Hayter & Koster add VAFA Rising Star to their premiership medallion in 2026

University Blues and Beaumaris have further cause for celebration with a couple of their young guns officially recognised as the VAFA Rising Stars for season 2026.

JACK HAYTER played a key role in Uni Blues’ first William Buck Premier Men’s premiership since 2019.

He played 18 of a possible 20 games as a front-line midfielder, averaging 22 disposals (11 contested), 6 tackles, 5 clearances, and 4 Inside 50s, and was tasked with some critical jobs as the Blues surged to the top of the mountain.

He racked up 35 disposals against Old Haileybury in Round 13, and was in the best players for the Big V’s Under 19 win over Goulburn Valley League.

Jack follows in the footsteps of teammate MITCH LLOYD, who won the VAFA Rising Star Award in 2025, and is the Blues’ third Rising Star, with Dan Nicholson collecting the honour in 2010.

BELLA KOSTER was a key ingredient in Beaumaris’ historic first Premier B Women’s premiership.

She polled Coaches Votes in 9 of her 16 matches and finished second in the Sharks’ Best & Fairest, as well as topping the vote count in the Premier B Women’s League Best & Fairest – a remarkable achievement in her first season of senior football.

Bella makes history as Beaumaris’ FIRST VAFA Rising Star in EITHER of their Women’s or Men’s programs.

Congratulations to Jack & Bella on their stellar rookie seasons in the VAFA, and we look forward to watching their continued growth and development in 2027 and beyond!