2025 will be a season of celebration as the VAFA recognises the 100th anniversary of the first Big V match, which took place against the South Australian Amateur Football League (SAAFL) at the MCG in 1925.
The Vics won that inaugural clash by 96 points, launching one hundred years of pride and passion felt by VAFA players privileged to wear the mighty Big V and represent our competition with distinction.
It has been worn proudly by Victorian teams of all sports since.
Centenary celebrations will focus on Big V weekend in mid-July and kick off with the largest function in VAFA history: the Big V CENTENARY GALA on Thursday, July 10.
This unique black-tie event will replace the annual Big V Luncheon in 2025. It will honour all players who have worn the Big V over the past century, featuring video presentations and panels with past and present luminaries sharing both tall tales and true as we commemorate the spirit of the Big V.
Save the date – tickets will go on sale shortly and will go fast!
The evening will also showcase a display of classic Big V items.
The VAFA is also launching a call-out for Big V memorabilia, so if you have classic photos, vision, news clippings, Footy Records, jumpers or assorted knick-knacks, we’d love to see them.
We want to find the oldest existing Big V jumper. How far back can we go?
Items will be held on loan for the display and returned afterwards.
If you have classic Big V items that might be of interest, please contact Karen Bennett at [email protected] or at VAFA HQ on (03) 9537 6777.
The focus of Big V weekend then switches to the on-field action, with four Big V teams to take the field.
All games will be live-streamed, with broadcast details closer to the date:
SATURDAY JULY 12 – ELSTERNWICK PARK
1pm – BIG V WOMEN vs PERTH Football League
3.30pm – BIG V MEN vs PERTH Football League
SUNDAY JULY 13 – QUEEN ELIZABETH OVAL, BENDIGO
11am – BIG V Under 19s vs BENDIGO FNL
1.30pm – BIG V Premier B-Division 3 Men vs BENDIGO FNL
It begins with a Saturday double-header featuring the Big V Women putting their undefeated status on the line against Perth FL, who came agonisingly close to ending the streak in Perth last year.
Then, the Big V Men seek redemption after being outplayed by Perth FL in 2024. The last time these teams met at Elsternwick Park (in 2023) was one of the great Big V clashes, with the home team triumphant after Extra Time was required to separate the sides.
This year, the second half of the men’s clash will be played under lights, making for a spectacular finale.
Sunday will deliver another Big V double-header as we head to Bendigo to face the Bendigo FNL at Queen Elizabeth Oval.
In exciting news, the Under 19 Big V men’s team makes its representative return as the best youngsters in the competition get their chance to pull on the Big V.
Last season’s North vs South Showcase was one of the most watchable games of the entire season, with the ball pinging around at high speed and intensity. We’re looking forward to watching the cream of our crop take on the best Under 19s that Bendigo FNL can muster.
Then, it will be the Big V Premier B-Division 3 men’s team in action against Bendigo FNL. In 2024, the Big V had to fight all the way to get over a resilient Bendigo outfit that simply refused to lie down and this will be another hot must-see contest.
Keep an eye on VAFA.com.au for more Big V news, features & updates as we celebrate the centenary in style!
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