Greg Hutchison, Paul Groves praised following Big V coaching call-ups

The VAFA has appointed two prominent coaching figures as they look to maintain a strong record at representative level. Read more.

The VAFA has appointed two recent Premier coaches to steer the Big V men and women sides in a return to representative football for the first time since 2019.

The Big V, who will take on Perth Football League over the next two years, will have former Old Brighton coach Greg Hutchison take on the men’s side while former St Bernards coach Paul Groves will take the women’s side.

Last year, the pair finished their time as senior men coaches at their respective VAFA clubs and departed with high praise from club members.

Hutchison was the longest serving coach at the Tonners, leading the club for a record eight seasons.

The former Melbourne 96-game footballer had great success at the Tonners, guiding them to a B-grade flag in 2017 before a grand final finish in the top flight last season.

Greg Hutchison talking to his players during last season’s grand final against St Kevin’s. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Hutchison’s attention will turn to the Big V Men’s side in 2023 where he will be striving to add to a healthy record which entails 141 wins from 172 matches.

The remarkable win-loss record nearing 82 per cent dates back to 1925 when the first representative match took place against South Australia.

VAFA chief executive Jason Reddick was stoked to have Hutchison on board, highlighting how his interest for the competition made him a great option for the role.

“We are thrilled to have secured the services of such an experienced and successful senior coach in Greg Hutchison,” he told VAFA media.

“With an extensive coaching resume’ at the highest levels of AFL, VFL and VAFA, not only does Greg have terrific credentials for the role, he also has a great passion for the Amateur competition and a strong desire to deliver a high performing VAFA Representative Men’s team.”

In the women’s Big V side, Groves will take the reigns as coach.

Ellie Blackburn, Katie Brennan and senior coach Paul Groves celebrate after winning the 2018 AFLW Grand Final between Western Bulldogs and Brisbane Lions at IKON Park. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Media/Getty Images)

Groves was appointed the inaugural coach of the Western Bulldogs AFLW side which he guided to a premiership in 2018 in just the second year of the competition.

Reddick was thrilled to have Groves leading the Big V women’s side who have not lost a game since their first game in 2017.

“Paul has a proven track record in leading elite Women’s teams, evidenced by his AFLW Premiership success as senior coach with the Western Bulldogs.” he told VAFA Media.

“Paul also has a passionate connection to the Amateurs as a previous St Bernards senior coach, which was a great motivating factor in his acceptance of the role.”

The Big V men and women’s side will take on Perth Football League during the VAFA bye weekend on Saturday, July 15.