2025 Flag Feature – Tonner time at last!
Old Brighton entered the 2025 Premier Men’s competition as both the hunter AND the hunted. Externally, the club was widely seen as the clear premiership favourite, yet internally, the Tonners
Therry Penola’s 2022 season is already underway with the appointment of Brendan Payne as their new senior men’s coach.
Payne, who replaces Damien Peverill after he stood down in August, comes to the Lions following a highly successful run at UHS-VU whereby the Vultures won back-to-back premierships and reached Premier C for the first time in over 40 years. He was named the 2018 VAFA Divisions Coach of the Year after leading UHS to the Division 2 flag.
Therry Penola President, Rodney Moran, said the club is excited about both the professionalism and knowledge of amateur football that Payne will bring to the role.
“He brings demonstrated experience in developing a strong and successful culture through self-empowerment and building of strong relationships,” Moran said.
“We are confident that creating this strong culture, unity and cohesion will elevate the club both on and off the field and provide the platform for success.
“We look forward to a full season of football next year under Brendan’s leadership and direction.”
The Lions won five of their 11 games in Division 1 this year and are searching for their first senior men’s flag since 2013 (Division 2).
Old Brighton entered the 2025 Premier Men’s competition as both the hunter AND the hunted. Externally, the club was widely seen as the clear premiership favourite, yet internally, the Tonners
The VAFA Women’s competition will feature five Divisions in 2026, and the fixtures have been released, with Round 1 kicking off on Saturday, April 18. All five Women’s Divisions will
Jason Bennett, Matty Donald & Brayden May return with the VAFA’s award-winning weekly podcast, FOR THE LOVE OF THE GAME, for another season! First up, the boys are deep diving
