2026 Big V Premier B-Division 3 Men’s squad announced

The VAFA is delighted to announce the 47 players selected in the initial Big V Premier B-Division 3 Men’s Senior Squad to face the Goulburn Valley League at Revo Fitness Park (Elsternwick Park) on Saturday, July 11.

Former Old Ivanhoe coach Jarrod Gieschen has taken the reins from Luke Mahoney, who led the team to back-to-back wins over the Bendigo Football League over the past two seasons, and is excited by the opportunity to coach the Big V.

“I’ve been involved in the VAFA as a player and coach for almost half my life. I’m extremely proud of our competition and therefore to lead a group representing the Premier B – D3 is a privilege and something I’m not taking for granted,” said Jarrod.

“I was squarely focused on the job we need to do on July 11, but when I attended last week’s Big V launch, the enormity of the history of the Big V and the connections it has created across generations really hit home, and it’s something we will lean into over the next few weeks.

“We’ve really enjoyed the selection process. We really had to have a blank canvas approach. We started with the nominations from every club, and then really focused on players who are in form, players who can play particular roles, and then it was advantageous if they held leadership roles at their clubs, as we are looking for experience and strong character.

“Covering five grades means there’s a lot you need to be across. We’ve had representation across each division watching games, and that has been great to appreciate the community feel across the VAFA that most of us hadn’t experienced before. We think we’ve found some great talent in each grade.

“I’ve personally been attending a lot of Premier B and C games. After coaching since 2018, it’s been a unique experience watching the team I’ve coached, but also coached against in a different capacity.

“The competitiveness of the competition this year is a standout. And Premier Data has made all coaches very efficient, with the amount of video and access to stats making it a lot easier to track players – not sure how they would have done it a few years ago!

“The club coaches have been outstanding, supporting the program and sharing their views on opposition players as well.

“Playing on July 11 at Elsternwick Park, I think we need to be prepared for all conditions, and we’ve picked the squad accordingly. The style we play will really ensure we bring the best of what the VAFA is all about. Hard but fair, high energy and skill, and extremely competitive.

“It’s been great working with some people who have been major competitors previously, in particular, Anson Brownless. We had a great rivalry for 7 years, including playing against each other in a Grand Final. It has given me a great understanding as to why Camberwell have been so competitive and consistent over a long period of time.

“Anthony Quon is extremely well-connected in the Bayside area and has experience with both Hampton and Ormond. I don’t think there’s a player in our squad that he doesn’t know through a connection. And obviously, my Dad Jeff has added plenty of experience and passion. 

“Anson will take the forwards, Anthony the mids, and Jeff will take the backline. Each of the guys has a support person who’s helped them over their coaching journey, so we have plenty of experience and people keen to be involved.

“Family is extremely important to me, and therefore to have my Dad and best mate alongside me for another chapter (after eight years and some success at Old Ivanhoe) is another chapter for us. I’m not sure too many people get to have such a unique opportunity, so I’m making the most of it. I’m hoping to have my two young boys running water on the day, so it will be a whole family affair.”

“I really hope the players get a continuation of what Luke Mahoney and his group established over the last two years. I’ve only heard great things about what he did, and I’ll aim to put my own flavour to it, but we will aim to bring the level of professionalism and passion expected in the role.

“We will keep the squad of 47 together for a few weeks, as anything can happen, as we know. And then eventually we will need to start narrowing the group down, and it will really depend on who has set a high standard at training, but also who is playing good footy over the next few weeks. In-form players are a really important part of the equation.

“We know how strong the Goulburn Valley is – and respect them greatly. Their initial leadership group of five is all high quality, with a mix of ex-AFL players and stalwarts of their competition. We’ve been through their squad of 50, and they are all high-quality players.

“We know that they will bring a heap of talent to Elsternwick on July 11. Their preparation started a bit earlier than us too, so they will be well drilled. We’re really looking forward to the challenge.”

Premier B league-leaders Collegians lead the way with 8 representatives in this initial squad, followed by AJAX, Old Carey and Mazenod with 4 apiece.

Matt Fewings has the rare achievement of being named in this squad after also representing the Big V Senior team in Adelaide last weekend.

VAFA BIG V PREMIER B-DIVISION 3 MEN’S SQUAD 2026

The squad will be trimmed in the lead-up to match on July 11, which will be preceded by the Big V Under 19 team hosting the Goulburn Valley League. Both games will be live-streamed at VAFA.com.au.