THE PULSE – William Buck Premier Men’s Grand Finals wrap up 2026

The scene is set to close out season 2026 this Friday with our two remaining Grand Finals, the William Buck Premier Men’s and Reserves matches at Revo Fitness Park, Elsternwick. It promises to be an exciting climax to the season. Now in our third year, we again utilise Friday’s AFL Grand Final public holiday as our “closing day”.

I acknowledge this extends the season by another week and in doing so we ask a lot of our clubs, in particular players, coaches, committee and volunteers. However, we are excited to showcase the VAFA to all football lovers and utilise the holiday to be the only Metropolitan competition playing our great game. We welcomed impressive crowds in 2024 and 2025 and are preparing for similar numbers this Friday.

Let’s hope the weather gods are kind, and the crowds come to Revo Fitness Park, Elsternwick to enjoy the atmosphere; it promises to be two high-quality games. I take this opportunity to thank the two clubs involved for their cooperation and wish them all the very best: Uni Blues and Old Xaverians.

Looking to the senior game we will have the two best performed teams fighting it out for the L.A. Adamson Cup. Uni Blues last appearance being 2019 as Premiers whilst the Old Xaverians last played in 2016 as Premiers also. Their games in 2026 have been hotly contested, winning one game each in the regular season with Blues proving too powerful in the 2^nd Semi Final. The win meant the luxury of a week’s rest whilst Old Xaverians had to front up in last week’s Preliminary Final, winning a very tight game against arch rivals SKOB’s.

The reserves match promises to be a classic encounter, one game apiece in the regular season, Uni Blues secured their Grand Final spot with a thrilling two-point win over Old Xaverians in the 2^nd Semi Final, Old Xaverians then followed the same path as their seniors via the Preliminary Final in conquering Old Brighton.

I had the pleasure of witnessing our William Buck Premier Women’s Grand Final’s on Sunday and marvelled at the standard of the game and the continued development of the players, despite very challenging conditions. Old Scotch Stars and Caulfield Grammarians both have wonderful programs enabling players to fast track their development, their love of the game and their commitment to club. Congratulations to the Old Scotch on achieving a three-peat, again winning the Sue Anderson Cup, an exceptional achievement. Whilst Caulfield Grammarians proved too strong in the reserves match with a well-deserved win over Fitzroy.

The VAFA competition in 2026 comprised 63 clubs, fielded a combined 293 teams, resulting in an enormous number of matches throughout Melbourne’s winter.  The competition comprised a total of 11,343 players of which 2,580 played in our women’s program. The season spanned 162 days, commencing on Friday 17^th, add to that the club preseasons and that is a lot of football.  Games were officiated by a record 641 umpires, and as we know our competition spans greater Melbourne, across 23 LGA’s.

On behalf of my fellow Directors, I take this opportunity to congratulate all premiership teams, in particular the players, coaches and support staff. The season has been long and has presented challenges, however that’s what makes winning a premiership more special.

A lot is asked of our Umpires, and on behalf of the VAFA community I thank them for their commitment and service, as stated we play games across metropolitan Melbourne and like the clubs this represents a lot of travel for the umpires. They do a great job often in trying circumstances; our unique game is recognized as difficult to officiate, and we thank them for their tireless efforts.

We continue to identify Representative Football as a strategic component of our program, providing a vehicle to showcase our best players and provide them with lifelong memories and newfound friendships.  This year our senior men and women travelled to South Australia to take on the best from the Adelaide Footy League, whist our B-D3 men together with our U19 men played host to the Goulburn Valley League. Three hundred people came together to celebrate our rich Big V history at our popular Big V Luncheon, presented by CitiPower, at the RACV club, Friday 5^th June. Plans are already in motion for the 2027 program with Adelaide confirmed to be travelling to Melbourne, details to follow.

The Board is indebted to the VAFA administration, capably led by our CEO Jason Reddick. I have witnessed first-hand the many hours Jason and his team put in to ensure the competition meets club expectations in line with our rules and integrity. We are proud of this team and take this opportunity to acknowledge their professionalism and commitment.

In closing, thank you all for your commitment to the VAFA, I hope 2026 has delivered memories that you will treasure.  Best of luck our two remaining Clubs competing this Friday and I hope to see many of you at the VAFA Awards Night on Wednesday 7^th October at the San Remo Ballroom, Carlton North. We will present the Best & Fairest recipients as well as a host of other medals to be awarded. Premiership Flags will also be presented and encourage all premiership players, coaches, and volunteers to attend.

Tickets can be purchased online via this link https://www.intix.com.au/event/2026-vafa-awards-night/information

Paul Newton – VAFA President