VAFA Annual Report 2013

ANNUAL REPORT 2013

for the love of the game

Victorian Amateur Football Association

122nd ANNUAL REPORT SEASON 2013 Presented to the Members at the Annual General Meeting Mantra on Russell 2 December 2013

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VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2013

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 ANNUAL REPORT 2013

VAFA 2013

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President’s Report

4

CEO’s Report

6

Football Operations Report

9

Umpire Operations Report

10

Commercial Operations Report

12

Media Communications Report

13

Premier

14

Premier B

18

Premier C

22

Division One

26

Division Two

30

Division Three

34

Division Four

38

The Big V Club

41

Representative Football

42

Under 19

48

Under 18

52

Club XVIII

53

Winning Edge Club Championship

56

Rising Star 2013

56

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VAFA 2013 Patrons

Independent Tribunal

Messr. J.F.X. Dillion, M.G. Russel and the Hon. John S. Winneke, AC QC RFD

Chairmen: Messrs. P.C. Clothier, D. Dann, D.J. Hughes, T. Issacs, M. O’Brien, J.K. Pilkington, D. Reynolds, P.G. Rhoden, P.J. Rodda, D, Sheales Members: Messrs. J.H. Boorn, M.B. Brook, G.J. Condron, D.R. Dodds, R. Dore, S. Grey, R.E. Lippold, A. Marshall, P. Mason, T. Miller, M.D. O’Brien, R. Penaluna, G.S. Ridd, D. Sheales,F. Stafford, S. Theodore, G. Thomas, A.H. Walstab, C.F. Wills,

President Mr. M.T. Hazell

Vice-President Mr. T.J. Nelson

Treasurer Mr. A.L. Kirkwood-Scott

Board Messrs. A.M. Amad, B. Conti, Mrs. D.M. Connors-Calhaem, Messrs. N.W. Credlin, P.W. De Young, M.W. Sholly, N.J. Toohey, G.A. Voyage.

Investigation Panel

Chief Executive Officer

Mr. C.C. Bastow

Messrs. P.W. De Young, R.L. Evans, P.J. Grima, N.J. Toohey, G.A. Voyage

Registration Secretary

Mr. M.W. Sholly

Saturday Score Recorder Mrs. N.M. McTaggart

General Manager Football Operations

Elsternwick Park Duty Officers

Mr. T.P. Noonan

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

General Manager Administration

Publications Editor Mr. A.T. Leonard

Mrs. S.J. Anderson

Life Members

General Manager Umpire Operations

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. LangfordJones, 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 and Dr. G. Janko.

Mr. B.L. Goodman

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

General Manager Media & Communications Mr. A.T. Leonard

Administration Ms. O.P. Crowe Mr. B.G. Carey (until September 26)

VAFA Lawyers Mr. James Paterson of Anzarut & Holm

VAFAUA President Mr. D.J. Silfo

Club XVIII Umpire Co-ordinator Mr. D. Windlow

*deceased

Tribunal and Investigations Co-ordinators Mrs. S.J. Anderson and Mr. C.C. Bastow

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VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2013

President’s Report It is an honour and privilege in my first year as Chairman to present this 2013 Annual Report to our VAFA members and our VAFA community. It has been a fascinating experience watching over our wonderful competition and I am sure you all agree with me when I say that the depth and breadth of our competition is something to behold.

However this depth and breadth comes with its challenges. One of the key challenges of my role this year has been balancing the work to benefit the player or club who plays in Division 4 reserves, with the work done for the benefit of our Premier players and clubs. Both groups are equally important and making sure we balance our limited time and resources evenly across the competition is a very big challenge.

In my short time as Chairman, equally as difficult a challenge has been dealing with the change in personnel at Board level. We lost some 75 years of Board experience over the past two years, bringing with it the risk that things might “fall through the cracks” until the new Board members become more familiar with their environment. I am pleased to say though that our Board has performed admirably.

All of this succession could not have been manageable without the tireless work of our staff, led by our CEO Michael Sholly.

Significant change in the past 18 months has been driven with enthusiasm and skill by the staff. To Michael, Sue, Tim, Brian, Blair, Andrew, Olivia, and Brayden – well done to each of you.

To our current board members, I thank you very much for your wonderful volunteer dedication and support. In particular I want say a special thank you to our first year Board members Nigel Credlin, Adam KirkwoodScott and Phil De Young for the enthusiasm and professionalism with which you have tackled your first year. Bruno Conti, our past president, also should be recognised for the support and guidance he has given me and the Board in 2013.

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2013

Financial soundness is a crucial attribute of any good organisation and I am pleased to say that we have had a successful year commercially and financially. The strategy the board has adopted over the past three years to build the commercial and finance side of the competition has begun to reap rewards. Revenue from commercial operations is up $118,286 in 2013 from 2012. This is a strong increase in a 12 month period and is reflected in an increase in our cash reserves from $972,000 in 2012 to just over $1.1 million in 2013. Well done to Tim Nelson, Davina Connors-Calhaem and Adam Kirkwood-Scott who with Michael Sholly have led our commercial and finance area.

Congratulations must go to the staff at the VAFA and all our member clubs who have supported our venture of trying to seriously grow the commercial side of the VAFA. Blair O’Hara and Andrew Leonard deserve a special mention. The drive and energy they bring to the VAFA is limitless.

Of course, even more thanks needs to go to our sponsors old and new who have come on or have continued to support us.

Blair O’Hara details the partnerships and sponsorships in his report on Commercial Operations I am pleased to say that affiliation fees will not be increasing again in 2014 and for the first time in a number of years, we have been able to provide a cash rebate back to clubs for purchases made on our online store. These initiatives and the potential for commercial growth are only the tip of the iceberg in terms of providing direct financial benefits back to our clubs. So our commercial and finance results for 2013 are very satisfying.

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In our key strategic areas of Football, Growth and Development, Competition Integrity & Risk, and Facilities, we have performed well in 2013. This is indicated by the fact that we have reached 90% of the targets we set at the beginning of 2012 and 2013 in these key competencies.

However it is important to emphasise that whilst we have performed well in these core areas, there is significant room for improvement. This does not expose nonperformance in these key areas, but we have high standards and would like to think that more can be done. With this in mind, my focus below is more about critically assessing where we are at, rather than patting ourselves on the back.

The area of Football, Growth & Development is led very capably by George Voyage and it is here that some big challenges lie. As everyone would appreciate, making good decisions in a competition as large as ours is an incredibly challenging task. George and his team with the key support of Tim Noonan never shy away from the hard work that needs to be done. Decisions are never unanimously popular in such a large competition, but I can assure everyone that every decision is well researched, analysed and then debated in pursuit of the best conclusion possible.

Whilst we may well be hitting the actions and measures we set in our strategic plan back in 2012 in relation to participation and umpiring, we are cognisant that we need to keep coming up with fresh initiatives.

Yes - our strategic goals are quite justifiably broader than any one club. Yes - like many sporting competitions, established clubs will sometimes leave just as new clubs sometimes join. So too will clubs have wonderful rises up the grades just as there will be spectacular falls. But one aspect we need to work on at the VAFA is what further substantive support we can lend to individual clubs that are struggling. Tackling this issue requires both a macro and micro approach.

At macro level; this year we set up a working party to look into aspects related to building and growing amateur football in all of Melbourne, particularly regional Melbourne, in order to ensure that our competition remains strong through the next 30 years. I chaired this working party and recently handed down a report, along with recommendations, to the Football, Growth and Development sub-committee to consider. It is a wide reaching report and whilst a focus of the report is on regional areas, the essence of the report is how to keep amateur football strong and relevant in the future. I hope to be able to update you all on this at our member’s meetings next year.

We also need to continue to invest in umpiring. In 2014 we hope to embark on a formal process with the VAFAUA to consolidate the already strong recruitment and retention strategies undertaken. There is much that can be done to ensure that our competition remains the competition of choice for the limited number of umpires for our great game. I thank Brian Goodman, Michael Sholly and the VAFAUA for ensuring that umpiring is regularly at the forefront of our minds at Board level.

On a micro level in the area of Football, Growth and Development, the VAFA has to think more about what it can do to help individual clubs who fall on diďŹƒcult times.

If the growth in the commercial side of the VAFA continues to bring in revenue, then we need to produce and deliver strategies to alleviate club pressures, including problems with volunteerism.

I would like to acknowledge the work done by Nigel Credlin as the director of representative football, along with the work of our coaches through our representative program. The VAFA continues to enjoy sustained success in its representative games and Nigel along with the coaches and players deserve a special mention.

VAFA Board

M.T. Hazell President

T.J. Nelson Vice-President

A.L. Kirkwood-Scott Treasurer

M.W. Sholly CEO

A.M. Amad

D.M Connors-Calhaem

N.W. Credlin

P.W. De Young

N.J. Toohey

G.A. Voyage

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B. Conti

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2013

President’s Report The Big V Club, born out of representative football, continues to thrive. This is evidenced by our biggest attendance ever at this year’s Big V Club Lunch. Well done to Anthony Amad for all his tireless work.

Competition Integrity is led brilliantly by Justin Toohey and two major developments in the past two years have been a tightening up of the prescribed penalties systems for the tribunal, and the introduction of an Integrity Officer. Both these initiatives are doing a lot for our competition behind the scenes.

The rules of our competition fall under the guise of Competition Integrity and are consummately managed by Justin. Enforcing our rules is a challenging job and one that Justin handles with skill but even more importantly, he handles with a sense of fairness.

We can improve on our investigations processes and procedures.

The investigations process has some problems, not least of which is the time lag from the alleged incident occurring to the tribunal hearing. Investigations are a difficult area and one which the board hopes to work closely with staff on in 2014 to try and make some improvements.

with the VAFA. This includes our club presidents and committees, sponsors, umpires, ambassadors, life members, club volunteers, club supporters, players, local councils, the numerous volunteers who assist at VAFA headquarters, our representative coaches and support staff, our friends at Inner FM, Southern FM and North-West FM and other media who support us.

I have spoken a lot this year at functions and events about how important community competitions like ours are to the fabric of our society. All of you above represent that fabric.

To finish, I would like to leave you with an extract from a speech I made earlier this year.I reminded everyone about the importance of the work our VAFA community do to keep our clubs running year after year.

The extract is taken from Gideon Haigh’s Bradman oration in 2012 which some of you would be familiar with “when I say the sporting Club I’m sure you understand what I mean. The Club. We all have one.

It’s like a first love - never forgotten.

It’s often where you find those people at their best, because they are putting others’ interests first.

Environments where it remains possible to know everyone’s name, where we’re connected by the intangibles of friendship and mutual support rather than by the formality of titles, ranks, reporting lines and organisational matrices.

Yes – clubs rise and fall because of geography, demography, availability of participants, accessibility of organisers, facilities and funds.

But the habits they instil are those that build communities: of giving and sharing, of responding, of balancing interests, nurturing culture, respecting history and generally joining in common purpose.”

In 2014, the board has decided to split the areas of corporate risk and competition integrity, by setting up a separate “risk” subcommittee, to be led by Bruno Conti. In 2013 we spent time at board level discussing the VAFA key risks and what we might do to treat those risks. This move is an important step to ensure the VAFA continues to have strong governance an is prepared for the future.

On the facilities side of the VAFA, improvement in our Elsternwick Park home is an issue we continue to grapple with. We are currently engaged in discussions with a consortium in relation to the redevelopment of the Elsternwick Park precinct. Space does not permit detail about the specifics of the proposed redevelopment; however despite there still being a number of hurdles to overcome before the project is a reality, this opportunity represents our best opportunity in my time at VAFA Board level for some much needed funds to be injected into the precinct.

So there are challenges ahead as well as achievements to celebrate in 2014.

I hope you all have a safe and happy Christmas and New Year.

I look forward to seeing you all again in 2014.

Michael Hazell President and Chairman

I want to say thank you to all the key people and organisations that have relationships

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2013

(CONTINUED)

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Chief Executive Officer’s Report Whilst we can be proud of our representative program it is still the 26 competitions competed by 74 clubs that are the heart and soul of the VAFA. Highlights this year included:

Season 2013 brought many highlights for the Association but none better than the outstanding triple header played against AFL Victoria Country. There were three fantastic matches showcasing the best talent of the VAFA with all matches decided by under a goal. We reigned supreme at the Junction Oval winning both the seniors and U19’s and just missed out across the road at Harry Trott with the Premier B to Division 4 team.

A more detailed report can be found later in this edition but full credit must go to Nigel Credlin, the Director of Representative Football, who assembled the coaching panels who in turn got all the teams playing in true VAFA spirit. Also our U23’s defeated South Australian Amateurs to take the AAFC championship title.

Representative football didn’t finish there with an U18 team touring New Zealand and the seniors heading to Ireland. Both of these were outstanding successes where 45 players and 10 coaches and medical staff were given the opportunity to represent the association internationally. The 45 players were spread across 28 clubs with every section represented.

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The resurgence of Kew winning the seniors, reserves and U18 premierships and Ian Aitken winning the senior coach of the year.

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Old Xaverians Premier victory and also their successes through the grades which culminated in winning the Winning Edge Club Championship.

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Old Trinity, Old Ivanhoe and Hampton Rovers bouncing straight back after relegation.

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Yarra Valley for consecutive promotions from Division 3 to Division 1.

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The outstanding finals run of Northern Blues winning the premiership from sixth place.

I continue to be delighted at the amount of work Brian Goodman, the coaches and all those at the umpires association do to ensure the best possible umpires take to the field each week. They do not over complicate the game and umpire at the level required.

Over 400 appointments are made by this panel each week and just the communication required to implement this and ensure that the umpires arrive at the game is worthy of praise. Then to have them ensure the games are officiated so professionally is something that makes anyone associated with this group proud.

Last year I reported the swell of boundary umpires into the competition and this level was maintained in 2013. A concerted effort was made to recruit more goal umpires and new coach Bernie Jephson would often have 50 goal umpires attend training – unprecedented in the VAFA. This renewed enthusiasm needs to be capitalised upon in 2014 with further growth in numbers.

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The VAFA’s new Treasurer Adam KirkwoodScott has presented his first financial statement and we are delighted to show a surplus of $48,384.10. Our 2012 year was on the back of a $90,000 refund from the Tax Office so this surplus was more than was budgeted for. We have grown our cash reserves to just over $1.1 million and this has enabled us to provide a $30,000 rebate to clubs for purchasing through our online store.

Much of the credit belongs to the work of the Tim Nelson led commercial sub-committee.

The staff members responsible for this area are Blair O’Hara and Andrew Leonard.

They have worked collaboratively and the competition should be extremely delighted with their results.

Firstly our net sponsorship has increased by $118,286 to $403,706. An excellent achievement in the first year of a full time commercial manager. This has included the introduction of seven new sponsors.

These include KooGa, Bayford, Mantra, Royal Brunei Airlines, Cambridge Clothing Company, Higgins Bakery and Carlton and United Breweries. An impressive list, all of whom have already committed for 2014.

However our long term sponsors have provided the backbone to our association and provided the platform to build this portfolio. I would like to acknowledge our major sponsor Sportscover who have been with the Association for 20 years. They along with Club Warehouse, Beiersdorf, Lifecare, Sherrin, Winning Edge Presentations, 2XU, Coates Hire, Cyan Press and Scotchman’s Hill.

Concurrently our technology and media partners are growing. We moved to Interact Sport who hosted all of our live scores. Clubdata provided our digital communications and online store services and SportingPulse continue to host our competition management system.

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2013

Chief Executive Officer’s Report (CONTINUED)

VAFATV was enhanced this year with an average of 5700 views weekly for match footage and our TV show combined. Andrew Leonard has dome a magnificent job with this product and the replays of all premier matches has worked far more efficiently. The Amateur Footballer was adapted in digital format and launch to an iPad application and was available free of charge on Friday afternoons.

This season we introduced a Woodrow medal count in the River Room at Crown Casino.

Congratulations to Jake Williams, on present information the youngest ever winner of the Woodrow, and all the respective winners from the senior, under age and Club XVIII sections. Our season was again launched in the MCC Dining Room and we were all heartily entertained by our guest speaker Richmond President Garry March.

I would particularly like to thank the President Michael Hazell and the Board for their great support of the staff and their outstanding voluntary contribution to the VAFA. Michael has shown outstanding leadership and the time and commitment he makes to the VAFA is incredible. Every member of the VAFA should be appreciative of his efforts.

The staff has continued to display an unwavering commitment to the association and the game. I have already made mention of our newer members Blair and Andrew, however the work ethic and diligence displayed by Tim Noonan, Sue Anderson, Brian Goodman, Olivia Crowe and Brayden Carey is appreciated.

If anything 2013 has been a year of change, in no particular order this year saw; a stand alone Premier Grand Final, a new VAFA TV website for match footage, a new umpire payment system, a new accounting system (from MYOB to Xero), a new live score service provider (Interact Sport), new canteen management (from Weatherson’s to internal management), a new on field apparel provider (KooGa), new online club store (Clubdata), new stand alone Woodrow Medal count and at Board level we had a new President and Vice-President as well a new Treasurer.

I am very proud of the way our whole community has supported and embraced these changes. We look forward to 2014 where these changes will continue to enhance the VAFA and present our competition to be the leading community sporting body in Victoria.

Michael Sholly Chief Executive Officer

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2013

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Football Operations Report In the under 19 section, each club has been allowed to play four overage players to assist clubs who struggle to form a team each week. There were 48 teams entered in under 19 sections this year and no teams withdrew during the season. The introduction of this rule ensured fewer forfeits and enabled more players to continue playing football.

The VAFA will continue to look at ways to support clubs in fielding teams in our under 19 competition.

The 2013 season has been an exciting one for the VAFA as we have continued to grow in size with 251 teams playing across 26 sections this year. We now have 74 clubs as we welcomed our two newest clubs the Dragons into Division 4 and Masala into Club XVIII this year. This has added another dimension to the VAFA as we now have culturally based clubs joining the competition. We also had Northern Blues move from the Thirds competition to Division 4 to become a full senior club. The move was extremely successful as they finished sixth after the home away season and won all their finals to end up Premiers and will now progress into Division 3.

There are many challenges that face the VAFA each year and again this year we worked to ensure we have the best possible competition. We formed a partnership with Interact Sport to assist us with providing a live score mobile app for senior games. We appreciated the many clubs that worked to ensure that they updated live scores at every home game this year and it is our desire that in 2014 we will have live scores for every game every week. We also continued to work with our umpires to complete their post match data electronically and reduce the amount of paperwork required after each match. Over the summer we will continue to find ways to make this process more streamlined and easy to use.

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Once again we had a full representative program which started with our under 23 side travelling to Adelaide to play the SAAFL in the second year of the three year program.

The Under 23 side had a very good win and maintain their ranking as the number one ranked side. In July, the VAFA played our traditional matches against AFL Victoria Country with our Senior, Premier B – Division 4 and Under 19 sides all playing on the one day. The Under 19 team and senior side played at the Junction Oval and the Premier B – Division 4 side played across the road at Harry Trott Oval. It was wonderful to have all three sides playing in the same precinct on the one day. The games could not have been closer with the Under 19 team winning by four points, the Premier B - Division 4 side losing by one point and the senior side continuing their winning streak over all sides they play, winning by three points.

We also completed representative matches with international tours in Ireland and New Zealand. A combined senior representative team consisting of players from Premier to Division 3 played four matches in Ireland and our under 18 invitational side played two games against AFL New Zealand.

These games completed a very successful representative program for the VAFA in 2014.

some, there could be no argument about the facilities. We also had access to Trevor Barker Oval in Sandringham, Highgate Reserve in Craigieburn, Bill Lawry Oval in Northcote and Bulleen Templestowe hosted finals for the first time at their home ground Ted Ajani Reserve with St Bernard’s also hosting finals matches. All Premier and Premeir B finals were played at Sportscover Arena.

I would like to thank our Football Growth and Development sub-committee for all their support and guidance throughout the season. This committee has been ably led by George Voyage as Chairman, fellow Board members Nigel Credlin, Phil De Young and Anthony Amad and General Manager of Umpire Operations Brain Goodman.

Together they have continued to assess our competition and look at ways we can continue to improve the VAFA in seasons to come.

I would also like to thank the many people who have assisted the football operations department throughout the season in many ways. This has included our representative program, weekly assistance at Sportscover Arena and during the finals series where our ambassadors, VAFA club personnel and Board members made sure all finals games ran smoothly.

Tim Noonan General Manager of Football Operations

This year was another challenge to secure all our finals venues. For the first time, the VAFA trialed home finals in week 1 of the finals for our U18s, U19 Section 2 and 3 as well as U19 North and South. This was a huge success, allowing clubs to run their own canteen and bar for one more week. The other venues used were all successes too. We were very happy to secure a first class venue like Casey Fields for all Premier C finals. Whilst the travel distance may have been a concern for

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2013

Umpire Operations Report This year was the season of change; new uniforms, new sponsors, new coaches and a change in personnel from last year with thirteen senior field umpires all unavailable or injured for all or most of the season and 3 umpires trialling with the VFL. This caused a rethink of where we were heading for 2013.

Our coaching strategy needed to focus on our younger less experienced group to rise to the challenge and it was pleasing to see strong performances from our young guns that complemented our experienced umpires. By the end of the season, the umpires in the senior squad were performing at a very high standard. This was exemplified in the Premier Finals where the decisionmaking and operation of the three umpire system was outstanding.

to Premier B averaging 92.7% and Premier

On 7th July our U19, Premier B-Division 4 and Senior representative teams took on the might of AFL Victoria Country at Harry Trott and the Junction Oval.

C to D4 achieving an average of 88%. Our

Appointed to officiate in these matches were;

It was also pleasing that our KPI’s were met with strong performances of our field umpires across the sections from Premier

under 18/19 field umpires showed vast improvement and were well supported by our on-field coaching group led by Brian Woodhead. Many of these talented umpires got a taste of senior football towards the end of the season which will stand them in good stead for the future.

Another significant improvement was the increase in numbers of our boundary & goal umpires. Numbers were at an all-time high in 2013, with 105 boundary umpires and 65 goal umpires in the squad. The increase in numbers was great but the VAFA’s focus is also on quality so that clubs are being provided with the best umpires each and every week. The challenge is to retain this group and recruit to bolster our numbers to achieve a target of 110 boundary umpires and 80 goal umpires. The need to continually recruit boundary umpires is highlighted by the fact that many of them move into field umpiring which is paramount for our future field umpiring growth. The improvement of our umpires can be attributed to new boundary umpire coach Gavin Boyd, taking on his first coaching stint and the return of Bernie Jephson, after a two year sabbatical, to take our goal umpires to the next level.

We are extremely grateful to the Werribee and Fitzroy football clubs for allowing our umpires to use and train at their facilities, this plays a huge role in our retention of umpires within those areas.

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2013

Queen’s Birthday weekend saw the VAFA U23 representative team take on the SAAFL U23 in Adelaide with field umpire David Lepair officiating in his first representative match.

VAFA U19 v AFL Victoria Country U19 · Field Umpires: Ollie Bell & Kit Harvey · Boundary Umpires: Jack Cooper & Hugh Bennett · Goal Umpire: Elliot Fabris VAFA B-D4 v AFL Victoria Country 2 · Field Umpires: David Anselmi & Grant Wardrop · Boundary Umpires: Jordan Karklins & Andre Jemison · Goal Umpire: Anthony Damen VAFA v AFL Victoria Country 1 · Field Umpires: Mervyn Monty & Michael Hooper · Boundary Umpires: Mitchel Jones & Tom Newman · Goal Umpire: Chris Kearney The umpiring performances in all representative matches by our umpires were exceptional and the VAFA is extremely proud of the way every umpire represented themselves and the VAFAUA. Next year we are looking forward to seeing a group of young umpires take the next step in their umpiring career and move into senior football. Umpires that are progressing well include: Alexandria Anthony, Jayde Daly, Brock Fisher, Luke Henry and Jack Maclean with many more that will stand us in good stead for the future. This is what we need if we are to have a vibrant professional group of senior umpires.

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Prestigious awards for 2013 were presented at the VAFAUA pre-finals dinner at the MCC Dining Room in August.

Golden Whistle: Kit Harvey

Next year the challenges continue as we embark on a huge recruiting campaign that will ensure we show continual improvement across all disciplines and provide clubs with the best available umpires.

Our relationship with the Yarra Junior Football League and the South Metro Junior Football League umpiring departments is a robust one that we need to keep fostering to give ourselves every chance of recruiting some talented umpires for the future. This year eight field and six boundary umpires progressed from the YJFL and ten field and eight boundary progress from the SMJFL.

Most Improved Goal Umpire: Anthony Damen Most Improved Field Umpire: Sam Levin Most Improved Boundary Umpire: Hugh Bennett Young Achiever award: Elliot Fabris Best First Year Umpire: Asha Hinton

Umpires appointed to finals matches should be very proud of their efforts. The finals series this season was umpired extremely well, with the VAFA receiving many positive comments from clubs about the standard

Andy Carrick Award: Paul Jones Bob Dunston Award: Darren Dalgleish Congratulations to Mervyn Monty on winning the Umpire of the Year award. Mervyn had an impressive season culminating in him being appointed to the Premier Grand Final and being selected to umpire 4 matches in Ireland.

One of our young stars of the future, Ollie Bell, won the Most Promising Umpire award and will no doubt be looking to trial at the VFL in the near future.

Seasoned umpire David Anselmi who umpired this year’s Premier Grand Final also capped off an excellent season by being appointed to umpire the two U18 matches in New Zealand.

The VAFA is indebted to our many reserve club umpires who again have done a sterling job, particularly at Premier to Premier C level.

Clubs now understand the significance of having independent officials at matches.

of officiating and this was most gratifying for the umpiring fraternity.

The Premier Grand Final Umpires were: ·

Field Umpires; David Anselmi, David Lepair and Mervyn Monty

·

Boundary Umpires: Jack Cooper, Mitchel Jones and Tom Newman

·

Goal Umpires: Chris Kearney and Kevin Segota

David Windlow continued to do a great job with the Club XVIII umpires and although numbers were not at the level we needed this season, this group has developed and improved their performances due to their dedication and application. I would like to thank David for his commitment and hard work over the past 40 years as he takes a well-earned rest from the administration of this group.

Our hard working coaching staff in Tony Hales, Steve McCarthy, Mark Gibson, Brian Woodhead, Marcus Middleton, Terry Gunn, Graeme Collins, Gavin Boyd (Boundary), Bernie Jephson (Goal), David Windlow (Club XVIII), Wayne Hinton (Fitness), John Robinson (Admin) and Neeraj Kochhar (Physio) are to be congratulated for their professional approach and commitment. A big thank you to Craig O’Donoghue who gave a boost to our coaching of VFL hopefuls throughout the season.

Thank you to VAFAUA President Daniel Silfo who had a tough act following Luke Holmes, Daniel worked tirelessly in getting our new uniforms organised, which was a monumental task in his first year as President and along with his executive provided great support and an excellent environment for our umpires.

To our umpire observers, we thank you for all the feedback and support to our umpiring group. This support is paramount if umpires are to continue developing their skills and improve and reach new performance standards.

Thank you to Neville Nash at AFL Victoria and Jeff Geischen, AFL Umpiring Manager for their continued advice, guidance and support in assisting our group of umpires on a regular basis.

The VAFA staff in Michael Sholly, Tim Noonan, Sue Anderson, Andrew Leonard, Blair O’Hara, Brayden Carey, Olivia Crowe, Cliff Bastow and Shane Way has continued to provide support and administrative guidance for our umpires and I thank them all for their fantastic contribution.

The support from the VAFA Board in all matters umpiring has again been first class.

VAFA President, Michael Hazell and George Voyage, Chairman of our Football Growth and Development sub-committee have been unwavering in their desire to provide the best environment possible for our umpires.

Finally, I wish all clubs, officials and supporters all the very best for the off season and I am looking forward to working closely with you again in 2014.

Brian Goodman General Manager Umpire Operations

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VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2013

Commercial Operations Report The VAFA made tremendous progress with commercial initiatives in 2013. All of our strategic targets were reached with many exceeded in the last 12-18 months. Our sponsorship income has increased by 41% to $403,286 compared to $285,420 in 2012.

The commercial development of the VAFA is critical for two key reasons. The first is to maintain strong cash reserves to fund necessary club purchases including insurance, apparel and footballs, purchased prior to player subs and other revenue being received. The second is to generate new and sustainable revenue streams that can be directed towards the administration of clubs, as well as reinvested to improve and grow our competition without imposing additional fees to clubs.

In 2013, we welcomed many new sponsors into the VAFA. Our sponsorship acquisition strategy was three-fold. Firstly, we aimed to find partners that could provide rebates and offers to clubs on top of the sponsorship dedicated to the VAFA. Our second aim was to align our values and goals with those of like - minded businesses. Thirdly, we preferred to work across categories that were not strongly represented at club level. In most cases this was achieved. Clubs without the resources or networks to acquire and retain sponsors can start to rely on the VAFA to bring in partners that can put money back into their club.

We welcomed KooGa, Royal Brunei Airlines, Bayford Group, Cambridge Clothing Company, Eagle Sports, Mantra Group, HCF health insurance, Higgins Bakery and reunited with Carlton & United Breweries.

Our move to KooGa provided our representative teams and clubs with modern, technical performance wear comparable with AFL standards. The transition was time consuming due to the need to recreate all club artwork and the sheer volume of clubs.

The team at KooGa were highly engaged to ensure all club apparel was ready to go for Round 1. Commercially, clubs saved an average of $800 per team on the purchase of on-field gear compared to the previous year.

International airline, Royal Brunei Airlines, made the decision to partner with the VAFA from a range of other sporting organisations because of the strong values we maintain and our significant footprint in metropolitan Melbourne. Royal Brunei Airlines featured prominently in our weekly e- newsletter and the Amateur Footballer. Our Big V squad that travelled to Ireland were very positive about their experience on board Royal Brunei.

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2013

Our automotive partner, Bayford Group, hosted our mid-year member’s meeting at their Volkswagon Camberwell dealership and offer a generous $500 rebate to clubs for any referral of a new or used vehicle purchase.

Many clubs have taken advantage of the offer and received funds they otherwise wouldn’t have had.

Stylish menswear partner, Cambridge Clothing Company, made a big splash at the Big V luncheon in August by gifting all attendees a free tie. As naming rights partner to the Woodrow Medal night they added a level of style to the event and were very generous in providing great table prizes & donating five gifts for our One in Five raffle, which raised over $2000 for our charity.

Our major sponsor, Sportscover, continues to provide significant investment into the VAFA. Sportscover have been the cornerstone of the VAFA sponsorship portfolio for several decades and their continued loyalty is highly valued and appreciated. We’d like to acknowledge Chris Nash, David Lamb and Martin Kelly who consistently deliver the highest level of insurance possible for the VAFA and our clubs.

Our sports medicine partners, Club Warehouse and Beiersdorf, continued to provide medical supplies of the highest quality to trainers and physiotherapists across the competition. Lifecare increased their awareness across the VAFA including their sponsorship of our Live Scores app and trainer’s polo. We are encouraged that most clubs take advantage of the Lifecare Sports Injury Casualty on match days in the event of injuries requiring immediate attention.

East Malvern Community Bendigo Bank, led

by Peter Norman & Peter Wolff, were again very generous in their support of VAFA initiatives. Some key funding requirements have been supported by the East Malvern branch and will allow the VAFA to advance its digital infrastructure and relevancy.

Our partnership with 1116 SEN grew again in 2013 allowing us more airtime to promote umpire recruitment drives, major VAFA fixtures and finals plus a digital broadcast of our Big V senior match against AFL Victoria Country. It is vital we increase awareness and reinforce the importance of the VAFA brand across Melbourne.

We thank our major suppliers for their continued and valued involvement, including Sherrin, Schweppes, 2XU, Winning Edge Presentations, Cyan Press, Coates Hire, Scotchman’s Hill, and technology partners Clubdata, SportingPulse & Interact Sports.

In addition, we thank our game day football sponsors K2 Asset Management & Taco Bill for their ongoing support.

For the first time in many years, the VAFA managed the canteen & catering requirements for games and functions at Sportscover Arena. Due to the decrease in games played in the first half of the season, it allowed us time to recruit a great team of staff and develop and bed down processes for supply and operation. The finals campaign tested all aspects but overall it was a worthwhile endeavour and improved revenue in this area by over $16,000. For our Premier and Premier B finals, we introduced a market style pizza and coffee stall which was well received and we aim to expand our food offering next year.

Our principal charity, One in Five, continue to provide valuable funding into mental health research. One in Five show considerable mutual respect for the VAFA and endorse our community at their major events and fundraisers. We aim to increase our working relationship with them in 2014 to further enhance their cause.

The VAFA is continuing to work towards aggregating the demand for goods and services our community creates. Continuing to work on our e-commerce infrastructure and social media engagement is of high priority to increase its viability and potential success. The goal in this area is for the VAFA and clubs to work collectively, remembering every club is as important as the other, regardless of on field performance.

Overall, the VAFA has had a successful year in the commercial area and we look forward to building upon this work in 2014 and beyond for the betterment of the Association.

Blair O’Hara General Manager, Commercial Operations

12

Media and Communications Report finals matches was hosted by Brenton Mann, William Balme and I each Friday lunch to preview the week’s matches in a light hearted manner. The podcasts were well received and listener numbers grew each week of the five-week show. We also introduced a weekly VAFA wide tipping competition with a great prize offered by Carlton Draught to the best tipster of the year in the Premier and Division Sections.

By any measure the 2013 season has been one of the biggest yet in terms of media offerings and exposure for the VAFA. An increased media profile and promotion of the VAFA as a competition that is engaging, attractive for people to join and safe is a key part of the Board’s strategic plan.

This year we launched an iPad App that presented the Amateur Footballer in a digital format. This offering was made possible by the support of Bayford and it allowed those with an iPad that do not regularly attend a VAFA match or club to read the Amateur Footballer and remain engaged in the competition. More than 700 people downloaded the iPad App this year and we anticipate that this will increase in 2014.

The iPad app contained all of the Amateur Footballer plus extra features like photo galleries, videos and podcasts.

We launched vafatv.com as a dedicated media portal for all VAFA video content and all our match footage from Premier to Premier C. There were a number of incentives to create this portal, however it was primarily to reduce costs to our clubs.

More than 20,000 unique users watched video via vafatv.com this year, demonstrating the appeal of the Premier Sections and our representative football.

The website also hosted the weekly episode of VAFA TV as well as the 2XU Goal of the Year and the Mark of the Year weekly videos.

These videos, which included popular new segments; Search for a Star and This week in the VAFA, attracted more than 50,000 views through our YouTube channel. There is no doubt that video content is one of the best means for people to engage with the VAFA. For the final five weeks of the season we produced a VAFA Finals Podcast. The 30 minute preview of the coming weekend’s

13

Our social media platforms have grown significantly too. With more than 3100 Twitter ‘followers’ and almost 3000 Facebook ‘likes’ the VAFA is one of the leading community sports bodies in social media engagement.

The number of people connecting with the VAFA on LinkedIn is larger than any other local football competition and this again demonstrates the strength of the VAFA’s network.

The VAFA changed provider of our LiveScores App to Interact Sport and over the course of the season we had 48,000 visits to the LiveScore page consisting of more than 8,000 unique users checking the live score of a VAFA match on any given game day.

Our website vafa.com.au had more than 1 million hits this season with tens of thousands of these visits coming from interstate and overseas, demonstrating the lifelong interest people have in the Association.

I would like to acknowledge the contributors to the VAFA’s oldest publication the Amateur Footballer. The Amateur Footballer continues to be a staple for players and supporters and without the contributions of our writers it would be impossible to cover the 74 clubs, 26 sections and more than 250 teams each week.

We have some fantastic writers in the VAFA and in Di Langton we have one of the best.

It was great that the winner of the Victorian Community Football Media Award in 2012 for Best Football Column returned to write on Premier B this season. Di had to take a leave of absence towards the end of the year and I would like to thank Kris Neil for stepping in and filling the void. Will Reed embraced Premier C like no other and James Ried did a fantastic job covering Division 1. Brenton Mann and Will Balme both played and covered Division 2 and Division 3 respectively, with Will managing to play in Kew’s drought breaking premiership. Domenic Favata did a great job covering Division 4 and our under age scribes did a great job too. Olivia Crowe covered both U19 Premier and U18s whilst

Lewis Emmerson, Darren Dawson and Nick Duxson provided great coverage of U19 Section 2, Section 3 and the North and South sections respectively. Thank you to Geoff Reilley for his weekly column Retrospective and Steve McCarthy and Leah Gallagher’s Umps Corner is always an entertaining insight into the world of umpiring.

Inner FM’s team of broadcasters again did an outstanding job covering the VAFA in 2013.

They covered more than 20 Home and Away matches of both Premier and Premier B, two representative matches as well as 7 finals including both the Premier and Premier B Grand Finals. Their knowledge of the players and their passion for the association comes through in the broadcast and radio coverage of our matches still provides the best sense of occasion. Thank you to the community stations that cover the VAFA. Starting with Ken Petrucco and John Kanis on a Saturday morning on Inner FM, then Tom Brain and Steve McCarthy on Southern FM on Sunday Morning and concluding with Glenn Scarborough on North-West FM, they all do so much for VAFA football in providing exposure to the Association. North-West FM also simulcasts the Premier Grand Final with Inner FM this year.

We strengthened our relationship with commercial radio station SEN 1116 AM with regular advertising for both upcoming matches of significance and umpire recruitment. We also had regular play on the station of feature spots called ‘For the love of the game’ that continued to promote the VAFA to a wider audience. In July we simulcast the broadcast of our representative match against AFL Victoria Country on SEN’s Aussie Digital channel.

We reformed an old relationship with Channel 31 to show both the Premier B and Premier Grand Final replays on the station and we hope this is a relationship we can further develop next year. More than 70,000 people tuned in to watch the replays of both matches.

Finally thank you to VAFA CEO Michael Sholly; firstly for writing his editorial each week with a new idea that was interesting and secondly providing the support to the many media ideas we have tried throughout the year.

Andrew Leonard General Manager Media and Communications

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2013

Premier Premier Section football continues to grow in size, popularity and importance. The 2013 season was no different. The pressures associated with firstly surviving in Premier and then to push on and make finals, saw three clubs change coaches mid season in a bid to rejuvenate their campaigns. Whether this is a sign of things to come is yet to be determined, but the benefits of being a Premier club and the ability to play well in Premier Section are forcing more and more clubs to roll the dice in the search for success at the highest level of Amateur football.

Old Xaverians broke a three-year premiership ‘drought’ when they claimed their 13th flag in the VAFA’s top section by defeating St Bedes/ Mentone Tigers in the Grand Final. Playing the Premier Grand Final on it’s own weekend and on a Saturday swelled crowd numbers, this despite the fact that a team wearing red and black featured in the three grand finals on the day. Old Xaverians won all three premierships in the VAFA’s top section and it is a reflection of just how good this club has become. The depth and talent at their disposal are second to none, but the winning culture that permeates through the entire club is evident for all to see.

Old Xaverians embraced the old and the new when they appointed two-time premiership coach Nick Bourke to be co-coach with Dom Berry. The move stole a leaf from the Collegians playbook that had seen the Lions win back-to-back flags with a double act at the helm. Bourke’s record as a senior club coach is quite remarkable, not quite three completed seasons for three premierships, the gap between the second and third flag a staggering 16 years. The Grand Final as a spectacle was a disappointment, Old Xaverians strangled the life out of St Bedes/ Mentone Tigers as they had done in the second semi a fortnight earlier.

Old Xaverians were littered with stars, but they still played 43 players throughout the season. Eight players from Old Xaverians were selected to play for the Big V and this is to be applauded. The form of individuals throughout the year brilliant; Goss (the competition leading goal kicker) and Handley inside forward 50, the midfield setup of Shaw, Ball, Waller (Club B&F), Allan, Darvell, Williams and many others, the defensive work of Wynne, Rogerson and Colbert decisive. This Old Xaverians side played a more attacking game than previous years making them a sight to behold when in full flight. Plenty of pace, fast ball movement and sublime skill combined to devastating effect for most of 2013.

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2013

St Bedes/Mentone Tigers season was a bell curve, a slow start picking up steam mid year before gradually losing momentum late in the campaign. However with half a dozen players of significant ability just out of, or still eligible for U19s, the Tigers are a menacing proposition for the future. The inclusions of the Doherty brothers (Tim – club best and fairest winner – and Stephen) from Oakleigh and the continued strong form of the Wintle and Richards brothers should mean the Tigers are back contending next year.

University Blacks usurped University Blues as the kings of the campus. Te Black half of the Uni surged to a preliminary final in their first year in Premier since 2008. Blacks played a game that was well suited to Premier forcing every contest to be battle of body as well as a battle of mind. The recruitment of two former AFL ruckmen in Adam Pattison (Club B&F) and Broc McCauley gave Blacks some powerful options at either end of the ground. Their performance and that of the entire Blacks team set tongues wagging in the opening 10 weeks before a form slump saw Blacks finish with a W next to their name only thrice more in the second half of the year, their final win was a magnificent semifinal triumph over Old Scotch.

Old Scotch also had their form rise and fall at differing times throughout the year. The Cardinals were an improved side from the previous season but they finished in exactly the same position of 4th. Best and fairest and Woodrow Medal runner up Nick Jamieson was one of the competitions best players and the influx of former AFL talent saw the team raise the bar in skill and experience, however it was rare that their best 22 was on the park at the same time. Mark Passador was the key target and his experience came to the fore on many occasions. Old Scotch lost a classic semi-final against Blacks and they certainly had the team to make a Grand Final, so by that measure this year was a missed opportunity.

De La Salle’s opening five weeks produced five wins however they were never overly convincing. The return of former pupil and Hawthorn premiership player Trent Croad was an experiment that lasted less than a half of football as his Achilles tendon blew out on opening day. If you are looking for positives, look no further than 19-year-old gun midfielder Jacob Willams who won the JN Woodrow Medal and his club’s best and fairest. De La had a raft of injuries, they used the most players (49) of all clubs and this, coupled with the recurring theme about their lack of height probably cost them a finals berth.

It was a dream start for Beaumaris who played in Premier for the first time in their history. Three wins from three rounds included a 20 goal defeat of the eventual runners up and a three point victory away at Collegians. A few heavy losses followed and when they became the only side to fall to struggling Old Carey, the questions on their credentials of remaining in the section were being asked. Jason Mifsud stepped down as coach after six seasons leaving assistant Craig Tonkin in charge. Whilst still wobbly their fortunes changed sufficiently to win the required matches and end up a pleasing 6th.

Matt Petering pipped Tom Dean for the club best and fairest despite Dean finishing third in the Woodrow.

St Bernard’s also had a change of coach mid year as favourite son Nick Mitchell took the reigns from the removed Chris Tankard. This coincided with the return of some key players but whilst co-captains Tom Caven and Adam Bentick (new) were shining lights, it was players like young forward Tom Gleeson and best and fairest winner Tom Sullivan who were pivotal in assisting St Bernard’s retain their position in Premier.

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Collegians fall from grace surprised a few people as the reigning champs from the past two years stumbled to an 8th place finish.

Will Tardiff was one of their few stars to get on the park enough to have an influence and he duly claimed his second best and fairest in a row. Simon Arnott completed his time as co-coach at the conclusion of the year and Collegians will be pleased to be re-loading in Premier and not in Premier B as was possible until late in the year.

University Blues ended a 19 year run in Premier Section when they failed to win in the second last round of the year. They were the first club to change coach mid year when Fergus Watts elected to hand in the magnet board for football boots. A formal meeting with the Board was required to reinstate Watts as a player and his return saw him kick a few bags. Despite being laden with stars like Ross Young (Club B&F and 3rd in the Woodrow), Peter Summers, Jack Watts (who captained the Big V) the Blues fell two points short of safety.

Old Carey’s rapid ascension through the sections came to a dramatic end as the club won just one match in their third season in Premier. Lachlan McQueen Miscamble won the club’s best and fairest and Cam Howat continued his Woodrow form until a season ending knee injury in the representative match against the country sucked all life out of the Panther’s season.

For football purists 2013 was a fantastic year. After one of Old Xavs’ dominant wins midyear, an independent journalist raised the question of whether the football being presented by Old Xaverians was the best standard of local football in the country? If that is the case then nine clubs in Premier will have to make serious inroads to catch this juggernaut in 2014.

Andrew Leonard

Premier Section Premiership Team: Old Xaverians B: HB: C: HF:

Tim Dynon, Andy Biddlecombe, Brad Rogerson Ryan Colbert, Nick Wynne, Sam Lees Louis Tiernan, Ben Kennedy, Murphy Ambrose Lachie Smith, Chris Larkins, Luke Howard

F:

Brendan Goss, Matt Handley, Jake Williams

R:

John Shaw, Chris Waller, Matt Ball (C)

Int: Coach:

Esmond Prowse, Sam Tagliabue, Michael Darvell (VC), Marcus Allan Dom Berry and Nick Bourke

Leading Goalkickers Name

Club

Brendan Goss

Old Xaverians

Goals 73* (80)

Matthew Handley

Old Xaverians

51 (54)

Mark Passador

Old Scotch

45 (49)

Dylan Chaplin-Burch

Collegians

39

Sam Pickett

De La Salle

37 *Sharpshooter (Including Finals)

JN Woodrow Medal Player

Club

Jacob Williams

De La Salle

Votes 22

Nicholas Jamieson

Old Scotch

20

Thomas Dean

Beaumaris

18

Ross Young

University Blues

18

Simon Richards

St Bedes/Mentone Tigers

16

Scribe Team of the year B:

W Tardiff (Coll), J Robertson (SBMT), J Williams (De La S)

C:

R Young - VC (U Blu), A Bentick (St Ber), B Mahon (U Bla)

HF:

T Dean (Beau), P Ambrose (O Xav), S Richards – Capt. (SBMT)

FF:

B Goss (O Xav), A Pattison (U Bla), M Petering (Beau)

R:

J Shaw (O Xav), N Jamieson (O Sco), C Waller (O Xav)

Int:

15

T Caven (St Ber), L McQueen-Miscamble (O Car), N Wynne (O Xav)

HB:

M Passador (O Sco), T Doherty (SBMT), R Eva (O Sco), M Hine (De La S), J Watts (U Blu), P Summers (U Blu)

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2012 2013

Premier Results PREMIERSHIP LADDER Old Xaverians

P

W

L

D

B

FF

For

Agst

%

PTS

18

15

3

0

0

0

1881

1142

164.71

60

St Bedes / Mentone Tigers

18

13

5

0

0

0

1668

1473

113.24

52

Old Scotch

18

12

6

0

0

0

1797

1549

116.01

48

University Blacks

18

10

7

1

0

0

1317

1189

110.77

42

De La Salle

18

10

8

0

0

0

1424

1287

110.64

40

Beaumaris

18

7

10

1

0

0

1462

1512

96.69

30

St Bernards

18

7

10

1

0

0

1440

1525

94.43

30

Collegians

18

7

11

0

0

0

1383

1474

93.83

28

University Blues

18

6

11

1

0

0

1403

1822

77

26

Old Carey

18

1

17

0

0

0

1051

1853

56.72

4

Premier Grand Final Old Xaverians St Bedes / Mentone Tigers

3.3-21

5.8-38

13.12-90

13.17-95

0.1-1

2.4-16

2.4-16

6.9-45

Old Xaverians Goals: J. Williams 3, B. Goss 3, M. Handley 2, C. Waller 2, M. Allan 2, C. Larkins Best: C. Waller, E. Prowse, B. Kennedy, J. Williams, R. Colbert, J. Shaw St Bedes / Mentone Tigers Goals: P. McGettigan 3, J. Murnane, L. Wintle, C. Hansen Best: H. Shaikaib, T. Doherty, T. Garside, P. McGettigan, L. Wintle, J. O’Kearney Jock Nelson Medallist: Chris Waller – Old Xaverians

Preliminary Final St Bedes / Mentone Tigers University Blacks

Woodrow Medal: Jacob Williams (De La Salle)

3.6-24

7.8-50

11.13-79

12.15-87

0.1-1

3.6-24

5.8-38

8.12-60

St Bedes / Mentone Tigers Goals: P. Kean 2, D. Porter 2, P. McGettigan 2, T. Tyquin 2, J. Murnane, S. Richards, M. Barnes, A. Kane Best: P. Kean, C. Mangoni, T. Doherty, L. Wintle, P. Wintle, D. Porter University Blacks Goals: A. Pattison 3, B. McCauley 2, H. Lacey, T. Napier, J. Gaylor Best: A. Pitt, T. Napier, C. Roberts, T. Howgate, A. Pattison, B. Mahon

Semi Final 1 Old Scotch

4.5-29

10.8-68

12.11-83

16.12-108

University Blacks

4.3-27

8.6-54

14.10-94

19.13-127

Old Scotch Goals: M. Passador 4, L. Hill 3, M. Seed 2, R. Ferraro, J. Clarke, R. Eva, M. Burns, J. Sansom, S. Neaves, E. Barlow Best: L. Gilbee, M. Passador, J. Sansom, G. van den Broek, M. Burns, L. Hill University Blacks Goals: A. Pattison 4, B. McCauley 3, B. Mahon 2, C. Richardson 2, P. O’Rourke 2, H. Lacey 2, T. Napier, J. Slabbert, J. Matthews, J. Gaylor Best: A. Pattison, J. Slabbert, J. Gaylor, H. Lacey, B. Mahon, S. Weekley

Semi Final 2: Old Xaverians St Bedes / Mentone Tigers

1.3-9

6.5-41

10.7-67

12.13-85

5.2-32

5.5-35

5.6-36

6.8-44

Old Xaverians Goals: B. Goss 4, J. Williams 3, M. Allan, E. Prowse, M. Handley, C. Larkins, C. Waller Best: B. Kennedy, E. Prowse, R. Colbert, J. Shaw, B. Rogerson, M. Jenkinson St Bedes / Mentone Tigers Goals: P. McGettigan 3, C. Richards, M. Barnes, D. Porter Best: T. Doherty, P. McGettigan, C. Mangoni, S. Doherty, J. Robertson, H. Shaikaib

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2013

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Premier Reserves PREMIERSHIP LADDER Old Xaverians University Blacks Old Scotch De La Salle University Blues St Bernards Collegians Beaumaris St Bedes / Mentone Tigers Old Carey

P

W

L

D

B

FF

For

Agst

%

PTS

17 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 17

16 14 13 12 11 9 8 3 2 1

1 4 5 6 7 9 10 15 16 16

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

1594 1473 1597 1501 1219 1155 1062 933 784 625

773 885 1038 974 1016 1110 1145 1495 1681 1826

206.21 166.44 153.85 154.11 119.98 104.05 92.75 62.41 46.64 34.23

68 56 52 48 44 36 32 12 8 4

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

Jonathan Pintal, Matt Jenkinson, Damian Ryan Josh Douglas, Damian Lynch, Hugh Symon Nick Pepperell, Matt Walsh (C), James Ulbrick Oliver Gidley, Robert Ralph, Michael Hannan Louis Denton, Matt Margin, Andrew Pasceri David Sapuppo, Dan Harangozo, Cauley Beetham Matt Douglas, Ed Lachal, Fraser Paterson, Chris Santalucia Matt O’Hanlon

Premier Reserves Grand Final Old Xaverians Old Scotch

3.3-21 3.2-20

5.6-36 3.3-21

8.9-57 5.4-34

11.11-77 5.7-37

Old Xaverians Goals: M. Margin 4, L. Denton 2, C. Beetham, D. Harangozo, C. Santalucia, M. Hannan, N. Pepperell Best: C. Beetham, H. Symon, D. Ryan, N. Pepperell, D. Sapuppo, J. Douglas Old Scotch Goals: E. Furey 2, T. Mead, A. Jelbart, J. Furey Best: C. McDonough, A. Lim, C. O’Beirne, T. Holding, J. Furey, H. Dick Best on ground: Cauley Beetham – Old Xaverians

Premier Thirds PREMIERSHIP LADDER Old Xaverians University Blues Collegians University Blacks De La Salle Old Scotch St Bernards Old Carey

P

W

L

D

B

FF

For

Agst

%

PTS

18 18 17 17 17 18 18 15

17 16 10 9 6 5 4 1

1 2 6 8 11 13 13 14

0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 0 1 1 0 0 0 1

1778 1750 1264 1228 1202 911 883 682

837 763 818 1023 1318 1477 1546 1916

212.43 229.36 154.52 120.04 91.2 61.68 57.12 35.59

68 64 46 40 24 20 18 8

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

Premier

Sam Franklin, Sam Grigg, Jack Sleeman Jeremy Preece, Jack Davies, Ash Sorrenti Tim Agius, Dan Molan, Josh Hanger Anthony Torre (C), James Morton, Matt Roman Ben Corcoran, Chris Smith, Tristan Parker Louis Baird, Stuart Ross, James Smith Josh Evans, Dan Curtain, Hamish Buckley, Matt Dimattina, Pat Purcell Pat Halpin

Thirds Grand Final

Old Xaverians University Blues

1.4-10 0.3-3

2.5-17 2.3-15

8.7-55 4.8-32

Old Xaverians Goals: C. Smith 5, B. Corcoran, M. Romanin, J. Hanger, J. Morton Best: S. Ross, C. Smith, J. Smith, P. Purcell, J. Davies, T. Parker University Blues Goals: H. Hanlon 2, A. Walsh 2, J. Hood Best: T. Calvert, D. Gumley, J. Wood, H. Hanlon, J. Clifford, J. Hood Best on ground: Stuart Ross – Old Xaverians

17

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2013

9.8-62 5.12-42

Premier B As the last triumphant ‘Tonner stumbles home from Mad Monday celebrations and the same old handful of cub stalwarts start packing up clubrooms for those toey cricketers, let’s have a look back at how the 2013 season panned out for each of our ten teams.

Parkdale Vultures catapulted into Premier B with back-to-back flags and a swag full of spirit. Convincing early victories over Caulfield Grammarians and St Kevins had everyone sitting up and taking notice, however Parky struggled to maintain form as the season went on. A rousing 3-point win at home over AJAX was a season highlight, Charlie Dillon made an impact, but the Vultures drop back to Premier C for a year of consolidation no doubt.

Werribee coach Kirk Norton stands down after eight years of nurturing a band of tough, fresh-faced Tigers into a formidable force that stormed its way up the grades. Matt Dean remains one of those highly talented players to have stuck fat with the club. Just three wins banked this year left them tapped out however, but they twice got the nod over Parkdale and a late season victory over Old Haileybury showed flashes of a developing new crop. We wish them well.

The Roys (or ‘Old Fitzroy’ as they’ve come to be known) made a far better stance in Premier B with seven wins for a seventhplaced finish. The first victory didn’t come until round seven, a satisfying win over their old nemesis, Werribee Districts, and a beston performance by youngster Dan Bisetto who had a stellar first year. Luke Ablett called time on his career, but not before taking out the 2013 Mark of the Year in a high-flying grab on a sunny Winter’s day at Brunny Street oval.

Caulfield Grammarians looked bound for the double drop as their season started miserably following a winless year in Premier in 2012. New coach Tim O’Shaughnessy walked into the midst of huge generational change, but discovered exciting potential nonetheless and hung on to eighth spot with four wins. Ruckman Declan Reilly is making his presence felt, as is exciting young forward Keegan Stewart.

Old Haileyburians may have been forced to study Henry Wandsworth Longfellow at their alma mater, they positively embody one of his curly-mopped little characters, who: ‘when she was good she was very, very good …and when she was bad she was horrid.’

The gap between the Bloods’ best and worst was their Achilles this season as they at times performed with such precision and strength, their teamwork let down by chronic inconsistency. Co-Captain Peter Gleadhill was a shining light throughout their eight wins and ten losses, as was the evergreen and indomitable Mark ‘Disco’ Seccull who at 63 years of age was close to their best player and polled in the top ten of the GT Moore Medal. Okay, maybe he’s not 63, but why would any bloke hang up the boots when you’re as impactful as this one.

AJAX also had a fair-to-middling year. They lost three of their stars to the Maccabi games mid-season, but every club suffers the everchanging list. Mind you one of them, the magician himself Dave Fayman tacked on an extra few weeks of travel but still managed to come home and win the Sharpshooter competition with a nine-goal haul, ousting Old Brighton’s forward supremos Anthony and Mentiplay by a single sausage roll. Now there’s a guy who goes for the prize. Teammate Eugene Routman had another big year, as did Josh Ludski, the super-impressive youngster with plenty upstairs and a massive engine below. Ezra Poyas had an interrupted year but should continue in 2014.

St Kevins once again played finals, finishing fourth with twelve wins. Their season was a topsy turvey one, stringing wins together didn’t come easy and aside from Henry Parkes, their forward line was stretched at times for depth, but they persevered and found avenues. Just as they always do.

Ben Dowd had a stellar year and Callum Matheson was a shining light in their first semi final loss to the Redlegs.

Old Melburnians had a patchy 2012 season but with fairly similar personnel, coach Nathan Brown has galvanised this group into an incredibly strong team who play for each other. Their round one loss to Old Trinity by 98 points is almost unfathomable now, after dropping the prelim to the Ts by a single point. Thomas Paule doubled up with another cracking season, while Josh Freezer was amongst the competition’s dominant defenders. They were unlucky to miss a shot at the flag and promotion, but are perfectly placed for greater things next year.

Old Brighton’s rude good health throughout the season was a cruel whack to most other clubs. Selection table angst was keenly felt prior to the grand final, with up to six fit, in-form players missing the cut for nothing more than team balance. Dan Anthony’s solid pre-season served him brilliantly, Tom Mentiplay was fitter than ever and debutant Ollie Cavallaro had everyone abuzz, while Nick Marston’s return from overseas shored up the ‘Tonner’s backline.

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2013

18

Old Trinity was the dominant team throughout the year, with a classy mix of youth and experience. Captain Brendan Iezzi, Woodrow medallist and now two-time Moore medallist helped progress the T’s developing side; along with ageless Andrew Ramsden who kicked 47 goals for the year. Wildsmith and the Hunt twins were solid, Pohl and Chamberlain also rating high mentions. They played like a side with no intention of staying in B grade, but were not infallible. After pummeling sides early on, their first loss, a one-point heart-stopper, came in round seven to St Kevins. They would only drop two more games in the regular season, one each to Old Brighton and Old Melburnians.

A windy encounter at Elsternwick Park in the second semi final saw Old Brighton secure their grand final berth in a trot, beating Old Trinity by 39 points. The return bout between them in the grand final was heralded under brilliant Sunday sunshine. With each club clearly deserving, only one would be remembered as Premiers, as VAFA President Michael Hazell pointed out in his pre-game address. Surprisingly, neither club has achieved prolific premiership success, and the battle for silverware was hotly contested in a close one. Old Brighton victorious by eight points.

Premiers Old Brighton Grammarians

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

Andrew Edge (C), Josh Dickerson, Riley Cummin Ben Austin, Lachlan Nicholls, Nick Marston Andrew Dewar, Thomas Mariani, Leigh Hendra Jon Perrett (C), Thomas Mentiplay, Michael Dewar

F:

Michael Karayannis, Daniel Anthony, Benjamin Gadsden

R:

Thomas Skewes, Marcel Bruin, Thomas Jakobi

Int: Coach:

James North, Oliver Cavallaro, Thomas Clarke, David Fallon Simon Williams

Leading Goalkickers Name

Club

Goals

David Fayman

AJAX

60*

Daniel Anthony

Old Brighton

59 (64)

Thomas Mentiplay

Old Brighton

59 (63)

Travis Ridgway

Old Haileyburians

52 *Sharpshooter (Including Finals)

G T Moore Medal – Best & Fairest Brendan Iezzi (Old Trinity)

GT Moore Medal

Cordner Medal – Best in Grand Final Thomas Mentiplay (Old Brighton) Sharpshooter Award (60 goals) David Fayman (AJAX) Mark of the Year Luke Ablett (Fitzroy)

Player

Club

Brendan Iezzi

Old Trinity

Votes

Thomas Paule

Old Melburnians

24

Rory Angiolella

Fitzroy AFC

19

Jon Perrett

Old Brighton

15

Ezra Poyas

AJAX

14

33

Di Langton

Scribe Team of the year B:

T Nixon (Caul Gr.), N Marston (O Brigh), M Dean (Werr)

C:

T Simpson (SKOB), B Iezzi (O Trin), G Hamilton (O Trin)

HF:

T Bisetto (Fitz), T Mentiplay (O Brigh), T Hywood (O Melb)

FF:

D Fayman (AJAX), D Anthony (O Brigh), T Ridgway (O Hail)

R:

J White (AJAX), T Jakobi (O Brigh), T Paule (O Melb)

Int:

19

N Hunt (O Trin), T Freezer (O Melb), J Nash (SKOB)

HB:

K Stewart (Caul Gr.), M Boland (Parkdale Vultures), P Edgar (SKOB), J Ludski (AJAX)

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2013

Premier B Results PREMIERSHIP LADDER P

W

L

D

B

FF

For

Agst

%

PTS

Old Trinity

18

15

3

0

0

0

1843

1145

160.96

60

Old Brighton

18

14

4

0

0

0

2040

1259

162.03

56

Old Melburnians

18

14

4

0

0

0

1516

1281

118.35

56

St Kevins

18

12

6

0

0

0

1748

1444

121.05

48

AJAX

18

10

8

0

0

0

1688

1359

124.21

40

Old Haileybury

18

8

10

0

0

0

1352

1543

87.62

32

Fitzroy

18

7

11

0

0

0

1077

1485

72.53

28

Caulfield Grammarians

18

4

14

0

0

0

1436

1813

79.21

16

Parkdale Vultures

18

3

15

0

0

0

1227

1724

71.17

12

Werribee Districts

18

3

15

0

0

0

1141

2015

56.63

12

Premier B Grand Final Old Brighton Old Trinity

4.5-29

6.5-41

9.9-63

12.11-83

1.0-6

6.6-42

8.8-56

11.9-75

Old Brighton Goals: D. Anthony 3, T. Mariani 3, T. Mentiplay 2, M. Karayannis, L. Hendra, O. Cavallaro, J. Perrett Best: J. Perrett, T. Mariani, D. Fallon, O. Cavallaro, M. Bruin, T. Skewes Old Trinity Goals: A. Ramsden 2, E. Weatherson 2, C. McCasker 2, J. Hunt, H. Banfield, C. Pohl, K. Butler, B. Iezzi Best: N. Hunt, D. Wildsmith, L. Pacconi, A. Ramsden, B. Iezzi, G. Hamilton RI Cordner Medallist: Tom Mentiplay – Old Brighton

Premier B Preliminary Final Old Trinity

2.3-15

4.7-31

7.11-53

12.15-87

Old Melburnians

3.3-21

4.4-28

7.6-48

13.8-86

Old Trinity Goals: A. Ramsden 5, J. Hunt 2, K. Spassopoulos, K. Butler, D. Wildsmith, C. Pohl, J. Healy Best: D. Wildsmith, G. Hamilton, N. Hunt, A. Ramsden, A. Hasiotis, H. Tinney Old Melburnians Goals: E. De Fegely 2, P. Kennon 2, A. Carter 2, T. Seccull, C. Beck, T. Hywood, A. Armstrong, H. Macciolli, L. Bennett, N. Nixon Best: J. Freezer, N. De Steiger, T. Paule, N. Morrison, E. De Fegely, T. Seccull

Premier B Semi Final 1 Old Melburnians St Kevins

4.1-25

6.2-38

13.2-80

13.4-82

1.1-7

4.7-31

6.9-45

7.16-58

Old Melburnians Goals: T. Hywood 4, A. Armstrong 2, C. Beck 2, N. Nixon, P. Kennon, N. Morrison, L. Bennett, T. Paule Best: N. De Steiger, T. Hywood, T. Paule, J. Beaumont, S. Gibbons, A. Prowse St Kevins Goals: H. Parkes 2, C. Matheson, T. Simpson, Z. Ginies, B. Dowd, P. Karageorgiou Best: K. Wissell, C. Matheson, P. Keely, T. Simpson, Z. Ginies, M. Shanahan

Premier B Semi Final 2 Old Trinity

2.3-15

4.4-28

8.11-59

9.14-68

Old Brighton

5.3-33

12.9-81

13.12-90

15.17-107

Old Trinity Goals: J. Healy 2, A. Ramsden 2, J. Osborn, N. Chamberlain, E. Weatherson, G. Hamilton, N. Howell Best: L. Pacconi, D. Wildsmith, N. Howell, F. Stewart, H. Tinney, A. Ramsden Old Brighton Goals: M. Karayannis 5, D. Anthony 2, T. Mentiplay 2, O. Cavallaro 2, T. Skewes, T. Mariani, M. Dewar, B. Gadsden Best: T. Skewes, D. Fallon, T. Jakobi, J. North, M. Karayannis, O. Cavallaro GT Moore Medal: Brendan Iezzi (Old Trinity)

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2013

20

Premier B Reserves PREMIERSHIP LADDER St Kevins Old Melburnians Old Brighton Fitzroy AJAX Caulfield Grammarians Old Trinity Parkdale Vultures Old Haileybury Werribee Districts

P

W

L

D

B

FF

For

Agst

%

PTS

18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18

16 16 13 13 9 6 5 4 4 3

2 2 5 5 9 12 12 13 14 15

0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

2179 1948 1786 1695 1110 1023 1110 912 1003 727

743 915 948 1051 1339 1509 1389 1533 1735 2386

293.27 212.9 188.4 161.27 82.9 67.79 79.91 59.49 57.81 30.47

64 64 52 52 36 24 22 18 16 12

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

Matthew Marangon, Nick Amato,Will Thompson Sam Peacock, Luke Batten, Campbell May Ben Smith, Chris Righetti, Will Lewis Lachie Borthwick, Edward Hughes, Ben McKie Edward Fanning, Alistair Ferguson, Tim McLardy Louis Haralamabous, James Beaumont, Sam Quennell (C) Paul Kruger, Zach O’Neil, Matt Demicoli, Nick Madders Chris Jenkins

Premier B Reserves Grand Final Old Melburnians St Kevins

4.2-26 3.3-21

8.2-50 7.3-45

8.6-54 9.6-60

13.11-89 10.9-69

Old Melburnians Goals: J. Beaumont 3, N. Madders 3, T. McLardy 3, C. Righetti, A. Ferguson, P. Kruger, E. Hughes Best: B. Smith, C. May, N. Madders, J. Beaumont, M. Marangon, W. Thompson St Kevins Goals: J. Gambaro 2, L. Dunne 2, M. Lattanzio 2, T. Johnston, A. Giarrusso, R. Caldow, P. Dowd Best: D. Campbell, T. Johnston, N. McArdle, J. Marchesani, J. Gambaro, E. Ring Best on ground: Ben Smith – Old Melburnians

Premier B Thirds PREMIERSHIP LADDER Old Melburnians St Kevins Old Xaverians Fitzroy Old Trinity Parkdale Vultures

P

W

L

D

B

FF

For

Agst

%

PTS

14 16 16 17 16 15

13 12 9 9 5 0

0 2 5 7 10 14

0 0 0 0 0 0

1 2 2 1 1 1

3 1 2 1 1 3

2117 1643 1652 1385 874 761

625 619 604 992 1358 2125

338.72 265.43 273.51 139.62 64.36 35.81

70 62 52 44 30 16

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

Tom De Fegely, Tom Watson, Jim De Fegely Marty McCoy, Steve Land, Ted Lloyd Andy Cameron (C), Charlie Wilmoth, Rupert Doyle Alex Coleridge, Cam Williamson, Chris Wischer Tom Healy, Cam Tunbridge, Seb Kemmerer Justin De Steiger, Zac Johnston, Tim Oman Eamon McErvale, Guy Brayshaw, Nick Yencken, Matt Carlon, Lachie Carter, Angus Clark John Guest

Premier B Thirds Grand Final Old Melburnians Old Xaverians

3.0-18 2.2-14

5.4-34 3.6-24

6.7-43 5.8-38

12.13-85 6.13-49

Old Melburnians Goals: A. Coleridge 3, S. Kemmerer 3, C. Tunbridge 2, C. Wischer, T. Oman, A. Clark, L. Carter Best: A. Coleridge, J. De Steiger, A. Cameron, S. Land, T. Watson, C. Wischer Old Xaverians Goals: D. Barry 2, S. Berengo, M. Pietzak, J. Smarrelli, D. Cotchett Best: J. Woods, M. Galbraith, T. Reed, D. Barry, J. Darrer, C. O’’Flaherty Best on ground: Alex Coleridge – Old Melburnians

21

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2013

Premier C Season 2013 in Premier C was a tale of two halves as three wins separated 5th and 6th, underlining a gulf between the ‘thriving’ top 5 and the ‘surviving’ bottom 5 at the end of the regular season. The race for the premiership was enthralling as Monash Blues bolted out of the gates, winning their first 8 before Mazenod took over the running at the half way mark and looked set to win heading into the finals before Old Ivanhoe stormed home to claim a remarkable Grand Final victory.

Having only won one match in 2012, Old Ivanhoe took a while to get going sitting at 1-3 after four rounds, yet would only lose two more matches to finish the home and away season in third. Come finals time the Hoers made Casey Fields their fortress defeating Monash Blues by 12 points in a tight tussle, before upsetting Marcellin in the preliminary final by eight goals to set up a grand final with Mazenod. As big underdogs, Old Ivanhoe threw it all on the line in a remarkable and tense finale to secure a memorable premiership by eight points. Coach Travis Ronaldson has instilled a culture of fitness and camaraderie at Pine Lodge, and if they can retain their key players and maintain momentum from this year’s campaign they will return to Premier B a much better side than how they left it only a year earlier. Star players included leading goal kicker Adrian Del Monte with 74 goals and brother Michael, Dean and Hayden Heta, Nick Gieschen, Sam Geilings and Chris Johnson.

Mazenod were the season’s best-performed side, winning 16 on the trot between rounds 2 and 17 to secure the minor premiership before eventually finishing runner-up.

Despite the Grand Final loss, the Nodders can be confident of avoiding any promotion blues in Premier B, with a balance of defence and attack. Skipper Tim Bourbon set an example in midfield to jointly win the Zachariah Medal, while Steven Oldman, Josh Cowan, Ben Phibbs and Rees Thomas (among others) performed consistently around the ground to help lift the Nodders to promotion.

It seems strange that Marcellin will again play in Premier C after producing some fantastic football this season. The records will show the Eagles improved from 4th in 2012 to 3rd in 2013, owing to the talents of joint Zachariah Medalist Jarrod Carlson, running half back Jonathon Blanch and the dynamic Jon Bortolotto. A potent attacking game plan saw the Eagles finish the regular season in 2nd place and with a promise of promotion,

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2013

but rampant Mazenod and Old Ivanhoe outfits thwarted their hopes. If the yearly trend continues however, perhaps 2014 will be the Eagles’ year?

Having survived relegation after finishing 9th in 2012, Monash Blues provided the season’s fairytale story by winning their first 8 matches to lead the competition. Unfortunately the Ashes didn’t have the happy ending to match as they couldn’t maintain their early season form, despite the best efforts of Captain Sam Baring, midfielder Andrew Young and forward Gareth Taylor. Coach Hayden Stanton certainly brought great improvement to the lads at Clayton, and their finals experience may prove handy in next year’s campaign.

PEGS finished on a great note with a win over the all-conquering Nodders but are again wondering ‘what if?’ after finishing 5th for the second year running. PEGS have a talented list capable of finals football in 2014, should they retain key performers such as the Jones brothers, Livori, Williams, Baddeley and Forrest.

Oakleigh joined Premier C following relegation from Premier B in 2012 and were the most enigmatic side. Suffering large defeats for the first 5 weeks they parted with coach Martin Stillman replacing him with Mick Holden before winning 6 of their last 9 games to remarkably finish 6th to avoid relegation.

Whilst injuries plagued the Krushers for much of the year, the silver lining is they’ve blooded plenty of youngsters and they’ll look to the likes of Ioannidis and Valentini to drive their improvement alongside their veterans including captain Dermott Cleary in 2014.

22

After entering the VAFA in 1983, this was Peninsula’s first year of Premier C football and they were elated to survive a tough initiation. Sitting 3-1 after four rounds, the Pirates found the going tough in mid-season with big defeats at the hands of the section’s top sides. They picked themselves off the canvas however, and brought a physical brand of football led by 300 game veteran Shaun Payze, Stefan Barbour, Harry Whitty and Nick Fisher. It is this spirit that should see Peninsula remain competitive next year.

Old Camberwell’s season never hit any great heights as injuries led to them using the most players (52) of any Premier C team.

Their performances were determined during a hard year, with plenty of narrow losses and few wide margins in comparison with others at the bottom end of the ladder. However, the Wellers have reason to believe that 2014 will be better than this year’s struggle with the emergence of Tom Allwright as a key player and the promising form of Damien McGuigan and Ben Hart.

Banyule stared promisingly with a couple of good early season victories but they struck trouble, with 8 consecutive losses between rounds 7-14 leading to an eventual 9th placed finish. Their position belied their talent with players such as Bart Walsh, Jake Truefeldt, Ryan Hay and Adam Barclay impressing. The Bears will earn a reprieve and another shot at Premier C courtesy of Werribee’s departure and they have the talent to make it count.

NOBS-St Pats endured a barren year after their Division 1 premiership in 2012, with just a solitary win over Oakleigh to show for their work. The Nobbers’ leaders such as Captain Lachlan Ezard, Matt Keown and Tim Brady looked to spark their side in a bad predicament but it wasn’t enough to avoid relegation..

Will Reed

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

Dean Heta, Michael Mitris, Sam Geilings (VC) Stuart Low, Iza Dawkins, Bret Nagel Michael Del Monte, Ricky Jessop, Nick Geischen

F:

Robert Glavas, Zac Keane, Adrian Del Monte

R:

Hayden Heta (C), Chris Johnson, Alex Vella

Int: Coach:

Nick Butler, Jake McKeon, Chris Sutherland (VC), Brandt Harrison Travis Ronaldson

Leading Goalkickers Name

Club

Adrian Del Monte

Old Ivanhoe

Goals 62* (74)

Daniel Jones

Marcellin

42

David Forrest

PEGS

40

Rees Thomas

Mazenod

Adam Barclay

Banyule

36 (39) 36 *Sharpshooter (Including Finals)

L Zachariah Medal Player

Club

Votes

Timothy Bourbon

Mazenod OC

19

Jarrod Carlson

Marcellin OC

19

Adrian Del Monte

Old Ivanhoe Gr.

15

Hayden Heta,

Old Ivanhoe Gr.

14

Jonathan Bortolotto

Marcellin OC

13

Scribe Team of the year B: HB: C:

B Hart (OCam), S Oldman (Maz), D Heta (OIvan) M Davidson (Mon Blu), G Patti (Maz), J Blanch (Mar) H Whitty (Pen), J Carlson (Mar), B Walsh (Ban)

HF:

N Fisher (Pen), R Thomas (Maz), G Taylor (Mon Blu)

FF:

A Del Monte (OIva), D Forrest (PEGS), M Keown (NOBS-St Pats)

R:

H Heta (VC) (OIva), T Bourbon (C) (MAZ), A Young (MonBlu)

Int: Coach:

23

Rhy Geischen, Robert Hondromatidis, James Moio

D McGuigan (OCam), J Truefeldt (Ban), P Ioannidis (Oak), B Jones (PEGS) H Stanton (Mon Blu)

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2013

Premier C Results PREMIERSHIP LADDER P

W

L

D

B

FF

For

Agst

%

PTS

Mazenod

18

16

2

0

0

0

1619

998

162.22

64

Marcellin

18

13

5

0

0

0

1838

1133

162.22

52

Old Ivanhoe

18

13

5

0

0

0

1733

1172

147.87

52

Monash Blues

18

13

5

0

0

0

1500

1195

125.52

52

PEGS

18

10

8

0

0

0

1504

1330

113.08

40

Oakleigh

18

7

11

0

0

0

1439

1712

84.05

28

Peninsula

18

7

11

0

0

0

1383

1853

74.64

28

Old Camberwell

18

5

13

0

0

0

1330

1561

85.2

20

Banyule

18

5

13

0

0

0

1406

1816

77.42

20

18

1

17

0

0

0

1019

2001

50.92

4

NOBS/St Pats

Premier C Grand Final Mazenod

7.2-44

7.7-49

9.10-64

11.10-76

Old Ivanhoe

3.4-22

7.5-47

9.7-61

12.12-84

Mazenod Goals: H. Black 3, J. Cowan 2, N. Thomas 2, B. Phibbs, A. Patti, T. Bourbon, N. Jook Best: B. Bonner, S. Inglis, J. Kelly, D. Chamberlain, B. Phibbs, S. Oldman Old Ivanhoe Goals: R. Jessop 5, A. Del Monte 4, C. Johnson, R. Glavas, B. Harrison Best: R. Jessop, S. Low, S. Geilings, A. Vella, N. Gieschen, C. Johnson M. Ritterman Medallist: Sam Geilings - Old Ivanhoe L Zachariah Medalist: Tim Bourbon (Mazenod)

Premier C Preliminary Final Marcellin

0.3-3

3.7-25

4.7-31

5.9-39

Old Ivanhoe

1.0-6

3.2-20

8.3-51

14.3-87

Marcellin Goals: R. Costanzo 2, J. Carlson, B. Kerton, S. Abrahams Best: T. Carlson, J. Bortolotto, J. Carlson, J. Blanch, J. Gasparini, P. Augustin Old Ivanhoe Goals: A. Del Monte 8, N. Gieschen 2, Z. Keane 2, A. Baldwin, R. Jessop Best: A. Del Monte, R. Glavas, R. Hondromatidis, D. Heta, H. Heta, B. Nagel

Premier C Semi Final 1 Old Ivanhoe

2.5-17

3.6-24

7.13-55

7.14-56

Monash Blues

1.1-7

3.6-24

3.6-24

5.13-43

Old Ivanhoe Goals: S. Low 2, C. Johnson 2, M. Delmonte, R. Jessop, N. Gieschen Best: R. Jessop, H. Heta, A. Vella, C. Johnson, S. Low, D. Heta Monash Blues Goals: S. Walsh 2, J. Cockburn, A. Hickey, R. Smith Best: G. Smyth, E. Ree-Goodings, A. Hickey, J. Cosgri, S. Walsh, B. Amberg

Premier C Semi Final 2

L Zachariah Medalist: Jarrod Carlson (Marcellin)

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2013

Mazenod

3.2-20

10.6-66

17.6-108

24.11-155

Marcellin

5.3-33

5.4-34

7.11-53

9.12-66

Mazenod Goals: H. Black 6, N. Jook 5, B. Phibbs 3, R. Thomas 3, C. Smith 2, D. Chamberlain 2, T. Bourbon, N. Thomas, N. Gentile Best: R. Mann, A. Patti, R. Thomas, S. Inglis, D. Chamberlain, S. Oldman Marcellin Goals: A. Viney 2, J. Bortolotto 2, M. Gasparini, T. Carlson, M. Holmes, R. Costanzo, J. Carlson Best: J. Carlson, P. Augustin, J. Symes, T. Carlson, A. Viney, A. Beaini

24

Premier C Reserves PREMIERSHIP LADDER Marcellin Mazenod Old Ivanhoe Old Camberwell PEGS Monash Blues Banyule NOBS/St Pats Peninsula Oakleigh

P

W

L

D

B

FF

For

Agst

%

PTS

18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18

18 14 13 11 10 7 7 4 3 3

0 4 5 7 8 11 11 14 15 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 0 0 0 0 0 0

2178 1518 1269 1299 1187 1060 1095 684 857 732

636 929 922 934 1046 1134 1256 1600 1858 1676

342.45 163.4 137.64 139.08 113.48 93.47 87.18 42.75 46.12 43.68

72 56 52 44 40 28 28 16 12 12

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

Ari Loucas (VC), Paul Symes, Matthew Bridges Laine Rice, Steven Pesavento, Nick Birrell Matthew Beayni, Simon Considine, Dom Bolger Derrin Gartner, Dallas Jarred, Adam Ceccomancini Luke Considine, Daniel Fraser (VC), Tim Money (C) Daniel Redmond, Michael Abrahams, John McIntyre Anthony Manakis, Steve Crapper, Tom Black, Adrian Coburn Tim Money

Premier C Reserves Grand Final Marcellin Old Ivanhoe

2.2-14 0.1-1

4.5-29 0.2-2

9.10-64 2.3-15

15.14-104 4.4-28

Marcellin Goals: D. Bolger 4, D. Jarred 3, M. Beayni 3, D. Redmond, M. Abrahams, D. Fraser, N. Birrell, L. Considine Best: D. Bolger, A. Coburn, S. Considine, N. Birrell, M. Beayni, L. Rice Old Ivanhoe Goals: G. Fowler, P. Spurling, H. Evans, A. Solomidis Best: S. Ward, M. Bacskos, A. Bolzan, J. O’Neill, H. Evans, D. Mancuso Best on ground: Simon Considine (Marcellin)

Premier C Thirds PREMIERSHIP LADDER Mazenod St Kevins Pegs Marcellin NOBS / St Pats Peninsula Old Camberwell Old Ivanhoe

P

W

L

D

B

FF

For

Agst

%

PTS

14 18 16 17 16 15 16 16

12 10 9 7 5 4 4 5

0 5 4 7 9 9 9 9

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

2 3 3 3 2 2 3 2

4 0 1 1 1 2 0 0

1790 1279 1096 1133 1063 872 747 966

697 872 944 998 1248 1440 1132 1479

256.81 146.67 116.1 113.53 85.18 60.56 65.99 65.31

72 52 52 44 32 32 28 28

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

Damien McLeod, James Mather, Daniel Ryding David Sheehan, Chris Collins, Dale Grant (C) Jamie Cetraro, Daniel Nisbet, James Hende Jamil Tye, Sean Bamblett-Furner, Fred Deegan Dale Micallef (VC), Cam Raine, Anthony Ciaverella Tom Chambers, Daniel Rigg, Nick Meehan Adam Bau, Steven Paolucci, Michael Peccora, Gareth Joachim, Ryan Woolley, Jeff Bates Paul McGowan

Premier C Thirds Grand Final St Kevins Mazenod

1.0-6 4.2-26

2.0-12 6.9-45

2.1-13 9.11-65

2.1-13 15.13-103

St Kevins Goals: M. Austin, B. Hayes Best: P. Rhodes, M. Edwards, B. Steains, P. Di Natale, M. Lew, P. Der Jeu Mazenod Goals: C. Raine 3, S. Bamblett-Furner 2, D. Rigg 2, A. Ciavarella 2, C. Collins, A. Bau, F. Deegan, N. Meehan, D. Nisbet, J. Tye Best: N. Meehan, D. Rigg, J. Tye, S. Bamblett-Furner, T. Chambers, D. Nisbet Best on ground: Nick Meehan - Mazenod

25

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2013

Division 1 Football seasons are defined by the team that finishes on the premiership dais with medals around their necks and a cup to drink the spoils of victory from.

Hampton Rovers were that team in 2013 completing a season to remember with victory over Ormond in the Division 1 decider at Trevor Barker Oval.

However despite the adulation we rightly praise on Rovers, there are countless other storylines and anecdotes that build to compile the Division 1 book of 2013.

Glen Eira (10th) and Melbourne High School Old Boys (9th) will both have a keen eye set towards 2014 for different reasons.

Glen Eira will be in Division 2 after 2013 provided few promising moments. MHSOB will earn a reprieve in Division 1 to maintain competition balance after the departure of Werribee from a higher section. The Saints and Unicorns’ season never took off as the two sides battled to combat the depth of the section and were unable to grind out the victories required to avoid relegation.

Hampton Rovers transformation from 0-18 in 2012 to premiers in 2013 should give the Saints confidence in a lower section whilst MHSOB should look to the way Monash Blues made the most of their second chance this year.

After winning the 2012 Division 2 premiership, Bulleen Templestowe (8th) started this season with a full head of steam, winning their opening two matches against Whitefriars and Williamstown CYMS and four of their first six. From here, highlights were rare as the Bullants won only two more games for the season. Bulleen Templestowe hung on in Division 1 by the skin of their teeth this year. The first priority of any promoted side is to secure safety and whilst the Bullants were in this fight to the end of the season, they can be happy that planning for next year will be for Division 1.

Old Mentonians (7th) and Old Geelong (6th) provided enough ups and downs that would satisfy rollercoaster aficionados, as both sides went from pre-season finals chances into a relegation battle. It was a tipster’s nightmare as the Panthers’ campaign was riddled with injuries that saw their early season form fall away, ending hopes of finals forcing the club to dig deep to stave off relegation. Wins in the final two rounds were enough for OMFC to successfully avoid the drop. When Old Geelong ran out on a Saturday, it would go one of two ways, good or bad. The OG’s had the most unpredictable form line in the section. Old Geelong at their best proved to be a force as they beat eventual premiers Hampton Rovers whilst the next week they were just as likely to lose a game they shouldn’t have. A strong preseason and a healthy list could see these two be prominent contenders in 2014.

The title of most tightly contested section rightfully sits on Division 1’s mantel piece as not until the last round were finals contestants solidified. Unfortunately for Whitefriars (5th), they were the team kicked to the curb and forced to watch the finals from the sidelines. A season that ended in heartbreak still produced memorable moments, none more so than snatching the victory away from Prahran Assumption by a solidary point in Round 11. Expect a return to September for Whitefriars next season.

Prahran Assumption (4th) and Williamstown CYMS (3rd) both played finals but neither side was able to achieve victory in the pressure cooker of post season matches.

The Two Blues jumped Whitefriars in the last home and away game of the season for the opportunity, only to lose to Ormond in the first semi, while the CY’s were knocked out in straight sets after earning the double chance.

Williamstown and Prahran Assumption finished the regular season with 13 and 11 wins respectively and overall, the two had successful seasons proving they have what it takes skill-wise. Prahran Assumption’s climb

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2013

through the sections takes a breather for a year and providing they secure the services of some younger talent they are every chance to continue their ascent in 2014.

Williamstown will be dearly disappointed with their two finals performances it puts them in good stead for the following season, harnessing the hurt of a previous campaign is a great way to take the next step.

Ormond (2nd) had a shaky start to the year losing four of their first six matches. This lopsided form was quickly turned on its head as Ormond embarked on a six game win streak. The Monders’ found the right blend of form in September too, taking the road less travelled to make the Grand Final winning two knock out finals. The efforts of Matt Robbins in both these matches, an individual highlight in what were superb victories.

Ormond Football Club is in great shape as their reserves also made the decider. Whilst both teams fell short on the day, a season in Premier C will provide the Monders with the quality of opposition they deserve.

To go from winless one year to premiers the next proves the Hampton Rovers (1st) professional mindset is far beyond the Amateur football label. Guy Martyn in his first year as coach at Hampton Rovers and the key recruitment of his assistant Owen Lalor were keys to the renewed vigour at Rovers.

A return of some key players and a winning mindset provided the spark the club craved.

All that was needed was for it to click on field and when the season got going Hampton Rovers were on pace, delivering on promise in an epic fashion. The talent of the team was on display in preseason, expectations were building and it didn’t take long to confirm that last year’s ghosts were well and truly extricated.

26

Expectations are one thing, but for a club that had had a winless season the previous campaign to sit undefeated after 12 games was a beyond even the most optimistic of supporters dreams. There’s no such thing as a guarantee in football but the Rovers winning in this period was as close as you can get. The ominous threat steamrolled the competition throughout the season’s entirety and didn’t slow down marching heading into September. The Rovers went onto win the Division 1 Grand Final by 58-points against Ormond as the best side rightfully finished on top. Congratulations Hampton Rovers and watch out Premier C. Old Geelong won back-to-back Division 1 Reserve premierships to showcase their depth, defeating Ormond in the Grand Final by 42 points.

James Ried

Division 1 Premiership Team: Hampton Rovers B:

Jay Dillon, Rory Lynch, Jason Zampaglione

HB:

Jackson Ward, Jesse Lovig, Richard Atkins

C: HF:

Kyle Pinto, Leigh Fletcher (C), Josh McPherson Adam McNeil, Josh Verlin, Stuart Burggraaff

F:

Luke Dallas, Daniel Corp (VC), Ed Turner

R:

Michael Fletcher, Mark Devereaux, Jay Ting

Int: Coach:

Anton Duddy, Luke Verma, Jesse Donald, Daniel Andersen Guy Martyn

Leading Goalkickers Name

Club

Goals

Jean Daou

Whitefriars

61 (61)

Ben Robertson

Old Mentonians

61 (61)

Ben Gray

Williamstown CYMS

59 (53) *Sharpshooter (Including Finals)

LS Pepper Medal Player

Club

Votes

Leigh Fletcher

Hampton Rovers

31

Tristan Mountjoy

Old Geelong

21

Brandon Stafford

Whitefriars

18

Jay Ting

Hampton Rovers

18

Ben Gray

Williamstown CYMS

16

Scribe Team of the year B: HB: C:

B Norton (O Ment), J Lovig (Hamp R), L Hunt (Pra A’tion) D Haysom (Orm), K Smith-Cameron - Capt - (O Ment), B Stafford (White)

HF:

T Mountjoy (O Geel), B Gray (Wil CYMS), P Florence (Bul Temp)

FF:

D Corp (Hamp R), J Daou (White), B Robinson (O Ment)

R:

S Puhar (Wil CYMS), M Wall (Pra A’tion), L Fletcher - VC - (Hamp R)

Int:

27

M Collister (O Geel), R Lynch (Hamp R), J Mackenzie (WIl CYMS)

S Blandford (Orm), D Anglin (Pra A’tion), M Devereaux (Hamp R), P Sartori (Bul Temp)

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2013

Division 1 Results PREMIERSHIP LADDER P

W

L

D

B

FF

For

Agst

%

PTS

Hampton Rovers

18

16

2

0

0

0

2037

1107

184.01

64

Williamstown CYMS

18

13

5

0

0

0

1794

1447

123.98

52

Ormond

18

12

6

0

0

0

1780

1266

140.6

48

Prahran Assumption

18

11

7

0

0

0

1620

1339

120.99

44

Whitefriars

18

10

8

0

0

0

1577

1272

123.98

40

Old Geelong

18

9

9

0

0

0

1553

1619

95.92

36

Old Mentonians

18

8

10

0

0

0

1494

1453

102.82

32

Bulleen Templestowe

18

6

12

0

0

0

1454

1518

95.78

24

MHSOB

18

5

13

0

0

0

1202

1643

73.16

20

Glen Eira

18

0

18

0

0

0

758

2605

29.1

0

Division 1 Grand Final Hampton Rovers

4.3-27

10.8-68

12.11-83

17.20-122

Ormond

2.5-17

6.5-41

7.9-51

9.10-64

Hampton Rovers Goals: D. Corp 4, K. Pinto 3, S. Burggraaff 2, A. McNeil 2, E. Turner 2, J. McPherson, J. Donald, L. Fletcher, M. Devereaux Best: D. Corp, K. Pinto, A. McNeil, J. Ting, J. Lovig, M. Fletcher Ormond Goals: J. Tabakman 4, R. Chisholm 2, B. Upstill, D. Elkman, J. Holdsworth Best: D. Seehusen, J. Tabakman, B. Upstill, S. Blandford, S. Gay, M. Martinov Best on ground: Jay Ting – Hampton Rovers

Division 1 Preliminary Final Williamstown CYMS

Ormond

0.2-2

1.7-13

3.12-30

6.19-55

3.5-23

5.6-36

8.10-58

9.11-65

Williamstown CYMS Goals: S. Barlow 2, B. Gray 2, J. Bencich, N. Walsh Best: S. Puhar, J. Bencich, C. Taylor, P. Johnson, J. Gray, R. Cassidy Ormond Goals: M. Robbins 5, R. Chisholm, J. Tabakman, S. Mason, J. Holdsworth Best: S. Mason, R. Martin, J. Simon, M. Oaten, D. Seehusen, M. Robbins

Division 1 Semi Final 1 Ormond Prahran Assumption

1.0-6

7.2-44

10.2-62

14.8-92

4.3-27

6.5-41

9.10-64

11.11-77

Ormond Goals: M. Robbins 4, A. McCooke 2, J. Tabakman 2, S. Mason 2, S. Stait, R. Martin, J. Simon, R. Keane Best: M. Martinov, M. Oaten, S. Blandford, L. Duthie, R. Martin, M. Robbins Prahran Assumption Goals: P. Cristoforo 3, P. Harris 2, A. Sleight, J. Matherson, B. Field, A. Dean, J. Robbins, D. Anglin Best: J. Musster, I. Vuli, T. Webb, B. Adams, R. Pascoe, N. Davey

Division 1 Semi Final 2 Hampton Rovers

2.1-13

10.6-66

12.9-81

16.12-108

Williamstown CYMS

2.2-14

2.2-14

5.7-37

10.9-69

Hampton Rovers Goals: L. Dallas 5, D. Corp 3, S. Burggraaff 2, A. McNeil 2, K. Pinto 2, J. McPherson, J. Ting Best: M. Devereaux, R. Atkins, D. Corp, R. Lynch, M. Fletcher, J. Lovig Williamstown CYMS Goals: B. Gray 4, J. Vanderloo 2, Z. Read 2, S. Barlow, T. Murphy Best: J. Bencich, J. MacKenzie, M. Carland, N. Holdsworth, R. Danaher, C. McCracken LS Pepper Medalist: Leigh Fletcher (Hampton Rovers)

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2013

28

Division 1 Reserves

PREMIERSHIP LADDER Ormond Hampton Rovers Old Geelong Bulleen Templestowe Williamstown CYMS Prahran Assumption MHSOB Whitefriars Old Mentonians Glen Eira

P

W

L

D

B

FF

For

Agst

%

PTS

18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18

15 15 13 10 10 7 7 6 6 0

2 3 4 8 8 11 11 12 12 18

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 0

2052 1677 1778 1526 1543 1175 1156 1168 1031 292

806 787 879 1041 1076 1086 1427 1563 1665 3068

254.59 213.09 202.28 146.59 143.4 108.2 81.01 74.73 61.92 9.52

62 60 54 40 40 28 28 24 24 0

Division 1 Reserves Premiership Team: Old Geelong B:

Jack Nelson, James Wright, Lachie Quirk

HB:

Dave Wood, Marcus Walkom, John Bailey

C:

Matt Morris (C), Brad Dettman, Gus Perry

HF:

Rupert de Crespigny, Tim Hope-Johnstone, Rupert Kemp

F:

Rich Herd, Will Harris, Tom Slattery

R:

Gus Macdonald, Andy de Fegely, Andy Leahy

Int: Coach:

Bas Hughes, Al de Fegely, George Macdonald, Harley Beaumont Chris Rubick

Division 1 Reserves Grand Final Ormond

3.1-19

4.3-27

7.4-46

7.8-50

Old Geelong

3.4-22

7.9-51

8.13-61

12.20-92

Ormond Goals: S. Metz 2, N. Curwood 2, D. Frazier, D. Riazah-Kesheh, B. Atkins Best: A. Clinch, M. Pappas, T. Haysom, H. Jacobs, D. Casey, B. Atkins Old Geelong Goals: A. Leahy 3, T. Hope-Johnstone 2, R. Kemp 2, A. De Fegely 2, G. Macdonald, R. Herd, S. Hughes Best: R. Kemp, A. Leahy, A. Macdonald, L. Quirk, R. Herd, S. Hughes Best on ground: Rupert Kemp – Old Geelong

29

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2013

Division 2 As the final siren sounded at Craigieburn Reserve, it signalled the culmination of the 2013 season that saw Therry Penola break a 13 year premiership drought.

The Lions took out both the senior and reserve premierships in what was an emotionally charged season for the club. This season could also mark the birth of an intriguing competitive rivalry between eventual grand finalists, Therry Penola and Yarra Valley. A rivalry which will continue to grow next year when both sides try to make their mark in Division 1.

Therry Penola looks set to retain the majority

Old Eltham will view the year as one of maybes

of their list with only a couple of possible

and what could have been. On their day they

departures. With the Bannisters up forward,

showed that they had the ability to match it

Division 1 should hold no fears for the Lions.

with any side in Division 2 but didn’t show

This year they were the best side of the year

this quite often enough. After finishing fourth

for all bar a couple of weeks. A semi final

they will be looking to recruit players over the

hiccup was rectified through preliminary and

off-season that will allow them to turn a good

grand final wins. Jarrod Egglestone was their

side into a very good side. The Turtles will be

outstanding leader and he delivered on the

disappointed with their performance in the

biggest stage claiming the best on ground

1st Semi against St Mary’s Salesian and will

medal to go with his premiership medallion.

use that as motivation over the coming pre-

Yarra Valley took a few weeks to find their feet

season.

in Division 2 after winning the 2012 Division 3

St John’s should be happy with their year. After

premiership. However once they found form,

winning a solitary game between both sides in

they did so with a bang, the Bushrangers were

2012, a fifth place finish in the seniors and a

the form side of the competition in the second

finals berth for the reserves provided happier

half of the year. Their recruits like Ryan Amos

moments for the club in a rebuilding year. In

were blending beautifully with the stalwarts

saying that, the JOCs recorded victories against

like James Amos who won the section best and

all but Therry Penola this year, demonstrating

fairest and Simon Yeo who continued to boot

that they are not far away. Retaining players

goals. They were the form side of the division

and refining their game plan will be the key

in the second half of the year and staked their

objectives for the JOCs over the pre-season

claim as a serious contender for the flag. After

who were viewed by some as a legitimate top

knocking off Therry Penola in the 2nd Semi,

3 side in 2013.

they were favourites to take out their second premiership in as many years. Having blitzed the Lions a fortnight earlier, they were unable to bring the same intensity to the rematch and ultimately fell short.

To say Old Paradians’ 2013 form was harder to read than a toddlers handwriting would be an understatement. Ability was not the problem, consistency and application were. One of the issues was depth, the familiar story of their top

For St Mary’s Salesian, 2013 was a season

six players carrying the too much of the load

of progress, falling to the eventual premiers

for an inconsistent bottom six. Nevertheless

in the preliminary final they also realised

there were glimpses of promise that should

what it takes to make that final step. With

keep the guns at the clubs and potential to

both their seniors and reserves side missing

recruit more talent in the summer.

out on grand finals they will no doubt be extremely hungry and determined to improve for next season. Depth was not an issue in 2013 and with their U-19s winning the North premiership, natural progression could see them as a legitimate threat in 2014.

South Melbourne viewed the 2013 season as one of improvement and getting senior games into younger players. They made no illusions of the stage their list was at and although they finished 7th, it was by no means seen as a failure. They were able to avoid relegation with a late season rush of form and will look to build on this performance next year.

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2013

30

Ivanhoe luckily avoided relegation in the last round of the season and will need to improve considerably over the pre-season to do so again in 2014. Even with Ash Close kicking bags they still were not able to get the job done and will need to go on a recruiting drive over the summer to improve in 2014.

Division 2 Premiership Team: Therry Penola B:

Jarryd Hanlon, Mathew Heard, Brock Egglestone

HB:

Keilan Biddlestone, Mathew Reynolds (VC), Darcy Grant

C:

Jarrod Bannister, Jarrod Egglestone (C), Mathew Lyons

HF:

Darcy Ryan, Hayden Rowe, Joel Costello

F:

Mark Valenti, Mathew Costello, Corey Bannister

R:

Mitch Trimble, Justin Crotty, Luke Reynolds

With the recruitment of Russell Robertson,

Int:

Monash Gryphons were the hyped side at the

Coach:

Jake Mennuni, Nick Milveski, Ben Harding, Dale Angus Dennis Castaldi

beginning of the 2013 season; unfortunately that’s where the hype stopped. Robertson only managed to play a handful of games and the Gryphons couldn’t gain any traction and will do some soul searching over the summer.

A second chance in the section will come their way next year due to the departure of Werribee from the VAFA.

Leading Goalkickers Name

Club

Corey Bannister

Therry Penola

77* (86)

Goals

Jarrod Bannister

Therry Penola

77* (85)

Rohan Scott

St Johns

Sabastian Ciavola

Old Eltham Collegians

61 52 *Sharpshooter (Including Finals)

For the luckless Emmaus St Leos, the 2013 season was one to forget. Wooden spoon

J Fullerton Medal

clubs have a strong history in the VAFA of

Player

Club

Votes

bouncing back with good form in a lower

James Amos

Yarra Valley

21

section the year after. The Animals will hope

Paul Harris

Ivanhoe

20

that is the case next year. Their season ended

Sean Miller

Old Paradians

17

on a high when they beat Monash Gryphons

Jarrod Egglestone

Therry Penola

15

in the last round and recorded their second

Nicholas Latsas

St Mary’s Salesian

15

win for the year.

Scribe Team of the year

Brenton Mann

B: HB: C:

T Hendy (St Joh) J Egglestone (Th Pen) D Pagan (Yar Val) K Cherian (Mon Gry) D Boundy (O Par) R Foo (O Elt)

HF:

N Robin (Em St L) J Bannister (Th Pen) G Costas (St Joh)

FF:

R Scott (St Joh) C Bannister (Th Pen) J Hampton (S Melb)

R:

M Crooks (O Elth) P Harris (Ivan) H Chipperfield (St M S)

Int: Coach:

31

J Trend (Yar Val) B Gatehouse (St M S) E Costello (S Melb)

J Galvin (O Elth), J Heis (S Melb), J Amos (Yar Val), N Latsas (St M S) Rob Drew (Yar Val)

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2013

Division 2 Results PREMIERSHIP LADDER Therry Penola

P

W

L

D

B

FF

For

Agst

%

PTS

18

15

3

0

0

0

1827

1122

162.83

60

Yarra Valley

18

14

4

0

0

0

1707

1276

133.78

56

Old Eltham Collegians

18

11

7

0

0

0

1444

1438

100.42

44

St Mary’s Salesian

18

11

7

0

0

0

1480

1492

99.2

44

St Johns

18

10

8

0

0

0

1781

1426

124.89

40

Old Paradians

18

8

9

1

0

0

1207

1350

89.41

34

South Melbourne Districts

18

7

11

0

0

0

1354

1581

85.64

28

Ivanhoe

18

6

12

0

0

0

1361

1662

81.89

24

Monash Gryphons

18

5

13

0

0

0

1375

1714

80.22

20

Emmaus St Leos

18

2

15

1

0

0

1109

1584

70.01

10

Division 2 Grand Final Yarra Valley Therry Penola

1.1-7 5.3-33

3.4-22 6.4-40

3.8-26 9.6-60

6.11-47 13.7-85

Therry Penola Goals: C. Bannister 3, J. Egglestone 2, M. Costello 2, D. Ryan 2, N. Milevski, M. Valenti, J. Crotty, D. Angus Best: M. Trimble, J. Egglestone, B. Harding, J. Bannister, D. Ryan, D. Angus Yarra Valley Goals: N. Pollard 2, S. Yeo 2, C. Hodgens, C. Beal Best: B. Trend, A. Houghton, P. Ferrier, R. Amos, M. Fraser, S. Collie A.R. Fellows Medal: Jarrod Egglestone – Therry Penola

Division 2 Preliminary Final Therry Penola St Mary’s Salesian

4.6-30 3.2-20

8.10-58 7.5-47

14.17-101 11.8-74

18.19-127 12.13-85

Therry Penola Goals: J. Bannister 7, H. Rowe 3, C. Bannister 3, B. Ratcliffe 2, M. Costello, M. Lyons, M. Valenti Best: N. Milevski, B. Harding, J. Crotty, M. Trimble, H. Rowe, J. Bannister St Mary’s Salesian Goals: J. Strangward 2, A. Murphy 2, H. Chipperfield 2, L. Childs 2, H. Wong, J. Perriam, L. Moreen, J. Flynn Best: H. Chipperfield, N. Latsas, J. Tanner, M. Jane, S. Jones, C. Butler

Division 2 Semi Final 1 Old Eltham Collegians St Mary’s Salesian

0.2-2 3.7-25

2.2-14 5.10-40

2.5-17 8.16-64

5.6-36 11.19-85

Old Eltham Collegians Goals: C. Mizzi 2, A. Hargrave, G. Turner, A. Lendaro Best: A. Lendaro, N. Harper, M. Crooks, M. Hargrave, A. Hargrave, C. Mizzi St Mary’s Salesian Goals: L. Moreen 3, L. Childs 2, A. Murphy 2, B. Gatehouse, S. Jones, H. Wong, J. Strangward Best: M. Adam, J. Perriam, J. Kenyon, L. Moreen, C. Butler, B. Gatehouse

Division 2 Semi Final 2 Therry Penola Yarra Valley

J. Fullerton Medal: James Amos (Yarra Valley)

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2013

2.3-15 2.4-16

3.3-21 6.7-43

Therry Penola Goals: C. Bannister 3, M. McWhinney, M. Costello, J. Bannister, J. Crotty Best: M. Trimble, J. Hanlon, M. Heard, K. Biddlestone, L. Reynolds, B. Ratcliffe Yarra Valley Goals: N. Paton 3, S. Yeo 3, N. Pollard, M. Fraser, R. Amos, R. Pollard, C. Hodgens Best: R. Amos, B. Trend, P. Ferrier, D. Letson, S. Collie, M. Fraser

32

3.6-24 11.9-75

7.7-49 11.12-78

Division 2 Reserves

PREMIERSHIP LADDER Therry Penola St Mary’s Salesian Old Eltham Collegians St Johns Yarra Valley Ivanhoe Emmaus St Leos Old Paradians Monash Gryphons South Melbourne Districts

P

W

L

D

B

FF

For

Agst

%

PTS

18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18

13 13 13 10 8 8 8 7 6 3

5 5 5 7 10 10 10 11 11 15

0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

1475 1486 1239 1274 1224 1034 1051 732 1205 886

860 1132 1001 1209 1091 1176 1209 1230 1459 1304

171.51 131.27 123.78 105.38 112.19 87.93 86.93 59.51 82.59 67.94

52 52 52 42 32 32 32 28 26 12

Division 2 Reserves Premiership Team: Therry Penola B: HB: C: HF:

Daniel McCracken, Lucas Ryan, Sam Layton Jarrod Molloy, Jerome White, Adrian Ratcliffe Dane McKibbin, Daryl Blake, Luke Lentini Gareth Henderson, Nathan Kennessy, Damien Ratcliffe

F:

Andrew McKenzie, Jacob Dixon, Joel Quinn (c)

R:

James Coutts, Drew Leroy, Jim Stefanou

Int: Coach:

Peter McCrae, Sean O’Sullivan-Plaza, Connor Kilbane, Michael Pell David Goodwin

Division 2 Reserves Grand Final Therry Penola Old Eltham Collegians

2.1-13

6.4-40

7.4-46

9.7-61

0.3-3

1.5-11

3.8-26

4.9-33

Therry Penola Goals: D. Ractliffe 2, J. Dixon 2, S. O’’Sullivan-Plaza 2, D. Blake, J. Quinn, G. Henderson Best: D. Blake, L. Ryan, J. Coutts, D. Leroy, S. O’’Sullivan-Plaza, J. White Old Eltham Collegians Goals: A. Coath 2, Z. Tranter, P. Zumbo Best: A. Johnsen, T. Madden, A. Stavretis, P. Zumbo, D. Delaland, T. Brown Best on ground: Drew LeRoy – Therry Penola

33

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2013

Division 3 As the final siren sounded in 2013, the Kew Football Club had emerged victorious over Elsternwick by 35 points in a relatively one-sided affair. Kew’s season comes on the back of several years of rejuvenation after nearly bottoming out in 2010.

Despite occasional doubts over their durability, no one could argue against the fact that Kew was the dominant side of Division 3 this year.

Their outstanding 7 goal first quarter in the Grand Final demonstrated how dangerous this side was in attack and their immense defensive pressure forced Elsternwick into submission. Kew won three grand finals on the same afternoon, bringing a smile to the faces of the tried and true old school district clubs across Victoria. Liam Kinsella was the deserved best afield, Andrew Brazzale kicked 5 goals and Hayden Taylor took out the senior best and fairest award.

Richmond Central sat on top of the ladder

Elsternwick displayed plenty of courage throughout 2013 and deservedly enter the 2014 season in Division 2. Although their season ended with a loss in the Grand Final, they have much to be proud of. Aaron Thornton booted 82 goals, they became the only side to beat Kew at Victoria Park since the 2011 season and surprised UHS-VU in the preliminary final on the back of a gritty performance. Andrew Oldfield took out the side’s best and fairest award as they enter 2014 in a healthy position.

Aquinas’

UHS-VU will be particularly disappointed in falling short of a Grand Final berth this season, completing a second consecutive 3rd place finish. It was expected from the outset of the finals that Kew and UHS-VU would take on each other in the final game of the season however fatigue and deficiencies came to light in their preliminary clash with Elsternwick. No doubt they hold high expectations for 2014 particularly with first year players Michael Fitzclarence and Ben Atherton placing 1-2 in the club B&F. St Francis Xavier made huge improvements from their 2012 season, losing to Kew in the preliminary final. Although a disappointment, SFX was a dangerous force throughout the season, fielding some of the Division’s premier players. Dimitri Dimakopolous won both the section and club best and fairest in another outstanding individual season. Chris Smith and Chris Van Dam provided further support.

The side will need to add depth to their squad if they are to take the next step in 2014.

after seven rounds before their one-point loss to Kew. That loss clearly stung their momentum as they lost six of their last ten and slipped to 5th position at the end of the season. Richmond was demolished by UHSVU in the qualifying final extinguishing any late season momentum. Sam Brown won the club best and fairest. Richmond’s pathway appears to be similar to that of Kew’s at the end of 2012 and will again contend next season. season

was

stop-start

from

beginning to end. Injuries, overseas travel and general distractions prevented them from fulfilling the great hopes established in the aftermath of a 4th placed finish in 2012. At times Aquinas looked incredibly dangerous, particularly when considering their wins over Elsternwick and UHS-VU. However although Jai Perrett and Jack Price returned late in the season, they never returned to their best and perennial rivals Kew scuttled them in their Elimination Final ending a disappointing season.

The best of the also-rans was La Trobe University who would take solace in their consistently good performance throughout 2013. They rarely looked out of their depth, even against the best sides and made their ground into a fortress. Their deficiency lay in attack, as they rarely kicked a score big enough to damage a side. Best and fairest Jack McMeel and Rupert Sangster had super seasons and their form will prove crucial next season.

Albert Park remained in the finals race until Round 17 and continues to persevere in trying conditions at their home ground. With no feeder team to facilitate a solid youth program, Albert Park may continue to remain a middle of the road Division 3 side. However, they showed great tenacity against stronger sides and will continue to persist.

Swinburne University defeated Kew in Round 2 and looked a genuine finals contender for parts of the season. However, their season flat-lined on the back of close losses to La Trobe (twice), South Mornington and a draw with Power House. A lack of genuine match

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2013

34

winners minus Ryan Keeley meant that Swinburne produced some lackluster football for much of the second half of the year.

Power House made marked improvement from their diabolical 2012 season as their inexperienced list continued to grow in stature. Their reputation as a hard-nosed, albeit unskilled side came to fruition and they stuck with better-performed sides during many of their fixtures. Power House’s last quarters proved a stumbling block however the Webb brothers lead a pack of footballers growing in their own self-assurance.

That brings us to the two relegated football clubs. South Mornington, who won the 2012 Division 4 premiership, lost all their momentum from last season. Changes in the coaching panel and big losses to their playing list proved too much to handle as they plummeted to second bottom with only a win against Richmond Central a highlight of a very poor season. Nevertheless South Mornington will be beneficiary of Werribee’s departure from the Association and a second season in Division 3 will offer some incentive for the club in the offseason. Old Westbourne could not manage a single win in 2013 and will look to rebuild in Division 4. Retaining players like best and fairest Will Wright is half the battle, the club will need an influx of talent for 2014.

Good luck to both sides in the future.

William Balme

Division 3 Premiership Team: Kew B: HB: C: HF:

Max Waters Michael Cochrane (C) Michael Henderson (VC) Tom Ahern Hayden Taylor Darcy Spencer Liam Kinsella Tim Allman Jack Delbridge

F:

Jeremy Fultheim Andrew Brazzale (VC) Julian Dammenhayn

R:

Paul Brough Josh O’Bryan Ethan Roberts

Int: Coach:

Grant Filsell, Brandon Droessler, Michael Matheson, John Bolding Ian Aitken

Leading Goalkickers Name

Club

Goals

Aaron Thornton

Elsternwick

82 (72)

Andrew Brazzale

Kew

72 (60)

Sam Williams

Aquinas

59

Jack McMeel

La Trobe University

54 *Sharpshooter (Including Finals)

J Fullerton Medal Player

Club

James Amos

Yarra Valley

21

Paul Harris

Ivanhoe

20

Sean Miller

Old Paradians

17

Jarrod Egglestone

Therry Penola

15

Nicholas Latsas

St Mary’s Salesian

15

Votes

Scribe Team of the year B:

D Healy (Elst) T Leeds (Kew) B Atherton (UHS-VU)

HB:

C Van Dam (SFX) A Kirk (UHS-VU) A Oldfield (Elst)

C:

M Fitzclarence (UHS-VU) D Dimakopolous (SFX) R Keeley (Swin Uni)

HF:

P Jurkovsky (Aquin) A Brazzale (Kew) J McMeel (La Tro U)

FF:

A Thornton (Elst) S Williams (Aquin) L Carland (Rich Cen)

R:

P Brough (Kew), S Brown (Rich Cen) H Taylor (Kew)

Int:

35

William Balme Tom Leeds Luke Woolrich

C Smith (SFX) R Sangster (La Tro U) A Collett (Pow Hou) H Turner (Alb Par)

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2013

Division 3 Results PREMIERSHIP LADDER Kew UHS-VU Elsternwick St Francis Xavier Richmond Central Aquinas La Trobe University Albert Park Swinburne University Power House South Mornington Old Westbourne

P

W

L

D

B

FF

For

Agst

%

PTS

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

15 14 12 11 11 11 9 8 6 6 3 0

2 4 6 6 7 7 9 10 11 11 15 18

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

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

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

1775 1798 1827 1578 1864 1518 1245 1377 1618 1135 998 687

1084 1023 1293 1260 1500 1473 1242 1411 1532 1508 1986 2108

163.75 175.76 141.3 125.24 124.27 103.05 100.24 97.59 105.61 75.27 50.25 32.59

62 56 48 46 44 44 36 32 26 26 12 0

Division 3 Grand Final Kew Elsternwick

7.3-45 3.1-19

9.7-61 5.4-34

12.9-81 5.7-37

15.10-100 9.11-65

4.5-29

8.6-54

12.8-80

18.11-119

Kew Goals: A. Brazzale 5, L. Kinsella 2, B. Droessler 2, M. Waters, T. Allman, J. Fultheim, J. Bolding, D. Spencer, T. Ahern Best: L. Kinsella, A. Brazzale, M. Cochrane, J. O’Bryan, W. Balme, P. Brough Elsternwick Goals: R. White 3, A. Thornton 2, A. Oldfield, S. Grace, G. Cameron, R. Glassenbury Best: C. Mahony, R. White, A. Oldfield, A. Quinn, C. Watts, W. Hamilton VB Zanin Medallist: Liam Kinsella - Kew

Division 3 Preliminary Final 1 Kew

St Francis Xavier 4.2-26 7.6-48 9.10-64 12.10-82 Kew Goals: A. Brazzale 4, T. Allman 3, J. Dammenhayn 3, H. Taylor 2, M. Waters, T. Ahern, J. Delbridge, L. Kinsella, G. Filsell, J. Fultheim Best: M. Waters, H. Taylor, M. Henderson, J. Fultheim, P. Brough, E. Roberts St Francis Xavier Goals: T. Farrell 4, C. Smith 3, T. Burns, A. Klaric, T. Shepherdson, J. Butterfield, D. Dimakopoulos Best: S. Harvey, S. Rossborough, J. Lenders, C. Smith, J. Butterfield, D. Dimakopoulos

Division 3 Preliminary Final 2 UHS-VU

Elsternwick

1.2-8

7.5-47

7.11-53

10.12-72

3.4-22

6.6-42

12.9-81

15.13-103

1.7-13

3.10-28

7.11-53

12.12-84

2.0-12

10.7-67

18.8-116

19.15-129

4.2-26

9.7-61

10.11-71

16.19-115

UHS-VU Goals: R. Kirk 4, M. Temming 3, C. Kelly, T. O’Halloran, D. Musil Best: B. Atherton, D. Musil, M. Pearce, D. Benstead, C. Jackson, N. Rowland Elsternwick Goals: A. Thornton 3, S. Grace 3, R. Glassenbury 2, C. Mahony, J. McGrail, S. Convery, D. Bedingfield, G. Culshaw, J. Convery, D. Faella Best: R. White, A. Quinn, R. Glassenbury, C. Mahony, S. Grace, A. Oldfield

Division 3 Qualifying Final 1 Kew

Aquinas 1.0-6 1.6-12 2.8-20 3.12-30 Kew Goals: A. Brazzale 3, J. Dammenhayn 2, M. Waters, L. Kinsella, M. Henderson, E. Roberts, B. Droessler, T. Allman, T. Ahern Best: M. Cochrane, M. Matheson, T. Allman, A. Brazzale, L. Kinsella, P. Brough Aquinas Goals: B. O’Loughlin, J. Perrett, J. Price Best: A. La Marca, P. Jurkovsky, D. D’Angelo, B. Burke, M. Prouse, J. Morrison-Story

Division 3 Qualifying Final 2 UHS-VU

Richmond Central 5.1-31 5.3-33 8.6-54 UHS-VU Goals: R. Kirk 5, D. Benstead 4, M. Temming 3, J. Sidebottom 2, M. Fitzclarence 2, C. Kelly 2, M. Pearce Best: D. Benstead, B. Atherton, S. Thomas, M. Fitzclarence, N. Rowland, E. Clarke Richmond Central Goals: S. Demeo 4, S. Brown 2, L. Carland, D. Pike, M. Davis Best: L. Carland, S. Brown, N. Bucci, T. Nunn, D. Pike, D. Firman

9.11-65

Division 3 Qualifying Final 3 Elsternwick

Hutchinson Medal: Dimitri Dimakopoulos (St Francis Xavier)

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2013

St Francis Xavier 2.4-16 5.10-40 9.12-66 11.13-79 Elsternwick Goals: A. Thornton 5, S. Grace 3, A. Oldfield 2, D. Bedingfield 2, G. Cameron, C. Keenan, D. Faella, J. Convery Best: R. White, S. Grace, A. Quinn, A. Oldfield, D. Healy, A. Patey St Francis Xavier Goals: T. Farrell 3, C. Smith 3, D. Scott 2, D. Dimakopoulos, C. Van Dam, A. Pavlovic Best: C. Van Dam, S. Rossborough, M. Ralph, C. Smith, J. Lenders, D. Dimakopoulos

36

Division 3 Reserves

PREMIERSHIP LADDER Kew UHS-VU La Trobe University Richmond Central Albert Park Power House Aquinas Swinburne University St Francis Xavier South Mornington Old Westbourne Elsternwick

P

W

L

D

B

FF

For

Agst

%

PTS

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

16 16 15 15 11 8 7 6 5 3 3 2

2 2 2 2 7 10 11 12 13 15 15 16

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

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

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

2338 1906 1772 1680 1280 1000 1160 857 938 945 639 842

451 786 776 867 1220 1267 1330 1401 1664 1775 1753 2125

518.4 242.49 228.35 193.77 104.92 78.93 87.22 61.17 56.37 53.24 36.45 39.62

64 64 62 62 44 32 28 24 20 12 12 8

Division 3 Reserves Premiership Team: Kew B: HB: C: HF:

Emmett O’Donnell, Glenn Evans, Aidan Davey Nicholas Tinetti, Nicholas Sweetland, Kym Allen Graeme Younger, Lachlan Orr (C), Christopher Backman Ned Rohrt, Luke Klasen, Oliver Twine

F:

Aaron Carmen, Chad Watts, John O’Keefe

R:

Tim Bagnall, William Delbridge, Ryan Wyley

Int: Coach:

Jeremy Balme, Michael Georgiev, Zac Brabin, Kieran Gannon Scott Norman

Division 3 Reserves Grand Final Kew

4.0-24

4.1-25

4.3-27

6.6-42

La Trobe University

1.4-10

2.6-18

4.7-31

5.11-41

Kew Goals: G. Evans, C. Watts, N. Rohrt, G. Younger, K. Gannon, W. Delbridge Best: W. Delbridge, C. Watts, G. Evans, E. O’Donnell, C. Backman, N. Tinetti La Trobe University Goals: J. Hickey, T. Mawdsley, B. Thompson, T. Parker, L. Watson Best: B. Dales-Sutton, G. Lingham, C. Wheeler, I. Fan, B. Rowles, L. Watson Best on ground: Luke Klasen - Kew

37

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2013

Division 4 Season 2013 saw the introduction of a top six for finals and two new clubs joined the VAFA in Division 4 with hopes and ambitions of making the long climb up through the sections. Northern Blues officially became a senior club having fielded under age and Thirds competition teams in recent years and the Dragons joined the VAFA from the Southern Football League.

It was a fairy tale year for premiers Northern Blues, winning the flag in their first senior year, becoming the first club to achieve the feat since Beaumaris in 1995. Making the achievement more meritorious was the fact the boys from Preston had finished sixth by season’s end with a record of 8-8. They then raised the bar in finals defeating the top three sides on the way to winning the premiership. Led by senior coach George Wakim they will enjoy the competitiveness Division 3 brings. With under 19 talent to burn, the stand out was their young gun Mohammed Hammoud who won both the Under 19 Section 3 competition best and fairest medal and promoted to the senior side for finals, ended up winning the medal for best on ground in the grand final.

After last year’s disappointment of missing out on the Grand Final, Eley Park Sharks commenced their season perfectly winning their first eight games and eventually cementing second spot by season’s end.

These triumphs are to be commended and the club, whilst disappointed to lose a grand final will take great satisfaction from earning promotion. Making the jump up a section is hard but there is an element of unfinished business about the Sharks and this should spur them on into a tough Division 3 in 2014.

After a sanctioned relegation from Division 3, Hawthorn presented as the powerhouse of the section. The Hawks maintained a stranglehold on a place in the top two for most of the year, finishing as minor premiers with 14 wins. Almost everyone had them earmarked for a premiership return to Division 3, however they were disappointing in their finals campaign dropping both matches to be bundled out in straight-sets.

The club was accepting of their fate and will knuckle down for a renewed assault in 2014.

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2013

West Brunswick was the surprise packet in the section this year, finishing third and doubling their win tally from the year before.

One of their impressive victories occurred against ladder leaders Hawthorn in round 10 at home by 27 points. With coaches Matthew Drain and Angus Hamilton at the helm they will look to be a force in the section next year.

In only their fourth year in the VAFA and a pool of talent at their disposal, Point Cook backed up their efforts from last year with another finals appearance. Having made finals in the past two seasons the challenge remains to win a final.

The introduction of the top six in the section saw North Brunswick earn the right to play finals for the first time since 2003. By all accounts it was a successful year for the Bulls who recruited well and had highlight wins over neighbours West Brunswick in round 16 and powerhouse side Hawthorn in Round 2.

Box Hill North could only manage six wins for their season, an increase of one from 2012.

Power forward Daniel Penny had another outstanding year winning the Division 4 goal kicking with 72.

The Dragons had an agreeable season in their inaugural year in the VAFA without it being an overly successful one. Round 2 was their first win in the VAFA as they defeated Northern Blues by 44 points. The club no doubt had ambitions of doing what eventual premiers Blues managed, but found the going a bit tougher as injuries and the winter mud took their toll. In 2013 the club was finding its feet at Amateur level and the Dragons will continue to improve and develop moving forward.

38

After winning only eight games in the past two years, Mt Lilydale will be hoping to make their home ground a fortress in years to come as they rebuild and fight towards earning a finals berth. Manningham couldn’t mirror last year’s promising mid-table result.

Finishing with only three wins for the year, the hard work will need to start come preseason to continually improve for 2014.

Division 4 Premiership Team: Northern Blues

Chadstone hoped to build on last year’s first win in four years however they struggled to find success in 2013. Despite this, they came close in two of their matches against Manningham Cobras and Mt Lilydale going down by just five and ten points respectively.

They are an improving club and hopefully 2014 brings them some success as their players develop.

Leading Goalkickers

Olivia Crowe

B: HB: C: HF:

Nicholas De Andrade, Nicholas Spagnolo, Daniel Wakim Olsen Clark, Matthew Edwards, Sam Matouk Brady Parke, Dean Calcedo (C), Damon Marcon Gerard Sutton, Eamonn Scott, Mark Cigagna

F:

James King, Lachlan McRedmond, Nathan Parkes

R:

Liam Carter, Jay Phelan, Todd Beames (C)

Int: Coach:

Moustafa Hammoud, Ty Lehmann, Jordan Twaits, Corey Altis George Wakim

Name

Club

Daniel Penny

Box Hill North

Justin Rossoukas

Hawthorn

Benjamin Gallagher

North Brunswick

Goals 72* 59 (60) 50 *Sharpshooter (Including Finals)

OJ Meehan Medal Player

Club

David Tremewen

Hawthorn

Votes 28

Dean Calcedo

Northern Blues

22

Daniel Burton

Point Cook

19

Matthew Corstorphin

Eley Park Sharks

18

Daniel Penny

Box Hill North

17

Scribe Team of the year B: HB: C:

David Pritchard (Haw), Brendan Garrick (Pt Cook), Chris Arman (Mann) Dean Calcedo (N Blues), Matthew Corstorhpin (Eley Park), Jacob Campbell (Haw)

HF:

Cisco George (Chad), David Tremewen (Haw), Andrew Auciello (Pt Cook)

FF:

Justin Rossoukas (Haw), Daniel Penny (Box Hill N), Jim Baughan (Mt Lily)

R:

Daniel Burton (Pt Cook), Scott Hulm (W Brun), Sahand Ghasimzadeh (N Brun)

Int:

39

Joel Beer (W Brun), Christopher Temperley (N Brun), Nick De Andrade (N Blues)

Kirk Lindsay (Eley Park), James Davis (N Brun), Adrian Ramani (Box Hill N), Ben Gallagher (N Brun)

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2013

Division 4 Results PREMIERSHIP LADDER Hawthorn Eley Park Sharks West Brunswick Point Cook North Brunswick Northern Blues Box Hill North Dragons Mt Lilydale Manningham Cobras Chadstone

P

18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18

W 14 14 12 11 10 8 6 6 4 3 0

L

2 2 4 5 6 8 10 10 12 13 16

D 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

B 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2

FF 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

For

2142 1975 1449 1606 1610 1597 1530 1181 1013 938 851

Agst 1030 1057 964 1081 1163 1448 1850 1458 1795 1877 2169

%

PTS

207.96 186.85 150.31 148.57 138.44 110.29 82.7 81 56.43 49.97 39.23

64 64 56 52 48 40 32 32 24 20 8

Division 4 Grand Final Eley Park Sharks 2.2-14 5.4-34 6.5-41 Northern Blues 0.6-6 4.6-30 8.12-60 Eley Park Sharks Goals: D. Perkins, A. Olson, N. Bahnsen, A. Pillay, D. McCabe, J. Peacock Best: Z. Khariwala, D. Viola, A. Peacock, D. McCabe, T. Pollock, C. Marsiglio Northern Blues Goals: E. Scott 2, L. McRedmond 2, M. Hammoud 2, M. Cigagna, T. Lehmann, T. Beames, D. Marcon Best: M. Hammoud, L. Carter, N. Spagnolo, J. Phelan, D. Calcedo, N. De Andrade

6.7-43 10.17-77

A.K. White Medal: Moustafa Hammoud - Northern Blues

Division 4 Preliminary Final 1 Eley Park Sharks Hawthorn

3.1-19 3.4-22

5.6-36 3.6-24

7.7-49 6.9-45

11.10-76 9.13-67

6.5-41 8.12-60

10.7-67 11.18-84

6.4-40 12.8-80

8.7-55 16.12-108

Eley Park Sharks Goals: N. Bahnsen 4, A. Olson 2, S. Barry, Z. Khariwala, D. Perkins, G. Deacon, C. Olson Best: D. Viola, A. Renshaw, A. Peacock, M. Viola, S. Barry, N. Bahnsen Hawthorn Goals: L. Piccolo 2, R. White 2, N. Brown 2, D. Kennedy, D. Tremewen, J. Rossoukas Best: D. Tremewen, R. White, J. Campbell, J. Perks, L. Piccolo, D. Pritchard

Division 4 Preliminary Final 2 West Brunswick Northern Blues

1.0-6 4.7-31

2.4-16 7.10-52

West Brunswick Goals: M. Holmes 3, S. Hulm 2, A. Gibson, C. Germon, J. Nulty, J. Beer, L. Martin Best: Z. Tisdale, S. Hulm, W. Baker, W. Vagg, L. Martin, A. Gibson Northern Blues Goals: D. Marcon 5, E. Scott 3, D. Calcedo, J. Higham, J. Twaits Best: D. Wakim, J. Twaits, L. McRedmond, T. Lehmann, M. Cigagna, C. Altis

Division 4 Qualifying Final 1 Hawthorn Northern Blues

3.1-19 3.4-22

3.2-20 8.6-54

Hawthorn Goals: P. Nunan 2, M. Pinkerton 2, J. Campbell, N. Raiti, J. Perks, D. Tremewen Best: R. White, D. Pritchard, P. Nunan, K. Davies, J. Lee, P. Avery Northern Blues Goals: E. Scott 4, N. Parkes 3, D. Marcon 3, G. Sutton, J. Higham, B. Parke, L. Carter, T. Beames, L. McRedmond Best: N. De Andrade, T. Beames, S. Maatouk, G. Sutton, N. Parkes, D. Marcon

Division 4 Qualifying Final 2 Eley Park Sharks North Brunswick

7.6-48 0.0

7.11-53 3.3-21

9.11-65 4.6-30

13.15-93 6.11-47

Eley Park Sharks Goals: D. Viola 3, A. Pillay 3, N. Bahnsen 2, D. McCabe, T. Pollock, D. Perkins, Z. Khariwala, A. Olson Best: M. Corstorphin, A. Peacock, T. Dingeldei, C. Marsiglio, M. Viola, C. Brown North Brunswick Goals: P. Notaro 2, P. Greco, D. Lucevic, O. Baring, R. Santacroce Best: D. Sansonetti, J. Davis, A. Tsiaras, D. Lucevic, K. Zuidema, P. Notaro

Division 4 Qualifying Final 3 West Brunswick Point Cook

O.J. Meehan Medal: David Tremewen (Hawthorn)

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2013

3.4-22 1.1-7

4.4-28 4.2-26

9.10-64 9.3-57

12.14-86 9.5-59

West Brunswick Goals: J. Beer 2, C. Germon 2, J. Nulty 2, M. Holmes, Z. Tisdale, J. Turner, C. Wills, J. Forbes, W. Stubbings Best: J. Beer, Z. Tisdale, W. Stubbings, C. Bull, E. Lloyd, C. Wills Point Cook Goals: R. Munn 3, J. O’Brien 2, P. Auciello, P. Archibald, M. Smith, P. Hegarty Best: C. Phillips, P. Hegarty, A. Auciello, J. Whitling, R. Barker, T. Wilson

40

Division 4 Reserves

PREMIERSHIP LADDER Eley Park Sharks West Brunswick Hawthorn North Brunswick Point Cook Dragons Northern Blues Box Hill North Manningham Cobras Mt Lilydale Chadstone

P

W

L

D

B

FF

For

Agst

%

PTS

18 18 18 17 18 18 18 18 17 18 18

15 14 12 10 10 10 6 4 3 2 1

1 2 4 5 6 6 10 12 12 14 15

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2

0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

1952 1661 1614 1302 1519 1413 1298 922 520 737 422

493 711 718 951 816 860 1268 1854 1748 1710 2267

395.94 233.61 224.79 136.91 186.15 164.3 102.37 49.73 29.75 43.1 18.61

68 64 56 52 48 48 32 24 20 16 12

Division 4 Reserves Premiership Team: Eley Park B: HB: C:

Owen Dickson, Jarrod Newton, Jonathon Kiklis Matt Boyle, Jake Priest, Grant Baker Mark Jackson, Ben Wignell, Dominic Handford

HF:

Brendan Rush, Josh Beasley, Drew Crawford

F:

Adam Farrugia, Travis Houlden, Trent Sigalas

R:

Adam Curphy (C), Norbert Bem, Leigh Booth (VC)

Int: Coach:

Ramy Raydan, James Wilson, Mitch Flynn, Emile Handford Darren Hawley

Division 4 Reserves Grand Final Eley Park Sharks

4.1-25

5.3-33

6.3-39

6.6-42

West Brunswick

2.1-13

5.3-33

5.5-35

5.7-37

Eley Park Sharks Goals: L. Booth 2, A. Farrugia 2, G. Baker , A. Curphey Best: M. Flynn, T. Sigalas, A. Curphey, B. Wignell, J. Kiklis, H. Priest West Brunswick Goals: B. Shepherd 3, J. Turner , J. Hopkins Best: M. Brookshaw, B. Shepherd, S. Clarke, R. Touzel, J. Turner, H. Lewis Best on ground: Mark Brookshaw (West Brunswick)

41

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2013

VAFA Representative Football Seniors VAFA IN A THRILLER The VAFA retained the Brian Molony Cup in another thrilling finish to their match against AFL Victoria Country. The VAFA were led by four goals from Brendan Goss and stellar performances in midfield by Uni Blues duo Peter Summers and Ross Young and Old Carey skipper Cam Howat. The three point win was dampened by a late knee injury to Old Carey’s Cameron Howat, who had been one of the Big V’s best to that point. The Country team challenged late and scores were locked at 79 each for much of the final term until a late flurry of VAFA behinds saw them hold on for a memorable win. The win for the VAFA levels the series at 7 wins each.

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2013

VAFA Seniors v AFL Vic Country Senior VAFA

5.1

8.4

10.9

11.16 (82)

AFL Vic Country

4.4

6.8

8.11

11.13 (79)

VAFA Seniors Goals: B. Goss 4, A. Pattison 2, C. Howat 2, P. Edgar 1, R. Young 1, J. Watts 1 Best: P. Summers, R. Young, C. Howat, B. Goss, R. Colbert, A. Bentick AFL Vic Country Seniors: Goals: J. Sheahan 4, D. Lewis 2, D. Micallef 1, T. Looby 1, S. McDonald 1, B. Kirby, J. Linton 1 Best: B. Hollow, L. Burke, S. McDonald, T. Looby, X. Moloney, L. Collins VAFA Best on Ground: Peter Summers (University Blues) Spirit of the Big V: Ross Young (University Blues) Coaches Best: Cam Howat (Old Carey)

42

Premier B-Division 4 SO NEAR YET SO FAR The introduction of a host of Premier B players to the Premier B-Division 4 side almost delivered a first ever victory over the AFL Victoria Country Number 2 team.

The final margin of a solitary point was a heartbreaker for the home side as they led by as much as 10 points with five minutes of playing time to go. Played at Collegians’ Harry Trott Oval a large crowd of over 1000 watched the Country side skip out to a 19 point lead at quarter time. The country held on to their advantage at the main break before debut representative coach Brett Voss roused his troops for a third quarter assault that yielded the VAFA 7.4. The VAFA held a three point lead at the final change and had kicked out to what looked like a winning lead only for the country side to rush home with a couple of quick goals. The one point margin was the closest ever between the two sides, with the impetus to continue these games into the future now garnered from the high quality nature of the clash.

43

VAFA Prem B-Div 4 v AFL Vic Country 2 AFL Vic Country 2

6.2

8.7

10.11

14.16 (100)

VAFA Prem B - Div 4

3.1

4.4

11.8

15.9 (99)

AFL Vic Country 2 Goals: R. Semmel 3, T. Jones 2, A. Clugston 2, N. Pekin 2, P. Minchington 1, R Bongetti 1, J. Burke, B. Strange 1, R. Sutton 1 BEST: D. Warry, D. Kelly, F. Priest, H. Wright, R. Johnston, T. Jones VAFA Prem B - Div 4 Goals: M. Boland 4, A. Armstrong 3, T. Paule 3, B. Iezzi 2, A. Patti 1, P. Florance 1, T. Ridgway 1 Best: T. Paule, J. Freezer, M. Grant, M. Dean, D. Bisetto, B. Iezzi VAFA Best on Ground: Tom Paule (Old Melburnians)

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2013

VAFA Representative Football Under 19 VAFA WIN BACK TITLE In arguably the highest standard under 19 fixture of the year, it was the VAFA U19 team that held on to defeat the AFL Vic Country U19 team by just four points. The Country team had a kick after the final siren to try to win the game but could only manage a behind. With the VAFA leading by 21 points at three quarter time and the Country struggling with their accuracy in front of goal, the final quarter was set to be a formality.

However it was anything but, as the AFL Vic Country started to run harder to space and more importantly kick goals. The country managed 3.6 for the term to the VAFA’s 1.1 and in the end it was the country’s poor kicking that cost them.

The VAFA were exceptionally well coached

by David Gately and were led brilliantly on the field by captain Gabe Hamilton (Old Trinity) and Ryan Eade (University Blues), who was the unanimous choice for the best on ground award. The VAFA U19 now take a 5-3 win loss record over the Country in their completed full matches since 2001.

VAFA U19 v AFL Vic Country U19 VAFA U19

3.3

4.7

6.12

7.13 (55)

AFL Vic Country U19

1.4

1.12

2.15

5.21 (51)

VAFA U19 Goals: K. Stewart 2, N. Petering 1, C. Matheson 1, J. Clarke 1, S. Kennedy 1, J. Pomeroy 1 Best: R. Eade, C. Matheson, C. Mangoni, G. Hamilton, M. Barnes, S. Kennedy AFL Vic Country U19 Goals: A. Dean 2, J. Porter 2, S. Martyn 1 Best: T. Gribble, C. Hargreaves, L. Dale, T. Miller, H. Morcombe, G. Hay Best on Ground: Ryan Eade (University Blues)

Back Row (Left to Right): Ben Hodges (Property Steward), Charlie Dillon (Parkdale Vultures), Jordan Clarke (Old Scotch), Patrick Millsom (Marcellin), Ryan Eade (University Blues), Oliver Cavallaro (Old Brighton), James Gaff (Old Carey), Charlie Craig (University Blues), Ben Gately (Runner) Middle Row (Left to Right): Nigel Credlin (Director of Rep Football), Gerard Gleeson (St Kevins), Callum Matheson (St Kevins), Joseph Fisscher (Old Haileybury), Jack Hurley (Old Scotch), Shaun Kennedy (St Kevins), Stewart Keegan (Caulfield Gramm), Jordan Pomeroy (Peninsula), Thomas Buckley (Beaumaris), Chris Mathieson (Assistant Coach) Front Row (Left to Right): Tim Noonan (Football Operations), Josh Taylor (St Kevins), Josh Ward (Beaumaris), Nicholas Petering (Monash Blues), Gabe Hamilton (Old Trinity) - Captain, David Gately (Coach), Michael Barnes (St Bedes/Mentone Tigers), Charlie Haley (De La Salle), Chris Mangoni (St Bedes/Mentone Tigers), Brent Sheahan (University Blacks), Jeffrey Jankie (Team Manager)

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2013

44

Under 23 VAFA TOO GOOD FOR SAAFL The VAFA U23 representative team slammed on six first quarter goals to setup a 15 point win over the SAAFL. The VAFA led by as much as 8 goals early in the last before the South Australians were able to kick some consolation goals. Phil Edgar was amongst the best for the Vics as he finished with three goals. Captain Jack Bull led from the front putting in a masterful opening quarter that helped the Vics gain a big advantage over the Croweaters. Bart Walsh was awarded the best player on the ground for his brilliant and tireless work rebounding o halfback.

Jacob Williams won plenty of ball through the middle of the ground whilst Brendan Goss had multiple opportunities to kick goals but only managed 2.5 for the afternoon. Tom Penberthy rucked tirelessly for most of the afternoon and PEGS dynamo Cam Livori had a blinder of a first half that was capped o with him receiving the Spirit of the Big V Award.

45

VAFA U23 v SAAFL U23 VAFA U23

6.4

9.5

12.9

13.13.(91)

SAAFL U23

2.3

4.5

5.9

11.10.(76)

VAFA U23 Goals: P Edgar 3, J Lew 2, B Goss 2, T Penberthy, J Bull, A Patti, J North, T McKinley, M Rippon Best: B Walsh, J Williams, J Bull, C Livori, P Edgar, T McKinley Best on Ground: Bart Walsh (Banyule) Spirit of the Big V: Cam Livori (PEGS)

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2013

VAFA Representative Football Ireland Tour GAME 1 - BIG V DEFEATS CORK RIVALS

two from the Combine. The last stanza again failed to produce results for effort. Again, the VAFA outshot the Dubliners, but on the scoreboard, they slipped further behind. The Spirit of the Big V was awarded to Tom Paule, whilst Dimitri Dimakopoulos, Ben Smithwick, Ned Hunt, Adam Weekes and Pete Summers were in the best.

GAME 4: BIG V WINS TO CLOSE 2013 TOUR

The VAFA welcomed a successful start to the tour with an 86 point win over Na Piarsaigh.

From the outset, the visitors won all the contests that mattered and the home team never threatened. The Victorian midfield was supreme with Ross Young, Peter Summers, Bede Mahon, Marcus Allan and Jarrod Carlson providing massive drive. When the Corkians did venture forward, Bart Walsh and goalkeeper Lachy McQueen-Miscamble among others turned them away. Aaron Thornton, Dimitri Dimakopoulos and Adam Collett saw plenty of action and displayed deft touch from early doors. Ash Close and Brendan Goss provided a pivotal 1-2 forward combination. Co-coach Quinton Gleeson’s pre-game address drew on a war story of encouragement and bravery which help motivate the team to victory.

GAME 3: BIG V IMPROVES AGAINST ALL IRELAND TEAM

The Big V maintained its unbeaten record

Final scores: VAFA 7-18-6 (102) d Na Piarsaigh 0-5-1 (16) Unders (6 points): Close 2, Goss 1, Summers 1, Allan 1, McQueen-Miscamble 1, Dimakopoulos 1 Overs (3 points): Goss 3, Close 3, Summers 2, Walsh 2, Thornton 2, Smithwick 1, Bentick 1, Paule 1, Mahon 1, McQueen-Miscamble 1, Allan 1

GAME 2 - VAFA FALL TO COMBINED DUBLIN UNI’S

Dublin Universities 2-2-2 (20) 3-6-2 (38) 3-8-2 (44) 4-10-3 (57) VAFA 0-2-1 (7) 0-5-1 (16) 0-7-6 (27) 0-10-9 (39) VAFA Overs/Behinds: Goss 5.2, Close 2.1, Smithwick 1.1, Paule 1.0, Walsh 1.0, Summers 0.4, Adam Collett 0.1

Under cloudy skies, the Big V fell to a combined Dublin Universities outfit that proved bigger, faster and more purposeful than the visitors. The men in green opened their account with an under at 6 minutes and then an “over” a minute later. Ash Close snuck in a behind before the Dubliners overed again. Nine minutes had elapsed and the Big V was down by 12-1, despite kicking with a heavy wind. Brendan Goss and Ash Close both overed but the recovery was shortlived as the home team netted a penalty to finish the quarter. A 13 point deficit at the first change hardly matched expectations.

The second term seemed a sharper effort, but the scoreboard didn’t reflect it. Bart Walsh and Ben Smithwick struck threes in rapid succession, but in the fourth minute, the Irish atoned with another six and then a three. That half-time margin of 22 points was the largest of the game, as the Vics hit back hard in the third, with seven shots to just

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2013

All-Ireland: 10-12-6 (102) d VAFA: 0-4-4 (16) VAFA Overs/Behinds: Goss 3.1, Thornton 1.0, Smithwick 0.2, Dimakopoulos 0.1 Best: R Young, Dimakopoulos, Patti, Weekes, Costas, Goss.

After the disappointing loss to the Dublin Universities, the Big V turned on its finest performance of the Irish tour, pressuring its way to their biggest ever score against the All-Ireland team. At Breffni Park the VAFA stunned the Emerald Islanders with a polished and passionate performance. The Vics won the first contest of the night with a tap from Lachlan McQueen-Miscamble to Ross Young, who drove the visitors into attack for the first of many forays forward.

Coaches Quinton Gleeson and John Kanis heaped praise on their team for endeavor and perseverance at half time. It was Brendan Goss who overed again just 2 minutes into the third stanza, and the energy level lifted again. The final score was 102-16, but all who saw the game witnessed a great contest. The All-Ireland team was happy, even keen, to swap its national jumpers for the Big V postgame.

VAFA 1-11-5-(44) d Donaghmore Ashbourne 2-5-9-(36) Scorers (Goals/Overs/Behinds): R Young 0.2.2, Bentick 0.2.1, Close 0.2.0, Summers 1.0.0, Smithwick 0.1.1, Mahon 0.1.0, Costas 0.1.0, Paule 0.1.0, Goss 0.1.0, Walsh 0.0.1 Best: Summers, Dimakopoulos, R Young, Paule, A Young, Smithwick, Collett

against Donaghmore-Ashbourne in the final match of the tour with a exciting six point victory on Sunday afternoon. The Vics, down to nineteen players with the calf injury to Marcus Allan, called on former Woodrow Medallist

and

team

co-coach

Quinton

Gleeson to sharpen his sprigs for the final time. Close booted two overs in the first stanza and Ross Young got one, but the Donnies looked the better team, leading 15-11 at the turn despite great efforts from Adam Collett in the red goalkeeper’s shirt.

Early in the second the home side scored twice to take an 8 point lead. The Vics look rattled but responded in a brilliant backsto-the-wall display. The match was tied at 19 at half time and the VAFA held a 5 point break at the last change. The hosts opened the scoring in the last with an over but Goss quickly responded. It was a massive win for the squad who put in their best team performance of the tour. Glenn Costas and Jarrod Carlson played their finest games of the trip while Dimitri Dimakopoulos was awarded the Spirit of the Big V award for his dashes from defence.

46

Under 18 tour in New Zealand In the fifth edition of this annual series against AFLNZ, a selection of VAFA Under 18 players defeated the best Under 18 talent from New Zealand. This year the team returned to Parrs Park in Auckland and both teams approached the match ferociously, the Kiwi tackling prowess on display. Not to be beaten in this area, the VAFA players rose to the challenge and showed they could tackle with just as much venom. Whilst a physical contest, it was the VAFA team’s experience and football smarts that saw them take a strangle hold of the match. To the credit of the New Zealand team, they continued to fight the game out and won the last quarter.

The VAFA ended up with a 52 point win.

Match 1 AFL NZ U18 v VAFA U18

Our U18 team made it two wins from two matches defeating the Kiwis by 46 points in

VAFA’s Best VAFA Player: Liam Hard (St Bedes/Mentone Tigers) AFLNZ’s Best VAFA Player: Max Waters (Kew)

AFL NZ U18

2.3

3.4

4.7

7.9.(51)

VAFA U18

3.5

8.9

15.11

15.13.(103)

VAFA Goals: Ergul 3, Angley 2, Hard 2, O’Toole 2, Waters 2, Gregory 1, Healey 1, Lovejoy 1, Moore 1 Best: Hard, Johnstone, Lovejoy, Moore, Stoios, O’Toole VAFA’s Best VAFA Player: Liam Hard (St Bedes/Mentone Tigers) AFLNZ Best VAFA Player: Tom Johnstone (Williamstown CYMS)

Match 2 AFL NZ U18 v VAFA U18 AFL NZ U18

2.2

5.5

6.6

8.11.(59)

VAFA U18

4.4

8.6

14.6

16.9.(105)

VAFA Goals: Hard 3, Hickey 3, O’Toole 3, Ergul 3, Douglas 1, Gregory 1, Henley 1, Katsambanis 1 Best: Hard, Lovejoy, Waters, Grange, Johnstone, O’Toole

match 2 of the series. In sunny conditions and with a slight breeze favouring one end, the Kiwis came out firing early. However the VAFA were able to steady to take a slim advantage at the first term. The game was broken open in the third term as the VAFA’s powerful running game came the fore. VAFA confidence continued to soar in the second half, with a weekend spent together on the road allowing the team to bond and get a good feel for how each other played. The Kiwis continued to fight hard in the final quarter, as they had done in match 1. Credit should go to the coaching staff, led by coach Owen Lalor and David Gately, his assistant.

VAFA continues to lead the way when it comes to pushing development of the game in New Zealand.

Big V Club 2013 Inductees John Anderson (Old Scotch) – Big V Champion Big V career • 11 games for the Big V across 1972, 73, 74, 75, 76 and 77 • Played in 2 AAFC Carnivals • Vice Captain in 1974 and 1976

47

Ian Cordner (University Blacks & Old Melburnians) – Big V Legend Ian was made a Big V Champion in 2008 and was elevated to the status of Big V Legend.

Big V Career • 11 games for the Big V 1973, ‘77, ’78, 1979, 1980, 1982 • Captain in 1979, 1980 • Vice Captain in 1978, 1982 • Played in 3 AAFC Carnivals • Big V Team Manager in 1985 • All Australian Captain in 1979 (2 matches)

Bruno Conti (North Old Boys) – Big V Champion Big V Career • 16 games across the years 1986, 89, 90, 91, 93, 93, 94 • Played in 4 AAFC carnivals • Best Player for Victoria 1990 v South Australia • All-Australian 89/91 • Vice Captain in 6 games in 1990, ‘93, ‘94, • Big V Selector - 13 games over 9 years - 1998 (C-D4), 1999-2006 (Senior team) · VAFA Board Member (05-present), Chairman 07-12 - Involved in 36 games over 9 years

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2013

Under 19 Forty-eight teams entered into five under 19 sections at the start of the year and most satisfyingly, all 48 completed the season. Old Brighton and St Kevin’s joined the Premier section with a few changes between other sections to obtain the most balanced split. The standard of football on offer in the VAFA U19 competition is best expressed by the quality of football talent on display when the VAFA selects their U19 representative side. Evidence that it is indeed the best under age competition was presented when this year’s best VAFA U19 footballers managed to defeat the best U19 footballers from the combined resources of AFL Victoria’s country leagues.

In U19 Premier, Old Xaverians and St Bedes/ Mentone Tigers set the bar high, both winning their first seven games to end up occupying the top two spots on the ladder and playing off in the Grand Final. In what was brilliant game of football, the U19 Premier Grand Final had it all. The Tigers pinched a flag that was Xav’s for the taking. Old Xaverians took the four points on both occasions during the season, and had won the second semi in a manner suggesting a repeat would occur in the Grand Final. However the Tigers came into the match with a winning game plan; the match produced numerous lead changes and the major upset of the year. St Bedes/ Mentone Tigers claimed premiership glory by one straight kick. Tiger Brett Denton won the Newbury Medal for best and fairest in the section. Old Xaverian Harry Healey booted 53 goals to be the leading goal kicker of the section. St Kevin’s, who had been promoted and St Bernard’s were the other finalists, whilst last year’s premiers De La Salle were unable to defend their title finishing fifth. The other promoted side Old Brighton could only manage one victory for the season.

After a disappointing 2012 season, Fitzroy bounced back and claimed the U19 Section 2 premiership by 39 points over Werribee who had been a consistent side in the past two years in the section. Parkdale Vultures and Collegians finished third and fourth accordingly as a Lions young gun in Sam Hibbins claimed the McTaggart Medal as the competition’s best and fairest.

New sides AJAX and Williamstown opened their Section 3 campaigns successfully, both cementing a spot in the top 4 by the end. In the home and away season, Northern Blues were the strongest side and continually showed their dominance in the section, finishing minor premiers. However consecutive seasons of straight sets exits is not what the club would have wanted. Blues ultimately struggled to hit the scoreboard successfully over the finals series, as their best talent found their way into the senior side on the march to a premiership. The grand final between AJAX and Whitefriars produced a close, tight knit encounter, but it was the Friars who finished stronger to outscore their opponents in the final term to have the game end in a draw. Extra time was played and that extra run saw Whitefriars claim the flag at Trevor Barker Oval. Northern Blues star Moustafa Hammoud won the I.A Brown Medal for the section best and fairest with 24 votes, whilst team mate Damien Delle-Vergini led the goal kicking with 51.

St Mary’s Salesian had a year to remember, third at the end of the home and away, they became the Under 19 North premiers defeating Old Ivanhoe who had finished the season in top spot. As the saying goes, ‘finals football is a different game’ and this played out in a game that had to be seen to be believed. The Saints struggled to find the goals all day and by the last change were 22 points down. There must have been something in the three quarter time oranges as St Mary’s Salesian produced the quarter of their season, kicking seven goals to one to win the premiership by 16 points. The victory also brought team success to the Saints talented crop of players with Kyle Buchanan, who was joint winner of the section best and fairest with Maxwell Kirwan of Old Ivanhoe and star forwards Louis Holmes and Dylan Cook, first and second in the leading

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2013

48

goalkicker award all adding team honours to their individual awards. Ivanhoe and Therry Penola rounded out the top four of the section, with St Bernard’s the next best.

Oakleigh were the benchmark in Under 19 South, with St Bedes/Mentone Tigers, Old Mentonians and Beaumaris all trying to thwart the Krushers bid for a flag. After last year’s premiership success in the Under 18 section, the Krushers went back-to-back, defeating the Tigers to win the flag. Power forward Aaron Cloke reached his century of goals in the final round of the year; a season highlight earlier in the year was his 22 goals in one match. Cloke also finished second in the section best and fairest with 23 votes behind Adam Hardeman of Beaumaris with 27 votes. Beaumaris were knocked out by the Tigers in the preliminary final by a kick and Old Mentonians finished fourth.

Olivia Crowe

PREMIERSHIP LADDER Old Xaverians St Bedes / Mentone Tigers St Kevins St Bernards De La Salle Old Scotch Old Melburnians Beaumaris University Blues Old Brighton

P

W

L

D

B

FF

For

Agst

%

PTS

18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18

17 15 13 11 9 8 7 5 3 1

1 3 5 6 9 10 10 13 15 17

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 0 0

2183 1659 1579 1529 1496 1497 1476 1311 1107 575

832 1076 1060 1169 1217 1409 1443 1597 1959 2650

262.38 154.18 148.96 130.8 122.93 106.25 102.29 82.09 56.51 21.7

68 60 52 46 36 32 30 20 12 4

Under 19 Premier Grand Final Old Xaverians

2.3-15

3.6-24

9.11-65

13.14-92

St Bedes / Mentone Tigers

1.4-10

8.7-55

9.8-62

14.14-98

Old Xaverians Goals: L. Barry 4, J. Skene 2, T. Williams 2, H. Davies, M. Cain, H. Healey, O. Silk, T. Beaton Best: L. Barry, J. Skene, H. Batten, H. Davies, T. Williams, C. Margin St Bedes / Mentone Tigers Goals: M. Hoy 6, C. McCready 2, J. Dalzotto, J. Beckwith, T. Jeans, J. O’Kearney, A. Cross, M. Caia Best: M. Hoy, B. O’Toole, J. O’Kearney, D. Moloney, L. Hard, J. Bower TA Johnson Medallist: Daniel Moloney (St Bedes/Mentone Tigers)

Leading Goalkickers Name

Club

Harry Healey

Old Xaverians

Matthew Panton

Old Melburnians

Goals 53* (56) 52 *Sharpshooter (Including Finals)

CR Newbury Medal Player

Club

Brett Denton

St Bedes/Mentone Tigers

Votes 16

Luke Barry

Old Xaverians

14

Under 19 Premier: St Bedes/Mentone Tigers B: HB: C: HF:

Jack Bower, Thomas McMahon, Matthew Caia Jack Beckwith (VC) Samuel D ‘Andrea Jack O’Kearney (C) Timothy Jeans, Brayden O’Toole, Benjamin Nicoll (VC)

F:

Alex Whalebone Matthew Hoy James Dalzotto

R:

Mitchell Kent Brett Denton Alexander Cross

Int:

49

Juy Capp, Ben Wighton, Liam Hard

Daniel Moloney, Michael O’Connor, Christopher McCready, Finn Neaves, Taylor Gogerly, Cameron Antonuccio

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2013

Under 19 Section 2 PREMIERSHIP LADDER Fitzroy Werribee Parkdale Vultures Collegians Old Trinity University Blacks Caulfield Grammarians Mazenod Old Carey Marcellin

P

W

L

D

B

FF

For

Agst

%

PTS

18 17 18 17 18 18 18 18 18 18

15 14 12 11 8 7 6 6 5 4

3 3 6 6 10 11 12 12 12 13

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

1631 1673 1771 1258 1151 1268 1267 911 1199 1019

1052 1122 1215 1057 1260 1437 1603 1280 1569 1553

155.04 149.11 145.76 119.02 91.35 88.24 79.04 71.17 76.42 65.61

60 58 48 46 32 28 24 24 22 18

GW McTaggart Medal

Under 19 Section 2 Grand Final Fitzroy Werribee

4.3-27 2.2-14

12.11-83 3.4-22

15.11-101 10.7-67

19.18-132 14.9-93

Fitzroy Goals: J. Hill 5, D. Cooney-O’Donoghue 4, K. Menzies 3, J. McCormack 3, D. Leech 2, J. Meltzer, L. Edwards Best: L. Baker, D. Leech, J. Sawyer, J. Hill, J. McCormack, D. Cooney-O’Donoghue Werribee Goals: M. Smith 4, J. Lawson 2, H. Acciarito 2, C. Sullivan 2, M. Despott, D. Briscoe, D. Thomas, P. O’Brien Best: M. Fitzpatrick, M. Smith, C. Sullivan, P. O’Brien, B. Monk, J. Lawson JA Miles Medallist: Luke Baker (Fitzroy)

Club Fitzroy Collegians

Club Collegians Fitzroy

Votes 17 16

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

Leading Goalkickers Name Joseph Hill Sam Hibbins

Player Sam Hibbins Dylan Leech

Bryce McAdam, James Steinfort, Josh Sawyer Aiden Tregillis, Edward Bryan, Nathan Ligris Jacob Fraser, Sam Dalton, Mike Matters Diarmuid Cooney-O’Donoghue (C), Luke Edwards, Kia Menzies Jules Meltzer, Joe Hill, Angelo Garcia Dylan Leech, Luke Baker, Jacob McCormack Jordan McDonald, Evan Evagora, Otto Ishak, Calum Ryan, Harrison Simcoe, Sam Gill Bruce Edwards

Goals 51* (57) 45 (47)

Under 19 Section 3 PREMIERSHIP LADDER Northern Blues AJAX Williamstown CYMS Whitefriars Old Camberwell Old Xaverians PEGS Old Geelong

P

W

L

D

B

FF

For

Agst

%

PTS

18 18 18 17 18 18 18 17

16 12 12 11 10 9 3 2

2 6 6 6 8 9 15 15

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0

1640 1572 1591 1366 1200 1245 688 695

872 1029 1135 1039 1152 1220 1741 1809

188.07 152.77 140.18 131.47 104.17 102.05 39.52 38.42

64 48 48 48 40 36 12 8

Under 19 Section 3 Grand Final AJAX Whitefriars

2.4-16 2.2-14

IA Brown Medal 7.8-50 8.2-50

9.10-64 9.5-59

11.16-82 14.6-90

AJAX Goals: A. Thurin 2, D. Klotnick 2, B. Schwartz 2, J. Kalmus, J. Bade-Boon, D. Cohen, T. Rogers, J. Yarrow Best: J. Forbes, J. Goldberg, N. Lewis, S. Lustig, M. Rechtman, J. Yarrow Whitefriars Goals: C. Hickey 5, E. Gilbert 3, T. Petts 2, S. Currie, B. Dinh, T. Baker, B. Tatterson Best: M. Malt, T. Petts, S. Currie, T. Baker, C. Hickey, B. Kelsey T.M. Lyon Medallist: Mitchell Malt (Whitefriars)

Leading Goalkickers Name Damien Delle-Vergini Ciaran Hickey

Club Northern Blues Whitefriars

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2013

Goals 51* (52) 44 (54)

Player Moustafa Hammoud Adam Lerner Mitchell Malt

Club Northern Blues AJAX Whitefriars

Votes 24 22 22

Under 19 Section 3 Premiership Team: Whitefriars B: HB: C: HF: F: R: Int: Coach:

Luke Galtieri, Luke Sandy, Jack Hardy Matthew Gasowski, Glenn Ibbott, Toby McGurgan Ryan Malt, Tim Petts, Ben Kelsey Jason Spencer, Daniel Nilsson, Nick Hee Ciaran Hickey, Eamon Gilbert, Bryan Dinh (VC) Tim Baker (VC), Sean Currie, Mitchell Malt (C) Tim Nilsson, Tom Lewis, Matthew Perrin, Ben Tatterson, Nick Adam, Anthony Guiliano Jeremy Freeman

50

Under 19 North PREMIERSHIP LADDER Old Ivanhoe Ivanhoe St Mary’s Salesian Therry Penola St Bernards Old Westbourne MHSOB La Trobe University Old Haileybury Old Paradians

P

W

L

D

B

FF

For

Agst

%

PTS

17 17 18 17 17 15 18 13 13 17

15 14 15 12 10 5 5 3 1 1

2 3 3 5 7 10 13 10 12 16

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

1 1 0 1 1 0 0 1 0 0

1995 2006 2161 1723 1818 1016 971 895 581 499

822 815 902 946 1001 1771 2051 1174 1775 2456

242.7 246.13 239.58 182.14 181.62 57.37 47.34 76.24 32.73 20.32

64 60 60 52 44 20 20 16 4 4

H Harisiou Medal

Under 19 Section 2 Grand Final Old Ivanhoe St Mary’s Salesian

4.2-26 1.0-6

6.7-43 2.5-17

8.8-56 4.10-34

9.9-63 11.13-79

Old Ivanhoe Goals: R. Skok 4, N. Marshall, C. Matheson, J. Apostolopoulos, D. Inglese, M. Kirwan Best: N. Marshall, S. Wilcox, R. Skok, M. Broughan, N. Kenyon-Smith, J. Apostolopoulos St Mary’s Salesian Goals: D. Gook 4, X. Leonard 2, L. Holmes 2, L. Power, B. Andrews, K. Buchanan Best: N. Bussell, D. Gook, A. Pathirana, M. Howard, K. Buchanan, B. Andrews P.J. Harris Medallist: Ben Andrews (St Mary’s Salesian)

Leading Goalkickers Name Louis Holmes Dylan Gook

Club St Mary’s Salesian St Mary’s Salesian

Player Kyle Buchanan Maxwell Kirwan Callum Matheson

Votes 15 15 14

Under 19 North Premiership Team: St Mary’s Salesian B: HB: C: HF: F: R: Int: Coach:

Goals 78* (86) 51 (64)

Club St Mary’s Salesian Old Ivanhoe Old Ivanhoe

Alex De Vries, Nick Ludwig, Michael Howard Alex Bussell, Kyle Duerden (DVC), Matt Curtain Charlie Angley, Ben Andrews (Capt), Lachlan Power Nick Bussell, Will Douglas, Xavier Leonard Dylan Gook, Louis Holmes, Jack Sutherland Nick Curwood, Kyle Buchanan (VC), Ananth Pathirana Andrew Morris, James Gallus, Reuben Williams, Dane Schipper, Lachlan Pattison, Danny Zacharopoulos David Malcom

Under 19 South PREMIERSHIP LADDER Oakleigh St Bedes / Mentone Tigers Old Mentonians Beaumaris De La Salle Peninsula Monash Blues Hampton Rovers Ormond Parkdale Vultures

P

W

L

D

B

FF

For

Agst

%

PTS

18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18

16 13 13 12 10 8 8 5 4 1

2 5 5 6 8 10 10 13 14 17

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

2205 1883 1903 1734 1459 1274 1107 1047 1338 671

822 1193 1261 1207 1558 1429 1312 1713 1897 2299

268.25 157.84 150.91 143.66 93.65 89.15 84.38 61.12 70.53 29.19

64 52 52 48 40 32 32 20 16 4

Under 19 South Best and Fairest Medal

Under 19 South Grand Final Oakleigh St Bedes / Mentone Tigers

5.0-30 2.1-13

9.2-56 6.2-38

11.6-72 8.3-51

14.11-95 10.6-66

Oakleigh Goals: A. Cloke 4, Z. Pearce-Thomas 4, B. Still 2, M. Tate 2, A. Mase, K. Schmauder Best: M. Tate, A. Deneys, A. Cloke, S. Murray, Z. Pearce-Thomas, B. Still St Bedes / Mentone Tigers Goals: J. Vawdrey 3, J. Symons 2, T. Pastura, B. Schubert, J. Young, S. Lay, A. Heatley Best: J. Townley, J. Vawdrey, M. Powell, J. Pastura, T. Pollard, A. Heatley J.S. Simpson Medallist: Michael Tate (Oakleigh)

Leading Goalkickers Name Aaron Cloke Brandon Crimmins

Club Oakleigh Beaumaris

51

Goals 100* (110) 52 (55)

Player Adam Hardeman Aaron Cloke

Club Beaumaris Oakleigh

Votes 27 23

Under 19 South Premiership Team: Oakleigh B: HB: C: HF: F: R: Int: Coach:

Sam Ciavarella, Scott Murray, Nick Guerin Alex Seremalis, Zac Barrett, Chris Pearson Luke Pappon, Austin Deneys, Chris Grant Andrew Mase, Zach Pearce-Thomas, Jake Benoiton Ben Still, Aaron Cloke, Jake Lever Jack Davidson, Mick Tate, Liam Gillard Joey Cook, Tex Minchin, Andrew Weymouth, Matt Aranha, Kyle Schmauder, Tom Nolan Dave White

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2013

Under 18 Collegians, Kew, Point Cook and Richmond Central joined the Under 18 competition for the first time with both Kew and Point Cook cementing a finals spot by season’s end.

Kew were all class making a clear statement early on in the year and it continued through to the end as they were undefeated on the way to a premiership win over Werribee by 78 points. A perfect season, as their Vice Captain Joel Dale, claimed the under 18 section best and fairest medal. Werribee Districts replicated their 2012 season with the same win-loss ratio, second spot on the ladder and a second unsuccessful grand final in two years. It is the last time we will see them in VAFA competition as the club has elected to play in the WRFL. Despite a slow start and four wins to their name in 2013,

PREMIERSHIP LADDER

Point Cook impressed in their first season in the section under Coach Glenn McAlpine, finishing fourth, winning a final and falling agonisingly short (1 point) in the preliminary final against Werribee. Williamstown CYMS were another improved side, lifting from two wins last year to ten victories this season to finish fourth. St Bernards will hope that new under 18 talent will lift them from their fifth place finish next year.

Under 18 Grand Final

P

W

L

D

B

FF

For

Agst

%

PTS

Kew

18

16

0

2

0

0

1793

416

431.01

72

Werribee Districts

18

12

4

2

0

0

1089

844

129.03

56

Williamstown CYMS

18

10

6

2

0

0

930

910

102.2

48

Point Cook

18

9

7

2

0

0

998

727

137.28

44

St Bernards

18

9

7

2

0

0

1024

806

127.05

44

Collegians

18

5

11

2

0

0

595

946

62.9

28

St Mary’s Salesian

18

4

12

2

0

0

710

1247

56.94

24

UHS-VU

18

4

12

2

0

0

505

1150

43.91

24

Richmond Central

18

3

13

2

0

0

697

1362

51.17

20

Kew AFC

1.2-8

5.7-37

10.13-73

16.19-115

Werribee Districts

0.2-2

1.6-12

3.7-25

5.7-37

Kew AFC Goals: T. Barbera 4, T. Hayward 4, R. Maibaum 2, C. Quinlivan 2, B. Van Leeuwen, J. Lane, M. Walch, J. Benson Best: J. Dale, M. Walch, R. Maibaum, T. Hayward, Z. Jones, T. Barbera Werribee Districts Goals: M. Defina, C. Yeoell, S. Long, M. Frenkel, A. Limina Best: A. Gatty, J. Kaklikos, B. Parker, A. Daw, C. Lawerson, D. Stoios

UHS - VU showed improvement from a winless 2012, managing four wins this season. Collegians improved week in week out, playing some good football towards the end of the season against quality opposition.

St Mary’s Salesian dropped away from last year’s efforts while Richmond Central struggled in their first year to find a regular winning formula.

Harry Overman Medalist: Tieran Barbera (Kew)

Olivia Crowe

VAFA Best and Fairest Medal

Leading Goalkickers Name

Club

Jeremy Sullivan

St Bernards

Goals 35*

Jonathan Kaklikos

Werribee Districts

33 (34)

Tyler Hayward

Kew

27 (33) *Sharpshooter (Including Finals)

Player

Club

Votes

joel Dale

Kew

13

Anthony Daw

Werribee Districts

12

Cody Day

Point Cook

12

Callum Spencer

Kew

12

Lindsay Moreen

St Mary’s Salesian

11

Under 18 Premiership Team Kew B:

Billy Shute, Tyler Hayward, Marshall Sadikin

C:

Tieren Barbera, Jai Lane (C), Michael Kinsella

HF:

Joshua Weightman, Robert Maibaum, Jayden Barker

F:

Callum Spencer, Darcy Sketcher, Corey Quinlivan

R:

Blake Van Leeuwen, Zachary Jones, Joel Dale (VC)

Int: Coach:

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2013

Blair Hudson, James Thompson, Mathew Jeffrey

HB:

Kyle Margaritas, Timothy Laughlin, Mitchell Walch (VC), Jett Guerin, Ethan Murray, Jonny Benson Ian Aitken

52

Club XVIII In Season 2013, the Club XVIII competition reverted to three sections.

Sections 1 and 2 comprised eight teams each whilst Section 3 comprised of six teams, two of whom were making their debut in the section .

Unfortunately after all pre season planning and optimism, several clubs suffered player losses which made them less competitive and in the case of Oakleigh were forced to withdraw early in the season. This situation produced the flow on effect of unevenness in each section so for the last rounds, the paramount interest centred around the final finishing order of the top four teams in each section.

Despite the problems of player availability and unevenness, the competitions remained keen as matches were played with high intensity. The classic instance of the unpredictable was the defeat of the eventual premiers, Richmond Central by the fifth placed Dragons who won only thrice during the 15 round season. For Richmond Central this solitary defeat denied them the title Champion a feat achieved by Old Xaverians in Section 1 and by Hawthorn in Section 2.

In Section 1, the quest for the final four was narrowed to five participants as Oakleigh withdrew. Neither Fitzroy or Monash Blues were able to achieve regular success. De La Salle started slowly and gained momentum late in the season when they were able to displace Old Geelong from the top four.

In the semi finals, St Bernard’s defeated both De La Salle and Prahran/ Assumption en route to the Grand Final where they faced the undefeated Old Xaverians. The Crocodiles of Old Xaverians record of winning premierships at this level is phenomenal and again the proved their prowess and overpowered the Snowdogs by 123 points.

Congratulations to all Old Xaverian players on their achievement. Individual honours were achieved by Xaverians, Beau Runnell who won the King/ Landrigan Medal for the best player awarded in the Grand Final and James McDonnell who again was the leading goal kicker in the section. The Stephen Mason Medal for the Best and Fairest player in the competition was won by Ben Oakley from De La Salle.

In Section 2 for much of the season, five clubs vied for the top four places.

Hampton Rovers, Bulleen Templestowe and Whitefriars, although achieving some success, were not able to extend the top bracket of clubs. Emmaus/ St Leo’s, aided by the inclusion of several recruits, proved the surprise packet of the season as they finished in second place after Round 15.

Therry Penola and Williamstown CYMS were not able to maintain their top form late in the season when injuries and travel took their toll. Ormond again showed improvement as the season advanced. This improvement was carried into the semi finals when the Brown and Blues defeated both Williamstown CYMS and Emmaus/ St Leo’s to win the right to challenge undefeated Hawthorn in the Grand Final. Despite a spirited third quarter comeback by Ormond, which saw them cut the Hawthorn lead, the section Champions proved equal to the challenge and won the premiership decider by 38 points.

Congratulations go to all Hawthorn players on their achievements in 2013 and it in someway makes up losing the two previous Grand Finals. Individual honours went to Ormond’s, Daniel Brosnan and Hawthorn’s Ari Mitropoulos, who tied as the leading goal kickers. Emmaus/ St Leo’s Mark Petryk won the competition best and fairest award.

Congratulations to all Richmond Central players on their successful season. Individual honours were won by Eley Park’s Nicholas Greenhalf, adjudged best and fairest in the section and Joshua Brown who won the goal kicking.

Despite the domination of each Section by the eventual premiers, the Club XVIII competition again proved popular and an essential part of the club structure and he attendances at the finals, each of which was played at Sportscover Arena, were high. A pleasing feature of those in attendance was the amount of members of participating clubs, which demonstrated the value of Club XVIII participation in individual club structures.

After many seasons as the coordinator of Club XVIII umpires David Windlow announced his retirement from this demanding position.

David’s name is synonymous with Club XVIII as he has officiated in the field since its inception. David’s efforts have been recognised by the naming of the Section 2 Premiership Cup in his honour and it is hoped he will still be a participant in Season 2014. From all of us associated with Club XVIII Football, thank you David.

Norm Nugent

Two of the six teams of Section 3 were new to Club XVIII, with Masala new to the VAFA. As in the other sections the composition of the final four was never in doubt as neither Dragons or Masala were able to outplay the top four teams. The exception was the only defeat of Richmond Central by the Dragons, which reinforced the glorious uncertainty of Australian football. The first semi final, played under lights at Sportscover Arena, saw Kew defeat University High School/ VU. Ladder leaders Richmond Central defeated Eley Park in the second semi final to gain their spot in the Grand Final. Eley Park proved too strong for Kew in the preliminary final before going down to the rampant Richmond Central in the premiership decider by 59 points.

David Windlow pictured left

53

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2013

Club XVIII Results Club XVIII (1) Premiership Team: Old Xaverians B: HB: C: HF:

Nick Silk, Dan Tehan, Josh Silk Nick Aird, Nick Larkins, Liam Farrow Tim O’Meara, Ben Kelly, Tim Silk Beau Runnalls, Matt Green, Nick Corcoran

F:

Nick Bye, James McDonnell (VC), Clint McIntyre (VC)

R:

Cam Purss, Daniel Higgins, Andrew Barrett (C)

Int: Coach:

Andrew Nolen, David Rees, Darra Conlon,Will Molony, Ciaran Nolan, Andrew Jones, Nicholas Barden Joe McGrath

Club XVIII (1) Grand Final

PREMIERSHIP LADDER Club XVIII (1) Old Xaverians Prahran Assumption St Bernards De La Salle Old Geelong Monash Blues Fitzroy

P 14 13 12 15 14 13 13

W 13 9 6 7 6 3 1

L 0 3 5 7 7 9 10

D 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

B 1 1 1 1 1 1 2

FF 1 1 2 0 1 1 0

For 1804 1178 1237 1319 851 666 503

Agst 528 838 784 854 1021 1286 1612

% 341.67 140.57 157.78 154.45 83.35 51.79 31.2

PTS 60 44 38 32 32 22 12

Old Xaverians 5.1-31 13.3-81 20.5-125 25.9-159 St Bernards 1.2-8 2.5-17 4.5-29 5.6-36 Old Xaverians Goals: J. McDonnell 5, M. Green 5, N. Corcoran 3, A. Barrett 2, B. Runnalls 2, N. Bye 2, D. Tehan, D. Higgins, A. Nolen, N. Silk, C. Purss, B. Kelly Best: B. Runnalls, D. Tehan, C. Purss, N. Larkins, T. O’Meara, B. Kelly St Bernards Goals: C. Mitchell 2, M. Trim, J. Bennie, M. McVeigh Best: D. Hurley, J. Faulkner, A. Buckley, A. Gurrisi, A. Helenius, C. Mitchell King/Landrigan Medal: Beau Runnalls – Old Xaverians

Club XVIII (2) Premiership Team: Hawthorn B: HB: C: HF:

Paul McArthur, Justin Rieve, Julian Handford Anthony Demetriou (C), Dean Ekonomides, John Farah Daniel Zito, Con Terzoglou, Dean Bubunaras Nick Criticos (VC), Andrew Toumbakis, Robert Palazzolo

F:

Chris Higgins, Ari Mitropoulos, Chris Katsanevakis

R:

Andy Stavridis, Nick Papaconstantinou, Dean Korlos

Int: Coach:

Matty Eagle, George Dellaportas, Ange Mihalos, Andrew Salipas, Peter Jenkin, Tom Beech, Leigh Zito, Nathan Koukouras Con Terzoglou

Club XVIII (2) Grand Final

PREMIERSHIP LADDER Club XVIII (2) Hawthorn Emmaus St Leos Ormond Williamstown CYMS Therry Penola Hampton Rovers Bulleen Templestowe Whitefriars

P 14 13 15 14 14 13 12 15

W 14 10 10 8 7 3 2 1

L 0 3 5 6 7 10 10 14

D 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

B 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

FF 1 2 0 1 1 0 0 0

For 1926 1158 1225 1458 1127 791 648 463

Agst 683 725 797 818 1106 1468 1290 2049

% 281.99 159.72 153.7 178.24 101.9 53.88 50.23 22.6

PTS 60 48 40 36 32 12 8 4

Hawthorn 6.2-38 10.6-66 11.12-78 13.15-93 Ormond 2.2-14 3.3-21 7.6-48 8.7-55 Hawthorn Goals: C. Higgins 3, N. Criticos 3, C. Katsanevakis 2, R. Palazzolo 2, A. Demetriou, P. Jenkin, D. Korlos Best: A. Stavridis, N. Criticos, A. Demetriou, C. Terzoglou, C. Katsanevakis, N. Papaconstantinou Ormond Goals: D. Brosnan 5, J. Cukierman, D. Kingston, C. Everett Best: D. Brosnan, J. Harry, L. Calvert, A. Holman, D. Kingston, D. Cleary Best on ground: Andrew Stavridis - Hawthorn

Club XVIII (3) Premiership Team: Richmond Central B: HB: C: HF:

Paul McArthur, Justin Rieve, Julian Handford Anthony Demetriou (C), Dean Ekonomides, John Farah Daniel Zito, Con Terzoglou, Dean Bubunaras Nick Criticos (VC), Andrew Toumbakis, Robert Palazzolo

F:

Chris Higgins, Ari Mitropoulos, Chris Katsanevakis

R:

Andy Stavridis, Nick Papaconstantinou, Dean Korlos

Int: Coach:

Matty Eagle, George Dellaportas, Ange Mihalos, Andrew Salipas, Peter Jenkin, Tom Beech, Leigh Zito, Nathan Koukouras Con Terzoglou

Club XVIII (3) Grand Final

PREMIERSHIP LADDER Club XVIII (3) Richmond Central Eley Park Sharks UHS-VU Kew Dragons Masala

P 15 15 15 15 15 15

W 14 10 9 7 3 2

L 1 5 6 8 12 13

D 0 0 0 0 0 0

B 0 0 0 0 0 0

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2013

FF 0 0 0 0 0 0

For 1348 986 1001 1087 565 512

Agst 542 943 893 914 1038 1285

% 248.71 104.56 112.09 118.93 54.43 39.84

PTS 56 40 36 28 12 8

Richmond Central 4.1-25 7.1-43 11.6-72 15.7-97 Eley Park Sharks 1.2-8 2.8-20 2.8-20 5.8-38 Richmond Central Goals: L. Cartwright 3, R. Nolan 2, A. Grant 2, S. D’’Arcy, T. Bartel, N. Rice, G. Cartwright, A. Pratt, M. McCabe, T. Pritchard, C. Pilkington Best: R. Nolan, L. Cartwright, D. Logan, C. Collins, G. Cartwright, C. Logan Eley Park Sharks Goals: B. Donelly 2, I. Gridchin, D. Pumpa, A. Brock Best: B. Donelly, J. Dowling, S. Judd, D. Pumpa, N. Greenhalf, J. Dean Best on ground: Robert Nolan – Richmond Central

54

Leading Goalkickers - Club XVIII (1) Name

Club

Goals

James McDonnell

Old Xaverians

85* (91)

Craig Berger

Prahran Assumption

36 (40)

Chris Mitchell

St Bernards

36 (51) *Sharpshooter (Including Finals)

Leading Goalkickers - Club XVIII (2) Name

Club

Goals

Daniel Brosnan

Ormond

38* (51)

Ari Mitropoulos

Hawthorn

38* (41) *Sharpshooter (Including Finals)

Leading Goalkickers - Club XVIII (3) Name

Club

Joshua Brown

Eley Park Sharks

Goals

David Rowe

Richmond Central

Nicholas Greenhalf

Eley Park Sharks

49* (53) 34 32 (33) *Sharpshooter (Including Finals)

Stephen Mason Medal Club XVIII (1) Player

Club

Benjamin Oakley

De La Salle

Votes 17

James McDonnell

Old Xaverians

16

Heath Browning

De La Salle

13

Craig Berger

Prahran Assumption

11

Simon Byers

De La Salle

7

Section Best and Fairest Club XVIII (2) Player

Club

Mark Pietryk

Emmaus St Leos

Votes

Constantinos Terzoglou

Hawthorn

14

Andrew Gordon

Emmaus St Leos

12

Michael Helm

Therry Penola

10

Leon Calvert

Ormond

9

23

Section Best and Fairest Club XVIII (3) Player

55

Club

Votes

Nicholas Greenhalf

Eley Park Sharks

25

Mark McCabe

Richmond Central

13

Charles Logan

Richmond Central

9

Benjamin Nugent

Masala

9

Andrew Read

Richmond Central

9

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2013

Rising Star Winner Chris Mangoni St Bedes/Mentone Tigers Chris Mangoni made a huge impact at St Bedes/Mentone Tigers and the VAFA in his first season in Premier football. The former Mazenod student was picked in Round 1 and was an important part of the Tigers charge to a Grand Final. He played 15 of 18 home and away matches averaging better than a goal a game playing mostly from the midfield and played all three finals. Often assigned a role to look after one of the opposition’s key movers, Chris still managed to find plenty of the ball himself. His ability to create space and win the ball is second to none and was a catalyst in many of his side’s victories during the season. Chris was selected as a representative in this year’s VAFA Under 19 side that played against AFL Victoria Country at the Junction Oval. Named amongst the best, Chris was instrumental in the stirring victory over the Country U19s. Chris also managed to play a couple of VFL Games with Collingwood impressing all at that level with his attack on the football. Very popular with his peers, Chris has settled very well into the culture of St Bedes/Mentone Tigers and amateur football and is a very worthy winner of the VAFA Club Warehouse Rising Star Award for season 2013.

Winning Edge Club Championship

VAFA ANNUAL REPORT 2013

Seniors

Reserves

U19/U18

Thirds/Club XVIII

Total

Old Xaverians

60

33

51

17

161

Kew

62

32

54

7

155

St Kevins OB

48

32

39

14.5

133.5

Old Ivanhoe Gr.

52

26

46.5

7

131.5

Therry Penola OB

60

26

37.5

7.5

131

Mazenod OC

64

28

18

16

126

Old Melburnians

56

32

22.5

15.5

126

Williamstown CYMS

52

20

36

8.5

116.5

St Mary’s Salesian

44

26

45

0

115

UHS-VU

56

32

18

9

115

56

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