Watch Big V Saturday double-header LIVE! Teams confirmed to host Goulburn Valley League

WATCH LIVE on VAFA.com.au & Kommunity TV, with coverage of the Under 19s game from 11.15am, followed by the Premier B-Division 3 clash.

The Big V returns to the newly named Revo Fitness Park (Elsternwick Park) this weekend for a blockbuster rep footy double-header, with the Big V Under 19s and the Big V Premier B-Division 3 teams hosting the Goulburn Valley League for the first time in the long and illustrious history of both competitions.

Big V Prem B-D3 coach Jarrod Gieschen and Big V Under 19’s coach Paul Gilmour have finalised their teams for what promises to be an action-packed afternoon of football.

The Big V Under 19 team returned with great success last season after a six-year hiatus, proving too strong for the Bendigo Football League, winning by 89 points. But Gilmour, who coaches St Bernard’s and has taken the Big V reins from Hampton Rovers coach Paul Carrigan, is under no illusions regarding the challenge ahead.

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

Big V Under 19’s Coaching Panel:

Head Coach: Paul Gilmour

Assistant Coaches: Cam Trewin, Joe Bartolo

Team Manager: Ross Brodie

Runner: Ben Hogan

Old Scotch’s Harry Dixon will captain the team after his stellar start to 2026, which has seen the 18-year-old play every William Buck Premier Men’s game for the season, polling Best Player votes in 7 of his 11 appearances.           

“Harry was a clear standout, displaying excellent leadership qualities during our training program,” said Gilmour.

“He has elite skills and has been in great form. He will lead the team from the front and be well supported by vice-captains Hayden Kenny (Parkside) and Patrick Klonis (Mazenod), who have also impressed the coaching staff with their strong leadership qualities, attitude and professionalism during the training program.”

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The Big V Premier B-Division 3 team is coming off back-to-back victories over Bendigo Football League, including last year’s unforgettable Extra Time classic in Bendigo.

Former Old Ivanhoe coach Jarrod Gieschen has taken over from Luke Mahoney, who led the team to those two wins, and is keen to continue building upon the foundation that Luke and his coaching staff laid, as they prepare to face another top-quality opponent.

“We know how strong the Goulburn Valley League is, and respect them greatly,” said Gieschen.

“They will bring a heap of talent to Elsternwick Park. Their preparation started a bit earlier than ours, too, so they will be well-drilled. We’re really looking forward to the challenge.”

Big V Premier B-Division 3 Coaching Panel:

Head Coach: Jarrod Gieschen

Assistant Coaches: Jeff Gieschen (Defence), Anthony Quon (Midfield), Anson Brownless (Attack)

High Performance Manager: Jade Bennett

Team Manager: Andrew Redman

Runner: Luke Velluto

Beaumaris skipper Cal Linehan will captain the Big V Premier B-Division 3 side for a third consecutive season.

 “The first person I spoke to when I was appointed in the coaching role at the start of the year was Cal Linehan,” said Jarrod.

“In past coaching roles, I’ve always had a great relationship with captains, especially Mal Mitris, who’d done it at Old Ivanhoe for 8 years. Therefore, I wanted to connect with Cal – firstly to make sure he was keen to play again (which thankfully he was), but secondly, to get his views on his previous Big V experience.

“He’s exceeded my expectations with his ability to galvanise the group, and we saw from last year’s game how important he is on the field, so I can’t wait to see him go about it this weekend. 

“We have appointed Matt Fewings (Mazenod) and Hugh Johnson (Collegians) as Vice Captains.

“Matt brings the experience of playing in the Big V Premier team this year, has Big V experience previous to that and has been in outstanding form. He’s been really engaged and vocal in all of our meetings, and has been great for some of the younger players in the team.

“Hugh is the type of person everyone gravitates to. He’s a great personality, and I think everyone walks taller being around him, so it was great to give him the opportunity.  

“The three leaders have been a key driver of our theme for the week and integral in helping us build connection leading into the game.”

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WATCH LIVE on VAFA.com.au & Kommunity TV, with coverage of the Under 19s game from 11.15am, followed by the Premier B-Division 3 clash.