2025 Division 2 Men’s Team of the Year

The 2025 Division 2 Men’s season was full of ups and downs. Grand Finalists Old Yarra Cobras and St Mary’s Salesian were a step above the rest of the competition, but it wasn’t all smooth sailing for either side.

The Saints were the only team to beat the minor premiers during the regular season, and while Nathan Monaco’s men got one back by winning their semi-final thriller by the barest of margins, Clay Tait and his charges triumphed to claim victory (and the flag) in the last game of the year. 

West Brunswick and South Melbourne Districts were the other finalists – the Magpies eliminated by South in a 3-point First Semi-Final thriller, before the Bloods got overrun by the rampaging Saints in a remarkable Preliminary Final the following week.

As per last year, there were plenty of goals, with 14 players kicking 30 or more (and 33 kicking 20 or more) across the course of the season.

Canterbury young gun (and VAFA Anytime Fitness Rising Star nominee) Ryder Daffy also deserves a mention after finishing with 28 goals from only seven games. Daffy, who played in the APS competition before pulling on the red, yellow, and black in the VAFA, will be one to watch in future seasons.

Each VAFA Team of the Year is based on feedback and analysis from coaches, umpires, and the VAFA Media team.

The 2025 VAFA Division 2 Men’s Team of the Year is:         

West Brunswick had five representatives, including three starting midfielders – League Best and Fairest Ben Ablett (named as skipper in this team) alongside Emlyn Nettleton in the middle for the opening bounce, with Brock Ward on the wing, Joel Krauss off half back, and small forward Herbert Fithall, who had an outstanding campaign with 52 goals, providing added danger off the bench.

St Mary’s Salesian had three make the team, along with the Coach of the Year, Clay Tait. Ben Tricarico is one of only two players from the 2024 team to be named again this year – an excellent reward for effort after finishing just one vote behind Ablett in the League best and fairest count. Jacob McElroy (the Division’s leading goal scorer with 69 majors), and the long-kicking Angus Molden also got the nod from St Mary’s.

Minor premiers Old Yarra Cobras have three players – defensive stalwart Rory Chipman, marking machine Jack Hall (who booted 61 goals), and retiring midfield bull Tom Bell.

Likewise, the other ‘Cobras’ team – Canterbury – with Michael Wheeler the consensus pick for the best big man in the division, while Seb Gotch and Michael Topp were also selected for their ability to play through the midfield, while also hitting the scoreboard.

MHSOB are well represented in the forward half of the ground, with Mathew Pereira (46 goals) named at full forward and Will Hellier (31 goals) on the flank.

The two Unicorns are joined ahead of the ball by South Melbourne’s Tom Foley (who provides flexibility to the side after being selected at centre half back in the 2024 Team of the Year), with Bloods full-back Ben Hunt also named in the side.

St John’s Mitch Barry only managed 11 games after suffering a kidney injury, but was named as his side’s best by multiple opposition coaches. Barry held down centre half back, yet also kicked 16 goals. Aquinas’ Harry Flack, Hawthorn’s Wil Fleming, and Whitefriars’ James Perrin round out a quality 22.

Congratulations to all players named in the team for 2025. It’s a great achievement in such a hotly contested season.

A Team of the Year from each senior VAFA section (plus Under 19 Premier) will be published on VAFA platforms over the coming weeks.