Big V Premier B-Division 3 team announced

The VAFA’s Big V Premier B-Division 3 Men’s coach Luke Mahoney has named his team of 24 to face the Bendigo Football League at Elsternwick Park on Saturday, July 6. See the full team below.

The line-up is stacked with quality on every line and Mahoney, a former Victorian rep player himself, can’t wait to have it all at his disposal.

“There’s plenty of talent across the divisions so it’s been a mammoth task to pull this list together. Our starting point is that this game will be the equivalent of a high-level Premier game. So we need to pick guys who can thrive in the equivalent of a Premier Final,” said Luke.

“We’ve tried to identify guys we feel can rise to play at that level. Some may be good contributors at their current level, but we suspect they might become even better at a higher level of speed and skill. Some players really thrive as the standard of game improves.”

Mahoney and his selectors have a hard-edged midfield unit to compete inside, surrounded by dangerous users capable of doing damage on the outside.

“We know Bendigo will have a strong and experienced midfield with a variety of goal-kicking avenues. We are heading in with a ruck combination to give us an opportunity to win ball at stoppage.

“Our forward line will be dynamic and will be aligned with VAFA club teams that generally have a spread of goalkickers rather than the one spearhead. That’s exciting for us and will complement our outside game that we are focusing on.

“Our backline will be our key. There are a number of sharpshooters from Bendigo that we will need to close down and be constantly aware of. I feel we are well covered with flexibility within the team to try and shut those avenues down.

“The team has a great blend of experience (Linehan, Cowan, Simon) and youth (Loughnan, Algeri, Filipovic) with some exciting talent of the VAFA testing themselves at a higher level.”

Flexibility and versatility have been key in Mahoney’s decision-making.

“We’ve leant towards guys who can play more than one role. We can’t play 12 midfielders, so we need mids also capable of effectively playing forward or back. Ammos footy is traditionally quicker, so ‘fit and fast’ has been another key motto.”

All sections are represented, with:

• 18 players from Premier B
• 3 from Premier C
• 1 from Division 1
• 1 from Division 2
• 1 from Division 3

The final team will be presented with their jumpers at the 2024 Big V Luncheon, to be held on Friday, July 5 at the RACV City Club. See event details and purchase tickets here.

The VAFA Premier B-Division 3 team will play the Bendigo Football League at Elsternwick Park on Saturday July 6 from 2pm. Tickets are available here.

The match will follow the VAFA Holmesglen Under 19 Showcase game at 11.40am, with both matches to be streamed live on VAFA.com.au.