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Welcome to the community hub built to collect knowledge and have discussions related to Victorian Amateur Football Association.
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Victorian Amateur Football Association
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| Most recent season or competition: 2025 VAFA season | |
 | |
| Founded | 1892 |
|---|---|
| CEO | Jason Reddick[1] |
| Divisions | 6 |
| No. of teams | 61 |
| State |  Victoria |
| Headquarters | Elsternwick Park |
| Current premiers (2025) | Premier: Old Brighton Prem B: Old Trinity Prem C: Beaumaris Div 1: Old Peninsula Div 2: St Mary's Salesian Div 3: Power House |
| Most premierships | Collegians (21 senior premierships) |
| Streaming partner(s) | KommunityTV VAFA TV |
| Official website | vafa.com.au |
The Victorian Amateur Football Association (VAFA) is the largest senior community Australian rules football competition in Victoria. Founded in 1892, it consists of six senior divisions, ranging from Premier to Division 3 in the men's competition and Premier to Division 4 in the women's competition.
In addition, the VAFA has under-19s and Thirds sections, primarily made up of either clubs only able to field one team, or clubs from higher sections that can field a third team after their seniors and reserves. The league operates a double promotion and relegation system between sections, with various rules dictating which section clubs can play in.
The Association's administration base is at Elsternwick Park, a former Victorian Football Association (VFA) stadium in suburban Elsternwick, that was home to the now defunct Brighton Football Club and is now the home for the Elsternwick Football Club and the Old Melburnians Football Club. It was redeveloped in 2017 and has a capacity for around 15,000 spectators.
The VAFA comprises private school old boys clubs, university clubs and district clubs.
No player payments are permitted, however players can be enticed by offers of employment.[2] As of 2021, the VAFA has 14,000 male players and 4,000 female players.[3]
History
[edit]
Public Schools and Football.
The question of public school boys playing in senior football has recently been raised.
It has been contended that the entry of prominent schoolboy players into the ranks of the senior football teams would be a boon to the game, and it is also reported that some schoolboys are likely to play with senior teams.
In view of these reports, the attitude of the headmasters is of interest.
They have laid down the rule that no boy while at school shall be permitted to play with any League or Association team, but no ban is placed on a boy who may wish to play with an amateur team, provided such games do not interfere with his duty to the school football team.
Table Talk, 26 April 1923.[4]
MJFA
[edit]The VAFA was founded in 1892 as the Metropolitan Junior Football Association (MJFA). Ten clubs competed in the inaugural season − Alberton, Brighton, Collegians, Edlington, Footscray District, South St Kilda, St Jude's, St Mary's, Toorak-Grosvenor and YMCA.[5] Edlington withdrew from the competition after two games, with extra games played against Holy Trinity by teams that were initially scheduled to play Edlington.[6][7]
MFA name change
[edit]On 27 March 1900, the MJFA decided on a change of name to the Metropolitan Football Association (MFA).[8] MJFA president Lawrence Adamson believed that his association was now a senior competition and the "junior" label no longer applied.[9][10]
Adamson brokered a deal that the existing MFA (of 1899) became the MJFA, giving his MJFA (of 1892) the "Metropolitan Football Association" name.[9][11]
Despite this, various newspaper reports from 1900 until 1912 still use the MJFA (or simply "Metropolitan Junior Association") name when referring to Adamson's competition.[18] Most consensus is that "MJFA" in this time period refers to the now-VAFA, and the VAFA's official history continues to use the MJFA name until 1912.[19][20]
MAFA
[edit]In 1912, the MJFA became the Metropolitan Amateur Football Association (MAFA).[21]
Prior to World War I, apart from its core function of delivering a competition for amateur footballers, the MAFA also provided a de facto second-level competition for the VFL.[22]
The 1915 home-and-away season was originally scheduled to end on 26 August.[23] However, due to the impacts of World War I, the MJFA decided at a meeting on 26 July to curtail the home-and-away season four weeks early.[24][25] Prior to the final games held in round 14, some clubs had already struggled to find players as a result of enlistments.[26][27]
Following the conclusion of the season, officials from the VFL sought to have the MAFA become a reserves competition to the VFL for the 1916 season.[28] At least two clubs – Beverley and South Yarra – reported the MAFA that they had been "approached" about becoming reserves teams to Richmond and St Kilda respectively.[28] The MAFA announced in late 1915 that they would not resume competition until the war had ended, while also stating that they were not prepared to be absorbed by the VFL.[28] As of 30 July 1915, 164 MJFA players had been enlisted in the Australian Army.[24]
In 1920, the MAFA announced that the re-formed competition would be between four of the "pre-war" clubs — namely, Collegians Football Club, South Yarra Amateur Football Club, Elsternwick Football Club, and Melbourne University Football Club (later University Blacks) — and four "new clubs" — namely, Old Melburnians, Old Caulfield Grammarians, Melbourne Swimming Club Football Club and the Teachers’ College Football Club.[29]
By 1922, the association was divided into 2 sections of 8. Only four years later, three sections were established: Section A with 10 clubs and Section B and C with 8 clubs each.[19][30][31]
VAFA and growth
[edit]In 1933, the MAFA changed its name to the Victorian Amateur Football Association (VAFA).[19][32]
Competition was ceased for the Second World War (as it had after the Great War).[33] Restarting in 1946 with 27 clubs in three sections, by 1947 34 clubs were competing over three sections. 1948 saw 35 clubs spread over four sections. In 1954 the MAFA established a fifth section for its 48 senior clubs.[19]
1960 saw 74 clubs over 7 sections, but the association then dwindled and lost two sections. Section F was reintroduced in 1971. Section G was introduced in 1986. By 1987, there were 68 clubs over 8 sections.
Between 1995 until the end of the 1999 season, there was a geographic split in some VAFA divisions with "E South" (later "E White"), "E Central" (later "E Blue") and "E East" (later "F Section").[34] As well as an end to the geographic split, the 2000 season also saw the renaming of D Section, E Section, F Section and G Section to Division 1, Division 2, Division 3 and Division 4 respectively.[35][36]
In 2010, A Section was renamed to Premier Division, B Section was renamed to Premier B and C Section was renamed to Premier C.[37][38]
Starting in 2017, the VAFA has operated a women's competition in addition to the men's.[39]
At the end of the 2023 season, Division 4 was abolished after Ivanhoe and Old Paradians were accepted into the Northern Football Netball League. Starting in 2024, each section has 10 teams with the exception of Division 3, which has 11.[40]
Inter-league and interstate games
[edit]1925
[edit]In June 1925 a MAFA Representative XVIII defeated the South Australian 21.22 to 8.10 at the MCG in the first amateur Interstate representative game.[19]
1948
[edit]Players in the 1948 Perth Carnival included: R. B. Small, K. N. C. Rollanson, G. V. Byrne, C. P. Daley, J. C. Stock, V. G. Miller, E. Jane, W. J. Backhouse, W. T. Taggart, J. P. Sheehan, R. L. Rouse, K. F. Lewis, J. W. Grainier, W. Reynolds's, N. P. Airmen, G. W. McTaggart, D. B. White, (Deputy Manager) E. L. Macklin, B. F. Judd, V. W. Paxton, M. J. Davidson, D. W. Arnold, (Capt.) G. T. Moore, (Manager) M. K. Fitcher, (Vice-Capt.) A. H. C. Richard's, E. M. MacGregor.
1951
[edit]The Australian Amateur Jubilee Football Carnival was held in Melbourne in July 1951.
The Victorian team included: J. Kelly (Coach), K. Clarke, G. W. Gibbons, A. T. Shiel, D. Bills, J.D. Anderson, M.T. Hastie, A. D. Morning, G. Harris. G.T. Moore (Manager), A. E. Parley, W. B. Thomas, M. Mathewson, A. Ferguson, J. Stock, J. B. Jolley, J. Likely, B. F. Judd, W. M. Judd, P. McLaughlin, . Bedford, S. Bottles, D. W. Arnold (Capt.), P. M. Cox (V-Capt.), H. A. Meredith, A. F. Mellors, E. Donaldson.
1954
[edit]On 14 June 1954, the Queen's Birthday holiday, a Victorian representative team defeated a South Australian team 12.14 (86) to 10.15 (75) at the Junction Oval. The match was preceded by the Grand Final of a "lightning premiership" that involving sixteen teams playing knock-out matches of two 10 minute halves. Four of the first round matches were played at the Junction Oval, and the other four were played (simultaneously) at the Ross Gregory Oval at the other end of Albert Park Lake. The quarter final, semi final, and the Grand Final matches were all played at the Junction Oval. The sixteen teams involved were:[41]
- Alphington Football Club, Hampton Rovers Football Club, Melbourne High School Old Boys (M.H.S.O.B.), Old Melburnians, and Ormond Amateur Football Club from A Section.
- Brunswick Amateurs Football Club, Caulfield Grammarians Football Club, Coburg Amateurs Football Club, Collegians Football Club, and Ivanhoe Amateur Football Club from B Section.
- Balwyn Football Club, East Malvern Football Club, and Parkside Football Club from C Section.
- Parkdale Football Club from D Section.
- South Melbourne City Football Club, and Preston Amateurs Football Club from E Section.
Parkside (the team that would later go on to have its twenty-ninth consecutive win in the 1954 C Section Grand Final), having beaten Balwyn in the first round, Preston in the quarter finals, and Ivanhoe in the Semi-finals, defeated Alphington in the Grand Final to win the lightning premiership.[42]
1956
[edit]In 1956 a VAFA XVIII beat the combined VFL/VFA Amateurs in a demonstration game at the Olympic Games in Melbourne, 12.9 (81) to 8.7 (55).
1957
[edit]Of some considerable historical significance, the VAFA vs. South Australian Amateur Football League interstate match, played at Olympic Park on 17 June 1957 — which Victoria won 15.9 (99) to 8.3 (51)[43] — was the first ever uninterrupted telecast of a complete Australian rules football game (viz., it was a direct broadcast of the entire four quarters of the match, rather than just the last quarter) .[44][45][46][19]
1971
[edit]In 1971 a VAFA Representative side beat a VFA XVIII for the inaugural Victorian Football Cup 23.12 to 19.17.[19]
Premiers
[edit]Men's clubs
[edit]Premier A
[edit]| Club | Colours | Nickname | Home Ground | Former League(s) | Est. | First season | VAFA senior premierships | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total | Most recent | |||||||
| Collegians |  |
Lions | Harry Trott Oval, Albert Park | – | 1892 | 1892 | 21 | 2023 |
| De La Salle |  |
DLSOC | Waverley Park, Malvern East | – | 1955 | 1955 | 11 | 2003 |
| Old Brighton |  |
Tonners | Brighton Beach Oval, Brighton | – | 1957 | 1957 | 5 | 2017 |
| Old Haileybury |  |
Bloods | Princes Park, Caulfield South | – | 1961 | 1961 | 10 | 2024 |
| Old Scotch |  |
Cardinals | Camberwell Sports Ground, Camberwell | – | 1921 | 1921 | 13 | 2024 |
| Old Xaverians |  |
Old Xavs | Toorak Park, Armadale | – | 1923 | 1923 | 20 | 2016 |
| St Bernard's |  |
Snowdogs | St Bernard's College Oval, Essendon West | – | 1963 | 1963 | 10 | 2023 |
| St Kevin's Old Boys |
 |
SKOB | T H King Reserve, Kooyong | – | 1947 | 1947 | 7 | 2022 |
| University Blacks |  |
Blacks | University Oval, Parkville | VJFL | 1919 | 1920 | 21 | 2014 |
| University Blues | |
Blues | University Oval, Parkville | VJFL | 1919 | 1921 | 9 | 2019 |
Premier B
[edit]| Club | Colours | Nickname | Home Ground | Former League(s) | Est. | First season | VAFA senior premierships | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total | Most recent | |||||||
| Caulfield Grammarians |  |
Fields | Glenhuntly Oval, Caulfield East | – | 1920 | 1920 | 10 | 2019 |
| Fitzroy | .svg) |
Roy Boys | Brunswick Street Oval, Fitzroy | AFL | 1883 | 2009 | 1 | 2018 |
| Hampton Rovers |  |
Rovers | Boss James Reserve, Hampton | NMFL | 1933 | 1933 | 9 | 2014 |
| Old Camberwell |  |
Wellers | Gordon Barnard Reserve, Balwyn North | – | 1960 | 1960 | 6 | 2007 |
| Old Carey Grammarians |  |
Panthers | Carey Sports Complex, Bulleen | – | 1954 | 1954 | 5 | 2024 |
| Old Geelong |  |
OGs | Como Park, South Yarra | – | 1954 | 1954 | 6 | 2016 |
| Old Ivanhoe Grammarians |  |
Hoers | Chelsworth Park, Ivanhoe | – | 1929 | 1964 | 8 | 2023 |
| Old Melburnians |  |
Redlegs | Elsternwick Park, Elsternwick | – | 1920 | 1920 | 15 | 2009 |
| Old Trinity Grammarians |  |
T's | Daley Oval, Bulleen | – | 1923 | 1954 | 7 | 1999 |
| Williamstown CYMS |  |
CYs | Fearon Reserve, Williamstown | WSFL | 1886 | 1983 | 5 | 2019 |
Premier C
[edit]| Club | Colours | Nickname | Home Ground | Former League(s) | Est. | First season | VAFA senior premierships | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total | Most recent | |||||||
| AJAX |  |
Jackas | Gary Smorgon Oval, St Kilda | – | 1957 | 1957 | 6 | 2011 |
| Beaumaris |  |
Sharks | Banksia Reserve, Beaumaris | SFNL | 1962 | 1995 | 5 | 2016 |
| Glen Eira |  |
Gryphons | Packer Park, Carnegie | – | 1999 | 1999 | 1 | 2023 |
| Marcellin Old Collegians |  |
Eagles | Bray Oval, Marcellin College, Bulleen | YCWFL | 1968 | 1971 | 9 | 2008 |
| Mazenod Old Collegians |  |
Nodders | Central Reserve, Glen Waverley | ESCFA | 1978 | 1989 | 5 | 2016 |
| Parkdale Vultures |  |
Vultures | Gerry Green Reserve, Parkdale | – | 1991 | 1991 | 2 | 2012 |
| Parkside |  |
Devils | Pitcher Park, Alphington | NFNL | 1938 | 2015 | 6 | 2023 |
| PEGS |  |
Bombers | PEGS Sporting Fields, Keilor East | WRFL | 1970 | 1984 | 4 | 2022 |
| Prahran |  |
Two Blues | Toorak Park, Toorak | VFA | 1886 | 2011 | 3 | 2024 |
| St Bedes/Mentone Tigers |  |
Tigers | Mentone Reserve, Mentone | – | 1992 | 1993 | 4 | 2008 |
Division 1
[edit]| Club | Colours | Nickname | Home Ground | Former League(s) | Est. | First season | VAFA senior premierships | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total | Most recent | |||||||
| Elsternwick |  |
Wickers | Elsternwick Park, Elsternwick | FFA | 1914 | 1947 | 8 | 2024 |
| Hawthorn |  |
Hawks | Rathmines Road Reserve, Hawthorn East | SFNL | 1954 | 1954-1957,[47] 1995 | 1 | 1998 |
| Kew |  |
Bears | Victoria Park, Kew | VFLSD | 1876 | 2006 | 9 | 2015 |
| Monash Blues |  |
Blues | Frearson Oval, Clayton | – | 1962 | 1962 | 5 | 2022 |
| Oakleigh |  |
Krushers | WA Scammell Reserve, Oakleigh | – | 1991 | 1991 | 5 | 2007 |
| Old Peninsula |  |
Pirates | Harry MacDonald Oval, Mount Eliza | – | 1980 | 1980 | 1 | 2025 |
| Ormond |  |
Monders | EE Gunn Reserve, Ormond | – | 1932 | 1932 | 14 | 2018 |
| Preston |  |
Bullants | WR Ruthven VC Reserve, Preston | – | 2009 | 2009 | 2 | 2019 |
| Therry Penola |  |
Lions | JP Fawkner Reserve, Oak Park | – | 1977 | 1977 | 4 | 2013 |
| UHS-VU |  |
Vultures | Brens Oval, Parkville | – | 1932 | 1933 | 6 | 2018 |
Division 2
[edit]| Club | Colours | Nickname | Home Ground | Former League(s) | Est. | First season | VAFA senior premierships | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total | Most recent | |||||||
| Aquinas |  |
Bloods | Aquinas College, Ringwood | ESCFA | 1981 | 1987 | 4 | 2019 |
| Brunswick |  |
NOBS | Gillon Oval, Brunswick | – | 1963 | 1963 | 3 | 2012 |
| Canterbury |  |
Cobras | Canterbury Sports Ground, Surrey Hills | EFNL | 1881 | 2014 | 2 | 2024 |
| Melbourne High School Old Boys |  |
Unicorns | Melbourne High School Oval, South Yarra | – | 1928 | 1928 | 10 | 2009 |
| Old Yarra Cobras |  |
Cobras | Koonung Park, Bulleen | – | 2022 | 2023 | 0 | − |
| South Melbourne Districts |  |
Bloods | Lindsay Hassett Oval, Albert Park | SFNL | 1912 | 2000 | 4 | 2022 |
| St Mary's Salesian |  |
Saints | Ferndale Park, Glen Iris | – | 2008 | 2008 | 1 | 2025 |
| West Brunswick |  |
Magpies | Ransford Oval, Parkville | – | 1932 | 1959 | 9 | 2025 |
| Whitefriars Old Collegians |  |
Friars | Whitefriars College Oval, Donvale | – | 1986 | 1986 | 6 | 2022 |
Division 3
[edit]| Club | Colours | Nickname | Home Ground | Former League(s) | Est. | First season | VAFA senior premierships | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total | Most recent | |||||||
| Albert Park |  |
Falcons | Ian Johnson Oval, St Kilda | – | 1954 | 1954 | 0 | - |
| Box Hill North |  |
Demons | Elgar Park, Mont Albert North | SFNL | 1983 | 2002 | 0 | − |
| Chadstone |  |
Synners | Jordan Reserve, Chadstone | SFNL | 1983 | 1987 | 0 | − |
| Eley Park |  |
Sharks | Whitehorse Reserve, Box Hill | SFNL | 1992 | 1994 | 1 | 1999 |
| La Trobe University |  |
Trobers | Tony Sheehan Oval, Bundoora | PHFL | 1967 | 1970 | 7 | 2022 |
| North Brunswick |  |
Bulls | Allard Park, Brunswick | NMFL | 1970 | 1971 | 4 | 2023 |
| Power House |  |
Slushies | Ross Gregory Oval, St Kilda | – | 1940 | 1940 | 6 | 2025 |
| Richmond Central |  |
Snakes | Kevin Bartlett Reserve, Richmond | – | 1987 | 1987 | 1 | 1994 |
| Swinburne University |  |
Razorbacks | St James Park, Hawthorn | – | 1996 | 1996 | 1 | 2003 |
| Wattle Park |  |
Animals | Bennettswood Reserve, Burwood | ESCFL | 1971 | 1992 | 3 | 2002 |
Thirds only
[edit]| Club | Colours | Nickname | Home Ground | Former League(s) | Est. | First season | VAFA senior premierships | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total | Most recent | |||||||
| Masala Dandenong |  |
Tigers | Lois Twohig Reserve, Dandenong North | – | 2013 | 2013 | 0 | − |
Women's clubs
[edit]Premier
[edit]| Club | Colours | Nickname | Home Ground | Former League(s) | Est. | First season | VAFA senior premierships | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total | Most recent | |||||||
| Caulfield Grammarians | |
Fields | Glenhuntly Oval, Caulfield East | – | 1920 | 1920 | 1 | 2019 |
| Fitzroy | |
Roy Girls | Brunswick Street Oval, Fitzroy | VWFL | 1883 | 2009 | 0 | - |
| Kew | |
Bears | Victoria Park, Kew | VWFL | 1900 | 1949 | 0 | - |
| Melbourne University | |
Mugars | University Oval, Parkville | VWFL | 1996 | 2017 | 1 | 2018 |
| Old Geelong | |
OGs | Como Park, South Yarra | – | 1954 | 1954 | 1 | 2024 |
| Old Scotch |  |
Stars | Camberwell Sports Ground, Camberwell | – | 1921 | 1921 | 3 | 2024 |
| Old Yarra Cobras | |
Cobras | Doncaster Reserve, Doncaster East | – | 1993 | 1993 | 0 | - |
| St Kevin's | |
Saints | T H King Reserve, Kooyong | – | 1947 | 1947 | 3 | 2023 |
| West Brunswick | |
Magpies | McAlister Oval, Brunswick | – | 1932 | 1959 | 0 | - |
| Williamstown CYMS | |
CYs | Fearon Reserve, Williamstown | – | 1886 | 1983 | 1 | 2023 |
Premier B
[edit]| Club | Colours | Nickname | Home Ground | Former League(s) | Est. | First season | VAFA senior premierships | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total | Most recent | |||||||
| Beaumaris | |
Sharks | Banksia Reserve, Beaumaris | – | 1962 | 1995 | 1 | 2022 |
| Coburg |  |
Lions | Barry Plant Park, Coburg | SEWF | 2021 | 2023 | 0 | - |
| Marcellin Old Collegians | |
Eagles | Bray Oval, Marcellin College, Bulleen | – | 1971 | 1971 | 2 | 2023 |
| Old Brighton | |
Tonners | Brighton Beach Oval, Brighton | – | 1957 | 1957 | 2 | 2025 |
| Old Melburnians | |
Redlegs | Elsternwick Park, Elsternwick | – | 1920 | 1920 | 0 | - |
| Old Xaverians | |
Old Xavs | Toorak Park, Armadale | – | 1923 | 1923 | 0 | - |
| Parkdale Vultures | |
Vultures | Gerry Green Reserve, Parkdale | – | 1991 | 1991 | 0 | - |
| Port Melbourne Chargers |  |
Chargers | JL Murphy Reserve, Port Melbourne | – | 2025 | 2025 | 0 | - |
| St Bede's Mentone | |
Tigers | Mentone Reserve, Mentone | – | 1972 | 1972 | 1 | 2022 |
| Westbourne Grammarians |  |
Warriors | Westbourne School Ground, Truganina | – | 2014 | 2014−2022, 2024− | 2 | 2025* |
*won in a different division
Division 1
[edit]| Club | Colours | Nickname | Home Ground | Former League(s) | Est. | First season | VAFA senior premierships | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total | Most recent | |||||||
| Glen Eira/Old McKinnon | |
Gryphons | Packer Park, Carnegie | – | 1999 | 1999 | 3 | 2025 |
| Hampton Rovers | |
Rovers | Boss James Reserve, Hampton | – | 1933 | 1933 | 1 | 2022 |
| Hawthorn | |
Hawks | Rathmines Road Reserve, Hawthorn East | – | 1954 | 1995 | 2 | 2018 |
| Monash Blues | |
Blues | Frearson Oval, Clayton | – | 1962 | 1962 | 1 | 2023 |
| Oakleigh | |
Krushers | W.A. Scammell Reserve, Oakleigh | – | 1991 | 1991 | 0 | - |
| Old Haileybury | |
Hearts | Princes Park, Caulfield South | – | 1925 | 1961 | 1 | 2018 |
| Power House | |
Slushies | Ross Gregory Oval, St Kilda | – | 1940 | 1940 | 0 | - |
| Richmond Central |  |
Snakes | Kevin Bartlett Reserve, Richmond | – | 1987 | 1987 | 0 | - |
| Therry Penola | |
Lions | JP Fawkner Reserve, Oak Park | – | 1977 | 1977 | 2 | 2024 |
| Whitefriars | |
Friars | Whitefriars College Oval, Donvale | – | 1986 | 1986 | 1 | 2018 |
Division 2
[edit]| Club | Colours | Nickname | Home Ground | Former League(s) | Est. | First season | VAFA senior premierships | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total | Most recent | |||||||
| Aquinas | |
Bloods | Aquinas College, Ringwood | – | 1981 | 1987 | 0 | - |
| Box Hill North | |
Demons | Elgar Park, Box Hill North | – | 1983 | 2002 | 0 | - |
| Brunswick |  |
Renegades | Gillon Oval, Brunswick | VWFL | 1963 | 1963 | 0 | - |
| De La Salle Old Collegians | |
DLSOC | Waverley Park, Malvern East | – | 1955 | 1955 | 0 | - |
| La Trobe University | |
Trobers | Tony Sheehan Oval, Bundoora | VWFL | 1967 | 1970 | 1 | 2025 |
| MCC |  |
Demons | Beaumaris Secondary College, Beaumaris | – | 2018 | 2018 | 1 | 2023 |
| Old Carey | |
Panthers | Carey Sports Complex, Bulleen | – | 1954 | 1954 | 0 | - |
| Parkside | |
Devils | Pitcher Park, Alphington | – | 1938 | 2015 | 0 | - |
| UHS-VU | |
Vultures | Brens Oval, Parkville | – | 1932 | 1933 | 1 | 2023 |
| Wattle Park | |
Animals | Bennettswood Reserve, Burwood | – | 1971 | 1992 | 0 | - |
Division 3
[edit]| Club | Colours | Nickname | Home Ground | Former League(s) | Est. | First season | VAFA senior premierships | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total | Most recent | |||||||
| Albert Park | |
Falcons | Ian Johnson Oval, St Kilda | – | 1954 | 1954 | 0 | - |
| Canterbury | |
Cobras | Canterbury Sports Ground, Surrey Hills | – | 1881 | 2014 | 0 | - |
| Elsternwick | |
Wickers | Holmes-Todd Oval, Elsternwick | – | 1914 | 1947 | 0 | - |
| Mazenod | |
Nodders | Central Reserve, Glen Waverley | – | 1978 | 1989 | 1 | 2017 |
| North Brunswick | |
Bulls | Allard Park, Brunswick | – | 1970 | 1971 | 0 | - |
| Old Camberwell |  |
Wellers | Gordon Barnard Reserve, Balwyn North | – | 1960 | 1960 | 1 | 2017 |
| Ormond | |
Monders | EE Gunn Reserve, Ormond | – | 1932 | 1932 | 14 | 2018 |
| Prahran | |
Two Blues | Toorak Park, Toorak | VFA | 1886 | 2011 | 3 | 2024 |
| South Melbourne Districts | |
Bloods | Lindsay Hassett Oval, Albert Park | – | 1912 | 2000 | 0 | - |
| St Mary's Salesian | |
Saints | Ferndale Park, Glen Iris | – | 2008 | 2008 | 3 | 2025 |
Division 4
[edit]| Club | Colours | Nickname | Home Ground | Former League(s) | Est. | First season | VAFA senior premierships | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total | Most recent | |||||||
| Beaumaris 2 | |
Sharks | Banksia Reserve, Beaumaris | – | 1962 | 1995 | 1 | 2022 |
| Fitzroy 3 | |
Roy Girls | Brunswick Street Oval, Fitzroy | VWFL | 1883 | 2009 | 0 | - |
| Monash Blues 2 | |
Blues | Frearson Oval, Clayton | – | 1962 | 1962 | 1 | 2023 |
| Oakleigh 2 | |
Krushers | W.A. Scammell Reserve, Oakleigh | – | 1991 | 1991 | 0 | - |
| Port Melbourne Chargers 2 | |
Chargers | JL Murphy Reserve, Port Melbourne | – | 2025 | 2025 | 0 | - |
| Preston | |
Bullants | WR Ruthven VC Reserve, Preston | – | 2009 | 2009 | 1 | 2019 |
| St Kevin's 3 | |
Saints | T H King Reserve, Kooyong | – | 1947 | 1947 | 4 | 2024 |
| West Brunswick 3 | |
Magpies | McAlister Oval, Brunswick | – | 1932 | 1959 | 0 | - |
| Westbourne Grammarians 2 | |
Warriors | Westbourne School Ground, Truganina | – | 2014 | 2014−2022, 2024− | 2 | 2025 |
Women's teams in recess
[edit]| Club | Colours | Nickname | Home Ground | Former League(s) | Est. | First season | VAFA senior premierships | Fate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total | Most recent | ||||||||
| Collegians | |
Lions | Harry Trott Oval, Albert Park | – | 1892 | 1892 | 0 | - | In recess since 2024 season |
| Old Trinity Grammarians | |
T's | Daley Oval, Bulleen | – | 1923 | 1954 | 0 | - | In recess since 2024 season |
Club Locations
[edit]
4km
2.5miles
2.5miles
MCC
Coburg
Westbourne Grammarians
Port Melbourne
Chargers
Chargers
Masala Dandenong
Wattle Park
Swinburne
Richmond
Power
House
House
North
Brunswick
Brunswick
La Trobe
University
University
Eley Park
Chadstone
Box Hill North
Albert Park
Whitefriars
West Brunswick
St Mary's
Salesian
Salesian
St John's
Old Collegians
Old Collegians
South Melbourne
Old Yarra Cobras
MHSOB
Canterbury
Brunswick
Aquinas
UHS-VU
Therry Penola
Preston
Ormond
Old Peninsula
Oakleigh
Monash Blues
Kew
Elsternwick
Hawthorn
St Bedes
Mentone
Mentone
Mazenod
PEGS
Parkside
Parkdale
Vultures
Vultures
Marcellin
Glen Eira
Beaumaris
AJAX
Williamstown CYMS
Old Trinity
Old Melburnians
Old Ivanhoe
Old
Geelong
Geelong
Old
Carey
Carey
Hampton Rovers
Fitzroy
Old Camberwell
Caul. Gram.
University Blacks/Blues
St Kevin's
St Bernard's
Old Xavs/
Prahran
Prahran
Old Scotch
Old Haileybury
Old Brighton
De La
Salle
Salle
Collegians
Colours indicate club's highest level of competition
Red = Premier A
Yellow = Premier B
Green= Premier C
Blue= Division 1
Light blue = Division 2
Brown = Division 3
Black = Thirds
Purple = Women only
Red = Premier A
Yellow = Premier B
Green= Premier C
Blue= Division 1
Light blue = Division 2
Brown = Division 3
Black = Thirds
Purple = Women only
Former clubs
[edit]| Club | Colours | Nickname | Home ground | Former league | Est. | VAFA seasons | VAFA senior premierships | Fate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total | Most recent | ||||||||
| Albanvale |  |
Cobras | Robert Bruce Reserve, Deer Park | WRFL | 1978 | 1989–1991 | 0 | - | Returned to Footscray Districts FL in 1992 |
| Alphington |  |
John Cain Memorial Park, Thornbury | – | 1900s | 1934–1983 | 5 | 1981 | Folded after 1983 season | |
| AMP Society |  |
Oval 10, Albert Park | – | 1963 | 1963–1981 | 2 | 1979 | Merged with North Caulfield YCW to form Balaclava in 1982 | |
| Army Apprentices | NFL | 1959 | 1966–1970 | 0 | - | Folded | |||
| Assumption Old Collegians | – | 1950s | 1964–1977, 1982 | 1 | 1967 | Folded in 1983 | |||
| Australian Postal Institute | – | 1965 | 1965 | 0 | - | Folded | |||
| Balaclava | |
Kangaroos | – | 1982 | 1982–1990 | 2 | 1986 | Merged with St Anthony's Glen Huntly to form Glenhuntly in 1991 | |
| Balwyn | |
Tigers | Balwyn Park, Balwyn | ESFL | 1909 | 1946–1955 | 0 | - | Moved to Eastern Suburban FL in 1956 |
| Balwyn Combined |  |
Demons | Macleay Park, Balwyn North | ESCFA | 1951 | 1993–1995 | 0 | - | Moved to Eastern Districts FL in 1996 |
| Banyule |  |
Bears | R.J Brockwell Oval, Heidelberg | – | 1967 | 1979–2014 | 4 | 2010 | Moved to Northern FNL in 2015 |
| Bellfield |  |
Mud and Blood | Ford Park, Bellfield | – | 1940s | 1950–1965 | 0 | - | Moved to Eastern Suburban Churches FL in 1966 |
| Bentleigh | |
Demons | Bentleigh Reserve, Bentleigh | SFNL | 1965 | 2000–2010 | 1 | 2009 | Returned to Southern FNL in 2011 |
| Bentleigh Districts | |
Demons | Bentleigh Reserve, Bentleigh | FFL | 1919 | 1929–1937 | 1 | 1930 | Moved to Caulfield Oakleigh District FL in 1938 |
| Beverley | |
Richmond City Reserve | 1890[53] | 1898−1915 | 1 | 1912 | Folded due to WWI | ||
| Beverley Hills |  |
Lions | Zerbes Reserve, Doncaster East | – | 1972 | 1972–1981 | 0 | - | Moved to Eastern Districts FL in 1982 |
| Black Rock |  |
Jets | Donald MacDonald Reserve, Black Rock | FFL | 1908 | 1922, 1927–1930 | 1 | 1928 | Moved to Federal FL in 1931 |
| Bloods | Bloods | Glen Huntly Park, Caulfield East | – | 1987 | 1987−1998 | 1 | 1987 | Absorbed by Old Brighton in 1996 | |
| Boronia Park | |
Bombers | Miller Park, Boronia | – | 1990 | 1990–1993 | 0 | - | Moved to Southern FNL in 1994 |
| Boroondara | |
East Melbourne Cricket Ground, East Melbourne | – | 1890 | 1897; 1903–1904 |
0 | - | Merged with Hawthorn in 1905 | |
| Brighton | .jpg) |
Brighton Beach Oval, Brighton | VJFA | 1885 | 1892–1907 | 1 | 1903 | Folded in 1964; initially moved to VFA in 1908 | |
| Brighton | – | 1940s | 1949–1958 | 0 | - | Folded | |||
| Brighton TSOB | – | 1930–1940 | 0 | - | Folded | ||||
| Brightonvale | |
– | 1926–1939 | 2 | 1928 | Folded | |||
| Brunswick |  |
Lions | Fleming Park, Brunswick East | WRFL | 1926 | 1926–1994, 1999–2003 | 6 | 1992 | Moved to Footscray Districts FL in 1995; merged with Broadmeadows Power to form Brunswick Power in 2003 |
| Brunswick Power |  |
Power | Fleming Park, Brunswick East | – | 2001 | 2002–2003 | 0 | - | Moved to WRFL in 2004 |
| Bulleen United |  |
Bulls | Koonung Park, Bulleen | – | 1970s | 1975–1995 | 2 | 1986 | Merged with Canterbury North Balwyn in 1996 to form Bulleen Cobras |
| Bulleen Templestowe |  |
Bullants | Ted Ajani Reserve, Templestowe Lower | – | 1975 | 1975–2024 | 6 | 2012 | Moved to Eastern FNL in 2025 |
| Burwood | RDFA | 1904 | 1924, 1928–1936 | 0 | - | Folded after 1936 season | |||
| Camberwell |  |
Cobras | Camberwell Sports Ground, Camberwell | VFA | 1886 | 1992–1995 | 0 | - | Folded after 1995 season |
| Canterbury North Balwyn |  |
Macleay Park, Balwyn North | ESCFA | 1977 | 1993–1995 | 0 | - | Merged with Bulleen United in 1996 to form Bulleen Cobras | |
| Canterbury United Churches | |
ESCFA | 1931–1932 | 0 | - | Folded after 1932 season | |||
| Carlton District |  |
District | – | 1909–1915 | 0 | - | |||
| Carnegie | |
East Caulfield Reserve, Caulfield East | FFL | 1920s | 1935–1938 | 0 | - | Moved to Caulfield Oakleigh District FL in 1939 | |
| Cassie | – | 1960s | 1964–1965 | 0 | - | Folded after 1965 season | |||
| Caulfield (Caulfield-Malvern) |
|
Fieldsmen | East Caulfield Reserve, Caulfield East | – | 1890s | 1894–1915 | 0 | - | Entered recess in 1916 due to WWI, re-formed in VFL Sub-Districts in 1926 |
| Caulfield Amateurs (Caulfield) |
|
Caulfield Park, Caulfield | – | 1946 | 1952–1953 | 0 | - | Moved to Caulfield Oakleigh District FL in 1954 | |
| Caulfield City (Caulfield) |
– | 1924 | 1924–1925 | 0 | - | Moved to Caulfield Oakleigh District FL in 1926 | |||
| Celtic | – | 1900−1902 | 0 | - | Folded during 1902 season | ||||
| Chirnside Park |  |
Panthers | Kimberley Reserve, Chirnside Park | – | 1978 | 1990–1999 | 0 | - | Moved to Eastern FNL in 2000 |
| Clayton | Saints | – | 1978 | 1979–1989 | 0 | - | Absorbed by Waverley in 1990 | ||
| Coburg |  |
Swans | De Chene Reserve, Coburg | EDFL | 1920s | 1935–1940; 1942–1987 | 7 | 1981 | Folded after 1987 season |
| Collingwood District (Fitzroy District) |
 |
Districts | Victoria Park, Abbotsford | – | 1906 | 1906–1915 | 1 | 1915 | |
| Commercial Bank | – | 1959–1966 | 0 | - | Folded after 1966 season | ||||
| Commonwealth Bank | |
Cobras | – | 1946 | 1947–1990 | 3 | 1969 | Merged with State Bank to form State Commonwealth Bank in 1991 | |
| Coolaroo Rovers |  |
Rovers | Progress Reserve, Coolaroo | – | 1980 | 0 | - | Moved to Panton Hill FL in 1982 | |
| Combined Country Colleges | – | 1978 | 1978–1981 | 0 | - | Folded after 1981 season | |||
| Dandenong KSP | 1918 | 1930–1933 | 0 | − | Folded before start of 1934 season[54] | ||||
| Dookie Longerenong OC | Oval 11, Albert Park | – | 1970–1974 | 0 | - | Folded after 1974 season | |||
| Doveton Eagles |  |
Eagles | Power Reserve, Doveton | – | 1980 | 1981–1995 | 0 | - | Moved to Southern FNL in 1996 |
| East Caulfield | – | 1946–1953 | 0 | - | Moved to Eastern Suburban FL | ||||
| East Malvern |  |
T.H. King Oval, Glen Iris | VFLSD | – | 1929–1964 | 2 | 1950 | Moved to South East Suburban FL in 1964 | |
| Edlington | – | 1880s | 1892 | 0 | - | Folded in 1892 | |||
| Elwood | 1922-1923 | 0 | - | Folded | |||||
| ES&A Bank |  |
– | 1932 | 1932–1935, 1952–1969 | 2 | 1934 | Merged with ANZ Bank in 1970 | ||
| ES&A−National Bank | – | 1936 | 1936–1937 | 0 | - | Folded, both clubs re-formed separately in 1952 and 1954 respectively | |||
| Fairfield |  |
Bloods | Fairfield Park Oval, Fairfield | – | 1891 | 1936–1973 | 4 | 1969 | Moved to Eastern Suburban Churches FL in 1974 |
| Fawkner |  |
Fawks | Charles Mutton Reserve, Fawkner | – | 1973 | 1973–1995 | 6 | 1992 | Moved to Footscray Districts FL in 1996 |
| Fitzroy Juniors |  |
Maroons | 1912–1915 | 0 | - | ||||
| Fitzroy Reds (University Reds) |
  |
Reds | Brunswick Street Oval, Fitzroy North | MFL | 1954 | 1955−1964; 1973−2008 | 3 | 2005 | Entered recess in 1965; re-formed in 1970 in Metropolitan FL. Merged with Fitzroy in 2008 |
| Fitzroy Wesleys | 1894 | 0 | - | ||||||
| Flinders Naval Base | PFL | 1913 | 1927–1928 | 0 | - | Returned to Peninsula FL in 1929 | |||
| Footscray Districts | – | 1880s | 1892 | 0 | - | Folded in 1892 | |||
| Footscray Tech Old Boys (FTSOB/FTCOB/FTIOB) |
Footscray IT | Institute Oval, Footscray | WRFL | 1920s | 1932−1992 | 4 | 1983 | Folded in 1992 | |
| Geelong Amateurs |  |
Ammos, Pegasus | Queens Park, Highton | – | 1926 | 1926–1940, 1947–1982 | 6 | 1972 | Moved to Geelong & District FL in 1983 |
| Glen Huntly | FFL | 1900s | 1926–1973 | 0 | - | Folded after 1973 season | |||
| Glenhuntly | |
Hunters, Kangaroos | – | 1991 | 1991–1998 | 1 | 1994 | Merged with St Kilda South Caulfield in 1999 to form Glen Eira | |
| GTV 9 |  |
Gunners | Bill Woodfull Oval, Albert Park | – | 1986 | 1986−1989 | 0 | - | Folded in 1989 |
| Hampton | Castlefield Reserve, Hampton | FFL | 1919 | 1923–1927 | 0 | - | Merged with Black Rock and Sandringham to form Sandringham in 1928 | ||
| Hawthorn | .jpg) |
Mayblooms | Glenferrie Oval, Hawthorn | – | 1902 | 1902−1913 | 0 | - | Moved to VFA in 1914 |
| Heatherton | |
Tunners | Heatherton Recreation Reserve, Heatherton | CYMSFA | 1913 | 1975–1989 | 2 | 1985 | Moved to Eastern Suburban Churches FL in 1990 |
| Heidelberg West | |
Hawks | Heidelberg Park, Heidelberg | – | 1936 | 1939–1940 | 0 | - | Moved to Diamond Valley FNL in 1941 |
| Holy Trinity | 1892 | 0 | - | Folded | |||||
| Huntingdale | 1956 | 0 | - | Folded | |||||
| Insurance Companies' Social Clubs | 1954–1958 | 0 | - | Folded | |||||
| Ivanhoe |  |
Hoers | Ivanhoe Park, Ivanhoe | – | 1910 | 1932-2023 | 7 | 2022 | Moved to Northern FNL in 2024 |
| Kew Juniors | Districts | 1922 | 1926 | 0 | - | Folded in 1938 | |||
| Kingsville |  |
Tigers | Yarraville Oval, Yarraville | – | 1920s | 1927–1935 | 0 | - | Moved to Footscray Districts FL in 1936 |
| Kontias | |
Magpies | Caulfield Park, Caulfield | ESCFA | 1985 | 1989–1991 | 0 | - | Moved to South East Suburban FL in 1992 |
| Kooyong |  |
Righetti Oval, Glen Iris | – | 1963 | 1963–1965 | 0 | - | Moved to South East Suburban FL in 1966 | |
| La Trobe University Reds | |
Reds | Tony Sheehan Oval, Bundoora | PHFL | 1968 | 1971–1977 | 0 | - | Re-merged with La Trobe University Blacks in 1978 |
| Leopold |  |
Leos | Warehousemen's Cricket Ground, St Kilda | – | 1898 | 1898–1915 | 5 | 1913 | Moved to Victorian Junior FA in 1919 |
| Malvern (Gardiner) |  |
D.W. Lucas Oval, Malvern East | – | 1932 | 1896, 1933–1964 | 2 | 1937 | Merged with Tooronga to form Tooronga-Malvern in 1964 | |
| Manningham Cobras (Bulleen Cobras) |   |
Cobras | Koonung Park, Bulleen | – | 1996 | 1996–2022 | 0 | - | Merged with Old Yarra Grammarians to form Old Yarra Cobras after 2022 season |
| Melbourne Shipping Companies | 1922 | 0 | - | Folded | |||||
| Melbourne Swimming Club | 1920-1923 | 0 | - | Folded | |||||
| Mentone (Old Mentonians 1968-2022) |
  |
Panthers | Belvedere Park, Seaford | – | 1968 | 1968–2022, 2024 | 1 | 1990 | Entered recess in 2023, re-formed as Mentone in 2024, in recess since 2024 |
| Mentone (St Patricks Mentone 1991-2000) |
 |
Vultures | Southern Road Reserve, Mentone | ESCFA | 1991–2003 | 1 | 2001 | Merged with Parkdale in 2003 to form Parkdale Vultures | |
| Monash Gryphons |  |
Gryphons | East Caulfield Reserve, Caulfield East | – | 1991 | 1991–2016 | 1 | 2010 | Merged with Glen Eira in 2016 to form Glen Eira Gryphons |
| Monash Whites |  |
Whites | Frearson Oval, Monash University, Clayton | – | 1964 | 1964–1965; 1971–2001 |
1 | 1975 | Merged with Monash Blues in 2001 |
| Moreland Amateurs | 1949–1951 | 0 | - | Folded | |||||
| Mt Carmel Old Collegians | 1936–1940 | 0 | - | Folded | |||||
| Mt Lilydale Old Collegians |  |
Rams | Mount Lilydale Mercy College Sporting Ovals, Lilydale | – | 1997 | 1997–2018 | 0 | - | Merged with Croydon North to form Croydon North MLOC and moved to Eastern FNL in 2019 |
| Murrumbeena | FFL | 1915 | 1923–1962 | 3 | 1929 | Folded | |||
| Myer | WRFL | 1917 | 1937–1954 | 1 | 1951 | Folded | |||
| National Bank |  |
Oval 14, Albert Park | – | 1932 | 1932–1938, 1954–1979 | 3 | 1968 | Folded | |
| Newlands Coburg | |
Cobras | Jackson Reserve, Coburg North | WRFL | 1966 | 1994–1996 | 0 | - | Folded |
| North Alphington | 1948–1952 | 1 | 1949 | Folded | |||||
| Nunawading | – | 1894 | 1894−1896 | 0 | - | De-merged into Mitcham, Box Hill and Surrey Hills | |||
| Oakleigh | 1908–1911, 1927–1928 | 0 | - | Folded | |||||
| Oakleigh Clayton | 2003 | 2003–2006 | 0 | - | Folded | ||||
| Old Haileybury-Old Trinity | – | 1928 | 1928–1934 | 0 | - | Folded | |||
| Old Eltham Collegians (Eltham) |
 |
Turtles | Eltham College Reserve, Research | – | 1986 | 1986–2019 | 1 | 1987 | Moved to Northern FNL in 2020 |
| Old Melburnians | |
– | 1896 | 1896 | 0 | - | Folded in 1896 | ||
| Old Paradians |  |
Raiders | Garvey Oval, Bundoora | – | 1929 | 1929-2023 | 11 | 2015 | Moved to Northern FNL in 2024 |
| Olinda | – | 1893 | 1893 | 0 | - | Folded | |||
| Parkdale |  |
Seagulls | Gerry Green Reserve, Parkdale | – | 1934 | 1934–1954 | 1 | 1936 | Moved to Federal FL in 1955 |
| Parkville | – | 1899 | 0 | - | Folded | ||||
| Pascoe Vale | |
Panthers | Raeburn Reserve, Pascoe Vale | VFLSD | 1909 | 1927–1928, 1940 | 0 | - | Returned to VFL Sub-Districts in 1941 |
| Patricians | – | 1965–1969 | 0 | - | Folded | ||||
| Pharmacy College | – | 1962–1965 | 0 | - | Folded | ||||
| Point Cook |  |
Bulldogs | Saltwater Reserve, Point Cook | – | 2010 | 2010–2017 | 0 | - | Moved to Western Region FL in 2018 |
| Port Colts | – | 1987−1989 | 0 | - | Folded | ||||
| Port Melbourne | – | 1956–1959 | 2 | 1958 | Folded | ||||
| Port Rovers | |
Rovers | – | 1903–1908 | 1 | 1905 | Folded | ||
| Postal Institute | – | 1965 | 1965 | 0 | - | Folded | |||
| Prahran-Caulfield | – | 2007 | 2007 | 0 | - | Merger for one season to allow for both clubs to field an u/18s side | |||
| Preston | 1954–1969 | 1 | 1959 | Folded | |||||
| Preston Marist Brothers Old Boys |  |
Bullants | 1983–1993 | 1 | 1988 | Folded | |||
| Princes Hill |  |
McAlister Oval, Parkville | 1979–1981 | 0 | - | Folded | |||
| RAAF Cadets |  |
Fawkner Park, South Yarra | SESFL | 1964–1965 | 0 | - | Returned to South East Suburban FL in 1966 | ||
| Reservoir Old Boys | C T Barling Reserve, Reservoir | 1965–1977 | 2 | 1973 | Folded | ||||
| Rupertswood |  |
Sharks | Rupertswood Reserve, Sunbury | – | 1999 | 2000–2012 | 2 | 2009 | Moved to Riddell District FNL in 2013 |
| Salesian OC |  |
Salesian College, Chadstone | ESCFA | 1970s | 1989–2007 | 1 | 1996 | Merged with St Mary's to form St Mary's Salesian in 2008 | |
| Sandringham | FFL | 1921-1928 | 1 | 1923 | Merged with Hampton and Black Rock to form Sandringham in 1929 | ||||
| Sandringham Amateurs | Beach Road Oval, Sandringham | 1940 | 0 | - | |||||
| Sandringham B | 1928 | 0 | - | Merged with Hampton and Black Rock to form Sandringham in 1929 | |||||
| Sandringham Juniors | 1926–1927 | 0 | - | ||||||
| Scotch Collegians | – | 1890s | 1894-1995 | 0 | - | Folded | |||
| South Camberwell | 1937–1940 | 0 | - | Folded | |||||
| South Caulfield |  |
Princes Park, Caulfield South | – | 1920s | 1926–1940 | 0 | - | Joined CYMSFA as South Caulfield CYMS after WWII | |
| Southern Dragons |  |
Dragons | Keeley Park, Clayton South | SFNL | 2007 | 2013–14 | 0 | - | Returned to Southern FNL in 2015 |
| South Melbourne City | 1954–1959 | 2 | 1955 | Folded | |||||
| South Melbourne Juniors | |
Southeners | – | 1900 | 1900 | 0 | – | Moved to VJFA | |
| South Mornington | |
Tigers | Citation Reserve, Mount Martha | SFNL | 2006 | 2007–2019 | 1 | 2012 | Returned to Southern FNL in 2020 |
| South St Kilda |  |
Junction Oval, St Kilda | c. 1870s | 1892-1899 | 4 | 1897 | Folded in 1899 | ||
| South Yarra | Cordner Oval, Fawkner Park, South Yarra | 1897−1898 | 0 | − | |||||
| South Yarra Juniors (South Yarra) |
1901−1921 | 3 | 1914 | ||||||
| Southbank (State Commonwealth Bank) |
 |
Bankers, Cobras, Tigers | Swan St, Southbank | – | 1990 | 1990–1998 | 1 | 1997 | Merged with Prahran in 1998 |
| St Andrew's (Brighton) | 1949–1951 | 0 | - | ||||||
| St Andrews-Coburg |  |
Saints | De Chene Reserve, Coburg | EDFL | 1980 | 1986–1994 | 0 | - | Moved to Diamond Valley FL in 1995 |
| St Bede's Old Collegians |  |
Bedas | Beda Park, Mordialloc | SFNL | 1966 | 1972–1992 | 1 | 1977 | Merged with Mentone in 1992 to form St Bede's/Mentone Tigers |
| St Columb's | 1953 | 0 | - | Folded | |||||
| St Francis Xavier | 1880s | 1899 | 0 | - | Folded in 1899 | ||||
| St Francis Xavier OC |  |
Saints | St Francis Xavier College Senior Campus, Beaconsfield |
– | 2007 | 2007–2019 | 1 | 2019 | Moved to Southern FNL as Narre South Saints in 2020 |
| St Ignatius | Richmond City Reserve | 1900−1902, 1932–1934 | 0 | - | Folded | ||||
| St John's Old Collegians |  |
JOCS | Thomas P Carroll Reserve, Doveton | – | 1991 | 1991 | 2 | 2011 | Moved to Southern FNL following 2025 season |
| St Jude's | 1892-1893 | 0 | - | Folded | |||||
| St Kilda CBC Old Boys |  |
Saints | Coughlin Oval, St Kilda East | – | 1958 | 1958–1991 | 5 | 1984 | Merged with Murrumbeena-South Caulfield to form St Kilda-South Caulfield in 1992 |
| St Kilda-South Caulfield | Saints | – | 1992 | 1992–1998 | 1 | 1994 | Merged with Glen Huntly to form Glen Eira in 1999 | ||
| St Leonard's | 1986–1989 | 0 | - | Folded | |||||
| St Mary's |  |
Saints | Ferndale Park, Glen Iris | ESCFA | 1932 | 1990–2007 | 2 | 1993 | Merged with Salesian OC to form St Mary's Salesian in 2008 |
| St Mary's | 1892−1898 | 0 | - | Folded | |||||
| St Patrick's Ballarat OC | – | 1939 | 1939–1940, 1951–1955, 1964–1975 | 3 | 1971 | Folded | |||
| St Patrick's Monivae | – | 1976 | 1976 | 0 | - | Folded | |||
| St Paul's (Ascot Vale) | 1926–1940 | 0 | - | Folded | |||||
| St Peter's Clayton | .svg) |
Saints | Namatjira Park, Clayton South | ESCFA | 1956 | 1991–1992 | 0 | - | Folded after 1992 season |
| St Pius's (Heidelberg) |  |
Ford Park, Bellfield | YCWFL | 1979–1982 | 1 | 1979 | Folded | ||
| State Bank (State Savings Bank) |
 |
Bankers | Oval 4, Albert Park | – | 1927 | 1927–1990 | 5 | 1990 | Merged with Commonwealth Bank in 1990 to form State Commonwealth Bank |
| State Electricity Commission | – | 1947 | 1947 | 0 | - | Folded | |||
| Surrey Hills |  |
Surrey Park, Box Hill | 1887 | 1928–1932 | 0 | - | Moved to Eastern Suburban FL in 1933 | ||
| Teachers College | 1920-1957 | 3 | 1954 | Folded | |||||
| Thomastown | .jpg) |
Bears | Main Street Reserve, Thomastown | PHFL | 1966 | 1975–2000 | 2 | 1989 | Moved to Diamond Valley FL in 2001 |
| Thornbury |  |
Bears | John Cain Memorial Park, Thornbury | 1930s [55] |
1973–1983 | 1 | 1978 | Moved to Diamond Valley FL in 1984 | |
| Thornbury Cougars |  |
Cougars | Hayes Park, Thornbury | MNFL | 1955 | 1996–1999 | 0 | - | Folded in 1999 |
| Toorak-Grovesnor | 1892-1994 | 0 | - | Folded | |||||
| Tooronga-Malvern |  |
Panthers | D.W. Lucas Oval, Malvern East | – | 1964 | 1964–1972 | 1 | 1971 | Moved to South East Suburban FL in 1973 |
| VUT (FIT/VUT) |
– | 1993 | 1993−1996 | 0 | - | Folded in 1996 | |||
| Waltham | 1895–1897 | 0 | - | Folded | |||||
| Waverley Amateurs | |
Panthers | Central Reserve, Glen Waverley | VFA | 1908 | 1989–1990 | 0 | - | Moved to Eastern Districts FL in 1991 |
| Werribee Districts |  |
Tigers | Soldiers Reserve, Werribee | WRFL | 1995 | 1998–2013 | 2 | 2010 | Moved to Western Region FL in 2014 |
| West Brunswick | 1930 | 1932–1936 | 1 | 1932 | Folded | ||||
| West Hawthorn | 1927–1933 | 1 | 1931 | Folded | |||||
| Windsor | 1894−1898 | 0 | - | Folded | |||||
| Wyndham Suns |  |
Suns | Goddard Street Reserve, Tarneit | – | 2013 | 2014 | 0 | - | U/19s only. Moved to Western Region FL in 2015 |
| Yarra Old Grammarians |  |
Bushrangers | Doncaster Reserve, Doncaster East | – | 1993 | 1993–2022 | 4 | 2012 | Merged with Manningham Cobras in 2022 to form Old Yarra Cobras |
| YMCA | 1892-1893 | 0 | - | Folded | |||||
Club movements
[edit]Source:[19]
| Season | New clubs admitted | Clubs that left before start of next season |
|---|---|---|
| 1892 | Alberton | Edlington (2nd 20) |
| Brighton (2nd 20) | Footscray District | |
| Collegians (2nd 20) | ||
| Edlington (2nd 20) | ||
| Footscray District | ||
| South St Kilda (2nd 20) | ||
| St Jude's | ||
| St Mary's | ||
| Toorak-Grosvenor | ||
| YMCA | ||
| 1893 | Olinda | YMCA |
| University 2nd | ||
| 1894 | Nunawading | Olinda |
| Scotch Collegians | University 2nd | |
| Windsor | Toorak-Grosvenor | |
| Caulfield | St Jude's | |
| 1895 | Waltham | |
| 1896 | Old Melburnians | Alberton |
| Malvern | Scotch Collegians | |
| Old Melburnians | ||
| 1897 | South Yarra | Booroondara |
| Booroondara | Waltham | |
| 1898 | Leopold | St Mary's |
| Beverley | South Yarra | |
| 1899 | St Francis Xavier | St Francis Xavier |
| Parkville | Parkville | |
| Kew | South St Kilda | |
| 1900 | Celtic | |
| St Ignatius | ||
| South Melbourne Juniors | ||
| 1901 | South Yarra Juniors | South Melbourne Juniors |
| Kew | ||
| 1902 | Hawthorn | Celtic |
| St Ignatius | ||
| 1903 | Boroondara (readmitted) | |
| Port Rovers | ||
| 1904 | Fitzroy District | Booroondara |
| 1905 | Melbourne University | |
| 1908 | Oakleigh | Brighton |
| University 2nd | University | |
| Port Rovers | ||
| 1909 | Carlton District | |
| 1911 | Oakleigh | |
| 1912 | Fitzroy Juniors | |
| 1913 | Hawthorn | |
| 1914 | Elsternwick | |
| 1920 | Old Melburnians | |
| Old Caulfield | ||
| Melbourne Swimming Club | ||
| Melbourne Teachers College | ||
| Collegians | ||
| Elsternwick | ||
| University B | ||
| South Yarra | ||
| 1921 | Old Brighton | Teachers College (expelled) |
| Old Scotch | South Yarra | |
| University A | ||
| Old Trinity | ||
| Sandringham | ||
| Hampton | ||
| 1922 | Melbourne Shipping Company | Melbourne Shipping Company |
| Murrumbeena | ||
| Elwood | ||
| Old Brighton | ||
| Teachers College (readmitted) | ||
| 1923 | Old Xaverians | Elsternwick B |
| 1924 | Burwood | Elwood |
| Caulfield City | ||
| Old Brighton | ||
| 1925 | Old Hailebury | Caulfield (expelled) |
| 1926 | Geelong | |
| Sandringham Juniors | ||
| St Paul's Ascot Vale | ||
| Old Melburnians B | ||
| Teachers College B | ||
| Kew Juniors | ||
| Brunswick | ||
| South Caulfield | ||
| Gardenvale-Middle Brighton | ||
| 1927 | Glenhuntly B | Oakley Amateurs (expelled) |
| West Hawthorn | ||
| Kingsville Rovers | ||
| Oakley Amateurs | ||
| Pascoe Vale | ||
| Black Rock | ||
| Naval Base Flinders | ||
| State Savings Bank | ||
| 1928 | Burwood | Sandringham |
| Sandringham B | Sandringham B | |
| Surrey Hills | Pascoe Vale (expelled) | |
| Oakley (readmitted) | Oakley (expelled) | |
| 1929 | MHSOB | |
| Old Ivanhoe | ||
| Old Paradians | ||
| Bentleigh | ||
| 1930 | Dandenong KSP | Old Ivanhoe |
| Brighton Technical OB | Black Rock (expelled) | |
| Glenhuntly B | ||
| 1931 | Canterbury United Churches | |
| 1932 | University High School OB | |
| North Melbourne CBC | ||
| Ormond | ||
| West Brunswick | ||
| Footscray TSOB | ||
| St Ignatius | ||
| Gardiner | ||
| ES&A Bank | ||
| Old Brighton | ||
| National Bank | ||
| 1933 | Hampton Rovers | West Hawthorn |
| Canterbury United Churches | ||
| Surrey Hills | ||
| 1934 | Ivanhoe | Dandenong |
| Parkdale | ||
| Alphington | ||
| 1935 | Carnegie | St Ignatius (expelled) |
| Coburg | Old Haileybury/Old Trinity | |
| Kingsville | ||
| National Bank | ||
| 1936 | Fairfield | Burwood |
| Mount Carmel OC | ||
| West Brunswick | ||
| 1937 | Myer | Bentleigh District |
| St Camberwell | ||
| 1938 | Parkside Amateurs | |
| 1939 | St Patrick's Ballarat OC | National Bank |
| Heidelberg West | Carnegie | |
| North Melbourne CBC (expelled) | ||
| 1940 | Pascoe Vale | Geelong |
| Power House | Brighton | |
| Old Brighton | ||
| 1946 | Balwyn Amateurs | |
| Carnegie Church of Christ | ||
| 1947 | Elsternwick (readmitted) | |
| Power House (readmitted) | ||
| Geelong (readmitted) | ||
| Commonwealth Bank | ||
| St Kevin's | ||
| State Electricity Commission | ||
| 1948 | North Alphington | State Electricity Commission |
| University High School OB (readmitted) | ||
| 1949 | Glenhuntly Juniors | |
| Moreland Amateurs | ||
| St Andrews | ||
| 1950 | Bellfield | Glenhuntly Juniors |
| 1951 | St Patrick's Ballarat OC (readmitted) | |
| 1952 | DS&A Bank | Moreland |
| North Alphington | ||
| 1953 | St Columb's | |
| 1954 | ANZ Bank | Caulfield |
| Insurance Social Clubs Association | ||
| National Bank | ||
| Old Carey | ||
| Old Geelong Grammarians | ||
| Old Trinity | ||
| Power House Gold | ||
| Preston | ||
| Sth Melbourne City | ||
| Hawthorn Amateurs | ||
| 1955 | De La Salle OC | Myer |
| Melburnian Blues | ||
| University E | ||
| 1956 | Port Melbourne Amateurs | Balwyn |
| St Patrick's OC | ||
| 1957 | AJAX | Hawthorn Amateurs (expelled) |
| 1958 | Collegians Gold | Insurance Social Clubs Associations |
| St Kilda CBC OB | ||
| 1959 | Commercial Bank | Brighton |
| West Brunswick | Huntingdale Juniors | |
| South Melbourne City | ||
| 1960 | Old Camberwell | Port Melbourne Amateurs |
| 1962 | Monash University | |
| Pharmacy College | ||
| 1962 | North Melbourne CBC (readmitted) | Murrumbeena |
| St Bernard's OC | ||
| Kooyong | ||
| AMP Society | ||
| 1963 | University Reds | |
| 1964 | RAAF Cadets (Point Cook) | |
| Old Ivanhoe Grammarians | ||
| Cassie | ||
| Monash University Whites | ||
| Assumption OB | ||
| St Patricks Ballarat (readmitted) | ||
| 1965 | Australian Postal Institute | Pharmacy College (expelled) |
| Reservoir OB | ||
| Patricians | ||
| 1966 | Bellfield | |
| API | ||
| Monash University Whites | ||
| RAAF Cadets | ||
| Cassie | ||
| Kooyong (refused readmission) | ||
| 1968 | Old Mentonians | |
| 1970 | Old Essendon Grammarians | |
| Dookie | ||
| Longernong OC | ||
| La Trobe University | ||
| 1971 | Marcellin OC | |
| North Brunswick | ||
| La Trobe University Reds | ||
| Monash University Whites (readmitted) | ||
| 1972 | St Bedes OC | |
| 1973 | Fawkner | Fairfield (expelled for paying players) |
| Thornbury | ||
| University Reds (readmitted) | ||
| 1974 | Glenroy | |
| Beverley Hills | ||
| 1975 | Bulleen United | |
| Heatherton | ||
| Bulleen Templestowe | ||
| 1977 | St Patricks Ballarat | |
| 1978 | Reservoir OB | |
| 1979 | St Pius | National Bank |
| Clayton | ||
| Princes Hill | ||
| 1980 | St John's OC | |
| Peninsula OB | ||
| Coolaroo Rovers | ||
| Thomastown | ||
| Banyule | ||
| 1982 | Geelong Amateurs | |
| 1983 | Williamstown CMYS | Assumption OC |
| Alphington (suspended for 2 years) | ||
| 1984 | Preston MBOB | Thornbury |
| Old Essendon Grammarians (readmitted) | ||
| 1985 | GTV 9 | |
| Eltham Collegians | ||
| St Andrews | ||
| St Leonards OC | ||
| Whitefriars OC (on probation) | ||
| 1986 | Alphington (readmitted) | |
| 1987 | Aquinas | |
| Bloods | ||
| Port Colts | ||
| Richmond Central | ||
| 1988 | Coburg | |
| Clayton | ||
| 1989 | Mazenod OC | |
| Salesian OC | ||
| Waverley Amateurs | ||
| 1990 | Boronia Park | FIT |
| St Mary's | Port Colts | |
| State Bank | ||
| Commonwealth Bank | ||
| 1991 | St John's OC | Waverley Amateurs |
| St Patricks-Menton | St Kilda CB OC | |
| Old Westbourne Grammarians | ||
| Monash Gryphons | ||
| State Commonwealth Bank | ||
| 1992 | St Kilda South Caulfield | Albanvale |
| St Leo's-Wattle Park | Kontias (withdrew round 3, record expunged) | |
| Camberwell | ||
| 1993 | Yarra Valley Old Boys | |
| 1994 | Eley Park | Boronia Park |
| Newlands Coburg | Brunswick | |
| Camberwell | ||
| 1995 | Beaumaris | Fawkner |
| Hawthorn Citizens | Doveton | |
| Swinburne University | St Andrew's-Coburg | |
| Eltham OC | ||
| Ivanhoe | ||
| Kew | ||
| 1996 | Thornbury Cougars | Balwyn Combined |
| Bulleen United | ||
| Canterbury North Balwyn | ||
| Bloods | ||
| 1997 | Mt Lilydale | Newlands Coburg |
| Syndal Tally-Ho | ||
| Bulleen Cobras | ||
| 1998 | Werribee Amateurs | |
| 1999 | Brunswick (readmitted) | Glenhuntly |
| St Kilda South Caulfield | ||
| 2000 | Bentleigh | Monash Whites |
| South Melbourne Districts | Chirnside Park | |
| Glen Eira | ||
| 2001 | Thomastown | |
| 2002 | Box Hill North | Eley Park |
| Brunswick Power | Parkside | |
| 2003 | Balwyn Combined | Preston MBOB |
| Canterbury North Balwyn | St Bedes OC | |
| Yarra Valley OB | Mentone | |
| 2004 | St Bede's Mentone Tigers | Mentone Vultures |
| Brunswick Power | ||
| 2005 | Parkdale Vultures | Mt Lilydale |
| 2007 | South Mornington | |
| 2008 | St Francis Xavier | St Mary's Amateurs |
| Salesian OC AFC | ||
| Fitzroy Reds | ||
| 2009 | Fitzroy | |
| St Mary's Salesian | ||
| Northern Bullants | ||
| 2010 | Point Cook | |
| 2012 | Masala | Rupertswood |
| 2014 | Parkside | Banyule |
| 2017 | Point Cook | |
| 2018 | Old Eltham Collegians | |
| 2019 | South Mornington | |
| St Francis Xavier | ||
| 2022 | Manningham Cobras | |
| Yarra Old Grammarians | ||
| 2023 | Old Yarra Cobras | Ivanhoe |
| Old Paradians | ||
| 2024 | Bulleen Templestowe | |
| 2025 | Port Melbourne Chargers[56] | St John's Old Collegians[57] |
Venues
[edit]Dozens of venues are used for VAFA matches across all grades and divisions throughout the home-and-away season and finals series.[58]
Current
[edit]The following grounds were used for the 2025 VAFA season.
| Ground | Image | Other names | Suburb | Capacity | First used | Current tenant(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bennettswood Reserve | Burwood | 1,000 | 1992 | |||
| Brighton Beach Oval | Brighton | 6,000 | 1957 | |||
| Brunswick Street Oval | Fitzroy North | 10,000 | 1991 | |||
| Camberwell Sports Ground | Camberwell | 5,000 | 1926 | |||
| Como Park | South Yarra | 1,000 | 1959 | |||
| Daley Oval | Bulleen | 1,000 | 1954 | |||
| EE Gunn Reserve | Ormond | 1,000 | 1931 | |||
| Elsternwick Park | Brighton | 6,000 | 1914 | |||
| Fearon Reserve | Williamstown | 1,000 | 1983 | |||
| Frearson Oval | Clayton | 1,000 | 1962 | |||
| Gary Smorgon Oval | St Kilda | 1,000 | 1957 | |||
| Gillon Oval | Brunswick | 2,000 | 1992 | |||
| Harry Trott Oval | St Kilda | 1,000 | 1952 | |||
| Ian Johnson Oval | St Kilda | 1,000 | 1954 | |||
| Lois Twohig Reserve | Dandenong North | 1,000 | 2020 | |||
| Princes Park | Caulfield South | 3,500 | 1992 | |||
| Rathmines Road Reserve | Hawthorn East | 1,000 | 1995 | |||
| Scammell Reserve | Oakleigh South | 1,000 | 1991 | |||
| Tony Sheehan Oval | Bundoora | 1,110 | 2019 | |||
| Toorak Park | Armadale | 5,000 | 1995 | |||
| University Oval | Parkville | 1,000 | 1893 | |||
| Victoria Park | Kew | 1,000 | 1899 | |||
| Woodfull-Miller Oval | South Yarra | 2,000 | 1928 |
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "VAFA Staff". Victorian Amateur Football Association. Archived from the original on 20 November 2024. Retrieved 22 November 2024.
- ^ "BANYULE VOTE TO LEAVE VAFA". Victorian Amateur Football Association. 6 August 2014. Archived from the original on 21 December 2024. Retrieved 21 December 2024.
- ^ Economou, Alex (9 February 2021). "Long-time Greek amateur footy and cricket stalwart joins Australia's honours list". Neos Kosmos. Archived from the original on 9 December 2021. Retrieved 6 August 2024.
- ^ Schools & Colleges: Public Schools and Football, Table Talk, (Thursday, 26 April 1923), p. 24.
- ^ "METROPOLITAN JUNIOR FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION". Trove. The Australasian. 1 October 1892. p. 18. Archived from the original on 4 October 2023. Retrieved 5 August 2024.
- ^ "METROPOLITAN JUNIOR FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION". The Australasian. 4 June 1892. Retrieved 5 August 2024.
- ^ "METROPOLITAN JUNIOR FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION". The Argus. 5 June 1892. Retrieved 5 August 2024.
- ^ "BRUNSWICK". The Age. 30 March 1900. p. 3. Retrieved 13 August 2024.
The word "junior" was dropped from the name of the association.
- ^ a b "CLUB HISTORY". Kew Football Club. Archived from the original on 19 April 2023. Retrieved 25 July 2024.
- ^ "FOOTBALL". The Argus. 2 April 1900. p. 9. Retrieved 13 August 2024.
- ^ "METROPOLITAN ASSOCIATION". The Herald. 17 August 1906. p. 5. Retrieved 13 August 2024.
Tomorrow's MFA matches
- ^ "Metropolitan Junior Football Association". Brighton Southern Cross. 26 May 1900. p. 4. Retrieved 13 August 2024.
- ^ "Metropolitan Junior Football Association". Brighton Southern Cross. 30 June 1900. p. 4. Retrieved 13 August 2024.
- ^ "METROPOLITAN JUNIOR ASSOCIATION". The Age. 24 June 1907. p. 9. Retrieved 13 August 2024.
- ^ "METROPOLITAN JUNIOR ASSOCIATION". Weekly Times. 8 August 1908. p. 20. Retrieved 13 August 2024.
- ^ "METROPOLITAN JUNIOR ASSOCIATION". The Argus. 22 September 1908. p. 7. Retrieved 13 August 2024.
- ^ "METROPOLITAN JUNIOR PREMIERSHIP". The Australasian. 23 September 1911. p. 25. Retrieved 13 August 2024.
- ^ [12][13][14][15][16][17]
- ^ a b c d e f g h "A BRIEF HISTORY" (PDF). Victorian Amateur Football Association. 9 April 2009. Archived from the original (PDF) on 19 April 2009. Retrieved 9 June 2024.
- ^ "Metropolitan Junior Football Association (Vic)". Footypedia. Archived from the original on 10 August 2024. Retrieved 10 August 2024.
- ^ "Move By Juniors". The Herald. 24 April 1912. p. 5. Retrieved 13 August 2024.
- ^ Riley, M., "Class and Warfare: The MAFA and the VFL Seconds", Boyles Football Photos, 4 April 2014.
- ^ "METROPOLITAN ASSOCIATION". The Argus. 8 April 1915. p. 10. Retrieved 16 October 2024.
- ^ a b "METROPOLITAN". The Herald. 30 July 1915. p. 3. Retrieved 16 October 2024.
- ^ "METROPOLITAN AMATEUR ASSOCIATION". The Argus. 31 July 1915. p. 14. Retrieved 16 October 2024.
- ^ "1915 Reserves". Blueseum. Archived from the original on 7 October 2024. Retrieved 16 October 2024.
- ^ "METROPOLITAN ASSOCIATION". Record. 24 July 1915. p. 3. Retrieved 16 October 2024.
- ^ a b c Boy, Old (8 December 1915). "THE LEAGUE'S PREPARATIONS". The Argus. p. 13. Retrieved 16 October 2024.
- ^ "METROPOLITAN AMATEUR ASSOCIATION". The Argus. 26 March 1920. p. 11. Retrieved 16 October 2024.
- ^ Alexander (23 August 1924). "Changes Since its Formation". Sporting Globe. Retrieved 28 July 2024.
- ^ "Metropolitan Amateurs". Sporting Globe. 27 August 1924. Retrieved 28 July 2024.
- ^ "Change of Name Adopted". The Age. 25 October 1932. p. 10. Retrieved 16 December 2024.
- ^ Amateurs Conclude, The Age, (Monday, 24 June 1940), p. 6.
- ^ "The Amateur Footballer, Week 18, 1998". Issuu. VAFA Media. 8 August 1998. p. 58. Archived from the original on 5 March 2023. Retrieved 14 August 2024.
- ^ Reilley, Geoff (5 September 2009). "10 YEARS AGO – 1999" (PDF). Victorian Amateur Football Association. p. 17. Archived from the original (PDF) on 14 August 2024. Retrieved 14 August 2024.
- ^ "The Amateur Footballer, Week 11, 2000". Issuu. VAFA Media. 17 June 2000. p. 68. Archived from the original on 14 August 2024. Retrieved 14 August 2024.
- ^ "ROUND 1: A SECTON". Victorian Amateur Football Association. 18 April 2009. Archived from the original on 14 August 2024. Retrieved 14 August 2024.
- ^ "GRAND FINAL SCORES". Victorian Amateur Football Association. 17 September 2010. Archived from the original on 14 August 2024. Retrieved 14 August 2024.
- ^ "VAFA women's competition could feature 30 teams in debut season as interest skyrockets". Herald Sun.
- ^ "VAFA set to undergo competition restructure in 2024". Herald Sun.
- ^ de Lacy, H., "Amateurs knock-out title on two grounds", The Sporting Globe, (Wednesday, 2 June 1954), p. 18
- ^ "Late burst saves State amateurs", The Argus, (Tuesday, 15 June 1954), p. 13.
- ^ Amateurs: Third Term Burst Wins, The Age, (Tuesday, 18 June 1957), p. 14.
- ^ "Football has Trial TV Run . . But League says 'No!'", The Argus, (Wednesday, 27 June 1956), p. 22.
- ^ Inter-State Football in TV Week-end Cover,The Age Radio/TV Supplement, (14-20 June 1957), p. 1.].
- ^ Monday Television: ABV-Channel 2 (2:15), The Age Radio/TV Supplement, (14-20 June 1957), p. 9.
- ^ "Eastern Suburban Football League | SFNL". Retrieved 22 July 2025.
- ^ "Former VAFA Clubs". Victorian Amateur Football Association. Archived from the original on 1 August 2024. Retrieved 8 August 2024.
- ^ "Previous VAFA Clubs". Victorian Amateur Football Association. Archived from the original on 6 June 2024. Retrieved 6 June 2024.
- ^ "VAFA club's history 1892-2007". GameDay. Victorian Amateur Football Association. Archived from the original on 9 June 2024. Retrieved 9 June 2024.
- ^ "VAFA Clubs 1892 - 2009" (PDF). Victorian Amateur Football Association. Archived from the original (PDF) on 11 January 2011. Retrieved 20 March 2010.
- ^ "VAFA Clubs 1892 - 2012" (PDF). Victorian Amateur Football Association. Archived from the original (PDF) on 17 January 2013. Retrieved 2 August 2024.
- ^ "Beverley Football Club". Richmond Australian. 28 March 1914. p. 3. Retrieved 16 October 2024.
- ^ "FOOTBALL AMATEUR ASSOCIATION". Trove. The Argus. 6 March 1983. p. 12. Retrieved 21 September 2024.
- ^ "Footy club that won't die" The Sun, July 18, 1989
- ^ Bennett, Jason (11 March 2025). "VAFA welcomes a new club – Port Melbourne Chargers!". Victorian Amateur Football Association. Archived from the original on 16 March 2025. Retrieved 16 March 2025.
- ^ "St John's OC to join SFNL". Dandenong Star Journal. 12 August 2025. Retrieved 9 October 2025.
- ^ "VAFA announces venues for 2024 Finals Series". VAFA. 26 July 2024. Archived from the original on 29 April 2025. Retrieved 15 August 2025.
External links
[edit]Victorian Amateur Football Association
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
The Victorian Amateur Football Association (VAFA) is Australia's largest senior community Australian rules football competition, dedicated to amateur play across men's, women's, and junior divisions in Victoria.[1] Founded in 1892 as the Metropolitan Junior Football Association (MJFA), it originally served as a junior-level league but evolved into a key bastion of non-professional football, emphasizing participation for the love of the game without financial incentives.[1] As of the 2025 season, the VAFA comprises 67 clubs fielding approximately 300 teams across 35 sections, including six senior men's divisions, six senior women's competitions, five under-19 leagues, and seven thirds and masters (over-35s) sections, operating under a vertical double promotion and relegation system.[2][1] The season typically runs from April to August, culminating in a three-week finals series, and promotes community engagement through events like interstate representative matches.[1]
The VAFA's history reflects its growth from a modest metropolitan junior association to a robust amateur ecosystem amid the rise of professional leagues like the Victorian Football League (VFL).[3] In 1900, it briefly renamed to the Metropolitan Football Association before reverting to the MJFA; by 1912, it became the Metropolitan Amateur Football Association, underscoring its commitment to amateurism in line with Olympic ideals, and adopted its current name in 1932 to align with state-wide amateur standards.[1] Early tensions with professional bodies persisted, but milestones like using the VFL's Harrison House for meetings in 1952 marked improving relations.[3] A highlight came in 1956, when the VAFA staged a demonstration Australian rules match at the Melbourne Olympic Games, selected by organizers to showcase true amateur spirit on an international stage.[3]
Post-World War II expansion solidified the VAFA's role, with headquarters established at Olympic Park No. 2 Oval in 1957, enhancing facilities and visibility.[3] The league grew through structural reforms, such as rebranding sections in 2010 (from A-D4 to Premier-Division 4) and introducing dedicated thirds competitions, while welcoming new clubs like Point Cook in 2010 and Northern Blues in 2013.[4] Women's football surged from the first competition in 2016 with over 1,900 players in 40 teams to 63 teams by 2018 and 60 teams from 51 clubs by 2025, reflecting inclusive growth, with the overall competition now supporting around 12,000 players.[4][5][6] Challenges included the full cancellation of the 2020 season due to COVID-19 lockdowns—the first since World War II—but the VAFA rebounded, maintaining its status as a vital community outlet with representative teams competing in national events like AAFC championships.[4]
In the women's competition, introduced in 2017, the Premier division has seen competitive depth, with St Kevin's Old Boys Saints holding the record at three titles (2019, 2022, 2023). Old Scotch claimed their first in 2025, defeating Caulfield Grammarians by five points in a thrilling grand final. Earlier winners include Marcellin (2017) and Melbourne University Women's (2018). The VAFA Cup, a knockout tournament complementing the premiership, adds further celebration, with past editions highlighting emerging talent across divisions.[52][25]
The finals structure has evolved from pre-2000 sectional formats, where multiple grades operated semi-independent playoffs, to the unified top-four system post-reorganization, enhancing visibility and integration across divisions. In 2025, post-expansion efforts boosted attendance, with the Premier men's grand final drawing record crowds at Elsternwick Park amid staggered scheduling for broader access.[41][47]
Old Scotch claimed the 2025 premiership with a five-point grand final victory over Caulfield Grammarians.[71]
Old Brighton secured the 2025 flag, earning promotion to Premier for 2026.[74]
Glen Eira/Old McKinnon defeated Monash Blues in the 2025 grand final.[76]
La Trobe University triumphed in a close 2025 grand final.[78]
St Mary’s Salesian prevailed in extra time against a strong opponent in the 2025 decider.[80]
Westbourne Grammarians' development side's success highlights the depth within established clubs.[81] The Collegians women's team has been in recess since 2024, reducing active rosters slightly but allowing focus on recovery.[5]
History
Formation and early development (1892–1911)
The Metropolitan Junior Football Association (MJFA) was established in 1892 at the Salvation Army Headquarters on 62 Bourke Street in Melbourne, with the aim of promoting amateur Australian rules football among schoolboys and junior players in a non-professional environment.[7] The league's inaugural president was W.H. Davis, supported by secretary E.R. Gower, and it began with eight founding clubs: Alberton, Brighton, Collegians, Footscray District, St. Jude’s, St. Mary’s, Toorak-Grosvenor, and Y.M.C.A.[7] Among these, Edlington joined as a foundation club but withdrew early in the season, reflecting the initial challenges of stabilizing participation in the nascent competition.[8] The 1892 season marked the MJFA's debut, featuring matches among the remaining clubs to foster skill development and amateur ethos, deliberately distinguishing itself from the emerging professional trends in Victorian football.[7] Collegians Football Club claimed the inaugural premiership after topping the ladder with a strong record, underscoring the league's focus on competitive yet unpaid play for young metropolitan athletes.[9] This amateur orientation was reinforced in subsequent years, particularly after the Victorian Football League (VFL) formed in 1897, as the MJFA emphasized eligibility rules barring paid players to maintain its junior and community-based identity.[10] By 1900, under the leadership of president Lawrence Adamson—who had assumed the role in 1896—the MJFA underwent a significant transition, renaming itself the Metropolitan Football Association (MFA) to reflect its evolution into a more senior amateur competition.[7] Adamson, headmaster of Wesley College, brokered an agreement with an existing junior league also called the MFA, effectively swapping names to elevate the association's status while preserving its non-professional principles.[11] Media reports often continued using the MJFA moniker until 1912, contributing to some confusion, but the change facilitated steady growth, with new metropolitan clubs such as Olinda (1893), South Melbourne Juniors (1900), and Oakleigh (1908) joining to expand participation amid rising urban interest in organized sport.[7]Expansion and name changes (1912–1932)
In 1912, the Metropolitan Junior Football Association underwent a significant rebranding to the Metropolitan Amateur Football Association (MAFA), dropping the "Junior" designation to underscore its commitment to strict amateur principles, including a ban on expense payments amid the growing professionalism of the Victorian Football League (VFL). This change positioned the MAFA as a secondary competition to the VFL, attracting clubs such as Prahran and Port Melbourne, which often served as feeder teams or reserves for VFL sides, with matches sometimes played as curtain-raisers at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.[12][7] The league experienced steady pre-World War I growth, reaching 12 clubs by the 1914 season, but the outbreak of war led to heavy enlistments that curtailed the 1915 campaign after just 14 home-and-away rounds, with finals wrapping up early on August 7 amid player shortages. Collingwood District claimed the premiership that year, but the competition saw only partial activity in subsequent seasons before fully disbanding from 1916 to 1919 as the war intensified and amateur ranks depleted further.[13][14][7] Post-war resumption occurred in 1920 with a reduced field of eight clubs, including Old Melburnians, Old Caulfield Grammarians, and Teachers College, reflecting the challenges of rebuilding amid lingering war effects. The league rebounded in the 1920s, expanding to 21 clubs by 1921 and 27 by 1926, with the introduction of sectional divisions—A Section with eight teams in 1922, followed by B and C Sections—to manage growth. This era saw the addition of numerous old boys' teams from Melbourne's private schools, such as Old Scotch and Caulfield Grammarians, fostering a culture of alumni-based amateur play; notable premiers included Williamstown in 1921 and Old Scotch in the A Section in 1924.[12][7] By the late 1920s, the MAFA had grown to around 30 teams, but the onset of the Great Depression brought financial strains, including a reported deficit in 1927 and broader club hardships that threatened sustainability. These pressures culminated in 1932 discussions about rebranding to a state-wide "Victorian Amateur Football Association" to broaden appeal and stabilize the competition amid economic woes, though the change was not implemented until the following year.[12][7]Post-war growth and reorganization (1933–2016)
In 1933, the Metropolitan Amateur Football Association (MAFA) was renamed the Victorian Amateur Football Association (VAFA) to broaden its appeal across the state and reflect its growing scope beyond metropolitan boundaries.[7] The competition experienced significant disruption during World War II, with operations suspended from 1940 to 1945 as over 3,000 players and officials served in the armed forces.[7] Post-war resumption in 1946 saw 25 of the pre-war 40 clubs return, alongside the admission of new teams like Balwyn Amateurs and Carnegie Church of Christ, bringing the total to 27 clubs across three sections and marking the beginning of renewed expansion with 1,371 registered players.[7] The 1950s and 1960s represented a period of substantial growth for the VAFA, fueled by post-war population increases and community interest in amateur sport. By 1960, membership peaked at 74 clubs competing across seven sections, showcasing the league's vitality and widespread participation.[7] A notable highlight was the 1956 Melbourne Olympics, where Australian rules football featured as a demonstration sport; a VAFA representative team defeated a combined VFL-VFA side 12.9 (81) to 8.7 (55) in an exhibition match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, drawing attention to the amateur game's quality and helping promote its values internationally.[15] Following this boom, the VAFA faced challenges in the 1970s and 1980s, including declining club numbers that led to the temporary loss of two sections, prompting mergers such as those involving struggling teams to sustain viability.[7] Section F was reintroduced in 1971 and Section G in 1986 to accommodate lower-tier competition, reflecting efforts to adapt to fluctuating participation amid broader societal shifts like urbanization and competing leisure activities.[7] Reorganizations in the late 20th and early 21st centuries aimed to modernize and streamline the structure. In 2000, the VAFA implemented a heat policy for player safety and launched its first website, while club mergers—like the union of Monash Whites and Monash Blues—helped consolidate resources amid ongoing adjustments to division alignments.[4] By 2010, further streamlining rebadged the top tiers as Premier, Premier B, and Premier C (replacing A, B, and C Sections), with lower levels becoming Divisions 1 through 4, and introduced a dedicated Thirds competition to enhance development pathways.[4] These changes supported sustained growth, with registered players reaching 5,379 by 1978 and continuing to expand into the 21st century. By 2021, the men's competition alone boasted approximately 14,000 players across 70 clubs, underscoring the VAFA's enduring role as Australia's largest senior community Australian rules football league.[16] Ongoing evolution culminated in the abolition of men's Division 4 after the 2023 season, following the departure of clubs like Ivanhoe and Old Paradians to the Northern Football Netball League, reducing the structure to six divisions for greater competitiveness.[17]Introduction and growth of women's competition (2017–present)
The Victorian Amateur Football Association (VAFA) launched its women's competition in 2017, marking a significant step toward gender equity in community-level Australian rules football and coinciding with the inaugural AFL Women's season. The debut year featured 40 teams from 35 clubs across five divisions, including the top-tier William Buck Premier Women's division, which included prominent entrants such as Marcellin, St Kevin's Old Boys (SKOB Saints), Collegians, Old Trinity, Caulfield Grammarians, Brunswick, Fitzroy, Melbourne University, and Old Scotch. This structure provided pathways for both elite and developmental play, with games played under 18-a-side rules aligned with AFL Victoria's community guidelines for safety and participation. The inaugural Premier Women's premiership was won by Marcellin, who defeated SKOB Saints by seven points in a grand final at Elsternwick Park, achieving a rare double alongside their men's team success that year.[18][19][20] Expansion accelerated in subsequent years, with the addition of the Premier B Women's division in 2018 to accommodate growing interest and enable promotion-relegation between tiers. By 2021, the competition had attracted approximately 4,000 registered female players across its sections, despite the full cancellation of seasons in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The structure evolved further, reaching five competitive divisions (Premier, Premier B, Division 1, Division 2, and Division 3) by 2022, with Division 4 introduced to support broader entry-level participation; this reflected a deliberate alignment with AFL Victoria's strategic priorities for inclusive, sustainable growth in women's football. Post-COVID recovery was robust, driven by increased community engagement and targeted recruitment, leading to 63 women's teams by 2023 and positioning the VAFA as Australia's largest senior women's community competition.[21][22][23] Key milestones underscored the competition's momentum through the mid-2020s. In 2024, while some teams, such as Westbourne Grammarians, entered women's sides despite broader club recesses, the overall participation stabilized at 75 teams across six divisions. The 2025 season saw further diversification with the entry of the Port Melbourne Chargers as a new all-women's club in Premier B, enhancing geographic spread across Melbourne's suburbs. Old Scotch claimed the Premier Women's premiership that year, edging Caulfield Grammarians by five points in a tense grand final, highlighting the depth of talent and competitive balance achieved. These developments, supported by AFL Victoria's framework for talent pathways and welfare, have fostered sustained growth, with clubs distributed from inner-city hubs like Fitzroy to outer-eastern areas like Marcellin, promoting accessibility for diverse participants.[24][25][26]Administration and governance
Headquarters and administration
The headquarters of the Victorian Amateur Football Association (VAFA) is located at Elsternwick Park Oval 1, 164 Glen Huntly Road, Brighton, Victoria 3186, serving as its administrative base since 1967.[27] The facility includes administration offices, an upstairs function room, a video scoreboard, lighting for night matches, limited undercover seating, and large grass embankments for spectators, with temporary grandstands erected for grand finals.[27] It also supports operational needs such as car parking and public transport access via nearby Elsternwick Station and tram route 67.[27] The VAFA is governed by a Board of Management comprising 11 members plus the Chief Executive Officer, with each board member assigned to one of several sub-committees including Football, Governance, Community, and Umpiring.[28] As of 2025, Paul Newton serves as president, having been elected at the 2023 Annual General Meeting.[28] The board oversees annual general meetings held in December and a pre-season members' meeting in March, focusing on strategic direction and community engagement.[28] The organization maintains an affiliation with AFL Victoria through interchange agreements for player movement and joint approvals in areas such as junior club alignments.[29][30] Administratively, the VAFA employs a core staff of 12, including key roles such as Chief Executive Officer Jason Reddick, Football Operations Manager Mark Stevens, and Umpire Operations Manager Stephen Privitera, who manages umpiring panels and appointments.[31] Operations rely heavily on club-based volunteers for match-day support and community initiatives, supplemented by the headquarters' role in hosting representative matches and finals.[31] The VAFA contributes to player and coach development through its alignment with broader Victorian football pathways, including the 2025 signing of the Victorian Community Football Charter to enhance governance and support structures across the ecosystem.[32] In recent years, the VAFA has advanced its digital operations, launching an official app in September 2025 to provide supporters, players, and coaches with access to fixtures, results, and live updates, building on post-2020 enhancements like PlayHQ integration for online scheduling.[33][34] Additionally, administrative efforts in 2025 include expanding the women's competition structure, with initial senior women's sections released in March featuring re-grading after round 4 to accommodate growth across six divisions.[5]Rules, eligibility, and amateur status
The Victorian Amateur Football Association (VAFA) has maintained a strict no-payment policy for players since its formation in 1892, defining an amateur as one who does not receive or agree to receive any remuneration or reward, directly or indirectly, for participation.[35][30] This policy prohibits any inducements tied to club operations, though players may accept market-rate employment offers unrelated to their football involvement.[36][30] Breaches of amateur status are investigated by the Independent Integrity Hearing Panel, with penalties including permit cancellation and retrospective disqualification.[30] Eligibility in the VAFA is open to all registered amateurs aged 16 and over by December 31, encompassing old boys' teams from private schools, university clubs, and district clubs without professional affiliations.[36][30] Age-specific divisions include Under 19s competitions for players aged 19 or under by July 1, and Masters for those aged 34 or over by January 1, ensuring inclusive participation across skill and experience levels.[30] Women's competitions, such as Women's Premier (WPC) and Divisional (WDC), align with AFLW standards but adapt for community play, featuring 16 players on the field in WPC and 18 in WDC, while adhering to the AFL's Laws of Australian Football.[30][37] Unique to the VAFA are its thirds (reserves) competitions for both men's and women's teams, which use an "Evening Up" rule to balance player numbers and promote broader participation.[30] With no salary cap in place, an ethics code is enforced through amateur status guidelines, limiting coach reimbursements to $2,500 annually for seniors and $1,000 for reserves/thirds, and capping non-monetary awards at $100 per match or $200 for season/service recognition.[36][30] Doping policies follow the AFL National Community Football Policy Handbook, while conduct violations—such as striking, abusive language, or umpire contact—are addressed by the Independent Tribunal, which imposes suspensions ranging from 3 to 7 matches based on offense categories.[30] In 2024, the VAFA announced a year-long partnership with Sport4All to promote participation for people with disabilities. This supports broader AFL initiatives, including the Toyota AFL Open Inclusion division for athletes aged 16 and over with intellectual disabilities.[38][39] These updates also incorporate the AFL's Gender Diversity Policy, extending eligibility to transgender and gender-diverse players under community football guidelines, while fully adopting AFL national amateur standards via the 2025 rules handbook.[40][30]Competition format
Season structure and divisions
The VAFA season typically commences in early April and concludes in late September, featuring an 18-round home-and-away competition followed by finals series for each division. The 2025 season began on April 5, with rounds scheduled around public holidays such as Easter and King's Birthday, including byes for representative matches.[41][42] In the men's competition, six senior divisions operate: Premier, Premier B, Premier C, Division 1, Division 2, and Division 3. Each division comprises 10 teams, resulting in a total of 60 senior men's teams for 2025, following the post-2023 abolition of Division 4 and adjustments for club withdrawals such as Bulleen Templestowe. Parallel reserves and thirds competitions support these divisions, with some clubs like Masala Dandenong fielding teams exclusively in the thirds grades (Division 2 and 3).[43][44] The women's competition aligns with the men's in season length, also spanning 18 home-and-away rounds in 2025, and includes six senior divisions: Premier, Premier B, and Divisions 1 through 4. Over 1,140 players participated across 72 teams in seven sections, incorporating reserves in the Premier division and additional grades like thirds, with 51 clubs involved.[5][42] Promotion and relegation in the men's divisions is determined automatically by end-of-season performance: the grand final winners from each division (except Premier) are promoted, while the bottom two teams are relegated. For the 2025 season, this system resulted in promotions such as Old Haileybury and De La Salle ascending to Premier from Premier B, and Old Carey and Hampton Rovers to Premier B. In contrast, the women's divisions employ an initial structure set prior to the season, followed by mid-season re-grading after round 4 to redistribute teams based on ladder positions and ensure competitive balance.[43][45][5]Finals system and premierships
The Victorian Amateur Football Association (VAFA) utilizes a top-four finals system across its men's and women's divisions, where the four highest-ranked teams from the home-and-away season qualify based on premiership points and percentage. The series consists of a first semi-final between third and fourth place, a second semi-final between first and second place, a preliminary final between the loser of the second semi-final and the winner of the first semi-final, and a grand final between the winners of the second semi-final and the preliminary final. This format ensures the minor premier receives a direct path to the grand final while providing opportunities for lower-ranked qualifiers to advance. Drawn matches proceed to extra time, with five minutes plus time-on per end until a result is determined.[46] Grand finals are hosted at neutral venues to promote fairness and community access, with the men's Premier Division grand final held annually at Elsternwick Park since 1933. All finals matches adhere to VAFA rules derived from the Laws of Australian Football, with specific eligibility criteria requiring players to meet minimum game thresholds in the qualifying team—such as two games for Premier women's seniors or four for most men's reserves—to prevent overuse of higher-division players. The system emphasizes amateur integrity, prohibiting top-up players from external competitions in finals.[47][48][49] Premierships are awarded to grand final winners in each division, marked by perpetual trophies such as the William Buck Premier Men's Cup and equivalent honors in other sections, which are presented post-match amid club celebrations. In the men's competition, Collegians and University Blacks share the all-time record with 20 senior premierships each across VAFA history, reflecting sustained success since the league's founding in 1892. For the flagship Premier men's division, Old Xaverians lead with 16 titles, including a dominant run in the 1990s and early 2000s. Recent Premier men's winners include Old Brighton in 2025 (defeating Old Scotch), Collegians in 2023, and St Kevin's Old Boys in 2022.[50][48][51]| Division | Most Premierships (Club, Total) | Examples of Titles |
|---|---|---|
| Premier Men | Old Xaverians, 16 | 1995–1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2009–2010, 2013, 2016 |
| Premier B Men | St Bernard's, 7 | 1976, 1982, 1984, 1987, 1991, 2018, 2023 |
| Premier Women | St Kevin's Old Boys Saints, 3 | 2019, 2022, 2023 |
Representative football
Inter-league matches
Inter-league matches in the Victorian Amateur Football Association (VAFA) involve representative teams from the league competing against counterparts from other Victorian metropolitan or regional amateur and community football associations, such as the Eastern Football League (EFL) and AFL Victoria Country. These fixtures, often contested under the Big V guernsey, foster rivalries among suburban and country leagues while providing opportunities for high-level competition outside regular club seasons.[4] Post-1970s, annual or semi-regular fixtures became more common, with the VAFA securing victories such as a 2011 win over the Victorian Country Football League (VCFL) at Shepparton and a dominant 82-point triumph against AFL Victoria Country at Frankston City Oval in 2017. Another notable outcome was the 2014 Metro Championships, where the VAFA senior team beat the EFL by 48 points at Visy Park, underscoring ongoing metro rivalries.[4] The selection process for VAFA inter-league teams draws from the strongest performers across the Premier and Premier B divisions, with coaches and selectors identifying talent based on season form, versatility, and availability. Under VAFA rules, all registered players must make themselves available for representative duties unless excused by the Board for adequate reasons, such as injury or personal circumstances; failure to do so can result in ineligibility penalties determined by the Board. These matches play a crucial role in talent identification, spotlighting players for potential pathways to higher levels of community or professional football.[46][4] In recent years, inter-league play has expanded to include women's teams, with the inaugural VAFA women's representative match occurring in 2017—a 49-point victory over AFL Goldfields—paving the way for regular fixtures that promote growth in the women's competition. By 2022, these women's inter-league games had become integrated into the annual representative calendar, enhancing participation and competitive depth across genders.[4]Interstate and international games
The Victorian Amateur Football Association (VAFA) has a long tradition of interstate representative matches, beginning with its inaugural game against the South Australian Amateur Football League (SAAFL) in 1925 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. These fixtures, often part of Australian Amateur Football Council (AAFC) carnivals or bilateral series, have provided opportunities for VAFA players from all divisions to represent the state, fostering national amateur competition. By 1951, the VAFA team achieved a dominant 39.18 (252) to 4.4 (28) victory over Tasmania at St Kilda Cricket Ground, showcasing the growing strength of Victorian amateur football.[53] In 1954, the team secured a narrow 97-89 win over an AAFC composite side at University Oval in Melbourne, highlighting competitive interstate play during AAFC carnivals.[54] A landmark moment came in 1956 during the Melbourne Olympic Games, where Australian rules football featured as a demonstration sport. On December 7 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, the VAFA side upset a combined Victorian Football League (VFL) and Victorian Football Association (VFA) team by 26 points, with a final score of 12.9 (81) to 8.7 (55), drawing up to 30,000 spectators and providing rare international exposure for amateur players.[15] The following year, in 1957, the VAFA hosted SAAFL at Olympic Park in a match resulting in a 15.9 (99) to 8.3 (51) victory for Victoria.[55] Interstate contests continued into the 1970s, including a 1971 tour featuring wins over SAAFL (18.14.122 to 9.13.67 at Elsternwick Park) and Tasmania (15.18.108 to 5.11.41 at Elsternwick Park), with selections drawn from across VAFA divisions to broaden participation.[54][53] International engagements have been limited but significant, primarily through exhibition matches like the 1956 Olympic demonstration, which elevated the profile of amateur Australian rules football globally. In the 1980s, the VAFA undertook tours such as a 1980 trip to Western Australia, where it faced the West Australian Amateur Football League (WAAFL) in a competitive loss of 102-115, contributing to cross-state amateur exchanges.[54] The introduction of women's interstate representation marked a milestone in 2025, with the debut Big V women's team facing the Perth Football League (PFL) at Elsternwick Park on July 12, resulting in a 23-point victory, 6.8 (44) to 3.3 (21). The men's team lost to PFL in the accompanying match, with Perth retaining the silverware trophy. This double-header signified the expansion of women's amateur opportunities at the representative level. Overall, the VAFA men's senior interstate record as of 2024 stands at 141 wins from 173 matches (82% success rate), with an average winning margin of 55 points; following the 2025 men's loss, it updated to 141 wins from 174 matches (81% success rate).[54][56][57][58]Current clubs
Men's clubs by division
The Victorian Amateur Football Association (VAFA) men's competition in 2025 comprised 60 teams across six divisions: Premier, Premier B, Premier C, Division 1, Division 2, and Division 3, operating under a promotion and relegation system to determine annual movements between levels. Clubs in the higher divisions typically feature longer histories, multiple teams (seniors, reserves, thirds, and under-19s), and greater numbers of premierships, while lower divisions include newer or thirds-only teams focused on development. Nicknames such as Lions (Collegians) and Grammarians (Old Trinity) are common among old boys' clubs, with many having joined the VAFA in its early years or the mid-20th century; total premierships range from over 20 for top clubs like Collegians to single flags for recent entrants.Premier Division
The Premier Division, the top tier, included 10 clubs in 2025, all with extensive VAFA histories and multiple premierships. Old Brighton claimed the 2025 premiership, defeating Old Scotch by 25 points in the grand final at Elsternwick Park, marking their first top-flight title. [59] The clubs were: Collegians, De La Salle, Old Brighton, Old Haileybury, Old Scotch, Old Xaverians, St Bernard's, St Kevin's, University Blacks, and University Blues. Representative examples include Collegians, established in 1893 as one of the VAFA's founding clubs and the only original member still competing at the elite level; they wear purple and gold, play home games at Harry Trott Oval in Albert Park, and have won 21 premierships, most recently in 2023. [60] [50] St Kevin's, founded in 1910 and first competing in the VAFA in 1927, don green and gold guernseys and are based at TH King Oval in Ormond, with 13 premierships to their name, including multiple in the 1970s and 1980s.Premier B
Premier B featured 10 clubs in 2025, known for tight contests where 11 wins secured finals qualification. Old Trinity won the premiership, defeating Caulfield Grammarians in the grand final on September 20 at Elsternwick Park, their first senior men's title since 1999. [61] [62] The clubs were: Caulfield Grammarians, Fitzroy, Hampton Rovers, Old Camberwell, Old Carey, Old Geelong, Old Ivanhoe, Old Melburnians, Old Trinity, Williamstown CYMS. Representative examples include Old Trinity, established in 1923 (admitted to the VAFA in 1921), wearing navy blue and icicle (sky blue) with home games at Marles Playing Fields in Bulleen; they have secured 8 premierships, emphasizing consistency in recent promotions. [63] Old Ivanhoe, formed in 1929 and joining the VAFA in 1931, compete in red, white, and blue at Chelsworth Park in Ivanhoe, with 7 premierships and a strong minor premiership finish in 2025.Premier C
Premier C hosted 10 clubs in 2025, with Beaumaris emerging as premiers after a competitive finals series against AJAX in the grand final. [64] [65] The clubs included Beaumaris, AJAX, Parkdale Vultures, St Bedes/Mentone Tigers, PEGS, Glen Eira, Marcellin, Mazenod, Parkside, Prahran, many with histories dating to the 1970s or earlier and 4-6 premierships collectively. Beaumaris, established in 1951 and entering the VAFA in 1980, wear royal blue and white and play at Banksia Reserve in Beaumaris; their 2025 success earned four selections in the division's Team of the Year, building on 5 previous flags. [65]Division 1
Division 1 consisted of 10 clubs in 2025, with Old Peninsula claiming the premiership after defeating Ormond by 74 points in the grand final. [66] Clubs like Brunswick (est. 1995, red and blue at Gillon Oval, 2 premierships) and Elsternwick (joined VAFA 2005, green and gold at Elsternwick Park) represented a mix of suburban and university-affiliated teams, with first VAFA seasons ranging from 1960s to 2000s.Division 2
Division 2 featured 10 teams, including La Trobe University and Preston Bullants, focusing on emerging talents with 1-3 premierships per club on average. St Mary's Salesian won the 2025 premiership, defeating Old Yarra Cobras by 3 points in the grand final. [67]Division 3
Division 3 had 10 clubs, where Power House dominated to win their first premiership, securing the minor premiership and grand final victory. [68] Examples include Power House (est. 1975, red, white, and blue at Ross Gregory Oval in Hampton, multiple lower-division flags leading to 2025 success). Thirds-only clubs like Masala Dandenong, established in 2013 and joining the VAFA that year, field teams in Division 2 and 3 thirds wearing gold with a tiger emblem at Lois Twohig Reserve in North Dandenong, emphasizing multicultural participation without senior sides. [44]Women's clubs by division
The VAFA women's competition in 2025 featured 60 teams across six divisions, reflecting substantial growth from the 40 teams that participated in its inaugural season in 2017.[69] This expansion underscores the increasing popularity of women's Australian rules football in metropolitan Melbourne, with clubs distributed across inner, eastern, northern, and southern suburbs, fostering community engagement and development pathways. The structure promotes promotion and relegation, with mid-season regrading after round 4 to balance competition. Premierships since 2017 highlight the achievements of pioneering clubs, while new entrants like the Port Melbourne Chargers contribute to ongoing diversification.Premier Division
The Premier Division comprises 10 senior women's teams from prominent VAFA clubs, many of which established women's programs in the competition's early years. For instance, Old Scotch formed its women's team, the Old Scotch Stars, in 2018 and has secured three premierships since then (2019, 2024, and 2025), with the club playing at Camberwell Sports Ground in navy blue and white colors.[70][71] St Kevin's, in red and white, won the 2023 premiership before finishing as minor premiers in 2025. These teams are primarily based in Melbourne's inner-east and bayside areas, emphasizing high-level amateur play with pathways to representative honors.| Club | Establishment (Women's Team) | Colors | Home Ground | Premierships Since 2017 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caulfield Grammarians | 2017 | Blue and white | Caulfield Racecourse Reserve, Caulfield | 1 (2022) |
| Fitzroy | 2017 | Maroon and blue | Edinburgh Gardens, Fitzroy | 0 |
| Kew | 2018 | Gold and blue | Studley Park, Kew | 0 |
| Melbourne University | 2017 | Navy blue and red | University Oval, Parkville | 1 (2021) |
| Old Geelong | 2019 | Royal blue and white | Elsternwick Park, Elsternwick | 0 |
| Old Scotch | 2018 | Navy blue and white | Camberwell Sports Ground, Camberwell | 3 (2019, 2024, 2025) |
| Old Yarra Cobras | 2023 (amalgamation) | Red, white, and blue | Kooyong Park, Kooyong | 0 |
| St Kevin’s | 2017 | Red and white | Bulleen Oval, Bulleen | 1 (2023) |
| West Brunswick | 2018 | Red and white | West Brunswick Oval, West Brunswick | 0 |
| Williamstown CYMS | 2017 | Royal blue and gold | Williamstown Oval, Williamstown | 0 |
Premier B Division
This division includes 10 competitive teams, blending established programs with newcomers. The Port Melbourne Chargers entered their inaugural VAFA season in 2025, playing in red, white, and blue at North Port Oval and marking the competition's growth into new bayside areas. Old Brighton, in blue and white at McKinnon Reserve, won the 2025 premiership after promotion from Division 1. Clubs here are concentrated in Melbourne's south and east, with several having multiple teams across divisions to support player development.| Club | Establishment (Women's Team) | Colors | Home Ground | Premierships Since 2017 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beaumaris | 2017 | Navy blue and white | Beaumaris Reserve, Beaumaris | 0 |
| Coburg | 2018 | Navy blue and white | Coburg City Oval, Coburg | 0 |
| Marcellin | 2019 | Green and gold | Marcellin College Oval, Bulleen | 0 |
| Old Brighton | 2017 | Blue and white | McKinnon Reserve, McKinnon | 0 (2025 in Premier B) |
| Old Melburnians | 2017 | Royal blue and white | Toorak Park, Armadale | 1 (2018, in lower division) |
| Old Xaverians | 2018 | Royal blue and white | Xavier College Oval, Kew | 0 |
| Parkdale Vultures | 2017 | Black and white | Parkdale Park, Parkdale | 0 |
| Port Melbourne Chargers | 2025 | Red, white, and blue | North Port Oval, Port Melbourne | 0 |
| St Bedes/Mentone Tigers | 2017 | Black, white, and teal | Mentone Grammar Oval, Mentone | 0 |
| Westbourne Grammarians | 2019 | Blue and white | Westbourne Grammar, Hoppers Crossing | 0 |
Division 1
Featuring 10 teams, Division 1 serves as a key development tier, with many clubs promoting from below. Glen Eira/Old McKinnon, established in 2018 and playing in blue and red at Mackie Reserve, won their first Division 1 premiership in 2025 after going undefeated. Therry Penola, in black and white at Memorial Park, entered from Division 3 as 2024 premiers. These teams span Melbourne's south-east and north, providing competitive balance and talent pipelines.| Club | Establishment (Women's Team) | Colors | Home Ground | Premierships Since 2017 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Glen Eira/Old McKinnon | 2018 | Blue and red | Mackie Reserve, Bentleigh East | 1 (2025) |
| Hampton Rovers | 2017 | Red, white, and blue | Boss James Reserve, Hampton | 0 |
| Hawthorn | 2020 | Brown and gold | Anderson Oval, Hawthorn | 0 |
| Monash Blues | 2017 | Navy blue and red | Sport precinct, Clayton | 0 |
| Oakleigh | 2019 | Blue and white | Oakland Park, Oakleigh | 0 |
| Old Haileybury | 2018 | Red, blue, and white | Haileybury College, Keysborough | 0 |
| Power House | 2019 | Red and white | Power House Reserve, Footscray | 0 |
| Richmond Central | 2017 | Yellow and black | Richmond Oval, Richmond | 0 |
| Therry Penola | 2018 | Black and white | Memorial Park, Kealba | 0 |
| Whitefriars | 2019 | Maroon and gold | Whitefriars College, Donvale | 0 |
Division 2
Division 2 hosts 10 teams, including newcomers like MCC FC, which debuted in 2025 in red, white, and blue at Melbourne Cricket Ground's outer ovals. La Trobe University, established in 2019 and playing in purple and white at Bundoora Park, claimed their first Division 2 premiership in 2025. Focused on northern and eastern Melbourne suburbs, this level supports emerging talent from university and community clubs.| Club | Establishment (Women's Team) | Colors | Home Ground | Premierships Since 2017 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aquinas | 2019 | Maroon and gold | Aquinas College, Ringwood | 0 |
| Box Hill North | 2020 | Blue and white | Koonung Reserve, Box Hill North | 0 |
| Brunswick | 2018 | Red and white | Gillon Oval, Brunswick | 0 |
| De La Salle | 2017 | Blue and white | De La Salle College, Malvern | 0 |
| La Trobe University | 2019 | Purple and white | Bundoora Park, Bundoora | 1 (2025) |
| MCC FC | 2025 | Red, white, and blue | Melbourne Cricket Ground ovals, East Melbourne | 0 |
| Old Carey | 2018 | Green and gold | Carey Grammar, Bulleen | 0 |
| Parkside | 2020 | Blue and white | Parkside Reserve, Alphington | 0 |
| UHS-VU | 2019 | Black and white | University of Melbourne, Parkville | 0 |
| Wattle Park | 2017 | Red and white | Wattle Park, Burwood East | 0 |
Division 3
This division includes 10 teams, with six promoted from Division 4 and two new entries. St Mary’s Salesian, formed in 2018 in blue and white at Salesian College, won the 2025 premiership in extra time. Albert Park, established in 2019 and based at Albert Park, exemplifies growth in inner-city areas. Clubs here cover a broad geographic spread, aiding accessibility for new players.| Club | Establishment (Women's Team) | Colors | Home Ground | Premierships Since 2017 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Albert Park | 2019 | Navy blue and white | Albert Park, Albert Park | 0 |
| Canterbury | 2020 | Red and white | Canterbury Reserve, Canterbury | 0 |
| Elsternwick | 2021 | Blue and white | Elsternwick Park, Elsternwick | 0 |
| Mazenod | 2019 | Blue and white | Mazenod College, Wantirna | 0 |
| Old Camberwell | 2018 | Red and white | Camberwell Sports Ground, Camberwell | 0 |
| North Brunswick | 2020 | Green and gold | HB Pitman Reserve, North Brunswick | 0 |
| Ormond | 2025 | Blue and white | Ormond Park, Ormond | 0 |
| Prahran | 2025 | Red and blue | Fawkner Park, South Yarra | 0 |
| South Melbourne Districts | 2019 | Red and white | Middle Park, Middle Park | 0 |
| St Mary’s Salesian | 2018 | Blue and white | Salesian College, Chadstone | 1 (2025) |
Division 4
Division 4 features 10 teams, often including second or development sides from higher-division clubs alongside standalone programs. Westbourne Grammarians' second team, in blue and white at Westbourne Grammar, won the 2025 premiership by 12 points over Old Yarra Cobras' second team. This level, concentrated in outer eastern and southern suburbs, emphasizes grassroots participation and skill-building, with clubs like Preston Bullants (established 2020, red and blue at Preston City Oval) providing entry points for beginners.| Club (or Team) | Establishment (Women's Program) | Colors | Home Ground | Premierships Since 2017 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canterbury Cobras (second) | 2020 | Red and white | Canterbury Reserve, Canterbury | 0 |
| Caulfield Grammarians (second) | 2017 | Blue and white | Caulfield Racecourse Reserve, Caulfield | 0 |
| Fitzroy (second) | 2017 | Maroon and blue | Edinburgh Gardens, Fitzroy | 0 |
| Monash Blues (second) | 2017 | Navy blue and red | Sport precinct, Clayton | 0 |
| Oakleigh (second) | 2019 | Blue and white | Oakland Park, Oakleigh | 0 |
| Old Yarra Cobras (second) | 2023 | Red, white, and blue | Kooyong Park, Kooyong | 0 |
| Port Melbourne Chargers (second/development) | 2025 | Red, white, and blue | North Port Oval, Port Melbourne | 0 |
| Preston Bullants | 2020 | Red and blue | Preston City Oval, Preston | 0 |
| St Kevin’s (second) | 2017 | Red and white | Bulleen Oval, Bulleen | 0 |
| Westbourne Grammarians (second) | 2019 | Blue and white | Westbourne Grammar, Hoppers Crossing | 1 (2025) |