2025 Men’s Under 19 Centenary squad announced

The Big V Under 19 rep team returns to action for the first time since 2019, and the VAFA congratulates the 40 players named in the initial squad to face the Bendigo FNL at Queen Elizabeth Oval in Bendigo on Sunday, July 13.

Hampton Rovers Under 19 coach Paul Carrigan, who coached the winning South side in last year’s Under 19 Showcase, will take the reins and has been thrilled with the calibre of available talent.

“We’ve fine-tuned a great list. I’ve got three talented young assistants – Oscar Roberts, Travis O’Donoghue & Nick Jackson – in our coaching group, and they’ve spent plenty of time analysing data and video, as well as watching a heap of live games across the various sections in which we have eligible players. All the way from Premier Men’s down.

“We identified eligible VFL-listed players in our VAFA competition, as well as youngsters playing very good senior footy in Premier Men’s and Prem B. We divvied those up amongst our coaching group and assigned scouting responsibilities so we left no stone unturned. Then we have so many talented kids running around in our Under 19 sections as well.”

Carrigan knows full well that he’s going to need all of that talent.

“Bendigo will also be a formidable team stacked with kids already playing senior footy. Many of them will likely have come straight out of the Bendigo Pioneers program, so this is going to be a high-quality, hotly-contested game.”

Carrigan and his coaching team have a clear vision for the style of football they want to play.

“We have players capable of getting speed on the ball. Guys who can run and carry on a big ground like QEO to deliver it quickly to our forwards, one-out. We don’t want to see numbers flooding back defensively, and we hope Bendigo don’t either. We want players on both teams to have the opportunity to showcase their talents in a game like this.

“We also have bigger, more mature bodies that we will integrate into our mix to provide inside strength. Get it out and take the game on.”

Carrigan’s long coaching journey (which began with Beverley Hills in 1987) has seen him coach various interleague teams along the way, which has helped him form a clear view on how the best rep teams come together.

“It’s not necessarily the best group of footballers, it’s who is going to work best together. We’ll begin our training camp by breaking into forwards, backs and mids to work on individual zones. In that, we’ll also be looking for leadership traits. The overall chemistry of the group is so important. It’s never just about talent.

“My experience tells me that the best 15-18 players pick themselves and the hardest part is identifying role players who can pinch hit in two or three areas and show on-field leadership. They’re the players that will often win you a tight game. We’ll certainly be looking for those guys in our group.

“I want our players to be proactive. Last year, you could tell the guys that believed they belonged in the Big V program. The reality is that we – the selectors – their club, their community and their family all trust that they belong. That’s why they’ve been picked in our squad. The question is – do they believe it?  

“That will shine through really quick. Players have something that tells us they belong in this team beyond their pure skill and ability. That will go a long way toward decisions around the final 22.”

Carrigan knows that there will be plenty of eyes on this game, given the calibre of young talent on display.

“I’d like to think that plenty of players in this game have aspirations of playing in the AFL, so if some of these boys can elevate themselves, they can spark interest in AFL & VFL scouts, who will certainly be watching with interest. It’s a great chance for both leagues to showcase just how impressive their young talent is.”

The historical significance of the occasion won’t be lost on the Big V group.

“This will be the VAFA’s first Big V Under 19 team since COVID. The pressure will be on. We’ll have the camaraderie of getting on the bus together and heading up to Bendigo. We’re going there to win.

“It’s a great honour to coach the team in the Big V’s 100^th year, but I probably won’t be welcomed back into metropolitan Melbourne if we don’t come home with the victory!” Carrigan laughs.

“I want our guys to enjoy the experience. It will be a great chance for them to catch up with and play alongside blokes they’ve played footy with and against coming up through the junior ranks, as well as make new friendships that will endure long after the game is over.”

Training begins next week and will include five sessions between now and gameday in Bendigo on Sunday, July 13.

VAFA BIG V UNDER 19’S SQUAD 2025

The VAFA Big V Under 19 squad will be trimmed to 23 in the lead-up to the match against Bendigo FNL on Sunday July 13, at Queen Elizabeth Oval in Bendigo. The game will 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.

Big V Gala Dinner Event Details

Date: Thursday evening, 10th July 2025
Location: CENTREPIECE at Melbourne Park
Tickets: $195 per person (includes three-course dinner, beverages & entertainment)