Editorial: Celebration Time – Reward & Recognition

Brett Connell – VAFA CEO

As we near the close of the home and away season for the men’s competition, and the women’s finals get into full-swing, it’s also a time where we celebrate the year that has gone before us.

Recently we had a Club and Members Information night (July 30), where we provided an opportunity for those present to see the new facilities at Elsternwick Park and hear from the VAFA regarding the Strategic Plan, our Articles and Constitution review, and plans for funding further upgrades to Elsternwick Park No 1 Oval. For more information, visit the Australian Sports Foundation website and search VAFA to find out more, donations made by this website are tax deductible.

The next morning (August 1) we hosted a successful VAFA Sponsors’ Breakfast where our partners experienced the new facilities as well as hearing from Darren Birch (AFL GM Growth, Digital & Audience) on the AFL’s focus markets going forward.

The 12^th Annual Big V Club Luncheon was held at the RACV Club on August 3, where David Hughes (Old Scotch) was elevated to Legend status, while Brian Bourke (De La Salle OC) and Wayne Carey (St Bernard’s OC) were inducted as Big V Champions. A terrific event whereby VAFA Representative history is celebrated.

Next Monday (August 13) at The Park in Albert Park we will be rewarding and recognising the very best individual performers from our 2018 women’s competitions, if last year was anything to go by it will be another wonderful night full of fun, excitement and recognition.

Congratulations to the Division 1-3 women who were announced as their section B&F on Wednesday night’s Inner FM radio program. We look forward to watching them receive their medals at this Monday night’s presentation ceremony. The William Buck Premier, Premier B Blue & White winners will be announced on the night.

We then roll into the Women’s Grand Final Day (August 19) where premiers will be crowned and teams celebrated – a welcome back to the new Elsternwick Park No1 Oval bound to be a highlight.

In 2018 we will celebrate our William Buck VAFA Finals Lunch (September 7) as a launch for all VAFA finals. To be held at Zinc in Federation Square, the lunch will be hosted by Sam Lane, with Brendan Gale (Richmond FC CEO) and Nicole Livingstone (Head of AFLW) headlining the card, with Titus O’Reily back again to provide the entertainment.

Go to tixstar.com.au and search for William Buck VAFA Finals Lunch for tickets to the VAFA Finals Lunch and visit St. Kevins OBFC website for further information on their lunch.

The VAFA Woodrow Medal (September 12) returns to a mid-week slot (Wednesday) and will once again highlight and recognise the very best of our men’s competition across all grades and divisions, culminating in the crowning of the 2018 Woodrow Medal for the fairest and best VAFA Premier player.

The full 18 rounds will be read out live from the River Room at Crown, while all best & fairest award winners will be presented with their medallions throughout the night. It promises to be a fantastic night with live entertainment & highlights from the 2018 season.

The re-instigation of the VAFA Life Members’ Lunch (September 15) – Premier B preliminary final day will see the VAFA celebrate the many people who have made enormous contributions to the VAFA over many years.

The culmination of our 2018 season will take place on the weekends of September 8/9 (Divisions and U19 grades) and September 15/16 (Premier, Premier B & C sections) – with a return to VAFA Headquarters Elsternwick Park No1 Oval in the final weekend.

Exciting times ahead for us all and, in the midst of all the celebrations, please remember that it can be a busy and stressful time for many, so a little patience when dealing with people across our community is always appreciated.

See you at the footy.