Division 2 Men’s Season Preview

As we gear up for the 2024 season in VAFA Division 2 Men’s, we say farewell to Grand Finalists Parkside (Premiers) and Old Yarra Cobras who have been promoted to Division 1, and wave goodbye to Old Paradians who’ve departed the competition.

Due to changes in the divisional competition structure, the bottom two from last season (St Mary’s Salesian and Aquinas) live to fight another day and will be hoping to rise up the ladder this season.

Last years Division 3 Grand Finalists Hawthorn and Elsternwick make the jump to Division 2, as does Wattle Park due to changes in the structure.

Let’s take a look at the teams who’ll battle it out in Division 2 this year.

AQUINAS

The Bloods had a disappointing season in 2023, collecting just the two wins and finishing at the bottom of the table. Due to other circumstances they remain in the division for another year and will be looking to be more competitive this time around. A host of recruits and re-committed players should help their cause under coach Craig Glennie, and first up they face Wattle Park on their home deck.

BRUNSWICK

The NOBS will no doubt be disappointed at going out in straight sets last year. The Brunswick boys had a magnificent home & away season, finishing second on the ladder with 13 wins. However, the double chance didn’t work in their favour, going down to Old Yarra in the Prelim. The NOBS should be strong again this season and a definite contender for top honours.

BULLEEN TEMPLESTOWE

A disappointing 2023 finishing eight for the Bullants, and they’ll be looking to improve on that this year, with some talented under 19s coming up through the ranks.

ELSTERNWICK

The Wickers had a dominant 2023 season in Division 3, dropping just the two games and running out Premiers by 67 points over Hawthorn. Can they do it again? Time will tell as they come up against new competition this season, and a few departures may make the challenge a little harder than it was last year.

HAWTHORN

It was a disappointing Grand Final result for Hawthorn, but they’ll be looking to consolidate their spot in Division 2 this season.

MHSOB

A mid-table finish for Melbourne High School last year and the boys from South Yarra will be keen to improve their win-loss record under coach Bernie Pretty. A team that has remained in the section for about a decade, the Unicorns start their 2024 campaign away to Hawthorn.

SOUTH MELBOURNE

South Melbourne Districts had a solid season, finishing fourth and suffered a narrow defeat in their semi final. Another team who’s good on their home deck at Albert Park, they’ll be pushing for finals action again in 2024. The Swans travel to face Bulleen Templestowe in round one.

ST MARY’S SALESIAN

The Saints collected just the four wins last year in what was a disappointing season for the club. A host of re-committed players and new recruits should see them on the up. They will be tested first up however, on the road to face Whitefriars.

WATTLE PARK

The Animals have come up from Division 3 despite finishing fourth and going down in the first semi final to Canterbury. This year could be tough, however the club is up and about with the Marmalade crew bringing a heap of attention as they ply their trade in the club’s Thirds team. Let’s hope some of that excitement leads to victories on the park for the seniors.

WHITEFRIARS

The ‘Friars just missed out on finals footy last season, equal on points with fourth-placed South Melbourne but an inferior percentage of 5%. They’re always hard to beat at home and that will no doubt be the case again this season, which should hold them in good stead for a tilt at finals this time around.

VAFA Media needs a reporter to cover Division 2 Men’s for the 2024 season. If you’re interested, please email: [email protected]