Live stream: VAFA men’s and women’s representative teams head west to face Perth Football League

The VAFA men’s and women’s rep teams have endured vastly different fortunes on their trip west to take on the Perth Football League. See how they fared in two bumper REPLAYS.

The Big V have fallen to the Perth Football League as the West Australians got revenge for last year’s defeat.

The home side claimed a 11.10 (76) to 7.11 (53) win at the home of WAFL club Swan Districts.

Perth led at every break before getting the game on their terms in the second quarter in particular as inaccurate goalkicking hurt the visitor’s chances.

REPLAY

Men’s VAFA v Perth Football League—Representative Games

Watch the full replay in the window above.

SKILL ERRORS A COACH KILLER

Looking back on this one, the VAFA will be disappointed with their skills throughout the game. At crucial times they missed targets going inside 50 and let themselves down with their opportunities. Even the most skillful players in the Big V line-up made errors you wouldn’t expect them to make. Crucially, many of the mistakes came in the back half of the ground which allowed Perth to dominate the territory battle. Too many times did the Big V make errors trying to go across goal or looking for a short target.

A BATTLE TO HIT THE SCOREBOARD

When the Big V did control large parts of the contest in the third term especially they were unable to put the dominant on the scoreboard. Greg Hutchison’s side only managed 1.5 for the quarter, which meant the margin was to come to overcome heading into the final break. Despite what the scoreboard said, the VAFA also had several opportunities go out on the full throughout the afternoon, and some were opportunities you’d expect them to kick. The wind made goalkicking difficult with several shots on goal from both sides throughout the game looking extremely ugly off the boot.

MACISAAC, TUCKER SHOW THEIR CLASS

Stars of the Premier Division at clubland, Charlie MacIsaac and Sam Tucker looked the most likely to hit the scoreboard when the ball did go forward for the Big V. Both players finished with two goals apiece. What made them dangerous was they didn’t need much space to cause a little bit of panic in their defenders.

THE SEND OFF

In one of the decisions you probably didn’t expect to see, Perth defender Sam Dennis was given a red card and sent off for the remainder of the game in the third quarter. Dennis was sent from the ground for a late hit on Big V and Collegians gun Nathan Boucher who had taken a courageous mark. The officiating umpire ran side-by-side with Dennis to the bench after Boucher was awarded a 50 and kicked a goal before producing a red card. It was a hit which sparked the VAFA side into action.

REPLAY

Women's VAFA v Perth Football League

Wayward scoring can’t stop Big V

The Big V women have held on for a thrilling one-point win over the Perth Football League in a rollercoaster game.

The VAFA’s representative side overcame a slow start to record a 4.8 (32) to 5.1 (31) win over the Perth Football League.

Ashley Sharp booted four for the hosts, including the game’s last two, to give the PFL hope of an unlikely upset.

But in the end, time ran out as the VAFA triumphed against their Western Australian rivals for a second straight time.

Big V coach Paul Groves was relieved to hold on.

“It was a great game of footy,” he told the broadcast.

“Their pressure was amazing, very different to last year.

“We were a little bit lucky in the end.”

VILLIVA SHOWS HER CLASS

Dakota Villiva’s sensational form on return from injury in 2024 has continued.

The Kew gun missed all of last year after tearing her ACL in a practice match, a season after winning the league best and fairest.

As the game went on, as did Villiava’s influence on the contest with her ability to will the contested footy. But even in tight spaces, she was able to weave out of stoppages and get the ball driving forward.

Big V players celebrate a goal in the win. Photo: Aussies in Action.

PRICE’S HAPPY RETURN AS COWAN IS RESILIENT

VAFA forward Asha Price was one player with an existing knowledge of Blue Steele Oval, having previously played for Swan Districts.

The Melbourne University star produced an impressive display as she proved the difference up forward. Whenever the ball was in Price’s area, the Big V looked more dangerous with her ability to wheel quickly onto her right foot and get the ball forward.

Meanwhile, Mia Cowan responded with two goals after missing a set shot on the half-time siren which she would have been expected to by her standards.

STANTON’S BIG SECOND HALF

A premiership hero with St Kevins, Kate Stanton proved why she is a classy operator.

With the game in the balance at the main break, Stanton went up a level and had a massive influence. Stanton worked to both ends of the ground with her influence key in the Victorians winning.

Kate McCarthy also had greater influence on the game in the second half after finding more of the footy. The game opening up allowed the ex-AFLW player to use her skills more often.

Dakota Villiva was a star for the Big V VAFA. Photo: Aussies in Action.

CLASSY CONDON

In defence, Emily Condon led the way for the VAFA with an impressive display. Her positioning, allowing her to intercept, was a key factor in her performance. Kristy De Pellegrini and Bella Gray also deserve plaudits for what they produced.

PREVIEW

If there’s a point of difference in the VAFA Big V women’s side this season, it’s leg speed.

Coach Paul Groves has built a team with some of the competition’s quickest players ahead of Sunday’s clash with the Perth Football League in Western Australia.

VAFA YOUNG GUNS TOLD TO ‘GET CREATIVE’ IN REP RUN-OUT

Catch the game LIVE as part of a big VAFA women’s/men’s representative doubleheader from 2.15pm (EST) on Sunday from Claremont Oval in Perth.

Check the full LIVE STREAM schedule below.

Twelve new faces have been added to the Big V side who are looking to make it back-to-back wins.

And like last year, Groves is promising an attacking display from the visitors.

“We won’t be aiming to make it a defensive struggle,” Groves said.

Bree Doyle will again lead the VAFA girls into battle. Pic: Valeriu Campan.

“In these sorts of games, we tell the players to bring what they’re good at, there isn’t enough time to try and work on what might be a weakness.

“We’ve got a bit more leg speed this year. With the new players we’ve brought in, we’ve added some experience through players who weren’t available for last year’s game.

“We’ve built a side which can adapt to all types of conditions. We’re excited to see the girls get out there.”

St Kevin’s star Bree Doyle has again been appointed the Big V’s captain with Old Scotch gun Mia Caffry, who impressed in last year’s game, named vice-captain.

“Bree is an amazing leader,” Groves said.

“She has genuine care for everyone in the squad and she deserves this opportunity.

“We made a change with our vice-captain, going with Mia who is having an outstanding season at Old Scotch.”

The Big V’s opposition has already played a game after taking on a Country WA side earlier this year.

Mia Caffrey has been elevated to vice captain.

It has given Groves a chance to study their game style.

“They look a fair bit more attacking this year,” he said.

“Ash Sharp and Sabreena McKinnon have both played AFLW so they’ll be dangerous and we’ll have to keep an eye on them.”

MEN

VAFA Big V men’s coach Greg Hutchison can’t contain his excitement about seeing his midfield go to work.

With names including Charlie Vague, Harry Hill, Marcus Stavrou and Sam Fisher, the Big V has assembled a group some coaches could only dream of.

They’re set to play a key role when the VAFA takes on the Perth Football League in Western Australia.

“It’s a really strong midfield group,” Hutchison said.

“Harry has been one of the highest ranked players in the league for a long time, we add Marcus after he missed last year.

“Charlie is having a very good season for St Bernard’s and Sam has played some WAFL footy before.

“Then you throw in Will Coates from St Kevin’s in the ruck and it’s a really strong group.”

VThe VAFA boys won an extra time thriller in 2023. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Compared to last year’s team, the Big V will have 14 different players in action when it takes to the field.

After winning in an extra time thriller last year, Hutchison is hoping for the same level of excitement.

“We want to play a fast, exciting brand of footy,” he said.

“Perth will obviously have some really talented guys of their own. Josh Freezer, our defensive coach, has already identified some dangerous forwards and he will take care of the matchups for those.”

Old Haileybury gun Brodie Steele is the only player from Premier B to be selected after a magnificent start to the season.

“He played for us last year and his form warranted selection again,” Hutchison said.