Country footy powerhouse Bendigo to face off against the VAFA
Two of Victoria’s biggest local footy competitions are set to go head-to-head after they announced a new two-year interleague agreement. Here’s how it will work.
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Two of Victorian local footy’s biggest competition’s will go head-to-head later this year.
The Bendigo Football League and Victorian Amateur Football Association (VAFA) have announced a two-year partnership which will see the competitions face off in an interleague game.
The VAFA will host the 2024 game at Elsternwick Park on July 6 with players from Premier B Men’s down to Division 3 Men’s eligible to be selected.
Bendigo will host the return match in 2025.
Officials also confirmed the day would include a VAFA under-19 showcase feature the best underage players in the VAFA with teams divided into north and south.
VAFA chief executive Jason Reddick described the two-year deal as a win-win for both leagues.
“We are really pleased to have this two year agreement with the Bendigo Football Netball League and look forward to hosting them at Elsternwick Park this year,” he said.
“This game will provide an opportunity for players from Premier B Men’s through to Division 3 Men’s to proudly wear the Big V, while the under-19 match will showcase our best up and coming talent.”
Bendigo league chair Carol McKinstry expressed her excitement at the announcement.
“The Bendigo Football Netball League is excited to announce that interleague football is back after a hiatus caused by the Covid pandemic,” she said.
“Interleague football provides an opportunity for players to test themselves at a higher level and renew or make connections with players and coaches from other clubs.
“The BFNL is excited by the prospect of playing the VAFA and looks forward to the game on July 6 at Elsternwick Park.”
The VAFA’s Premier Division men’s and women’s footballers will again take on the Perth Football League in Perth later this year.
More details on all games are to still be announced.
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