VAFA scrap consecutive bye rounds for Premier Men’s

The VAFA have made a major change to the fixture that will impact several teams next season.

The VAFA have detailed their plans for season 2023 including a major change to the bye rounds.

With consideration to club feedback during the season, a VAFA end of season football operations survey and collaboration with VAFA advisory groups, a call has been made to scrap the mid-season consecutive bye rounds.

“There are no longer consecutive byes in early July for the Men’s Premier Competition with one of those byes moved to the weekend of 19/20 August,” a VAFA statement said.

“The reasoning behind this decision is to introduce a more favourable spread of byes across the season (therefore continuing the momentum of matches); to provide teams an opportunity to rest and recharge before the final block of matches and finals; and to increase the number of neutral venues available for Women’s Divisional and Men’s Thirds Semi-Finals on the weekend of 19/20 August should they be required.”

“The consecutive byes in early July is now a feature of the Under 19 Men’s Competition and Under 23 Men’s Competition fixtures.

“The VAFA believes players in those competitions are more likely to maximise the byes as they fall within the university holidays period.

“Grand Finals for these Competitions will now be played as part of Grand Final ‘triple headers’ with the Men’s Premier Competition.”

The VAFA confirmed the 2023 season will start on the first weekend after Easter on Saturday, April 15.

The Association also made changes to the Premier Women’s competition following the inclusion of Coburg.

“William Buck Premier Women’s increases to 10 teams, 18 rounds and 18 matches to maximise participation opportunities as per the 2022-2024 Women’s Football Competition Game Plan,” the statement said.

“Further details on Premier B Women’s and Premier C Women’s will be finalised in early 2023 but for the purposes of this release they are aligned with William Buck Premier Women’s for now.”

“The Men’s Thirds Competitions and Women’s Divisional Competitions increase to 16 rounds and 16 matches. Sections will remain at eight (8) teams to ensure there are no byes and that the sections are competitive and sustainable.”

The competition said details relating to themed rounds for the 2023 season will be confirmed following the announcement of the VAFA Strategic Plan in December.

Fixtures for the 2023 season will be released from late November onwards, following consultation from clubs.