Editorial: Great rep wins, Thick & Thin

Brett Connell – VAFA CEO

Well, what a successful weekend of VAFA representative football we experienced last week.

Congratulations to the successful VAFA Senior men’s and women’s teams on their respective victories against AFL Victoria Country and AFL Goldfields. While our U19 team didn’t win, they definitely ran their Country counterparts to the wire and gave them a huge scare.

The standard of football across both days and all matches was of the highest order and all players and coaches from all teams are to be congratulated for their dedication and above all else their passion to represent the Big V in the manner in which they did.

There is no doubt the spirit of the Big V is alive and well.

To the coaches of our teams, Stuey Powell (Snr), Dave Gately (U19) and John Kanis (Women’s), a huge thank you for your efforts in initially selecting your squads, bringing your off-field teams together and then having to make some really tough calls when selecting your teams – not to mention then getting them to fire on the day. Well done, you have each done the VAFA proud.

It would be remiss not to also congratulate our VAFAUA umpires who were selected to represent us last weekend, a huge honour and privilege and from all performed to an equally high standard – well done to Haydn O’Connor, Daniel Silfo (F), Nick Weidemann, Raushan Seychell (B) and Clayton Evans (G) – Senior; Josh Ball, Ben Traplin (F), Luke Myatt, Nick Obst (B) & jack Stammers (G) – U19 and Gavin de Kretser F, Tia Chitty (B) and Tope Adepoyibi (G) – Womens.

Our thanks are extended to the Frankston Football Club and AFL Goldfields for hosting our matches and I would particularly like to congratulate the VAFA team of Brian Goodman, Sam Confait, Shona MacInnes, Brian Woodhead, Nick Armistead and Mikala Sykes for making certain nothing was missed in the lead up, on match day at any of the matches, and in at all associated functions and events.

Representative football will continue to remain a key plank in the VAFA’s strategic direction, it is imperative we recognise our best players, coaches and umpires, give them an opportunity to pit themselves against the best from other competitions and regions and above all else feel proud to be connected with the VAFA.

Also keep an eye out for more information about our Big V Luncheon to be held at the RACV Club (Melbourne) on Friday August 18, which will follow in upcoming editions.

This weekend, many VAFA clubs will wear blue-coloured socks in support of Thick and Thin Round. The VAFA player-led initiative aims to create awareness surrounding mental health within the VAFA and normalise mental health concerns by encouraging team mates to have a conversation. The VAFA is and has always been a community who look out for each other, and I congratulate all those taking part this weekend.

Given this is my first Editorial as VAFA CEO I would like to take the time to thank outgoing CEO Michael Sholly, for the lead role he has played in progressing the organisation over the last 12 years. Michael leaves a wonderful legacy and big shoes to fill, from all associated with the VAFA thanks “Sholl” for all you have done and all the best for the future.

In the same breath I am looking forward to leading the VAFA into a new era, building on the sense of pride the VAFA is known for and continuing to develop and grow our great game across the VAFA.

Have a great weekend at the footy.