2024 Big V Men’s Squad announced

The initial Big V Men’s Squad of 46 players has been announced today, with the VAFA to face the Perth Football League in Perth on Sunday July 7.

Big V Men’s coach Greg Hutchison and his selection panel have had the challenging task of squeezing so much available talent down into 46 slots.

“We entered the selection process with a really open mind,” said Hutchison, who is coaching the Big V for a second consecutive year.

“You need a large and deep squad, given we still have six weeks to go. And we’re also really open-minded about what the final team looks like. It will largely depend on form – we have a good block of games to keep monitoring. It’s been a pleasingly difficult job to narrow the squad down and make sure we have the right mix.”

“We’ve got the luxury of keeping our options open at this point and when you look at the key forwards, for example, there are so many worthy candidates to consider.”

Hutchison has looked to reward players involved in last season’s successful campaign while also welcoming new faces into the squad.

“We’ve got a good blend of youngsters and more seasoned players. We have some first-timers, which is always exciting, plus some veterans from the successful 2023 campaign who can provide experience and help fast-track our rookies.

“There were some players that weren’t available last year but are this time around, and they get their opportunity to put their hand up too.”

Hutchison will bring the group together for the first time next Monday night, when they assemble for an indoor training and recovery session ahead of the VAFA bye weekend.

“We know we’ll have to trim the squad down in the lead-up to the game and that’s always tough, but we want the entire experience to be enjoyable for everyone. It’s a great chance to meet new people, get to know players and coaches you normally only ever compete against and take away some knowledge that will be of use on a weekly basis.

“It’s a great honour to be selected and something that the players and their clubs should rightly celebrate. On top of that, we also want to ensure there’s real value in being involved in our Big V program.”

The talent net has been cast wide.

“It’s great to see our two new Premier Men’s teams – Fitzroy and St Bernards – with some representatives.

“We’ve included some players from Premier B that have been in great form, plus one from Premier C, Christian Carnovale, who pulled on the Big V with us last year. And those guys also remain eligible to play in our Prem B to Div 3 team who will be playing the Bendigo Footy League.

“I’m thrilled for all the players who have made our squad. They’ve earned it. It’s such a talented group and it will be really special to share this journey together over the next six weeks.”

Last year’s captain Josh Freezer has agreed to a Big V Ambassadorial role and will be in and around the group in the coming weeks.

“Josh is such a quality person and will have such a positive influence with his leadership and experience. He’s delighted to be involved again and we’re delighted to have him.”

VAFA BIG V MEN’S SQUAD 2024

The VAFA Big V Men’s squad will be trimmed to 23 in the lead-up to match against Perth FL on Sunday July 7, which will be streamed live on VAFA.com.au