VAFA Big V teams locked in for Adelaide

2026 marks the return of one of amateur footy’s most passionate and significant rivalries.

The VAFA will reignite its battle with the Adelaide Footy League when the Big V Men’s and Women’s senior teams travel to Norwood Oval, Adelaide, on Saturday, 6 June for two blockbuster representative games.

The long-running history between the league’s dates back nearly a century, with representative fixtures forming part of the fabric of both competitions.

This year’s fixtures mark the first time the VAFA has faced the Adelaide Footy League in senior representative football since 2018, when the two competitions last met in Adelaide. That series featured both Men’s and Women’s clashes, with both Big V teams recording victories away from home.

Big V Men’s coach Daniel Harford and Big V Women’s coach Tom Purcell have finalised their teams ahead of the double-header, trimming their lists as preparations ramp up for what promises to be a hotly-contested afternoon of football.

The Big V Women’s team will arrive in Adelaide with a perfect 6–0 record and a fierce determination to continue that undefeated streak.

West Brunswick’s Taylah Watson will once again captain the team after performing the role superbly in 2025.

“Taylah has always stood out as an outstanding leader over the time I have watched her play with West Brunswick,” said coach, Tom Purcell.

“Not only is she a dominant midfielder who gives 100 % in every contest, she plays with great passion and a love for the game. Tayla has been outstanding with West Brunswick, and was a magnificent captain for the Big V last year.

“Leaders pick themselves. They are selfless and try and make everyone else around them better. They inspire others to be the best team player they can be by playing their role for the team. Their character values and leadership shine, both on and off the field. We are in great hands with Taylah.

“Our vice captains are Jordan Mifsud and Jacinta Baxter.

“Jordan has been a superstar of the competition, best on ground in the last two Grand finals with Scotch. I’ll never forget her first three goals in the first quarter against us in 2024, and her game-saving mark last year against Caulfield.

“Jacinta Baxter has been part of the great development program at Caulfield, and continues to get better every year. She was an outstanding midfielder in last year’s Big V game, and just continues to improve and dominate with her speed, skill and decision making.”

Old Brighton skipper Harry Hill will captain the Big V Men’s side for a third consecutive season.

 ”Harry Hill is one of the most respected players I’ve come across in my time through the VAFA over many, many years,” said Big V Men’s coach, Daniel Harford.

“His performance last year as captain, his love of the Big V, his love of rep footy and the whole program is second to none. He lives for it.

“So when he was available to be a part of the squad, there weren’t many questions being asked from our perspective as to who should lead the group. Certainly Harry.

“There’s a real aura about him from the other players. They walk taller when Harry’s out there, and they look to him for guidance and leadership, and that’s happened at trainings and games that I’ve watched.

“And certainly last year, that’s what they loved – the fact that Harry was the man who was leading them out there in battle. So I’m not surprised to see a reaction from the players every single time he’s out there on the track. It’s terrific, and that’s the sort of guy you want to have leading the charge for the Big V.”

The Big V Women will open the day at 2:00pm ACST, followed by the Big V Men at 4:00pm ACST.

Both matches will be streamed live on VAFA.com.au.