Live stream: Watch the VAFA Big V teams take on Perth Football League sides
The VAFA kicked three goals in extra time to cap off an incredible return to representative football against the best of the PFL. Watch the REPLAYS.
Aussie Rules Live Stream
Don't miss out on the headlines from Aussie Rules Live Stream. Followed categories will be added to My News.
The VAFA has survived a major scare and comeback from Perth’s men’s team to win in extra time in a thrilling representative clash on Saturday afternoon.
In a fantastic advert for amateur football both teams were locked on 104 points when the siren sounded after Perth came back from 38 points down in the second quarter.
But VAFA prevailed when it counted, kicking three goals in the second half of 10 minutes of extra time to win 20. 10. (130) to 17. 9 (111).
WATCH THE FULL MATCH REPLAY IN THE PLAYER ABOVE
VAFA and Old Xaverians players Charlie Macisaac kicked six goals, including two in the final part of extra time, to not only win the match but be awarded the best on ground by Perth and the umpires.
Perth started well, kicking the opening goal, before VAFA got on top with five straight goals to lead at the first change by 21 points.
The Big V continued the momentum in the second quarter, leading at one stage by 38 points before late Perth goals reduced the margin to five goals at the main break.
Perth then came back, kicking six goals to two in the third term to storm back into the contest.
After being smashed in contested ball early, down 18 at quarter time, Perth got harder at the contest and punished VAFA with their run.
Led by Perth’s Kyle Halligan, who kicked three goals, the Sandgropers took the lead in the final term and led by 11 points at one stage before VAFA came back themselves to lead late.
With the lead changing three times in a frantic final few minutes, a VAFA goal with a couple of minutes to go made scores level.
Perth’s Josh Branchi then won a fifty metre penalty as the siren sounded to have a shot on goal to win the game from 55 metres out.
His kick fell short and after much discussion between officials, umpires and players, extra time was called to decide the match.
After scores were again level, at 111-111, following the first part of extra time, VAFA got on top to secure the trophy.
A first goal to Macisaac gave the VAFA the lead before James Tarrant kicked a long bomb from 50 metres to put one hand on the cup.
Macisaac, with his sixth goals, made sure of the win, kicking the last goal of the game.
“It’s definitely one of the better (goals I have kicked),” Tarrant said after the game.
“It probably helped I couldn’t see the goal, so I threw it on the boot.
“I think there were a few desperate boys not keen on another 10, but we pulled through in the end.”
VAFA coach Greg Hutchison was relieved to secure the win.
“It was an absolutely outstanding contest,” he said.
“I thought we were going to win easily and then I thought we were going to lose by five goals.
“You can tell I haven’t coached in a while because I started to lose my voice and people I haven’t worked with me before saw me at my worst in the last 10-15 minutes.
“That’s part and parcel of coaching.”
Former Perth player Ben Harding had the most disposals for VAFA with 32 while Perth’s David Roche had 29 disposals including 25 kicks.
Women’s match wrap
The Big V has struck first in the double header battle against the best of the Perth Football League.
The Big V women were unstoppable over the final three quarters as they soared to a 63-point win over the women of the Perth Football League at Elsternwick Park.
The chemistry of the VAFA was team was incredible for a side that had been made up by players from multiple clubs - with players running into space and balls hitting the mark constantly.
Replay: VAFA representative games - VAFA v Perth Football League (Women)
Rover Mia Caffry, who was judged best on ground, was a bulldog through the midfield linking through to the forward line as the VAFA girls pulled off an 11.11 (77) to 2.2 (14) win.
Molly Simpson was the main beneficiary of the hard work in the midfield, booting home three goals up front, while Ella Baxter and Sophie Stewart both added two a-piece.
The first quarter was a true arm-wrestle as both sides spent the first 10 minutes feeling each other out, but once the VAFA side found the upper hand, there was no stopping the runaway train.
VAFA coach Paul Groves praised his squad after the game, and said it was the buy in from not only the 22 that made it on the field, but the entire squad, which set up the big performance.
“The buy in has been amazing, it is a testament to (the players) and your families and your clubs,” Groves said.
“We had so many nominantions for this side, so many emergencies of girls who just missed out. Everyone has played a huge part in this program.”
PREVIEW: VAFA’s top sides take on best of the West
The best players in the VAFA are ready to pull on the iconic Big V jumper for the first time in four years.
Officials have confirmed the teams for next week’s men’s and women’s clashes with the Perth Football League are nearing closer to selection.
WATCH THE DOUBLE HEADER LIVE IN THE PLAYER ABOVE FROM 11AM
The action will be live streamed on KommunityTV on Saturday, July 15 starting with the women’s game at 11am before the men do battle at 2pm.
Greg Hutchison will lead the Big V men’s side which is down to 22 players, with a starting 18 named headlined by Josh Freezer’s fifth selection in the team.
Former AFL trio David Mirra, Marty Gleeson and Tom Cutler have also been included.
Meanwhile, Old Scotch has had six players selected.
The women’s squad, which has won in all three of its previous outings, has been reduced to an exciting 22 players.
St Kevin’s leader Bree Doyle will captain the Big V women’s team, with Amy Duguid (Coburg) and Jade Wise (Old Scotch) in the leadership team.
“Watching a lot of their games, this girl is someone that I want to play for,” women’s coach Paul Groves told VAFA Media when speaking about Doyle.
.
VAFA BIG V SQUADS
FINAL MEN’S TEAM
FB: Brodie Steele, Campbell Moorfield, Sam Soronidis
HB: Marty Gleeson, Josh Freezer, Charlie Cormack
C: Kenny Ong, Luke Winter, Tom Cutler
HF: Brodie Easton, James Tarrant, Aidan Franetic
FF: Jack Hewitt, Ryan Valentine, Charlie Macisaac
R: Josh Steadman, Marcus Stavrou, Ben Harding
INT: Ben Huggard, Christian Carnovale, Henry Brown, Harry Thompson
WOMEN’S FINAL TEAM
FB: Chloe Leighton, Kristy De Pelligrini, Amy Duguid
HB: Annaleise Xanthos, Cat O’Bryan, Jenna Colwell
C: Marguerite Purcell, Ella Baxter, Grace Osborne
HF: Jade Wise, Molly Simpson, Simone Mooney
FF: Sophie Stewart, Asha Price, Catherine Stanton
R: Sarah Betts, Bree Doyle, Mia Caffry
INT: Emma Robins, Maxine Wells, Frances Walsh, Rebecca Grant
Watch replays: Cardinals break VAFA premiership drought
Old Scotch have ridden a wave of momentum to the club’s first premiership title in 46 years - in the process driving a dagger into the hearts of Old Brighton. Watch the VAFA grand final REPLAY and find out which players made the difference in the decider.
Women’s footy pioneer still kicking goals for ‘as long as I’m above ground’
Lynn Smith turned a lifelong dream into an amazing reality. Now, aged 70, she refuses to let the march of time stop her enjoyment. Catch her LIVE at the AFL Masters on KTV from Sunday.