Premier A 2014

[darwinderwin]

I know we are going back to Xavier territory here, but they have been busy recruiting. John Shaw (ex bulldogs) and Caydn Beetham (ex saints) will both be valuable additions. Beetham must be getting old now though, 32ish?

 

[Penski]

I know we are going back to Xavier territory here, but they have been busy recruiting. John Shaw (ex bulldogs) and Caydn Beetham (ex saints) will both be valuable additions. Beetham must be getting old now though, 32ish?

Turns 32 next month. Played for Sorrento last season.

But John Shaw has been playing with them for a few years, unless there is another John Shaw coming in?!?

 

[ex afl players]

Turns 32 next month. Played for Sorrento last season.

But John Shaw has been playing with them for a few years, unless there is another John Shaw coming in?!?

so is it the ex bulldogs listed player?

 

[Penski]

Also, the rep squad has just been announced, which also confirms a number of rumours that have already been posted on here (the more interesting ones in bold).

NAME CLUB Section
Matthew PETERING Beaumaris Premier
Harry CROFT Collegians Premier
Trent ZIMBACHS Collegians Premier
Will TARDIFF Collegians Premier
James KONDAROVSKIS Collegians Premier
Andrew SCOTT Collegians Premier
Jacob WILLIAMS De La Salle Premier
Matthew FIELDSEND De La Salle Premier
Sam WILLIAMS De La Salle Premier
Gus PATTI Mazenod Premier B
Jon PERRETT Old Brighton Premier
Tom MENTIPLAY Old Brighton Premier
Cameron HOWAT Old Carey Premier B
Lachlan MCQUEEN-MISCAMBLE Old Carey Premier B
Ben SMITHWICK Old Carey Premier B
Joel RICE Old Carey Premier B
Tom ROACH Old Carey Premier B
Chris JOHNSON Old Ivanhoe Premier B
Tom PAULE Old Melburnians Premier B
Al ARMSTRONG Old Melburnians Premier B
Josh FREEZER Old Melburnians Premier B
Jack BULL Old Scotch Premier
Brendan IEZZI Old Trinity Premier
John SHAW Old Xaverians Premier
Chris WALLER Old Xaverians Premier
Brendan GOSS Old Xaverians Premier
Murphy AMBROSE Old Xaverians Premier
Matt HANDLEY Old Xaverians Premier
Caydn BEETHAM Old Xaverians Premier
Ben KENNEDY Old Xaverians Premier
Esmond PROWSE Old Xaverians Premier
Jaryd ROBERTSON St Bedes/Mentone Tigers Premier
Simon RICHARDS St Bedes/Mentone Tigers Premier
Patrick KEAN St Bedes/Mentone Tigers Premier
Simon CAVEN St Bernards Premier
Tom CAVEN St Bernards Premier
Adam BENTICK St Bernards Premier
Josh MADDEN St Bernards Premier
Ben DOWD St Kevins Old Boys Premier B
Anthony LYNCH St Kevins Old Boys Premier B
Simon HOGAN University Blacks Premier
Bede MAHON University Blacks Premier
Jason BLAKE University Blacks Premier
Andrew WILLINGHAM University Blacks Premier
Jack WATTS University Blues Premier B
Jack TOWNLEY University Blues Premier B

 

[Brissel]

great to see tom caven finally given a chance to play rep footy

just about the best full back in the comp

 

[Jascave]

If there's one thing I'd like to see this year, is that the late Noel Rundle be inducted into the AFL Australian Football Hall of Fame, for his outstanding contribution to VAFA and Australian Football. Possibly the best administrator the VAFA ever had.



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[Jimmyjack]

With practice matches starting in a about 3 weeks its pretty quiet on here. Any more on the Chris Tarrant to Xavs? Would be good for the comp but gut feel is it just wont happen. Can’t see CT giving up those lucrative ‘one off’ guest appearances in other leagues.

What happening at the Snowdogs? Can usually count on a few of the Bernies faithful to keep us informed. Thought they might have underachieved for talent at disposal last year and maybe a new coach will see them rise up the ranks. I hear they might have lost Sullivan who I rate extremely highly.

Blacks look the early team to beat. Jason Bake and Simon Hogan into an already strong line up. We know De La have had a few departures but word is that Scotch may have also lost a few quality players. Do we know anything about the 2 promoted sides?

All just conjecture so some news from those in the know would be appreciated.

 

[Cantheyplay]

With practice matches starting in a about 3 weeks its pretty quiet on here. Any more on the Chris Tarrant to Xavs? Would be good for the comp but gut feel is it just wont happen. Can’t see CT giving up those lucrative ‘one off’ guest appearances in other leagues.

What happening at the Snowdogs? Can usually count on a few of the Bernies faithful to keep us informed. Thought they might have underachieved for talent at disposal last year and maybe a new coach will see them rise up the ranks. I hear they might have lost Sullivan who I rate extremely highly.

Blacks look the early team to beat. Jason Bake and Simon Hogan into an already strong line up. We know De La have had a few departures but word is that Scotch may have also lost a few quality players. Do we know anything about the 2 promoted sides?

All just conjecture so some news from those in the know would be appreciated.

Looks like Rock will attract a few from the Western comps. Sullivan has gone.
Blacks got some good recruits but lose Roberts to coaching and McCauley and possibly Richardson.
De la have lost 8 of their top 10 B&F finishes from 2013.
A few Scotchies have gone, Gene Van den Boek, Jamieson and Barlow and Gilbee to St Kilda... Not good for them...
No word from Trinity or Brighton as yet....

 

[flat footy]

Looks like Rock will attract a few from the Western comps. Sullivan has gone.
Blacks got some good recruits but lose Roberts to coaching and McCauley and possibly Richardson.
De la have lost 8 of their top 10 B&F finishes from 2013.
A few Scotchies have gone, Gene Van den Boek, Jamieson and Barlow and Gilbee to St Kilda... Not good for them...
No word from Trinity or Brighton as yet....

Jack Bull back to OS.

 

[darwinderwin]

Been informed that Richardson should be back from O/S by mid year. Good pick up half way through. Most clubs would have players in this boat. While they haven't signed, Blacks are confident in two more low profile (interstate) recruits. Observed their training last week, had over 60 players on the track. The new grandstand facility is also starting to take nice shape. The university have told us that it should be ready for round 1.

 

[Cantheyplay]

Been informed that Richardson should be back from O/S by mid year. Good pick up half way through. Most clubs would have players in this boat. While they haven't signed, Blacks are confident in two more low profile (interstate) recruits. Observed their training last week, had over 60 players on the track. The new grandstand facility is also starting to take nice shape. The university have told us that it should be ready for round 1.

I heard Xavs had over a 100 on the track this week.

 

[darwinderwin]

I heard Xavs had over a 100 on the track this week.

That's a huge number. Wouldn't be much fun trying to organise that. Probably about 50 above optimum.

 

[Jimmyjack]

I heard Xavs had over a 100 on the track this week.

With 5 senior sides and 2 x U19s that number would seem about right. They are a huge club

CTP - You seem to be in the know at Xavs. Anymore on Chris Tarrant? I am hearing third hand that a sticking point is his desire to still make the odd guest appearances in other comps for $.

 

[flat footy]

Been informed that Richardson should be back from O/S by mid year. Good pick up half way through. Most clubs would have players in this boat. While they haven't signed, Blacks are confident in two more low profile (interstate) recruits. Observed their training last week, had over 60 players on the track. The new grandstand facility is also starting to take nice shape. The university have told us that it should be ready for round 1.

Is the ground surf

With 5 senior sides and 2 x U19s that number would seem about right. They are a huge club

CTP - You seem to be in the know at Xavs. Anymore on Chris Tarrant? I am hearing third hand that a sticking point is his desire to still make the odd guest appearances in other comps for $.

What else is there to know bout CT? for heavens sake give it a break. Either he plays or he doesnt, pretty simple. Until then, its dreamtime.

 

[Jascave]

Who do you think will make the finals
and who will play off in the Premier Grand Final this year? (PS Hope this will be the last year the VAFA plays the Premier Grand Final on a Saturday-bring it back to the traditional Sunday time slot.


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[Jimmyjack]

Is the ground surf


What else is there to know bout CT? for heavens sake give it a break. Either he plays or he doesnt, pretty simple. Until then, its dreamtime.

Excuse my interest but I reckon there is a bit more to it than either he plays or he doesn‘t. He would be one of the highest profile players to ever grace the VAFA and as I understand it there are a few unique impediments to the deal going through. Hoping that perhaps someone in the know could provide a factual account rather then just relying on the usual rumour and innuendo.

Appreciate your view but I am genuinly intereted in how this plays out. Not much else going on here so what’s the harm in trying to get some footy talk going.

 

[Cantheyplay]

Excuse my interest but I reckon there is a bit more to it than either he plays or he doesn‘t. He would be one of the highest profile players to ever grace the VAFA and as I understand it there are a few unique impediments to the deal going through. Hoping that perhaps someone in the know could provide a factual account rather then just relying on the usual rumour and innuendo.

Appreciate your view but I am genuinly intereted in how this plays out. Not much else going on here so what’s the harm in trying to get some footy talk going.

Latest is Tarrant will be playing Metro League football and will not play VAFA.

 

[darwinderwin]

Is the ground surf

No sure if this is relating to the state of the ground surface at Uni or not? If so, the ground is in perfect condition, as it is every time this year. Its when it get used every day in winter and doesnt drain that it turns to mud. Won't be any different this year. When they do decide to do something about it, id imagine that it would rule out the oval for a year while its ripped up and resurfaced/pipes laid etc. TH King had a lot of money spent on it, does anyone know how that held up over winter?

 

[flat footy]

No sure if this is relating to the state of the ground surface at Uni or not? If so, the ground is in perfect condition, as it is every time this year. Its when it get used every day in winter and doesnt drain that it turns to mud. Won't be any different this year. When they do decide to do something about it, id imagine that it would rule out the oval for a year while its ripped up and resurfaced/pipes laid etc. TH King had a lot of money spent on it, does anyone know how that held up over winter?

Typo Darwinder, went off on another tangent. Yep I agree with all of the above. The poor ground doesnt stand a chance........
Fix up the stands and ammenities so as we can watch A Grade mud wrestling...

 

[Bagman99]

Looks like Rock will attract a few from the Western comps. Sullivan has gone.
Blacks got some good recruits but lose Roberts to coaching and McCauley and possibly Richardson.
De la have lost 8 of their top 10 B&F finishes from 2013.
A few Scotchies have gone, Gene Van den Boek, Jamieson and Barlow and Gilbee to St Kilda... Not good for them...
No word from Trinity or Brighton as yet....

Just to clarify, the Sullivan who departed Bernard's is Mick Sullivan, not B&F winner, Tom Sullivan, who is flying in pre season.

 

[Bagman99]

Bernard's update for you folk following Premier - looking at clearances thus far:

Gone = Grosso (EDFL), Mick Sullivan (Therry), Houlihan (not processed but is playing with his brother in EDFL apparently), Jack Fenner (PEGS), Kyle Dalmau (2nds player to EDFL). 1st 3 quality players to lose, but otherwise, no other major losses reported as yet. I understand Van Meel may have gone to EDFL - he was away most of 2013, but still a big loss.

New = Chad Jones (WAFL), Jake Calvert (Frankston VFL), Alex Mcleod (EDFL), Sam Fleming (Portland), Jayden Malseed (GFL) and 1 or 2 more expected according to recent interview with coach Rock. Believe the quality of the INS superior to the OUTS.

 

[sticks96]

Believe Brighton have picked up Ben Jakobi (ex Richmond rookie). Seriously good footballer who has had a horror run with a foot injury. Not sure of any other player movements with them.

 

[Cantheyplay]

Believe Brighton have picked up Ben Jakobi (ex Richmond rookie). Seriously good footballer who has had a horror run with a foot injury. Not sure of any other player movements with them.

Very quiet on here, so who is everyone's pick for the 2014 flag? Who will be the improver's, who will slide down the ladder? How will Trinity and Brighton go at this level?

 

[Jimmyjack]

Very quiet on here, so who is everyone's pick for the 2014 flag? Who will be the improver's, who will slide down the ladder? How will Trinity and Brighton go at this level?

Fraught with danger having a crack at this so early but here goes


Premiers Old Xavs. Miles ahead of the rest last year. Have such amazing depth that even a few departures and retirements will scarcely be noticed.


Runners Up Uni Blacks. Have added some real quality including 2 ex AFL players to what is an already imposing list.


Woodrow Adam Bentick (St Bernards) and Adam Patterson (UB) Quite simply they are the best players in the comp. Others to feature will be Matt Fieldsend (De La). Won in 2009 and comes back to the VFA after 4 season in the VFL a better player than when he left. Iezzi (OT) past winner and class act, Richards (SBMT) and Allen (OX) both tough inside mids who get plenty of it.


Improver St Bernards. Based on what has been written in local rags and from other sources they looked to have picked up some good recruits. A lot will depend on how many games and goals they get from Chad Jones. (is Merrington going around again?)


Slider Scotch. I say this without much conviction but to slide you have to have been well placed in 2013 and I just can’t see any of the other top 4 teams from last season losing ground.


Best Forward Brendan Goss. Can get 5 touches and kick 5 goals. Uncanny goal sense and makes the most of every opportunity.


Best Defender(s) Tom Humphrey. Quite simply is never beaten. Tough and tenacious. Tom Caven. Quality player for many years recognised with Big V Selection. (Tougher to be a defender for De La and St B’s then it would be for Xavs or UB)


Spoon To early to call and would disrespectful in any event. I reckon a few might have my mob penciled in based on departures but arrivals more than compensate. Will be another very tough season.

 

[Bagman99]

Fraught with danger having a crack at this so early but here goes


Premiers Old Xavs. Miles ahead of the rest last year. Have such amazing depth that even a few departures and retirements will scarcely be noticed.


Runners Up Uni Blacks. Have added some real quality including 2 ex AFL players to what is an already imposing list.


Woodrow Adam Bentick (St Bernards) and Adam Patterson (UB) Quite simply they are the best players in the comp. Others to feature will be Matt Fieldsend (De La). Won in 2009 and comes back to the VFA after 4 season in the VFL a better player than when he left. Iezzi (OT) past winner and class act, Richards (SBMT) and Allen (OX) both tough inside mids who get plenty of it.


Improver St Bernards. Based on what has been written in local rags and from other sources they looked to have picked up some good recruits. A lot will depend on how many games and goals they get from Chad Jones. (is Merrington going around again?)


Slider Scotch. I say this without much conviction but to slide you have to have been well placed in 2013 and I just can’t see any of the other top 4 teams from last season losing ground.


Best Forward Brendan Goss. Can get 5 touches and kick 5 goals. Uncanny goal sense and makes the most of every opportunity.


Best Defender(s) Tom Humphrey. Quite simply is never beaten. Tough and tenacious. Tom Caven. Quality player for many years recognised with Big V Selection. (Tougher to be a defender for De La and St B’s then it would be for Xavs or UB)


Spoon To early to call and would disrespectful in any event. I reckon a few might have my mob penciled in based on departures but arrivals more than compensate. Will be another very tough season.

Yes, Merrington is going around again.