VAFA Div 3 Mid-Season Review: Flag smokey, blockbuster fixtures, who’s a TOTY lock?

After a superb eight weeks of Division 3 footy, all clubs will rest over the King’s Birthday long weekend. It provides the opportunity to reflect on what has been a hectic start to the 2024 season, and what is expected to come in the backend of the year.

So, let’s dive into some of the key takeaways from the start of this year.

North Brunswick unaffected by fresh competition

After a Division 4 premiership in 2023, North Brunswick were always going to command respect in Div 3, but the Bulls have yet to put a wrong foot forward in their 2024 campaign.

Their last non-win was almost a year ago, a draw in Round 10 against Box Hill North. You have to go back to Round 18, 2022 for their latest loss.

However, their current streak in 2024 hasn’t come without its challenges. Three of their seven wins have been decided by less than two goals, two of which were comeback victories after trailing at three-quarter-time.

Coach Adrian Sipala has embedded a winning culture into these Bulls though, and it’s going to take a special effort to knock them down.

St John’s are on the rise

Another Division 4 team that has burst onto the scene, the JOC’s have seamlessly merged into Div 3 football. Boasting Division 4 Best and Fairest winner Corey Ely and recruit Matthew Carnelley, St John’s have challenged the best, and sit in third after eight rounds.

Their 5-2 record could easily be 7-0, with their two losses by just six and seven-point margins. Lessons from those losses will only be helpful down the track, and after the big scalp of Power House in Round 8, St John’s are looming as a smokey for the flag.

Anyone can play finals

After Round 8’s results especially, it’s clear the race for a top-five position is as close as ever. Canterbury, who started the year 1-2, have won their last five and are now second on the ladder. Contrastingly, La Trobe University, who had a 3-1 start to the season, have lost three straight and slumped to seventh.

Wins from Albert Park and Richmond Central in Round 8 keep them both in the hunt, after their seasons looked done and dusted just a couple weeks prior. The Falcons sit just two games outside the eight, the Snakes just one.

Don’t count out Chadstone either. After a win and two narrow losses, they are playing a consistent brand of footy. A refresh from the bye could see them storm home.

Who knows what Eley Park and Box Hill North can deliver too? Both teams mauled by injuries, if notable players can get back on the field, they could find some form as well.

Every win counts from here on out, that’s for sure.

On the note of important matches, let’s delve into the key blockbusters to circle on your calendar for the remainder of the season.

Key Fixtures

Round 11 – Eley Park vs Box Hill North

This is a prime opportunity for Box Hill North to win their first game of the season, but equally as so for the Sharks to overcome their own struggles.

Round 13 – North Brunswick vs St John’s

Last time they played, the Bulls narrowly avoided a late surge by the JOCs. Will St John’s learn from their mistakes and cast North Brunswick a loss? Or will North Brunswick be too good at home?

Round 16 – La Trobe University vs Richmond Central 

Could quite possibly be the game that determines who makes finals. Both teams sit just shy of the top five currently, and if this is still the case by Round 16, this match will make or break both clubs’ seasons. La Trobe particularly will be circling this game as a must-win, as they play Power House and Canterbury in the penultimate and final rounds.

Round 18 – Power House vs Swinburne University

A final round blockbuster. Plenty at stake. A win could provide the double-chance, a loss could potentially send a team on September holidays. It looks to be a genuine do-or-die match.

Round 18 – Canterbury vs La Trobe University

Again, another final round blockbuster that could shape the final top-five teams. There’s potential for either side to be on the verge of missing finals, so this match will be played at the highest intensity.

There’s been some excellent individual efforts this season, as well as consistent leaders in the comp. So, who’s shaping to a be a part of the Division 3 Team Of The Year? Let’s take a look at each club’s best prospect for selection:

Albert Park: Henry Olive

Box Hill North: Joshua Hocking

Canterbury: Mitch Szabo

Chadstone: Anthony Brown

Eley Park: Aaron Williams

La Trobe University: Connor McCredden

North Brunswick: Fletcher Banfield

Power House: Benjamin Circosta

Richmond Central: Charles Spring

St John’s: Daniel Abou-Karroum, Matthew Carnelley

Swinburne University: Justin Burch

Plenty of midfielders make up this bunch, so continuous strong performances after the King’s Birthday bye will be vital to solidify a spot in the Division 3 Team Of The Year.

For the Division 3 Best and Fairest award, the P. Hutchinson Medal, the race is sensed to be tight. St John’s Daniel Abou-Karroum could be a favourite with his standout performances, but the goalkicking machine of Matthew Carnelley could detract his votes. North Brunswick’s Fletcher Banfield has been in the Best the most in Div 3 this season (seven times) indicating his chance at the medal.

A Hutchinson Medal winner hasn’t been a part of a premiership side since 2002 however, when current Div 1 team West Brunswick claimed the flag. Maybe 22 years later, the same feat could occur in 2024.