The VAFA congratulates the 36 players selected in the initial Big V Men’s Centenary Squad to host the Perth Football League at Sportscover Arena, Elsternwick Park on Saturday July 12.
Big V Men’s coach Daniel Harford and his selection panel have had the challenging task of trimming a long list of talent down to an initial squad, who will participate in a five-session training camp over the next five weeks.
“It wasn’t easy,” admitted Harford. “There are so many good players!”
“We began the process with a pretty specific system that we want to play. We want to be able to move the ball with a good level of flow.
“We’ll need ‘pigs in the trough’ to win the footy in the first place and then we’re looking for flexibility that allows us to move it out into space, while also having mobile athletic players set up behind the ball with good footy nous.
“From there, we looked for certain profiles – particular sizes, athletic capabilities and skill sets to fit those various roles within our system.
“We need multiple options in each category as we realise there is still a fair bit of footy to be played between now and game day.
“It was invaluable to have my coaching team and senior VAFA club coaches around the league to gather advice and intel from, not only in terms of positional ability and footy IQ, but also personality, which is important when you’re bringing such a diverse group together.
“We’ve picked a really balanced squad. We want coverage in all positions. We have the ‘best of the best’ available, so now we get to line them up and fit the best possible combination into our mould.
“There are so many players worthy of a Big V jumper that we can’t pick everybody. So, our team won’t necessarily be the ‘Best 22’ players in the competition. It will be the best cohesive unit to execute our game plan on the day.”
Harford recognises that the chemistry within the group is critical.
“Being able to work with each other to succeed in the key moments that will inevitably arise will be vital,” he said.
“That requires a combination of experience and trust. We will put them into various scenarios during our training camp and see what happens. Who works well with who? Who is grasping what we’re aiming for?”
Harford recognises the magnitude of the challenge ahead.
“I watched last year’s game against Perth Football League. They are seriously good opposition. Athletic forwards, strong through the middle, they use the ball well… definitely no Burleys this year though!
“What they showed last year was pretty impressive, so we know we have our hands full. But Elsternwick Park in July will be a very different experience for them.”
The Centenary of the Big V adds another dimension to this year’s rep footy experience.
“I want our guys to walk in to our program and understand what it is to be in that position. The history, the legacy that comes with being a Big V player. The responsibility it carries and also the great opportunity.
“You get to be a part of the ‘best of the best’ and you don’t get that chance in life or footy too often – to come together for one moment and be the best.
“I want them to understand that what we’re about to do will carry through the years. This is the 100th anniversary – it will always be particularly special. We’re going to embrace that and spend plenty of time hanging out with the women’s program – we’ll train on the same nights and immerse ourselves in the entire Big V experience.
“We’ll have a five-session camp, and I return to the VAFA with a clean slate in terms of player expectations. I have no preconceptions as to who in our squad ‘should’ make the team.
“I’m fortunate to have a great level of background understanding from my coaches and advisors in that space, but I’m entering with clear eyes and an open mind.
“I’ll be looking at how players interact with their teammates, learn new drills on the fly, adapt under pressure and show me that they’re desperate to be out there on July 12.
“I’m looking for players who bring a burning desire to put their best foot forward and be a part of something special. We represent ourselves, our families, our clubs, and our VAFA community. We’ll get 22 of those boys in the Big V to go out there and give them hell.
“Because the Big V deserves your best.”
VAFA BIG V MEN’S SQUAD 2025
| Campbell Walker | Collegians |
| Max Pinchbeck | Collegians |
| Will Pewtress | Collegians |
| Dylan Thomas | Collegians |
| Alex Lukic | Collegians |
| Dane Harvey | Fitzroy |
| Max Benier | Old Brighton |
| Hamish Dick | Old Brighton |
| Harry Hill | Old Brighton |
| James Hope | Old Brighton |
| Jordan Segar | Old Brighton |
| Sam Flockart | Old Brighton |
| Olli Hotton | Old Haileybury |
| Brede Seccull | Old Haileybury |
| Josh Gasparini | Old Haileybury |
| Jack Bell | Old Haileybury |
| Andreas Stefanakis | Old Haileybury |
| Charlie Cormack | Old Scotch |
| Sam Grant | Old Scotch |
| James Tarrant | Old Scotch |
| Campbell Lane | Old Xaverians |
| Jed Feneley | Old Xaverians |
| Marcus Stavrou | Old Xaverians |
| Charlie MacIsaac | Old Xaverians |
| Tom Jok | St Kevin’s |
| Anthony Seaton | St Kevin’s |
| Jack Andriske | St Kevin’s |
| Luke Winter | St Kevin’s |
| Mitch Hughes | St Bernards |
| Ben Huggard | St Bernards |
| Sam McKenzie | University Blacks |
| Campbell Moorfield | University Blacks |
| Fred Valpied | University Blacks |
| Kane Loftus | University Blacks |
| Darcy Chirgwin | University Blues |
| Ben Townson | University Blues |
Squad updated as at Thursday, June 5.
The VAFA Big V Men’s squad will be trimmed to 23 in the lead-up to match against Perth FL on Saturday July 12, at Sportscover Arena, Elsternwick Park, which will also be live-streamed at VAFA.com.au.
Book your tickets today for the 2025 Big V Gala Dinner, presented by CitiPower – a landmark event celebrating 100 years of Big V Representative Football.
This prestigious event will bring together past and present players, coaches, officials, club representatives, partners and supporters for a night of celebration, storytelling and recognition of the proud legacy of the Big V.
Date: Thursday evening, 10th July 2025
Location: CENTREPIECE at Melbourne Park
Tickets: $195 per person (includes three-course dinner, beverages & entertainment)
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