2024 VAFA Holmesglen Under 19 Showcase squads announced

The VAFA Holmesglen Under 19 Showcase will be played at Elsternwick Park on Saturday July 6, pitting North versus South as some of the most exciting and promising youngsters in the competition test themselves at the next level in front of AFL and VFL recruiters.

The Monash Freeway & Princes Freeway West (to Geelong) will be the dividing line between the two teams, which will include some players performing strongly at senior VAFA level in 2024.

The North will be coached by Paul Gilmour from St Bernards, who has risen through the junior coaching ranks with the Snowdogs, having previously played in the Victorian Under 19 team himself in the early ‘90s.

“That was a great experience, playing with and against guys you didn’t know. I want our players to get that same enjoyment,” said Gilmour. “It’s a bit of an honour and a great opportunity to get noticed as there’ll definitely be recruiters there.”

He is pleased with the talent at his disposal.

“The VAFA has so much Under 19 talent. There are Under 19 kids stepping up to play high-quality senior footy and some who are getting VFL experience as well.

“There’s very little time to get to know each other as players or people, so we’ll pick the team based largely on training performance. The kids who are nice and loud with their voice and show leadership will stand out.

“Given most of the kids may not know each other, it will be important for us to have some leaders who step up, talk to the other boys, bring the group together and not just hang in the background.”

Gilmour also has a clear idea for the style of footy he wants his team to play.

“My style has always been based around fast movement, so sharp skills are invaluable. I hate stagnant footy, so keep the ball moving and create opportunities for your teammates up the ground. That can start in the backline and we’re looking for players who can flick the switch from defence to attack instantly.

“Get back off the mark, play on, keep it moving. My aim is to have it flow nicely all game and give the kids a chance to show what they can do.

“Some of these kids won’t have been looked at all that often along the way, so in a Showcase game like this, we want an environment that allows them to show what they can do personally as well as how they can be a great teammate.”

The South will be coached by Hampton Rovers Under 19s coach Paul Carrigan, who began his coaching career at Beverley Hills in 1987 and has been with Hampton since 2009. This is his second season coaching Rovers’ Under 19s and he is also excited by the opportunity this Showcase game presents for all involved.

“It’s a great initiative by the VAFA to bring this to life after several years without rep footy,” said Carrigan. “It’s something that we can build as a league in the years to come.”

Like Gilmour, Carrigan is keen to play a style of footy true to the Showcase format.

“I’d like to see a free-flowing attacking game, where you’re accountable and defend when you need to, but then when we win the footy, we can be creative, use our skills and make it a showpiece for the competition.”

He also knows what qualities and traits are most important when bringing a new group together in a short timeframe.

“On night one at training, I’ll talk about ‘Team First’ footy. Share the footy around, create, showcase your talents but always look to make your teammates better. Play hard but fair and let’s have a lot of fun, show each other respect, showcase our teamwork and be passionate about being involved in this great opportunity. It’s got to be a fun environment and a learning environment that we can all get something out of.

“You’re representing your club at the next level, so put your best foot forward. Bring your A-Game but don’t put too much pressure on yourself. It’s a real gift to get the chance to play in games like this, so let’s make sure everyone enjoys it.”

VAFA UNDER 19s SHOWCASE – NORTH SQUAD

VAFA UNDER 19s SHOWCASE – SOUTH SQUAD

Tickets for the 2024 VAFA Holmesglen Under 19 Showcase at Elsternwick Park on Saturday July 6 (11.40am) are now available online here.

It will be Part 1 of a Rep Footy double-header, with the Big V Premier B-Division 3 team to play Bendigo FL immediately after.

Both matches will be live-streamed at VAFA.com.au