Everything you need to know about the VAFA Division 1 2025 season

The VAFA Division 1 season is days away and we’ve broken down every club’s hopes. See all the new faces, the exits, the players set to shape their side’s season and our verdict.

The VAFA Division 1 season has arrived. Photo: VAFA Media.

The Victorian Amateur Football Association Division 1 season is almost upon us.

Check out all the key information for every club from the ins and outs to the key players and our verdict.

BRUNSWICK

Last season: Division 2 runner-up

IN: Fletcher Banfield (North Brunswick), Mitch Hicks (North Brunswick), Whitlam Bishop (Sherwood), Daniel Mott (St Bernard’s), Andre Jaycock (Maribyrnong Park), Charlie Thorpe (Sherwood)

OUT: James Schmidt (Woodend-Hesket), Tom O’Farrell (Carngham Linton)

Players to watch: Hayden Parker, Tom Hedley, Whitlam Bishop

Verdict: Under new coach Jason Reynolds, Brunswick has arrived with a bang in Division 1. They’ve welcomed an impressive array of recruits who should all slot straight into the senior side. Fletcher Banfield adds to the midfield depth after winning the Division 3 best and fairest last season while Daniel Mott adds plenty of class after a stint in Premier footy. Don’t be surprised if they shock the division and are right among the top-four and premiership races.

ELSTERNWICK

Last season: Division 2 premier

IN: Jack Kirkham

OUT: Nick Mascadri (Lang Lang), Flynn Brosnan (Tarwin), Spencer Hankin (Caulfield Grammarians)

Players to watch: Paul Sanderson, Daniel Marchese, Julian Yeatman

Verdict: Chasing another promotion, the Wicks arrive with a consistent group of senior players who once again should have them in a place where they fight for another finals shot. The loss of leading goalkicker Spencer Hankin from last season leaves the club with a big hole to fill. This group has consistently been able to perform whenever they’ve gone up the divisions and it would be no surprise if they did it again.

Kew is hoping to make a finals charge. Image: Dennis Timm/VAFA Media.

KEW

Last season: 6th

IN: Tom Johnstone (Drouin), Gabe Wood (Traralgon), Alex Chiocci (St Mary’s), Ben McGowan, Conor Byrne, Dylan Jardine

OUT: Luka Argent (Western Eagles)

Players to watch: Ned Waters, William Llewelyn, Max Poletti

Verdict: The Bears were middle of the pack last season but an impressive off-season would suggest they’re going to be right in the mix for finals footy this season. Tom Johnstone is a nice addition out of Gippsland while Alex Chiocci will add plenty of experience. If experienced mentor Jack Cole can get this group to click, something special could be on the way for the Bears in 2025.

MONASH BLUES

Last season: Relegated from Premier C

IN:

OUT: Billy Robertson (Albury), Alex Bennett (Lavington), Jordan Storer (Queensland), Mitchell White (Mooroopna), Nixon Hall (Yinnar), Jack Thomas (Monash Blues), Josh Hall (Mazenod), Joshua Curtis (Balwyn)

Players to watch: James Flett, Jack Hooper, Luca Molluso

Verdict: An interesting challenge awaits new coach Andy Batten after a summer of so many key departures. It’s left the Blues with a very young list. Given so many fresh faces arrived late in pre-season, there could be some teething issues early in the season. Batten’s side are one of the exciting stories of the season if they can live up to their potential.

OAKLEIGH

Last season: Relegated from Premier C

IN:

OUT: Aaron Cloke (Black Rock), Edward Standish (Murrumbeena), Harry Boontjez (Murrumbeena), Caleb Qumivutia (Black Rock), Zane Murphy (St Paul’s McKinnon)

Players to watch: Patrick Ioannidis, Rogan Kitts, Luke Ashen

Verdict: An opportunity to immediately bounce back lays in front of Oakleigh this season. The Krushers have appointed Chris Worner as the new coach and while some key players have departed some familiar names do remain. One of the biggest challenges will be trying to fill the hole left up forward by Aaron Cloke.

OLD PENINSULA

Last season: 5th

IN: Kobe Dalais, Jake Weightman (Kilcunda Bass), Max Kleverkamp (Mt Evelyn), Ben Williamson (Rye), James Fletcher, Jordan Pomeroy (Karingal), Will Crowder

OUT:

Players to watch: Ben Williamson, Bailey Payze, Jake Lovett

Verdict: The goal for the Pirates is a simple one this season — play finals footy. They’ve added some impressive recruits who they hope can help close the gap on the top-four after finishing two games outside the finals places last season. If Brendan Dunne can get this group to fire early in the season, it wouldn’t be a shock if they went close to finishing a top-two finish at the end of the home-and-away season.

Ormond is aiming to win a final this season. Photo: VAFA Media.

ORMOND

Last season: 3rd

IN: Flyn O’Toole (Morningside), Tom Stait (Caulfield Bears), Tom Nicholls (St Paul’s McKinnon), Jack Toouli (Old Brighton), Will Simon (returning), Sean Gunning (returning)

OUT: Luke Kennedy (Western Bulldogs AFL)

Players to watch: Senin Seymour, Jack Mason, Jackson Hille

Verdict: If the Monders’ young stars can continue developing as they have in recent seasons, it wouldn’t be a shock to see them play off in a grand final later this year. Coach Kyle Pinto has declared he wants the club to win a final this year after falling at the first hurdle in 2024. Pinto’s side plays an exciting brand of footy and we’re expecting them to put some big scores on the board this season.

PRESTON BULLANTS

Last season: 7th

IN: Steve Logozzo (Parkside, VAFA), Benedict Douglas (Parkside, VAFA), Dominic Douglas (Parkside, VAFA), Benjamin Morgan

OUT:

Players to watch: Benedict Douglas, Hugo Byron, Alex Johnston

Verdict: One of the key focus areas for Tom Hill’s side will be trying to improve their offensive power throughout this season. Defensively in 2024, they were the strongest outside of the sides who did not play finals footy. Benedict Douglas is a quality addition to the midfield and will be one of his side’s leading players. Young players should get an opportunity and it wouldn’t be a surprise if they rise up the ladder.

THERRY PENOLA

Last season: 8th

IN: Flynn Harvey (Keilor Park), Sean Callander (formerly Strathmore), Nathan Thomas (Sunbury Kangaroos)

OUT: Finn Dolan (Oak Park), Lucas McKinnon (Nagambie), Blake McKinnon (Nagambie)

Players to watch: Sean Callander, Matthew Lyons, Michael Helm

Verdict: New coach John Tate is buoyed by the exciting young list he has to work with this season. He’s already said the young players, including the under-19s, will be given senior opportunities if the chance arises. The Lions will be hoping to pick up some early season wins to help potentially avoid any early season relegation fears.

UHS-VU

Last season: 4th

IN: Michael Corso (Doncaster East), Lachlan Hull (Clunes)

OUT:

Players to watch: Brandon Jackson, Ned Couper-Johnston, James Healey

Verdict: The Vultures are aiming to play Premier C footy and should be right at the pointy end of the ladder once again this season. Coach Paul Rocke will be hoping for more luck on the injury front. They reached the preliminary final last season and this list has another quality to be there on the final day of the season.