2015 VAFA Annual Report by VAFA Media

ANNUAL REPORT

2015

for the love of the game

Victorian Amateur Football Association

124th ANNUAL REPORT SEASON 2015

Presented to the Members at the Annual General Meeting Melbourne Cricket Ground 7 December 2015

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 2015

President’s Report

CEO’s Report

Football Operations Report

Umpire Operations Report

Commercial Operations Report

Media Communications Report

Premier

Premier B

Premier C

Division One

Division Two

Division Three

Division Four

Representative Football

Juniors

Club XVIII

Rising Star 2015

Winning Edge Club Championship

Highlights

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2015

VAFA 2015 Patrons

Independent Tribunal

Publications Editor

Messrs. J.F.X. Dillion, M.G. Russel and the Hon. John S. Winneke, AC QC RFD (resigned 24 June 2015)

Chairmen: Messrs. A. Anderson, D. Dann, R. Heath, D.J. Hughes, T. Issacs, A. Marshall, J.K. Pilkington, D. Reynolds, S. Theodore, G. Thomas. Members: Messrs. J.H. Boorn, M.B. Brook, Ms. A. Cole, Messrs. R. Dore, S. Grey, R. Harris, P. LaVale, R.E. Lippold, A. McAdam, T. Miller, M. O’Brien O Oostermeyer, D. Sheales, F. Staﬀord, R. Stilling, M. Wells.

Mr. A.T. Leonard (resigned 18 June 2015) Mr W. Balme (commenced 22 June 2015)

President Mr. M.T. Hazell (resigned 1 June 2015) Mr. T. Nelson (elected 1 June 2015)

Vice-President T.J. Nelson (resigned 1 June 2015) P.W. DeYoung (elected 1 June 2015)

Treasurer Mr. A.L. Kirkwood-Scott

Board Messrs. A.M. Amad, B. Conti, Mrs. D.M. ConnorsCalhaem, Messrs. N.W. Credlin, P.W. De Young, Mrs. M.C. Dwyer (elected 8 March 2015) Messrs. M.W. Sholly, N.J. Toohey, G.A. Voyage.

Chief Executive Oﬀicer Mr. M.W. Sholly

Investigation Panel Chairmen: Messrs. R.L. Evans, A. Schlict, N.J. Toohey. Members: Messrs. P.W. De Young, P.J. Grima, G.L.Reilley, S. Young, G.A. Voyage.

Registration Secretary Mr. C.C. Bastow

Saturday Score Recorder Mrs. N.M. McTaggart

Elsternwick Park Duty Oﬀicer Mr. J. Robinson

General Manager - Football and Umpire Operations

Life 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. Russell, T.A. Johnson*, N.C. Rundle*, J.F.X. Dillon, A.J. Keam, J.A, Miles, J.A. Fisher, J.F. Hawkins, P.J. Harris*, Dr B.W. Costello, Messrs. 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. K.W. Sharkie, J.F. Nelson, P.O’Donohue*, D.R. Booth, D.J. Cook, J.A. Wilson*, R.L. Evans, Mrs. M.L. Bastow, Messrs. J.C. Wilson, P.W. Hutchinson, B.R. McTaggart, P.B. Stevens, J.W. Bell, B.J. Ivey, P.G. Rhoden, N.M. Bourke, D.J. Hughes, Dr. G. Janko, Dr. S. Costello and Mr. G.L.Reilley. *deceased

Mr. B.L. Goodman

VAFA Board

General Manager - Administration Mrs. S.J. Anderson

General Manager - Commercial Operations Mr. B.C. O’Hara

Head of Umpiring Mr. B.G. Woodhead (commenced 27 January 2015)

General Manager - Media & Communications Mr. A.T. Leonard (resigned 18 June 2015)

T.J. Nelson President

P.W. De Young Vice-President

A.L. Kirkwood-Scott Treasurer

M.W. Sholly CEO

B. Conti

D.M Connors-Calhaem

N.W. Credlin

M.T. Hazell

N.J. Toohey

Administration Mr. C.S. Burgess Mr. S.A. Confait Mrs. A.J. Handley Ms. O.P. Crowe (resigned 10 October 2014) Mr. N.J. Armistead (commenced 1 July 2015)

VAFA Lawyers James Paterson of Anzarut & Holm

A.M. Amad

VAFAUA President Mr. G.T. Rolfe

Club XVIII Umpire Co-ordinator Mr. P. Lambert

Tribunal and Investigations Coordinators Mrs. S.J. Anderson and Mr. C.C. Bastow

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2015

M.C. Dwyer

G.A. Voyage

President’s Report Season 2015 again proved that our competition remains strong, highly competitive and at the forefront of community football in Victoria. The quality of football across all sections continues to develop, with the Premier competitions in particular of an elite standard, as showcased throughout the finals series. Off the field I remain impressed by the commitment and dedication of club committees and volunteers as all clubs rise to face the challenges of putting a significant number of teams out on the field each week. Strong, stable and well-led committees and a passionate cadre of volunteers are the cornerstone of most successful VAFA clubs. With so many choices for volunteers in today’s society it’s no easy task for clubs to achieve this stability. This is something recognised by the VAFA Board and Administration and we need to continue to identify ways to improve support for clubs moving forward. Congratulations and thanks to our very hard working staff and board for the time they have put in during 2015. We have a large competition and with limited resources we are confronted by numerous issues and challenges across the course of the year. We may not always get it right but the team is always focused on doing the right thing. I am very proud of our hard working team led by our CEO Michael Sholly who do an outstanding job running a senior football competition which is more than twice the size of most other senior community football competitions. At Board level, I thank and congratulate each of the Board Members on their contributions this year and in particular I extend thanks to the chairs of our sub-committees: George Voyage (Football Growth and Development), Justin Toohey (Competition Integrity), Adam Kirkwood-Scott (Finance and Risk) and Phil De Young (Umpiring). I would like to particularly thank my predecessor Michael Hazell who did an outstanding job as President and remains a valuable confidant and sounding board. Throughout 2015 we have focused on consolidating and building on the initiatives of the past couple of years in a number of key areas. As a Board, we believe we need to continue to grow the top line of the Association to enable us to invest in the future as well as provide better services to clubs and players. The focus has been on growing our sponsorship and expanding our reach via an improved website, newsletters and communication forums. There are continuing opportunities to continue to engage our community via social media and significant effort is being made to expand our databases and our appeal to both current and future sponsors.

In 2015, we signed a number of new sponsors and were fortunate to maintain a strong list of historical partners who again committed to the VAFA. We were able to attract a major partnering arrangement with William Buck, with whom we look forward to establishing a long term partnership. I would like to acknowledge and thank all of our partners and sponsors. We have continued to invest in umpiring this year. With the support of our umpiring subcommittee and the tremendous combined efforts of Brian Goodman, Brian Woodhead and Tony Hales we have managed to increase our umpiring numbers and offer pathways for ambitious umpires to reach higher levels if they desire. I would like to congratulate all umpires and make special note of the quality of umpiring in our William Buck Premier Grand Final. The standard of umpiring contributed in no small way to the standard of the contest. Umpiring numbers and improving standards of umpiring will remain a constant challenge and is an area we must continue to support and invest. As a Board we are also focused on ensuring the VAFA remains progressive and innovative whilst maintaining a respectful eye on the traditions of the past and our heritage. We make no apologies for new initiatives and piloting different programs. This year witnessed the move of the William Buck Premier Grand Final to Ikon Park. This was not an easy decision for the Board to make. However, based on the strength of the day and the feedback from our diverse VAFA community, I think we would all agree it was a tremendous success. We have committed to the grand final again being held at Ikon Park in 2016. As we look to the future we will continue to explore new opportunities and seek to find ways to continuously improve our services and the overall quality of the competition. Football across Melbourne is changing and we must remain at the forefront of community football both in terms of football standards and football administration whilst also offering opportunities for players of all levels and experience. For example, the introduction of women’s football remains high on our agenda. We are currently working with the clubs and AFL Victoria to determine a viable pathway and establish the right frameworks for competition. The upgrade of Sportscover Arena at Elsternwick Park remains an ongoing priority. Throughout the year, Bayside City Council released a new master plan for the precinct which allows for an upgrade of the oval and the wider facilities and a new number two oval. Discussions with all stakeholders are continuing.

Financially, we remain strong. Although we made a small loss in 2015, this was a loss we budgeted for as we pursued additional expenditure activities whilst keeping affiliation fees flat. Like all business entities, our costs are rising and we must remain diligent in determining our budget and extracting maximum value from expenditure and investment programs. Whilst the VAFA still retains a significant point of difference to other community football competitions, we need to constantly refresh that point of difference with targeted investment into key areas. Our current strategic plan has reached its expiry date and with a new leadership and changing Board, a new process of planning is under way as we look ahead to the next 3 – 5 years. The Board and staff will spend time refining our plans over the summer and we will look to the clubs, partners and other key members of the VAFA community for input. With the heightened threats and challenges facing community football in general and the VAFA more specifically, I believe it’s time to be bold and assertive but also smart in how we evolve the competition and examine our role in community football. The overarching vision for our plan and the challenge for us is to ‘lead community football in Victoria’. We need to be clear and understand as a VAFA community exactly what this means and how we go about achieving a stronger and more relevant voice in community football across football and social issues which affect our players and wider members. Now is not the time to be complacent. I hope you all have an enjoyable and safe Christmas and New Year and come back refreshed in 2016. Tim Nelson President

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2015

Chief Executive Officer’s Report The 2015 VAFA season culminated at Ikon Park, Carlton, which hosted the William Buck Premier Grand Final for the first time. It was a fitting end to another superb VAFA season. The match highlighted the terrific skills of our two leading teams, St Bernard’s and Old Trinity, played in front of a generous and supportive crowd. This was a grand final that will be remembered for years and my sincerest congratulations go to St Bernard’s who were deserving winners.

St Kevin’s going through the 2015 season undefeated and becoming the Winning Edge Club Champions.

Kew winning three consecutive premierships and climbing to Premier C.

West Brunswick winning back-to-back premierships in Divisions 4 and 3.

Ivanhoe having all three teams playing in grand finals.

In fact the last four days of the football season contained the highlights of the year. The first weekend held the Division and under age finals. Congratulations to Canterbury, West Brunswick, Old Paradians and Kew on winning their respective senior pennants. Good luck to them as they climb the grades.

Emmaus St Leo’s (ESL) going through the home and away season undefeated and gaining promotion to Division 2.

Paul Baranello from ESL won his second consecutive Hutchinson Medal for Division 3 Best and Fairest after previously winning the Fullerton Medal in Division 2. Three competition best and fairest medals is a wonderful achievement.

The Under 19 and Colts Grand Finals were also played that weekend. Reports back from the Old Xaverians and St Bernard’s Grand Final were complimentary in regards to the standard and excitement in that match. The entire Under 19 Premier finals were an even series with little separating them. Congratulations to eventual winners, Old Xaverians. Then came the three Premier Grand Finals. For the previous three years we had tried a standalone Premier Grand Final, but this year we played all three grand finals over the one weekend. On Saturday, St Kevin’s came from more than 40 points behind to defeat Old Melburnians in a thrilling Premier B Grand Final. Old Melburnians were gallant in defeat and will look forward to returning to the William Buck Premier Section in 2016. In Premier C, Old Haileybury ignited the finals, winning all three matches to claim the title over Monash Blues. Of course the Blues consolation is a ticket to Premier B. There is no doubt the change to Ikon Park was an unqualified success. The game was bathed in sunshine with little wind and the players were able to let their skills come to the fore. The match ebbed and flowed and in the end St Bernard’s were just that little bit more accomplished and defeated Old Trinity by eight points. This is after the three matches during the season finished with five, six and seven-point margins. These sides were evenly matched. Other highlights of the 2015 football season included: ·

The VAFA defeating the Northern Football League (NFL) and retaining the title of Number One in the Metropolitan Football Championships.

Parkside making the Division 4 Grand Final and earning promotion after returning to the VAFA from the NFL.

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2015

The season began in typically splendid style with our season’s launch held in the Melbourne Cricket Club Members Dining Room. Over 360 guests listened to Simon Madden as he explored the issues facing his beloved Essendon Football Club whilst reliving his days as coach of St Bernard’s. The Woodrow Medal was held on the Wednesday preceding the Premier Grand Finals and congratulations to dual medallists Adam Bentick of St Bernard’s and Ross Young from University Blues on their well-deserved win. Interestingly, both of these players toured Ireland in 2013 and have showed great commitment and loyalty to the VAFA. They have been great ambassadors by returning to the VAFA after both AFL and VFL careers. This reinforces the great work our clubs do in maintaining relationships with their players. Two days later, the VAFA hosted the William Buck Premier Grand Final lunch with over 350 patrons attending. This was a great occasion with many of the clubs attending to celebrate the year that was, and to look forward to the three grand finals being played on the following days. This year’s speaker was Leigh Matthews, with Federal Minister Josh Frydenburgh enlightening us on the tumultuous week in Federal politics with the change in Prime Minister. Greg Champion entertained the crowd with his comedic songs and Barrie Cassidy showed once again he is the preeminent interviewer in the country. There was only one change to the staﬀ in the oﬀseason with Olivia Crowe departing to the South Metro Juniors and Brian Woodhead returning to manage the Umpiring Department. Brian had previously worked at the VAFA before taking up a position at Sportscover and more recently at the Coburg VFL club as General

Manager. Brian has brought a new enthusiasm to the position and being a former VAFA umpire is acutely aware of the issues surrounding the recruitment and retention of umpires. During the season we were disappointed to lose Andrew Leonard to the Hawthorn Football Club. Andrew drove the communications and media of the VAFA to new heights. He was the face of the VAFA to all our players and supporters. He was on the radio on Saturday mornings, follow up and call match of the day in the afternoons, visit our clubs each week to host VAFATV and Search for a Star and then the panel show VAFA Tragics this year. He also managed the website, was editor of the Amateur Footballer and managed all of our social media. This would generally be the job of two or three staﬀ in a bigger organisation but Andrew did this solo. He will be sorely missed and we wish him all the best in his future. Andrew was replaced by two part time staﬀ. Nick Armistead wrote most of the articles and managed the website and our various social media platforms, whilst Will Balme produced the Amateur Footballer. After his departure our numbers continued to grow throughout the season. We increased our views on YouTube to more than 200,000 with the VAFA Tragics show replacing the successful Search for a Star. Both Twitter and Facebook increased by over 20% with the emerging Instagram doubling. K2VAFA Live scores increased from 70,000 sessions to over 124,000 at an increase of 77%. This is an expanding area of the Association as we invigorate and educate our players about the depth of the competition. So many more of our players are now involved in the whole of the VAFA rather than just their own club. Our media and communications play a major role in getting the positive messages out to our community. It is an aim of the Association that all players, when asked who they play for, they name their club and state that this is part of the VAFA. They belong to a bigger family than just their club.

We have over 21,000 people receiving our weekly newsletter. These are large numbers and we have an opportunity to foster the culture and values of all VAFA stakeholders through our various strands of communication. Blair O’Hara continues to attract new sponsors to our competition whilst retaining our long-term partners. A 12% increase in sponsorship revenue is an excellent result and we are anticipating further growth in 2016. Sportscover continued as our major sponsor and it is a comfort to the Association to have our major insurer so supportive of the competition. We had major reductions in our quadriplegia and paraplegia insurance yet still providing the same cover. The name Sportscover and the VAFA fit well with both having similar values, respect for all members of the community. Sportscover’s ability to expand and be recognised globally as a leading sports insurer gives great assurance to our members. Thanks to Managing Director Chris Nash, Chief Executive Oﬀicer, David Lamb and all the team at Sportscover. Chartered Accountancy & Advisory firm, William Buck, became the sponsor of the Premier Section and the Grand Final lunch. They support a

number of our member clubs and made the brave decision to invest into the Association. From our side, it has been a beneficial partnership and we trust this will continue. Other new sponsors were Grill’d Healthy Burgers, Nutrients Direct, Group One Communications, High Sierra, Coca-Cola and MovingHub. We are growing an impressive list of sponsors. A Heritage sub-committee was formed and I would like to thank John Bell, Bruce McTaggart, David Scott, Ross Booth, Geoff McCracken and Board member, George Voyage, for their contributions to this important aspect of the association. We need to ensure the history of the Association is not lost and important memorabilia is preserved. Hopefully, much of this work can be displayed during our 125-year celebrations in 2017. Whilst we had a small budgeted deficit, we preserved our current assets whilst withholding the need to increase our affiliation fees for the seventh consecutive year. My aim is to continue to lessen the gap between the umpiring costs and affiliation fees. In 2010, 48% of the affiliation fees were spent on umpiring. In 2015 this figure had risen to 70%. Only 30% of your fees goes to the administration of the VAFA today compared to over 50% five years ago. I am determined to

keep improving on this and one day, the only payments made by clubs will be for umpiring fees and the total administration of the VAFA will be self-sufficient. The Board continue to support the staff and clubs in such a variety of ways. The members, led initially by Michael Hazell and then Tim Nelson, have a genuine love of the game and have all been engaged with the VAFA for a number of years. Their underlying passion for the ideals of the competition ensures that all strategic decisions are made to improve the competition without sacrificing our integrity. In summary, it has been another successful year for the VAFA. We won the Metro Football Championships, confirming our status as the Number One football competition in Melbourne, we continued to grow our commercial revenue, we maintained our assets whilst spending another $60,000 on umpiring and continued to play the game with integrity in the most competitive football competition in the state. Michael Sholly Chief Executive Officer

Staﬀ (left to right): Sam Confait, Nick Armistead, Brian Goodman, Sue Anderson, Michael Sholly, Brian Woodhead, Ally Handley, Blair O’Hara, Christian Burgess

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2015

Football Operations Report The 2015 season has been an exciting, challenging and significant year for the VAFA, with the implementation of a number of new initiatives in an eﬀort to ease the load on our very important club volunteers. The introduction of an all-encompassing conference held in February was an opportunity for clubs to learn diﬀering methods of managing the day-to-day requirements of running a football club. Sessions were conducted for player registrations, football operation requirements, umpiring, media and commercial operations. The continuation of the Colts Section in 2015 was an important step given the lack of teams available to conduct an U18 competition. The nature of VAFA clubs demands flexibility and versatility in our arrangements and having an U18 Section will assist many clubs in bridging the gap between junior and senior football if we have enough teams available to participate in 2016. Representative football continues to provide enormous opportunities, experiences and enhances the development of many players which is unique to Amateur football. The representative program in 2015 was disappointing results-wise, notching just the one win which was in the Metro Championships when we defeated the Northern Football League by five points and solidified our ranking as the number one community football competition. It was a super achievement under the guidance of first time senior representative coach, Cam Roberts. We also fielded representative teams in seniors, Premier B - Division 4 and U19s against a formidable Victoria Country opponent at Queen Elizabeth Oval in Bendigo. Unfortunately, all

three teams were defeated on the day, with the combined unavailability of players and a dominant opponent the main reason for the lack of success. Our U23 team ventured to Tasmania in July for the AAFC Carnival involving South Australia, Western Australia and Tasmania, only to come in a disappointing third after losses to SA & WA. On a brighter note, we had five players achieve AllAustralian selection; Simon Caven (St Bernard’s), Gabe Hamilton (Old Trinity), Kelvin Williams (St Kevin’s), Tom Quinn (University Blues) and Josh Cowan (Mazenod), as well as VAFA umpire, Tom Windlow, who was awarded the All-Australian Umpire of the Carnival. While unable to achieve the anticipated on-field results, the representative coaching panels led by Nigel Credlin can be proud of their contribution to the program. The VAFA are very fortunate to have coaches of the calibre of Cam Roberts (Senior), Simon Williams (B – Div 4), Andrew Hayes (U23) and David Gately (U19), all of whom made a significant contribution to the representative program.

Brian Woodhead (U23 team manager), Sean

Another significant event from the 2015 season included a tied Woodrow Medal by two very prominent players. St Bernard’s Adam Bentick and University Blues’ Ross Young both polled 19 votes to be named the first joint winners since De La Salle pair, Matthew Fieldsend and David Lowe in 2009.

2015 saw a return of the Coaches Association

I would like to acknowledge the wonderful support the many volunteers provided the Football Operations Department. I make special mention of Mick Overman (senior team manager), Sean Reagan (Premier B - Division 4 team manager),

contribution. There is no doubt we have some

Scully Sr (U19 team manager), VAFA duty officers, board members and volunteers, including Phil De Young, Justin Toohey, Kylie da Fonte, Peter Fisher, Jeffery Jankie, Tim Sutcliffe, Geoff Reilly, Adam Kirkwood-Scott, Nigel Credlin, Norm Nugent, Keith Sharkie, Richard Evans and Sean Scully Sr. I extend my thanks for their great assistance during the finals series.

which was setup to provide assistance to all VAFA coaches in their role and to provide support whenever necessary. I would like to thank Paul Satterley (Chair), Tim Bell, Anthony Voyage, Michael Oaten, Simon Williams, Robert Oliver, Mark Hibbins and Anthony Rock for their much needed work to do to enhance the CA and with some former coaches getting involved, 2016 looks set to be bigger and better for the many coaches within the VAFA.

Old Paradians celebrate winning the Division 2 premiership

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2015

Areas requiring immediate attention are:

winners over Monash Blues by 48 points.

•

Too many forfeits in 2015 especially within our thirds competitions. We will work diligently with our clubs in an eﬀort to have zero forfeits in 2016.

•

Interact Sport: to enhance and improve their services and assist clubs to have live scores operating at all senior matches and an improvement with our after match component for our umpires.

•

FoxSportsPulse (who manage Footyweb): streamline the player registration process which continues to be a burden on many of our volunteers.

Ormond took on Kew in the 2nd semi-final with Kew producing a four-goal last quarter to Ormond’s three points to gain promotion to Premier C section for 2016 and play in their second successive grand final. Ormond got back on the winning list after defeating Old Geelong in the preliminary final to gain promotion to Premier C section in 2016. Kew again proved to be too strong for Ormond in the Division 1 Grand Final to notch a five-goal victory to win back-to-back premierships.

Club Football Another remarkable season in Premier football ended with St Bernard’s taking out the LA Adamson Cup winning it for the third time, (including 1975 & 2002), when they defeated a talented and courageous Old Trinity by eight points at Ikon Park who finish runners-up in their first ever Premier Grand Final. The De La Salle story is a reminder to never give up after coming from a 1 – 8 at the half way mark of the season to finish with a 9 – 8 and 1 draw and their season came to an end when they played in the first semi-final losing to Uni Blues who had a great season after winning the Premier B section flag in 2014. Old Scotch, after a long stint of 35 years in Premier section, were relegated to Premier B section in 2016 along with Beaumaris who just could not get enough consistency into their games throughout the season. St Kevin’s Old Boys have ended their 2015 season as the undefeated Premier B champions with an unbelievable 11-point come-from-behind win against Old Melburnians at Sportcover Arena. Mazenod and Caulfield after finishing in 9th and 10th respectively on the Premier B section ladder now face 2016 in Premier C section with both clubs searching for a new senior coach to reinvigorate their clubs. Old Haileybury are still pinching themselves after coming from fourth position on the Premier C ladder to hit top form and account for Old Ivanhoe by 95 points in the 1st semi-final and were comfortable winners over Marcellin by 27 points in the preliminary final to earn promotion up to Premier B section in 2016. The Grand Final was a beauty with only 4 points separating the teams at half time but with better teamwork in the second half saw Old Haileybury run out Premiership

Old Paradians, after finishing third on the Div 2 ladder, were too good in the first semi-final as they overpowered Northern Blues by 20 points and Ivanhoe were too strong for St John’s in the second semi-final, winning by 28 points. In a lowscoring aﬀair at Highgate Reserve, Old Paradians ran out premiership winners by 15 points over a gallant Ivanhoe, who both gain promotion into Div 1 in 2016. Even with a final 6 (1 v 6, 2 v 5, 3 v 4) in Div 3 Aquinas (3rd) were unable to score enough goals going down to an inaccurate Hawthorn (4th) by 21 points. West Brunswick (2nd) inflicted a 44-point victory over fifth-placed Swinburne Uni. Emmaus St Leo’s overcame UHS-VU and West Brunswick continued their good form with a 55-point win over Hawthorn. The Div 3 Grand Final showed everything was on the line for that elusive flag and in a low-scoring aﬀair, West Brunswick got over the line in the dying stages to win the premiership cup by the lowest of margins (one-point), providing West Brunswick with back-to-back flags. Canterbury, in their second season in Division 4, went up against an in-form North Brunswick (6th) to lose by 11 points. Parkside (5th) proved too good on the day for Westbourne Grammarians (2nd) to run out winners by 22 points thus ending Westbourne Grammarians’ season. Parkside accounted for North Brunswick to win by 67 points to gain promotion into Division 3 and into their first grand final in their return to the VAFA. Canterbury accounted for Box Hill North by 48 points to propel them into the grand final. Canterbury are to be congratulated on winning the Division 4 premiership. Parkside, although losing the grand final, gain promotion into Division 3 in their first season back in the VAFA after a 12-year stint in the NFL. Finals The finals series each year continues to be a challenge in finding suitable venues to enable clubs to play on the best grounds available whilst councils are looking to prepare turf wickets or

Ross Young (University Blues) and Adam Bentick (St Bernard’s) - Joint Woodrow Medallists.

start upgrade works. We were very fortunate to have secured Ikon Park for our William Buck Premier Grand Final and Trevor Barker Beach Oval in Sandringham, as well as other first-class venues at Casey Fields, Highgate Reserve, PEGS, St Bernard’s, Garvey Oval and Meade Oval in Clayton, all of which contributed to our very successful final series. Acknowledgements I would like to thank our Football Growth and Development sub-committee; George Voyage, Nigel Credlin and Michael Sholly along with Sam Confait for their contribution to our competition. The committee has demonstrated a willingness to make hard decisions to enhance and improve the VAFA which will stand us in good stead for the future. I would like to thank Cliff Bastow, Nancy McTaggart, Phil Hope, and John Robinson for their commitment and hard work in the many administration tasks they perform. A big thank you to our football staff, Sam Confait and Christian Burgess, both of whom have been at the forefront of our improved service and communication to our clubs. The board has shown it will continue to make decisions for the betterment of our competition and their continued leadership and support of our staff is first class. Finally, I wish all clubs and supporters all the very best in the off-season and I am looking forward to working closely with you again in 2016. Brian Goodman General Manager, Football Operations

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2015

Umpire Operations Report Umpiring

Promotions

A change of focus from purely numbers to

Having access to Premier C games on VAFATV was a great coaching resource as it allowed umpires to see themselves and assess their own performances. It also allowed the coaching staﬀ to view these umpires. Overall, 48 umpires umpired at least one match in Premier C.

quality and culture has been the main focus in 2015. By improving the experience, ensuring the workplace (games & training) are safe and enjoyable, as well as growing the engagement with umpires we shall see persons stay longer in the game (maybe even across multiple

Debutants

disciplines such as field to goals) and also bring

There were 10 field umpires who made their debut in Premier B and six who debuted in William Buck Premier.

family/friends to the VAFA. The VAFA umpiring department has strong relationships with both the SMJFL & YJFL

The goal umpires, led by long standing coach Bernard Jephson, set the scene for engagement and attendance at training, often exceeding the total of the other disciplines. The comradery, banter and enjoyment was only outdone by the education and improvement in standards due to the involvement and commitment to training.

umpiring groups and is supporting these groups with strong personalities with worthy leadership skills. Both of these umpiring groups have continuous growing requirements and the VAFA can benefit in the long run by encouraging cross relationships within these umpiring groups.

Gavin Boyd took the boundary umpire training groups, working with those who attended training and although poor in numbers on many occasions (as most are year 11 / 12 students) the group experienced a broad improvement in skills.

Not only did we see some good numbers of field and boundaries come through from the junior ranks, we saw an influx of goal umpires from broad sections of the community. Young school boys and girls with a career in mind, as well as a few senior people including fathers of junior

Supporting coaches, Terry Gunn and Graeme Collins, ran the Westbourne and Bulleen satellite training venues with Patrick Lambert coordinating the Club XVIII umpires.

umpires. Our numbers grew in all areas: field (166), boundary (117) and goal (78). But the pleasing anecdotal proof is the improvement in the culture and the enjoyment

Retirements from 2014

of the umpiring experience. We therefore

Darren Dalgleish, Russell Davidson and Steve McCarthy retired at the conclusion of 2014 and we thank them for their valuable input over many years. We hope they enjoy retirement but will still be involved in some small way within the VAFA community.

thank the group of leaders within the umpiring fraternity who are instrumental in ensuring our umpires are engaged, educated, encouraged and supported.

Coaching Tony Hales led the umpire coaching panel

Awards & Achievements

with the support of field umpire coaches, Mark

Congratulations go to Daniel Silfo (VAFA Umpire of the Year) and Peter Bailes (VAFA Most Promising Umpire) for their respective awards, with both having a fantastic year, culminating in the William Buck Premier grand final at Ikon Park.

Gibson and Guy Hexter, as well as fitness coach, Tom Bergin. Field umpires were once again broken up into squads: Senior squad (mostly umpiring Premier and Premier B); Development (Premier C & Division 1); Core (Division 2, 3 & 4) and Cadet

AAFC Under 23 Carnival - VAFA, SAAFL, TAFL, WAAFL – Hobart (July 2 – 4) Field Umpire – Thomas Windlow AFL Vic Country 1 v VAFA Premier – QEO Bendigo (July 11) Field Umpire – Mervyn Monty Boundary Umpires – Sam Beer / Matthew Watkinson Goal Umpire – Patrick Dwyer AFL Vic Country 2 v VAFA Prem B to Div 4 – QEO Bendigo (July 11) Field Umpire – Peter Bailes Boundary Umpires – Damien Laing / Jack Punshon Goal Umpire – Clayton Evans AFL Vic Country U/19 v VAFA U/19 – QEO Bendigo (July 11) Field Umpire – Matthew Clinton Boundary Umpires – Liam Kelliher / Hamish McCartney Goal Umpire – Michael Driver VAFA umpire Tom Windlow was named as the All Australian umpire on July 4 at the AAFC Carnival in Tasmania. Tom Windlow received his All Australian Medal

The following umpires trialled and were successfully appointed to the VFL umpiring list in 2015; Kit Harvey (field), Ryan Robinson (field), Mitchell Jones (boundary).

(Underage & rotated through Premier C & Division 1). Observations Squad

Number of observations

Average Score (50)

Senior

124

44.3

Development

41.8

Core

39.2

Cadet

38.3

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2015

Representative Appointments

Shannon Kirkby was appointed as field umpire for the AFL Women’s Exhibition Match at the MCG between Melbourne and the Western Bulldogs. Shannon then topped oﬀ her year by being voted by her peers for the Joanne Cox Award by the AFL Vic Female Umpire Academy.

VAFAUA The Umpires’ Association was competently led by Greg Rolfe in his first year as president, with Greg continuing on to build the relationship with the VAFA administration. Greg, with his own style, has set a standard of welcoming new umpires to the fold and engages all umpires regardless of their discipline or experience, which is in line

Marcus Middleton (Emerg), Jack Punshon (B), Matt Oakley (F), Ben Rickard (B), Clayton Evans(G), Anthony Damen (G), Peter Bailes (F), Daniel Silfo (F), Sam Beer (B)

with the broader focus of improving the umpiring

Season Wrap Up

experience for all involved. VAFAUA

umpires

volunteered

throughout

the year to umpire FIDA matches as well as supporting Tim Sutcliﬀe by participating as oﬀ icials for the AFL National Inclusion Carnival in September. The VAFAUA year was encapsulated with the spectacular MCG Pre-Finals Dinner and Awards Night with the following individuals receiving awards; •

Life Membership - Paul Tuppen (20 years)

•

Life Membership - David Windlow (20 Years)

•

Of course a large component of the positive umpiring experience is through the experience one has at each club they visit on the weekends and to that end we show our highest appreciation to each and every VAFA club, player, oﬀ icial and supporter and trust that they also experienced enjoyment of the highest calibre.

support, guidance and encouragement. My appreciation is also expressed to Michael Sholly and the staﬀ at the VAFA who made the transition back into full time involvement at the VAFA as smooth as possible and allowed me to hit the ground running, three weeks before practice matches kicked oﬀ.

I thank Michael Hazell, Tim Nelson and the VAFA Board as well as the Umpiring sub-committee; Phil DeYoung (Chair), Justin Toohey, Brian Goodman and Merv Monty (VAFAUA) for their

Brian Woodhead VAFA Head of Umpiring

10 Years Service Medals to; Alexandria Anthony, Mervyn Monty, Tom Windlow.

•

Bob Dunstan Award – Bernie Jephson

•

Andy Carrick Award – Graeme Booth

•

Best First year Umpire – Logan Webster

•

Young Achiever Award – Hamish McCartney

•

Most Improved Umpire – Matthew Clinton

•

Most Improved Boundary Umpire – Sam Beer

•

Most Improved Goal Umpire – Michael Driver

•

The Golden Whistle (provided by AFL Vic) – Peter Bailes

Milestones Alan Stubbs – 500 games Paul Tuppen – 400 Games Robert Parry – 300 Games Simon Stokes – 300 Games Grant Wardrop – 300 Games Tom Windlow – 300 Games Mervyn Monty – 200 Games Ollie Bell – 100 Games Andrew Hartnett – 100 Games

Matt Oakley

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2015

Commercial Operations Report The VAFA enjoyed another successful year in the commercial department with many highlights in 2015. To begin with I’d like to recognise our long time sole major sponsor, Sportscover. At the start of the calendar year, Sportscover renewed the partnership for a further three years, extending this relationship into its twenty-fourth year and what will become fifteenth as sole major sponsor. Commercially, this arrangement has been the backbone of the VAFA sponsorship portfolio for many years. It also provides a great example to new or potential sponsors of how a long term partnership with the VAFA can provide great value to a successful business. We acknowledge and thank Chris Nash, David Lamb and all staﬀ for their ongoing commitment to the VAFA and the very high level of insurance coverage and customer service we receive each year. In review of the financials, sponsorship revenue grew by 12% to $459,887 from $409,798 with website advertising also contributing an additional $31,221 in revenue. Sponsorship costs increased to $32,400 representing 7% of revenue to accommodate an increase in corporate hospitality, payment of a greater number of rebates through the Bayford Group promotion, and funding provided for the VRA risk manager oﬀ icer program which 18 VAFA clubs participated in. As new sponsors in 2015, the VAFA welcomed William Buck, Grill’d Healthy Burgers, Nutrients Direct, Group One Communications, High Sierra, Coca-Cola and MovingHub. Chartered Accountancy & Advisory firm, William Buck, became the first naming rights partner to Premier section, now known as William Buck Premier. The William Buck Grand Final Lunch was also a great success in concept and execution on the day. William Buck’s philosophy is all about ‘Changing Lives’ and with so many

other like values with the VAFA, this partnership is set to continue for many years to come. Special thanks to Lindsay Holloway, Adam Kirkwood-Scott and Libby Vance for their direct support and involvement. Grill’d Healthy Burgers put the VAFA front and centre in the month of August for their Local ‘Footy’ Matters promotion. Grill’d restaurants and VAFA clubs share a very close geographic overlap, so it was agreed that the VAFA would ‘take-over’ all metro Melbourne local restaurant jars. This resulted in great promotion for 57 VAFA clubs in their local area and the VAFA itself. Local Grill’d stores also contributed over $10,000 collectively back to the clubs. Grill’d put on a great feast when their famous ‘Airstream’ visited South Melbourne Districts AFC on a rainy August night thanks to Elliott Costello’s eﬀorts to win the Grill’d ‘Done Good Award’. Thanks to Marc Lord and Kayley van Dijk for coordinating these terrific initiatives and supporting local football. NutrientsDirect.com.au is an online sports supplements business, born and raised in Melbourne. Business owner, Josh Ciechanowski, is an expert in all things sports nutrition and performance and we were delighted when Nutrients Direct decided to partner us. Nutrients Direct got started by preparing individual protein packs for members of the Big V AAFC touring team in Tasmania. Nutrients Direct will be getting involved directly at VAFA clubs and will greatly benefit those seeking to improve their strength and athletic performance through sports nutrition. GroupOne Communications began their involvement with the VAFA this year. GroupOne Communications are a trusted provider of phone and internet services for small to medium sized businesses. Andrew Hicks has been involved in the VAFA for many years and provides great

VAFA clubs took over Grill’d Local Footy Matters jars around Melbourne in August

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2015

technical service without the confusing jargon to businesses within the VAFA network. High Sierra, part of Samsonite, have been a big supporter of the Big V program providing custom branded, high quality backpacks and luggage to the touring teams of Tasmania and Ireland. Big in the USA, High Sierra are becoming a household name in Australia too and we look forward to contributing to build the brand over the three years of the partnership. The VAFA also commenced an exciting partnership with Holmesglen Institute. As part of their degree program in Sports Management & Sports Media, student teams were paired with five VAFA clubs to build a custom media project in semester one. This was followed up by a detailed sponsorship asset analysis and sponsorship proposal. As well as that another seven VAFA clubs have had students assisting with their social media campaigns in semester two. I was lucky to benefit from two interns, Jonathon Spanos & Paul McEwin, who provided hundreds of hours of assistance specifically in the commercial area. Special thanks to Robbie Coyle who has pioneered this program and allowed it to flourish in its first year as well as VAFA board member, Michael Hazell. We aim to grow this terrific partnership into the future. Perhaps the most unexpected but thrilling highlight of the year happened at half time during the Premier B Grand Final between St Kevin’s and Old Melburnians. Bayford Group, our trusted automotive sponsor, ran a promotion all year to oﬀer three clubs a chance to kick for a $25,000 VW Golf. As it happened, AJAX, Prahran –Assumption and Canterbury all had a chance to win on the day. With his second chance, AJAX star Adam Caplan lined up and launched a drop punt into a decent Elsternwick headwind and landed it perfectly into the back of a VW Amarok from 50 metres in front of a wildly rapturous crowd that had surrounded the competition area. Bayford also supported our Big V Tour of Ireland by donating a fully paid for trip on the tour, won by Robert Viney, through our 321Connect promotion. Huge thanks to Wayne Taynton, Don Phaedonos, and Matt Taylor from Bayford for their incredibly generous support to the VAFA and our clubs all year round.

The VAFA also made a decision to re-tender for its apparel program given the entry into the market of some new and well credentialed apparel suppliers. Although BLK (formerly KooGa) had been excellent from a product quality and customer service point of view, we felt going through a review would allow the VAFA to identify the best custom teamwear supplier in Australia. In the face of some fierce competition, BLK demonstrated their commitment to the VAFA goes beyond limits known and put a tremendous commercial package to the VAFA and all clubs to secure a 5 year arrangement. We greatly look forward to continuing this prosperous relationship for years to come. Special thanks to Mark Williams and Ryan Shaune who take great pride in servicing VAFA clubs and Tyron Brant and Tristan Banks for their terrific support. Sherrin also recommitted to supply the VAFA with their famous Kangaroo Brand footballs for a further three years. We thank Rod Lawson for his great support of our competition. Our focus on health and sports medicine remains important and continued support from Anytime Fitness, Club Warehouse, Beiersdorf and Lifecare means the VAFA community have access to elite level services and supplies in those areas. We were excited to welcome Coca-Cola as an off icial supplier earlier in the year. I am delighted we’ve been able to secure the most popular food and beverage partners in football, along with Four’N Twenty and Carlton and United Breweries. All partners were able to put great offers to our clubs and we look forward to strengthening those relationships through club support in the future. The food and beverage operation at Sportscover Arena ran smoothly thanks to the efforts of Sybil Curtis and Fiona Sholly. The canteen turned in a profit of $12,425, slightly down on previous years due to no Premier section grand final. Tahbilk continued as our off icial wine partner. During the year, Tahbilk was named as James

William Buck VAFA Grand Final Lunch at the Grand Hyatt

Sportscover Arena unveils brand new Sportscover signage

Halliday’s ‘2016 Winery of the Year’. We were proud to oﬀer a top quality drop to over 1000 guests across our major functions throughout the year. Once again, 1116SEN provided fantastic coverage of the VAFA throughout the season. Our weekly 60 second reviews in prime time is critical to increasing our mainstream awareness. SEN also jumped at the chance to be our oﬀ icial VAFA finals naming rights partner. The additional advertising gave our finals schedule more publicity which was important due to our relocation to Carlton Football Club for our William Buck Premier Grand Final. Cambridge Kit extended its arrangement with the VAFA after two successful years as our naming rights partner to the Woodrow Medal night and the hugely popular VAFA ‘worst dressed man’ competition. Cambridge Kit is a brand in evolution and we look forward to promoting and engaging this high quality menswear through our captive community. We

love the mutual values between Cambridge Kit and the VAFA in building self-esteem and confidence in men. East Malvern Community Bendigo Bank, led by Peter Norman, has been tremendous support in funding the development of some key digital assets. New branch manager, George Prodromidis, has stepped in seamlessly and we thank him and his team for their hands-on support, particularly during the finals series. Alistair Ewart and his team at Winning Edge Presentation continue to set the standard for quality trophies and presentation items. Of note were the duel Woodrow Medals for the first time in VAFA history. Alistair also volunteered to lend his support for our William Buck Grand Final Lunch event and we thank him for his time and eﬀorts. We appreciate the continued and valued involvement of our long time printer Cyan Press, live scores sponsor K2 Asset Management, apprenticeship and business services provider MEGT, moving services partner Moving Hub, accommodation partner Mantra Group, comparison website 321Connect, and technology partners ClubData, FoxSportsPulse & Interact Sports. The new VAFA.com.au website and our sophisticated email communication platform have provided great value for our partners this year. As digital channels become more relevant the ability for the VAFA to control these channels to feature VAFA partners is immensely valuable. A big agenda item for 2016 and beyond is the eﬀort to ‘join the dots’ of the VAFA community to reflect its true size and influence throughout Melbourne. Overall, 2015 has been a year of terrific growth in our sponsorship and partnership portfolio. There is a great opportunity to reinvest revenue gains into further development of the commercial department and build greater value for the VAFA, member clubs and participants. Blair O’Hara General Manager, Commercial Operations

Adam Caplan (right) and AJAX win Bayford Volkswagen Golf with Tom Bayford (left)

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2015

Media and Communications Report The 2015 VAFA season proved highly successful for the media and communications department, increasing our numbers across all platforms and reaching more people than ever across the continually-evolving media landscape. Throughout the year, Media and Communications Manager, Andrew Leonard, departed as he took up the role of Digital Media Manager at the Hawthorn Football Club. Andrew has changed the landscape of VAFA Media in his three years at the helm, turning it into the multipronged and award-winning digital, broadcast and print media production it is today. This year the VAFA launched a new version of VAFA.com.au. The website content is now completely under the control of the VAFA, meaning all content and advertising is VAFA sanctioned. There were some initial hurdles in the opening rounds as the popularity of the new site and increased traﬀic caused the site to suﬀer latency. Once these issues were resolved, everyone can agree the new website is more interactive, engaging and detailed than the previous version, with mobile responsiveness a key improvement in this area. Thank you to ROI.com.au for their help through this huge project. VAFA.com.au is the number one source for information and communication of VAFA content.

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2015

The VAFA’s social media platforms continue to be invaluable tools help promote the brand and content of the VAFA. Twitter remains the most followed VAFA social media platform for up-to-date news and content. The introduction of live tweeting one match per round from the @VAFA-HQ Twitter account added another avenue for live match coverage each week. Facebook was the main source of player and club content promotion, including photos, article links and VAFA TV. Instagram grew astronomically throughout the year, with an emphasis on player-focused content helping more than double the number of followers. LinkedIn continued its growth as another source of VAFA content promotion and engagement with the VAFA community. The award-winning VAFA TV expanded in 2015 and introduced a brand-new panel show, VAFA Tragics, which discussed and analysed every round of the VAFA season. Plays of the Week continued to show the best highlights from every round of the season, with the mark and goal of the year announced at the Woodrow Medal and Awards Night. The VAFA YouTube channel saw significant increases to the views and minutes watched. The Taping Techniques series of videos filmed in conjunction with VAFA partner, LifeCare, showing taping techniques

and injury prevention tips has proven hugely popular. All Premier section matches were filmed and could be watched and downloaded from VAFA TV. New in 2015 was a Premier Section match being live streamed each week of the home and away season. Both the William Buck Premier and Premier B grand finals were again live streamed on VAFA.com.au with record numbers watching both matches. Channel 31 televised the William Buck Premier Grand Final once again on the Sunday following the match. Inner FM (96.5FM) continued to broadcast a match of the round each week on radio, as well

By the numbers

Twitter

4946 followers

23% increase

Facebook

4459 likes

19% increase

Instagram

651 followers

107% increase

YouTube

89,264 views 303,867 minutes watched

72% increase 96% increase

341 followers

57% increase

VAFA.com.au

6.17 million hits

10% increase

VAFA Newsletter VAFA TV Matches K2AM Live Scores

21,000 recipients 107,801 views 124,058 sessions

11% increase 4.5% increase 77% increase

as the Premier B – Colts section best and fairest counts live on air. North-West FM (98.9FM) and Southern FM (88.3FM) continued to broadcast radio shows covering the VAFA on Sundays, with North-West FM also simulcasting the William Buck Premier Grand Final. The Amateur Footballer’s weekly print numbers dropped but viewing numbers online at VAFA. com.au were up as the publication was made available. As per previous years, a full colour A4 grand final souvenir edition was produced and was also available for download. Continued media coverage on SEN 1116 took place in 2015, including a weekly wrap of the VAFA heard on Tuesday Drive and Wednesday Breakfast each week of the season. The VAFA Newsletter reached a higher number of recipients and informed both past and present players and the VAFA community of what is going on in the VAFA.

Acknowledgements VAFA Media is made up of a team of volunteers who work tirelessly to produce top quality content on a weekly basis. Firstly, thank you to returning Amateur Footballer scribes: Andrew Leonard (William Buck Premier), James Ried (Premier C), Brenton Mann (Division 2), Norm Nugent (Club XVIII), Geoﬀ Reilley (Retrospective) and John Donohoe (U19 Premier). Those who joined the team in 2015 and who we would also like to extend our thanks: David Chalmers (Premier B), Will Balme (Division 1), Gavin Southern (Division 3), Rich Hummerston (Division 4), Tom Neuendorf (U19 Section 2 & 3), Jack Paynter (U19 Section 4 & VAFA Colts) and Andrew Hartnett (Umpires Corner). VAFA Media would not be what it is today without the support and commitment of

96.5 Inner FM. Special thanks go out to Ken Petrucco and John Kanis for the Saturday morning VAFA show, Clash Jumpers, and their special comments on each match of the round broadcast. Furthermore, thank you to the commentators who volunteer their time to call the matches: Andrew Leonard, Michael Crookes, Andrew Holmes, Barnaby Willis, Chris Venus, Jo Wotton, Simon Petch, Blair Morton and John Donohoe. Behind the scenes is the sensational work of Adrian Hook, Glenn Dragamire and Tim Armstrong. A special thanks needs to go to Will Balme after he took up the role of Publications Editor in June and continued the top class production of the Amateur Footballer. Nick Armistead, Media and Communications

Awards Before the season commenced, the VAFA won the AFL Victoria Football Media Award for Best Radio Show in 2014, for the two hour program on Saturday morning on 96.5 Inner FM. Ken Petrucco, John Kanis and Andrew Leonard interviewed a famous personality who played in the VAFA, with guests including, James Tomkins, Ross Oakley, Ross Stevenson, Mark Robinson, Andy Maher, Ted Baillieu and many more. Awards for 2015 will be presented after this report has been printed.

Andrew Leonard, Michael Crooks and Ken Petruco

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2015

Premier

St Bernard’s salute in Ikon classic If you think there has been a better Premier Grand Final

goal. Some of these goals came in the five-goal

in the last decade then stop reading now. The William Buck

Trinity the game.

burst in the third term that looked to have won

Premier Grand Final between Old Trinity and St Bernard’s was

St Bernard’s goals seemed to be workman like.

a brilliant example of why the VAFA is the best local competition

Despite this, the T’s held the ascendancy with just 10 minutes remaining. St Bernard’s found

in the country. Close does not always mean great. Old Xaverians pipped De La Salle by three points in a tense match in 2009 and Collegians beat Xavs by seven points in 2012, but the 2015 edition leaves them both for dead. With all the negative talk about the state of the game, the showpiece match of the year was the complete opposite. It had momentum swings, tough play and was a high scoring thriller in a stadium unaﬀected by Melbourne’s windy spring conditions. St Bernard’s are deserving champions. After losing three finals in a row, the Snowdogs reversed the result of the second semi-final and added another chapter to this now booming rivalry with the men in green and gold. Old Trinity will be heartbroken, but hopefully this loss, along with the return of their talisman skipper Brendan Iezzi next year, will galvanise them into going one better. The football the T’s play is the most exciting in the competition and football purists would welcome success for the Adam Andrews method. The tall timber of the St Bernard’s forward half proved important. So too did a couple of players fresh from VFL duties. Alex McLeod whilst never Adam Bentick (St Bernard’s) – Joint Woodrow Medallist

Their goals were kicked in more regulation play.

another gear, just as Old Trinity were putting dominant, was a calm presence and Mitch Hannan – the Jock Nelson Medallist – lit up the surface of Princes Park enough times to catch the eyes of the judges. After a tight opening stanza, the St Bernard’s goal kicking woes of past finals were put to rest in the second when they piled on six goals, including three to Chad Jones. One of Jones’ kicks was from the intersection of the 50m line with boundary in front of the old Carlton social club, it was magical. St Bernard’s looked like winners going into half time. The T’s had squandered set shot chances. Perhaps that is why Old Trinity is such an exciting side to watch. Why kick a boring set-shot goal when you can bring the crowd to their feet with a miracle goal? The examples were plentiful. Jack Osborn got boot to ball as he was tackled, with the tackle slinging the ball’s trajectory through the middle. Alex Polidoros gathered in the pocket, hemmed in by a couple of defenders, no option but to unleash a floating ball that somehow sails through. There was also Seb Nicolosi’s deft tap of the ball over the head of St Bernard’s defender Michael Caven. Before Caven knew what had happened, Nicolosi was running into an open Ross Young (University Blues) Joint Woodrow Medallist

theirs into neutral. Hannan drove the ball forward continuously and the Snowdogs mustered everything to deliver the ultimate prize in Amateur football back to the Snakepit. Anthony Rock’s two years at the helm had delivered a third Premier Section premiership to this famous club. University Blues were pre-season fancies for many, but an unprecedented injury toll hampered their ability to get a run on. They did make a late run in the season, but ultimately were unable to reach the dizzying heights achieved in Premier B a year prior. Former Woodrow medallist Jack Watts played sparingly in the second half of the year. Ross Young finally became a Woodrow Medal winner – he shared the award with Adam Bentick (St Bernard’s) on 19 votes. He and veteran midfield buddy Pete Summers were consistent forces, but it was the younger brigade of Jeremy Mugavin and Marshall Rippon who stood out for the Blues. A prelim is a great foundation and expect the Blues to be in calculations as they plot to win a fourth flag at this level next year. De La Salle was the fairy-tale side of 2015. Sitting last on the ladder with a record of 1-8 at the halfway point, De La didn’t lose another game in the second half of the season until the first semifinal loss to the Blues. Paul Satterley found the magic touch after 18 months and all of a sudden De La Salle were world-beaters. Unfortunately they ran out of puﬀ by finals time, but they did beat every other side in the competition except Old Carey, so look for big things in 2016. The premiership defence by University Blacks seemed over early in proceedings as Blacks were never able to muster the devastating form which saw them salute in 2014. Luke O’Connell took the reigns as senior coach, but Blacks were hampered by a slow start, which saw the reigning premiers commence 0-4. They were never able to get back ahead of the ledger. Old Xaverians were a chance to get relegated on the last day of the year, but their win over Old Scotch – a win that subsequently sent

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2015

the Cardinals to Premier B – saw them finish sixth. A rebuilding year for Xavs had them avoid relegation and miss finals for a second straight year; something we haven’t seen for a quarter of a century for the red and black. Matt Handley was the shining light, with the Big V skipper consistently leading from the front for Old Xavs and kicking his 500th senior goal during the season. Old Carey occupied a place in the four for 16 of the 18 weeks of the home and away season. Unfortunately for them, Round 18 was not one of those weeks and they narrowly missed a firstever Premier finals campaign. Two draws and a one-point loss cost the Panthers in the end. Key losses in personnel throughout the year saw confidence erode completely. The Glenn Cox era ended without a premiership, but has regained respect on their return to the top level. Cam Howat continued his brilliant form, narrowly missing a second Woodrow by one vote. Collegians too faced the threat of relegation a year after playing in the Grand Final. However, a win over their Grand Final opponents, University Blacks, on the last day of the year secured safety. Their thrilling come-from-behind win was the perfect send oﬀ for a host of club legends and the six-year tenure of two-time premiership coach, Mark Hibbins. The VAFA’s longest run in any section came to an end when Old Scotch was relegated after 35 seasons in the top section. Longevity doesn’t necessarily breed success, as the Cardinals return to Premier B without having added to their nine Premier Section premierships. With Mark Passador to continue, let’s hope the Cardinals are back in short time, hopefully having lifted some silverware on their way back up. Beaumaris’ three-year stint in William Buck Premier was a welcome change up to the mix of alumni and university clubs. The Sharks brought a diﬀerent flavour to Premier football, but in 2015, they were unable to replicate the fast starts of their previous two campaigns which ultimately saved them. At times it was a tumultuous ride, but we bid adieu to Beaumaris in the knowledge they will be back. Andrew Leonard

WILLIAM BUCK PREMIER Section Premiership Team: St Bernard’s B: HB: C:

James Bennie, Tom Caven, Michael Caven Nathan Kazuro, Simon Caven, Marcus de Leur Alex Singleton, Adam Bentick, Sam Woods

HF:

Nick Cooke, Tom Gleeson, Alex Mcleod

Alex Boyse, Chad Jones, Tom Sullivan

Shaun Clarke, Mitch Hannan, Jacob Bevanda

Int: Coach:

Ben Ronke, Sam Fleming, Tristan Cartledge, Chris Peart Anthony Rock

Leading Goal Kickers Name

Club

Matthew Handley

Old Xaverians

Total 54

Leigh Harrison

De La Salle OC

Alexander Boyse

St Bernard’s

Nick Corp

Collegians

JN Woodrow Medal PLAYER

CLUB

Adam Bentick

St Bernard’s Old Collegians

VOTES 19

Ross Young

University Blues

Cameron Howat

Old Carey

Gabriel Hamilton

Old Trinity

Christopher Peart

St Bernard’s Old Collegians

Jeremy Mugavin

University Blues

Marshall Rippon

University Blues

Scribe Team of the Year FB

Andrew Sloan (OC), Tom Humphrey (DLS), Michael Angel (StB)

Ross Young (UBlu), Simon Caven (StB), Harry Tinney (OT)

Ned Hunt (OT), Cam Howat (OC) – Capt, Jakob Steinhart (OT)

Jordan Quaile (UBla), Seb Nicolosi (OT), Alex Boyse (StB)

Chad Jones (StB), Matt Handley (OX) – VC, Adrian Indovino (DLS)

Rucks Int

Antony Forato (DLS), Adam Bentick (StB), Jack Bull (OS) Nick Corp (Coll), Ben Smithwick (OC), Marshall Rippon (UBlu), Matt Fieldsend (DLS)

Emer

Jono Daggian (OS), Gabe Hamilton (OT), Daniel Gribbin (Beau)

Coach

Adam Andrews (OT)

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2015

Premier Results PREMIERSHIP LADDER Hugh Nicholson (De La Salle)

St Bernards

For

Agst

PTS

1798

1339

134.28

Old Trinity Grammarians

1616

1177

137.30

University Blues

1599

1315

121.60

De La Salle

1576

1441

109.37

University Blacks

1467

1466

100.07

Old Xaverians

1441

1496

96.32

Old Carey Grammarians

1490

1597

93.30

Collegians

1368

1523

89.82

Old Scotch

1395

1563

89.25

Beaumaris FC

1077

1910

56.39

Premier Grand Final at IKON Park Old Trinity Grammarians

2.3-15

6.7-43

13.9-87

15.15-105

St Bernards

3.4-22

9.5-59

12.9-81

17.11-113

Old Trinity Grammarians Goal Kickers: S. Nicolosi 5, E. Weatherson 3, A. Polidoros 2, J. Hunt 2, A. Kyriacopoulos, J. Steinhart, J. Osborn Best Players: A. Kyriacopoulos, G. Hamilton, C. Pohl, J. Osborn, S. Nicolosi, N. Hunt St Bernards Goal Kickers: A. Boyse 4, C. Jones 3, B. Ronke 2, A. McLeod 2, N. Kazuro, T. Cartledge, T. Sullivan, S. Clarke, T. Gleeson, M. Hannan Best Players: M. Hannan, A. Boyse, A. Singleton, C. Jones, M. DeLeur, B. Ronke Jock Nelson Medal: Mitch Hannan (St Bernardâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s)

Preliminary Final St Bernards University Blues Luke Ball (Old Xaverians)

2.0-12

8.3-51

10.5-65

18.5-113

0.2-2

2.4-16

4.7-31

8.12-60

St Bernards Goal Kickers: B. Ronke 3, C. Jones 3, T. Gleeson 2, N. Kazuro 2, S. Clarke 2, S. Fleming 2, B. Considine, A. Singleton, N. Cooke, M. Caven Best Players: T. Cartledge, S. Clarke, S. Caven, T. Caven, A. Bentick, T. Sullivan University Blues Goal Kickers: P. Hayes 4, M. James, R. Young, P. Summers, J. Mugavin Best Players: M. Rippon, P. Hayes, S. Carr, H. Vickers-Willis, R. McMahon, T. Silvestro

Semi Final 1 University Blues De La Salle

5.5-35

5.8-38

12.15-87

14.15-99

1.0-6

5.4-34

6.5-41

11.11-77

University Blues Goal Kickers: J. Watts 6, C. Williams 2, S. Carr, S. Kitchen, M. James, A. Ford, J. Mugavin, W. McFarlane Best Players: J. Watts, H. Vickers-Willis, R. Young, S. Kitchen, M. Rippon, W. Cuningham De La Salle Goal Kickers: X. Murphy 3, L. Harrison 2, A. Indovino 2, J. Gotch, J. Black, T. Kovess, S. Hogan Best Players: X. Murphy, T. Kovess, S. Haslem, B. Humphrey, S. Williams, M. Fieldsend

Semi Final 2 St Bernards

0.6-6

1.8-14

5.17-47

5.18-48

Old Trinity Grammarians

0.1-1

2.3-15

8.7-55

St Bernards Goal Kickers: C. Jones 2, T. Gleeson, B. Ronke, A. Singleton Best Players: T. Sullivan, S. Clarke, A. Bentick, C. Jones, T. Gleeson, T. Caven Old Trinity Grammarians Goal Kickers: H. Tinney 2, J. Osborn 2, E. Weatherson, J. Walsh, J. Hunt, B. Howell Best Players: N. Howell, J. Hunt, B. Howell, N. Hunt, G. Hamilton, J. Osborn

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2015

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

Old Xaverians University Blues Old Scotch Collegians Old Trinity Grammarians St Bernards University Blacks De La Salle Beaumaris FC Old Carey Grammarians

W 16 13 12 12 9 9 7 6 5 0

L 1 5 5 6 9 9 11 12 13 18

D 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

B 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

FF 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

For 1663 1406 1312 1429 1115 1148 1144 1201 924 670

Agst 750 1013 1034 982 1302 1388 1220 1151 1365 1807

% 221.73 138.80 126.89 145.52 85.64 82.71 93.77 104.34 67.69 37.08

PTS 66 52 50 48 36 36 28 24 20 0

Premier Reserves Premiership Team: Old Xaverians

Nick Corp (Collegians)

B: HB: C: HF: F: R: Int: Coach:

James Woods, Ben Plant, Jon Pintal Nick Serafini, James Ulbrick, Matt Skidmore (C) James Midgley, Andrew Pasceri, Matt Douglas Lachlan Keith, Robert Ralph, Harry Batten Jeremy Hannan, James Forrest, Andrew Mathis Luke Pirrie, Cauley Beetham, Daniel Harangozo Michael Henderson, Tristan Parker, Hugh Symon, Nick Pepperell Murray Browne

Premier Reserves Grand Final University Blues Old Xaverians

2.0-12 3.2-20

3.1-19 6.3-39

5.2-32 10.7-67

6.4-40 13.8-86

University Blues Goal Kickers: P. Gardiner 3, B. Taylor, W. Hartnell, J. Callahan Best Players: R. Langham, D. Van De Pol, H. McDonald, B. Taylor, T. Girdwood, A. Wettenhall Old Xaverians Goal Kickers: J. Forrest 3, R. Ralph 2, A. Pasceri, H. Symon, A. Mathis, H. Batten, C. Beetham, J. Hannan, M. Skidmore, M. Douglas Best Players: A. Pasceri, N. Serafini, B. Plant, J. Midgley , L. Pirrie, C. Beetham Best on ground medal: Andrew Pasceri (Old Xaverians)

PREMIERSHIP LADDER

Matthew Handley (Old Xaverians)

Old Xaverians St Kevin’s OB Collegians St Bernards Old Scotch University Blacks Old Melburnians University Blues Beaumaris FC De La Salle OC

Premier Thirds

For

Agst

PTS

14 14 15 14 13 14 15 14 9 14

12 12 11 8 6 6 6 4 2 1

2 2 4 6 7 8 9 10 7 13

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

1 1 0 1 2 1 0 1 0 0

1513 1132 914 1100 1004 990 1087 848 419 487

458 650 820 775 823 959 1249 899 1372 1712

330.35 174.15 111.46 141.94 121.99 103.23 87.03 94.33 30.54 28.45

52 52 44 36 32 28 24 20 8 4

Premier Thirds Premiership Team: St Kevin’s B: HB: C: HF: F: R: Int: Coach:

J. Mustey, D. Moore, N. Murphy, N. Pryor, J. Paton, H. Townsend, J. Anthony, L. Kenyon, J. Dimattina, R. Caldow, C. Randles, L. Roberts, L. Davrain, D. Kerr, J. Griﬀiths, J. Betlehem, T. Johnston, M. Roberts, M. Nolan, L. Clancey, T. Marchesani, B. Omizzolo Ben Marchesani & Ben Omizzolo

Premier Thirds Grand Final Old Xaverians St Kevin’s OB

Andrew Kyriacopoulos (Old Trinity)

1.2-8 0.0

2.2-14 2.5-17

4.6-30 3.10-28

Old Xaverians Goal Kickers: C Dipierdomenico 2, Bissett 1, Corcoran 1, Armstrong 1 Best Players: Armstrong, J Sleeman, Morton, Grigg, Preece, Bissett St Kevin’s OB Goal Kickers: M. Roberts 2, J. Dimattina, L. Roberts, D. Kerr, T. Marchesani, L. Clancey Best Players: L. Kenyon, L. Clancey, M. Roberts, J. Dimattina, N. Murphy, J. Paton Best on Ground Medal: James Dimattina (St Kevin’s OB)

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2015

5.6-36 7.16-58

Premier B

Year of the SKOB 2015 was the ‘Year of the SKOB.’ Pure and simple.

William Buck Premier section. They met SKOB in

Determined to finally shake their finals underachievement of

ages. St Kevin’s’ seemingly unbeatable aura was

the first week of finals and it was a contest for the

the past 10 years, St Kevin’s steamrolled through the season like

severely dented by a relentless Tigers outfit. SKOB

a machine, crushing everything in its path. Despite a few close

final, but the Tigers’ confidence would have been

calls along the way, they completed a perfect 20-0 season to

week against Old Melburnians. They opened up

did enough to win and progress to the grand high heading into the preliminary the following

finally earn promotion to William Buck Premier in 2016.

a five-goal lead in the second quarter but then

Their average winning margin was 70 points and

of the finals, they found themselves five goals

with an astonishing 43-point win, leaving the

their depth was illustrated by 13 double figure

down against St Bede’s/Mentone Tigers in the

Tigers camp with a long list of questions as they

goal kickers. They also demonstrated the ability

preliminary before launching an incredible

to find a couple of extra gears when challenged

73-point turnaround and winning their way into

2016.

late in the game, exemplified by the fact that over

the grand final by seven goals. Unfortunately for

the season they kicked 100 plus goals in the final

Following Old Brighton’s (4th, 10-8) progress

OMs, the shoe was on the other foot in the grand

quarter. St Bede’s/Mentone were relentless in their

during the season was like riding a rollercoaster.

final against St Kevin’s.

They were the team to beat early on, spending the

semi-final match-up and then Old Melburnians completely outplayed them in the first half of the grand final, yet when the final siren sounded on

Finding themselves up by seven goals, they were unable to hold the lead and ended up succumbing

inexplicably just stopped and the OMs ran away

load up again for another Premier B campaign in

first four weeks on top. They proceeded to lose four out of five, won three in a row, then the last six or seven weeks were win-loss-win-loss, finishing

both occasions SKOB managed to do enough and

by 11 points.

came out on top, capping a magnificent season.

St Bedes/Mentone Tigers (3rd, 14-4) returned

top two teams. Injuries decimated the Tonners’

Despite spending the entire season in the top

to Premier B after being relegated from the top

season, but despite this they spent the whole year

four, the underrated Old Melburnians (2nd, 12-

flight and launched their season with a cracking

in the top four. They limped into the finals with

6) cruised along in the shadow of St Kevin’s and

four-point loss to SKOB. Aside from Round 1, the

two straight losses and proceeded to get dumped

St Bedes/Mentone Tigers. OMs were consistently

Tigers were never outside the top four. The same

by eventual grand finalists, Old Melburnians. With

well-served by several names including Theo

names popped up consistently throughout the

a better run of injuries, the Tonners will amongst

Rosenthal, Lachie Borthwick, Nicholas Daish,

season: James Tyquin, Simon Richards, Luke

it once again in 2016.

Edward De Fegeley and Alexander Armstrong.

Velluto, Chris Mangoni, Tom and Dan Garside

After disposing of Old Brighton in the first week

and the Tigers seemed destined to return to the

with four-point and 97-point losses against the

Adam Caplan and Roi Abraham (AJAX)

Ajax (5th, 10-8) finished the season with a flurry. They overcame Mazenod by two goals in Round 18 which was their sixth win in eight games and resulted in them finishing equal with the fourthplaced Tonners, but an inferior percentage meant they just missed out on finals action. They replicated their win-loss record and ladder position from 2014. Jake Lew won the league goal kicking with 69 majors. Fitzroy (6th, 8-10) got oﬀ to a sluggish start, losing five of their first six games but then recovered somewhat to win three in a row. They spent the latter part of the season around the middle of the ladder and struggled to find consistency. Their sixth place finish meant they improved two games and two ladder positions on 2014. GT Moore medallist Rory Angiollela and Daniel Bisetto both represented the VAFA during the year, while Corbin Stevic (38 goals) and Bisetto (23) were their leading goal kickers. Hampton Rovers (7th, 6-12) were promoted from Premier C and spent most of the season hanging around just outside the top four, never quite managing to bridge the gap. They suﬀered a disappointing second half of the season, finishing with four losses in a row and eight of their last 10.

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2015

This was perhaps a consequence of having to use 56 players during the season which was the most of any Premier B team. Adam McNeil (Prem B-Div 4) and Daniel Corp (Prem B-Div 4) represented the VAFA during the season and their leading goal kickers were Daniel Corp (32), Matthew Robbins (28) and Ed Turner (22). Captain Leigh Fletcher and Richard Atkins also had very consistent seasons. Parkdale Vultures (8th, 5-13) survived their first season back in Premier B after being promoted, but only just. They were unable to gain any real momentum during the season as their wins were spread outacross little streaks of losses. The Vultures managed to come good just at the right time and their Round 18 win against Hampton was their highest score (19 goals) and greatest winning margin (41 points) of the season. Daniel Moloney (U19) and Tom Redmond (Prem B-Div 4) represented the VAFA during the year. Charlie Dillon had an outstanding season and was the Vultures’ leading goal scorer with 26, while Nathan Papatsanis kicked 22. Mazenod’s (9th, 5-13) season finished in heartbreaking fashion. Needing to beat Ajax to avoid relegation, they led by two goals at the final change but were overrun by a five-goal to one Jackas avalanche. Their loss combined with Parkdale’s win against Hampton meant the Nodders found themselves relegated by just three percent. During the season they lost eight in a row, including two losses to St Kevin’s by 100+ points. The highlight was probably their five-point win over Old Melburnians in Round 17. Jace Kelly (Prem B-Div 4) and Josh Cowan (U23) represented the VAFA and Ben Phibbs also had a great season, leading the club goal kicking with 29 goals. He was joined by Josh Cowan on 22. Caulfield (10th, 2-16) has been relegated to Premier C, winning the wooden spoon with just two wins and losing 13 in a row to finish the season. Four Caulfield players represented the VAFA in 2015: Tom Green (U23), Nick Tonkin (U23), Tom Small (VAFA Seniors) and Jay Neratzoglou (VAFA Seniors). Keegan Stewart and Tom Small led the goal kicking with 20, while Tim Nixon had a great season and was in the best players in 15 of his 17 games. One bright spot for the club is that their Under 19s won the Section 2 Grand Final against Parkdale. Next season we welcome Old Scotch and Beaumaris from Premier, as well as Monash Blues and Old Haileyburians up from Premier C.

Premier B Premiership Team: St Kevin’s OB B:

Matthew Murphy, Conor Ross, Kelvin Williams

HB:

Nicholas Wood, William Coates, Brad McCann

Jason Salopek, Steven Salopek, James Stewart

HF:

Philip Edgar, Stephen Gilham, Zachary Ginies

Gerard Gleeson, Anthony Lynch, Henry Parkes

Dylan Jones, Jordan Gysberts, Karl Wissell

Int: Coach:

Ben Dowd, Nicholas Meehan, Charles Ring, Callum Matheson Daniel Harford & Jon Edgar

Leading Goalkickers Name

Club

Jake Lew

AJAX AFC

Goals 69

Luke Velluto

St Bedes / Mentone Tigers AFC

Daniel Anthony

Old Brighton Grammarians

Philip Edgar

St Kevins OB

JT Moore Medal Player

Club

Rory Angiolella

Fitzroy AFC

Votes

Steven Salopek

St Kevin’s Old Boys

Simon Richards

St Bedes/Mentone Tigers AFC

Lachie Borthwick

Old Melburnians

Daniel Bisetto

Fitzroy AFC

Scribe Team of the year B:

Brad McCann (SKOB), Jay Neratzoglou (CG), Kelvin Williams (SKOB)

HB:

Dylan Verney (OB), Adam McNeil (HR), Josh Cowan (Maz)

Pat Tyquin (SBMT), Ben Jakobi (OB), Adam Caplan (AJAX)

HF:

Phil Edgar (SKOB), Jake Lew (AJAX), Daniel Corp (HR)

FF:

Daniel Anthony (OB), Luke Velluto (SBMT), Corbin Stevic (Fitz)

Daniel Bisetto (Fitz), Steven Salopek (SKOB), Ted De Fegely (OM)

Int: Coach:

Leigh Fletcher (HR), Charlie Dillon (PV), Rory Angiolella (Fitz), Tom Small (CG) Daniel Harford, Jon Edgar (SKOB)

David Chalmers

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2015

Premier B Results PREMIERSHIP LADDER Rory Angiolella (Fitzroy) GT Moore Medallist

St Kevins OB

For

Agst

PTS

2351

995

236.28

St Bedes / Mentone Tigers AFC

1943

1311

148.21

Old Melburnians

1549

1324

116.99

Old Brighton Grammarians

1623

1346

120.58

Ajax

1427

1454

98.14

Fitzroy FC

1531

1422

107.67

Hampton Rovers AFC

1503

1897

79.23

Parkdale Vultures

1227

1766

69.48

Mazenod OC

1250

1870

66.84

Caulfield Grammarians

1103

2122

51.98

Premier B Grand Final at Sportscover Arena St Kevins OB

3.1-19

5.5-35

10.12-72

13.18-96

Old Melburnians

4.3-27

11.4-70

12.5-77

13.7-85

St Kevins OB Goal Kickers: S. Gilham 3, S. Salopek, B. McCann, J. Gysberts, K. Williams, P. Edgar, G. Gleeson, Z. Ginies, D. Jones, H. Parkes, K. Wissell Best Players: S. Gilham, N. Wood, N. Meehan, B. McCann, D. Jones, A. Lynch Old Melburnians Goal Kickers: S. Watson 3, A. Armstrong 2, N. De Steiger 2, C. Beck 2, T. Rosenthal, T. Paule, E. De Fegely, N. Daish Best Players: W. Thompson, L. Borthwick, G. Hurley-Wellington, S. Watson, E. De Fegely, N. Daish Ian Cordner Medal: Stephen Gilham (St Kevin’s OB)

Premier B Preliminary Final St Bedes / Mentone Tigers AFC

5.0-30

8.2-50

8.3-51

10.9-69

Old Melburnians

1.7-13

4.8-32

11.10-76

17.10-112

St Bedes / Mentone Tigers AFC Goal Kickers: C. Richards 2, M. Barnes 2, T. Doherty, L. Velluto, J. Robertson, M. Coen, A. Kane, J. Tyquin Best Players: J. Tyquin, P. Kean, T. Tyquin, M. Barnes, C. Mangoni, P. Tyquin Old Melburnians Goal Kickers: C. Beck 4, A. Armstrong 4, W. Thompson 2, T. Paule, T. Rosenthal, N. De Steiger, S. Gibbons, L. Borthwick, C. Righetti, S. Watson Best Players: J. Freezer, W. Thompson, S. Peacock, L. Borthwick, S. Watson, T. Rosenthal

Premier B Semi Final 1 Old Melburnians

2.1-13

7.4-46

11.5-71

14.6-90

Old Brighton Grammarians

3.3-21

5.6-36

6.10-46

7.12-54

Old Melburnians Goal Kickers: A. Armstrong 6, C. Beck 3, T. Paule 2, T. Marshall 2, L. Borthwick Best Players: A. Armstrong, L. Borthwick, L. Haralambous, G. Hurley-Wellington, E. De Fegely, C. CumbraeStewart Old Brighton Grammarians Goal Kickers: M. Karayannis 2, J. Dickerson, N. Coroneos, T. Mariani, M. Slater, D. Anthony Best Players: T. Fisher, M. Slater, L. Nicholls, D. Verney, T. Mariani, C. King

Premier B Semi Final 2 St Kevins OB

5.1-31

8.3-51

11.6-72

13.7-85

St Bedes / Mentone Tigers AFC

3.1-19

5.4-34

9.4-58

10.9-69

St Kevins OB Goal Kickers: G. Gleeson 3, S. Gilham 2, P. Edgar 2, Z. Ginies 2, N. Meehan, J. Salopek, A. Lynch, B. Dowd Best Players: S. Gilham, J. Salopek, B. McCann, G. Gleeson, N. Meehan, C. Gleeson

Dan Garside (St Bedes/Mentone Tigers)

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2015

St Bedes / Mentone Tigers AFC Goal Kickers: L. Velluto 4, M. Coen 2, C. Richards 2, M. Barnes, T. Doherty Best Players: P. Tyquin, J. Tyquin, S. D’’Andrea, C. Richards, L. Velluto, J. O’Kearney

Premier B Reserves PREMIERSHIP LADDER St Kevins OB Old Melburnians St Bedes/Mentone Tigers AFC Old Brighton Grammarians Fitzroy FC Parkdale Vultures Ajax Mazenod OC Caulfield Grammarians Hampton Rovers AFC

For

Agst

PTS

17 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 17 18

17 15 14 11 9 7 5 5 3 3

0 3 4 7 9 11 13 13 14 15

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

2536 1767 1838 1240 1138 1247 1152 941 910 660

585 769 1072 1230 1374 1515 1512 1916 1769 1786

433.50 229.78 171.46 100.81 82.82 82.31 76.19 49.11 51.44 36.95

72 60 56 44 36 28 20 20 12 12

Premier B Reserve Premiership Team: Old Melburnians B: HB: C: HF: F: R: Int: Coach:

Jim De Fegeley, Harry Michelmore, Tom De Fegely Cam May, Seb Clarke, Hamish Lade Stuart Madsen, Harry Macciolli, Matt Marangon Nick McLardy, Josh Rundell, Chris Wischer (C) Nick Madders, Patrick Garschagen, Henry Hanlon Tom Lackmann, Ed McMullin, Ed Fanning Lachlan Prendergast, Chris Barry, Marty McCoy, James Fink Sam Quennell & Jack Macciolli

Premier B Reserves Grand Final St Bedes / Mentone Tigers AFC Old Melburnians

5.0-30 1.7-13

8.2-50 4.8-32

8.3-51 11.10-76

10.9-69 17.10-112

St Bedes / Mentone Tigers AFC Goal Kickers: B. Schubert 2, B. Nicoll, M. Wintle, L. Terrell, M. Caia, C. McCready Best Players: B. Nicoll, M. Wintle, M. Geschke, N. Seeber, M. Kent, J. Dalzotto Old Melburnians Goal Kickers: H. Hanlon 2, C. Wischer 2, P. Garschagen 2, L. Prendergast 2, J. Rundell 2, E. Fanning, J. Fink, N. Madders Best Players: J. Rundell, L. Prendergast, E. Fanning, T. De Fegley, E. McMullin, J. Fink Kelvin Williams (St Kevin’s OB)

Best on Ground Medal: Josh Rundell (Old Melburnians)

Premier B Thirds PREMIERSHIP LADDER Old Xaverians Ajax (Black) Old Carey St Kevins Old Trinity Fitzroy Mazenod Ajax (Red)

For

Agst

PTS

13 14 13 14 14 14 12 8

13 9 7 7 7 6 2 0

0 5 6 7 7 8 10 8

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

2 1 2 1 1 1 1 0

1944 1236 1295 1125 1335 1114 783 245

546 1012 1235 948 1132 1160 1452 1957

356.04 122.13 104.86 118.67 117.93 96.03 53.93 12.52

60 40 36 32 32 28 12 0

Premier B Thirds Premiership Team: Old Xaverians B: HB: C: HF: F: R: Int: Coaches:

Ben Steedman, Matt Galbraith, Nick Sharkey Nathan Drummond, Jon Smarelli (C), Nick Gazdowicz Terry Reed, Nick Nunan (VC), Lucas O’Sullivan Tom Bergin, Matt Owen, Ben Lyon Alex Gazdowicz, Anthony Dickinson, Pat Darrer Jack Delmo, Tom Gilbert, Fletcher Nugent James Forrest, Darcy Dempsey, James Samartzis, Tim Fenton, John Blake , Jack Ebert Shane Healy

Premier B Thirds Grand Final Old Xaverians St Kevins

1.3-9 0.3-3

6.4-40 1.3-9

10.5-65 2.5-17

15.11-101 4.5-29

Old Xaverians Goal Kickers: A. Dickinson 3, A. Gazdowicz 3, N. Sharkey 2, J. Samartzis 2, T. Gilbert 2, L. O’’Sullivan, T. Bergin, M. Owen Best Players: N. Sharkey, N. Nunan, M. Owen, M. Galbraith, L. O’’Sullivan, J. Samartzis St Kevins Goal Kickers: Z. Khariwala 2, N. Armato, T. Steains Best Players: S. Kneebone, R. Moore, S. Kaiser, W. Doble, T. Sullivan, N. Armato Justin DeSteiger (Old Melburnians)

Best on Ground Medal: Matt Owen (Old Xaverians)

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2015

Premier C

Old Haileybury complete fairytale finish Throughout the home and away season, Premier C’s premiership frontrunners were clear. Marcellin and Monash Blues were undoubtedly the sections’ top seeds and for all money their year-long dominance looked likely to end in silverware. But in a two-horse race, a third contender appeared from the depths of the final four to beat the odds and claim the September prize. But first, let’s rewind and remind ourselves how this 2015 Cinderella story came to fruition. PEGS Football Club (10th) and Therry Penola OB’s (9th) 2015 seasons left much to be desired. The two clubs struggled with just two and four wins respectively and both will slide down to Division 1 in 2016. It wasn’t all dull for the relegated duo as PEGS knocked oﬀ a strong Peninsula side in Round 12 and also defeated the Lions in Round 18 to finish the season on a high. Trent Skurrie also showed promising signs with 48 goals for the year for the Bombers and will likely be a force in the lower division. Therry Penola defeated Oakleigh, PEGS, Williamstown CYMS and premier Old Haileyburians, proving it has the ability to perform at premiership standard. With the likes of Corey and Jarrod Bannister combining for 87 goals it will be a competitor once again in Division 1. Old Camberwell (8th) kept its head above water and its place in Premier C for another season after finishing one spot above relegation. The Wellers finished in the same place in 2014, showing

Marcellin vs Monash Blues

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2015

they can keep up with the section, but again struggled against the top teams. Camberwell finished with five wins, with three of those coming in succession in the latter half of the year. The Wellers showcased glimpses of brilliance in narrow defeats as they lost by less than 14 points to Marcellin, Old Haileyburians and Old Ivanhoe. James Allen was the Wellers’ best this season, being named in his side’s best players in all but four matches. Williamstown CYMS (7th) and Oakleigh (6th) rounded out the bottom half of the table and had their moments in the spotlight. The two clubs had very familiar seasons with sporadic results as consecutive wins were hard to come by. The CY’s did well to end the season with seven victories, consolidating their position after winning the Division 1 premiership last year. There were moments where Williamstown looked as if they could repeat their 2014 heroics following victories against Old Ivanhoe, Oakleigh and Old

Carl Groth (Old Ivanhoe) Zachariah Medallist

Haileyburians, but just couldn’t make it count against clubs below them. Conversely, Oakleigh tackled those lower on the ladder well but couldn’t string consistent wins together against those above them. The Krushers’ most notable win was in Round 8 when it trumped Monash Blues by 28 points at home. Peninsula (5th) was the unlucky club stuck one position outside the top four, finishing with 10 wins – one behind Old Haileyburians. The Pirates closed strongly with consecutive victories over Therry Penola and Marcellin but it wasn’t enough to dislodge the eventual premiers. The Pirates also had a great start with four wins from the first five games but midseason injuries and a lack of form cost their 2015 finals tilt. With personnel such as Club Warehouse Rising Star, James Fletcher, Brett Brisbane and Nicholas Fisher, expect the Pirates to be a contender in 2016. Despite missing their chance to progress to Premier B, Old Ivanhoe (4th) and Marcellin (3rd) had superb seasons. Old Ivanhoe (13-5 win/loss) proved they had a plethora of quality players on their list, including 2015 Zachariah medallist, Carl Groth. Furthermore, the Hoes had four players kick 20+ goals, with Bradley Thompson leading the charge with 51. Marcellin had the best home and away season and finished as the minor premiers with 15 wins. However, the Eagles struggled to reproduce their outstanding form come finals. After topping the table for two consecutive seasons, they again fell out of September action without a win.

Monash Blues (2nd) were the runners-up to the glass slipper with 15 victories throughout the season and progressed to the grand final with a healthy victory over Marcellin. But the shoe didn’t quite fit in the last game and were ousted by the eventual premiers. Despite this, the Blues will play Premier B football next season. Andrew Young, Joseph Cosgriﬀ, Maddison Hardiman and Nicholas Petering were at the forefront of Premier C’s best this season. With a talented list at their disposal, expect further success for Monash in the near future. The protagonist of the story, Old Haileyburians, almost missed the finals completely, let alone the big dance. After a three-game losing streak from Rounds 13-15, winning the last game of the season ensured the Bloods squeezed past Peninsula to claim fourth spot with an 11-7 record. Finishing fourth normally means you are in the finals to participate, a quick congratulations and oﬀ you go. But when it came to 2015 finals football, the shoe suited Old Haileybury perfectly. Old Ivanhoe was the first to fall victim to the Bloods’ relentless finals form as they struggled to hit the scoreboard, eventually going down by 95 points. Next was a preliminary final against minor premiers, Marcellin. Despite losing by 72 and 64 points to the Eagles in the regular season, the Bloods again proved doubters wrong as they defeated their opponents by 27 points. By Grand Final time, the story was all about the Bloods and the result followed suit. Monash Blues gave a contest in the first half before the Bloods took control and began to dominate the scoreboard. The celebratory goals in the final quarter were enough to put a wry smile on any neutral supporter’s face. Coming from relegation in 2014 to a fairytale premiership and a new found gusto has brought life to a once dominant club. Coach Daniel Hughes was a major part in the change and deservedly attained premiership glory in his first year with the club. Captain and Michael Ritterman medallist, Peter Gleadhill, led his chargers admirably throughout the season and stood tall when it was all on the line in the grand final.

Premier B Premiership Team: Old Haileybury B: HB: C: HF:

Tim Witherow, Hamish McLaughlin, Mitch Raﬀerty Chris Povey, Jack Hayes, Tyler Faulkner James Paul, Josh Dawson, Michael Stowe John Nicolopoulos, Alex Woltering, Corey Connelly

Peter Gleadhill (C), Nathan Waite (VC), Lachie Treverton

Nick Harrison, Brett Voss, Jordan Toy

Int: Coach:

Nick Gooda, Adam Weekes (VC), Ed Limon, Jordan Donnelly Daniel Hughes

Leading Goalkickers Name

Club

Aaron Cloke

Oakleigh AFC

Goals 77

Nicholas Ebinger

Williamstown CYMS

Trevor Bromley

Oakleigh AFC

Jeremiah Antypas

Marcellin OC

L Zachariah Medal Player

Club

Votes

Carl Groth

Old Ivanhoe Gramarians

Maddison Hardiman

Monash Blues

Aaron Cloke

Oakleigh

Nicholas Ebinger

Williamstown CYMS

Brett Brisbane

Peninsula

Scribe Team of the year B: HB:

Simon Bennett (OC), Joe Cosgriﬀ (MB), Ryan Jones (PEGS) Hamish McLauchlan (OH), Nick Fisher (Pen), Andrew Young (MB)

Ashley Viney (Mar), Maddison Hardiman (MB), James Fletcher (Pen)

HF:

Michael Mitris (OIG), Jeremiah Antypas (Mar), Trevor Bromley (Oak)

FF:

Nick Ebinger (Will), Aaron Cloke (Oak), Nick Petering (MB)

David Bruno (OIG), Jarrod Egglestone (TP), Peter Gleadhill (OH)

Int: Coach:

Anthony Beaini (Mar), Nick Gooda (OH), Bradley Thompson (OIG), Jonathon Blanch (Mar) Paul Groves (MB)

James Ried

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2015

Premier C Results PREMIERSHIP LADDER P Fraser Wells (Old Camberwell)

For

Agst

PTS

Marcellin OC

2122

1108

191.52

Monash Blues

1670

902

185.14

Old Ivanhoe Grammarians

1554

1376

112.94

Old Haileyburians

1414

1466

96.45

Peninsula OB

1614

1167

138.30

Oakleigh AFC

1708

1800

94.89

Williamstown CYMS

1613

1887

85.48

Old Camberwell Grammarians

1233

1729

71.31

Therry Penola OB

1131

1965

57.56

PEGS Football Club

1198

1857

64.51

Premier C Grand Final at Trevor Barker Oval, Sandringham Monash Blues Old Haileyburians

1.2-8

5.9-39

6.11-47

6.12-48

2.4-16

6.7-43

8.12-60

13.18-96

Monash Blues Goal Kickers: J. Griff iths 3, M. Hardiman, Z. Ledin, N. Petering Best Players: A. Young, J. Griff iths, T. Cameron, C. Cosgriff, M. Davidson, C. Rossetti Old Haileyburians Goal Kickers: J. Nicolopoulos 4, N. Waite 2, J. Dawson 2, E. Limon 2, C. Connelly, T. Faulkner, J. Paul Best Players: J. Donnelly, A. Weekes, H. McLauchlan, J. Dawson, P. Gleadhill, J. Toy M. Ritterman Medal: Peter Gleadhill (Old Haileyburians)

Premier C Preliminary Final Marcellin OC Old Haileyburians

0.1-1

3.2-20

4.3-27

7.6-48

2.8-20

2.11-23

7.18-60

9.21-75

Marcellin Oc Goal Kickers: A. Kay 2, D. Mc Mahon, M. Gasparini, N. Crosbie, M. Bortolotto, J. Robertson Best Players: J. Carlson, L. Considine, A. Beaini, N. Crosbie, M. Abrahams, P. Hamblin Old Haileyburians Goal Kickers: N. Gooda 2, C. Connelly 2, N. Waite 2, B. Voss 2, J. Dawson Best Players: P. Gleadhill, M. Raﬀerty, B. Voss, J. Dawson, A. Woltering, J. Toy

Premier C Semi Final 1 Old Ivanhoe Grammarians Old Haileyburians

1.0-6

2.1-13

1.7-13

6.11-47

7.15-57

14.24-108

Old Ivanhoe Grammarians Goal Kickers: A. Del Monte, O. Parks Best Players: L. Oliver, R. Butler, S. Wilcox, B. Nagel, C. Groth, B. Thompson Old Haileyburians Goal Kickers: N. Waite 3, J. Donnelly 3, B. Voss 2, T. Faulkner 2, J. Nicolopoulos, J. Dawson, E. Limon, C. Connelly Best Players: C. Povey , J. Donnelly, L. Treverton, B. Voss, J. Dawson, T. Witherow

Premier C Semi Final 2 Marcellin OC

3.1-19

3.2-20

6.8-44

Monash Blues

5.2-32

10.5-65

12.10-82

Marcellin Oc Goal Kickers: A. Kay 3, J. Bortolotto 2, J. Carlson Best Players: J. Carlson, J. Blanch, N. Crosbie, M. Gasparini, J. Wood, A. Kay

Peter Gleadhill - Old Haileyburians

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2015

Monash Blues Goal Kickers: N. Petering 2, G. Taylor 2, J. Griff iths 2, A. Oppy, G. Smyth, M. Hardiman, J. Taylor, D. Easson, A. Young Best Players: G. Taylor, A. Oppy, J. Cosgriff, A. Young, J. Griff iths, J. Bartram

Premier C Reserves PREMIERSHIP LADDER Xavier Burns (Marcellin)

Marcellin OC Monash Blues PEGS Football Club Peninsula OB Williamstown CYMS Old Camberwell Grammarians Old Ivanhoe Grammarians Old Haileyburians Oakleigh AFC Therry Penola OB

For

Agst

PTS

18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18

17 12 12 10 10 9 8 6 3 2

1 5 6 7 8 9 10 12 15 16

0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

1764 1077 1228 1438 1588 1215 1060 1298 972 911

745 874 1020 1161 1178 1444 1339 1559 1611 1620

236.78 123.23 120.39 123.86 134.80 84.14 79.16 83.26 60.34 56.23

68 50 48 42 40 36 32 24 12 8

Premier C Reserves Premiership Team: PEGS B: HB: C: HF: F: R: Int: Coach:

B. Bianchi, H. Federico, L. Shultz L. Flaherty, L. Sutawon, D. Rowland J. Marr, D. Pound, J. Vovos L. Marr, J. Condon, M. Wilson B. Caminiti, A. Khallouf, M. Semini N. Karikas, L. Fitzgerald, D. Roscoe B. Glassford, B. Roscoe, T. Memery, J. Clarke S. Dale

Premier C Reserves Grand Final Marcellin OC PEGS Football Club

Jack Gray (Williamstown CYMS)

1.1-7 4.2-26

1.4-10 5.3-33

3.7-25 5.6-36

5.8-38 7.10-52

Marcellin OC Goal Kickers: R. Di Roberto 2, T. Blanch, D. Redmond, S. Mackie Best Players: A. Manakis, P. Lunn, T. Jones, T. Black, W. Delahunty, J. Wood PEGS Football Club Goal Kickers: J. Vovos 2, M. Semini, J. Clarke, D. Roscoe, L. Marr, M. Wilson Best Players: J. Vovos, D. Rowland, D. Roscoe, L. Fitzgerald, D. Pound, D. Bianchi Best on Ground Medal: James Vovos (PEGS)

Premier C Thirds

PREMIERSHIP LADDER PEGS Marcellin Monash Blues St Mary’s Salesian Williamstown CYMS Collegians Therry Penola OB Old Ivanhoe Hampton Rovers Parkdale Vultures

For

Agst

PTS

12 12 13 14 13 13 13 9 11 10

11 10 9 9 5 6 5 3 1 1

1 2 4 5 8 7 8 6 10 9

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

3 3 2 1 2 0 1 1 1 1

1577 1409 1367 1336 1111 885 951 663 537 610

623 712 740 910 1169 1135 1272 1255 1476 1695

253.13 197.89 184.73 146.81 95.04 77.97 74.76 52.83 36.38 35.99

56 52 44 40 28 24 24 16 8 8

Premier C Reserves Premiership Team: PEGS B: HB: C: HF: F: R: Int: Coach:

A. Hinkley, A. Petersen, T. Cannon A. Hannah, A. McKenzie, J. Hughes J. Lanting, S. Caruso, H. Braden D. Galea, J. Bentick, A.Lukac G. Guicas, R. Edwards, C.Ridley T. Buchan, T. Day, R. Andrews L. Zammit, N. Hageman, R. Centin, S. Liistro, D. Lieu, M. Banadinovich M. Velardo

Premier C Thirds Grand Final Marcellin PEGS

2.2-14 1.0-6

5.5-35 4.2-26

5.8-38 6.4-40

7.10-52 11.10-76

Marcellin Goal Kickers: S. Ayoub 3, C. Kemp 2, C. Stewart, J. Toohey Best Players: T. Cullen, D. Valsorda, S. Ayoub, C. Kemp, A. Ferguson, M. Hopkins PEGS Goal Kickers: R. Centin 3, D. Galea 2, R. Edwards 2, G. Guicas 2, C. Ridley, R. Andrews Best Players: A. Hannah, L. Zammit, S. Caruso, R. Andrews, T. Day, C. Ridley

Joseph Griﬀiths (Monash Blues)

Best on Ground Medal: Sam Caruso (PEGS)

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2015

Division 1

Kew make it three in a row The 2015 VAFA Division 1 competition appeared a compelling landscape from the outset. The competition favourite was a relegated side and a former powerhouse in Ormond, and the surprise packets would come from Division 2, Kew and St Mary’s Salesian. For much of the year it was these three and the ever-threatening Division 1 club, Old Geelong, who dominated proceedings. Inevitably though, it was the two sides that first played in the Round 10 clash when both were undefeated, who would contend for the flag. Coming into the finals series in poor form, Kew produced two magnificent finals performances to win their third consecutive VAFA premiership against Ormond. Running through the non-finalists’ seasons first, we start with Yarra Valley (10th). It was a disappointing season for the Bushrangers, who could not manage a win until Round 16 when they knocked oﬀ NOBS/St Pats at home. The Bushrangers’ season can be summed up with this startling statistic; they only managed to keep their opponent below 100 on two occasions (in both their victories) as well as only managing to hit three figures twice. They’ll require a big recruiting season but expect the Bushrangers to regroup heading into 2016. Bulleen Templestowe’s (9th) season was largely inconsistent, showing their best was a huge distance from their worst. Unfortunately for the Bullants, while they managed to beat two sides in the top four, they could only manage to string together consecutive victories once. Kristian Cherbakof was a constant threat down forward on his way to 45 goals, while Harry Vogler won his first best and fairest in just his second year at the club.

Kyle Margaritis (Kew)

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2015

NOBS/St Pats (8th) were in contention for an unlikely finals berth after their Round 13 victory against Bulleen Templestowe. However, they were unable to maintain their strong form and crashed to five straight losses to end their season just above relegation. They enter 2016 in Division 1 with a new identity after changing their name to Brunswick NOBSPC. Club legend, Matthew Keown, announced his retirement after a glittering eightyear career, truly giving the club a blank canvass to rebuild during this positive era of change. While they defeated rivals Prahran Assumption twice, the club could not manage a win against any of the top four sides. Old Mentonians (7th) had a year that was very striking in its similarity to NOBS/St Pats, as they too could not manage a win against any of the top four. The biggest positive was the form of full-forward and young star, Dunstan Mills, who kicked 41 goals from 16 outings and proved he has the potential to lead the club to premiership success in the future. With the club likely to add depth over the ensuing months, it will be looking to improve in the 2016 season and compete for a top four position. Prahran Assumption (6th) found their season quickly slipping away after nine games, sitting eighth on the ladder with just two wins but with a percentage of 98.4. The percentage was a fair indication of either their inability to get over the line in close games or how unlucky they had been. Maybe it was a bit of both. Either way, the board saw fit to appoint interim coach Anthony McMahon midway through the season. Their second half of the season was a far more positive aﬀair, however they still fell short of pulling oﬀ a

Christmas (in September) miracle to finish sixth. James Musster was their best and fairest winner for the second time, while John Robbins led all comers with 55 goals. Whitefriars (5th) finished four games out of the four but were perhaps the surprise packet of 2015. After a disappointing 2014 where they finished eighth, the Friars saw heavy improvement in their youthful side with captain Dan Hogan taking home his second best and fairest trophy. Their season highlight was in the final round of the season when they beat eventual premiers Kew by 28 points, impressing with their frenzied attack on the ball and strong contested marking. St Mary’s Salesian (4th) were impressive throughout the home and away season, finishing the year in the finals and earning the right to face Old Geelong in the elimination final. They couldn’t manage to overcome the impressive OGs outfit, but can take solace in another successful season after finishing runners-up in 2014. It is internally where SMS has found improvement, but they’ll be searching for additional X-factor in order to present themselves as a legitimate threat for Premier section action. Midfielder and disposal machine, Sidney Jones, won the Division 1 LS Peeper Medal as the section’s best player, while Heath Chipperfield took out the club’s best and fairest. Old Geelong (3rd) will have the summer to rue lost opportunities in their preliminary final against Ormond. They looked the better side for much of the day, but simply could not finish off their hard work, kicking 17 behinds, including 0.5 in the third term. The OGs have now lost three preliminary finals in four seasons. However, one game does not maketh a successful side. Old Geelong is on the right track to premiership success with a strong core of players at the right age. With more polish, they would have played off in a grand final. With Jack McMeel and Callum Wood kicking over 100 goals between them and Colby O’Brien winning his fourth best and fairest, I would have them in my grand final quinella for 2016. Ormond and Kew played off in a grand final that ebbed and flowed throughout most of the match. Ormond finished the home and away season with only one loss to their name. Unfortunately, their next two losses came at the hands of the premiership victors, Kew. The Monders entered the year with only one thing on their mind; another premiership for the trophy room. At times it appeared they were untouchable, with a strong victory over Kew in Round 16 pointing toward the

inevitability of the aforementioned aim. They were smothered by a classic defensive eﬀort in the semi and grand final, with Kew too strong across the ground. Ormond is well on its way to becoming the powerhouse it once was, re-entering Premier C with a huge opportunity to establish themselves as a contender. Despite missing out on senior premiership glory, the Monders will be buoyed by their reserves’ 65-point grand final win against Prahran Assumption.

Division 1 Premiership Team: Kew

Kew’s astonishing run continued with their third consecutive premiership. As previously mentioned, Kew was the best side when it mattered, beating Ormond in both the semi-final and the grand final to take out Division 1 in 2015. Their semi-final victory will go down as one of the most unforgettable in club history as they entered the game without league goal kicking champion, Andrew Brazzale, and fellow big man, Rob Maibaum, as both were missing through injury. Their season started supremely, going undefeated until Round 13 where their unbeaten run was finally put to an end by Old Geelong. They lost four of their last six in the home and away season. They rubbished claims their season was over, with Kyle Margaritas, Max Waters and Zac Jones playing their best footy when it mattered. Jack Delbridge won his first best and fairest for the club, as the club enters Premier C for the first time since 1995 and with a healthy trophy cabinet.

Leading Goalkickers

William Balme

B: HB: C: HF:

Sam Bishop, Michael Cochrane, Jeremy Fultheim Darcy Spencer, Jack Delbridge, William Balme Peter Couvalias, Tim Allman, Zac Jones

Liam Kinsella, Andrew Brazzale, Ned Rohrt

Paul Brough, Josh O’Bryan, Kyle Margaritas

Int: Coach:

Jett Guerin, Robert Maibaum, Tim Orchard, Brandon Droessler Ian Aitken

Name

Club

Andrew Brazzale

Kew AFC

Callum Wood

Old Geelong

Robert Maibaum

Kew AFC

John Robbins

Prahran Assumption AFC

Goals

LS Pepper Medal Player

Club

Sidney Jones

St Mary’s-Salesian

Votes 19

Jack Delbridge

Kew

Daniel Hogan

Whitefriars Old Collegians

Harrison Taylor

Prahran Football Club

Matthew Martinov

Ormond

Scribe Team of the year B: HB:

Michael Henderson (Kew), Michael Cochrane (Kew), Matthew Oaten (Ormond) Chris Coghlan (Ormond), Gerrard Bence (NOBSPC), Simon Yeo (Yarra Valley)

Heath Chipperfield (SMS), Daniel Hogan (WF), Comrey Edgeworth (OM)

HF:

Kristian Cherbakof (BT), Callum Wood (OG), Robert Chisholm (Ormond)

FF:

Gary Purantatameri (SMS), Andrew Brazzale (Kew), John Robbins (PA)

Josh Hoevenaars (OG), James Musster (PA), Colby O’Brien (OG)

Int:

Michael Henderson, Tom Leeds, Max Waters

Sidney Jones (SMS), Sam Mason (Ormond), Rob Maibaum (Kew), Matthew Keown (NOBSPC)

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2015

Division 1 Results PREMIERSHIP LADDER Sam Barnes (Ormond)

For

Agst

PTS

Ormond AFC

1959

1167

167.87

Kew AFC

1894

1123

168.66

Old Geelong

2029

1335

151.99

St Mary’s Salesian

1789

1697

105.42

Whitefriars OC

1629

1641

99.27

Prahran Assumption AFC

1638

1543

106.16

Old Mentonians

1529

1889

80.94

NOBS/St Pats

1385

1933

71.65

Bulleen Templestowe AFC

1291

1842

70.09

Yarra Valley OB

1264

2237

56.50

Division 1 Grand Final at Coburg City Oval Kew AFC Ormond AFC

1.0-6

7.2-44

9.5-59

13.9-87

1.5-11

1.6-12

7.7-49

8.9-57

Kew AFC Goal Kickers: A. Brazzale 2, B. Droessler 2, L. Kinsella, J. Fultheim, T. Orchard, D. Spencer, M. Henderson, S. Bishop , P. Couvalias, Z. Jones, T. Allman Best Players: K. Margaritis, J. Delbridge, Z. Jones, M. Waters, S. Bishop , P. Brough Ormond AFC Goal Kickers: J. Simon 2, M. Michael 2, R. Chisholm, A. Schwarz, S. Blandford, D. Fasoulis Best Players: S. Barnes, S. Blandford, J. Simon, W. Simon, S. Keleher, N. Edwards J. W. Manton Medal: Kyle Margaritis (Kew)

Division 1 Preliminary Final

Gary Puruntatameri (St Mary’s Salesian)

Ormond AFC

3.2-20

6.3-39

11.5-71

13.7-85

Old Geelong

3.2-20

7.8-50

7.13-55

9.17-71

Ormond AFC Goal Kickers: D. Fasoulis 3, R. Chisholm 2, J. Simon, A. Schwarz, B. Upstill, S. Mason, M. Martinov, J. Lever, S. Keleher, I. Tahana Best Players: M. Oaten, N. Edwards, S. Blandford, D. Fasoulis, M. Martinov, R. Martin Old Geelong Goal Kickers: J. McMeel 4, M. Young, A. Leahy, B. Gore, A. Bird, J. Hoevenaars Best Players: R. Kemp, C. Joyce, J. Hoevenaars, J. McMeel, N. Hardie-Grant, A. Bird

Division 1 Semi Final 1 Old Geelong St Mary’s Salesian

5.1-31

8.2-50

9.6-60

12.14-86

0.1-1

1.4-10

2.7-19

6.8-44

Old Geelong Goal Kickers: S. James 3, C. Youngman 2, H. McKay 2, J. McMeel 2, A. Macdonald, B. Gore, C. Wood Best Players: B. Gore, J. O’’Brien, J. Hoevenaars, S. James, D. Freeman, C. Youngman St Mary’s Salesian Goal Kickers: G. Puruntatameri 3, L. Holmes, M. Holmes, J. Strangward Best Players: J. Rogers, M. Dolan, L. Dykes, T. Dudgeon, M. Holmes, J. Op’t Hoog

Division 1 Semi Final 2 Ormond AFC

1.2-8

3.3-21

6.6-42

6.9-45

Kew AFC

1.1-7

4.5-29

6.9-45

10.12-72

Ormond AFC Goal Kickers: I. Tahana 2, R. Martin, M. Michael, S. Stait, R. Chisholm Best Players: M. Michael, J. Simon, S. Gay, R. Martin, C. Coghlan, N. Edwards Kew AFC Goal Kickers: J. Guerin 3, D. Spencer 2, A. Doxey 2, T. Allman 2, S. Bishop Best Players: K. Margaritis, M. Waters, J. Guerin, Z. Jones, P. Brough, L. Kinsella

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2015

Division 1 Reserves

PREMIERSHIP LADDER Ormond AFC Kew AFC St Mary’s Salesian Prahran Assumption AFC Old Geelong Yarra Valley OB Bulleen Templestowe AFC NOBS/St Pats Whitefriars OC

For

Agst

PTS

18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18

16 15 15 14 8 8 5 4 4

2 3 3 4 10 10 13 14 14

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

2114 2153 1949 1642 1419 1036 922 926 683

569 727 979 976 1224 1377 1451 1568 1899

371.53 296.15 199.08 168.24 115.93 75.24 63.54 59.06 35.97

64 60 60 56 32 32 20 16 16

Division 1 Reserves Premiership Team: Ormond B: HB:

Mark Pappas, Blair Atkins, Orry Lack Marcus La Greca, Lloyd Anrep, Stuart Gay

Jim Quamby, Andrew Clinch (C), Lachlan Upstill

HF:

David Robbins, Daniel Riazati, Michael Westoby

Tim Naylor, Matthew McTernan, Rick Morris

Tom Haysom, Sam Ashton, Damien Casey

Int: Coach:

Luke Duthie, Zac Leiser-Moore, Dan Frazier, Jak Wardley Stephen Keleher

Sidney Jones (St Mary’s Salesian) - LS Pepper Medallist

Division 1 Reserves Grand Final Ormond AFC

6.6-42

7.6-48

14.10-94

15.12-102

0.1-1

4.4-28

4.5-29

5.7-37

Prahran Assumption AFC

Ormond AFC Goal Kickers: T. Naylor 3, R. Morris 3, M. McTernan 2, L. Upstill, D. Robbins, L. Duthie, J. Wardley, J. Quarmby, Z. Lesier-Moore, D. Riazah-Kesheh Best Players: D. Casey, Z. Lesier-Moore, J. Quarmby, B. Atkins, S. Gay, T. Haysom Prahran Assumption AFC Goal Kickers: T. Keaney 2, J. Waters, M. Francis, J. Rice Best Players: T. Keaney, M. Pisker, J. Slattery, L. Kerr, J. Frydman, N. Davey Best on Ground Medal: Damien Casey (Ormond)

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2015

Division 2

Old Paradians snap 29-year premiership drought Division 2 had it all in 2015, with a third-placed premiership

misery. After an 8–0 start, the JOCs went 6–4 on

victory by Old Paradians and joint Fullerton medallists, Timothy

firing a shot. A straights sets exit was an inglorious

the run home and exited the finals without barely

Harper (MHSOB) and Dean Calcedo (Northern Blues).

way to end the year, but a case can be made that

Old Paradians snapped a 29-year premiership drought with a stunning and gritty grand final performance against Ivanhoe. The Raiders entered the final stanza as underdogs but exited immersed in glory. Parade took the road less travelled after scraping into the finals on the back of a number of inconsistent performances in the second half of the year. However, David Boundy’s men went on to record memorable finals victories against Northern Blues (20 points) and rivals St John’s (30 points) on their way to premiership triumph. The Raiders proved the doubters wrong and saved their best football for when it counted most. Division 1 awaits in 2016, which will present a new but exciting challenge for the premiers.

Promotion to Division 1 is the silver lining of a

Depth was seriously tested after injuries to key

season full of promise, growth and advancement

players and ill-timed ill-discipline which cost

for Ivanhoe but it will be haunted by the

the side dearly. With the emergence of a bevy of

disappointment of a grand final loss. The Hoes

young leaders, the JOCs will look to take that vital

it’s not all doom and gloom at Thomas Carroll.

were far and away the best side in the 2015

‘next step’ in 2016.

home and away season but could not reproduce

The Northern Blues fell victim to eventual premiers

their stellar form in the grand final. Paul Harris

Old Paradians in the first week of the finals after

marshalled his troops with system and purpose

leap-frogging their way into the top four but boast

throughout the whole season. Ivanhoe as a

one of the two Fullerton medallists, Dean Calcedo.

collective took significant steps forward this year

The Blues entered 2015 as the glamour side of

and boasts tremendous depth of talent which

the VAFA after back-to-back premierships and a

must be retained over the oﬀ-season.

third consecutive finals appearance is a big tick.

St John’s will look back on 2015 as a year which started with so much promise but ended with

Northern was a genuine finals smoky, but lacked the consistency away from home to go deep into the finals. After consecutive promotions, consolidation in Division 2 for a club on the rise is a win and they should fancy their chances in 2016. Old Eltham fell agonisingly short of a finals berth and will again remain stranded in Division 2 after showing significant improvement in 2015. A top four finish seemed certain before their Round 18 29-point loss to Ivanhoe allowed Old Paradians to surpass them and achieve premiership glory. Eltham holds a tremendous home ground advantage but struggle to take that form on the road. The Turtles will look to add depth over the off-season in a bid to progress up the Division 2 ladder. Intrigue surrounded Melbourne High School Old Boys at the end of 2015, with the Unicorns showing their best was well and truly good enough but inconsistency was their downfall. They were one of only three sides to knock off Ivanhoe during the year and pushed the top sides, but lost games they should have won. Led by Fullerton medallist, Timothy Harper, consolidation was a fair achievement for MHSOB and one which should be built on in 2016. The Unicorns are a genuine premiership threat and should not be taken lightly. Richmond Central wasted little time inducing change over the off-season by unveiling Brett Davidson as its new senior coach in 2016. The Snakes find themselves in a similar position to

Michael and David Boundy - Old Paradians

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2015

the Unicorns. After gaining promotion in 2015, consolidation was the first port of call. Richmond’s

early form was more than commendable and highlighted their firepower up forward and depth through the midfield. Unfortunately for the Snakes, their form tapered off towards the end of the year, finishing with a 7–11 record. Consistency will be the key word over the off-season, as their best was well and truly good enough in 2015. Monash Gryphons will be disappointed with their 2015 campaign, finishing eighth with five wins from their 18 outings. Despite their lack of wins on the board, the Gryphons were able to avoid relegation for the third year in a row and will look to build on their list over the off-season and climb up the ladder in 2016. Elsternwick found itself in the relegation zone after two years back in Division 2 but failed to reach the heights of years previous. The Wicks’ form this year was patchy at best but good enough on occasions. This year was one of frustration but one which can be learnt from over the upcoming off-season. South Melbourne will find itself in Division 3 in 2016 after a year of struggles and difficulties but one that ended with improvement and hope. The Districts simply struggled to replace the soldiers lost over the off-season and failed to find consistency through 2015. A club with such pride and a storied history will bounce back and it’s hard to believe they’ll spend much time in Division 3. Brenton Mann

Division 2 Premiership Team: Old Paradians B:

Andrew Tulipano, Alex Asdagi, Michael Boundy

Ross Licciardi, Chris Kandilakis, Steve Rehlicki

HF:

Michael Bellizia, Sean Miller, Luke McCann

Blake Holden, David Boundy, James Kandilakis

Daniel McKenna, James Kappos, Marcus Nolan

Int: Coach:

Matthew Derham, Kieran O’Brien, Sean Money, Robert Amerena David Boundy

Leading Goalkickers Name

Club

Jake Munro

Richmond Central AFC

Aaron Thornton

St Johns OC

Mitchell Lovell

Ivanhoe AFC

Lachlan McRedmond

Northern Blues

Goals

J Fullerton Medal Player

Club

Dean Calcedo

Northern Blues

Timothy Harper

Melbourne High School Old Boys

Ricky Costanzo

Richmond Central

Mitchell Lovell

Ivanhoe AFC

Christopher Kandilakis

Old Paradians

Votes

Scribe Team of the year B: HB: C:

Will Cuthbert (Ivanhoe), Tom O’Donnell (Ivanhoe), Keith Ash (St John’s) Rory Kennedy (Sth Melb), Reed Jepson (Northern), Olsen Clark (Northern) Karl Schoenmakers (Richmond), Andrew Hargrave (Eltham), Lachlan Pound (Monash)

HF:

Chris Mizzi (Eltham), Mitch Lovell (Ivanhoe), Lachlan McRedmond (Northern)

FF:

Nick Hawking (MHSOB), Jake Munro (Richmond), James Kandilakis (Parade)

Dan Cattolico (St John’s), Steve Villani (MHSOB), Damon Marcon (Northern), Carson Strobel (St John’s)

Int:

Adam Tsapatsaris, Warren Jeﬀrey, Anthony Sheehy

HB:

Justin Hunter (Elsternwick), Tim Woods (Eltham), Stephen Clarke (South Melbourne), Alex Erwin-Ross (Monash)

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2015

Division 2 Results PREMIERSHIP LADDER P Timothy Harper (MHSOB) - Fullerton Medallist

For

Agst

PTS

Ivanhoe AFC

2122

1187

178.77

St Johns OC

2089

1391

150.18

Old Paradians

1639

1220

134.34

Northern Blues

1840

1573

116.97

Eltham Collegians AFC

1944

1498

129.77

Mhsob

1576

1630

96.69

Richmond Central AFC

1793

1936

92.61

Monash Gryphons

1523

1820

83.68

Elsternwick AFC

1355

2338

57.96

South Melbourne Districts

1178

2466

47.77

Division 2 Grand Final at Highgate Reserve

Josh Sharp (Richmond Central)

Ivanhoe AFC

3.4-22

3.7-25

4.11-35

5.13-43

Old Paradians

2.1-13

5.2-32

6.3-39

8.10-58

Ivanhoe AFC Goal Kickers: L. Minney 2, D. Jones, M. Lovell, K. Blackmore-Moore Best Players: J. Harty, L. Roberts, L. Minney, M. Lovell, S. Zervides Old Paradians Goal Kickers: J. Kandilakis 4, L. McCann 2, M. Bellizia, B. Holden Best Players: C. Kandilakis, D. Boundy, W. Jeﬀrey, S. Miller, M. Bellizia, S. Rehlicki A. R. Fellows Medal: Christopher Kandilakis (Old Paradians)

Division 2 Preliminary Final St Johns OC Old Paradians

6.6-42

7.10-52

8.12-60

1.1-7

7.7-49

9.7-61

13.12-90

St Johns OC Goal Kickers: A. Thornton 3, T. Edwards 2, R. Scott, D. Cattolico, D. Abou-Karroum Best Players: J. Gaget, D. Cattolico, E. Jakwot, T. Edwards, G. Costas, D. Abou-Karroum Old Paradians Goal Kickers: B. Holden 4, J. Kandilakis 2, D. Boundy 2, A. Tulipano, K. O’Brien, L. McCann, M. Nolan, M. Bellizia Best Players: J. Kappos, C. Kandilakis, M. Nolan, A. Tsapatsaris, A. Sheehy, B. Holden

Division 2 Semi Final 1 Old Paradians

1.1-7

3.2-20

6.3-39

11.8-74

Northern Blues

2.2-14

4.6-30

7.10-52

7.12-54

Old Paradians Goal Kickers: J. Kandilakis 3, M. Bellizia 2, R. Amerena, M. Nolan, D. Boundy, J. Kappos, K. O’Brien, S. Rehlicki Best Players: B. Holden, W. Jeﬀrey, R. Amerena, D. McKenna, J. Kandilakis, A. Tsapatsaris Northern Blues Goal Kickers: L. McRedmond 2, N. De Andrade, R. Buttigieg, N. Parkes, D. Calcedo, D. Marcon Best Players: D. Calcedo, J. Phelan, N. Parkes, O. Clark, R. Jepson, D. Marcon

Division 2 Semi Final 2 Ivanhoe AFC

3.2-20

8.4-52

12.5-77

17.12-114

St Johns OC

2.6-18

3.9-27

8.12-60

12.14-86

Ivanhoe AFC Goal Kickers: R. Blackmore-Moore 6, M. Lovell 4, S. Zervides 2, L. Jacob 2, T. Williamson, M. Jacobs, Z. Mowat Best Players: M. Lovell, G. Francis, L. Minney, W. Cuthbert, R. Blackmore-Moore, T. Williamson Dean Calcedo (Northern Blues) - Fullerton Medallist

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2015

St Johns OC Goal Kickers: A. Thornton 4, T. Edwards 3, J. Gaget, A. Brannan, D. Abou-Karroum, C. Ely, R. Scott Best Players: A. Brannan, E. Jakwot, D. Webb, D. Cattolico, C. Strobel, A. Thornton

Division 2 Reserves

PREMIERSHIP LADDER

Nathan Parkes (Northern Blues)

For

Agst

PTS

Ivanhoe AFC

2420

644

375.78

Mhsob

2155

668

322.60

Richmond Central AFC

1570

999

157.16

Eltham Collegians AFC

1377

1210

113.80

Northern Blues

1480

1238

119.55

Old Paradians

985

1108

88.90

St Johns OC

1146

1358

84.39

Monash Gryphons

944

1956

48.26

South Melbourne Districts

761

1959

38.85

Elsternwick AFC

549

2277

24.11

Division 2 Reserves Premiership Team: Ivanhoe B:

Ed Paynter, Luke Vaughan, Daniel Adams (CC)

HB:

Cody Perkins, Ryan Close, James Morrison

Nick Godfrey, Ben Fleming (CC), Josh Nott

HF:

Bill Jackson, Ryan Smyth, Ben Grigg

Harry Post, Karl Kaldawi, Will Emerson

Angus Woodward, Reece Cotter, James Lagreca

Int: Coach:

David Nielson, Sam Batterton, Jack Garth, Stefan Bettiol Bill Emerson

Division 2 Reserves Grand Final Ivanhoe AFC Mhsob

1.1-7

2.6-18

5.7-37

8.8-56

3.7-25

3.8-26

5.12-42

6.12-48

Ivanhoe AFC Goal Kickers: H. Post 2, R. Smyth, J. Nott, W. Emerson, J. Lagreca, A. Woodward, B. Fleming Best Players: L. Vaughan, B. Jackson, R. Cotter, B. Fleming, W. Emerson, J. Morrison MHSOB Goal Kickers: K. Smith 2, L. Hood 2, S. Anderson, R. McIldowie Best Players: L. Hood, A. Lim, L. Driscoll, S. Anderson, A. Tran, C. Pearson Best on Ground Medal: James Morrison (Ivanhoe)

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2015

Division 3

West Brunswick go back-toback in Division 3 thriller After a fantastic Division 3 season that finished in amazing fashion, it’s time to rate the sides for 2015: 1st - West Brunswick

3rd - Hawthorn

7th - Albert Park

West Brunswick had the best defence, dominant talls around the ground and genuinely played for each other in 2015. Only losing to the Animals (twice), déjà vu occurred again and we saw another upset for the cup. Coach Angus Hamilton had a game plan and stuck to it. In the grand final, they wore down the Animals time and time again. After scoring just the solitary point in the third, their last quarter was simply astounding as they piled on four goals to none and held on for

The other Division 4 promoted team this year, the season didn’t start all that crash hot as the Hawks lost three of their first four. They were unable to snatch a win oﬀ the top three but winning the last seven in a row capped oﬀ a brilliant second half of the home and away season. Hawthorn were valiant in the finals but lost to the eventual winner, West Brunswick.

The Falcons missed out on the finals by three games after scraping through by percentage last year. Knocking oﬀ UHS-VU in Round 13 was their only top six scalp but 20-point losses to the Razorbacks and Aquinas (twice) were admirable. Finishing the year oﬀ kicking their highest score against Eley Park gives the Falcons a lot of hope for 2016.

Leading goal kicker: Jason Ince 37

Leading goal kicker: Ashley McNaughton 19

4th - Aquinas

8th - Power House

The Bloods had a great year but they are still a way behind the top two despite their two-point loss to the Animals. The Magpies put them to the sword in the last round of the home and away fixture when they ran out 73-point victors. Finishing third again with the same amount of wins, the Bloods were not expecting a poor finals series as they went out in straight sets.

Power House would have to be disappointed with 2015. After just missing out on finals by percentage last year, there was high hopes to go further this season. A punishing 70-point loss to the Vultures in Round 1, a six-game losing streak through Rounds 3-8 and only reaching 100 points once doesn’t bring you success. They took it up to Hawthorn in Round 13 and got one back against Glen Eira in Round 17 to conclude their season on a positive note.

a one-point victory. Supreme eﬀort coming from Division 4 and taking out the premiership. Bring on Division 2. Leading goal kicker: Dylan Muscat 46 2nd - Emmaus St Leo’s Coach Alan Sutherland did not miss a beat this year, managing the strongest forward line in the competition and a mean midfield led by dual Hutchinson medallist, Paul Baranello and his V.B. Zanin medallist brother, Nathan. Going undefeated throughout the year and finishing oﬀ with a bye, the Animals were in the driver’s seat to snatch a premiership. However, someone forgot to tell West Brunswick. They’ll learn from the year and they’ll hit Division 2 strong but without coach Sutherland. Leading goal kicker: Ryan Harding 70 Tom Anderson (UHS-VU)

Leading goal kicker: Ben Nucifora 25 5th - Swinburne University ‘Swinny’ didn’t quite set the world on fire like they did last year. Finishing 8-8 shows they were inconsistent some weeks on the back of some RyanBut Schneider horror kicking displays. when- Albert the Park season was on the line, they rallied to win four of their last five and make the finals. A disappointing first final saw them tumble out with a 44-point loss to West Brunswick but they should be pleased with the year. Leading goal kicker: Tom Kennedy 42 6th – University High School – Victoria University

Leading goal kicker: Luke Stubbs 39 9th - Glen Eira Hopes were high for the Saints after being relegated from Division 2. Losing their first five games, we were unsure where their first win would come from. Then there was the four-game winning streak from Rounds 7-10, which included Swinburne and UHS-VU and the Saints really had their tails up. Considering they only played the Animals and Magpies once, maybe they were lucky with five wins. Leading goal kicker: Daniel Entwistle 43

The Vultures were another side with an inconsistent year. Even though a similar year to 2014, they deserve a pat on the back for climbing two positions and securing the last finals spot. They beat the teams they needed to but had some bad losses to the teams above. Their 12-point loss to Glen Eira in Round 8 would still burn but their last round more than certainly made up for it when they reversed the result and defeated the Saints by 75 points. It was a great eﬀort to make finals but a 94-point finals loss to the Animals ended the year on a dampener. Leading goal kicker: John Clark 19

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2015

Ryan Schneider (Albert Park)

Division 3 Premiership Team: West Brunswick

10th - La Trobe University Two wins would not have been what the doctor ordered for La Trobe this season. Unfortunately, they were dealt a tough draw where they played five of the top six twice and Eley Park/Glen Eira just once each. Pushing Hawthorn to the final siren in the last round shows they are more than capable of playing Division 3 football.

Warwick Baker, Evan Lloyd, Chris Germon [VC]

HB:

James Simpson, Cormac Cashin, Bas Simpson

C: HF:

Matt Holmes, Bill Irving, Will Dillon

Jack Taylor, Dylan Muscat, Scott Hulm

Oli Taylor, Dujon Fuzzard, Mitch Simpson

Int: Coach:

Leading goal kicker: Shaun Field 37

Joel Beer, Luke Buckler, Anthony Gibson

Will Stubbings, Codie Wills, Louis Martin [C], Xavier Fowler Angus Hamilton, Aaron Thompson [Assistant coach]

Leading Goalkickers

11th - Eley Park My heart bled for the Sharks. Injury-plagued all year, the Sharks were still highly competitive but couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get going. They also had a relatively tough draw playing four of the top six twice. They could score easily but their defence was lacking. The highlight of their season came in Round 5 when they defeated Power House to the tune of 31 points. Leading goal kicker: Noel Bahnsen Gavin Southern

Name

Club

Goals

Ryan Harding

Emmaus St Leos OC AFC

Christopher Beluszar

Emmaus St Leos OC AFC

Dylan Muscat

West Brunswick AFC

Thomas Kennedy

Swinburne University AFC

P Hutchinson Medal Player

Club

Paul Baranello

Emmaus St Leos

Votes 31

Sam Gold

Hawthorn

Dylan Muscat

West Brunswick

Nathan Baranello

Emmaus St Leos

Nicholas Morrison-Storey

Aquinas OC

Scribe Team of the year B: HB: C: HF:

N. Morrison-Story (AQ), L. Barnes (AQ), C. Cashin (WB) A. Gibson (WB), P. Baranello (ESL), L. McDonald (AQ) T. Richardson (GE), R. Harding (ESL), S. Simpson (WB)

N. Robin (ESL), C. Beluszar (ESL), D. Muscat (WB)

R. Ogge (Haw), P. Mcmahon (EP), S. Gold (Haw)

Int: Coach:

M. Nunan (Haw), R. McMinn (LTU), C. Germon (WB)

R. Want (AP), Z. Parr (UHS), J. Whelan (PH), D. Manning (SU) Alan Sutherland (ESL)

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2015

Division 3 Results PREMIERSHIP LADDER Paul Baranello (Emmaus St Leo’s) Hutchinson Medallist

For

Agst

PTS

Emmaus St Leos OC AFC

2077

964

215.46

West Brunswick AFC

1680

773

217.34

Aquinas OC

1463

1110

131.80

Hawthorn AFC

1492

1292

115.48

Swinburne University AFC

1377

1439

95.69

Uhs-Vu Afc

1126

1341

83.97

Albert Park AFC

1186

1399

84.77

Power House AFC

1164

1463

79.56

Glen Eira AFC

1003

1583

63.36

La Trobe University AFC

956

1411

67.75

Eley Park Sharks

1144

1893

60.43

Division 3 Grand Final at Trevor Barker Oval Emmaus St Leos OC AFC West Brunswick AFC

2.2-14

2.3-15

7.8-50

7.11-53

1.1-7

3.5-23

3.6-24

7.12-54

Emmaus St Leos OC AFC Goal Kickers: N. Baranello 2, C. Beluszar 2, M. McIver, J. Quirk, R. Harding Best Players: N. Baranello, C. Hogan, R. Staﬀord, A. McDougall, M. Catchpool, C. Lowther West Brunswick AFC Goal Kickers: D. Muscat 2, B. Irving 2, L. Buckler, A. Gibson, S. Hulm Best Players: E. Lloyd, B. Simpson, W. Baker, C. Cashin, C. Germon, J. Simpson V.B. Zanin Medal: Nathan Baranello (Emmaus St Leo’s)

Division 3 Preliminary Final Emmaus St Leos OC AFC Aquinas OC

5.1-31

8.10-58

12.15-87

18.19-127

1.3-9

1.4-10

2.6-18

4.9-33

Emmaus St Leos OC AFC Goal Kickers: R. Harding 7, M. Lalor 2, M. McIver 2, P. Baranello 2, W. Hillman 2, N. Robin, D. Hill, C. Beluszar Best Players: C. Hogan, W. Carpenter, N. Baranello, J. O’Connor, R. Staﬀord, A. Ballard Aquinas OC Goal Kickers: B. O’Loughlin 2, P. Jurkovsky, M. Jess Best Players: M. Jess, P. Jurkovsky, J. Perrett, R. Foster, A. La Marca, D. D’Angelo

Division 3 Preliminary Final West Brunswick AFC Hawthorn AFC

7.10-52

9.11-65

17.20-122

18.21-129

0.0

5.7-37

6.8-44

10.14-74

West Brunswick AFC Goal Kickers: D. Muscat 3, B. Irving 3, L. Buckler 3, S. Hulm 2, A. Gibson 2, M. Holmes 2, J. Taylor, C. Cashin, W. Dillon Best Players: W. Baker, C. Cashin, B. Simpson, E. Lloyd, L. Buckler, L. Martin Hawthorn AFC Goal Kickers: S. Gold 3, D. Pritchard, A. Beaton, R. McElgunn, J. Lehmann, J. Kenneally, G. Gromadovski, J. Perks Best Players: S. Gold, A. Beaton, G. Gromadovski, J. Kenneally, R. McElgunn, D. Pritchard

Division 3 Semi Final 1 Aquinas OC Hawthorn AFC

0.2-2

4.6-30

4.7-31

6.9-45

1.8-14

3.12-30

6.17-53

7.24-66

Aquinas OC Goal Kickers: S. Tibb 2, S. Williams 2, J. Perrett, P. O’Leary Best Players: P. O’Leary, A. Guthrie, J. Perrett, M. Jess, R. Foster, M. Vanrooy Hawthorn AFC Goal Kickers: J. Ince 2, D. Kennedy, J. Lehmann, B. Waters, D. Pritchard, R. Ogge Best Players: S. Gold, J. Lehmann, J. Ince, P. Nunan, D. Pritchard, D. Kennedy

Division 3 Semi Final 2 West Brunswick AFC Swinburne University AFC

2.4-16

3.10-28

5.14-44

9.17-71

1.0-6

1.1-7

3.6-24

3.9-27

West Brunswick AFC Goal Kickers: D. Muscat 4, M. Holmes 2, D. Ferrier, C. Germon, X. Fowler Best Players: J. Simpson, C. Cashin, W. Baker, J. Beer, L. Martin, D. Fuzzard Michael Burrowes - La Trobe University

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2015

Swinburne University AFC Goal Kickers: M. Daly 2, D. Manning Best Players: M. Lingham, B. Higgins, R. Lugg, N. Mauran, A. Woodhead, S. Capra

Division 3 Reserves

PREMIERSHIP LADDER P

For

Agst

PTS

West Brunswick AFC

1859

434

428.34

Uhs-Vu Afc

1216

820

148.29

Power House AFC

1111

851

130.55

Swinburne University AFC

1440

711

202.53

Emmaus St Leos OC AFC

933

1029

90.67

Hawthorn AFC

974

994

97.99

Albert Park AFC

903

1190

75.88

La Trobe University AFC

829

1226

67.62

Aquinas OC

853

1218

70.03

Eley Park Sharks

792

1569

50.48

Glen Eira AFC

561

1429

39.26

Division 3 Reserves Premiership Team: West Brunswick Devan Healy (Hawthorn AFC)

Tom Pollock, Raph Touzel, Jacob Tennant

HB:

Henry Paez, Craig Mitchell, Dan Fitzpatrick

Toneka Costa, Nathan English, Ben Shepherd

HF:

Richard Benjamin, Pat Carroll, Wendell Vagg

Aaron Thompson, Russell George, Ben Rodin

Jarrod Sandow, Benjamin Lichtenstein [C], Corey Bull

Int: Coach:

Mitch Graham, Rob Devlin, Sam Devlin, Hayden Lewis [VC] Gus Campbell

Division 3 Reserves Grand Final West Brunswick AFC Swinburne University AFC

1.4-10

3.7-25

10.11-71

13.12-90

0.0

1.4-10

1.6-12

West Brunswick AFC Goal Kickers: R. Benjamin 4, A. Thompson 4, W. Vagg 2, R. George 2, B. Shepherd Best Players: S. Devlin, D. Fitzpatrick, W. Vagg, R. Benjamin, P. Carroll, J. Tennant Swinburne University AFC Goal Kickers: J. Bradley Best Players: M. Lingham, S. Capra, J. Bradley, T. Polites, M. Daly, C. Rhoden Best on Ground Medal: Sam Devlin (West Brunswick)

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2015

Division 4

Cobras strike with venom in Division 4 Juggernaut, sensational, dominant, rampant. I’ve gone to adjective world on numerous occasions this year when describing the Canterbury Cobras. And while arguably some might have been a touch embellished, the Cobras proved they genuinely were the best side in the competition in 2015 in perhaps the strongest pool of Division 4 clubs in recent history. Within moments of the first bounce of the grand final between Canterbury and Parkside, to the naïve eye, it was impossible to detect the diﬀerences in seasons the two sides had experienced. Canterbury, after so nearly finding promotion in their first year, were installed by many as favourites to take the chocolates this year. True to form, they played up to the lofty expectations, with losses in the last round of the season and the semi-final to an inspired North Brunswick their only blemishes for the year. They were the best team all year and deserved premiers. Parkside on the other hand, the great unknown at seasons’ start, went about things a little diﬀerently. After losing to Canterbury by the smallest of margins in the first round, their stocks took a hit, their season peppered with disappointing losses – a stark contrast to their fellow grand finalists.

While many were singing the praises of Canterbury and Westbourne Grammarians at the end of the home and away season, the fifth-placed Red Devils were unassumingly going about their business and quietly taking aim at the ultimate accolade. In the end, Canterbury capped oﬀ a sensational 2015 season by claiming the Division 4 premiership with a 15-point victory against Parkside at Garvey Oval. Leading by two goals at quarter time, the Cobras refused to allow Parkside a sniﬀ in the second quarter as they registered another three goals to two for the term. As expected, the Red Devils came hard in the second half and outscored their opponents by three points. However, it wasn’t enough as the Cobras held on thanks in large to standout performances from best-on-ground medallist Lachlan Chapman and Jeremy Gillen. Both sides had two multiple goal scorers throughout the match, with Dylan Wissell and Cameron Woods snagging two each for the victors, while both Ryan Parsons and Shane Potter kicked a pair for the Red Devils.

OJ Meehan medallist, Shane McLaren, did his utmost for the Red Devils, who will take the momentum of six wins from their past seven games into Division 3 in 2016. After finishing fourth with 11 wins from their 16 matches heading into finals, Box Hill North ended the season third after defeating Point Cook by 13 points in the second semi-final, before going down to the Cobras on preliminary final weekend. Cam Liston led from the front all year for the Demons, finishing third in the OJ Meehan Medal count on 16 votes. If the Red Devils were the surprise packet of the finals series, North Brunswick would have to come in a close second. Sitting sixth and the last team in finals calculations, the Bulls came out firing to dispose of Canterbury by 11 points in the first semi-final. Despite being unable to replicate that form in the ensuing week’s preliminary, the Bulls should be ecstatic with their late season form and will likely threaten in 2016. Westbourne were the unlucky side of the six-team finals series, and after losing just two games for the home and away season and sitting second on the ladder, were bundled out in the first week of finals due to Canterbury taking the second chance after their loss to North Brunswick. However, with Dale Collins leading from the front with 108 goals for the season, and Nishan Coyne finishing second in the OJ Meehan Medal with 20 votes, the Warriors head into next year as early favourites. Point Cook were another to perform strongly throughout the home and away fixture, finishing third with just three losses before going down the Parkside in the second semi-final. Julian Mandahl performed well all season and garnered 12 votes in the Division 4 vote count. Mt Lilydale finished just one game outside of the final six, with seven wins and nine losses to their name. After losing four of their first five matches of the season and falling to 10th on the ladder, the Rams hit their straps and won five of the next six to give them a sniﬀ of finals action.

Aloma Obialor (Box Hill North)

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2015

Manningham Cobras were next in eighth position on the ladder, unable to string a number of wins together and finishing the year with five victories. However, Tom Bell continued his strong form in the Division 4 best and fairest count, finishing equal-fifth on 12 votes and giving the Cobras hope of climbing the ranks in 2016. South Mornington won just three matches for the season but will take heart out of big wins against Chadstone in Rounds 5 and 13 and with a strong pre-season will look to push their way up the ladder in 2016. In their third year as a club, Masala made the move from Club XVIII Section 1 to Division 4 and struggled to make too much of an impact, winning two matches and finishing 10th. However, young gun Josh Kyle proved the future is bright at Masala when he was selected to represent the Big V U19 representative side in Bendigo earlier this year, and as the only Division 4 representative. Rounding out the 11-team division, Chadstone ended the season with one victory. While still developing as a young side, the Synnersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Round 10 26-point win against Masala gives them something to build on going into the New Year. Rich Hummerston

Division 4 Premiership Team: Canterbury B: HB:

Sam Murphy, Tim Nichols, Tom Hunter

Clayton Skate, Jeremy Gillen, Michael Peel

HF:

Dylan Wissell, Tom Lowden, James Wilson

Nicholas Szabo, Cam Woods, Andrew Baker

Scott Fitzgerald, Lachlan Chapman, David Gates

Int: Coach:

James Goodwin, Cam Wynn, Ryan Pearce, Douglas Hutchinson Michael Harper

Leading Goalkickers Name

Club

Dale Collins

Westbourne Grammarians Football Club

106

Shane Potter

Parkside Football Club

Daniel Penny

Box Hill North AFC

Benjamin Gallagher

North Brunswick AFC

Goals

O J Meehan Medal Player

Club

Shane McLaren

Parkside

Nishan Coyne

Westbourne Grammar

Cameron Liston

Box Hill North

Adam Thorne

Mt Lilydale OC

Thomas Bell

Manningham Cobras

Julian Mandahl

Point Cook Football Club

Votes 30

Scribe Team of the year B:

Pete Atkinson (MtL), Sean Hanrahan (Can), Adam Rompell (WG)

HB:

Brayden Smith (WG), Rowan Lawrence (BHN), Robbie Milne (PC)

C: HF:

Daniel Dimmitriou (MtL), Rowan Walmsley (Can), Tom Bell (Mann) Adam Thorne (MtL), Shane Potter (Park), Peter Butler (NB)

Benjamin Gallagher (NB), Dale Collins (WG), Andrew Baker (Can)

Shane McLaren (Park), Michael Culliver (WG), Scott Fizgerald (Can)

Int: Coach:

Sean Hanrahan, Tom Pearce, Rowan Moody

Daniel Penny (BHN), Mason Kip (PC), David Bennett (Chad), Jake Perrins (PC) Mike Harper (Can)

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2015

Division 4 Results PREMIERSHIP LADDER Shane McLaren (Parkside) OJ Meehan Medallist

Canterbury Football Club Westbourne Grammarians Point Cook AFC Box Hill North AFC Parkside Football Club North Brunswick AFC Mt Lilydale OC Manningham Cobras AFC South Mornington Masala Football Club Chadstone AFC

For

Agst

PTS

16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16

15 14 13 11 9 8 7 5 3 2 1

1 2 3 5 7 8 9 11 13 14 15

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

2163 2110 1752 1705 1500 1525 1364 1200 957 771 658

830 795 976 1059 1265 1292 1513 1179 2100 2349 2347

260.60 265.41 179.51 161.00 118.58 118.03 90.15 101.78 45.57 32.82 28.04

68 64 60 52 44 40 36 28 20 16 12

Division 4 Grand Final at Garvey Oval Parkside Football Club Canterbury Football Club

0.1-1

2.2-14

5.3-33

6.8-44

2.2-14

5.4-34

7.8-50

8.11-59

Parkside Football Club Goal Kickers: S. Potter 2, R. Parsons 2, S. McLaren, D. Gresham Best Players: D. Gresham, S. McLaren, C. Virgona, C. Hogg, T. Wise, B. McGillien Canterbury Football Club Goal Kickers: C. Woods 2, D. Wissell 2, L. Chapman, A. Baker, N. Szabo, J. Gillen Best Players: L. Chapman, J. Gillen, T. Pearce, C. Woods, D. Wissell, T. Nichols A.K. White Medal: Lachlan Chapman (Canterbury)

Division 4 Preliminary Final Parkside Football Club

8.4-52

11.6-72

15.10-100

19.12-126

North Brunswick AFC

2.1-13

5.4-34

7.8-50

8.11-59

Parkside Football Club Goal Kickers: S. Potter 6, D. Potter 4, C. Hogg 3, R. Parsons 2, D. Egan, S. McLaren, J. Toplis, T. McKinlay Best Players: S. McLaren, D. Gresham, J. Friel, N. Burton, C. Hogg, B. McGillien North Brunswick AFC Goal Kickers: R. Santacroce 2, S. Gallagher, K. Zuidema, B. Gallagher, G. Selaidinakos, P. Gagliano, A. Keegan Best Players: J. Dimarco, C. Godde, K. Zuidema, A. Tsiaras, P. Butler, B. Kennedy

Division 4 Preliminary Final

Peter Magann (Westbourne Grammarians)

Box Hill North AFC

3.1-19

5.2-32

8.3-51

9.6-60

Canterbury Football Club

5.2-32

9.6-60

11.9-75

16.12-108

Box Hill North AFC Goal Kickers: D. Penny 2, M. Tilley 2, B. Marcakis 2, A. Piccioli, K. Johnson, R. Matthews Best Players: M. Tilley, B. Marcakis, C. Osborn, N. Fowler, C. Liston, J. Gasparini Canterbury Football Club Goal Kickers: S. Fitzgerald 4, N. Szabo 2, T. Lowden 2, A. Baker 2, J. Gillen, L. Chapman, D. Wissell, J. Wilson, C. Skate, S. Murphy Best Players: L. Chapman, S. Fitzgerald, T. Lowden, C. Skate, C. Woods, C. Wynn

Division 4 Semi Finals Point Cook AFC Box Hill North AFC

1.3-9

3.4-22

5.13-43

5.14-44

2.3-15

4.6-30

4.10-34

7.15-57

Point Cook AFC Goal Kickers: J. Mandahl 2, P. Hegarty, A. Auciello, M. Herbertson Best Players: P. Dawson, B. Cox, J. Mandahl, T. Hyde, D. Duskovic, R. Mentha Box Hill North AFC Goal Kickers: A. Piccioli 2, C. Osborn, N. Fowler, L. Desmond, J. Howarth, D. Penny Best Players: S. Howe, M. Tilley, A. Piccioli, R. Lawrence, K. Johnson, D. Templeton

Canterbury Football Club

2.1-13

4.6-30

9.9-63

12.16-88

North Brunswick AFC

9.3-57

11.5-71

12.8-80

15.9-99

Canterbury Football Club Goal Kickers: S. Fitzgerald 2, L. Chapman 2, C. Wynn 2, J. Wilson 2, A. Baker 2, J. Goodwin, D. Wissell Best Players: C. Skate, D. Gates, L. Chapman, D. Wissell, S. Fitzgerald, N. Szabo North Brunswick AFC Goal Kickers: B. Gallagher 4, R. Santacroce 3, P. Butler 3, J. Dimarco, A. Rae, T. Davis, S. Mair, A. Keegan Best Players: A. Tsiaras, L. Mahoney, B. Gallagher, T. Leary, P. Butler, C. Godde

Westbourne Grammarians Football Club

4.1-25

4.4-28

7.5-47

9.5-59

Parkside Football Club

3.4-22

6.11-47

6.13-49

10.21-81

Westbourne Grammarians Football Club Goal Kickers: A. Davis 3, D. Collins 2, A. Eqbal, E. Karageorge, J. Johns, A. Crossman Best Players: J. Johns, B. Smith, A. Eqbal, D. White, A. Imber, P. Hudson Jordan Toikalkin (Masala)

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2015

Parkside Football Club Goal Kickers: S. McLaren 2, R. Parsons 2, N. Burton 2, S. Potter, C. Hogg, T. McKinlay, K. Wallace Best Players: C. Hogg, D. Gresham, R. Parsons, T. McKinlay, S. McLaren, J. Friel

Division 4 Reserves

PREMIERSHIP LADDER P

For

Agst

PTS

Westbourne Grammarians

2441

443

551.02 72

Canterbury Football Club

1955

676

289.20 60

Point Cook AFC

1561

679

229.90 56

Box Hill North AFC

1713

855

200.35 56

North Brunswick AFC

1377

1138

121.00 48

South Mornington

1457

1282

113.65 48

Manningham Cobras AFC

1175

1062

110.64 32

Parkside Football Club

858

1749

49.06

Mt Lilydale OC

745

1758

42.38

Chadstone AFC

564

2054

27.46

Masala Football Club

569

2719

20.93

Division 4 Reserves Premiership Team: Canterbury B: HB: C: HF:

Troy Finnin, Nick Stogdale, Brendan Lashbrook Tony Crawford, Richard Gates, Rob Goodwin Guy Driscoll, Patrick Gill, Tim Mathers Lachlan Giles, Richard Hummerston, Charlie Acutt

Mitch Szabo, Leigh French, Shaun Kelly

Jeremy Price, Ash Boyd, Ash Stals

Int: Coach:

Marty Kirk, Jamie Marciniak, Andrew Mack, Con Aligizakis John Doak

Division 4 Reserves Grand Final Westbourne Grammarians

1.1-7

3.5-23

5.6-36

7.9-51

Canterbury Football Club

3.2-20

4.4-28

10.5-65

11.5-71

Westbourne Grammarians Football Club Goal Kickers: A. Davis 4, M. Gatti 3 Best Players: K. Delaney, A. Davis, E. Karageorge, T. Plecher, J. Russell, K. Blade Canterbury Football Club Goal Kickers: M. Szabo 5, L. Giles, L. French, C. Aligizakis, R. Hummerston, S. Kelly, J. Price Best Players: M. Szabo, G. Driscoll, C. Acutt, P. Gill, N. Stogdale, R. Hummerston Ryan Pearce (Canterbury)

Best on Ground Medal: Mitch Szabo (Canterbury)

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2015

Big V Seniors retain number one ranking The VAFA senior representative side won the AFL Victoria Metro Championships with an incredible five-point come-from-behind victory against the Northern Football League at Ikon Park in March. The Big V stole victory from the jaws of defeat, only assuming the lead for the first time throughout the whole match with less than five minutes to go. Clinging desperately to every tackle and jumping late to ensure every spoil, the Big V held on to win the game in the dying minutes and retained the number one ranking of Melbourne’s community competitions. The NFL gained the ascendancy early, with the Big V failing to register a meaningful statistic for the first seven minutes of the match. The NFL established a three-goal lead before 2015 joint Woodrow medallist, Adam Bentick (St Bernard’s), pegged one back. Crisp ball movement and high intensity pressure had the NFL wreaking havoc through the midfield, and the elusive Shane Harvey was proving a handful up forward. Harry Tinney (Old Trinity) would have the last laugh in this contest though, as he locked down on Harvey and produced excellent rebound for the VAFA, eventually winning the VAFA’s Best on Ground Medal. The second term saw the Big V begin to reduce the deficit via goals to skipper, Matt Handley (Old Xaverians), and Old Scotch midfielder, Jack Bull, before Harry Croft (Collegians) kicked truly late in the term to leave the Big V within a couple of kicks at the half time break.

2014 Woodrow Medallist, Brendan Iezzi (Old Trinity), Bede Mahon (University Blacks), Bull and Bentick started to read the tap work of John Shaw (Old Xaverians) better and their ball use lifted as they started to hit more targets. Despite this improved performance, the Big V failed to convert any of their early chances, and it was the NFL who finished the third term the strongest as they held a 13-point lead at the final break. VAFA coach, Cam Roberts, implored his side to have one last eﬀort at three quarter time and his chargers responded. Tom Sullivan (St Bernard’s) seemed to be in everything, while the VAFA half back line, led by Will Tardif (Collegians), kept running and repelling NFL attacks. Bull reduced the margin after he converted a free kick for holding the ball, before

Mahon nail a superb running goal to bring the margin to one point. With less than five minutes remaining, Pitt took full advantage of a Handley free kick and dribbled a snap through to give the Big V the lead for the first time throughout the match. The NFL had two chances to regain the lead via a free of their own and a set shot from the boundary, but both misses ensured the Big V held on for one of the most memorable victories in recent representative football memory. Big V vice-captain, Iezzi, said the last 20 seconds was the most stressful football he had played. “To win a game like that means so much, we were lucky but we never gave up,” he said.

VAFA Seniors vs Northern Football League VAFA Seniors

1.1

4.2

4.5

7.7 (49)

Northern Football League

4.3

5.7

5.12

5.14 (44)

VAFA Goals: J Bull 2, A Bentick, H Croft , M Handley, B Mahon, A Pitt Best: H Tinney, B Iezzi, J Bull, T Sullivan, A Pitt, W Tardif NFL Goals: P Fitzgerald, B Fennell, S Harvey, C Gaylard, J Donaldson Best: N. Riddle, J. Kennedy, J. Donaldson, B. Marshall, N. Carter, M. Dennis VAFA’s Best Player: Harry Tinney (Old Trinity) Spirit of the Big V Award: Tom Sullivan (St Bernard’s)

Back row: Tom Caven (St Bernard’s), Courtney Hilton (Collegians), Nick Corp (Collegians), Jace Kelly (Mazenod), Lachlan McQueen Miscamble (Old Carey), Huw Lacey (University Blacks), Adam Pitt (University Blacks), Harry Croft (Collegians), Sam Williams (De La Salle), Anthony Lynch (St Kevin’s) Second row: Harry Tinney (Old Trinity), Bede Mahon (University Blacks), Matthew Handley (c) (Old Xaverians), John Shaw (Old Xaverians), Brendan Iezzi (vc) (Old Trinity), Phil Edgar (St Kevin’s), Tom Sullivan (St Bernard’s), Scott Sherwen (Old Scotch) Front row: Matt Fieldsend (De La Salle), Tom Small (Caulfield Grammarians), Will Tardif (Collegians), Jack Bull (Old Scotch), Ben Smithwick (Old Carey), Adam Bentick (St Bernard’s)

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2015

Big V unable to tame AFL Vic Country in wild Bendigo conditions The Victorian Amateur Football League’s seniors, Premier B-Division 4 and U19 sides were all unable to secure victory in July’s triple header against AFL Victoria Country at Queen Elizabeth Oval in Bendigo. Despite having their chances at diﬀerent stages in each of the three matches, the VAFA found it diﬀicult to adjust to Bendigo’s severe weather conditions in the same vein as their opponents. Seniors Vic Country’s senior side was able to turn the tables on the VAFA in regards to recent encounters, using a six-goal to one third quarter as the catalyst in their 62-point win. Led by a best-on-ground performance from former AFL midfielder, Dean Polo, and a sevengoal haul from full-forward, Grant Weeks, Vic Country were able to build on their 13-point half time lead by adding nine goals to two after the main break. Despite the significant win, Vic Country did not have it all their own way, with U23 AAFC All-Australian and Old Trinity midfielder Gabe Hamilton dominating the first half with four goals and a brutal display of tackling. After conceding the first three goals in the opening term, it was Hamilton who lifted the VAFA by kicking two in a row before a monster 55m set shot from Sam Barnett (Old Scotch) after the siren levelled the scores at quarter time. Vic Country twice shot out to a 19-point lead in the second quarter but defiant goals via the boots of Joel Rice (Old Carey) and Hamilton kept the VAFA within reach. While most of the play in the second term was controlled by Vic Country, VAFA defenders Harry Tinney (Old Trinity) and Josh Freezer (Old Melburnians) stood up valiantly by acting as backboards and rebounding numerous forward thrusts.

Back row: Joel Ernest (University Blacks), Alexander McLeod (St Bernard’s), Tom Quinn (University Blues), Ned Hunt (Old Trinity), Jake Steinhart (Old Trinity), Gabe Hamilton (Old Trinity), Harry Tinney (Old Trinity), Marshall Rippon (University Blues), Sam Williams (De La Salle) Second row: Richard Hosking (Assistant Coach), Jay Neratzoglou (Caulfield Grammarians), Alexander Boyse (St Bernard’s), Alastair Robbins (University Blacks), Thomas Penberthy (Collegians), Nick Corp (Collegians), Sam Barnett (Old Scotch), Josh Freezer (Old Melburnians), Matt Kempton (Assistant Coach) Front row: Mick Overman (Team Manager), Tom Small (Caulfield Grammarians), Jack Bull (Old Scotch), Matthew Handley (C) (Old Xaverians), Cameron Roberts (Head Coach), Tom Caven (St Bernard’s), Joel Rice (Old Carey), Jeremy Mugavin (University Blues)

VAFA Seniors

3.4

6.5

7.6

8.7 (55)

AFL Victoria Country No. 1

3.4

8.6

14.10

17.15 (117)

GOALS Vic Country No.1: Weeks 7, Stroobants 2, Van Unen 2, O’Hara 2, Martinello, Cowling, Dobson, Polo VAFA: Hamilton 4, Barnett 2, Caven, Rice BEST AFL Victoria Country: Polo, Weeks, Dobson, McFarlane, McCullum, Larcombe VAFA: Bull, Rippon, Hamilton, Rice, Freezer VAFA’s Best Player: Jack Bull (Old Scotch) Spirit of the Big V Award: Gabe Hamilton (Old Trinity) AFL Victoria Country Best VAFA Player: Harry Tinney (Old Trinity)

However, the 13-point half time deficit was the closest our seniors would get for the remainder of the match as Vic Country piled on six unanswered goals in the third and another three in the last. VAFA Prem B - Div 4 In the match prior to the seniors, VAFA’s Premier B-Division Four side were unable to maintain a 13-point first-quarter lead and ended up going down to Vic Country by 29 points. Torrential downpour marred what could have been an unbelievably close encounter, exemplified by the four goals both sides kicked in the opening term. Unfortunately, after the VAFA’s blistering opening term they were unable to match Vic Country’s wet ball skillset around the stoppages and went goalless for nearly a quarter and a half. Emmaus St Leos forward Ryan Harding finally snapped the VAFA’s goal drought half way

Back row: Leigh Hendra (Assistant Coach), Josh Hegarty Cairns (Richmond Central), Harry Whitty (Peninsula OB), John Robbins (Prahran Assumption), Marcel Bruin (Old Brighton), Andrew Young (Monash Blues), Tom O’Donnell (Ivanhoe), Adam McNeil (Hampton Rovers), Nick Gooda (Old Haileybury) Second row: Sean Leary (Team Manager), Peter McBrerety (Assistant Coach), Andrew Brazzale (Kew), Nick Marston (Old Brighton), Michael Mitris (Old Ivanhoe), Ryan Harding (Emmaus St Leo’s), Daniel Bisetto (Fitzroy), Tom Redmond (Parkdale Vultures), Maddison Hardiman (Monash Blues), Dan Garside (St Bedes/Mentone Tigers), Stewart Loewe (Assistant Coach), Josh Momann (Runner), Corey Levell (Assistant Coach) Front row: Daniel Corp (Hampton Rovers), Peter Gleadhill (Old Haileybury), Rory Angiolella (Fitzroy), Simon Williams (Head Coach), Anthony Lynch (C) (St Kevin’s OB), Jace Kelly (Mazenod), Phil Edgar (St Kevin’s OB), Maddy Hannington (Physio), Kylie Da Fonte (Trainer)

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2015

through the third with a well-timed snap around his body. However, it proved too little too late as the worsening conditions would not allow for inspired comebacks. Dan Garside (St Bedes/Mentone Tigers) flew the flag as the best player for the VAFA, while skipper Anthony Lynch (St Kevin’s OB) and Maddison Hardiman (Monash Blues) fought hard around the ground. VAFA Under 19 Earlier in the day, the VAFA U19s endured both harsh conditions and opponents in their 49-point loss to Vic Country’s U19s.

VAFA Prem B - Div 4

4.2

5.4

7.5

AFL Victoria Country No. 2

4.2

7.7

8.11

10.16

GOALS AFL Victoria Country No.2: Day 3, Fisher 2, Pokolke 2, McGregor, Hards, Clark VAFA (Prem B-Div 4): Angiolella, Brazzale, Bruin, Edgar, Gooda, Hardiman, Robbins BEST AFL Victoria Country No.2: Fisher, Day, Gray, Gillingham, Kimber, Keath VAFA (Prem B-Div 4): Garside, Lynch, Hegarty, Gooda, Bruin, Hardiman VAFA’s Best Player: Dan Garside (St Bedes/Mentone Tigers Spirit of the Big V Award: Anthony Lynch (St Kevin’s OB)

With the rain pelting down for the majority of the match, the U19s were unable to make any inroads as they registered just the one major to Vic Country’s eight. Despite the significant margin, the contest was much closer than the scoreboard indicated. The battle around the stoppages was champagne, with the main reason for the loss an inability to control the wet ball as well as their opponents. Spirit of the Big V award recipient and skipper Michael Caven (St Bernard’s) was fearless in defence, while Kyle Margaritis (Kew) and Theo Rosenthal (Old Melburnians) battled for four quarters. Despite being unable to secure a victory in any of the three matches, those who represented the Big V did so with pride, integrity and honour. The VAFA would like to congratulate all those who partook in yesterday’s matches, as well as thank those behind the scenes who make events like this possible.

Thomas Penberthy (Collegians)

Back row: Mark Tomlinson (Physio), David Kinsella (Assistant Coach), Sean Scully (Team Manager), Daniel Easson (Monash Blues), Will Blakey (University Blues), Ben Dickson (Beaumaris), Robert Maibaum (Kew), Will Considine (St Bernard’s), Charlie Rossetti (Monash Blues), Matthew Singleton (Collegians), Thomas Young (Old Trinity), Dylan Swann (Collegians), James Landman (Ormond), James Robertson (Marcellin), Josh Kyle (Masala), Chris Matteson (Assistant Coach) Front row: Alex Polidoros (Old Trinity), Callum Beattie-Powell (Beaumaris), Theodore Rosenthal (Old Melburnians), Nicholas Ebinger (Williamstown CYMS), Sam Anderson (Old Scotch), Michael Caven (C) (St Bernard’s), David Gately (Head Coach), Kyle Margaritis (Kew), Julian Eimutus (Collegians), Dan Maloney (Parkdale Vultures), Nicholas Lewis (AJAX), Kylie Da Fonte (Trainer), Brian Goodman (GM – Football Operations), John Robinson (Timekeeper)

VAFA U19

1.1

1.2

1.5

1.6 (12)

Energy Safe Victoria Country U19

3.5

4.9

5.10

8.13 (61)

GOALS AFL Victoria Country: Hooper 2, McMahon 2, J. Smith, D. Smith, Dylan, Barrett VAFA: Allen BEST AFL Victoria Country U19: Dylan, McLachlan, Hinkley, Pritchard, McMahon, Atkins VAFA: Margaritis, Caven, Rosenthal, Dickson, Lewis VAFA’s Best Player: Kyle Margaritis (Kew) Spirit of the Big V Award: Michael Caven (St Bernard’s)

Harry Tinney (Old Trinity)

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2015

VAFA U23s Win AAFC Minor Final The Victorian Amateur Football Association’s U23 representative side commenced their AAFC Carnival in July with a three-match round-robin against Tasmania, Western Australia and South Australia and were unable to find consistency early, winning just one of those games. At the conclusion of the round-robin phase of the carnival, the VAFA had the opportunity to face-oﬀ with Tasmania for third and fourth position at Blundstone Arena in Bellerive, hitting their straps and defeating their opponents by 101 points. Due to their outstanding form throughout the carnival, six VAFA representatives were named in the AAFC All-Australian team, with captain Simon Caven (St Bernard’s), Josh Cowan (Mazenod), Kelvin Williams (St Kevin’s), Gabe Hamilton (Old Trinity), Tom Quinn (University Blues) and VAFA umpire Tom Windlow recognised. Game One: Tasmania U23 vs VAFA U23 TAS

1.1

1.4 (10)

VAFA

2.4

5.5 (35)

The U23 Carnival got under way at the North Hobart Oval with the VAFA taking on Tasmania in slippery conditions. The VAFA started well and had 1.1 on the board without Tasmania getting the ball into their forward line due to the rock solid defence led by skipper Simon Caven (St Bernard’s) and Josh Cowan (Mazenod). Despite Tasmania coming hard late in the first half, the VAFA wrestled back the ascendancy, resulting in a handy nine-point lead at the main break. James Fletcher (Peninsula), Tom Quinn (University Blues), Sean Carr (University Blues) and Kelvin Williams (St Kevin’s OB) starred in the second half as the VAFA extended their lead and ran out 25-point winners.

Game Two: VAFA U23 vs Western Australia U23 VAFA WAAFL

0.2 1.3

1.4 (10) 2.7 (19)

Game two of the AAFC Carnival was not as fluent as the first, with the WAAFL’s relentless pressure and tackling keeping the VAFA goalless in the first half. Despite a captain’s goal by Caven early in the second half, the VAFA were unable to regularly break through the WAAFL’s defence and lost by nine points. Game Three: VAFA U23 vs South Australia U23 VAFA SAAFL

1.2 1.1

1.2 (8) 2.4 (16)

The VAFA had a rough start to Game Three when in-form big man Dustan Mills (Old Mentonians) went down with injury in the warm-up. Despite a major reshuﬀle, the VAFA kept with their opponents in the first half, with improved pressure and intensity around the contest helping them to a one-point lead at the break. Unfortunately, a number of skill errors at crucial stages proved costly for the VAFA as the South Australians pounced and ran out eight-point winners. The second loss in a row meant the VAFA would play against Tasmania in a fourquarter minor final. Minor Final: VAFA U23 vs Tasmania U23 VAFA TAS

4.4 0.1

The Victorian Amateur Football Association U23’s concluded their 2015 AAFC Carnival in spectacular fashion with a 101-point victory against Tasmania at Blundstone Arena. Led by University Blues forward Tom Quinn’s five-goal haul and Spirit of the Big V recipient Josh Cowan (Mazenod), the VAFA were clinical as they piled on 17 goals to two in the minor final. Unlike their three round-robin clashes, the VAFA came out firing in the first half with four goals to nil, and continued the intensity throughout the remainder of the game as they refused to allow the Tasmanians a sniﬀ. Cowan and his fellow defenders’ run oﬀ the halfback line was pivotal to the VAFA’s numerous forward thrusts, with the forward line taking full advantage of precision delivery. Leading by 68 points heading into the last quarter, the VAFA piled on another five majors while keeping their opponents scoreless and pushing the final margin to more than 100 points. It was a fantastic comeback from the VAFA after two losses in the opening three matches of the Carnival as they showcased the talent oozing through the playing squad and the bright future within the Association. 7.9 1.3

12.12 2.4

17.15 (117) 2.4 (16)

GOALS, Victoria: T. Quinn 5, A. Caplan 2, J. Cowan 2, J. Fletcher 2, S. Caven 2, M. Evans 1, N. Petering 1, T. Williams 1, P. Tiernan 1 Tasmania: Z. Mihocek 1, T. Chugg 1 BEST, Victoria: J. Cowan, J. Fletcher, T. Quinn, S. Caven, J. Quaile, T. Williams Tasmania: M. Horne, L. McCarty, Z. Mihocek, D. Riley, B. Lovell, M. Zanetto VAFA’s Best Player: Josh Cowan (Mazenod) Spirit of the Big V: Josh Cowan (Mazenod)

Back row: Neeraj Kochar (Physio), Sean Scully (Assistant Team Manager), Campbell Ross (Assistant Coach), Brad Berry (Assistant Coach), Nick Tonkin (Caulfield Grammarians), Dustan Mills (Old Mentonians), Kelvin Williams (St Kevin’s OB), Jake Steinhart (Old Trinity), Tom Williams (Old Xaverians), Charles Rossetti (Monash Blues), Joe Cosgriﬀ (Monash Blues), Andrew Sloan (Old Carey), John Robinson (Timekeeper), Maddy Hannington (Trainer) Second row: Brian Woodhead (Team Manager), Tom Garside (St Bedes/Mentone Tigers), Adam Caplan (AJAX), Morgan Evans (Old Carey), Josh Cowan (Mazenod), James Fletcher (Peninsula OB), Andrew Kyriacopoulos (Old Trinity), Jason Salopek (St Kevin’s OB), Sean Carr (University Blues), Tom Green (Caulfield Grammarians), Patrick Tiernan (Old Xaverians), David Kinsella (Assistant Coach), Brian Goodman (Tour Manager) Front row: Mark Tomlinson (Trainer), Sam Hibbins (Collegians), Jordan Quaile (University Blacks), Michael Barnes (St Bedes/Mentone Tigers), Simon Caven (C) (St Bernard’s), Andrew Hayes (Head Coach), Gabe Hamilton (VC) (Old Trinity), Ben Howell (Old Trinity), Tom Quinn (University Blues), Nick Petering (Monash Blues), Greg Meredith (Assistant Coach)

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2015

VAFA tour Ireland and England The third VAFA biannual tour of Ireland took place throughout October, with the Big V concluding their tour with a 3-2 win/loss record from their fivematch series. Despite being dubbed the Ireland tour, the Big V had the opportunity to play a London All Stars side in England to conclude their trip, overpowering their opponents by 74 points and tipping the ledger in the Big V’s favour with their third win. Prior to their final match, the Big V travelled around the Emerald Isle and played four International Rules matches against Irish opponents Cork U21s, Tuam Stars, Combined Universities and Donaghmore/Ashbourne. Led by coach Cam Roberts and assistant John Kanis, the Big V took little time to adapt to the round ball and found themselves within striking distance of their opponents in each match.

Game Four: VAFA vs Donaghmore/Ashbourne VAFA

0.5.3

1.5.3

1.6.6

1.7.8.35

Don/Ash

1.3.2

2.4.3

2.8.7

3.11.7.58

The Big V were unable to secure victory in their last match of International Rules on the 2015 Ireland tour when they went down to Donaghmore/ Ashbourne by 23 points at Ashbourne. Despite being led by University Blues star, Marshall Rippon, and Spirit of the Big V recipient, Tom Sullivan, the VAFA failed to hold on to an early lead induced by overs to Jeremy Mugavin (University Blues), Matt Handley (Old Xaverians) and Sullivan (St Bernard’s). Goals: Unders: Cowan Overs: Je. Mugavin 3, Handley 2, O’Donnell, Sullivan Best: Je. Mugavin, Sullivan, S. Caven, Barnett, Whitty, Stubbs VAFA’s Best Player: Jeremy Mugavin (University Blues)

Game One: VAFA vs Cork U21s VAFA

2.1.3

2.5.7

2.7.7

2.8.10 (46)

Cork U21s

2.2.3

2.4.5

2.5.6

3.5.9 (42)

The Big V commenced their tour of Ireland with a sensational four-point victory against the best of Cork U21’s at the home of the Nemo Rangers in Trabeg. Led by Spirit of the Big V recipient, Sam Barnett (Old Scotch), and skipper, Sam Williams (De La Salle), the Big V eliminated a three-point quarter time deficit to run over the top of their courageous Irish opponents in a hard-fought and highly entertaining aﬀair. Goals: Unders: Handley, Own Goal Overs: Handley 2, Stubbs 2, Barnes, Ja. Mugavin, Whitty, Irish Sub Best: Barnett, Whitty, Rippon, Je. Mugavin, Barnes, S. Caven

Spirit of the Big V Award: Tom Sullivan (St Bernard’s) Game Five: VAFA vs AFL London VAFA

5.2

8.6

11.7

15.10 (100)

AFL London

1.1

2.2

2.5

3.8 (26)

The Big V representative side wrapped up their 2015 Ireland/England tour with a comprehensive 74-point victory against the London All Stars at Battersea Park. After a stellar 2-2 performance from their four tour matches in the Emerald Isle, the Big V attained their goal of finishing on a high, with Spirit of the Big V recipient, Jeremy Mugavin (University Blues), and six-goal star, Matt Handley (Old Xaverians), leading the way.

VAFA’s Best Player: Sam Barnett (Old Scotch)

Goals: Handley 6, O’Donnell 2, Barnes 2, Grigg, Whitty, Stubbs, Barnett, Sullivan

Spirit of the Big V Award: Sam Barnett (Old Scotch)

Best: Je. Mugavin, Sullivan, Barnett, Handley, S. Caven VAFA’s Best Player: Jeremy Mugavin (University Blues)

Game Two: VAFA vs Tuam Stars

Spirit of the Big V Award: Jeremy Mugavin (University Blues)

VAFA

1.3.4

2.5.4

2.8.5

2.10.6 (48)

Tuam Stars

2.6.1

2.8.4

2.9.4

3.10.6 (54)

The Big V were unable to complete back-to-back victories to open up their 2015 Ireland tour when they went down to the Tuam Stars by six points in a physical Game Two encounter. Unable to lead at any stage throughout the match, the Stars were able to hold strong after opening up a 16-point first quarter lead. Goals: Unders: Stubbs 2 Overs: Barnes 2, Confait, Stubbs, Barnett, Ja. Mugavin, Je. Mugavin, Whitty, Grigg, Rippon Best: Rippon, Barnes, Cowan, S. Caven, T. Caven VAFA’s Best Player: Marshall Rippon (University Blues) Spirit of the Big Award: Marshall Rippon (University Blues) Tom Caven (St Bernard’s) leads the Big V side out against Tuam Stars.

Game Three: VAFA vs Combined Universities VAFA

1.4.4

2.8.6

8.10.8

10.12.13 (109)

Combined Universities

2.1.0

2.3.0

3.3.0

3.4.3 (33)

The Big V were able to reverse 2013’s 18-point loss to Combined Universities in dominant fashion when they ran over their Irish opponents by 76 points at St Patrick’s College, University of Ireland. Michael Barnes (St Bedes/Mentone Tigers) was awarded the Spirit of the Big V for his dominant all-round display through the midfield, while the ever-reliable Matt Handley (Old Xaverians) led from the front with seven goals. Goals: Unders: Whitty 3, Handley 2, Cowan 2, Stubbs, Je. Mugavin, Viney, Overs: Handley 3, Barnes 3, Whitty 2, Stubbs 2, Sullivan, Hunt Best: Barnes, Handley, Williams, S. Caven, Whitty, Cowan VAFA’s Best Player: Michael Barnes (St Bedes/Mentone Tigers) Spirit of the Big V Award: Michael Barnes (St Bedes/Mentone Tigers)

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2015

Back row: Anthony Amad (Board Member), John Kanis (Assistant Coach), Tony Caven, Anne Caven, Peter Barnett (Doctor), Matt Handley (Old Xaverians), Christian Burgess (Assistant Team Manager), Michael Sholly (VAFA CEO), Ash Viney (Marcellin), Tom Caven (St Bernard’s), Cameron Roberts (Head Coach), Luke Stubbs (Power House), Sam Williams (De La Salle), Sam Barnett (Old Scotch), Jack Hunt (Old Trinity), Mark Tomlinson (Trainer), Jude Barnes, Russell Barnes, Daniel Silfo (VAFA Umpire), Damien Sullivan, Jo Sullivan Front row: Wayne Handley, Jeremy Mugavin (University Blues), Marshall Rippon (University Blues), Stu Grigg (Peninsula OB), Tom O’Donnell (Ivanhoe), Harry Whitty (Peninsula OB), Josh Cowan (Mazenod), Michael Barnes (St Bedes/Mentone Tigers), Sam Confait (Team Manager), Tom Sullivan (St Bernard’s), Tom Caven (St Bernard’s), Rob Viney

Big V Club Inductees

Robert Gross (Big V Champion)

Nick Burne (Big V Champion)

Rohan Brown (Big V Legend)

Big V Career:

•

10 games for the Big V (1990-94)

•

2x AAFC Carnival representative (1991 and 1994)

13 games for the Big V (1976, 1980-84, 1987)

16 games for the Big V (1977-79, 1982, 1984-85)

•

Big V Captain (1984)

2x All-Australian selection (1991 and 1994)

2x AAFC Carnival representative (1976, 1982)

•

1x All-Australian representative (1983 vs VCFL)

3x Best Player trophy (1978, 1982, 1984)

•

3x AAFC Carnival representative (1979, 1982, 1985)

•

Carnival medal (1982)

•

2x All-Australian selection (1982, 1985)

•

Club Career

Marcellin (1990-91), St Kevins Old Boys (1992-04) and Old Scotch (2006-07).

University Blacks (1975-77) and Old Xaverians (1980-84, 1987)

215 games, including 177 for SKOB

•

152 games, including 103 for Old Xaverians

•

SKOB Club captain (1994) and joint-captain (1997)

•

1x Playing Premiership (1996 - B Section)

2x Playing Premiership (1980 – B Section, 1981 – A Section)

•

Club Career Old Melburnians (1976-82, 1984-90) •

220 games for Old Melburnians

•

1x Best and Fairest (1983)

•

Club Captain (1981-82, 1985)

1x Reserve Coach Premiership (2004)

•

1x Best and Fairest runner-up (1976)

•

4x Playing Premierships (1976, 1978, 1982, 1988)

•

1x Club Best and Fairest (1996)

•

2x Club goal kicking award (1993, 1994)

Named full back in Old Xaverians Team of 75 Years (1923-1998)

4x Club Best and Fairest (1977, 1980, 1982, 1988)

•

Captain of SKOB team of 1990’s

Old Melburnians Team of the Century inductee

•

Life Member (1987)

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2015

Juniors MEGT U19 Premier After reducing the size of U19 Premier to eight teams for the first time in history in 2014, the VAFA made the decision to include 10 in 2015, with Old Xaverians improving upon their preliminary final appearance last season by making the grand final and ultimately defeating St Bernard’s by 10 points to claim their first premiership since 2011. An 18-point margin at the first break was the largest it blew out to throughout the entire match, with Bernard’s coming to within a kick at three quarter time. However, a three-goal to two final term secured the victory for the Xavs in a game which could have gone either way. Hamish Morris starred in a best on ground performance for the Xavs, while Thomas Wynne kicked three goals. Both grand finalists finished one and two on the ladder heading into finals, with St Kevin’s Old Boys and Beaumaris rounding out the top four. To add to their finals appearances, St Kevin’s star, Roland De Biase, was awarded the Newbury medal as the league best and fairest, while Xavs’ forward, Sam Cleeve, kicked 57 majors to lead the goal kicking. De La Salle claimed five more wins than last year to finish in fifth position, with University Blues trailing by two points after they tied with Beaumaris in Round 9. Old Melburnians and Old Scotch ended their home and away seasons in seventh and eighth spot after they won nine games between them. University Blacks and Old Trinity held up the last two positions on the U19 Premier ladder with just two wins each.

U19 Section 2 Caulfield Grammarians reversed last year’s wooden spoon result and claimed an unlikely 24-point victory against Parkdale Vultures in the Section 2 grand final at Trevor Barker Oval. Entering the finals in fourth position, the Fields went from strength to strength as they defeated Fitzroy, Old Brighton and the Vultures on their way to premiership glory. Young gun, Jesse Toniolo, was awarded best on ground honours for his

U19 Section 3

U19 Section 4

Old Carey improved upon their first round finals exist in 2014 when they ran over the top of Old Geelong by 14 points in a thrilling Section 3 decider at Sportscover Arena. In a match where the leader changed at every break, the Panthers nailed three goals to one in the fourth term to secure victory, with Max Lyon medallist, Karsten Rodenberg, particularly dominant in the final quarter of the season. Despite the loss, Old Geelong will take confidence from finishing on top of the ladder at the conclusion of the home and away fixture, with Williamstown CYMS and Ormond the other two finalists. Hampton Rovers missed out on top four honours by .22 of a percent but will be buoyed by the fact I.A. Brown medallist, Ryan Fogarty, is one of their own. Further down the ladder were Old Xaverians, Old Camberwell and St Bernard’s, all of whom could only manage nine wins between them for the season but will look to improve upon their records next year. It was a thrilling finish to the leading goal kicker award, with Old Geelong’s Jock Grimshaw (75 goals) edging out Williamstown CYMS star, Mitchell Parkinson (71).

An amalgamation of U19 North and U19 South at the conclusion of 2014 created room for the introduction of a 12-team U19 Section 4. With a larger section of teams fighting for points, St Kevin’s Old Boys came out on top in 2015 after they defeated Peninsula by 31 points in a hardfought grand final at Sportscover Arena. Led by best on ground, Matthew Olsen, and three-goal star, Lachlan Wray, SKOB turned a three-point deficit at the last break into a comfortable win on the back of six-goal to one final term. Forced to do it the hard way after finishing third on the ladder heading into finals, SKOB had to defeat Northern Blues, Mazenod and the Pirates on their path to glory. With a six team finals series this year, Monash Blues and Beaumaris filled out the remaining two spots at the business end of the season, with neither able to get past the first round. Beaumaris young gun, Andrew Watson, took home the H. Harisiou medal with 18 votes, while Damien Delle-Vergini of Northern Blues kicked more goals than any other junior with 89 for the season.

sensational grand final display for the premiers. Earlier in the season, the Vultures finished as minor premiers ahead of Old Brighton, Fitzroy and the Fields. Missing out on the top four by three wins were 2013 premiers, Whitefriars, while St Bedes/ Mentone Tigers, Old Ivanhoe, Marcellin, Mazenod and Collegians rounded out the bottom half of the ladder. Fitzroy’s Max Davie was awarded the McTaggart medal for the sections’ best and fairest on 22 votes, while teammate, Daniel O’Connor, led the goal kicking with 45 majors.

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2015

Old Trinity vs St Bernard’s U19 Premier

VAFA U18/Colts UHS-VU/Flemington completed a remarkable turnaround from their three-win 2014 season as they defeated Ivanhoe by 71 points in a dominant grand final performance at Highgate Reserve. Adding to the success of UHS-VU’s victory was 17-year-old Somalian-born player, Mohamed Mohamed, who was awarded the best on ground medallion in his first year in the VAFA. Both grand finalists were the two strongest sides throughout the season, finishing ahead of St Bernard’s and La Trobe University in third and fourth at the conclusion of the home and away fixture. University Blues finished one game outside the top four with eight wins, ahead of Williamstown, Old Paradians, Point Cook, Parkside and Bulleen Templestowe in the bottom half of the ladder. Wrapping up the triple victory for UHS-VU was Esubalew Ramsay’s (pictured) league best and fairest award after the young star polled 18 votes. Despite the grand final loss, Ivanhoe will be ecstatic with the performance of league leading goal kicker, Samuel Aanensen, who finished with 50 goals to his name.

Esubalew Ramsay (UHS-VU/Flemington) VAFA Colts Medallist

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2015

MEGT Under 19 Premier PREMIERSHIP LADDER Old Xaverians St Bernards St Kevins Beaumaris De La Salle University Blues Old Melburnians Old Scotch University Blacks Old Trinity

For

Agst

PTS

17 17 18 18 18 18 18 18 16 18

15 14 15 13 9 8 5 4 2 2

2 3 3 4 9 9 13 14 14 16

0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

2023 2083 2036 2023 1477 1153 816 1376 765 861

1029 909 1058 1126 1165 1531 2234 1528 1940 2186

196.60 229.15 192.44 179.66 126.78 75.31 36.53 90.05 39.43 39.39

64 60 60 54 36 34 20 16 8 8

CR Newbury Medal

MEGT U19 Premier Grand Final St Bernards Old Xaverians

3.0-18 5.6-36

8.5-53 8.8-56

9.7-61 9.13-67

11.11-77 12.15-87

St Bernard’s Goal Kickers: P. Martin 4, T. Doody, T. Madden, D. Kennedy, T. Delzoppo, L. Di Lizio, Z. O’Halloran, M. Hughes Best Players: Z. O’Halloran, T. Madden, D. Kennedy, L. Beddoe, T. Delzoppo, W. Considine

B: HB: C: HF: F: R: Int:

T.A. Johnson Medal: Hamish Morris (Old Xaverians)

Leading Goalkickers Club Old Xaverians St Bernards Old Scotch Beaumaris FC

Club St Kevin’s Old Boys Old Xaverians Old Melburnians Beaumaris Beaumaris

Votes 21 14 13 12 12

MEGT Under 19 Premier: Old Xaverians

Old Xaverians Goal Kickers: T. Wynne 3, O. Silk 2, J. Agius 2, C. Kennedy, J. Kelliher, S. Cleeve, T. Wiegold, T. Fantasia Best Players: H. Morris, H. Lucas, H. Troiani, T. Fantasia, H. Cullity, M. Smith

Player Sam Cleeve Edyn Sibbald Andrew Padbury Sam Gibbins

Player Roland De Biase Charlie Kennedy Thomas Fuller Sam Gibbins Rhys Pierce

Total 52 48 46 35

Coach:

Will Richards, Matt Ongarato, Joe Barlow Joe Tobin, Tom Fantasia, Jack Kelliher Jake French, James Agius, Hamish Cullity Charlie Kennedy, Tom Wynne, Tom Amad Hayden Troiani, Sam Cleeve, Tod VanderHaar Ben Polkinghorn, Harry Lucas, Hamish Morris Tom Ingham, Ben Banting, Matt Smith, Tyson Weigold, Oliver Silk, Harry Kelly Peter Callinan

Under 19 Section 2 PREMIERSHIP LADDER Parkdale Vultures Old Brighton Fitzroy Caulfield Grammarians Whitefriars St Bedes / Mentone Tigers AFC Old Ivanhoe Grammarians Marcellin OC Mazenod Collegians

For

Agst

PTS

17 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 17

15 16 12 11 8 7 7 6 5 2

2 2 6 7 10 11 11 12 13 15

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

1942 1764 1622 1381 1349 1201 1230 1032 1062 734

859 816 1131 1167 1397 1452 1618 1613 1358 1942

226.08 216.18 143.41 118.34 96.56 82.71 76.02 63.98 78.20 37.80

64 64 48 44 32 28 28 24 20 8

GW McTaggart Medal

Under 19 Section 2 Grand Final Parkdale Vultures Caulfield Grammarians

1.1-7 4.4-28

4.8-32 5.5-35

5.11-41 10.13-73

8.20-68 13.14-92

Parkdale Vultures Goal Kickers: D. Jayaselan 2, D. Rendell 2, K. Love-Linay 2, T. Carroll, J. Clark Best Players: J. Clark, J. Vorbach, B. Austin, B. Dillon, R. O’Leary, A. Heatley Caulfield Grammarians Goal Kickers: L. Topp 3, F. McEvoy 3, T. Tonkin 2, K. Malignaggi, N. Answerth , J. Toniolo, J. Small, T. Stephenson Best Players: J. Toniolo, F. McEvoy, T. Smith, C. Bold, Z. Amos, J. Stewart J.A. Miles Medal: Jesse Toniolo (Caulfield Grammarians)

Leading Goalkickers Player Daniel O’Connor Lachlan Topp Joseph Hill Declan Fowler

Club Fitzroy FC Caulfield Grammarians Fitzroy FC Mazenod OC

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2015

Total 43 37 35 35

Player Max Davie Jack Vorbach Jordan Pastura Aidan Lambert Sean Laidlaw Ryan Malt Lachlan Topp

Club Fitzroy AFC Parkdale St Bedes/Mentone Tigers Fitzroy AFC Fitzroy AFC Whitefriars OC Caulfield Grammarians

Votes 22 16 14 13 11 11 11

Under 19 Section 2 Premiership Team: Caulfield Grammarians B: HB: C: HF: F: R: Int: Coach:

Ben Morrell, Chris Bold, Jerome Stewart Oliver Allis, James Kellock, Nick Blaich Noah Answerth, Jack Lewis, Myles Speilvogel Aya Fujiwara, Zac Amos, Finn McEvoy Kosmo Malignaggi, Lachlan Topp, Jesse Toniolo Tom Smith, Harrison Mills, Harry Schaﬀer Sam Dorevitch, Kirren Ponniah, Jack Short, James Small, Tom Stephenson, Thomas Tonkin Josh McMahon

Under 19 Section 3 PREMIERSHIP LADDER Old Geelong Williamstown CYMS Old Carey Grammarians Ormond Hampton Rovers Old Xaverians Old Camberwell Grammarians St Bernards

For

Agst

PTS

18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18

15 13 13 11 11 4 3 2

3 5 5 7 7 14 15 16

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

1866 1820 1413 1470 1425 1148 838 781

937 1145 995 1176 1142 1799 1688 1957

199.15 158.95 142.01 125.00 124.78 63.81 49.64 39.91

60 52 52 44 44 16 12 8

Under 19 Section 3 Grand Final Old Geelong Old Carey Grammarians

3.3-21 1.1-7

3.4-22 6.5-41

9.7-61 9.6-60

10.11-71 12.13-85

Old Geelong Goal Kickers: J. Grimshaw 2, J. O’Shea 2, E. Manton 2, J. Hutley, H. Graham, C. Youngman, B. Ludeman Best Players: C. Burbury, J. Hutley, M. Kirkwood, S. Weerawardena, E. Manton, H. Graham Old Carey Grammarians Goal Kickers: M. Nixon 4, J. Colquhoun 2, C. Aitken, C. Cameron, B. Coull, T. Gayfer, D. Clarke, A. Archibald Best Players: J. Quartermain, K. Rodenberg, B. Coull, W. Mitchell, J. Harris, H. Hill

B: HB: C: HF: F: R: Int: Coach:

Leading Goalkickers Club Old Geelong Williamstown CYMS Williamstown CYMS Ormond AFC

Total 68 65 45 41

Club Hampton Rovers Old Geelong Williamstown CYMS Old Camberwell Williamstown CYMS Old Geelong

Votes 26 19 14 13 13 13

Will Burke, Jack Quartermaine, Max Goodrope James Davy, Ed Aujard, Jack Colquhoun Harry Hill, Daniel Clarke, Isaac Buratto Karsten Rodenburg, Callum Cameron, Will Karras Angus Archibald, Mitchell Nixon, Campbell Aitken Ben Coull, Jeremy Cator, Jack Harris Will Mitchell, Tim Gayfer, Cameron Friend, Chris Hill Michael Tarrant, Daniel Cameron, Luke Meredith

Under 19 Section 4

PREMIERSHIP LADDER Peninsula OB Mazenod OC St Kevins OB Northern Blues Monash Blues Beaumaris FC Old Haileyburians De La Salle OC Therry Penola OB Oakleigh AFC Parkdale Vultures Melbourne High School Old Boys

For

Agst

PTS

16 18 18 18 18 16 17 18 18 16 18 17

15 10 12 12 12 10 8 8 7 5 4 0

1 1 5 6 6 6 8 10 11 11 14 17

0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0

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

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

1952 1455 1670 1817 1302 1538 1522 1586 1039 851 1275 539

797 502 904 1335 1175 1209 1279 1372 1340 1751 1866 2510

244.92 289.84 184.73 136.10 110.81 127.21 119.00 115.60 77.54 48.60 68.33 21.47

68 56 50 48 48 44 38 32 28 20 16 0

U19 Section 4 Medal

Under 19 Section 2 Grand Final Peninsula OB St Kevins OB

Player Ryan Fogarty Jock Grimshaw Mitchell Parkinson Amer Halabi Matthew Morris Charles Youngman

Under 19 Section 3 Premiership Team: Old Carey

T.M Lyon Medal: Karsten Rodenberg (Old Carey Grammarians)

Player Jock Grimshaw Mitchell Parkinson Jake Slee Matthew Perry

IA Brown Medal

1.0-6 3.2-20

3.1-19 3.8-26

6.2-38 4.11-35

7.2-44 10.15-75

Peninsula OB Goal Kickers: A. Grant 2, B. Hillman, B. Carr, O. Whitty, M. Kellerman, P. Boyle Best Players: J. Feutrill , N. Felsinger, M. Glenn, P. Boyle, B. Williamson, B. Carr St Kevin’s OB Goal Kickers: L. Wray 2, M. Olsen 2, J. Edginton 2, X. Siebel 2, P. Di Natale, O. Henderson Best Players: B. Dimattina, L. Wray, M. Olsen, S. Dicintio, A. Favaloro, H. Brookes Simpson/Lyon Medal: Matthew Olsen (St Kevin’s OB)

Player Andrew Watson Lachlan Buck Mitchell Glenn Tyson Smith Dylan Spooner Joshua Elston Samual Fleming Jack Munro Jacob Murdock

Club Beaumaris Monash Blues Peninsula Northern Blues Mazenod OC Old Haileyburians Northern Blues Old Haileyburians Mazenod OC

Under 19 Section 2 Premiership Team: St Kevin’s OB Leading Goalkickers Player Damien Delle-Vergini Lachlan Wray Anmol Malhotra Mitchell Kellerman

Club Northern Blues St Kevins OB Oakleigh AFC Peninsula OB

Total 84 49 42 40

B: HB: C: HF: F: R: Int: Coach:

H. Brooks, M. Matthews, A. Ioannidis T. Sanders, H. Burrill, M. Musarra J. Mason, B. Dimattina, N. Milne S. Dicintio, D. Kennedy, X. Siebel L. Comito, L. Wray, P. Di Natale J. Gale, M. Olsen, D. Tucker K. Ayers, O. Henderson, S. Graham, J. Prosser Ian Ledder

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2015

Votes 18 11 11 11 11 10 10 10 10

VAFA Colts PREMIERSHIP LADDER Ivanhoe AFC UHS-VU / Flemington St Bernards La Trobe University AFC University Blues Williamstown CYMS Old Paradians Point Cook AFC Parkside Football Club Bulleen Templestowe AFC

For

Agst

PTS

16 15 16 17 16 16 16 9 15 2

14 12 11 9 8 4 4 2 1 0

2 3 5 8 8 12 12 6 13 2

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0

1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0

1 2 1 0 0 1 1 1 1 0

1466 1258 1161 950 969 931 755 770 657 15

797 624 679 825 1359 1142 1320 1526 1409 990

183.94 201.60 170.99 115.15 71.30 81.52 57.20 50.46 46.63 1.52

64 60 52 40 36 24 24 18 14 0

Colts Medal

VAFA Colts Grand Final Ivanhoe AFC UHS-VU / Flemington

2.6-18 1.0-6

2.6-18 7.9-51

4.11-35 8.15-63

4.13-37 14.24-108

Ivanhoe AFC Goal Kickers: P. Lagreca, S. Aanensen, J. Rodgers, V. Naidu Best Players: M. Post, S. Aanensen, A. Amenta, L. Chenoweth, M. Briggs, P. Conlan UHS-VU / Flemington Goal Kickers: S. Craggill-Haren 3, J. Lay 2, N. Munari 2, N. Amourgis 2, T. Rocke, M. Legudi, M. Mallia, M. Mohamed, R. Hajj Best Players: M. Mohamed, L. Czajko, M. Healey, M. Legudi, N. Amourgis, C. Berogna Harry Overman Medal: Mohamed Mohamed (UHS-VU/Flemington)

Leading Goalkickers Player Samuel Aanensen Liam Guy Patrick Carroll Max Post

Club Ivanhoe AFC La Trobe University AFC La Trobe University AFC Ivanhoe AFC

Total 47 43 40 25

Player Esubalew Ramsay Cameron Simpson Isaac Romano Varun Naidu Henry Jaggard Max Post

Club University High School-Vic Uni Ivanhoe AFC Parkside Ivanhoe AFC St Bernardâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Old Collegians Ivanhoe AFC

Votes 17 15 14 13 10 10

VAFA Colts: UHS-VU / Flemington B: HB: C: HF: F: R: Int: Coach:

Chris Berogna, Tim Rocke, Lucas Harris Nicholas Perica, Thomas Mcall, Gerard Hawkins Rayaan Hajj, Michael Healy, Tyler Legudi Myles Legudi, Mohamed Mohamed, Nikolai Amourgis James Gilfillan, Nick Munari, Jonothon Lay Fraser Allen, Esubalew Ramsay (c), Lucas Czajko Matthew Mallia, Finn Devlin, Nick Ryan, Spencer Craggill-Haren, Callum Aristotle, Cameron Craig Marcus Butera

UHS-VU/Flemington celebrate winning the VAFA Colts premiership

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2015

Club XVIII

Spartans & St Francis reign supreme in Club XVIII There were significant changes to the make-up of the Club XVIII season in 2015, with three sections of six teams from last year reconfigured to two sections of eight, creating increased competitive balance between all 16 clubs. Section 1: Hawthorn reversed last year’s grand final result with a 36-point hard-fought victory against the ladder-leading Old Xaverians in the Section 1 decider. Leading at every break throughout the match, Hawthorn refused to ease up as they held the Crocs to a scoreless last term, while sending through two more goals of their own. Ex-Hawthorn FC player Angelo Lekkas starred for the Spartans, throwing his weight and experience around on his way to the King/ Landrigan medal for best on ground. The league’s leading goal kicker and best and fairest awards were also presented at the postmatch ceremony, with John Farah of Hawthorn winning the goal kicking and Matthew Walsh of Old Xaverians voted the league’s best player for 2015. After finishing third at the end of the home and away fixture, Richmond Central narrowly missed the grand final when they lost to the eventual premiers by 39 points in the preliminary final. Todd Nolan finished their leading goal kicker

with 27 for the season, including a bag of six against Old Geelong in Round 6. Rounding out the top four was La Trobe University who, after completing a disappointing season in Division 3, will take solace from a fourth-placed finish with nine wins from their 15 matches. Eamon Stringer was the star with 34 goals placing him second on the leader board. On the back of a preliminary finals appearance last year, Prahran Assumption narrowly missed finals with eight wins and seven losses. Rounding out the ladder were Ivanhoe, North Old Boys/St Patrick’s College and Old Geelong, who finished the season with just five wins between them. Section 2: Unable to recruit enough players to sustain a senior club where the requirement is to field both a senior and reserves side in Division 3, the VAFA Board and Administration confirmed St Francis Xavier would instead play Club XVIII Section 2 for the 2015 season.

St Francis were able to complete an unbeaten season as they defeated Melbourne High School Old Boys by 71 points in the Section 2 grand final at Sportscover Arena. Following a tightly contested first quarter, in which only one goal was kicked between both sides, St Francis put the foot down and kicked 14 of the next 19 goals of the match. Christopher Hughes was awarded the best on ground medallion for his leading role in the win, while Dustin Johnstone kicked three goals for the premiers. As with Section 1, the medal ceremony also celebrated the achievements of Albert Park’s Beau Coyle who won the league leading goal kicker award, as well as the league best and fairest. MHSOB were outstanding throughout finals, turning a fourth-place finish into a grand final appearance with victories against Kew and Albert Park in the semi and preliminary finals. Louis Meyer was a big part of MHSOB’s makeup this year, with a bag of eight and two bags of six in front of goal culminating in 43 majors and finishing second in the goal kicking. After finishing second with 11 wins from their 15 matches, Albert Park will be slightly disappointed they weren’t there in the final game of the season. However, with Coyle’s dominance and a preliminary finals appearance, they will look to build on their performance and come back stronger in 2016. Despite finishing one place above MHSOB on the ladder, Kew were bundled out by 20 points in a lowscoring semi-final at Victoria Park. Patrick Godfrey played an important role for the Bears, with 31 goals and seven against Westbourne Grammarians in his side’s 157-point win in Round 9. West Brunswick and Ormond finished fifth and sixth with five wins apiece from their 14 matches, while Westbourne and UHS-VU rounded out the bottom part of the ladder with just three wins between them.

Matthew Walsh (Old Xaverians) - Club XVIII Section 1 Best and Fairest

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2015

Club XVIII Results Club XVIII (Section 1) Premiership Team: Hawthorn B: HB: C: HF:

Nathan McCourt, Tom White, Lawrence Vanvitelli Anthony Demetriou (C), James Maddock, Leigh Zito Nick Criticos (VC), John Farah, Con Pana Tyson Barber, Ari Mitropoulos, Stan Neohoritis

Anthony Marguccio, Ang Christou, Chris Katsanevakis

John Daou, Ang Lekkas, Adam Jesser

Int: Coach:

Johnny Foti, Michael Ziccone, Daniel Zito, Andrew Toumbakis, Dean Korlos, Daniel Tyrrell, Spencer Marumaru, Daniel Raponi Anthony Demetriou (C)

Club XVIII (Section 1) Medal Hawthorn Spartans Club XVIII Section 1 Premiers

PREMIERSHIP LADDER Club XVIII (1) Old Xaverians Hawthorn AFC Richmond Central La Trobe University AFC Prahran Assumption AFC Ivanhoe AFC NOBS/St Patricks College Old Geelong

P 13 13 14 15 15 13 12 9

W 11 9 8 9 8 1 2 2

L 1 4 5 6 7 11 9 7

D 1 0 1 0 0 1 1 0

B 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

FF 2 2 1 0 0 2 1 0

For 1424 1504 1187 1075 1119 855 638 260

Agst 642 820 902 724 1089 1318 1386 1471

% 221.81 183.41 131.60 148.48 102.75 64.87 46.03 17.68

PTS 54 44 38 36 32 14 14 8

Player Matthew Walsh Kristan Jeﬀrey Todd Nolan Anthony Marguccio Nicholas Criticos

Club Old Xaverians La Trobe University Richmond Central Hawthorn Hawthorn

Votes 16 13 11 10 9

Club XVIII (Section 1) Grand Final Old Xaverians Hawthorn AFC

0.4-4 2.4-16

1.5-11 5.7-37

5.6-36 8.9-57

5.6-36 10.12-72

Old Xaverians Goal Kickers: S. O’Brien 2, D. Landrigan , T. Silk , J. McDonnell Best Players: , S. O’Brien , T. Silk , N. Corcoran , D. O’Sullivan , J. Galligan , H. Denton Hawthorn AFC Goal Kickers: J. Farah 3, N. Criticos , C. Pana , A. Jesser , D. Korlos , T. Barber , J. Foti , S. Neohoritis Best Players: , A. Lekkas , N. Criticos , J. Daou , C. Pana , T. White , J. Farah King/Landrigan Medal: Angelo Lekkas (Hawthorn AFC)

Club XVIII (Section 2) Premiership Team: St Francis Xavier B: HB: C: HF:

Liam Dullard, Nathan Jagoe, Paul Bourke Brent Sheers, Tim Shepherdson, James Vandam Sam Burns, Sean Dullard, Dwayne Scott Leigh Hall, Josh LaFranki, Daniel Johnstone

Trent Pearson, Nathanial Welsh, Jarrod Roberts

Chris Hughes, Connor Spalding, Brendan O’Hara

Int: Coach:

Tom Kerr, Sean Williams, David Dapiran, Luke Bennett, Nathan Goodman, Wayne Delaland, Callan Tout, Jake Wynne Trent Pearson / Leigh Andrews

Club XVIII (Section 2) Medal Player Beau Coyle Myles Coker Connor Spalding Mason Engelander Leon Calvert

Club Albert Park Albert Park St Francis Xavier OC Melbourne High School Old Boys Ormond

Votes 21 16 11 10 9

Club XVIII (Section 2) Grand Final St Francis Xavier OC MHSOB

St Francis Xavier Club XVIII Section 2 Premiers

PREMIERSHIP LADDER Club XVIII (2) St Francis Xavier OC Albert Park AFC Kew AFC MHSOB West Brunswick AFC Ormond AFC Westbourne Grammarians Uhs-Vu Afc

P 13 15 15 15 14 14 14 14

W 13 11 10 10 5 5 2 1

L 0 4 5 5 9 9 12 13

D 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2015

B 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

FF 2 0 0 0 1 0 0 0

For 1686 1307 1239 1180 926 702 487 521

Agst 501 910 742 746 1023 1168 1537 1554

% 336.53 143.63 166.98 158.18 90.52 60.10 31.69 33.53

PTS 60 44 40 40 24 20 8 4

1.1-7 0.1-1

7.3-45 2.2-14

11.7-73 3.4-22

15.10-100 4.5-29

St Francis Xavier OC Goal Kickers: D. Johnstone 3, J. Lafranchi 2, B. O’Hara 2, D. Dapiran, S. Williams, T. Pearson, N. Welsh, S. Burns, C. Tout, D. Scott, B. Sheers Best Players: , S. Dullard, S. Burns, C. Hughes, D. Scott, D. Johnstone, B. O’Hara Melbourne High School Old Boys Goal Kickers: L. Meyer 2, W. Rebakis, A. Kuang Best Players: , D. Grantham, C. Wright, A. Kuang, S. Grantham, M. Engelander, J. Anderson Best on Ground Medal: Christopher Hughes (St Francis Xavier OC)

Rising Star Winner James Fletcher Congratulations to James Fletcher of Peninsula

and performed very well amongst older and

Old Boys Football Club who is the 2015 Rising

more experienced representative footballers.

Star. James endured a stellar season in his first

The achievement is all the more noteworthy

year at the club and is the first player to win the

considering that James was still eligible for the

award from Premier C.

under 19 side.

Appearing in all 18 home and away matches

Having bought into the culture of the Pirates

this season, Fletcher has led from the front and

and the VAFA throughout the course of the

appeared in the best players 14 times. Earlier in

year, James’ football has gone from strength to

the season he lit North Hobart Oval alight with

strength as his confidence and leadership skills

a dominant display for the Big V U23’s and was

have grown he has become more comfortable

recently named on the wing in the Premier C

not just leading by actions but also by words,

Team of the Year.

setting a tone on the training track, in games and with his rehab - engaging all players throughout

From the Club:

the club. The Pirates are excited to have James

In his first of VAFA football with the Pirates,

Fletcher as our first ever winner of the young

James quickly established himself as one of

gun and as a committed Pirate “through and

the premier players in the competition. Mixing

through” look forward to long and successful

his commitment and work rate with elite skills,

career in the Blue and Tan.

James was instrumental in the club getting a fast start to the season winning four of our first five games including a stand out performance against Old Camberwell where James had 40+ possessions, eight tackles and kicked two goals. He continued his fine form and as the season grew became a leader within the club. His fine form led him to include in the under 23 state squad, for which he was ultimately selected

Winning Edge Club Championship

Seniors

Reserves

U19/U18

Thirds/Club XVIII

Total

St Kevins OB

Ivanhoe AFC

12.5

150.5

43.5

2.5

Ormond AFC

138

129

St Bernards

40.5

8.5

121

Monash Blues

119

Marcellin OC

11.5

117.5

Old Xaverians

43.5

12.5

114

Old Geelong

112

Old Brighton Grammarians

107

UHS-VU AFC

102

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2015

Highlights 2015 •

Tim Nelson was elected VAFA Chairman and President in June 2015, replacing Michael Hazell in the role. Phil De Young was elected as VAFA Vice-President in June, 2015. Megan Dwyer joined the VAFA Board in March, 2015.

• •

Geoff Reilly was inducted as a Life Member of the VAFA. Brian Woodhead joined the VAFA staff as Head of Umpiring. Andrew Leonard left the position of General Manager of Media and Communications to take up the role of Digital Media Manager at Hawthorn FC. Olivia Crowe left the position of Umpire Operations Officer to take up the role of Director of Female Football Development with the South Metro Junior Football League.

•

The senior VAFA representative side defeated the Northern Football League by five points in AFL Victoria’s Metro Championships at Ikon Park and retained the title as the number one community football competition in Melbourne for the second year in a row.

•

The William Buck Premier grand final was played away from Sportscover Arena, Elsternwick Park for the first time since 1968, with St Bernard’s defeating Old Trinity by eight points at Ikon Park, Carlton.

•

VAFA umpire, Tom Windlow, and five representative players Simon Caven (St Bernard’s), Gabe Hamilton (Old Trinity), Kelvin Williams (St Kevin’s), Tom Quinn (University Blues) and Josh Cowan (Mazenod) were named in the AAFC U23 All-Australian Team of the Carnival.

•

The Woodrow Medal was tied between Adam Bentick of St Bernard’s and Ross Young of University Blues.

•

Ross Young won the Premier Coaches MVP and became the first person to win the Woodrow/ MVP double.

•

Old Scotch were relegated from William Buck Premier for the first time in 35 years.

•

St Kevin’s Old Boys (Premier B) and St Francis Xavier (Club XVIII 2) won their respective premierships on the back of undefeated seasons.

• •

St Kevin’s Old Boys won the Winning Edge Club Championship AJAX best and fairest, Adam Caplan, won his club a Volkswagen Golf in the Bayford ‘Kick for a Car Competition’ after he landed a 50m punt into the back of a Volkswagen Amarok at the half time break of the Premier B grand final.

•

Carl Groth won the Zachariah Medal in Premier C with 19 votes after playing just seven games for the season.

•

James Fletcher of Peninsula won the Club Warehouse Rising Star Award

•

Kew won their third senior premiership in a row for the first time in club history when they defeated Ormond by 30 points at Coburg City Oval.

•

St John’s Old Collegians’ secretary, Chris Swinburne, was named as the Victorian recipient of the AFL Volunteer of the Year Award.

•

West Brunswick won back-to-back premierships when they defeated the previously undefeated Emmaus St Leo’s by one point at Trevor Barker Oval.

•

Paul Baranello of Emmaus St Leo’s won back-to-back Hutchinson Medals as the best and fairest in Division 3 for the first time since Vic B Zanin in 1985/86 for UHSOB.

•

Westbourne Grammarians forward, Dale Collins, kicked 108 goals for the season and became the highest single-season goal kicker in Division 4 since 2009 when Attila Yaman of Swinburne University kicked 115.

•

Parkside made the Division 4 grand final and earnt promotion to Division 3 in their first season back in the VAFA after 12 years in the Northern Football League.

•

UHS-VU/Flemington player, Mohamed Mohamed, was named joint winner of the 2015 Bachar Houli leadership medal at the Bachar Houli AFL Academy Camp.

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2015

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