119th Annual Report & Financial Statements Season 2010
Presented to the Members at the Annual General Meeting held at the Melbourne Racing Club on 6 December 2010.
FRONT COVER: The L.A. Adamson Cup, beautifully restored this year by Alistair Ewart at Winning Edge Presentations, is presented annually to the victors of Premier section.
Victorian Amateur Football Association
The Victorian Amateur Football Association was established in 1892 and incorporated under the Companies Act 1961 on the 26th day of February 1970.
M I S S I O N MISSION
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.
PATRONS
Messrs. J.F.X. Dillon, M.G. Russel and the Hon. John S. Winneke, AC QC RFD
PRESIDENT
Mr. B. Conti
VICE-PRESIDENT
Mr. T.J. Merrett
TREASURER
Mr. D.H. Scott
BOARD
Messrs. B. Conti, A.M. Amad, D.R. Booth, Mrs D.M. Connors-Calhaem, Messrs. M.T. Hazell, B.R. McTaggart, T.J. Merrett, D.H. Scott, M.W. Sholly, G.A. Voyage.
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Mr. M.W. Sholly
GENERAL MANAGER – FOOTBALL OPERATIONS
Mr. J.J.B. Bourke
GENERAL MANAGER - ADMINISTRATION
Mrs. S.J. Anderson
GENERAL MANAGER – UMPIRE OPERATIONS
Mr B.L. Goodman
GENERAL MANAGER – COMMUNICATIONS AND MARKETING
Mr M. J. Fitzgerald
ADMINISTRATION / RECEPTION
Miss J.A. Ware
VAFA LAWYERS
Monahan & Rowell
VAFAUA PRESIDENT
Mr. R. Davidson
CLUB XVIII UMPIRE CO-ORDINATOR
Mr. D. Windlow
TRIBUNAL AND INVESTIGATIONS
CO-ORDINATORS
Mrs. S.J. Anderson and Mr. C.C. Bastow
INDEPENDENT TRIBUNAL
Chairmen: Messrs. P.C. Clothier, P. Couzens, J.G. Denahy, D.J. Hughes, J.K. Pilkington, D. Reynolds, P.G. Rhoden, P.J. Rodda.
Members: Messrs. J.H. Boorn, M.B. Brook, R.Cleary, G.J. Condron, D.R. Dodds, S. Grey, T. Isaacs, R.E. Lippold, A. Marshall, J.F. Nelson, M.D. O’Brien, G.S. Ridd, G. Rosewarne, F. Stafford, A.H. Walstab, C.F. Wills, J.C. Wilson.
INVESTIGATION PANEL
Chairmen: Messrs. R.L. Evans, B.R. McTaggart. Members: Messrs. A. M. Amad, D.R. Booth, B. Conti, R.L. Evans, P.J. Grima, M. Kelliher, G.A. Voyage.
VICTORIAN FOOTBALL DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION DELEGATE
Mr. J.J.B. Bourke
FOOTBALL INTEGRATION DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION REPRESENTATIVE
Season number 109 for the VAFA has been another of success and change.
I have thoroughly enjoyed a stimulating and busy first year as President. I am grateful for the wonderful legacy left by those before me and in particular Nick Bourke, Bruce McTaggart, David Scott and Richard Evans (all former Presidents) who continue to provide tremendous support to the VAFA and to me.
Throughout 2009, the VAFA undertook a Board review, and the changes recommended and approved at last year’s AGM by the clubs, were implemented this year. The Board, as was the intent, focused more on strategic decision-making than on the day-to-day running of the competition. The changes reflect the principles of good governance developed by the Australian Sports Commission and provide a solid foundation to serve the Association for many years to come.
Under the new structure, the work of the Board’s sub-committees is vital.
The Competition Integrity sub-committee, chaired by our Vice President Tim Merrett, has the charter to ensure the integrity of the competition is maintained by vigorously upholding the amateur ethos whereby players play without financial gain and to foster a safe, family-oriented environment.
Our number one objective as a Board is to protect this amateur ethos - our standards are built first and foremost on the amateurism of our players and we hope, subject to clubs’ support at this year’s AGM, to be dealing with this objective more effectively. I would like to acknowledge Bruce McTaggart and Michael Hazell for their leadership in this area.
Our desire to develop a closer working relationship with the clubs has been strengthened by the appointment of twelve VAFA ambassadors whose role is to provide a conduit between the Board, the Administration and all clubs. In time this should improve the already-strong relationships in the VAFA community.
During the finals, we launched a SMS service that enabled anyone to report incidents at VAFA matches that they believed compromised the very high standards that we have set as an Association. These standards are already above the bar set for any community based football competition and we intend to remain the benchmark.
Our Growth and Development subcommittee, chaired by George Voyage, is charged with providing selective growth and development strategies that enable the VAFA to remain the best community-based football competition in Australia.
In 2010, our competition grew by ten teams, with one new club, Point Cook. A major objective for the VAFA Board in recent years has been to build a stronger junior pathway for clubs and with the U18 competition expanding from eight teams to twelve and with the introduction of a thirds competition, we are well on the way to achieving this objective. We still have much work to do in this area but am confident that focusing on this junior pathway will make our clubs stronger in years to come, as they develop larger squads of players to fill their senior ranks.
Another full and successful year of representative football with the Seniors, U21, U19 and U18 teams all winning and the U23s regaining their title as All-Australian champions. Additionally, we sent six of our boys to South Africa with the All Australian U23s in what hopefully will be the beginning of a long and fruitful relationship with AFL South Africa. It was an enriching experience for these six, as it was for the twenty-three strong U18 team that traveled to New Zealand.
hope that every player who represented the Big V in 2010 will have wonderful memories of their experience for many years to come. Representative football is an important component of our calendar, not only rewarding our elite performers but more importantly allowing the VAFA to build on its culture of respect. I have stated before that our representative players not only enjoy the experience and return to our clubs as better players, but also develop a new-found respect for club opponents with whom they have played. Many a testy situation on-field has been diff used through relationships forged among opponents who wore the Big V together.
Davina Connors-Calhaem chaired the Community Relations and Marketing sub-committee, which is responsible for developing and facilitating a coordinated marketing strategy to maximise the branding and revenue opportunities for the VAFA and its member clubs.
The re-badging of the sections this year created much discussion but we hope to utilise our brand more effectively going forward to generate additional media, sponsorship and community stakeholder interest. We certainly enjoyed more media coverage this year than previous years.
Our major events during 2010 reflected highly on the standard of our Association, with the season launch once again proving to be an excellent night. The end of year Presentation Night took on a different format and will continue to change in coming years. The Big V Event proved to be major success and Anthony Amad deserves to be congratulated for the passion he has demonstrated with this initiative. Our former Big V players will prove to be an important coterie for the VAFA for many years to come.
We also held a night at Parliament House dedicated to Women in Football, a fitting tribute to the great work of the many women within the VAFA.
Much groundwork was done throughout the year in developing a relationship with a charity that will assist the VAFA to raise funds to assist with mental health issues that are prevalent, but sometimes unnoticed, in our young men. We have chosen a partner as well as an ambassador and are currently working on a suitable program of events to assist with this very worthwhile cause. We will launch this partnership at the beginning of 2011.
Bruno Conti 45
The newly established Finance sub-committee was formed and chaired by our Treasurer and former President David Scott. David’s focus is to ensure all VAFA and member club operations are financially and administratively sustainable. am pleased to say the VAFA’s finances are in good order and the finances of all clubs have improved on the position twelve months ago.
The re-development of Elsternwick Park continued to absorb much of the Board’s time and effort. We are now clear on our aims and we are making good progress with the plan to raise sufficient funds. We have had strong support from the AFL and Bayside City Council and I am confident that the re-development will become a short term reality. Our CEO Michael Sholly should be congratulated for showing great focus and determination on this and he has had great support from others too.
Over the summer months, the Board will develop a new Strategic Plan. This discussion will cover many interesting and challenging topics. Any club president who wishes be part of the planning process or wants to contribute is most welcome. We hope to deliver the plan by April 2011.
This has been a great Board to work with and I am proud to be associated with such passionate people. thank them for their dedication and unwavering commitment.
Our VAFA staff has again performed strongly. Led very capably by Michael Sholly, who was a pleasure to work with, all at HQ displayed extreme dedication to their jobs but also to the cause of a stronger, more vibrant VAFA. Many thanks to Jeremy Bourke, Brian Goodman, Sue Anderson, Michael Fitzgerald and Jess Ware, as well as to Joe Morsello and Ben Jakobi, who were with us for part of the year.
The smooth running of our competition is a two-way street, however, and would not be possible without the great work undertaken by our many clubs and their volunteers, and our coaches and players who put on the show. I hope that the VAFA provided you with the opportunity to perform at your best in 2010.
The VAFA receives great financial support from its sponsors, enabling costs to clubs remain at the lowest possible level. I thank them all, especially our major partner Sportscover.
Best wishes to all members of the VAFA community over the coming months. hope that all have an enjoyable and safe time with friends and family over the ever-shortening off-season and I look forward to your continued involvement in and commitment to our great Association in season 2011.
VAFA Board Members
B. Conti President
T.J. Merrett Vice-President A.M. AmadD.R. Booth D.M.
Chief Executive Officer’s Report
The Victorian Amateur Football Association is at once a conservative and a progressive organisation. The values on which the VAFA was founded - mateship, fairness and above all, the amateur ethos of playing for the love of the game – are still very much with us today and it is because of these rock-solid foundations that we can continue to innovate, to build a competition that can respond to the modern day realities.
Indeed, the VAFA landscape has been a work in progress since 1892 and this past year has been one that has again altered the canvas. The review of the Board last year ushered in a new era with fewer chairs but no less enthusiasm. Under the energetic leadership of new VAFA President Bruno Conti, the Board provided strong and wise strategic direction for our competition that is as diverse as it is large.
One of the new Board’s first initiatives was the establishment of the VAFA Ambassador program. Twelve people with solid links to our competition filled these roles, visiting clubs on a regular basis and building another bridge between clubs and headquarters.
The two headline measures in 2010 were the introduction of the Thirds competition and the rebranding of our seven senior sections.
The Thirds came fifty years after the establishment of the Reserves and provided a new pathway for clubs to develop senior players. While the Club XVIII sections have long been a very successful part of the VAFA competition, it was felt that its original intent of providing a game for players who could not commit to the more rigorous demands and regimens of senior football had been diluted due to the numerical strength of our bigger clubs. With our U19 competition stronger than ever, many graduating from its ranks had little choice but to play Club XVIII football in their attempts to play higher. The Thirds offer an alternative pathway for these graduating juniors, though it may take some time before individual clubs decide whether their needs are better served by the Thirds or by Club XVIII or both. While there were some teething problems, the success of the Thirds competition was evident when they attracted big crowds to Sportscover Arena for the finals, which were played as the first leg of tripleheaders in our two top tiers.
Breaking with tradition, those and our other tiers were rebadged for the season. Our top sections became Premier, Premier B and Premier C with D1-D4 becoming Divisions 1 through 4. Naturally the new badges initially caused some debate, but never confusion. The decision was not made lightly, but it was felt that the new branding would enhance identification and better reflect the strength of our competition.
Our U18 competition was expanded for its second season with the entry of four new teams. While grouped geographically at the start of the season to assist with transport issues – many players do not have drivers’ license and most don’t have cars – the competition was reshuffl ed in the mid-year to reflect the relative strengths of each team, ensuring greater competitiveness for the rest of the way and most importantly, for the finals.
The VAFA finals again produced memorable games, shock results and a fair share of controversy. Drought was replaced by deluge in late August, causing chaos and ground closures and a resultant scramble to find replacement venues. The second-semi final in U19 Premier was put back a week simply because there were no grounds available, but our GM of Football Operations Jeremy Bourke worked tirelessly to ensure there were no further postponements. In such situations, we are reminded how lucky we are to have Sportscover Arena under our control. Though the weather and inability to move games from Elsternwick meant that our Premier and Premier B second semi-finals were played in appalling conditions, the ground quickly recovered and hosted another twelve finals without hitch.
With the forced removal of many finals to unfenced venues, there was an expectation of lower revenue from our finals. In the end, the spell-binding football and the participation of stronger-drawing clubs meant that despite some increased costs, the return was on a par with 2009.
On the last afternoon of the season, Old Xaverians again triumphed, taking its eleventh Premier flag in sixteen campaigns. Congratulations to president Simon Hunt (fourth premiership in his six years in the chair) to coach Simon Lethlean (second pennant as coach on top of his five as a player) and to the entire club, which also secured the Premier Thirds and Club XVIII titles and had all of its six teams in the finals.
Old Carey won promotion to the top tier for the first time in its 56 year existence, taking as a bonus the Premier B flag in an absorbing and furious clash with Old Haileybury. Trevor Rowe was named as VAFA Coach of the Year.
Beaumaris engineered a grand final fight-back to win the Premier C title and win promotion along with Caulfield Grammarians.
Werribee marched into Premier C, defeating Monash Blues in the Division 1 grand final, while Banyule converted its Division 2 season supremacy into a flag, which it won from Old Paradians.
In Division 3, La Trobe University went back-to-back, beating a resurgent St John’s while Monash Gryphons won the seniors and reserves in Division 4, clinching their first-ever flags just hours apart.
Our new club in 2010, Point Cook, competed hard in Division 4 and while the instant success for which it had hoped was somewhat elusive, the season was a solid introduction to VAFA life.
Michael Sholly
The club that is present at all of our games is the VAFA Umpires Association. Under the presidency of one of our top arbiters, Russell Davidson, the VAFAUA forged even stronger bond between the VAFA Board, administration and the umpires.
Integral to the VAFA season is representative football. While there was no game specifically to showcase Premier C- Division 4 talent, several players from lower sections played at one of the four levels who represented the VAFA: the seniors against AFL Sydney, the U19s against the VCFL, the U21s against AFL Queensland and the U23s against Tasmania. All four teams had victories, making happy men of our coaches Dean Anderson, Murray Browne, Ben Robertson and Mick Dwyer (who was named All-Australian coach when Victoria was awarded the Australian Amateur Football Council (AAFC) champions trophy).
Post–season, the AAFC U23s undertook a developmental tour of South Africa, and the VAFA provided six players and the coach. The VAFA invitational U18 team headed to Christchurch and twice beat the AFL NZ U20s.
Many thanks to all who contributed to representative football in 2010, from coaches, assistants, trainers, team managers, physios, timekeepers, runners and statisticians as well as the travelling bands of parents who watched their boys wear our Association’s jumpers with pride and success.
On returning from Christchurch in late October, it seemed a long time since we had bounced the ball to get our season underway.
As has been the custom for a number of years, representatives of the VAFA tribes gathered again in late March at the MCC Members Dining Room to usher in the new season. 2009 Coach of the Year, Oakleigh’s David Gately toasted the Association with great effect and then Melbourne Rebels CEO Brian Waldron spoke sincerely of his great love of amateur football. Sadly for Brian, his name was soon to be prominent in the many media reports that accompanied the temporary demise of his former employer Melbourne Storm.
In August, over two hundred past champions of representative football enjoyed the fourth annual Big V Club lunch, held again at the RACV Club. Four more giants of the guernsey were elevated to Champion status and tributes were paid to the 1970 Carnival team as well as teams from 1980, 1990
and 2000. Once again, the tall stories became taller still as the afternoon wore into evening and many friendships were rekindled.
The VAFA eschewed its usual Presentation Night Dinner in favour of an awards-style evening, held this year at the Forum Theatre. While there were some issues with food service in the reception following the presentations to medallists, there was much favourable comment about the switch in formats. Master of Ceremonies-extraordinaire Graham Dawson did a magnificent job at the microphone.
Post-season, a VAFA Women in Football Dinner was held at Parliament House, hosted by our board member Davina Calhaem and the Deputy Speaker of the Assembly, Anne Barker MLA, who is also the Member for Oakleigh and the number one ticket holder of the Oakleigh Krushers. Seventy-five women representing our clubs and the Association enjoyed the opportunity for some fine dining, bonhomie and a tour of the magnificent old building. The women who give their time and energy to support our clubs are huge in number and in commitment.
Press coverage of the VAFA in the major dailies and in the suburban weeklies was greater than in previous years. The Age expanded the VAFA scores to include all senior sections and along with the Herald Sun, usually ensured that those relying on newspapers for scores were not disappointed. Paul Daffey and Brad Beitzel at the Age and Justin Quill at the Herald Sun wrote excellent pieces for Sunday editions covering the previous day’s highlights, while Daffey also regularly wrote about the VAFA for his Wednesday column. Leader Newspapers continued to provide a local slant on the Amateurs, covering stories of interest to local readership.
Our relationship with Inner FM Radio continued to prosper, with that station broadcasting not only a game each Saturday, but all Sunday games from Sportscover Arena. Ken Petrucco, Michael Crooks and Jo Wotton hosted the two hour VAFA show every Saturday morning from the 96.5 studios and on the final weekend of the season broadcast the show on both Saturday and Sunday from the balcony at Sportscover, adding atmosphere while the Thirds played Grand Finals and also absorbing some of the excitement of the games into the program. Adrian Hook, Glenn Dragemeyer and the entire Inner FM excelled, bringing listeners on the radio and on the web across the world unparalleled coverage of community football. Tom Brain and Steve McCarthy continued their ever-popular VAFA show on southern FM on Sunday mornings, while Glenn Scarborough flew the VAFA flag at NorthWest FM on Sunday nights.
The Amateur Footballer underwent some design changes. In the fifty-first season of the Reserves competition, that level finally received its own column, expertly written by Tom Brain. Recognition for the Thirds was a little quicker, getting its own page in its inaugural season. Cramped and unreadable team lists were dispensed with, with one sixteen page centre spread being printed for the three Premier sections and another for the Division competitions. Many thanks to all of our scribes, Fraser Cameron, Di Langton, Rees Quilford, James Coyne, Jon Hibbert, Jim Sutton, Richard Hummerston, Geoff Reilley, Norm Nugent, Zach Hubber, Daren Dawson, Nick Wald, Steve McCarthy and Leah Gallagher.
Interest in live scores from VAFA games via Twitter and vafa.com.au increased during the season, with more followers jumping on board each week. Live tweets from Christchurch kept many parents abreast of happenings as their sons played against AFL NZ.
The expansion of Dartfish video coverage of games meant that season subscribers could easily view the footage of games they were unable to attend. This year, all Premier, Premier B and some Premier C clubs supported the program.
Our Association benefits greatly from its generous sponsors, which contribute funds to ensure the continued strength of administration and to assist in keeping increases in affiliation fees to a minimum. Clubs now have the opportunity to benefit enormously from a mobile telephony deal signed this year with Emcorp Solutions and Vodafone. p,g w
Sportscover, a contributor to VAFA football for over two decades, continued as our major sponsor. They serve our clubs through the brokerage firm of Worldwide Sports Insurance. Thanks to Peter and Chris Nash, Martin Kelly, Gail McGeachy and Brian Woodhead who gave us such valuable and generous support.
Bendigo Bank continues to make a major contribution to both the VAFA and to our individual clubs. Special mention must be made of the East Malvern branch, and in particular to Peter Norman and Peter Wolff who have assisted with the purchase of new covers for Sportscover Arena.
Boags continued its relationship with the Association and a good number of our clubs, while Redtxt added a premiership ladder SMS to its free final score text message service.
With the VAFA Board now taking a more strategic and policy-setting role rather than conducting the dayto-day business that once occupied its time, the Association is fortunate to have a professional staff that is committed not only to their own jobs, but to the continued growth and success of VAFA football.
have often been asked about the time demands on the VAFA staff. From April through July, the job is a six days a week endeavour. In August and September it is seven days a week before reverting to a more sedate five days in the off-season, when the focus shifts from wrapping one year to preparing for the next.
Michael Fitzgerald
Jeremy Bourke administered all of our football competitions from start to finish and did so with empathy and authority, catering where possible to the various needs, often at the eleventh hour, of our clubs and teams. Jeremy also managed the representative program and served on the FIDA Board.
Brian Goodman organised the men in white to officiate in our 120 plus games each week. Brian was assisted by a team of eight coaches and a dozen observers, while David Windlow continued to manage the umpires for Club XVIII, easing the workload somewhat. Nevertheless, it was an onerous task, one which Brian embraced with vigour and enthusiasm despite a couple of health scares during the year.
Sue Anderson completed her twenty-eighth year at the VAFA, dealing with club accounts as well as tribunal and investigation matters. These portfolios require an excellent rapport with our clubs, a deep understanding of VAFA rules and superior attention to detail and Sue has continued to deal with these key areas in a sensitive, professional and friendly manner.
Michael Fitzgerald continued in the communications and media role, editing the publications and website, organising functions and contributing heavily to radio coverage. He also served again as our ground announcer at Sportscover grand finals and representative games.
Jessica Ware helped ease the accounts workload and was once again showed attention and care in her dealings with our clubs. She was again a friendly face at all VAFA functions, and her day-to-day efficiency and cheerfulness make HQ a better workplace.
With the departure of Joe Morsello in late April, Ben Jakobi stepped into the breach to compile weekly statistics for the Amateur Footballer as well as assisting with registrations, rep footy, finals and umpires.
This full-time team was ably supported in the office during the week by Cliff Bastow (registration secretary and tribunal coordinator on Tuesday night), Shane Way (admin and tribunal assistant), and Liz Wilson. On weekends, John Robinson and Bruce Ivey shared the role of match day manager, supported by Nancy McTaggart (scorer), Stephanie Ongarello (Saturday night admin), Phil Hope (scoreboard), and Graeme Wilson and all his staff on the gates.
It is clear we have a big operation, staffed by people who take great pride in their work. The Association is indeed fortunate to have people of such quality.
That the VAFA is stronger still than it was a year ago is no accident, but in large part the result of the days, weeks and months of effort put in by our club administrators. If the amateur ethos of playing for the love of the game brings out the best in our players, it seems also to motivate our club officials to raise the bar again every year. Our clubs, our players, our administrators are forever enhancing the reputation of the VAFA in the wider community and all are deserving of our congratulations and gratitude.
Jeremy Bourke
Brian Goodman
Sue Anderson
Jessica Ware
Football Operations Report
On the cusp of its thirteenth decade, the VAFA remains the envy of many other sporting bodies. Our strength, both on and off the field, is exemplified through the competitive nature of our sections, the participation numbers at our clubs, the success of the representative program and the diligence and commitment of club administrators and volunteers.
The 2010 season was a challenging and significant one for the VAFA, with many changes adding to the dynamics of the Association. The Sections were renamed to reflect their standing and the introduction of a third level to Premier and Premier B further assisted clubs with player retention, recruitment and participation options. An additional section in the U18 competition brought the total number in the VAFA to twenty-six – the most in its 118 year history.
The VAFA welcomed to the fold the Point Cook Amateur Football Club, which graduated to a senior club after several years of successful operation at junior level. With no less than the Prime Minister as its number one ticket holder, Point Cook’s decision to choose the VAFA over more local options further illustrates the standing, reputation and respect the VAFA has in the community.
Once again, the representative schedule was a solid one providing many opportunities for the Association’s elite to showcase their talents against the best from some of the nation’s leading football competitions. The VAFA managed to turn around a disappointing 2009 and emerged victorious in every challenge undertaken. The senior side defeated AFL Sydney in front of a large crowd at Sportscover Arena, with the U19 curtainraiser against the VCFL providing plenty of interest for AFL scouts. The U21 side defeated AFL Queensland for the first time in an exceptional display at Southport and the U23 side took out the Australian Championships with an emphatic display in the mud at Ulverstone, Tasmania. Another successful U18 tour of New Zealand in October rounded out the representative year, providing experiences that are unique to amateur football.
Some significant achievements in 2010 included Monash Gryphons winning their first ever premiership in any grade when they collected both the Division 4 and Division 4 Reserve titles. Werribee earned promotion to Premier C for the first time when they collected the Division 1 title and Old Carey progressed to Premier for the first time in their club’s history after claiming the Premier B flag. Old Trinity veteran Andrew Ramsden played his 300 th senior game and North Brunswick legend Darren Adams played his 500 th game for the club.
Before reviewing the season section by section, must acknowledge the wonderful support the many volunteers provide the Operations Department. make special mention of John Robinson and John Raffle for their assistance with Representative Football and John Bell, Ian Munro and Ian Christopherson for their assistance with hosting Sportscover Arena matches. To the VAFA Ambassadors and volunteers including Peter Fisher and Tom Brain, extend my thanks for their assistance during the finals series.
PREMIER
Premiers: Old Xaverians
Reserves: University Blues
Thirds: Old Xaverians
Woodrow Medal: Aaron Shields (De La Salle)
Leading Goalkicker: Andrew Ramsden (Old Trinity – 53)
Another remarkable year in Premier football ended with Old Xaverians retaining the LA Adamson Cup (winning it for the twelfth time), finally beating a Collegians outfit that had defeated them on four consecutive occasions.
University Blues lost on Opening Day to a brilliant Old Scotch and then to a tough St Bedes/Mentone Tigers at Brindisi Street. As it transpired, these were the only two losses for the remained of the season by a final four team to those who missed. While Blues recovered quickly, Marcellin did not and a skein of 100 plus point defeats saw a change in coach and an eventual change in section. Old Brighton, routed by preseason departures, played competitive football most weeks but found wins elusive and also went down.
Here’s a look at how the season progressed through the sections:
St Bedes/Mentone Tigers, Old Scotch, and the promoted clubs Old Melburnians and Old Trinity all had their moments, but by half way, the top four teams – Collegians, Old Xaverians, De La Salle and University Blues – emerged as a class above the rest. The vagaries of the draw kept the top teams away from each other for the final rounds of the home and away season. Old Xaverians effectively ended Uni Blues double-chance hopes in Round 15 after the Varsity had beaten top team De La Salle the previous week.
Collegians, who had won seven in a row to finish just outside the four in 2009, took all before them but for a two game mid-season mini-slump, when they were routed by Uni Blues and De La Salle. However, their second win over Old Xaverians and their revenge on Uni Blues brought them home safely in as the section’s Minor Premier.
The four week finals campaign featured four very strong outfits. De La Salle, which had fallen agonisingly short of the premiership in 2009, was strongly challenged by the Varsity in the first semi-final. While Blues kicked six goals in the third term, De La Salle responded with ten of its own in a brilliant display that restored them to flag favouritism. A week later, Collegians bested Old Xaverians in a low scoring aff air played in utterly appalling conditions and booked its ticket in the grand final.
Sportscover Arena was in fine fettle for the Preliminary Final and De La Salle turned a nine-point deficit into a nine point lead early in the last term. With twenty minutes of wind assisted football ahead of it, De La Salle looked likely to bury Old Xaverians. In one of the more memorable performances at Elsternwick, the reigning premier lifted, shut down the run and edged ahead to earn a rematch with the Lions. The Grand Final was an absorbing and a tough aff air, with neither team giving an inch nor able to surge to a winning break. At three quarter time, Collegians trailed by fourteen points but seemed in a winning position with the breeze blowing their way in the last. Again, not so. Old Xaverians staunched the Lions’ route to goal and outscored them to seize the title by twenty points.
Premiers: Old Carey
Reserves: University Blacks
Thirds: St Kevin’s
GT Moore Medal: Leigh Fletcher (Hampton Rovers)
Leading Goalkicker: Jarrod Reid (Old Carey – 71)
After eleven rounds, University Blacks had six wins and were sitting in seventh position with the half dozen teams above them all locked together on seven wins. This remarkable situation set up a big run home and when the music stopped in Round 18, Old Carey and Old Haileybury headed the pack, with Uni Blacks sneaking into third with a big final week and Old Ivanhoe landing in fourth.
PREMIER B
Point Cook President Steve Ward is welcomed to the Association by VAFA President Bruno Conti prior to their Round 1 home match.
The Point Cook senior side enters the field for the very first time.
Richmond Central players Nisar Malik (Dubai), Danny Simpson (India), Preoshan Poonasamy (South Africa) and Reuben Schwedes (Botswana) bring an international flavour to Kevin Bartlett Reserve.
Ben Dowd (St Kevin’s OB) skips away as Old Haileybury’s Chris Morrison gives chase.
Sebastian Angus stretches out for Old Scotch.
Jeremy Bourke
St Kevin’s and St Bernard’s, for much of the season considered the front-liners, missed the September boat, as did Oakleigh and Hampton Rovers, while Old Essendon fell for the second year running and Melbourne High School Old Boys were bounced back whence they came.
In the first semi-final, Uni Blacks were too strong for Old Ivanhoe, shutting down their big forwards and getting on top early. In the second-semi, Old Carey emerged the stronger in their clash in the slush with Old Haileybury and made the jump to Premier Section for the first time in their 56 year history.
The Preliminary Final might have been the end of the Bloods but for the brilliance of Brett Voss and the ineptitude of the Blacks in front of the sticks. Old Haileybury stepped up for the prize when the Varsity went shy.
The Grand Final was a dazzling aff air. Old Carey began with confidence but Old Haileybury reeled them in and then the teams traded goals. Early in the last term, the result was still in doubt, but Old Carey proved superior in the latter stages and won the title.
PREMIER C
Premiers: Beaumaris
Reserves: Caulfield Grammarians
LS Zachariah Medal: Michael Chamberlain (Mazenod)
Leading Goalkicker: David Fayman (AJAX – 57)
DIVISION 1
Premiers: Werribee
Reserves: North Old Boys / St Patricks College
Pepper Medal: George Smyth (Monash Blues)
Leading Goalkicker: Aaron Taylor (Werribee – 81)
Werribee, looking to avenge their straights sets exit from the 2009 finals series, dominated the division all season long, losing just once when going down to Williamstown CYMS in the Round 10 local derby.
The fight for the other three finals’ spots was confined in the main to Monash Blues, North Old Boys/St Patricks, Peninsula and Williamstown CYMS, who were chasing their third consecutive title.
Old Mentonians and Bulleen-Templestowe proved they had the ability to challenge the top end; however their failure to finish off matches and significant injury tolls hampered their progression.
Aquinas, a hot pre-season tip, had a disappointing year and went down with South Melbourne Districts, which fared worse still. In the end, Williamstown CYMS missed the finals and Peninsula fell to NOBSPC in the First Semi-Final
After winning the 2009 minor premiership but subsequently dipping out in straight sets, all eyes were on Caulfield Grammarians, who added a couple of star players in the preseason.
For much of the season, the ‘Fields were the yardstick, but they failed to shake persistent Beaumaris and AJAX, while Old Camberwell, Rupertswood and Mazenod carried on a torrid battle for fourth spot. At the bottom, Parkdale Vultures and Old Geelong had challenging years and were relegated, with Fitzroy becoming the big improver as the season wore on.
When the September seeds were set, it was Beaumaris on pole, though the Sharks lowered their colours to Caulfield in the second semi-final. AJAX defeated Old Camberwell in the First Semi-Final and pushed through to the Preliminary Final against the minor premier. After a desperate tussle, the Sharks held on by four points and stayed alive.
In the finale, Caulfield Grammarians set up a 45 point lead in the wind assisted first quarter, but the plucky Beaumaris team refused to wilt, clawing their way back into the contest. It was but 19 points adrift at the half and then turned in a stunning third term into the wind to trail by 2 points. Caulfield did better in the last, but not well enough and the Beaumaris Sharks won the premiership by a solitary point.
Werribee won through to Premier C for the first time when it defeated Monash Blues in a tight second semi-final, then Blues bounced back to record a solid win over NOBSPC to also win promotion.
The grand final was always going to be a tough assignment for the Monash Blues outfit, but their first quarter had the sizable crowd talking up an epic. It wasn’t to be, however, as the slick Werribee unit clicked into to gear and ran away with the match and the title by 46 points.
DIVISION 2
Premiers: Banyule
Reserves: Banyule
Hutchinson Medal: David West (St Mary’s Salesian)
Leading Goalkicker: David Boundy (Old Paradians – 51)
Excitement and expectation hovered over the Division 2 Section as one of the most even contests in years looked set to take shape. Banyule, although encountering a minor hurdle in R2 when losing to Prahran, established themselves as the team to beat early in the season and maintained that presence throughout.
Challengers emerged and then fell away with Eltham and Bentleigh early, then by the half way mark Therry Penola and Old Westbourne were staking their claims.
In the end, it was Glen Eira that grabbed a front row spot for the finals with Old Paradians and Old Westbourne rounding out the top four.
At the other end of the ladder, Eltham, St Mary’s Salesian and Prahran fought heroically to avoid relegation, with the Eltham emerging the survivor thanks to an emphatic last round victory over Therry Penola. St Mary’s Salesian will remain in Division 2 in 2011 due to the decision of Bentleigh to leave the Association.
The first round of the finals saw hot favourites Banyule scrape through over Glen Eira by 9 points, whilst Old Paradians ended Old Westbourne’s season in heavy conditions at Waverley Park.
Old Paradians subsequently ended Glen Eira’s season in the heavy conditions at Coburg, joining Banyule in Division 1 for 2011.
The Grand Final started badly for Old Paradians, which kicked only one goal with a strong breeze at Craigieburn. From there, it was never really able to recover. The win capped off a sterling year for Banyule, with all three of its teams making Grand Finals and their Seniors and Reserves claiming titles.
Werribee’s Tate McCutcheon (top) and Troy Anderson (middle) make their play for the ball against Monash Blues.
Ben Adamson looks to drive Monash Blues forward.
Uni Black’s Charlie Richardson attempts to break free from his Oakleigh opponent.
Old Ivanhoe’s Adrian Delmonte attacks the ball on a wet and slippery day at Oakleigh.
Former AFL listed players Scott Howard (umpire) erent circumstances in the VAFA.
Outstanding youngster Jake Truefeldt in action for Banyule.
Premier
ks. Old
Ad amson lo
Former AFL iste d p a yers Scott Howard and Cam Howat (Old Care y) meet under different circu msta nces th e VAFA
yo Mazenod’s Tavis Vallance spoils the Fitzroy party.
DIVISION 3
Premiers: La Trobe University
Reserves: UHS-VU
Fullerton Medal: David Burnside (Power House) and Dimitri Dimakopolous (St Francis Xavier)
Leading Goalkicker: David Tremewen (Hawthorn – 62)
Division 3 became a twelve team competition for the first time with the arrival of Albert Park, La Trobe Uni and Kew from Division 4 and the relegation of Monash Gryphons.
La Trobe Uni continued on from their 2009 premiership remaining undefeated until Round 10. From there on, it shared top honours with St Johns OC, with the latter finishing on top.
Amazingly, seven teams were left vying for the remaining three finals positions with Power House, Elsternwick and Albert Park prevailing.
UHS-VU, Ivanhoe, Yarra Valley and Hawthorn were all in the mix with competitive seasons, however a combination of final round losses and percentage shortfalls contributed to their fate.
In the relegation zone, St Francis Xavier and Kew’s passports were stamped early. The fledgling Beaconsfield club took until R14 to register its only win for the season and unfortunately for Kew, its R4 win over that very club was the last time they sang the club song. West Brunswick remained out of finals contention and relegation zone for most of the season and can take a number of positives from their season.
y y ng th e c ub song. West Brunswick n zone or most of the season and n.
ng Elsternwick in the etter o Power House in the
The final five kicked off with Albert Park defeating Elsternwick in the Elimination Final and La Trobe Uni having the better of Power House in the Qualifying Final.
went to L a Trob e ower House ma de a ark The dr y)
d. In the end, it was wdown
St John’s didn’t seem to benefit from the break and went down to La Trobe Uni by 14 points in the Second Semi-Final and Power House made a statement in First Semi-Final, defeating Albert Park by 30 points. The Preliminary Final was moved to the sizable (and dry) Edinburgh Reserve in Springvale and an outstanding contest ensued. In the end, it was St John’s by 13 points in an epic and a title showdown with La Trobe Uni.
One of the great Grand Finals was staged at Vermont Reserve, with La Trobe Uni aiming for back-to-back titles and St John’s looking for their first since 2005. In front of a packed house, La Trobe Uni held a slender 3 point lead before St Johns kicked 5 goals to 1 in the third term to lead by 24 points at the last break. La Trobe reversed that score in the final term to claim a 1 point victory in a heart-stopper.
DIVISION 4
Premiers: Monash Gryphons
Reserves: Monash Gryphons
Meehan Medal: Lee Wells (Monash Gryphons)
obe victor y in
Leading Goalkicker: Sam McCallum (Manningham Cobras – 82)
gham Cobras – 82)
ng to p ay th em in R1 and ook AFC be gin their m e in R3 against Box Hill on had them
Point Cook was welcomed, their inclusion creating an eleven team competition. Richmond Central put up its hand to play them in R1 and a large crowd was on hand to watch the Point Cook AFC begin their journey. Their first victory in the competition came in R3 against Box Hill North, however only another 3 wins for the season had them finishing in 10 th position.
The demoted Monash Gryphons pulled off a summer coup the likes of which has rarely been seen at this level of the VAFA, installing former AFL superstar Richard Osborne as senior coach. The momentum never waned, with the Gryphons losing only one match for the home and away season. Mount Lilydale matched that feat and only slightly inferior percentage had them finishing their stellar season in second position. The two sides’ only losses came at the hands of each other.
The big improvers were Manningham Cobras, who recruited well and turned a three-win, tenth place finish in 2009 into a top three finish in 2010. South Mornington continued its improvement finishing fifth, equal on points with Eley Park, which finished in 4th position, a welcome return to finals action after a number of seasons that ended early.
Just missing out were Box Hill North and Swinburne Uni, with the Demons storming home after a slow start and falling just one win shy of the five. Swinburne Uni bookended their season well but paid the penalty for a seven match winless slump mid-year.
North Brunswick and pre-season favourites Richmond Central both started brightly, but faded away after being hit hard and repeatedly by the injury stick. That left Chadstone with the wooden spoon, after suffering the misfortune of a second successive season without a victory.
The first week of the finals saw South Mornington win a final for the first ever time ever when it accounted for Eley Park. Mount Lilydale, after a slow start against Manningham Cobras, won the right to meet Monash in the second week. The Gryphons proved too strong and advanced to the Grand Final and back to Division 3, while Manningham ended South Mornington’s season with a hard fought 10 point victory.
The Preliminary Final was a one team show with Mount Lilydale outclassing Manningham Cobras, advancing for another shot at the raging favourites.
The Grand Final proved an epic, with Monash Gryphons claiming its first ever senior premiership with a hard-fought 16 point victory over the Mount Lilydale side.
1819
U19 & U18 SECTIONS
U19 Premier
Premiers: De La Salle
Newbury Medal: Maxwell Van Den Broek (Old Scotch)
Leading Goalkicker: Maxim Allen (Uni Blues – 54)
De La Salle won its fourth flag in five seasons when it again defeated arch rivals Old Xaverians. De La Salle was a juggernaut in 2010, moving through the season undefeated and finishing off the finals series with style. Old Xaverians made the Grand Final from fourth in an impressive finals run, while Beaumaris was the big improver for the season, registering an eight-game winning streak into the finals before exiting in the First Semi-Final. Uni Blacks and Marcellin found the going tough in 2010 and will get the opportunity to re-build in the lower sections. Uni Blues, Old Camberwell and St Bedes/Mentone Tigers had competitive seasons and will be finals forces with improved consistency and Old Melburnians will be looking to consolidate their position in Premier after just avoiding relegation.
U19 South (1)
Premiers: Old Brighton
Brown Medal: Nicholas Coroneos (Old Brighton)
Leading Goalkicker: Thomas Rowe (St Kevins – 58)
Caulfield Grammarians proved the early pacesetter, remaining undefeated until R9 when it lost to St Kevin’s. Old Brighton assumed top spot at the half-way mark of the season; a position it did not relinquish for the remainder of the season despite dropping its R18 match to Collegians. Newly promoted AJAX and St Kevin’s rounded out the top four and unlucky Collegians was left on the outer, fifth on percentage. At the other end of the tree, Old Haileybury celebrated its first win of the year in R18 and finished a distant tenth and Hampton Rovers claimed just two scalps in a disappointing year. Old Mentonians, Ormond and De La Salle had competitive seasons but just couldn’t string together consistent results. Old Brighton claimed the section title in an epic Grand Final, victorious by 14 points in front of a massive crowd at Boss James Reserve.
U19 North (1)
Premiers: Fitzroy
McTaggart Medal: Harry Overman (St Bernards)
Leading Goalkicker: Theodore Sapountzis (Werribee – 76)
Manningham Sharks (Whitefriars) and Old Ivanhoe were transferred to North (2) after Round 8 following concerns over their competitive strength. This reduced the section to just six teams, though the competitive balance of the remaining teams ensured a dynamic section. Werribee was the raging hot favourite after travelling through the home and away season undefeated; however Fitzroy was emerging as a genuine threat and lived up to that with a stirring 24 point victory in the Second Semi-Final. Old Carey ended St Bernards’ rollercoaster year in the First Semi-Final; however the Panthers were outclassed by Werribee in the Preliminary Final. Fitzroy again proved too strong in the decider and now advance to the U19 Premier Division in 2011. Old Essendon and Old Trinity just couldn’t get the same side on the paddock week-in and week-out and that showed in their results. Wins over the finalists showed they weren’t too far away however.
U19 South (2)
Premiers: Oakleigh
VAFA Medal: Josh Bosnar (Old Xaverians)
Leading Goalkicker: Paul Tsoucalas (Oakleigh – 96)
Oakleigh entered the competition after a year in recess at U19 level and immediately made a statement with a comprehensive defeat of MHSOB. Mazenod soon established itself as the other powerhouse side in the competition and the two went head-to-head at the top of the table for the remainder of the season. Old Geelong moved down from South (1) after R1 to add some dynamics to the section and finished in fourth position behind the consistent Old Xaverians. Peninsula and Monash Blues had strong upsides, finishing just outside the top four which augurs well for there under-age programs. Beaumaris, despite finishing seventh, performed admirably with a bottom-aged side and MHSOB unfortunately was unable to win a match, but improved significantly over the course of the year.
signi
U19 North (2)
Premiers: Old Ivanhoe
VAFA Medal: Bradley Saunders (Old Westbourne)
Leading Goalkicker: Kynan Borthwick (La Trobe Uni – 57)
La Trobe Uni set the early pace and was undefeated after five rounds; however it lost eight of their next twelve matches to miss the finals. Old Ivanhoe, relegated to North (2) after struggling in North (1), had to climb what appeared to be an insurmountable mountain when starting Round 8 with one win to its name. Despite a less than favourable percentage, they managed to enter the top four thanks to a 12 point win over Ivanhoe in R18. Therry Penola appeared the team to beat after only losing three matches for the season with Aquinas and Old Westbourne filling third and fourth places respectively. Ivanhoe and Bulleen Templestowe staked their claims for finals actions only to fall agonisingly short with Whitefriars, Fitzroy and Emmaus St Leo’s not having the best of seasons. The Grand Final between Old Ivanhoe and Therry Penola was one of the classics. Played in front of a large crowd at Visy Park, Old Ivanhoe managed to hang on by the barest of margins to claim the title in nothing short of a rollercoaster year for the team.
U19 N o Premi e M Leadi n La Trobe of the stru wh the Pen Aqu Bulle Whit bet w crow title in
U18 Division 1 and 2
U18 Divi s
Division 1 Premiers: Rupertswood
D i v i s io n 1
Division 2 Premiers: UHS-VU
D i v i s io n P
Division 1 VAFA Medal: Dean Calcedo (Northern Bullants)
Division 1 Leading Goalkicker: Lachlan McRedmond (Northern Bullants – 60)
Division 2 Lea d
Division 2 Leading Goalkicker: Stefan Gusts (St Mary’s Salesian – 35)
The U18 divisions commenced with U18 North and U18 South, each containing 6 teams. After Round 8, the top 3 teams from North and South merged to form U18 Division 1 and the bottom 3 from North and South merged to form U18 Division 2.
The U18 divisions co No to form U18 claim
Park UHS-VU was an at Both in the U18 se
Rupertswood claimed the title in Division 1 in their first year in the competition, defeating Oakleigh at Visy Park. UHS-VU was another 1 point victor when it scraped home against St Bernards in the Division 2 decider at Craigieburn. Both Grand Finals were of a terrific standard and a great showcase of the football being played in the U18 sections in only the second year of competition in this section.
UHS-VU’s Will Cheeseman in action.
Old Brighton and De La Salle U19 players attempt to make their mark.
Ormond’s Alistair McCooke pursues Ajax’s Adam Caplan with Joel Gocs in support.
Umpire Operations
Umpiring in 2010 continued to improve in terms of both quantity and quality. Recruiting was strong with fifty-one field, twelve boundary and seven new goal umpires joining the VAFA and the appointment of two new umpire coaches - Tony Hales and Mark Gibson – made a significant difference by any measure to the standards expected and realised.
Hales, with eight years experience in other competitions took on our senior panel and Gibson, in his first season with our core group of umpires, showed dedication, skill and achieved results.
All umpire coaches, under the wing of Brad Lowe, turned out a group that was selected very much on form and with many umpires really hitting their straps towards the end of the season, competition for finals’ spots was fierce.
It was extremely pleasing to have so many young and enthusiastic umpires progress from the U19s and lower sections into senior ranks. Our talented pool of young guns will provide the VAFA with strong competition for a senior berth for many years to come and the starting line-up for 2011 is looking particularly impressive.
Congratulations to Grant Wardrop for winning the Umpire of the Year award. He capped off a great season by umpiring his first Premier Grand Final.
Matthew Pryor won the Most Promising Umpire award after a strong season with the whistle, which culminated in him umpiring the U19 Premier Grand Final.
Congratulations to Craig Brajtberg, Darren Dalgleish and Brian Woodhead who were awarded Life Membership for their outstanding service to the VAFAUA over a number of years.
In another great coup in the “Year of the Redhead”, congratulations must go to David Anselmi who was selected to umpire in his first representative match in Ulverstone, Tasmania where his performance was first class. David capped off his outstanding season by being awarded the Golden Whistle Award for 2010.
Umpires to officiate in representative games were:
VAFA vs AFL Sydney: Shane Mackintosh, Tim Sutcliffe (f), David McNamara (b) and Steven Dower (g)
VAFA U19 v VCFL U19: Dan Lawlor, Ryan Robertson (f) Ben Halfpenny, Daniel Adams (b) and Alec McLachlan (g) Queensland U21 v VAFA U21: Grant Wardrop (f)
Merv Monty represented the VAFA in the two games between the VAFA U18 team and the AFL New Zealand U20 team at Christchurch, New Zealand.
The major milestone of 2010 was the 600th game achievement by goal umpiring veteran Bernie Hoare, the well-known fireman of the VAFA, who has officiated in 7 Premier Grand Finals and twelve Premier B section matches. Kevin Segota was awarded the Certificate of Merit for his outstanding service to the VAFA.
All umpires of finals matches can be proud of their efforts, with the feedback in September extremely positive. All worked hard with their running mates (and with two running mates in our representative and Premier finals matches).
thank our umpire observers for all their support, dedication and much needed feedback to the umpires. Many of our club coaches also provided constructive criticism and a pat on the back when they felt it was warranted.
The introduction of the AFL’s Player to Umpire program enabled the VAFA to again show its expertise. We embraced Jordan Bannister and Scott Howard into our umpiring ranks and assisted them in fast-tracking their careers. We thank Jeff Gieschen and Brett Allen for selecting the VAFA to provide much of the weekto-week coaching of these talented men.
Well done to David Windlow, who continued to coordinate the Club XVIII umpires with tremendous enthusiasm and fantastic temperament. Late changes to grounds and times again tested his resolve, but he again came through with flying colours.
thank our hard-working coaching staff : Brad Lowe, Tony Hales, Brian Woodhead, Terry Gunn, Bob Mutton, Rob Sneddon, Bernie Jephson, Steve McCarthy, David Windlow, John Robinson and Neeraj Kochhar (Physio) for their fantastic support and hard work. would also like to wish Bernie Jephson, Bob Mutton and Rob Sneddon all the very best in their future endeavours as they move on to life without umpiring. The VAFA thanks them for their wonderful contribution.
owe a great deal to my colleagues on the VAFA staff for their contribution and assistance and the continued support of Bruno Conti and the VAFA Board of all matters umpiring.
The contribution of outgoing VAFAUA president Russell Davidson has been enormous. His watch brought about the Quality Assurance Program, providing the VAFA with data on venues, facilities and overall safety for umpires at matches. The 2010 Quality Assurance Award was won by the North Brunswick FC.
Russell and his executive also maintained regular dialogue with the VAFA and it is fair to say that the relationship between the Association and umpires has never been stronger.
Under Russell, there has been greater encouragement for umpires to participate in a range of social activities and the Pre-Finals Dinner is now one of the hottest tickets in town. As with all clubs, the social side is critical to our recruitment and retention.
We cannot rest on our laurels and recruitment in all disciplines must still be a priority; so with a strong and vibrant recruitment committee hell bent on leaving no stone unturned to find quality people to join our flourishing group, we look to 2011 with great optimism.
Umpires in the VAFA are not subjected to the same pressure as the men in white in some other leagues. The VAFA’s Zero Tolerance of bad behaviour toward umpires, its policy of no alcohol during matches and its alertness in arresting any decline in standards ensures that the Amateurs is the best place to blow the whistle. All of our clubs contribute to the excellent standing of the VAFA in our football community and long may that continue.
ever b een reater participate in he Pre-Finals s t tickets s must still b e priorit y so with a committee h ell b ent on p eople mism bjected gues. The VAFA’s Zero Tolerance es, its polic y of no alcohol during esting any decline in standards ensures ace to blow the whistle. All of our t of the VAFA in our football continue.
Brian Goodman
Matthew Pryor (left) and Grant Wardrop (right)
David Anselmi
Kevin Segota
Goal umpiring veteran Bernie Hoare
The three Premier Grand Final field Umpires: Davidson, Wardrop, Monty
Representative Football
VAFA vs AFL SYDNEY
Sportscover Arena, Elsternwick 12 June
With coach Dean Anderson’s previous four games in charge all being decided on the siren, the massive victory was a big relief. Early courage from Trent Zimbachs and impressive forward movement from Andrew Lowcock set the tone. Jack Watts and Luke Wintle, whether in the ruck or up forward, were dominant. Tom Simpson and Josh Agius cut the lines and placed enormous pressure on the visitors’ defence.
The game seemed beyond Sydney’s reach as early as the second term, but it hit back with late goals. The long break put an end to their chances, however, as the Big V defence, led by Paul Wintle and the Old Carey pair Grant Baldwin and Lachlan McQueen-Miscamble slammed the lid on their opponents while Dan Flaherty and David Boundy ran amok in forward line, marking everything and finishing with magnificent goal shooting.
Two years ago the VAFA had been to Sydney and secured a narrow win. AFL Sydney expected at very least to push the Vics hard and perhaps even to exact some revenge. It was not to be. The home team combined beautifully and never took its foot from the gas pedal in an exhibition of shock and awe that had the home crowd in raptures.
VAFA 4.17.414.1020.11(131)
AFL Sydney 2.34.56.77.9(51)
VAFA: GOALS D Boundy 5 D Flaherty 5 A Lowcock 2 J. Watts 2 L Wintle 2 G Baldwin L Williams C Howat J Beaumont BEST D Flaherty D Boundy T Simpson J Watts J Agius G Baldwin
President’s Medal: Dan Flaherty VAFA Best voted by AFL Sydney: Josh Agius Spirit of the Big V Award: Grant Baldwin
Front (L to R): John Raffl e (Manager), Andrew Lowcock, Jack Watts, Dean Anderson (Coach), Ben Dowd (Captain), David Lowe (Vice Captain), Cameron Howat, Luke Wintle, Justin Perkins
VAFA U23 v Tasmania U23
Back Row (L to R): Jeremy Bourke (Assist Coach), Charlie Richardson (Uni Blacks), Thomas Paule (Old Melburnians), Dan Nicholson (Uni Blues), Nic Roberts (De La Salle), Chris Gleeson (Hampton Rovers), Andrew Scott (Collegians), Ryan Semmel (Hampton Rovers) Nathan Harris (De La Salle), John Raffl e (Team Manager), Darren Handley (Assist. Coach)
Middle Row (L to R): Darren Seccull (Runner), Diana Mladenoski (Physio), Grant Baldwin (Old Carey), Alastair Austin (Uni Blues), Tom Campbell (Old Scotch), Tyson Hunt (De La Salle), Josh Freezer (Old Melburnians), Stuart Inglis (Collegians), Paul Florance (Bulleen Templestowe), John Bromley (Trainer), David Anselmi (VAFA Umpire)
Front Row (L to R): Belinda Bromley (Trainer), Jon Mercuri (Old Xaverians), Gareth Phillips – Emerg. (Rupertswood), Trent Zimbachs – VC (Collegians), Jack Watts – Capt. (Uni Blues), Mick Dwyer (Coach), Jack Hellier – VC (St Bedes/Mentone Tigers), Lachlan McQ ueenMiscamble (Old Carey), Josh Oakley (De La Salle), Nic Wynne (Old Xaverians), John Robinson (Time Keeper)
VAFA U23 vs TASMANIA U23 Ulverstone, TAS 18 July
Coach Mick Dwyer led a strong outfit to the Apple Isle, with several star performers from the senior contest with AFL Sydney a month earlier available.
Victoria bolted away in a brilliant first quarter and was never challenged by a Tasmanian team that lacked the skills to go with their bigger, stronger counterparts from the mainland.
Paul Florance was outstanding early, opening the scoring with a ripping goal from the boundary, then collecting possessions at will and providing opportunities for the forwards.
The second stanza saw Tasmania hang tougher, while Grant Baldwin and Dan Nicholson stood out for the Vics, thrilling the crowd with their decisive dash. Trent Zimbachs showed characteristic courage in repelling the Taswegians on many occasions, and aided by Stuart Inglis and Al Austin, held the defence tight.
The ground and the ball became heavier and Tasmania plugged on only to have their Victorian opponents make more from their opportunities.
Ruckmen Tom Campbell and Jack Watts were rarely beaten in the ruck and provided excellent forward options when resting.
Victoria’s win clinched the Australian Amateur Football Council Championship.
VAFA U23 7.89.1112.1315.16(106) TASMANIA
VAFA: GOALS J Mercuri 4 R Semmel 2 C Gleeson 2, J Watts 2 N Wynne L McQueen-Miscamble T Paule P Florance T Campbell BEST G Baldwin T Zimbachs J Watts R Semmel D Nicholson J Mercuri
President’s Medal: Grant Baldwin VAFA Best voted by Tas Trent Zimbachs Spirit of the Big V Award: Trent Zimbachs
VAFA Senior Representative side
Back Row (L to R): Marty Heppell (Asst. Coach), James Tyquin, James Beaumont, Josh Agius, Guy Martyn, Trent Zimbachs, Tom Moloney, Tom Simpson, Mick Dwyer (Asst. Coach), Michael Hazell (Asst. Coach.)
Middle (L to R): Michael Blood (Chairman of Selectors), Neeraj Kochhar (Physio), Paul Wintle, David Boundy, Luke Williams, Grant Baldwin, Lachlan McQueen-Miscamble, Daniel Strachan, Matthew Torney, Daniel Flaherty, Russell Jarrett (Runner)
Queensland U21
Back Row (L to R): Jack Hellier – VC (St Bedes/Mentone Tigers), Jacob Gotch – Emerg. (De La Salle), Jack Bull (Collegians), Tim Chivers (Old Trinity), Tom Overman (St Bernards), Karl Wissell (St Kevins), Gareth Phillips (Rupertswood), Adrian Del Monte (Old Ivanho e), Sam Williams (De La Salle), Jackson Ward (Hampton Rovers)
Middle Row (L to R): Ian Wheeler (Trainer), Andrew Sutherland (Assist. Coach), Mick Overman (Team Manager), Edward Greer (Old Ivanhoe), Alastair Austin (Uni Blues), Tom Caven (St Bernards), Nic Corp – VC (Collegians), Hiwad Shakiab (St Bedes/Menton e Tigers), Alex Singleton (St Bernards), Josh Freezer (Old Melburnians), Jarrod Reid (Old Carey), Ben McGee (Assist. Coach), Steve Gallowa y (Physio)
Front Row (L to R): Laurie Robertson (Chairman of Selectors), Shane McLachlan (Assist. Coach), John Robinson (Time Keeper), Robert Mann (Mazenod), Andrew Dewar (Old Brighton), Chris Morrison – Capt. (Old Haileybury), Ben Robertson (Coach), Sam Pickett (De La Salle), Daniel Sargent (Old Brighton), Kylie Da Fonte (Trainer), Michael Regan (Runner)
U21 v AFLQ U21
Southport, QLD 11 June
The challenge of a trip north to play AFL Queensland was indeed immense. Though the VAFA U21s had pushed the Queenslanders last year, they had been outclassed in the end. There was much talk about the northerners having played together for years.
As things turned out, this year’s U21 team took it right to their hosts from the start and never let them off the hook. With fierce tackling and ruthless attack on the ball, coach Ben Robertson’s team showed from the outset that it was there to win. After hitting the front in the second term, it knew it could.
A strong third term was followed by a magnificent last quarter that left the Maroons in tatters. The home team had no answer to the powerful Big V forward line, which won in the air through Sam Pickett, Nick Corp and Jarrod Reid and when the ball spilled, the whippy Adrian Delmonte pounced on it with glee.
It was a stunning performance from a team that made the most of its opportunities, building on a magnificent midfield and defence that gave no quarter throughout. The late Peter Harris, after whom the trophy is named, would have been a proud man indeed.
VAFA U21
2.57.613.919.14(128)
VAFA: GOALS S Pickett 4 A Delmonte 3 J Reid 3 N Corp 2 D Sargent 2 A Dewar A Singleton H Shakaib J Hellier K Wissell BEST D Sargent T Overman J Hellier N Corp J Ward T Caven President’s Medal: Dan Sargent VAFA Best voted by AFLQ: Nick Corp Spirit of the Big V Award: Jack Hellier
U19 v VCFL U19
Sportscover Arena, Elsternwick 12 June
Coach Murray Browne saddled up a different squad from the team that had been beaten at the Junction a year ago. In that game, the VCFL team gradually emerged the superior outfit and by game’s end there was no question they were the better team.
Sunday’s clash began the way last year’s game had finished, with the slick Country outfit living up to the rave advance notices. But the Big V hung tough and mid-way through the second term, it began to take over everywhere but on the scoreboard. They atoned for that with a five goal to one third term to snatch a narrow lemon-time lead.
The Big V drew first blood in the last but the VCFL hit back. With teams swapping goals, the result was in doubt as time-on approached. Steve Muller slammed two from set shots, displaying cool beyond his years and shut the door on the visitors.
The Big V win was driven by Dans Noonan and Nicholson, who were brilliant across half-back and by the endeavour of Jordan Pollard. Tim Allan had his moments, James Courtot and James North gave plenty and Jake Walsh was ever an aerial threat. There were no poor performers in this magnificent come-frombehind win that displayed the perseverance and courage for which the Big V is renowned.
VAFA U19
VAFA: GOALS B. Goss 3 J. Walsh 2 J. Robertson 2 S. Muller 2 M. Dyer J. Stean J. Courtot N. Cooke T. Allan J Sargent BEST D. Noonan D. Nicholson J. Pollard J. Courtot J. North J. Walsh President’s Medal: Dan Noonan VAFA Best voted by VCFL: Dan Nicholson Spirit of the Big V Award: Jordan Pollard
VAFA U19 v VCFL U19
Back Row (L to R): Jarrod Sargent (Old Brighton), Michael Dyer (Collegians), Nic Cooke (St Bernards), Jack Stean (Old Xaverians), Tom O’Sullivan (Caulfield Grammarians), Brendan Goss (Old Xaverians), James North (Old Brighton), James Courtot (Old Carey), Harry Tinney (Old Trinity), Callum Pohl (Old Trinity)
Middle Row (L to R): Damien Taylor (Assist. Coach), Luke Buller (Runner), Tim Allan (Ormond), Tyson Hunt (De La Salle), Jake Walsh (Old Trinity), Jaryd Robertson (St Bedes/Mentone Tigers), Corey Millard (Old Haileybury), Llewyn Butler (Uni Blues), Tom Campbe ll (Old Scotch), Glenn Cox (Assist. Coach), Rob Buller (Team Manager)
Front Row (L to R): John Bromley (Trainer), Victoria Kahn (Physio), Jordan Pollard (De La Salle), Dan Noonan – Co Capt (Old Xaverians), Murray Browne (Coach), Dan Nicholson – Co Capt (Uni Blues), Steve Muller (De La Salle), James Davis (Old Brighton), Belinda Bromley (Trainer)
VAFA U21 v AFL
VAFA U18 vs AFL NZU20
Christchurch, 23 and 25 October
In late October, the VAFA’s U18 Invitational squad of twenty-four travelled to Christchurch to play against AFL NZ U20s.
Coaches Michael Hazell and Jeremy Bourke had run the squad through its paces twice at Sportscover Arena in the previous weeks, but were unsure how the team would come together against an older and more physical lineup than most of these VAFA juniors had ever faced.
On arrival on the Friday afternoon, the team had a light run and then a team dinner and an early night. The team arrived at the Canterbury Sports Grounds on the Saturday and saw a little of the NZAFL championship before heading to the sheds to prepare for their own contest.
Northern Bullant Dean Calcedo, the U18 VAFA medallist,was chosen as captain and as it transpired, his team lined up brilliantly behind him.Fired up by a rambunctious haka from the hosts and aided by a strong breeze that blew to the pocket, the Vic attacked relentlessly. Wayward kicking in warm and difficult conditions kept the game on the line, but the Vics did even better in the second, conceding just a goal while adding another themselves. They sealed the game in the third term and held out in the last quarter of an extremely hard but fair contest.
Rupertswood’s Mitch Wilson figured strongly, plucking some big grabs and booting three, while Oakleigh gun Aisea Valentini showed he was a class above most with his smooth movement and undoubted skills. Werribee’s Jon De Pellegrin put in a classy display and his kicking was a delight.
With Old Camberwell’s Harry Levvey on crutches, there were some fears that the backup clash on the Monday might find the Victorians a little battle scarred. Certainly, the Kiwis looked the fresher of the sides early, but the visitors again held a narrow ascendancy at the first change. The home team threatened to sweep all before it in the second term and got away to a lead before resolute play from the VAFA boys dragged them up to one point lead at half-time. Despite the dominant Valentini pulling a hamstring early in the third, the Vics were rarely threatened in the second half as St John’s livewire Ben Ayache routed the Kiwis. His tally for the game was six goals, and would have been more but for his unselfishness. His club teammate Corey Ely turned in another great effort after a top game two days earlier.
The trip was a rich experience for some of the VAFA’s youngest players, many of whom formed friendships with others from different clubs as well as soaking up the hospitality of their Kiwi opponents.
The New Zealanders, an older and certainly a stronger outfit, were very competitive in both games, but the Victorian boys stood up to the heat. The games had none of the false bravado that is sometimes seen in junior games, as all players put their heads down and concentrated on winning the ball.
It is to be hoped that many of the VAFA boys will be playing with and against each other for many years to come. Certainly one of the bi-products of the trip will be a new-found respect and understanding of their club opponents who were on this weekend, and perhaps in thefuture, their teammates.
There were plenty of parents and friends to support the boys and they will have returned with a new understanding of the VAFA competition, as well as having sampled the offerings of Christchurch, a quaint and beautiful city.
Premier Grand Final umpire Merv Monty was a magnificent ambassador, assisting NZ’s umpires and all players throughout the weekend.
VAFA: GOALS B Ayache 6 T Gumley 2 M Wilson K Biddlestone T Beames M Kavanagh BEST B Ayache C
VAFA U18 Invitational side
Back (L-R): Merv Monty (Umpire), Daniel Foot-Connelly (St Bedes/Mentone Tigers), Ben Ayache (St Johns), Corey Ely (St Johns), Luke Morin (O akleigh), Harry Levvey (Old Camberwell), Todd Beames (Northern Bullants), Ed Pearson (UHS-VU), Will Green (St Bedes/Mentone Tigers), George Angelopoul os (Oakleigh), Joe Pignataro (St Bernards)
Middle (L-R): Andrew Jackman (Runner), Jon DePellegin (Werribee), Michael Kavanagh (St Bernards), Mitchell Wilson (Rupertswood), Aisea Valentini (Oakleigh), Keilan Biddlestone (Therry Penola), Shaquille Parker (UHS-VU), Mark Jeff ers (Old Camberwell), Tom Galea (Rupertswood), Mick Overman (Tour Manager)
Front (L-R): John Robinson (Team Manager), Matthew Fitzpatrick (VC – Werribee), Michael Hazell (Co-Coach), Dean Calcedo (C – Northern Bullants), Jeremy Bourke (Co-Coach), Heath Chipperfield (VC – St Marys Salesian), Brent Swallow (Rupertswood), Tim Gumley (Therry Penola), Diana Mladeno vski (Physio) Absent: Jan Williams (Trainer)
captain Dean Calcedo looks to break a tackle.
The Big V Club
The Big V Club is a celebration of representative football and provides past players and officials of VAFA teams with an annual opportunity for reunion.
The Big V also provides a link to tradition between past and present representative teams.
At the conclusion of each representative game, the Big V Club presents the Spirit of the Big V award to the VAFA player who best embodies the attitude and traditions that are the hallmarks of all successful Victorian representatives.
All who have worn the most famous jumper in football (designed by the VAFA for its first interstate clash in 1925), and those who have served those teams as coaches and officials are automatically members of this exclusive club.
Each year at the Big V Lunch, the true greats are recognised, with a number of our most decorated representative players elevated to the status of “Champion” or in a few cases, “Legend”.
At this year’s function, held in August at the RACV Club, there were another four giants added to the roll of Champions, including the first player added posthumously.
Ian Galbraith (University Blacks): He played just five seasons of VAFA football before his career was cut short with injury and by WWII. Ike Galbraith debuted with University Blacks in 1934.
A Collingwood six-footer who played at 13 stone 7 lbs, he quickly developed into a hard hitting centre half back with a long raking dropkick.
He played for Victoria in his second VAFA season. In 1936, he captained the Big V at the first ever Australian Amateur Carnival and won the medal for the best and fairest player. He captained the Vics again in 1937 and also at the 1938 carnival. A knee injury, sustained in the grand final that season, put him out and the outbreak of WWII, in which he served our nation in the Royal Australian Navy.
Norm Beattie (Coburg): A jockey-weight hard-at-it rover with a ton of speed, he learned how to get to get the hard ball while battling his brothers in the back yard.
He played 240 games with Coburg, playing first in the U19s but graduating to senior ranks at seventeen, and was a multiple best and fairest player at his club and won the Woodrow twice, in 1969 and 1970.
A great reader of the game, he was an automatic selection for the Big V over five years. Handy around the goals, scoring five against Tasmania in 1971, he was selected as an All-Australian on that performance.
Ian Turnbull (MHSOB): An outstanding student who topped the state in several HSC subjects, he arrived at Melbourne High School Old Boys in 1960. That year, he played in the Unicorns U19 premiership and a week later, debuted in the seniors in the C Section Grand Final.
Less than two years later, this young centreman wore the Big V for the first time and won the Woodrow Medal for the Best and Fairest in A Section. Courageous with a freakish ability to extricate himself from trouble, the long-sleeved socks down star was a complete footballer, a multiple best and fairest winner at his club.
Selected in the pivot in Noel Rundle’s 1945-1995 All-Star Team, he was an All-Australian in 1970 and played his last game for Vics in 1971.
Graduating to senior football, he began deep in defence but his exceptional play reading saw him moved on to the ball.
He was first selected to represent Victoria in 1990, where he came off the bench to play a pivotal role against the Croweaters, who regarded his game so highly, the following year they knocked him out.
Adept with both feet, he played 220 games in the famous chocolate and blue of Ormond, wore the Big V in seven seasons, played in two carnivals and was All Australian in 1991.
BIG V LEGENDSBIG V CHAMPIONS
Bruce Bourne (Ormond)
Paul Considine (North Old Boys)
Simon Costello (University Blacks)
John Fisher (Kew)
Rob Fuller (Old Scotch)
Geoff Hibbins (Collegians)
Shane Murphy (De La Salle)
Jock Nelson (MHSOB)
Jim Peters (University Blacks) +
Manson Russel (Old Scotch)
Norm Beattie (Coburg)
Rick Brockwell (Banyule)
Rohan Brown (Old Melburnians)
Brett Connell (Ormond)
Ian Cordner (Old Melburnians)
Tony Fellows (Thomastown)
Ian Gabraith (University Blacks)*
Leigh Grant (Power House)
Peter Hutchinson (Power House)
Ken Jorgenson (Commonwealth Bank and VAFAUA)
Phil Kingston (Ormond)
Phil McLaughlin (Old Paradians)
Greg Wade (St Bernard’s)
The Big V Committee this year comprised: Anthony Amad, Rick Brockwell, Davina Connors-Calhaem, Ian Cordner, Simon Costello, Bernie Dunn, John Fisher, Peter Hutchinson, Neil Pivetta, Nick Bourke and Michael Fitzgerald ( non-voting). Ian Munro provided invaluable assistance to the committee, with his extensive and second-to-none knowledge and memories of representative football.
In September, the Big V club farewelled one of its inaugural Legends, Jim Peters, who played with University Blacks between ’31 and ’35 and was captain in his final two years. Jim was selected for Victoria ’33-’35 and was chosen as skipper in 1935. After leading the Blacks to victory over Old Scotch in the 1935 A Section grand final, Jim retired, but coached the Blacks in ’36 and ’37 when time permitted. Jim Peters served our nation during WWII and saw action at Bardia and Tobruk.
3031
Brett Connell (Ormond): A consistent winner of the contested ball, he began his amateur career with a premiership in the U19s.
OLD XAVERIANS: GOALS J Mercuri 3 M Allan 2 B Rogerson M Handley R Colbert L Howard C Larkins A Biddlecombe 1 BEST R Colbert M Allan B Rogerson A Biddlecombe J Mercuri L Howard
COLLEGIANS: GOALS S Taft 2 J Kondarovswkis 2 F Watts T Zimbachs J Dixon BEST S Inglis N Stone J Harvey J Bull W Tardif N Ries
Umpires: R Davidson M Monty G Wardrop (F) C Blanch D McNamara (B) S Dower C Evans (G)
PREMIER RESERVE
Sportscover Arena, Elsternwick, 19 September
UNIVERSITYBLUES
(77) UNIVERSITY BLUES: GOALS J Townley 3 T Stainforth
3 D Paton 2 W Girdwood 2 B Merriman D Byrne BEST T Stainforth T Foott J Van De Pol A Weddell B Millard H Rankin
DE LA SALLE: GOALS S Muller 6 D Thomas 2 M Duggan P Harrison N Roberts BEST A Kneebone S Muller B Corin D Thomas S Dillon J Hansen
Umpires: L Katz T Windlow (F) G Boyd C Hayes (B) C Brajtberg C Kearney (G)
PREMIER THIRDS
Sportscover Arena, Elsternwick, 19 September
OLD XAVERIANS: GOALS J McDonnell 3 J Hanger
(31)
2 D Molan 2 M Roache C Dipierdomenico BEST J Moylan M Roache T Grigg J McDonnell M Romanin R Lynch
DE LA SALLE: GOALS Morwood 3 L Edwards BEST L Edwards S Griffin A Roberts N Gill S Bennetts S Morwood
Umpires: R Hense M James (F) J Cukierman P Lambert M Thornhill A Wekselman (B) C Lear J Robinson (G)
PREMIER B Sportscover Arena, Elsternwick, 18 September
OLDCAREY 6.1 9.413.919.14 (128)
OLDHAILEYBURY 4.1 10.212.3 14.6 (90)
OLD CAREY: GOALS B Huf 4 P Fiorenza 4 J Reid 2 A
Kent 2 C Laidlaw J Rowe S Freemantle C Jones T Evans
G Parker C Howat BEST B Huf P Fiorenza A Willingham
G Baldwin S Freemantle A Kent
OLD HAILEYBURY: GOALS B Voss 5 S LangfordJones 4 S Roberts 2 K Ford A Johnston H McLauchlan
BEST C Millard S Langford-Jones F Mohammad M
Ditchfield B Voss D Mason
PREMIER B RESERVE Sportscover Arena, Elsternwick, 18
UNIVERSITY BLACKS GOALS M Ablethorpe 3 A Jesse 3 M Hall Anderson L Kalms S Myers H Symon M Thompson T Bell C Lawford BEST N Batten T Napier T Bell L Van Kempen M Thompson C Lawford
ST BERNARDS: GOALS J Smith 2 A Jolley S Scott D Lamanna K Dalmau BEST D Bergin N Thomas A Smith K Dalmau A Jolley X Cox
Umpires: A Walters S McNamara (F) J Cooper J Smith (B) B Morton R Stokes (G)
PREMIER B THIRDS
Sportscover Arena, Elsternwick 18 September
STKEVIN’S 1.2 5.4 9.5 11.10 (76)
ST KEVIN’S: GOALS P Jones 3 S Thomas 3 A Balestra
2 R Short J Nash T Lattanzio BEST S Thomas P Murphy T Lattanzio J Nash D Gibbs A Kerr
BANYULE: C Buckley 2 R Young S Place BEST N Ciurleo C Buckley M Holmes N Smith J Sirianni J Cahir
Umpires: D Banova B Nunn (F) S Brooks J Gunn D
Tucceri DWatts (B) D Hindle A Keane (G) 3435
Umpires: J Barry S Koff man T Sutcliffe (F) B Halfpenny
T Newman (B) A Kyrkou K Segota (G)
DIVISION 1
St Bernard’s College, 11 September
WERRIBEE 5.2 11.6 13.10 17.12 (114)
MONASHBLUES 4.3 5.3 8.4 10.8 (68)
WERRIBEE : GOALS A Taylor 3 M Taylor 3 A Panayi
3 C Lee 2 A Cunningham 2 C Scudamore A Tedeso T McCutcheon A Murphy BEST T McCutcheon W Pelar A Murphy D Morrish A Taylor S Callea
MONASH BLUES : GOALS R Parsons 3 T Craven D Fuzzard B MacKenzie K Beck J Main A McKenzie A Young BEST J Main D Brogden D Fuzzard G Smyth E Flanagan A Hickey
Umpires: C Davidson D Lawlor (F) G Boyd B Corcoran (B) B Hoare D Napoli (G)
DIVISION 1 RESERVE
St Bernard’s College, 11 September
NOBS/STPATS 3.3 6.8 7.10 8.14 (62)
MONASHBLUES 3.0 4.4 5.7 6.7 (43)
NORTH OLD BOYS/ST PATS: GOALS D Joyce 3 L Dullard N Evans P Bryar B Burdeu S Sleep BEST C Dobson B Burdeu P Carnovale F Caldow A McLarty C Le Maitre
MONASH BLUES GOALS M Mason J Cook W Blackley
S Walsh N Robertson L Inglis BEST S Walsh T Osmond
M Mason N Robertson J McKenzie J Rosengarten
Umpires: N Fennessy P James (F) G Kennedy J Maccioni (B) P Jones P Teasdale (G)
DIVISION 2
Highgate Reserve, Craigieburn, 12 September
BANYULE 0.3 3.8 6.8 9.12 (66)
OLDPARADIANS 1.4 1.7 4.9 5.10 (40)
BANYULE GOALS A Brown 2 L Giles 2 J Brockwell
R Hay A Barclay T Shepherd C Horne BEST D Drapac
M Christian J Truefeldt T Shepherd B Parthenides L French
OLD PARADIANS GOALS A Young 3 B McAllister
D Boundy BEST D Boundy J Seneca M Bellizia B McAllister D Spitty S Valente
Umpires: W Hinton R Robertson (F) S Garimort F Palermo (B) A Keane Vin Vescovi (G)
DIVISION 2 RESERVE
Highgate Reserve, Craigieburn, 12 September
BANYULE 3.1 5.7 6.7 9.11 (65)
BENTLEIGH 1.0 1.0 6.5 6.6 (42)
BANYULE: GOALS T Cantwell 3 Z Wenke 2 S Playfair K
Gray M Osborne D Stokes BEST M Osborne S Playfair T Cantwell H Tippet Z Wenke B Cantwell
BENTLEIGH: GOALS A Hendry 2 B Hunt 2 L Morrison
A West BEST B Bennett L Morrison C Montesano J
Coles T Dale T Stach
Umpires: G Frydas A Green (F) J Gunn B Lister (B) D
D’Altera B Seymour (G)
DIVISION 3
Vermont Reserve, 12 September
LATROBEUNIVERSITY 4.1 6.2 7.5 12.8 (80)
STJOHN’S 3.2 5.5 10.11 11.13 (79)
LA TROBE UNIVERSITY: GOALS G Ganino 3 S Patten
3 X Shiels T Ludeman T Harding A Ross D Harry D
Sheldrick BEST D Farrell J McLean D Sheldrick X Shiels
B Wood T Harding
ST JOHNS GOALS A Abela 3 G Costas 3 B Graham
2 N Chalk L Mara C Cachia BEST A Dexter K Arnold N
Chalk B Graham A Abela D O’Connor
Umpires: P Angelis P Cahill (F) MJames A McNamara (B) J Alwer D Hindle (G)
DIVISION 3 RESERVE
Vermont Reserve, 12 September
UHS-VU 3.1 9.3 10.6 13.11 (89)
YARRAVALLEY 2.3 3.6 4.10 5.14 (44)
UHS-VU: GOALS M Sweeney 4 T Kershaw 3 L Temming 2 A Pincott M Pearce T Woodlock J Ford BEST T Kershaw S Thomas H Lovell S Desbois C Certo S Payne
YARRA VALLEY: GOALS L Gillies M Laing B Seeger
J Hall R Thompson BEST L Gillies D Gray W Harding R Pearce J Hall L McCleary
Umpires: D Schwab S Stokes (F) B Davis J Wright (B) P Griffiths B Morton (G)
G Munro 2 M Malloy L Allan M Fletcher J Nuguid N Rutherford BEST C Mackie G Munro D Wills L Wells D Baxter N Rutherford MT LILYDALE : GOALS J Roberts 3 J Paull
U19 NORTH 2
Visy Park, Carlton 12 September
OLDIVANHOE 2.4 6.9 8.11 10.12 (72)
THERRYPENOLA 1.4 3.6 6.8 10.11 (71)
OLD IVANHOE: GOALS D Steele 5 J Moio 2 J Birch T Gleeson J Ridewood BEST M Del Monte T Gleeson D Steele M Mitris M Licata M Bacskos
THERRY PENOLA: GOALS M Pell 3 L McNamara 2 Kama 2 J McMahon 2 M Valenti BEST J Howells M Pell T Burt S Koenig L McNamara S Bye
Umpires: O Bell L Gallagher (F) J Fisher M Halfpenny (B) L Bayston N Zivkovic (G)
U19 SOUTH 1
Boss James Reserve, Hampton 11 September
OLDBRIGHTON 1.5 3.10 9.12 12.20 (92)
CAULFIELDGRAMM 1.2 5.8 9.11 11.12 (78)
OLD BRIGHTON: GOALS N Schaffer 3 L Nicholls N Collins T Mariani S Hooy W Newman M Karayannis M Waite J Portelli N Coroneos BEST J Portelli L Nicholls M Waite S TIMMS N Coroneos S Hooy
CAULFIELD GRAMMARIANS: GOALS R Handel 5 W Osborn 3 E Hawke 2 T McCurdy BEST T Cox W Osborn T Small C Axais W Berry S Stewart
Umpires: K Harvey J Nooy (F) J Morton N McPhate (B) G Clancy P Whitehead (G)
OAKLEIGH: GOALS P Tsoucalas 4 G Irons 3 A Abel 2 M Ritchens 2 A Gigliotti T Scott M White Z Thiessens S Prins BEST G Irons T McNamara J Olson T Scott N Seel Z Thiessens
MAZENOD: GOALS S Jones 5 A Holmes 2 M Boyle 2 A Jones D Hendricks A Jefferson N Gentile B Cunningham BEST J Little M Boyle A Holmes S Welsford T Chambers S Jones
Umpires: D Dalgleish J Daly (F) J Evans R Jones (B) W Harding C McElwee (G)
2 M Davies W Martin N Corcoran W Ireland D Parry BEST M Davies N Hulett S Montgomery N Silk N Larkins W Martin
OLD MELBURNIANS: GOALS H Sampson 3 S Arden
N Lawler T Duncan BEST W Guthrie S Arden T Duncan H Tomlinson H Sampson A Bains
UMPIRES: M Foard R Hense (F) D Banova R McCoy B Nunn M Thornhill (B) T Byrnes P Thomson (G)
CLUB XVIII NORTH
Sportscover Arena, Elsternwick, 22 August
OLDESSENDON 2.0 5.6 5.7 7.8 (50)
FITZROY 2.3 2.3 6.4 6.6 (42)
OLD ESSENDON: GOALS A Parker 4 A Brazel J Hughes A McKenzie BEST J Hughes A McKenzie S Howard A Parker C Ridley B Remboulis
FITZROY: GOALS T Wilson 2 N Brown T Poole J Card J Pitts BEST T Jenkins R Enright M Negebauer A Hanna J Pitts T Poole
UMPIRES: M James B Nunn (F) S Mason S Merrigan J Gunn D Watts (B) T Hansen M Bona (G)
CLUB XVIII SOUTH
Sportscover Arena, Elsternwick, 22 August
CAULFIELDGRAMM 0.4 4.11 4.14 8.16 (64)
MAZENOD 3.4 3.4 4.8 5.8 (38)
CAULFIELD GRAMMARIANS: GOALS G Vanderkruk
4 B Scott 2 A Bednarek N Guyett BEST N Guyett G
Crathern J Pitts S Cunliffe A Bednarek P Farmer
MAZENOD: GOALS D Kelly 3 A Norman S Davis BEST
K Kelly W Occhiuto D Kelly D Grant A Norman B Parker
UMPIRES: P Lambert J Gunn (F) S Brooks J Cukierman
B O’Halloran D Windlow (B) T Byrnes C Jayakody (G)
Victorian
Statements for the year ended 30 September, 2010
VICTORIAN AMATEUR FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION
ACN 004 811 054
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER, 2010
The Board members of the Victorian Amateur Football Association have pleasure in presenting the accounts of the Association for the year ended 30 September, 2010.
1. The Board in the said year comprised of: Messrs. A.M. Amad, D.R. Booth, Mrs. D.M. Connors-Calhaem, Messrs. B. Conti, M.T. Hazell, B.R. McTaggart, T Merrett, D.H. Scott, G.A. Voyage.
2. The principal activities of the Association during the year were the promotion, control and management of amateur football in Victoria.
3. The surplus for the year was $90,848 after allowing $34,895 for depreciation, and providing $13,808 for Long Service Leave.
4. Since the end of the previous financial period no Board member has received or become entitled to receive a benefit or fixed salary, by reason of a contract between the Association or a related corporation and a Board member or firm of which he is a member or a company in which he has a substantial financial interest.
5. The Association is a company limited by guarantee. If the Association is wound up, the Memorandum of Association states that each member is required to contribute a maximum of twenty dollars towards meeting outstanding obligations of the Association. The number of members at 30 September 2010 was 74.
Signed in accordance with a resolution of the Board.
B. CONTI T. MERRETT 30 October 2010
VICTORIAN AMATEUR FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION
ACN 004 811 054
FINANCIAL POSITION AS AT 30 SEPTEMBER, 2010
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER, 2010
DETAILED FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER, 2010
Fees1,165,479 12,171Amateur Footballer3,948 122,961Elsternwick Park & Finals Proceeds (Net)146,169 35,120Fines37,591 24,924Interest Received32,802 21,763Profit on Properties Division14,848 12,998Sundry Income3,996 228,297Sponsorship (Net)200,667 69,300Funding by Football Victoria68,618 1,648,1271,674,118 Less: Expenses 3,182Audit Fees3,409 1,954Bank Charges1,609 4,500Bad Debts9,254 10,320Bushfire Relief Donation10,870Computer Software and Maintenance19,406 7,500Contribution – VFDF7,500 30,358Depreciation & Amortisation34,895 -Elsternwick Park - planning and fees for redevelopment40,700 45,747Fringe Benefits Tax56,522 56,165Functions34,411 26,848Handbook and Annual Report (Net)23,168 42,500Honoraria23,395 28,606Insurance and Workcare32,532 1,510Internet Charges1,881 2,209Interest Paid3,663 83,923Interstate and Representative Games90,236 2,110Long Service Leave Provision13,808 6,861Loss on Sale of Fixed Assets36,948Motor Vehicle Expenses26,807 15,602Payroll Tax25,479 44,572Pennants & Trophies37,022 30,462Postage & Telephone30,981 24,073Printing & Stationery20,452 7,563Professional Development4,742 23,453Publicity7,880 401,490Salaries & Superannuation464,148 15,109Sundries5,259 594,134Umpires & Associated Expenses564,111 1,558,5691,583,270 89,558 SURPLUS 90,848
VICTORIAN AMATEUR
ASSOCIATION
ACN 004 811 054
NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER, 2010
NOTE 1 – STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The accounts have been prepared for distribution to the members to satisfy the Board’s accountability requirements under the Corporations Law. The accounting policies used in the preparation of these accounts are described below:
The financial statements have been prepared using the accrual basis of accounting including historical cost convention and the going concern assumption.
The Board has prepared the financial statements in accordance with applicable Accounting Standards.
The following is a summary of other significant accounting policies adopted by the association in the preparation of the accounts:
(a) Income Tax
The Association is exempt from Income Tax under Section 23(g)(iv) of the Income Tax Assessment Act.
(b) Property, Plant & Equipment
(i) Building improvements are amortised over a period of twenty years.
(ii) All other assets are depreciated by the prime cost method over the period of their life.
(c) Intangible Assets
The trademark has been brought into the accounts at cost and has not been amortised.
(d) Employee Benefits
There has been no provision made for amounts expected to be paid to employees for accrued annual leave. Provision has been made for employees Long Service Leave. Employee contributory superannuation funds exist to provide benefits for employees and their dependants on retirement, disability or death. The contributions made to those funds are charged against surplus.
AMATEUR FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION
ACN 004 811 054
NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER, 2010 (Continued)
NOTE 9 – AUDITORS REMUNERATION Amounts due and receivable by auditors for: 3,182- auditing the accounts3,409
VICTORIAN
VICTORIAN AMATEUR FOOTBALL
VICTORIAN AMATEUR FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION
ACN 004 811 054
STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER, 2010
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
1,120,592Receipts from clubs for affiliation fees1,165,479 1,217,110Receipts from other operating activities1,250,736 24,924Interest Received32,802 (2,102,338)Operating expenses paid(2,333,519) (2,209)Interest Paid(3,663)
258,079Net cash inflow/(outflow) from operating activities111,835
Cash Flows from Investing Activities 7,273Sale of Fixed Assets(58,796)Payment for property, plant & equipment(51,523)
Net cash inflow/(outflow) from financing activities
206,556Net increase/(decrease) in cash position111,835
613,515Cash position at beginning of year820,071 820,071Cash position at end of financial year931,906
NOTES TO STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER, 2010
($) ($)
Note 1 - Reconciliation of Cash For the purpose of the statement of cash flows, cash includes cash on hand and in banks, net of outstanding bank overdrafts. Cash position at the end of the financial year is reconciled to the related items in the statement of financial as follows:
820,071Cash931,906 820,071931,906
Note 2 - Reconciliation of Net Cash used in Operating Activities to Surplus 89,558Surplus90,848
30,358Depreciation of non-current assets34,895
6,861Loss on sale of fixed assetsChanges in Assets and Liabilities: 111,661Decrease/(increase) in assets1,528
19,641Increase/(decrease) in liabilities(15,436)
258,079Net cash provided/(used in) by operating activities111,835
ACN 004 811 054
AUDITOR’S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS
have audited the financial statements of the Victorian Amateur Football Association for the year ended 30th September 2010.
The Association’s Board is responsible for preparation and true & fair presentation of the financial statements in accordance with the Corporations Act 2001. This includes responsibility for the maintenance of adequate accounting records and internal controls that are designed to prevent and detect fraud and error, and for accounting policies and accounting estimates inherent in the Financial Statements.
AUDIT APPROACH
have conducted an independent audit in order to express an opinion to the Members of the Association. My audit was conducted in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards in order to provide reasonable assurance as to whether the Financial Statements are free of material misstatement.
The nature of an audit is influenced by factors such as the use of professional judgement, selective testing, the inherent limitations of internal control, and the availability of persuasive rather than conclusive evidence. Therefore, an audit cannot guarantee that all material misstatements have been detected.
performed procedures to assess whether in all material respects the financial statements present fairly, in accordance with the Corporations Act 2001, including compliance with accounting standards and other mandatory financial reporting requirements in Australia, a view which is consistent with my understanding of the Association’s financial position and of it’s performance as represented by the results of it’s operations and cash flows.
formed my audit opinion on the basis of these procedures, which included:
- Examining, on a test basis, information to provide evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the Financial Statements, and
- Assessing the appropriateness of the accounting policies and disclosures used and the reasonableness of significant accounting estimates made by the Board.
While considered the effectiveness of management’s internal controls over financial reporting when determining the nature and extent of my procedures, my audit was not designed to provide assurance on internal controls.
INDEPENDENCE
In conducting my audit followed applicable independence requirements of Australian Professional Ethical Pronouncements and the Corporations Act 2001.
AUDIT OPINION
In my opinion, the Financial Statements of the Victorian Amateur Football Association are in accordance with:
(a) the Corporations Act 2001, including:
(i) giving a true and fair view of the Association’s financial position as at 30th September 2010 and of its performance for the year ended on that date, and
(ii) complying with Accounting Standards in Australia and the Corporations Regulations 2001; and
(b) Other mandatory financial reporting requirements in Australia.
VICTORIAN AMATEUR FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION
VICTORIAN AMATEUR FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION
ACN 004 811 054
STATEMENT BY VAFA BOARD
In the opinion of the Board:
(a) the financial statements are drawn up in accordance with Divisions 4, 4A and 4B of Part 3.6 of the Corporations Law and so as to give a true and fair view of: (i) the state of aff airs as at 30 September, 2010 and the results and cash flows for the financial year ended on that date; and (ii) the other matters with which they deal;
(b) at the date of this statement, there are reasonable grounds to believe that the Company will be able to pay its debts as and when they fall due; and
(c) the financial statements are drawn up in accordance with Statements of Accounting Concepts and Accounting Standards.
Signed in accordance with a resolution of the Board.
B. CONTI T. MERRETT
30 October, 2010
AUDITOR’S INDEPENDENCE DECLARATION
To The Board of Directors
Auditor’s Independence Declaration under Section 307C of the Corporations Act 2001
This declaration is made in connection with my audit of the financial report of Victorian Amateur Football Association for the financial year ended 30 September 2010 and in accordance with provisions of the Corporations Act 2001.
declare that, to the best of my belief, there have been:
• No contraventions of the auditor independence requirements of the Corporations Act 2001 in relation to the audit;
• No contraventions of the Code of Professional Conduct of the Australian Society of CPA’s in Australia in relation to the audit.
Yours sincerely
D.C. Douglas
Registered Company Auditor no. 15038
30th October 2010
2010 HEADLINES
H E A D L I N E S HEADLINES
VAFA clubs sanction a new board structure that sees the number of elected members reduced to nine, plus the CEO, with the option of appointing an additional two members with specialist skills.
Board elects Bruno Conti as the sixteenth president of the VAFA.
The sections are rebadged. Premier, Premier B and Premier C replace A, B and C Section, while Division 1 through Division 4 replace D1-D4 sections.
The Thirds competition is introduced for Premier and Premier B. All Premier clubs field teams, while five Premier B clubs do not, but their places are taken by clubs from lower sections.
Point Cook joins the VAFA and hosts its first game against Richmond Central.
Former AFL stars join VAFA clubs as coaches: Martin Pike (Power House) and Richard Osborne (Monash Gryphons). Veteran coach Leigh Carlson (formerly at Collegians and Old Trinity) takes over at Marcellin mid-season.
The Club XVIII comprises three sections, down from four.
The U18 competition comprises sixteen teams, initially grouped geographically, but redrawn mid-season according to performance.
To give more prominence to team lists, the Amateur Footballer has a split edition with the Premier sections in one and the four Divisions in the other
VAFA U21 team defeats AFLQ U21 at Southport. VAFA U19 team defeats VCFL U19 at Elsternwick. VAFA senior team thrashes AFL Sydney at Elsternwick. VAFA U23 team belts
Tasmania in Ulverstone and wins triennial U23 championship.
Old Trinity’s Andrew Ramsden plays his 300 th VAFA game (Senior, U19, Rep) VAFA Coaches of the Year: senior - Trevor Rowe (Old Carey) and junior - Jon Edgar (De La Salle).
The Woodrow Medal awarded for the second year running to a De La Salle player, on-baller Aaron Shields.
De La Salle wins the Club Championship.
Peter Brabender (Old Paradians) retires after 428 senior and U19 games. He never played in the Reserves.
Monash Gryphons win Division 4 seniors and reserves premierships, its first ever flags. Old Carey wins promotion to Premier after fifty-six years and beats Old Haileybury in the Grand Final.
Old Xaverians wins its twelfth Premier title, and its eleventh in sixteen seasons, defeating Collegians in the Grand Final by twenty points.
Old Xaverians’ coach Simon Lethlean equals record of seventh premiership medallion in the top tier (five as a player, two as a coach), joining his former teammates John Bowen and Tim Ockleshaw, who won seven grand finals as players.
De La Salle wins its fourth U19 Premier title in five seasons.
A Women in the VAFA dinner is held at Parliament House in October, hosted by Ann Barker MLA, Deputy Speaker of the Assembly and Member for Oakleigh.
Six VAFA players and coach lead invitational AAFC U23 team to South Africa in early October.
An invitational U18 VAFA team competes at AFLNZ championships in Christchurch in late October and wins both games.
