REPLAYS: Big V beats Bendigo in a cracking contest in interleague

Bendigo provided a stern test to VAFA’s top players from Premier B to Division 3 but VAFA held on to record a famous victory. Catch all the REPLAYS from the day here.

Bendigo’s first foray back into interleague has just fallen short of success with VAFA’s Premier B to Division 3 team prevailing in a cracking contest by 13 points.

The Big V started the contest the better of the two sides, kicking away in the first and second terms to a 25-point lead at the main break.

But Bendigo, with pride on the line, fought back, with an impressive second half to almost steal the contest.

A strong third term with five goals to three reduced the margin to two goals at the final break for Bendigo.

Unfortunately for the country footy league the team couldn’t get closer as the Big V settled in the final term.

VAFA held on to win by 13 points with three goals in the final term.

Old Trinity Grammarians player Alex Emery was judged to be best on ground for the contest, which is likely to be held again next year between the two interleague sides.

REPLAY

North vs. South (VAFA Under 19 Showcase) – VAFA Representative Showcase

A final quarter masterclass from South helped them to prevail over North in the under-19 VAFA showcase at Elsternwick Park.

In the first-up contest between the two, both teams matched each other for three quarters with the lead changing hands multiple times.

South led the contest at half time by 13 points before North fought back to lead during the third term.

But South were able to get the pivotal final goal of the quarter to lead by six at the final change.

The goal shifted the momentum of the contest.

South kicked seven goals to zero in the final term to shell shock North and run away with a 49-point win.

VFL player Andreas Stefanakis kicked the last goal of the contest in a fitting way to end the game.

The Box Hill Hawk kicked four goals from North to be the player of the match.

Final score was 15.8. (98) to 7.7. (49).

‘I GET TO WORK WITH GUYS WHO HAVE GIVEN ME HEADACHES BEFORE’

Big V Premier B–Division 3 coach Luke Mahoney wanted one attribute in the players he selected for his side – flexibility.

The VAFA representative side will take on the Bendigo Football League on Saturday afternoon as part of a big representative double.

Check out the full LIVE STREAM schedule below.

Mahoney said the selection process had been a tough one.

“We wanted guys who could play in multiple positions,” he said.

“My coaches and I have been out at games for the last four to six weeks watching guys and seeing how they could fit in.

“We have gone with a fast and fit team who can be flexible in the way they play their footy.”

Having previously coached Fitzroy, including to last year’s Premier B premiership, Mahoney has seen up close how damaging some of the players in his selected side can be.

Christian Algeri is part of the Big V Premier B–Division 3 rep team.

“One of the most exciting things about being the coach is I get to work with guys who have given me headaches before,” he said.

“I’m glad they’ll be on my side on Saturday. Guys including Riley Virtue from Beaumaris and Christian Algeri from De La Salle are super talented.

“Josh Cowan from St Bede’s Mentone and Ed Weatherson are two guys I’ve coached against for a while, I know how good they can be.”

Earlier this week, Beaumaris defender Callum Linehan was named as the skipper of the team.

Mahoney said there was several factors in the decision.

“Having coached him before, he’s someone I have a lot of respect for,” he said.

“He leads from defence and really lifts his teammates. He’s someone who leaves everything out on the field.”

Without knowing too much about the opposition, Mahoney is confident of a “high quality game of footy”.

Bendigo is expected to have some ex-AFL players in their side including Fergus Greene and Michael Hartley.

“It’s a high standard competition and I’m sure they’ll be well represented,” he said.

“Jack Reaper is one of the better defenders in local footy and I’m confident he’s playing.

“I’m fortunate to be involved in a game with so many quality players.”

PREVIEW

When the VAFA’s best and brightest young talents take to Elsternwick Park on Saturday for the U19 Showcase, supporters can expect one thing.

Fast and free flowing footy.

Coaches Paul Gilmour (U19 North) and Paul Carrigan (U19 South) are determined to let the players show off their abilities.

VAFA TEAMS READY TO BRING ‘FAST, EXCITING BRAND’ TO THE WEST

Catch the game LIVE on KommunuityTV on Saturday as part of a big two-game representative day that also features the BIG V Premier B-Division 3 Men’s v Bendigo Football League clash.

The game will have future stars of the competition on show with the Monash Freeway and Princes Freeway (to Geelong) acting as the dividing line between the two sides.

Carrigan said both coaches agreed they didn’t want to turn the game into an “arm wrestle”.

“From the first training session I’ve had with my guys, I told them I want them to use their skills and take the game on,” he said.

“I want them to be creative and use the entire width of the ground, not just pointpost to pointpost.

“We want to be having a lot of fun, no one being selfish, players who will bring their teammates into the game.

“The players shouldn’t be scared to make a mistake. It’s all about making sure we put on a good game of footy.”

Clubs across the VAFA competition will be well represented with Carrigan thankful for the support he and Gilmour had been show.

“We’ve been really proud of how clubs have got behind the concept,” he said.

“Some clubs have put forward players who are well established senior players this year, it shows how supportive they are.”

Gilmour, who at club level is the mentor for St Bernard’s under-19s, said he wanted to have the “ball in motion” throughout the game.

“A lot of these guys have very good skills and we want them to show those off,” he said.

“When there is speed on the ball it’s going to create opportunities up the ground for everyone to show what they’re able to do.

“There’s going to be a chance for guys in defence to showcase their skills as well.

“Training has been elite since night one, I have really enjoyed it.”