2026 Big V Under 19 Men’s squad announced

The VAFA congratulates the 48 players named in the Big V Under 19 squad for the game against the Goulburn Valley League at Elsternwick Park on Saturday, July 11.

St Bernard’s coach Paul Gilmour has taken the Big V reins from Paul Carrigan this season, and he along with his coaching panel has spent the first few months of the VAFA season searching the competition for the best young talent.

It’s a ‘full-circle’ moment for Gilmour, who played in this team as a youngster himself.

“I played in this very team in the early ‘90s and could not have been prouder to pull on the Big V and represent my home club and the VAFA. It’s a big deal.

“It was a great experience and something I will cherish forever. I’ve still got my jumper, and yeah, I was fighting hard to get into that team and did everything I could to make a point that I was there to get selected.

“That’s something I’ll communicate to the boys this year. Don’t be the grey man. Show leadership and make yourself noticed, as it’s easy to slip into the back of the line and go through the motions.

Gilmour can’t wait to get into training this week.

“It’s all about showing that confidence and leadership. And it’s daunting, I get it. You rock up to training, and you know probably three or four blokes from your own club, and maybe a couple from other clubs.

“Have the confidence to start introducing yourself to other guys. Have a strong voice at training. Elite skills are a must, but so is the ability to interact with other players you don’t know in a short time.

“Training won’t be onerous or complicated, as we understand the commitment players have with local and school footy. We get it. Life is busy.

“But the fact that someone is playing high-grade footy at a senior level or Under 19 team doesn’t automatically guarantee selection. Everyone is in the same boat. You have to prove to us that you really want to play, by listening to instructions and giving yourself every opportunity to get selected.”

Gilmour and his assistants are delighted with the squad they will assemble for the first time at Elsternwick Park this week.

“In my opinion, A-Grade VAFA footy is as strong a comp as it gets, behind the VFL. This talent starts at Under 19 level and flows through the league. So, having the opportunity to coach a team of elite players is an absolute privilege.

“It was quite challenging to pick the squad, due to the number of nominations. We quickly got to work researching players and their form, looking at who can provide the best structure for our team. I have a strong team of support coaches, so we have been able to keep a close eye on the progress of the nominated players.

“I have two Assistant Coaches with a range of experience as coaches and players. Cam Trewin played his early footy at St Bernard’s before playing some high-level country footy. He played in this Big V Under 19 team in the early 2000’s, is currently coaching juniors at St Bernard’s, and will be concentrating on our forward structure.

“Joe Bartolo and I coached for many years through St Bernard’s juniors, then into the Under 19 competition. Joe was my assistant in 2024 when we coached the VAFA Northern Under 19 team in the Exhibition Game. He’s very much a strategist with a great eye for detail and can read the play two steps ahead.

“For me, it’s all about the desire to pull on the Big V. It’s an opportunity for some players to springboard themselves into the limelight for AFL recruiters to see them at an elite level for their age group.”

“We must make sure we have a balanced team, as I know the GVL will be having a red-hot crack at this. Historically, with rep games, many nominated players are mids, so we have to trim that up as best we can. Some players may be playing out of position, but the ability to be flexible is what I am looking for.

“It’s no secret to those I’ve coached that I’m all about fast-paced footy. No matter the weather, my team will be on the move all day. The ability to run offensively then defensively at a moment’s notice is key to creating opportunities and space, and therefore getting over the line on the scoreboard.

“You’ll need 100% concentration for the whole game, even when you’re having a rest on rotation. You’re ‘eyes on’ the whole time.

“Country lads are hard, tough players, so we will have to match their aggression while maintaining the game plan we will implement. We will show them the respect they deserve. I’m anticipating a great hit-out for both teams.”

• To be eligible for the team, players need to have been born on or after January 1, 2007:

The Big V Under 19 team will face the Goulburn Valley League at Revo Fitness Park (Elsternwick Park Oval 1) on Saturday, July 11 from 1pm, followed by the Big V Premier B-Division 3 men’s team. Both matches will be live-streamed on VAFA.com.au.