VAFA: All the key talking points from Division 1 to 3

Old Yarra Cobras were delivered “home truths” in the off-season and it helped spark a round one rout boosted by a new recruit. Get a full wrap of the talking points from the VAFA Divisions.

Callum Copeland made a stunning debut for Old Yarra Cobras.

The Old Yarra Cobras weren’t afraid to deliver some “home truths” in the off-season and it’s already making a difference.

In its return to VAFA Division 2 action after being relegated last year, the Cobras produced a stunning statement with a 104-point win over South Melbourne Districts, who played in the preliminary final last season.

The contest was tight early — just eight points separating the two sides at the main break — but the Cobras restricted the Swans to just five more scoring shots for the rest of the game.

“Everything clicked,” Cobras coach Nathan Monaco declared.

“A lot didn’t work out last season and it was extremely frustrating for the playing group and club. We spoke a few home truths during the summer and everyone’s gone and worked on doing what they can to make us a better side.

“All of the new blokes have brought into what we’re doing and it all came together for us. There was a lot of positives to take away from it.”

In his first game after crossing from East Ringwood, young midfielder Callum Copeland starred in a best on ground display.

“He’s just an animal,” Monaco said.

“It was one of the best games for senior footy I’ve seen at the clubs I have been involved with. Just super impressive.”

Rory Chipman marked his return to footy, after missing all of last season, with a strong performance across halfback according to his coach.

“He’s in great shape, he’s put in a lot of work,” he said.

“A lot of confidence will come from what he was able to put together.”

Monaco said the only minor frustration for his side was their inaccuracy, kicking 18.19 (127).

Max Parkes was dominant with a game-high six goals while Jack Hall (five) and David Tokatliyan (four) were able to hit the scoreboard strongly.

“It was good to see our midfielders getting forward and giving us other looks,” Monaco said.

“We’ve still got a couple to come in at either end of the ground which is a good problem to have.”

The Cobras will next take on Aquinas before the Easter break.

“We’re making sure we’re getting the runs in the legs,” Monaco said.

“We’ve got some older guys and others coming off long-term injuries so we’re making sure we’re managing them through the early stages.”

MORE YOUNG STARS EMERGE AT ORMOND

Harrison Ross and Mason Thatcher were playing under-16 footy in 2024, now they’ve been named best on ground in the opening round of Ormond’s season. The pair played key roles on the wing as the Monders overcame promoted Elsternwick by 38 points.

“Harry Ross came across from Beaumaris and Mason came across from St Peter’s. They played on separate wings, played really well,” Monders coach Kyle Pinto said.

“We’re expecting a big year from both of them. They were both really tough in the contest, very courageous, had some really good tackles. Ball in hand they were very clean.

“Harry capped off a really good day for us with one of the last goals. Fantastic game from both.”

Pinto credited his entire side.

“A really good team effort. It was really competitive early and we were able to break away after halftime,” he said.

Sam Bailey deserved credit for his efforts in front of goal with four majors in just his second game of senior footy.

“He’s only 17 and with the Dragons, another who had a great game,” Pinto said.

Harrison Ross showed plenty of class on debut. Photo: Facebook.

BRUNSWICK RECRUITS SHINE

There would have been plenty to like for Brunswick coach Jason Reynolds during his first game in charge. Brunswick ran out 64-point winners against Therry Penola and the new recruits had a big impact. Fletcher Banfield, the reigning Division 3 best-and-fairest from North Brunswick, was best afield while half-forward Andre Jaycock booted four goals. The goalkicking power is a good sign with former star Hayden Parker returning to WA.

ASHEN THE MAN FOR OAKLEIGH

New Krushers coach Chris Worner probably couldn’t have been given a better first impression of Luke Ashen. The star forward booted nine goals as Oakleigh got off to a winning start with a nine-point win over Preston Bullants. After kicking 56 goals in Premier C last season, Ashen’s importance only grew following the exit of Aaron Cloke to Black Rock. Nicholas Torpey was in the best during his first senior game since 2023 while James McLaughlin, Jamie Roach, Tim Scott and Nicholas Clifton also impressed.

Luke Ashen was a major factor for Oakleigh. Photo: Facebook.

MAGPIES SWOOP IN SEASON OPENER

West Brunswick ensured it got its season off to the perfect start with a 73-point win over St John’s who had been promoted to Division 1. Cam Ralph was best afield while Herbert Fithall was the leader up forward with four goals. Caleb Bloomer, a West Australian recruit, was named in the best after kicking three goals in his debut.

YOUNG RUCK’S DOMINANT START

Developing ruckman Tom Voller got a taste of senior footy for St Mary’s Salesian in 2024 playing six games but after one game this season it would be hard for the club not to get excited. Voller was best afield as the Saints recorded a 59-point win over Canterbury to kick start their season. Voller’s presence was just the beginning of a strong performance where Hamish Macmillan kicked four goals. In his first senior game for the club since 2021 — due to time away — Jacob McElroy finished with three as did Lachlan Russell.

Tom Voller enjoyed a standout game.

TON WATCH?

Sam Kiesker started his season in fine form for Whitefriars, booting seven goals in the big win over Aquinas. A Big V representative last season, with 61 goals, Kieseker is set to be a leading forward in Division 2. James Perrin and Spencer Larsen were also impressive.

WATTLE PARK ARRIVES WITH A BANG

After being relegated to Division 3, the Animals have started their season in strong form with a big 95-point win over Eley Park. Former Kyabram forward Will McDonell had a debut to remember after booting six goals while skipper Harry Davis was best afield with five.

WORTH THE WAIT

Richmond Central’s Tom Tulett had a return to footy to remember after kicking three goals and being named best on ground in his side’s win over Box Hill North. According to his PlayHQ profile, Tulett last played in 2021 at South Yarra. A sneaky good pick up perhaps? Dominant big man Mitch Gleeson booted a couple and impressed in his first game for the club.

POWER HOUSE FORWARD LOOKS TO KICK ON

Jack Taylor-Evans gave Power House supporters a glimpse of what they could expect when he booted 26 goals in seven games last season and he’s started 2025 on fire. Out of Tasmania, he booted seven goals as his side recorded a big win against Swinburne University to start the season. Max McCulloch was named best for Power House.