2024 Big V Weekend Preview

The BIG V returns to action on both sides of the country in an action-packed weekend of representative footy. See below to watch all the action live.

Sunday’s Big V double-header sees the VAFA’s finest cross the Nullarbor to face the Perth Football League at Steel Blue Oval in Bassendean.

First up, the BIG V WOMEN will look to defend their unbeaten State record and coach Paul Groves has selected a fast, versatile line-up with 12 of the 25 players in the extended group having pulled on the Big V last season. Last year’s skipper Bree Doyle from St Kevin’s will once again lead the team.

Groves got a preview of his opposition when they played a recent warm-up game.

“Perth Footy League played a game the other week, so we got to scout that and get a bit of an idea of what their forwards do especially and they’re going to pick a team that can run well, so we’re going to try to counter that.

“We’ve gone more a running versatile team this year as opposed to a little taller last year.

“A number of girls who played VFLW last year like Jess Joyce & Sarah Cameron have come back into the team. Plus a  few girls that weren’t available last year, such as Dakota Villiva from Kew and Taylah Watson from West Brunswick – it’s pretty exciting to have them come into the mix.”

“We feel really balanced. There’s going to be girls that play predominantly midfield for their club team who will go forward or back to grab their opportunity to play for the Big V.

“We’ll need a balance between inside power and outside run. The ability to play multiple roles is a huge advantage in State footy because it gives us options to switch things around and maximise match-ups.”

The VAFA Big V Women’s squad will play Perth Football League on Sunday, July 7 – the match will be live-streamed on VAFA.com.au & Kommunity TV, along with radio coverage on the SEN app. Pre-game coverage from 1.30pm AEST.

Then it’s over to the BIG V MEN’s team, who ultimately prevailed over Perth FL in an Extra Time thriller at Elsternwick Park last season.

Hutchison has looked to reward players involved in last season’s successful campaign while also welcoming new faces into the squad.

“We’ve got a good blend of youngsters and more seasoned players. We have some first-timers, which is always exciting, plus some veterans from the successful 2023 campaign who can provide experience and help fast-track our rookies.

“There were some players that weren’t available last year but are this time around, and they get their opportunity to put their hand up too.”

That includes Big V skipper Harry Hill, who can’t wait to get stuck into the Sandgropers.

Hutchison is pleased with the balance in the line-up across all zones.

“We have some forwards who can pinch-hit in the ruck, so we’ve gone with one specialist ruckman and he’ll have a great balanced midfield at his feet. Guys who can win their own footy inside but also provide good run and spread as well.

“Plus our mids can go forward and kick goals, which is important. I’m really happy with our midfield mix.

“Similarly in defence, we’ve got a mix of guys who can lock down as well as guys who are naturally more attacking intercept rebounding types, plus some who can do either for us depending on what we need at any given time.  Again, that versatility will help us get our defensive balance right.

“I’ve always been a defensive coach by nature but with the talent in this team, I’m more than happy to let them off the leash to create a brand of footy that is exciting to play and watch. I’m pretty keen to showcase our talent and let the players enjoy themselves – as long as they play team-first footy, of course.

The VAFA Big V Men’s team will play the Perth Football League on Sunday July 7 – the match will be live-streamed on VAFA.com.au & Kommunity TV, along with radio coverage on the SEN app. Opening bounce 4.30pm AEST.

Saturday features a double-header at Elsternwick Park, kicking off with the VAFA HOLMESGLEN UNDER 19 SHOWCASE which pits the North against the South as the competition’s most exciting young talent strut their stuff in front of AFL & VFL recruiters.

North will be coached by St Bernard’s Under 19 coach Paul Gilmour, who has a stacked line-up packed with top-line talent, including the likes of Uni Blues young gun Archie Sinnott and St Kevin’s jet Liam Walters, who have both impressed in Premier Men’s this season.

Captained by Old Xaverians’ Harry Bird, the North line-up will also feature youngsters from St Bernard’s, Old Carey, Old Trinity, Old Camberwell, Preston, Fitzroy, Kew, Parkside and Uni Blacks.

South will be coached by Hampton Rovers Under 19 coach Paul Carrigan and will also be dripping with class and skill across all zones. They too have faces familiar to Premier Men’s fans, with the likes of Collegians’ young guns Will Pewtress, Will Dean, Richie Andrew, Eddie King & Angus Perry, who have all played Senior footy this season.

Captained by De La Salle’s Luke Healy, with Collegians’ Jasper Davy as vice-captain, South will be determined to defend their home territory at Elsternwick Park and there are three Old Melburnians in their line-up.

We’ll also see Old Haileybury, Old Brighton, Glen Eira/Old McKinnon, Beaumaris, Hampton Rovers, St Bedes/Mentone, Caulfield Grammarians & Parkdale Vultures represented.

Opening bounce is 11.40am Saturday. Tickets are available here & if you can’t make it to Elsternwick Park, tune in to the live-stream at VAFA.com.au & Kommunity TV.

Immediately following the Under 19 Showcase, the BIG V returns as the VAFA’s PREMIER B-DIVISION 3 team host the BENDIGO Football & Netball League at Elsternwick Park.

Former Fitzroy coach Luke Mahoney will lead the Big V, thirty years after he debuted as a Big V Under 19s player.

Mahoney and his selectors have picked a hard-edged midfield unit to compete inside, surrounded by dangerous users capable of doing damage on the outside. The team will be captained by Beaumaris’ Callum Linehan.

“We know Bendigo will have a strong and experienced midfield with a variety of goal-kicking avenues. We are heading in with a ruck combination to give us an opportunity to win ball at stoppage.

“Our forward line will be dynamic and will be aligned with VAFA club teams that generally have a spread of goalkickers rather than the one spearhead. That’s exciting for us and will complement our outside game that we are focusing on.

“Our backline will be our key. There are a number of sharpshooters from Bendigo that we will need to close down and be constantly aware of. I feel we are well covered with flexibility within the team to try and shut those avenues down.

“The team has a great blend of experience (Linehan, Cowan, Simon) and youth (Loughnan, Algeri, Filipovic) with some exciting talent of the VAFA testing themselves at a higher level.”

Flexibility and versatility have been key in Mahoney’s decision-making.

“We’ve leant towards guys who can play more than one role. We can’t play 12 midfielders, so we need mids also capable of effectively playing forward or back. Ammos footy is traditionally quicker, so ‘fit and fast’ has been another key motto.”

This promises to be a fantastic game of footy, with this powerful Big V line-up to be challenged by an equally impressive Bendigo outfit led by gun centre half-back Jack Reaper, who will captain the team.

Bragging rights will be on the line – don’t miss what promises to be an electrifying clash.

The VAFA Premier B-Division 3 squad will play Bendigo FL at Elsternwick Park on Saturday July 6 from 2pm, streaming live at VAFA.com.au & Kommunity TV.

2024 VAFA Representative Football Fixture