The 21 players set to play key roles in the back half of the VAFA season

The race for Division 1 finals in the VAFA is set to heat up when teams return to action this weekend. These are the players set to shape their club’s hopes.

Matt Clifford will be key in Prahran's premiership hopes. Photo: Trev Evans/Prahan FB.

As the VAFA’s three lower divisions prepare to return to action this weekend, the race for finals footy is heating up.

The ladder is far from set in Division 1 with Prahran and UHS-VU currently leading the race for the top-two and double chance with 9-2 records with Ormond a game further back.

Parkside currently occupies what would be the last spot in fourth but is only ahead of Kew on percentage.

Old Peninsula are in sixth a game further back in sixth and can’t be discounted after a sudden coaching change.

Seventh place Preston Bullants will be hoping the break has done it a world of good and they can make an unlikely finals push from 4-7.

West Brunswick, Therry Penola and Old Yarra Cobras look set to battle it out to avoid relegation.

Before the action returns, we’ve broken down who the key players will be for the finals contenders.

PRAHRAN

Rory Brodie is one of the dominant players in the competition. Photo: Trev Evans/Prahran FB.

Rory Brodie: Won the Division 1 league best-and-fairest last year alongside Oakleigh’s Luke Ashen and has continued on his strong form. A dominant ruckman who can drift forward and hit the scoreboard.

Matt Clifford: Started to produce his best form of the season just before the break with multiple goals in five straight games.

Mackenzie Mayne: Backing up an astounding first season at the club with another brilliant year. The star midfielder has been named in the best in nine out of 11 games.

UHS-VU

James Healey: One of the more experienced heads at the premiership contender, his experience will be key as the pressure ramps up.

Brandon Jackson: The former Division 2 league best-and-fairest has been in strong form again this season and is the leading goalkicker in the competition with 34.

Harry Kennedy: A Big V VAFA representative against the Bendigo league. The skipper has been in strong form throughout the year.

UHS-VU skipper Harry Kennedy after the Big V game.

ORMOND

Jack Mason: Producing arguably the best footy of his senior career this season with eight mentions in the best out of 10 games.

Jack Mason in action for Ormond.

Senin Seymour: After coming into the senior side in round 4, the young gun has emerged as integral part of this Ormond side. “He’s been right among the best every week,” Monders coach Kyle Pinto said.

James Tsakonas: One of the most promising young forwards in the VAFA. He is among the leading goalkickers in the competition this year and is consistently kicking multiple.

PARKSIDE

Benedict Douglas: Enjoying a career year in front of goal with 20 majors so far.

Michael Romano: Has risen through the VAFA ranks with Parkside in recent years. Spends his time between the middle and forward line which makes him a potential matchwinner.

Riley Williams: Now in his second season with the club, Williams has gone onto become of one integral parts of the senior side.

KEW

Jack Delbridge: A former Big V representative, Delbridge is a favourite son at the Bears. He celebrated his 150th club game earlier this year.

William Llewelyn: The emerging forward has been exposed to more senior footy than ever this year and is reaping the rewards among the leading goalkickers in the competition.

William Llewelyn is enjoying a fine season. Image: Dennis Timm/VAFA Media.

Max Waters: A model of consistency over many years for Kew. The skipper remains one of the Bears most important players.

OLD PENINSULA

Jake Lovett: The big man is backing up his best-and-fairest in 2023 with another sensational year.

Bailey Payze: The son of club and VAFA legend, Shaun, is making his own mark on the competition as one of the best players. The rising star finished third in the club’s best-and-fairest last season, claiming the league’s rising star award too.

Bailey Payze is following in his father's footsteps.

Kurt Thiele: After being limited to just eight games last year, the midfielder has become a key part of his side.

PRESTON BULLANTS

Sean Calcedo: A consistent performer across many years for the Bullants and this season is no different.

Tom Hill: Returned to the club at the start of the season as coach and has shown he can hit the scoreboard quickly.

Alex Johnston: The young forward is building nicely on the back of a first full year of senior footy in 2023. He has kicked a goal in very game to lead the way for the Bullants.