Long-range bombs, unbeaten winning streaks and individual brilliance

Josh Heriot

Season 2022 was packed with many highlights across both the men’s and women’s sections in what was the 130th year of the VAFA.

Earlier this week, VAFA Media touched on the moments that made 2022 a memorable year. It was too tough for us to leave it at just those five moments. So, in no particular order, here are another five moments that got myself and everyone talking.

THE BEST DRESSED COACH LEADS PEGS TO THE BEST PREMIERSHIP YET

PEGS produced one of the more dominant performances in 2022. Losing just one game to Oakleigh in round 7, PEGS were a juggernaut throughout the season and finished up minor premiers.

Master coach Len Hannah led his players into the finals with a world of confidence and it showed on the field.

PEGS registered a 37-point win in their semi final against Kew and then a 27-point win in the Grand Final against Old Camberwell Grammarians.

On the field Cameron Livori, Riley Simmons, Scott Whillas, Andrew Horne and David Fahey received team of the year honours. Coach Len Hannah was also named coach of the year for division one.

Further to team of the year honours, Andrew Horne also won the LS Pepper medal for the best player in division one. Other notable players to have outstanding seasons were Jack Fenner and also Riley Macdonald.

BOMBING FOR HOME FROM LONG-RANGE IN THE MASTERS

The Mecwacare Masters Grand Final produced one of the great VAFA moments of the season. The game went down to the wire with only three points separating De La Salle and Oakleigh at the siren.

With De La Salle leading at the final change, Oakleigh led the charge and chased them down with an exciting last quarter.

The final quarter saw desperation personified with both teams forging a final thrust to edge clear ahead of the siren.

Ryan Tily was the star of the show with a long-range goal from 60 metres out which got the commentary team quite excited.

The Mecwacare master’s season was also showcased as part of the footy festival played mid-season at Elsternwick Park with all participating teams this season playing off.

It’s fair to say that the master’s season produced many moments that were memorable with freakish goals, nail-biting finishes and plenty of on-field flair and excitement.

 

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FITZROY HOST A DAY TO REMEMBER ON ANZAC DAY

While Collingwood and Essendon took centre stage at the MCG on Anzac Day, the bugles could also be heard at Brunswick Street Oval for a special Anzac Day game between Fitzroy and Williamstown CYMS.

It was an important day for both teams with players lining up arm in arm to observe the Anzac ceremony.

With Fitzroy controlling most of the last quarter to win by 25 points, the occasion was the major focus throughout the afternoon, and it was wonderful for the VAFA community to come together and acknowledge the day.

THE WINNING STREAKS

One of the most impressive winning streaks of the year was seen in William Buck Premier Men’s with Collegians recording 10 straight wins leading into the finals.

After suffering a nasty loss to Old Melburnians in round eight the Lions were left looking for answers.

The answers came however in the back end of the season and the Lions soon became unstoppable.

Led by Kenny Ong, Dave Mirror and Sam Hibbins, the purple army produced spectacular performances including a come from behind victory against University Blues in round 16.

Other highlights came in the form of teams not just producing winning streaks but also remaining undefeated during the 2022 season.

In the Women’s sections we saw four teams put together perfect seasons. St Bedes, Beaumaris, Hampton and MCC all completed the perfect season and remained unbeaten.

For the Hampton Rovers Women’s side they remained unbeaten this year, but also currently hold the largest winning streak in VAFA women’s history with 25 wins.

ANTHONY ZIMMERMAN, A HUMAN HIGHLIGHTS REEL 

The VAFA is home to a plethora of exciting small forwards but arguably the best has to be Anthony Zimmerman from Old Brighton.

“Zimmer” as he is commonly known amongst the VAFA media team produced two of the season’s best goals in round 18 at the Brighton Beach Oval.

Deliberately running further towards the boundary to tighten the angle, Zimmerman fired up the crowd with two unbelievable goals and capped off a sensational afternoon for Old Brighton.

He makes the tough shots look easy and this season he produced more magic.

It was certainly a year we won’t forget, and it was made all the more memorable by many of these moments.

It was a real thrill to have VAFA footy back on a Saturday afternoon again, and of course the countdown continues for the commencement of season 2023.