Your guide to the VAFA Premier Men’s season
The 2024 VAFA Premier Men’s season is shaping up to be a thriller with plenty of big names arriving in the competition. Here’s the lowdown on every club and how you can watch live.
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The VAFA Premier Men’s season looks set to be one of the most hotly contested in recent memory.
You’ll be able to catch the action live throughout the season on KommunityTV through the Herald Sun website.
Thanks to a deal between the VAFA and News Corp Australia, one game a week from the men’s or women’s top tier will be shown live.
Ahead of the new season, we’ve broken down how each of the men’s teams is looking.
COLLEGIANS
Coach: Jordie McKenzie
In: Mathew Pollock, Nathan Boucher (full-time from VFL)
Out: David Mirra
We say: It’s been a relatively quiet off-season for the Lions, with the biggest move a coaching change. McKenzie takes over the reigning premier with the list still in magnificent shape. Mirra might have decided to hang up the boots but McKenzie will have plenty of talent at his disposal to call upon. Don’t be surprised if a few of the younger brigade really grab their chance.
FITZROY
Coach: Travis Ronaldson
In: —
Out: —
We say: The club declared it had nothing to lose after its promotion to the top tier and appointment of a new coach. The Lions have kept most of last year’s side together which should give it the best shot of at least maintaining its top tier status. A thrilling season awaits.
OLD BRIGHTON
Coach: Marcel Bruin
In: —
Out: —
We say: The Tonners have turned to Marcel Bruin as their new senior coach after Dan Donati made the move back to Old Xaverians. A club legend, Bruin will have the task of leading an Old Brighton side who missed out on finals action last season. They broke even last season with nine wins and nine losses. One of the biggest issues was player availability with 39 players used in the senior side throughout the season. With no major notable inclusions, is it time for the next generation to step up?
OLD MELBURNIANS
Coach: Paul Satterley
In: James Harrold, Sam Wunduke, Jarrod Lienert, Jack Peris, Lachie Saney, Ned Long.
Out: —
We say: After narrowly avoiding relegation on percentage last season, the Redlegs have bolstered their list some of the most signings throughout the entire competition. Given the VFL commitments of some of those signed, it remains unclear just how much VAFA footy they’ll play. But if Satterley and his coaching staff is able to get them back, there’s no reason they can’t move further up the ladder.
OLD SCOTCH
Coach: Mark Gnatt
In: Ned Hawkins, Thomas Holding, Henry Kemp, Harry Scott, Lachlan Johnson, Issac Conway, Dwayne Darcy.
Out: Darcy Fountain, Nick Hodgson.
We say: A third-place finish at the end of the 2023 home-and-away season before being bundled out in the first week of finals. The Cardinals have managed to add to their list in the off-season and shape as another finals contender this year.
OLD XAVERIANS
Coach: Dan Donati
In: Sam Fisher, Jeffrey Gobbels, Stirling Phipps-Parsons, Xavier Austin, Nick Guiney.
Out: —
We say: Donati returns to the club as Xavs looks to bounce back up the ladder after finishing with an 8-10 record last season. Donati will have last year’s list to work with in a boost to the club’s finals hopes. Throughout last year, key players missed key games and they’ll be hoping for ore luck on the availability front this year. There will be some exciting youth looking for opportunity in the senior side after winning the Premier grand final last season.
ST BERNARD’S
Coach: Steve Alessio
In: Nicholas Conlan, Jackson Hately, Alex Alession
Out: —
We say: After a perfect season in 2023, on their way to Premier B success, the Snowdogs prepare to step up to the top tier where securing safety will be the priority. Ex-AFL man Hately will spend more time at VFL level but will be a nice addition if he is available. Every win is going to be pivotal for Steve Alessio’s side throughout the season.
ST KEVIN’S
Coach: Anthony Lynch
In: Jesse Palmer
Out: —
We say: After making another Premier grand final last season, SKOB are backing in the tried and tested for the 2024 season. Palmer, who has WAFL experience, will be a nice addition to an already talented group. The next generation of stars at the VAFA powerhouse are coming through too with the club’s under-19 team also reaching the decider last season.
UNI BLACKS
Coach: Dale Bower
In: Matthew McVey, Nicholas Caris
Out: —
We say: A middle of the pack finish last year and if the Blacks are able to breakaway they’ll have to win games against the opposition who found themselves in the same position. Bower’s side proved last season their best form was good enough to beat even the best sides. They need more of that this year.
UNI BLUES
Coach: Guy Martyn
In: Sam Hayes, Matthew Smith, Archie Sinnott, Jamie Lloyd, Harry Sutton, Finn Wright, James Stewart, Hamish Pierson
Out: —
We say: The Blues have significantly bolstered their list in a bid to go better than last season’s straight set finals exit. Ex-AFL duo James Stewart and Sam Hayes will be among the best key position players in the competition. Reigning league best and fairest Marty Gleeson looks set for another big season as well.
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