Some of the young guns who have lit up the VAFA in 2023

There’s plenty of exciting talent within the VAFA ranks who took the competition by storm in 2023. We take a look at some of the best.

Within the VAFA ranks, there are plenty of exciting talents ready to make the competition their own.

There’s the kids playing well beyond their years and those who are ready to rise to the top.

Here’s a look at some of the best young guns for season 2023.

Luca Alessio, St Bernards

The son of Essendon premiership hero Steven, Luca has enjoyed a fine first season with the Snowdogs while still being eligible for under-19 footy. Has played all 19 games at senior level, kicking 22 goals in his side’s run to the grand final.

Hayden Boyce, Mazenod

Developed into his side’s most damaging forward this season after 24 goals in 13 outings.

Joel Chilcott, Glen Eira

Still eligible for under-19 footy, Chilcott has excelled for the Gryphons this season. Holding down a position as a key forward with 20 goals to this stage of the season.

William Crawford, Hampton Rovers

After being a strong goalkicker at under-19 level last season, Crawford continued his development with 20 goals in nine senior games this year.

Kai Dimattina, Old Brighton

After making his senior debut earlier this season, Dimattina went onto play 13 games and earned five mentions across the best. Played across halfback and on the wing.

Charlie Dowling, Old Melburnians

Built on his performances last season to become an important part of his side’s line-up. Missed OMs middle part of the year.

Old Melburnians’ Charlie Dowling. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Jed Feneley of Old Xaverians. (Photo by Josh Chadwick)

Jed Feneley, Old Xaverians

A regular in the Old Xavs’ senior line-up. Played all 18 games, building off the back of an impressive 2022.

Jack Ferraro, St Bedes/Mentone

Has had a huge influence for the Tigers this year with 14 goals from 17 outings.

Harrison Flack, Aquinas

Established himself as a senior regular this season despite his side’s struggles in Division 2 which ended in relegation. Played 18 games and was named in the best in 10.

Rhys Galvin, Old Scotch

The young defender is going to be a serious player for years to come. He was a regular in Old Scotch’s run to the finals.

Cameron Hatchway, Old Brighton

Made the step up to senior footy this year and showed he had an eye for goal with 11 majors.

Charlie Holmes of Old Xaverians. (Photo by Josh Chadwick)

Charlie Holmes, Old Xaverians

A consistent in the Old Xavs side this season with seven appearances in his side’s better players.

Jamie Hope, Old Brighton

Missed a large part of the year through VFL commitments with North Melbourne but when he was in Old Brighton colours he was simply brilliant.

Cooper Howell, Parkdale Vultures

A consistent player in the Vultures line-up. Expect to see his name there for years to come.

Rogan Kitts in action for Oakleigh. Photo: Oakleigh AFC Facebook.

Rogan Kitts, Oakleigh

The teenager was a senior regular this season after making his debut earlier in the year. Has played across the forward line and wing. Son of club legend, Ash.

Robert Larcher, St Kevin’s

Made an immediate impression at the start of the season and has become a vital part of St Kevin’s premiership defence.

Geordie LaCava, Uni Blues

Stepping up from the under-19s hasn’t been an issue for the wonderfully skilled LeCava.

Hugo Nosiara, Old Haileybury

Played 11 games in Old Haileybury’s senior side after overcoming injury earlier in the year. Was named on Carlton’s VFL list this year.

Teigan Otter, Collegians

Played nine senior games so far this season and has more than held his own in a powerful Collegians line-up. Kicked three goals on debut.

Zac Overman, St Bernard’s

After coming out of the under-19s, Overman has been an impressive young talent this season. Missed a large part of the second half of the year and is now working his way back through the reserves.

Blake Pantas, Elsternwick

A regular in defence for Elsternwick this season after coming straight out of the under-19 side.

Bailey Ace Payze, Old Peninsula

In his second season with the club, Payze held down a regular spot in the senior side. He eventually finished as the leading goalkicker with 34 majors.

Collegians’ William Pewtress. Picture: Andy Brownbill

William Pewtress, Collegians

A player who can play in all three parts of the ground as required. Pewtress has become a regular player for the Lions this season and will now have a shot at a premiership.

Petro Pirozek, MHSOB

It was a dominant season for a player in his first full season of senior footy. He booted 16 goals and was named in the best 11 times from 15 games.

Jayden Rodwell, Beaumaris

Has become one of the most promising players at the Sharks this season. In 19 senior games, he kicked 17 goals and was named in the best seven times.

Tom Rowland, Old Trinity

Arrived via Altona and Coburg VFL at the start of the season. Rowland established himself as an impressive player across halfback and through the wing.

Angus Symons, Old Scotch

Showed plenty of promise throughout the season in 10 games, kicking 11 goals.

Dylan Ting, Caulfield Grammarians

In a side that struggled this season, Ting was afforded plenty of senior opportunities going onto play 10 games. Had a run where he was named in the best in four straight games.

Lachlan Warren, Williamstown CYMS

Played 10 senior games this year and made an immediate impression with six mentions in the best.