Women’s section structure locked in for 2024 season

The VAFA is pleased to confirm the Women’s section structure for the 2024 season, with the number of teams increasing to 75, across eight sections.

A 10-team William Buck Premier Women’s will again highlight the VAFA women’s competition in 2004, while eight teams will compete in Premier B Women’s (with all club’s fielding seniors and reserves). 39 teams are spread across Divisions 1-4.

In liaison with club’s, while also taking on feedback from the 2023 Advisory Groups and 2023 End of Season Surveys, the VAFA believes this is the best possible starting point for the season ahead.

The focus always in Women’s football is competitive balance due to the non-promotion/relegation model and allowing for the fact that the VAFA Re-grading Policy is in effect after Round 4 in all Women’s sections.

Reducing forfeits and byes was a key point, along with ensuring all players in the VAFA women’s competition have an opportunity to play football. Only Division 4 has a structured Bye due to an uneven number of teams.

Teams of concern in regards to playing numbers, along with club’s second or third teams have also been put in Division 4 for stability in the other Divisions. Teams within Division 4 are encouraged to maintain open lines of communication with each other on the VAFA Evening Up Rule and look at acquiring overflow players from higher Division club’s to assist with player shortages week to week.

75 women’s teams in the VAFA, an increase on 2023, across eight sections is an exceptional effort, while other women’s competitions have plateaued around the country.

The VAFA also welcome back Westbourne Grammar who will field two teams in the Premier B Women’s competition in 2024. See the full list of sections and teams below.

Premier B Women’s and Divisional Women’s Fixtures will be finalised this week and released on the VAFA website.

The VAFA wishes all of our VAFA Women’s participants a successful and enjoyable 2024 season.

In regards to other fixturing, Mecwacare Masters is expected to be released by the end of next week, with Holmesglen Under 19s to follow, and finally, Thirds Men’s.

2024 VAFA Women’s Section Structure

William Buck Premier Women’s: Caulfield Grammarians, Coburg FC, Collegians FC, Kew FC, Monash Blues, MUWFC, Old Scotch, Old Yarra Cobras, St Kevin’s, West Brunswick.

Premier B Women’s: Aquinas OC, Beaumaris, Fitzroy, Mazenod OC, Old Geelong, St Bedes/Mentone Tigers, Westbourne, Williamstown CYMS.

Division 1 Women’s: Brunswick FC, Hawthorn, Marcellin, Old Brighton, Old Camberwell, Old Haileybury, Old Melburnians, Old Xaverians (1).

Division 2 Women’s: Glen Eira/Old McKinnon, Hampton Rovers, MCC FC, Oakleigh, Old Trinity, Parkdale Vultures, Power House, Richmond Central, St Mary’s Salesian, Therry Penola.

Division 3 Women’s: Box Hill North, De La Salle, La Trobe University, North Brunswick, Old Carey, Parkside, Preston Bullants, UHS-VU, Wattle Park, Whitefriars.

Division 4 Women’s: Ajax, Albert Park, Canterbury, Collegians (3), Elsternwick, Kew FC (3), Old Xaverians (2), Old Yarra Cobras (3), South Melbourne Districts, St Kevins (3), West Brunswick (3).