2026 Big V Women’s squad announced

The VAFA would like to congratulate the 48 players named in the initial Big V Women’s squad to face the Adelaide Football League at Norwood Oval on Saturday, June 6.

Triple St Kevin’s Premier Women’s premiership coach Tom Purcell has taken the reins as senior Big V Women’s coach this season, and is delighted with the preliminary group he and his selectors have been able to pull together.

“Our coaching team of Kath Dunne, Dan Hannebery, Marnee Silver, Eliza Straford and Jade Bennett are absolutely thrilled with the 2026 Big V squad,” said Tom.

“With only a three-week turnaround from the commencement of the season, selection was a very challenging task. The club coaches have been massive with their regular feedback on their players to help us finalise the squad.

“We‘ve selected a diverse squad with a mix of experience and new emerging talent. With the VFLW/VAFA aligned players’ season yet to commence, this is a wonderful opportunity for players to wear the BIG V for the first time.

“The size of the squad is an indication of the enormous depth and talent there is in our women’s competition. It’s also exciting to see strong representation from the very competitive new Premier A Grade clubs, Old Brighton and Westbourne.

“Our style will be strong and contested, with quick ball movement once we gain possession. I have watched the skill development of the game grow enormously over the last eight years, and I will be encouraging our players to use their foot skills, speed and quick hands to set up scoring opportunities.  

“Footy has become a running game, with the ability to transition from defence to offence quickly, so we will be training to replicate this on game day.

“What I’m looking forward to most is helping our players build stronger connections and relationships with each other, and understand the honour and privilege of representing your state in a Big V jumper.

“I’ve always believed success is relational, and football – like life – is about connection and putting people first. To mould a squad and a team in four weeks is a unique challenge, but that’s what wearing the Big V is all about. It is the highest honour as a player you can have.

“You earn the right to wear the jumper, and you understand the jumper is made up of everyone who has played before you. I believe a jumper has a soul, and it is passed on to every player who puts it on. When you wear the Big V, you give your heart and soul. You can’t give more than that.

“It’s also such an exciting experience travelling with an elite team to play against South Australia at Norwood’s historic ground.  Lifetime bonds and friendships come from these experiences.

“The Big V is a family. Parents and family members are so proud of their daughters being selected in the squad and being presented with a Big V jumper. Many family members will travel to Adelaide by plane or car, and hundreds of teammates will watch the game online. This is what it means to wear the Big V.

“Our Big V women have, in a short time, already created a great culture and legacy, and we are looking forward to building on this in 2026.

“At the end of the experience, I want every member of this squad to have had fun, and in some small or big way become a better footballer and person from being a member of our 2026 Big V program.”

Old Scotch, St Kevin’s and Caulfield Grammarians lead the way with 7 players in the squad, followed by this year’s top-of-the-ladder Fitzroy, who have been rewarded for their bright start with 5 players named, while Old Brighton and Old Geelong have 4 apiece.

VAFA BIG V WOMEN’S 2026 SQUAD

* Squad updated 18/05/2026

The VAFA Big V Women’s squad will be trimmed to the final line-up ahead of the Saturday, June 6 match against Adelaide FL at Norwood Oval, which will be live-streamed on 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)