Complete Guide: 2023 Big V Representative Game

For the first time since 2019, the VAFA’s Big V Men’s and Women’s Representative Teams will take to the field on Saturday. Read the complete guide as rep footy returns!

July 15 at Elsternwick Park is 1,493 days since the Senior Men’s side last graced the field, in 2019 against AFL Vic Country. A lot has changed since then, however, one thing remains the same; the esteem in which the Big V is held.

On Saturday, 44 young men and women will take part in the return of Representative Footy, as the VAFA hosts the PFL at Elsternwick Park. VAFA Media will have you covered from the moment the sun rises, right through until it sets. Read on for all the details.

Senior Women’s vs. Perth Football League

The VAFA’s Big V Women’s side will be taking part in their fourth representative match after making their debut in 2017.

The Big V Women are three from three, their most recent outing a 151-point win against AFL Goldfields at Elsternwick Park in 2019.

Coach Paul Groves, along with his coaching staff have worked tirelessly and diligently in selecting the final 22 on the back of over 160 nominations. See the full team >

When the side runs out on Saturday at 11:00 AM, none of the 22 will have a previous feeling to draw upon. For the first time since the inaugural Big V Women’s side was selected in 2017, the VAFA will field 22 debutants.

2x Premiership player with St Kevin’s Bree Doyle has been announced as the captain of this side, Doyle will be supported by Amy Duguid (Coburg Lions) and Jade Wise (Old Scotch) as the teams vice-captains.

Along with Doyle from the reigning premiership team, SKOB has three other players representing the club in Molly Simpson (CHF), Catherine Stanton (FP), and Sarah Betts (Ruck).

2022 Premier B premiers Old Scotch have four representatives in the women’s side, following on from six in the Senior Men’s side.

Marcellin’s Annaleise Xanthos has been named on the half-back flank from Division 1 Women’s, the only woman to be selected from outside William Buck Premier in the final 22.

Who are some of the Big V girls to keep an eye on?

#1 – BREE DOYLE (St Kevin’s)

Selected as captain by Paul Groves, Doyle is already a co-captain of the St Kevin’s side in 2023. She has played 11 games this year for SKOB and has been named amongst the best players 10 times. She is a captain that lets her actions do the talking, a popular decision amongst her teammates.

#15 – MIA CAFFRY (Old Scotch)

Similarly to Doyle, Caffry has played 11 games this year for the Scotch Stars under Dean Anderson and been in the best on 10 occasions. Caffry comes from strong VAFA pedigree with her father Anthony a life-member of Marcellin, a member of the 1990’s team of the decade, and a Big V representative himself.

#7 – CATHERINE STANTON (St Kevin’s)

When Sarah Cameron elected to take up a full-time role with Williamstown in the VFLW. St Kevin’s coach Tom Purcell had a summer of head-scratching decisions to make. That was until Cate Stanton came down for a kick after growing up in NSW. From 9 games Stanton has kicked 19 goals. 10 of those have come in her last three matches. Stanton and Asha Price will be a dynamic duo and cause headaches for the Perth defence.

#3 – JENNA COLWELL (Collegians)

Colwell may lay claim to becoming the oldest player the VAFA has ever selected to represent the Big V. While Colwell, at the age of 35 is adamant 2023 is her swansong. The Purple Army are confident she’s like a fine-wine and only getting better with age. Colwell has Dustin Martin like attributes, and the stiff-arm don’t argue is expected to be on display on Saturday.

Senior Men’s vs. Perth Football League

It’s been four long years since the Big V went down to the late Danny Frawley’s AFL Vic Country at Ikon Park.  The opportunity for redemption is finally here.

Only two players remain from the side that was previously coached by the legendary Stuart Powell. In 2023, former Old Brighton coach Greg Hutchison has been appointed to the role.

Josh Freezer (Old Melburnians) will captain the side for the second consecutive time after leading the team in the Big V’s last outing in 2019. It will be Freezer’s sixth appearance in a Big V jumper.

Harry Thompson (Old Trinity) is the only other player from the 2019 side that went down to AFL Vic Country that will have it most fresh in his mind what it’s like to run out in the Big V. Both are expected to have a significant impact on the outcome of this game.

Old Scotch make up a majority of the 22 with six players named in the team, led by James Tarrant (second in the William Buck Premier sharpshooters).

Other notable selections for the VAFA, eight of the 22 selected individually claimed their clubs best and fairest award in 2022 and have continued their strong form in 2023.

Luke Winter (St Kevin’s), last year’s Anytime Fitness Rising Star is the only representative from last year’s reigning premiership side. View the full team >

Come 2:00 PM Saturday, the time for talking will be over. Actions are the only thing that matters.

Who are some of the Big V men we need to take notice of?

#1 – JOSH FREEZER (Old Melburnians)

There’s no one in this team that has more Big V experience than Freezer. This will be the sixth time Josh pulls on a Big V jumper, the second time he will be the skipper. Freezer has played over 150 games with Old Melburnians. Elsternwick Park is his home track. Finally for Freezer, and the VAFA, he won’t have to contend with opposition supporters heckling him over the fence behind the goals, because they’re all forging towards the same target. A win for the Big V.

#2 – BEN HARDING (Old Melburnians)

The VAFA’s possession accumulator has a unique story. He has previously in his career adorned the black swan and captained the Perth side. This year he’s in the Big V and in career best form. Harding has broken all sorts of statistical records in his debut season at OM’s. #1 for disposals, handballs, kicks, clearances, free kicks and the list goes on. He will be supported in the midfield with the likes of King Kenny Ong, Magnificent Marcus Stavrou, and will be licking his lips, roving to Harry Thompson and Josh Steadman.

#27 – LUKE WINTER (St Kevin’s)

The rise of this young man is a sight to behold. After getting a taste of senior footy in the abandoned 2021 season. Winter set about making every post a winner in 2022. Becoming a premiership player, the competition’s rising star and winning St Kevin’s best and fairest award. He is a star on the rise, and in 2023 is rivaling the numbers put up by his Big V teammate Ben Harding. He has added size to his frame, making him even tougher to bring down. The sky’s the limit for Winter.

#23 – CAMPBELL MOORFIELD (University Blacks)

While WA are bringing across their two number one goalkickers in their topflight (Ryan Vermeesch – 44 goals, and Kyle Halligan – 42 goals), they might find it hard to get the ball to them kicking it over the top of the brickwall of 2023. Moorfield is the Uni Blacks co-captain with Josh Steadman. He eats intercept marks for breakfast. It’s no surprise he is far and away ahead of any other player for intercept possessions, kicks, rebound 50’s. He will be strongly supported in defence, by the #1 player ranked by Premier Data in 2022 – Marty Gleeson.

Who are the umpires?

Senior Women’s vs. Perth Football League

Senior Men’s vs. Perth Football League

Read more about the representative game umpire appointments here.

How much are tickets?

Tickets can be purchased at the gate for Saturday’s representative double-header, or pre-purchase online to avoid the queues.

Kids U12 Free
Student / Concession / Seniors Card Holder $6
Adults $11
Match Day Function + Gate Entry $75

What about parking?

Limited parking is available on the day inside Elsternwick Park for $5

Fan Zone

For spectators in attendance on the day, a fan zone will be in operation, featuring:

• Heaps Normal Hand Ball Competition and Heaps Normal Tasting
• W. Sherrin Mascot Appearance
• Woodfired Pizza Truck
• Coffee Cart
• Canteen

What if I can’t get to the game?

Both the Senior Women’s and Senior Men’s matches will be covered wall-to-wall through broadcasts on RSN Xtra2, KommunityTV, the VAFA website and the VAFA’s Facebook Page.

RSN Xtra2 (Radio)
Digital Radio, RSN App, TuneIn App, Online

9:15: Inside the Boundary with Lucy Watkin & Sophie Welsh
9:45: For the Love of the Game with Joe Pignataro
10:30: LIVE Saturday Brunch with Joe Pignataro, Sophie Welsh and Gerard Arangio (PFL)
11:00: Senior Women’s vs. Perth Football League
12:45: Post-Game Celebrations
1:00: LIVE Saturday Warm-Up with Joe Pignataro, Nick Duxson and Gerard Arangio (PFL)
2:00: Senior Men’s vs. Perth Football League
4:35: Post-Game Celebrations

VAFA Website, VAFA Facebook and KommunityTV (Live Stream)

11:00: Senior Women’s vs. Perth Football League
2:00: Senior Men’s vs. Perth Football League

View full Broadcast details and streaming links here >

Live Match Stats

Official Analytics Partner of the VAFA, Premier Data, will be providing live stats of the men’s representative match from 2pm. Also follow VAFA’s Instagram for updates throughout the day.

VIEW LIVE STATS

The Final Word

Paul Groves, coach of the Senior Women’s Big V Team, “We’ll be ready to go, we feel like we’ve got a good balance, and one thing we’ve been speaking about is putting on a bit of a show.”

Greg Hutchison, coach of the Senior Men’s Big V Team, “This is a great opportunity this week for the players that are selected, we’re looking forward to it, it’ll be a great day for everyone involved.”