2011 VAFA Annual Report by VAFA

Victorian Amateur Football Association 120th Annual Report Season 2011

Presented to the Members at the Annual General Meeting

Melbourne Racing Club 5 December 2011

VAFA

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, L.E. Beveridge, Mrs D.M. Connors-Calhaem, Messrs. M.T. Hazell, B.R. McTaggart, T.J. Merrett, T.J. Nelson, D.H. Scott, M.W. Sholly, N.J. Toohey, G.A. Voyage.

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Mr. M.W. Sholly

GENERAL MANAGER – FOOTBALL OPERATIONS

Mr J.J.B. Bourke (to 17 June)

Mr. T.P. Noonan (from 22 August)

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

Mr B. Hodges

Ms J.A. Ware (to 30 June)

Ms O.P. Crowe (from 27 June)

VAFA LAWYERS

Monahan & Rowell

VAFAUA PRESIDENT

Mr. L.R. Holmes

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, P. Mason, R McLean, 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, G.A. Voyage

Members: Messrs. A. M. Amad, D.R. Booth, P.J. Grima, M.T. Hazell, M. Kelliher, T.J. Nelson, D.H. Scott, N.J. Toohey.

REGISTRATION SECRETARY

Mr. C.C. Bastow

SATURDAY SCORE RECORDER

Mrs. N.M. McTaggart

ELSTERNWICK PARK DUTY OFFICERS

Mr. J. Robinson and Mr. B.J. Ivey

PUBLICATIONS EDITOR

Mr. M.J. Fitzgerald

LIFE MEMBERS

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

* deceased

President

Season 2011, like so many before it, was a wonderful year of Amateur football, enjoyed by many Victorians. Not many sporting organisations can boast survival over such a long period. More importantly, few have prospered for as long and continued to play a meaningful role in the lives of so many people. We should all be very proud of this.

Historically the Board has spent a great deal of necessary time protecting the Amateur ethos which remains as the VAFA’s No 1 objective. This year we launched a new model for dealing with this through the introduction of an independent Integrity Oﬃcer and an aligned Amnesty and Immunity policy. The Board now has greater power to act when a club is perceived to be in breach of the Amateur guidelines. I am delighted with the initiative and the progress made to date to ensure that our participants continue to play for the guernsey, for the great Australian ideal of mateship and for the love of the game.

The Ambassador program entered its second year and I am hoping we can do more through this channel to develop a better outcome for our clubs. With the relatively high turnover of club oﬃcials acting in key roles, our Ambassadors are a vital link who can provide clear guidelines and education on the rules and policies of the Association, as well as lending other general assistance where required.

In a historic move, the VAFA took a senior representative team overseas for the ﬁrst time.

In recent years we have focused on building stronger pathways for our clubs through the expansion of the Junior and Thirds competitions and this has again proven fruitful in 2011, with greater opportunities for our clubs and players to participate at levels where they can be competitive.

After renaming the sections in 2010, we have commenced work on modernising the VAFA brand and carried out various research activities throughout the year to assist us with this. We are very aware of the expectations our clubs have of the VAFA in utilising its brand and goodwill in attracting revenue from various partners.

Last year we addressed the need for the VAFA to deal with mental health issues that are prevalent in today’s society. We launched a partnership model with One in Five and we will continue to build on the platform that has been established.

We had another exciting year of representative football with the senior team beating the VCFL, the U23s winning the All Australian Amateur carnival and our Premier C - Division 4 and U19 teams going down to very strong opposition from the VCFL. Additionally an invitational U18 team played in New Zealand in October and won both of its games against a New Zealand U20 representative team.

In an historic move, the VAFA took a senior representative team overseas for the first time. It played five games of International rules in Ireland, including a game against the All-Ireland team at Croke Park. I am particularly proud that our team represented the breadth and depth of the VAFAtwenty-one players representing fifteen different clubs in five sections – all coming together to wear the Big V with pride. The tour was an outstanding success as the players relished the opportunity to represent their clubs, the VAFA and country. I have no doubt all players will have come back as stronger ambassadors of the VAFA and would have no hesitation in recommending future overseas tours for our elite players.

must take this opportunity to thank our outgoing representative coaches Dean Anderson and Mick Dwyer, who will resume club coaching next season. Both have had an outstanding impact on representative football over the past few years and leave a great legacy.

We introduced an Elite Pathway program this year designed to place VAFA players considered capable of playing league football with AFL clubs with stand-alone VFL teams. This program will hopefully provide some of our clubs with a greater opportunity to attract and retain elite players. I congratulate the four players who have elected to take up the opportunity to do a pre-season with Collingwood and Essendon as a result of this program. They are Jack Hellier and Dan Garside (St Bede’s/Mentone Tigers), Tom Humphrey (De La Salle) and Mat Boland (Parkdale Vultures).

The Elsternwick Park re-development continued to absorb much energy and time and we are now in the hands of Bayside City Council as they develop a master plan for the sporting precinct. We are well placed here, but unfortunately won’t know until August 2012 the outcome of this master plan.

Our aspiration is to complete Stage 1 of the redevelopment by the end of 2013 and Stage 2 by the end of 2014.

The VAFA announced a new partnership throughout the year with Acacia Learning & Development as the preferred supplier of education services to the VAFA. Acacia has provided umpire development training with great success within our umpire ranks for three seasons. This new partnership builds on the goodwill already evident between our organisations and has already delivered beneﬁts to our clubs and to our younger players as well as to the VAFA in general. Through this partnership, we believe we can further assist our young people in navigating life challenges and opening up a brighter future for them.

On a personal level, I observed 40 clubs across 44 games throughout the year and it is my aim to see every club over a 3 year period. Only 11 clubs remain and will catch up with them next year. Each club has a diﬀerent story and each plays a pivotal role in the lives of our young men. To all of the oﬃcials who serve our clubs and/or the Association, thank you for the roles you all play, and thank you for your unwavering commitment.

All in all, it has been a big year and take the opportunity to congratulate all VAFA staﬀ led very capably again by our CEO Michael Sholly. To our coaches and players who put on the show, thank you for your eﬀorts and hope that you had the opportunity to perform at your best.

To our many sponsors, thank you again for your wonderful ﬁnancial support as it enables the VAFA to keep costs to clubs down to the lowest possible level. In particular I would like to thank both Peter and Chris Nash from our main sponsor Sportscover, who incidentally celebrated their 25 year anniversary in business this year. Their support of the VAFA over many years has been sensational. To our many other sponsors and there are too many to name here, your support of the VAFA is much appreciated.

To my fellow Board members, thank you for your dedication and commitment. I am very proud to be associated with such dedicated and passionate people.

I wish all members of the VAFA community the very best over the coming months and trust you have an enjoyable and safe time with your friends and family in the months ahead. I look forward to your continued involvement in our great Association in season 2012.

Bruno Conti President

B. Conti President

T.J. Merrett Vice-President

A.M. Amad L.E. BeveridgeD.M. Connors-Calhaem

M.T. Hazell

B.R. McTaggartD.H. Scott Treasurer M.W. Sholly

G.A. Voyage T.J. Nelson

N.J. Toohey

CEO

The Victorian Amateur Football Association has always been proud of its reputation as the best administered community competition in Australia and also of producing an on-ﬁeld product that is envied across the nation. The standard of football played in the VAFA - in all of its senior sections and even beyond – was again reﬂected each week of the 2011 season at club level.

Which other competition can boast a ﬁve game round that throws up two draws and one point squeaker? Which other competition incites friendly rivalries all across Melbourne, in board rooms, bars and businesses, where the boasting on Monday is that Blacks beat Blues in the U19s, that De La beat Xavs in the Clubbies and that Beaumaris upset Oakleigh?

With promotion and relegation, there are new rivalries every year. Being promoted a section is a reward much sought after and not the financial fear it is in other competitions dominated by the dollar. And while these rivalries count for a lot and drive our clubs to higher standards both on and off the field, we see Saturday’s foes seamlessly come together to wear the Big V.

The courageous victory of the senior Big V team against the combined VCFL in July was an outstanding achievement, coming as it did on the back of recent victories against AFL Sydney and the Eastern Football League. At U23 level, we were convincing winners of the Australian Amateur Football Council carnival in Adelaide in June.

The long-serving coaches of these teams, Dean Anderson and Mick Dwyer, have taken the representative program to a new level and we all wish them well in their coaching roles with their new clubs. They will leave a big hole, but one of the gratifying aspects of our community is that there will be no shortage of good VAFA men oﬀering to take their places. Rest assured, we will ﬁnd the best of them.

Our competition is successful because of twelve thousand players and countless club volunteers and supporters who put in year after year for their clubs.

Post-season, a combined senior representative team toured Ireland and played four matches against the best club teams the Irish had to oﬀer. The VAFA team also played against the All Ireland team at fabled Croke Park, so rich in twentieth century lore. We defeated three club teams, which were all boosted by the best county players in their region. Of course, we went down heavily at Croke Park and suspected then that the AFL team would be overpowered too.

The U18s toured New Zealand again, defeating the AFL NZ U20 team on the two occasions they met. Thank you to Old Haileybury men - coaches David Lappage and Tony Brown - and to their able medical assistants.

Many thanks to all the people who assisted with the representative program for the season - Michael Hazell, Director of Rep football, Simon Lethlean coach of the Premier C – Div 4 team, Ben Robertson coach of the U19’s and all their assistants. To all the medical staff and in particular VAFA doctor, George Janko and physio, Neeraj Kochhar, who were backed by the extraordinary efforts of team managers John Robinson, John Raffle, Mick Overman and Brian Goodman.

It is a great advertisement for the VAFA that we are able to reward our players with opportunities to represent their state and country in matches abroad. Our representative aspirations show the world that the VAFA sits at the pinnacle of community football.

Our competition is successful because of twelve thousand players and countless club volunteers and supporters who put in year after year for their clubs. There were twenty ﬁve premierships won, but ten times that number of teams chasing them. Congratulations to all teams who achieved the ultimate. I’m sure they are aware that most clubs have already resumed training, all aiming for the dais in 2012.

Again, our umpires have represented the Association so well. I must compliment our General Manager of Umpiring, Brian Goodman for assembling such a magniﬁcent team. Head coach Tony Hales displays great attention to detail and a high level of knowledge, which ﬁlters down to his team of seven assistant coaches, nine observers and 415 umpires.

VAFA Umpires Association president Luke Holmes has been a magniﬁcent ambassador for the VAFAUA and for Amateur Football. Luke is always striving to get the best quality conditions for his members whilst also leading the way with recruiting.

However, he is also very mindful of the interests of the VAFA and its clubs. On a personal level, Luke had a magniﬁcent year, umpiring the senior rep match against the VCFL, the Premier Grand Final, winning the Umpire of the Year Award and also touring Ireland where he umpired so professionally, particularly in the match at Croke Park.

This Annual Report endeavours to highlight each of the VAFA’s sections in more detail and provide more interest for the reader. The concentration is on the 2011 season and not data from previous years, which can be found in full on our website.

As you will read, there were some outstanding achievements across our competition, namely:

• Collegians on winning their ﬁrst Premier ﬂag since 1993.

• Caulﬁeld Grammarians, Werribee Districts, Banyule, St Johns and Monash Gryphons for obtaining double promotion.

• St Francis Xavier on winning their ﬁrst senior premiership.

• Banyule for winning the Winning Edge Presentations Club Championship.

• Old Xaverians on having all seven teams make ﬁnals and winning four premierships.

• Prahran Assumption, in the inaugural year of their partnership, remaining undefeated and winning the Division 3 premiership.

The Thirds competition completed its second season and showed signs of strengthening. One favourable indicator was the reduction in forfeits from twenty-eight in 2010 to eight this year. We are conﬁdent that the Thirds will continue to grow and allow clubs to retain aspiring players when they have completed their junior years.

To ensure the integrity of the VAFA’s Number One objective is maintained, we employed our first VAFA Integrity Officer. Steve Palmer investigated all possible violations of the amateur status and conducted over a dozen interviews with new players to our competition. We are delighted that all of these passed our guidelines. The Board also approved an Amnesty and Immunity policy. The Amnesty period concluded on June 30 and all results remain confidential with Steve. On 1 July, the immunity policy was activated and during the off-season, he will be conducting exit interviews with players departing our clubs.

There were two major changes to the tribunal rules this year. The ﬁrst was a one week reduction in minimum penalty where a player pleaded guilty to the charge. The statistics show that

The Thirds competition completed its second season and showed signs of strengthening. One favourable indicator was the reduction in forfeits from twenty-eight in 2010 to eight this year.

from approximately the same number of reports, players, taking the prescribed penalties increased from an average thirty-ﬁve in recent years to ﬁfty-six this year. The number found not guilty remained approximately the same. The reduction of 20 tribunal cases reduced the work load on our volunteer tribunal members considerably.

The second change was the ability of a player to appeal a Level 1 suspension if it affected a finals match. There were seven such appeals that fell into this category, with two of them upheld, giving the player the opportunity to play in the finals. It is important that these appeals have substance and are not just used as a vehicle to have a second chance in front of a new panel.

Financially we were able to achieve a small surplus for the year. Some interesting points to note are:

• Amateur Footballer sales down by approximately 20% to accede to club requests.

• Club ﬁnes down by 43%.

• Club 90 day penalties down by 50%.

• Finals income increased by 5%, with no change in pricing and a three week ﬁnals series.

• Umpires salaries increased by $42,000, with over half of this attributable to increased numbers.

We continue to maintain strong cash reserves that will assist the Association to provide high quality service to the members without the added burden of increased aﬃliation fees.

The dinner at the MCC Members Dining Room has become the VAFA’s signature launch to the season. As has been the custom, it took place a week and a half before Opening Day and the room was ﬁlled with 400 club administrators and special guests, all full of optimism about the season ahead.

The new Victorian Minister for Sport and Recreation, the Hon Hugh Delahunty toasted the VAFA in ﬁne fashion, while Ross Oakley, erstwhile Collegians player, and former AFL CEO and CEO of Melbourne Rebels, was an entertaining guest speaker.

CEO

Our Facebook friends number over 1000, while Twitter followers stand at well over 800. The VAFA will be seeking to not only expand these numbers but to utilise these social media for greater communication.

At the dinner, Nick Bourke and David Hughes were awarded life membership to the VAFA. Nick is a former president and chairman of the VAFA and is currently the chairman of the AAFC. He represented the Big V as both a player and coach. David Hughes’ rep football CV is too long to mention here but, suﬃce to say, it was no surprise that he was elevated to the status of Champion in the Big V club. David has been a tribunal member since 1982 and chairman from 1983. Two outstanding VAFA men.

In July, over two hundred past champions of representative football attended the ﬁfth annual Big V Club lunch at the RACV Club. Four more giants of the guernsey were elevated to Champion status and tributes were paid to the teams of the past. After lunch, the group repaired to a nearby bar where the stories of battles glorious and deeds victorious were retold.

The VAFA Presentation Night Dinner was held at Leonda in September, on the Monday evening prior to the Premier Grand Final. The winners of each award were known, courtesy of the live medal counts on Inner FM in the weeks leading up to the presentation. These broadcasts were popular with our clubs and players and conducted beautifully by Ken Petrucco and Michael Crooks. Crooks interviewed the winners at the Dinner and his sense of humour and solid research added a great deal to the evening.

Inner FM continued to play a massive role in the VAFA media landscape, with its two hour Footy Show on Saturday mornings, its Saturday (and Sunday) afternoon Match of the Day broadcasts and its mid-week promotion of our competition.

In addition, Inner FM presented a live broadcast of all AAFC U23 championship games in Adelaide over four days in June. The station’s commitment to our Association has been outstanding as well as long-standing, and our heartfelt thanks go to Ken, Michael, Adrian Hook, Glen Dragemeyer and the entire team who are always open to any innovation to provide better coverage of Amateur football.

Southern FM, through Tom Brain and Steve McCarthy and Northwestern FM, through Glenn

Scarborough also continued to provide extensive coverage of the VAFA, while the weekly spots on Radio Sport National again proved popular.

The VAFA was again covered in the major dailies and in the suburban weeklies. 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 the Leader Newspapers focussed on the ups and downs of the clubs in their individual circulation areas.

The Amateur Footballer underwent minor design changes, but as in previous years, the main attractions were the oﬀerings of the scribes for each section. Many thanks to all of them, Jonathan Hibbert, Di Langton, Darren Dawson, Jonno Nash, Rich Hummerston, Simon Fuller, Geoﬀ Reilley, Norm Nugent, Michael Collins, Todd Beams, Nick Duxson, Steve McCarthy and Cam Davidson.

Interest in live scores from VAFA games via Twitter and vafa.com.au increased exponentially during the season, and live tweets from Auckland kept many parents abreast of happenings as their sons played against AFL NZ. Scores from the games in Ireland in October also attracted the attention of early risers. Our Facebook friends number over 1000, while Twitter followers stand at well over 800. The VAFA will be seeking to not only expand these numbers but to utilise these social media for greater communication.

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 Premier C clubs supported the program and coaches spent many hours doing opposition research to boost their chances of winning.

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.

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 and Nicole Sullivan who gave us such valuable and generous support.

Bendigo Bank branches continued 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 continued to provide its free ﬁnal score text message service. Sports Injury Casualty came on board as a sponsor and provided many players with rapid treatment on Saturday afternoon at its clinic.

Primary Edge, Winning Edge and Cyan Press continued their long association with the VAFA and their support is much appreciated.

One in Five became the VAFA’s oﬃcial charity. The organisation raises money for mental health issues and it is to be hoped that our partnership with them grows in 2012. We thank Shura Taft of Collegians for his eﬀorts as the charity’s ambassador.

After ﬁve years with the VAFA, Jeremy Bourke was appointed the Chief Executive Oﬃcer of the Northern Football League and departed mid season. Jeremy has been an outstanding worker and will be missed greatly. He always listened to the clubs and worked through any problems ensuring that all sections were fair and equitable.

To his great satisfaction Jeremy managed a great representative program and was a major contributor to its improved status in his time.

Unfortunately during the finals preparation we were down a staff member. However we should especially acknowledge Brian Woodhead, who filled the breach so admirably. Not only did he organise all venues and liaise with councils but he followed through and became the ground manager at venues which were new to the association.

I thank all of our staff for their tireless efforts throughout the year. We are fortunate to have people who are fiercely committed to the VAFA and its ongoing success, who work countless hours, particularly through the season. Sue Anderson,

Brian Goodman and Michael Fitzgerald have a long association with Amateur Football and their enthusiasm for it never wanes. Administration Assistants Olivia Crowe and Ben Hodges are relatively new additions to our staﬀ, but they have slotted in nicely and are already having a major impact in the oﬃce. Thanks also to Jess Ware who had such a great relationship with all who contacted the VAFA. We welcome new General Manager of Football Operations, Tim Noonan to the team and early indications are that the competition will not miss a beat next year.

The full time staff were supported by Cliff Bastow (registration secretary and tribunal co-ordinator on Tuesday night), Shane Way (admin and tribunal assistant), and Liz Wilson. On match day we had John Robinson and Bruce Ivey sharing the ground manager’s position with Nancy McTaggart (scorer), Stephanie Ongarello (Saturday night admin), Phil Hope (scoreboard) and Graeme Wilson and all his staff on the gates.

My thanks to President Bruno Conti, the subcommittee chairs, Tim Merrett (Competition Integrity), David Scott (Finance), George Voyage (Football, Growth and Development) and Davina Connors – Calhaem (Community Relations and Marketing) and all Board members for the leadership and support they showed the staﬀ

Finally, my hearfelt thanks again to all our great club oﬃcials and volunteers. It is they who provide the impetus that makes us stronger each year. There is much to be said for getting involved with a club, but there is also a bit of a trap. So many arrive for a quick look on a Saturday and are still around 30 years later. Long may that continue.

Michael Sholly CEO

Umpires

Umpiring in 2011 was simply first class. The continued on-field improvement was extremely pleasing and our quantity and quality continued to grow. We built on our recruiting from last season with forty-five field, sixteen new goal and sixty-two boundary umpires joining the VAFA.

All umpire coaches, under new head coach Tony Hales, turned out a group that produced consistency. Finals appointments were based on merit and the competition for these was unparalleled. The highlight was having some youthful new faces take centre stage.

SEASON HIGHLIGHTS

Congratulations to Luke Holmes (below right) for winning the Umpire of the Year award. Luke was impressive throughout the season, umpiring both the senior representative match in Shepparton against the VCFL and also his ﬁrst Premier Grand Final. To cap oﬀ an impressive season Luke represented the VAFA in Ireland in October.

Jayde Daly (below left) won the Most Promising Umpire award after strong performances reaching Premier C section mid-season, which culminated with her umpiring the U19 Section 2 Grand Final.

huge surprise and will leave a big gap in our senior panel.

Well done to David Windlow, who continued to coordinate the Club XVIII umpires with passion and enthusiasm. We had ﬁve new umpires join the Club XVIII panel. Three were new to the VAFA and two were returning from other commitments.

CLUB XVIII HIGHLIGHTS

• Provision of all ﬁeld, boundary and goal umpires Thirds and Club XVIII ﬁnals;

2011 VAFA UMPIRING AWARDS

The following prestigious awards were presented at the pre ﬁnals dinner held at MCG in August.

Golden Whistle: Andrew Heﬀernan

Most Improved Goal Umpire: Matthew Dervan

Most Improved Field Umpire: Andrew Green

Most Improved Boundary: Robert Hamilton

Young Achiever: Kit Harvey

Best First Year Umpire: Josh Prince (G)

Andrew Carrick Award: Anthony Simpson

Bob Dunstan Award: Sean Scully Snr

Ten Year Service: Luke Holmes, Rob Parry and Grant Wardrop.

It was pleasing to see so many umpires progress from the U19s and lower sections into senior ranks, due to achieving goals set by their coach Brian Woodhead, who continues to get the best out of our young and inexperienced group. We are looking forward to our talented pool of “young guns” push for a senior berth in 2012.

Brian Woodhead, who continues to get the best out of our for a senior berth in 2012.

Some major milestones of 2011 were the 600th game achievement by ﬁ

game achievement by field umpiring veteran Steve McCarthy That well-known Damen notched up his 450th VAFA match whi e Darren to 300 in the field. Two veterans of the in Bob and David D’Altera both fine style with Clive his 300th.

Steve McCarthy. That well-known identity Anthony Damen notched up his 450th VAFA match while Darren Dalgleish and Paul Tuppen lifted their game tally to 300 in the ﬁ goals in Bob Seymour and David D’Altera both achieved their 500th game in ﬁ Clive Shipley reaching his 300th.

Russell Davidson oﬃciated at the AAFC U23 Carnival in Adelaide along with umpires from South Australia, Western Australia and Tasmania. Russell reveled over the four days and was awarded “Umpire of the Carnival”.

thank our umpire observers for all their support, dedication and much needed feedback to our umpires. The positive feedback was also wide spread from many club coaches who stated this season was the most improved performances from our group of umpires in recent times.

The second year of the AFL’s Player to Umpire program enabled the VAFA to again show its expertise. We took former St Kilda player Leigh Fisher into our ranks and assisted him as he embarked on his umpiring career. We thank Jeﬀ Gieschen and Brett Allen for selecting the VAFA to provide matches and the week-to-week coaching for Leigh.

Our satellite training venue at Werribee has continued growing our numbers out west and we thank the Werribee Districts club for their wonderful support of our group.

On a sad note, we lost one of our well respected up-and-coming umpires. Jo Cox fell victim to a very rare form of cancer at the very young age of 34, which was devastating for all who knew her.

The retirement of one of our most revered umpires Tim Sutcliﬀe after such an illustrious career was a

• Positive feedback from both winning and losing clubs during ﬁnals;

• The extremely high standard of umpiring throughout 2011;

• Four umpires appointed to their ﬁrst ever Grand Final.

REPRESENTATIVE APPOINTMENTS

Seniors: L.Holmes (F) J. Cooper & K. McInerney (B), C. Evans (G) – Premier C – Div 4: A. Heﬀernan (F)

A. Jemison & A. McNamara (B), M. Dervan (G)U23: R. Davidson (F) - U19: J.James (F) G. Boyd & R. O’Shea (B) J. Prince (G) - U18: S. Koﬀman (F)

SENIOR GRAND FINAL APPOINTMENTS

Premier: R. Davidson, L. Holmes & D.l Silfo (F) G. Boyd, R. O’Shea & J. Ritchie (B) M. Dervan & C. Evans (G) - Premier B: D. Lepair, T. Sutcliﬀe & G. Wardrop (F) D. Adams, M. Adams & P. Lee (B) D. Napoli & K. Segota (G) - Premier C: A. Heﬀernan, M. Monty & T. Windlow (F) N. McPhate & T. Newman (B) R. Brown & B. Hoare (G) - Division 1: D.Anselmi. P. Cahill & M. Pryor (F) R. Hamilton & A. McNamara (B) C.Brajtberg & G. Templar (G) - Division 2: C. Davidson & J.Mann (F) J. Rogers & C. Hayes (B) A. Keane & V. Vescovi (G) - Division 3: J. Auditore & R.Robertson (F) J. Cooper & F. Palermo (B) C.Lear & T. Moloney (G) Division 4: W. Hinton & S. Scully Jnr (F) J. Adams & P. Walker (B) D. Hindle & R. Stokes (G)

I thank our hard-working coaching staﬀ Tony Hales, Brian Woodhead, Mark Gibson, Terry Gunn, Rob Sebbens, Wayne Hinton, Harry Stamos, Steve McCarthy, David Windlow, John Robinson and Neeraj Kochhar (Physio) for their fantastic support.

I owe a great deal to my colleagues on the VAFA staﬀ for their contribution and assistance along with the continued support of Bruno Conti and the VAFA Board on all matters umpiring.

The contribution and support from first year VAFAUA president Luke Holmes was enormous. His infectious approach and attitude are hallmarks of his character and his desire to provide the very best for his members. Luke is to be congratulated on a first class job. He and his executive continued the regular dialogue with the VAFA and the relationship between the Association and umpires has continued to flourish.

Whilst we can justiﬁably boast of a great season, we cannot rest on our laurels and recruitment in all disciplines must still be a priority.

Our recruitment committee must continue to ﬁnd new ways and means of attracting quality people to join our ﬂourishing group as we look at 2012 with great optimism.

Brian Goodman

GM Umpire Operations

Premier Grand Final umpires.

Premier

Rumour and prediction, carrying the weight they do in February and March, provided a probable guide to the Premier season ahead. Xavs – lost nobody, installed Andy Gowers as coach and were headed for a three-peat. Collegians were minus a few and were headed south. The Tigers? At once, too old and too young. Old Carey looked to be best debutant in years and had added Carl Peterson. De La Salle? Surely, this would be their year. But it was the sophomores Old Melburnians, nabbing Xav David Landrigan as coach and signing a swag of talented players, that raised the eyebrows of the cognoscenti.

As it transpired, those prognostications began to unravel on Opening Day when Melburnians were wiped at Toorak Park. Old Carey came back from a nine goal deﬁcit to beat Old Trinity, exuding a conﬁdence that recent success can bring. Collegians beat Scotch and St Bede’s Mentone Tigers put away Old Haileybury in results that provided little hint of what was to come, while De La Salle pounded University Blues in a mouth-watering display, with Brett Eddy taking twenty shots for goal.

Thereafter, the season had its signposts, but some of these, as is often the case, pointed the wrong way. Collegians pounded Old Xavs at Sportscover in R9, but lost the return bout at Toorak Park. For themselves, Xavs smashed the Tigers at HQ, but when it counted in the preliminary ﬁnal, were as ﬂat as pancakes, despite their power

performance in the ﬁrst semi-ﬁnal against Uni Blues, who had recovered from an 0-4 start to settle fourth.

Collegians, however, were better than them all, thoroughly deserving their first Premier flag since 1993. Despite suffering a swag of injuries, cocoaches Mark Hibbins and Simon Arnott managed the squad in masterful fashion, with Daniel Strachan and Andrew Scott having arguably their best seasons, the rookie Lachlan Ferguson displaying grit beyond his years, the strong defence of James Harvey and Stu Inglis and the goalkicking threats of Nick Sautner, Shura Taft, Nick Ries and Harry Croft, the Lions won often and won when they had to.

St Bede’s Mentone Tigers surprised again, as they had in 2008. This time, however, there was to be no happy ending. The Brindisians ﬁelded a blend of experience and youth. The Wintle Brothers, particularly Luke, were outstanding again and the decorated Jack Hellier and skipper James Tyquin were in everything. Youngsters Darcy Holden and the Garside brothers, Daniel and Tom had great seasons. Hiwad Shakaib was a star at club and representative level before succumbing to a knee injury late in the second semi ﬁnal.

Old Xaverians, shooting for their third premiership on end, were a mix of the brilliant and the mediocre. Twice they torched Uni Blues and once SBMT, but other than that, they never quite ﬁred on all cylinders.

Ryan Colbert and Nick Wynne were their best performed, with Andy Biddlecombe and Damian Lynch anchoring the defence. Matt Handley had some big outings up forward, but the Red and Blacks’ season ended somewhat poorly and plenty surprisingly.

University Blues had a horror start to the season, but recovered sufficiently with an eight game winning streak to climb into the four. It dipped out in the first semi-final and coach John Kanis put away the clipboard he had used since 2004. Jack Watts had a monster year, while Charles Shaw, Alastair Austin and Matt Torney were always prominent in dispatches.

De La Salle finished fifth and the top four breathed a massive sigh of relief. Missing its potent tall forwards cost DLS and team failed to develop the consistency required for a shot at the flag, despite several stunning performances. Aaron Shields, Jake Gotch and Sam Williams were always busy onballers, while Ben Humphrey and Tom Moloney shone in defence. Injuries to Sam Pickett, Matt Moore and Brett Eddy dented their offence.

Old Scotch beat more fancied opponents later in the season and thus its stay in Premier section is extended to a 32nd season on end.

Brendan Iezzi won the Woodrow Medal, Andrew Ramsden again proved a massive threat in front of the sticks, while Luke Pacconi, Rob Humann and Nick Howell were prominent in an improving team.

Old Melburnians disappointed, with its list not performing to expectations. The notable exceptions were Sam Dunell, who had a brilliant season before catching on with the Bendigo Bombers, Jonno Nash and Karl Lombardozzi. Nathan Henley began brilliantly, but missed most of the season with injury.

Old Carey showed great promise in its debut year, but failed to win some games it might have. Cameron Howat was a standout, while Al Parton and Julian Rowe gave drive from the middle and Andrew Willingham was a rock in the ruck. The season should give the Panthers encouragement that they can compete with the best of them.

Old Scotch promised much early to mid-season but by mid-July was a candidate for relegation. To its credit, it played its best football to beat more fancied opponents later in the season and thus extended its stay in Premier section to a 32nd season on end. Richard Eva and Sam Thompson had great years and Scott Sherwen played some tremendous games. Shane Neaves, Travis Ronaldson and Max van den Broek were a great ruck trio when ﬁt.

Old Trinity claimed a couple of big scalps at home, but dropped games it was expected to win.

Old Haileybury many times found itself in winning positions but could not capitalise often enough. Travis Ridgway was the outstanding forward and Tommy Chisholm, Brett Voss, Adam Weekes and Chris Morrison were mainstays in an otherwise young Bloods outﬁt that must now regroup in Premier B.

In all, it was a season of surprise, as is so often the case in Premier ranks. Heartiest congratulations to Collegians, who made the dais again after looking on in 2008 and again last season.

In the Reserves, De La Salle surprised the better fancied Old Xavs and Uni Blues to take the title, while Xavs won the Premier Thirds ﬂag for the second season running.

PREMIERSHIP LADDER

PWLDPFPA%PP

St Bede’s/Mentone Tigers18134116331378118.5154

Collegians18135017251251137.8952

Old Xaverians18135016781317127.4152

University Blues18107116011510106.0342

De La Salle

Old Carey

1898115051410106.7438

189901662168498.6936

Old Scotch1861111400157189.1226

Old Trinity 1851121336169878.6824

Old Melburnians1851301423170683.4120

Old Haileybury1841401328176675.2016

LEADING GOALKICKERS

GPGoals

Matthew HandleyOld Xaverians1964

Travis Ridgway*Old Haileybury1861

Shura TaftCollegians1859

Andrew RamsdenOld Trinity 1448

Nicholas SautnerCollegians1146

*Sharpshooter

WOODROW MEDAL

Votes

Brendan IezziOld Trinity 22

Andrew ScottCollegians19

Jack HellierSt Bede’s/Mentone Tigers17

Jack WattsUniversity Blues17

Allister PartonOld Carey 14

FINALS RESULTS

1ST SEMIFINAL

Old Xaverians 7.415.415.717.7 (109)

7 17.7

7 12.12

University Blues 1.33.36.712.12 (84)

Goss 3, ynch

Old Xaverians Goals: M. Handley 7, J. Mercuri 3, B. Goss 3, R. Colbert 2, C. Larkins, M. Darvell Best Players: D. Lynch, M. Handley, B. Goss, N. Wynne, B. Rogerson, C. Purss University Blues Goals: P. Smith 2, M. Monteith 2, T. Maddocks 2, M. Paterson, B. McConnell, P. Hayes, J. Mugavin, M. Torney, M. Steinbach Best: M. Monteith, P. Hayes, M. Torney, T. Maddocks, J. Watts, M. Paterson

2ND SEMI FINAL

St Bedes/Mentone Tigers 1.13.35.137.16 (58)

Maddocks 2, orney T. Maddocks, 3 7.16

7 16.8

Collegians 5.18.59.716.8 (104)

Wintle 2

B. Ph bbs,

St Bede’s/Mentone Tigers Goals: S. Richards 2, M. Wintle 2, R. Pendlebury, D. Holden, B. Phibbs Best: S. Anstey, B. Phibbs, J. Hellier, H. Shakaib, L. Collins, J. Tyquin Collegians Goals: S. Taft 4, N. Ries 3, J. Bull 2, H. Croft, T. Zimbachs, C. Simmons, T. Baxter, A. Scott, J. Kamener, D. Strachan Best: C. Holst, N. Ries, S. Inglis, H. Croft, B. Dixon, S. Taft

PRELIMINARY FINAL

St Bede’s/Mentone Tigers 3.16.311.516.8 (104)

Old Xaverians 3.23.58.810.10 (70)

St Bedes/Mentone Tigers Goals: S. Glennen 4, L. Terrell 2, D. Porter 2, B. Phibbs 2, L. Wintle 2, S. Richards, A. Scaﬁdi, D. Holden, G. Rowlands Best P. Wintle, L. Wintle, L. Collins, J. Hellier, S. Anstey, T. Garside

Old Xaverians Goals: M. Handley 2, J. Stean 2, R. Colbert 2, J. Mercuri 2, B. Goss 2 Best J. Stean, J. Agius, D. Lynch, L. Howard, A. Biddlecombe, R. Colbert

GRAND FINAL

Collegians 2.49.812.1318.20 (128)

St Bede’s/Mentone Tigers 5.25.611.714.8 (92)

Collegians Goals: S. Taft 5, L. Ferguson 4, N. Sautner 2, J. Bull 2, N. Bobeﬀ 2, D. Strachan, J. Jorgensen, N. Ries Best: J. Harvey, L. Ferguson, C. Simmons, S. Taft, S. Inglis, B. Dixon

St Bede’s/Mentone Tigers Goals: L. Terrell 3, B. Phibbs 2, S. Glennen 2, L. Wintle 2, A. Scaﬁdi, D. Porter, J. Tyquin, P. Tyquin, C. Richards Best: L. Wintle, L. Collins, J. Hellier, D. Garside, S. Anstey, L. Terrell

JF Nelson Medallist: Stuart Inglis (Collegians)

PREMIERSHIP TEAM

B: T. Zimbachs, S. Inglis, A. Croft

HB: J. Harvey, C. Holst, C. Simmons

Brendan Iezzi of Old Trinity added the 2011 Woodrow Medal to his list of achievements. He won the GT Moore Medal in 2009.

C: J. Austerberry, D. Strachan, C.Blumﬁeld

HF: N. Ries, H. Croft, J. Bull

SCRIBE’S TEAM OF THE YEAR

B: D. Garside (SBMT), A. Austin (Blues), R. Eva (Scotch)

HB: C. Howat (Carey), H. Shakaib (SBMT), N. Wynne (Xavs)

C: A. Scott (Colls), B. Iezzi (Trin), R. Colbert (Xavs)

HF: S. Taft (Colls), J. Watts (Blues), S. Dunell (OMs)

F: L. Ferguson, N. Sautner, S. Taft

R: B. Dixon, A. Scott, J. Kondarovswkis

Int: J. Jorgensen, W. Tardif, N. Bobeﬀ, J. Kamener

Coach: Mark Hibbins & Simon Arnott

F: B. Voss (Hail), M. Handley (Xavs), T. Ridgway (Hail)

R: L. Wintle (SBMT), D. Strachan (Colls), J. Hellier (SBMT)

Int: A. Parton (Carey), S. Williams (DLS), A. Shields (DLS), H. Croft (Colls)

Coaches Mark Hibbins and Simon Arnott and Collegians skipper Andrew Blumﬁeld hoist aloft the L A Adamson Cup.

Thirds

Thirds Reser ves

PREMIERSHIP LADDER

PWLDPFPA%PP

University Blues1817101797885203.0568

Old Xaverians1814311446822175.918

De La Salle1813501597910175.4952

Collegians18117013071022127.8944

St Bedes/Mentone Tigers18107115931171136.0442

Old Melburnians1899013661297105.3236

Old Scotch1899012601256100.3236

Old Carey183150938155260.4412

PWLDBFFPFPA%PP

Old Xaverians1814 1021 1701694245.1068

Collegians1812 3021 1829765239.0860

University Blues18 96021 14421085132.9048

De La Salle1810 6020 1285969132.6148

Old Melburnians18 96021 12881099117.2048

Werribee Districts18411021993158262.7728

Old Scotch18311022956159060.1328

St Bedes/Mentone Tigers182140201015137973.6016

Old Trinity183150953155248.6012

Old Haileybury180180749213035.160

Old Xaverians Goals: D. Rush 3, C. Santalucia, J. Douglas M. Walsh, P. Ryan, L. Tiernan, J. Ulbrick, J. Pintal, D. Higgins

De La Salle Goals: D. Close 3, J. Jarvis 3, S. Muller 2, L. Bull,

A. Kneebone, T. Kovess, L. Williams, S. Haslem, W. Fenton

S. Haslem, S. Muller, J. Hansen, D. Close, M. Nankervis, Best on ground: Sam Haslem (De La Salle)

PREMIERSHIP TEAM

M. Nankervis, A. Palmer, W. Fenton

T. Parker, D. Griﬀen, P. Carroll

L. Williams, J. Hansen, L. Bull

S. Haslam, S. Muller, A. Kneebone

J. Crowe, J. Jarvis, B. Nethersole

R. McArdle, T. Kovess, J. Harris

D. Close, R. Sherman, P. Harrison, E. Clinch

Dom McInerney

Old Trinity18212020615198730.9516

GRAND FINAL

Old Xaverians

University Blues

Old Xaverians Goals: J. Glen 5, Jed McDonnell 2, D. Molan 2, A. Torre 2, P. Doyle, J. Sleeman, M. Hennessy, J. Smith

Best: M. Trovato, W. Bull, D. Molan, A. Torre, J. Smith, J. Glen

University Blues Goals: S. Curran 3, M. Allen 2, J. Cliﬀ

Best: N. MacRae, F. Mooney, J. Cliﬀ M. Pickering

Best on ground: Anthony Torre (Old Xaverians)

Jed McDonnell 2 D. Molan M Hennessy, J. Smith an, A. Torre, J. J. Glen ran Cliﬀord Cliﬀord, W. Robinson, rre (Old Xaverians)

PREMIERSHIP TEAM

B: J. Sleeman, T. Grigg, P. Doyle

HB: M. Dimattina, M. Trovato, M. Dipietro

C: C. Dipierdomenico, A. Torre (c), E. Lachal

HF: J. Hanger, Jed. McDonnell, J. Glen

F: M. Altis, M. Hennessy, D. Molan

R: J. Storey, W. Bull, J. Smith

Int: D. Meehan, S. Adams,T. Trahair, J. McGrath

Coach: Pat Halpin

Premier

Finally, after two years of finals disappointment, the Fields broke through, winning promotion back to Premier section, and on their season’s ultimate day, holding aloft the JV Deane Cup. That this was Caulfield’s first season back in this company made their achievement even more meritorious.

Caulﬁeld Grammarians was one of March’s talking points, but few tipped them to cruise as easily as they had done in Premier C over two seasons. In the end, they secured top position in a very competitive section and won both ﬁnals. Justin Perkins and Ryan Lewis were heavy contributors in a very even bunch that included Tom O’Sullivan and Sam Wood and two stars that missed the premiership in Max Slonim and Dean Scheetz.

St Bernard’s were the form team in the latter part of the year and did not surprise by winning two ﬁnals to make it to the big dance.

St Bernard’s were the form team in the latter part of the year and did not surprise by winning two ﬁnals to make it to the big dance. For a period in the Grand Final, it looked as if the Snow Dogs might win that too, but Caulﬁeld was resolute in its comeback. The Bernies had plenty of good players all year, with Andrew Merrington, Simon Caven, Brendon George, Alex Singleton and Tom Caven perhaps the best of them.

St Kevin’s won a second semi ﬁnal spot, but dipped out in straight sets in a disappointing end to a solid season. Anthony Lynch and Keith Brick stood out, with a supporting cast that included Matt Murphy, Ben Dowd and Phil Edgar. Tom Simpson, who was enjoying a great year, missed two months with a nasty injury.

Old Brighton began slowly, but once at full steam, was diﬃcult to stop. After a 1 and 4 start, it lost only two more regular season contests, one of them to St Bernard’s, who topped them again in the knockout ﬁnal. The Tonners were well served by Nick Marston and Tom Skewes, as well as Jon Perrett and Tom Mentiplay, who booted 45 goals.

Oakleigh just missed the ﬁnals with a 10 and 8 season. Michael Harold, Lee Barrand, Ben Hogan and Steve Doherty were among the most consistent, but the Krushers lacked a big goalscorer to go to in the clutch.

Old Ivanhoe had that trump in Owen Weatherley, who led all home and away comers with 76 goals. Despite this, the Hoes had a 9 and 9 season to ﬁnish sixth. Stuey Lowe, Mike Mitris and Simon

y Fragiacomo were strong per formers in a season that disappointed the optimistic Old Ivanhoe faithfu .

University Blacks looked an early contender, but injuries took their toll and the wheels fell oﬀ in the mid-season. Scott Weekley Tom Napier, Andrew E se and Tom Howgate were the B acks’ best performed, but a failure to get its best twenty-two available on a regular basis cost it when the teams bunched to head for home

Beaumaris promised much but proved as unpredictable as the Section itself. Matt Petering kicked 49 goals, and Anthony Carroll, Matt Duggan, Cal Buckley and Mark Ensor were strong for the Seagulls. Despite this, they won just seven games despite a solid percentage

Marcellin turned at 3 and 6, not a disaster given the even nature of the Section. But its second half saw them fall away. The Eagles had ﬁne contributors in the Carlson Bros, Matt and Jarrod, Jon Bortolotto and Ash Viney, but never produced consistency that would guarantee survival.

Hampton Rovers lost players over the summer and went in undermanned. Two wins and a draw from the season was disappointing return for the eﬀorts of Leigh Fletcher, Mark Devereaux, Richard Atkins, Dan Corp and Garry Carr.

PREMIERSHIP LADDER

PWLDPFPA%PP

Caulﬁeld Grammarians18144019061375138.6256

St Kevins 1812 5117321366126.7950

Old Brighton 18126016531396118.4148

St Bernards18117018211723105.6944

Oakleigh1810801686178594.4540

Old Ivanhoe189901566161097.2736

University Blacks18810015601439108.4132

Beaumaris18711017031635104.1628

Marcellin1841401125164368.4716

Hampton Rovers1821611211208258.1710

LEADING GOALKICKERS

GPGoals

A. MerringtonSt Bernards1983

O. Weatherley*Old Ivanhoe1776

B. GeorgeSt Bernards2149

M. PeteringBeaumaris1849

T. PearsonSt Bernards1948

*Sharpshooter

G.T MOORE MEDAL

Votes

M. HaroldOakleigh AFC20

J. CarlsonMarcellin18

A. MerringtonSt Bernards16

B. SinclairCaulﬁeld Grammarians15

T. SimpsonSt Kevins15

T. O’SullivanCaulﬁeld Grammarians13

S. WardOld Ivanhoe12

PREMIERSHIP TEAM

B: B. Hyland, A. Docker, D. Pelchan

HB: L. Price, M. Liddell, S. Wood

C: L. O’Keefe, J. Perkins, J. Shanahan

HF: T. O’Sullivan, B. Sinclair, C. Johnston

F: B. Carboni, S. Meredith, C. Hammond

R: M. Nelson, S. Garrubba, S. Widjaja (C)

Int: R. Lewis, J. Stewart, G. Winter, Z. Parsons

Coach: Steve Lawrence

SCRIBE’S TEAM OF THE YEAR

B: N. Marston (Old Bri), T. Howgate (Blacks), A. Van Meel (St B)

HB: J. Perrett (Old Bri), D. Scheetz (Caul), K. Brick (SKOB)

C: J.Perkins (Caul), M. Harold (Oak), D. Corp (Hamp)

HF: M. Petering (Beau), B Sinclair (Caul), T. O’Sullivan (Caul)

F: M. Giansiracusa (SKOB), A Merrington (St B), O Weatherley (Old Ivan)

R: A. Lynch (SKOB), L. Fletcher (Hamp), S. Weekley (Blacks)

Int: B. Dowd (SKOB), J. Bortolotto (Marc), J. Carlson (Marc), D. Costello (Blacks)

FINALS RESULTS

1ST SEMIFINAL

Old Brighton 4.37.79.1011.13 (79)

St Bernards 2.44.611.1116.15 (111)

Old Brighton Goals: M. Dewar 4, M. Karayannis 2, T. Mentiplay, B. Austin, T. Skewes, T. Mariani, C. Reilly

Best: J. Dickerson, N. Marston, M. Dewar, C. Reilly, T. Mentiplay, T. Skewes

St Bernards Goals: T. Pearson 5, A. Merrington 4, D. Byrne 3, A. Singleton, J. Madden, M. Stapleton, B. Garth

Best: M. Angel, J. Madden, T. Pearson, R. Schroder, T. Gleeson, M. Stapleton. Monteith, P. Hayes, M. Torney, T. Maddocks, J. Watts, M. Paterson

2ND SEMI FINAL

Caulﬁeld Grammarians 3.46.86.913.13 (91)

St Kevins 3.25.39.810.9 (69)

Caulﬁeld Grammarians Goals: L. O’Keefe 4, B. Carboni 2, S. Meredith 2, S. Wood, M. Slonim Best: M. Slonim, J. Shanahan, Z. Parsons, H. Shakaib, L. Collins, J. Tyquin

St Kevins Goals: A. Lynch 3, T. McDermott 2, M. Murphy 2, E. Waldron, P. Edgar, P. Dowd Best: P. Edgar, J. Keogh, K. Wissell, E. Waldron, J. Marchesani, M. Murphy

PRELIMINARY FINAL

St Kevins 6.37.48.89.10 (64)

St Bernards 2.27.79.714.13 (97)

St Kevins Goals: M. Giansiracusa 2, A. Lynch, D. Campbell, M. Murphy, P. Edgar, S. Bishop, M. Staﬀord, K. Wissell Best: J. Keogh, K. Brick, P. Edgar, M. Sullivan, A. Lynch, M. Staﬀord

St Bernards Goals: A. Merrington 3, T. Pearson 2, B. George 2, D. Byrne 2, A. Singleton, J. Forder, M. Church, N. Cooke, J. Manunzio Best: J. Bevanda, M. Angel, A. Van Meel, T. Gleeson, R. Schroder, J. Madden

GRAND FINAL

Caulﬁeld Grammarians 2.28.711.917.12 (114)

St Bernards 3.37.411.812.9 (81)

Caulﬁeld Grammarians Goals: J. Perkins 5, G. Winter 3, C. Johnston 3, T. O’Sullivan 2, S. Garrubba 2, J. Shanahan, S. Meredith Best: M. Liddell, J. Shanahan, S. Garrubba, S. Wood, R. Lewis, J. Perkins

St Bernards Goals: B. George 3, T. Pearson 2, A. Merrington 2, J. Bevanda, D. Riley, N. Cooke, M. Church, B. Garth Best: J. Bevanda, J. Madden, D. Riley, T. Pearson, N. Cooke, B. George Ian Cordner Medallist: Mark Liddell (Caulﬁeld Grammarians)

Old Brighton18180017951023175.4672

St Bernards18126013671033132.3348

Caulﬁeld Grammarians18117015321206127.0344

GRAND FINAL

Old Brighton 1.25.37.512.9 (81)

Old Ivanhoe 2.55.68.1110.13 (73)

Old Brighton Goals: D. Jennings 4, T. Fogarty 2, S. Cramey, B. Mason, C. Kennett, A. Bristow, J. Leishman, C. Reilly

Best: S. Cramey, D. Jennings, M. Janssen, T. Fogarty, T. Mariani, N. Graham-Bowman Old Ivanhoe Goals: C. Nichol 2, B. Tieman 2, D. Steele, S. Curatolo, Z. Keane, B. Thompson, J. Britten, A. Diorietes Best: D. Steele, B. Tieman, S. Curatolo, C. Nichol, A. Diorietes, S. Smith

Thirds

B: S. McKell, J. Nockles, T. Cooney

HB: J. Edge, T. Fogarty, C. Kennett

C: B. Mason, S. Cramey (C), N. Graham-Bowman (VC)

HF: T. Clarke, C. Reilly, D. Jennings (VC)

F: M. Leishman, T. Marshall, A. Bristow

R: M. Janssen, T. Mariani, J. Sargent

Int: J. Davis, S. Timms, B. Blatt, A. Jackson Coach: Ross Stewart PREMIERSHIP

L. Bisset, M. Pietzak, Z. Haupt, D. Prowse, C. O’Flaherty Best on Ground: Marek Pietzak (Old Xaverians)

B: W. Molony, J. Franklyn, P. Henderson

HB: J. Hodgman, E. Maas, J. Meehan

C: L. Bissett, D. Prowse(C), L. Rogan

HF: Z. Haupt, J. Davies, A. Campbell

F: C. O’Flaherty, B. Cororan, M. Pietzak

R: L. Baird, C. Denton, A. Haeusler

Int: T. McCluskey, R. Follachio, M. Adams, H. Mighell

Coach: Shane Healy

Best on Ground: Scott Cramey (Old Brighton)

Premier

A turnup? Well not exactly, though surprise certainly ﬁts the bill. AJAX turned around a semi-ﬁnal loss to beat Werribee Districts in the Grand Final. The two best teams in Premier C split the results at 2 and 2, won promotion and discovered a new rivalry that could last for years.

AJAX, under veteran coach Bernie Sheehy, had its best season in years and the promise shown by Werribee Districts in their ﬁrst season in Premier C augurs well for their future… if the Tiger stars are not raided. The teams moved into the one and two slots after R4 and stayed there, playing a cat and mouse game with each other while the other clubs refocussed their sights on third and fourth spots.

when the silverware was at stake. However, it can still look back on its season with great pride. Nathan Black was outstanding with 83 goals, Cameron Lee proved a big winner – the Zachariah medallist and Ireland tourist – while Troy Anderson, Adam Morrow and Daniel Riosa were stars too.

Old Camberwell didn’t win a game until R6, squeaked into the four and then progressed to the preliminary ﬁnal, where it was unceremoniously dumped by AJAX. The Wellers had ﬁne performers in Ben Hart, Rohan Kapoor and Simon Bennett.

Bombers, but could not land them where they wanted.

Fitzroy had highs and lows. Led by Jimmy McGee, Rory Angiolella and Pat O’Connor, the Lions got as high as third position, but within weeks had dropped to eighth. After R16, it was back in the four, but dropped the last two to ﬁnish seventh.

Monash Blues promised much, and their eighth place ﬁnish was a disappointment. They drew twice during the year, which proved invaluable in the ﬁnal reckoning. Joel Bartram, Aaron Williams and Michael Davidson were best in sky blue.

The Jackers put it together at the right time to win the big one, their consistent season that gave them the conﬁdence to bounce back from a second semi defeat.

Warren Steinberg, Rubin Winograd and Marcus Jankie were impressive and their goals came from David Fayman (94) Jake Lew (83).

Werribee Districts ﬁnished minor premier, won the second semi ﬁnal, but then failed to produce its best

Mazenod finished the year strongly to wind up in third spot after 1 and 3 start that saw it on the bottom of the table. The Nodders improved greatly as the season progressed, but went down in the first semi-final. Francis Reid, Rees Thomas and Stu Inglis showed the way for the Central Reserve outfit.

Given its 2010 results, Rupertswood might have expected more than a season yield of eight wins. In the end, it just missed the ﬁnals and will regroup for another assault at promotion. Josh Hine, the promising youngster Brendon Grech and Shane Bishop were some of the stars for the blue and gold.

Old Essendon had plenty of talent but after R10, it was in the relegation zone. It recovered to ﬁnish mid-table, but while a spot in the four somehow seemed theirs for the taking, it didn’t eventuate. Dans Ryan and Flaherty and Brad Jones led the

Ormond had a poor year, but its R18 victory against Werribee Districts lifted spirits – until the Monders discovered that Monash had beaten Mazenod, thus sending them down. Matt Martinov, Luke Russell and Rob Chisholm all had good seasons, but the famous chocolate and blue will be seen in Division 1 next season.

Melbourne High performed below expectations. Though it did win four games, three of these came in the ﬁrst month. From then on, the slope was slippery and steep, despite the eﬀorts of Heath Taylor and Matt White. So it’s back to square one, and Div 1, for the Unicorns.

AJAX, under veteran coach

Bernie Sheehy, had its best season in years and the promise shown by Werribee Districts in their ﬁrst season in Premier C augurs well for their future

The Jackers p time to consistent con Warre Wino were goa Fay We min seco failed

PREMIERSHIP LADDER

PWLDPFPA%PP

Werribee 18153023241156201.0460

AJAX 18153019181380138.9960

Mazenod 18108016261620100.3740

Old Camberwell 189811332139495.5538

Rupertswood 1881001479165489.4232

Old Essendon1881001364169880.3332

Fitzroy 1871011501156495.9730

Monash Blues1861021242150082.8028

Ormond1861201470161191.2524

MHSOB1841401241192064.6416

LEADING GOALKICKERS

GPGoals

David Fayman*AJAX2094

Jake LewAJAX2083

Nathan BlackWerribee1983

Will PickeringFitzroy1658

Jacob BeardMazenod1946

*Sharpshooter

L.S ZACHARIAH MEDAL

Votes

Cameron LeeWerribee Districts25

Stuart InglisMazenod18

Matthew TaylorWerribee Districts16

Rohan KapoorOld Camberwell16

Timothy BiggsOld Essendon13

PREMIERSHIP TEAM

B: D. Weistlitzer, G. Measey, J. Sacks

HB: R. Winograd, J. Israelsohn, C. Jankie

C: E. Routman, W. Steinberg (DVC), N. Marks

HF B. Kalmus, J. Seidl (VC), D. Freed

F J. Lew, D. Fayman, A. Lewski

R: J. White (DVC), G. Blieden (C), M. Jankie (DVC)

Int: A. Spencer-Laitt, A Caplan, J. Ritterman, A. Ludski

Coach: Bernie Sheehy

SCRIBE’S TEAM OF THE YEAR

B: H. Taylor (MHSOB), S. Oldman (Maz), M. Dean (WD)

HB: C. Lee (WD), T. Henderson (OEG), W. Steinberg (AJ)

C: J. Ludski (AJ), B. Hart (OC), B. Grech (R)

HF: N. Black (WD), R. Thomas (Maz), J. Lew (AJ)

F: T. Bourbon (Maz), D. Fayman (AJ), A. Panayi (WB)

R: A. Williams (MB), A. Morrow (WD), M. Hough (OC)

Int: M. Martinov (Orm), M. Gaunt (Rup), J. Clark (Fitz), R. Kapoor (OC)

Coach: Kirk Norton (WD)

FINALS RESULTS

1ST SEMIFINAL

Mazenod 2.35.67.99.10 (64)

Old Camberwell 4.35.58.613.8 (86)

Mazenod Goals: J. Beard 2, C. Smith 2, S. Inglis 2, R. Thomas, T. Bourbon, C. Jayaweera Best: T. Vallance, M. Chamberlain, S. Inglis, F. Reed, R. Thomas, B. Chamberlain

Old Camberwell Goals: D. De Sanctis 3, C. Hillier 3, J. Eade 2, G. Tolson 2, W. Carlyle, S. Killworth, N. Latsas Best: B. Fields, D. McGuigan, S. Bennett, J. Herrnan, B. Hart, S. Killworth

2ND SEMI FINAL

Werribee 5.110.114.618.7 (115)

AJAX 1.01.23.610.8 (68)

Werribee Goals: N. Black 8, A. Panayi 3, D. Riosa 2, A. Cunningham 2, A. Taylor, R. Harrington, C. Scudamore Best: T. Anderson, W. Pelar, N. Black, B. Morrow, A. Morrow, S. Callea

AJAX Goals: J. Lew 5, D. Fayman 2, E. Routman, J. Sacks, B. Kalmus Best: G. Measey, W. Steinberg, E. Routman, J. Ludski, J. White, R. Winograd

PRELIMINARY FINAL

AJAX 8.315.1220.1328.16 (184)

Old Camberwell 2.13.27.510.5 (65)

AJAX Goals: J. Lew 9, W. Steinberg 3, D. Fayman 3, A. Lewski 2, E. Routman 2, J. White 2, N. Marks 2, J. Israelsohn 2, R. Winograd, D. Freed, A Caplan Best: W. Steinberg, J. Lew, M. Jankie, R. Winograd, E. Routman, G. Measey

Old Camberwell Goals: J. Eade 2, W. Carlyle 2, J. Eade 2, D. De Sanctis, K. Darby, S. Killworth, C. Hillier Best: G. Tolson, R. Deev, J. Le Cerf, R. Kapoor, S. Killworth, W. Carlyle

GRAND FINAL

Werribee 2.15.36.57.9 (51)

AJAX 7.511.717.919.11 (125)

Werribee Goals: C. Scudamore 3, N. Black 3, A. Taylor Best: L. Johnston, C. Scudamore, J. Huxtable, D. Carlton, D. Riosa, M. Palmington

AJAX Goals: J. Lew 6, D. Fayman 5, W. Steinberg 2, J. Seidl, G. Blieden, E. Routman, N. Marks, A. Lewski, A. Caplan Best: G. Blieden, R. Winograd, J. White, M. Jankie, J. Lew, E. Routman

M. Ritterman Medallist: Evgeni Routman (AJAX)

PWLDPFPA%PP

AJAX1815211642784209.4462

One

Division 1 provided a year chock full of highlights. It was an absorbing season in which the makeup of the final four was not determined until the final sirens of the final round; a season in which the relegation permutations were not finalised until those same final sirens rang; a season of two distinct phases, initially dominated by Banyule (180 in during the home-and-away period), and then nals series

Old Paradians suﬀered the heartbreak of being relegated after being over-run in the last quarter of their ﬁnal match. The Raiders were competitive in many of their games: six of their losses were by 21 points or less, with three of those losses by less than a goal. And to be 20 percentage points superior to the team above them must have been particularly

R13 secured two valuable points, and wins over Old Paradians (by 3 points) and OGs turned the year on its head. The consistent Brad Norton won the Panther B & F ahead of Gareth Snow and David Cochrane.

Parkdale played with vigour during the ﬁnals, saving it’s best for when it mattered most…

distinct dominated (18

Parkdale Vultures (a peerless, emphatic ﬁnals performance)

galling (but crucially they were stalled on half a game behind). Stalwarts David Boundy and Jim Kandi akis were rewarded with state honours, whi e the consistent Sean Miller was a worthy best and fairest

Of course, the very nature of football contests dictate that for every winner there must be a loser. Debit and credit: Yin and yang. For BulleenTemplestowe, it was a season to forget. The loss of a number of players over pre-season and a forced relocation from Adjani Reserve to Bulleen Park added up to a disappointing year in which their only a solitary win (over Old Mentonians in R14) was recorded. Paul Florance, who made the state team, was again a stand-out for the Bullants and shared the best and fairest award with Greg Williams.

Of course, the ver y nature of football contests dictate that for ever y winner there must be a oser. Debit and credit: Yin and Templestowe, it was a season to The loss of a number of over pre-season and a forced relocation from Reserve to Bulleen Park added up to a in which their a solitar y win (over Old Mentonians in R14) was recorded. Pau who made the state team, was a stand-out for the Bullants and shared the best and fairest award with Williams.

To the casual observer, seventh placed Old Geelong was possibly the biggest disappointment of the season. After R7, the Oggers had notched up ﬁve wins, including impressive victories over eventual nallists Whitefriars and NOBs. Who could have foreseen that from then on, OGs would win only two more games for the year (and both over relegationbound teams)? Colby O’Brien was clearly the team’s best player, and was rewarded with OG’s best and fairest trophy. One suspects that the short-term icted by the renovations at Como this year will be forgotten in the years to come.

A 1-4 start to the season mea for the remaind

A determined final thirty minutes of the season, which saw them storm home to a 14-point win over Old Geelong, guaranteed Old Mentonians’ p ace in this section for next season. It was a mighty effort, if one considers the nadir the club had reached in R11 following a 174-point belting down at Peninsula. The upheaval of a change of coach resulted in a renewed focus on youth; R12 saw a respectable loss to Banyule, and the Panthers were off and running again. A hard-fought draw with Williamstown in disapp season. After R7, the had wins, impressive victor finallists foreseen that from then on, OGs w (and both bound teams)? O’Brien was and was rewarded w tha pain inflicted the renovations a years to co

and Matthew Keown – knew how to win the games that mattered. NOBs thrashed the Friars in the ﬁrst semi, and were competitive against the Bears in the preliminary, but simply ran out of legs in the end.

A run of ﬁve wins on the trot (fr 15, inc uding a 2-point win over P Piraatees on the cusp of a ﬁnals ber woould fail p y could start the season o

A tardy 1-4 start to the season meant that Peninsula played “catch-up” for the remainder of the season. ve wins on the trot (from R11 through 15, including a 2-point win over Parkdale) saw the nals berth, but ultimately they would fail by one game and percentage. Oh, if only they could start the season over!

Banyule was the dominant team throughout the home-and-away rounds, taking on and defeating all comers across 18 unbeaten rounds. Parkdale Vultures were impressive on their day, but dropped six matches during the season proper. Who would have thought that, during the finals series, the Bears would have no answers to the experienced Vultures? Banyule will be mightily disappointed by its finals losses (though consoled somewhat by promotion to Premier C), but the Bears are a strong club with loads of depth, witnessed by their premiership in the reserve grade. Parkdale played with vigour during the finals, saving it’s best for when it mattered most and utterly dominating Banyule in the second-semi and grand finals.

A season which promised so much ended in disappointment for Williamstown CYMS, missing nals by percentage. The young Willy side was eventually found out against the bigger, more seasoned teams in the competition. The two draws (at home to NOBs in R10, and at Mentone in R13) would prove so costly in the wash-up. Will Cooper won the CYs’ best and fairest award, despite missing several games with injury. Small forward James Wong was the competition’s leading goal-

A s seeasson which so disaapp p o ointment for Williamstow out on o the ﬁnals percentage. side e waas found out ag more e seasoned teams in the com drawws home to NOBs in R10 in faire inju James was competitio kicker with 64 goals.

Whitefriars’ best was as good as any team in the competition (a 90 point shellacking of Willy in R3, a two-goal win over Parkdale in R8) but its worst was, well… It was this inconsistency that deservedly saw the Friars sneak into the ﬁnals at the expense of Williamstown and Peninsula, but not surprisingly saw them thrashed by 13 goals nal, ending a year of impressive highs and worrying lows (the 68-point loss in R15 a prime example). Rover Emille Abdallah was a joint winner of the competition medal, whilst ruckman Rowan Mattinson was a valuable contributor all

competition (a 90 point shellac R3, a win over Parkda worst was, well… It was this in saw the Friars sneak the of Williamstown an not surprisingly saw them thras in the ﬁrst semi-ﬁnal, ending a y 68-p prime Rover Emille Abd meda Mattinson was a va uabl season long

For Banyule, Abe Williams, David Drapac and Michael Christian were selected in the Victorian team (and the latter pair made the tour to Ireland), whilst Darren Andrews, David Robbins, Zeke McCarthy and Mitch Grant were Parkdale’s best performers. Sharp-shooter Lachlan Oakley was a most valuable late-season addition to the Vultures line-up, kicking 14 goals in his two ﬁnals appearances. A new rivalry has been born between these two strong clubs.

Darren Dawson

It was following a 115-point pummelling to Banyule in R14 that North Old Boys – St. Patrick’s bounced back with four convincing wins to storm into third place. Like the Friars, NOBs were a little inconsistent at times, but their experienced line-up – led by competition joint medallists Martin Porter

It was Banyu e in R14 that North Old B bounced back with four convinci into third Like Friars, N inconsistent at times, but their exp – led medall

PREMIERSHIP LADDER

PWLDPFPA%PP

Banyule18180021691119193.8372

Parkdale Vultures18126019411367141.9948

North Old Boys/St Pats18116117741523116.4846

Whitefriars18117016391396117.4144

Williamstown18106217641615109.2344

Peninsula18108017921622110.4840

Old Geelong1871101365165582.4828

Old Mentonians1841311172196559.6418

Old Paradians1841401367172179.4316

Bulleen Templestowe1811701274227456.024

LEADING GOALKICKERS

GPGoals

Adam BarclayBanyule2171

James Wong*Williamstown CYMS1864

James CoghlanPeninsula1860

Todd PattersonNorth Old Boys/St Pats1959

Ash BrownBanyule2048

*2011 Division 1 Sharpshooter

LS PEPPER MEDAL

Votes

Emille AbdallahWhitefriars14

Martin PorterNorth Old Boys/St Pats14

Matthew KeownNorth Old Boys/St Pats14

Paul FlorenceBulleen Templestowe13

Lachlan EzardNorth Old Boys/ St Pats12

PREMIERSHIP TEAM

B: S. Kelleher, D. Andrews, T. Redmond

HB: M. Grant, M. Ryan, T. Boland

C: L. Platt, Z. McCarthy, P. Groves

HF: S. Radford, M. Meyer, P. Sullivan (C)

F: C. Ryan, L. Oakley, C. Tobin

R: R. Hayward, D. Robbins, M. Haynes

Int: T.Knight, S. Chapman, M. Graham, B. Hampton

Coach: Sam Radford

SCRIBE’S TEAM OF THE YEAR

B: D. Drapac (Ban), D. Andrews (PV), J. Gallivan (Will)

HB: M. Christian (Ban), S. Miller (Par), M. Grant (PV)

C: S. Barbour (Pen), C. O’Brien (Gee), A. Masters (Ban)

HF: J. Kandilakis (Par), M. Keown (NOBSP), D. Robbins (PV)

F: J. Wong (Will), J. Coghlan (Pen), A. Barclay (Ban)

R: R. Mattinson (WF), Z. McCarthy (PV), E. Abdallah (WF)

Int: K. Adams (NOBSP), P. Florance (BT), B. Norton (Men), A. Oakley (NOBSP)

FINALS RESULTS

North Old Boys/St Pats Goals: K. Adams 5, S. Sleep 4, M. Layley 2, M. Keown 2, S. Niewand 2, D. Tonkin 2, T. Newton, C. Hosking, J. Cassell, T. Patterson Best: K. Adams, M. Keown, M. Porter, A. Oakley, S. Sleep, T. Emmett Whitefriars Goals: A. Woods, M. Mirabella 2, E. Abdallah 2, J. O’Meara, M. Geilings Best: J. Scannell, J. Daou, E. Abdallah, G. Power, D. Hogan, M. Geilings

2ND SEMI FINAL

Banyule 3.34.78.1110.15 (75)

Parkdale 3.28.611.718.7 (115)

Banyule Goals: N. Braddy 4, A. Barclay 2, J. Truefeldt, D. Gayfer, B. Walsh Best: N. Braddy, S. Driscoll, B. Walsh, J. Truefeldt, M. Christian Parkdale Goals: L. Oakley 7, C. Ryan 4, P. Groves 2, C. Tobin 2, S. Chapman, D. Robbins, S. Radford Best: D. Robbins, L. Oakley, T. Redmond, C. Ryan, L. Platt, S. Kelleher

PRELIMINARY FINAL

Banyule 1.16.88.1013.16 (94)

North Old Boys/St Pats 3.47.49.109.10 (64)

Banyule Goals: A. Barclay 5, A. Brown 2, N. Braddy, T. Shepherd, H. Dillon, A. Masters, J. Truefeldt, C. Taylor Best: J. Truefeldt, K. Shephard-Mueller, S. Green, T. Cusack, L. French, A. Masters

North Old Boys/St Pats Goals: S. Sleep 2, M. Keown 2, D. Tonkin, C. Horsley, T. Newton, K. Adams, S. Hardwood Best: L. Ezard, A. Oakley, S. Harwood, M. Porter, C. Hosking, K. Adams

GRAND FINAL

Parkdale Vultures 5.28.415.516.8 (104)

Banyule 1.04.54.68.14 (62)

Parkdale Vultures Goals: L. Oakey 7, C. Ryan 5, P. Groves 3, M. Graham Best: R. Hayward, S. Kelleher, T. Redmond, L. Oakley, C. Ryan, M. Grant

Banyule Goals: A. Barcley 3, A. Brown 2, T. Cantwell, K. Shepard- Mueller, N. Braddy Best: T. Cusack, M. Christian, H. Dillon, T. Shepherd

J.W. MANTON Medallist: Ricky Hayward (Parkdale Vultures)

Two

In the end: surprise. Glen Eira had the great run through the season and other clubs appeared to be ﬁghting to grab its coat-tails on the climb to Division 1. But St John’s tipped out Therry Penola to grab the double chance, despite having twice lowered their colours to the Lions during the home and away season. The JOCs then beat Therry in the preliminary ﬁnal before gobbling up the favourites in the Grand Final in a strong display at Central Reserve.

St John’s had defeated Glen Eira in August and had pushed them in R1, but they were longshots nonetheless. Glen Eira’s wastefulness in the wind cost it and theirs was a sad ﬁnish to a great year. The Black and Greens, who had themselves dipped out on a ﬂag in the dying moments of 2010, thus won promotion for the second year running, this time with all the glory.

That it did so was in no small part, on the day and throughout the season, to Rohan Scott, Rhys Dyker, Darryn O’Connor and to another talented trio in Glenn Costas, Liam Mara and Corey Ely.

For the Saints, Glenn Boyd was a machine, booting 85 goals and proving a handful for every defender who went near him. Justins King and Mills were perhaps the Eirans’ most consistent, while Julius Waras Carstensen and Tom Paterson were regularly cited by friend and foe alike as performers, though the latter missed a third of the year with injury.

Therry was an unlucky third. It proved a worthy opponent all year, with the Fullerton Medallist Jarrod Egglestone an outstanding young captain and Justin Crotty and Mark Faroldi models of brilliant consistency. Jake George (69 goals) and Matt Costello (49 goals) cut swathes through others’ backlines, while Ben Harding was regularly mentioned in dispatches.

The Turtles sneaked into the four on the backs of ﬁne seasons from Sam Richardson and Andrew Hargrave, Rees Bux, Sam Whiteside and Ryan Foo, while Sab Ciavola booted 76 goals and provided a target always.

La Trobe Uni won eleven games but missed the four. It began the season chasing a third consecutive ﬂag and for much of the way looked like a chance, but fell away from a R12 second place to miss September. Jarryd Allan, David Harry and Lochie Dornauf numbered among the Trobers’ season best.

The Animals were a couple of games back. Dropping to ﬁfth after R5 and then staying there until dropping permanently to sixth after R11, Emmaus St Leo’s didn’t hit the heights they had hoped for. Paul and Nathan Baranello were the mainstays, with Anthony McCann and Phil Carey solid performers.

South Melbourne Districts spent all but a few Saturdays in seventh spot, its highlight being the R15 tipping of Glen Eira. Other than that, the Bloods usually beat the teams below them to stay out of trouble, and pushed but did not beat too many above them. Seb Mahoney was the standout and he had good support from Stuart Taylor and Darcy Butler.

St Mary’s Salesian were in pitched battle with Aquinas all season long to avoid that ninth position. The Aquinians and the tenth placed Old Westbourne were raided in the oﬀ-season, seriously aﬀecting their years. SMS had few similar concerns, but failed nonetheless to electrify on enough occasions, despite good years from David West, Karl Schoenmaekers and Rowan Williams.

Glen Eira had a great run through the season and the other clubs appeared to be ﬁghting to grab its coat-tails on the climb to Division 1.

Aquinas had great performers in Nicholas MorrisonStorey, Lachlan Barnes, Aaron Kinghorn, John and Michael Jess, but found itself caught short too many times. The Aquinians have had better years and will do so again.

Old Westbourne struggled, saluting just once in a season to forget. Francisco Pavez and Gary Walker shone, while Damien Lockwood provided strong support. It is a tough football market for VAFA clubs in the west and it is to be hoped that the Old Wests can rebound in 2012.

o Gar y Walker hi e Damien Lockwood strong It is a football market for VAFA clubs st und 2012

PREMIERSHIP LADDER

PWLDPFPA%PP

Glen Eira18162020471208169.4564

St Johns18144019931285155.156

Therry Penola18135017611263139.4352

Eltham Collegians18116116831511111.3846

La Trobe University18117016721344124.444

Emmaus St Leos18810016341595102.4532

South Melbourne Districts1861201544166392.8424

St Mary’s Salesian1851301315203864.5220

Aquinas1841311202193562.1218

Old Westbourne1811701246225555.254

LEADING GOALKICKERS GPGoals

Glenn Boyd*Glen Eira1985

Sebastian CiavolaEltham Collegians1676

Jake GeorgeTherry Penola1769

Stuart PattenLa Trobe University1866

Matthew CostelloTherry Penola1549 *2011 Division 2 Sharpshooter

FINALS RESULTS

1ST

Therry Penola Goals: M. Costello 3, J. George 2, J. Hanlon, W. George, M. Reynolds, M. Lyons, B. Egglestone, L. Ryan, J. Egglestone Best: B. Egglestone, A. Maynard, M. Costello, M. Costello, J. Crotty, M. Lyons

(85)

(44)

Jarrod EggelstoneTherry Penola29

Paul BaranelloEmmaus St Leos23

Justin MillsGlen Eira20

David WestSt Mary’s Salesian18

Mark FaroldiTherry Penola17

PREMIERSHIP TEAM

B: A. Bourchier, M. Phaedonos, R. Davis

HB: R. Dyker, D. O’Connor, C. Christiansen

C: K. Ash, J. Gaget, C. Ely

HF: M. Clark, D. Carmichael, D. Camm

F: Glenn Costas, N. Pouki, R. Scott

R: M. Hinchey, N. Chalk, L. Mara

Int: K. Arnold, D. Dick, A. Pickering, G. Roberts

Coach: Matt Jones

SCRIBE’S TEAM OF THE YEAR

B: B. Egglestone (TP), M. Phaedonos (SJ), D. Anderson (TP)

HB: R. Dyker (SJ), J. Egglestone (TP), D. O’Connor (SJ)

C: N. Morrison-Storey (Aqu), J. Mills (GE), P. Baranello (ESL)

HF: A. Ray (SMD), S. Ciavola (ET), S. Patten (Lat)

F: M. Costello (TP), G. Boyd (GE), J. George (TP)

R: B. Harding (TP), D. West (SMS), M. Faroldi (TP)

Int: T. Whiting (OW), S. Mahoney (SMD), J. Crotty (TP), J. Galvin (ET)

Eltham Collegians Goals: S. Ciavola 4, S. Richardson, J. Hyndman Best: S. Richardson, C. Brown, S. Ciavola, R. Foo, B. Galvin, A. Hargrave

2ND SEMI FINAL

Glen Eira 3.38.713.718.8 (116)

St Johns OC 1.35.59.912.11 (83)

Glen Eira Goals: G. Boyd 8, M. Dimashki 5, S. Diamond 2, N. Broadhead, P. Saccuzzo, J. Mills Best: G. Boyd, J. King, A. Tsirogiannis, J. Eke, E. Stuchbery, B. O’Donnell

St Johns OC Goals: N. Pouki 4, D. Carmichael 3, D. Camm 3, R. Scott, C. Ely Best: L. Mara, J. Gaget, D. O’Connor, N. Pouki, D. Carmichael, D. Dick

PRELIMINARY FINAL

St Johns OC 2.15.38.511.9 (175) Therry Penola 2.33.56.119.13 (67)

St Johns OC Goals: R. Scott 2, D. Carmichael 2, G. Costas 2, N. Chalk 2, D. Dick, C. Ely, N. Pouki Best: D. O’Connor, R. Dyker, C. Ely, D. Carmichael, M. Clark, L. Mara Therry Penola Goals: J. George 4, M. Lyons 2, D. Ryan, M. Costello, N. Milevski Best: J. Egglestone, M. Costello, A. Doyle, J. George, J. Crotty, A. Maynard

GRAND FINAL

Glen Eira

1.22.92.106.10 (46)

St Johns OC 3.34.48.811.8 (74)

Glen Eira Goals: G. Boyd 2, P. Saccuzzo, M. Fletcher, J. King, S. Diamond Best: J. Mills, A. Spink, J. Waras Carstensen, S. Diamond, C. Higgins, J. King

St Johns OC Goals: R. Scott 5, G. Costas 2, J. Gaget, K. Arnold, D. Carmichael, N. Pouki Best: M. Phaedonos, D. O’Connor, J. Gaget, R. Dyker, R. Scott, N. Chalk

A.R. Fellows Medallist: Keith Ash (St Johns)

Division Two Reserves

PREMIERSHIP TEAM

B: J. Bibby, L. Hollow, C. O’Brien

HB: A. Maynard, S. Bye, M. Costello

C: J. Belsey (VC), A.McMahon (C), C.Matton

HF: J. Holt, M. McWhinney, H. George

F: D. McKibben, T. Goodwin, D. Ratcliﬀe

R: B. Budiono, J. Hanlon, S. Koening

Int: Z. Carey, J. McQueen, G. Henderson, G. Lynn

Coach: Anthony McAuliﬀe

Three

Prahran in recent years had been sinking like stone, but arrested its fall with a season to remember. In April, all eyes were on its unlikely merger with Assumption OC, and the partnership paid instant and maximum dividends. Prahran/Assumption won the premiership after an unbeaten season, provided the Hutchinson Medallist James Musster and had the dual threat of Adam Sleight and Pete Cristoforo, who managed seventy-plus goals apiece. They also had consistent performers in Aran O’Hare and Josh Chapman. It was a sensational turnaround for the Four Blues and they can look forward to greater things if they can open the pipeline to Kilmore.

Monash Gryphons will join the premiers in Division 2 after another great season. After being relegated from Div 3 in 2009, the Gryphs bounced back with their first-ever premiership. In 2011, they continued to bounce, making the five. If it had ended for them on Elimination Final Day, there would have been some who were satisfied. The vagaries of 12 teams and 18 rounds counted against them – they fell from third after one pass-through – to settle in fourth and ultimately fifth. Their finals series was brilliant, though they proved no real match for the Combine in the end. Lee Wells, Matt Fletcher, Dan

Baxter, Tim Madden and Clint Mackie showed the way for the Gryphs, who saved their best for last –well, nearly.

Yarra Valley might have expected to be joining Prahran Assumption in the section above for 2012, but fell in the preliminary final to the Gryph Express. Losing just three games in the home and away season had some pundits marking them a chance to win the flag, but a poor second semi final saw the Bushrangers short of the mark. Despite the sad ending, the Rangers can be well satisfied with their season. Cam Britt kicked a half-ton and Ben Trend, Simon Yeo, Greg Coutts and Damien Pagan gave the Valley great drive all season.

Ivanhoe, which somewhat ironically had been Assumption’s last dance partner in the VAFA a few years previously, would loved to have been there on the final day to take a crack at the newlyweds. Not so. They finished third after the home and away, fired by Paul Harris, James Collins, and Damon Wood. Tim Williamson, Brent Richardson, Ben Plowman and Ryan Close were also solid performers in a team that showed great promise.

UHS-VU ﬁnished in a hurry to make the ﬁnals, but its run was stopped by the Gryphs in the Elimination

Final. Given that it did not have the use of Brens Oval all season, it was a creditable eﬀort and one that give the club great impetus for 2012. Some of its better performers this year included Patrick St. John, Lucas Gorringe, David Higgs, Rick Watts and Russell Matthews.

Elsternwick was bottom of the ladder at 1 and 5 and things weren’t looking so hot for the St Kilda Street outfit. They went 7 and 5 for the rest of the way and finished in sixth. Lachlan Bedingfield was the standout, with Grant Cameron, Declan Healy and David Grace providing strong support.

Albert Park won only two games on the outward nine, but won ﬁve on the way back to ﬁnish mid-table. Corey Barker, James Brick and Adrian Snowden were the pick of the crop for the Bankers and Dylan Muscat kicked plenty of goals.

Kew’s slow start turned into a mini resurgence, but then a fall-away in the middle of the season and its failure to string together wins meant that it did not contend. Michael Ross was the Bears’ most consistent and Andrew Brazzale (56 goals) and Paul Donaldson both showed plenty.

There was a four way relegation battle in Division 3 and one of the teams surviving the heat was Hawthorn, despite having the lowest percentage of the twelve teams. That means they won the games they needed to win, including their R18 win that saw them jump two spots. Nick Hayes, Luke Piccolo and Richard Ogge were the Hawks’ main men.

Power House disappointed with a 3 and 6 ﬁrst half, but its second half was marginally worse, frustrating the fans of this famous club. Still, it survived in the section… just. Nick Brown, David Burnside and Ben Leske ﬁgured strongly and Paul Edwards booted 77 goals to provide the percentage that the House needed to survive.

It was a sensational turnaround for the Four Blues and they can look forward to greater things if they can open the pipeline to Kilmore.

West Brunswick began with two wins but won just three of its next ﬁfteen to ﬁnish eleventh. The Magpies were well served by Anthony Gibson, Mark McGugan and Jesse Anton. Andrew Gall, Matt Barron and Louis Martin did well too, but otherwise consistency proved an elusive quality at Ransford Oval.

Mount Lilydale had come up from Division 4 and its relegation provided the mirror to the Gryphons’ promotion, a cruel expose of football’s ﬂuctuating fortunes. The Dales never really got amongst it with players injured and unavailable all too often, struggled throughout. Relegation came despite the grand eﬀorts of Jim Baughan, Justin Roberts and Jamie Paull.

In the Reserves, UHS-VU, which had ﬁnished third after the home and away season, upset top placed Prahran Assumption to take the premiership.

of Jim Justin Rober ts and es h e ay n

PREMIERSHIP LADDER

PWLDPFPA%PP

Prahran Assump18180022121062208.2972

Yarra Valley18153020961088192.6560

Ivanhoe18126015561528101.8348

UHS-VU18108016461506109.340

Monash Gryphons18108014581385105.2740

Elsternwick1881001592170393.4832

Albert Park1871101537168491.2728

Kew1871101370167082.0428

Hawthorn1861201394201369.2524

Powerhouse1851301358155587.3320

West Brunswick1851301277178371.6220

Mt Lilydale1851301175169469.3620

LEADING GOALKICKERS

FINALS RESULTS

ELIMINATION FINAL

UHS-VU 7.415.415.717.7 (109)

Monash Gryphons 1.33.36.712.12 (84)

UHS-VU Goals: R. Kirk 4, S. Payne, S. Webster, R. Matthews, A. Johnson, S. Turner Best: S. Turner, P. St. John, H. Lovell, N. Devereux, S. Payne, R. Matthews

Monash Gryphons Goals: T. Madden 3, A. Flowerday 2, G. Munro 2, M. Welsh 2, S. Sheehan 2, T. Mackie, K. Hawker, L. Wells, J. Nuguid, M. Loricco, M. Malloy, D. Wills Best: L. Wells, M. Loricco, D. Baxter, C. Mackie, A. Flowerday, M. Fletcher

QUALIFYING FINAL

Yarra Valley OB 2.44.96.1212.14 (80)

Ivanhoe 2.14.27.39.6 (60)

GPGoals

Paul EdwardsPower House1877

Adam SleightPrahran Assumption2076

Paul CristoforoPrahran Assumption1770

Dylan MuscatAlbert Park1861

Andrew BrazzaleKew1856

PETER HUTCHINSON MEDAL

Votes

James MussterPrahran Assumption26

David BurnsidePower House15

Adam SleightPrahran Assumption14

Christopher BealYarra Valley14

Craig MahonyElsternwick 13

PREMIERSHIP TEAM

B: B. Furness, J. Matherson, S. Adamson

HB: B. Dempsey, S. McIntyre, E. MacDonald

C: J. Musster, P. Donahoo, M. Pell

HF: M. Bremner, A. Sleight, I. Edmunds

F: A. Parsons, P. Cristoforo, T. Maya

R: A. O’Hare, R. Costin, J. Chapman

Int: J. Ancrum, D. James, L. Northway, A. Wiggins

Coach: Leigh Staﬀord

SCRIBE’S TEAM OF THE YEAR

B: R. Ogge (Haw), L. Wells (Mon G), G. Coutts (YV)

HB: B. Dempsey (PA), S. McIntyre (PA), K. Cherian (Mon G)

C: M. Pell (PA), M. Fletcher (Mon G), L. Gorringe (UHS-VU)

HF: N. Dallas (Alb Park), A. Sleight (PA), S. Yeo (YV)

F: P. Cristoforo (PA), P. Edwards (PH), R. Pollard (YV)

R: D. Burnside (PH), C. Mahony (Elst), J. Musster (PA)

Int: A. Brazzale (Kew), B. Plowman (Ivan), T. Wall (Mt Lily), A. Close (Ivan)

Yarra Valley OB Goals: S. Yeo 3, R. Pollard 2, C. Britt 2, B. Trend 2, N. Pollard 2 Best: G. Coutts, B. Trend, R. Little, N. Pask, J. Trend, S. Collie

Ivanhoe Goals: A. Close 4, B. Jackson, N. Godfrey, T. Tonge, J. Collins, B. Plowman Best: B. Plowman, A. Horton, J. Collins, R. Close, B. Fleming, D. Wood

1ST SEMIFINAL

Ivanhoe 2.23.67.88.10 (58)

Monash Gryphons 2.37.811.1511.16 (82)

Ivanhoe Goals: M. Skelly 2, P. Walter, N. Godfrey, D. Wood, B. Plowman, J. Collins, A. Close Best: B. Plowman, J. Collins, G. Francis, M. Skelly, R. Cotter, P. Harris

Monash Gryphons Goals: M. Fletcher 3, G. Munro 2, A. Flowerday 2, T. Madden 2, D. Wills 2 Best: D. Baxter, M. Fletcher, C. Mackie, B. Rose, S. Sheehan, L. Wells

2ND SEMI FINAL

Prahran Assumption 5.312.1014.1121.14 (140)

Yarra Valley OB 5.47.411.1011.11 (77)

Prahran Assumption Goals: T. Maya 5, P. Cristoforo 5, C. Northway 3, P. Donahoo 2, J. Musster 2, A. Sleight, L. Giansiracusa, J. Ancrum, A. O’Hare Best: A. O’Hare, J. Matherson, R. Costin, J. Chapman, J. Ancrum, P. Donaho

Yarra Valley Goals: J. Canham 2, S. Yeo 2, N. Pollard 2, C. Britt, N. Pask, R. Little, S. Savage, M. Letson Best: N. Pollard, S. Savage, S. Yeo, B. Trend, N. Pask, R. Little

PRELIMINARY FINAL

Yarra Valley OB 1.34.77.119.15 (69) Monash Gryphons 4.45.59.1312.14 (86)

Yarra Valley OB Goals: C. Britt 2, A. Gamble, D. Pagan, S. Savage, C. Beal, R. Pollard, S. Yeo, B. Trend Best: B. Trend, S. Yeo, C. Britt, D. Pagan, N. Pask, C. Beal

Monash Gryphons Goals:, T. Madden 6, D. McConville 2, M. Fletcher, C. Mackie, D. Wills, T. Mackie Best: T. Madden, D. Baxter, M. Savas, L. Wells, K. Hawker, B. Rose

GRAND FINAL

Prahran Assumption 4.310.716.725.9 (159)

Monash Gryphons 4.46.78.1212.14 (86)

Prahran Assumption Goals: A. Parsons 6, T. Maya 3, I. Edmunds

3, J. Chapman 3, A. Sleight 2, J. Musster 2, D. James 2, L. Northway, J. Ancrum, M. Pell, B. Furness Best: A. Parsons, J. Chapman, D. James, A. Sleight, M. Pell, J. Musster Monash Gryphons Goals: S. Sheehan 3, D. Baxter 2, G. Munro, M. Loricco, M. Tapscott, T. Madden, D. McConville, A. Flowerday, D. Wills Best: S. Sheehan, G. Munro, M. Welsh, K. Cherian, M. Fletcher, B. Rose

V.B Zanin Medallist: Ash Parsons (Prahran Assumption)

Reser ves

Division Three Reserves

B: N. Linehan, M. Temming, A. Pincott

HB: M. Roberts, S. Windridge, S. Thomas

Northway, M. Boylan, J. Taylor, D. Bourke, A. Stewart

UHS-VU Goals: M. Sweeney 6, S. Payne 3, T. O’Halloran 2, T. Buttigieg, S. Whyte Best: M. Sweeney, N. Linehan, T. Buttigieg, S. Payne, S. Turner, P. McCosh

Best On Ground: Mitchell Sweeney (UHS-VU)

PREMIERSHIP TEAM

C: A. Certo, T. O’Halloran, H. Lovell

HF: S. Payne, L. Temming, J. MacDonald

F: R. Dickson, M. Sweeney, S. Whyte

R: P. McCosh, T. Buttigieg, S. Turner

Int: T. Woodlock, J. Moden, C. Certo, C. Mawdsley Coach: David Wallace

Four

St Francis Xavier rebounded from relegation to win the Division 4 premiership, its first in senior VAFA competition. Its turnaround from 2010 was meritorious and there was little doubt from April onwards that the boys from Beaconsfield would figure strongly at season’s end. With a new coach and several players returning, SFX didn’t drop a game until R12 against Swinburne and its only other blemish was the late season road loss to South Mornington, which was desperately chasing a spot in the four.

As its ﬁnals campaign began, the news of Dimitri Dimakopoulos’ runaway win in the OJ Meehan Medal added some extra spark to the favourites. Not that it needed any encouragement – Dwayne Scott (55 goals), Leigh Andrews, Jess Mathers, Luke Day and Sam Burns were consistent throughout, plus SFX had the trump card in goalkicker Ben Spencer. In a section where big scorers emerge almost every season, Spencer proved the pick of them, reaching the ton in R18.

Richmond Central was never too far off the pace despite a slow first month, duelling with Swinburne University and Eley Park all the way for the double chance. It lost that battle, but won the war when it tipped out the Razorbacks in the preliminary final. However, it could not stop the Beaconsfield Express in the big one and had to be content with its first promotion. Recruit Seb Angus, who crossed from Old Scotch after wearing the Big V in 2010, along with Ben Ryan and Dan Pike, were regularly in the Snakes’ best. Chris Traeger booted 75 goals for the campaign.

Left out of the second semi on percentage, Swinburne took care of Eley Park in the first semi final, but the next week, its run stopped. It was a strong year for the Razorbacks, but there will be some disappointment that there was no grand final to finish it off Chris Kilmartin kicked 63 goals and the ‘Pigs got plenty from Adam Hyman, Ben O’Sullivan, Danny Manning and Scott Ashton.

Eley Park tasted finals, albeit all too briefly for its liking. Ira Israel booted 65 goals and Jon Edlich 42, and the Sharks had consistent performers in Matt Corstorphin, Sam Thomas and Tim Miller. At times during the year, it looked good enough for a higher calling, but could never quite haul itself into the top two, and the finals went according to the seeds.

South Mornington won more games than it lost, but might feel let down following a stronger showing in 2010. It spread its goals – Will Spencer, Matt Blackmore and Kyle Gascoigne all topped forty – and its better performers included Aaron Davidson, Luke Fitzsimmons and Sam Wright. It lost twice at home, but could only win a third of its games on the road.

Scott McPherson booted 62 for the Manningham Cobras and Dan O’Regan, Warrick de Vercelli and David Trinchi were consistent players for Manningham, but the Cobras lacked the potency of 2010. They ﬁnished sixth and will be looking for greater return in 2012.

Point Cook, in just its second season, finished alongside the Cobras, again fired by the goalscoring ability of Aaron Marsh, who slotted 74 majors. Mark Pozzuto chimed in with 49, while Travis Cassidy and Phil Auciello were leading lights for most of the year. The Bulldogs showed improvement and will be looking to leap into the finals next season.

Congratulations to those promoted and best wishes to those who will come back to Division 4 next season, recharged and with resolve that 2012 will be their year.

North Brunswick won just a third of its games, sometimes surprisingly getting up and at other times just as surprisingly dropping the points. Pat Notaro was a fine target and finished with 82 goals, while Davor Lucevic, James Quarmby, Adam Jeffrey and Ken Zuidema provided the backbone.

Cam Liston, Leon Desmond and the goalkicker Dan Penny (73) plugged away for Box Hill North, but its season waned after some early promise. After ﬁve rounds, the Demons had won three games, so a season dividend of just ﬁve wins was an unsatisfactory result for a club that was expecting more.

For the third season running, Chadstone again failed to win a game, despite the eﬀorts of coach Dave Cafarella, Dan Field, Morgan Cole and redoubtable Francisco George. However, late season improvement augurs well for the Synners as they appear to have increased their depth, surely a sign that a breakthrough is not too far away.

With no relegation in Division 4, later season contests can drift into meaningless aﬀairs. Happily, this was not the case in 2011, as all clubs fought out every contest with pride. Congratulations to those promoted and best wishes to those who will come back to Division 4 next season, recharged and with

PREMIERSHIP LADDER

PWLDPFPA%PP

St Francis Xavier 18162024991333187.4764

Swinburne University18135021611468147.2152

Richmond Central 18135020541424144.2452

Eley Park Sharks18135023601711137.9352

South Mornington18108020081742115.2740

Manningham Cobras

1871101691169999.5328

Point Cook 1871101900210690.2228

North Brunswick 1861201760183196.1224

Box Hill North 1851301634233170.1020

Chadstone 180180717313922.840

LEADING GOALKICKERS

GPGoals

Ben SpencerSt Francis Xavier 20114

Patrick NotaroNorth Brunswick 1782

Christian TraegerRichmond Central 2175

Aaron MarshPoint Cook 1474

Daniel PennyBox Hill North 1873

OJ MEEHAN MEDAL Votes

Dimitri DimakopoulosSt Francis Xavier30

Francisco GeorgeChadstone 18

Leigh AndrewsSt Francis Xavier 15

Philip AucielloPoint Cook 13

Adam FiskeRichmond Central 12

Scott McPhersonManningham Cobras 12

Ben SpencerSt Francis Xavier 12

FINALS RESULTS

1ST SEMIFINAL

Richmond Central 1.46.108.1311.21 (87)

Eley Park Sharks 1.44.84.157.17 (59)

Richmond Central Goals: M. Browne 3, S. O’Connor 2, E. Keogh 2, C. Traeger 2, J. Egan, S. Angus Best: M. Browne, E. Keogh, S. Jones, S. Brown, B. Ryan, S. Angus

Eley Park Sharks Goals: D. Handford 2, K. Lindsay, D. Bennett, I. Israel, C. Cresswell, M. Viola Best: S. Bugeja, T. Miller, S. Thomas, D. Bennett, D. Handford, D. Viola

2ND SEMI FINAL

St Francis Xavier 6.511.912.1518.15 (123)

Swinburne University 3.24.26.78.11 (59)

St Francis Xavier Goals: D. Pabst 5, B. Spencer 3, D. Scott 3, E. McNally 2, D. Dimakopoulos, A. Russo, L. Day, T. Pearson, L. Andrews Best: J. Lenders, J. Abel, D. Dimakopoulos, J. Mathers, P. Bonadio, L. Andrews

PREMIERSHIP TEAM

B: G. Pearson, P. Scanlon, S. Van Dam

HB: C. Vam Dam, P. Bonedio, J. Lenders

C: S. Burns, D. Dimikapoulos, J. Abel

HF: D. Scott, D. Pabst, A. Pryor

F: E. McNally, B. Spencer, T. Pearson

R: J. Mathers, L. Andrews, L. Day

Int: J. Leworthy, R. Jardim, A. Russo, C. Power

Coach: Christopher Van Dam

SCRIBE’S TEAM OF THE YEAR

B: D. Pike (RC), P. Wild (Swin), M. Corstorphin (EP)

HB: D. O’Regan (Mann C), W. Clark (S.Morn), S. Thomas (EP)

C: A. Fiske (RC), D. Dimakopoulous (SFX), F. George (Chad)

HF: P. Notaro (N Bruns), C. Kilmartin (Swin), D. Penny (BHN)

F: B. Spencer (SFX), A. Marsh (P Cook), C. Traeger (RC)

R: S. Angus (RC), P. Hyman (Swin), A. Jeﬀrey (N.Bruns)

Int: D. Bennett (EP), S. Burns (SFX), D. Manning (Swin), D. Scott (SFX)

Swinburne University Goals: D. Manning 3, D. Green 2, J. Manning, B. O’’Sullivan, S. Ashton Best: D. Manning, B. Fleisner, S. Ashton, D. Elliman, J. Manning

PRELIMINARY FINAL

Swinburne University 2.23.36.511.8 (74)

Richmond Central 2.57.1511.1819.26 (140)

Swinburne University Goals: D. Manning 4, J. Manning 2, C. Kilmartin 2, B. Fleisner, A. Pettifer, A. Hyman Best: D. Manning, A. Pettifer, M. Manning, B. Fleisner, P. Wild, J. Lees

Richmond Central Goals: J. Egan 5, B. Ryan 3, S. O’Connor 3, S. Brown 2, A. Fiske, C. Traeger, L. Walsh, D. Nicholson, E. Keogh, S. Angus Best: A. Fiske, J. Egan, D. Andrew, D. Nicholson, G. Andrew, S. Angus

GRAND FINAL

St Francis Xavier 4.310.615.1019.15 (129)

Richmond Central 0.25.610.712.9 (81)

St Francis Xavier Goals: B. Spencer 4, D. Scott 3, D. Dimakopoulos 3, T. Pearson 2, J. Mathers 2, E. McNally, J. Leworthy, D. Pabst, L. Andrews, C. Van Dam Best: J. Mathers, D. Dimakopoulos, D. Scott, J. Lenders, E. McNally, C. Van Dam

Richmond Central Goals: R. Dean 3, E. Keogh 2, C. Traeger 2, J. Egan 2, S. Angus 2, G. Andrew Best: B. Ryan, S. Angus, D. Andrew, M. Browne, C. Traeger, B. Dagge

A.K White Medallist: Dmitri Dimakopolous (St Francis Xavier)

Reser ves

Division Four Reserves

South Mornington1815302215651340.2560

Best On Ground: Kade Woodruﬀ (South Mornington)

PREMIERSHIP TEAM

B: Z. Pearton, P. Randle, P. Mauracher

HB: M. McGreal, S. Nichols, G. Ryan

C: R. Tyrell, R. Wilson, N. WIlliams

HF: K. Hunt, S. Kemp, J. Dowsett

F: K. Debernardi, D. Crockett, B. Dowling

R: C. Benton, K. Woodruﬀ A. Hicks

Int: R. Matthews, L. Wade, M. Harding, N. Berry (C) Coach: Mark Green

Under 19

Old Xaverians broke De La Salle’s recent grip on the Premier ﬂag when it beat them in the grand ﬁnal.

It was a hotly contested competition throughout, with St Bede’s Mentone Tigers and Beaumaris making up the ﬁnal four after shaking the challenge from Old Scotch as the season wound down. Fitzroy and Old Melburnians, as well the two Melbourne Uni clubs, Blues and Blacks, met with less success.

Xaverians relied heavily on a potent forward line and dominated the section’s scoring. While Old Melburnian Sebastian Kemmerer topped all comers with 62, Xavs had Dans Barry and Iaucone kick more than ﬁfty, while Michael Hannan kicked forty. De La Salle’s Hugh Nicholson, the Newbury medallist, kicked over forty for De La Salle, which boasted the most miserly defence.

With several clubs drawing on their U19s to fill holes in senior ranks, the issue often came down to depth. It is no coincidence that both grand finalists had huge numbers available and each fielded a second U19 team.

Beaumaris defeated the Tigers in the first semi, with Will Mattingley and George Rowland swapping fives, while De La Salle pipped Xavs in the second semi. Mattingley was again to the fore for the Sharks in the preliminary, but Xavs had its cannons loaded –Hannan five and Barry and Iaucone four apiece – and won comfortably in a high scoring affair. The grand final was a defensive fight. Barry kicked four

to prove the difference as the Red and Blacks won its first premier flag in ten years.

Successfully grading U19 teams from season to season is problematic. Pre-season expectations of clubs are often exceeded but just as often dashed, as players arrive late in the piece, or worse still, not at all, despite big recruiting eﬀorts.

Thus, in the mid-season, the decision was taken to regrade the top two geographically based competitions, giving each club a fresh chance at playing ﬁnals.

Section 2 saw St Bernard’s take the flag from Werribee Districts, defeating it twice in a fortnight. St Kevin’s finished third, defeating Caulfield Grammarians in the first semi. Players prominent in the section included James Weir and Kieran Farrell of St Bernard’s, Chris Molivas and Luke KleinBreteler of Werribee Districts, Luke Pinot of Old Haileybury, Cal Nicholls of Old Brighton, Hugo Gates and Tyson Bradshaw of Caulfield Grammarians, but it was Julian Staffieri of St Kevin’s who received the umpires’ votes.

The Section 3 grand ﬁnal was a Bulleen Derby, won by Marcellin over Old Trinity. Collegians and Old Essendon also contested the ﬁnals. Jarryd Ludski of AJAX topped the umpires’ votes while other strong performers in the section included James Shingler and Chris Persano (Old Essendon), Chris Riggs and Emerson Satur (Old Trinity), Chris Jesaveluk (Collegians) and Todd Beames (Northern Bullants) while the premiers got full value from Ben Waldren and Rob Costanzo,

U19 North was won by Bulleen Templestowe, which defeated Therry Penola in the big one. Therry pipped Banyule in the ﬁrst semi, while the eventual premier took the sword to La Trobe. The Trobers were no match for Therry in the prelim, but the Bullants triumphed with some comfort. Among the more consistent players were Jesse Wilson, Joe Paolucci and Peter Sartori of BT, Tim Gumley and Mitch Trimble of Therry Penola, and the Whitefriars pair Dave Blewonski and Mike Nitas.

U19 South honours went to Old Xaverians, which defeated the previously unbeaten Mazenod twice in the finals. The second semi was no close thing, but the grand final was a nail-biting affair with the result in doubt until the very end. St Mary’s Salesian and Monash Blues also reached the finals, with the former finishing in third position. Some of the section’s stars were Tom Whittle of SMS, Jack Gava and David Convery of DLS, Dave Eimutis and Mark Santomartino of MHSOB and Ben Shaw of Beaumaris.

PREMIERSHIP LADDER

It is no coincidence that both U19 Premier grand ﬁnalists had huge numbers available and each ﬁelded a second U19 team.

De La Salle18152011564879177.9364

Old Xaverians181430120501036197.8860

St Bedes/Mentone Tigers181241117521229142.5554

Beaumaris181250116271219133.4752

Old Scotch18 9801 15871511105.0340

LEADING GOALKICKER

GPGoals

Sebastian KemmererOld Melburnians1562

C.R. NEWBURY MEDAL

Votes

Hugh NicholsonDe La Salle18

GRAND FINAL

De La Salle

SCRIBE’S TEAM OF THE YEAR

B: S. Brooks (DLS), A. O’Shea (DLS), M. Jenkinson (OX)

2.43.56.118.12 (60)

1.21.71.75.10 (40) Old Xaverians

De La Salle Goal: R. Harris 2, J. Kay 2, G. McDonough Best: J. Kay, D. Freeman, R. Harris, B. Close, C. Athanassiou, A. O’Shea Old Xaverians Goal: D. Barry 4, J. O’Sullivan 2, M. Jenkinson, D. Iacuone Best: W. Ryan, D. Barry, N. Pepperell, M. Galbraith, M. Hannan, A. Pasceri

T.A. JOHNSON Medallist: Daniel Barry (Old Xaverians)

PREMIERSHIP TEAM

B: S. Franklyn, M. Galbraith, W. Ryan

HB: M. Jenkinson, J. Smarrelli, A. Sorrenti

C: C. Woodley, A. Pasceri, M. Douglas

HF: J. O’Sullivan, M. Hannan, C. Lewis

F: D. Iacuone, J. Bergin, D. Barry

R: P. Storey, L. Denton, D. Harangozo

Int: K. Kaldawi, N. Pepperell, C. Beetham, M. Torr, J. Morrison, S. Berengo

COACH: Tom Maule

HB: N. Jumeau (Fitz), N. Dickinson (Beau), W. Cunningham (Blues)

C: H. McKenna (Blacks), D. Harangozo (OX), L. Barda (DLS)

HF: L. Barnhoorn (SB/MT), M. Hannan (OX), O. Webber (Beau)

F: H. Nicholson (DLS), S. Kremmerer (OM), D. Iaucone (OX)

R: J. Turner (Fitz), J. Bull (Beau), B. Close (DLS)

Int: N. Jamieson (Sco), S. Driscoll (Blues), D. Knight (Sco), C. Woodley (OX), C. Turner (Blacks), S. Faulkner (SB/MT)

Coach: Michael Brown (DLS)

Under 19 Section 2

Under 19

PREMIERSHIP LADDER

PWLPFPA%PP

Werribee181612169820264.5168

St Bernards181521969798246.7464

St Kevins181331693799211.8960

Caulﬁeld Gramm1811516211115145.3852

Old Haileybury1810616021050152.5748

Old Carey189816121292124.7740

Ormond187915481502103.0636

Old Mentonians1871014941458102.4732

Old Brighton18215571234624.3412

LEADING GOALKICKERS

Chirtopher Molivas*Werribee Districts2069

Robert Shergold*Old Carey 1667

*Sharpshooter

G.W. McTAGGART MEDAL

Julian StaﬃeriSt Kevins24

GRAND FINAL

Under 19 Section 3

PREMIERSHIP LADDER

PWLPFPA%PP

Old Trinity189711393114.0044

Marcellin181070150198.1344

Collegians188711206132.3442

Old Essendon18980140182.7340

Old Camberwell185101157382.5830

Northern Bullants185120160063.0028

AJAX184130180353.2420

Hampton Rovers182141199444.7316

Old Ivanhoe182150208042.318

LEADING GOALKICKERS

Int: T. Lynch, J. Rose, A. Graham, W. Sullivan, J. Bye, M. Feehan

Under 19 South

Under 19

PREMIERSHIP LADDER

PWLPFPA%PP

Mazenod181501755281.3272

Old Xaverians181140892167.4954

St Mary’s Salesian1810501212125.9950

Monash Blues18970139992.3544

Peninsula187901268100.1636

De La Salle185100164158.0730

Beaumaris184110137574.6926

MHSOB183131175867.9220

Old Geelong9160103043.5912

LEADING GOALKICKERS

GPGoals

Sam StackerOld Trinity1662

I.A. BROWN MEDAL

Jarryd LudskiAJAX17

GRAND FINAL

GPGoals

Louis GrecoMazenod1567

VAFA BEST AND FAIREST MEDAL

Votes

Jake EvansSt Mary’s Salesian18

GRAND FINAL

(106)

5.25.36.88.10 (58)

Marcellin Goals: R. Costanzo 3, A. Beaini 3, B Waldren 2, A. Ioannidis, J. Capuano, J. Hollaway, J. Battistella, A. Gilmour, T. Natoli, W. Hiser Best: T. Bastiaan, R. Costanzo, M. Molloy, A. Ioannidis, J. Battistella, J. Stone

Old Trinity Goals: E. Weatherson 2, F. Heron-Paterson 2, C. Braine, E. Satur, J. Steinhart, S. Stacker Best: E. Weatherson, C. Rae, J. Steinhart, C. Riggs, R. Smith, E. Satur

T.M. Lyon Award: Robert Costanzo (Marcellin)

PREMIERSHIP TEAM

B: J. Capuano, W. Delahunty, T. Bastiaan

HB: H. Manassa, J. McIntyre, S. Ionnides

C: J. Battistella, R. Costanzo (C), J. Bettello

HF: K. Mattiuzzo, A. Beani, T. Natoli

F: J. Holloway, B. Waldren, J. Stone

R: W. Hiser, D. Isaac, M. Molloy

Int: D. Schaﬀert, C. McWhinney, J. Milanese, A. Mackenzie, A. Gilmour

Coach: Ryan Hillas

Banyule1810621231261168.3648

Therry Penola1810619881411140.8948

Ivanhoe189719421350143.8544

Whitefriars OC1851216851572107.1924

Emmaus St Leos18116964259637.138

Old Xaverians 3.45.59.1011.11 (77) Mazenod 3.03.55.511.6 (72)

Old Xaverians

B: P. Cleeve, D. Dempsey, J. Emonson

HB: D. Cotchett, N. Costa, M. Skene

C: H. O’Sullivan, J. Preece, E. Pititto

HF: T. Reed, C. Hess(C), T. Ferne

FF: M. Vlahos, S. McClure, J. Campbell

R: T. Dillon, J. Curtis, Z. Pirrie

Int: A. Elliott, J. Healy, J. Delmo, N. Nunan, J. Jorgenson, D. Holland

Coach: Dan Curtain

PREMIERSHIP TEAM

B: D. Raneri, L. Shiels, R. Laudani

HB: J. Paolucci, A. Shankara, P. Sartori

C: J. Wilson, M. Costa, M. Cowell

HF: A. Lauria, J. Khouri, J. Meng

F: J. Hodson, L. Wallis, O. Groth

R: N. Paulmbo, J. Cowell, D. Dakin

Int: E. Meka, J. Wilson, E. Yemen, W. Dimopoulos, A. Tribuzio, J. Reynolds, T. Considine, M. Carey

Coach: James Florance

(27)

St Bernards Goal: J. Bennie 2, D. Wall, S. Jones, D. Riley

Best: J. Weir, H. Carland, L. Scerri, L. Sullivan, S. Jones, K. Farrell Werribee Districts: Details not supplied.

J.A. Miles Medal: James Weir (St Bernards)

PREMIERSHIP TEAM

B: J. Wheeler, L. Sullivan, M. Sargent

HB: I. Madden, B. Cooper (C), H. Overman

C: D. Riley, M. Borzillo, J. Bennie

HF: P. Le Noury, D. Wall, L. Scerri

F: J. Gay, S. Jones, J. Saundry

R: J. Weir, K. Farrell, H. Carland

Goals: J. Curtis 4, M. Vlahos 3, T. Reed 2, S. McClure, T. Ferne Best: J. Curtis, T. Reed, T. Ferne, M. Skene, T. Dillon, J. Preece

Mazenod Goals: L. Greco 4, S. Jones 2, S. Millner 2, M. Stevenson, J. Malietzis, S. Cavalera Best: J. Murphy, L. Kearns, L. Greco, S. Jones, L. Greco, J. Malietzis

D. Dakin, E. Yamen, J. Meng, J. Reynods, M. Costa, L. Wallis, W. Dimopoulos, M. Cowell Best: J. Wilson, M. Costa, J. Cowell, L. Shiel, P. Sartori, J. Meng

Therry Penola Goals: B. Capraro 3, D. Blake 2, S. Tatlock, N. Cauchi, H. Rowe, M. Lyons, M. Jones, S. Rees Best: K. Biddlestone, D. Blake,

Lentini, T. Gumley, D. McCracken, B. Capraro

P.J. Harris Award: Jesse Wilson (Bulleen Templestowe)

PREMIERSHIP TEAM

Under 18

PREMIERSHIP LADDER

PWLDBFFPFPA%PP

Rupertswood181410211557607256.5168

Williamstown CYMS181240201672786212.7256

Oakleigh AFC181140211360988137.6556

Werribee AFC18 86121 14581028141.8346

St Bernards184101211141125091.2830

UHS-VU18411021939140266.9828

Therry Penola18213021810188043.0920

Old Camberwell 704030329817 40.2712

LEADING GOALKICKER

GPGoals

Trent DimitriouWilliamstown CYMS1860

The third season of the U18 football ended with Rupertswood winning back to back ﬂags when it defeated Williamstown CYMS by 26 points.

Oakleigh and Werribee Districts also played ﬁnals and showed great spirit right until the end.

Despite not making the four, St Bernard’s, UHSVU and Therry Penola blooded many young players who will likely be mainstays of their senior line-ups in years to come.

VAFA BEST AND FAIREST MEDAL Votes

Adam ImberWerribee Districts15

Adam Imber from Werribee Districts won the section Best and Fairest ahead of a great crew of future stars including Aaron Cloke (Oakleigh), Trent Dimitriou and Jayden Costello (Williamstown

CYMS), Mitchell Wi son, Nicholas Agnello and Damon Cerini (Rupertswood) and Ben Anderson (UHS-VU/Flemington).

One of the features of the competition was the high standard of discipline that prevailed throughout and all c ubs are to be congratulated on teaching their young players to perform in the true VAFA sp r t

GRAND FINAL

Williamstown CYMS 0.2 2.7 5.9 11.10 (76)

Rupertswood 5.4 6.5 11.11 15.12 (102)

Williamstown CYMS Goals: N. Bratby 3, S. Georgiovski 2, M Farrugia 2, N. Blackney 2, T. Dimitriou 2 Best: C. Matheson

L Gibbs, M. Lane, S. O’Shea-Korbut, N. Bratby M. Farrugia

Rupertswood Goals: S. Gregor y 5, M. Wilson 4, R. Pretty 3, B. Linsdell, J. Ferraro C. Schoﬁeld-Lane Best: N. Agnello, D. Cerini, M Tabone, B. Smith, T. Stefaniw

Best on Ground: Thomas Ste aniw (Rupertswood)

PREMIERSHIP TEAM

B: N. Perilli, A. McMahon, M. Tabone

HB: B. Webber, T. Stefaniw, B. Smith

C: C. Schoﬁeld, N. Agnello, A. Phillips

HF: J. Ferraro, M. Wilson, P. O’Brien

F: D. LaSala, R. Pretty, S. Gregory

R: B.Aulich, D. Cerini, J.Gay

Int: A. Carlus, K. Bujna, G. Bourne, B. Lindsell, J. Kremers, M. Liddicoat

Coach: Rod Williams

Club X VIII

Section 1 in 2011 comprised eight teams and saw the return of Old Ivanhoe Grammarians. As the season progressed, Old Melburnians and Old Xaverians had played their way clear of all other rivals. De La Salle gradually consolidated their hold on third place whilst University Blacks and Prahran/ Assumption frequently swapped fourth and fifth place. The quest for the finals intensified as the last minor rounds were played. Four clubs were separated only be percentage when R14 was played. Quirks of the fixture saw R15 providing a third meeting for some teams helped sort it all out. University Blacks won and Prahran/Assumption lost and the last minute success story proved to be Monash Blues, who after an indifferent start to the season, were able to clinch fourth place. Old Ivanhoe proved competitive when they had a full complement of players. On the other hand, St Bernard’s, despite their best endeavours, were not able to win a match.

An inspired third quarter effort by De La Salle saw them take the initiative and wrest a narrow lead from Old Xaverians at the last change.

The first semi final saw North Old Boy’s/ St Patrick’s eliminate Williamstown CYMS The next day, Old Carey continued on its winning way against Banyule in the second semi. The Preliminary Final was won by the in-form North Old Boy’s/ St Patrick’s, who thus eliminated Banyule from premiership contention. The Combine was unable to carry its fine form into the Grand Final, which was won by Old Carey Grammarians by sixty four points to make them Premiers and Champions in 2011.

Seven sides competed in the South, which was an overall increase of one side from 2010. Caulﬁeld Grammarians moved to Premier B Thirds while Richmond Central and Hawthorn entered the section.

As the season progressed, it became apparent that ﬁve sides were vying for the four ﬁnals’ positions.

All finals were played on Sportscover Arena, where Old Melburnians, who were unbeaten over the home and away season, suffered consecutive finals’ defeats at the hands of Old Xaverians and De La Salle, who thus qualified for the grand final. Xavs led throughout the first half and seemed set to add another premiership to their impressive tally. An inspired third quarter effort by De La Salle saw them take the initiative and wrest a narrow lead from Old Xaverians at the last change. The last quarter proved exciting for the large and vocal crowd as the lead continually fluctuated. When the final siren sounded, it was De La Salle who were victorious, by a bare five points. Victory gave them their first Club XVIII premiership in twenty seasons.

Ten sides contested the North section. Gone from Season 2010 were Old Essendon Grammarians, Old Westbourne and Whitefriars, while newcomers comprised Richmond Central, Banyule and for the ﬁrst time ever, Ivanhoe.

From the early rounds, Old Carey and Banyule showed they were the teams to beat as they firmly held the top two ladder rungs. Fitzroy showed early promise but slipped down as the season progressed, while Williamstown CYMS were always within the “finals zone”. As the minor round reached its conclusion, North Old Boys/ St Patrick’s emerged from mid season shortages and heavy defeats to clinch fourth place. Ivanhoe also made a late run for the top four but found its leeway too much. Therry Penola, as always, gave several creditable displays and Richmond Central proved worthy opposition to many of their rivals. Old Paradians on many occasions could not convert their ball winning talent into scoreboard pressure and UHSVU, despite continued efforts, was unable to score a victory.

Debutant Hawthorn soon emerged as a strong contender whilst Mazenod built its strength as the season progressed.

Ormond, too showed improvement late in the season.

AJAX displayed fine form to always be in the mix, while long standing participants Old Geelong revealed really good football some weeks, but could not sustain the standard needed to participate in their first final series. Hampton Rovers and Richmond Central showed determination and certainly tried hard, but on field success proved difficult to attain.

Ormond eliminated AJAX in the ﬁrst semi and Mazenod proved too strong for Hawthorn in the second. Hawthorn atoned in the Preliminary Final with victory over Ormond, only to fall twenty one points short of Mazenod in the decider.

PREMIERSHIP LADDER

PWLDBFFPFPA%PP

Old Melburnians151500001548619250.0860

Old Xaverians151230001531631242.6348

De La Salle15 96000 1140907125.6936

Monash Blues15 68001866 113776.1728

University Blacks15 59001 1020956106.6924

Prahran Assumption15 69000876 107981.1924

Old Ivanhoe15510000816143157.0220

St Bernards15015000638167538.090

LEADING GOALKICKER

GPGoals

Tom KovarikDe La Salle1839

VAFA BEST AND FAIREST MEDAL

Old Xaverians 2.13.38.410.6 (66) De La Salle 1.51.78.910.11 (71)

Votes

James GreenUniversity Blacks17

Old Xaverians Goals: D. Swanton 3, D. Tehan 2, N. Silk, N. Corcoran, M. O’Kane, A. Barrett, T. Silk Best: D. Tehan, M. Roache, W. Martin, A. Barrett, T. Byrne, M. Scanlan

De La Salle Goals: W. Dwyer 3, S. Wall 2, B. Hughes, R. Hancock, S. Moloney, A. Kovarik, J. Comerford Best: B. Hughes, S. Wall, W. Dwyer, A. McLeish, E. Peryman, S. Moloney

Best on Ground: Dan Tehan (Old Xaverians)

Club XVIII (North)

PREMIERSHIP LADDER

PWLDBFFPFPA%PP

Old Carey151500001699571297.5560

Banyule151140001320815161.9644

Williamstown CYMS151050001179740159.3240

North Old Boys/St Pats15 86100 1030940109.5734

Fitzroy15 77100 1162838138.6630

Ivanhoe15 78000 1005108192.9728

Therry Penola15 69000932 117079.6624

Richmond Central15 59100 1043120786.4122

Old Paradians15410100675146446.1118

UHS-VU15015000486173927.950

LEADING

Goals:

Dellaportas 2, S. Tsapepas 2, N. Criticos, C. Armatas, A. Mitropoulos Best: S. Tsapepas, A. Demetriou, M. Lardo, N. Criticos, A. Boocock, C. Terzoglou

Best on Ground: Nicholas Meehan (Mazenod)

Rep Foot y

Representative football again played an important role in the 2011 season. The Australian Amateur Football Council staged a national U23 Carnival in Adelaide in June to mark the centenary of the SAAFL. The VAFA was undefeated and held the title. On 9 July, there was a triple-header against the Victorian Country Football League at Shepparton, featuring the senior, Premier C – Div 4 team and the U19s.

AAFC CARNIVAL REPORT

Each state played three preliminary games of two ﬁfteen minute halves plus time on. The ﬁnal on Sunday was played over four twenty minute quarters plus time on.

Victoria drew South Australia ﬁrst up and before the damp afternoon easterly bit, the Big V had smashed Croweater dreams of the Cup returning to the trophy cabinet at Thebarton.

VICTORIA 12.2 (74) defeated SOUTH AUSTRALIA 1.3 (9)

Goals: J. Gotch 4, C. Jones 4, S. Dunell, H. Croft, T. McKinley

Best: J. Nash, M. Collins, J. Hellier, C. Jones, J. Gotch, T. McKinley

First up Friday was Victoria’s clash with Tasmania, who made no apologies about its intent to exert more physical pressure on the Vics than had the South Aussies. But the Vics put on the scoreboard pressure.

VICTORIA 6.7 (43) defeated TASMANIA 1.1 (7)

Best: M .Collins, T. McKinley, S. Sherwen, S. Dunell, J. Hellier, H. Shakaib

Goals: C. Jones 2, J. Gotch, S. Dunell, S. Williams, H. Croft

With both teams already qualiﬁed for Sunday’s Grand Final, the tilt on Friday was a game of cat and mouse, as both Victorian coach Mick Dwyer and his WA counterpart hoped to keep a few aces up their sleeves.

VICTORIA 3.4 (22) defeated WESTERN AUSTRALIA 2.3 (15)

Goals: A. Delmonte, C. Jones, J. Hellier

Best: A. Austin, J. Nash, J. Hellier, M. Collins, H. Shakaib, S. Dunell

GAME 8: (GRAND FINAL) Only Victoria’s inaccuracy around the sticks prevented the crowd leaving at half-time. WA took a lead momentarily in the second term, but the Big V players thereafter peppered the goals.

VICTORIA3.63.1410.1714.20 (104)

WEST. AUSTRALIA 2.14.14.15.4 (34)

Goals: C. Jones 5, T. McKinley 3, A. Delmonte 2, S. Williams, S. Dunell, D. Scheetz, D. Lucas

Best: J. Hellier, S. Dunell, M. Dean, L. Crozier, T. McKinley, C. Jones, S. Sherwen, T. O’Sullivan

AWARDS:

Carnival Best and Fairest: Jack Hellier

Grand Final BOG: Jack Hellier

Spirit of the Big V: Jack Hellier

All-Australians: (Quota of 7) Jack Hellier (capt), Jonno Nash, Cam Jones, Harry Croft, Mark Collins, Sam Dunell, Hiwad Shakaib

Umpire of the Carnival: Russell Davidson

Jack Hellier (St Bede’s Mentone Tigers) had a stellar season, captaining the U23 Big V team to the AAFC Championship, winning the medal for best and fairest at the Carnival, being named All-Australian captain and winning the Spirit of the Big V Award.

Under 23

Row: Dion Lucas (Oakleigh), Sam Williams (De La Salle), Thomas McKinley

Alastair Austin (University Blues), Jeremy Mugavin (University Blues), Jonno Nash(Old Melburnians), Daniel Garside (St Bedes/Mentone Tigers), Mark Collins (De La Salle), Luke Pacconi (Old Trinity), Neeraj Kochhar (Physio), Greg Siwes(Assistant Coach)

Second Row: Luke Wintle(Runner), Jacob Gotch (De La Salle), Matthew Dean (Werribee Districts), Sam Dunell (Old Melburnians), Cameron Jones (Old Carey), Luke Crozier (Old Carey), Hiwad Shakaib (St Bede’s/Mentone Tigers), Trent Carlson (Marcellin), Dean Scheetz(Caulﬁeld Grammarians), Scott Sherwen (Old Scotch), Michael Hazell(Dir of Rep Football), Luke Beveridge (Assistant coach)

Front Row: Jeremy Bourke (Asst coach) Rachael Cowdell (Trainer), Karl Wissell (St Kevin’s), Adrian Del Monte (Old Ivanhoe), Michael Sholly (VAFA CEO), Jack Hellier (c) (St Bede’s/Mentone Tigers), Mick Dwyer (Coach), Tom O’Sullivan (Caulﬁeld Grammarians), John Robinson (Timekeeper), John Raﬄe (Team Manager), Michael Beasley (Physio), Dean Anderson (Asst. coach)

SENIORS:

BIG V WINS A HEARTSTOPPER OVER VCFL

Coach Dean Anderson, whose last two tries to beat the VCFL had ended in last kick disasters, ﬁnally got this team over the line at Shepparton. Again, it was a near thing, but the Ammos were the better team and deserved the victory, their ﬁrst against the Country since 2001.

Cam Howat won the Robert “Frosty” Fuller Medal for best aﬁeld, Ryan Colbert was voted by the VCFL

as the VAFA’s best and Trent Zimbachs won the Spirit of the Big V Award.

VCFL3.13.610.713.8 (86)

VAFA3.66.910.1113.14 (92)

Goals: N. Sautner 5, S. Dunell 2, C. Peterson 2, J. Watts, C. Howat, J. Perkins, J. Nash

Best: C. Howat, R. Colbert, M. Torney, N. Sautner, A. Austin, D. Strachan

Seniors

Back: J. Rowe, T. Ridgway, H. Shakaib, J. Perkins, N.Wynne, P.Wintle, C. Peterson, M. Ball Centre: T. Zimbachs, C. Howat, M. Harold, J.Watts, S.Dunell, A.Austin, N. Sautner. Front: Dean Anderson (coach), J.Nash, M. Torney (vc), R. Colbert, L. Wintle (c), D. Flaherty, D. Strachan, M.Collins.

Third

(Old Scotch), Charles Shaw (University Blues), Harry Croft(Collegians),

C - Div 4

Fourth Row: T. Clarke (Asst Coach), D. Dimakoplolous (St Francis Xavier), D. Drapac(Banyule), P. Baranello (Emmaus St Leos), D. Fayman (Ajax), N. Black(Werribee Districts), M. Dean (Werribee Districts), P. Kandilakis (Old Paradians), T. Biggs (Old Essendon), D. Biggs (Old Essendon), T. James (Runner)

Third Row: B. Goodman (Team Manager), L. Gladman (Runner), G. Boyd (Glen Eira), T. Patterson (Glen Eira), T. Henderson (Old Essendon), G. Snow (Old Mentonians), M. Christian (Banyule), S. Bennett (Old Camberwell), S. Angus (Richmond Centrals), T. Fleming (Asst Coach), N. Credlin (Asst / Selector), A. Brushﬁeld (Assistant Selector))

Second Row: B. Bromley (Physiotherapist / Trainer), T. Coghlan (Peninsula), J. Crotty (Therry Penola), A. Williams (VC) (Banyule), D. Boundy (C) (Old Paradians), S. Lethlean (Coach), C. Lee (vc) (Werribee Districts), R. Chisholm (Ormond), M. Hine (Ormond), K. Da Fonte (Trainer) Front Row: R. Thomas (Mazenod), P. Florence (Bulleen Templestowe)

PREMIER C – DIV 4: COUNTRY TOO STRONG FOR BRAVE VAFA

A gallant Premier C-Div 4 VAFA team went down to Vic Country in an entertaining contest at Deakin Reserve. The second quarter proved the major diﬀerence, with the VCFL team ramming on eight goals to 2.1.

It was a tough afternoon for an Ammos team that never gave up, though it seemed obvious that its opponent, drawn from massive numbers of players, would have competed well with its own senior team. Matthew Dean was awarded the Spirit of the Big V Award.

VCFL24.112.613.918.11 (119)

VAFA1.54.83.66.9 (45)

Goals: N. Black 2, P. Florance, R. Chisholm, D. Fayman, G. Boyd

Best: N. Black, M. Dean, P. Florance, T. Biggs, D. Biggs, D. Drapac

U19:

STRONG EARLY, BUT COUNTRY STRONGER

Things began promisingly enough, but in the end, the stronger bodies of the VCFL players powered them away to a 28 point victory that avenged their loss last year at Sportscover.

VCFL1.26.47.610.10 (70)

VAFA2.54.55.105.12 (42)

Goals: B. Grech 2, M. Evans, D. Iaucone, C. Cassidy

Best: D. Garside, T. Humphrey, B. Grech, J. Grinter, D. Holden, M. van den Broek

(Old Brighton), P. Gleadhill (VC) (Old Haileyburians) B. Robertson (Coach), D. Garside (C)(St Bedes / Mentone Tigers), A. Panayi (Werribee Districts), B. Grech (Rupertswood), T. Cantwell (Assistant Coach), L. Robertson (Chairman of Selectors)

Absent: M. Evans (Old Carey) and B. McGee (Assistant Coach)

Back Row: D. Spencer, L. Greco, M. Lyons, A. Cloke, T. Murphy, J. Newton, M. Turner, H. Rowe, D. Blake, L. Klein-Breteler

Middle Row: D. Mladenoski (Physiotherapist), S. Scott (Runner), B. Webber, J. Delbridge, S. O’Shea-Korbut, L. McDowell, L. McDonald, A. Mase, J. Bennie, L. Greco, S. Koﬀman (Umpire), K. Da Fonte (trainer)

Front Row: T. Noonan (Tour Manager), J. Gay, A. Deneys, D. Lappage (Coach), A. Imber, T. Brown (Assistant Coach), T. Gibney, D. Riley, J. Robinson (Team Manager) Absent: R. Benson

U18 IN NEW ZEALAND

In October, a VAFA U18 Invitational team travelled to New Zealand to take on AFL NZ U20, who were grateful for the opportunity to play and learn against an opposition that had played the game for a lot longer.

The coaches David Lappage and Tony Brown were a wonderful combination and with their knowledge and experience were able to institute a game plan and keep players fresh for the two games in three days. Tim Noonan (Tour Manager), John Robinson (Team Manager), Diana Mladenoski (physio), Kylie DaFonte (trainer) and Sacha Koﬀman (umpire) all worked hard to ensure a successful trip.

GAME 1

The game was played in great Auckland weather and in great spirit, with both teams ﬁghting hard for the early ascendancy.

There were only four points in it at the ﬁrst break, but it was NZ that had enjoyed the ﬁrst quarter breeze. In the second term, the VAFA started to play better as a team, applying scoreboard pressure and building a solid lead by half time.

Coach Lappage set up great rotations and the players continued to play their role in the second half with all 24 players having an impact in the game. The VAFA ran out 77 point winners.

Lachlan McDowell was voted the best VAFA player by our coaching staﬀ and Daniel Riley was voted the best player by the Kiwis.

VAFA 16.13.109 defeated AFL NZ 4.8.32

Goals: M. Turner 3, A. Cloke 3, H. Rowe 2, T. Gibney 2, J. Bennie, A. Imber, Louis Greco, R. Benson, A. Mase, A. Deneys

Best: L. McDowell, D. Riley, A. Deneys, H. Rowe, A. Imber, J. Bennie

GAME 2

The wind blew to the opposite end this time and the VAFA won the toss and kicked with it. By the ﬁrst change, we were 38 points ahead with Matt Lyons kicking four.

The Vics kicked another four goals into the wind in the second quarter with the New Zealanders managing only two.

The Kiwis out-scored the VAFA in the third and ﬁnal quarters to reduce the ﬁnal margin to 42 points.

James Bennie was voted best VAFA player and Jordan Gay was awarded best on ground by the NZ coaches. Lachlan McDowell was awarded Player of the Series by the VAFA coaches.

VAFA 14.11 (95) defeated AFL NZ 7.11 (53)

Goals: M. Lyons 6, A. Cloke 2, Louis Greco, L. McDowell, H. Rowe, A. Deneys, L. Klein-Breteler, B. Webber

Best: J. Bennie, L. Klein-Breteler, D. Riley, L. McDowell, M. Lyons, A. Imber

The VAFA team represented their clubs and the Association with great honour.

Third Row:

La’Brooy (Assistant Coach),

Slonim (Caulﬁeld Grammarians),

Shanahan (Caulﬁeld Grammarians),

Cassidy (Collegians), T. Humphrey (De La Salle), J. Grinter (St Kevins Old Boys), D. Iaucone (Old Xaverians), D. Holden (St Bedes / Mentone Tigers), N. Lewton (Runner) Second Row: D. Ahearne (Old Trinity), J. North (Old Brighton), L. O’Keefe (Caulﬁeld Grammarians), B. Goss (Old Xaverians), M. van den Broek (Old Scotch), T. Penberthy (Collegians), A. Croft (Collegians), S. Caven (St Bernards), M. Todd (De La Salle), M. Overman (Team Manager) Front Row: K. Da Fonte (Trainer), J. Seargant (Old Brighton), M. Karayannis

IRELAND 2011

While the dollar drives sports like never before, the ever-increasing popularity of the VAFA says much about the virtues on which it was founded and still prevail 120 years later.

Our participants play for the love of the game and because they enjoy playing the greatest team sport with their mates. In recent years, more have been attracted by the lure of representative football, a VAFA staple since 1925. This season, those who put themselves forward were presented with the additional carrot of a chance to go to Ireland with the ﬁrst ever VAFA senior international tour.

The VAFA toured the Emerald Isle from 4-18 October, playing against four club teams and as an added bonus, against the Ireland national team in historic Croke Park, Dublin.

The team ﬂew into Cork via Heathrow on the morning of 5 October and the players found themselves bunked with comparative strangers. In all, 15 clubs from ﬁve VAFA sections were represented on the playing roster, but the diverse group came together quickly and the bond remained rock solid throughout. There is little doubt that new friendships formed on the trip will last a lifetime.

While there was plenty of time for sightseeing and making new Irish acquaintance, the business of the trip was competitive football - ﬁve games in nine days.

Losing their ﬁrst game and also the fourth against a very big, fast and talented all Ireland team, the Big V won their other three encounters.

CORK: 7 October

The tour began in brilliant fashion with a three pointer from Nick Sautner but the exuberant celebration saw the Corkers respond with a six point under within ten seconds. It was a competitive game until very late in the fourth term, when the Irish (aided by 5 very ﬁne invitational players) blew past an obviously jet-lagged Vic team. Snow was chosen as the goalkeeper.

NA PIARSAIGH GAA 3.8.9 (51) d VAFA 0.7.8 (29)

Overs: J. Rowe 2, N. Sautner, R. Thomas, T. Ridgway, P. Florance, R. Colbert

Best: J. Hellier, N. Wynne, J. Rowe, C. Lee, C. Howat, D. Drapac

Spirit of the Big V: Daniel Flaherty

GALWAY: 9 October

The Vics looked good from the beginning and registered a strong victory against a team weakened by other football commitments, though boasting some solid invitational stars. Sautner missed with injury, Rowe with gastro. Paterson replaced Snow as goalkeeper and remained between the sticks for the rest of the tour. Ridgway had a 20 point game.

VAFA 2.14.10 (64) d SALTHILL KNOCKNACARRA GAA 2.6.2 (26)

Unders: T. Ridgway, P. Florance. Overs: T. Ridgway 4, C. Howat 4, D. Drapac 2, R. Chisholm 2, D. Biggs, C. Lee

Best: D. Biggs, C. Howat, C. Lee, j. Hellier, T. Ridgway, R.Colbert

Spirit of the Big V: Michael Christian

NEWTOWN, Co. Laois: 11 October

The Big V stepped right into stride from the outset and torched the home team. The game was marred by an ugly mid-air challenge on Ridgway that broke his ﬁbula and ﬁnished his tour. Eifermann made his long awaited debut.

VAFA: 0.15.16 (61) defeated BALLYROAN GAA 3.1.2 (23)

Overs: R. Colbert 2, T. Ridgway 2, R. Chisholm, M. Harold, D. Flaherty, R. Thomas, J. Hellier, J. Rowe, P. Florance, C. Howat, D. Biggs, D. Strachan, C. Lee

Best: C. Howat, C. Lee, G. Snow, R. Colbert, D. Biggs, M. Harold

Spirit of the Big V: Travis Ridgway

DUBLIN: 12 October

The squad arrived early at beautiful Croke Park and team pictures were taken. Once they appeared, the Irish thoroughly outclassed the Vics. Too big, too fast and too adept with the round ball. To their credit, in true Big V fashion, the tourists refused to lie down and played their best football when they were at their most tired.

IRELAND GAA 6.12.9 (81) defeated VAFA

0.2.1 (7)

Overs: M. Torney, J. Rowe

Best: M. Torney, C. Howat, R. Colbert, M. Dean, M. Christian, J. Hellier

Spirit of the Big V: Matthew Torney

ASHBOURNE, Co. Meath: 14 October

The ﬁnal tour game was a thriller, with the tourists bouncing away early but being hauled in. some inspiring eﬀorts from Torney and Colbert late in the game saw victory go to the Big V.

VAFA 0.6.10 (28) d DONAGHMORE ASHBOURNE GAA 1.5.5 (26)

Overs: R. Chisholm 2, J. Hellier, R. Colbert, D. Flaherty, M. Torney.

Best: M. Torney, J. Hellier, C. Lee, R. Colbert, C. Howat, D. Strachan

Spirit of the Big V: Ryan Colbert

The behaviour and spirit of the players throughout the tour was a credit to the Association, to the clubs they represented and to themselves. Hotel staﬀ and oﬃcials from host clubs all throughout Ireland remarked on the good manners and courtesy shown by all.

Up to twenty supporters, including parents and club teammates, followed the fortunes of the tourists, adding strong voice and good cheer to the trip.

While much planning for the trip was done by the board and staﬀ of the VAFA, the tour would not have gone as brilliantly as it did without the splendid eﬀorts and contributions of others.

Special thanks go to the Banyule Football Club for its pre-tour hospitality and training facilities and to Mr Tomas Fahey of the Victorian GAA for his pretour assistance.

BIG V CLUB

Big V Club

The Big V Club held its ﬁfth annual lunch at the RACV Club on 22 July. Many heroes of past victories gathered to relive memories of playing together in the famous guernsey. The Club inducted four new Champions of the Big V.

A posthumous award was made to Sam Birtles from Hampton Rovers, who played for the Big V from 1947 through to 1952. He played for the Australian Amateurs in ‘50 and ‘51 and was captain of the Big V in 1952.

Peter Slattery of Old Xaverians had an outstanding career from the late 1950’s through to 1965. He was Victorian captain in 1963 and 65, and All-Australian in ‘62 and ‘65. Peter, the Xavs’ captain, missed his club’s ﬁrst ever Premier grand ﬁnal in 1964 with glandular fever and they went down by 4 points to Old Paradians.

2011 RISING STAR

After a brilliant season, Daniel Garside of St Bede’s/ Mentone Tigers was chosen as the Club Warehouse Rising Star for 2011.

Dan had a tremendous year at both club and representative level.

A stint at the TAC Cup with the Sandringham Dragons in 2009/10 improved Dan’s skills immensely. His hardness at the football and never say die attitude saw him take many big scalps this year.

David Hughes of Old Scotch represented the Big V from 1964 to 71. During that period he won the AAFC carnival medal for best player in 1964 and was runner up in ‘67, captained the AllAustralian team in ‘68 and then the Big V in 1969. Hughes had a big year with the VAFA, receiving life membership in April.

Umpire Brian Goodman ﬁrst participated in the VAFA as a Brunswick player in the ‘60s but it wasn’t until he picked up the Acme Thunderer that he found his niche. Brian umpired in representative matches from 1973 – 86, seventeen matches in all.

WINNING EDGE CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP

Banyule won the 2011 Winning Edge Club Championship by ten points from Werribee Districts. The Bears were strong through seniors and reserves in particular, while Werribee did better in the junior sections but lost ground with their Thirds. Old Xaverians, which fielded seven teams, all of which made the finals, finished third.

Last year’s winner De La Salle ﬁnished in the top ten again, placing eighth overall.

Four points were allotted for each senior victory, three for the club’s top U19 or U18 team, two for each win in the reserves and one for a win in the Thirds or Club XVIII.

He was vice-captain at Brindisi Street and was captain of the U19 Big V team that played against Vic Country in July.

Dan also represented the Big V with distinction at the U23 AAFC Carnival in Adelaide in June.

Congratulations, Dan, on your award and on a splendid year.

Highlights 2011 Highlights

· Luke Beveridge is elected to the board, replacing the retiring Ross Booth, who had served since 1986.

· Tim Nelson and Justin Toohey are appointed to the Board to ﬁll the two specialist positions created under the 2010 Board restructure.

· Nick Bourke and David Hughes receive Life Membership of the Association.

· Prahran merged with the dormant Assumption Old Collegians to become Prahran Assumption, headquartered at Toorak Park.

· Olivia Crowe and Ben Hodges join the VAFA staﬀ in administrative roles.

· The VAFA commences a partnership with charity One in Five

· Victorian Minister for Sport and Recreation Hugh Delahunty proposes the toast to the VAFA at the MCG season launch.

· University Blues star Daniel Nicholson is selected on the Melbourne Football Club’s rookie list and makes his AFL debut midseason.

· The VAFA U23 team wins the AAFC Championships held in Adelaide in June. Jack Hellier named All-Australian captain and wins the Medal for player of the Carnival.

· The entire U23 Carnival from Adelaide is broadcast by 96.5 Inner-FM

· The senior VAFA representative team defeats the VCFL at Shepparton in July.

· Steve McCarthy umpires his 600th VAFA game.

· Tim Noonan joins the VAFA as General Manager of Football Operations.

· Banyule wins the Winning Edge Club Championship.

· The count for the seven VAFA medals is broadcast live on 96.5 Inner FM.

· The LS Pepper Medal for Division 1 is a three way tie, with Emile Abdallah (Whitefriars), Martin Porter and Matt Keown (both of NOBSPC) all polling 14 votes.

· Five clubs – Caulﬁeld Grammarians, Werribee Districts, Banyule, St John’s OC and Monash Gryphons – secure promotion for the second year on end.

· Old Xaverians field a record seven teams in the VAFA and all of them reach the finals. Six of the seven reach the grand final and four win premierships.

· St Francis Xavier OC wins its ﬁrst premiership when it takes the Division 4 ﬂag.

· The Coodabeen Champions broadcast their show live from the Premier B Grand Final at Sportscover Arena.

· Caulfield Grammarians win the JV Deane Cup and secure promotion back to Premier section for the first time since 1986. Collegians win the LA Adamson Cup for the first time since 1993, defeating St Bede’s/ Mentone Tigers.

· The VAFA takes a representative team to Ireland in October, playing ﬁve games including a match against the All-Ireland team at Croke Park.

· VAFA coaches of the Year: Senior: Steve Lawrence (Caulﬁeld Grammarians) and Junior: Tom Maule (Old Xaverians).

2011 VAFA Annual Report

VAFA

Contents

MISSION

President

CEO

CEO

Umpires

SEASON HIGHLIGHTS

CLUB XVIII HIGHLIGHTS

2011 VAFA UMPIRING AWARDS

REPRESENTATIVE APPOINTMENTS

Premier

FINALS RESULTS

Thirds

Thirds Reser ves

Premier

FINALS RESULTS

Thirds

Premier

FINALS RESULTS

One

FINALS RESULTS

Two

FINALS RESULTS

Division Two Reserves

Three

PREMIERSHIP LADDER

FINALS RESULTS

Reser ves

Division Three Reserves

Four

FINALS RESULTS

Reser ves

Division Four Reserves

Under 19

Under 19

PREMIERSHIP LADDER

Under 19 Section 2

Under 19

Under 19 Section 3

Under 19

Under 18

Under 18

VAFA BEST AND FAIREST MEDAL Votes

Adam ImberWerribee Districts15

Club X VIII

Club XVIII (North)

Rep Foot y

AAFC CARNIVAL REPORT

Under 23

SENIORS:

Seniors

PREMIER C – DIV 4: COUNTRY TOO STRONG FOR BRAVE VAFA

U18 IN NEW ZEALAND

GAME 2

IRELAND 2011

BIG V CLUB

Big V Club

2011 RISING STAR

WINNING EDGE CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP

Highlights 2011 Highlights