Editorial: The last weekend of 2019 VAFA footy

George Voyage – VAFA President

The final week of the season has arrived and on-field it is down to the last two teams in each of our three Premier grades, as well as the Reserves and Premier Thirds.

In Premier C, the dream lives on for AJAX who have had a remarkable turnaround and undefeated run over the last nine games. The Jackas come up against minor premiers Williamstown CYMS who have had a magnificent season without loss. The CY’s efforts in lifting themselves up and working so hard to put the memories from last season behind them is to be admired. AJAX is a hard running, skilful and most worthy opponent in what promises to be a wonderful game at Trevor Barker Oval.

In Premier B, Caulfield Grammarians and Old Scotch battle for supremacy in a rematch of their one-point second semi-final thriller. These have been the top two and most consistent teams in this section throughout the season and it could well be another epic battle at Elsternwick Park on Saturday afternoon.

William Buck Premier was another most competitive section with extremely close contests at both ends of the ladder. We are left with two clubs to fight it out for the premiership flag and University Blues and St Kevin’s OB are deserving grand finalists, both having overcome the courageous Old Xaverians to reach the ultimate decider.

At the recent VAFA William Buck Finals Lunch held at Zinc on Friday September 6^th, the parade of the women’s premiership cup winners took place. Our umpire’s awards night was also conducted at Marvel Stadium recently and was a wonderful celebration of the VAFA’s welcoming and progressive umpiring community.

Last weekend, the Men’s Divisional Grand Finals were held with congratulations to St Francis Xavier (Division 4), Aquinas (Division 3), Whitefriars (Division 2) and Preston Bullants (Division 1) on their respective victories over Albert Park, Manningham Cobras, Brunswick NOBS and UHS-VU. Despite results, all of these clubs have earnt promotion to the higher section for season 2020 except for St Francis Xavier who sadly are moving to another league.

Our Holmesglen U19 premiers were decided last weekend and congratulations are in order for Old Scotch (U19 Premier), Old Melburnians (U19 Division 1), Hampton Rovers (U19 Division 2), Kew (U19 Division 3) and Williamstown CYMS (U19 Division 4) for winning their respective Grand Finals. Medal winners and leading goal kickers were announced for all grades in our first ever combined VAFA Best & Fairest awards night last Wednesday at the inaugural VAFA Politix Awards Dinner. With close to 400 guests present, the night was a huge success.

But at this time we must be aware and recognise the roles of our volunteers, coaches and support staff who every week prepare our more than 10,000 registered male and 4,000 female players and for making our competition what it is today. I would particularly like to acknowledge our umpires, their association and coaches who turn up each week to adjudicate such a demanding sport.

To our commercial partners, we express our thanks for your involvement in the VAFA and also to our VAFA Admin staff led by CEO Brett Connell and his team who make it all happen.

The VAFA Board are strategically directed in planning and overseeing implementation of key projects, some of which currently involve spectator amenities at Elsternwick Park, VAFA Rules revision, health and resilience programs, planning for Ireland in 2020, leading a history group, updating policies and a player registration membership card.

Good luck to all teams this weekend.

If you are from a club that didn’t enjoy the successes hoped – well, hang in there…your turn will come.

Spread across Melbourne with people of all backgrounds, ours is the best football competition in Australia. We are about the love of the game and our clubs offer more than just football. It is a place for camaraderie, friendships and a safe haven for all.

But now it’s on with the Grand Finals. The umpire is about to bounce the ball….. Game on!