Division 2 Men’s was, without question, one of the most interesting sections in all of the VAFA throughout 2024. Brunswick set the early pace, winning 14 of their first 15, but it was ultimately Elsternwick timing their run to perfection to pip the minor premiers by 13 points on Grand Final Day.
The Division also featured an incredible collection of individual seasons, as evidenced by the incredible stat of 12 players booting more than 30 goals, which makes for a high-powered attacking Team of the Year!
Each VAFA Team of the Year is based on feedback and analysis from coaches, VAFA Media and umpires.
Here’s our 2024 VAFA Division 2 Men’s Team of the Year:
Whitefriars has 5 representatives and will provide us with plenty of midfield power – Best & Fairest winner Tom Jacotine, alongside ruck Marlon Simbolon (who finished equal 4th in the League Best & Fairest) and Max Warrick, plus dangerous forwards Sam Kieseker (61 goals) and Nick Garratt (45 goals) to kick to.
Premiers Elsternwick has 4 representatives, including the Coach of the Year (Peter Higginbotham) and Captain Matt Harvey, who will lead the defence. Throw in the brilliant Paul Sanderson around the contest and Spencer Hankin as part of this unstoppable forward line (65 goals) and the Wicks provide strength right across the park.
Minor premiers Brunswick also provide 4 representatives, with Best & Fairest winner Rowan Hogenbirk, Gabe Banova and Ben Wilson all providing plenty between the arcs, while spearhead Hayden Parker (76 goals) will be a key target for us up forward.
South Melbourne Districts has 3 reps in this line-up, with defensive duo Tom Foley (Best & Fairest) and Vicenzo Armenia plus yet another dangerous forward option, Jamie Brooker (45 goals).
Hawthorn AFC provides us with 2 representatives – League Best & Fairest winner, Justin Raiti, who will work in tandem with Simbolon in the ruck and provide us with another forward target, while Charlie Boots will line-up across half-back.
On the other half-back flank is Bulleen-Templestowe’s representative, Harry Vogler, who took out the Bullants’ B&F in 2024.
Wattle Park’s Best & Fairest Joden Crothers rounds out our backline nicely, while our midfield group will have plenty of depth with St Mary’s Salesian on-baller Ben Tricarico and Aquinas inside ball-winner Garrison Asciak ready to take their turn through the middle.
MHSOB’s Nick McKinnon rounds out our 22 after a productive season that has earned him Team of the Year Honours in 2024.
Congratulations to all players – what a powerhouse combination this is!
A Team of the Year from each VAFA section will be published on VAFA social channels over the coming weeks.
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