VAFA confirms 2026 Men’s Divisional competition structure

The VAFA has finalised the Men’s Divisional competition structures for the 2026 season following an extensive consultation period with clubs.

Division 1 will remain a 10 team competition in 2026. As confirmed, Elsternwick and Therry Penola will move to Division 2 after their relegation. Replacing them are the 2025 Division 2 Grand Finalists Old Yarra Cobras and St Mary’s Salesian, both earning promotion after strong seasons.

This results in the 2026 Division 1 line up consisting of the eight retained Division 1 clubs from 2025, and promoted teams: Old Yarra Cobras and St Mary’s Salesian.

Division 2 will also operate with 10 teams again next year. Hawthorn has been relegated to Division 3, while St John’s has departed the competition. The division will see the inclusion of four new teams.

Promoted from Division 3 are the 2025 Grand Finalists Power House and North Brunswick, both moving up a grade after successful campaigns. Joining them are Elsternwick and Therry Penola who were relegated from Division 1.

Division 3 will move to a six team structure in 2026. Hawthorn will join the division after relegation from Division 2. A significant shift sees three current Division 3 clubs Chadstone, Eley Park and Swinburne University electing to move into the Men’s Thirds competition for 2026, where they can be more competitive. Masala has also confirmed it will remain in Men’s Thirds for the new season.

Season dates have also been confirmed, with the season commencing for all divisions on April 18. Divisions 1 and 2 will play through the Kings Birthday long weekend before a bye on July 11 and finals commencing on August 29. Division 3 men’s will break for Kings Birthday and have a double-bye on July 4 and 11, plus a pre-Finals bye on August 22.