The VAFA representative football program will expand in 2024, with the Big V to host the Bendigo Football Netball League at Elsternwick Park, while an Holmesglen Under 19 showcase will be played as a curtain-raiser.
The two-year agreement between the Victorian Amateur Football Association and the Bendigo Football Netball League will see one selected open-age men’s representative football team from each league compete against each other at Elsternwick Park on Saturday 6 July, 2024, and then in Bendigo in 2025.
Building on the successful return of representative football in 2023, with both the Big V Men’s and Women’s teams to again compete against the Perth Football League in Perth this year, the VAFA has extended the opportunity to players from Premier B Men’s through to Division 3 Men’s to to be selected for this match.
VAFA CEO, Jason Reddick, said the agreement was a win-win for both leagues and their players.
“We are really pleased to have this two year agreement with the Bendigo Football Netball League and look forward to hosting them at Elsternwick Park this year.
“This game will provide an opportunity for players from Premier B Men’s through to Division 3 Men’s to proudly wear the Big V, whilst the Under 19 match will showcase our best up and coming talent,” he said.
Chair of the Bendigo Football Netball League, Professor Carol McKinstry, said the agreement was a testament to the mutual respect and desire for interleague football between the two leagues.
“The Bendigo Football Netball League is excited to announce that interleague football is back after a hiatus caused by the Covid pandemic.
“Interleague football provides an opportunity for players to test themselves at a higher level and renew or make connections with players and coaches from other clubs.
“The BFNL is excited by the prospect of playing the VAFA and looks forward to the game on the 6th July at Elsternwick Park, ” she said.
A further VAFA initiative is the Holmesglen Under 19 Showcase to act as the curtain raiser to the VAFA v BFNL match on Saturday 6 July, 2024.
Two teams representing the best Under 19 Men’s talent in the VAFA divided into North and South, will go head to head in a great exhibition of future VAFA Seniors or AFL prospects.
More details of the representative matches will be confirmed closer to the event date.
Saturday 6th July – VAFA (Premier B – Division 3 Men’s) v Bendigo FNL – Elsternwick Park
Saturday 6th July – VAFA Holmesglen Under 19 Showcase – Elsternwick Park
Sunday 7th July – Perth FL v VAFA (William Buck Premier Men’s) – Perth (Venue TBC)
Sunday 7th July – Perth FL v VAFA (William Buck Premier Women’s) – Perth (Venue TBC)
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