BIG V MEMORIES

The Big V – Ryan Colbert 

I have been privileged to represent the VAFA and pull on the Big V jumper on a few occasions. Each time has been a unique experience with different players, coaches, opposition and venues each offering a distinctive atmosphere.  The history alone that the jumper carries makes you lift a little bit more as an individual, as you don’t want to take the opportunity for granted and not do justice to the jumper.
Our victory against the VCFL (Victorian Country Football League) under lights in Shepparton last year was one of the greatest wins I have ever been involved in. I am originally from country and to play against some mates from my junior club Golden Square was an enjoyable occasion.  Our selected team was an extremely strong unit as we had built great rapport over the training sessions leading up to the match.  In the build-up to the game there are two advantages we hold over the VCFL;  we arguably play a higher standard of footy in our VAFA competition and play against each other on a weekly basis, which helps us become a more familiar outfit when we come together.
The first half was played at a frantic pace and we gelled quickly on the glorious surface at Deakin Reserve.  Sautner was on target early and Juice Wintle was giving us on-ballers first use at the stoppages.  Going into half-time we had the momentum using our speed and quick ball movement to hold a three goal buffer.
This changed in the first ten minutes in the third, where the VCFL delivered some quality ball deep into their spearhead Grant Weeks.  They managed to peg us back and things were pretty much locked away at three quarter time. At the huddle listening to Ando, I could sense every one of my teammates did not want to give an inch or do anything to let the jumper down. As a result, there were numerous desperate acts from both sides and the lead changed several times. A brilliant snap from the boundary from Cam Howat and multiple courageous and individual efforts outweighed the VCFL’s and we managed to be in front by a few points at the final bell.
I think to select a team from Premier A and B and defeat a team that’s picked from an entire state encompassing many teams and competitions epitomises the strength and depth of the VAFA. Having not beaten them for over 10 years and Coach Dean Anderson falling agonisingly short a couple of times in the past, made the victory even sweeter.
The celebrations carried long into the night with all coaches, players and officials taking in the victory. A highlight for me here was the look on selector Michael Blood’s face when we arrived at the GV Hotel just after 9pm and missed the kitchen/chicken parma cut-off. Big Bloody was heading straight to the take away pizza place before Michael Sholly cut a deal with the chef to keep the kitchen open for Bloody and the boys.
Along with the triumph of beating the VCFL, having the opportunity to represent the Big V in Ireland was an unbelievable experience. Becoming accustomed to the round ball and international rules was a huge challenge for the group. This was evident in the first five minutes of our first game vs Na Piarsaigh (Setanta O’hAilpin’s club in Cork) where Nick Sautner snapped the first ‘over’ (three points) of the game and furiously celebrated his feat and demanded his teammates ‘Get around me’.  The boys responded and aggressively crowded Sautner to congratulate him, as if it were a match winner or goal of the year contender. Nick Wynne, playing key defence, charged in from 100 metres away. But an ‘over’ means the ball comes straight back into play (like an Aussie Rules minor score) and during this massive group celebration and team-building exercise, our Irish opponents waltzed down the park, sharing the ball amongst themselves while our goalkeeper Gareth Snow, alone between the sticks, began to count the loose men coming at him. Namely, all of them!!! An “under” to Na Piarsaigh, – and were down 6-3. The large Friday night crowd could not believe it and the field echoed with laughter at our expense.
My highlight of the trip was playing at the Irish sporting cathedral Croke Park  against the All-Ireland team. Apart from getting blown away and hardly touching the ball, it was a thrilling experience. It was a front row seat (yes, we were reduced somewhat to spectators) and a pleasure to watch as they danced around us with their blistering speed and unbelievable foot skills with the round ball.  In the lead-up to the game we had a couple of wins against the local Irish clubs and every opponent with whom I spoke told me it was every Irishman’s dream to run around on the “Croker”.  How lucky we were! After the game, we had the chance to take in the atmosphere and enjoy what was a once in a lifetime experience.
I’ve learnt a lot from playing under many coaches for both U23 and senior level, Frank Dunell, Jamie Shanahan, Mick Dwyer, Dean Anderson and Simon Lethlean among them. The opportunity to play with the VAFA’s best is fantastic, as one always picks up a few things from other players on their preparation, training and on-field performance. Apart from the memories of playing in winning Big V teams, I think the biggest bonus is the friendship developed with players, coaches, officials and supporters whom we might have first come across as foes.  Go, the Big V!