Statement from VAFA CEO, Jason Reddick

Victoria has been rocked in recent days by the tragic passing of Beaumaris Football Club’s Bianca Jones and Holly Bowles.

On behalf of the entire VAFA community, our deepest condolences go out to Michelle and Mark, Samantha and Shaun, your extended families and all who love Bianca and Holly.

Both girls are much-loved members of the Beaumaris Football Club, having come up through the Sharks’ junior program and winning a premiership together in 2022.

Holly followed up with another in 2023, then progressed to play 12 games of senior football in the VAFA Premier B competition this season.

The club has advised that Sharks’ Chaplain Rev. David Steerey is providing personal support to those needing someone to talk to in this difficult time. He can be contacted on 0402 837 726 or via email at: [email protected]

Club affiliate psychologist Jo Ryan is also offering counselling support on 0409 183 677 and at: [email protected]

The VAFA is providing counselling assistance via the VAFA’s free Player Assistance Program. You can find the details at: https://www.vafa.com.au/club-support/player-assistance-program/

The VAFA, together with the AFL and its national insurance program, is also committed to providing support to the families of Holly and Bianca in this difficult time.

Football clubs and football communities are renowned for putting their arms around each other in the most testing of times and on behalf of the entire VAFA community, we wish the Jones and Bowles families, along with everyone in the tight-knit community that is the Beauy Sharks, our very best for the days and weeks ahead.