VAFA Under 19’s talent showcased in style

A break in the VAFA Holmesglen Under 19’s fixture has enabled the rare opportunity for players competition-wide to participate in Representative Football.

Saturday’s Holmesglen Under 19 Showcase at Elsternwick park involved 46 of the finest young talents from across the VAFA. All would suit up to represent their home clubs in an inaugural display of Under 19’s Rep Footy.

The contest on Saturday jam-packed with speed and skill, would go down as yet another exhilarating instalment in VAFA representative football history as North visited South (with the Monash Freeway & the Princes Freeway to Geelong being the dividing line).

From the opening bounce, skills were essentially flawless. North opened their scoring account early on, before South immediately struck back.

The crowd would be wowed by the speed on the ball, as well as the ability of all players to execute difficult skills.

Still conditions at Elsternwick Park would allow for a goal-fest, headlined by scintillating passages of play.

South midfielder Nicky Christian was the standout player in the opening quarter, using size and strength to surge the ball forward.

Entering the second quarter, South would unleash an onslaught on North’s defence, providing a flurry of opportunities for their dangerous forwards.

North backman and Fitzroy product Iggy Norman-Andrews was particularly impressive throughout this period, preventing a handful of goals.

Despite such efforts, gun forward duo Jack Behnk and Andreas Stefanakis reaped the benefits, kicking multiple goals each as South opened up a 13-point half time lead.

The third quarter would belong largely to North skipper and Old Xaverians midfielder Harry Bird, who imposed himself in the midfield.

Fitzroy’s Louis Hodder proved to be a goal threat for the Northeners, taking his opportunities on goal throughout the game.

The game hung in the balance with South holding a 6-point lead entering the final quarter. For a representative bout, fans were astounded at the sheer desire of players, many putting their bodies in harm’s way.

South coach Paul Carrigan rallied his troops at the final break, reassuring his players of the game plan. His desire for his players to control the game would soon come to fruition, a dominant display in the final quarter coming from his side.

South would execute a dominant final quarter display, kicking seven goals to none and running away to a 49-point win that belied how close the contest had been.

Despite the lopsided result it was soon forgotten, as players acknowledged the efforts and achievements of their teammates and opponents.

The best afield medal was awarded to the dangerous Andreas Stefanakis. The Old Haileybury product (and late call-up to the game), made the most of his opportunities on the day, kicking four goals.

Another chapter of representative football in the books, young talent in the VAFA proves to be strong. Players who shone in Saturday’s contest will no doubt shine in the many years to come.

It was a great step towards continuing to build the profile of our brilliant VAFA youngsters and all should be congratulated for embracing the concept and seizing the opportunity to represent their clubs, their families and the competition.

NORTH      3.1     4.3    7.6       7.7 (49)
SOUTH       4.1     6.4.   8.6   15.8 (98)   

GOALS
NORTH: Hodder 3, Connell-Tobin 2, Ellwood & White 1.
SOUTH: Stefanakis & Behnk 4, Dowe, Ferraro, Dean, Mavropoulos, Christian & A’Beckett 1.

BEST
NORTH: Hodder, Ellwood, Di Lallo, Ryan, Lowrie, Gorman-Andrews.
SOUTH: Stefanakis, Behnk, Christian, Ferraro, Dean, Pewtress, Szonyi.

Saturday July 6, 2024 at Elsternwick Park.

Watch the Full Match Replay >