Andrew Dillon confirmed for Big V Luncheon

Incoming AFL CEO Andrew Dillon has been announced as a special guest speaker at the upcoming 2023 Big V Luncheon on Friday July 14 at the RACV Club.

To be held the day before the Big V faces off against the Perth Football League at Elsternwick Park, the VAFA will be honouring the remarkable careers of Big V Champions John Griffiths from Caulfield Grammarians, and Mark Brady from Old Scotch and St Kevin’s Old Boys. Plus, Joe Kelly being recognised as a Big V Legend, in recognition of his outstanding coaching record.

As a former representative of the Big V, Dillon will be on hand to celebrate Big V Champions and Legends of the past, ahead the competitions most prestigious day on the calendar. This will be the first time representative football will be played for both the senior men’s and women’s sides since 2019.

MC for the event Mark Anderson will conduct a Q & A with Dillon, talking through his 290 games with the Old Xaverians, being one of four players to represent the club in its straight six Premierships, as well as his time playing representative footy in the late 90’s.

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As part of the afternoon, the Big V Luncheon will feature the announcement of the 22 men and women who will face off against the Perth FL the following day at Elsternwick Park, writing the next chapter in Big V history.

Clubs are encouraged to come and support their players in both the Men’s and Women’s who will be selected in the 2023 Big V Team, receiving their Big V jumper from senior coaches Greg Hutchison (Men’s) and Paul Groves (Women’s).

Family and friends of selected players are also encouraged to attend. Tickets are now on sale and are available via the VAFA website.

The spotlight will shine brightly on John Griffiths, a true stalwart of Caulfield Grammarians. Griffiths’ remarkable achievements on the field during the 1970’s saw him pull on the Big V on 8 occasions between 1973 – 1977.

Mark Brady, hailing from Old Scotch and St Kevin’s Old Boys, is another legendary figure who will be celebrated at the Big V Lunch. Known for his unrivalled passion and outstanding contributions to the game, making his Big V debut in the Under 19 side in 1989. Brady would be rewarded a further 7 times most notably in the 1994 Carnival where he was named a member of the All Amateur Team.

In his final game in the Big V in 1997, he was named the best player on the ground against the VCFL. As a Big V Champion, his skill, determination, and sportsmanship were a feature of his football during the 90’s.

In 2023, the Big V Legend honour has been awarded to Joe Kelly, the revered coach of the Big V between 1950 and 1957. Kelly’s unparalleled leadership and strategic brilliance have guided the Big V to an impressive 15 appearances, resulting in a staggering 14 victories.

Immerse yourself in the heritage and passion of representative football, as the VAFA pays tribute to the extraordinary careers of John Griffiths and Mark Brady and honours Joe Kelly’s elevation to Big V Legend.

The Big V Lunch at the prestigious RACV Club on Friday, July 14, promises to be an unforgettable experience that celebrates the very essence of our beloved sport.

Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to be a part of history.