VAFA General Discussion 2022-2023-2024

[DoubleDraw]

FWIW new vafa president creating a big footy account and the Herald Sun doing a write up on Div1-Div4 recruits, what other nuggets does 2024 have in store? Bedford as the new mod?

All VAFA posters being named,shamed and charged with 'bring game into disrepute"?

 

[Jimmyjack]

<koff> Deer Park <koff>

Amongst many, many others.

 

[jdpie]

They were very bullish about his lining up for the Panthers in 2021. Surprised he is apparently not playing there but surely if its an ammo club it's OC.

Key forwards can earn plenty in bush and metro leagues so expect he would be on decent coin.

not OC. Not VAFA

 

[jdpie]

Understand Old Carey had a decent crack at Lisle and where also in the mix. Where did he end up?

No crack had by OC.

 

[Jimmyjack]

No crack had by OC.

I know he has gone to Balwyn but was told OC had a go by someone close to the club. Old boy and family currently involved so makes sense they would have a crack. However get that it is very tough competing with the Balwyn’s of the world. Would have done some damage in B grade.

 

[jdpie]

I know he has gone to Balwyn but was told OC had a go by someone close to the club. Old boy and family currently involved so makes sense they would have a crack. However get that it is very tough competing with the Balwyn’s of the world. Would have done some damage in B grade.

sure would and it would

I know he has gone to Balwyn but was told OC had a go by someone close to the club. Old boy and family currently involved so makes sense they would have a crack. However get that it is very tough competing with the Balwyn’s of the world. Would have done some damage in B grade.

would have been great but did not happen.

 

[XhazzafootyX]

Hearing Nick Graham(ex Carlton) to SBMT

 

[hansie]

Oxley to skob. Wonder if bucks will wander down to watch? Now 10 ex afl at skob. Surely they aren’t all skev old boys. Something not quite right there


On iPhone using BigFooty.com mobile app

 

[HedgeFund]

Oxley to skob. Wonder if bucks will wander down to watch? Now 10 ex afl at skob. Surely they aren’t all skev old boys. Something not quite right there


On iPhone using BigFooty.com mobile app

Well he was going to return to Qld to play NEAFL with Redland in 2020, but obviously that didn’t happen and Redland chose not to join the VFL/NEAFL 2021 competition. So it makes sense if he is to stay in Melbourne that he look to play somewhere they can organise employment. After all we all agree there’s a lot less cash money in local footy for 2021.

 

[Glorious One]

Well he was going to return to Qld to play NEAFL with Redland in 2020, but obviously that didn’t happen and Redland chose not to join the VFL/NEAFL 2021 competition. So it makes sense if he is to stay in Melbourne that he look to play somewhere they can organise employment. After all we all agree there’s a lot less cash money in local footy for 2021.

Great post Hedge, this is the new normal, it’s exciting that all VAFA clubs will get a serious opportunity to present to these types, for the first time I don’t see any less opportunities for the lower grade clubs to recruit these players.

Well run clubs should be able to make a run from the lower grades on the back of the current climate. Wasn’t Sam Mitchell pulling on the boots at lowly Hawthorn Amateurs?

 

[Glorious One]

Oxley to skob. Wonder if bucks will wander down to watch? Now 10 ex afl at skob. Surely they aren’t all skev old boys. Something not quite right there


On iPhone using BigFooty.com mobile app

They like winning A grade premierships? Good on them, not long ago we all laughed at them being stuck in B grade.

 

[zeroseven]

At the club Committee meeting tonight we reviewed the details of the coming VAFA Board election. As a group we thought that the holding of the election before the AGM denies clubs the opportunities to ask sticky questions of the president and treasurer and see how they handle them. In particular why the presidents report paints such a rosy picture when we know clubs are struggling [as the auditor says club debt at an all time high - payment plans for many clubs, sponsorship in a downward spiral [not even counting 2020 C 19 figure]. Women's fees are a joke particularly the reserves fee just about the same as the seniors. Ever wonder why we never see their budget but keep getting told they are modelling for this and that? They trot out the old, "We are transparent!"

Also in the body of instructions that were oh so clear the gem that says " Only questions that are strategic in nature and relevant for an Annual General Meeting should be asked." What the hell does that mean? We feel any question should be able to be asked and not be ruled on by a subjective view of what is strategic? Since when has that been a rule? Smacks of bullying of clubs. Will lead to a watered down view of what clubs want to hear.

I think or hope that clubs will all vote for either change with the new three candidates or return to what we are used to having. Either way have your say. Don't sit on the fence. Nothing surer than the Board will try to get the Life Members to vote for more of the same because they don't know what is happening at club level.

 

[Call again]

The Turtles finished dead last in D2 - 5th division of the ammos in their final year in the VAFA. They won 1 game and had a % around 30. They copped some frightful hammerings. I note they went 6/9 with a % of 90 in the 3rd tier of the NFL.

Based on the above, I find it strange you would use them as as benchmark by which to judge C or D grade ammos.

Have you considered that perhaps the move to the NFNL resulted in a far better playing list than their final VAFA year. With the beefed up list they had competing in NFNL div 3 they would have won VAFA div 2

 

[WithThePeanuts]

At the club Committee meeting tonight we reviewed the details of the coming VAFA Board election. As a group we thought that the holding of the election before the AGM denies clubs the opportunities to ask sticky questions of the president and treasurer and see how they handle them. In particular why the presidents report paints such a rosy picture when we know clubs are struggling [as the auditor says club debt at an all time high - payment plans for many clubs, sponsorship in a downward spiral [not even counting 2020 C 19 figure]. Women's fees are a joke particularly the reserves fee just about the same as the seniors. Ever wonder why we never see their budget but keep getting told they are modelling for this and that? They trot out the old, "We are transparent!"

Also in the body of instructions that were oh so clear the gem that says " Only questions that are strategic in nature and relevant for an Annual General Meeting should be asked." What the hell does that mean? We feel any question should be able to be asked and not be ruled on by a subjective view of what is strategic? Since when has that been a rule? Smacks of bullying of clubs. Will lead to a watered down view of what clubs want to hear.

I think or hope that clubs will all vote for either change with the new three candidates or return to what we are used to having. Either way have your say. Don't sit on the fence. Nothing surer than the Board will try to get the Life Members to vote for more of the same because they don't know what is happening at club level.

I’m hearing the three new candidates have all kicked up a stink at the board member vote being held before the AGM. Every club board I have sat on, the AGM has the head of each department present their summary of their portfolio, takes questions on that report, and at the end of the AGM the new board members are nominated and voted on. Don’t understand why the VAFA would be any different. If old man George Voyage doesn’t get voted back in, who delivers the President’s report? Maybe he wants to hold the election before the AGM so he doesn’t fall asleep, it is a bit late at night for fossils like him.

 

[WithThePeanuts]

The league had a meeting with the potential D3 and D4 clubs to seek information on what the best set up would look like. Vafa is expecting 16 teams between both divisions- 8 and 8 is probably the right way to go about it compared to the D3 10 teams and 6 team D4 slated for this season!

Wouldn’t it be better to have 1 compromised competition rather than 2? Surely Div 3 is the traditional 10 team comp, Div 4 is a 6 team comp, everyone plays each other 3 times, 15 rounds plus finals.

 

[vafaeye]

I’m hearing the three new candidates have all kicked up a stink at the board member vote being held before the AGM. Every club board I have sat on, the AGM has the head of each department present their summary of their portfolio, takes questions on that report, and at the end of the AGM the new board members are nominated and voted on. Don’t understand why the VAFA would be any different. If old man George Voyage doesn’t get voted back in, who delivers the President’s report? Maybe he wants to hold the election before the AGM so he doesn’t fall asleep, it is a bit late at night for fossils like him.

Must agree with you on this Nut! Most important issues for clubs must be heard along with any other item any club sees fit to raise. Looking at the above strategic nature quote is absolute rubbish. Ask what you want. We are paying for the CEO and staff so they should not be involved in any vetting of questions.

THE EYE FOR CHANGE PERHAPS

OHH FOR A VOTE

​

 

[Seemyhat]

Must agree with you on this Nut! Most important issues for clubs must be heard along with any other item any club sees fit to raise. Looking at the above strategic nature quote is absolute rubbish. Ask what you want. We are paying for the CEO and staff so they should not be involved in any vetting of questions.

THE EYE FOR CHANGE PERHAPS

OHH FOR A VOTE

​

Interesting to note the VAFA payroll cost this year compared with previous year. Would have thought this would be considerably lower given no football played and some annual leave should have been encouraged by VAFA. Assume we are still an organisation for members.

 

[WithThePeanuts]

Interesting to note the VAFA payroll cost this year compared with previous year. Would have thought this would be considerably lower given no football played and some annual leave should have been encouraged by VAFA. Assume we are still an organisation for members.

Would assume that number includes job keeper, as well as payout of annual leave and long service leave to Benny on his retirement.

 

[zeroseven]

Would assume that number includes job keeper, as well as payout of annual leave and long service leave to Benny on his retirement.

Hope there was no "Golden $ Handshake" approved by the admin?
Also note new instructions for voting.
Q Who would have proposed the election to held prior to the Pres/Tres giving their views?
A The Pres/Tres? Maybe All 3 board looking to get back in.
What a farce!
Hope clubs can see what is happening and just vote otherwise Life Members will return Status Quo!

 

[Size4]

Hope there was no "Golden $ Handshake" approved by the admin?
Also note new instructions for voting.
Q Who would have proposed the election to held prior to the Pres/Tres giving their views?
A The Pres/Tres? Maybe All 3 board looking to get back in.
What a farce!
Hope clubs can see what is happening and just vote otherwise Life Members will return Status Quo!

Don't see how could be payout of Annual Leave or Long Service Leave, as these would have been provisioned for. Not sure what it could be for? Golden Handshake or Retrenchement or ?

 

[Seemyhat]

Don't see how could be payout of Annual Leave or Long Service Leave, as these would have been provisioned for. Not sure what it could be for? Golden Handshake or Retrenchement or ?

Correct. There is a provision for leave already. The balance has not moved significantly from previous year. Wages would be required from October to March however most effected businesses dialled back payroll expenses at this point for Covid.

 

[WithThePeanuts]

What an absolute sham this board vote is becoming. The President of the VAFA (who is also one of the people up for election) has sent the below letter out to all clubs and Life Members. Clearly sh!tting himself that the three ‘outsiders’ may have a chance at knocking off him or one of his cronies.
How they have sent this letter out without also declaring the qualifications of the three other candidates is a disgrace.

Wednesday, 2 December 2020
Dear Members, VAFAUA and Life Members,
As you will be aware, the VAFA AGM will be held on Monday 7th December.
We are sure by now you will have received notice that an election will need to be held for the first time in many years.
Just to explain the format. There are nine (9) elected members to the VAFA Board and each year three (3) Board members on a rotating basis are up for re-election.
So for this year’s AGM, an election will need to be held as there are three (3) current VAFA Board members seeking re-election and three (3) outsiders who are nominating.
Therefore, there are six (6) nominations in total for the election from which an election will be held to elect 3 of these 6 to the VAFA Board.
According to the VAFA Constitution, 3 current members are up for re-election each year.
This year they are VAFA President Mr. George Voyage, the VAFA Treasurer Mr. Mick Overman, and the Chair of the VAFA Sustainability and Club Engagement sub-committee,
Dr. Jeffrey Jankie.

Dr. Jeffrey Jankie
• Just over 40 years VAFA experience as both a player and an administrator
• Played from E grade to A grade in a 6-year period at Community club AJAX
• Went on to be a committee person for just on 25 years (all roles from dishwasher to
President and everything in between)
• Then joined the VAFA 'Admin' team in roles including:
• VAFA Representative team manager, Under 19s and B-D4
• Finals match day manager from 2010–2019
• Inaugural Ambassador program participant
• Joining the board in 2017
• Has served on the Heritage, Governance and Elsternwick Park Development subcommittees from 2017 to present
• Alcohol Policy review subcommittee 2019 to present
• Life member at AJAX
• Maccabi Hall of Fame
• VAFA Certificate of Merit
• Current head of Club Sustainability and Development Subcommittee 2017 to present

Mr. Mick Overman
• Over 20 years of experience in football coaching and administration
• Former St. Bernard’s OCFC player (140 games), Life Member, Best Clubman, Juniors
and Seniors President
• VAFA Board Ambassador 2010–2012
• Competition Finals Match Day Manager 2010–2017
• VAFA Representative Teams Manager (U/19, 21, 23 & Seniors) 2010–-2018
• Director of Representative Football (2017 to present)
• Board Member 2017 to present
• VAFA Treasurer 2018 to present
• Member Finance & Risk Subcommittee 2017 to present (current Chair)
• Member Football, Growth & Integrity Subcommittee 2017 to present (current Chair)

Mr. George Voyage
• Former Caulfield Grammarians FC player (230 games),
• Former Caulfield Grammarians FC U/19 Coach, Club Coach, committeeman, Life
Member
• VAFA Representative U/19 Team Selector, U/19 Chairman of Selectors, C-D4 selector
• VAFA Representative Team Coach, B-D4, A-D4 and C-D4 Coach 1997–2007
• VAFA Certificate of Merit Award 2005
• VAFA Board Member 2009 to present
• VAFA Chair Football, Growth & Integrity Subcommittee 2009–2017
• Member VAFA Elsternwick Park 2017 to present, and Fundraising 2020 to
present Project Teams
• VAFA Vice President 2016–2018
• VAFA President 2018 to present

3 people from outside the Board who have nominated for election to the Board, are Mr. Frank Dunell, Mr. Alistair Ewart and Mr. Tim Habel (from UHSVU and not the Mr. Tim Habel from Prahran Assumption AFC).
Whilst acknowledging and welcoming the democratic processes being the nomination by the 3 outside nominating members, it is to be noted that none (from Messrs Ewart, Dunell or Habel) have been endorsed formally by the VAFA Board for this election.
On reflection, it is also relevant that we understand the diverse nature of our VAFA community and this understanding is necessary to ensure the sustained growth of our association.
Therefore, we as a board continue to develop a diverse skill-set with a social matrix to ensure a full representation of our association at VAFA Board level. It is an important aspect of Board Reviews and the Strategic Plan.
2020 has presented many challenges to us all in the VAFA community.
The Board has acted in a most frugal manner, made tough decisions especially in Finance, and steered the ship through a minefield of ever changing challenges.
Our Admin has kept all clubs and stakeholders updated with regular weekly updates, yet with COVID still a major concern, many unknowns continue to face us as we plan and prepare for returning for the 2021 season.
It is important that you are aware that under our leadership, the VAFA Board and volunteers on sub-committees continued to meet very regularly (especially during the peak April-August) to make certain they were informed and aware of the challenges we all faced.

The health and wellbeing of our clubs, associated communities and our Administration team is paramount, along with of course the continued financial viability of the organisation which are overall our key drivers. Decisions needed to be made and conveyed to our community. This was done on an almost weekly basis and conveyed to clubs via portals and to the community by way of the website.
Therefore, when emails were distributed recently to members (by an outside nominating person) that the VAFA Board did not meet and convey information and updates whilst other leagues did is just incorrect.
Indeed Club Engagement to keep everyone informed of the ever changing situation caused by the pandemic and the effect of fluid government regulations put in place and strict protocols laid out by the authorities became a critical aspect and focus.
These are unprecedented times and it is worthy to note challenges such as this during a pandemic year. Your support for all of the 3 above mentioned current VAFA Board Members is appreciated.
George Voyage (on behalf of the VAFA Board) VAFA President

 

[zeroseven]

What an absolute sham this board vote is becoming. The President of the VAFA (who is also one of the people up for election) has sent the below letter out to all clubs and Life Members. Clearly sh!tting himself that the three ‘outsiders’ may have a chance at knocking off him or one of his cronies.
How they have sent this letter out without also declaring the qualifications of the three other candidates is a disgrace.

Wednesday, 2 December 2020
Dear Members, VAFAUA and Life Members,
As you will be aware, the VAFA AGM will be held on Monday 7th December.
We are sure by now you will have received notice that an election will need to be held for the first time in many years.
Just to explain the format. There are nine (9) elected members to the VAFA Board and each year three (3) Board members on a rotating basis are up for re-election.
So for this year’s AGM, an election will need to be held as there are three (3) current VAFA Board members seeking re-election and three (3) outsiders who are nominating.
Therefore, there are six (6) nominations in total for the election from which an election will be held to elect 3 of these 6 to the VAFA Board.
According to the VAFA Constitution, 3 current members are up for re-election each year.
This year they are VAFA President Mr. George Voyage, the VAFA Treasurer Mr. Mick Overman, and the Chair of the VAFA Sustainability and Club Engagement sub-committee,
Dr. Jeffrey Jankie.

Dr. Jeffrey Jankie
• Just over 40 years VAFA experience as both a player and an administrator
• Played from E grade to A grade in a 6-year period at Community club AJAX
• Went on to be a committee person for just on 25 years (all roles from dishwasher to
President and everything in between)
• Then joined the VAFA 'Admin' team in roles including:
• VAFA Representative team manager, Under 19s and B-D4
• Finals match day manager from 2010–2019
• Inaugural Ambassador program participant
• Joining the board in 2017
• Has served on the Heritage, Governance and Elsternwick Park Development subcommittees from 2017 to present
• Alcohol Policy review subcommittee 2019 to present
• Life member at AJAX
• Maccabi Hall of Fame
• VAFA Certificate of Merit
• Current head of Club Sustainability and Development Subcommittee 2017 to present

Mr. Mick Overman
• Over 20 years of experience in football coaching and administration
• Former St. Bernard’s OCFC player (140 games), Life Member, Best Clubman, Juniors
and Seniors President
• VAFA Board Ambassador 2010–2012
• Competition Finals Match Day Manager 2010–2017
• VAFA Representative Teams Manager (U/19, 21, 23 & Seniors) 2010–-2018
• Director of Representative Football (2017 to present)
• Board Member 2017 to present
• VAFA Treasurer 2018 to present
• Member Finance & Risk Subcommittee 2017 to present (current Chair)
• Member Football, Growth & Integrity Subcommittee 2017 to present (current Chair)

Mr. George Voyage
• Former Caulfield Grammarians FC player (230 games),
• Former Caulfield Grammarians FC U/19 Coach, Club Coach, committeeman, Life
Member
• VAFA Representative U/19 Team Selector, U/19 Chairman of Selectors, C-D4 selector
• VAFA Representative Team Coach, B-D4, A-D4 and C-D4 Coach 1997–2007
• VAFA Certificate of Merit Award 2005
• VAFA Board Member 2009 to present
• VAFA Chair Football, Growth & Integrity Subcommittee 2009–2017
• Member VAFA Elsternwick Park 2017 to present, and Fundraising 2020 to
present Project Teams
• VAFA Vice President 2016–2018
• VAFA President 2018 to present

3 people from outside the Board who have nominated for election to the Board, are Mr. Frank Dunell, Mr. Alistair Ewart and Mr. Tim Habel (from UHSVU and not the Mr. Tim Habel from Prahran Assumption AFC).
Whilst acknowledging and welcoming the democratic processes being the nomination by the 3 outside nominating members, it is to be noted that none (from Messrs Ewart, Dunell or Habel) have been endorsed formally by the VAFA Board for this election.
On reflection, it is also relevant that we understand the diverse nature of our VAFA community and this understanding is necessary to ensure the sustained growth of our association.
Therefore, we as a board continue to develop a diverse skill-set with a social matrix to ensure a full representation of our association at VAFA Board level. It is an important aspect of Board Reviews and the Strategic Plan.
2020 has presented many challenges to us all in the VAFA community.
The Board has acted in a most frugal manner, made tough decisions especially in Finance, and steered the ship through a minefield of ever changing challenges.
Our Admin has kept all clubs and stakeholders updated with regular weekly updates, yet with COVID still a major concern, many unknowns continue to face us as we plan and prepare for returning for the 2021 season.
It is important that you are aware that under our leadership, the VAFA Board and volunteers on sub-committees continued to meet very regularly (especially during the peak April-August) to make certain they were informed and aware of the challenges we all faced.

The health and wellbeing of our clubs, associated communities and our Administration team is paramount, along with of course the continued financial viability of the organisation which are overall our key drivers. Decisions needed to be made and conveyed to our community. This was done on an almost weekly basis and conveyed to clubs via portals and to the community by way of the website.
Therefore, when emails were distributed recently to members (by an outside nominating person) that the VAFA Board did not meet and convey information and updates whilst other leagues did is just incorrect.
Indeed Club Engagement to keep everyone informed of the ever changing situation caused by the pandemic and the effect of fluid government regulations put in place and strict protocols laid out by the authorities became a critical aspect and focus.
These are unprecedented times and it is worthy to note challenges such as this during a pandemic year. Your support for all of the 3 above mentioned current VAFA Board Members is appreciated.
George Voyage (on behalf of the VAFA Board) VAFA President

Well Hello Nuts

I just hope this was not sent out by any paid VAFA Administration person because that would be totally outside what the clubs pay the staff for. It is using VAFA resources to gain an advantage! It would almost be there is the door and your out. If it was from the CEO he should be censured by the Board but wait on they must have asked the VAFA to send it so they are hardly likely to smack him when he is the "lackey!" If it is by a VAFA junior staffer, acting on their own without permission of the CEO that would show a complete lack of knowledge of the processes of an election and yes there is the door for trying to influence an election. If the CEO said yes use VAFA time and resources wow, wow wow. Suspect there is a bear in the China Shop!

Amongst the President ramble on is a statement that the 3 outsiders have not been formally endorsed by the Board. Well why not. Their records I'm sure would be equally impressive if they had a chance to display. Is georgie saying they are unworthy of a seat on the Board? Will say one thing here. How often have the Board members [9] visited your home ground in the last few seasons? Would you recognise them even? I will guarantee one certain "outsider" whose footy record craps on the everyone would relish the opportunity to do more than just visit.

Nutbush

I'm with you - throw them out for protocol breaches. Any respect after this illegal effort is sadly zero.

 

[Over The Post]

Wow.

Just wow.

That is an extraordinary letter.

I never realised there were several tiers to membership of the old boys club, and that the status quo would be defended so aggressively.

If any of these damned bounders get onto the board, they'd better get used to the taste of polonium in their tea.

 

[bedford]

Is it true Uni Blues have no coach ?

 

[zeroseven]

Wow.

Just wow.

That is an extraordinary letter.

I never realised there were several tiers to membership of the old boys club, and that the status quo would be defended so aggressively.

If any of these damned bounders get onto the board, they'd better get used to the taste of polonium in their tea.

Got a call from several clubs about the timing of the VAFA email. Clever timing in that the election starts today and the club endorsed nominees can't really to anything to right the wrong. Clubs believe that the Board via Brett C/Mikala S using their positions to notify VAFA clubs is unfair in the least.
One club has the goss that both the VAFA and the President allegedly denied the "outsider 3" the opportunity to use the same VAFA media that they then have used.
Well if that's what the current board stands for and they get reelected don't complain here.