Flag Feature: The Saints came marching in (Part 1)
When the St Mary’s and Salesian Old Collegians football clubs merged in 2008, the hope was that the power of the combined entity would deliver sustained on-field success. However, the
The Division 3 Team of the Year has landed featuring star players across the board.
Therry Penola produced a near perfect season, dropping just one game, to go on and take out the 2024 Premiership. With Coach Dean Boden at the helm, this star-studded lineup produced quality football week after week; many of those players have been acknowledged in the Team of the Year and Boden named as Coach of the squad.
Gracing the midfield from Therry is Emma Pullen and Gemma MacGregor in the ruck, alongside the competition’s Best & Fairest winner in Eliza German who has been named as the captain of the Div 3 Women’s Team of the Year. While Ruby O’Halloran and Abbey Duggan have earned places in the forward line.
La Trobe University have four players named lead by powerhouse Teresa D’Angelo in the midfield, with Lowry, Bond and Ritchie spanning the field.
The squad has two 2024 Anytime Fitness Rising Star Nominees in Lilly Griffiths (Box Hill North) and Ava Menard (UHS-VU), 2023 VAFA Best & Fairest in Ashton Billing (Wattle Park), and the exceptionally talented Poppy Palma (De La Salle).
Old Carey, UHS-VU, Box Hill North and Wattle Park each have two representatives in the side, whilst De La Salle have three, rounding out their stellar season that saw them make finals.
Grace Wood is flying the flag in defence for Parkside and Sadie Gray from the Preston Bullants has been named on the wing.

The VAFA Team of the Year’s are based on feedback and analysis from coaches, VAFA Media and umpires.
All Team of the Year’s will be published on VAFA social channels over the coming weeks.
When the St Mary’s and Salesian Old Collegians football clubs merged in 2008, the hope was that the power of the combined entity would deliver sustained on-field success. However, the
The VAFA is pleased to announce the extension of its Umpire Partnership with the South Metro Junior Football League (SMJFL) for the 2026 season. The partnership, which has played a
The 2026 William Buck Premier Men’s fixture has been unveiled, with Old Brighton to unfurl its first senior men’s flag in the opening round against St Bernard’s on Saturday April
