Big V coaches confirmed for Bendigo clashes

The VAFA are delighted to announce that LUKE MAHONEY & PAUL CARRIGAN will lead the Big V into battle against Bendigo FNL in July.

The VAFA will send two teams to Bendigo to face the locals on Sunday, July 13 – the Premier B-Division 3 Men’s team, plus the Under 19 team, which returns after a hiatus.

Mahoney will coach the Prem B-D3 team for the second consecutive year after leading them to a thrilling 13-point win at Elsternwick Park, while Carrigan will be in charge of the Under 19 line-up.

The AFL Victoria 2022 Coach of the Year, Mahoney played 290 games with North Old Boys, Williamstown VFL and St Kevin’s, where he was a premiership captain and won four best and fairests.

His coaching career began as an assistant to Daniel Harford at SKOB, then as a senior coach with Brunswick NOBS in 2016, when he was named VAFA Coach of the Year in Division 1.

Luke took over at Brunswick Street as Fitzroy senior coach in 2018, guiding the Roys to a premiership in his first season, before leading them into William Buck Premier Men’s in 2024, at which point he took the Big V job and is looking forward to the opportunity to defend the silverware.

“I’m super excited to be involved again,” said Mahoney.

“Last year was such a great experience, so to get the chance to be a part of Game 2 of this series against Bendigo is fantastic.

“The biggest thing last year was the unknown. We didn’t know what to expect from Bendigo and they didn’t know what to expect from us. Both teams came away from the 2024 game with a fair idea of what the opposition brings and what you have in your own group.

“Bendigo had a couple of big names out, as did we. Hopefully both teams can field their strongest possible line-ups. We know they’re going to be keen for the rematch.”

Mahoney and his coaching panel are also better equipped to pull the initial squad together, which is an enormous task in itself, given eligible players stretch across 50 clubs from five sections.

“We knew selection wouldn’t be easy last year,” Mahoney reflects.

“But we’ve got that background now of who we looked at last year as a base, plus the list of new names we’ll be looking closely at. I’d encourage all clubs to nominate players they believe deserve to be on our watchlist.

“We’re keen to increase our preparation this year and bring the group together earlier. We have a core group who played last year that will hopefully be keen to be involved again.

“I know there have been permanent friendships forged from our 2024 experience together, with the WhatsApp group still firing almost 12 months later and that’s part of what makes the Big V experience special – making friends with people you otherwise wouldn’t get to know. Those bonds will hold us in good stead.”

So what sort of players will Luke and his panel be looking for?

“Playing on the big ground in Bendigo, we’re going to need a quick, hard-running side. As was the case last year, we’ll be looking for players who can step up and play even better at a higher level. Guys like Fletcher Banfield, Harrison Kennedy and Sam Kieseker were all great examples of that.

“We’re already out there looking for those attributes and given it’s a particularly special year – the Centenary of the Big V – if you’d ever want to be involved, this is the year. So we’re certainly keen for our more credentialled VAFA players to join us.”

Centenary celebrations will kick off with the largest function in VAFA history – the Big V CENTENARY GALA on Thursday, July 10.

This unique event will honour all players who have worn the Big V over the past century, and celebrate the spirit of the Big V.

“It’s going to be an unforgettable weekend and we get the honour of capping it off on the Sunday. I can’t wait!”

Part 1 of the double-header at Queen Elizabeth Oval will see the Under 19 Big V men’s team make its representative return as the best youngsters in the competition get their chance to pull on the treasured Big V.

Last season’s North vs South Showcase was one of the most watchable games of the entire season and Big V Under 19s coach Paul Carrigan (who coached the South in that game) is looking forward to bringing the cream of the VAFA’s young crop together to take on the best Under 19s that Bendigo FNL can muster.

“Given the success of last year’s Showcase, which was an absolutely brilliant fast, zippy, highly skilled game, Paul Gilmour and I were both keen to be involved again,” said Carrigan, who coaches Hampton Rovers’ Under 19 team.

“Unfortunately, Paul’s work commitments leave him unavailable, and I am very honoured to have been asked to step up and create a vision for what our VAFA Under 19s team will be.

“We’re already into pre-planning, given we’ve had a couple of weeks to look at talent as we build up our scouting process. I’ve got two guys out there watching games and vision – Nick Jackson and Oscar Roberts – who are doing a great job.”

What are they looking for?

“Well, last year, Paul and I were adamant that we weren’t going to tell these kids to stay in their shells. Quite the opposite, in fact. We encouraged them to express themselves and showcase their full array of skills, which they did. That’s why the Showcase ended up so spectacular to watch.

“The same goes for 2025. We’ll be looking to play open, expansive, attacking footy that’s fun to play, fun to coach and fun to watch. Hopefully Bendigo share that same philosophy. Let’s give our kids the chance to shine.

“So, we’re looking for players with great foot skills, who can hit targets without breaking stride. Run and speed are vital, but so are courage and commitment to go hard when it’s your turn.

“Most clubs tend to nominate their front-line midfielders, and while we’re clearly interested in those, we also need to find some role players. Guys who are prepared to sacrifice their own game for the team’s benefit by playing a specific role.

“We need guys with the versatility to play multiple roles, such as the key forward who can genuinely pinch-hit in the ruck, or the mid who can also effectively play as a specialist small forward or defender.

“We’re happy to give opportunities for talented players to contribute in different ways. It’s whatever is best for our team.

“Last year, we had Will Pewtress, who plays key defence for Collegians, step into the middle as our big-bodied inside bull. Jeremy A’Beckett, who plays centre half-forward for OMs, spent time as our second ruck. Nicky Christian played inside for us.

“We’ll aim to have 8-to-10 guys in our midfield mix, so you’ll need to be able to play another role as well.”

Carrigan realises that talent identification is a big task, given the number of promising youngsters across the VAFA, from Premier Men’s through the Under 19 Divisions.

“Last year, we opened it up to anyone in the VAFA who qualifies. Same again this year. If you’re good enough, you get in, irrespective of what section you regularly play in or whether you’re top or bottom-age. Resumes don’t matter. We just need to pick the best team we can to represent the VAFA in this significant milestone year for the Big V.

“We know there are some hidden gems out there and we’re keen to find them. We’ve got scouts out there right now searching up and down through the VAFA. We’re already building a watchlist.

“Last year I saw some kids turn up to training doubting themselves. I could tell from the moment they got out of the car – they weren’t sure if they belonged at this elite level. What I would say to kids invited to train with us this season is that if you’re invited, we and your club obviously think you are good enough, so let your personality shine.

“Don’t be reserved and shy. Don’t play safe or take a backward step. If you see a teammate do something good, compliment them. We need a strong vibe in our group, and therefore, we’re looking for players who can bond with others quickly, be supportive and generally be a good teammate. Everything flows from that.”

Club nominations for selection in the Premier B-Division 3 and Under 19 Big V teams will open in early May.