Named: The players set to define VAFA Premier C flag, relegation races
Just a handful of games remain in the VAFA Premier C season and the race for promotion, the premiership and avoiding relegation are now heating up. We profile 20 key players across the competition.
Just five games remain in the VAFA Premier C season.
We’ve taken a look at the players who could shape the rest of the season.
Adeola Akintola, PEGS
After an injury interrupted start to the year, he’s been one of the more influential players for PEGS either side of the double bye. A big man who can win his own ball at ground level.
Mitchell Baker-West, PEGS
Finds plenty of the footy for his side, averaging over 28 disposals per game and is able to break the game open from the inside.
Jack Behnk, St Bede’s/Mentone
Key forward has been limited to just seven games this season due to injury. Returned with a bang on the weekend after booting 11 majors to retake the competition’s leading goal kicker award.
Hayden Boyce, Mazenod
A consistent goalkicker for the senior side in the last two seasons. Boyce is still a young forward learning his craft but is capable of giving even the most experienced of defenders a headache.
Stuart Carey, Glen Eira/Old McKinnon
As consistent as anyone has been over the past several seasons. Carey continues to be one of the more impressive Gryphons. Has averaged over 25 touches a game.
Josh Daniel, Marcellin
Been a super pick up for the Eagles. His experience has helped lead the way for many of his younger teammates. Able to pinch hit in the ruck.
Matthew Emmanouil, Parkdale Vultures
Consistent among the best for the Vultures. Putting up big numbers after averaging over 26 disposals per game.
Matt Fewings, Mazenod
The Captain is a super performer and earned Big V honours this season. Finds plenty of the footy for his side averaging 32 disposals a game.
Jake Harding, St Bede’s/Mentone
One of the more impressive younger players in the division. The Tiger has put together an impressive season with 10 mentions in the best so far. Averaging 22.5 touches a game.
Callum Heath, Beaumaris
Depending who you ask, some might say the Sharks big man is the best player in the division. Averages 47.6 hit-outs a game along with 15.2 disposals.
Max Hershel, Ajax
The rising star has been one of the Jackas best throughout the season. If given an opportunity he can bob up with multiple goals.
Nicholas Mavropoulos, Glen Eira/Old McKinnon
One of the best rising stars in the division. Consistently among the Gryphons best things year. One of the key players kicking the ball inside 50.
Mackenzie Mayne, Prahran
It’s been a rough year for his side but Mayne has shown he’s more than capable at this level. Likely to be in contention for his side’s best-and-fairest.
Jarrod Peake, Parkdale Vultures
One of the dominant big men in the division. Peake averages 20 disposals per game and is a strong marking presence.
Michael Romano, Parkside
His side’s highest ranked player this season with his consistent form. Has averaged around 24 disposals a game.
Ryan Smyth, Prahran
One of his side’s key players despite their winless run. Has spent most of the year in the back six.
Joel Stevens, Parkside
Often gives his midfielders first use of the footy, averaging 35 hit-outs, a game this season. Also able to find the footy.
James Taylor, Beaumaris
In his nine games this season, Taylor has been one of the Sharks’ best clearance players. Finds the footy in contested areas and has about a 1:1 ratio of kicks to handballs.
Shaun Tyquin, Marcellin
Tyquin has been more available this season playing 11 games after just 8 in both 2023 and 2024. It’s been important for his side.
Justin Vogel, Ajax
Has again been a consistent goal kicker for the Jackas. Has been held goalless in just one of the games he has played.
Signing tracker: Every move across the VAFA Premier grades
