For the Love of the Game’s Week 18, 2026 in Review
Jason Bennett, Matthew Donald & Brayden May unpack another crazy weekend of VAFA action as teams strive to make finals and avoid relegation, with desperate races all over the competition
The VAFA congratulates Tom Hill from University Blues, who has been nominated as the Round 3 VAFA Men’s Rising Star.
Tom was exceptional in the Blues’ William Buck Premier Men’s victory over Caulfield, collecting 33 disposals @ 85% disposal efficiency, 13 contested possessions, 9 score involvements, 9 marks and 148 ranking points. He was the second highest rated player on the ground in just his third career senior match!
What the club said:
Tom Hill is an Adelaide boy who moved to Melbourne to study agriculture at University of Melbourne where he lives at Trinity College. Last year Tom played the full season for the Uni Blues Premier U19 team who lost the Prelim Final in overtime. Hilly was second in the B&F, a single vote behind the winner. Although still eligible for Under 19 football, Tom was determined to take the next step and did a big pre-season. His practice match form was good and he was selected to play his first senior game in Round 1. Tom has got better in each of his three senior games culminating in an outstanding performance down back against Caulfield on Saturday with 33 disposals including 13 contested possessions. Tom is full of energy and infectious enthusiasm, and has made a big impact in a short time at Blues. His twin brother Jacob plays for Norwood Reserves in the SANFL.
Coach Quote:
“Tom is a special young man, his positional role is back pocket. However his most important role for our club is infectious energy, he is our vocal barometer. For an 18-19 year old to walk in from interstate and have the voice he has at senior level is a testament to his confidence and character. Also a gifted footballer.” – Matt Smith, Coach, University Blues
Jason Bennett, Matthew Donald & Brayden May unpack another crazy weekend of VAFA action as teams strive to make finals and avoid relegation, with desperate races all over the competition
The fixture has been released for the Week 1 of the 2026 VAFA Finals Series, featuring Men’s Thirds Semi Finals, as well as Premier B, Divisional and Holmesglen U19 Premier
The VAFA congratulates Alicia Basham from Mazenod OC, who has been nominated as the Round 16 VAFA Women’s Rising Star. Alicia has enjoyed a consistent season in a team headed
