Season Preview 2021
Dear Tonner Faithful,
After almost 18 months since our last game, Old Brighton Footy returns this weekend.
In 2021, we will field five sides;
Seniors, Reserves, Women's, Under 19's & Thirds.
Review: Season 2019
Before we preview the season ahead, cast your minds back and recall the distant memory that is season 2019.
Seniors: 10-7-1, 5th place
Came within 10 points of eventual premier Uni Blues in both fixtures.
Hamish Dick named Rising Star. Hill, Fisher, Le Grice & Pavlou all donned the Big V. Will Lewis led the league for goalkicking for most of the year before falling to a back injury.
Reserves: 7-10-1, 6th place
A year of vast improvement with a team full of young players playing under new coach Luke Healy.
Women's: 9-4-1, 2nd place
Made it all the way to the grand final for the first time. Eventually went down to Old Scotch who completed an undefeated season.
Under 19's: 16-1-0, minor premiers
Only lost 2 games all year. One of them happened to be the grand final... by 1 point.
Thirds: 5-12-1, 6th place
The thirds returned and so did the players. A total of 64 players pulled on the jumper for a very fun season.
Preview: Season 2021
Seniors:
Hutchy's side have achieved an exceptional level of player retention, as well as adding a handful of old boys returning from AFL & VFL lists. With the experienced core of Hill, Fisher, Pavlou, Karayannis, Verney & Le Grice, combining with rising stars Zimmerman, Dick, Lewis & Yorgey, expect the 1's to take it right up to best sides in William Buck Premier.
Coach - Greg Hutchison
Assistants - Ross Stewart, Tom Clarke, Brian Randall, Simon Hikaka
Captain - Harry Hill
Vice Captains - Michael Karayannis, Tom Fisher
Reserves:
Ross Stewart has come out of coaching retirement to once again lead the Reserves this year. With an increased competition for spots due to improved depth, and young players continuing to flow through, the Roscoe's will be hoping to launch into the top 4.
Coach - Ross Stewart
Assistant Coach - Hugh Hamilton
Captain - Cal Macleod
Vice Captains - Mathew Freeman, Harison Vulcan
Women's:
Coach - Peter Grant
Assistants - Andrew Grant, Paul Hamilton
Captain - Indi Tait & Cat O'Brien
Vice Captain - Siena Visentini
After making it through to the grand final in 2019, Granty's side will be hoping to be up the top of the table yet again in 2021. With a host of new arrivals, expect some new stars to emerge alongside the star-studded core of Tait, Grant, Visentini, Hales, Stafford, McGregor & O'Brien.
Under 19's:
After a 2018 Premiership & 2019 Runner-up finish, Brian Randall's side have deservedly been promoted to Premier section. A fantastic reward for the dedication shown by Brian and his players over the last few seasons. With so much player turnover across the whole U19 competition, it will be hard to gauge where the team sits until a few round in.
Coach - Brian Randall
Assistant Coach - David Seager
Captain - Matthew Noske
Thirds:
Liam Farrell has stepped up to lead the 'Clubbies' as a playing coach in 2021. No longer competing as an U23's side, the team will have a core group of Thirds players as well as some Reserves & U19's who miss selection. Expect strong support from the boundary line and plenty of post match festivities.
Coach - Liam Farrell
Assistant Coach - Angus Stevenson
Captain - Ryan Riddell
Vice Captains - Thomas Burns, Charlie Kenny
Round 1 Fixture
Please note: The Seniors & Reserves are playing on Sunday April 11 at Elsternwick Park due to Uni Blues’ home ground being unavailable.
Keep an eye on our social media & website for team announcements Friday night.
Check out all this week's matches details below.
VAFA Rule Changes 2021
Click here to view the full list of changes to the VAFA Laws of the Game.
NOT adopting the AFL 'stand' rule.
NOT adopting the AFL '6-6-6' rule.
Location of the Mark at kick-ins will be be set at 15 metres from top of the goalsquare.
Upcoming Events
The best luncheons in the VAFA are set to return to Brighton Beach Oval after long last.
Round 2 vs St Kevin's, Saturday April 17
Round 3 vs Caulfield, Saturday April 24
More details to be announced. Limited availability.
Contact Michael Wood mwood@mofb.com.au to RSVP.
Volunteers Wanted
Calling all parents, family & friends!
We are looking for volunteers to get involved this season.
Each week there are opportunities to help out in the following roles:
Boundary Umpire, Goal Umpire, Timekeeper, Scoreboard, Umpire escort, Runner, Water Carrier, Canteen, BBQ, Bar, Luncheon & Dinner prep.
We are also seeking someone to take on the paid position of canteen manager.
Tonner Club Membershipfor 2021
Celebrate the return of footy and help support the club by becoming a Tonner Club Member for just $120.
Social Club access on Thursday Nights & Saturdays
1x Complimentary Home Game Luncheon Ticket
1 x OBGFC Medallion providing member benefits & discounts at local businesses
Invitation to all Club Events
Receive Weekly Club Newsletter