VAFA Statement – January 2026
In January 2026, the VAFA appointed an independent investigator to examine allegations regarding inappropriate costumes worn by a number of players from a VAFA club at a private end-of-season function,
Essendon legend Simon Madden has been confirmed as the guest speaker for the VAFA Season Launch for Wednesday, 25 March at the Members MCC Dining Room at the MCG.
Madden who coached St Bernard’s in the VAFA for four season, but those who don’t follow the Snowdogs, or didn’t come up against them in that period probably remember him more for the 375 games Madden played for the Bombers. He is considered one of the greatest ruckmen of the modern era and Madden is a current member of the Essendon Board.
Madden won four Essendon best and fairest awards and captained the Bombers in the 1980 and 1981 seasons. He played in the back-to-back premiership sides in 1984 and 1985, winning the Norm Smith Medal for best on ground in the 1985 Grand Final.
The Season Launch guest speaker spot has been a highly treasured part of the evening and over the years, the list is a who’s who of Australian football, mixed in with the odd personality.
The VAFA Season Launch will also honour new Life Member Geoff Reilley and will award Certificate of Merit Winners to those people that have served their club and the VAFA over and above the norm.
In January 2026, the VAFA appointed an independent investigator to examine allegations regarding inappropriate costumes worn by a number of players from a VAFA club at a private end-of-season function,
The 2026 Premier C Men’s fixture has dropped, and it promises to be a fascinating season, with plenty of coaching changes, a couple of accomplished teams returning from Premier B,
The 2026 Premier B Men’s fixture has been released, and, as in 2025, this section is shaping up to be one of the tightest and most exciting in the entire
