2016 VAFA Annual Report

ANNUAL REPORT

2016

for the love of the game

Victorian Amateur Football Association

125th ANNUAL REPORT SEASON 2016

Presented to the Members at the Annual General Meeting Melbourne Cricket Ground 5 December 2016

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

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

Contents VAFA 2016

2

President’s Report

3

CEO’s Report

4

Football Operations Report

6

Umpire Operations Report

8

Commercial Operations Report

10

Media Communications Report

12

William Buck Premier

14

Premier B

18

Premier C

22

Division 1

26

Division 2

30

Division 3

34

Division 4

38

Big V

42

VAFA Women’s

47

Juniors 48 Club XVIII

53

Rising Star 2016

55

Winning Edge Club Championship

55

Highlights 56

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VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2016

VAFA 2016 Patrons

Tribunal and Investigations Co-ordinator

Life Members

Messr. J.F.X. Dillion and M.G. Russel

Mr B.L. Goodman and Mr. C.C. Bastow

President

Independent Tribunal

Mr. T. Nelson

Chairmen: Messrs. A. Anderson, D. Dann, D. Hughes, T. Issacs, A. Marshall, J.K. Pilkington, D. Reynolds, S. Theodore, G. Thomas.

Members: Messrs. J.H. Boorn, R. Dore, S. Grey, R. Harris, P. LaVale, A. McAdam, T. Miller, M. O’Brien, O Oostermeyer, D. Sheales, F. Stafford, R. Stilling, M. Wells.

Messrs. V.J. Deane*, L.A. Adamson*, H.J. Stewart*, J.S. McCann*, E.F. Atkins*, F.H. Coldrey*, O.J. Meehan*, P.A. Matthews*, G.T. Moore*, L.S. Zachariah*, J. Fullerton*, Mrs. N. Fullerton*, Messrs. A.G. Perrin*, I.A. Brown*, G.W. McTaggart*, R.A. Sinclair*, M.G. Russell, T.A. Johnson*, N.C. Rundle*, J.F.X. Dillon, A.J. Keam, J.A, Miles*, J.A. Fisher, J.F. Hawkins, P.J. Harris*, Dr B.W. Costello, Messrs.

D.H. Scott, A.H. Stephens*, C.C. Bastow, T.M. Lyon, I.H. Munro, A.J. O’Callaghan, D.R. Burnes, N.W. Nugent, A.L. Langford-Jones, Mrs. N.M McTaggart, Messrs. K.W. Sharkie, J.F. Nelson, P. O’Donohue*, D.R. Booth, D.J. Cook, J.A. Wilson*, R.L. Evans, Mrs. M.L. Bastow, Messrs.

J.C. Wilson, P.W. Hutchinson*, B.R. McTaggart, P.B. Stevens, J.W. Bell, B.J. Ivey, P.G. Rhoden, N.M. Bourke, D.J. Hughes, Dr. G. Janko, Dr. S. Costello and Mr. G.L. Reilley.

Vice-President P.W. De Young

Treasurer Mr. A.L. Kirkwood-Scott

Board Messrs. A.M. Amad, B.C. Conti, Mrs. D.M. Connors-Calhaem, Messrs. N.W. Credlin, P.W. De Young, Mrs. M.C. Dwyer, Messrs.

R.A. Heath (appointed 7 March), M.W. Sholly, N.J. Toohey (retired 7 December), G.A. Voyage.

Chief Executive Officer Mr. M.W. Sholly

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

General Manager - Administration Mrs. S.J. Anderson

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

Registration Secretary Mr. C.C. Bastow

Saturday Score Recorder Mrs. N.M. McTaggart

Elsternwick Park Duty Officers Mr. J. Robinson

*deceased

Publications Editor Mr N.J. Armistead

VAFA Board

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

Umpire Operations Manager Mr. B.G. Woodhead

Football Operations Manager Mr. S.A. Confait

Administration and Events Manager Mrs. A.J. Handley

Media and Communications Coordinator

T.J. Nelson President

P.W. De Young Vice-President

A.L. Kirkwood-Scott Treasurer

M.W. Sholly CEO

A.M. Amad

B.C. Conti

D.M Connors-Calhaem

N.W. Credlin

M.C. Dwyer

M.T. Hazell

Mr. N.J. Armistead

Administration Mr. C.S. Burgess Miss M. Sykes Ms K. Gillespie-Jones

VAFA Lawyers James Paterson of Anzarut & Holm

VAFAUA President Mr. G.T. Rolfe

Club XVIII Umpire Co-ordinator Mr. P. Lambert

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2016

R.A. Heath

2

G.A. Voyage

President’s Report Season 2016 was another terrific year of highly competitive VAFA football played in great spirit, proving once again we remain at the forefront of community football in Victoria. The quality of football across all sections continues to develop, with the Premier competitions in particular of an elite standard, as showcased throughout the finals series. While we are extremely proud of the standard of our football competition, I wanted to particularly recognise the continuing dedication and commitment of our clubs, volunteers, families, players, sponsors and stakeholders.

I believe the way we conduct ourselves an association, building on our great heritage whilst embracing change and evolving community values, is something we should all be proud of.

The contribution of football clubs to individuals, families, communities and societies can never be underestimated. The dedication of club committees and volunteers are the back bone of all clubs and the foundation for on field success.

I wish to acknowledge the enormity of the effort and contribution of all club volunteers in making the competition what it is today.

Once again 2016 was a demanding year for our CEO, Administration and Board. We have a large competition and with limited resources we are confronted by numerous issues and challenges across the course of the year. While we may not always get it right, the team is always focused on doing the right thing and acting in the interests of the competition. As our competition continues to grow, the demand for access and immediacy of information and the need for effective and speedy decision-making creates increased pressure on all parts of the system. The VAFA Board and Administration are highly conscious of the demands on players, officials, volunteers and clubs in general and, as such, there are ongoing efforts to identify new ways of working, new processes, technologies and service models to deliver better outcomes to the clubs.

At Board level, I thank and congratulate each of the Board Members on their contributions this year and in particular I extend thanks to the chairs of our sub-committees: George Voyage (Football Growth and Integrity), Adam Kirkwood-Scott (Finance and Risk), Megan Dwyer (Community and Culture) and Phil De Young (Umpiring). I would also like to recognise the work done in the Commercial Sub-Committee and Nigel Credlin’s leadership of our Representative Program.

Throughout 2016, the Board and administration have focused on establishing a framework for the future whilst consolidating and building on the initiatives of the past couple of years. A key focus has remained on initiatives to grow the top line of the Association and expand our reach via social media, the website, newsletters

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and communication forums. We are fortunate to have developed an ongoing partnership with William Buck who sponsor our Premier Divisions and key events on our calendar. I thank the William Buck team for their support. I would also like to acknowledge the continued support of Sportscover and acknowledge and thank all of our partners and sponsors.

We have continued to invest in umpiring and I would like to express my thanks for all the hard work of our Umpiring Sub-Committee members, but especially Brian Woodhead and Tony Hales.

The demands and pressures on umpire numbers continue to challenge us however in 2016 we again were able to increase our umpiring numbers and offer pathways for ambitious umpires to reach higher levels if they desire.

I would like to congratulate all umpires and make special note of the quality of umpiring in the finals series across all Divisions. Brian, Tony and others are working hard to establish a strong platform for the future development and education of umpires to ensure strong pipelines.

Looking ahead to the future, this year the Board made two landmark strategic decisions which we believe will help shape the course of the VAFA for the future. Both these decisions will enable further growth, assist us in attracting new partners and sponsors and provide a headquarters for both football and administration of which we can all be proud.

The first of these initiatives is the launch a women’s competition in 2017. The promise of women’s football has created a great amount of energy and action among our clubs and administration. At the time of writing it is possible that in our first year of competition, VAFA Women’s may in fact be one of the largest women’s football competitions in Victoria. The VAFA has appointed Shona MacInnis to oversee the introduction and implementation of women’s football. With the possible advent of 20-30 new teams and therefore two or three divisions, a whole lot of new challenges confront us. These include venue availability, umpiring, game scheduling, facilities, coaching, volunteers, funding and administration.

The second landmark decision was to approve funding for the upgrade of Sportscover Arena at Elsternwick Park. As many of you are aware, there have been a number of attempts to get this project to the starting post. I am proud that this Board and administration has been able to reach agreement with the support of a number of significant partners. I would like to express my gratitude and appreciation to the Victorian State Government, the AFL, AFL Victoria, Bayside City Council and Old Melbournians Football Club for making this happen. As part of this project the VAFA will be initiating a funding program to ensure

the ongoing responsible financial management of the association.

We have a sound financial base and we need to continue to strive hard to maintain our position.

These two significant initiatives will impact our financial position and we must remain diligent in seeking new methods of funding and revenue.

We made a small surplus in 2016 but continued to pursue additional expenditure activities while keeping affiliation fees flat. As mentioned, our costs will continue to rise and we must remain diligent in determining our budget and extracting maximum value from expenditure and investment programs. While the VAFA still retains a significant point of difference to other community football competitions, we need to constantly refresh that point of difference with targeted investment into key areas.

Our Board is undergoing change and I would like to thank our outgoing Board members for their substantive service; Davina Calhaem, Bruno Conti, Michael Hazell and Phil De Young will all be retiring. Our prior strategic plan was carried forward in 2016 and the new Board will immediately look to the next three-year period as we approach 2020. Board and staff will spend time refining our draft plan over the summer and we will look to the clubs, partners and other key members of the VAFA community for further input into the existing draft documents.

The overarching vision for our plan remains for the VAFA to be the ‘Leader in community football in Victoria’. Each year sees new challenges on the horizon, unanticipated hurdles and exciting opportunities. I am convinced the best approach to maintaining our leadership position is to work to align the interests of all parties - Board, Administration, Clubs, Stakeholders, the VAFA alumni and communities.

Thank you.

Tim Nelson President

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2016

Chief Executive Officer’s Report The last month of VAFA football is a genuine celebration of community sport with 25 premierships available. In the VAFA finals series about two and a half thousand players received the opportunity to play in a finals match representing 53 clubs. From the middle of August, when the Club XVIII commence their finals, right through to the William Buck Premier Grand Final at IKON Park, it is a genuine celebration of community football in Melbourne.

strength to strength, commencing the previous

Sportscover Arena hosted 26 finals matches including nine grand finals. These grand finals were spread across many sections - Club XVIII, Premier B and C Thirds, Under 19’s and Premier C. It is obvious that the ground provides enormous benefit to the Association. It is therefore with great delight we were able to secure $3.1 million of funding from the State Government to upgrade the oval and surrounds.

The William Buck Premier Grand Final Lunch

We sourced a number of partners including the AFL, AFL Victoria, Bayside City Council and Old Melburnians to total $6.4 million. This will allow us to build five new change rooms, a social facility seating up to 140 people for meetings and events and administration offices for the VAFA. The new building will be situated in front of the current administration building and extend around the boundary towards Glenhuntly Rd.

shows how highly regarded the VAFA is held in the

The oval’s dimensions will be slightly altered with the length increased by approximately five metres whilst the width reduced by ten. The ground will be dug up, the cricket practice wickets removed, drainage installed and a new grass laid, similar to other arenas such as Trevor Barker Oval. We anticipate the building construction will commence in early 2017 and the oval at the conclusion of the 2017 season. Both will be completed during the 2018 season in time for the finals series. This renovation has been long overdue and it brings a new beginning for the Association as we expand into women’s football.

On 11 August 2016, the newly-elected Member for Goldstein, Tim Wilson MP, officially launched the VAFA Women’s Football League. This is an historic occasion for the VAFA as we will introduce women’s football in the same year we celebrate 125 years of VAFA football. The response has been encouraging and the excitement around the clubs is noticeable.

weekend with all the Junior and Division Grand Finals. The week builds with the Woodrow Medal and VAFA Awards Night at Crown Casino.

Congratulations to Jake Williams on winning his second Woodrow and to all other winners of the respective competition’s Best and Fairest. The Grill’d Rising Star was awarded to Old Brighton midfielder, Harry Hill, and he joins a strong list of previous winners.

on the Friday is a highlight event and builds the excitement surrounding the three Premier Grand Finals in the ensuing days. To have respected ABC political journalist, Barrie Cassidy, MC the event and interview luminaries such as Federal Members of Parliament, the Hon Josh Frydenberg MP and the Hon Tim Wilson MP, along with Melbourne Lord Mayor Robert Doyle community. The keynote speaker this year was AFL Commission Chairman, Mike Fitzpatrick. It wasn’t all serious as leading Australian comedian, Vince Sorrenti, entertained the guests while we also heard from representatives of the six Premier Grand Finalists and the four Division premiership winners. This is a big day in the VAFA calendar and the ideal opportunity to introduce your clubs’ sponsors to the wider VAFA community.

I would like to congratulate the winners of the senior sections from William Buck Premier to Division 4. In order: Old Xaverians, Beaumaris, Mazenod, Old Geelong, Preston Bullants, Glen Eira and Westbourne Grammarians. Caulfield Grammarians won the Winning Edge Club Championship alongside the Under 19 Section 2 premiership. St Kevin’s won both the Under 19 Premier and Premier Reserves, while Collegians, Old Haileybury and Parkside also won their respective junior premierships.

Other highlights included: • Westbourne

Grammarians

going

through

the season undefeated in Division 4 and also winning the reserves • Peninsula Pirates gaining promotion to Premier B, their highest section since joining the VAFA in 1980 • Old Xaverians winning their 13th Premier section title in 22 years

2017 is going to be a huge year at the VAFA with the Sportscover Arena renovation, the commencement of women’s football and our 125year anniversary.

• Preston Bullants winning their third premiership

The Premier Grand Final week is going from

• Shaun Payze playing his 350th senior game

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2016

in four years, earning promotion to Division 1.

• Kevin Segota umpiring his 800th VAFA match • David Windlow umpiring his 1000th VAFA match

After 32 years of incredible service to the VAFA, Sue Anderson announced her retirement. Sue has been the backbone of the VAFA and as CEO’s and Treasurers departed her value to the Association grew. She had an incredible knowledge of every club and ability to understand each of their challenges and support them through their ups and downs. Sue commenced as an assistant to the General Manager, Peter French in 1983. Her tasks included assistant to the CEO, Tribunal and Investigation Co-ordinator, Events Coordinator and Accounts Manager. I can say from first-hand experience her work ethic and indeed commitment to the VAFA was over and above what was required. She was a great support to each CEO and was always willing to assist everyone be it in the office or at Board and Club level. The Association is a better place today for her marvellous contribution. She will never be replaced.

Christian Burgess shifted to the sponsorship and media team which allowed for Mikala Sykes to join the VAFA. Mikala is a graduate of SEDA and is an excellent addition to the Football Operations Department. Kelley Gillespie-Jones joined as a part time assistant to Brian Woodhead in the Umpiring department.

All Handley resigned her position in September after replacing Sue Anderson in Finance this year.

Ally originally commenced as an administrative assistant, receptionist and events. Thank you to Ally for her contributions to the VAFA over her two and a half years.

With the retirement of Sue, Brian Goodman expanded his role and managed the tribunals and investigations this year. With the addition of video reports, the amount of work needed to be completed on a Monday increased. A person with a great deal of knowledge and VAFA experience was needed and there was nobody better equipped than Brian. He continued in his role as the General Manager of Football and Umpiring

4

and was well supported by Brian Woodhead

media numbers increasing, our Commercial

(Umpiring) and Sam Confait (Football).These

General Manager, Blair O’Hara, has been able to

three men did an outstanding job of managing

add new sponsors to the list. The VAFA welcomed

our on-field operations.

Epworth Hospital, Holmesglen Institute, BJS

Led by coach Tony Hales, our umpires continued their on-field excellence after four advanced to

Insurance, ZEN Sports Liniment, Tixstar and the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation.

VFL level at the conclusion of the 2015 season.

These new sponsors added to our already

Tony, Brian and the coaching staff do a fantastic

impressive list led by our major sponsor

job of training and supporting our umpires for

Sportscover. Sportscover has been with the VAFA

both present and future success.

for 25 years and were officially acknowledged

The VAFA Media Department received a strong injection of enthusiasm with the appointment

at the Season’s Launch. Thank you to Managing Directors, Peter and Chris Nash.

of Nick Armistead. Along with the continual

William Buck added the naming rights of Premier

improvement of VAFA Tragics hosted by Andrew

B and Premier C to their sponsorship suite. Thank

Leonard, Nick introduced HQ News, along

you to all our sponsors and all the work Blair does

with Sunday highlights. Some of the highlight

in not only working with these partners but also

packages reached extraordinary numbers across

assisting the clubs in their commercial needs.

social media and I would like to congratulate Nick on his exceptional year. He was assisted

by Christian Burgess who edited the Amateur Footballer each week and Mikala Sykes who

Our events were initially managed by Ally Handley and then Kelley Gillespie-Jones after her departure. The VAFA calendar of events is growing

discussed the weekend’s matches on HQ News.

with seven major activities. We commence the

With the competition expanding and our social

Launch and then, in order, we have the Big V

year with our VAFA Conference and Season’s

Lunch, Woodrow Medal and VAFA Awards Night, William Buck Grand Final Lunch, the lunch prior to the William Buck Premier Grand Final and the AGM Dinner. With the introduction of women’s football these events are sure to expand in the future.

The Board led by Tim Nelson has been very supportive to me personally and the staff. The business is growing annually and the measured response from the Board is critical to the ongoing development of the league. Tim was supported

by Vice-President Phil De Young, George Voyage, Adam Kirkwood-Scott and Megan Dwyer, each of whom chaired sub-committees. There are no breaks for the Board and much of the success of the Association is attributable to the Directors.

It has been another successful year for the VAFA. We now look forward to celebrating our 125-year anniversary in 2017 and continuing to grow our competition with the introduction of a women’s competition and the Sportscover Arena renovation.

Michael Sholly Chief Executive Officer

Staff (left to right): Nick Armistead, Michael Sholly, Brian Goodman, Brian Woodhead, Mikala Sykes, Blair O’Hara, Sam Confait.

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VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2016

Football Operations Report 2016 season commenced on April 9 for all sections except Premier B & C Thirds (who commenced one week later) with 73 clubs and 231 teams competing across 15 sections.

There were a number of initial differences from 2015 with nine teams in Division 2 and Division 4 and 12 teams in Division 3.

Monash Gryphons dropped out of Division 2 prior to the season’s commencement because they were unable to field both a senior and reserve team. Moving into Club XVIII (2), the Gryphons ended up finishing a credible fourth on the ladder after losing their semi-final against Monash Blues.

The Gryphons’ move to Clubbies meant there were just nine teams contesting Division 2.

The same occurred in Division 4 with South Mornington also playing in Club XVIII (1); however, they finished a disappointing season on the bottom of the ladder with two wins from 15 matches.

Other changes included: • Old Xaverians and St Kevin’s played both their Thirds teams in the Premier Thirds competition.

The decision to play two teams from one club in the same section was not an easy one;

however, it was a decision that proved correct on the basis of their performances. This also contributed to a reduction in forfeits and an improved competitive balance in Premier and Premier B Thirds.

• Monash Gryphons were unable to field two teams in Division 2 and subsequently entered a team into Club XVIII (2).

• South Mornington were unable to field two teams in Division 4 and subsequently entered a team in Club XVIII (1).

• The Red Card Reporting System was altered to allow a reported player to be replaced immediately.

• A Player Points System (PPS) to a maximum of 50 points per senior team was introduced into community competitions in order to restrict player movement between competitions.

• In a bid to even up the competition by having 10 teams in all senior sections in 2017, a decision was made to relegate three clubs from Division 3.

This was to get back to the consistency of two clubs promoted and two clubs relegated in future years.

• Clubs held women’s curtain raiser matches in preparation for the women’s competition commencing in 2017.

One of the main objectives of a PPS is to assist in the equalisation of competitions; an outcome AFL Victoria believes is vital for community football. The VAFA applauds AFL Victoria for taking these necessary steps as a way of assisting amateur clubs from losing their players to the lure of match payments.

I also believe strong competition leads to higher interest from the club’s stakeholders which ultimately leads to stronger clubs and competitions. The VAFA competition provides supporters and club volunteers the chance to turn up on any given weekend with the knowledge that the outcome of the game is uncertain and that their team has a realistic chance of victory.

This is what motivates people to engage with their club and provides rewards and recognition to all those who assist in the task of fielding a team each week. The PPS has been reduced to 48 points for 2017 which is another step in the right direction for VAFA clubs.

The competitive nature of our competition was on show once again with the promotion/ relegation system ensuring all clubs perform at a high standard for the duration of the season.

William Buck Premier, Premier B and Premier C clubs each had seasons with many ebbs & flows, culminating in three enthralling grand finals. Old Xaverians overcame a determined Old Trinity to win a hard-fought grand final at Ikon Park while Beaumaris took all before them and won their way back to William Buck Premier with a strong victory over St Bedes/Mentone Tigers. Mazenod earnt promotion back to Premier B after they proved too strong for Peninsula.

Our four division premiers proved anything is

Tom Dean (Captain) and Brayden Haynes (Coach) after Beaumaris won the Premier B flag

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2016

possible with Old Geelong defeating a gallant Old Mentonians in the Division 1 Grand Final and Preston Bullants claiming their third flag in four

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Preston Bullants take a moment after winning the Division 2 premiership

years with a win over St John’s in Division 2. Glen Eira won a tense battle with Hawthorn in Division 3 after both clubs went through the season with just three losses between them. Division 4 was a local derby between Westbourne Grammarians and Point Cook with the Warriors maintaining an undefeated season via a thrilling 17-point come-

down to Old Haileybury by 19 points.

contribution and assistance throughout the finals.

De La Salle and Parkside finished in the top two

I would like to thank our Football Growth & Integrity sub-committee chaired by George Voyage for their commitment and positive decisions for the betterment of our competition.

I would like to congratulate and thank Rob Heath who, in his first year on the Board, assisted greatly with his insight and knowledge in dealing with tribunal matters.

positions on the ladder in U19 Section 5 with 16 wins apiece. Parkside proved too good on grand final day and ran out premiers by 32 points in a fast-paced and entertaining affair.

The season also commenced with two Club XVIII

from-behind victory.

The Holmesglen U19 competition was restructured for 2016 into six sections. The competition comprised of U19 Premier, the newly-formed U19 Premier Reserves and Sections 2-5.

sections comprising of Club XVIII (1) with eight teams and Club XVIII (2) with six teams. The Club XVIII competitions continue to provide stimulus for many players, with Hawthorn Spartans and Old Geelong coming out on top this year.

The U19 Premier Reserves was largely made up of clubs’ U19 second teams and proved to be an exciting and competitive section throughout the season. This new initiative was introduced to assist clubs by playing on the same day at the same venue where players, volunteers, club officials and supporters could support both teams. This also enabled clubs to have enough support staff and volunteers on hand without the burden of further travel. New teams to the U19 competition for 2016 included Aquinas and St John’s who both competed in U19 Section 5.

Finals In the underage, Thirds and Club XVIII sections, the VAFA provided the opportunity for the higher ranked team to host semi-finals. This initiative rewards the higher-ranked team to compete in a final on their home ground and assists the club in raising additional revenue by operating a canteen. A huge thank you to De La Salle, Old Paradians and Westbourne Grammarians; each of whom provided their venues to host finals. The VAFA is very appreciative of clubs offering their facilities.

The U19 finals series was full of excitement with great grand final wins recorded from St Kevin’s in both U19 Premier and U19 Premier Reserves; a fantastic club achievement. U19 Section 2 saw Caulfield win back-to-back flags after their 2015 triumph, while Collegians overcame Ormond in a five-point overtime thriller in Section 3. After

The task of finding suitable independent venues has become increasingly difficult; however, we were very fortunate to secure Trevor Barker Beach Oval, Bill Lawry Oval, Casey Fields, Box Hill and IKON Park for our remaining finals which was well received by the participating clubs.

leading by 11 points at half time, AJAX could not

We owe a great deal of thanks to our many duty

sustain the intensity in Section 4 as they went

officers, gatekeepers and medal presenters for their

7

Also a huge thank our part-time staff members Nancy McTaggart, John Robinson, Phil Hope, Cliff and Ian Bastow for their valuable contribution to the VAFA. I would like to congratulate and thank Football Operations Manager, Sam Confait, who has worked tirelessly in managing and supporting our clubs. He has been ably assisted by Mikala Sykes who has processed over 9,500 player registrations and transfers. Mikala, who took over from Christian Burgess, has blossomed in the role and her ability to work with the clubs has been first class.

Congratulations to all clubs on a wonderful season. A lot of credit goes to the many hard working club officials & volunteers.

We are looking forward to 2017 which is sure to be an exciting season for all our clubs as the VAFA celebrates its 125-year anniversary.

Brian Goodman General Manager, Football Operations & Umpiring

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2016

Umpire Operations Report Success was achieved in several components of the Umpiring Department Strategic Plan – 2016.

More noticeably; engagement, coaching, long term planning and umpire development through upskilling. Evidence of this was through the higher participation rates at training and coaching sessions together with consistency of attendees participating in most, if not all coaching sessions. The areas that require additional focus are; young boundary umpires attending coaching sessions, social media programs to promote umpiring and engage existing umpires as well as career guidance for the senior umpire to extend their time in umpiring.

with Tom Bergin driving the fitness component.

The coaches were supported by the Match Day Observers team of Stephen Kong, Bruce McGregor, Rob Hanson, Frank Robinson, Zach Schloeffel and Michael Heenan. Our alternative training venues were under the guidance of Terry Gunn and Graeme Collins with the Club XVIII Umpires led by Paddy Lambert.

Ryan O’Shea took on coaching the boundary umpires within the VAFA for the first time in 2016 whilst also being a running VFL boundary, which was no mean feat. It required some manipulation of training times and groups. For those who engaged in the additional training and coaching sessions all developed their skills

One of the roles of umpire coaches at local level is to prepare umpires who might be interested in advancing to the VFL. The VAFA is rightly proud of its record in providing umpires to both the VFL and the AFL. In 2016 there were 10 ex VAFA field umpires at the VFL. Those who made the transition at the end of last season were Cameron Dore, Peter Bailes, Matt Clinton and Jacob Rockwell. Whilst this is a significant achievement it also meant that with the likes of senior umpires Merv Monty, David Lepair, Michael Hooper, Tom Windlow and Marcus Middleton all injured or unavailable together with the retirements of Grant Wardrop and Ben LaVale, the depth of the VAFA umpiring list was truly tested.

allowing them to umpire in higher grades. As

Fortunately, the systems we have in place enabled us to discover the next group of field umpires who were ready to umpire in the Premier sections. In 2016 there were 14 field umpires who made their debut in Premier, ranging in age from 15 to 56. All up, 39 field umpires umpired in Premier and Premier B.

the plate in their performances being confirmed

One of the success stories was the Summer Umpire Academy which was conducted in November 2015. Inexperienced VAFA umpires, along with some rookies from junior competitions

a 2 year target of 90 goal umpires by 2017 and we

Owen Hinson

achieved 79 active, registered umpires for 2016.

Young Achiever of the Year:

were given the opportunity to participate in six weeks of intensive coaching on decision making, running technique and match management.

Many of the participants from the juniors also came on board as VAFA umpires in 2016.

uniform, we are confident of reaching the target

Active mainstream field umpires totalled 156 with 12 umpires being unavailable through injury, work or moving away from Melbourne, meeting our recruitment numbers as per the Umpiring Department Strategic Plan – 2016.

umpiring in the VAFA and also for the VAFA at large.

Our field umpiring coaching team who put in an enormous amount of effort again was led

by Tony Hales. Tony was well supported by David Anselmi, Mark Gibson and Guy Hexter

as friendly and as enjoyable as possible. The

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2016

part of the Umpiring Strategic Plan, we set some lofty goals in recruiting boundary umpires with the aim of servicing more of the divisional clubs.

We proudly report the achievement of 126 active boundary umpires meeting the 2016 targets;

Bernie Jephson once again took on the lead

running social engagements for members to enjoy. This culminates in the Pre-Finals Dinner at the MCC Dining Room where the VAFAUA in conjunction with the VAFA Umpiring Department incorporate the umpires’ awards.

role as Head Coach of the VAFA goal umpires.

Golden Whistle Award:

however, we are still to recruit boundary umpires in the outer suburbs of Melbourne to service clubs in that area.

He increased the quality of output across all levels of our goalies. Bernie, ably assisted by John Hall and Shane Herbert, has raised the bar of expectations, with the group stepping up to through the coach’s match day observations.

Goal Umpire Patrick Dwyer was invited to join the

Logan Webster

Most Improved Field Umpire: Shaun Bourke

Andy Carrick Award:

Christopher Lonergan

Best First Year Umpire:

VFL list following a trial over the 2015 summer.

James Bett

There was plenty of anecdotal evidence from

Most Improved Boundary Umpire:

clubs that they welcomed the additional numbers of goal umpires in the divisional sections. We set

With the interest shown by the youth, supported by a small grant to assist in the costs of the by the end of next season.

Special thanks goes out to all those coaches, support personal as well as the umpiring people within VAFA Clubs, who showed their passion for

The relationship with the VAFAUA further developed over 2016. Led by President Greg Rolfe, who worked on engaging new members to ensure their introduction to umpiring was VAFAUA continued to advance the quality of

James Hackett-Smith

Bob Dunstan Award:

Adrian Pretorius

Most Improved Goal Umpire: Jasmina Lieu

As we head into 2017, Greg Rolfe steps down as VAFAUA President making way for Owen Hinson who was voted in at the recent AGM. We thank Greg for his work with the VAFAUA. The VAFA Woodrow Medal Night saw the presentation of the following VAFA awards;

VAFA Umpire of the Year: Matthew Oakley

VAFA Most Promising Umpire: George Wood

member engagement at training offering a wider variety of foods on training nights and again

8

William Buck Premier Grand Final Umpires

L-R: Tim Nelson (VAFA President) Christopher Kearney (G) Sam Beer (B) Haydn O’Connor (F) Matthew Oakley (F) George Wood (F) Adrian Pretorius (B) Tom Moloney (B) Ollie Bell (E) Michael Sholly (VAFA CEO)

William Buck Premier Grand Final Umpires Field:

Matthew Oakley Haydn O’Connor George Wood

Boundary:

Sam Beer Adrian Pretorius

Goal:

Thomas Moloney Christopher Kearney

Representative Football - Seniors VAFA v SAAFL Saturday June 11, Trevor Barker Oval Field:

Haydn O’Connor George Wood

Boundary:

Sam Beer James Hackett-Smith Adrian Pretorius

VAFA v SAAFL Umpires

Goals:

L-R: Tom Moloney (B) Michael Driver (G) Adrian Pretorius (B) Sam Beer (B) James Hackett-Smith (B) (F) George Wood (F) Frank Manikas SAAFL - (F) Haydn O’Connor (F)

Tom Moloney Michael Driver

Once again we express our appreciation of the support from the VAFA clubs. VAFA clubs go to various degrees in hosting umpires on match day, including fruit and post-match sandwiches together with the odd bottle of red if they consider their job was worthy. On the other hand there is that component of very social VAFA umpires who are often the last to leave a club’s post-match function.

Representative Football – Under 19’s VAFA v AFL Vic Country Sunday July 10, Waterview Reserve, Mernda

My personal thanks go to Michael Sholly and the team at HQ for the support shown. Benny, Blair, Sam, Christian, Ally, Mikala, Nick, Kelley, as well as Sue, who were all available to assist at the drop of a hat to ensure each weekends games had umpires.

Field:

Jackson Gillespie

I also thank Tim Nelson and the VAFA Board for their ongoing support and special thanks to the Umpiring Subcommittee consisting of Phil De Young, Benny Goodman and Merv Monty, all who have bought into the future of umpiring in the VAFA and supported the moves required to grow our numbers as well as develop our talent.

Boundary:

Raushaan Seychell Jordon Roseblade

Goals:

Antonio Valente

Brian Woodhead

Umpire Operations Manager

9

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2016

Commercial Operations Report The VAFA reached a milestone in our sponsorship growth this year while adding a mix of wellestablished organisations and new, exciting brands into our portfolio.

Sponsorship revenue almost tipped the half million dollar mark into a record achievement of $499,275 representing a 9% increase from 2015.

Costs related to sponsorship of $31,248 represent 6% of revenue.

At the official VAFA season launch in March, we formally recognised the 25th year of outstanding involvement of our sole major sponsor, Sportscover. VAFA Life Member Bruce McTaggart spoke about the long history between the two organisations and Sportscover founder Peter Nash was humble in accepting the acknowledgement and silver commemorative tray. We acknowledge and thank Chris Nash and all staff for their ongoing commitment to the VAFA and the very high level of insurance coverage and customer service we receive each year.

The VAFA welcomed several new sponsors this year: Epworth Hospital, Holmesglen Institute, BJS Insurance, ZEN sports liniment, Tixstar and the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation.

Epworth Hospital’s Emergency Department in Richmond established a brilliant priority service for injured VAFA players upon admittance and booking appointments with world-class specialists. The Epworth logo is visible on the VAFUA shirts and received great exposure throughout the year and, in particular, on Channel 9’s story of Kevin ‘Chilli’ Segota’s 800th game.

The VAFA’s relationship with Holmesglen Institute expanded into a corporate partnership while continuing to integrate VAFA clubs with student teams from degree programs in Sports Management & Sports Media. Holmesglen Institute became highly visible from securing naming rights for our U19 competition. Special thanks to Suzanne McKinnon, Ross Digby,

Peter Lee and Robbie Coyle for their support in enhancing this relationship and our intern this year, Hannah McNamara.

BJS Insurance joined the VAFA this year as our official insurance broker. The BJS Insurance logo is prominent on the back of all VAFAUA shirts. Thank you to directors Bill de Vos & Simon Fanning for their direct involvement and support, and our account manager Lorraine Cave for her outstanding customer service to the VAFA and our clubs over the year.

ZEN herbal sports liniment became involved in the VAFA last year by providing free samples of their product during the 2015 final series at Sportscover Arena and to our touring side to Ireland. Based on its popularity and positive feedback from players, ZEN signed on as our ‘Plays of the Week’ sponsor and was visible across all digital channels. ZEN also ran a very popular massage tent during this year’s final series and gave away hundreds of samples to players and spectators. Thanks to Chloe Holyman for her support and creative activation ideas throughout the year.

On July 23rd, the VAFA promoted the ‘Gambling’s not a Game’ Official Round for the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation. We were delighted 10 VAFA clubs supported the initiative by signing the Responsible Gambling Charter and promoting positive messages to their club communities.

Chartered Accountancy & Advisory firm, William Buck, strengthened their relationship with the VAFA by sponsoring Premier B & Premier C sections following on from the successful launch of William Buck Premier section last year. William Buck hosted its first breakfast networking event for VAFA clubs and their key sponsors in August featuring special guests AFL Executive Simon Lethlean, Adelaide Crows CEO Andrew Fagan with Fox Sports’ Tom Chadwick as MC. The discussion around leadership & crisis management in sport

was engaging and informative for the 50+ guests in attendance. The second William Buck Grand Final Lunch was another great success at the Sofitel with a great mix of VAFA & AFL insight and comedy. William Buck’s philosophy is all about ‘Changing Lives’ and fittingly many VAFA accounting graduates are looking to William Buck as a place to start their careers. Special thanks to Lindsay Holloway, Adam-Kirkwood Scott, Estelle Pentland, Libby Vance and a host of directors for their fantastic support.

Grill’d Healthy Burgers put the VAFA front and centre again in May for the Local ‘Footy’ Matters promotion. Over 60 VAFA clubs were featured in their local restaurant and received Sherrin footballs as donations worth over $10,000. Grill’d & the VAFA (in conjunction with Coopers Pale Ale) also launched an exclusive players card that proved very popular with over 1100 players opting in. Clubs also received Coopers products depending upon usage in restaurant. In addition, Grill’d became naming partner to our Rising Star award on top of providing many clubs with weekly player of the day vouchers. All in all, a very exciting year and a huge contribution from Grill’d. Special thanks to Marc Lord and Catherine Andruchowycz.

Bayford Group, our trusted automotive sponsor, ran a new ‘Kick for a Car’ promotion this year with four clubs participating in the competition on Premier C Grand Final day. Although there were a few close calls no one was able to recreate the magic kick from AJAX last year. Huge thanks to Wayne Taynton, Don Phaedonos, and Matt Taylor from Bayford for their incredibly generous support to the VAFA and our clubs all year round.

Our focus on health and sports medicine remains important and continued support from Rob Duncan at Club Warehouse, Andrew Meehan at Beiersdorf, Adam Weeks & Simon Olive at Anytime Fitness and Josh Ciechanowski at Nutrients Direct means the VAFA community have access to high quality products and services at club and individual levels.

William Buck hosted a successful business networking breakfast featuring special guests Simon Lethlean (AFL) & Andrew Fagan (Adelaide Crows) with Tom Chadwick (Fox Sports)

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2016

For the fourth year running, 1116SEN has provided fantastic coverage of the VAFA throughout the season, highlighted by our weekly 60 second reviews in prime time. This is vital to maintaining awareness across Melbourne and providing our

10

major sponsor and naming rights partners with additional value.

Cambridge Clothing Company sponsored our Woodrow Medal & Awards night again. VAFA men were saved from the ‘Worst Dressed Man’ competition this year, but Cambridge generously donated three $600+ suit packages to lucky guests in attendance. There is a strong exchange of values between Cambridge and the VAFA in building self-esteem and confidence in men.

Over the better part of the year, Peter Norman at East Malvern Community Bendigo Bank led the way in attempting to secure the parent Bendigo Bank as a major VAFA partner. Unfortunately, it didn’t come together as intended but we greatly thank him for his efforts and continued support to at the local level. We thank branch manager George Prodromidis and his team for their active support during the finals series.

Bayford Volkswagon vehicles on display at Sportscover Arena during finals

We’d also like to thank our core supply partners, Rod Lawson at Sherrin, Barry Dwyer at Four’N Twenty, Anthony Capponella at Coca-Cola, Martin Kelliher at Tahbilk Group, Gary Sparke at Cyan Imagery, Alistair Ewart at Winning Edge, Dara Tang at High Sierra, Andrew Weiss at MySportLive, as well as our long term, affiliate partners Mantra Group.

Due to unforeseen circumstances, the VAFA was compelled to review and alter the structure of our apparel program after going through a thorough tender process the year before. BLK have been an outstanding partner of the VAFA and clubs for four years but were hit with a massive natural weather disaster that halted production in February-March and left the VAFA with very few options right before the start of the season.

This put many clubs under severe pressure from players and sponsors and our exclusive model needed to be addressed to avoid such a situation occurring again in the future. However to BLK’s credit, despite lateness, all of the orders were fulfilled and all financial obligations were honoured. Special thanks to Tristan Banks, Ryan Shaune and Jarryd Browne for their support under duress in a challenging year.

The new women’s competition will present exciting opportunities for the commercial department.

Already, we have signed Wilson Group as a naming rights partner for the competition. Wilson Group is well known for parking, storage, security, and medical services and will provide great value for the VAFA community across these areas.

‘Miracle Man’ winner Justin Costello (Old Mentonians) with ZEN’s Chloe Holyman

Overall, 2016 has been another terrific year of growth in our sponsorship portfolio. The VAFA have a number of strengths to build upon in 2017 in our 125th year including opportunities relating to the redevelopment of Sportscover Arena, women’s football, and our very healthy existing competition.

Blair O’Hara

General Manager, Commercial Operations

Grill’d and VAFA (with support from Coopers) launched a very popular VIP Player’s Card in 2016

Epworth Hospital world-class surgeons and specialists presented an outstanding workshop to VAFA doctors and trainers.

11

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2016

Media and Communications Report The 2016 VAFA season has provided numerous highlights for the media and communications department, with continued growth allowing VAFA Media to reach more supporters with content and information across all digital media platforms.

The use of social media to engage our supporters is paramount to the success of VAFA Media, with record numbers in growth for both Facebook and Instagram indicating the need to continually provide engaging content.

Facebook has the most followers of our social media platforms and offers the greatest reach for advertising and promoting the VAFA brand.

However, there has always been a vast disparity between the number of registered players in our Association and the amount of followers on our social media platforms and, as such, there was a strong focus on appealing to our players via Facebook throughout the 2016 season.

Facebook video offers more than 135% greater organic reach than photo posts and we aimed to utilise its power by releasing a large portion of content via this channel. One method of engaging our playing community was introducing a Sunday highlight each week which promoted a single player’s moment of brilliance from the round’s action. It proved hugely popular and played a significant role in Facebook’s annual growth of 45%. Our two most successful videos were Armstrong ties things up (33.3K organic views and 794 ‘likes’) and OIG vs Kew - Last 60 Seconds with Hoes captain, Mal Mitris, winning the game after the final siren (organic reach of 179.3K users).

VAFA TV expanded again in 2016 with the release of HQ News as a means of providing the VAFA community with up-to-date, important information of the Association and our Clubs in a succinct and timely fashion. It also gave VAFA Media a chance to preview the upcoming round, with the combination of our VAFA Tragics review show and HQ News preview giving supporters of the VAFA a larger amount of content and information. Published directly to Facebook, HQ News has aired 23 times thus far in 2016 for an average of 2400 views and a total of more than 55K. Without taking into account VAFA Tragics and all highlight and promo video views, HQ News alone is 58% of 2015’s total video view count. This is largely due to posting directly to Facebook instead of uploading to YouTube and eliminating the double click-through.

VAFA Tragics returned for its second year as a three-camera panel show, dissecting each round of the season with in-depth discussion

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2016

and analysis. New segments included 4Q’s, Headlines and the Division Report. ZEN Plays of the Week continued to show the best highlights from each round of the season, with the Mark and Goal of the Year announced at the Woodrow Medal and VAFA Awards Night.

The 2015 Taping Techniques series of videos filmed by Andrew Leonard in conjunction with LifeCare continues to provide large numbers of viewers with taping techniques and injury prevention tips. Due to this, YouTube views were over 100K with a 24% increase on the same time period from 2015.

VAFA Media held its inaugural Media Days during the pre-season, with 51 representatives from 50 clubs partaking. With such a fantastic turnout, the event was held over three separate days and garnered promotional content from each participating Club via photography, video and player interviews. The Q&As provided comedic relief from our own players, while the footage obtained has been used for promo videos for Round 1, the Big V vs SAAFL representative match, U19 Big V vs AFLVC representative match and VAFA finals.

My Sport Live oversaw match footage requirements for the first time in 2016, including filming and uploading all 15 Premier section matches to VAFA TV and the production of VAFA Tragics in their St Kilda studio. The William Buck Premier Grand Final and Big V representative match were live streamed with commentary

and sideline reporting. The grand final live stream was seen by an audience of more than 5000, including over 3,500 unique viewers and 24% from overseas.

96.5 Inner FM continued to broadcast a match of the round each week on the radio, as well as the Premier B – Unders Best and Fairest counts live on air. 98.9 North-West FM and 88.3 Southern FM continued to broadcast radio shows covering the VAFA on Sundays, with North-West FM also simulcasting the William Buck Premier Grand Final alongside Inner FM. The Amateur Footballer’s weekly print numbers dropped but viewing numbers online rose as supporters continued the transition to digital versions on VAFA.com.au. As per previous seasons, the Grand Final Edition was printed in full colour on A4 and also made available for download.

The VAFA Report was broadcast on SEN 1116’s Tuesday Drive and Wednesday Breakfast each week of the season, while the number of VAFA newsletter recipients increased by 27%.

It’s official! The inaugural VAFA Women’s Competition has officially launched on Facebook with a selfie

12

VAFA.com.au

3.1 million page views 342,784 users 26,655 recipients 98,561 views 142,959 sessions

VAFA Newsletter VAFA TV Matches Live Scores

4.4% decrease 10.8% increase 27% increase 8.5% decrease 15% increase

Up’ing the numbers Social Media Media Followers Followers Increase in Social

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS VAFA Media is made up of a team of volunteers whose tireless work ensures we can provide the sharpest and most up-to-date content and 7000 information across all sections.

6000

A special thanks goes to Christian Burgess after he took up the role of Publications Editor this season, continuing the first-class production of the Amateur Footballer in conjunction with his role as Premier C scribe.

Sincere thanks go out to Ken Petrucco, John Kanis and the team at 96.5 Inner FM for their continued support and commitment with the production of the Saturday morning VAFA Footy Show and Match of the Round broadcast each round of the season. Furthermore, thank you to each and every commentator who volunteered their Saturday afternoons to call the matches, as well as Glenn Scarborough (North-West FM) and Tom Brain (Southern FM) whose support of the VAFA on their respective radio programs is unmatched.

Andrew Weiss, Chris Kosmer, Dale Price and the team at My Sport Live have provided more than just production of VAFA match footage and Tragics in 2016, with their expansive knowledge of the digital media landscape and willingness to assist where possible an invaluable asset to VAFA Media.

I’d also like to thank club volunteers who provide content for VAFA Media to help promote our Association and engage our supporters.

It is often a difficult and time-consuming task covering each and every section, but submission of photographs, media releases and ideas are invaluable and all contribute to the ongoing success of VAFA Media.

5000 4000

0

Facebook

Twitter 2015

Instagram 2016

Facebook

6524 likes

Twitter

5462 followers

Instagram

1402 followers

YouTube

110,293 views

Total

343,266 mins viewed

Facebook Video

310,615 views

LinkedIn

427 followers

VAFA.com.au

3.1 million page views

Total

342,784 users

VAFA Newsletter

26,655 recipients

VAFA TV Matches

98,561 views

Live Scores

142,959 sessions

Football Operations Assistant, Mikala Sykes, took up the role of HQ News reporter and provided previews of the most enticing matches each week. Her assistance and positive attitude every Friday afternoon made filming a highly entertaining experience.

are invaluable members of the panel, with Andrew continuing as host in 2016 and Brenton specialising with his Division Report.

Special thanks goes to Andrew Leonard and Brenton Mann for the time volunteered each week to help film VAFA Tragics. Both gentlemen

Finally, I’d like to thank VAFA CEO, Michael Sholly, for the support he has shown me and VAFA Media in my first year in the role of Media

13

2016

1000

2015

2000

2016

3000

2015

Firstly, thank you to returning Amateur Footballer scribes, David Chalmers (Premier B), Gavin Southern (Division 4), John Donohoe (U19 Premier & Premier Reserve), Tom Neuendorf (U19 Section 2 & 3), Norm Nugent (Club XVIII) and Geoff Reilley (Retrospective). Those who joined the team at VAFA Media and who I would also like to thank: Tom Feldgen (Division 1), Jarryd McGuane (Division 2), Ren Thompson (Division 3) and Mikala Sykes (U19 Section 4 & 5).

46% 10% 115% 24% 13% NEW 25% 4.4% 11% 27% 8.5% 15%

and Communications Coordinator. A constant source of ideas and feedback, Michael’s contribution has been invaluable.

Nick Armistead

Media & Communications Co-ordinator

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2016

William Buck Premier With the reality of elimination at the forefront of all three of their finals and a combination of three in-form opposition and recent history to defy, Old Xaverians achieved what many thought unachievable and claimed the William Buck Premier flag with a thrilling seven-point victory against Old Trinity at Ikon Park.

Finishing third at the end of the home and away fixture, the 2016 Old Xaverians outfit became just the second side since 2005 (also Xavs) to win the Premier section flag from outside the top two. Given the form of Old Trinity, the defensive nous of University Blues and the star-studded line-up of University Blacks, it was a monumental effort for a side who found themselves lingering in seventh position on the ladder at the half way stage of the season.

Old Xaverians were given little chance of victory from VAFA experts and generic supporters, with the majority of pundits backing the fast-paced and in-form Old Trinity on the wide expanses of Ikon.

A combination of Old Xaverians’ hard-bodied midfield, finals experience and Mother Nature (consistent showers and a slippery deck) meant skipper, John Shaw, and co-coaches, Ted Woodruff and Pat Hawkins, held aloft the L.A. Adamson cup.

Jock Nelson Medallist, Caydn Beetham, was instrumental in his side’s win and kicked a 55m goal with moments remaining in the fourth term.

Nick Wynne and Dan Noonan held strong in the clutches and repelled a number of Old Trinity inside 50 thrusts.

Old Trinity were unable to capitalise on their chances in front of goal but Callum Pohl, Fergus Stewart and Luke Pacconi were sensational in defence. They held their opponents for the majority of the match until leading goal kickers, Matt Handley and Brendan Goss, kicked two majors in Jake Williams (De La Salle) - Woodrow Medallist

the last quarter.

Old Trinity held a four-point lead at the first break before Old Xaverians made a point of hitting the contest first and controlling possession in a three-goal to one second term. For all of their dominance in that time, Old Xaverians didn’t have the ascendancy on the scoreboard, leaving it open for Old Trinity’s and their well-known short bursts of scoring.

Old Trinity stuck with their opponents throughout the third and reclaimed the lead via Ed Weatherson’s second major early in the fourth. However, Goss and Handley quickly eliminated the deficit with two quick goals and Old Xaverians never looked back as they blew the margin out to 15 points.

Louis Denton was hard at the contest all game, winning crucial contested ball in the dying stages of the match and feeding it out to his runners.

After just two games in the seniors throughout the season, Lachlan Keith kicked two important majors for Old Xaverians as he proved to be a real x-factor.

Brendan Iezzi led Old Trinity valiantly as he battled the physical presence of the Old Xaverians and continued to send the ball forward of centre. Luther Juric, Jack Hunt and Gabe Hamilton were each named in Old Trinity’s best for their performances across four quarters.

It was a disappointing end to Old Trinity’s season as they failed to claim their first-ever William Buck Tom Quinn (University Blues)

Premier flag for the second consecutive year.

They were the best team during the home and away season and sat atop the ladder for 10 of the 18 rounds. The return of captain, Brendan Iezzi, from a season-ending knee injury he suffered in 2015 was a highlight of their season, alongside the vast improvement of Jack Osborn, Jack Hunt and Luther Juric. While nothing can soothe the hurt of a lost grand final, Old Trinity had the youngest average age of the top seven sides this year at a tick over 23, leaving them in a strong position to obtain that elusive first flag in the coming years.

University Blues flew under the radar for the majority of the season as they battled a heavy injury toll and low scoring output. While they averaged the third lowest points for (65 per game) out of all 10 sides, the Quinton Gleeson-led Blues made a name as defensive beasts, averaging just 57.3 points against. Big V representatives, Hugh Vickers-Willis and Jeremy Mugavin, led the charge for the Blues while Will Cuningham provided elite run from defence. Star recruit and goal kicking maestro, Tim Geappen, suffered injuries throughout the season for the first time in his decorated career, giving hope to another genuine tilt at the flag next year with a healthy list at their disposal.

After struggling to back up the success of their 2014 premiership last year and finishing a game and a half outside the four, University Blacks returned to the powerhouse of season’s past with Cam Roberts reclaiming the senior coaching positon. After losing three of their first four games, the Blacks strung five consecutive victories together between round 5 and 9 and staked their claim as the team to beat. As it turned out, it was not to be as the Blacks gave up a four-goal lead midway through the third quarter of their elimination final against Xavs and went down by 15 points at Sportscover Arena. Bede Mahon was the standout through the Blacks’ midfield and earnt captaincy of the William Buck Premier Team of the Year, while Lochy Dornauf (43 goals), Adam Pitt, Josh Steadman and Hugh Curnow starred.

De La Salle will rue missed opportunity in 2016 after they fell away in the second half of the season and finished fifth. Sitting on top of the ladder with eight wins from their first 10 games, De La hit a severe form slump and lost their next five in a row.

A 70-point win over St Kevin’s in Round 16 gave hope for an unlikely finals appearance, but a fourpoint loss to Old Melburnians in the penultimate round ended their 2016 tilt. Jake Williams returned from Collingwood’s VFL list and secured his second Woodrow Medal with six three-vote performances placing him five ahead of Thomas Paule.

Old Melburnians were the surprise packet of

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2016

14

Old Xaverians (William Buck Premier)

2016 after they returned to William Buck Premier following their Premier B loss to St Kevin’s last year. Former Richmond and Port Adelaide midfielder, Matt Thomas, was the star recruit off the off-season and his experience alongside Paule and Al Armstrong helped OMs to eight wins for the year. Big V representative, Nick De Steiger, made serious gains in his development as an elite Premier ruckman, while Nathan Brown had his side playing a brand of football which will keep them in the VAFA’s top tier for a number of years.

Collegians welcomed Shane Joyce as first-year coach and he implemented a no-nonsense approach to defence with the Lions averaging 62.8 points against. They could muster just 64 points for as they struggled to find the scoreboard but meddled around the middle of the ladder for the majority of the year. A Round 18 twilight win against OMs gave outgoing President, Wayne Dyer, and retiring stalwart, Andrew Scott, a fitting farewell after years of service to the Lions and our Association.

An eighth-place finish would not have been what St Kevin’s envisaged ahead of their return to William Buck Premier but they will get another opportunity in 2017 after staving off relegation late in the year.

They proved they had the firepower to compete at the top level with wins against Old Trinity and University Blacks (twice) but a loss to Old Carey at St Kevin’s College on Foundation Day showcased the difference between their best and worst. They lost senior coach, Jon Edgar, after their Round 12 loss to the Panthers with former co-coach, Daniel Harford, taking the reins as interim for the remainder of the year.

St Bernard’s were unable to reclaim their premiership-winning form of 2015 as they battled retirement, a spate of injuries and players moving to VFL level. Unfortunately, the combination of all these things meant they could muster just five wins for the season and suffered relegation one year after tasting ultimate glory. Former AFL coach, Mark Riley, replaced Anthony Rock in the position of senior coach at the start of the season and will lead the Snow Dogs back to the top tier sooner rather than later.

Old Carey struggled to find consistency in 2016 as injuries took their toll and they were relegated with one win for the season. However, the need for future success was made a priority early in the year and the Panthers will return to Premier B knowing full well they require one or two years of development in their bid for sustained success at the top level. Sam Cust was a standout for the young Panthers’ outfit and earnt representative honours in the Big V’s clash against the SAAFL.

WILLIAM BUCK PREMIER Premiership Team: Old Xaverians B

Marc Johnston, Josh Anderson, Tim Dynon

HB

Louis Tiernan, Daniel Noonan, Nick Wynne

C

Chris Margin, Ben Kennedy, Caydn Beetham

HF

Lachlan Keith, Tom Williams, Tyson Thomas

F

Brendan Goss, Matt Handley, Tom Anderson

FOLL I/C Coach

John Shaw, Tomi Johnston, Denis Symeopoulos Clay Johnston, Louis Denton, Matt Margin, Cauley Beetham Pat Hawkins, Ted Woodruff

Leading Goal Kickers Name

Club

Matthew Handley

Old Xaverians

Total 51

Brendan Goss

Old Xaverians

47

Alexander Armstrong

Old Melburnians

41

Lochy Dornauf

University Blacks

41

JN Woodrow Medal PLAYER

CLUB

Jake Williams

De La Salle

VOTES 26

Thomas Paule

Old Melburnians

21

Bede Mahon

University Blacks

19

Jeremy Mugavin

University Blues

15

Matthew Thomas

Old Melburnians

14

Jack Hunt

Old Trinity

14

Tom Sullivan

St Bernards

14

Scribe Team of the Year FB

Will Johnson (Coll), Hugh Vickers-Willis (Blues) , Luke Pacconi (OT) – VC

HB

Nick Wynne (OX), Tom Humphrey (DLS), Sam Williams (DLS)

C

Tom Paule (OM), Bede Mahon (Blacks) ©, Jake Williams (DLS)

HF

Sam Cust (OC), Tom Penberthy (Coll), Al Armstrong (OM)

FF

Lochy Dornauf (Blacks), Matt Handley (OX), Brendan Goss (OX)

FOLL I/C Coach

Nick De Steiger (OM), Andrew Kyriacopoulos (OT), Tom Sullivan (StB) Will Coates (SKOB), Jeremy Mugavin (Blues), Callum Pohl (OT), Adam Pitt (Blacks) Adam Andrews (OT)

Nick Armistead

15

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2016

William Buck Premier Results WILLIAM BUCK PREMIERSHIP LADDER P

W

L

D

B

FF

For

Agst

%

PTS

Old Trinity

18

13

4

1

0

0

1355

1115

121.52

54

University Blues

18

13

5

0

0

0

1175

1032

113.86

52

Old Xaverians

18

12

6

0

0

0

1592

1111

143.29

48

University Blacks

18

11

7

0

0

0

1395

1101

126.7

44

De La Salle

18

10

8

0

0

0

1577

1316

119.83

40

Old Melbournians

18

8

9

1

0

0

1252

1252

100

34

Collegians

18

8

10

0

0

0

1157

1131

102.3

32

St Kevins

18

8

10

0

0

0

1438

1495

96.19

32

St Bernards

18

5

13

0

0

0

1350

1535

87.95

20

Old Carey

18

1

17

0

0

0

960

2163

44.38

4

Lochy Dornauf (University Blacks)

William Buck Premier Grand Final at IKON Park Old Trinity

3.2-20

4.3-27

5.9-39

7.12-54

Old Xaverians

2.4-16

5.6-36

6.7-43

9.7-61

Old Trinity Goal Kickers: E. Weatherson 2, A. Hasiotis, G. Hamilton, L. Juric, H. Tinney, C. Manoussakis Best Players: C. Pohl, F. Stewart, L. Pacconi, J. Hunt, G. Hamilton, H. Tinney Old Xaverians Goal Kickers: L. Keith 2, C. Beetham 2, M. Handley 2, T. Thomas. B. Goss, L. Denton Best Players: C. Beetham, N. Wynne, L. Denton, J, Shaw, C. Margin, T. Dynon Jock Nelson Medal: Caydn Beetham (Old Xaverians)

Preliminary Final University Blues Old Xaverians Tim Dynon (Old Xaverians)

0.0

6.2-38

8.2-50

13.6-84

4.5-29

6.7-43

12.13-85

15.17-107

University Blues Goal Kickers: T. Quinn 5, D. Batarilo 2, J. Taylor 2, T. Geappen 2, P. Hayes, W. Blakey Best Players: J. Townley, C. Lappin, M. Rippon, T. Quinn, D. Hinkley, J. Taylor Old Xaverians Goal Kickers: B. Goss 6, T. Thomas 2, D. Symeopoulos, T. Williams, N. Wynne, C. Beetham, M. Handley, T. Anderson, T. Johnson Best Players: T. Thomas, B. Goss, C. Beetham, D. Noonan, B. Kennedy, J. Anderson

Semi Final 1 Old Xaverians

2.3-15

6.4-40

10.8-68

14.9-93

University Blacks

5.2-32

8.7-55

11.11-77

11.12-78

Old Xaverians Goal Kickers: B. Goss 6, M. Handley 3, T. Thomas 2, T. Johnson, T. Williams, C. Johnston Best Players: B. Goss, D. Noonan, T. Thomas, J. Shaw, L. Tiernan, T. Johnston University Blacks Goal Kickers: M. O’Brien 3, L. Dornauf 2, N. Batten 2, J. Quaile 2, H. Curnow 2, Best Players: H. Curnow, M. O’Brien, J. Steadman, B. Sheahan, H. Allen, L. Huntington

Semi Final 2 Old Trinity

2.2-14

11.3-69

15.5-95

18.9-117

University Blues

2.1-13

3.2-20

6.4-40

8.8-56

Old Trinity Goal Kickers: E. Weatherson 4, S. Nicolosi 3, L. Juric 3, J. Osborn 2, J. Spassopoulos 2, A. Polidoros 2, C. Manoussakis, B. Iezzi Best Players: B. Iezzi, A. Kyriacopoulos, L. Juric, H. Thompson, B. Howell, C. Pohl University Blues Goal Kickers: T. Geappen 2, C. Williams 2, C. Tiller, D. Batarilo, T, Quinn, C. Hinkley Best Players: M. James, D. Batarilo, C. Hinkley, W. Cunningham, C. Williams, P. Summers

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2016

16

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

Old Xaverians University Blues St Kevins Old Trinity De La Salle University Blacks Collegians Old Melbournians St Bernards Old Carey

W 15 14 11 11 10 8 8 7 6 0

L 3 4 7 7 8 10 10 11 12 18

D 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

B 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

FF 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

For 1667 1357 1379 1284 1401 1095 1109 1073 1274 371

Agst 729 787 1035 1101 1114 986 1117 1101 1283 2757

% 228.67 172.43 133.24 116.62 125.76 111.05 99.28 97.46 99.3 1346

PTS 60 56 44 44 40 32 32 28 24 0

Premier Reserves Premiership Team: University Blues B HB C HF F FOLL I/C Coach

University Blues (Premier Reserve)

Charles Fry, Rich Langham, Matthew Hart Louis Wardle, Jamie Mugavin, Dan Van de Pol Ed Long, Tom Girdwood (C), Will Langley Andy Wettenhall, Jack Wood, Zach Thomson Sam Smith, David Withers, Will Blakey Dirk Heinz, Ed Ratcliffe, James Carr Al Evans, Andy Batarilo, Lachie Stewart, George Chisholm Jason Bek

Premier Reserves Grand Final Old Xaverians University Blues

0.5-5 1.0-6

0.6-6 3.0-18

3.10-28 6.1-37

4.12-36 9.3-57

Old Xaverians Goal Kickers: J. Hannan 2, L. Bisset, M. Allan Best Players: T. Wynne, J. Hannan, N. Pepperell, J. Pintal, D. Harangozo, M. Douglas University Blues Goal Kickers: J. Wood 3, T. Girdwood 2, A. Wettenhall, D. Withers, E. Long, W. Blakely Best Players: D. Heinz, J. Carr, R. Langham, T. Girdwood, A. Wettenahall, G. Chisholm Best on Ground Medal: Thomas Girdwood (University Blues)

PREMIERSHIP LADDER St Kevins Gold Old Xaverians Red Old Xaverians Black St Bernards University Blacks Old Melbournians St Kevins Green University Blues Old Scotch Collegians

Old Xaverians Red (Premier Thirds)

Premier Thirds

P

W

L

D

B

FF

For

Agst

%

PTS

17 17 17 17 17 16 17 16 15 17

14 14 14 10 10 8 5 4 3 1

3 3 3 7 7 8 12 12 12 16

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

1 1 1 1 1 0 1 1 0 0

1370 1426 1357 1308 1291 1073 911 704 646 541

675 802 801 956 1029 1241 1100 1369 1437 1409

202.96 177.81 169.41 136.82 125.46 86.46 82.82 51.42 44.95 38.40

60 60 60 44 44 32 24 20 12 4

Premier Thirds Premiership Team: Old Xaverians Red B HB C HF F FOLL I/C Coach

Dan Prowse, Declan Pittonet, Fraser Lane Charlie Wilson, Tom Fantasia, Joe Barlow Tom Beaton, Tom Gilbert, James Samartzis Jono Close, Matt Owen, James Forrest Matt Sitch, Sam Cleeve, Nick Sharkey Michael Henderson, Will Richards, Jack Bueno James Agius, Tom Bergin, David Nash, Nick Gazdowicz, Jack Kelliher, Lucas O’Sullivan Shane Healy, Tim Mangan

Premier Thirds Grand Final Old Xaverians Red Old Xaverians Black

2.4-16 0.1-1

2.6-18 1.4-10

3.9-27 2.4-16

Old Xaverians Red Goal Kickers: M. Sitch 2, S. Cleeve, M. Owen Best Players: J. Agius, C. Wilson, D. Prowse, W. Richards, J. Samartzis, J. Bueno Old Xaverians Black Goal Kickers: T. Rowse, L. Rogan, J. Moylan, J. Hanger Best Players: S. Franklyn, J. Preece, H. Sleeman, T. Reed, J. Moylan, L. Grigg Best on Ground Medal: James Agius (Old Xaverians Red)

Tom Sullivan (St Bernard’s)

17

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2016

4.12-36 4.5-29

Premier B

Shark attack the difference While the middle of the Premier B ladder was constantly changing throughout the 2016 season, the two constants sat just above them; Beaumaris and St Bedes/Mentone Tigers. For 10 of the 18 rounds throughout the season, these talented sides held the top two spots on the ladder, with no other team getting a look-in from Round 10 onwards.

When it all came to the crunch, Beaumaris were able to back up their 2016 minor premiership with their first senior flag since 2010 as they defeated St Bedes/Mentone Tigers by 31 points in the Premier B Grand Final at Trevor Barker Oval.

31 scoring shots to 20 doesn’t exactly give an accurate account of the match as the Tigers took a 14-point lead into the main break after a dominant second term of four unanswered goals.

However, Beaumaris were relentless in the final two quarters of the year and piled on 11.12 to 5.3 to run away with the premiership and earn the right to compete in William Buck Premier after just one year in Premier B. Big V representative, Tom Dean, was awarded the Ian Cordner Medal for his starring performance for Beaumaris alongside three goals from Adam Schneider and Daniel Gribbin. Matthew Petering and Anthony Carroll were sensational while Stephen Milne, Josh Ward and Drew Kelly added two each. Paul Wintle and Chris Mangoni fought valiantly for the Tigers, but Beaumaris were ultimately too strong and came together when it

mattered most.

After suffering relegation on the back of just two wins and a tie in 2015, Beaumaris rose to prominence once again with the strongest recruitment of the off-season. Former St Kilda teammates, Stephen Milne and Adam Schneider, joined at various stages of the year, with Milne making an immediate impact and claiming third spot on the goal-kicking leader board with 43 for the home and away fixture despite playing just 13 games. Captain and Spirit of the Big V Award recipient, Tom Dean, starred for Beaumaris and deservedly polled 13 votes in the GT Moore Medal count to finish fifth. In the same vein as St Kevin’s and Old Melburnians did this year, expect Beaumaris to consolidate their position in William Buck Premier in 2017. A premiership in the reserves showcases the depth of talent at their disposal and a midfield with Dean, Robert Cathcart, Anthony Caroll and young gun, Luke Globan, promises success for years to come.

Despite the disappointment of a grand final loss, it was a stellar year for St Bedes/Mentone Tigers

with 13 victories and a strong finals campaign.

They earnt direct passage to the grand final with a 27-point win against Beaumaris in the second semi-final, but failed to capitalise on a strong firsthalf performance in the big dance. Michael Barnes was the highlight as he ran riot across half-forward and booted 43 goals from 20 games, while Jaryd Robertson and Chris Mangoni represented the Big V against the SAAFL in June. Robertson’s ability to read the flight of the ball across half-back was second to none in Premier B and should hold St Bedes/Mentone Tigers in good stead as they make the jump to William Buck Premier for the first time since 2014.

Old Scotch came out of the blocks with all guns blazing in Premier B, winning six of their first seven matches as they looked to return to the VAFA’s top tier. However, the Cardinals were unable to maintain their early season form as injuries took their toll and they slumped to five losses from six outings between Rounds 10 and 15. This made the competition extremely interesting as the Cardinals joined Monash Blues on eight wins and sat half a game behind Fitzroy.

Not to mention, Old Brighton and Parkdale were only a game behind. The final three rounds proved what most of us believed to be true since season’s commencement; the Cardinals were the third best side. They won their last three home and away matches to finish behind the eventual grand finalists before edging past the ever-impressive Blues in the first semi. The run of wins stopped on preliminary final weekend but the Cardinals will look to use their sublime end of season form heading into next year. Lachlan Byrne-Jones received the Spirit of the Big V Award in the U19’s loss to AFL Vic Country, while Tim MacMillan, Gene Van Den Broek and Jack Bull were outstanding all season.

Monash Blues were given little chance heading into the season after falling to Old Haileybury on the last day of Premier C in 2015. How we were wrong. 11 wins, a finals berth and an impressive showing in the first semi against the Cardinals highlighted the talent and endeavour on Paul Groves’ young list. Andre Headberry (37) and Nick Petering (34) combined for 71 majors, or 36% of their side’s total goals, while Daniel Easson and Maddison Hardiman continued the form which earnt them Big V honours in 2015. The kings of the tight contests, the Blues played in seven matches decided by eight points or less for five wins and just two losses.

Mitch McWhinney (Fitzroy)

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2016

Tim MacMillan (Old Scotch)

Fitzroy’s pre-season aim to secure a spot in in the finals was narrowly missed as they finished fifth and just half a game behind the Blues and the Cardinals. The Roys had a slow start to the year and lost their first four. The return of captain, Rory Angiolella, standout performances from Daniel Bisetto and Aiden Lambert, and increased

18

confidence helped the Roys out of their slump and into finals contention for the remainder of the year. Angiolella and Bisetto were particularly impressive and finished equal-third in the GT Moore Medal count with 14 votes each.

Old Brighton were a rollercoaster of form in 2016 but only missed out on finals in the last couple of rounds. Sitting 2-1 after three rounds, the Tonners went on to lose seven in a row and relegation looked a likely outcome. With leading goal kicker, Dan Anthony, Grill’d Rising Star, Harry Hill, and a multitude of other young guns all stepping up, the Tonners turned their fortunes around with seven victories from their last eight games and a sixthplace finish.

AJAX had a year of mixed fortunes in 2016, finishing seventh with seven wins and 1.37% above Parkdale. They defeated Fitzroy twice and had the measure of the teams below them, but couldn’t make the leap and notch a win against any of the top four sides. AJAX will look to recruit goal kickers alongside David Fayman to improve upon their 71.6ppg - the second lowest in the competition.

Parkdale Vultures were primed for a top four berth prior to the season’s commencement but a season-ending knee injury to star forward, Matt Boland, in Round 1 made things difficult. The Vultures rallied in Boland’s absence for seven wins over the course of the year. Charlie Dillon starred and took home the GT Moore Medal with 16 votes.

Old Haileybury were unable to reach the supreme heights of 2015’s premiership and will return to Premier C as they continue to develop their young and exciting list. The Bloods won three of their first four games but could manage just one more for the remainder of the year. Corey Connolly headlines the pool of young talent coming through after he played Big V U19’s in July.

Joining the Bloods in Premier C next year will be Hampton Rovers after they finished on the bottom with four wins for the season. Nathan Smith was a highlight for the Rovers with 40 goals while Nick Pavlou kicked one of the goals (and subsequent celebrations) of the season in his side’s sevenpoint victory over the Tonners in Round 10.

Nick Armistead

Beaumaris (Premier B)

Premier B Premiership Team: Beaumaris B HB C HF F FOLL I/C Coach

Ben McLean, Jack Gabron-Uhe, Scott Braithwaite Will Gillespie, Nick Dickinson, Liam Hiscock Tom Dean, Luke Globan, Anthony Carroll Scott Gower, Lachlan Boyd, Matthew Petering Stephen Milne, Daniel Gribbin, Adam Schneider Joel Di Natale, Drew Kelly, Will Edmonds Will Murton, Dylan Gabron Uhe, Josh Ward Brayden Haynes

Leading Goalkickers Name

Club

Daniel Anthony

Old Brighton

Goals 46

David Fayman

AJAX

46

Stephen Milne

Beaumaris

43

Nathan Smith

Hampton Rovers

40

GT Moore Medal Player

Club

Charlie Dillon

Parkdale Vultures

Votes 16

Harry Hill

Old Brighton

15

Daniel Bisetto

Fitzroy

14

Rory Angiolello

Fitzroy

14

Thomas Dean

Beaumaris

13

Jarrod Plymin

Old Haileybury

12

Scribe Team of the Year FB

Lachlan Byrne-Jones (OS), Gerard Gillian (MB), Richard Atkins (HR)

HB

Nick Marks (AJAX), Jaryd Robertson (SBMT), James Paul (OH)

C

Brad Caplan (AJAX), Charlie Dillon (PV), Harry Hill (OB)

HF

Nathan Smith (HR), Daniel Bisetto (Fitz), Michael Barnes (SBMT)

FF

David Fayman (AJAX), Daniel Anthony (OB), Nick Petering (MB)

FOLL I/C Coach

Charlie Rossetti (MB), Matthew Petering (Beau), Robert Cathcart (Beau) James Tyquin (SBMT), Jack Bull (OS), Gene Van Den Broek (OS), Stephen Milne (Beau) Paul Groves (MB)

Sean MacPherson (Old Haileybury)

19

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2016

Premier B Results PREMIERSHIP LADDER David Fayman (AJAX)

P

W

L

D

B

FF

For

Agst

%

PTS

Beaumaris

18

13

4

1

0

0

1751

1234

141.90

54

St Bedes/Mentone Tigers

18

13

5

0

0

0

1769

1391

127.17

52

Old Scotch

18

11

7

0

0

0

1638

1255

130.52

44

Monash Blues

18

11

7

0

0

0

1311

1307

100.31

44

Fitzroy

18

10

7

1

0

0

1477

1385

106.64

42

Old Brighton

18

9

9

0

0

0

1528

1457

104.87

36

AJAX

18

7

11

0

0

0

1289

1522

84.69

28

Parkdale Vultures

18

7

11

0

0

0

1294

1553

83.32

28

Old Haileybury

18

4

14

0

0

0

1353

1612

83.93

16

Hampton Rovers

18

4

14

0

0

0

1201

1895

63.38

16

Premier B Grand Final at Trevor Barker Oval St Bedes/Mentone Tigers Beaumaris

1.2-8

5.7-37

6.9-45

10.10-70

3.3-21

3.5-23

9.14-68

14.17-101

St Bedes/Mentone Tigers Goal Kickers: E. Uthayakumar 2, C. Richards, S. Richards, J. Robertson, L. Velluto, M. Barnes, J. Cowan. L. Mirams, B. Denton Best Players: P. Wintle, C. Mangoni, S. Richards, J. Tyquin, E. Uthayakumar, T. Garside Beaumaris Goal Kickers: A. Schneider 3, D. Gribbin 3, S. Milne 2, J. Ward 2, D. Kelly 2, S. Braithwaite, N. Dickson Best Players: M. Petering, T. Dean, A. Carroll, J. Di Natale, B. McLean, L. Hiscock Ian Cordner Medal: Thomas Dean (Beaumaris)

Premier B Preliminary Final Beaumaris

4.2-26

9.5-59

12.7-79

16.13-109

Old Scotch

5.1-31

6.2-38

9.2-56

12.3-75

Beaumaris Goal Kickers: D. Gribbin 4, S. Milne 3, A. Schneider2, W. Edmonds 2, M. Petering 2, J. Ward, R. Cathcart, L. Hiscock Best Players: L. Hiscock, D. Gribbin, A. Carroll, W. Edmonds, M. Petering L. Boyd Old Scotch Goal Kickers: M. Seed 4, M. van den Broek 4, A. Lim 2, A. Harlock, J. Furey Best Players: M. Seed, S. Sherwen, L. Byrne-Jones, M. van den Broek, J. Bull, T. Macmillan

Premier B Semi Final 1 Old Scotch

3.2-20

5.4-34

7.7-49

9.11-65

Monash Blues

1.4-10

4.7-31

5.7-37

8.10-58

Old Scotch Goal Kickers: J. Daggian 2, M. van den Broek 2, N. Cox, H. Calway, J. Bowden, J. Sansom, T. Macmillan Best Players: A. van Ryn, G. van den Broek , C. Dixon, T. Macmillan, J. Long, A. Franetic Monash Blues Goal Kickers: N. McConville 2, M. Hardiman, M. Cameron, L. Darcy, A. Headberry, N. Petering, C. Pither Best Players: K. Mason, T. Cameron, D. Easson, M. Cameron, L. Darcy, A. Oppy

Premier B Semi Final 2 Beaumaris

1.4-10

4.8-32

6.10-46

9.11-65

St Bedes / Mentone Tigers

3.4-22

3.4-22

7.5-47

14.8-92

Beaumaris Goal Kickers: S. Milne 5, D. Gribbin 2, S. McBain, D. Kelly Best Players: M. Petering, S. Milne, T. Cumming, S. Gower, W. Gillespie St Bedes/Mentone Tigers Charlie Dillon (Parkdale Vultures) GT Moore Medallist

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2016

Goal Kickers: E. Uthayakumar 3, M. Barnes 3, J. Robertson 2, C. Richards, P. Wintle, A. Smout, G. Rowlands, J. Cowan, P. Hurst Best Players: J. Cayhan, S. Richards, B. O’’Toole, M. Barnes, J. Robertson, D. Garside

20

Premier B Reserves PREMIERSHIP LADDER P

Old Scotch Beaumaris St Bedes/Mentone Tigers Parkdale Vultures Monash Blues AJAX Fitzroy Old Brighton Old Haileybury Hampton Rovers

18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18

W

L

17 16 11 10 10 8 8 5 3 1

D

1 2 7 7 8 9 10 13 15 17

B

0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0

FF

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

For

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Agst

1839 1740 1465 1360 1101 1151 1100 897 803 442

624 558 1137 1120 1056 1013 1112 1402 1808 2092

%

294.71 311.83 128.85 121.43 104.26 113.62 98.92 63.98 44.41 21.13

PTS 68 64 44 42 40 34 32 20 12 4

Premier B Reserve Premiership Team: Beaumaris FB HB C HF FF FOLL I/C Coach

Beaumaris (Premier B Reserve)

Tom Abbott, Sean Coote, Mitchell Howes Luke Edmondson, Ryan Bennett, Jack Grange Nick Loucaides, Mick Millar, Tim Cumming Damien Johns, Pete Richter, Doug Pritchard Cam Pace, Mitchell Howes, Tim Pritchard Jordan Smith, Matt Williams, Travis Woolnough Michael De Fontenay, Jared Evans, Matt Lovejoy, Sean McNicholas Alex Bennett

Premier B Reserves Grand Final Beaumaris Old Scotch

2.8-20 1.0-6

5.9-39 2.0-12

10.12-72 2.3-15

11.13-79 4.6-30

Beaumaris Goal Kickers: M. Millar 2, M. Howes 2, D. Pritchard 2, J. Grange 2, T. Woolnough, J. Smith, T. Abbott Best Players: D. Pritchard, J. Evans, T. Cumming, N. Loucaides, J. Smith, D. Johns Old Scotch Goal Kickers: E. Furey 2, B. Borland, J. Nikolovski Best Players: J. Daggian, J. Raines, E. Furey, C. Long, H. Calway, B. Borland Best on Ground Medal: Timothy Cumming (Beaumaris)

Simon Richards (St Bedes Mentone Tigers)

Premier B Thirds

PREMIERSHIP LADDER De La Salle AJAX Beaumaris Old Trinity Monash Blues Park Dale Vultures Fitzroy AJAX (Red)

P

13 14 14 13 14 13 15 8

W

12 12 8 6 6 4 3 0

L

1 2 5 6 8 9 12 8

D 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0

B 1 1 1 2 1 2 0 0

FF

For

1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

1357 1270 1085 806 892 883 886 245

Agst 670 681 787 861 988 1039 1327 1957

%

202.54 186.49 137.87 93.61 90.28 84.99 66.77 12.52

PTS 56 52 38 34 28 24 12 0

Premier B Thirds Premiership Team: Old Trinity Old Trinity (Premier B Thirds) Nathan Papatsanis (Parkdale Vultures)

B HB C HF F FOLL I/C Coach

Antony Collins, Nick Emery, Nick Evans Steve Lawrence, Matthew Crone, Thomas Moore Henry Moore, Jonny Gillies, Chris Amiconi Dayne Coulson-Hoffacker, Riley McDonald, Nick Pearce Oscar Fairweather, Toby Cohen, Dave Cowley Jeremy Smith, Marcus Memmolo, George Chadwick Ian Huynh, Nick Bourke, James Wilson, Richard Mason, Alex O’Neill, Taylor Gale Steve Woodward

Premier B Thirds Grand Final De La Salle Old Trinity

3.6-24 1.3-9

6.7-43 3.6-24

8.9-57 5.8-38

De La Salle Goal Kickers: Not Entered by Club Best Players: Not Entered by Club Old Trinity Goal Kickers: R. McDonald 3, J. Smith 2, D. Cowley 2, R. Mason, T. Cohen, J. Gillies Best Players: D. Coulsen-Hoffacker, J. Smith, J. Gillies, M. Memmolo, R. McDonald, A. O’Neill Best on Ground Medal: Dayne Coulson-Hoffacker (Old Trinity)

21

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2016

8.14-62 10.11-71

Premier C

Mazenod triumph under coach Phibbs Throughout the 2016 Premier C season, we saw teams triumph and others fight for survival. It was another exhilarating year, one that showed the equality of the entire competition, particularly Kew who were previously promoted for the third consecutive year and managed to finish fifth.

Peninsula secured a grand final position in 2016 and earned promotion to their highest-ever section. Marcellin finished the 2015 home and away season on top, yet finished eighth in 2016 as they escaped relegation in the last round.

Mazenod are deserved winners in 2016, capping off a stellar year with 14 home and away wins. A disastrous 2015 saw the Nodders relegated from Premier B, and lose quality players and coaches.

Enter Ben Phibbs. Since Phibbs’ appointment in October last year, the Nodders have sought redemption through best and fairest winner, Rob Mann, Stu Inglis and Steve Welsford. Having three players (Bradley Kovac, Thomas Cincotta and Kieren McKeogh) kick more than 25 goals for the season proved to be the Nodders strength.

They found avenues to goal across their forward line and midfield, proving to be too difficult for opposition to stop. I expect the Nodders to continue their good form in Premier B in 2017.

The Peninsula Pirates almost capped off a fairytale season. They finished the home and away season in third position, three wins behind the ladder-leader Caulfield. Come finals, the Pirates would win two of their three games, to secure a grand final position but sadly that was where their run ended. It was their eighth senior grand final

appearance but they continue to search for that elusive first flag. The spine of Peninsula was almost the best in the competition; Brad Schurman at full back, Nick Fisher in the ruck through to Stefan Barbour deep forward. Their spread of quality and attention to detail through their game plan was what made them so dangerous and they now enter Premier B for the first time.

Caulfield’s home and away season was a standout, seeing them hold top spot for the majority of the year. Unfortunately, they fell short in the finals losing in straight sets. Louis O’Keefe took his game to a whole new level, slotting 54 goals and establishing himself as an elite forward.

The Field’s ability to score outside of their deepest forward was a strength, particularly William Barker who become a goal kicking midfielder on his way to their best and fairest. With the quality list that Caulfield has, I expect them to be a top two side again in 2017.

Old Ivanhoe held onto a top four spot for the majority of the season, pushing up to third during stages of the year. Their final game was a close encounter with the Pirates which showed how close the Hoes were to grand final prospects.

Adrian Del Monte won the league goal kicking award with 65 for the season, his second highest

Liam Kinsella (Kew) - L. Zachariah Medallist

tally behind his 2013 efforts. Next year the Hoes need to capatilise with the likes of Jay Bruno, Carl Groth, Chris Johnson and Matthew Ferguson closer to the end of their career. Ultimately, inconsistency was their biggest issue as they defeated the Pirates twice throughout the year, but backed it up with losses to Old Camberwell and Oakleigh. Their ferocity and attack is second to none and I look forward to seeing what they can provide in 2017 once they close the gap between their best and worst performances.

Kew Bears were aiming for the fairy-tale of four consecutive flags but sadly their run of dominance came to an end in 2016. The Bears were always on the fringe of the top four and proved in many circumstances they were capable of beating the best. Ian Aitken has coached a group of young players over the last four seasons, developing them into an exciting force. Much like the GWS Giants, if the Bears can add some experience to their side during the off-season and maintain their list, I see them being the biggest improver in 2017.

Old Camberwell had a fantastic finish to the season to end up in sixth position and well clear of relegation thanks to five victories from their last six matches. Thomas Kanz was the shining light kicking 40 more goals than his nearest teammate.

Phillip Bennett was consistently good for the Wellers all year and will hopefully lead them further up the ladder in 2017.

Mazenod vs Ormond

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2016

Williamstown CYMS fell from sixth to seventh but were two games clear of relegation. Their goal kicking was limited with the loss of Nick Ebinger to Williamstown VFL in the pre-season but Mitch

22

Parkinson stood up during his 13 games for the season with 23 goals including a bag of six.

Thomas Gill was one of the young guns for the CY’s who stood up during the year.

Marcellin had not found themselves in this position of the ladder for a number of years.

After a recent stint of dominance in Premier C, Marcellin finished eighth in 2016. It was a mixed bag of results for Marcellin, finishing with two draws against Mazenod and Old Ivanhoe but losing 10 games for the year. Jeremiah Antypas showed he has the capabilities to be a dominant footballer by kicking 32 goals from only 12 games.

My standout performer was James Robertson who, in only his second year of senior football, kicked 27 goals.

Despite the twin towers in Aaron Cloke and Trevor Bromley combining for nearly 100 goals, Oakleigh managed only five wins and will now be relegated to Division 1. Dermot Cleary was the Krushers’ best player during the season and it is anticipated the Krushers will return to Premier C in 2018. If Cloke can continue his dominance, he may be in for that elusive century next year.

Ormond will return to Division 1 after finishing on the bottom of the ladder. Luke Gogis had a successful first season back at the club after three years away, being named in Ormond’s best players 12 times and being named vice-captain of the Big V U19s in July. Robert Chisholm was the Monder’s best avenue to goal, kicking 36 for his side, including a bag of eight against the Pirates.

Ormond missed their chance to take home the Division 1 flag last year and will no doubt be on the hunt for redemption.

Christian Burgess

Sam Mackie (Marcellin)

Mazenod (Premier C)

Premier C Premiership Team: Mazenod B HB C HF F FOLL I/C Coach

Tom McKenna, Steve Oldman, Jaydyn Hill Simon Hall, Gus Patti, Dean Izon Ben Phibbs, Stuart Inglis, Liam Riley Tom Cincotta, Rees Thomas, Brad Kovac Jacob Murdock, Nick Thomas, Aaron Taun-Henderson Nick Gentile, Rob Mann, Steve Welsford Liam Welsford, Keiran McKeogh, Sam Reed, Xavier Patti Ben Phibbs

Leading Goalkickers Name

Club

Goals

Adrian Del Monte

Old Ivanhoe

61

Aaron Cloke

Oakleigh

57

Stefan Barbour

Peninsula

55

Thomas Kanz

Old Camberwell

53

L Zachariah Medal Player

Club

Votes

Liam Kinsella

Kew

21

William Barker

Caulfield Grammarians

20

Ben Hart

Old Camberwell

18

Nicholas Fisher

Peninsula

14

Robert Mann

Mazenod

14

Liam Welsford

Mazenod

13

Simon Keleher

Ormond

13

Scribe Team of the Year FB

Tom Feldgen (Pen), Brad Schurman (Pen), Jackson Small (CG)

HB

Luke Gogis (Orm), Mal Mitris (OIG) – C, Dean Izon (Maz)

C HF

Thomas Kanz (OCG), Andrew Brazzale (Kew), Louis O’Keefe (CG)

FF

Adrian Del Monte (OIG), Aaron Cloke (Oak), Stefan Barbour (Pen)

FOLL I/C Coach

23

James Moignard (Pen), Will Barker (CG), Nick Thomas (Maz)

Nicholas Fisher (Pen), Stephen Welsford (Maz), Ben Hart (OCG) Liam Kinsella (Kew), Tim Nixon (CG), Dave Bruno (OIG), Jonathan Blanch (Mar) Simon Williams (CG)

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2016

Premier C Results PREMIERSHIP LADDER George Fletcher (Peninsula)

P

W

L

D

B

FF

For

Agst

%

PTS

Caulfield Grammarians

18

15

3

0

0

0

1790

1260

142.06

60

Mazenod

18

14

3

1

0

0

1584

1136

139.44

58

Peninsula

18

12

6

0

0

0

1667

1203

138.57

48

Old Ivanhoe

18

10

7

1

0

0

1436

1464

98.09

42

Kew

18

7

11

0

0

0

1488

1533

97.06

28

Old Camberwell

18

7

11

0

0

0

1464

1593

91.90

28

Williamstown CYMS

18

7

11

0

0

0

1447

1637

87.09

28

Marcellin

18

6

10

2

0

0

1444

1658

87.09

28

Oakleigh

18

5

13

0

0

0

1395

1784

78.20

20

Ormond

18

5

13

0

0

0

1351

1804

74.89

20

Premier C Grand Final at Sportscover Arena Mazenod

0.3-3

7.6-48

9.8-62

13.15-93

Peninsula

1.2-8

4.4-28

7.7-49

8.11-59

Mazenond Goal Kickers: J. Murdock 4, A. Taun-Henderson 2, T. Cincotta 2, R. Thomas, N. Thomas, B. Kovac, L. Riley, B. Phibbs Best Players: L. Riley, A. Patti, J. Hill, L. Welsford, J. Murdock, S. Inglis Peninsula Goal Kickers: B. Southam 2, W. Crowder, S. Payze, B. Kellerman, S. Grigg, W. Harbinson, G. Fletcher Best Players: A. Smrdel, J. Pomeroy, B. Schuurman, J. Moignard, N. Fisher, T. Feldgen M. Ritterman Medal: Liam Welsford (Mazenod)

Premier C Preliminary Final Caulfield Grammarians

2.3-15

7.8-50

9.12-66

12.14-86

Peninsula

3.2-20

9.2-56

14.4-88

16.6-102

Caulfield Grammarians Goal Kickers: T. Small 4, L. O’Keefe 2, T. Green 2, J. Presnell, H. Mills, D. Reilly, T. Thomas Best Players: T. Thomas, T. Small, J. Wallace, J. McCELLAND, H. Mills, C. Diggle Peninsula Goal Kickers: W. Crowder 5, W. Harbinson 2, A. Marshall 2, S. Barbour 2, G. Fletcher 2, S. Grigg, T. Feldgen, S. Payze Best Players: A. Smrdel, J. Moignard, W. Crowder, N. Fisher, J. Pomeroy, G. Fletcher

Premier C Semi Final 1 Peninsula Old Ivanhoe

2.6-18

5.8-38

6.12-48

10.16-76

0.1-1

2.5-17

6.6-42

7.8-50

Peninsula Goal Kickers: S. Grigg 3, S. Glenn 2, S. Barbour, W. Crowder, A. Marshall, G. Fletcher, J. Moignard Best Players: B. Schuurman, S. Glenn, N. Fischer, J. Fletcher, B. Southam, J. Moignard Old Ivanhoe Goal Kickers: A. Del Monte 4, R. Skok, M. Ferguson, L. Oliver Best Players: S. Geilings, L. Oliver, D. Bruno, A. Paine, M. Mitris, S. Everington

Premier C Semi Final 2 Caulfield Grammarians

1.5-11

1.5-11

3.8-26

4.13-37

Mazenod

5.4-34

8.9-57

13.9-87

18.12-120

Caulfield Grammarians Goal Kickers: W. Barker, T. Thompson, L. O’Keefe, W. Osborn Best Players: T. Thompson, T. Green, L. Everett, J. Presnell

Thomas Cincotta (Mazenod)

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2016

Mazenod Goal Kickers: R. Thomas 3, B. Kovac 3, T. Cincotta 3, N. Thomas 2, L. Riley 2, A. Taun-Henderson 2, J. Murdock, B. Phibbs, S. Welsford Best Players: R. Mann, J. Hill, L. Riley, S. Welsford, N. Gentile, B, Kovac

24

Premier C Reserves PREMIERSHIP LADDER Sam Mackie (Marcellin)

Caulfield Grammarians Mazenod Williamstown CYMS Ormond Peninsula Kew Old Camberwell Old Ivanhoe Marcellin Oakleigh

P

W

L

D

B

FF

For

Agst

%

PTS

18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18

16 12 12 11 11 8 6 6 6 1

2 5 6 6 7 10 12 12 12 17

0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

1726 1604 1368 1425 1212 1302 1174 1047 1010 799

820 806 1111 1065 1209 1291 1501 1441 1588 1847

210.49 199.01 123.13 133.80 100.25 100.85 78.21 72.66 63.60 43.26

64 50 48 46 44 32 24 24 24 4

Premier C Reserves Premiership Team: Williamstown CYMS B HB C HF F FOLL I/C Coach

Williamstown CYMS (Premier C Reserve)

Michael Michetti, Jack Gialamatzis, Lewis Moore Nick Green, Jeremy Venosta, Andrew Thompson Michael Cavarra, Nathan Bratby, Matthew John Ryan Joy, Ryan Danaher, Brad Carvalho Mati Christakakis, Ben Hynes, Matthew Carland Michael Venosta, Zach Read, Mickael McLaughlin Josh Newton, James Neylon, Lawrence Henry, Hayden Barnett Matthew Wynd

Premier C Reserves Grand Final Mazenod Williamstown CYMS

Adrian Del Monte (Old Ivanhoe)

0.5-5 2.1-13

2.8-20 4.4-28

3.9-27 9.10-64

8.14-62 10.10-70

Mazenod Goal Kickers: J. Devlin 4, M. Sier, S. Balloch, F. Palleschi, P. Rozanitis Best Players: M. Sier, J. Devlin, N. Peck, J. Sharp, B. Woods, C. Poretti Williamstown CYMS Goal Kickers: M. John 4, R. Joy 2, M. McLaughlin, Z Read, B. Carvalho, J. Venosta Best Players: M. McLaughlin, Z Read, M. Carland, N. Bratby, J. Venosta, M. John Best on Ground Medal: Zachary Read (Williamstown)

Premier C Thirds

PREMIERSHIP LADDER Caulfield Gr. Therry Penola Marcellin PEGS Williamstown CYMS Ormond Kew Old Camberwell St Mary’s Salesian St Bedes/Mentone Tigers

P

W

L

D

B

FF

For

Agst

%

PTS

15 15 15 14 15 15 15 12 15 13

12 11 10 7 8 7 6 3 3 1

2 4 5 7 7 7 8 9 11 12

1 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 1 0

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 1

1272 1578 1467 1158 1125 796 966 708 864 614

699 814 930 919 970 948 1042 1487 1387 1772

181.97 193.86 157.74 126.01 115.98 83.97 92.71 47.81 62.29 34.65

50 44 40 32 32 30 26 16 14 8

Premier C Thirds Premiership Team: Caulfield Grammarians B HB C HF F FOLL I/C Coach

Scott Pincus, Luke Matias, Cameron Scholten Andrew Lawson, Chris Bold, Woody Eke George Berry, Matt Linklater, Jack Massie Kirren Ponniah, Nick O’Connor, Tom Stephenson Kosmo Malignaggi, Andrew Strain, Matt Wood Jeremy Anderson, Callum Hogan, Nick Karoly Brad Chilko, Jake Smart, Dan Gray, Will Kingwill, Sam Richards, Will Kedmenec Will Bowes

Premier C Thirds Grand Final Caulfield Grammarians Marcellin

1.3-9 1.3-9

6.4-40 4.3-27

10.5-65 7.6-48

Caulfield Grammarians Goal Kickers: A. Strain 5, S. Richards 2, C. Hogan 2, M. Wood, N. O’Connor, W. Kingwill, B. Chilko Best Players: J. Anderson, C. Hogan, M. Linklater, A. Strain, J. Smart, K. Malignaggi Marcellin Goal Kickers: S. Ayoub 3, D. Cracknell 2, M. Mascitti, L. Ryan Best Players: C. Stewart, M. Mascitti, D. Cracknell, C. Kemp, L. Mc Cormack, S. Ayoub

Caulfield Grammarians (Premier C Thirds)

Best on Ground Medal: Jeremy Anderson (Caulfield Grammarians)

25

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2016

14.7-91 7.12-54

Division 1

#YearOfTheOG The 2016 Division 1 season will forever be remembered as a genuine tipster’s nightmare. Almost every round saw multiple upsets and it wasn’t until late in the piece that Old Mentonians and Old Geelong revealed themselves as the front-runners of the competition. And with that came two of the great finals bouts which were split one a piece, with Old Geelong winning the one that counted most. The OGs were certainly worthy recipients of the premiership cup. Despite being the story of the season, there were certainly teams who challenged along the way and made a name for themselves throughout the year.

The proud club from Toorak Park that is PrahranAssumption were the unfortunate winners of the wooden spoon and will have to fight their way back from Division 2 next season. The Two Blues finished with three wins, one draw and fourteen losses – although many of these losses were certainly respectable and teams throughout the competition couldn’t afford to underestimate them. Highlights from the season for the Two Blues included competitive performances against all four finals-bound teams and a Round 18 victory over St Mary’s Salesian. Harrison Taylor was rewarded for his consistent season with the best and fairest, John Stocker proved to be a force from defence and mercurial small forward, John Robbins, finished with 41 goals.

Old Paradians were the other club to suffer relegation this season but they certainly didn’t go down without a fight as they almost pulled off one of the great escapes. Old Paradians suffered

a disastrous start, failing to register a win in their first nine fixtures. The second half of the season they were one of the toughest opponents, recording five wins from nine games including a five-point victory over PEGS and a 71-point win over Therry Penola. Marcus Nolan took out the best and fairest medal for Old Paradians, Adam Pattison lived up to his lofty expectations and James Kappos had a very consistent season.

One of the stories of the season was Brunswick NOBSPC and their nail-biting bid to avoid relegation. It all came down to the final round against Whitefriars. NOBs left nothing in the tank, securing a 51-point win and a spot in Division 1 for 2017. Their highlight of the season was certainly the final three rounds, which included a crucial 10-point victory over Old Paradians, effectively the deciding match in the relegation battle.

Gerrard Bence was the star of the season for the boys from Brunswick. He booted 33 goals for the season and was among the better players more often than not. Lachlan Ezard and Cam Fox also turned in great all round efforts.

Whitefriars’ inexperience proved costly throughout 2016; however, this young side showed plenty of promise for the future. The boys from Donvale finished with six wins in a season which saw them feature in a number of high scoring, entertaining affairs. Their best performance came in Round 5 when they kicked a massive 157 points against Old Paradians and won comfortably. Sean Currie proved to be one of the best midfielders in the competition and was the standout player for the Friars, while Daniel Massarotti starred in defence.

George Burbury and Brad Gore celebrate Old Geelong’s first senior flag since 2005

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2016

Ivanhoe were the Jekyll and Hyde of Division 1 this year. The first four rounds sums up 2016 for the Hoes. They started off with an impressive

32-point triumph over PEGS, were pummelled

by Old Mentonians in the second round, then proceeded to beat eventual premiers Old Geelong by 49 points, only to fall to Therry Penola by 21 goals the following week. Their season petered out from there as they ended up with eight wins.

Liam Jacob and Reuben Blackmore-Moore were two shining lights for the Hoes in 2016.

St Mary’s Salesian went into the season with high hopes after pundits predicted them to compete at the business end. Midway through the season when the Saints occupied top spot, aspirations were deservedly high. However, they fell away quickly to finish on 10 wins and eight losses and one game outside the top four. Wins against Therry Penola and PEGS showed how good the Saints can and will be next season. Cameron Butler was a standout and arguably the best fullback in the division. Mitchell Woods was relied upon greatly and Michael Dolan rammed home 47 majors as their most dangerous forward.

Therry Penola scraped over the line to finish in fourth spot with 11 wins and would’ve felt as though they let an opportunity slip to bounce straight back up into Premier C. The Lions compiled a star-studded team with quality players across the board but weren’t able to make it past a rampant PEGS in the elimination final. An away win over grand finalists, Old Mentonians, will go down as the Lions most impressive performance in 2016. Ben Ratcliffe was rewarded for an outstanding season with best and fairest honours and was closely followed by superstar full-forward, Jarrod Bannister, who ended up with 77 majors for the season to top the goal kicking tally.

Although PEGS just missed out on elevation back to the Premier sections, third place seemed just about right given the way the season unfolded.

They finished with 12 wins after the home and away fixture and ran over the Lions in the elimination final but couldn’t match it with the premiers the following week. Skipper, Bradley Jones, was their most consistent performer, closely followed by Cam Livori. Trent Skurrie was a dynamo in front of goal with 69.

Old Mentonians shot out of the blocks like Usain Bolt at Beijing to win their first six games, with their first four each in excess of 100 points. The Panthers then suffered a mid-season lull but were able to bounce back and confirm themselves as the real deal. They can certainly be proud of their season and promotion to Premier C despite missing out on the last day. Their most noteworthy performance was their victory over

26

Old Geelong (Division 1)

OGs in the qualifying final to secure promotion and a grand final berth. Daniel Maitland was the star all year for the Panthers and was deservedly awarded the Division 1 LS Pepper Medal. Maitland was well supported by the likes of Darcy Brown, Aaron Hodges, Cam Sharp and Kyle Conlon.

Old Geelong are the 2016 Division 1 Premiers. It has a nice ring to it if you’re a fan of the mighty OGs. Old Geelong’s early season form was patchy but barring an uncharacteristic loss to St Mary’s, they hardly missed a beat for the remainder of the season. They suffered a tight loss in the first final to the Panthers, where poor kicking for goal let them down, but did the business in the big dance.

Colby O’Brien was a key figure all season, Hugh McKay came on in leaps and bounds, Callum Wood was the league’s best centre-half forward and superstar recruit, George Burbury, featured heavily in this scribe’s weekly reports. It was a great season for OGs who secured their first senior premiership since 2005 in E Section.

Well done to all sides for producing a captivating season full of upsets and classic encounters. See you next year to the six clubs who will be returning, hopefully see you soon to those relegated and good luck to Old Mentonians and Old Geelong in Premier C. They walked the talk. It truly has been the #YearOfTheOG.

Division 1 Premiership Team: Old Geelong B

Josh Hutley, Sandon James, Will Sloss

HB

Rupert Kemp, Carl Joyce, Jason Barry

C HF F FOLL I/C Coach

George Burbury, Jock Grimshaw, Charles Youngmn Josh Hoevenaars, Andy Leahy (C), Hugh McKay Will Sharp, Brad Gore, Sam Youngman, Rupert De Crespginy Jon Knight

Name

Club

Jarrod Bannister

Therry Penola

75

Trent Skurrie

PEGS

66

Callum Wood

Old Geelong

56

Darcy R Brown

Old Mentonians

49

Goals

LS Pepper Medal Player

Club

Daniel Maitland

Old Mentonians

24

Sean Miller

Old Paradians

23

Bradley Jones

PEGS

19

Darcy Brown

Old Mentonians

17

Jarrod Egglestone

Therry Penola

17

Jarrod Bannister

Therry Penola

16

Votes

Scribe Team of the Year B

Josh Hutley (OG), Cameron Butler (SMS), Daniel Massarotti (WF)

HB

Aaron Hodges (OM), Brenton Egglestone (TP), James Kappos (OP)

HF F FOLL I/C

27

Tom Balcombe, Callum Wood, Ryan Parsons

Leading Goalkickers

C

Tom Feldgen

Aaron Bird, Colby O’Brien, Harry Morrison

Coach

Cameron Livori (PEGS), George Burbury (OG), Cameron Sharp (OM) Kyle Conlon (OM), Callum Wood (OG), Gerrard Bence (Brunswick NOBSPC) Jamie Robbins (PA), Jarrod Bannister (TP), Darcy Brown (OM) Robert Baddeley (PEGS), Colby O’Brien (OG), Sean Currie (WF) Mitch Lovell (Ivan), Trent Skurrie (C) (PEGS), Manny Dolan (SMS), Reuben Blackmore-Moore (Ivan) Luke Mahoney (Brunwick NOBSPC)

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2016

Division 1 Results PREMIERSHIP LADDER P

W

L

D

B

FF

For

Agst

%

PTS

Old Geelong

18

14

4

0

0

0

1963

1262

155.55

56

Old Mentonians

18

14

4

0

0

0

1970

1283

153.55

56

PEGS

18

12

6

0

0

0

1524

1324

115.11

48

Therry Penola

18

11

7

0

0

0

1600

1313

121.86

44

St Mary’s Salesian

18

10

8

0

0

0

1662

1506

110.36

40

Ivanhoe

18

8

10

0

0

0

1394

1721

81.00

32

Whitefriars

18

6

12

0

0

0

1574

1915

82.19

24

Brunswick NOBSPC

18

6

12

0

0

0

1136

1686

67.38

24

Old Paradians

18

5

12

1

0

0

1297

1600

81.06

22

Prahran Assumption

18

3

14

1

0

0

1184

1694

69.89

14

Division 1 Grand Final at Coburg City Oval Old Mentonians

5.3-33

7.5-47

10.12-72

12.14-86

Old Geelong

3.3-21

9.7-61

11.9-75

14.10-94

Old Mentonians Goal Kickers: B. Schubert 3, D. Mills 3, K. Smith-Cameron 2, L. Hull, C. Edgeworth, D. Brown, T. Ward Best Players: D. Payton, D. Maitland, D. Mills, O. Jones, A. Palmer Old Geelong Goal Kickers: J. Grimshaw 3, C. Wood 2, G. Burbury 2, S. Youngman, B. Gore, R. Parsons, A. Leahy, R. de Crespigny, A. Bird, T. Balcombe Best Players: C. Wood, J. Barry, W. Sloss, J. Hutley, C. O’’Brien, S. James J. W. Manton Medal: Callum Wood (Old Geelong) Oli Jones (Old Mentonians)

Division 1 Preliminary Final Old Geelong PEGS

2.6-18

7.13-55

11.16-82

17.20-120

1.3-9

4.6-30

9.6-60

12.10-82

Old Geelong Goal Kickers: G. Burbury 5, J. McMeel 2, J. Grimshaw 2, R. Parsons 2, A. Bird 2, W. Sharp, S. Youngman, C. Wood, H. Morrison Best Players: C. O’’Brien, H. Morrison , G. Burbury, S. James, H. McKay, J. Grimshaw Daniel Maitland (Old Mentonians) - LS Pepper Medallist

PEGS Goal Kickers: D. Borg 3, C. Livori 2, D. Flaherty 2, R. Jones, M. Wilson, T. Skurrie, R. Baddeley, J. Young Best Players: C. Livori, B. Jones, D. Ryan, J. Condon, D. Borg, R. Baddeley

Division 1 Semi Final 1 PEGS Therry Penola

4.1-25

10.2-62

12.7-79

16.11-107

1.1-7

1.4-10

4.5-29

6.9-45

PEGS Goal Kickers: T. Vujanic 5, C. Goullet 2, J. Young 2, T. Skurrie 2, D. Borg, C. Livori, D. Flaherty, L. Genovesi, T. Memery Best Players: C. Livori, R. Jones, T. Vujanic, D. Cerantonio, R. Baddeley, B. Hannah Therry Penola Goal Kickers: J. Bannister 2, M. Costello 2, H. Rowe, H. Donohoe Best Players: J. Costello, C. Bannister, G. Widdicombe, S. Taylor, J. Adams, B. Ratcliffe

Division 1 Semi Final 2 Old Geelong Old Mentonians

2.8-20

6.9-45

7.13-55

8.17-65

1.1-7

4.5-29

6.9-45

10.12-72

Old Geelong Goal Kickers: R. Parsons 2, T. Balcombe 2, A. Bird, J. Hoevenaars, W. Sloss, C. Wood Best Players: T. Balcombe, S. James, R. Kemp, A. Bird, C. O’’Brien, H. McKay Old Mentonians Goal Kickers: D. Mills 4, L. Hull, K. Conlon, B. Schubert, A. Hill, C. Edgeworth, C. Sharp Best Players: D. Mills, L. Oliver, C. Edgeworth, C. Sharp, M. Myers-Snyders, K. Conlon

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2016

28

Division 1 Reserves

St Mary’s Salesian (Division 1 Reserve)

PREMIERSHIP LADDER St Mary’s Salesian PEGS Old Geelong Prahran Assumption Therry Penola Old Mentonians Ivanhoe Brunswick NOBSPC Old Paradians Whitefriars

Justin Crotty (Therry Penola)

P

W

L

D

B

FF

For

Agst

%

PTS

18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18

16 14 13 13 12 7 7 5 1 1

2 4 5 5 6 10 11 13 16 17

0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

1891 1750 1690 1237 1273 1156 1156 820 581 771

789 750 805 1054 894 1626 1626 1535 1624 1527

239.67 233.33 209.94 117.36 142.39 60.87 71.09 53.42 35.78 50.49

64 56 52 52 48 30 28 20 6 4

Division 1 Reserves Premiership Team: St Marys Salesian B HB C HF

Michael Howard, Nick Ludwig, Jake Evans Kyle Duerden, Andrew Morris (C), Alex Bussell Frank Ravida, Nick Alexopoulos (VC), James Ellis Mitch Op’t Hoog, Juan Perriam, Harry Brown

F

Dylan Gook, James Barrie, Xavier Leonard

FOLL

James Curwood, Nick Bussell, Jack Ryan

I/C Coach

Divyan Rajkumar, Ben Kelly, Jacob Kenyon, Henry Wong, Cam Gibbs Ant Murphy, Nick Jane

Division 1 Reserves Grand Final St Marys Salesian PEGS

1.1-7

4.7-31

7.8-50

11.8-74

3.4-22

3.5-23

4.7-31

5.10-40

St Mary’s Salesian Goal Kickers: J. Barrie 5, F. Ravida, B. Kelly, J. Perriam, H. Brown, N. Alexopoulos, D. Gook Best Players: J. Barrie, J. Perriam, J. Evans, H. Brown, A. Morris, H. Wong PEGS Goal Kickers: L. Fitzgerald 2, L. Montgomery 2, M. Semini Best Players: L. Fitzgerald, N. Karikas, L. Montgomery, J. Marr, C. Caminiti, A. Frazer Best on Ground Medal: James Barrie (St Mary’s Salesian)

29

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2016

Division 2

Bullants go three from four The 2016 season produced an enthralling finals series and ended with Preston Bullants claiming their third premiership in four years of senior VAFA football.

look to rebound in 2017 with a new coach and renewed belief in Division 3.

Newly-promoted Emmaus St Leos (8th) started the season brightly as they were 2-2 after Round 4, but added just two more wins alongside eight

The 2016 Division 2 season was an interesting

fourth position and a finals berth. The JOCs won

mix of teams that led to a compelling back and

a direct path to the Grand Final with a 41-point

forth year, ending in the Preston Bullants’ third

qualifying final win over West Brunswick, while

Baranello’s and the goal kicking of Daniel Hill but

premiership in four years of senior VAFA football.

the Bullants ran through the Bushrangers and

just couldn’t pull out as many close wins as 2016.

Westies on their way to the ultimate glory.

They should be able to build on a strong year to

commencement was St John’s, after they came

We start the review at Kevin Bartlett Reserve with

remain challengers for next year’s top four.

off a straight sets finals exit in 2015. The JOCs

Richmond Central (9th). It was a season to forget

The first of the sides joining from Division 1 in 2015

were the class of the competition, as they were

for the Snakes as they failed to secure a win for

was Bulleen Templestowe (7th). They started the

only defeated once on their way to the Grand

the year; their eight points on the ladder came

year strongly but hit a bump in the middle of the

Final. The other three places in the four were more

for the two byes created when Monash Gryphons

season and would only put back-to-back wins

fluid and constantly changing hands, with West

withdrew prior to Round 1. In a few games,

together once in the season. Their lack of a major

Brunswick claiming second ahead of Preston

Richmond Central were extremely competitive for

goal kicker would restrict them in their pursuit and

on percentage. Yarra Valley and MHSOB were

at least a half of football. It was evident in their

will need to find a way to increase their output as

only separated by one percent going into Round

stats where they conceded nearly three times

defensively they were rarely outmatched.

18, before a Unicorns loss gave the Bushrangers

as many points as they scored. The Snakes will

The overwhelming favourite prior to the season’s

Daniel Mason (Old Eltham Collegians)

losses to finish at 4-12. They were competitive throughout the season as they rode the

On the other hand, at no stage this season did Eltham Collegians (6th) look destined for finals.

Jay Phelan (Preston Bullants)

They started 0-7 and their five wins came in a sensational last nine rounds. Built around two great structural pieces in Division 2 runnerup leading goal kicker, Ben Gill, and ruckman Matthew Crooks, the Turtles have the opportunity to recruit well and push for finals in 2017.

MHSOB (5th) were sadly the odd team out when the season came to an end. Throughout the year, the Unicorns were jumping in and out of the top four and with one week to go, a strong win would have secured a finals place. Led up forward by Beau Jellis and Kane Smith, and in the midfield by Rex Gavan, they should be able to improve upon their fifth spot next year.

Yarra Valley (4th) bounced back from an underwhelming 2015 which saw them relegated to Division 2. After 12 rounds, they sat 5-5 and

Matt Holmes (West Brunswick)

James Flemming (Yarra Valley)

two games behind the Unicorns. But they rallied in the last six rounds with a 4-2 run leading them to a finals berth. Their run of form ended in the first week of finals by the eventual premiers but we should see the Bushrangers challenging for promotion back to Division 1 in 2017.

The final side who narrowly fell short of the big dance and promotion was West Brunswick (2nd). The Westies came up to Division 2 after a premiership in 2015 and started the year strong, maintaining their team-based approach throughout the season. They held off the fastfinishing Preston Bullants for second place to head into a matchup with St Johns. After a strong start, it all fell apart as the JOC’s forward line

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2016

30

Preston Bullants (Division 2)

took control and they were ultimately unable to redeem themselves as the Bullants won their preliminary final match-up. They are well set for 2017 to go three out of four.

The Division 2 Grand Final between St Johns and Preston Bullants was a game of momentum swings. The JOCs started the stronger of the two sides, but Preston soon took control, flooding the back half and strangling the JOCs scoring ability.

Fullerton Medallist, Glenn Costas, fought valiantly for St John’s this year. Corey Ely, Anthony Brannan and leading goal kicker, Aaron Thornton, made sure they were always in the hunt for promotion. If they keep their squad together, look for St John’s to push for finals in Division 1.

The Bullants were unbelievable and lived up to their tag of September Specialists. Since joining the VAFA four years ago, they have not lost in the month of September and, following a decent home and away fixture, used their pace, ferocious attack and elite skills to overpower all three finalists. The Marcon and Calcedo brothers were phenomenal throughout the season, with Damon backing it up for his second best-on-ground medallion in the grand final against the JOCs. Despite the loss of star full back, Reed Jepson, the Bullants held strong defensively after jumping the JOCs for the 18-point victory. A dominant forward may be the only piece the Bullants are missing heading into 2017.

Jarryd McGuane

Division 2 Premiership Team: Preston Bullants B HB C HF

Daniel Wakim, Paul Sansonetti, Alex Ricco Matthew Holmes, Dean Calcedo, Damon Marcon Mark Cigana, Liam Carter, Jake Powell

F

Adam Marcon, Nathan Parkes, Aaron Verga

FOLL

George Warton, Jay Phelan, Sean Calcedo

I/C Coach

Thomas Evans, Nicholas De Andrade, Samuel Fleming, Nicholas Musso George Wakim

Leading Goalkickers Name

Club

Aaron Thornton

St Johns

75

Benjamin Gill

Eltham Collegians

72

Kane Smith

MHSOB

44

Daniel Hill

Emmaus St Leos

41

Goals

J Fullerton Medal Player

Club

Glenn Costas

St Johns

25

Ryan Pollard

Yarra Valley

15

Sean Calcedo

Preston Bullants

14

Brodie McLaughlin

Bulleen Templestowe

13

Paul Baranello

Emmaus St Leos

13

James Tran

MHSOB

11

John Laver

Eltham

11

Lochlan Dickson

Yarra Valley

11

Votes

Scribe Team of the Year FB

Brodie McLaughlin (BT), Reed Jepson (PB), Andrew Villani (MHSOB)

HB

Rex Gavan (MHSOB), Evan Lloyd (WB), Anthony Brannan (St Johns)

C

Matt Holmes (WB), Glenn Costas (C) (St Johns), Corey Ely (St Johns)

HF

Damon Marcon (PB), Daniel Hill (ESL), Paul Baranello (ESL)

FF

Aaron Thornton (St Johns), Ben Gill (OEC), Dylan Hamilton-Ho (MHSOB)

FOLL I/C Coach

31

Daniel Sansonetti, Olsen Clark, Sean Towers

Matthew Crooks (OEC), Dean Calcedo (PB), Lachie Dickson (YV) Dylan Webb (St Johns), Ryan Pollard (YV), Benjamin Trend (YV), Joel Luis (RC) Angus Hamilton (WB)

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2016

Division 2 Results PREMIERSHIP LADDER Sam Devlin (West Brunswick)

P

W

L

D

B

FF

For

Agst

%

PTS

St John’s

16

15

1

0

2

0

West Brunswick

16

13

3

0

2

0

1738

839

207.15

68

1514

1038

145.86

60

Preston Bullants

16

13

3

0

2

Yarra Valley

16

9

7

0

2

0

1492

1091

136.76

60

0

1374

1272

108.02

44

MHSOB

16

8

8

0

Eltham Collegians

16

5

11

0

2

0

1343

1309

102.60

40

2

0

1344

1456

92.31

28

Bulleen Templestowe

16

5

11

Emmaus St Leos

16

4

12

0

2

0

1048

1322

79.27

28

0

2

0

1356

1490

91.01

24

Richmond Central

16

0

16

0

2

0

719

2111

34.05

8

Division 2 Grand Final at Casey Fields St John’s Preston Bullants

Cam Pullen (Richmond Central)

1.3-9

3.6-24

4.8-32

9.9-63

2.1-13

5.3-33

7.6-48

11.9-75

St John’s Goal Kickers: A. Thornton 3, T. Edwards 2, D. Cattolico, A. Brannan, M. Nicholson, C. Ladson Best Players: L. O’’Connor, A. Brannan, D. Cattolico, G. Costas, D. Webb, K. Ash Preston Bullants Goal Kickers: M. Holmes 3, D. Marcon 3, S. Calcedo 3, J. Powell 2 Best Players: D. Marcon, S. Calcedo, D. Calcedo, N. Parkes, A. Ricco, A. Marcon A. R. Fellows Medal: Damon Marcon (Preston Bullants)

Division 2 Preliminary Final West Brunswick

2.2-14

4.5-29

4.9-33

5.15-45

Preston Bullants

3.7-25

5.10-40

7.11-53

12.14-86

West Brunswick Goal Kickers: B. Irving 2, S. Devlin, L. Buckler, W. Dillon Best Players: C. Simpson, E. Lloyd, A. Schipp, H. Paez, J. Nulty, B. Irving Preston Bullants Goal Kickers: D. Marcon 3, J. Powell 2, M. Holmes 2, A. Marcon, S. Calcedo, A. Ricco, N. Parkes, N. Musso Best Players: N. Parkes, A. Ricco, G. Warton, D. Marcon, S. Calcedo, D. Calcedo

Division 2 Semi Final 1 Preston Bullants

0.7-7

3.12-30

7.18-60

12.20-92

Yarra Valley

1.3-9

2.5-17

4.6-30

5.9-39

Preston Bullants Goal Kickers: J. Powell 4, A. Verga 2, S. Calcedo 2, A. Marcon, G. Warton, A. Ricco, N. De Andrade Best Players: A. Marcon, R. Jepson, C. Polidoras, D. Calcedo, G. Warton, A. Verga Yarra Valley Goal Kickers: J. Canham 2, D. Pagan, M. Stone, M. Gazeas Best Players: R. Pollard, B. Trend, L. Dickson, J. Fleming, M. Neilly, J. Hall

Division 2 Semi Final 2 St John’s West Brunswick

1.2-8

5.6-36

8.8-56

13.12-90

3.4-22

4.5-29

5.10-40

6.13-49

St John’s Goal Kickers: T. Edwards 3, A. Thornton 3, R. Scott 2, M. Nicholson, C. Ely, G. Costas, N. Terrill, A. Brannan Best Players: J. Ayama, D. Webb, G. Costas, L. O’’Connor, A. Brannan, D. Cattolico

Glenn Costas (St John’s) - J Fullerton Medallist

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2016

West Brunswick Goal Kickers: W. Dillon 2, D. Muscat, C. Germon, B. Irving, J. Beer Best Players: E. Lloyd, H. Paez, C. Simpson, A. Schipp, J. Nulty, M. Graham

32

Division 2 Reserves

Melbourne High School Old Boys (Division 2 Reserve)

PREMIERSHIP LADDER

Jack Cowell (Bulleen Templestowe)

P

W

L

D

B

FF

For

Agst

%

PTS

MHSOB

16

15

1

0

2

0

1834

438

418.72

68

West Brunswick

16

14

2

0

2

0

2190

416

526.44

64

Preston Bullants

16

12

4

0

2

0

1396

958

145.72

56

Yarra Valley

16

10

6

0

2

0

1283

1078

119.02

48

Bulleen Templestowe

16

8

8

0

2

0

1098

1263

86.94

40

Eltham Collegians

16

5

11

0

2

0

842

1407

59.84

28

St John’s

16

4

12

0

2

0

790

1539

51.33

24

Emmaus St Leos

16

3

13

0

2

0

869

1599

54.35

20

Richmond Central

16

1

15

0

2

0

507

2111

24.02

12

Elsternwick

18

1

17

0

0

0

549

2277

24.11

4

Division 2 Reserves Premiership Team: Melbourne High School Old Boys B HB C HF F FOLL I/C Coach

Cameron Wakefield, Charles McWhinney, Will Hart Andrew Lim, Ward Garwood, Justin McKeone Chad Hewish, Mason Fennessy-Kent, Rob McIIdowie Matthew Bradshaw, Jason Lewis, William Rebakis John Moran, James McWhinney, Anthony Tran Jack Naughton, Oliver Miles, Thomas Beale Kristopher McDonald , Jackson Bukor, Sam Hayes, Lukas Toman Bernie Pretty

Division 2 Reserves Grand Final MHSOB

0.1-1

2.2-14

2.4-16

6.4-40

West Brunswick

1.2-8

1.6-12

3.7-25

4.8-32

MHSOB Goal Kickers: R. McIldowie, J. McWhinney, L. Toman, M. Fennessy-Kent, O. Miles, A. Tran Best Players: J. McKeone, M. Fennessy-Kent, C. Hewish, R. McIldowie, W. Garwood, C. McWhinney West Brunswick Goal Kickers: N. Arnold 2, B. Wolfenden, X. Fowle Best Players: N. Arnold, J. Nulty, T. Emmett, X. Fowler, C. Wills, B. Lichtenstein Best on Ground Medal: Justin McKeone (Melbourne High School Old Boys)

33

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2016

Division 3

Saints march to the flag After a fantastic season that finished in amazing fashion, it’s time to dissect each side in Division 3: GLEN EIRA – PREMIERS Best: Julius Waras Carstensen

UHS-VU – 4th Best: Mitchell Sweeney

Our 2016 Division 3 premiers! In a brilliant performance the Glen Eira Saints willed themselves to a 47-point victory over Hawthorn to claim their first premiership since 1999. It capped a fantastic year for the Saints where Julius Waras Carstensen was the Saints best, booting 69 goals en route to the Hutchinson Medal. They now take their winning style of footy into Division 2.

Take three losses to start the season, add four straight wins, a bit of a mid-year lull, then rip off seven straight wins to become the form side of the competition, but falter at the semi-final hurdle. That was the recipe for the Vultures’ year. They could boot winning scores; Mitchell Sweeney, John Clark and Nicholas Devereux all had over 34 majors. They were above average defensively allowing only 78 points a game, fourth best. However when their season was on the line, they couldn’t kick a winning score or slow Power House defensively. A tough exit to an otherwise exciting year and may signal the start of promising things at Brens Oval.

HAWTHORN – RUNNER’S UP Best: Sam Gold For Hawthorn it was another case of so close but so far. The high-powered Hawks had a stellar 2016 losing only one home and away game, but fell short on the big stage. Offensively, it was one for the ages, averaging a scintillating 141.7 points per contest finishing with the VAFA record for 2016.

Seven players kicked more than 20 goals led by Jason Ince with 55 majors. But at Rathmines Road the season will be considered one that got away.

Hopefully Division 2 finally brings about that elusive premiership.

LA TROBE UNIVERSITY – 3rd Best: Mitchell Gleeson 2016 was a year of redemption for the Trobers.

After a horror season in 2015 which saw them wallowing near the bottom of the ladder, La Trobe used a suffocating defence, holding teams to an average of 51.2 points a game to power their way back among the elite teams. Up front Mitchell Gleeson was the ace, claiming the goal-kicking title amassing an incredible 76 goals. Definitely in the 2017 premiership conversation.

Adam Collett (Power House)

POWER HOUSE – 5th Best: Adam Collett It was perhaps unfair that Power House’s season ended with a whimper against Hawthorn given the courage the club showed to reach the final four. Entering the preliminary final after winning seven straight games, the House were embracing the ‘nothing to lose’ mentality resulting in free-flowing entertaining football. Overall, a tremendous year doubling their win total from 2015. If they can rekindle that end of season form then the House should be hoping to go one Saturday further in 2017.

SOUTH MELBOURNE DISTRICTS – 6th Ryan Schneider - Albert Park Best: Steve Clarke South Melbourne had an objective for this year – shore up the backlines to stop leaking massive scores that got them into this predicament.

Consider that objective done as the Swans were able to right the ship defensively after a horror 2015 campaign. Kicking off the year with three wins in the first four, South Melbourne quickly acclimatised to the demands of Division 3 footy but a constant theme developed throughout the year. The Swans struggled against teams at the top, losing to every other finals opponent during the season. Although they showed heart in their semi-final performance falling heartbreaking close to upsetting the red-hot Trobers but displayed some elite football.

the remainder of the season including wins over the relegation trio, a worry. Good signs included taking the fight right up to eventual premiers Glen Eira in a mid-season match-up and their ability to kicking a winning score. Stopping the opposition from kicking winning scores needs to be the focus in 2017.

ALBERT PARK – 8th Best: Kirk Murray After stumbling out of the gates with three straight losses, the Falcons did a solid job rebounding to finish a commendable eighth. Improving on last year’s win total by three, the Albert Park faithful endured a frustratingly inconsistent year of either big wins or equally big losses. Kirk Murray was the star all year long racking up 12 bests with Nicholas Materia leading the goal-kickers with 23 majors. A goal-kicking forward is needed for next season to see scoreboard results that will have Albert Park knocking on the door of finals footy.

SWINBURNE UNIVERSITY – 9th Best: Thomas Kennedy If Swinburne University fans didn’t have grey hairs, after this season they definitely do. Arguably the most stressful year for any Division 3 side, the Razorbacks saw seven games decided by a margin of less than three goals. Swinny’s record in those seven games – one win, six losses – their year epitomised in Round 18 when a three-quarter time lead slipped from their grasp and ended in defeat. It was these inconsistent performances that cost them a finals spot. In round 12 they pushed Hawthorn right to the brink before falling to a 1-point dtefeat but showed they could play with the Division’s top teams.

AQUINAS – 10th Best: Michael Connolly A disappointing year for the Bloods failing to build on the preliminary final appearance in 2015. Aquinas found themselves sliding down

CANTERBURY – 7th Best: Rohan Walmsley Canterbury hit the ground running in Division 3, ripping off four straight victories to begin the season. They were one of the most potent teams with Nicholas Szabo and Rohan Walmsley proving to be a formidable goal-scoring duo. The pair combined for an amazing 77 goals but the Cobras ran out of venom (largely due to injuries) after their hot start recording only four victories for

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2016

Ryan McMinn ( La Trobe University)

34

Glen Eira (Division 3)

the ladder to finish the year with a lowly three wins. Michael Connolly was the Bloods’ most consistent, totaling 11 bests from 16 games, however there wasn’t many other bright spots during a dark year. Kicking a competitive score each week proved to be a challenge, it was a shame Sam Williams only appeared in seven games but he still managed 23 goals. Hopefully it’s only a short spell in lower rung before we are heading back out to the College to catch a game.

ELSTERNWICK – 11th Best: Andrew Oldfield

Division 3 Premiership Team: Glen Eira B HB C HF

Anthony Cvek, Daniel Petsinis, Daniel Baxter Adrian Flowerday, Kye Cherian, Nathan Dennis Ash Carey, Todd Richardson, Lachlan Pound Matt Savage, Julius Waras Carstensen (C), Chris Higgins

F

Matt Harris, Alex Erwin-Ross, Andrew Barrett

FOLL

Roman Zemlinsky, Justin Mills, Leigh Stevens

I/C Coach

Justin King, Matt Cassidy, Ben Rose, Jill-Ivan Nuguid Shane Kelly

Leading Goalkickers

Another tough year for the Wickers. After a stirring win over Canterbury in Round 8 that doubled as the season’s highlight, Elsternwick then endured ten consecutive losses falling down into the relegation zone. Andrew Oldfield was valiant all season long finishing with a team-high 13 bests, pipping Grant Cameron on 11, while Justin Hunter was a beast in front of the sticks finishing with 51 goals on the year. Perhaps a year in Division 4 will bring about a renewed vigour to revitalise the club back to the lofty heights of the past.

PARKSIDE – 12th Best: Darren Gresham Whenever your team is giving up 126 points per game each week is going to be an uphill battle.

Struggling to adapt to the style of play in Division 3, the Red Devils failed to record their maiden victory until Round 10. By then their finals hopes were dashed. The trio of Darren Gresham, Shane McLaren and Thomas McKinlay were admirable finding themselves among the Parkside best a combined 36 times but it wasn’t enough to lift team from the bottom. The hope now is a solid 2017 season in Division 4 to regain lost confidence.

Name

Club

Mitchell Gleeson

La Trobe University

75

Julius Waras Carstensen

Glen Eira

63

Justin Hunter

Elsternwick

51

Jason Ince

Hawthorn

49

P Hutchinson Medal Player

Club

Julius Waras Carstensen

Glen Eira

29

Steve Clarke

South Melbourne District

21

Shane McLaren

Parkside

19

Justin Raiti

Hawthorn

18

Kirk Murray

Albert Park

18

FB

Andrew Spink (GE), Michael Burrowes (LTU), Ben Higgins (SU)

HB

James Brick (AP), Nathan Dennis (GE), Adrian Flowerday (GE)

C

Domenic Mitchell (PH), Elliot Kelly (LTU), Jack Saill (UHS-VU)

HF

Mitch Gleeson (LTU), Rick Ogge (C) (HAFC), Rohan Walmsley (Canterbury)

FF

Justin Hunter (Elsternwick), Jason Ince (HAFC), Ross McDermott (HAFC)

FOLL

Coach

35

Votes

Scribe Team of the Year

I/C

Ren Thompson

Goals

Julius Waras Carstensen (GE), Steve Clarke (SMD), Sam Gold (HAFC) Benjamin Anderson (UHS-VU), Nathan Raiti (HAFC), Adam Collett (PH), Darren Gresham (Parkside) Luke Mather (Hawthorn)

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2016

Division 3 Results PREMIERSHIP LADDER Jack Stevenson (South Melbourne Districts)

Hawthorn Glen Eira La Trobe University UHS-VU Power House South Melbourne Districts Canterbury Albert Park Swinburne University Aquinas Elsternwick Parkside

P

W

L

D

B

FF

For

Agst

%

PTS

18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18

17 16 15 12 10 10 8 8 5 3 2 2

1 2 3 6 8 8 10 10 13 15 16 16

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

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

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

2550 2027 1981 1586 1492 1465 1675 1354 1357 1139 1184 984

1107 1109 922 1397 1489 1475 1755 1484 1690 1857 2231 2278

230.35 182.78 214.86 113.53 100.20 99.32 95.44 91.24 80.30 61.34 53.07 43.20

68 64 60 48 40 40 32 32 20 12 8 8

Division 3 Grand Final at Coburg City Oval Hawthorn Glen Eira

3.6-24 4.4-28

Hawthorn Goal Kickers: D. Pritchard, R. Ogge, S. Gold, J. Ince, D. Kennedy, D. Tremewen, L. Piccolo Best Players: D. Pritchard, D. Kennedy, R. Ogge, T. Whittle, M. McNeill, C. Thomas Julius Waras Carstensen (Glen Eira) - P Hutchinson Medallist

6.8-44 9.5-59

7.11-53 12.5-77

7.14-56 16.7-103

Glen Eira Goal Kickers: A. Barrett 5, L. Stevens 3, J. Waras Carstensen 2, J. King 2, L. Pound, K. Cherian, C. Higgins, M. Savage Best Players: M. Harris, T. Richardson, J. Mills, A. Carey, A. Barrett, D. Petsinis

V.B. Zanin Medal: Matthew Harris (Glen Eira)

Division 3 Preliminary Final Hawthorn Power House

5.4-34 2.1-13

Hawthorn Goal Kickers: J. Ince 5, R. White 5, S. Wintle 3, R. McDermott 3, S. Gold 2, L. Piccolo 2, C. Thomas, T. Bowler, K. Pargeter, J. Kenneally, M. McNeill, J. Raiti Best Players: S. Wintle, L. Piccolo, P. Nunan, J. Ince, S. Gold, D. Tremewen

16.10-106 3.3-21

19.16-130 5.6-36

26.23-179 5.6-36

Power House Goal Kickers: J. Theofanis 2, N. Nagel, R. Yak, B. Circosta Best Players: D. Leonard, J. Theofanis, R. Yak, J. Walsh, D. Kilmartin, J. O’’Neil

Division 3 Preliminary Final Glen Eira La Trobe University

James McMahon (Aquinas)

4.3-27 1.1-7

Hawthorn Goal Kickers: J. Ince 5, R. White 5, S. Wintle 3, R. McDermott 3, S. Gold 2, L. Piccolo 2, C. Thomas, T. Bowler, K. Pargeter, J. Kenneally, M. McNeill, J. Raiti Best Players: S. Wintle, L. Piccolo, P. Nunan, J. Ince, S. Gold, D. Tremewen

7.8-50 2.4-16

12.12-84 3.6-24

16.12-108 4.10-34

Power House Goal Kickers: J. Theofanis 2, N. Nagel, R. Yak, B. Circosta Best Players: D. Leonard, J. Theofanis, R. Yak, J. Walsh, D. Kilmartin, J. O’’Neil

Division 3 Semi Final 1 La Trobe University South Melbourne Districts

2.2-14 6.1-31

LA TROBE UNIVERSITY Goal Kickers: E. McKenzie 3, J. Christie 2, B. Dowler 2, G. Dowler, A. Lockett, D. Ryan, M. Gleeson Best Players: D. Ryan, E. Kelly, J. Salau, E. McKenzie, J. Christie, S. Leitch

6.8-44 7.4-46

9.9-63 8.12-60

11.12-78 10.15-75

SOUTH MELBOURNE DISTRICTS

Goal Kickers: A. Christensen 2, B. Parkinson 2, A. Rawlings, J. Stevenson, E. Costello, J. Clifford, R. Benson, A. Vlitas Best Players: B. Parkinson, J. Consiglio, C. Murphy, A. Rawlings, J. Heis, S. Clarke

Division 3 Semi Final 2 UHS-VU Power House UHS-VU Goal Kickers: M. Sweeney 3, N. Devereux 2, S. Guggisberg, C. Kelly, N. Rowland, R. Smith Best Players: N. Amourgis, N. Devereux, E. Ramsay, J. Saill , M. Sweeney, J. Gilfillan

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2016

2.4-16 2.1-13

5.9-39 3.5-23

7.11-53 8.8-56

9.14-68 12.13-85

Power House Goal Kickers: N. Nagel 5, D. Nannery 2, B. Cox, D. Baker, C. Betts, D. Leonard, S. Devine Best Players: J. Walsh, B. Kyne, D. Leonard, S. Devine, N. Nagel, D. Nannery

36

Division 3 Reserves

Swinburne University (Division 3 Reserve)

PREMIERSHIP LADDER P

W

L

D

B

FF

For

Agst

%

PTS

Hawthorn

18

16

2

0

0

0

2150

577

372.62

64

La Trobe University

18

15

3

0

0

0

2015

640

314.84

60

Swinburne University

18

14

4

0

0

0

1486

803

185.06

56

Glen Eira

18

13

5

0

0

0

1751

686

255.25

52

UHS-VU

18

12

6

0

0

0

1450

1002

144.71

48

Albert Park

18

11

7

0

0

0

1432

1102

129.95

44

South Melbourne Districts

18

8

10

0

0

0

1322

1362

97.06

32

Aquinas

18

8

10

0

0

0

1069

1333

80.20

32

Power House

18

5

13

0

0

0

978

1464

66.80

20

Elsternwick

18

3

15

0

0

0

635

2103

30.19

12

Canterbury

18

2

16

0

0

0

526

2070

25.41

8

Parkside

18

1

17

0

0

0

569

2241

25.39

4

Division 3 Reserves Premiership Team: Swinburne University B HB C HF F FOLL I/C Coach

Marcus Lingham, Peter Strachan, Roydon Hurst Graeme Peter, Christian Barton, Michael Vogelpoel Kallan Finn, Nick Blyth, Sam Teague Joel Dwyer, Joel Teague, Michael Manning David Webb, Josh Carroll, Nathan Iskra Joldy Bradley, Justin Trinne, Marty Leahy Tom Polites, Dave Larner, Jamie Lynn, Dave McKail Mel Dell’Olio

Division 3 Reserves Grand Final Glen Eira

2.2-14

3.3-21

5.8-38

7.8-50

Swinburne University

3.2-20

8.6-54

9.7-61

13.8-86

Glen Eira Goal Kickers: D. Entwistle 2, S. Hollow, R. Blair, J. Fletcher, N. Crane, J. Serpanchy Best Players: M. Ramanathan, P. Rohr, J. Serpanchy, D. Entwistle, S. Hollow, N. Crane Swinburne University Goal Kickers: J. Carroll 3, D. Webb 3, J. Dwyer 2, M. Leahy, M. Manning, J. Teague, N. Iskra, K. Finn Best Players: K. Finn, D. Webb, J. Carroll, S. Teague, J. Teague, J. Bradley

Ryan Smith (UHSVU)

Best on Ground Medal: Kallan Finn (Swinburne University)

37

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2016

Division 4

Warriors crowned Division 4 champions The 2016 season is done and dusted. Westbourne capped off a brilliant undefeated season to capture that elusive premiership in a year that offered so much.

1st - WESTBOURNE Coach Roger Hand did not miss a beat this year, managing a mobile forward line, a fastclean midfield and a tall defensive line. A team that constantly played for each other. Going undefeated throughout the year, with 10 of those being triple figured victories, complacency could have very well rung true as it did during 2015. But, the Warriors had definitely learnt from last year and took a massive step forward to attain the Holy Grail. Five players making Team of the Year (some disputing it should’ve been six) and Adam Imber taking the runners-up in the Division 4 B&F, things are looking rosy for Division 3.

Leading goal-kicker: Dale Collins 73 2ND - POINT COOK The other team over the Westgate who dominated the year was Point Cook Bulldogs. Although these Bulldogs were unable to make the fairy-tale come true, they still won the hearts of many after a tremendous finals series. Losses to the Warriors, Sharks at home and Mt. Lilydale in four out of five

rounds could have crippled them in June/July.

But they stuck to their game plan and made the Rams pay for it to get to the Grand Final.

Leading goal-kicker: William Dawson 87 3RD - ELEY PARK SHARKS After so much expectation as an early pick to play in this year’s Grand Final, for the 2nd year running they were injury-plagued. Whilst these may seem excuses, they’re reasons. When they were at their best, they were incredibly hard to stop as they were probably one of the top teams in terms of grunt. A three-point loss, first week of the finals was gut-wrenching but, the score line of 9.13 was the concern. A team that boasted the VAFA’s B&F in Brent Christie and healthy players, the Sharks again will be one of the teams to beat next year.

Leading goal-kicker: Noel Bahnsen 34 4TH - MT. LILYDALE My predicted “Dark Horse” for the year, didn’t disappoint, as they have truly improved from Club XVIII in just two years. The loss to Eley Park

in Round 1 would have been an early wake-up call for the Rams as they then hit their straps and maintained 4th/5th throughout the year. Losses to Box Hill North and North Brunswick would’ve hurt but victories over Point Cook and Eley Park (twice - including the Semi-Final) certainly made up for an overall successful season.

Leading goal-kicker: Max Hampton 49 5TH - MANNINGHAM For the second year running the Cobras beat all the sides below them and lost to the sides above them. Manningham would’ve been disappointed to miss out on finals, especially once they heard the finals were a top four scenario. The Cobras will look to end their “thereabouts” tag and start making a climb up the ladder. Their off-season will be critical.

Leading goal-kicker: Chris Jolly 45 6TH - NORTH BRUNSWICK Probably the most inconsistent side of 2016 would have to be the North Brunswick Bulls. A side that lost to Box Hill North, yet have the capabilities of coming to within three goals of Westbourne.

To finish sixth is normal but, they know within it should’ve been higher. 2017 sees the club change coaches, as they named former UHS-VU junior coach, Marcus Butera to the club. The world will be their oyster.

Leading goal-kicker: Patrick Notaro 57 7TH - BOX HILL NORTH Another side capable of anything was Box Hill North. Overall, numbers hurt them throughout the year, with 52 players getting a senior game, that’s too many if you want success. Wins against North Brunswick and Mt. Lilydale were certainly plusses but, splitting games against Masala broke their confidence a little. Coach Laurie Zerafa has hung up the whiteboard and a new coach looms for 2017. What he brings will determine the immediate future for the Demons.

Leading goal-kicker: Daniel Penny 34 8TH - MASALA

Jordan Steen (Point Cook)

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2016

Masala have improved each year since joining Division 4. From one win last year and now three wins this year, the club is definitely moving in the

38

Westbourne Grammarians (Division 4)

right direction. Whilst there were still blow-outs along the way, anybody could see they’ve got the beginnings of a game plan and better execution at home. To get a win against a “Non-Chadstone” side was a plus and to score 104 points against Point Cook, shows anything is possible. Together with “Spicy Footy” things are heating up down in Dandenong North for 2017.

Leading goal-kicker: Sam Freeman 39

Division 4 Premiership Team: Westbourne Grammarians B HB C HF F FOLL I/C Coach

Lance Djordjevic, Adam Rompel, Nick Dimitriadis Adam Imber, Daniel Stoios, Adam Salamone Craig Robertson, Tim Rogers (C), Chris Sneddon Ali Eqbal, Dale Collins, Charlie Hunter Chris Hudson, Nick Schiano, Justin Johns Darren Morrish, Frank Pavez, Ryan Coy Will Wright, Hayden Barker, Kieran Delaney, Adam Crossman Roger Hand

Leading Goalkickers

9TH - CHADSTONE

Name

Club

The writing was definitely on the wall for the Chadstone Synners this year. In the last five years, the Synners have lost their President, all their Captains, Senior B&F’s and leading goal-kickers through retirement and/or other ventures. Failing to produce a win, yet the Reserves secured five victories is a story within itself. 2017 will shine a bright light as they have accepted the VAFA’s invitation to join the Club XVIII competition. Whilst this may reduce player numbers, it will bring a stronger chance of victory which is the stepping stone for all successful clubs. A tough decision to take step back to take two steps forward but, the right one.

William Dawson

Point Cook

83

Dale Collins

Westbourne Grammarians

72

Leading goal-kicker: David Fernandez 5

Goals

Patrick Notaro

North Brunswick

57

David Viola

Eley Park

47

O J Meehan Medal Player

Club

Brent Christie

Eley Park

Votes 17

Timothy Rogers

Westbourne Grammarians

15

Adam Pianto

Manningham Cobras

14

Adrian Pillay

Eley Park

13

Jordan Lampi

Point Cook

13

Samuel Hickey

Mt Lilydale

13

Patrick Notaro

North Brunswick

10

Paul Hegarty

Point Cook

10

Scribe Team of the Year

Gavin Southern

B HB C HF

Nicholas Trewhella (NB), Mason Kip (PC), Robbie Milne (PC) Nick Zappala (Man), Daniel Dimitriou (MtL), Steven Lester (BHN) David Viola (EP), Chris Hudson (WG), Charles Hunter (WG)

F

Patrick Notaro (NB), Dale Collins (WG), William Dawson (PC)

FOLL

Darren Morrish (C) (WG), Tom Bailey (MtL), Brent Christie (EP)

I/C Coach

39

Timothy Conn (Man), David Brambilla (MtL), Troy Sigalas (EP)

David Fernandez (Chad), Tom Bailey (MtL), Samuel Freeman (Mas), Thomas Canny (BHN) Roger Hand (WG)

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2016

Division 4 Results PREMIERSHIP LADDER Cameron England (Point Cook)

Westbourne Grammarians Point Cook Eley Park Sharks Mt Lilydale Manningham Cobras North Brunswick Box Hill North Masala Chadstone

P

W

L

D

B

FF

For

Agst

%

PTS

16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16

16 12 11 10 8 7 5 3 0

0 4 5 6 8 9 11 13 16

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

2492 1851 1833 1553 1406 1578 1413 1173 340

693 985 1243 1260 1304 1044 1695 2063 3352

359.60 187.92 147.47 123.25 107.82 151.15 83.36 56.86 10.14

72 56 52 48 40 36 28 20 8

Division 4 Grand Final at St Bernard’s College Westbourne Grammarians Point

1.2-8

4.3-27

7.5-47

11.6-72

4.1-25

6.1-37

8.4-52

8.7-55

Westbourne Grammarians Goal Kickers: J. Johns 3, C. Hunter 3, C. Hudson 2, N. Schiano 2, F. Pavez Best Players: C. Hudson, A. Imber, T. Rogers, R. Coy, C. Sneddon, D. Morrish Point Cook Goal Kickers: W. Dawson 2, S. Young 2, A. Auciello, R. Milne, P. Auciello, M. Herbertson Best Players: M. Kip, M. Smith, P. Auciello, A. Robinson, P. Kerr, A. Galvin A.K. White Medal: Chris Hudson (Westbourne Grammarians)

Brayden Smith (Westbourne Grammarians)

Division 4 Preliminary Final Point Cook

5.6-36

11.11-77

14.13-97

18.20-128

Mt Lilydale

2.2-14

2.2-14

5.4-34

7.5-47

Point Cook Goal Kickers: J. Lampi 7, S. Young 3, R. Milne 2, T. Seccombe 2, P. Auciello, A. Grigg, M. Herbertson, T. Hyde Best Players: J. Lampi, M. Kip, A. Grigg, A. Robinson, R. Milne, D. Duskovic Mt Lilydale Goal Kickers: S. Donald 4, J. Perrett 2, M. Hampton Best Players: T. Legg, D. Brambilla, S. Donald, B. Spencer, S. Gibson, J. Perrett

Division 4 Semi Final 2 Westbourne Grammarians Point Cook

4.2-26

7.8-50

11.9-75

13.10-88

0.1-1

3.5-23

4.7-31

8.9-57

Westbourne Grammarians Goal Kickers: N. Schiano 4, C. Hudson 3, J. Johns 2, C. Sneddon, D. Collins, M. Gatti, H. Barker Best Players: A. Imber, C. Hudson, F. Pavez, R. Coy, D. Morrish SPI_2006

Point Cook Goal Kickers: J. Lampi 4, W. Dawson 2, A. Grigg, M. Herbertson Best Players: J. Lampi, R. Milne, D. Scown, A. Robinson, P. Auciello, A. Auciello

Division 4 Semi Final 1 Eley Park Sharks

2.5-17

5.7-37

8.10-58

9.13-67

Mt Lilydale

2.3-15

4.5-29

6.7-43

10.10-70

Eley Park Sharks Goal Kickers: P. Tempone 3, D. Isaac 2, C. Brown 2, A. Wreford, A. Pillay Best Players: A. Pillay, J. McGarvie, O. Dickson, I. Gridchin, B. Christie, P. Tempone Mt Lilydale Goal Kickers: D. Dimitriou 3, S. Donald 3, S. Hickey, C. Winterburn, M. Hampton, J. Gagatsis Best Players: D. Dimitriou, S. Hickey, M. Hampton, S. Donald, S. Gibson, J. Perrett

Eley Park Sharks

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2016

40

Division 4 Reserves

Westbourne Grammarians (Division 4 Reserve)

PREMIERSHIP LADDER P

W

L

D

B

FF

For

Agst

%

PTS

Eley Park Sharks

16

15

1

0

2

0

2230

603

369.82

68

Westbourne Grammarians

16

14

1

0

2

1

1777

526

337.83

68

Box Hill North

16

12

4

0

2

0

1690

1072

157365

56

Point Cook

16

8

8

0

2

0

1241

1019

121.79

40

Manningham Cobras

16

7

9

0

2

0

977

1249

78.22

36

North Brunswick

16

5

11

0

2

0

1041

1224

85.05

28

Mt Lilydale

16

5

11

0

2

0

980

1203

81.46

28

Chadstone

16

5

10

0

2

0

937

1493

62.76

24

Masala

16

0

16

0

2

0

296

2803

10.56

8

Division 4 Reserves Premiership Team: Westbourne Grammarians B HB C HF F FOLL I/C Coach

Tim Davidson, Duncan Benn, Steve Basile James Di Blasi, Tyrone Plecher (C), Jeremy Jardine Chris O’Leary, Shane Wallace, Harry Wyatt (VC) Agon Bahitri, Justin Porter, Jacob Russell Mitch Gatti, Arnel Davis, Michael Davis Harley Tunnecliffe, Dave Hallatsch, Pete Magann (VC) Sam Bye, Simon Day, Nathan Robertson, Brad Saunders Fab Gatti

Division 4 Reserves Grand Final Westbourne Grammarians

3.1-19

8.4-52

11.4-70

15.10-100

Point Cook

2.5-17

6.5-41

8.11-59

9.11-65

Westbourne Grammarians Goal Kickers: S. Wallace 4, A. Davis 3, M. Davis 2, N. Robertson, H. Tunnicliffe, A. Bahtiri, J. Porter, C. O’’Leary, D. Hallatsch Best Players: H. Tunnicliffe, P. Magann, D. Benn, S. Wallace, C. O’’Leary, J. Russell Point Cook Goal Kickers: J. Steen 2, R. Tilly, M. Harmer, J. Borg, T. Furr, M. Gabriel, C. Cox, T. Smith Best Players: N. Cowie, J. Borg, R. Tilly, T. Furr, J. Steen, J. Smith Best on Ground Medal: Peter Magann (Westbourne Grammarians)

Brent Christie (Eley Park Sharks) - OJ Meehan Medallist

41

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2016

Big V vs SAAFL The VAFA were unable to curb a second-term blitz by the SAAFL and went down to their South Australian counterparts by 17 points at Trevor Barker Oval on the Queen’s birthday long weekend.

The Big V arguably drew level in the first quarter as they trailed by 19 points after facing the wrong end of a four-goal breeze. However, a five-goal to two second term put the SAAFL on the front foot, with Luke Harder taking the game by the scruff and dominating up forward on his way to four goals.

senior coach, Stuart Powell, excelled as the leader of the young group, while assistants Andrew Leoncelli, Dave Murray and Stephen Powell and team manager, Mick Overman provided outstanding support.

The win is the SAAFL’s first over their Victorian rivals since 1995 and puts an end to a seven-game Big V winning streak.

Harry Tinney (C) (Old Trinity)

Trailing by 36 points with one quarter to play, the Big V came out firing in the last and piled on five goals to one as Tom Paule (Old Melburnians), Sam Cust (Old Carey) and Matt Handley (Old Xaverians) proved dangerous up forward.

Beaumaris midfielder, Tom Dean, received the Spirit of the Big V Award for his standout performance in the midfield, using his hardened body at the coalface to compete for four quarters and give constant delivery to his outside runners.

Jaryd Robertson (St Bedes/Mentone Tigers) plucked everything that came his way across half back, while both Jake and Sam Williams (De La Salle) continued the scintillating form which has helped De La to top spot on the William Buck Premier ladder midway through the season as they accumulated possessions at will.

Despite the loss, the VAFA blooded 13 uncapped senior representative players and put the Big V in a positive position moving forward. First-time

George Burbury (Old Geelong)

Jake Williams (De La Salle)

VAFA Seniors vs South Australian Amateur Football League VAFA SAAFL

0.1-1

2.6-18

3.7-25

8.8-56

3.2-20

8.3-51

9.9-63

10.13-73

VAFA Goal Kickers: T. Paule 2, M. Handley 2, S. Cust, G. Hurley-Wellington, T. Penberthy, G. Burbury Best Players: J. Robertson, T. Dean, W. Johnson, S. Williams, T. Paule, T. Sullivan SAAFL Goal Kickers: L. Harder 4, L. Button 2, M. Weistra, A. McKay, T. Schulz, A. Skara Best Players: T. Schulz, L. Whitelock, A. McKay, B. Castree, B. De Prinse, L. Harder Spirit of the Big V Award: Tom Dean (Beaumaris) SAAFL Best VAFA Player: Jake Williams (De La Salle)

Back row: Andrew Leoncelli (Assistant Coach), Tom Dean (Beaumaris), Hugh Vickers-Willis (University Blues), George Burbury (Old Geelong), Thomas Penberthy (Collegians), Dylan Jones (St Kevin’s), Nick De Steiger (Old Melburnians), Jeremy Mugavin (University Blues), Gerard Gleeson (St Kevin’s), Matthew Handley (Old Xaverians), Jaryd Robertson (St Bedes/Mentone Tigers), George Hurley-Wellington (Old Melburnians), Stephen Powell (Assistant Coach), Mick Overman (Team Manager) Front row: Dave Murray (Assistant Coach), Jack Vickers (De La Salle), Brendan Goss (Old Xaverians), Peter Shakallis (Old Haileybury), Sam Cust (Old Carey), Thomas Paule (VC) (Old Melburnians), Stuart Powell (Senior Coach), Harry Tinney (C) (Old Trinity), Sam Williams (VC) (De La Salle), Jake Williams (De La Salle), Tom Sullivan (St Bernard’s), Chris Mangoni (St Bedes/ Mentone Tigers), Will Johnson (Collegians), Francis Leach (Runner) Tom Sullivan (St Bernard’s)

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2016

42

U19 Big V vs AFL Vic Country A six-goal to one final term helped Energy Safe Victoria Country to a 44-point win over the Big V in their U19 representative clash at Waterview Reserve, Mernda on July 10.

VAFA U19 vs AFL Victoria Country

Trailing by just two goals at the last break, the Big V were unable to curb the Country’s firepower as they made full use of the southerly breeze and ran away with the comfortable victory.

Energy Safe Victoria Country

Despite the loss, the Big V were brave throughout and reduced a 31-point half-time deficit to 12 points on the back of standout third-term performances from Chris Hughes (St Bernard’s), Alex Mastromanno (Old Brighton), Tom McKenna (Mazenod) and Spirit of the Big V recipient, Lachlan Byrne-Jones (Old Scotch).

17-year-old Mastromanno and Hughes were particularly dominant during the Big V’s comeback as both kicked two goals after the margin blew out to 43 points midway through the third term.

Energy Safe Victoria Country

2.2

8.8

10.8

16.11 (107)

VAFA U19

2.0

4.1

9.2

10.3 (63)

Goal Kickers: S. Dunstan 4, P. Anderson 3, J. Kelly 2, A. Byrne 2, D. Brew 1, C. Grant 1, S. Mannagh 1, M. Shannon 1, R. Sharp 1.

Best Players: D. Smith (Peter Knights Medal), D. McMahon, D. Brew, T. Hanna, S. Dunstan, J. Kelly.

VAFA U19 Goal Kickers: A. Mastromanno 4, C. Connelly 2, C. Hughes 2, M. Blair 2 Best Players: T. McKenna, C. Carnovale, J. Tyquin, A. Mastromanno, H. Hill, B. Dance Spirit of the Big V Award: Lachlan Byrne-Jones (Old Scotch) AFL Victoria Country Best VAFA Player: Harry Hill (Old Brighton)

Mastromanno consistently used his impressive frame to bully his opponent out of the marking contest and nail set shot goals from both sides of the boundary.

Hughes was electric and played a hand in almost every play, following up his quick-fire pair of majors by lacing out University Blues’ forward, Matt Blair, for the second of his two for the match.

Old Haileybury goal sneak and Round 2 Grill’d Rising Star nominee, Corey Connolly, also kicked two goals for the Big V, including the goal of the day in the second term.

Thrown to the ground in a savage Country tackle, Connolly sprung up from the deck, pounced on the loose ball and dribbled a Daicos-esque stunner from the pocket to ignite the healthy crowd.

Earlier in the day, Old Melburnians’ Hunter Watkin embodied all the Big V stands for as he courageously went back with the flight of the ball and suffered a head clash with his Country

Hunter Watkin (Old Melburnians)

opponent. Despite passing a concussion test, Watkin was taken to hospital and played no further part in the game.

The Big V were led courageously throughout the day as captain, Christian Carnovale (Hampton Rovers), often found himself at the coalface and consistently won the contested ball.

Brighton), Ben Dance (St Bedes/Mentone Tigers) and James Landman (Ormond) found plenty of the sherrin, with Hill named the VAFA’s best player from AFL Vic Country coaching staff for his standout display. Hill’s Old Brighton connection with Mastromanno was on show as he found the four-goal star on the numerous occasions he sent the ball inside 50.

2016 Grill’d Rising Star winner Harry Hill (Old

Back row: Shane Reagan (Team Manager), David Kinsella (Assistant Coach), Luke Wintle (Assistant Coach), Charlie Vague (St Bernard’s), Michael Caven (St Bernard’s), Sam Glover (Kew), Matthew Colak (De La Salle), Matt Blair (University Blues), Alex Mastromanno (Old Brighton), Luke Globan (Beaumaris), Ben Hurley (Kew), Joshua Tyquin (De La Salle), James Landman (Ormond), Chris Mathieson (Assistant Coach), Mark Tomlinson (Physio) Front row: Caroline Ray (Physio), Kylie Da Fonte (Trainer), Mitchell Hughes (St Bernard’s), Corey Connolly (Old Haileybury), Harry Hill (Old Brighton), Hunter Watkin (Old Melburnians), Ben Dance (VC) (St Bedes/Mentone Tigers), David Gately (Head Coach), Christian Carnovale (C) (Hampton Rovers), Luke Gogis (Ormond), Nicholas Silvestro (Caulfield Grammarians), Tom Sullivan (St Byrne-Jones Bernard’s) (Old Scotch), Chris Hughes (St Bernard’s), Jesse Maxfield (Ormond), Tom McKenna (Mazenod) Lachlan

43

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2016

Big V vs SAAFL

Thomas Paule (Old Melburnians)

George Hurley-Wellington (Old Melburnians)

Jack Vickers (De La Salle)

Nick De Steiger (Old Melburnians) Matthew Handley (Old Xaverians)

Will Johnson (Collegians)

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2016

44

U19 Big V vs AFL Vic Country Matt Blair (University Blues)

Christian Carnovale (C) (Hampton Rovers)

Michael Caven (St Bernard’s)

Mitchell Hughes (St Bernard’s)

Lachlan Byrne-Jones (Old Scotch)

45

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2016

Big V Club Inductees

Honour Board Big V Legends

Peter Sherwen and Michael Deveson recieve their Big V Champion awards

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

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

2015

Rohan Brown

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

Big V Champions Year Player 2008 Rick Brockwell 2008 Ian Cordner

Peter Sherwen (Big V Champion)

Michael Deveson (Big V Champion)

Big V Career (1977-78, 1981-83, 85)

Big V Career (1982-87)

• 12 Big V Games

• 13 Big V Games

• 2X All-Australian Selection (1983, 85)

• Big V Captain (1986)

• All-Australian Appearances (1983 v VCFL)

• All-Australian Selection (1985)

• AAFC Carnival Appearances (1982, 85)

• All-Australian Appearances (1983 vs VCFL)

Club Career Old Scotch (1975-78, 1981-90) • 223 Games • 2X Premierships (1977 B-Section, 1978 A-Section)

• AAFC Carnival Appearances (1985) • Opposition Best Player Award (1985) Club Career De La Salle (1981-87)

• Vice-captain (1985-1988)

• 118 Games

• Life Member (1988)

• 2X Premierships (1983-84 A-Section)

• Team of the Century – Half-forward flank

• Club Best & Fairest (1982-83, 1985, 1987)

• Leading Goal-Kicker (1981)

• Team of the Half Century – Centre-Half Back

• Senior Coach (1991, 1993-94) • Club Doctor (1982-16)

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2016

• Section Best & Fairest (1982)

2008 2008 2008 2009 2009 2009 2009 2009 2010 2010 2010 2010 2011 2011 2011 2011 2012 2012 2012 2013 2013 2014 2014 2014 2015 2015 2016 2016

46

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

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

VAFA launch first-ever women’s competition On Thursday 11 August, Federal Member for Goldstein, Tim Wilson, officially launched the 2017 VAFA Women’s competition in front of local council, club representatives and 17 current women’s players at Sportscover Arena.

After months of gathering support from our clubs,

After months of gathering support from our clubs, the Board had enough confidence the interest and enthusiasm would translate into fielding teams capable of establishing a women’s competition.

In the months following the announcement, the response from clubs was nothing short of phenomenal and the VAFA anticipated a minimum of 30 teams competing in the first year.

AFL Victoria announced the Victorian Women’s Football League (VWFL) would cease to exist in 2017 as community leagues and associations established and administered their own competitions.

47

VAFA W FOOTBAOMEN’S GUIDE LL CLUB

FA A V

A F VA make life easier for the administrators. The focus would be on participation and learning the game.

The development league would have modifications and leniency to the rules to accommodate those who had never played competitive Australian rules football. To start a match, you need a minimum of 12 players with the evening up rule applying. If one club had 14 and the other 18, two players would switch and play for the opposition, creating a 16-a-side football match.

As such, the VAFA looked forward to the possibility of welcoming established women’s teams such as St Kevin’s, AJAX, Brunswick and Fitzroy to our inaugural competition.

A number of VAFA teams played exhibition matches throughout 2016 in anticipation of the women’s competition, including West Brunswick, Bulleen Templestowe, St Mary’s Salesian and Swinburne University.

While the inclusion of established teams and players would create a premier section, the VAFA would also commence with a development league to help

The VAFA made the official announcement via a Facebook selfie of all women’s players who attended.

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2016

Juniors U19 Premier St Kevin’s were the stars of both U19 Premier and the newly-formed Premier Reserve this year, taking out both competitions on the final day of the season. 15 home and away victories gave SKOB top spot of Premier heading into finals, but their semi-final against the second-placed Beaumaris took everything they had as they ran out one-point winners with 5.6 in the fourth term giving them the ascendancy at the final siren. The grand final was a repeat of that hard-fought semi, but SKOB were able to maintain a lead and win by 25 points at Trevor Barker Oval. CR Newbury Medallist, Michael Di Natale, kicked three goals in a best-on-ground performance, while Sam Barnett and Jesse Outen registered three of their own. The Sharks will take a lot out of their 14-win season from an offensive perspective, with their average of 105.6ppg nearly 20 points ahead of their closest rival. Old Xaverians had a strong year with 15 wins but were unable to register back-toback Premier flags as they fell to the Sharks by 14 in the preliminary. Old Scotch were the fourth team to round out the finals places, with leading goal kicker, William Stewart, the star up forward.

De La Salle, St Bernard’s and University Blacks will be hoping to build toward finals next year, while University Blues rounded out the ladder with just one win for the year.

St Kevin’s OB (U19 Premier)

St Kevin’s OB (U19 Premier Reserve)

U19 Premier Reserve

U19 Premier Reserve was much the same result, with SKOB running over Old Xaverians and taking out the premiership by 38 points at Trevor Barker Oval. However, they were made to do it the hard way after going down to Xavs to the tune of six points in the second semi two weeks earlier.

Christian Hatzis was unstoppable in the big dance, booting nine goals in a match-winning and deserved best-on-ground performance.

Christian Masson Moyle contributed five majors for SKOB, while Harrison Kelly did his utmost to stem the flow of SKOB’s scoring with six goals of his own for Xavs. While both grand finalists were the standout sides in the first year of U19 Premier Reserve, De La Salle and Beaumaris each earnt a finals berth with 11 wins for the home and away season. Old Geelong narrowly missed out by two games, but will take a lot out of their scoring prowess which was the third highest. St Bernard’s and Williamstown CYMS each ended on four wins, while Old Scotch brought up the tail on three victories for the year. Jack Rennex was a beast for Xavs as he took out the league best and fairest on 18 votes and with 87 goals.

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2016

Caulfield Grammarians (U19 Section 2)

U19 Section 2 Caulfield Grammarians proved too strong for all comers for the second consecutive year, defeating Parkdale Vultures by 14 points at Trevor Barker Oval. After claiming the flag last year, the Fields managed 12 wins for the season but stood up when it mattered as they ran over St Bedes/Mentone Tigers, Old Melburnians and the Vultures on their way to back-to-back premierships. Lachlan Harris starred in the beston-ground performance for the Fields, while Myles Spielvogel top-scored with three majors.

The Vultures were the best side throughout the season as they dropped just two matches on

their way to the grand final. They had kicked almost 500 more points than their nearest rival and boasted the top two in the GW McTaggart Medal, James Salouris (21) and Bradley Austin (18). Fitzroy were the next best in fifth spot on the ladder, followed by Old Carey in sixth. Whitefriars and Old Trinity failed to get going and both accumulated just two wins each for the year.

U19 Section 3 The first round of finals has some interesting outcomes after Mazenod, Ormond, Williamstown and Collegians all held out the top four positions to play off in the qualifying finals. The first round consisted of Mazenod going down to Ormond

48

by seven points and Collegians succeeded with a three-point win against Williamstown putting them straight in the big dance. The Lions secured a position in the grand final against Ormond after the Monders downed Williamstown in the preliminary and sentenced them to a straight sets loss after finishing the home and away fixture on top. It was a hot start to the match with the Monders gaining the early ascendancy and taking a narrow six-point lead in the first break.

It wasn’t until the third term when the Lions hit the front, but they managed to hold on in extratime for a thrilling five-point victory. The best

Collegians (U19 Section 3)

on ground medallion was awarded to Ormond young gun, Jack Short, who was in amongst the action all day. On the other end of the ladder Hampton Rovers, Old Brighton and Marcellin were unable to secure a finals berth and finishing fifth, sixth and seventh, respectively. Old Ivanhoe had a tough year and only won three games as they look to regroup heading into 2017. Despite not making finals this season, the Rovers will be overjoyed with the section’s best and fairest winner, Scott Ebbott, who finished on a total of 19 votes. The section’s leading goal kicker, Jake

Old Haileybury (U19 Section 4)

Slee, took out the award with a total of 65 goals, leagues ahead of the next best.

U19 Section 4 UHS-VU and Therry Penola had a tough year, only winning a total of four games and leaving them in the bottom two positions on the Section 4 ladder, while Monash Blues finished sixth on six wins. Peninsula fell agonisingly short of a finals campaign, trailing PEGS by less than four percent in fifth spot. This left Old Haileybury, AJAX, Preston Bullants and PEGS in contention

Parkside (U19 Section 5)

U19 Section 5

quarters. Sitting in the bottom half of the ladder

of winning the premiership. With both Preston Bullants and PEGS going down in the qualifying

Under 19 Section 5 was introduced for the first

and Old Paradians who all just missed out on

finals, it left Old Haileybury and AJAX to play it

time in 2016, with Parkside, De La Salle, Mazenod

finals this season. La Trobe University had a

out in the Grand Final. It was a big day down at

and St Bedes/Mentone Tigers the first-ever

tough year with only five wins for the season and

Trevor Barker Oval, with the match starting off

top four. The first round of finals brought some surprises with the higher ranked Parkside going

leaving them third-last. Aquinas, in their first U19

as a competitive slog. Old Haileybury managed to get in front by two points at quarter time;

down to De La Salle, while the Nodders held off

however, the second quarter belonged to AJAX as they contained the Bloods to a solitary behind for the term. In the end it was the Bloods who saluted by 19 points, thanks in large to a fourgoal to one third term. Old Haileybury’s Jack

the Tigers. With De La straight through to the grand final, it was left to the Red Devils who showed up for a 49-point preliminary final win against the Nodders. And how the extra game must have played Parkside into form as they

was Melbourne High School Old Boys, Oakleigh

competition for some years, and St John’s fought hard all season and managed to get a couple of wins on the board but were resigned to the two bottom positions. Melbourne High School Old Boys young gun, Ashan Wijayakumara, led the sections leading goal kicking with a total of 58

stormed home for a 32-point grand final victory

goals while Isaac Romano of Parkside took out

Munro was awarded the section’s best and fairest

at Coburg City Oval. Parkside young gun, Marco

the sections best and fairest with a total of 24

on 23 votes, while teammate, Benjamin Oakes,

Creek, took home the best on ground medallion

votes. Overall, a very successful season for the

took out the goal kicking award with 66 majors.

with his outstanding performance across four

Red Devils.

49

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2016

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

P

W

L

D

B

FF

For

Agst

%

PTS

18 17 18 18 18 17 16 18

15 14 15 9 8 6 2 1

3 3 3 9 10 11 14 17

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0

1514 1796 1547 1282 1368 1057 622 454

684 821 816 1084 1099 1102 1854 2224

221.35 218.76 189.58 118.27 124.48 95.92 33.55 20.41

60 60 60 36 32 28 8 4

U19 Premier Grand Final St Kevin’s Beaumaris

CR Newbury Medal 3.2-20 3.0-18

6.7-43 4.3-27

10.12-72 7.7-49

15.17-107 12.10-82

St Bernard’s Goal Kickers: J. Outen 3, M. Di Natale 3, S. Barnett 3, F. Bonacci 2, A. Clough, C. Hodges, L. Mahoney, H. Brookes Best Players: T. Kerr, M. Di Natale, L. Mahoney, H. Lagastes, C. Paull, M. Olsen Beaumaris Goal Kickers: J. Nardino 3, C. Beattie-Powell 2, B. O’’Brien, S. Doherty, C. Heath, H. Bruce, A. Johnstone, J. Taylor, A. Baruhas Best Players: J. Taylor, L. Tedde, C. Grigoriadis, A. Johnstone, J. Nardino, A. Baruhas T.A. Johnson Medal: Michael Di Natale (St Kevins)

Leading Goalkickers

Player Michael Di Natale Liam Mahoney Jak Nardino Aaron Trusler Tommy Amad Luke Daggian Harrison Lucas Hamish Morris Thomas Anderson Callum Beattie-Powell

Club St Kevins St Kevins Beaumaris De La Salle Old Xaverians Old Scotch Old Xaverians Old Xaverians Old Scotch Beaumaris

Votes 18 14 12 12 11 11 11 11 10 10

Under 19 Premier: St Kevin’s

Player William Stewart Nicholas Henricks Andrew Clough Sam Gibbins

Club Old Scotch Beaumaris St Kevins Beaumaris

Total 52 43 42 38

B HB C HF F FOLL I/C Coach

Tom Kerr, Callum Tate, Max Musarra Harry Lagastes, Matt Olsen, Josh Shannon Jack Anderson, Michael Di Natale, Cameron Paull Harry Brookes, Andy Clough, Sam Barnett Francesco Bonacci, Jesse Outen, Cameron Hodges Will Sist, Ben Dimattina, Liam Mahoney E. Broadhurst, J. Jaensch, J. Victor, L. Merrett, C. Ross, N. Stagg James Kennedy, Tom Purcell

Under 19 Premier Reserve PREMIERSHIP LADDER St Kevins Old Xaverians De La Salle Beaumaris Old Geelong St Bernards Williamstown CYMS Old Scotch

P

W

L

D

B

FF

For

Agst

%

PTS

18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18

16 14 11 11 9 4 4 3

2 4 7 7 9 14 14 15

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

1697 1569 1359 1367 1392 905 927 989

805 1035 1145 1242 1129 1340 1740 1744

210.81 151.59 118.69 110.06 123.29 67.54 53.28 56.71

64 56 44 44 36 16 16 12

Under 19 Premier Reserve Grand Final Old Xaverians St Kevins

3.4-22 5.4-34

4.8-32 10.4-64

10.11-71 14.6-90

13.12-90 20.8-128

Old Xaverians Goal Kickers: H. Kelly 6, W. Wilson 2, T. Lyon, T. Williamson, J. Rennex, T. Giliberto, W. Honan Best Players: T. Boots, B. Curtis, H. Kelly, T. Lyon, A. Skene, W. Wilson St Kevins Goal Kickers: C. Hatzis 9, C. Masson Moyle 5, L. Loschiavo 2, H. Fithall, H. Lewis, S. Dicintio, P. McNamara Best Players: C. Hatzis, C. Masson Moyle, T. Sanders, N. Mullaly, W. Coten, P. McNamara T.M. Lyon Medal: Christian Hatzis (St Kevins)

Club Old Xaverians Old Geelong Old Geelong Old Xaverians Beaumaris St Kevins De La Salle St Kevins

Votes 18 14 14 11 11 10 9 9

Under 19 Premier Reserve Premiership Team: St Kevin’s

U19 Premier Reserve Medal Leading Goalkickers Player Jack Rennex Jonathon Thomson Joshua Davis Harrison Kelly

Player Jack Rennex Jonathan Thomson Luka Thorpe Harrison Kelly Matt Hanson Alexander Favaloro Daniel Melissinos Lachlan Wray

Club Old Xaverians Old Geelong Beaumaris Old Xaverians

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2016

Total 87 52 46 44

B HB C HF F FOLL I/C Coach

MacGregor Matthews, Tom Sanders, James Papadopulos Aiden Cellini, Jack Gale, Pheonix Santamaria Pat Simkiss, Luke Loschiav, Nick Mullaly Nick Milne, Alexander Favaloro, Lachie Comito Stephen DiCintio, Christian Hatzis, Herb Fithall Will Coten, Jake Langton, Paddy McNamara Lachie Wray, Nick Dachs, Cormac Gilligan, Harry Lewis , Luke Bryan, Christian Masson Moyle Jon Taylor

50

Under 19 Section 2 PREMIERSHIP LADDER Parkdale Vultures Old Melburnians Caulfield Grammarians St Bedes/Mentone Tigers Fitzroy Old Carey Whitefriars Old Trinity

P

W

L

D

B

FF

For

Agst

%

PTS

18 18 17 18 18 18 18 17

16 14 12 12 10 6 2 2

2 4 5 6 8 12 16 15

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0

2082 1514 1424 1587 1482 1048 982 848

806 996 1107 832 1223 1659 1911 2011

258.31 152.01 128.64 190.75 121.18 63.17 51.39 42.17

64 56 52 48 40 24 8 8

Under 19 Section 2 Grand Final Parkdale Vultures Caulfield Grammarians

3.2-20 3.2-20

5.5-35 5.4-34

7.7-49 9.6-60

9.10-64 12.6-78

Parkdale Vultures Goal Kickers: J. Edmunds 2, Z. Straker, J. Green, J. Salouris, A. Watterson, A. Derzekos, D. Rendell, R. O’’Leary Best Players: J. Edmunds, J. Vorbach, T. Jenkins, M. Francis, A. Watterson, R. O’’Leary Caulfield Grammarians Goal Kickers: M. Spielvogel 3, M. Ball 2, S. Dorevitch, L. Edwards, B. Fynmore, N. Baltas, J. Toniolo, B. Kuang, O. Sweetapple-Gagiero Best Players: O. Allis, L. Harris, Z. Amos, M. Simpson, M. Spielvogel, J. Lewis J.A. Miles Medal: Lachlan Harris (Caulfield Grammarians)

B HB C HF F FOLL I/C Coach

Club Old Melburnians Parkdale Caulfield Fitzroy

Total 59 52 47 36

P

Williamstown CYMS Collegians Mazenod Ormond Hampton Rovers Old Brighton Marcellin Old Ivanhoe Grammarians

18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18

W

L

15 11 11 10 8 8 6 3

3 7 7 8 10 10 12 15

Under 19 Section 3 Grand Final 1.1-7 2.1-13

Votes 21 18 15 13 13 13 13 12 12

Oliver Allis, Nick Blaich, Max Simpson Daniel Wigney , Zac Amos, Lachlan Height Nick Baltas, Lachlan Harris, Jack Webb Ollie Gagiero, Sam Dorevitch, Lachlan Nixon Ava Fujiwara, Matt Ball, Darcy Levin Ben Fynmore, Myles Speilvogal , Jesse Toniolo Liam Edwards, Ben Kuang, Jack Lewis, Ben Slack, Dylan Smith, Will lyon Joshua McCahon

D 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

B 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

FF 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

For

1562 1493 1329 1381 1121 1115 1162 721

Agst

882 1024 1046 1165 1298 1298 1235 2133

%

PTS

177.1 145.8 127.06 118.42 92.42 85.9 94.09 33.8

60 44 44 40 32 32 24 12

IA Brown Medal 3.5-23 4.2-26

7.8-50 7.7-49

11.11-77 10.12-72

Collegians Goal Kickers: E. Greene 3, N. Punter 2, A. Scott 2, D. McKenzie, H. Greene, C. Tennant, H. Ling Best Players: C. Hobbs, O. Glover, J. Cotton, F. Cameron, C. Tennant, E. Greene Ormond Goal Kickers: D. Fasoulis 3, O. Milner 2, D. Szydlik 2, M. Perry, J. Maxfield, T. Harkin Best Players: D. Szydlik, Z. Papacostas, J. Short, N. Oaten, R. Cohen, E. Quinn P.J. Harris Medal: Jack Short (Ormond)

Leading Goalkickers Player Jake Slee Matthew Perry Hugo Ling Declan Fowler

Club Parkdale Parkdale St Bedes/Mentone Tigers Caulfield Grammarians Fitzroy Fitzroy Old Carey Old Melburnians Old Melburnians

Under 19 Section 3

PREMIERSHIP LADDER

Collegians Ormond

Player James Salouris Bradley Austin Zac Calvez Ayonosuke Fujiwara James Butler Sean Laidlaw Jack Quarterrmaine Fergus Lappin James Regan

Under 19 Section 2 Premiership Team: Caulfield Grammarians

Leading Goalkickers Player James Regan James Salouris Matt Ball Rory Patterson

GW McTaggart Medal

Club Williamstown CYMS Ormond Collegians Mazenod

51

Total 65 38 37 36

Player Scott Ebbott Jake Slee Kallan Dawson Matthew Perry William Chan

Club Hampton Rovers Williamstown Williamstown Ormond Williamstown

Votes 19 16 15 14 13

Under 19 Section 3 Premiership Team: Collegians B HB C HF F FOLL I/C Coach

Jack Cotton, Jack Melbourne, Connor Hobbs Fraser Cameron, Hugh Greene, Cam Ensor Nick Marsh, Tyson Wyett (C), Tom Jordan Nick Punter, Andrew Scott, Darcy McKenzie Hugo Ling, Ed Greene, Michael Schwab Tim Nancarrow, Cam Tennant, Oscar Glover Riley Martin, Jack Hibbins, Zac Comley Burns, Riley Goodman, Tom Pateras, Michael Scardamaglia Nick Hibbins

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2016

Under 19 Section 4 PREMIERSHIP LADDER Old Haileyburians AJAX Preston Bullants PEGS Peninsula Monash Blues Therry Penola UHS-VU

P

W

L

D

B

FF

For

Agst

%

PTS

18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18

15 12 12 10 10 6 4 4

3 6 6 8 8 12 14 14

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

1637 1324 1254 1186 1399 860 869 716

649 985 1118 923 1121 1285 1338 1566

252.23 134.42 112.16 128.49 124.8 66.93 6495 45.72

60 48 48 40 40 24 16 16

U19 Section 4 Grand Final Old Haileyburians AJAX

U19 Section 4 Medal

1.4-10 1.2-8

1.5-11 3.4-22

5.11-41 4.5-29

7.12-54 5.5-35

Old Haileyburians Goal Kickers: D. Seccull 3, B. Oakes 2, J. Elston, C. Constable Best Players: A. Ventouras, M. Charlesworth, D. Seccull, C. Constable, T. Williamson, J. Constable AJAX Goal Kickers: C. Nankin 2, T. Fisher, D. Lipton, J. Burston Best Players: D. Lipton, C. Hamilton, B. De Winter, A. Sekler, J. Velleman, C. Nankin J.S. Simpson Medal: Matt Charlesworth (Old Haileybury)

Leading Goalkickers Player Benjamin Oakes Jordan Erougian Thomas Saggio Max Tonna

Player Jack Munro Brodie Steele Alexander Hymer Brian Hutchinson Coen Giali-Brosnan Guy Vadas Marc Demaria

Club Old Haileybury Old Haileybury PEGS Preston Bullants Preston Bullants AJAX Preston Bullants

Votes 23 14 11 10 9 9 9

Under 19 Section 4 Premiership Team: Old Haileybury Club Old Haileybury PEGS PEGS PEGS

Total 66 35 34 29

B HB C HF F FOLL I/C

Under 19 Section 5

Coach

Rayner Seccull, Torsten Williamson, Hamish Bignall Joel Constable, Declan Forster, Josh Elston Jamie Cain, Charlie Constable, Will Paul Lyndon Montgomery , Ben Oakes, Eden Facey-Smith Mat Charlsworth, Durras Seccull, Ari Ventouras Oli Sharpe, Brodie Steele, Jack Munro Shea O’Reilly, Jack Moncrieff, Charlie Schneider, Mat Kirkwood, Liam Heilberg, Will Stock Michael Constable

PREMIERSHIP LADDER Parkside De La Salle Mazenod St Bedes/ Mentone Tigers Melbourne High School Old Boys Oakleigh Old Paradians La Trobe University Aquinas St Johns

P

W

L

D

B

FF

For

Agst

%

PTS

18 18 18 18 18 18 17 18 18 17

16 16 11 10 9 6 5 5 4 3

2 2 7 8 9 12 12 13 14 14

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0

1813 1812 1300 1226 1278 1277 921 977 811 827

729 831 1051 1219 1078 1541 1568 1358 1804 18374

248.7 217.05 123.69 100.57 118.55 82.87 58.74 71.94 44.96 45.17

64 64 44 40 36 24 24 20 16 12

U19 Section 5 Medal

Under 19 Section 5 Grand Final De La Salle Parkside

1.3-9 1.0-6

2.4-16 2.6-18

4.4-28 6.10-46

6.6-42 10.14-74

De La Salle Goal Kickers: B. Melissinos 2, T. Shannon 2, O. Gunning, J. Epifanidis Best Players: P. Hounihan, Z. Grundmann, H. Bowen, J. Bailey, M. Jakes, B. Melissinos Parkside Goal Kickers: I. Nolan 3, S. Newman-Rogers, G. Trevan, M. Soligo, M. Romano, L. Logozzo, A. Gargano, T. Mammarella Best Players: M. Creek, H. Dehne, M. Daminato, F. Marron, I. Nolan, M. Soligo Harry Overman Medal: Marco Creek (Parkside)

Leading Goalkickers Player Ashan Wijayakumara Nick O’Sullivan Tom Riley James Reid

Club MHSOB De La Salle Mazenod Aquinas

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2016

Total 58 57 44 37

Player Isaac Romano Marco Creek Tom Riley Ashan Wijaykumara Patrick Hounihan

Club Parkside Parkside Mazenod MHSOB De La Salle

Votes 24 20 19 16 13

Under 19 Section 5 Premiership Team: Parkside B HB C HF F FOLL I/C Coach

Ned Creamer, Fergus Marron, Mathew Moses Harry Dehne, Tommy Gook, Lachlan Jacob Matthew Soligo, Marco Creek, Adamo Gargano Michael Romano, Sam Newman Rodgers, Isaac Nolan Adam Moffa, Isaac Romano, Trent Mammerella Luke Logozzo, Cameron Pevitt, Marcus Daminato Riley Shortal, Max Vollebergh, Gabriel Trevan, Luke Marko Rawlings Vince Romano

52

Club XVIII

Spartans, OGs salute in Club XVIII deciders Club XVIII in 2016 comprised of two sections yet again, with Section 1 contested by eight teams and Section 2 six teams.

Hawthorn Spartans (Club XVIII Section 1)

Old Geelong (Club XVIII Section 2)

In Section 1, Hawthorn Spartans continued with their 2015 premiership form as they led from the front throughout the season, losing only to eventual runner-up, St Francis Xavier, and playing a tie against Old Xaverians, who finished the the home and away fixture in second spot on the ladder.

points in a strong second semi-final showcase.

In the preliminary final played on Sportscover Arena, St Francis Xavier triumphed over Old Xaverians by 9 points, despite inaccurate kicking keeping the Crocs within a striking distance for the majority of the match.

Richmond Central maintained third place throughout the season before being eliminated

by St Francis Xavier in the first semi-final. St Francis Xavier, who were promoted from Section 2, started the season slowly, gradually built momentum and finished the minor rounds in fourth place. Their finals form was memorable as they accounted for Richmond Central on the Bartlett Reserve in an early morning match.

Their good form continued when they defeated perennial premiers, Old Xaverians in the preliminary final at Sports Cover Arena and put an end to their long streak of Club XVIII grand final appearances.

In the first grand final played without Old Xaverian participation since 1991, Hawthorn outplayed St Francis Xavier in less than ideal conditions. Although the St Francis players tried hard, they were no match for the Spartans on their way to a second consecutive flag. Hawthorn players were well rewarded and scooped the pool of competition awards. John Farah, who was the leading goal kicker also won the Mason Medal as the fairest and best player. The King/ Landrigan Medal, awarded to the best player in the grand final, was won by Hawthorn’s, Jason Yap, after he found himself amongst everything.

The four clubs who finished outside the final four did not consistently play of the standard required for final participation. Despite this fact, Brunswick/North Old Boys/St Patrick’s, Melbourne High School Old Boys and Prahran/ Assumption remained in contention for fourth place until late in the minor rounds. South Mornington faced a season of consolidation and, despite only winning two matches, their endeavour cannot be questioned.

The Spartans continued their dominance into the finals as they defeated Old Xaverians by 28

53

The margin of standard of talent was quickly established in Section 2. In the wake of their Club success, Old Geelong and West Brunswick maintained the top two positions throughout the season. Monash Blues proved to be the third best side, whilst Monash Gryphons, University High School/Victoria University and Swinburne University all laid claims to fourth position until late in the minor rounds.

Monash Gryphons finished fourth and earnt the right to play Monash Blues in the first semi-final under lights at Sportscover Arena. The game provided a close contest from which the Blues

emerged victorious by 13 points. The second semi-final, played on the Ransford Oval, provided a close contest for three quarters before Old Geelong broke away from West Brunswick in the last quarter for a 25-point victory.

In the preliminary final at Sportscover Arena, West Brunswick started well against Monash Blues and led by five goals at half time. However, a spirited Monash revival of four unanswered goals in the third saw the Blues trail by just seven points at the last change. Not to be denied, West Brunswick rallied in the last quarter and won the game by 32 points with Aaron Thompson’s six goals the highlight.

Thus the stage was set for the Club XVIII (2) Grand Final between the two dominant teams in the competition. This game was played in good conditions at Sportscover Arena (climatic conditions changed for the Section 1 playoff).

Another close contest maintained interest level and at the last change West Brunswick held a 13-point lead. As occurred in the semi-final, Old Geelong proved the fitter team and were able to maintain pressure against the tiring West Brunswick players.

A heart-stopping five-goal turnaround in the fourth gave Old Geelong a 13-point victory in the end, with Matthew Graver rewarded with the best-onground medallion. Graver’s teammate, Josh Archer, won the goal kicking with 42 majors, while Monash Blues player, Michael Chapman, was presented with the competition Fairest and Best award.

Norm Nugent

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2016

Club XVIII Results Leading Goalkickers Player John Farah Craig Berger Benjamin Corcoran Sam Hartmann

Club Hawthorn Prahran Assumption Old Xaverians Richmond Central

Total 58 57 44 37

Club XVIII (Section 1) Premiership Team: Hawthorn B HB C HF F FOLL I/C Coach

Dean Bubunaras, James Maddock, Sam Armstrong Anthony Demetriou (C), Tom White, Tyson Barber Nick Gieschen, Jason Yap, Matthew Muscari Con Pana, Luke Edwards, Mohammed Dabab Ari Mitropoulos, Tim Demetriou, Nick Criticos (VC) Dale Mitchell, John Farah, Ang Lekkas Lawrence Vanvitelli, Ang Christou, Thomas Beech, Dean Korlos, Justin Rieve, Julian Handford, Blake Proebstl, Daniel Raponi Anthony Demetriou, John Farah

Stephen Mason Medal Player John Farah Matthew Walsh Nicholas Gouin Sam Hartmann Charles Logan Arran Bouten Grant Ryan

Hawthorn Spartans Club XVIII Section 1 Premiers P 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15

W 13 12 9 8 6 5 4 2

L 1 2 6 7 9 10 11 13

D 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0

B 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

FF 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Votes 19 16 14 11 11 10 10

Club XVIII (Section 1) Grand Final

PREMIERSHIP LADDER Club XVIII (1) Hawthorn Old Xaverians Richmond Central St Francis Xavier Brunswick NOBSPC Prahran Assumption MHSOB South Mornington

Club Hawthorn Old Xaverians Prahran Assumption Richmond Central Richmond Central MHSOB South Mornington

For 1626 1183 1029 1178 776 830 818 691

Agst 694 740 902 842 1132 1268 1217 1373

% 234.29 159.86 111.24 139.9 68.55 65.46 67.21 50.33

PTS 54 50 36 32 24 20 16 8

Hawthorn St Francis Xavier

4.2-26 2.3-15

7.5-47 2.3-15

9.8-62 3.3-21

13.12-90 4.4-28

Hawthorn Goal Kickers: L. Edwards 4, C. Pana 2, T. Demetriou, N. Criticos, A. Mitropoulos, D. Raponi, A. Lekkas, M. Dabab, E. Christou Best Players: J. Yap, N. Gieschen, S. Armstrong, L. Edwards, T. Barber, N. Criticos St Francis Xavier Goal Kickers: J. Van Dam, C. Bowey, S. Dullard, J. Abel Best Players: B. Sheers, C. Hughes, D. Dapiran, T. Kerr, S. Dullard, D. Pennant King/Landrigan Medal: Jason Yap (Hawthorn)

Leading Goalkickers Player Josh Archer Aaron Thompson Kyle Oppelaar Justin Mazur

Club Old Geelong West Brunswick West Brunswick Monash Blues

Total 42 29 24 19

Club XVIII (Section 2) Premiership Team: Old Geelong B HB C HF F FOLL I/C Coach

Donald Sahlstrom, Harry Hosegood, Will Mason Zach Carroll, Jack Johnston, Duane Jefferis Henry Hewitson, Rob Officer, Adam Densten Matt Graver, Charlie Gibbs, Patrick Healey Peter Grouios, Josh Archer, Joe Kemp Dale McKie, John Graham, Jimmy Cave Cam Sherwin, Ollie Graham, James Imhoff, Lewis Chiodo, Rhett Nicholas, Peter Lynch, Jameson Hunter, Ed Simpson Lewis Chiodo

Club XVIII (Section 2) Medal Player Michael Chapman Shane Chapman Brad Wynne Rob Officer Warren Smith Josh Archer

PREMIERSHIP LADDER P 15 15 15 15 15 15

W 13 13 8 6 3 2

L 2 2 7 9 12 13

D 0 0 0 0 0 0

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2016

Votes 17 14 10 8 7 7

Club XVIII (Section 2) Grand Final

Old Geelong Club XVIII Section 2 Premiers Club XVIII (2) West Brunswick Old Geelong Monash Blues Monash Gryphons UHS-VU Swinburne University

Club Monash Blues Monash Blues West Brunswick Old Geelong UHS-VU Old Geelong

B 0 0 0 0 0 0

FF 0 0 0 0 0 0

For 1730 1748 1078 877 654 505

Agst 431 449 874 1377 1571 1921

% 401.39 389.31 123.34 63.69 41.63 26.29

PTS 52 52 32 24 12 8

Old Geelong West Brunswick

2.0-12 3.1-19

4.2-26 5.2-32

7.2-44 9.3-57

11.4-70 9.3-57

Old Geelong Goal Kickers: J. Archer 4, L. Chiodo 2, J. Hunter, J. Cave, O. Graham, J. Kemp, P. Healey Best Players: M. Graver, C. Sherwin, P. Healey, A. Densten, J. Graham, J. Archer West Brunswick Goal Kickers: K. Oppelaar 4, S. Devers 2, B. Rodin, B. Shepherd, A. Thompson Best Players: A. Campbell, D. Monacella, H. Mahoney, K. Oppelaar, D. Fuzzard, B. Smith Best on Ground Medal: Matthew Graver (Old Geelong)

54

Rising Star Winner GRILL’D RISING STAR 2016

Harry Hill

Harry‘s reputation preceded him and when he weaved through a pack and goaled for the third time against the Rovers in Round 3, to set up a seven goal lead at half-time, we knew we were looking at our next champion.

Old Brighton young gun, Harry Hill, was named the 2016 Grill’d Rising Star at the Woodrow Medal and VAFA Awards night at Crown Casino.

Hill starred throughout the 2016 season, finishing runner-up in the Premier B GT Moore Medal on 15 votes. He polled 12 in a fast-finishing last five rounds as his formed mirrored the winning ways of the Tonners in the back half of the season.

Harry has maintained our excitement by playing every senior match in the mid-field, appearing in the best player list in most of them. He has already kicked 17 goals and set up just as many for his team-mates. Harry is a classy footballer, whose skills set him apart from most other players. He is precise and efficient on both sides of his body, and his instinctive feel for the game enables him to make quick decisions under pressure.

Hill was rewarded for his early-season form with selection in the Big Under 19 representative side and shone in his side’s loss to AFL Victoria Country, earning the praise of opposition coaches as he was named best VAFA player.

His penetrating passes often release team-mates from tight situations or set them up to score. He is a strong mark for his size, combining sound judgement of the ball drop with a handy leap.

The Rising Star Award has long been an accurate prelude of future football success, with previous winners including two-time Woodrow Medallist Brendan Iezzi (2007), VFL listed players James Fletcher (2015), Anthony Scott (2014) and Nick Wynne (2009) and AFL player Dan Nicholson (2010).

Consequently, he has already become a focus of opponents’ attention as they try to limit his influence. Harry’s consistent form led to his selection in the VAFA Under-19 side earlier in the season and he responded by winning the award for best on the ground.

Hill was named in Old Brighton’s best on 11 occasions throughout the year and received his Rising Star nomination in Round 16.

Harry is understandably revered by his peers and many of them have followed him to the Club to continue their success and forge their futures in the Red and Blue. Harry is crucial to the future of the OBGFC where his courage and taste for the contest will undoubtedly see him lead and become one of the VAFA’s most valued players.”

What the Club said: “Harry Hill arrived at Old Brighton Grammarians this year, after a decorated career at Brighton Grammar School where he was captain of the school and a dual premiership player.

Winning Edge Club Championship

55

Seniors

Reserves

U19

Thirds/Club XVIII

Total

Caulfield Grammarians

60

32

39

12.5

143.5

Beaumaris

54

32

45

9.5

140.5

Old Xaverians

48

30

45

12

135

Preston Bullants

60

28

36

0

124

Old Geelong

56

26

27

13

122

Mazenod

58

25

33

0

116

PEGS

48

28

30

7.5

113.5

Hawthorn

68

32

0

13.5

113.5

St Kevins

32

22

45

13

112

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2016

Highlights 2016 •

Sue Anderson retired after 32 years of service to the VAFA.

•

Robert Heath was appointed to the VAFA Board in February, 2016.

•

Mikala Sykes joined the VAFA staff as Football Operations Assistant, replacing Christian Burgess who took up the role of Sponsorship and Amateur Footballer Coordinator. Kelley Gillespie-Jones joined as Umpire Operations Assistant. Ally Handley left the position of Finance and Events Manager in September.

•

The VAFA announced the implementation of its first-ever women’s competition at a ceremony at Sportscover Arena on August 11. Federal Member for Goldstein, Tim Wilson MP, made the announcement alongside VAFA President, Tim Nelson, Bayside City Council Mayor and members and AFL Victoria’s Darren Flanagan.

•

The VAFA secured $6.4m in funding from the State Government, Bayside City Council, the AFL, AFL Victoria, Old Melburnians and the VAFA for the upgrade of Sportscover Arena and its surrounds. State Minister for Sport, John Eren, made the official announcement at Sportscover Arena on March 17.

•

Sportscover was acknowledged for 25 years of VAFA sponsorship at the 2016 Season Launch.

Former VAFA President, Bruce McTaggart, presented Sportscover Chairman, Peter Nash, with a silver plate as recognition of the longstanding partnership.

•

The Big V senior representative side played the South Australian Amateur Football League for the first time since 2004, but lost by 17 points at Trevor Barker Beach Oval.

•

St Bedes/Mentone Tigers premiership coach, Luke Beveridge, took the Western Bulldogs to their first AFL premiership since 1954 in just his second year as senior coach of the club.

•

Jake Williams (De La Salle) won his second Woodrow Medal after first claiming the award in 2013.

•

St Bernard’s were relegated one year after winning the William Buck Premier Grand Final, becoming the first club to do so since Old Haileybury in 2006/’07.

•

Peninsula Pirates gained promotion to Premier B; their highest section since joining the VAFA in 1980.

•

Shaun Payze (Peninsula) played his 350th senior VAFA match.

•

Westbourne Grammarians won the Division 4 premiership on the back of an undefeated season.

•

David Windlow umpired his 1000th VAFA match.

•

Kevin Segota umpired his 800th VAFA match.

•

Caulfield Grammarians won the5 Winning Edge Club Championship.

•

Harry Hill (Old Brighton) won the Grill’d Rising Star Award and AFL Victoria Country’s Best VAFA Player Award in the U19 representative match.

•

Preston Bullants won their third premiership in four years since becoming a senior VAFA club, with midfielder Damon Marcon winning his second best-on-ground medallion.

•

Michael Di Natale (St Kevin’s) won both the U19 Premier C.R. Newbury Medal for the competition best & fairest and the T.A. Johnson Medal as the best on ground in his side’s grand final win against Beaumaris.

•

Hawthorn Spartans won back-to-back Club XVIII (1) premierships when they defeated St Francis Xavier by 62 points at Sportscover Arena.

•

St Kevin’s claimed both the U19 Premier and Premier Reserve flags.

•

Old Melburnians played every home game at Sportscover Arena after moving from the Junction Oval.

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2016

56

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