VAFA Media applications open for 2026

Applications are now open to join the award-winning VAFA Media team for season 2026.

The team has exploded over the last couple of seasons, creating opportunities for aspiring broadcasters and journalists to gain real-life experience in community footy’s premier competition via live game coverage, midweek podcasts, and written content, including weekly section review columns and features.

“I’ve been delighted with the calibre of people in our team,” said VAFA Broadcast & Content Manager, Jason Bennett.

“They are so determined to learn and hone their craft, and there’s just no substitute for hands-on experience. We’ve built a professional-grade development program that covers everything from preparation processes through to on-air delivery, so that our team members build a great foundation based on solid fundamentals.

“When I was a kid dreaming of somehow finding a way to call footy, I would have loved an opportunity like this. You can sit at home and record yourself calling a game, but it’s nothing like the enjoyment and adrenaline you get from doing it for real when you know you’re live and you can’t just go back and try it again until you nail it.

“I regularly get asked how to break into the industry because it’s a genuinely difficult thing to do. I always say that you’ve got to get your ‘flying miles’ up, whether that’s behind a microphone calling a game, doing special comments, boundary riding or writing regular game reviews and features.

“The best way to learn and improve is by doing, and we’ve worked hard to create a support network that can help fast-track development in a fun and dynamic environment.

“The best endorsement for this is our talent retention. Our team members are enjoying their involvement, and keep coming back, or are moving on to the next step in their professional careers, which I find extremely satisfying.”

Paddy Grindlay is a perfect case in point.

He joined VAFA Media at the beginning of 2024 after a chance conversation with Jason during AFL Gather Round in Adelaide, and spent two seasons hosting and calling VAFA’s SEN Match of the Day, plus co-hosting the weekly ‘For the Love of the Game’ podcast, winning AFL Victoria awards for both productions.

“I couldn’t be happier for Paddy,” said Bennett.

“He came into our program and immediately thrived, making the most of every opportunity that came his way. To see him recently relocate to Sydney to head up GWS’ social media team gives me great joy.

“He came to us with natural talent and a great knowledge base, and has been able to add broadcasting, preparation and relationship-building skills that will hold him in good stead for his entire career.

“At the other end of the spectrum, we welcomed two-time Elsternwick premiership coach Hugo Higginbotham to the team last season. He had just won back-to-back flags with the Wicks, but needed to step back from the enormous time commitment involved in coaching, yet wanted to stay actively involved with footy, and the VAFA in particular.”

“Hugo jumped straight into the special comments seat on our VAFA SEN coverage and did a sensational job. He was a sponge, and learnt so much so quickly. Most importantly, he loved the experience and looked forward to going to the footy and having a few laughs with his new mates every Saturday, while also having a specific purpose that allowed him to dig deeper into the competition.

“I always say it’s the most fun you can have on the other side of the fence. You’re part of a team, doing something you love and enjoying the game. I was delighted to see Hugo fall in love with broadcasting, given it was something he’d literally never done before.

“Learning to build relationships with coaches and clubs is invaluable. Whether it’s calling coaches during the week ahead of commentating their game on the weekend, or writing a weekly column previewing and reviewing a particular section – you get the opportunity to chat with coaches every week.

“You have to earn their trust by listening, asking smart questions, then writing quality pieces or delivering commentary that accurately reflects what they’re trying to do, and how things are playing out on-field.”

“That experience in building relationships and trust is invaluable. It’s the major difference between blogging and journalism, for example. Blogging is great, but it’s often you providing your own opinions. Writing weekly columns and features incorporates your own opinions and theories, but also integrates perspectives from the other side of the fence.

“Because our talent retention rate is high, opportunities to join the team are limited this season, so if you’re interested, I’d encourage you to reach out quickly. We’re always on the lookout for good people.

“No experience is required, nor is there a particular age category we’re targeting. You might be a youngster starting out or someone with hands-on footy experience that has finished (or is taking a break from) playing or coaching and wants to stay meaningfully involved in the game in a team environment.

“So if you love footy and are ready to learn, why not give it a try? We have men’s and women’s footy to get involved in, so if you’re interested, let us know.”

Positions are voluntary and provide invaluable experience to learn from professionals and develop your skills and portfolio.

Register your interest at: [email protected]

Let us know which areas of media you’d be interested in exploring:

• Match Broadcasting
  • Play-by-Play commentary
  • Special Comments
• Journalism
  • Weekly match reports & round reviews
  • Feature writing

If you have samples of your work, be it a recording of your commentary or analysis from the couch or written articles you’ve created, please include them with your application.