VAFA set to undergo competition restructure in 2024

Victoria’s largest local footy competition is set to undergo a major divisional restructure. Here’s what’s changing and the teams on the move.

Victoria’s biggest local footy competition will have one less division next season.

The VAFA has announced it will reduce its competition to six divisions from seven for the 2024 season after the departure of two clubs.

Ivanhoe and Old Paradians were on Wednesday night accepted into the Northern Football Netball League.

It was a move which left the VAFA with 61 senior men’s teams.

Heading into next year, each division will have 10 teams with the exception of Division 3 which will have 11.

The move has seen the Division 4 competition abolished with all teams now moved into Division 3.

“Ten is the optimal number across an 18-round home and away season to ensure each team plays each other twice and to ensure fixture equality,” the VAFA said in a statement.

“Season 2024 will see Division 3 Men’s and Division 4 Men’s combined. This avoids Division 2 Men’s having a situation with eight competing teams, Division 3 Men’s with seven and Division 4 Men’s with six.

The VAFA is undergoing a restructure. Picture: Andy Brownbill

“The reduction in the number of teams across the Men’s Divisional competitions has been caused by the decisions made by Ivanhoe AFC and Old Paradians during this season to depart the VAFA.

“Maintaining 10 teams per section remains in line with the VAFA’s Strategic Plan of producing a fixture that maximises regularity of matches played each season by avoiding additional and unnecessary byes.

“The VAFA is aware that variation of opponents and playing venues is important to a positive playing and club experience across the season.

“Fixturing for all competitions will commence in mid-November with the aim to complete as many fixtures as possible prior to the end of the year.”

THE BIG WINNERS OF THE MOVE

Marcellin OC: Usually the bottom-two clubs are relegated but that isn’t the case for Marcellin this year. In order to help even out the divisions, they’ll stay put in Premier C after finishing eighth.

Aquinas and St Mary’s Salesian: Both clubs avoided relegation from Division 2 because of the departures. Now they’ll have the opportunity to move up the ladder next season.

Wattle Park: The Animals have earned a move up from Division 3 after finishing the home-and-away season fourth on the ladder. They were also convincingly beaten by Canterbury, who will remain in Division 3, in the first semi-final. The club has been as high as the third division.

NEW TEAMS IN EACH DIVISION

Premier Division: St Bernards, Fitzroy

Premier B: Old Haileybury, Caulfield Grammarians, Old Ivanhoe, Old Camberwell

Premier C: AJAX, Monash Blues, Glen Eira, Oakleigh

Division 1: Ormond, Parkside, Old Yarra Cobras

Division 2: Elsternwick, Hawthorn, Wattle Park

Division 3: North Brunswick, Box Hill North, Albert Park, St John’s, Masala, Eley Park