VAFA live stream: Andrew Dillon special guest at Old Brighton v Old Xaverians Premier Men’s clash

A Xavs old boy to the core, incoming AFL boss Andrew Dillon was in the commentary box for their win over one of their big VAFA rivals. See what he said about the direction of the game.

Look out rugby league! New AFL CEO Andrew Dillon wants to make an impression in your backyard.

Dillon, who takes over the biggest job in the game when Gil McLachlan steps down at the end of the season, went back to his roots on Saturday to commentate on the VAFA Premier Men’s game between Old Xaverians and Old Brighton.

Dillon is a Xavs old boy, having played 290 games and being one of only four players to play in all of their six-straight premierships between 1995-2000.

And while he was happy to reminisce over his time in the VAFA, he was also keen to talk about the future and his plans for the game, with NSW and Queensland front and centre.

New AFL CEO Andrew Dillon enjoying a day at the footy.

“NSW and Queensland, that’s where we can see super growth,” he said.

“It’ll be a real focus for us, Sydney and south east Queensland.”

But that doesn’t mean Victoria will be neglected.

“We have a great base which we will continue to move on and make sure we’ve got community clubs and programs that are accessible and open and welcoming to everyone,” he said.

“What we’re looking to do there is work with the regional commissions in those areas to try to pinpoint what the issues are at a particular club.

“In terms of our community footy, our AFL commission has resolved to put 10 per cent of industry revenue into game development and community football.

“And we are going to split Australia into 90 something regions and have specific plans for every region.

“For what works in the inner eastern suburbs of Melbourne ins’t replicable in Ballarat, Bendigo, or in the north east of Victoria.”

Meanwhile, Old Xaverians were obviously inspired by the presence of their former champion as they took apart Old Brighton in one oif their best performances of the season.

Their 105-57 victory was their second in a row after three consecutive defeats and pushes them closer to the top four.

Old Brighton have now lost five of their last six.

REPLAY

Old Brighton v Old Xaverians (Men Reserves)

PREVIEW

A clash with massive ladder significance will be made all the more intriguing by the presence of a special guest at Brighton Beach Oval on Saturday.

On the outskirts of the top four, Old Xaverians face Old Brighton in a blockbuster round nine VAFA Premier Men’s encounter - and AFL CEO elect - and Xavs old boy - Andrew Dillon will be there to call the action.

Catch the match LIVE AND EXCLUSIVE as part of a Premier/Premier Reserves double header on KommunityTV, starting at 11.40am. See the full live stream schedule below.

The scene is set for a classic encounter as the Tonners also have plenty on the line. They could fall from fourth to seventh, or go as high as second, depending on the round results.

Dillon will be aware of the high stakes having played 290 games across his Xavs career and being one of only four players to play in all of their six-straight premierships between 1995-2000.

He is a life member of the club and returned to be an assistant coach with their Premier Men’s side in 2011-12.

The Old Xaverians team of 2000. New AFL CEO Andrew Dillon (3rd from right front row)

Both sides enter the match having lost three of their last four encounters.

Last round, which was a fortnight ago before the bye, saw an injury-hit Tonners side go down by 27 points to Old Melburnians.

Battling a hefty injury list, the Tonners need victory to keep them in touch with the leaders.

Meanwhile, Xavs come into the game with some good form having thrashed Old Haileybury by 44 points in their last game at their school oval.

The 100-year-old VAFA club have been playing some of their home games at Xavier College this season while their traditional home Toorak Park undergoes renovations.

A win for the 4-4 Xavs will be a major boost for their finals hopes as four points would likely lift them into the top four, with percentage in their favour.

Xavs president Matt Cosgrave said while it was ‘challenging’ having no home ground this season, the club has still been able to successfully celebrate their 100-year anniversary.

They had 820 people in attendance at their gala dinner recently to celebrate the milestone.

Old Xaverians need the win badly. Picture: Andy Brownbill

“It was a pretty special night,” Cosgrave said.

“I don’t think any other VAFA club could attest to having a function of over 800 people.

“It was fantastic, we had people there from the 50s and 60s right through to our current crop of players.

Cosgrave said their 100th year celebration was ‘really about the people’ including the countless players, coaches and volunteers that had served the club in their history.

“We have had an amazing amount of really engaged people over a long period of time,” he said.

“I think that stands out - and to get 800 people in a room is probably a testament to the fact that they are still engaged and still love the club.

“So I think that is really special.”

Xavs are set to return to Toorak Park in 2024, with a brand new facility featuring a new pavilion with four changerooms, a 300-person dining room and board room, on top of new turf on the oval.