The key Perth Football League talents facing the Big V VAFA

The Perth Football League is ready to make Melbourne its own against the VAFA Big V. We break down the WA competition’s key players and team structure including former WAFL talents.

The Perth Football League is coming to Melbourne with no fear.

On Saturday, they’ll take on the VAFA Big V side in men’s and women’s clashes as representative footy prepares to return for the first time since 2019.

Craig White, coach of the men’s side, said his side wouldn’t arrive at Elsternwick Park looking to make up numbers as they look to spoil the home side’s party.

“Our side has a good mix of experience at WAFL level and young guys who are making their mark in our home competition,” White, who coaches Curtin Uni Wesley at club level, said.

HOW TO WATCH THE VAFA BIG V GAME

“We’re excited to show everyone what the Perth Football League is all about. We’re not expecting to be as tall and bulky as some of the Victorian guys, so we’ve gone for a team with some real athleticism and pace.

“The competition’s leading goalkickers, Ryan Vermeersch and Kyle Halligan, are making the trip across which is a big positive for us. In previous years, it’s been an under-23 side so to get those more experienced players in has been extremely beneficial.

“It’s really exciting for me as a coach to be able to lead these guys when I’m usually worrying about how to stop some of them Monday to Friday.”

Kyle Halligan during his time in the VAFA.

Ahead of Saturday’s game, we’ve profiled some of the key men’s and women’s players to watch from Western Australia.

Josh Branchi

The captain of Baldivis at club level, he’s expected to have a big performance as the only representative from the B Grade competition.

Waverley Jones

Described as a “goalkicking machine” by her competition’s official website, Jones will be a spearhead in attack for the visitors.

Chris Leonard

Expected to play a big game in the midfield for the WA side. At club level, he has shown an ability to get forward and kick goals. Won the league best-and-fairest last season.

Tessa Lynch

A league best-and-fairest with Melville in season 2022, Lynch will make the trip to Melbourne hoping to put on a show.

Ryan Vermeersch

Representing Trinity Aquinas, Vermeersch is the competition’s leading goalkicker this season with 44 majors from 12 games. He’s in brilliant form heading into the weekend with seven goals in his last outing. He’s a former WAFL player with Subiaco.

PERTH MEN’S TEAM: Josh Branchi, Jack Bechelli, Sam Dennis, Kyle Hamersley, Chris Leonard, David Roche, Matt Ward, Rowan Brookes, Tom Edwards-Baldwin, Braydn Furmark, Kyle Halligan, Trey Kennedy, Nathan Blee, Jaxon Cahill, Fletcher Cooke, Matthew Young, Blake Borrett, Bill Fetherstonhaugh, Matthew Rodan, Ryan Vermeersch, Nelson Waite, Isaac Barton.

PERTH WOMEN’S TEAM: Sabreena McKinnon, Carla Vidovich, Tara Garlett, Samantha Fielder, Emily Pickett, Amber Ugle-Hayward, Caitlin Pars, Gemma Bailey, Courtney Horsham, Waverley Jones, Tessa Lynch, Isabella Strnadica, Chloe Williams, Trisha Stjepic, Rebekah Cornwill, Cheney Armstrong, Anna Nikulinsky, Mikayla Smith, Stefanie West, Alyssa Smogavec, Olivia Flait, Chloe Wain.