2026 Big V Men’s squad announced

The VAFA congratulates the 40 players selected in the initial Big V Men’s Senior Squad to face the Adelaide Football League at Norwood Oval in Adelaide on Saturday, June 6.

Big V Men’s coach Daniel Harford, who is in his second season leading the team, has been scouting the VAFA across the early rounds.

He and his experienced coaching panel, Quinton Gleeson, Dave Murray and Bernie Dineen, have had the challenging task of trimming a long list of talent down to an initial squad, who will participate in a training program over the next five weeks, alongside Big V High Performance Manager, Jade Bennett.

“The selection process is so hard!” said Harford.

“Balancing positional requirements with what we want our game to look like, all from an unbelievable talent base – let alone different selector opinions – makes it an extremely challenging process. It’s like trying to put together a 1000-piece jigsaw puzzle!

“But having said that, we’re incredibly pleased to be able to assemble this level of quality for the initial phase of preparing the best team to beat SA. We feel it’s a bit more dynamic than last year’s squad, with an influx of new energy.

“We love the fact that there are 10 players from last year’s team, who helped put on such a great showing. We wanted that continuity component of the squad.

“We also love that a host of players from last year are now regulars in the VFL, and that precludes a lot of guys from selection in our team this year.

“But we wanted to reward Team of the Year selection from last year as well, and then inject new, vibrant blood that are dominating the early rounds for their clubs. It’s a great balance.

“We felt that what we produced last year, while ultimately going down by a goal, was what VAFA representative footy should look like – albeit needing to take our chances a bit better!

“So highly skilled, competitive, athletic and versatile players who fully commit to the program are what we’ve been after. Pleasingly, that commitment is never an issue.

“We are super excited to get started. While it’s earlier in the season than usual, it’ll be great to have the squad out there together, building towards a huge opportunity in Adelaide. 

“The players should walk in for Night 1 next week expecting a super high standard of training, alongside the other best players in the VAFA – that alone is something to look forward to.

“Along the way, we will come together strongly as a group, and with this year being a road trip, the chance to form lifelong connections will be a special part of the experience for all of them as well. Bring it on!”

Reigning William Buck Premier Men’s champions Old Brighton lead the way with 7 representatives in this initial squad, which also includes a couple of Premier B players – Collegians pair Alex Lukic and Caleb Franks.

VAFA BIG V MEN’S SQUAD 2026

Squad updated 19/05/2026

The VAFA Big V Men’s squad will be trimmed to 23 in the lead-up to match against Adelaide FL on Saturday June 6, at Norwood Oval in Adelaide, which will also be live-streamed at VAFA.com.au.

Book your tickets now for the 2026 Big V Luncheon, presented by CitiPower, a chance to celebrate the prestigious Big V Club, honour our 2026 inductees, and recognise this year’s Senior Women’s and Men’s Big V Representative Teams.

A highlight of the event will be the official Big V jumper presentations for both the Women’s and Men’s teams — a special moment you won’t want to miss.

Big V Luncheon Event Details

Date: 12pm, Friday 5 June, 2026
Location: RACV City Club
Tickets: $135 per person (includes two-course lunch and beverage package)