Simon Rosa to lead Bendigo for match against VAFA

After the success of the first interleague between the Bendigo league and VAFA, the concept returns in 2025 with the former announcing its coach. Here is what we know.

Simon Rosa is the new Bendigo interleague coach for 2025. Picture: Bendigo Football Netball League.

Bendigo league legend Simon Rosa will be hoping to create history next year when he coaches the interleague team against the VAFA.

The former Golden Square best-and-fairest and premiership winner has been announced as the coach, taking over from Sandhurst premiership coach Ash Connick who guided the team last year in the first year of the concept.

The interleague contest sees Bendigo’s best take on the best players in VAFA’s divisions from Premier B to Division 3.

Last season saw VAFA win by 13 points with Bendigo competitive throughout the contest.

Simon Rosa is the new Bendigo interleague coach for 2025. Picture: Bendigo Football Netball League.

Rosa brings not only football experience through playing with Bendigo and Peel Thunder in the VFL and WAFL respectively but also plenty of coaching to his name.

He was the midfield coach of the Bendigo interleague team in 2019 and has been involved with the juniors at Golden Square.

He’s now ready for his biggest challenge.

“It’s a privilege to lead the BFNL senior interleague team in 2025,” Rosa said.

“This league is full of incredible talent, and I’m excited to work with the players and showcase the strength of football in this region.

“Representing the league is a special honour, and I’m determined to ensure we perform at our best.”

Next year will be different to last season with Bendigo to host the match instead of Elsternwick Oval.

“Hosting the VAFA at the QEO (Queen Elizabeth Oval) is an incredible opportunity to celebrate our league’s talent on a big stage. It’s a chance for our players to test themselves against one of the state’s premier competitions, and we believe that Simon will lead our Senior team with distinction,” BFNL board member Todd Deary said.

“The BFNL are supremely confident that Simon will implement a positive culture and atmosphere that both attracts players and creates a positive environment for players to develop, grow, and succeed at the highest level possible.”

The game will be held on July 13 with more announcements to be made by Bendigo in the months leading up to the game.