History of the VAFA

2020’s

2020

For the first time since WWII, the VAFA did not play a season due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The VAFA Board officially cancelled the 2020 season on July 1 in response to the State Government’s geographical lockdowns, and the overwhelming health and safety risks.

Dean Matthews was appointed to fill the VAFA Board’s casual vacancy in November.

At the Annual General Meeting, George Voyage and Mick Overman were returned to the Board, while Frank Dunell was also elected. Jeffrey Jankie did not gain re-election.

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2010’s

2010

VAFA clubs sanction a new board structure that sees the number of elected members reduced to nine, plus the CEO, with the option of appointing an additional two members with specialist skills.

Board elects Bruno Conti as the sixteenth president of the VAFA.

The sections are rebadged. Premier, Premier B and Premier C replace A, B and C Section,     while Division 1 through Division 4 replace D1-D4 sections.

The Thirds competition is introduced for Premier and Premier B. All Premier clubs field teams, while five Premier B clubs do not, but their places are taken by clubs from lower sections.

Point Cook joins the VAFA and hosts its first game against Richmond Central.

Former AFL stars join VAFA clubs as coaches: Martin Pike (Power House) and Richard Osborne (Monash Gryphons). Veteran coach Leigh Carlson (formerly at Collegians and Old Trinity) takes over at Marcellin mid-season.

The Club XVIII comprises three sections, down from four.

The U18 competition comprises sixteen teams, initially grouped geographically, but redrawn mid-season according to performance.

To give more prominence to team lists, the Amateur Footballer has a split edition with the Premier sections in one and the four Divisions in the other

VAFA U21 team defeats AFLQ U21 at Southport. VAFA U19 team defeats VCFL U19 at Elsternwick. VAFA senior team thrashes AFL Sydney at Elsternwick. VAFA U23 team belts Tasmania in Ulverstone and wins triennial U23 championship.

Old Trinity’s Andrew Ramsden plays his 300th VAFA game (Senior, U19, Rep)

Daniel Nicholson (University Blues) named the VAFA’s Rising Star.

VAFA Coaches of the Year: senior – Trevor Rowe (Old Carey) and junior – Jon Edgar (De La Salle).

The Woodrow Medal awarded for the second year running to a De La Salle player, on-baller Aaron Shields.

De La Salle wins the Club Championship.

Peter Brabender (Old Paradians) retires after 428 senior and U19 games. He never played in the Reserves.

Monash Gryphons win Division 4 seniors and reserves premierships, its first ever flags.

Old Carey wins promotion to Premier after fifty-six years and beats Old Haileybury in the Grand Final.

Old Xaverians wins its twelfth Premier title, and its eleventh in sixteen seasons, defeating Collegians in the Grand Final by twenty points.

Old Xaverians’ coach Simon Lethlean equals record of seventh premiership medallion in the top tier (five as a player, two as a coach), joining his former teammates John Bowen and Tim Ockleshaw, who won seven grand finals as players.

De La Salle wins its fourth U19 Premier title in five seasons.

A Women in the VAFA dinner is held at Parliament House in October, hosted by Ann Barker MLA, Deputy Speaker of the Assembly and Member for Oakleigh.

Six VAFA players and coach lead invitational AAFC U23 team to South Africa in early October.

An invitational U18 VAFA team competes at AFLNZ championships in Christchurch in late October and wins both games.

2011

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

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

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

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

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

The VAFA commences a partnership with charity One in Five.

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

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

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

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

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

Steve McCarthy umpires his 600th VAFA game.

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

Banyule wins the Winning Edge Club Championship.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2012

Michael Hazell elected Vice President replacing the departing Tim Merrett who resigned in June.

George Janko received Life Membership of the Association.

Blair O’Hara joins the VAFA as the new General Manager of Commercial Operations.

Andrew Leonard joins the VAFA as General Manager of Media and Communications replacing Michael Fitzgerald who left after two and a half years.

Former Old Melburnians player Sam Dunell makes his debut for St Kilda Football Club in the AFL after being promoted from the rookie list.

The Senior VAFA side defeats the EFL in a preseason match in March.

The VAFA U23 team defeats the WA Amateur team in June at Sportscover Arena.

The Senior VAFA side defeats AFL Sydney at Blacktown in Sydney in July.

The vote count for the seven senior sections is broadcast live on Inner FM breaking their best ever ratings.

Old Xaverians win the Winning Edge Club Championship.

Rebecca Brown is the first female to umpire in a Premier Section Grand Final as one of the two goal umpires.

Collegians win back-to-back Premier Section premierships for the first time since 1992-93 defeating Old Xaverians in the Grand Final.

Parkdale Vultures win back-to-back premierships by securing the Premier C flag against Fitzroy moving from Division 1 to Premier B in two seasons.

Parkdale Vultures and Fitzroy by winning promotion to Premier B have reached their highest level since being in the competition.

University Blacks win the Premier B premiership returning to Premier Section for the first time since 2008.

Beaumaris won promotion to Premier section for the first time in their history and in doing so become the first solely district club in the top section since Ormond in 1996.

Prahran Assumption secured promotion for the second year in a row by finishing runner up in Division 2.

South Mornington won their first senior VAFA premiership when they won the Division 4 flag.

Matt Keown won back-to-back LS Pepper Medals for North Old Boys / St Patricks for the best and fairest player in Division 1; he later captained his side to the club’s first senior premiership since 1982.

VAFA Coaches of the Year were: Senior – Mark Hibbins and Simon Arnott (Collegians), Junior – Michael Brown (De Le Salle).

2013

Michael Hazell elected the 17th President and Chairman of the VAFA replacing Bruno Conti who remained on the Board.

Tim Nelson elected Vice-President to replace Michael Hazell

Adam Kirkwood-Scott and Nigel Credlin were elected to the Board with Mr Kirkwood-Scott becoming treasurer replacing David Scott who stepped down after 29 years on the Executive.

The VAFA held a stand alone Woodrow Medal Count at Crown’s River Room, counting all 18 rounds live in the room for the first time. The other senior sections were all counted on radio station 96.5 Inner FM.

Jacob Williams of De La Salle at 19 years old, becomes one of the youngest winners of the Woodrow Medal.

Jarrod Carlson won back-to-back Zachariah Medals in Premier C when he tied with Mazenod skipper Tim Bourbon on 19 votes.

The Senior VAFA representative side defeated AFL Victoria Country (formerly the VCFL) by 3 points at the St Kilda Cricket Ground

The VAFA U23 representative side defeated the U23 SAAFL side by 15 points in Adelaide.

The VAFA U19 representative side defeated AFL Victoria Country (formerly the VCFL) by 4 points at the St Kilda Cricket Ground.

A final six was implemented in both Division 3 and Division 4 for the first time

Northern Blues and Dragons became the VAFA’s two newest senior clubs commencing in Division 4

Masala, a team consisting of players predominately from the sub continent commenced in the VAFA in Club XVIII Section 3.

Old Xaverians win the Winning Edge Club Championship.

The Premier Grand Final was held on a stand-alone weekend (for the first time) and played on a Saturday for the first time in over 50 years.

Old Xaverians win their 13th Premier Section senior premiership defeating St Bedes/Mentone Tigers by 50 points.

Old Brighton defeated Old Trinity by 8 points to win the Premier B Grand Final for their first senior premiership in 16 years.

Old Ivanhoe defeated Mazenod by 8 points at Casey Fields to win the Premier C Grand Final and return to Premier B a year after being relegated.

Hampton Rovers defeated Ormond by 58 points to win the Division 1 premiership at Trevor Barker Oval a year after being relegated from Premier C.

Therry Penola defeat Yarra Valley by 38 points to win the Division 2 premiership at Craigieburn, although Yarra Valley earned back-to-back promotions.

Kew won their first senior flag in 34 years when they defeated Elsternwick by 35 points in the Division 3 Grand Final at Ted Ajani Reserve.

Northern Blues won the Division 4 premiership from 6th position, winning a senior premiership in their first year fielding a senior team in the competition.

2014

Andy Evans joined the Board as a Board appointee.

The VAFA held a stand alone Woodrow Medal Count at Crown’s River Room, counting all 18 rounds live in the room. The other senior sections were all counted on radio station 96.5 Inner FM.

Brendan Iezzi of Old Trinity win his second Woodrow Medal to go with his two Moore Medals.

The VAFA Premier Coaches MVP was awarded for the first time and won by Harry Tinney of Old Trinity.

The senior VAFA representative side defeated the Eastern Football League in AFL Victoria’s Metro Championships at Visy Park by 48 points to be crowned the number one community football competition in Melbourne.

The senior representative side also defeated AFL Queensland in Burpengary, Queensland by 83 points.

The VAFA U23 representative side defeated the U23 Tasmanian side by 56 points in Hobart.

The VAFA U19 and VAFA Premier B-Division 4 sides both lost to AFL Victoria Country  representative sides at St Albans Reserve in Geelong.

Canterbury and Westbourne Grammarians became the VAFA’s two newest senior clubs commencing in Division 4.

Collegians hosted the first Premier Section senior match in a Friday night game for points, defeating Old Brighton at Harry Trot Oval.

University Blues win the Winning Edge Club Championship.

University Blacks win their 14^th Premier Section senior premiership and their first in the top section of the VAFA since 1974 when they beat Collegians by 44 points.

University Blues defeated Old Carey by 75 points to win the Premier B Grand Final for their first senior premiership in 10 years.

University Blues and Old Carey become just the second pair of teams in history and the first since Old Xaverians and Alphington in 1962, to be relegated from the top section then win promotion back the following year.

Hampton Rovers won back-to-back premierships defeating Parkdale Vultures by 27 points at Trevor barker Oval, Sandringham to win the Premier C Grand Final.

Williamstown CYMS upset Therry Penola twice during the finals to win the Division 1 premiership at Visy Park, Carlton by 56 points. The CYs earning promotion to Premier C for the first time in their history. Therry Penola had not lost a game all home and away season.

Kew won back-to-back premierships for the first time in their history when they defeated St Mary’s Salesian by 11 points in the Division 2 Grand Final at Casey Fields.

Northern Blues won back-to-back premierships when they defeated Richmond Central by 24 points to win the Division 3 Grand Final at Garvey Oval.

West Brunswick upset Hawthorn to win the Division 4 premiership at Meade Reserve, Clayton. The loss was Hawthorn’s first loss all year.

2015

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

Geoff Reilly was inducted as a Life Member of the VAFA.

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

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

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

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

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

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

University Blacks and Collegians hosted the first-ever ‘Gay? That’s OK!’ match in their Round 18 clash at Melbourne University.

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

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

St Kevin’s Old Boys won the Winning Edge Club Championship

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

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

James Fletcher of Peninsula won the Club Warehouse Rising Star Award

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2016

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

Robert Heath was appointed to the VAFA Board in February.

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

Shona MacInnes joined the VAFA staff as Women’s Football Club Development Manager in October.

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

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

Sportscover was acknowledged for 25 years of VAFA sponsorship at the 2016 Season Launch. Former VAFA President, Bruce McTaggart, presented Sportscover Chairman, Peter Nash, with a silver plate as recognition for the longstanding partnership.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

David Windlow umpired his 1000th VAFA match.

Kevin Segota umpired his 800th VAFA match.

Caulfield Grammarians won the Winning Edge Club Championship.

Harry Hill (Old Brighton) was named the Grill’d Rising Star.

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

Michael Di Natale (St Kevin’s OB) won both the C.R. Newbury Medal for the U19 Premier Best & Fairest and the T.A. Johnson Medal as BOG in his side’s grand final win.

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

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

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

2017

Michael Sholly stood down as CEO after 12 and a half years of service to the VAFA.

Brett Connell was appointed as VAFA CEO in June.

Matt Dervan joined the VAFA staff as Umpire Operations Assistant in January, replacing Kelley Gillespie-Jones. Mitch op’t Hoog oversaw the production of the Amateur Footballer.

Davina Calheam, Bruno Conti, Phil De Young and Michael Hazell resigned from the VAFA Board (December 2016). Felicity Frederico and Laura Racky were seconded as Board appointees. Mick Overman, Megan Dwyer & Rob Heath were elected to the Board (December 2016) and Jeffrey Jankie (March 2017) rounded out a full Board of (9) Directors and (2) Board appointees. Rob Heath resigned in August.

Sue Anderson and Tom Brain were inducted as Life Members of the VAFA.

The Big V senior representative side defeated AFL Victoria Country by a record-breaking 82 points at Frankston City Oval in July.

The VAFA held a 125 Club Round on July 1 and recognised volunteers who had contributed to the success of their clubs over the past 25 years with specialised medallions.

St Kevin’s OB won their first-ever Premier/A Grade flag.

Women officially played football in the VAFA for the first time with more than 1900 registered players and 40 teams across five sections.

The VAFA secured Wilson Group as naming rights sponsor of the women’s competition and William Buck extended their sponsorship to the women’s Premier section.

Tash Ross-Harris (Fitzroy-ACU) was awarded the VAFA Women’s Premier Best & Fairest with 27 votes from 12 games.

Bede Mahon (University Blacks) became the first player to win the Woodrow Medal for a team who suffered relegation in the same year.

PEGS won the Division 1 Grand Final against St Mary’s Salesian after trailing by 58 points during the second quarter.

The Big V Women’s side played their inaugural representative match against AFL Goldfields in North Ballarat and ran out 49-point winners.

St Kevin’s OB won the Winning Edge Club Championship

Lachlan Sullivan (St Kevin’s OB) and Sarah Cameron (SKOB Saints) were named Men’s and Women’s Rising Star winners.

John Farah (Hawthorn Spartans) and Michael Chapman (Monash Blues) claimed back-to-back wins (2016-17) in their respective Club XVIII Best & Fairest Awards.

Old Brighton (Premier B), UHS-VU (Division 3) and Aquinas (Division 4) each claimed the double with flags in both seniors and reserves.

Marcellin Sheagles and Old Geelong won the first-ever Pre-Season Lightning Premierships, with the Sheagles going on to claim the William Buck Premier women’s flag.

Paul Deegan (Mazenod) became the first person to coach a men’s (U19 Section 4) and women’s (Development Division 3) premiership in the same season.

2018

Laura Racky was elevated to the VAFA Board casual vacancy in June

Haydn O’Connor joined the VAFA staff as Umpire Operations Manager in January, replacing Brian Woodhead. Alisha Min joined as Media, Marketing and Events Officer in April.

Ken Petrucco was inducted as a Life Member of the VAFA.

The Elsternwick Park redevelopment was completed in July, with a new administration building, function room, clubrooms and ground surface.

The VAFA launched a new logo in November.

Four separate representative sides claimed wins for the first time in the history of the Big V. The senior men and women defeated the Adelaide Footy League, the Premier B – Division 4 side defeated the Western Australian Amateur Football League and the U19’s defeated AFL Victoria Country.

The VAFA women’s competition increased to 63 teams from 47 clubs in its second year.

St Kevin’s OB won their second consecutive William Buck Premier flag.

Mitch Brown (St Kevin’s OB) won the Premier Coaches MVP with a record-breaking 80 votes.

Fitzroy won their first senior flag since University Reds and Old Fitzroy merged in 2008. It was the first flag for the Reds since 2005 and first for Old Fitzroy since 1944.

Old Geelong won through to Premier B for the first time since 1958.

UHS-VU won their second consecutive flag and earnt promotion to Division 1 for the first time in 50 years.

North Brunswick won their first senior premiership in 37 years.

St Mary’s Salesian and Hawthorn AFC won back-to-back premierships in the first two years of women’s football.

Chad Jones (St Bernard’s) and Aaron Cloke (Oakleigh) both kicked 100 goals during the home and away season.

Billy Kanakis (St Kevin’s OB) won the William Buck Premier flag, Jock Nelson Medal and was the competition’s leading goal kicker, while Brandon Jackson (UHS-VU) won the Division 2 flag, the Division 2 Fullerton Medal and was the competition’s leading goal kicker.

Anthony Zimmerman (Old Brighton) and Laura Robertson (Marcellin) were named the Grill’d and Anytime Fitness Rising Star winners.

Matthew Oakley umpired his fourth consecutive William Buck Premier Grand Final and was named the VAFA Umpire of the Year for the second time.

Fitzroy (Premier C), Ormond (Division 1) and North Brunswick (Division 4) claimed the double with flags in both seniors and reserves.

Marcellin OCFC won the Winning Edge Club Championship.

2019

George Voyage was elected VAFA President in December 2018 following Tim Nelson’s resignation after three and a half years.

Adam Kirkwood-Scott was elected Vice-President and Mick Overman was elected Treasurer.

Peta Olive and Paul Newton were Board Appointed positions at the December 2018 AGM.

Paul Wagland joined the VAFA staff as Partnerships Manager in February and Rebecca Carter joined as Football Operations Assistant in March.

Haydn O’Connor stepped down from his position as Umpire Operations Manager in November, while Rajman Kaur (Company Accountant) and Alisha Min (Media, Marketing and Events Coordinator) also left their respective positions in October.

Bruno Conti was inducted as a Life Member of the VAFA.

Nancy McTaggart was awarded an AFL Merit Award for her 50 years of dedication to the VAFA.

Williamstown CYMS (Premier C) and Whitefriars (Division 2) were crowned champion teams after claiming their sections’ flags following undefeated seasons.

The Big V women’s team produced a record 151-point victory over AFL Goldfields at Elsternwick Park.

Ayce Cordy (University Blues) became the fifth player in VAFA history to win back-to-back Woodrow Medals. Yuma Hemphill (Williamstown CYMS) and Sean Calcedo (Preston Bullants) also won their second consecutive competition B&F awards.

Williamstown CYMS won through to Premier B for the first time since entering the VAFA in 1983. Preston Bullants also won through to Premier C for the first time on the back of their fourth senior premiership since 2013.

Shaun Payze (Peninsula OB) kicked his 1000th career goal for the Pirates after joining the club in 1998.

Caulfield Grammarians and Preston Bullants claimed the double by winning their men’s and women’s senior flags.

Sarah Kerr (Yarra Old Grammarians – Premier C Women’s) and Madison Lister (Glen Eira/Old McKinnon – Division 4 Women’s) claimed the triple crown with a premiership, best on ground medallions in their grand finals and their section’s B&F awards.

Madeline Hince (UHS-VU) became the first VAFA women’s player to kick 50 goals in a season, finishing the year with 58.

Williamstown CYMS and Whitefriars claimed both their men’s senior and reserves flags.

Matthew Oakley umpired his fifth consecutive William Buck Premier Grand Final and was named the VAFA Umpire of the Year for the third time.

Madi Capsalis (Old Mentonians) and Hamish Dick (Old Brighton) were named the Men’s & Anytime Fitness Women’s Rising Star winners.

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2000’s

2000

Heat Policy introduced for matches.

VAFA launches its website.

Chirnside Park withdrew, Bentleigh, South Melbourne Districts and Rupertswood (Club 18 and Under-19) admitted, Monash Whites merged with Monash Blues, St. Pats Mentone changed name to Mentone Amateur Football Club.

Norm Nugent awarded Life Membership of the VAFA.

Senior representative team defeated SAAMFL in Adelaide, C-D4 side defeated SAAMFL Division 2-6 team and the VAFA U-19 is defeated by NSW/ACT U-18 team.

Valete – Mark Bateman (Whitefriars) Tony Drinan (Old Mentonians) Ron Casey (Football), Andrew “Gus” Taylor (Old Scotch), Reg Dart (Ivanhoe/Assumption).

Peter Ryan FIDA’s President awarded Queen’s Birthday Order of Australia Medal.

Old Xaverians won sixth A Section premiership in a row to equal University Blacks long standing record.

Old Melburnians stripped of points in 3 games after it was found player Andrew Topakas was in fact ineligible.

Best on ground medallions and section goalkicking awards named after prominent VAFA identities.

Beaumaris took unsuccessful court action on eve of C Section Grand Final against VAFA regarding a tribunal decision.

VAFA Coaches of the Year: Tim O’Shaughnessy (Old Xaverians – Senior) and Paul O’Shannassy (St. Kevins – U19). Tim and Paul both won statewide AFCA Victoria Senior and Youth Coach of the Year awards respectively.

Executive Committee awards Certificates of Service for the first time.

Andrew Langford-Jones stepped down as VAFA President.

2001

Richard Evans became the thirteenth VAFA President. Bruce McTaggart elected VAFA Executive Chairman.

VAFA won Supreme Court action taken by Old Melburnians against loss of premiership points for playing an ineligible player.

Monash Whites (previously Club XVIII) merged with Monash Blues allowing Blues to field a Club XVIII team.

Thomastown withdrew from the competition. Collegians relegated to C Section for the first time, thus leaving Old Scotch as the only team not to have played in C Section or below.

Nancy McTaggart and Andrew Langford-Jones awarded Life Membership of the VAFA.

Noel Rundle, VAFA Life Member/Treasurer awarded Queen’s Birthday Order of Australia Medal.

VAFA won all 5 representative matches played.

VAFA Coaches of the Year: Garry Foulds (St. Bernards – Senior) and Shane O’Connor (Mentone AFC – U19).

50 Year Certificate awarded to Manson Russel.

Best finals attendances ever recorded in VAFA history for all sections.

New uniforms for umpires which include numbers on uniforms.

Valete – Peter Calleson (Coburg/VAFA), Sam Birtles (Hampton Rovers/VAFA), Harry Meredith (Uni. Blacks/VAFA).

2002

Box Hill North admitted, Eley Park withdrew from D4 and competed in Club XVIII (1). UHSOB changed name to UHS-VU.

Jock Nelson, Peter O’Donohue and Keith Sharkie awarded Life Membership of the VAFA.

VAFA win both senior representative matches against the SAAFL and the SFL, however lose to the DVFL at U19 level, while we defeated the VCFL also at U19 level.

VAFA host AFL International Rules games at Elsternwick Park.

VAFA host annual APS v AGS schoolboys’ game under lights at Elsternwick Park. First game played at night at Elsternwick Park.

U19 3 section added. Now Section 1, 2, 3, Blue & Red – the last 2 sections grouped geographically.

VAFA Coaches of the Year: Tim Killworth (Yarra Valley – Senior) and Michael Sigalas (Old Camberwell – U19). Michael wins the AFCA Victoria Youth Coach of the Year Category.

Parkside withdraws from the competition post season to join the DVFL.

Peter Harris Medal struck for Best on Ground player in U19 3 Grand Final.

Brett Connell completed 10 years continuous service with VAFA Administration

Brendan Carland appointed Umpires’ Adviser

Valete – Hugh Lyon Snr. (Hugh Lyon Knitwear), Ted McNamara (University Blues/VAFA).

2003

Sportscover become Major Sponsor.

Karen McNaught resigned as receptionist.

Mentone Amateurs changed name to Mentone Vultures.

Brunswick Power join D4 from Club XVIII (1).

Oakleigh fielded a second U19 team in conjunction with Clayton FC.

Ross Booth, David Cook and John Wilson awarded Life Memberships.

Elsternwick Park development completed (stage 1) – ground irrigation installed, oval fence and perimeter fencing updated, new entrance gates and bricked entrance completed and new roadway to entrance.

Ormond and South Melbourne Districts U19’s play the first VAFA match under lights at Elsternwick Park for points. Albert Park and Box Hill North (D4 – Senior) – first senior game under lights.

Molly May joined Administration.

VAFA defeated WAAFL by a record margin in AAFC match but lost to the VCFL later in the year. The Representative Team defeated the SFL and the DVFL withdrew from competing at U19 level.

Monash Blues and University Blacks played the curtain-raiser game to Melbourne and Hawthorn, Fitzroy Reds and West Brunswick played as a curtain-raiser to Collingwood v Brisbane Lions, both at the MCG.

Kate Balme replaced Molly May as receptionist.

VAFA hosts APS v AGS match at Sportscover Arena for second time.

Valete – Alex Johnson (Patron/President/OAM), Noel Rundle (Treasurer/OAM) and Kevin McKay (former Umpires’ Adviser).

VAFA Coaches of the Year: Graham Burgen (Fitzroy Reds – Senior) and David Law (St. Bernards – U19). Graham won AFCA Victoria Senior Coach of the Year Award.

Richard Evans stepped down as President.

Ormond was relegated to D1 for the first time since the club’s inception. Nine of the twelve relegated clubs were District clubs.

2004

Brunswick Power joined the WRFL, after not being included in the 2004 competition

Bruce McTaggart elected fourteenth VAFA President, Nick Bourke elected as VAFA Chairman

John Winneke was elected as a Patron of the Association

Brian Goodman appointed as Umpires’ Adviser

Matt Nyhus appointed as an AFL Trainee for a 12 month period

St. Leos Emmaus Wattle Park change their name to Emmaus St. Leos OC and Mentone Vultures amalgamate with Parkdale (SFL) to form Parkdale Vultures and compete in C section

Life membership awarded to Mrs. Mavis Bastow and Richard Evans

Club XVIII competition grouped according to ability Sections 1, 2 & 3

VAFA wins inaugural AAFC triennial Championship

Beaumaris relegated from B section, which leaves no district club in top two sections

Old Westbourne win their first VAFA senior premiership

Phil Stevens resigns as Chief Executive Officer

VAFA Coaches of the Year: John Kanis (University Blues – Senior) and Tim Bell (Fitzroy Reds – U19)

Brian Goodman appointed as full-time Director – Umpire Operations

Michael Sholly appointed as VAFA Chief Executive Officer

2005

Mt Lilydale withdraws from the D4 competition and competed in Club XVIII Section 1.

Life membership awarded to Messrs. Jack Wilson and Peter Hutchinson.

Adam Clemente appointed as AFL trainee.

Dr Donald Cordner resigns as Patron in Chief of the VAFA.

First female executive member, Davina Connors-Calhaem elected.

Andrew Langford-Jones resigns from the VAFA Executive to accept position on Football Victoria Board of Directors.

Stephen Carroll and Peter Hutchinson also resign from the Executive.

The Noel Rundle Entrance is officially opened at Elsternwick Park on Sept 18.

Mike McArthur-Allen coaches his 500th VAFA senior match.

Nine VAFA players represent Australia in the inaugural AAFC Under 23 Ireland Tour

North Under-19 team wins the inaugural Under-19 North and South representative match.

VAFA Coaches of the Year: Anthony Parkin (University Blacks – Senior) and Phiv Demetriou (Banyule Viewbank – Under 19)

Brett Connell resigns as General Manager- Football Operations

2006

Tim Merrett and Anthony Amad are elected to the VAFA executive

Barry Hickey and Paul Trainor resign from the VAFA executive

Jeremy Bourke commences as General Manager – Football Operations

Darcy Gallagher – Lyon replaces Adam Clemente as AFL Trainee

Eley Park Sharks return to D4 from Club XVIII

New Competition management system “Sportzware” introduced to the VAFA

Online registrations begin for the first time

VAFA U23 side losses to WAAFL and SAAFL

VAFA (A-D4) defeats SFL for the fifth straight time

VAFA U19 side defeated by AFLQ U21 side in their inaugural match

Old Haileybury (1961) wins their first ever A Section premiership

VAFA Coaches of the Year: Peter Nicholson – Old Haileybury (Senior) and Harry Harisiou – Bulleen Templestowe (U19)

Kate Balme resigns as clerical assistant

Sportscover signs on as VAFA Major Sponsor for a further three years

2007

Season is delayed by two weeks due to the drought. Round 1 commences on April 28th.

Andrew Langford-Jones rejoins the VAFA Board

Olivia de Castres commences as Administrative Assistant

Joe Morsello commences as VAFA Trainee

South Mornington joins D4 from the Southern Football League

St Francis Xavier OB commences in Club XVIII

VAFA U19 side loses to AFLQ U21 by 15 points but defeats VCFL U19 by 48 points

VAFA U23 side loses to SAAFL U23 by 47 points

VAFA Senior side is defeated by VCFL by 1 point at Eastern Oval Ballarat

Old Xaverians win their 8th A Section title in 12 years

VAFA Coaches of the Year: Senior – Luke Beveridge, St Bedes/Mentone Tigers & U19 – Owen Lalor, St Bedes/Mentone Tigers.

5 VAFA players represent the All-Australian U23 side which defeated the Northern Tasmanian Football League by 40 points

2008

George Voyage elected to the VAFA Board.

Andrew Langford – Jones resigns from the VAFA Board.

Life Membership awarded to Phil Stevens.

Joe Morsello commences as Operations Assistant.

Olivia de Castres resigns as Reception / Administrative Assistant.

VAFA U19 side loses to AFLQ U21 by 131 points at Cooparoo Oval, Brisbane.

VAFA U23 side defeats SAAFL U23 by 70 points at Junction Oval.

VAFA (C-D4) loses to VCFL (district) by 63 points at Sportscover Arena.

VAFA Senior side defeats AFL Sydney by 5 points at Henson Park, Sydney.

St Bedes/Mentone Tigers complete historical three consecutive premierships winning C Section through A Section, the first time any VAFA club has achieved this in the competitions history.

5 VAFA players represent the AAFC U23 side touring Ireland playing in a series of International rules matches.

St Francis Xavier commences in D4 Section after their first season in Club XVIII in 2007.

St Marys AFC and Salesian OCAFC amalgamate to become the St Marys / Salesian AFC competing in D2 Section.

VAFA Coaches of the Year: Senior – Luke Beveridge, St Bedes/Mentone Tigers & U19 – Owen Lalor, St Bedes/Mentone Tigers.

John Bell resigns from the VAFA Board.

Michael Hazell elected to the VAFA Board.

2009

John Bell resigns from the VAFA Board

Michael Hazell elected to the VAFA Board

Syndal Tally Ho change their name to Chadstone AFC

Bulleen Cobras change their name to Manningham Cobras

Fitzroy Reds change their name to Fitzroy AFC

Jessica Ware replaces Olivia de Castres Administrative Assistant

Inaugural season of the VAFA U18 competition with 8 clubs competing

Three Umpire system introduced to A Section senior matches played on Sunday at Sportscover Arena fixtures as well as A Section final series

VAFA Senior side defeats the Eastern Football League by 6 points at Jubilee Park, Ringwood in a pre-season representative match to raise funds for the “VCFL Bushfire Appeal”, which aided those affected by the “Black Saturday” bushfires through country Victoria

Michael Fitzgerald appointed Communications Manager

Life Membership awarded to John Bell, Peter Rhoden, and Bruce Ivey

VAFA U21 side loses to AFL Queensland U21 side by 36 points at Toorak Park

VAFA (C-D4) loses to VCFL (District) by 68 points at Barooga, NSW

VAFA U23 side loses to the WAAFL U23 by 1 point at Fremantle Oval

Peter Brabender (Old Paradians) plays his 400th VAFA game, all of them in 1s or U19s.

VAFA U19 side loses to the VCFL U19 by 46 points at Junction Oval

VAFA Senior side loses to the VCFL by 4 points at Junction Oval

Old Xaverians win their tenth A Section flag in 15 years, their eleventh overall

Old Melburnians win four premierships – B Sec, B Res, U19 South 1, and Club XVIII (South)

De La Salle pair Matthew Fieldsend and David Lowe tie for the Woodrow Medal, the first time teammates have shared the award.

Ken Criswick and Rick Sykes resign from the VAFA Board

Nick Bourke resigns from the VAFA Board to take up a position on AFL Victoria’s Board.

VAFA Coaches of the Year: Senior David Gately (Oakleigh), and U19 Anthony Quon (Hampton Rovers)

VAFA U18 representative side plays AFL New Zealand U20 side in two representative matches in Auckland winning both matches

Changes to Articles of Association reducing number on VAFA Board

Number of registered players: 11 945

Vale: Former VAFA patron in chief, Don Cordner

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Earlier history will be available soon.