Da Fonte, the Big V an incredible symbol of Australian sport

One sleep away from a return to the field for the VAFA’s Big V representative side.

For the first time since 2019 the senior men’s side, and senior women’s side will take to the field against the Perth Football League at Elsternwick Park. 

Kylie De Fonte, is a VAFA Legend who has been associated with Big V representative sides across two decades. 

When both sides come running out tomorrow. The memories will come flooding back for De Fonte, and all the involvement she’s had since the turn of the century. 

“That (association to the Big V) came about through my dad, he was involved coming over from the Southern Footy League with their rep sides to then come to the VAFA ones, and he got me involved.” De Fonte said on the latest edition of the VAFA Legends podcast.

“I’ve loved doing the Big V sides, it’s such a great opportunity to meet other people from inside the program, it’s a brilliant program and I’m so excited to have it back this year.” she continued.

“It’s been really fun, I’ve had some great trips, and great experiences.” 

Although De Fonte has never played a game in the VAFA, nor worn the Big V. She has been the chief trainer/physio for the side, travelling around the country with the competition’s best players over the years. 

Her most recent experience came in 2018 when the VAFA’s Premier B to Division 4 senior men’s side took on an under 23 team from Perth at Trevor Barker Beach Oval. 

It is amongst De Fonte’s fondest memories of the Big V.

“The last actual B-D4 was when Barney did coach it was really special, it was really important to have that back, and to have Barney coaching was even better.” she said.

The side won that day as De Fonte recalls a jubilant coach Russell Barnes, who proceeded in the pre-game to lift up his shirt revealing he had worn his own Big V jumper to inspire the side ahead of their match-winning performance. 

“It just made it special.”

The most recognisable symbol in Australian sport belongs to the VAFA, the Big V. Despite having not worn it, De Fonte still feels great honour to have been associated with it for as long as she has. 

“That Big V belongs to the VAFA, it gives you such an amount of pride to be involved in it, and I love it.” 

“It’s what you do this for, it’s such an incredible symbol of what this footy association is all about.”

“That’s one of the reasons why you just keep coming back, it’s for the love of the game, the love of your club and the love of the association.”

“It’s a privilege for me, to be involved and see so many incredible players come through the Big V”

The Big V Women’s side will go into the clash against Perth with a 3-0 record next to their name. The men’s side are aiming to bounce back after losing to AFL Vic Country in 2019. 

Saturday, July 15 at Elsternwick Park sees the Big V return to the field, facing off against the Perth Football League.