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Grassroots Guru said:
That is madness.
People are in paid positions to do this!
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But you have the Big V 😎

It's a disgrace to the divisional clubs - again!! The sooner you realise they really don't care below C grade - the easier it is to deal with the crumbs.

It's a shame - was once a great metropolitan competition in the 80's and 90's - now favours the elites.
 
Champ or Chump said:
But you have the Big V 😎

It's a disgrace to the divisional clubs - again!! The sooner you realise they really don't care below C grade - the easier it is to deal with the crumbs.

It's a shame - was once a great metropolitan competition in the 80's and 90's - now favours the elites.
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It's funny how the fortunes of clubs like yourself, Banyule, Old Parade have absolutely thrived since departing the VAFA.

Speaks volumes.
 
Grassroots Guru said:
It's funny how the fortunes of clubs like yourself, Banyule, Old Parade have absolutely thrived since departing the VAFA.

Speaks volumes.
Click to expand...
TBH from a personal point of view - I would love to see the VAFA thriving. I played nearly all my footy there for many, many years and loved the comp. But what is happening now is pretty ordinary IMO.

All clubs under C grade should start a new semi-pro comp called Vic Metro - change a few things and see what they could build or join existing comps.

I think VAFA in 5-10 years will be three grades of elite school teams only. It will be outstanding football - no doubt - but will not be about the metropolitan regions it once was.

Current clubs will join semi pro comps and either survive or not. Maybe Merg?

For us we are at the start of our journey in a new comp and a lot of work to go. But we are at least relevant again - for now - and that is a start.
 
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Champ or Chump said:
TBH from a personal point of view - I would love to see the VAFA thriving. I played nearly all my footy there for many, many years and loved the comp. But what is happening now is pretty ordinary IMO.

All clubs under C grade should start a new semi-pro comp called Vic Metro - change a few things and see what they could build or join existing comps.

I think VAFA in 5-10 years will be three grades of elite school teams only. It will be outstanding football - no doubt - but will not be about the metropolitan regions it once was.

Current clubs will join semi pro comps and either survive or not. Maybe Merg?

For us we are at the start of our journey in a new comp and a lot of work to go. But we are at least relevant again - for now - and that is a start.
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North of CBD we have Pegs & St Bernard’s who are fine with juniors and other ‘avenues’ to recruit. Preston & Brunswick have done a mountain of work with their pathways and are now in great spots but ceiling isn’t high. North & West Brunswick will just survive which I seem they are happy to do. Therry similar, in EDFL heartland and best players poached by big money every year.

Take it there are similar examples across south east and outer city. D3 has 1-2 years left, whilst D2 I give 5-7 years.
 
Champ or Chump said:
TBH from a personal point of view - I would love to see the VAFA thriving. I played nearly all my footy there for many, many years and loved the comp. But what is happening now is pretty ordinary IMO.

All clubs under C grade should start a new semi-pro comp called Vic Metro - change a few things and see what they could build or join existing comps.

I think VAFA in 5-10 years will be three grades of elite school teams only. It will be outstanding football - no doubt - but will not be about the metropolitan regions it once was.

Current clubs will join semi pro comps and either survive or not. Maybe Merg?

For us we are at the start of our journey in a new comp and a lot of work to go. But we are at least relevant again - for now - and that is a start.
Click to expand...

I really like your contributions CorC. Clearly you know your stuff and great to see your club (and others) have thrived since leaving the VAFA but please stop perpetuating this myth that the VAFA is full of (in your words) elite school teams. I have raised this before but just a reminder about the recent fortunes of some school-based clubs. Off the top of my head in recent years the following school based clubs have either left the VAFA, merged or folded: St Bedes merged with Mentone, Rupertswood left, Eltham Old Colls left, St.Johns left, Mt Lilydale folded, Westbourne folded, NOB’s folded (as a result of school closing), Old Mentonians folded, Emmaus rebadged as Wattle Park with no school affiliation, Parade left, St Francis Xavier folded, Salesian merged with St Marys and Old Yarra merged with Manningham. Whitefriars, PEGS, Old Camberwell, Therry and many, many others are or have generally been competing in the lower grades for decades. In recent years Caulfield and Haileybury forfeited reserves games, one club on multiple occasions. Both are old boys’ affiliates of the two biggest schools in the state and the strongest footballing schools. Both have been up and down the grades regularly. Old Brighton and Old Haileybury have won one A grade flag each in their entire history. Scotch one in about 50 years and Caulfield about the same. My own club, that has a strong history in the VAFA gets pillaged every year by the SFL, EFL and country leagues. Last season we did not win a game and finished with a % of 40. We have not won a senior flag for 22 years. Elite? - hardly.

By your reckoning we would have a two-team grade with Xavs playing SKOB every week. Maybe based on current fortunes we could include Scotch and Old Brighton, but both of those club have had their recent struggles. The VAFA has its place but clearly it's not for everyone. If clubs have the means by which to generate money to pay players that's great but many either can't or don't want/need the hassle. But as referenced above just because you are a school-based club does not guarantee an easy ride.

As to your other point. I don't think metropolitan Melbourne can sustain another competition so clubs leaving the VAFA should join existing leagues based on geography.
 
Jimmyjack said:
I really like your contributions CorC. Clearly you know your stuff and great to see your club (and others) have thrived since leaving the VAFA but please stop perpetuating this myth that the VAFA is full of (in your words) elite school teams. I have raised this before but just a reminder about the recent fortunes of some school-based clubs. Off the top of my head in recent years the following school based clubs have either left the VAFA, merged or folded: St Bedes merged with Mentone, Rupertswood left, Eltham Old Colls left, St.Johns left, Mt Lilydale folded, Westbourne folded, NOB’s folded (as a result of school closing), Old Mentonians folded, Emmaus rebadged as Wattle Park with no school affiliation, Parade left, St Francis Xavier folded, Salesian merged with St Marys and Old Yarra merged with Manningham. Whitefriars, PEGS, Old Camberwell, Therry and many, many others are or have generally been competing in the lower grades for decades. In recent years Caulfield and Haileybury forfeited reserves games, one club on multiple occasions. Both are old boys’ affiliates of the two biggest schools in the state and the strongest footballing schools. Both have been up and down the grades regularly. Old Brighton and Old Haileybury have won one A grade flag each in their entire history. Scotch one in about 50 years and Caulfield about the same. My own club, that has a strong history in the VAFA gets pillaged every year by the SFL, EFL and country leagues. Last season we did not win a game and finished with a % of 40. We have not won a senior flag for 22 years. Elite? - hardly.

By your reckoning we would have a two-team grade with Xavs playing SKOB every week. Maybe based on current fortunes we could include Scotch and Old Brighton, but both of those club have had their recent struggles. The VAFA has its place but clearly it's not for everyone. If clubs have the means by which to generate money to pay players that's great but many either can't or don't want/need the hassle. But as referenced above just because you are a school-based club does not guarantee an easy ride.

As to your other point. I don't think metropolitan Melbourne can sustain another competition so clubs leaving the VAFA should join existing leagues based on geography.
Click to expand...
Just as well all those clubs left as we would've had the fixture at Easter
 
Jimmyjack said:
I really like your contributions CorC. Clearly you know your stuff and great to see your club (and others) have thrived since leaving the VAFA but please stop perpetuating this myth that the VAFA is full of (in your words) elite school teams. I have raised this before but just a reminder about the recent fortunes of some school-based clubs. Off the top of my head in recent years the following school based clubs have either left the VAFA, merged or folded: St Bedes merged with Mentone, Rupertswood left, Eltham Old Colls left, St.Johns left, Mt Lilydale folded, Westbourne folded, NOB’s folded (as a result of school closing), Old Mentonians folded, Emmaus rebadged as Wattle Park with no school affiliation, Parade left, St Francis Xavier folded, Salesian merged with St Marys and Old Yarra merged with Manningham. Whitefriars, PEGS, Old Camberwell, Therry and many, many others are or have generally been competing in the lower grades for decades. In recent years Caulfield and Haileybury forfeited reserves games, one club on multiple occasions. Both are old boys’ affiliates of the two biggest schools in the state and the strongest footballing schools. Both have been up and down the grades regularly. Old Brighton and Old Haileybury have won one A grade flag each in their entire history. Scotch one in about 50 years and Caulfield about the same. My own club, that has a strong history in the VAFA gets pillaged every year by the SFL, EFL and country leagues. Last season we did not win a game and finished with a % of 40. We have not won a senior flag for 22 years. Elite? - hardly.

By your reckoning we would have a two-team grade with Xavs playing SKOB every week. Maybe based on current fortunes we could include Scotch and Old Brighton, but both of those club have had their recent struggles. The VAFA has its place but clearly it's not for everyone. If clubs have the means by which to generate money to pay players that's great but many either can't or don't want/need the hassle. But as referenced above just because you are a school-based club does not guarantee an easy ride.

As to your other point. I don't think metropolitan Melbourne can sustain another competition so clubs leaving the VAFA should join existing leagues based on geography.
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Elite may have been a step too far then 😃

And I most certainly do not think just because you are a school that you get an easy ride - several examples of that as we speak and as you have highlighted 👍

My point is that I believe it's heading faster than I can ever recall towards a predominately school affiliated competition that will shrink in number of clubs beyond what we would suggest is organic.

The comment re another comp was a little tongue in cheek, but I do believe that more and more clubs will consider a shift to another competition or merge than previously. That may not be all the fault of the VAFA and thier administrators, but a more significant challenge than way back in my playing days.
 
God Yeah said:
I have seen the first 6 rounds of Prem B published by Beaumaris.

Nothing past round 6 seems to be available.
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I just can't understand why they just can't put out a press release to give some indication
 

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Above is a list of the current players coming directly from an AFL list to the VAFA, a nice spread between A and B. Some will no doubt be plying their trade in the VFL, although I know Frost, Kosi and Cordy are full time VAFA.

Edit: Sestan playing at the Borough and Dawson at The Towners.
 
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Mr Platinum said:
Above is a list of the current players coming directly from an AFL list to the VAFA, a nice spread between A and B. Some will no doubt be plying their trade in the VFL, although I know Frost, Kosi and Cordy are full time VAFA.

Edit: Sestan playing at the Borough and Dawson at The Towners.
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Not a bad start. Surely BluesAFL have some coming in?
#AFLtalent
 
www.vafa.com.au

VAFA Statement - January 2026 - VAFA

In January 2026, the VAFA appointed an independent investigator to examine allegations regarding inappropriate costumes worn by a number of players from a VAFA club at a private end-of-season function,
www.vafa.com.au www.vafa.com.au

Just a little bit playing out at Box Hill North over the summer. Never a dull moment down in the divisions.
 
God Yeah said:
www.vafa.com.au

VAFA Statement - January 2026 - VAFA

In January 2026, the VAFA appointed an independent investigator to examine allegations regarding inappropriate costumes worn by a number of players from a VAFA club at a private end-of-season function,
www.vafa.com.au www.vafa.com.au

Just a little bit playing out at Box Hill North over the summer. Never a dull moment down in the divisions.
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The world is f'd
 
God Yeah said:
www.vafa.com.au

VAFA Statement - January 2026 - VAFA

In January 2026, the VAFA appointed an independent investigator to examine allegations regarding inappropriate costumes worn by a number of players from a VAFA club at a private end-of-season function,
www.vafa.com.au www.vafa.com.au

Just a little bit playing out at Box Hill North over the summer. Never a dull moment down in the divisions.
Click to expand...
Spoke about it on the div 3 thread. if you do blackface in 2025 you are just incredibly stupid, how that was allowed to happen is crazy. Then despite someone from their own club asking for the photo to be taken off social media they left it up for 3 months before the news contacted them. They only have themselves to blame.

The "st kilda schoolgirl" part i think is a slight overreaction, seen heaps of clubs do that in dress up themed nights, she was busted making her claims up anyway. https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/st...feaece9fcb5b1b4c3a6e3140258ae?from=public_rss

Still it could've been nipped in the bud, committee was in off season mode now they have this hanging over them.

This drama kills clubs, look at glen waverley hawks.
 
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