate, Laura Robertson, was named the Anytime Fitness
8
Rising Star. Congratulations to the B&F winners from all the other sections who are acknowledged elsewhere in this report. 265 attendees from our VAFA community lit up the red carpet and filled the function room with an infectious energy as we celebrated another great season. On the Queen’s Birthday weekend the VAFA again made history by taking both a men’s and a women’s representative side to South Australia to play against the Adelaide Footy League. Both teams achieved on-field victories, but the real success was the further integration of our men’s and women’s competitions. The men and women warmed up together on the final training night before, for the first time, participating in a combined Big V jumper presentation dinner at the Harry Trott Oval. The camaraderie and solidarity were further demonstrated by the genuine support and pride both teams gave and found in each other on match day. We thank head coach John Kanis and his assistants Frank Dunnell, Tina ‘Bobby’ Macumber and Peter Summers for their time and expertise. From the strong foundation laid last year VAFA women’s football continued to grow in size and standard in 2018. As I go out to meet with the clubs who are starting up women’s teams, I am continually reminded of the extraordinary people of the VAFA. It is their vision, their enthusiasm, commitment and just plain hard work, that has made our competition the benchmark in women’s community football. To the team at VAFA HQ, the competition has surpassed all expectations due, in no small way, to your remarkable dedication to making this work. It is again a great privilege and pleasure to be part of this outstanding football association. Shona MacInnes
Women’s Football and Engagement Manager
Dani Calautti (Kew)
Sarah Casey (Old Haileybury)
Hail pelting down at William Buck Premier GF
Maddi Wilson (SBMT)
Penny Brown (Hawthorn AFC)
9
VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2018
CLUB DEVELOPMENT & TRIBUNAL CHARGES
NO. OF CHARGES
APPEALS
Charging
3
3
0
0
0
Striking Attempted Striking Unreasonable Rough Conduct
61 2 50
45 2 36
11 0 11
7 0 3
1 1 0
Elb/Kick/Head Umpire Abuse
1 5
1 5
0 0
0 0
0 1
General Misconduct
6
6
3
0
0
Forceful Front On Contact Tripping
20 1
7 1
1 0
0 0
0 0
Total
149
107
26
10
3
2018 brought about a change of direction as I accepted a new role in Club Development while continuing to coordinate Tribunal & Investigations. This change is a necessary one given the growing importance of issues surrounding governance, compliance and club sustainability. The VAFA Tribunal plays a major role in keeping our competition healthy for the betterment of all players. The tribunal stats show a drop in overall reports and suspensions. Player reports decreased from 205 in 2017 to 149 this year and, when we consider the increase in player participation brought about from women’s football, this is an extremely positive and pleasing result. The tribunal members, who volunteer their time, possess a vast array of knowledge and experience when dealing with player reports on a weekly basis and we are very fortunate to have 28 dedicated men & women supporting the VAFA. Brian Goodman
VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2018
NO. OF NOT WITHDRAWN SUSPENSIONS SUSTAINED
10
Ayce Cordy (University Blues) - Woodrow Medallist
Georgina Petty (Williamstown CYMS) - Division 2 Medallist
Matthew Oakley (VAFA Umpire of the Year)
Melissa Lindsay (West Brunswick) - Premier B Blue Medallist
Mitch Brown (St Kevin’s OB) - Premier Coaches MVP
Taylor Padfield (Marcellin) - William Buck Premier B&F
11
VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2018
UMPIRE OPERATIONS REPORT The 2018 season brought significant change to the umpiring department with the Elsternwick Park redevelopment, a new administration, a staff restructure, expansion of the women’s competition & the launch of ‘A New Era’ on the newlyestablished VAFA Umpires social media platforms. Due to the Elsternwick Park redevelopment, the umpiring group was unable to train at home from January to April. The fitness staff, led by Gavin De Kretser, must be applauded for their tireless work over this period. Alternate venues used throughout this time included Dendy Park in Brighton and Widdop Crescent in Hampton on Wednesday nights. Furthermore, due to logistics constraints set by council, Sunday morning training was trialled which included running groups in Carlton. The group returned to Elsternwick Park in April and trained on Monday and Wednesday nights. Whilst this had a minor impact on overall numbers, the umpiring community, who now had access to one of the premium facilities in the region, adapted admirably. A huge thank you also to Terry Gunn who continues to provide a wonderful option to umpires in our Western Region based at Westbourne Grammar School. While historically having a strong relationship with junior feeders, the VAFA Umpiring Department looked to strengthen their bonds with the South Metro Junior Football League (SMJFL) whereby their umpiring group trained at Elsternwick Park on Monday nights. In a region so heavily diluted, the ability to share resources is a necessity, with this joint training session bringing expanded numbers and a youthful presence to the group. A structured pathway is in place for all those aspiring in the Bayside area and this structure will be in place for those with our Yarra JFL feeders from 2019 onwards. The launch of the VAFA Portal brought the umpiring department closer to the clubs with accessible viewing of an interpretations video, access to feedback forms & the ability to view umpire selection criteria.
The field umpiring group, with Tony Hales as Head Coach, was supported by Mark Gibson, Guy Hexter & Zach Schloeffel in various roles to provide a point of contact for all umpires throughout the competition. They were assisted by match day observers Stephen Kong, Daniel Silfo, Bruce McGregor, Rob Hansen & Frank Robinson who willingly spent their Saturdays attending various venues and providing feedback to umpires. We prioritised regenerating the field umpiring ranks after four of the 2017 Premier and Premier B Grand Final panels did not return due to retirement, injury or promotion to the VFL List. It was important to fill these voids with experienced umpires while also providing opportunity for young talent throughout the home and away fixture and finals. The expansion of the women’s competition meant 141 games were filled each week by VAFA registered umpires. Over 115 umpires officiated at least one match in the VAFA Wilson women’s competition, with a greater emphasis on the premier squad for men’s ‘doubling up’ or assisting in these competitions when the fixture allowed. The promotion of select VAFA umpires to the VFL list proved a challenge for Boundary Umpiring Coach, Ryan O’Shea. Irrespective of the loss of key personnel, the improvement amongst the emerging young umpires was apparent across the season – a reflection of Ryan’s work and his collaboration with newly-appointed coaches Asha Hinton and Jack Punshon. The expansion of the women’s competition also gave the boundary umpiring group greater exposure to finals football, an experience very few umpires have the privilege to be part of.” The goal umpires continue to be a major strength of the VAFA Umpiring Department, with Bernard Jephson again building on his recruiting and reaching an excess of 90 goal umpires for the second year in a row. Charlie May joined Shane Herbert and John Hall as development coaches and the experience and strength of the group was further exemplified with all umpires appointed
to officiate the William Buck Premier Women’s Grand Final & representative games under 22 years of age. The VAFA Umpiring Representative Program was a new initiative in 2018, with 18 umpires being involved. This was the first time boundary & goal umpires were taken interstate for the Big V matches. These umpires were subject to an AFL experience and access to AFL game-day coaching at Adelaide Oval. All umpires for the four representative matches were presented at the Big V dinners and a part of the football program. The VAFA umpiring department was complimented by La Trobe University placement students Morgan Hughes & Matthew Azzopardi, who went above and beyond on numerous occasions to assist the administration on a week to week basis. The VAFAUA, under the leadership of Owen Hinson, should be commended for their tireless work in continuing to provide the VAFA Umpires with a family friendly and socially vibrant culture. Their support cannot be underestimated, and we sincerely thank their entire committee for their efforts. The genuine relationship which exists between the umpiring collective and VAFA clubs is a great facet of our association. Our sincere appreciation goes to all clubs who assist in facilitating games and who make our umpires an integral part of the game-day community. Thank you to the VAFA Football Operations Department, consisting of Sam Confait, Shona MacInnes & Mikala Sykes, for their continued guidance and support. I am sincerely grateful to work alongside such professional and driven individuals both within their individual portfolios and collectively. To the Umpiring SubCommittee, Nigel Credlin, Mervyn Monty & VAFA CEO Brett Connell, their contribution to the strategic planning and future of VAFA Umpiring is for the betterment of all who participate in our association. With this support and enthusiasm to continue driving VAFA umpiring into the future, I look forward to the opportunities that lie ahead. Haydn O’Connor
Umpire Operations Manager
VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2018
12
WILLIAM BUCK PREMIER GRAND FINAL UMPIRES St Kevin’s Old Boys v Collegians Field:
Matthew Oakley Marcus Middleton Jackson Gillespie
Boundary:
Goal:
Luke Myatt Tom Moloney Matthew Gough Chris Kearney Shaun Bourke Eric Dickson
WILLIAM BUCK PREMIER WOMEN’S
GRAND FINAL UMPIRES Melbourne University v Marcellin Field:
Boundary:
Paul O’Loughlin Shaun Bourke Greg Rolfe Daniel Nguyen
Goal:
Bridget Saftenberger Tom Moloney
2018 William Buck Premier Grand Final
VAFA V ADELAIDE FOOTY LEAGUE (MEN’S) Field:
Boundary:
Goal:
Matthew Oakley Nick Weidmann Tom Moloney
VAFA V ADELAIDE FOOTY LEAGUE (WOMEN’S) Field:
Oliver Murray
Boundary:
Shaun Bourke
Goal:
Jasmina Lieu
VAFA (B-D4) V WAAFL Field:
Boundary:
Goal:
Marcus Middleton Daniel Nguyen Alex Wolf Gavin De Kretser Eric Dickson Eddie Boal Henry Bennett Matthew Gough
VAFA V AFL VIC COUNTRY (U19) Field:
Tom O’Connor
Boundary:
Luke Myatt Pranav Kalra
Goal:
Joel Bright
VAFA Umpire of The Year: Matthew Oakley
VAFA Most Promising Umpire: Jackson Gillespie
13
VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2018
COMMERCIAL OPERATIONS REPORT This year proved to be one of progress and development as the VAFA transitioned from the old to the new across many areas. STAFF
leader in Melbourne. Thanks to Fred Drew for his
In April, we were delighted to welcome Alisha Min
support.
to the full-time staff as our Media, Marketing and
Wilson women’s football strengthened in year
Events Officer (previously from Vicsport). This
two with an additional 23 teams building onto the
position was created to play a vital support role
2000 players that participated in 2017. Wilson’s
for many areas of our off-field business, and she
presence has been visible throughout the year
wasted no time getting to work. Alisha’s work
as our naming rights partnership, featured on
ethic, attention to detail, team approach and
all footballs in our women’s competition, on-
high-quality output has been a terrific addition to
field apparel for our successful Big V women’s
the staff.
touring side to Adelaide, and a guest speaking
SPONSORSHIP
appearance at our Wilson Women’s Awards night.
It was with much chagrin that after a prolonged period of negotiation, the VAFA parted ways with long term major sponsor, Sportscover. Sportscover’s association with the VAFA will be remembered and appreciated well into the future. The VAFA would like to thank and acknowledge Peter Nash, Chris Nash, and the staff for their long-term support over three decades. The loss of Sportscover (in lieu of other funding for the new administration building from other sources) resulted in a significant blow to our sponsorship revenue in 2017, as we were unable to secure a partner in the timeframe to take on the new VAFA HQ oval naming rights or the jumper logo sponsorship asset. The VAFA is focused on an overall increase in yield from these assets which should see a healthy return in 12 months’ time.
Thanks to Nick Schijf, Matthew Iuliano and the team at Wilson Group for their support in 2018. We are fortunate to have many partners that make significant contributions into the VAFA competition. I’d like to acknowledge all our partners below (in alphabetical order): Beiersdorf Australia, BJS Insurance, Club Warehouse, CocaCola, East Malvern Community Bank (Bendigo Bank), Epworth Richmond, Four’N Twenty, High Sierra, Holmesglen Institute, Sherrin, Sports Performance Tracking, Tahbilk, Thick & Thin, Winning Edge.
commercial development and logo with a partnership with Bastion EBA. Bastion’s team, led by CEO Simon Garlick and Tom Quinn, guided
the VAFA as they continued their naming rights
a series of workshops digging deep into the
partnership of our Premier sections. It was terrific
VAFA’s core values and reason-to-be while also
to have William Buck Premier finals football return
conceptualising our strategic trajectory. The
to the resurfaced Elsternwick Park oval for both
result were several key documents produced by
Manager, Estelle Pentland, for their active support throughout the year.
year, led internally by Mikala Sykes and greatly assisted by Alisha Min and Shona MacInnes. The Season Launch kept to time for the first time in memory with a packed house in the MCC Member’s Dining Room. Long standing radio broadcaster, Ken Petruco, was deservedly awarded VAFA Life Membership and he delivered a touching tribute upon acceptance. VAFA headquarters to host events. We had a great
VAFA made a bold investment into its brand,
the VAFA’s commercial sub-committee through
Director, Lindsay Holloway, and Marketing
Our 2018 major events were a great success this
It was terrific to utilise the function space at new
BRAND
William Buck were ever present this year across
men and women. We’d like to thank Managing
EVENTS
Bastion. The first was a high-quality partnership sales document to share with prospective sponsors and key stakeholders. The second was a thorough strategy and brand document
sponsor networking event at the new facility which featured AFL executive, Darren Birch, as guest speaker. We enjoyed a delicious sit-down breakfast catered by Holmesglen. It was also a packed house for our first William Buck Premier Grand Final Day with Luke Beveridge as guest speaker. Our Woodrow Medal and Wilson Women’s VAFA Awards Nights were both entertaining and highlighted the high calibre of players competing in the VAFA. Planning is underway for a combined men’s and women’s awards night in 2019!
to outline a framework of how the VAFA can
Another
tasty return to the VAFA after highly engaging
progress from where it is now to where it wants
conclusion of our fourth William Buck Finals
sponsorship campaigns in 2015 & 2016. Our Grill’d
to be. The extension to this was evolving the VAFA
Lunch, this time hosted at Zinc in Federation
Men’s Rising Star award was won by another Old
logo to become an icon that is easily recognisable
Square. Sam Lane was again brilliant as MC, as
Brighton young gun, Anthony Zimmerman. In
inside or outside the VAFA community. The ‘V’
was the entertainment provided by Titus O’Reily
addition, Grill’d made another huge contribution
on its own could no longer define the VAFA due
and our special guests in Nicole Livingstone (AFL
by providing over 4000 free burger vouchers to
to its widespread usage in other Victorian sports
Women’s GM) and Brendan Gale (Richmond CEO).
every VAFA team for the ‘Playa of the Day’. Thanks
and organisations. The process took almost six
to Candice Snowsill for her support.
Finally, I would like to thank the members of the
months from start to finish, however, the time
Commercial sub-committee, particularly Board
Anytime Fitness maintained their support of the
allowed for active debate before a final logo was
members Felicity Frederico and Anthony Amad &
VAFA and the Women’s Rising Star Award, taken
agreed upon was well worth it. The new logo has
alongside staff members, Nick Armistead, Alisha
out this year by Marcellin’s Laura Robertson.
been received very well by internal & external
Min, Mikala Sykes, VAFA President Tim Nelson &
We’ve been delighted to partner with Anytime
stakeholders and will greatly assist the VAFA grow
CEO Brett Connell.
Fitness for four years running and in that time
its awareness through metropolitan Melbourne
the franchise business has become the market
over the coming years.
Grill’d Healthy Burgers made a welcome &
VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2018
‘best-ever’
Blair O’Hara
tag
accompanied
General Manager, Commercial Operations
14
the
Sam Lane MC-ing the William Buck Finals Lunch
Special guests Brendon Gale and Nicole Livingstone at the William Buck Finals Lunch VAFA staff donating to the ‘Tread Together’ initiative run by sponsor Anytime Fitness
VAFA and sponsor High Sierra teamed up in the #VAFAStitchUp social media campaign Grill’d Rising Star winner Anthony Zimmerman with Grill’d representative Candice Snowsill
AFL representative Darren Birch guest speaking at the VAFA’s Sponsor Networking Breakfast
Special guest Luke Beveridge at the William Buck Premier Grand Final Lunch
Westbourne Grammarians #VAFAStitchUp competition winners In July, the VAFA featured in the Grill’d ‘Local Matters’ across Melbourne
Old Scotch were one of the many VAFA clubs who participated in Thick & Thin Round
15
VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2018
MEDIA AND COMMUNICATIONS REPORT As the size of the competition expands in both men’s and women’s football each year, so too does the output from VAFA Media as we aim to provide comprehensive coverage of our Association through a wide-ranging number of digital, social, print and broadcast platforms. In line with VAFA Media’s strategic objectives to increase player participation and provide an overarching platform to showcase our clubs and their own media offerings, new initiatives were implemented in 2018 while pre-existing assets were expanded and improved upon to allow greater coverage of, and to, the VAFA community.
VAFA WOMEN’S STATISTICS & MATCH FILMING
VAFA Media ventured into the world of publicly accessible live match day statistics with the introduction of the VAFA Live Official App for the William Buck Premier women’s competition. Powered by Complete Sports Management, the three-tiered mobile application collected and provided in-depth information; including, news, live scores, match centre, team and player stats, match reports, live ladders, goal kickers and post-match on-camera interviews. Now we have successfully showcased the capabilities of the VAFA Live Official App, the aim is to provide the same resource for the men’s competition in a bid to provide greater coverage for players, clubs and supporters alike. Further to this, the VAFA filmed the four weekly William Buck Premier women’s games and uploaded them directly to VAFA TV, increasing the number of weekly match videos to 19. The William Buck Premier women’s grand final was live streamed to the VAFA website and Facebook page in addition to the William Buck Premier and Premier B men’s deciders.
VAFA PODCAST
New to VAFA Media’s arsenal was the For the Love of the Game podcast released each Wednesday throughout the season. Joe Pignataro, Brian Waldron and I aimed to deliver thorough previews and reviews of VAFA action, create thoughtprovoking discussion and promote clubs with weekly interviews. Players, coaches and officials contributed significantly to the success of the firstyear venture, with 31 guests from 26 episodes; including, Michael Christian, Danny Frawley, Nat Edwards and Daniel Harford among a host of VAFA representatives. Accessible on VAFA.com.au and via iTunes, the podcast registered over 5000 full listens and created regular engagement and discussion with the VAFA Twitter community. The podcast would not have been possible without Joe and Brian as their enthusiasm and vast
VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2018
knowledge of the competition helped to ensure a professional product. Joe, as the host and producer, worked tirelessly and I thank them both for their contribution.
VAFA TRAGICS
In 2018, the Tragics was reformatted to allow for greater engagement from the VAFA community with newly-formed segments and weekly guests. Participation from the playing community increased exponentially, with 24 guests on 21 episodes – three times more than 2017 – assisting in additional club publicity. The ‘Best Use of Social’ segment allowed the Tragics to actively promote the work of clubs and their media personnel at an average of 3.7K Facebook video views per week, while they successfully promulgated the reduction of dim sim prices from club canteens via the unlikely social movement #dimsimgate. It proved a light-hearted but successful engagement tool with players and clubs taking it upon themselves to tweet and tag the price of dim sims from various VAFA canteens. Numberswise, we saw significant increases in views on both YouTube (full episodes) and Facebook (segments). Andrew Leonard’s contribution as cohost cannot be underestimated as he continually strove to improve the show with ideas, opinions and the utmost professionalism.
AMATEUR FOOTBALLER
Alisha Min joined the VAFA staff in April as the Media, Marketing and Events Officer and oversaw the production of the first full-colour Amateur Footballer. Teamed with exceptional photography, community stories, sponsor promotions and match reporting, the weekly editions of the Amateur Footballer were a firm reminder of what can be achieved by a group of dedicated staff and volunteers. It is a credit to Alisha and her team of scribes who produce high quality content in such a tight timeframe each week. The VAFA, however, is not immune to the current state of print media as we experienced another decline in Amateur Footballer sales. The challenge of improving its perceived value to clubs and sponsors remains a key focus for VAFA Media in 2019 and beyond.
VAFA WEBSITE
VAFA.com.au continues to drive the highest
16
engagement of all VAFA Media platforms and channels, with more than 3m page views annually. In April, the website transitioned to a new hosting platform to increase speed, improve stability and overall performance. The layout of the home page was revamped to enhance useability; including, a redesigned featured news section, featured videos and additional links for easier access to the VAFA Podcast. Despite hitting the 3m page views target again this year, we experienced a dropoff from 2017 due to issues with SportsTG’s live scores page and subsequently needing to redirect traffic away from the VAFA website. While this did not improve the user experience on match days, it meant the VAFA website did not lag in conjunction with SportsTG’s. Measures are currently being put in place to safeguard the availability of match results irrespective of outsourced programs and we will continue to work closely with SportsTG to ensure an improved user experience for all. Outside of live scores, fixtures and results, it is pleasing to note VAFA.com.au registered 422,000 more-page views across all other sections of the website than in 2017.
VAFA MEDIA AWARDS
For the first time, VAFA Media presented four awards at the 2017 AGM and Awards Dinner in a bid to recognise the significant contribution of clubs’ media volunteers. Such was the interest, 2018 will mark the first-ever VAFA Media Awards Luncheon as we hand out six awards at Elsternwick Park on December 13. The 2017 winners are below: • Best Photograph (Action) – Mark Chapple (Oakleigh AFC) • Best Photograph (Character of the Game) – Phyllis Quealy (Fitzroy FC) • Best Online News/Feature Story - Suzanne Madeley and Gabrielle Murphy (Fitzroy FC) • Best Use of Digital Media - St Mary Salesian
SOCIAL MEDIA IN 2018 VAFA MEDIA DAYS
The Media Days were held over two days on March 15 & 16 with more than 80 players and two umpires representing their clubs at TH King Oval. I thank St Kevin’s OB and Stonnington Council for the use of the first-class facility, and Tristan Manas from Project 628 who filmed the two-day marathon for the third successive year.
10,052 likes
6301 followers
Instagram (@vafahq)
3438 followers
Instagram (@vafawomens)
1829 followers
14.8% 5.7% 38.5% 74%
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 2018 season; Ken Petruco and the team at 96.5 Inner FM, Glenn Scarborough (North-West FM), Andrew Leonard and Lucy Lechich (VAFA Tragics), Joe Pignataro and Brian Waldron (FTLOTG Podcast), Aditya Vishagan (Women’s Statistician) and our dedicated Amateur Footballer Scribes. The engagement of our playing community was at an all-time high in 2018, and I’d like to thank the clubs and, more specifically, the players for making themselves available across a variety of media platforms throughout the year. Finally, the staff and Board at HQ who consistently provide feedback and support to ensure VAFA Media’s continued success.
The women were all smiles at this year’s VAFA Media Day
Nick Armistead Head of Media
The boys had their best game face on at the VAFA Media Day
Old Trinity champion Brendan Iezzi was one of 24 guests on the VAFA Tragics
VAFA Media released the FTLOTG Podcast in 2018
17
Fitzroy’s Kate Nolan, Gabrielle Murphy, Phyllis Quealy & Joan Eddy with their 2017 VAFA Media Awards
VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2018
WILLIAM BUCK PREMIER
BACK-TO-BACK FOR SKOB
For the second time in two years, St Kevin’s OB were crowned William Buck Premier champions after they defeated Collegians by less than one goal in the decider at Elsternwick Park. It was the first time since 2014 the VAFA’s top
was the final game for Trinity legend and two-time
shortlisted for the Grill’d Rising Star, with Nagle
section’s grand final was played at the home of the
Woodrow Medallist, Brendan Iezzi, and both sides
also named vice-captain of the U19 Big V side.
Amateurs following the recent redevelopment,
gave him an incredible and well-deserved guard
with SKOB holding on against a fast-finishing
of honour at the end of the match. Anthony Scott
OLD XAVERIANS
Lions outfit by five points.
was a standout for the T’s and polled 19 votes to
ST KEVIN’S OB
SKOB entered the 2018 William Buck Premier season as reigning premiers for the first time in the club’s 71-year history and they showed few signs
finish second in the Woodrow, while Seb Nicolosi kicked 41 goals in a breakout year for the forward. Both Scott and Nicolosi were named in the Team of the Year alongside Harry Tinney.
After commencing the year with four straight losses, Xavs gradually improved over the course of the season with seven wins from their last 14 games and finished in seventh spot. There’s was significant change early with James McDonald resigning after Round 3 and Football Director Matt
OLD BRIGHTON
Hannebery taking the interim coaching position
Old Brighton were the fairytale story of the
prior to Round 5. Matt Handley notched his 250th
took out the minor premiership. Despite losing the
William Buck Premier season as they claimed
game throughout the season and finished second
second semi-final to Collegians by seven points,
12 wins after coming up from Premier B in 2017.
in the goal kicking with 48, while Tomi Johnston
SKOB returned to form with a comprehensive
Seven wins from their first eight games of the
claimed his third club B&F and was named in the
63-point victory over Old Trinity in the preliminary
year had them neck-and-neck with both SKOB
Team of the Year.
before going back-to-back one week later against
and Collegians before a myriad of departures and
the Lions. Billy Kanakis took his game to another
subsequent heavy losses to Old Scotch and SBMT
OLD MELBURNIANS
level and booted 53 goals to take home the goal
in Rounds 11 and 12 resigned them to third spot
kicking award while Mitch Brown polled a record-
on the ladder for the remainder of the season.
breaking 80 votes and claimed the Premier
They were unable to claim a finals victory after
Coaches MVP. Tom Williams and Guy Martyn
losing to Trinity by 40 points in the first semi-final.
replaced outgoing premiership coach, Shannon
Young forward, Anthony Zimmerman, was named
Grant, in February and Stephen Gilham announced
the Grill’d Rising Star and Greg Hutchison was
his retirement after four years at the club.
selected as coach in the Team of the Year.
COLLEGIANS
UNIVERSITY BLUES
Overall, University Blues had a disappointing
Woodrow votes, a Big V appearance alongside
season for Collegians following their second
2018 campaign following three consecutive
Tom Paula and Al Armstrong, and captaincy of the
straight grand final loss by less than a goal.
preliminary finals appearances from 2015-17.
Team of the Year.
Trailing by 31 points at three quarter time, the
Despite finishing in fifth spot, the Blues were
Lions took the game on and kicked five goals to
battling relegation in Round 18 such was the
one in a thrilling final term despite falling five
tight-knit nature of the ladder. A 10-point victory
points short. They improved their list over the
over Old Scotch in the final game of the home and
off-season more than any other side with the
away season meant the Blues not only avoided
recruitment of former AFL players, Taylor Hunt &
relegation as they felt the effect of five losses by
George Burbury, and spent six weeks on top of the
five points or less. Former Western Bulldog Ayce
ladder (R1 & R13-17). They had five players named
Cordy joined the club and, despite not polling a
in the Team of the Year, the most of any side, and
vote in the first seven rounds of the season, took
four in the successful Big V side who defeated
home the Woodrow Medal with 23 on the back
South Australia in July. Viv Michie finished third in
of seven three-vote performances in the last 10
and both named in the Team of the Year.
the Woodrow with 17 votes.
games.
OLD TRINITY
DE LA SALLE
ST BEDES/MENTONE TIGERS
took the coaching reins at Old Trinity for the 2018
come Round 18 but proved far too strong for SBMT
season and helped his side to 10 wins and fourth
and ultimately concluded their year with seven
spot on the ladder. With a similar list to the one
wins and in sixth spot on the ladder. They lost
that made two consecutive grand finals in 2015
four of their first five games but fought back with
and 2016, the T’s overpowered Old Brighton by 40
standout seasons from Tom Humphrey and Jake
points in the first semi-final before falling to SKOB
Williams; both of whom were selected in the Team
Team of the Year.
by 63 in the preliminary. The preliminary final loss
of the Year. Geordie Nagle and Liam Murphy were
Nick Armistead
of complacency as they spent 12 weeks on top of the ladder through the home and away fixture and
It was another devastating end to an outstanding
Former Marcellin champion, Bernie Dinneen,
VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2018
Old Melburnians struggled to find consistency in their playing list and subsequently their results, finishing eighth with seven wins and the lowest percentage of any side. They won just two games in a row twice and were in the relegation conversation following a five-game losing streak from Rounds 10-14 before an incredible 40-point win over Uni Blues in Round 17 put paid to relegation. Josh Freezer was a standout with 15
OLD SCOTCH
Avoiding relegation was always going to be a difficult task for Scotch after commencing the season with seven losses in a row. However, there was a glimmer of hope due to the fact those seven losses were by an average of just 11.9 points. A Round 18 loss to Uni Blues confirmed their fate but with a percentage of 96.2%. Nick Jamieson and Jack Bull were incredible for the Cardinals
Nine losses from their opening 10 games proved
De La were another side in the relegation mix
18
too hard a task for the Tigers to overcome as they were relegated to Premier B for the first time since 2016. They secured three wins in a row from Rounds 11-13 but lost their final five on the trot. Michael Barnes had a standout season and was rewarded with selection in the Big V side and
St Kevin’s OB go back-to-back in William Buck Premier
William Buck Premier Premiership Team: St Kevin’s OB
Tom Yorgey (Old Brighton)
FB
Conor Ross, William Coates, Lachlan Farrugia
HB
James Strauss, Ethan Phillips, Sam Cameron
C
Thomas Jok, Mitch Brown, Gerard Gleeson
HF
Sam Barnett, Shaun Kennedy, Callum Matheson
FF
Henry Parkes, Ned Reeves, Billy Kanakis
FOLL
Anthony Lynch (Co-C), Nicholas Wood (Co-C), Lachlan Sullivan
I/C
Thomas Kerr, Harry Lagastes, James Corboy, Cam Hodges
COACH
Guy Martyn/Tom Williams
Leading Goal Kickers NAME
CLUB
Billy Kanakis
St Kevin's OB
TOTAL 53
Matthew Handley
Old Xaverians
48
Sebastian Nicolosi
Old Trinity
39
Alexander Armstrong
Old Melburnians
35
JN Woodrow Medal Sam Joyce (Old Trinity)
PREMIER
ST KEVIN’S OB
PLAYER
CLUB
Ayce Cordy
University Blues
VOTES 23
Anthony Scott
Old Trinity
19
Vivian Michie
Collegians
17
Gabriel Hamilton
Old Trinity
16
Josh Freezer
Old Melburnians
15
Mitch Brown
St Kevin’s OB
15
Scribe Team of the Year JOCK NELSON
MEDALLIST
BILLY KANAKIS (St Kevin’s OB)
WOODROW MEDALLIST AYCE CORDY
(University Blues)
FB
Alistair Fahie (Coll)
Tom Humphrey (DLS)
Sam Critchley (SKOB)
HB
Harry Tinney (OT)
Josh Freezer (OM) – C
Jake Williams (DLS)
C
Anthony Scott (OT)
Viv Michie (Coll)
Nick Jamieson (OS)
HF
Sam Hibbins (Coll)
George Burbury (Coll)
Michael Barnes (SBMT)
FF
Billy Kanakis (SKOB)
Matt Handley (OX)
Seb Nicolosi (OT)
Ayce Cordy (UB)
Mitch Brown (SKOB) – VC
Harry Hill (OB)
Courtney Hylton (Coll)
Anthony Zimmerman (OB)
Tomi Johnston (OX)
FOLL I/C COACH
TEAM OF THE YEAR Jack Bull (OS)
Greg Hutchison (OB)
LEADING GOAL KICKER BILLY KANAKIS (St Kevin’s OB)
19
VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2018
WILLIAM BUCK PREMIER RESULTS WILLIAM BUCK PREMIERSHIP LADDER P
W
L
D
B
FF
For
Agst
%
PTS
St Kevin’s OB
18
15
3
0
0
0
1636
1186
137.94
60
Collegians
18
14
4
0
0
0
1660
1245
133.33
56
Old Brighton
18
12
6
0
0
0
1392
1542
90.27
48
Old Trinity Grammarians
18
10
7
1
0
0
1367
1375
99.42
42
University Blues
18
7
10
1
0
0
1389
1395
99.57
30
De La Salle
18
7
11
0
0
0
1404
1384
101.45
28
Old Xaverians
18
7
11
0
0
0
1389
1373
101.17
28
Old Melburnians
18
7
11
0
0
0
1147
1506
76.16
28
Old Scotch
18
6
12
0
0
0
1366
1420
96.2
24
St Bedes / Mentone Tigers
18
4
14
0
0
0
1294
1618
79.98
16
William Buck Premier Grand Final at Elsternwick Park Collegians
3.4-22
5.6-36
6.10-46
11.14-80
St Kevin’s OB
4.2-26
7.5-47
11.11-77
12.13-85
COLLEGIANS Goal Kickers: L. Ferguson 4, G. Burbury, D. Russo, N. Boucher, A. Croft, C. Hylton, S. Hibbins, H. Johnson Best Players: N. Boucher, F. Cameron, G. Burbury, V. Michie, S. Parsons, L. Ferguson ST KEVIN’S OB Goal Kickers: B. Kanakis 5, S. Kennedy 2, M. Brown, G. Gleeson, L. Sullivan, H. Lagastes, H. Parkes Best Players: B. Kanakis, L. Farrugia, L. Sullivan, C. Ross, A. Lynch, N. Wood Jock Nelson Medal: Billy Kanakis (St. Kevin’s OB)
Mitch Brown (SKOB) - Coaches MVP
Max Martin (Old Scotch)
VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2018
Ayce Cordy (Uni Blues) - Woodrow Medallist
20
PREMIER RESERVES PREMIERSHIP LADDER Old Xaverians Old Melburnians Collegians De La Salle University Blues St Kevin’s OB Old Scotch Old Trinity Grammarians St Bedes / Mentone Tigers Old Brighton
P
W
L
D
B
FF
F
A
%
PTS
18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18
14 14 14 13 9 8 7 5 3 2
3 4 4 5 9 10 11 13 15 15
1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
1486 1295 1443 1401 1230 1201 1198 1111 918 694
901 871 977 1062 1113 1104 1128 1418 1587 1816
164.93 148.68 147.7 131.92 110.51 108.79 106.21 78.35 57.84 38.22
58 56 56 52 36 32 28 20 12 10
Premier Reserves Premiership Team: Old Melburnians
Billy Kanakis (SKOB) - Jock Nelson Medallist
FB HB C HF FF FOLL I/C COACH
Charlie Cumbrae-Stewart , Seb Clarke, Tom De Fegely Hunter Watkin, Robbie Hayward, Hugo Hall Nick Madders (C), Ed Fanning, Joel Brown Sandy McFarlane, Josh Rundell, Alex Carter James Regan, Tom Hywood, Tim Marshall Paddy Garschagan, Mitch Brown, Ted De Fegely Henry Hanlon, Will Michelmore, Nick Voyage, Will Dowling Will Marshall
Premier Reserves Grand Final at Elsternwick Park Old Xaverians Old Melburnians
0.5-5 5.0-30
2.5-17 7.3-45
4.7-31 7.6-48
6.8-44 12.7-79
OLD XAVERIANS Goal Kickers: M. Peric 4, N. Nunan, T. Beaton Best Players: L. Barry, T. Gilbert, J. Midgley , M. Peric, H. Morris, J. Tobin OLD MELBURNIANS Goal Kickers: H. Hanlon 2, J. Regan 2, A. McFarlane 2, W. Michelmore 2, J. Brown, T. Hywood, W. Dowling, N. Madders Best Players: M. Brown, W. Michelmore, E. De Fegely, H. Hanlon, E. Fanning, A. McFarlane Best on Ground Medal: William Michelmore (Old Melburnians)
PREMIER THIRDS
PREMIERSHIP LADDER
George Burbury (Collegians)
Old Xaverians Black Old Xaverians Red St Kevin’s OB OB Gold University Blacks Old Melburnians Old Scotch St Kevin’s OB OB Green St Bernard’s Collegians University Blues
P
W
L
D
B
FF
F
A
%
PTS
18 17 18
16 13 14
2 4 4
0 0 0
0 0 0
0 1 0
1469 1730 1486
743 812 744
197.71 213.05 199.73
64 56 56
18 17 17
10 8 6
8 9 11
0 0 0
0 0 0
0 1 1
1071 1273 1176
1025 942 1114
104.49 135.14 105.57
40 36 28
16 18 17 16
6 6 5 2
10 12 12 14
0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0
0 0 1 0
859 955 820 565
1267 1533 1359 1992
67.8 62.3 60.34 28.36
24 24 24 8
Premier Thirds Premiership Team: St Kevin’s OB OB Gold FB HB C HF FF FOLL I/C COACH
Dan Moore, Jack Ryan, Sam Doyle Nelson Pryor, Anthony Kirwan, Jack Murphy-Cruise Jarrod Nash, Matthew Nolan, Sam McDonald Zach Ginies, Wade Stoitse, Charlie Ring Ed Ring, Nick McArdle, Paul Di Natale Luke McDonell, Michael Moore, Michael Shanahan Bill Fithall, Jason Moeller, Mark Spence, Brayden Hayes, James Betlehem, Troy McMaster Jarrod McMaster
Premier Thirds Grand Final at Elsternwick Park St Kevin’s OB OB Gold Old Melburnians
3.2-20 1.2-8
5.5-35 2.2-14
8.13-61 4.2-26
ST KEVIN’S OB OB GOLD Goal Kickers: E. Ring 4, W. Stoitse 2, Z. Ginies, M. Shanahan, T. McMaster, N. McArdle Best Players: L. McDonell, E. Ring, C. Ring, M. Shanahan, N. Pryor, D. Moore Tom Humphrey & Liam Murphy (De La Salle)
OLD MELBURNIANS Goal Kickers: H. Clancey 2, S. Madsen, J. McMullin, T. Healey Best Players: J. Richardson, H. Clancey, S. Madsen, A. Coleridge, R. Middleton, J. Tan Best on Ground Medal: Zach Ginies (St Kevin’s OB)
21
VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2018
10.22-82 5.2-32
PREMIER B
THE YEAR OF THE (SNOW) DOG Though a sizeable gulf separated the frontrunners and chasing peloton for Premier B silverware in 2018, the competition was not short of enthralling moments and compelling results to excite this section’s enthusiasts. Irrespective of pre-existing affinities, very few could refute the categorical success that transpired for St Bernard’s; a remarkable year capped off with an 83-point grand final victory at Elsternwick Park.
ST BERNARD’S
The Chinese Zodiac foretold 2018 would be the year of the dog, and no truer words could be spoken of St Bernard’s 2018 campaign. A year brimming with success, few feats did not go in the Snow Dogs’ favour. They were the best offensive and defensive team in the section, minor premiers and premiership winners, and had the most representatives in the Premier B Team of the Year with five. Returning from retirement post St Bernard’s 2015 William Buck Premier flag, key forward, Chad Jones, had a fairy tale season with 105 goals; 101 of which were kicked during the home and away season. Jones skipped away with the GT Moore Medal (29 votes), earnt the Premier B Sharpshooter Award and captained the Premier B Team of the Year. Following St Bernard’s emphatic grand final win, Tom Sullivan was named the Ian Cordner Medallist courtesy of his three-goal performance.
OLD CAREY
Finishing the home and away rounds with 16 wins and two losses, Old Carey also had a dominant season and, statistically speaking, were the bestplaced team to usurp St Bernard’s in the grand final. The remarkable individual efforts of several Panthers were at the forefront in the 2018 GT Moore Medal, with Sam Cust finishing 4th with 16 votes and Kristian Jaksch polling an incredible 20 votes in the opening eight rounds before a major injury setback. Fielding four spots in the Premier B Team of the Year, the Old Carey defensive unit, who were second-best in this section, were validated with Cust, Henry Schade and Andrew Sloan each selected.
UNIVERSITY BLACKS
University Blacks were a mainstay in the top echelon of Premier B flag contenders but fell agonisingly short of a grand final bout after losing to Old Carey in the preliminary final by just four points. Averaging 111 points per game, Cam Robert’s men ranked second offensively in Premier B, with Lochie Dornauf and Lachlan Huntington particularly impactful with 46 and 56 goals, respectively, and corresponding selection in the Premier B Team of the Year. The Team of the Year also featured Hugh Curnow and Joshua
VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2018
Steadman, whose consistent ruckwork was recognised in the GT Moore Medal with 15 votes – the highest of any ruckman or Blacks player.
CAULFIELD GRAMMARIANS
OLD HAILEYBURY
The thematic trend of injuries and holidaygoers was prevalent in the Old Haileybury camp throughout 2018, but some close contests and inspired wins sealed the club’s fate for another Premer B bout in 2019. The Bloods were able to piece three wins in five rounds (R8-12), including a 24-point coup over Caulfield Grammarians, whilst notably limiting St Bernard’s (R11) to the thirdlowest score (94). Grill’d Rising Star nominee,
With Round 13 in the books, Caulfield Grammarians sat three games and 28.17% outside of finals contention. Unperturbed by the challenge, Simon Williams’ chargers successfully swept all aside in the final five rounds, including a four-point scalp over the eventual premiers, to clinch fourth position from Beaumaris. The Fields co-captain, Tim Nixon, had an exceptional year, epitomised by his Team of the Year selection, captaincy of the victorious VAFA B-Div 4 Big V team and third-place finish in the GT Moore Medal with 19 votes. A horror ankle injury in the first semi-final against University Blacks ended Nixon’s season abruptly, a harbinger for his side’s eventual 19-point loss and season exit. After performing competitively following last year’s Premier C Grand Final loss to Old Haileybury, Williams was recognised as coach in the Premier B Team of the Year.
Durras Seccull, and James Paul both featured in
BEAUMARIS
Having registered three wins in their 2018
the Team of the Year, while also representing the Big V in U19’s and B-D4, respectively.
MONASH BLUES
After dwelling in relegation territory for the opening 15 rounds of the season, Monash Blues sensationally avoided the drop as they managed to edge victories in the latter stages of the year to finish in eighth place. Back-to-back wins against Parkdale Vultures and Old Haileybury in Rounds 12 and 13 put the Blues right in contention with their ladder predecessors, before a 17-point Round 16 win over Ajax secured safety. Nick Argento was the Blues’ B&F and was acknowledged in the Team of the Year for his outstanding season, ‑while Nick Petering represented the Big V B-D4 side.
AJAX
A Round 18 victory over Old Haileybury simply was not enough to bridge the 17.3% gap which excluded Beaumaris from finals action in Premier B. The Sharks were, at times, a genuine threat to the competition; a fact pertinent during their six-game winning streak from Rounds 9 to 14. Lewis Diggins was rewarded for his work-rate across half-back after being chosen in the Team of the Year. Former Gold Coast Suns coach and West Coast Eagles captain, Guy McKenna, was appointed senior coach prior to the season’s commencement.
campaign, Ajax moved to ninth position following
PARKDALE VULTURES
Also concluding with just three wins, 10th
Several unavailability’s during the home and away fixture made form continuity a concern for Parkdale, and yet their six wins and 12 losses lodged them firmly in the middle of the Premier B pack by Round 18’s conclusion. The Vultures enjoyed consecutive wins in Rounds 6 and 7 against Monash Blues and Ajax, respectively, where they also produced their two highest scores for the year with 102 and 114 points. In these outings, Big V star Charlie Dillon was at his goalkicking best with a combined nine majors, affirming his acknowledgement in the half forward line of the Premier B Team of the Year.
22
Round 16, where they would remain until the close of the home and away fixture. With a total of 54 players taking to the field throughout the season, 10 of which only played once, the Jackas had difficulties maintaining a consistent playing group throughout the year. Captain Nicholas Lewis had a standout season, stamping his way into the Premier B Team of the Year and finishing equal-fifth in the GT Moore Medal with 15 votes.
MAZENOD
position would seem a fitting result for Mazenod who endured a difficult year riddled with injuries. Nevertheless, just one additional victory in the final eight rounds of the home and away season could have saved the Nodders from relegation, such was the closeness of the bottom-order Premier B sides, and the disparity between the relegation battlers and finals contenders in the section. Josh Muling was a standout performer for the Nodders, claiming the club’s B&F award and a position in the Premier B Team of the Year. Alisha Min
St Bernard’s claim the Premier B flag
Chad Jones (St Bernard’s) - GT Moore Medallist
Premier B Premiership Team: St Bernard’s FB
Harry Kennedy, Tom Caven, Michael Angel
HB
Ethan Schuman, Simon Caven, Ben Huggard
C
Connor Riley, Jake Maher, Luke Dilizio
HF
Michael Caven, Jack McNamara, Chris Hughes
FF
Alex McLeod, Chad Jones, Nick Cooke
FOLL
Shaun Clarke, Adam Bentick, Tom Sullivan
I/C
Zach Ohalloran, Charlie Vague, Mitch Hughes, Sam Woods
COACH
Mark Riley
Leading Goal Kickers NAME
CLUB
TOTAL
Chad Jones
St Bernard's
101
Lachlan Huntington
University Blacks
52
Kristian Jaksch
Old Carey
47
Michael Caven
St Bernard's
42
Lochie Dornauf
University Blacks
42
GT Moore Medal Zander Adam (Old Carey)
PREMIER
ST. BERNARD’S
GT MOORE MEDALLIST CHAD JONES (St Bernard’s)
IAN CORDNER
MEDALLIST
TOM SULLIVAN (St. Bernard’s)
LEADING GOAL KICKER
PLAYER
CLUB
Chad Jones
St Bernard's
VOTES 29
Kristian Jaksch
Old Carey
20
Tim Nixon
Caulfield Grammarians
19
Sam Cust
Old Carey
16
Joshua Steadman
University Blacks
15
Nicholas Lewis
AJAX
15
Scribe Team of the Year FB
Connor Riley (StB)
Andrew Sloan (OC)
Simon Caven (StB)
HB
Lewis Diggins (Beau)
Henry Schade (OC)
Sam Cust (OC)
C
Hugh Curnow (UB)
Tom Sullivan (StB)
Nick Argento (MB)
HF
Charlie Dillon (PV)
Kristian Jaksch (OC)
Lachlan Huntington (UB)
FF
Durras Seccull (OH)
Chad Jones (StB) - C
Lochie Dornauf (UB)
Joshua Steadman (UB)
Adam Bentick (StB)
Tim Nixon (CG)
Jack Wallace (CG)
Josh Muling (Maz)
Nicholas Lewis (AJAX)
FOLL I/C COACH
TEAM OF THE YEAR James Paul (OH)
Simon Williams (CG)
CHAD JONES (St Bernard’s)
23
VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2018
PREMIER B RESULTS PREMIERSHIP LADDER Jason Bristow (Parkdale Vultures)
P
W
L
D
B
FF
For
Agst
%
PTS
St Bernard’s
18
16
2
0
0
0
2282
937
243.54
64
Old Carey
18
16
2
0
0
0
1868
1078
173.28
64
University Blacks
18
15
3
0
0
0
1999
1145
174.59
60
Caulfield Grammarians
18
11
7
0
0
0
1703
1269
134.2
44
Beaumaris
18
11
7
0
0
0
1494
1278
116.9
44
Parkdale Vultures
18
6
12
0
0
0
1190
1668
71.34
24
Old Haileyburians
18
5
13
0
0
0
1268
1630
77.79
20
Monash Blues
18
4
14
0
0
0
990
2032
48.72
16
Ajax
18
3
15
0
0
0
1148
1889
60.77
12
Mazenod
18
3
15
0
0
0
874
1890
46.24
12
Premier B Grand Final at Elsternwick Park St Bernard’s Old Carey
4.3-27
11.6-72
14.8-92
18.15-123
1.3-9
1.7-13
2.8-20
5.10-40
ST BERNARD’S Goal Kickers: C. Jones 4, T. Sullivan 3, A. Mcleod 3, J. McNamara 2, C. Vague 2, Z. O’’Halloran, A. Bentick, L. Di Lizio, M. Caven Best Players: T. Sullivan, J. McNamara, A. Bentick, S. Caven, C. Riley , M. Hughes OLD CAREY Goal Kickers: Z. Adam, S. Crocker, C. Thompson, M. Evans, B. Smithwick Best Players: L. Macleod, A. Sloan, M. Lock, L. Forato, H. Schade, J. Ashby Ian Cordner Medal: Tom Sullivan (St. Bernard’s) Caption
Tom Sullivan (St Bernard’s)
VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2018
Jarrod Carlson (Uni Blacks)
24
PREMIER B RESERVES
Beaumaris celebrate their Premier B Reserve flag
PREMIERSHIP LADDER Beaumaris University Blacks St Bernard’s Old Carey Caulfield Grammarians Parkdale Vultures Ajax Monash Blues Mazenod Old Haileyburians
P
W
L
D
B
FF
F
A
%
PTS
18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18
16 15 14 12 9 8 6 5 5 0
2 3 4 6 9 10 12 13 13 18
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
1832 1551 1741 1296 1381 949 817 945 827 506
659 688 847 837 972 1458 1375 1459 1380 2237
278 225.44 205.55 154.84 142.08 65.09 59.42 64.77 59.93 22.62
64 60 56 48 36 32 24 20 20 0
Premier Reserves Premiership Team: Beaumaris FB HB C HF FF FOLL I/C COACH
Ryan Keating, Jack Gabron-Uhe, Yan Bennet Nick Loucaides, Sean Coote, Cal Linerhan Alex Bennet, Will Murton, Ben Mathews Lachlan Howes, Max Williams, Mick Millar Will Mattingley, Tim Cumming, Scott Moore Matthew Lucas, Tim Jeans, Matthew Lovejoy Lachlan Tedde, Chris McLaren, Dylan Gabron-Uhe, Ben Obrien Michael Wilson
Premier B Reserves Grand Final Beaumaris University Blacks
5.2-32 0.1-1
8.3-51 1.6-12
11.5-71 2.9-21
BEAUMARIS Goal Kickers: T. Jeans 2, M. Lucas 2, M. Williams 2, L. Howes 2, M. Lovejoy 2, D. Gabron-uhe, B. Mathews Best Players: M. Lovejoy, T. Jeans, D. Gabron-uhe, M. Millar, T. Cumming, M. Williams
Caulfield Grammarians
UNIVERSITY BLACKS Goal Kickers: J. Fuller 2, S. Flight, W. Mills Best Players: H. Bennett, D. Arnold, C. Turner, S. Flight, T. Monkhouse, B. Mil Best on Ground Medal: Benjamin O’ Brien (Beaumaris)
25
VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2018
12.9-81 4.10-34
PREMIER C
ROY BOYS CREATE HISTORY IN PREMIER C History was made in Premier C when Fitzroy Football Club won its first senior flag since the club merged in 2008, defeating Old Geelong by 70 points at Trevor Barker Oval. It was the first flag for the Reds since 2005 and first for Old Fitzroy since 1944, with loyal supporters travelling to Sandringham in droves. The Roys were incredible in the first term and kicked eight unanswered goals before OGs hit back with four goals to one in the second. Leading by 28 points at the main break, the Roys piled on another seven goals to one in the second half.
FITZROY
The Roys were one of two dominant sides throughout the home and away fixture, finishing second on the ladder with 15 wins behind the CYs. After suffering relegation last season, former SKOB champion and Big V Ireland Tour assistant coach, Luke Mahoney, took the reins at Fitzroy and led a sensational finals campaign where they edged past the CYs by three points in a thrilling qualifying final before dismantling OGs in the decider. Mahoney was named Premier C Coach of the Year alongside players, Rory Angiolella (c), Max Ellis and Nathan Jumeau. Ellis and fellow defender Tom O’Donnell represented the Big V B-Div 4 side against the WAAFL.
OLD GEELONG
Old Geelong created their own history as they returned to Premier B for the first time in 60 years. After finishing third, Nick Bourke’s men defeated Old Camberwell and the CYs en route to the decider, claiming their preliminary final win over Williamstown by just one point. Despite going down to the Roys, it was an incredible effort from the OGs after losing captain George Burbury prior to the season. Four players were named in the Team of the Year; Cam Wilson, Matt Kirkwood, Will Sloss and Sam Anderson. Jock Grimshaw, after representing the Big V in Ireland last year, was selected in the victorious B-Div 4 side in July.
WILLIAMSTOWN CYMS
2018 brought about a heartbreaking end for the CYs as they were bundled out of finals in straight sets after winning the minor premiership. Led by Zachariah Medallist, Yuma Hemphill, and with 42 goals each from Jack Gray, Ben Gray and Nick Ebinger, the CYs claimed 16 wins in the home and away season before going down to the Roys (3) and OGs (1) by a total of four points. Tom Johnstone, Ben Gray and Hemphill were each
VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2018
rewarded for their outstanding individual seasons with selection in the Team of the Year.
OLD CAMBERWELL
Old Camberwell, who finished seventh in 2017, improved as the season progressed and ended the year with a semi-final appearance against Old Geelong. The Wellers won just two of their first six games but hit form with seven straight wins from Rounds 7-13, including victories over Fitzroy and OGs. Nick Adamson was a standout with 45 goals up forward, while Simon Bennett, Chris Hensby, Robert Campbell, Ben Hart and Adamson were representatives in the Team of the Year – the most of any club.
MARCELLIN
The Eagles threatened to make finals for most of the season but fell two games short with nine wins and finished in fifth spot on the ladder. Their season could well have derailed after losing coach and star player, Jarryd Carlson, during the pre-season but they regrouped under Glenn Cox who returned to the Eagles nest for his second stint in charge. Andrew Kay earnt a Big V jumper when selected in July, while Daniel McMahon topscored with 31 goals from his 18 games.
OLD IVANHOE
Old Ivanhoe claimed seven wins for the season under the tutelage of new coach, Jarrod Geischen, but failed to make any real run for finals on the back of nine losses from 10 games against the five teams above them on the ladder. Six of their seven victories came against those below them by an average of 48.5ppg, highlighting their ability to put teams away when given the chance. Justin Powick, Nick Reeves-Smyth and Adrian Del Monte were all named in the Team of the Year, while Reeves-Smyth also played a leading hand in the Big V’s B-Div 4 victory over the WAAFL.
OLD MENTONIANS
As one of three teams to finish the season on seven wins alongside the Hoers and PEGS, Old Mentonians ended up in seventh spot on the ladder. They were in relegation territory entering
26
Round 16 but won their final three games against Marcellin, PEGS and St Mary’s Salesian. Lachlan Boyd kicked 50 goals from 17 games and was named at full forward in the Team of the Year alongside teammate Darcy Brown.
PEGS
PEGS entered the season on the back of one of the greatest grand final victories in VAFA history and continued their hot form with four wins from their first six games. However, injury and player unavailability hampered their season as they claimed just another three wins for the year. The team’s lack of on-field success did little to quieten Premier C leading goal kicker, Adrian Romanyk, who took out the Sharpshooter Award with 61, 10 more the Del Monte (OI) in second spot.
PENINSULA
After climbing to Premier B for the first time in the club’s history in 2016, the Pirates suffered the double drop over 2017-18 after claiming just five wins for the year. Prior to the season’s commencement, the Pirates were hit with several key departures, including former captain Stu Grigg. Newly-appointed skipper Sam Glenn stood tall for the Pirates and his outstanding form earnt him selection in the Big V B-Div 4 side.
ST MARY’S SALESIAN
St Mary’s Salesian will take lessons learnt from their first venture to Premier C after winning just one game for the season. Defensively, they average 135 points against, 583 more than the next highest. Manny Dolan was a shining light up forward with 45 goals from 14 matches and selection in the Big V B-Div 4 side. Nick Armistead
PREMIER
FITZROY FC
ZACHARIAH
MEDALLIST
YUMA HEMPHILL (Williamstown CYMS)
MICHEAL RITTERMAN
MEDALLIST
RORY ANGIOLELLA (Fitzroy)
LEADING GOAL KICKER
ADRIAN ROMANYK (PEGS)
Fitzroy FC won the Premier C flag
Premier C Premiership Team: Fitzroy FB
Toby Hudson Bevege, Tom Biscaro, Bill Clayton
HB
Tom O’Donnell, Jack Hart, Donovan Toohey
C
Max Davie, Ted Clayton, Nathan Ligris
HF
Tom Cheshire, Max Ellis, Sam Baker
FF
Sunny Brazier, Nathan Jumeau, Julian Turner
FOLL
Matthew Gaite, Rory Angiolella, Matt Kyroussis
I/C
Aidan Lambert, Jacob Long, Jack Dalton, Andrew Pettigrove
COACH
Luke Mahoney
Leading Goal Kickers
Julian Turner (Fitzroy)
NAME
CLUB
TOTAL
Adrian Romanyk
PEGS
61
Adrian Del Monte
Old Ivanhoe
51
Lachlan Boyd
Old Mentonians
50
Michael Dolan
St Mary's Salesian
45
Zachariah Medallist PLAYER
CLUB
Yuma Hemphill
Williamstown CYMS
VOTES 22
Rory Angiolella
Fitzroy
20
Samuel Anderson
Old Geelong
15
Justin Powick
Old Ivanhoe
15
Ben Hart
Old Camberwell
14
Joe Arnold
Old Camberwell
14
Scribe Team of the Year FB
Cam Wilson (OG)
Matthew Kirkwood (OG)
Max Ellis (Fitz)
HB
Max Philpot (PEGS)
Simon Bennett (OC)
Tom Johnstone (Will)
C
Justin Powick (OIG)
Rory Angiolella (Fitz) - C
Chris Hensby (OC)
HF
Ben Gray (Will)
Adrian Romanyk (PEGS)
Sam Anderson (OG)
FF
Nathan Jumeau (Fitz)
Lachlan Boyd (OM)
Adrian Del Monte (OIG)
Nicholas Reeves-Smyth (OIG) - VC
Yuma Hemphill (Will)
Will Sloss (OG)
Ben Hart (OC)
Max DiCiccio (Marc)
Darcy Brown (OM)
FOLL I/C COACH
TEAM OF THE YEAR Nicholas Adamson (OC)
Luke Mahoney (Fitz)
Sam Powell (Old Camberwell)
27
VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2018
PREMIER C RESULTS
PREMIERSHIP LADDER
Max Ellis (Fitzroy)
P
W
L
D
B
FF
For
Agst
%
PTS
Williamstown CYMS
18
16
2
0
0
0
2032
1070
189.91
64
Fitzroy FC
18
15
3
0
0
0
1904
1064
178.95
60
Old Geelong
18
12
6
0
0
0
1654
1292
128.02
48
Old Camberwell Grammarians
18
11
7
0
0
0
1589
1382
114.98
44
Marcellin OC
18
9
9
0
0
0
1505
1423
105.76
36
Old Ivanhoe Grammarians
18
7
11
0
0
0
1595
1657
96.26
28
Old Mentonians
18
7
11
0
0
0
1365
1561
87.44
28
PEGS Football Club
18
7
11
0
0
0
1245
1463
85.1
28
Peninsula
18
5
13
0
0
0
1096
1842
59.5
20
St Mary's Salesian
18
1
17
0
0
0
1194
2425
49.24
4
Premier C Grand Final at Trevor Barker Oval Fitzroy FC Old Geelong
8.2-50
9.4-58
12.6-78
16.11-107
0.3-3
4.6-30
4.6-30
5.7-37
FITZROY FC Goal Kickers: N. Jumeau 4, S. Brazier 3, A. Lambert 2, T. Clayton 2, T. Cheshire, M. Ellis, S. Baker, J. Hart, M. Gaite Best Players: D. Toohey, R. Angiolella, T. Cheshire, M. Gaite, B. Clayton, T. Biscaro OLD GEELONG Goal Kickers: J. Read, J. Simson, A. Leahy, C. Hatzis, H. Perry Best Players: W. Sloss, J. Simson, D. Nicolson, T. Balcombe, R. de Crespigny, A. Leahy M. Ritterman Medal: Rory Angiolella (Fitzroy)
Jonathan Read (Old Geelong)
VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2018
Max Di Ciccio (Marcellin)
28
PREMIER C RESERVES Sam Mackie (Marcellin)
Fitzroy celebrate Premier C reserves flag
PREMIERSHIP LADDER Fitzroy FC Old Geelong Williamstown CYMS Marcellin OC Old Ivanhoe Grammarians Old Camberwell Grammarians PEGS Football Club St Mary's Salesian Peninsula Old Mentonians
P
W
L
D
B
FF
F
A
%
PTS
18 18 18 18 18 17 17 18 18 16
16 15 14 12 9 7 6 4 3 1
2 3 3 5 9 10 11 14 15 15
0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0
1948 1599 1647 1442 1338 956 972 992 688 369
601 657 687 810 1122 1178 1189 1403 1651 2719
324.13 243.38 239.74 178.02 119.25 81.15 81.75 70.71 41.67 13.57
64 60 58 50 36 32 28 16 12 4
Premier Reserves Premiership Team: Fitzroy FC FB HB C HF FF FOLL I/C COACH
Martin Deasey, Eddie Harley, Shae Skipper Luke Edwards, Mitch Bottomley, Mitch McWhinney Will Zaghis, Jack Atkinson, Cailean Moore Drew Olarenshaw, Dan Megennis, Noah Wright Aaron Tatchell, Will Pickering, Lachlan Henderson Ross Borland, Gus Richardson, Sean Laidlaw Sam Batterton, James Butler, Will Fenton, Sam Turner Bernie Carter
Premier C Reserves Grand Final Fitzroy FC Old Geelong
2.3-15 0.0-0
3.3-21 0.5-5
5.3-33 1.7-13
FITZROY FC Goal Kickers: R. Borland, W. Fenton, C. Moore, G. Richardson, A. Tatchell, W. Pickering Best Players: C. Moore, W. Fenton, S. Laidlaw, R. Borland, L. Edwards, D. Olarenshaw
Yuma Hemphill (CYs) - Zachariah Medallist
OLD GEELONG Goal Kickers: C. Hawkins, W. Holmes, O. Graham, E. Long Best Players: A. Tripodi, M. Planner, J. Hoevenaars, E. Long, H. McKay, J. Thomson Best on Ground Medal: Antonio Tripodi (OG)
29
VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2018
6.6-42 4.9-33
Charlotte Paule (Old Melburnians)
Charlotte Pooley (Collegians)
Sarah Kerr (Ivanhoe AFC)
Casey O’Connell-Paladino (Therry Penola)
VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2018
Cassandra Bethune (Oakleigh)
30
WOMEN’S FOOTBALL In just the second season of VAFA Wilson women’s football, participation grew exponentially with 63 teams from 47 clubs making it the largest senior women’s competition in Australia. The competition was restructured into six senior sections – William Buck Premier, Premier B Blue, Premier B White and Divisions 1-3 – while Premier and Premier B Blue both had reserves competitions. Each section participated in a 14-round season, with the top four progressing to finals.
WILLIAM BUCK PREMIER
Melbourne University WFC were crowned William Buck Premier champions after they defeated Marcellin by 18 points in the decider at Elsternwick Park. Despite the Sheagles’ best efforts, and an incredible bout of hail during the match, the Mugars capped off their minor premiership in the grand final with 12 scoring shots to four. The Mugars strengthened their chances by entering their second side into the VAFA this season – previously in the NFNL – with their seniors in the VFLW. The Sheagles were unable to go back-to-back but boasted three medallists; William Buck Premier B&F, Taylor Padfield, Anytime Fitness Rising Star, Laura Robertson, and leading goal kicker, Shaylee Taylor. Kew, who entered the VAFA from the NFNL this season, finished third while SKOB Saints rounded out the top four. Fitzroy-ACU, Old Trinity, Old Xaverians and Caulfield Grammarians completed the season in the bottom half of the ladder, but it was the top three who proved dominant in 2018.
PREMIER B BLUE
St Mary’s Salesian became one of just two teams who won back-to-back women’s flags after they defeated West Brunswick by 31 points in the grand final. The Saints’ defence kept the Westies goalless for the entirety of the match while they piled on 4.9 themselves. The Saints, who triumphed over the Westies in last year’s decider, did not beat them until Round 14 before losing to their rivals one week later in the qualifying final. They bounced back with a resounding 23-point win over Monash Blues in the preliminary before Ruby Svarc, Tash Rappos and Bec Grant helped
lead their side to grand final victory. The Westies looked unbeatable through most of the season before losing their first game in Round 14. Melissa Lindsay polled 17 votes en route to the Premier B Blue B&F ahead of Saints, Svarc and Grant, on 15 each. Forward Laura Jago led all comers on the scoreboard for the second straight year with 25 goals. Old Geelong claimed nine wins and finished fourth ahead of Collegians, Old Camberwell, Brunswick Renegades and the winless Mazenod.
PREMIER B WHITE
unanswered goals in the final term and ran out 24-point winners. Star midfielder, Penny Brown, was named best afield for the second year in a row. The Ivies were led admirably by competition B&F, Georgia Scarce, as they finished the home and away season with just two losses against the Hawks and SBMT. The Tigers made a preliminary final appearance against the Ivies and boasted leading goal kicker, Eliza Cooper (25). Rounding out the top four was South Melbourne Districts, one game ahead of Canterbury. Therry Penola’s six wins earnt them sixth spot on the ladder ahead of Swinburne University and UHS-VU.
DIVISION 2
Seven straight goals helped Whitefriars to an
Old Haileybury completed the dream finals run when they came from fourth spot on the ladder and won the Premier B White flag against Old Scotch at Trevor Barker Oval. After edging past Old Brighton by six points in the elimination final, the Hearts ran down an inaccurate Beaumaris by two points in the preliminary. Their hot form continued against the Stars in the decider with Sarah Casey best afield in their 13-point victory. The Hearts won just eight games throughout the home and away fixture and didn’t solidify finals until Round 14. Beaumaris claimed the minor premiership ahead of Scotch after the Stars suffered a 58-point loss to Brighton in the last round. It was the Stars’ first year in the VAFA and they were the standout team for most of the season. Brighton midfielder Ava Hales won the competition B&F at just 16 years of age, polling 16 votes with five BOG performances. Old Mentonians, who finished fifth, were just half a game behind the Hearts coming into Round 14, while Old Carey, Hampton Rovers and Ajax made up the bottom three spots on the ladder.
incredible Division 2 Grand Final victory, defeating
DIVISION 1
from fourth spot on the ladder and claiming the
Hawthorn AFC joined St Mary’s Salesian as the only two sides to win consecutive premierships in the first two years of the VAFA Wilson Women’s competition when they took out the Division 1 flag at Elsternwick Park. Facing off against the minor premiers, Ivanhoe AFC, the Hawks kicked two
Old Melburnians by 21 points at Trevor Barker Oval. Down by four points at the first break, the Friars piled on six goals to one thereafter with Eilish Boyd kicking four in a BOG display. Whitefriars, in their first year of existence, finished third at the end of the home and away season but claimed elimination final wins against Williamstown CYMS and Old Ivanhoe en route to the decider. Old Melburnians were the standout side in the first 14 rounds as they strung together 11 wins and a tie in what was also their first season of women’s football. Bulleen Templestowe and Aquinas competed for the most part of the year with six and five wins, respectively, while Oakleigh and De La Salle struggled to find consistency and won just three games between them. Five BOG performances from CY’s Georgina Petty led her to the Division 2 B&F with 18 votes ahead of Whitefriars pair Chelsea Fernandes and Ilaria Akers on 17 apiece.
DIVISION 3
Division 3 was made up of six new teams in 2018, with Westbourne Grammarians coming premiership against Preston Bullants. Leading by one point at three quarter time, the Warriors kicked two straight goals to close out the Bullants in the final term. It was an incredible journey for the Warriors after they commenced the season 2-6 and in seventh spot after Round 8. An influx of players helped resurrect the Warriors’ season as they closed out the year without another loss. Preston led the charge with 11 wins and the minor premiership while the MCC entered their first-ever team into the VAFA with a home base in Beaumaris, finishing second after the home and away fixture. Power House featured in finals, while Yarra Old Grammarians, Prahran Assumption, Emmaus St Leo’s and South Melbourne Districts (2) made up the bottom four. MCCFC’s Holly Bailey was named the competition B&F with seven BOG
Laura Hallam (Old Geelong)
performances among her 22 votes.
31
VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2018
WILLIAM BUCK PREMIER WOMEN’S PREMIERSHIP LADDER Melbourne University Marcellin OC Kew SKOB Saints Fitzroy-ACU Old Trinity Old Xaverians Caulfield Grammarians
P
W
L
D
B
FF
FOR
AGST
%
PTS
14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14
11 10 10 8 5 5 3 2
2 3 3 6 8 9 11 12
1 1 1 0 1 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
582 611 572 440 406 502 296 380
343 304 360 346 517 473 721 725
169.68 200.99 158.89 127.17 78.53 106.13 41.05 52.41
46 42 42 32 22 20 12 8
William Buck Premier Women’s Grand Final at Elsternwick Park Marcellin OC Melbourne University
0.0-0 0.4-4
1.3-9 0.5-5
1.3-9 2.8-20
William Buck Premier Women’s Best and Fairest
1.3-9 3.9-27
Player Taylor Padfield Danielle Sibosado Danielle Calautti Eliza Straford Alexandra Hynes
MARCELLIN OC Goal Kickers: E. Gavalas Best Players: B. Keogh, E. Gavalas, J. Redmond, J. Greaves, A. Rock, G. Robertson MELBOURNE UNIVERSITY Goal Kickers: C. Adams, J. Tancred, A. Gittings Best Players: L. Caluzzi, R. Grounds, S. Wilson, S. Comelli, A. Bye, J. Tancred
FB HB C HF FF FOLL I/C
Leading Goalkickers Club Marcellin Old Trinity SKOB Saints Kew
Votes 20 15 15 14 13
William Buck Premier Women’s Premiership Team: Melbourne University
Best on Ground Medal: Leah Caluzzi (Melbourne Uni.)
Player Shaylee Taylor Amanda Fogarty Sarah Cameron Krystal Shaw
Club Marcellin Kew Kew SKOB Saints SKOB Saints
Total 23 17 16 14
COACH
Melissa Doria, Taylor Hunt, Steph Comelli Prudence Cordes, Leah Caluzzi, Abby Favaro Marinella Salafia, Sian Wilson, Ada Chessor Alex Gittings, Candice Adams, Ashley Bye Lucy Watkin, Asha Price, Jade Tancred Alanna Dalley, Lauren Munday, Ruby Grounds (C) Imogen Milford, Millie Shone, Lisa Di Camillo, Isobel Dakis Rofe, PeggySue Fennell, Olivia Turnbull Erini Gianakopoulos, Matt Ogilvie
WILLIAM BUCK PREMIER WOMEN’S RESERVES PREMIERSHIP LADDER
P
Marcellin Melbourne University Caulfield Grammarians Fitzroy-ACU SKOB Saints Old Xaverians Kew
12 12 12 12 12 12 12
W
L
11 11 7 7 3 2 1
D
1 1 5 5 9 10 11
0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Premier Women’s Reserves Grand Final Marcellin Fitzroy-ACU
2.2-14 0.0-0
4.9-33 1.3-9
5.9-39 2.4-16
FB HB C HF FF FOLL I/C
FITZROY-ACU Goal Kickers: E. Fitt 2 Best Players: T. Young, E. Fitt, F. Shearer, K. Hillier, B. Murphy, R. Telfer
COACH
Best on Ground Medal: Cara Jeffers (Marcellin)
Leading Goalkickers Club Marcellin Marcellin Melbourne University SKOB Saints Fitzroy-ACU
VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2018
2 2 2 2 2 2 2
FF 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
For
1012 747 383 363 244 139 104
Agst 100 129 338 329 580 751 765
%
1012 579.07 113.31 110.33 42.07 18.51 13.59
PTS 52 52 36 36 20 16 12
William Buck Premier Reserves Premiership Team: Marcellin 2.4-16 1.3-9
MARCELLIN Goal Kickers: J. Wakefield 3, C. Jeffers, C. Piva Best Players: E. Madigan, J. Wakefield, C. Jeffers, C. De Luca, S. Portelli, C. Delbridge
Player Cara Jeffers Jennae Wakefield Hannah Townsend Madeleine Pattison Susie Worthington
B
Total 25 18 14 13 9
32
Keely Thomas, Courtney Taylor, Zoe MacDonald Casey Delbridge, Lexie Hipwell, Ella Madigan Taryn Bates, Maddy Rush, Tania Carpenteri Cara Jeffers, Steph Bridge, Claudia Piva Carla DeLuca, Jennae Wakefield, Julia Melitsis Laura Higgins, Emily McMahon, Charlotte Mahoney Laura Melonhorst, Laura Page, Stacey Portelli, Chloe Vale, Grace Laidlaw, Mel James Daniel Kayrooz, Dario D’Alessandro
WOMEN’S PREMIER B BLUE
PREMIERSHIP LADDER West Brunswick St Mary's Salesian Monash Blues Old Geelong Collegians Old Camberwell Brunswick Renegades Mazenod
P
W
L
D
B
FF
FOR
AGST
%
PTS
14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14
13 10 9 9 5 5 4 0
1 4 4 5 8 9 10 14
0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
726 670 490 391 284 318 285 229
249 303 274 349 490 454 451 834
291.57 221.12 178.83 112.03 57.96 70.04 63.19 27.46
52 40 38 36 22 20 16 0
Premier B Blue Grand Final at Marcellin College West Brunswick St Mary's Salesian
0.0-0 2.6-18
0.1-1 3.8-26
Premier B Blue Best and Fairest Award 0.1-1 4.8-32
0.2-2 4.9-33
Player Melissa Lindsay Ruby Svarc Rebecca Grant Xanthea Dewez Christine Nancarrow
WEST BRUNSWICK Best Players: A. Clark, M. Lindsay , A. Sherman, D. Heckmann, M. Forbes, N. Wolfe ST MARY’S SALESIAN Goal Kickers: R. Gill, J. Firmin, R. Grant, K. Smith Best Players: R. Svarc, N. Rappos, R. Grant, R. Gill, J. Firmin, K. Selir
Votes 17 15 15 11 10
Premier B Blue Premiership Team: St Mary’s Salesian
Best on Ground Medal: Ruby Svarc (St Mary’s Salesian)
FB HB C HF FF FOLL I/C
Leading Goalkickers Player Laura Jago Ella Stephenson Stephanie Lawerence Joelly Firmin
Club West Brunswick St. Mary's Salesian St. Mary's Salesian Monash Blues Collegians
Club West Brunswick Monash Blues St Mary's Salesian St Mary's Salesian
Total 25 21 20 16
COACH
Sasha Byrnes, Emily Roos, Kayla Smith Mieke Thorbecke, Sarah Yule, Mads Stanley Tash Rappos, Bec Grant, Chloe Soderstrom Steph Lawrence, Sonya Klimpsch, Alice Angley Joelly Firmin, Holly Ellis, Eliza Stanley Avalon Tickle, Rachel Gill, Ruby Svarc Grace Barry, Kat Aabryn, Kate Selir, Nicole Shue, Eliza Matheson, Megan Furphy Damian Sutherland
WOMEN’S PREMIER B BLUE RESERVES
PREMIERSHIP LADDER
P
West Brunswick Old Geelong St Mary's Salesian Brunswick Renegades Old Camberwell Collegians Monash Blues Mazenod
14 14 14 14 14 13 13 14
W
L
13 12 11 8 4 3 2 2
D
1 2 3 6 10 10 11 12
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Premier B Blue Reserves Grand Final West Brunswick Old Geelong
0.0-0 1.4-10
B 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
FF 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0
For
1082 1218 936 354 170 225 168 195
Agst 170 116 271 488 801 866 843 802
%
636.47 1050 345.39 72.54 21.22 25.98 19.93 24.31
52 48 44 32 16 12 12 8
Women’s Premier B Blue Reserves Premiership Team: West Brunswick 0.0-0 1.4-10
0.0-0 3.4-22
FB HB C HF FF FOLL I/C
4.0-24 3.4-22
WEST BRUNSWICK Goal Kickers: G. Gray 2, G. Miller, J. Schumann Best Players: E. Lippmann, O. Douglas, G. Gray, G. Miller, V. Christie , K. Hancock OLD GEELONG Goal Kickers: E. Slattery, B. Mckay, S. Hird Best Players: B. Mckay, E. Slattery, S. Joubert, A. Cooper, S. Hird, K. Murrihy
COACH
Best on Ground Medal: Emma Lippman (West Brunswick)
Emma Buckley-Lennox, Louise Conwell, Georgia Miller Hilary Grover, Olivia Douglas, Kristen Hancock Emma Lippmann, Claudia Wortmann, Genevieve Walsh Gemma Gray, Sian Murray, Kristina Krithararis Victoria Christie, Jessica Schumann, Natasha Nair Georgia Zink, India McKenzie, Madeleine Fry Caitlyn Conway, Cassandra Smith, Freya Logan (C), Molly Churchill, Emma Blakey, Madeleine Macreadie-Smith Josh Melican
Leading Goalkickers Player Sophie Hughes Jessica Schumann Lucy Mulligan Gemma Gray Kailey Wilson
PTS
Club Old Geelong West Brunswick West Brunswick West Brunswick St Mary's Salesian
Total 36 23 22 16 16
33
VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2018
WOMEN’S PREMIER B WHITE PREMIERSHIP LADDER Beaumaris Old Scotch Old Brighton Old Haileybury Old Mentonians Old Carey Ajax Hampton Rovers
P
W
L
D
B
FF
FOR
AGST
%
PTS
14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14
11 12 10 8 6 4 3 0
1 2 3 6 7 10 11 14
2 0 1 0 1 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
634 842 617 574 487 318 214 219
198 283 229 422 534 713 591 935
320.2 297.53 269.43 136.02 91.2 44.6 36.21 23.42
48 48 42 32 26 16 12 0
Premier B White Grand Final at Trevor Barker Oval Old Scotch Old Haileybury
1.3-9 4.4-28
1.3-9 4.4-28
2.5-17 4.8-32
Premier B White Best and Fairest
2.7-19 4.8-32
Player Ava Hales Pulla Gardiyawasam Marli Wilkinson Ellen Wood Siena Visentini
OLD SCOTCH Goal Kickers: G. Larkey, L. Goss Best Players: C. Serafini, G. Larkey, E. Jarman, S. Beddison, B. Lansell, L. Morley OLD HAILEYBURY Goal Kickers: D. Frawley, R. Teubler, J. Shanks, S. Casey Best Players: S. Casey, R. Teubler, C. Frawley, J. Shanks, M. Waterman, D. Frawley
FB HB C
Leading Goalkickers
HF Club Beaumaris Old Mentonians Old Scotch Old Brighton
Votes 16 14 13 12 11
Premier B White Premiership Team: Old Haileyburians
Best on Ground Medal: Sarah Casey (Old Haileybury)
Player Ellie Hearne Hannah Stuart Anna Hayes Ava Hales
Club Old Brighton Old Haileybury Old Carey Beaumaris Old Brighton
FF
Total 25 25 22 19
FOLL I/C COACH
Eliza Solly, Lauren Oliver, Magdalen Dunn Hannah Pastore, Mim Waterman, Charlotte Russo Taylah Vines-Chapple, Sarah Casey, Carly Dillon Pia Hatt, Jordan Shanks (Co-C), Romy Teubler Pulomaja Gardiyawasam, Georgina Janssen, Claire Stark Chelsea Frawley (Co-C), Danielle Frawley, Frances Land Courtney Coulter, Jessica Wright, Candice Sheldon-Collins, Ellen Russell Danny Frawley
WOMEN’S DIVISION 1 PREMIERSHIP LADDER
P
Ivanhoe Hawthorn AFC St Bedes / Mentone Tigers South Melbourne Districts Canterbury Football Club Therry Penola Swinburne University AFC UHS-VU
14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14
W
L
12 11 10 8 7 6 4 3
D
2 3 4 6 7 8 10 11
Division 1 Grand Final at Elsternwick Park Hawthorn AFC Ivanhoe
1.0-6 0.0-0
1.1-7 0.0-0
B
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
4.8-32 1.2-8
Player Georgia Scarce Eliza German Meghann Geschke Sarah Kerr Lauren Gibbs
IVANHOE Goal Kickers: T. Day
For
681 635 603 392 407 399 303 372
Agst 211 271 305 483 532 475 603 468
%
322.75 234.32 197.7 81.16 76.5 84 50.25 79.49
PTS 48 44 40 32 28 24 16 12
FB HB C
Leading Goalkickers
HF Club St Bedes / Mentone Tigers Hawthorn Hawthorn Ivanhoe
Club Ivanhoe Therry Penola St Bede's/Mentone Ivanhoe South Melbourne Districts
Votes 21 18 17 17 14
Division 1 Premiership Team: Hawthorn AFC
Best on Ground Medal: Penny Brown (Hawthorn)
VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2018
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Division 1 Best and Fairest 2.3-15 1.2-8
HAWTHORN AFC Goal Kickers: L. Castleden, L. Cosson, M. Johnston, P. Brown Best Players: P. Brown, L. Cosson, D. Kloufetos, S. Delbosc, H. Nicholls
Player Eliza Cooper Penny Brown Molly Johnston Tahlia Day
FF
FF
Total 25 19 18 17
FOLL I/C COACH
34
Kelly Clark, Georgia du Plessis, Grace Webster Katie O'Hanlon, Sarah Delbosc, Lauren Cosson Emma Peel, Eleisha Lilley, Nat Welfare Tessa Boden, Laura Castleden, Jessica Duncan Holly du Plessis, Molly Johnston, Kiera Colegate Hannah Nicholls, Diamond Kloufetos, Penny Brown Sarah Ward, Emily Yang, Sophie Andritsos, Ady Anderson, Michelle Foo, Paris Penny Simon Boots
WOMEN’S DIVISION 2
PREMIERSHIP LADDER Old Melburnians Old Ivanhoe Whitefriars Football Club Williamstown CYMS Bulleen Templestowe Aquinas Oakleigh De La Salle
P
W
L
D
B
FF
FOR
AGST
%
PTS
14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14
11 10 9 8 6 5 2 1
2 4 4 5 8 8 12 13
1 0 1 1 0 1 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
599 516 495 455 320 389 226 200
299 315 335 359 430 486 523 687
200.33 163.81 147.76 126.74 74.42 80.04 43.21 29.11
46 40 38 34 24 22 8 4
Division 2 Grand Final at Trevor Barker Oval Old Melburnians Whitefriars Football Club
1.4-10 1.0-6
1.4-10 3.0-18
Division 2 Best and Fairest Award 2.7-19 4.0-24
2.9-21 7.0-42
Player Georgina Petty Clare Fernandes Ilaria Akers Isabelle Smith Jacqueline Mitchellhill
OLD MELBURNIANS Goal Kickers: G. Dunlop, I. Smith Best Players: A. Williamson, C. Fraser, S. Fraser, C. Toohey , G. Dunlop, S. Heaton WHITEFRIARS FOOTBALL CLUB Goal Kickers: E. Boyd 4, C. Fernandes, G. Sjodin, M. Buhagiar Best Players: E. Boyd, K. Tull, J. Blakemore, C. Fernandes, C. Angus, I. Akers
FB HB C HF FF FOLL I/C
Leading Goalkickers Club Whitefriars FC Old Ivanhoe Aquinas Williamstown CYMS
Total 23 18 14 11
COACH
P
14 14 14 13 13 13 14 13
W
L
11 10 8 8 5 4 4 0
D
3 4 5 5 8 9 9 13
0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0
Division 3 Grand Final at Trevor Barker Oval Preston Bullants Westbourne Grammarians
1.4-10 0.0-0
1.4-10 1.5-11
B 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
FF 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0
For
Agst
803 738 456 622 530 445 320 55
312 405 273 501 377 570 538 1229
%
257.37 182.22 167.03 124.15 140.58 78.07 59.48 4.48
PTS 44 40 34 32 24 20 18 0
Division 3 Best and Fairest Award 2.5-17 2.6-18
Player Holly Bailey Shannon Danckert Anita Ovenden Jacara Thomas Alyssa Blewonski Samantha Radlof
2.7-19 4.6-30
PRESTON BULLANTS Goal Kickers: M. Halton, K. Del Monte Best Players: J. Thomas, K. Grimes, A. Ovenden, K. Del Monte, G. Freer, M. Halton WESTBOURNE GRAMMARIANS Goal Kickers: B. Herman 2, L. Spark, K. Temuskos Best Players: L. Spark, S. Knight, T. Abbott, S. Colgan , R. Robinson, V. Pettit
FB HB C HF FF FOLL I/C
Leading Goalkickers Club Melbourne Cricket Club FC Preston Bullants Yarra Old Grammarians Westbourne Grammarians
Club Melbourne Cricket Club Emmaus St Leo's Preston Bullants Preston Bullants Yarra Old Grammarians Westborune Grammarians
Votes 22 21 21 13 12 12
Division 3 Premiership Team: Westbourne Grammarians
Best on Ground Medal: Lauren Spark (WG)
Player Alexandra Clayton Melissa Halton Alyssia Blewonski Lauren Spark
Rachel Hee, Jayne Blakemore, Stephanie Dekasos Tasha Gouws, Maggie O'Shannassy, Rachel Smith Kate Tull, Ilaria Akers, Rebecca Smith Eilish Boyd, Georgia Sjodin, Elizabeth Yore Bella Giannangelo, Hannah Ciardulli, Michaela Pearson Caitlin Angus, Jessie Hare, Clare Fernandes Lauren Cape, Isobel Rae, Angela Chen, Punita Mistry, Shaan Plummer, Maddy Buhagiar Tony Smith
WOMEN’S DIVISION 3
PREMIERSHIP LADDER Preston Bullants Melbourne Cricket Club Power House Westbourne Grammarians Yarra Old Grammarians Prahran Assumption Emmaus St Leos South Melbourne Districts
Votes 18 17 16 15 15
Division 2 Premiership Team: Whitefriars
Best on Ground Medal: Eilish Boyd (Whitefrairs)
Player Eilish Boyd Sarah Foley Caitlin Flanagan Stephanie Basile
Club Williamstown CYMS Whitefriars Whitefriars Old Melburnians Old Ivanhoe
Total 32 26 24 22
COACH
35
Bethany Wilcox, Ainsley Kopelke, Natalee Ryan Brodie Hillier, Caitlyn Snow, Shannon Colgan Sarah Knight, Victoria Pettit, Crystal Lacey Emma Benz, Kimberley Temuskos, Candice Richey Natasha Clark, Brianna Herman, Lauren Spark Tess Abbott, Samantha Radlof, Rennae Robinson Kate Boland, Sarah Carlton, Cathie Stratis, Kimberley Lev, Amanda Carlton, Maddie Dragt Emma Pawlowski
VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2018
DIVISION 1
MONDERS BOUNCE BACK WITH FLAG Another sensational six months of competition was punctuated by, like last year, a great grand final. Deservedly, the two sides that held front running throughout made it to the decider, where Ormond made amends for last year’s straight sets exit by claiming the prize.
PRESTON BULLANTS
When the Bullants knocked over joint ladder leaders Ormond and Hampton successively in Rounds 7 and 8, eyebrows were raised and hopes elevated that they could be the real deal. That purple patch coincided with a stellar run of vote-gathering from eventual LS Pepper Medallist
Highlights of the year included that pulsating last
the victories were narrow, there may have been
quarter of the GF, Oakleigh’s stunning run to vault
an element of good fortune involved, but there
into an at times unlikely third spot, and Aaron
was no luck attached to Aaron Cloke’s excellence
Cloke’s masterly century in front of the sticks.
as he marched inexorably towards the 100-goal
ORMOND
The Monders had retribution in mind following 2017’s inglorious finals exit and established the building blocks early, engaging in a ding-dong, season long battle with Rovers for supremacy, briefly grabbing top spot in Round 12. Thomas Buckley was the club’s leading goalkicker with 31, and also led the Monders with most votes in the competition B&F. Having seven or eight goalkickers with the ability to hit the scoreboard multiple times demonstrated the evenness of the team, and, subject to ins and outs, there is no reason to believe they can’t be competitive in Premier C.
milestone. A comprehensive Round 18 100-point demolition of Therry Penola, which allowed the Krushers into a hitherto unlikely third place, almost came unstuck in the first semi when the Lions’ stark form reversal saw them claw within a solitary point. Then, as if the irresistible charge couldn’t be sustained, they succumbed to Hampton in the
The Rovers will feel aggrieved at their failure to grab the ultimate reward, but their disappointment will be tempered by the consolation of a return to the premier sections. Having suffered the ignominy of a double drop in the past two seasons, this young side, which plays a fast-paced, exciting brand of football, dominated from April to August, only once relinquishing ladder leadership. They had the ability to put sides away in devastating fashion, although Ormond proved to be their nemesis, with one win, one draw and two losses
efficient with the boot. Christian Carnovale and Ant Folino both finished top 10 in the Pepper Medal.
and, whilst the wheels may not have fallen off, the tyres went decidedly flat and they limped, rather than charged, to sixth position with a 9-9 record.
WEST BRUNSWICK A couple of sizable early-season losses left the keeping in touch on win-loss ratio, it was always going to be an uphill battle from there.
just behind teammate James Hunt.
THERRY PENOLA OB
Persistent, consistent and with the ability to beat their best side on the park often enough. One can only surmise that had they been able to get more than a total of 27 games (out of a possible
A respectable seven wins kept the relegation contenders behind them, and their always competitive nature delivered a couple of unexpected wins. Bill Irving missed several games but was once again one of their shining lights, and recruit Jethro Calma-Holt was a real positive with 32 goals from 9 matches. Cormac Cashin and Bas
54) from Jarrod, Corey and Jordan Bannister,
Simpson were also standouts.
who between them kicked 116 goals, their
KEW
fortunes may have taken a different trajectory. The combination of those three playing alongside Jarrod and Brock Egglestone, both top 10 in the Division 1 B&F voting, gives the side a very formidable appearance. The Lions improved from 8-10 and sixth to 12-6 and fourth, with a highlight being a convincing trouncing of Hampton in
PRAHRAN ASSUMPTION
Samuel Clements and Daniel Corp were also
team’s fortunes went into decline from thereon in,
stellar season, awarding him third spot in the B&F
game aside, nevertheless a satisfying season with
the goalkicking with 38, Campbell Hetherington,
brother Dean having won 2 of the past 3. Yet the
Westies’ percentage in tatters, and, despite
Round 12.
lot of youth. Joshua McPherson finished fourth in
this prestigious accolade in the family, with his
finals win. The umpires saw the value of Cloke’s
being the outcome of those encounters. The last promotion achieved and promising signs from a
from umpires from rounds 5 to 12, thus keeping
prelim, finishing the campaign at 12-6 plus one
anyone on their day yet frustrated by not getting
HAMPTON ROVERS
Sean Calcedo, who collected seven 3s and a 2
The Bears might have expected the drop from Premier C would present them with a less taxing challenge after a meagre three wins last year, but found the going tough from the start. They managed to avoid occupation of the relegation zone, then eased away from it with some improved showings in the latter half of the year, indicating that a launch towards a higher status is not beyond them. Goalkicking star Andrew
Had their moments, spent a lot of time in the
Brazzale missed more games than expected,
top four and were only effectively knocked out of
leaving too much of the scoring burden on the
contention in the last round. Newcomers to this
impressive Nathan Sambevski.
division as the promoted Div 2 premiers, they acquitted themselves with distinction and were unlucky not to be in September action. Fresh
BRUNSWICK NOBS Staving off relegation with gutsy late season
OAKLEIGH
off last year’s Fullarton Medal win (Div 2), James
scrapping for the third-year running proved one
Widely touted as being finals shoe-ins on the
Musster had another outstanding campaign,
bridge too far for the Nobs, despite the best efforts
back of 12 wins the previous year, Oakleigh had
with fourth place in this division’s version. James
of star recruit and former Snow Dog Nick Burgin.
it all to do to make that prognostication reach
Falcone also had a great year, and there were
Jed Carey and Dominic Sullivan kicked their share
fruition when they sat 2-5 after seven rounds.
goals aplenty from Jack Matherson, third on the
of goals, and Geremie Ganino was a standout in
Few envisaged the withering burst they then
goalkicking list with 48. The Two Blues were only
most of the 17 games he played. Overall, the lack
unleashed, winning 10 of their next 11, the only
denied finals by Oakleigh’s late charge, and if the
of depth of personnel told, and three wins means
loss before the end of the home and away coming
likes of Matherson, Falcone and Harrison Taylor
we say goodbye to the boys from Alec Gillon Oval
in Round 15 at the hands of Hampton. As some of
stick around, will be contenders again next year.
for at least a year.
VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2018
36
IVANHOE
The Magpies had hoped to improve on their six wins and seventh place from 2017, but instead headed in the opposite direction. Commitment was never in question, but as it turned out, their spirited win over fellow strugglers Brunswick NOBS represented their only success in a tough year. The Hoes simply did not have the firepower nor sufficient scoring options, with Lachlan Roberts (26) the only individual to kick more than 10 majors for the year. Sig Arness
Ormond celebrate Division 1 grand final victory
Division 1 Premiership Team: Ormond FB
Ed Quinn, Tim Blackburn, Alastair McCooke
HB
Izzy Tahana, Blair Atkins, Hamish Ramsay
C
Travis Hine, Tom Buckley (C), Max Kennedy
HF
Henry Simon, Jeremy Simon, Dae Szydlik
FF
Jack McCartney, Sam Mason, Matthew Oaten
FOLL
Lloyd Anrep, Matthew Hine, Jake Lever
I/C
Chris Coglan, Tonn Steele, B J Hardwick, Lachlan McCambley
COACH
Ashleigh Lever, Rob Putamorsi, Matt Robbins
Leading Goal Kickers
Sean Calcedo - LS Pepper Medallist
PREMIER ORMOND
LS PEPPER
MEDALLIST
SEAN CALCEDO (Preston Bullants)
J.W. MANTON
NAME
CLUB
TOTAL
Aaron Cloke
Oakleigh
102
Jarrod Bannister
Therry Penola
62
Jack Matherson
Prahran Assumption
48
Joshua McPherson
Hampton Rovers
38
LS Pepper Medal PLAYER
CLUB
Sean Calcedo
Preston Bullants
VOTES 29
James Hunt
Oakleigh
24
Aaron Cloke
Oakleigh
23
James Musster
Prahran Assumption
20
Christian Carnovale
Hampton Rovers
17
Jarrod Egglestone
Therry Penola
17
Scribe Team of the Year FB
Harry Crisp (HR)
Cormac Cashin (WB)
John Stocker (PA)
HB
Dean Calcedo (PB)
Blair Atkins (Orm)
Brinley Duggan (Kew)
MEDALLIST
C
Brock Egglestone (TP)
James Musster (PA)
Travis Hine (Orm)
HF
Jarrod Egglestone (TP)
Jarrod Bannister (TP)
Jeremy Simon (Orm)
(Ormond)
FF
Nick Burgin (NOBS)
Aaron Cloke (Oak)
Anthony Folino (HR)
FOLL
Brett Dickinson (PA)
Christian Carnovale (HR) - C Sean Calcedo (PB)
I/C
James Hunt (Oak)
Tom Buckley (Orm)
COACH
Chris Moore (Oak)
MAX KENNEDY
LEADING GOAL KICKER AARON CLOKE
Jake Lever (Orm)
TEAM OF THE YEAR Josh Pavlou (HR)
(Oakleigh)
37
VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2018
DIVISION 1 RESULTS
PREMIERSHIP LADDER
Anthony Argento (Brunswick NOBS)
P
W
L
D
B
FF
For
Agst
%
PTS
Hampton Rovers
18
14
3
1
0
0
Ormond
18
14
3
1
0
0
1857
996
186.45
58
1833
1234
148.54
58
Oakleigh
18
12
6
0
0
Therry Penola OB
18
12
6
0
0
0
1743
1303
133.77
48
0
1652
1311
126.01
48
Prahran Assumption
18
11
7
0
Preston Bullants
18
9
9
0
0
0
1529
1066
143.43
44
0
0
1556
1450
107.31
36
West Brunswick
18
7
11
Kew
18
6
12
0
0
0
1282
1499
85.52
28
0
0
0
1241
1458
85.12
24
Brunswick NOBS
18
3
Ivanhoe AFC
18
1
15
0
0
0
1122
2124
52.82
12
17
0
0
0
893
2267
39.39
4
Division 1 Grand Final at Trevor Barker Oval Ormond
3.3-21
6.6-42
8.9-57
11.9-75
Hampton Rovers
1.4-10
3.7-25
5.10-40
9.15-69
ORMOND Goal Kickers: M. Kennedy 5, T. Buckley 2, M. Hine, B. Atkins, M. Oaten, T. Steele Best Players: M. Kennedy, B. Atkins, C. Coghlan, M. Hine, J. Lever, T. Blackburn HAMPTON ROVERS Goal Kickers: A. Folino 2, B. Kneebush 2, D. Corp, S. Curry, C. Hetherington, H. Hodges, M. Rieniets Best Players: K. Pinto, L. McCartney, B. Kneebush, M. Rieniets, O. Roberts, J. Broadley J. W. Manton Medal: Max Kennedy (Ormond)
Lachie Bown (Ivanhoe AFC)
VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2018
Tom Stokes (West Brunswick)
38
DIVISION 1 RESERVES
Ormond win the Division 1 reserve premiership
PREMIERSHIP LADDER Ormond Hampton Rovers West Brunswick Therry Penola OB Kew Oakleigh Preston Bullants Prahran Assumption Ivanhoe AFC Brunswick NOBS
P
W
L
D
B
FF
F
A
%
PTS
18 18 18 18 18 17 18 18 17 18
16 15 15 10 8 7 7 6 3 2
2 3 3 8 10 10 11 12 14 16
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0
1850 1860 1591 1207 1316 1129 975 1055 721 712
590 843 787 1079 1090 1669 1418 1294 2022 1648
313.56 220.64 202.16 111.86 120.73 67.65 68.76 81.53 35.66 43.2
64 60 60 40 32 32 28 24 12 8
Division 1 Reserves Premiership Team: Ormond FB HB C HF FF FOLL I/C COACH
Zac Leiser-Moore, Jarrad Knoester, Jack Fogarty Boyd Upstill, Matthew Hunt, Luke Sauders Jonty Sharman-Smith, Jesse Selby - Hele, Tom Stach Rob Chisholm, Matthew Martinov, Daniel Riazah-Kesheh (Capt) Matthew Hirschman, Jack Meeking, Sam Stait Thomas McCrabb, Ryan Kettle, Oliver Milner Jarrad Kangisser, Lucas Hemming, Tom Putamorsi, Dan Frazier Andrew Kahofer
Division 1 Reserves Grand Final Ormond Hampton Rovers
4.1-25 1.2-8
6.6-42 3.8-26
9.8-62 7.13-55
15.10-100 10.13-73
ORMOND Goal Kickers: R. Chisholm 7, J. Meeking 2, Z. Leiser-Moore, O. Milner, D. Riazah-Kesheh, T. Putamorsi, S. Stait, T. Stach Best Players: R. Chisholm, L. Hemming, M. Martinov, J. Selby-Hele, J. Knoester, S. Stait HAMPTON ROVERS Goal Kickers: C. Miles 4, C. Jones 2, N. Jackson 2, D. Merlo, D. Ballard Best Players: J. Donald, R. Lynch, C. Miles, D. Ballard, M. Timmons, J. Zaina Best on Ground Medal: Robert Chisholm (Ormond)
Blair Atkins (Ormond)
39
VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2018
DIVISION 2
VULTURES COMPLETE DOUBLE JUMP In an incredibly tight and complex year, the ladder was split into two halves with the top five closely fighting for a finals berth while the bottom five were equally as close fighting to avoid relegation until the final round. In the end, UHS-VU were crowned Division 2 premiers after defeating Old Paradians by
YARRA OLD GRAMMARIANS Yarra Old Grammarians finished fourth after
55 points in the grand final. The Vultures lost
dropping only four games in the home and
one game for the season and completed the
away season. They were defeated by Whitefriars
rare double jump after winning the Division 3
in the first semi by 20 points but showed they
premiership in 2017. UHS-VU make the jump into
could match it with the top three when they had
Division 1 for the first time in 40 years.
their best 22 on the park at the same time. Rory
UHS-VU
Harbeck, Matthew Young and Simon Yeo were
UHS-VU entered Division 2 as reigning Division 3 premiers and completed an almost perfect season by dropping just one game to Old Paradians in Round 4. The Vultures, led by coach Brendan Payne, comfortably swept the finals series and all
dominant all season and all won a spot in the Team of the Year while Benjamin Trend finished seventh in the Fullerton Medal.
MELBOURNE HIGH SCHOOL OLD BOYS After a strong finish to their 2017 campaign,
awards with forward Brandon Jackson winning
there was great expectation for the Unicorns this
the Division 2 goal kicking award and the Fullerton
season. They ended up splitting their season with
Medal. Nick Devereux was awarded the A.R
nine wins and nine losses, easily accounting for
Fellows Medal for his best on ground grand final
all the teams below them but failing to defeat any
performance. Brandon Jackson, Gerard Hawkins,
of the top four. Despite this, there was much to
James Healy and Nick Devereux were named in
like about the Unicorns when they got their game
the Team of the Year. Esa Ramsey finished third
going and played their free running attacking
in the Fullerton Medal race while Brendan Payne
style. Kane Smith (68 goals) and James Tran were
was named the Division 2 Coach of the Year.
outstanding all year and earnt selection in the
POWER HOUSE
Power House struggled to find consistency after jumping up from Division 3 last season but did enough to stay in Division 2. The House managed a good run through the middle of the year where they won key relegation games, but their depth was found wanting against the better sides. Key defender, Fiachra Ó Deasmhúnaigh, and ruckman, Steve Devine, were rewarded with Team of the Year selection while Best and Fairest Winner, Ben Circosta, showcased consistency.
EMMAUS ST LEO’S
Emmaus St Leo’s won only two out of their last 12 games but found themselves locked in the relegation decider against St John’s in Round 18 where they eventually fell short by 23 points. Newbegin Baxter was the competition’s standout defender while Michael Davis, Paul Baranello and Harrison Davis were consistent in a disappointing year.
OLD ELTHAM COLLEGIANS
the season, winning their first 14 games before a
BULLEEN TEMPLESTOWE
late season stumble brought on by injuries to key
Bulleen finished the season with five wins and
After a difficult off-season, 10 losses in a row to start the season was a challenge too hard to overcome for the Turtles as they finished 10th. In true spirit, the side fought hard every game but lacked the depth to compete. Angus Robertson and Jack Fitzgerald along with Paul Vidinopoulos were the cornerstone of the Turtles’ team in 2018.
players. They steadied the ship and won a tight
a draw which was enough for them to remain in Division 2 for 2019. At times, the Bullants played
Anna Pavlou
preliminary final against Whitefriars to earn a grand final berth and promotion to Division 1 but
some exciting attacking football but couldn’t
were unable to recapture their early season form
produce it often enough or against the higher-
OLD PARADIANS The Raiders had led the competition for most of
against UHS-VU in the decider. Marcus Nolan, Andrew D Souza, Michael Boundy and Warren Jeffrey were the standouts this season, all being
Team of the Year while Smith finished Top 10 in the Fullerton Medal race.
ranked sides. Jack Cowell was a strong presence up forward all season with 34 majors. Onballer, Billy Wilson, had an outstanding year where
PREMIER UHS-VU
named in the Team of the Year.
he finished third in the Fullerton Medal and
WHITEFRIARS
teammate and fellow onballer David Dakin.
J FULLERTON
ST JOHN’S OC
BRANDON JACKON
The Friars were in the mix all season and lost just four games, finishing third heading into finals. They defeated Yarra Old Grammarians in the first semi-final but went down to Old Paradians in the preliminary. The Friars were rejuvenated by captain-coach, Kristan Height, who turned their onfield fortunes around and built a strong forward set up featuring Michael Nitas (61) and Lewis Neate (44) who were selected in the Team of the Year alongside Height. Height was the Fullerton Medallist runnerup while Angus Hands finished fifth.
was selected in the Team of the Year alongside
(UHS-VU)
St John’s were in the relegation zone until the final round when they faced off and defeated Emmaus St Leo’s in a last gasp thriller to take the points and remain in Division 2. Five wins and a draw showed that St John’s were competitive at times but, like other sides, needed more consistency
A.R. FELLOWS MEDALLIST NICK DEVEREUX (UHS-VU)
Thornton was great in front of goals with 45 while
LEADING GOAL KICKER
Daniel Cattolico finished top 10 in the Fullerton
(UHS-VU)
and depth to compete with the top four. Aaron
Medal. Onballer, Glenn Costas, was selected in the Team of the Year.
VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2018
MEDALLIST
40
BRANDON JACKON
UHS-VU win second flag in two years
Division 2 Premiership Team: UHS-VU FB
Ben Anderson, James Ford, Isaac Brambley
HB
Gerard Sharrock, George McAdam, Nik Amourgis
C
Charlie Jackson - C, Tom Howard, Michael Healey
HF
Tom Waters, Gerard Hawkins, James Dimattina
FF
Nick Devereux, Brandon Jackson, Aaron Christiansen
FOLL
Fraser Allen, Esubalew Ramsay, James Healey
I/C
Ben Dimattina, Luke Bell, Jack Bishop, James Gilfilan
COACH
Brendan Payne
Leading Goal Kickers
Yarra Old Grammarians
NAME
CLUB
TOTAL
Brandon Jackson
UHS-VU
71
Kane Smith
MHSOB
68
Michael Nitas
Whitefriars FC
59
Rory Harbeck
Yarra Old Grammarians
51
J Fullerton Medal PLAYER
CLUB
Brendan Jackson
UHS-VU
VOTES 18
Kristian Height
Whitefriars
16
Billy Wilson
Bulleen Templestowe
15
Esubalew Ramsay
UHS-VU
15
Angus Hands
Whitefriars
12
Daniel Cattolico
St Johns
12
Scribe Team of the Year FB
James Tran (MHSOB)
HB
Fiachra Ó Deasmhúnaigh (PH) Simon Yeo (YOG)
Andrew D Souza (OP)
Matthew Young (YOG)
Kristan Height (WF)
Billy Wilson (BT)
HF
Marcus Nolan (OP)
Brandon Jackson (UHS-VU) Lewis Neate (WF)
FF
Rory Harbeck (YOG)
Michael Nitas (WF)
Kane Smith (MHSOB)
Steve Devine (PH)
David Dakin (BT)
Glenn Costas (JOCs)
TEAM OF THE YEAR
Michael Boundy (OP)
Nick Devereux (UHS-VU)
Warren Jeffrey (OP)
James Healy (UHS-VU)
C
FOLL Brandon Jackson (UHS-VU) - Fullerton Medallist
I/C COACH
Newbegin Baxter (ESL)
Gerard Hawkins (UHS-VU)
Brendan Payne (UHS-VU)
41
VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2018
DIVISION 2 RESULTS
PREMIERSHIP LADDER P
W
L
D
B
FF
For
Agst
%
PTS
UHS-VU
18
17
1
0
0
0
2096
1055
198.67
68
Old Paradians
18
15
3
0
0
0
1767
1224
144.36
60
Whitefriars Football Club
18
14
4
0
0
0
2013
1077
186.91
56
Yarra Old Grammarians
18
14
4
0
0
0
2051
1402
146.29
56
MHSOB
18
9
9
0
0
0
1533
1448
105.87
36
Bulleen Templestowe
18
5
12
1
0
0
1441
1561
92.31
22
St Johns
18
5
12
1
0
0
1225
1725
71.01
22
Power House AFC
18
5
13
0
0
0
1256
1869
67.2
20
Emmaus St Leos
18
4
14
0
0
0
1207
1874
64.41
16
Eltham Collegians AFC
18
1
17
0
0
0
744
2188
34
4
Division 2 Grand Final at Coburg City Oval Dylan Allan (St John’s)
UHS-VU
2.4-16
6.8-44
9.10-64
14.17-101
Old Paradians
2.0-12
4.2-26
6.8-44
6.10-46
UHS-VU Goal Kickers: T. Waters 4, B. Jackson 4, A. Christiansen 2, N. Devereux 2, E. Ramsay, J. Dimattina Best Players: E. Ramsay, I. Brambley, G. Sharrock, T. Waters, B. Jackson, N. Devereux OLD PARADIANS Goal Kickers: M. Mahony, J. Kappos, A. D Souza, J. Kandilakis, B. Walton, M. Boundy Best Players: W. Gilmore, W. Jeffrey, B. Walton, J. Kappos, M. Mahony Best on Ground Medal: Nick Devereux (UHS-VU)
Louis Phillips (MHSOB)
Michael Bellizia (Old Paradians)
VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2018
Ryal Yak (Power House)
42
DIVISION 2 RESERVES
Whitefriars celebrate the Division 2 Reserve premiership Angus Hands (Whitefriars)
PREMIERSHIP LADDER Whitefriars Football Club UHS-VU MHSOB Old Paradians Yarra Old Grammarians Emmaus St Leos St Johns Bulleen Templestowe Power House AFC Eltham Collegians AFC
P
W
L
D
B
FF
F
A
%
PTS
18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18
15 15 15 14 10 7 4 4 4 0
2 2 3 4 8 11 13 14 14 17
1 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
1954 1911 2152 1471 1480 1023 865 842 679 546
577 567 708 730 1176 1521 1716 1813 1808 2315
338.65 337.04 303.95 201.51 125.85 67.26 50.41 46.44 37.56 23.59
62 62 60 56 40 28 18 16 16 2
Division 2 Reserves Premiership Team: Whitefriars Football Club FB HB C HF FF FOLL I/C COACH
Chris Brock, Luke Galtieri, Ben Kelsey James Battista, Daniel Dowisha, Paul Hennessy Toby McGurgan, Liam Smith, Damian Jacotine Damian Loh, Calvin Spencer, Corey Dineen Alex Marcello, Alistair Corbett, Nick Mercuri Zac Drysdale, Max Warrick, Nicholas Hee Tom Gastin, Jack Zita, Ben Galtieri, Ben Tatterson Tom Murphy
Division 2 Reserves Grand Final at Coburg City Oval Whitefriars Football Club MHSOB
3.2-20 2.1-13
4.3-27 3.5-23
6.8-44 3.6-24
WHITEFRIARS FOOTBALL CLUB Goal Kickers: C. Dineen 3, T. Gastin 2, B. Galtieri, A. Marcello, B. Tatterson, N. Hee Best Players: D. Loh, N. Hee, M. Warrick, J. Battista, Z. Drysdale, B. Kelsey MHSOB Goal Kickers: J. Moran, J. McWhinney, B. Hayes, A. Tran, B. Burton, A. Lim Best Players: C. McWhinney, B. Hayes, T. Norton, J. Capuano, O. Miles, A. Tran Best on Ground Medal: Corey Dineen (Whitefriars)
43
VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2018
9.13-67 6.9-45
DIVISION 3
DIVISION 3
Seven sides spent time in the top four throughout the Division 3 season but it was Glen Eira who claimed the flag for the second time in three years, defeating Hawthorn AFC by 15 points at Trevor Barker Oval. The Gryphons were unlucky to suffer relegation in 2017 after winning seven games but bounced back under the guidance of St Kevin’s OB premiership coach, Jon Edgar. GLEN EIRA
MANNINGHAM COBRAS
ALBERT PARK
The Gryphons entered the finals on the back of 17 wins and the minor premiership and defeated the Hawks by one point in a thrilling qualifying final. Despite losing star ruckman and 2016 Hutchinson Medallist, Julius Waras-Carstensen, to a broken arm in the semi, the Gryphons proved too strong again in the decider as they ran over their modern foe. They averaged just 62.2 points against for the season and were the number oneranked defensive unit. Lachlan Pound finished equal-fourth with 17 votes in the B&F count, while Julian Stone, Stuart Carey, Todd Richardson and Pound were each named in the Team of the Year. Richardson also earnt selection in the successful B-Div 4 Big V side in July.
The Cobras missed finals by less than 8% after finishing the season with 10 wins alongside Aquinas and Swinburne. It all came down to Round 18 when they faced off with the Bloods but went down by 57 points, which ultimately ended their finals hopes. Kane Maghamez continued his excellent goal kicking form from 2017 and led all comers with 56 this season. He was also their sole selection in the Team of the Year at full-forward.
A single win for the year saw Albert Park conclude in ninth place, with relegation to Division 4 a welcome result for the club during a time of redevelopment. The tireless work-rate of Falcon’s skipper, Jack Amies, was looked upon favourably by the Division 3 umpires, as he finished third in the Hutchinson Medal count with 18 votes – 13 votes higher than his nearest teammates in Kirk Murray and Adrian Snowden. Amies and Snowden’s solid seasons also earnt them a spot in the Division 3 Team of the Year, while the club recognised Justin Mahoney as their B&F winner.
HAWTHORN It was another heartbreaking end to the season for the Hawks as they suffered their second grand final loss in three years. They were, however, offensive juggernauts and averaged 120.2ppg with Richard Ogge and Steven Wintle kicking 41 goals apiece while Aaron Downie booted 36 from the midfield. Justin Raiti was outstanding in the ruck and polled 34 votes, including 10 BOG performances, to take out the Hutchinson Medal. Raiti, alongside Ogge, Downie and defender Cam Allum were each named in the Division 3 Team of the Year.
WESTBOURNE GRAMMARIANS The Warriors claimed 12 wins and finished third at the end of the home and away fixture and were the only side to defeat Glen Eira. The loss of captain Michael Culliver late in the home and away season proved detrimental for the Warriors heading into the finals series. Though they were able to account for a surging Aquinas (4th) outfit by 36 points in the first semi-final, the Warriors’ fast-start against Hawthorn AFC in the preliminary final (four goal to one opening term) simply wasn’t enough to secure their place in the section’s ultimate decider. Culliver had a standout season and was named vice-captain of the B-Div 4 Big V side, while Chris Hudson, Patrick O’Brien and Culliver were selected in the Team of the Year.
AQUINAS An incredible end to the home and away season saw the newly-promoted Aquinas jump from seventh spot on the ladder to fourth in Round 18. The Bloods struggled to maintain their run of form and went down to the Warriors by 36 points in the elimination final but will be buoyed by this year’s performance after claiming the Division 4 flag in 2017. Ash Naulty was named Coach of the Year alongside players Jake Cawsey and Lachlan Barnes.
VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2018
SWINBURNE UNIVERSITY Though only 8.99% was all that excluded Swinburne University from a chance at premiership glory in the finals series, the Razorbacks were one of just three teams in Division 3 who did not enter the top four at any stage during the year. The university side housed one of the section’s highest goalkickers in Riley Livingstone, while both he and Jackson Manning polled well in the Hutchinson Medal with a respective 13 and 14 votes. Livingstone’s 49-goal haul solidified his position in the Division 3 Team of the Year forward line.
CANTERBURY A flying start to the year saw Canterbury lodged firmly in the top four, with six wins on the trot after Round 7 and an enviable percentage of 131.68% to their name. Despite being a finals frontrunner early in the piece, the Cobras (7th) achieved nine wins by the seasons’ end which precluded Ryan Schneider - Albert Park them from a finals berth by just four premiership points. Ranked second best defensively in the section, a statistic far exceeding their Round 18 position in seventh, the Cobras let up an average of 73.8 points each game. Sam Murphy’s impact throughout the year saw him accumulate 17 votes and finish equal fourth in the Hutchinson Medal count. Murphy, accompanied by Martin Astbury and Rohan Warmsley, were all acknowledged with a place in the Division 3 Team of the Year.
LA TROBE UNIVERSITY Like their ninth-placed predecessors, Albert Park, La Trobe University concluded their 2018 season in Division 3 with one win. Loss of their usual home ground at the La Trobe University campus in Bundoora due to redevelopments proved detrimental for the Trobers, forcing them to relocate and play most home games at Parade College. With 58 players registering at least one match for the university side over the course of the year, only two of which played all 18 games, fielding a consistent team was difficult for senior coach Alan Ezard. Matthew Ogle’s form saw him selected in the Division 3 Team of the Year and poll the most votes for the Trobers in the Hutchinson Medal count (9).
RICHMOND CENTRAL With former Swinburne University coach, George Koumantatakis, at the helm and four wins under their belt in the first five weeks; Richmond Central looked primed to make a certifiable impact on the Division 3 competition. Similarly to the Cobras, however, from Round 5 onwards the Snakes only added three more wins to their tally for the season, with their ranking as the number one defensive side (R5) sliding to eighth by Round 18, and their scoring average declining from 92.8ppg to 76.2ppg over the same period. Chosen for his standout defensive work, the Richmond Centrals’ Stuart Beswick featured in the Division 3 Team of the Year.
44
Ash Naulty (Aquinas)
Glen Eira celebrate second Division 3 flag in three years
Division 3 Premiership Team: Glen Eira
PREMIER GLEN EIRA
P HUTCHINSON
MEDALLIST JUSTIN RAITI (Hawthorn)
V.B. ZANIN MEDAL
MEDALLIST
ANDREW BARRETT (Glen Eira)
LEADING GOAL KICKER
KANE MAGHAMEZ (Manningham Cobras)
FB
Daniel Baxter, Daniel Petsinis, Connor Huthwaite
HB
Kye Cherian, Michael Fletcher, Ashley Carey
C
Nathan Dennis, Todd Richardson, Nicolas Chapman
HF
Chris Higgins, Daniel Entwistle, Lachlan Pound
FF
Andrew Barrett, Alex Erwin-Ross, Matthew Harris
FOLL
Brent Connelly, Stuart Carey, Cale Hirschman
I/C
Jamie Doran, Matthew Wilkins, Anthony Rowe, Jill-Ivan Nuguid
COACH
Jon Edgar
Leading Goal Kickers NAME
CLUB
Kane Maghamez
Manningham Cobras
TOTAL 56
Riley Livingstone
Swinburne University
49
Jake Cawsey
Aquinas
41
Dale Collins
Westbourne Grammarians
40
P Hutchinson Medal PLAYER
CLUB
Justin Raiti
Hawthorn
VOTES 34
Michael Culliver
Westbourne Grammarians
22
Jack Amies
Albert Park
18
Lachlan Pound
Glen Eira
17
Sam Murphy
Canterbury
17
Scribe Team of the Year FB
Lachlan Barnes (Aq)
Chris Hudson (WG)
Stuart Beswick (RC)
HB
Adrian Snowden (AP)
Cam Allum (Haw)
Sam Murphy (Cant)
C
Julian Stone (GE)
Stuart Carey (GE)
Patrick O'Brien (WG)
HF
Jake Cawsey (Aq)
Aaron Downie (Haw)
Martin Astbury (Cant)
FF
Richard Ogge (Haw)
Kane Maghamez (Mann)
Riley Livingstone (Swin)
FOLL
Justin Raiti (Haw) - C
Michael Culliver (WG) -VC
Lachlan Pound (GE)
TEAM OF THE YEAR
I/C
Todd Richardson (GE)
Jack Amies (AP)
Matthew Ogle (LTU)
Rohan Warmsley (Cant)
COACH
Ash Naulty (Aq)
45
VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2018
DIVISION 3 RESULTS PREMIERSHIP LADDER Michael Daly (Swinburne University)
Glen Eira Hawthorn Westbourne Grammarians Aquinas Manningham Cobras Swinburne University Canterbury Football Club Richmond Central Albert Park AFC La Trobe University AFC
P
W
L
D
B
FF
For
Agst
%
PTS
18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18
17 13 12 10 10 10 9 7 1 1
1 5 6 8 8 8 9 11 17 17
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2104 2164 1855 1784 1632 1687 1569 1372 1000 773
1119 1414 1346 1468 1430 1499 1329 1510 2185 2640
188.03 153.04 137.82 121.53 114.13 112.54 118.06 90.86 45.77 29.28
68 52 48 40 40 40 36 28 4 4
Division 3 Grand Final at Trevor Barker Oval Glen Eira Hawthorn
2.1-13 2.4-16
3.4-22 5.6-36
8.6-54 7.9-51
GLEN EIRA Goal Kickers: A. Barrett 5, B. Connelly 2, L. Pound, M. Wilkins, A. Rowe Best Players: A. Barrett, C. Hirschman, T. Richardson, M. Fletcher, A. Carey, M. Harris HAWTHORN Goal Kickers: T. Bowler 2, R. Ogge, S. Wintle, C. Bilton-Gough, C. Travaglia, J. Ridley, N. Raiti Best Players: B. Johnston, C. Allum, D. Johnston, J. Perks, J. Raiti, N. Raiti V.B Zanin Medallist: Andrew Barrett (Glen Eira)
Kye Cherian (Glen Eira)
Tim Rogers (Westbourne Grammarians)
VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2018
Travis Whittle (Hawthorn AFC)
46
10.12-72 8.9-57
DIVISION 3 RESERVES
It was an emotional Division 3 Reserve premiership for Hawthorn AFC after losing club legend Dan Lauletta
PREMIERSHIP LADDER Glen Eira Aquinas Hawthorn Westbourne Grammarians Albert Park AFC Richmond Central Manningham Cobras Swinburne University Canterbury Football Club La Trobe University AFC
P
W
L
D
B
FF
F
A
%
PTS
18 18 17 17 18 17 18 17 17 13
15 13 11 11 11 9 8 4 2 0
3 5 5 5 7 8 10 13 15 13
0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 1 1 0 1 0 1 1 0
1769 1655 1378 1359 1238 1428 1065 1069 826 209
629 954 1001 1046 1076 920 1127 1343 1530 2557
281.24 173.48 137.66 129.92 115.06 155.22 94.5 79.6 53.99 8.17
60 52 50 50 44 40 32 20 12 0
Division 3 Reserves Premiership Team: Hawthorn FB HB C HF FF FOLL I/C COACH
Tim Chapman, Phil Avery, Adam Collins Trent Pengilly, James Barker, Tom Bevan Matt Bolte, James Smith, Serge Moussi Lee Jefferies, Daniel Bye, Ciaran McAdam Matt Downie, Dave Upton, Danny Priest Josh Strachan, Zac Jardine, Dayan Tatlock Daniel Grieves, James Murray, Simon Lauletta, Tom Reddecliffe James Barker & Serge Moussi
Division 3 Reserves Grand Final at Trevor Barker Oval Glen Eira Hawthorn
1.1-7 0.8-8
1.5-11 3.10-28
2.8-20 6.11-47
GLEN EIRA Goal Kickers: J. Tobin, T. Strudwick, A. Flowerday, L. Laucher-Linares Best Players: V. Coffey, M. Ramanathan, T. Dobson, B. Rose, M. Savage, J. Tobin HAWTHORN Goal Kickers: D. Upton 3, J. Strachan, D. Priest, J. Murray, M. Downie Best Players: T. Bevan, J. Murray, D. Bye, T. Chapman, P. Avery, J. Strachan Best on Ground Medal: Tim Chapman (Hawthorn) Rohan Walmsley (Canterbury)
47
VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2018
4.9-33 7.13-55
DIVISION 4
BULLS BUCK 37-YEAR TREND After an historic 18-year long stay in Division 4 and an even longer 37-year gap between premierships, North Brunswick were able to cap off an incredible season and down a gallant Parkside by 36 points to finally, elevate themselves into Division 3 for season 2019. NORTH BRUNSWICK AFC
After falling short last year, the Bulls put together an incredible home and away season and topped it off with the club’s first premiership since 1981, an exclamation mark on what was a memorable year for the club. Led by the George brothers, Jake and Brendon, and the always dangerous Michael Salloum, the trio put together one of the more electrifying forward combinations in the club’s history, allowing North Brunswick to stand head and shoulders above the rest of the competition. The Bulls will now enter Division 3 for the first time since 2000 and will be sure to make a lot of noise in season 2019.
PARKSIDE FOOTBALL CLUB
The Red Devils ended the year as one of the hottest teams in the competition, winning 11 of their final 12 games before running into the unstoppable locomotive that was North Brunswick. As well as putting together one of the club’s best seasons in recent memory, individual brilliance from Isaac Romano, Adam Wells and D4 best and fairest winner Marco Creek headlined the Red Devils’ year. Despite falling short in September, Parkside will follow the Bulls into Division 3 next season, and should hold all the confidence in the world that they’ll be able to surprise a few teams.
ST FRANCIS XAVIER OC
Finishing their 2017 campaign with just two wins and a freshly carved wooden spoon, the X-Men were in the driver’s seat to once again be cannon fodder for the rest of the competition. But thanks to an electrifying 4-0 start and wins in six of their first seven contests, a high-scoring game style led by Harrison Coe, Dylan Alexander and Andrew Daly, as well as a dominate midfield core of Brendan O’Hara, Stephen Chin and club best and fairest winner Daniel Chin, the X-Men were able to right the wrongs of 2017 and put together a campaign they can be proud of.
SOUTH MELBOURNE DISTRICTS
Entering Division 4 after a winless season in Division 3 last year, the Swans were eager to hit the ground running and begin their comeback year with a bang. The Bloods managed to put together a perfect six weeks of football to start the season, notching second position and a healthy
VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2018
percentage in tow. But an inexplicable change in form saw their season spiral out of control, managing only four wins from their next 12 encounters, and barely managing to scrape into September action. Veteran Steve Clarke was once again the bright light for the squad, placing equal sixth in the OJ Meehan Medal count.
SOUTH MORNINGTON
Re-entering Division 4 after a two-year stint in Club XVIII, the Tigers were one of the big unknowns as the 2018 season tipped off. A slow 0-4 start, followed by wins in nine of their next 11 matches, and three heart-breaking defeats to end the year saw them miss September action by just one game. Travis French was dominant up-forward all season long as he booted 83 goals from his 15 games to take home the goal-kicking award, helping the Tigers put together a significantly improved season at the newly-redeveloped Citation Oval.
ELSTERNWICK
Like South Mornington, the Wickers were slow out of the gates but exploded in the back half of the year to firmly put their name in the mix for an unlikely finals berth. Sitting in eighth position with just three wins after Round 11, Elsternwick claimed six of their next seven games, averaging over 124 points in those six wins. Lachlan Lloyd put together an outstanding year as he finished ninth in the OJ Meehan Medal with 10 votes, while Julian Yeatman and Justin Hunter both booted over 50 goals apiece to give the Wickers some major confidence heading into next season.
MT LILYDALE OC
After cracking the top four last year, the Rams were expected to once again be a prominent side in season 2018. Unfortunately, Mt Lilydale only managed to put together five wins in what was a lacklustre year. After claiming the upset of the season by downing North Brunswick in Round 11, the Rams were sitting in sixth and hot on the heels of both the Swans and Sharks, but seven straight defeats to end the season ended any hope of an unlikely finals berth.
BOX HILL NORTH AFC
Premiers in the Club XVIII (2) competition in 2017, the hopes for the Dees to produce a competitive and successful campaign in Division 4 were strong. Despite an impressive Round 1 win over grand finalists, Parkside, the Dees were unable to follow in the footsteps of fellow Club XVIII counterparts South Mornington, as they struggled to find their groove. Finishing with five wins for the season, the Dees will use it as a good measuring stick to see where they are at as 2019 approaches.
MASALA FOOTBALL CLUB
Under the guidance of new senior coach, Alan Sutherland, the Tigers managed just two wins in 2018. They were, however, significant victories against South Melbourne Districts and Mt Lilydale. Sam Freeman was once again a standout for the Tigers with 12 votes in the OJ Meehan Medal count as they now look to build their future at Fotheringham Reserve. Jake Morris
ELEY PARK SHARKS
Hovering around a 50%-win rate for the majority of the year, Eley Park were always in a position to pounce and make that leap but struggled to find the required consistency. Sitting in equal fourth after Round 14, battling against a slumping Swans side and red-hot Tigers outfit, the Sharks had the opportunity to jump into the top four and perhaps put together a solid September campaign, but four losses to end the year meant they narrowly missed out. Joshua Balon was once again the Sharks’ star, putting together another memorable year.
48
Daniel Chin (SFX)
North Brunswick won their first senior flag in 37 years
Division 4 Premiership Team: North Brunswick FB
Gavin Livingstone, Cameron Lee, Justin Fistrovic
HB
Davor Lucevic, Richard O'Connell, James Davis
C
Ashley Rae, Peter Butler, Seamus Lynch
HF
Pat Notaro, Jake George, Matthew David
FF
Brendan George, Michael Salloum, Andrew Ramzy
FOLL
Chris Bateman, Simon Main, Steve Monteleone
I/C
Karl Brockman, Hugh Sheehan, Robbie Santocroce, Luke Wentworth
COACH
Marcus Butera
Leading Goal Kickers NAME
CLUB
Travis French
South Mornington
TOTAL 83
Julian Yeatman
Elsternwick
59
Brendon George
North Brunswick
58
Michael Salloum
North Brunswick
52
O J Meehan Medal Steves Monteleone (North Brunswick)
PREMIER
NORTH BRUNSWICK O J MEEHAN
MEDALLIST
MARCO CREEK (Parkside)
PLAYER
CLUB
Marco Creek
Parkside
VOTES 24
Daniel Chin
St Francis Xavier
23
Adam Wells
Parkside
17
Isaac Romano
Parkside
14
Peter Cassidy-Marsh
Mt Lilydale
14
Scribe Team of the Year FB
Cameron Lee (NB)
Josh Lafrenchi (SFX)
Anthony Waters (Park)
HB
Brandon Kelly (Mas)
Ryan Egglestone (SFX)
Torren Wright (SMD)
C
Seamus Lynch (NB)
Daniel Chin (SFX)
Adam Wells (Park)
HF
Michael Salloum (NB)
Julian Yeatman (Elst) - C
Harrison Coe (SFX)
FF
Brendon George (NB)
Travis French (SM)
Jake George (NB)
A.K. WHITE MEDALLIST
FOLL
Cam Liston (BHN)
Marco Creek (Park)
Steve Clarke (SMD) - VC
(North Brunswick)
I/C
Aaron Potter (ML)
Joshua Balon (EP)
Lachlan Lloyd (Elst)
CHRIS BATEMAN
COACH
TEAM OF THE YEAR Isaac Romano (Park)
Marcus Butera (NB)
LEADING GOAL KICKER TRAVIS FRENCH (South Mornington)
49
VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2018
DIVISION 4 RESULTS
PREMIERSHIP LADDER North Brunswick AFC Parkside Football Club St Francis Xavier OC South Melbourne Districts South Mornington Elsternwick Eley Park Sharks Mt Lilydale OC Box Hill North AFC Masala Football Club
P
W
L
D
B
FF
For
Agst
%
PTS
18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18
16 14 12 10 9 9 8 5 5 2
2 4 6 8 9 9 10 13 13 16
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2165 1933 2014 1566 1617 1660 1409 1253 1229 843
1039 1000 998 1529 1619 1670 1810 1692 1964 2368
208.37 193.3 201.8 102.42 99.88 99.4 77.85 74.05 62.58 35.6
64 56 48 40 36 36 32 20 20 8
Division 4 Grand Final at Garvey Oval North Brunswick AFC
4.3-27
9.7-61
12.10-82
15.11-101
Parkside Football Club
2.2-14
3.2-20
6.9-45
9.11-65
NORTH BRUNSWICK AFC Goal Kickers: B. George 5, M. David 2, P. Butler 2, J. George, D. Lucevic, S. Monteleone, S. Lynch, M. Salloum, R. Santacroce Best Players: C. Bateman, M. David, B. George, J. Fistrovic, C. Lee, G. Livingston
Jack Stevenson (South Melbourne Districts)
PARKSIDE FOOTBALL CLUB Goal Kickers: L. Logozzo 3, M. Romano 3, C. McGayden, M. Soligo, A. Waters Best Players: C. McGayden, M. Romano, M. Creek, A. Wells A.K. White Medal: Chris Bateman (North Brunswick)
Jarrad Swire (Elsternwick AFC)
James Graham (South Mornington)
VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2018
Matthew Soligo (Parkside)
50
DIVISION 4 RESERVES
North Brunswick celebrate the Division 4 reserve premiership
PREMIERSHIP LADDER North Brunswick AFC St Francis Xavier OC Sth Melbourne Districts Parkside Football Club South Mornington Eley Park Sharks Box Hill North AFC Mt Lilydale OC Elsternwick Masala Football Club
P
W
L
D
B
FF
F
A
%
PTS
18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18
17 15 13 11 8 7 6 6 5 2
1 3 5 7 10 11 12 12 13 16
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2115 1968 1734 1632 1221 1125 1326 1003 1060 704
581 775 878 1198 1438 1766 1760 1396 1603 2504
364.03 253.94 197.49 136.23 84.91 63.7 75.34 71.85 66.13 28.12
68 60 52 44 32 28 24 24 20 8
Premier Reserves Premiership Team: North Brunswick
Parkside in the Division 4 reserves grand final
FB HB C HF FF FOLL I/C COACH
Evan Davey, Joe Hickey, Max Coutts James Hayes, Vinny Aulich, Louis Orfanidis Yohan Jayasinghe, Andrew Keegan, Richard Dowsett Keary Mourelatos, Aaron Sparkes, Daniel Orr Wendall Goyne, Chris Gregory, Steven Miller Jarryd Bendall, Tom Falconer, Troy Geary Gus Selaidinakos, Ryan Schroder, Pat Aulich, John Tiernan Scott Rymer, Sam Willatt
Premier Reserves Grand Final at Garvey Oval North Brunswick AFC Parkside Football Club
5.7-37 5.2-32
5.7-37 5.2-32
7.8-50 5.3-33
NORTH BRUNSWICK AFC Goal Kickers: D. Orr 2, T. Falconer 2, S. Miller, C. Gregory, R. Dowsett, R. Schroder, K. Mourelatos Best Players: J. Bendall, V. Aulich, A. Keegan, P. Aulich, J. Hayes, T. Falconer PARKSIDE FOOTBALL CLUB Goal Kickers: S. Loggozzo 5, Anthony Romano 3, C. Bingham 1 Best: S. Loggozzo, A Obialor, E. Mason, A. Romano, M. Daminato Best on Ground Medal: Troy Geary (North Brunswick)
North Brunswick celebrate the double with seniors and reserves flags
51
VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2018
9.8-62 9.6-60
BIG V MEN’S VS ADELAIDE FOOTY LEAGUE History was made in 2018 when the VAFA sent both a senior men’s and women’s team to South Australia to play against the Adelaide Footy League (formerly known as the SAAFL) at Aldi Arena on Saturday 9 June. Both sides registered sensational victories, with the men overpowering their opponents by 50 points just hours after the women ran out 37-point winners. Leading by nine points at half time, the Big V men accelerated in the third and fourth with 14 goals to eight and finished with 40 scoring shots to 20. 13 players shared the spoils in front of goal with captain George Burbury (Collegians) and St Kevin’s OB sharp shooter Billy Kanakis top-scoring with three goals each. Viv Michie (Collegians) starred in a best-onground performance as he racked up disposals at will through the midfield, while Josh Freezer (Old Melburnians), Anthony Scott (Old Trinity), Antony Forato (De La Salle) and Harry Hill (Old Brighton) were named the Big V’s best players.
Harry Hill (Old Brighton)
VAFA Senior Men’s vs Adelaide Footy League Adelaide Footy League
2.1-13
6.1-37
8.2-50
14.6-90
VAFA Senior Men’s
3.4-22
6.10-46
11.17-83
20.20-140
ADELAIDE FOOTY LEAGUE
Best: N. Hales, A. Forster, B. De Prinse, C. Tiggemann, C. Hay Goals: P. Rolfe 3, T. Carcuro 3, T. Langford 2, H. Martinello, C. Tiggemann, T. Corcoran, L. Manuel, C. Elliott, P. Seymour VAFA Best Adelaide Footy League Player: Alex McKay
VAFA SENIOR MEN’S
Best: V. Michie, A. Scott, J. Freezer, A. Forato, H. Hill Goals: G. Burbury 3, B. Kanakis 3, V. Michie 2, A. Armstrong 2, L. Dornauf 2, C. Cassidy, H. Hill, G. Gleeson, C. Hylton, M. Handley, S. Hibbins, T. Paule, M. Barnes Spirit of the Big V: Josh Freezer (Old Melburnians) Best VAFA Player: Viv Michie (Collegians) Adelaide Footy League Best VAFA Player: Anthony Scott (Old Trinity)
George Burbury (Collegians)
Anthony Scott (Old Trinity)
Back row: Matt Monaghan (Asst Coach), Simon Beaumont (Asst Coach), Stephen Powell (Asst Coach), Al Armstrong (Old Melburnians), Nick Wood (St Kevin’s OB), Matthew Handley (Old Xaverians), Sam Hibbins (Collegians), Antony Forato (De La Salle), Gerard Gleeson (St Kevin’s OB), Josh Freezer (Old Melburnians), Sam Critchley (St Kevin’s OB), Corey Cassidy (Collegians), Courtney Hylton (Collegians), Mick Overman (Director of Representative Football), Kylie da Fonte (Trainer), Mark Tomlinson (Physio), Carly McConnell (Physio) Front row: Sam Confait (GM Football Operations), Jason Tutt (De La Salle), Sam Crocker (Old Carey), Billy Kanakis (St Kevin’s OB), Anthony Scott (Old Trinity), Lochy Dornauf (University Blacks), Harry Hill (Old Brighton), George Burbury (C) (Collegians), Stuart Powell (Head Coach), Tom Paule (VC) (Old Melburnians), William Coates (St Kevin’s OB), Tom Quinn (University Blues), Michael Barnes (St Bedes/Mentone Tigers), Viv Michie (Collegians), Dave Murray (Asst Coach)
VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2018
52
BIG V WOMEN’S VS ADELAIDE FOOTY LEAGUE Earlier in the day, the VAFA women’s Big V side commenced proceedings in emphatic fashion, defeating their South Australian opponents by 37 points. Despite kicking an inaccurate 6.13, the women’s side led from start to finish, with Sarah Cameron (SKOB Saints) booting three goals in a dominant display. Taylor Padfield (Marcellin) was unstoppable in the ruck and gave our midfielders first use all day, while Nat MacDonald (Marcellin) seemingly had the ball on a string across half back and was deservedly rewarded with the Spirit of the Big V. Ruby Grounds (MUWFC) and Dani Calautti (Kew) were outstanding through the midfield, while Caitlin Greiser (MUWFC) provided a target up forward all day. It was the first time our women’s team had travelled interstate.
Laura Robertson (Marcellin)
VAFA Senior Women’s vs Adelaide Footy League Adelaide Footy League
1.0-6
1.0-6
1.0-6
2.0-12
VAFA Senior Women’s
1.4-10
3.5-23
5.9-39
6.13-49
ADELAIDE FOOTY LEAGUE
Best: C. Packer, K. Pearson, C. Reynolds, T. Morcom, C. Frankland Goals: C. Cavouras, T. McKay VAFA Best Adelaide Footy League Player: Czenya Cavouras
VAFA SENIOR WOMEN’S
Best: T. Padfield, N. MacDonald, S. Cameron, R. Grounds, D. Calautti Goals: S. Cameron 3, R. Watson, T. Zagontinos, C. Greiser Spirit of the Big V: Natalie MacDonald (Marcellin) Best VAFA Player: Taylor Padfield (Marcellin) Adelaide Footy League Best VAFA Player: Danielle Calautti (Kew)
Rebekah Watson (Mazenod)
Sarah Cameron (SKOB Saints)
Back row: Pete Summers (Asst Coach), Cat O’Brien (Old Brighton), Jaime Head (Old Carey), Sarah Cameron (SKOB Saints), Taylor Padfield (VC) (Marcellin), Caitlin Greiser (MUWFC), Margaret Gleeson (SKOB Saints), Imogen Barnett (Old Trinity), Alexandra Rock (Marcellin), Ellie McLinden (SKOB Saints), Shaylee Taylor (Marcellin), Christine Nancarrow (Collegians), Frank Dunnell (Asst Coach) Front row: Tina Macumber (Asst Coach), Tessa Zagontinos (Marcellin), Penny Brown (Hawthorn AFC), Riley Christgoergl (Old Xaverians), Dani Calautti (Kew), Rebekah Watson (Mazenod), John Kanis (Head Coach), Ruby Grounds (C) (MUWFC), Hannah Stuart (Old Mentonians), Sasha Long (Beaumaris), Natalie McDonald (Marcellin), Rhiannon Green (Old Camberwell), Tom Sullivan (St Bernard’s) Laura Robertson (Marcellin), Shona MacInnes (Team Manager)
53
VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2018
BIG V B-D4 VS WAAFL The Premier B - Division 4 Big V side made it three wins from three games for the VAFA after they came from behind to defeat the Western Australian Amateur Football League (WAAFL) by 16 points at Trevor Barker Oval on Saturday 7 July. After an even first term with just three points separating the two sides, the WAAFL gained the ascendancy in the second term thanks to a dominant midfield-ruck combination of Cameron Yukich and Matthew Ah Siu, before a late Sam Glenn goal (Peninsula OB) brought the margin to just seven points at the main break. Charlie Dillon (Parkdale Vultures) was exceptional in a standout opening half but failed to see out the game after a head knock early in the third.
James Paul (Old Haileyburians)
The WAAFL kicked the opening goal of the third term to stretch the lead to double digits once again before a Tim Nixon-inspired (Caulfield Grammarians) comeback ensued with two VAFA goals, leaving the teams 42 apiece heading into the final term. A further three goals in the fourth solidified the comeback win for the Big V, with their defence consistently repelling WAAFL forward thrusts led by Andrew Kay (Marcellin), Max Ellis (Fitzroy), Ryan Jeffrey (Old Paradians), Blair Atkins (Ormond) and Jake Mennuni (Therry Penola). Nick Reeves-Smyth (Old Ivanhoe) was outstanding with two goals while James Paul (Old Haileybury) and Christian Carnovale (Hampton Rovers) lifted in a sensational second half. Kane Nissenbaum (Ajax) was sent to Ah Siu after half time and received the Spirit of the Big V Award for his effort, while Philip Dyck (Aquinas) used his athleticism to quell the ruck dominance of Yukich. Joel Cusack (Beaumaris) provided a target up forward and was named the WAAFL’s Best VAFA Player for his performance. Brad Jordan (MHSOB) gave an impressive four-quarter performance. The combined side entered on a seven-game losing streak dating back to 2006.
Nick Reeves-Smyth (Old Ivanhoe)
Michael Culliver (Westbourne Grammarians)
AAFC Championship Match VAFA B-D4
2.1-13
4.3-27
6.6-42
9.6-60
WAAFL
2.4-16
5.4-34
6.6-42
6.8-44
Best: T. Nixon, J. Paul, K. Nissenbaum, P. Dyck, A. Kay, C. Carnovale, J. Cusack Goals: N. Reeves-Smyth 2, T. Nixon, S. Glenn, L. Riley, N. Petering, C. Dillon, M. Dolan, J. Cusack Spirit of the Big V: Kane Nissenbaum (Ajax) Best VAFA Player: Tim Nixon (Caulfield Grammarians) WAAFL Best VAFA Player: Joel Cusack (Beaumaris) VAFA Best WAAFL Player: Matthew Ah Siu
Back row: Paul Milner (Asst Coach), James Tyquin (Runner), Adam Collett (Asst Coach), Jock Grimshaw (Old Geelong), Ryan Jeffrey (Old Paradians), Jake Mennuni (Therry Penola), Nick Reeves-Smyth (Old Ivanhoe), Manny Dolan (St Mary’s Salesian), Joel Cusack (Beaumaris), Philip Dyck (Aquinas), Charlie Dillon (Parkdale), Max Ellis (Fitzroy), Andrew Kay (Marcellin), Tom O’Donnell (Fitzroy), Blair Atkins (Ormond), Shaun Scully (Team Manager), Peter McBrearty (Asst Coach) Front row: Sam Glenn (Peninsula), James Paul (Old Haileybury), Christian Carnovale (Hampton Rovers), Brad Jordan (MHSOB), Tim Nixon (C) (Caulfield Grammarians), Russell Barnes (Head Coach), Michael Culliver (VC) (Westbourne Grammarians), Kane Nissenbaum (Ajax), Nick Petering (Monash Blues), Todd Richardson (Glen Eira), Liam Riley (Mazenod)
VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2018
54
BIG V U19S VS AFL VIC COUNTRY
Cameron Hodges (St Kevin’s OB)
The Big V U19s made it four wins from separate teams for the first time in the history of our Association when they defeated AFL Victoria Country by 23 points at Mars Stadium in Ballarat on Sunday 8 July. Following in the footsteps of the senior men’s, women’s and B-D4 sides over the previous month, the Big V set the scene for their first win against the Country in five years when they kicked five unanswered goals in the opening term and led by 34 points. The Country answered in the second with most of the play, but the Big V defence held strong before piling on another four goals to three in the second half. Anthony Zimmerman (Old Brighton) continued his outstanding club form with two goals in a BOG performance, while skipper Charlie Thompson
Luke Di Lizio (St Bernard’s)
(Old Carey), Luke Di Lizio (St Bernard’s) and Lewis Diggins (Beaumaris) impressed.
Geordie Nagle (De La Salle)
ruck and Durras Seccull (Old Haileybury) joined Zimmerman as the only other multiple goal scorer.
Ned Reeves (St Kevin’s OB) was outstanding in the
U19 Challenge Cup Energy Safe Victoria Country VAFA U19s
ENERGY SAFE VICTORIA COUNTRY
0.0-0
2.6-18
3.6-24
5.14-44
5.5-35
5.6-36
9.11-65
9.13-67
VAFA U19s
Best: H. Benson, M. Casey, S. James, B. Melville, L. Noble Best: A. Zimmerman, L. Diggins, L. Di Lizio, C. Thompson, A. Hicks, N. Reeves, K. Beveridge Goals: J. Richards 2, L. Noble 2, M. Casey Goals: A. Zimmerman 2, D. Seccull 2, L. Diggins, VAFA Best Energy Safe Victoria Country Player: K. Beveridge, S. Barnett, L. Di Lizio, S. Lovell Matt Casey Spirit of the Big V: Lewis Diggins (Beaumaris) Best VAFA Player: Charlie Thompson (Old Carey) Energy Safe Victoria Country Best VAFA Player: Anthony Zimmerman (Old Brighton)
Back row: Paul Wintle (Asst Coach), Sam Barnett (St Kevin’s OB), Ben Connolly (Williamstown CYMS), Geordie Nagle (VC) (De La Salle), Luke Di Lizio (St Bernard’s), Matthew King (Old Carey), Shaun Lovell (Mazenod), Josh Gorman (Beaumaris), Ned Reeves (St Kevin’s OB), Charlie Thompson (C) (Old Carey), Durras Seccull (Old Haileybury), Lewis Diggins (Beaumaris), Tom Yorgey (Old Brighton), Kai Owens (Beaumaris), Max Martin (Old Scotch), Ben Huggard (St Bernard’s), Dave Kinsella (Head Coach), Greg Meredith (Asst Coach) Front row: Dave O’Brien (Runner), Anthony Zimmerman (Old Brighton), Tom Jepson (Old Carey), Kye Beveridge (St Bedes/Mentone Tigers), Angus Hicks (Old Melburnians), Cameron Hodges (St Kevin’s OB), Lachlan Harris (Caulfield Grammarians), Michael Romero (St Kevin’s OB), Peter O’Brien (Asst Coach)
55
VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2018
BIG V CLUB INDUCTEES
Honour Board
Brian Bourke (De La Salle), David Hughes (Old Scotch), Wayne Carey (St Bernard’s)
Wayne Carey (St Bernard’s) - Big V Champion CLUB RECORD
BIG V RECORD
St Bernard’s: 1983-86, 1989-94
• • • •
• • • • •
120 games Vice-captain: 1990-94 Best & Fairest: 1991 Premiership: 1991 (B Grade) Team of the Half Century: 1st Ruck
9 Big V Games Years played: 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994 AAFC Carnivals: 1991, 1994 All Australian: 1994
Brian Bourke (De La Salle) – Big V Champion CLUB RECORD De La Salle: 1973-85 • • • • • •
211 games Captain: 1982-83 5 Premierships Best & Fairest: 1984 A Section Best & Fairest: 1979 Team of the Century (2013)
• Life Member: 1985
BIG V RECORD • • • • • •
9 Big V Games Years played: 1975, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983 Captain: 1982 Vice-captain: 1983 AAFC Carnival: 1982 All Australian Games: 1983
David Hughes (Old Scotch) – Big V Legend CLUB RECORD
BIG V RECORD
Old Scotch: 1961-76
• • • • • • • •
• • • • •
165 games Captain: 1969-71 Best & Fairest: 1967 Team of the Century (2000) Life Member: 2000
VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2018
10 Big V Games Years Played: 1964, 1965, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1971 Captain: 1969 Vice-captain: 1967, 1968, 1971 AAFC Carnivals: 1964, 1967 Carnival Medallist: 1964, 1967 (Runner-up) All Australian Games: 1965, 1968 (Captain) All Australian: 1964, 1967
56
Big V Legends
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 2018
Rohan Brown David Hughes
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 Old Scotch
Big V Champions
Year Player 2008 Rick Brockwell 2008 Ian Cordner 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 2018 2018
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 Wayne Carey Brian Bourke
Club West Brunswick & Banyule Uni Blacks & Old Melburnians Ormond Old Melburnians Power House Thomastown Power House Comm Bank & VAFAUA Old Paradians St Bernard’s 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 St Bernard’s De La Salle
HOLMESGLEN UNDER 19 HOLMESGLEN U19 PREMIER
Lodging themselves at the top of the Holmesglen U19 Premier ladder for a cumulative 12 rounds during the home and away season, Old Xaverians proved their ascendancy via a nine-point victory over Old Scotch in the decider at Box Hill City Oval. Faced with an 11-point deficit heading into the fourth quarter, two early goals from BOG medallist Lucas Soccio put Xavs in prime position to claim the flag. Despite winning eight of their last nine matches in the home and away fixture, minor premiers De La Salle went out in straight sets in their finals campaign, bowing down to Old Scotch (34 points) in the second semi-final and eventual premiers, Old Xaverians (75 points), in the preliminary. Caulfield Grammarians, Beaumaris and St Bernard’s all concluded the year with seven wins and eight losses, and only 5.84% separated the three sides ladder-wise. Inevitably, Caulfield’s 3.24% advantage over Beaumaris (5th) saw them field the fourth and final place vying for premiership silverware, and a narrow four-point loss to the section’s best offensive (90.7ppg) and defensive (60.6ppg) unit in Old Xaverians was all that hindered their grand final run. St Kevin’s OB finished the year in seventh with just three wins. Old Scotch’s Lachlan Bangs took out the CR Newbury Medal with 29 votes, 14 votes more than Isaac Morrisby (Caulfield Grammarians) in second with 15.
HOLMESGLEN U19 PREMIER RESERVE
Not unlike their Holmesglen U19 Premier side, the Old Xaverians’ reserve team had an enviable 2018 season which was capped off with a 28-point grand final victory over St Kevin’s OB at Box Hill City Oval. Showcasing the best defence in the competition, Old Scotch (2nd) exited the finals series after succumbing to Old Xavs in the second semi-final by two points, before St Kevin’s OB (3rd) defeated the Cardinals by 50 points in the preliminary final. St Bernard’s (4th) partook in finals action courtesy of four additional premiership points over De La Salle (5th), who finished the season with six wins, one draw (St Bernard’s) and 11 losses. Beaumaris concluded 2018 in last place after winning on two occasions, both of which, to their credit, were against finals-bound opponents in SKOB (R13) and the Snow Dogs (R18). The umpires awarded SKOB’s Benjamin Pearce (13 votes) with the Holmesglen U19 Premier Reserve B&F medal for his season’s efforts, while Daniel Amicucci (OX) was deemed the BOG in his side’s grand final win.
HOLMESGLEN U19 SECTION 2 This section’s two standout sides, Williamstown CYMS and Old Carey, faced-off at Box Hill City Oval in the Holmesglen U19 Section 2 grand final, with the Panthers reversing their four-point loss to the CY’s in the second semi-final to claim premiership glory by three goals. In a blistering fourth quarter display, Old Carey overran the minor premiers with seven goals to four as their captain, Connor Virgona, showed class in a BOG outing. After accumulating 48 premiership points apiece during the home and away season, Parkdale Vultures (3rd) and St Bedes Mentone Tigers (4th) also participated in finals action, despite several
57
forfeits by both sides. Finishing in fifth and sixth, respectively, Old Ivanhoe and University Blues only narrowly missed finals with their 46 premiership points each, while the remarkable season of the Hoers’ Jack Welham (77 goals) was acknowledged as he received the GW McTaggart Medal by way of 22 votes. Collegians, Fitzroy and University Blacks concluded in seventh, eighth and ninth position, respectively, while difficulties fielding a team week-in/week-out resulted in several forfeited matches by Old Melburnians (10th), who concluded 2018 with just two wins.
VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2018
HOLMESGLEN U19 SECTION 3
Old Brighton backed up their minor premiership in the Holmesglen U19 Section 3 competition after winning the grand final by 24 points over Mazenod at Trevor Barker Oval. Though Brighton fell two goals short of Mazenod in the second semifinal, an emphatic 41-point win over Marcellin in the preliminary enabled them to reverse prior results and claim premiership silverware. Jake Turner’s four-goal haul proved the difference for Old Brighton, and in turn saw him named the BOG Medallist. Despite losing to the T’s in Round 5 and drawing in Round 12, Marcellin (4th) pipped Old Trinity (3rd) for the first time all season in the first semi-final by a goal. The T’s Anthony Larkey was a close second in the IA Brown Medal with 13 votes despite playing most of the season in the seniors, and teammate Jacob O’Neill was the leading goal-scorer for the section with 39. Losing five of their last six matches meant Ormond (5th) narrowly missed finals, though the club polled well in the IA Brown Medal count with Dylan Hamilton (14 votes) claiming the honours, while Zach Benson and James Van Oosten finished in equal second and equal fourth. Old Mentonians (6th) and Hampton Rovers (7th) managed five and four wins throughout the home and away season, respectively, meanwhile a single victory for the season saw Monash Blues finish in eighth place.
HOLMESGLEN U19 SECTION 4
After concluding the home and away season on top of the table with 14 wins, Old McKinnon/Glen Eira achieved ultimate success with a grand final win over PEGS at Trevor Barker Oval. Though unable to emulate their 40-point victory over the Bombers from the second semi-final, their 10goal opening half, four of which were from BOG Medallist Callum Drenth, helped sealed their premiership by 13 points. Even with the section’s Harry Harisiou Medallist and top goalkicker, James Connellan (71 goals), in their ranks, Whitefriars (3rd) missed the double chance advantage come finals when they finished below PEGS by a mere 4.49%. Although they hadn’t dropped a single season, the Swans managed to knock the Friars
HOLMESGLEN U19 SECTION 5
off their perch and scalp a one-point win in the
On both an individual and collective basis, very
(2nd), Old Paradians and Peninsula OB (4th), with
few accolades did not go Aquinas’ way in the
the Raiders (3rd) equalling the Bloods for time
Holmesglen U19 Section 5 competition in 2018.
spent on top of the ladder (seven weeks). Preston
The minor premiers and grand final winners
and Parkside filled sixth-eighth, respectively. The
Bullants, Williamstown CYMS, St Kevin’s OB and
had the Harry Overman Medallist in Campbell
challenge of fielding a team was also evident in
Grech, thanks to his dominant performance in
St Bedes/Mentone Tigers formed the main pack
the Holmesglen U19 Section 4 competition, as a
the decider, the Section 5 leading goal-scorer in
string of forfeits from both Brunswick NOBS (9th)
Jaycob Baxter (51 goals) and the section’s B&F
and Old Scotch (10th) resulted in their bottom-of-
medallist in Tyson Noyes, courtesy of 25 votes.
the-table positioning.
The remaining finals contenders were De La Salle
match against South Melbourne Districts (4th) all
first semi-final. Oakleigh (5th) were not far off a finals berth, while Old Geelong, Ivanhoe AFC
VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2018
58
of the Holmesglen U19 Section 5 competition, while Mazenod and Therry Penola trailed in ninth and tenth position, respectively. Alisha Min
UNDER 19 PREMIER PREMIERSHIP LADDER De La Salle Old Scotch Old Xaverians Caulfield Grammarians Beaumaris St Bernard’s St Kevin’s OB
P
W
L
D
B
FF
For
Agst
%
PTS
16 16 16 15 15 15 15
11 10 9 7 7 7 3
5 6 7 8 8 8 12
0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2 2 2 3 3 3 3
0 0 0 0 0 0 0
1279 1215 1451 1039 1009 993 542
1013 1036 970 1044 1048 1060 1389
126.26 117.28 149.59 99.52 96.28 93.68 39.02
52 48 44 40 40 40 24
U19 Premier Grand Final at Box Hill City Oval Old Scotch Old Xaverians
2.2-14 2.0-12
5.5-35 4.2-26
6.9-45 5.4-34
CR Newbury Medal
7.11-53 9.8-62
Player Lachlan Bangs Isaac Morissby Benjamin Ahearn Micheal Battan Jack Webster
OLD SCOTCH Goal Kickers: N. Croes 2, F. Morrisby, W. Clark, C. Loveridge, M. Hucul, C. Cormack Best Players: T. Blenheim, N. Croes, S. Townsend, A. Harding , W. Griffin, L. Bangs OLD XAVERIANS Goal Kickers: L. Agnoletto 2, L. Soccio 2, E. Ralph 2, T. Simmons, A. Sheedy, B. Scala Best Players: J. Dalbosco, L. Soccio, T. Hart, A. Sheedy, L. Agnoletto, J. Hess
FB HB C HF FF FOLL I/C
Leading Goalkickers Club De La Salle Old Scotch Old Xaverians Caulfield Grammarians
Votes 29 15 15 14 10
U19 Premier Premiership Team: Old Xaverians
T.A. Johnson Medal: Lucas Soccio (OX)
Player Charles McGaw William Clark Tom Simmons Lachlan Stephens
Club Old Scotch Caulfield Grammarians De La Salle Old Xaverians Caulfield Grammarians
Total 34 27 27 20
COACH
Lucas Watt, Jamie Hess, Michael Speakman Paddy Bourke, Jack Ungar, Tom Hart Ben Scala, Michael Batten ( C ), Billy Kennedy Jeremy Power, Ed Ralph, Jordan Troiani Sam Turner, Tom Simmons, Lucas Soccio Ollie Fraser, Lucas Agnoletto, James Dalbosco Finley Crameri, Lachie Doquile, Dylan Jones, Gustave Lachal, Charlie MacIssac, Angus Sheedy Sam Shaw
UNDER 19 PREMIER RESERVE PREMIERSHIP LADDER Old Xaverians Old Scotch St Kevin’s OB St Bernard’s De La Salle Beaumaris
P
W
L
D
B
FF
FOR
AGST
%
PTS
18 18 18 18 18 18
15 13 10 7 6 2
3 5 8 10 11 16
0 0 0 1 1 0
0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0
1533 1523 1423 1159 1186 805
1053 956 1056 1339 1265 1960
145.58 159.31 134.75 86.56 93.75 41.07
60 52 40 30 26 8
Under 19 Premier Reserve Grand Final at Box Hill City Oval Old Xaverians St Kevin’s OB
2.3-15 0.3-3
5.7-37 1.6-12
8.9-57 5.10-40
U19 Premier Reserve Best and Fairest Award
11.9-75 6.11-47
Player Benjamin Pearce Lachie Padbury Sam Hooper Daniel Amicucci Benjamin Melissinos James Skene
OLD XAVERIANS Goal Kickers: A. MacIsaac 6, J. Catania 4, D. Amicucci Best Players: D. Amicucci, A. MacIsaac, H. Willems, J. Catania, C. Connors ST KEVIN’S OB Goal Kickers: J. Willmott 5, L. Russell Best Players: J. Willmott, T. Andriske, J. Davidson, J. Doyle, C. Bryan, J. Liszukiewicz T.M. Lyon Medal: Daniel Amicucci (OX)
Votes 13 11 11 11 11 10
Under 19 Premier Reserve Premiership Team: Old Xaverians FB HB C HF FF FOLL I/C
Leading Goalkickers Player Lachie Padbury Jonathan Cantania Joshua Wilmots Thomas Hedley
Club St Kevin’s OB Old Scotch Old Scotch Old Xaverians De La Salle Old Xaverians
Club Old Scotch Old Xaverians St Kevin’s OB St Bernard’s
Total 47 41 37 24
COACH
59
Ben Lefebvre, Callum Kelly, Alex Eden-Lachowicz Charlie Connors, Harry Willems, Peter Beaton Matt Perrett ( C ), Julian Rickard, Nicholas McCaffrey Nicholas MacIssac, Jack Christopher, Charlie Niall Jon Catania, Adam MacIssac, Chris Vanderkley Henry Hall, Daniel Amicucci, Lachie MacKinnon Max Farrell, James Skene, Callum Goessler, Harry Ralph, Richard Beaton, Tom McCarthy Pat Allen
VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2018
UNDER 19 SECTION 2 PREMIERSHIP LADDER WIlliamstown CYMS Old Carey Parkdale Vultures St Bedes / Mentone Tigers Old Ivanhoe Grammarians University Blues Collegians Fitzroy FC University Blacks Old Melburnians
P
W
L
D
B
FF
For
Agst
%
PTS
17 18 16 16 18 17 16 18 17 13
12 13 10 10 11 11 6 5 2 2
5 5 6 6 6 5 10 13 15 11
0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
1 0 2 2 0 0 1 0 1 0
1473 1602 1360 1426 1472 1456 1003 1029 1197 815
1011 1169 1005 1110 1104 1137 1634 1609 1587 1711
145.7 137.04 135.32 128.47 133.33 128.06 61.38 63.95 75.43 47.63
52 52 48 48 46 46 28 20 12 8
Under 19 Section 2 Grand Final at Box Hill City Oval WIlliamstown CYMS Old Carey
0.5-5 3.2-20
3.7-25 4.6-30
5.10-40 5.8-38
GW McTaggart Medal
9.12-66 12.12-84
Player Jack Welham Riley Thompson Sam Allen Charlie King Taj Haines Adam Ball
WILLIAMSTOWN CYMS Goal Kickers: W. Smyth 5, H. Carter 2, J. Martyn, J. King Best Players: J. Kellett, H. Carter, B. Parkinson, A. Kirkland, W. Smyth, N. Malkoun OLD CAREY Goal Kickers: N. Brewin 4, J. Desmier 3, C. Bavage 2, L. Summers 2, L. Miller Best Players: C. Bavage, J. Desmier, L. Miller, B. Chatfield, N. Brewin, C. Clifford
Votes 22 16 13 13 13 13
U19 Section 2 Premiership Team: Old Carey
J.A. Miles Medal: Connor Virgona (Old Carey)
FB HB C HF FF FOLL I/C
Leading Goal Kickers Player Jack Welham Lachlan Willey John Jorgensen Matt Wetering
Club Old Ivanhoe Old Carey University Blues University Blues Williamstown CYMS St Bedes / Mentone Tigers
Club Old Ivanhoe St Bedes / Mentone Tigers Fitzroy Parkdale Vultures
Total 77 54 48 36
COACH
Tom Nixon, Dylan Wolters, Nick Valentine Ed Phillips, Henry Chapman, Charlie Clifford Oli Dickson, Mac Hogg, Riley Thompson Jack Desmier, Lachy Summers, Sam Morarty Lachy Miller, Nick Brewin, Lucas Mercorillo Connor Virgona, Noah Dempsey, Tadan Vitacca Harry Thomson, Tom Atkins, Brody Chatfield, Zach Dempsey, Connor Bavage, Matt Knox Jeremy Dickson
UNDER 19 SECTION 3 PREMIERSHIP LADDER Old Brighton Mazenod OC Old Trinity Grammarians Marcellin OC Ormond Old Mentonians Hampton Rovers Monash Blues
P
W
L
D
B
FF
For
Agst
%
PTS
18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18
16 14 12 10 9 5 4 1
2 4 5 7 9 13 14 17
0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
1425 1652 1498 1479 1154 1235 954 726
763 823 838 952 1455 1489 1699 2104
186.76 200.73 178.76 155.36 79.31 82.94 56.15 34.51
64 56 50 42 36 20 16 4
Under 19 Section 3 Grand Final at Trevor Barker Oval Mazenod OC Old Brighton
1.3-9 5.4-34
4.4-28 6.5-41
5.11-41 8.6-54
IA Brown Medal Player Dylan Hamilton Anthony Larkey Zach Benson William Campitelli James Van Oosten Thomas Wallace Max Burt
7.12-54 12.6-78
MAZENOD OC Goal Kickers: N. Pascuzzi, P. Ilic, J. Raffa, J. D’Angelo, C. Dixon, V. Zagari, L. Pipolo Best Players: A. Khaiyath, T. Siwek, C. Dixon, J. Sullivan, J. Neil, A. Gilmore OLD BRIGHTON Goal Kickers: J. Turner 4, H. Dick 3, B. Branson 2, D. Adams, F. Campigli, N. Phillips Best Players: J. Turner , M. Burt, F. Campigli, M. Speirs, H. Dick, D. Seager P.J. Harris Medal: Jake Turner (Old Brighton)
Club Old Trinity Mazenod Mazenod Marcellin
VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2018
Votes 14 13 12 12 11 11 11
Under 19 Section 3 Premiership Team: Old Ivanhoe FB HB C HF FF FOLL I/C
Leading Goalkickers Player Jacob O'Neill Nicholas Pascuzzi Marcus Mariette Frank Coxon
Club Ormond Old Trinity Ormond Marcellin Ormond Old Brighton Old Brighton
Total 37 31 31 28
COACH
60
Matt Spiers, Joe Micari, David Seager Hugo Butler, Sam Larkworthy, Bryson Konoroth Charlie Hicks, Max Burt, Finn Campigli Ben Branson, Mitch Hughes, Hamish Dick Jackson Collins, Jake Turner, Tom Wallace Nick Phillips, Thomas Burns, Harry Hynes Patrick Inglis, Harry Osbourne, Declan Adams, Ben Cochran, George Kataras, Tom Kenny Brian Randall
UNDER 19 SECTION 4 PREMIERSHIP LADDER
Old McKinnon/Glen Eira AFC PEGS Football Club Whitefriars South Melbourne Districts AFC Oakleigh Old Geelong Ivanhoe AFC Parkside Football Club Brunswick NOBS Old Scotch
P
W
L
D
B
FF
For
Agst
%
PTS
15 16 17 15 16 18 16 17 12 12
14 12 13 10 10 7 6 5 3 1
1 4 4 5 6 11 10 12 9 11
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
1 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 1 0
2 2 1 2 2 0 0 0 0 0
1722 1377 1688 1617 1493 1042 1108 938 519 376
591 800 1007 886 883 1221 1488 1420 1616 1815
291.37 172.12 167.63 182.51 169.08 85.34 74.46 66.06 32.12 20.72
68 56 56 52 40 28 28 20 16 4
U19 Section 4 Grand Final at Trevor Barker Oval Old McKinnon/Glen Eira PEGS Football Club
6.3-39 3.0-18
10.5-65 6.4-40
U19 Section 4 Medal
10.6-66 7.7-49
12.9-81 10.8-68
Player James Connellan Emil Thaning Nikolas Constantinou Benjamin Ramage Chad Kadish Ryan Cohen
OLD MCKINNON/GLEN EIRA Goal Kickers: H. Bass 4, C. Drenth 4, J. Richardson, C. Leech, L. Roberton, J. Ludik Best Players: J. Strangio, D. McDONALD, J. Richardson, H. Bass, C. Kadish, R. Cohen PEGS FOOTBALL CLUB Goal Kickers: M. Luisetto 4, N. Constantinou 2, T. Gallus, J. Chambers, K. Alessi, A. Young Best Players: T. D’’Agostino, M. O’’Shea, E. Batistatos, B. Bowden, K. Gaylor, M. Luisetto J.S. Simpson Medal: Callum Drenth (OM/GE)
Club Whitefriars FC Whitefriars FC PEGS Oakleigh
Votes 20 17 16 12 12 12
U19 Section 4 Premiership Team: Old McKinnon/Glen Eira FB HB C HF FF FOLL I/C
Leading Goalkickers Player James Connellan Jarrod Sacco Nikolas Constantinou Dylan Goodwill
Club Whitefrairs Oakleigh PEGS Ivanhoe Old McKinnon / Glen Eira Old McKinnon / Glen Eira
Total 69 42 42 39
COACH
Matthew Parkinson, Bobby Tang, Timothy Mullane Claude Elsasser, Nicko Farantouris, Jack Strangio Benjamin Edwards, Chad Kadish, Jesse Scholz Hayden Bass, Joel Ludik, Daniel McDonald Lachlan Roberton, Callum Drenth, Lachlan Crofts James French, Ryan Cohen, Jack Richardson Ryan Diep, Samuel Halsall, Damian Walsh, Cruiz Leech, Ryan Basser, Katiba Nainhabo Chris O'Donnell
UNDER 19 SECTION 5 PREMIERSHIP LADDER
Aquinas OC De La Salle Old Paradians Peninsula OB Preston Bullants WIlliamstown CYMS St Kevin’s OB St Bedes / Mentone Tigers AFC Mazenod Therry Penola
P
W
L
D
B
FF
For
Agst
%
PTS
18 17 18 17 17 18 16 18 17 16
14 11 12 10 9 10 7 5 4 0
4 6 6 7 8 8 9 13 13 16
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 1 0 1 1 0 0 0 1 0
1731 1378 1422 1628 1569 1302 929 935 922 478
764 1024 1096 1192 1346 1122 1483 1528 1524 2065
226.57 134.57 129.74 136.58 116.57 116.04 62.64 61.19 60.5 23.15
56 48 48 44 40 40 28 20 20 0
Under 19 Section 5 Grand Final at Garvey Oval Aquinas OC De La Salle
2.1-13 4.1-25
4.3-27 5.3-33
U19 Section 5 Medal 12.7-79 5.5-35
14.12-96 8.10-58
Player Tyson Noyes Hugh Peacock Daniel Zou Ryan Evans Tyler Scott
AQUINAS OC Goal Kickers: A. Mantel 4, A. Reichart 3, H. Dwyer 2, J. Baxter 2, T. Noyes, B. Shepherd, W. Farry Best Players: A. Reichart, N. Crosbie, A. Mantel, C. Grech, B. Dodd, H. Kerr DE LA SALLE Goal Kickers: L. Eldering 3, J. White, T. Buzza, W. Canning, L. Astone, B. Joyce Best Players: S. Mahon, J. Horrigan, W. Canning, T. Buzza, C. Quitt, J. White
FB HB C HF FF FOLL I/C
Leading Goalkickers Club Peninsula Aquinas Aquinas Aquinas
Votes 25 18 15 13 12
Under 19 Section 5 Premiership Team: Aquinas
Harry Overman Medal: Campbell Grech (Aquinas)
Player Tyson Jackson Jaycob Baxter Alexander Mantel Harry Dwyer
Club Aquinas Peninsula Preston Bullants Preston Bullants Old Paradians
Total 51 48 42 42
COACH
61
Aaron Toole, Josh Quinlan, Nick Crosbie Lachlan Robb, Harry Leigh, Gavin O'Malley Jack Livingstone, Ben Dodd, Rory O'Brien Jack Williams, Jacob Costello, Adam Reichart Harry Dwyer, Jaycob Baxter, Alex Mantel Campbell Grech, Harry Kerr, Tyson Noyes Zac Jones, Jacob Westwood, Luke Lattimer, Ben Shepherd, Liam Brown, Will Farry Craig Glennie, Brendan O'Malley, Cam Colliver
VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2018
THIRDS SECTION 2 PREMIERSHIP LADDER De La Salle Beaumaris Fitzroy Old Trinity WIlliamstown CYMS Monash Blues Caulfield Grammarians AJAX
P
W
L
D
B
FF
For
Agst
%
PTS
15 14 16 16 14 14 14 9
14 9 11 10 6 3 2 1
1 5 5 6 8 11 12 8
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
1 2 0 0 2 2 1 0
1692 1414 1510 1223 1324 821 722 384
699 952 1041 1057 991 1394 1666 1550
242.06 148.53 145.05 115.7 133.6 58.9 43.34 24.77
60 44 44 40 32 20 12 4
Thirds Section 2 Grand Final at Elsternwick Park Beaumaris De La Salle
0.2-2 0.2-2
2.3-15 4.4-28
Premier Thirds Section 2 Premiership Team: De La Salle
5.5-35 4.5-29
FB HB C HF FF FOLL I/C
6.5-41 8.12-60
BEAUMARIS Goal Kickers: D. Borys 2, M. Grigoriou 2, J. Vitiritti, T. Gregory Best Players: B. Hall, M. Grigoriou, C. Pace, J. Duignan, L. Bourne DE LA SALLE Goal kickers: N. Fyfield 3, D Melissinos, S Griffin, S Pickett, M Collins, S. McGraw Best: D. Melissinos, N Fyfield, B Hill, P Burnell, M Collins, S Griffin
COACH
Best on Ground Medal: Daniel Melissinos (De La Salle)
Patrick Burnell, Beau Hill, Jackson McKay Mason Martinez, Simon Lowe (captain), Sefton Mcgraw Danny Melissinos, Mark Collins, Jack Hanley Kieran Grant, Tyson Parker, Josh Oakley John Griffiths, Nic Fyfield, Sam Pickett Mark Breda, Harry Zaia, Jake Mcgaw Harry Jarvis, Joe Mannix, Oscar Perrson, Shane Griffin, Daniel Pendergast, Alex Zaia Cam Watts
Leading Goal Kickers Player Timothy Denatris David Cowley Beau Coyle Simon Heather
Club Fitzroy Old Trinity Williamstown CYMS Fitzroy
Total 43 37 28 25
THIRDS SECTION 3 PREMIERSHIP LADDER St Bernard’s Old Carey Marcellin OC Mazenod Old Geelong PEGS St Mary's Salesian Old Camberwell Grammarians
P
W
L
D
B
FF
For
Agst
%
PTS
15 15 16 15 16 14 14 15
11 10 10 8 8 4 4 3
4 4 5 7 8 9 9 12
0 1 1 0 0 1 1 0
0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0
1 0 0 1 0 1 0 1
1472 1084 1142 1065 1023 933 840 735
839 827 1079 920 1072 1005 1426 1332
175.45 131.08 105.84 115.76 95.43 92.84 58.91 55.18
48 46 42 36 32 22 18 16
Thirds Section 3 Grand Final at Coburg City Oval St Bernard’s Old Carey
4.2-26 2.4-16
5.2-32 4.5-29
9.3-57 6.7-43
Premier Thirds Section 3 Premiership Team: St Bernard’s 10.8-68 8.10-58
FB HB C HF FF FOLL I/C
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
COACH
P.J. Harris Medal: Shamus Gibbs (Old Ivanhoe)
Leading Goalkickers Player Stefan Davis Michael Lo Monaco Lucas Mallamace Tristan Doody
Club Mazenod St Bernard’s Marcellin St Bernard’s
VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2018
Total 46 33 26 23
62
Matt Bell, Anthony Cunsolo, Will Mcallister Nathan Sawaya, Declan Kennedy, Jack Sullivan Connor Denahy, Tristan Doody, Cody Brasher Michael Barrett, James Hannah, Tom Donohoe Michael Lo'Monaco, Austin Rizzardo, Jacob Defazio Tate Baker, Chris Williams, Joel Comito Liam Healy, Sam Battershill, Sam Sawaya, Josh Esposito, David Di Benedetto, Davide Mammoliti Paul Sullivan
THIRDS SECTION 4 PREMIERSHIP LADDER
Hawthorn AFC Old Xaverians Melbourne High School Old Boys Maroon Richmond Central Prahran Assumption Chadstone AFC Melbourne High School Old Boys Green Ormond West Brunswick Therry Penola
P
W
L
D
B
FF
For
Agst
%
PTS
14 16 16 16 16 16 16 15 16 15
14 12 11 10 9 9 7 5 2 1
0 4 5 6 6 7 9 9 14 14
0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
1609 1424 1141 1192 1207 1378 1204 890 747 567
757 907 690 851 966 1098 1199 1286 1562 1626
212.55 157 165.36 140.07 124.95 125.5 100.42 69.21 47.82 34.87
64 48 40 40 38 36 28 22 8 4
Thirds Section 4 Grand Final at Box Hill City Oval Hawthorn AFC MHSOB Maroon
4.0-24 0.1-1
4.5-29 0.2-2
Premier Thirds Section 4 Premiership Team: Hawthorn
5.7-37 1.4-10
10.11-71 3.10-28
FB HB C HF FF FOLL I/C
HAWTHORN AFC Goal Kickers: A. Lekkas 3, P. Makris 2, A. Karim, J. Roci, N. Criticos, T. Barber, J. Farah Best Players: N. Criticos, M. Dabab, P. Siorovingas, S. Armstrong, J. Maddock, A. Lekkas MHSOB MAROON Goal Kickers: Z. Comley 2, A. Wijayakumara Best Players: J. Scott, W. Penhalluriack, R. Rae, B. Gunn, J. Timson, J. Hodder Best on Ground Medal: Nick Criticos (Hawthorn AFC)
COACH
Peter Siorovingas, James Maddock, Dean Bubunaras Nick Criticos, Sam Armstrong, Anthony Demetriou© Michael Butta, Mohammed Dabab, Tyson Barber Con Pana, Angelo Lekkas, Dean Korlos George Katavolos, Adam Karim, Paul Makris Jaffer Roci, John Farah, Daniel Raponi Sam Speer, Ari Mitropoulos, Joshua Papachristodou, Harmit Singh, Alex Pana, Marcus Fox, Stan Neohoritis, Jack Caminiti John Farah & Anthony Demetriou
Leading Goalkickers Player Anthony Brown Arran Bouten Harry Healey Ashan Wijayakumar
Club Chadstone MHSOB Old Xaverians MHSOB
Total 61 57 44 39
THIRDS SECTION 5 PREMIERSHIP LADDER Monash Blues Kew UHS-VU Hampton Rovers Swinburne University AFC Old Paradians North Brunswick AFC Monash Gryphons Chadstone West Brunswick AFC
P
W
L
D
B
FF
For
Agst
%
PTS
16 16 16 15 16 16 15 16 16 16
13 11 11 9 7 7 6 4 4 1
2 5 5 5 8 9 8 11 12 14
1 0 0 1 1 0 1 1 0 1
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0
1105 1373 1123 1174 924 746 745 881 754 537
719 772 664 836 1061 1148 974 1107 1245 1518
153.69 177.85 169.13 140.43 87.09 64.98 76.49 79.58 60.56 35.38
54 44 44 42 30 28 26 18 16 6
Thirds Section 5 Grand Final at Bill Lawry Oval Monash Blues Kew
3.0-18 3.2-20
7.0-42 4.4-28
Premier Thirds Section 5 Premiership Team: Monash Blues 10.1-61 5.4-34
11.2-68 6.7-43
FB HB C HF FF FOLL I/C
MONASH BLUES Goal Kickers: J. Mazur 4, L. Leviston, M. Chapman, M. Phillips, L. Davis, A. Andreou, L. Dolbey, H. Drysdale Best Players: S. Chapman, J. Mazur, M. Chapman, N. Hawes, M. Phillips, L. Leviston KEW Goal Kickers: C. Watts 3, M. Walsh 2, J. Ramsay Best Players: M. Walsh, M. Minack, C. Watts, M. Timlin, L. Orr, R. Shute
COACH
Henry Drysdale, Rory O'Brien, Hayden Devanny Nathan Hawes, Matthew Davies, Jason Trewin Lachlan Davis, Shane Chapman, Thomas Clayson Daniel Heap, Justin Mazur, Martin Phillips William Sommers, James Hertan, Luke Leviston Thomas MacIsaac, Joshua Williams, Michael Chapman Alex Andreou, Liam Dolbey, Rami Shenouda, Ashley Tonn, Sudish Perera, Andrew Hawes, Ashley Aylen, Lance Hammond Shane Chapman
Best on Ground Medal: Michael Chapman (Monash Blues)
Leading Goalkickers Player Daniel O'Shea James Collie Shane Chapman Chad Watts
Club Swinburne University Kew Monash Blues Kew
Total 32 31 30 27
63
VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2018
RISING STAR WINNERS
Anytime Fitness Rising Star Laura Robertson (Marcellin)
Grill’d Rising Star Anthony Zimmerman (Old Brighton)
WINNING EDGE CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP Club
Seniors Reserves
Marcellin OC Whitefriars Football Club Old Geelong Williamstown CYMS Beaumaris FC Fitzroy FC Old Carey Grammarians St Kevin’s OB OB Glen Eira AFC Old Brighton Grammarians
VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2018
64
36 56 48 64 44 60 64 60 68 48
25 31 30 29 32 32 24 16 30 5
U19
Thirds
31.5 42 21 30 30 15 39 18 51 48
10.5 0 8 8 11 11 11.5 14 0 0
Senior Reserve Women's Women's
42 38 36 34 48 22 16 32 0 42
26 0 24 0 0 18 0 10 0 0
Total
171 167 167 165 165 158 154.5 150 149 143
HIGHLIGHTS 2018 •
Laura Racky was elevated to the VAFA Board casual vacancy in June
•
Haydn O’Connor joined the VAFA staff as Umpire Operations Manager in January, replacing Brian Woodhead. Alisha Min joined as Media, Marketing and Events Officer in April.
•
Ken Petrucco was inducted as a Life Member of the VAFA.
•
The Elsternwick Park redevelopment was completed in July, with a new administration building, function room, clubrooms and ground surface.
•
The VAFA launched a new logo in November.
•
Four separate representative sides claimed wins for the first time in the history of the Big V. The senior men and women defeated the Adelaide Footy League, the Premier B – Division 4 side defeated the Western Australian Amateur Football League and the U19’s defeated AFL Victoria Country.
•
The VAFA women’s competition increased to 63 teams from 47 clubs in its second year.
•
St Kevin’s OB won their second consecutive William Buck Premier flag.
•
Mitch Brown (St Kevin’s OB) won the Premier Coaches MVP with a record-breaking 80 votes.
•
Fitzroy won their first senior flag since University Reds and Old Fitzroy merged in 2008. It was the first flag for the Reds since 2005 and first for Old Fitzroy since 1944.
•
Old Geelong won through to Premier B for the first time since 1958.
•
UHS-VU won their second consecutive flag and earnt promotion to Division 1 for the first time in 50 years.
•
North Brunswick won their first senior premiership in 37 years.
•
St Mary’s Salesian and Hawthorn AFC won back-to-back premierships in the first two years of women’s football.
•
Chad Jones (St Bernard’s) and Aaron Cloke (Oakleigh) both kicked 100 goals during the home and away season.
•
Billy Kanakis (St Kevin’s OB) won the William Buck Premier flag, Jock Nelson Medal and was the competition’s leading goal kicker, while Brandon Jackson (UHS-VU) won the Division 2 flag, the Division 2 Fullerton Medal and was the competition’s leading goal kicker.
•
Anthony Zimmerman (Old Brighton) and Laura Robertson (Marcellin) were named the Grill’d and Anytime Fitness Rising Star winners.
•
Matthew Oakley umpired his fourth consecutive William Buck Premier Grand Final and was named the VAFA Umpire of the Year for the second time.
•
Fitzroy (Premier C), Ormond (Division 1) and North Brunswick (Division 4) claimed the double with flags in both seniors and reserves.
•
Marcellin OCFC won the Winning Edge Club Championship.
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