AROUND THE AMMOS – May 28, 2026

Read the latest weekly headlines around the VAFA — off the field and around the boundary line.

TACKLE YOUR FEELINGS x VAFA PARTNERSHIP UPDATE

As we near halfway through the season, the VAFA’s partnership with Tackle Your Feelings (TYF) continues to make a significant impact across clubland, with strong engagement and positive feedback highlighting the importance of mental health education within clubs. The level of engagement during sessions has been outstanding, with open conversations, strong interaction with psychologists, and genuine buy-in from participants continuing to drive the success of the program. 

To date, the VAFA has completed seven TYF sessions in 2026, with 392 players and coaches participating across both Foundation and Elective courses (Anxiety and Driving Thriving). 

Some of the standout sessions so far include (Late April to mid-May sessions only): 

• West Brunswick AFC – 78 participants (Players & Coaches – Driving Thriving Elective) 
• University Blues FC – 76 participants (Players & Coaches – Foundation Course)  
• Masala FC – 31 participants (Players & Coaches – Foundation Course)  
• Canterbury FC – 51 participants (Players & Coaches – Foundation Course)  
• UHS-VU AFC – 61 participants (Players & Coaches – Anxiety Session)

Alongside the TYF partnership, the VAFA’s Player Assistance Program (PAP) has also continued to provide an important wellbeing resource for players and umpires across the competition. In another positive step for 2026, the VAFA recently expanded the program to include all registered VAFA coaches, ensuring even more members of the football community can access professional support when needed. The PAP provides registered players, coaches and umpires with access to up to three free sessions with a psychologist, with no wait time. 

Another six TYF sessions will be offered throughout the remainder of the season. If your club is interested in being involved in the program, please contact Pranav Menon, Club Support Manager, via [email protected]. 

VAFA MILESTONES IN ROUND 6

This week, several players and officials are reaching major milestones that deserve to be celebrate.

For Mazenod, Scott Veltman is celebrating 300 games, a remarkable achievement. ‘Vman’ began at the club in 2000, and over that decade played with such class he was cemented in the club’s 2001-2010 Team of the Decade. The two-time premiership player has overcome two ACL tears and consecutive knee reconstructions, setbacks that would force many out of the game. Scott’s perseverance is a credit to himself and Mazenod and his value at the club is clear.

Teammate Steve Mann said: “In a career that has spanned more than half of the club’s existence, Vman has established himself as a legend of Mazenod. From a distinguished senior career to a two-time premiership player, Vman has contributed and excelled at all levels.”

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AJAX will also celebrate a major milestone with Nick Lewis celebrating his 200^th game at the AJAX Football Club.

Debuting in senior football at 17, Nick is now in his 14th season, only missing two games throughout his entire career due to injury. Nick was captain of the club from 2017-2024 (the longest serving captain in club history), is a two-time AJAX B&F winner (2018 and 2025), Coaches Award recipient, Best First Year Player recipient, 3 x VAFA Team of the Year (2017, 2019, 2019), 2 x Big V rep (2015 U19s, 2019 B-D4), and has played in two senior grand finals (2019 and 2025).

“Nick embodies everything about the footy club,” AJAX Senior Coach, Lachie Buszard. “He’s tough, loyal, and a competitor. He is a dual Best and Fairest winner, former captain and will go down in history as one of the very best to pull on an AJAX jumper. His passion and commitment to the team is unmatched and he continues to set the standard off the field with his preparation and training diligence. 200 games is a wonderful achievement and I look forward to coaching him in many more.”

MHSOB’s Sam Hayes celebrates 250 games this weekend. An Old Boy of the school, Sam made his club debut in 2010 at 16 years old. He is a previous captain of the U19s and made VAFA Team of the Year, is a Reserves premiership player (2016) and has been a mainstay of the senior team for the past 6 years. While he started as a lockdown defender, Sam progressed to playing on the ball, and was made Senior Captain in 2026.

Will Sayce reaches 150 games for Ormond this weekend. Saycey joined the Ormond juniors in the U15s, before progressing into U19s and then seniors with his group of mates. He played in top four teams in the Thirds in 2013, 2021, 2023 and 2024, where he co-coached the Thirds to a preliminary final in 2024.

The VAFA would also like to congratulate umpire Sullivan Hendrickson on his 100th game last weekend. Sullivan was goal umpire for the William Buck Premier Men’s game between Old Xaverians and St Bernard’s at Toorak Park.

Umpire Tony Psinas also celebrates a special milestone with his 300th game this weekend. Tony will field umpire the Division 1 Men’s game between Kew and UHS-VU at Victoria Park from 2pm.

Want to share a player milestone with Around the Ammos? Email [email protected]