VAFA Podcast: Recent Episodes
VAFA Media
Host Joe Pignataro and Brian Waldron take an in-depth look each week at the VAFA. Victorian Amateur Football Association, the countries premier local football code. Interviews, analysis, humor, tips for the weekend's game and so much more each and every week.
After 2 years of interruptions, a complete season of VAFA football was played. Joe Pignataro and Josh Heriot recap season 2022, and all the moments that stood out from a memorable year across the Men's competition, the Women's competition, the Masters and the Under 19's. The countdown is on for 2023, but before we look forward. We look back on the moments that made 2022.
The new coach of Old Brighton Dan Donati was once the senior assistant coach at Old Xaverians. In 2019 he joined Joe Pignataro and Nick Armistead on the Saturday warm-up to talk through his football and coaching journey.
On September 19, 2022 confirmation came through that the Yarra Old Grammarians and Manningham Cobras in Division 2 had agreed to a merger thus becoming the Old Yarra Cobras. A week out from pre-season beginning for the new club, President Nick Paton, Men's coach Nathan Monaco and Women's coach Michael James join Joe Pignataro to discuss the process to become a new entity, and the path being forged forward for 2023 and beyond.
Joe Pignataro heads down amongst the celebrations with St Kevin's after claiming their third William Buck Premier Premiership in four seasons.
The Swans are in the AFL Grand Final, John Heriot is not only the grandfather of our commentator Josh Heriot, he's also the full back in the Sydney Swans Team of the Century. A very special guest talking us through the Bloods advancing to another Grand Final.
Joe Pignataro and Brian Waldron take a look in-depth at the William Buck Premier Grand Final, the Premier B Grand Final, and recap the Premierships won by the Divisions over the weekend just gone. Tom Jok, 2018 Premiership player with St Kevin's is our headline guest ahead of a massive weekend for the VAFA.
A massive evening on RSN Carnival with Joe Pignataro, Eliza Wright, Josh Heriot and Mitch Dyer going through the VAFA's 2022 best and fairest players across Premier B to Division 3 Women's, Premier B to Division 4 Men's. The Under 19's, Under 23's and the Mecwacare Masters. A congratulations to all our award recipients on producing a terrific season.
Old Brighton have made their way into the William Buck Premier Grand Final, straight after the game we sent Joe Pignataro down into the Old Brighton rooms to have a chat with the team that's taken them into their first A-Grade Grand Final since 2007.
Joe Pignataro, and Brian Waldron look ahead to a terrific weekend of footy coming up - Can Old Brighton keep the wins going as they battle Collegians for a spot in the William Buck Premier Grand Final? Or will Collegians get back to their winning ways? Dale Bower has taken Uni Blacks to the Premier B Grand Final and will play in A-Grade in 2023, he is our headline guest plus it's Grand Final weekend in the Divisions!
Lucy Watkin and Eliza Wright bring you the William Buck Premier Women's Grand Final preview episode, we go into the camps of St Kevins and Kew ahead of the big dance. Bree Doyle was a member of the 2019 Premiership SKOB outfit, can they go back to back? While Jess Burger is hoping to coach the Bears to the promised land.
Bumper edition of For the Love of the Game. The home and away season for William Buck Premier and Premier B is done, we now move into the finals series. The Divisional finals series is up to the Preliminary Final weekend while De La have gone down in the Mecwacare Masters.
It's all about Caulfield Grammarians and St Kevin's this week as Lucy Watkin and Eliza Wright take you Inside the Boundary with both coaches ahead of the knockout final. Which side will advance to the William Buck Premier Grand Final and face Kew?
Heading into the final round of William Buck Premier, Old Melburnians will head to Old Brighton in an Elimination Final. The winner will play in September while for the loser, it's curtains on 2022, captain of OM's Josh Freezer is our headline guest.. For the Divisions, the finals start this weekend on Saturday and right through Sunday.
Eliza Wright and Lucy Watkin recap all the Women's Grand Final action from the weekend with Premiers being awarded from Premier B to Division 3, for the first time since 2019.
Joe Pignataro and Brian Waldron wrap up the third last round of the home and away season for Premier A, and Premier B. Plus look ahead to the final home and away round for the Divisions before moving into finals. Marcus Stavrou, captain of Old Xaverians is our special guest as the red and black army try to push their way into the top 4 with 2 games remaining.
Lucy Watkin and Eliza Wright take you Inside the Boundary, as we preview every Grand Final from Premier B through to Division 3 Women's. In William Buck Premier Women's, we have moved into the first weekend of the finals series. Eloise Defina, a star of the Old Camberwell side, joins us. As the Wellers go for an unlikely Premiership in Division 1, finishing 3rd to Beaumaris.
Joe Pignataro and Brian Waldron are back to talk through the great divide in William Buck Premier between the top 5 and the bottom 5, in Division 2 Men's, Brunswick and MHSOB have fought out a magnificent draw, while for the Women's competition, from Premier B to Division 3, they're on the doorstep of Grand Finals this weekend!
Lucy Watkin & Eliza Wright dissect Semi-Final weekend in the Women's competition, take a look ahead to what's in store this Preliminary Final weekend plus delve into the four walls of the Hampton Rovers with playing assistant coach Alana Gadsby.
We've moved into the final month of the home and away season for 2022. Brian Waldron has selected a team from outside the top four who can still win this years Premiership. Collegians have made it six wins in a row, while Anthony 'Plugger' Lynch joins us to talk about St Kevin's strategy under his coaching guidance and the use of drones at training through the pre-season.
Lucy Watkin and Eliza Wright preview Premier B - Division 3 finals series that kicks off this weekend. It's nearly 12-months to the day where the 2020 finals series was cancelled due to COVID-19, this year we will have a fresh set of Premiers to announce.
St Bernard's and University Blues both claim wins from inside the relegation zone of William Buck Premier. It's a happy Brian Waldron this week as De La Salle claim a victory in Premier B, while after being berated for 15 weeks, Nick Armistead makes an appearance to respond plus take an in-depth look at the Albert Park Falcons, and Division 4 overall.
The final home and away round of the season hits Premier B-Division 3 this weekend. The final four in Premier B is anyone's guess, while De La Salle must win over MCC in Division 3 if they're to play the finals. St Bede's has produced the most dominant season to date we've ever seen, coach of the Tigers, Belinda Ousley is our headline guest. Plus there's plenty more ahead of the weekend's games!
Uni Blues take to the field for the first time since being stripped of Premiership points, however the nightmare continues as Old Scotch inflicted more pain on them, Collegians have made it 5-wins in a row as Dave Mirra takes us 'inside the four walls' plus De La Salle's Sam Williams brings up game 250 for the club, a terrific achievement well worth highlighting.
Lucy Watkin and Eliza Wright are back, refreshed and ready for the run to the VAFA Women's Finals series. We've discovered one club having more than one mother/daughter combination. A team rocking a percentage over 1,000, the form line of the Albert Park Falcons, and we go in-depth Fitzroy with the coach Michael Harper.
After a bye themselves, Joe Pignataro and Brian Waldron return to unpack the VAFA's decision to strip University Blues of Premiership points after being found guilty of breaching the player points cap. It's TAC Road Safety Round, and Harry Hill, the Old Brighton captain is front and centre pushing that message as well as leading the Tonners this weekend.
Heading into the final bye round for the Women's section before the last charge to finals, Lucy Watkin and Eliza Wright take you Inside the Boundary. Yarra Old's upset victory over Old Brighton is on the agenda, along with Melbourne Uni's NAIDOC Week jumper. VAFA CEO Jason Reddick joins the team ahead of September plus, what are some of the greatest nicknames at your footy club.
Lucy Watkin & Eliza Wright look towards Round 13 of the VAFA Women's season. Beaumaris is on the charge, big bags of goals, a review of the top side plus a legend of the VAFA Women's competition, Imogen Barnett talks through the pathway from Old Trinity to VFLW and into the AFLW system.
Joe Pignataro and Brian Waldron bring you the latest news from the VAFA world. University Blues' investigation into its points is unfolding, Collegians have upset Brighton while Old Haileybury has caused the boilover of the Premier B season knocking off University Blacks. This weekend, in Division 4 Swinburne will hold the clubs first-ever Pride Game, Nathaniel Symes, the coach, joins the boys to talk through that and the challenges that come being a D4 club.
A big day for St Kevin's, hosting Old Xaverians at the College, recognising the club's 75th anniversary and past-players day. 300-game veteran Richard 'Titch' Callanan joined the Saturday warm-up, plus Xav's coach James Byrne. Hear all the highlights from the St Kevin's blitz on Xav's before Shaun Kennedy joins the post-game show.
Jason Reddick has officially started in the role of the CEO of the VAFA. He joins Joe Pignataro and Brian Waldron to talk through a range of issues. The growth and future of VAFA footy, recruitment of more umpires, the player points system, and plenty more.
Plus, Old Carey is on the winner's list for the first time this year in Premier B. Elsternwick have suffered their first loss in Division 3, and Ask Grumpy Brian returns with some golden answers to golden questions!
After a Queens Birthday break, Grumpy Brian Waldron has returned to talk through the latest news in the world of VAFA footy, Simon 'Punchy' Williams recaps a terrific come-from-behind victory over Old Scotch in Round 9, while Ormond star Matt Suckling joins us ahead of Tackle Your Feelings Round this weekend and the importance of the program and what it delivers to clubs.
In both the men's and women's competition, no one can beat St Kevin's, any danger of someone getting hold of them!? Power House have ended a 406 day losing streak to claim their first win of the season by 2 points, Jeff Scotland is our headline guest, plus Premier C plays through the Queens Birthday bye kicking off with Ormond vs. Hampton on Friday night!
A late change to this week's edition with Brian Waldron out (interstate) and Josh Heriot in (debut). Round 8 of William Buck Premier saw Old Brighton take the top spot on the ladder, Joey's got a new Premiership favourite as his old club puts him in the gun. Owen Lalor talks through the last fortnight at Parkdale Vultures who've claimed back-to-back victories for the first time since 2019 & Josh pulls out his funniest bits of audio from the archives!
Round 8 of the VAFA saw Friday night footy come to the Harry Trott Oval. Joe Pignataro and Josh Heriot bring you the Friday warm-up discussing what they love about footy under the Friday night lights, in-depth chats with Jared Rivers (Collegians) and Paul Satterley (Old Melburnians), plus Tyrone Bean (former Old Carey & Uni Blacks) discusses the Indigenous Game the two clubs took part in on Saturday and the importance of reconciliation week. All the highlights from the game, Rodney Nancarrow, President of Collegians plus the post-game wash-up with best on ground, Jackson Paine.
Round 7 of the VAFA season throws the ladder in all sections in its head. St Kevin's have suffered their first loss of the season, as has PEGS in Division 1. Sam Grimley talks through the third come-from-behind victory for University Blues, there's a particular set of portables that has really annoyed Grumpy Brian this week.
What was billed as an absolute classic lived up to its pre-game billing! Old Xav's prevail in a tight tussle with their arch-rivals. Join Joe Pignataro, Josh Heriot, and Brian Waldron for the Saturday warm-up, in-depth interviews with Old Xav's President, Matt Cosgrave. Plus, the director of footy at St Kevin's, Brendon Goddard. All the highlights and a chat with the best player on the ground Xavier Richards.
We are one-third of the way through season 2022, there's plenty on the agenda as the VAFA announces a new CEO, De La Salle & St Kevin's have a memorable match-up in the Masters competition, there's 6 undefeated teams left across the men's sections plus Pat Clancey, the vice-president of Hawthorn AFC joins Joe Pignataro & Brian Waldron after their first win of the season on the weekend, a positive result after a lean start to 2022.
It was a big Saturday afternoon out at Glen Huntly Oval as the University Blues made it 2 wins in a row to get their season back on track. Tune in for the Saturday warm-up with Joe Pignataro and Nick Duxson chatting about unique injuries, the VAFA's new CEO appointment plus interviews with injured Caulfield captain Will Edwards, and Uni Blues coach Guy Martyn before the call of all the action.
While St Kevin's take a stranglehold on William Buck Premier to start the year, one club is struggling in front of goal. PEGS have started the season 5-0 in Division 1, Len Hannah, VAFA legend talks us through the challenges they have in the Essendon belt + the start to the season. Ask Grumpy Brian is back again and unearthed some gold around potentially recreating the Elsternwick Park match of the day on a Sunday!
It was a big day out at T H King oval as two undefeated sides in St Kevin's and Collegians went toe-to-toe, hear from SKOB coach Anthony Lynch in the pre-game plus there are new Presidents at both clubs, Michael Cove at Collegians and Patrick Mount at St Kevin's. Joe Pignataro is with Liam Ellison, Simon Petch and Nick Duxson for the call of the action as Jack Darmody kicks 4 goals in a best-on-ground display.
We assess how the opening month of the 2022 season has gone. Caulfield Grammarians, Old Scotch, and Old Trinity all produced stellar victories in William Buck Premier, Jamie Cassidy-McNamara is our headline guest, the debut segment of "Ask Grumpy Brian" is a raging success, plus there's been a change around how we offer our support to the famous #12 at Albert Park!
Plenty on the agenda to wrap up round 3 of the VAFA season. Old Melburnians came from behind to beat Old Xav's at Toorak Park by 1 point, Paul Satterley joins Joey and Grumpy Brian to recap the victory, the Elsternwick women's side has created history of their own with the club's first-ever win + Fitzroy FC put on a terrific show hosting Williamstown CYMS on Anzac Day.
St Bernard's have continued their home-ground dominance on the Anzac weekend, a day they've been part of since 2003, they've claimed victory 15 of the 19 matches played. Hear Joe Pignataro and Josh Heriot with all the latest news, views and humour in the Saturday warm-up. Plus, pre-game interviews with St Bernard's assistant coach Aasta O'Connor, Old Trinity coach Jamie Cassidy-McNamara. Half-time interview with outgoing St Bernard's president Andrew Vinecombe and the winner of the H & Medal, Jeremy O'Sullivan.
Joe Pignataro and Brian Waldron discuss Dave Madigan coming to the decision to step-down as coach of De La Salle effective immediately, the umpire dissent has been a hot-topic in the AFL world, will it filter down to local level? Plus, much-loved VAFA umpire Kevin Segota brings up his 900th game officiating in the competition, dating back to 1978.
On the eve of Round 2, the VAFA announced it had accepted the immediate resignation of CEO Brett Connell, but once 2 pm Saturday came it was all about on the field, we saw teams come from behind at 3 quarter time. None bigger than the grandstand finish at Toorak Park with Greg Hutchison's Old Brighton leaving with a 3-point win and right up in the discussions for this year's title!
In what we billed as a very early Grand Final preview, Old Xaverians played host to Old Brighton at Toorak Park on Saturday. It certainly lived up to that billing, the scores level at half-time, and it went right down to the wire with Old Brighton holding on by 3 points.
Hear the full Saturday warm-up with Joe Pignataro and Josh Heriot, along with pre-game interviews from James Byrne (Old Xaverians coach) and Greg Hutchison (Old Brighton), a half-time chat with Old Xaverians President Matt Cosgrave, and one of the best players on the ground from Old Brighton, Petrus Olivier.
Glen Eira has made it 13 wins in a row, coming up in 2022 to Division 1. On Saturday night they handed Old Peninsula a round 2 thumping and John Edgar joined Josh Heriot after the win.
After 245 days VAFA footy finally resumed and it was a round to remember with close finishes across all sections. Old Scotch claimed the points over Uni Blues, storming home with 8 goals in the final quarter to win by 7 points. Joe Pignataro, Brian Waldron and a podcast debutant who is well-known to many recount all the action.
Season 2022 is upon us, Joe Pignataro and Brian Waldron take an in-depth preview ahead of the first bounce. CEO Brett Connell is our very special guest as we lead into the much-anticipated opening round of the season.
St Bernard's have a changing of the guard in 2022. Simon Caven has stepped down as club captain, Mitch Hughes has been voted into the role by his peers to take over the coveted role, he joins For the Love of the Game to talk through the pride he's feeling in the selection.
After 122 games in the seniors with Old Trinity, Gabe Hamilton has decided to hang up the boots ahead of the 2022 VAFA Season. He has been a regular in the club's midfield and is ready for new ventures in 2022. Gabe reflects on his time with the T's, recounting his fondest memories, the impact many people had on him over the journey, and the possibility of returning later in the year, in a different role!
It's the night of nights for the VAFA. Joe Pignataro, Nick Armistead, Brian Waldron and Josh Heriot bring you wall to wall coverage of the best players who excelled in season 2021 and tonight have been crowned the best and fairest players in their respective Premier sections. Plus, the Rising Stars, the Premier Coaches MVPs & the Umpire Awards.
It's the night of nights for the VAFA. Joe Pignataro, Nick Armistead, and Josh Heriot bring you wall to wall coverage of the best players who excelled in season 2021 and tonight have been crowned the best and fairest players in their respective sections
Due to the extension of lockdown 6.0 in Victoria, the VAFA was left with no option but to cancel the remainder of the 2021 season. CEO Brett Connell joined Joe Pignataro, Nick Armistead and Brian Waldron to confirm the news and discuss what comes next when it comes to awards, premierships, promotion/relegation + support for the VAFA umpires and clubs alike.
As we turn to spring in Melbourne, during lockdown 6.0. After a decade at the helm of Preston Bullants, 4x premiership coach George Wakim called time on his tenure and spoke with the boys about their rise from Division 4 to Premier C from 2013-2019. Luke Pacconi has done just about all you can with Old Trinity and hangs up the boots after 248 senior games with the club, as well as holding the club captaincy & coaching reins for a period of time.
Join Nick Armistead and Joe Pignataro for all the latest news and views from the world of the VAFA.
The 2019 Division 1 Premiership went the way of Preston Bullants, under the guidance of George Wakim. It was the club's 4th flag under George in 7 years. He joined the Sunday Warm Up the day after the title that sent the Bullants up to Premier C. In light of his decision to step away from coaching the club, we re-live his chat with VAFA media.
In 2019, then Old Trinity captain Luke Pacconi caught up with the boys after for the second time in as many weeks the T's finished with a draw. The skipper spoke about that, the youngsters in the team, the growth amongst the Women's side & the fact that he had gone years without a goal!
After a 3 week break in the season due to VAFA double-bye weekend and a COVID lockdown, the boys were back to recap round 14 of the Premier section, round 15 of the divisions, and all the action from the first weekend of finals in the Women's competition. Ed Nichols was the round 1 rising star this year, on the weekend he kicked 5 goals for OM's in a best on-ground display, he is the featured guest this week.
Join Joe Pignataro, Nick Armistead, and Brian Waldron for all the fun of the week and a look ahead to this weekend.
It was a SUPER SATURDAY on RSN Carnival with the ladder leaders St Kevin's OB playing host to Old Brighton (4th) in the match of the day. Skob's coach Guy Martyn joins the boys in the pre-game, as does injured Brighton ruckman Lochie Filipovic. Top 5 tweets, Olympic flavoured theme, Nick's canteen videos have been plagiarised plus plenty more is on the Saturday warm-up.
Hear all the action from the Old Brighton victory with Nick Armistead, Josh Heriot and Joe Pignataro.
It's a special women's edition of the VAFA podcast this week as the AFL celebrates Women's Coaching Month with Erini Gianakopoulos (MUWFC) & Lauren Morecroft (Carlton AFLW) as they join Joe and Nick to discuss coaching at their respective clubs.
In the VAFA, the home and away season has concluded and therefore the final 4 in each section has been set. Former Marcellin midfielder and North Melbourne AFLW star Ellie Gavalas joins us to speak about the undefeated Eagles + her incredible career.
Massive edition of For the Love of the Game this week, recapping round 12 action of VAFA football across all-sections with the top 4's really starting to take shape, the relegation discussions are heating up and there's plenty on the agenda!
Matt Suckling is part of the Ormond Premier C side that has inflicted Monash with their first loss of the season by 3 points, and after a 4-year battle with leukemia, Lachie 'Banga' Francis made his return to the field on Friday night in Beaumaris' thirds side.
Join Joe Pignataro, Nick Armistead and Brian Waldron for the latest news from the VAFA.
Caulfield has made it 7 wins in a row in William Buck Premier to move to 3rd spot on the table knocking off 3rd placed Old Brighton and sending them to 4th with a 14 point win. Hear pre-game interviews with Hamish Dick (Brighton), Will Bowes, President of Caulfield. Half-time chat with Victorian cricketer Seb Gotch and man of the match Declan Reilley.
Also part of the show is The Saturday Spotlight, Questions Without Notice and Nick Armistead compares some of our VAFA clubs to well-known beers.
Catch up on all the action with Nick, Joe, and Tommy Flanagan.
It was a big weekend of VAFA footy recapping round 11 of the season. Caulfield have won 6 games in a row, the first time in Premier A since 1972. There's a massive game in Premier B this weekend between Old Haileybury and De La Salle plus we have an undefeated Monash Blues at the top of Premier C and plenty more.
Old Trinity claimed their first win of the year over Old Scotch, ruckman Harry Thompson is our special guest with Joe Pignataro, Nick Armistead and Brian Waldron.
4th vs. 5th in the RSN Carnival match of the day, the 2 Premiers from 2019 (Premier A - Uni Blues & Premier B - Caulfield) met in an enthralling contest. Hear from injured Uni captain Ayce Cordy in the pre-game, as well as injured Caulfield forward Will Barker. Plus our half-time chat with Uni Blues President Tim Rourke and a BOG performance from Caulfield skipper Will Edwards.
Joe Pignataro, Tommy Flanagan, and Nick Armistead bring you all the action from Melbourne Uni.
VAFA Footy was back on the weekend after 26 days away. Caulfield Grammarians in William Buck Premier made it 5 wins in a row, helped by a bag of 9 goals from Lachie Stephens, he's our special guest this week. We have added 2 new Rising Stars to the list this season + we wrap up all the results from a big round 10 of the VAFA season.
Round 11 is Mental Health Awareness round and we recognize Hawthorn's WINGS match this Sunday afternoon vs. Canterbury, while it's a history-making weekend for the Under 19 Premier sides, all playing on Sunday at Elsternwick Park.
Join Nick Armistead, Grumpy Brian and Joe Pignataro for the latest news from the VAFA.
8th vs. 9th in Round 10 of the VAFA season saw St Bernard's host Collegians at the Snakepit, hear from Snowdogs coach Paul Groves in the pre-game, as well as injured Collegian defender Ben Darrou. All the highlights from the game, plus the post-game chat with the BASE Compression player of the day - Charlie Vague from St Bernard's.
Catch up on the RSN Carnival Mecwacare VAFA match of the day with your hosts Nick Armistead and Joe Pignataro.
After a 3 week hiatus, VAFA football returns this weekend. We pick up the season with Round 10 fixtures and all the latest from VAFA HQ with the CEO of the competition, Brett Connell.
Join Joe Pignataro, Nick Armistead and Brian Waldron as they go through a mid-season review, plus take a look at what we can expect to see this coming weekend.
As the lockdown in Victoria continues there'll be no VAFA football again this weekend. But it's not all doom and gloom - a major announcement at St Bernard's with a VAFA legend joining the club + Old Ivanhoe celebrated their very own Alex Mirkov who was selected by Carlton last night's mid-season draft.
Join Joe Pignataro, Nick Armistead and Brian Waldron with all the latest news.
It's a big edition of For the Love of the Game - Recapping all the action from Round 7 and looking ahead to Round 8 as fixtured. The world-famous tips continue to entertain the masses and would you really eat steamed dim-sims in a bread roll? The verdict is in!
2nd vs. 3rd on the table on a sun-bathed Brighton Beach Oval! It doesn't get much bigger than that. Hear from Old Brighton's coach Greg Hutchison in the Saturday warm-up, plus Dan Donati. All the action from the match as well as Old Brighton President Shane Young, and best on ground performer Will Hams.
Joe Pignataro, Nick Armistead and Alex Karanicholas calling all the action!
Monster round 6 edition of For the Love of the Game as we recap all the results from the round. St Kevin's have taken top spot in William Buck Premier after a thumping win on the weekend, Old Haileybury snuck home against Uni Blacks to move to the top of Premier B, Daniel Ward, the coach is our very special guest. Plus the Round 6 Rising Star nominees are in, and the world-famous tips for round 7 have been made.
Join Joe Pignataro, Nick Armistead, and Brian Waldron for all the latest from the VAFA.
Bumper edition of the VAFA Podcast recapping one of the closest William Buck Premier rounds in VAFA history. Old Scotch spoiled the homecoming at the Snakepit winning by 7 points, Donald McDonald watched it all unfold, while Old Brighton have moved to the top of the table and their boom off-season recruit Jack Watts is loving being part of the red and the blue!
Join Joe Pignataro, Nick Armistead, and Brian Waldron for the most comprehensive wrap of the round and a look ahead to this weekend's book of matches!
Another classic at the Melbourne Uni oval saw Uni Blues come from 31 points down at halftime to beat Collegians in Round 5 of the 2021 VAFA season. Hear pre-game interviews from injured Collegians captain Sam Hibbins, and injured Uni Blues forward Jay Kennedy-Harris. A half-time chat with Melbourne Uni Women's President, Maddie Sheedy + a post-game interview with Keiran Harper after 6 goals in a best on-ground display.
Join Simon Petch, Nick Armistead, and Joe Pignataro for all the action.
Big round 4 of VAFA footy included the ladder leaders Old Xav's fall short to the reigning Premiers Uni Blues in a clash of the titans, Brighton continues to hover in the top 2 of the Premier section while there's been success at Williamstown in Premier B and Monash in Premier C.
Caulfield have ended a 34 year drought to win their first match in William Buck Premier since 1987, Joe McClelland was a member of the 22 on Saturday, his father Mark was part of the last Caulfield side to win in Premier.
Join Joe Pignataro, Brian Waldron and Nick Armistead for all the latest!
The ladder leaders played host to the reigning premiers at Toorak Park and it lived up to the hype in a real clash of the titans. Hear interviews from Old Xaverians Denis Symeopoulos and Xavier Richards, and from the Uni Blues camp, coach Jarred Moore and BOG Dan Batarilo.
Plus all the action in the four-point thriller with Simon Petch, Joe Pignataro, Josh Heriot and Nick Armistead.
Big round of Anzac commemorative football across round 3 of the VAFA season, Old Xav's are flexxing their muscles in William Buck Premier while in Premier B, it's all happening at 'Shark Park' Guy McKenna is the coach of Beaumaris, and he joins us to recap the opening month of the season and look ahead to their top of the table clash in round 4 against University Blacks.Join Joe Pignataro, Nick Armistead and Brian Waldron for all the latest news and views from the VAFA.
It was a massive Anzac Day commemorative round out at Camberwell Sports Ground as Collegians produced the goods to claim their first win of the 2021 season by 33 points over Old Scotch. Hugh Johnson kicked 3 goals on the day in a best on-ground performance.
Hear the pre-game interviews with Old Scotch coach Mark Gnatt, Collegians coach Jared Rivers and plenty more from Nick Armistead, Tristan Foenander and Joe Pignataro.
A bumper edition of For the Love of the Game with plenty to discuss from round 2 of the VAFA season - St Kevin's had a great come-from-behind victory against Old Brighton at Brighton Beach Oval on the weekend, coach of the Skobbas Guy Martyn was our headline guest this week. They now have a massive game in round 3 against Old Xaverians.
Join Joe Pignataro, Brian Waldron and Nick Armistead for the latest news and views from the weekends action.
Anthony Scott is the epitome of persistence paying off. After 6-7 years going up and down between VAFA (Old Trinity) and the VFL (Footscray & Richmond) he was given the call on the eve of his 26th birthday by Luke Beveridge telling him he had earned himself a rookie list position with the Western Bulldogs ahead of the 2021 AFL season.
Saturday afternoon footy returned to Toorak Park and it was all Old Xaverians who comfortably accounted for their arch-rivals Old Scotch by 96 points. Michael Batten kicked 4 for Xav's in a best on ground display. Hear the Saturday warm-up with fascinating insights from Old Xaverians coach James Byrne, Old Scotch President Tim Shearer, and a half-time feature with Xav's President, Matt Cosgrave.
Friday Night Footy comes to the VAFA - Old Trinity hosted Old Melburnians in picture-perfect conditions. Trinity legend, now Western Bulldogs rookie Anthony Scott joined Joe Pignataro and Nick Armistead for the broadcast as well as Old Melburnian President Chris Wischer, and the best man on the ground - Jackson Paine.
What an opening round of VAFA football we had last weekend, perhaps the biggest upset came on Sunday at Elsternwick Park as Old Brighton stormed home over Uni Blues, cult-figure Anthony Zimmerman was part of all the action. This weekend Old Haileybury Womens, in memory of St Kilda legend Danny Frawley will hold their own 'Spuds Game - Time2Talk' game vs. Old Mentonians and an interesting discussion around the player points system took place.
After 18 months, VAFA Footy has returned!
Recap Old Melburnians 54 point victory over Caulfield Grammarians in their season opener.
Our guests include OM's midfield coach Michael Holland + OM's legend Al Armstrong, Caulfield coach Simon Williams
Listen back to your favourite segments from the Saturday warm-up, plus all the highlights from the match with Josh Heriot, Nick Armistead, Tommy Flanagan and Joey Pignataro
It's a bumper edition of the VAFA Podcast with Joe Pignataro, Nick Armistead and Brian Waldron. A full blown season preview for all sections and divisions. Reigning Woodrow Medalist from Uni Blues Ayce Cordy joins the guys to preview the year from a reigning Premiers point of view while Ryan Schoenmakers, former Hawk, has joined Old Xavierians is our headline guest!
After 18 months on the sidelines, the VAFA season was officially launched last night at the MCG ahead of season 2021. We cannot wait for the first bounce on April 10. To celebrate the resumption of football in Victoria, Joe Pignataro, Nick Armistead, and Brian Waldron bring you a bonus episode to start the season. St Bernard's new coach Paul Groves and Old Melburnians new coach Paul Satterly joins
After 55 years with the Victorian Amateur Football Association, Brian ‘Benny’ Goodman is hanging up the boots. Benny departs with an incredible legacy as a player, umpire, coach, and administrator at both club and VAFA level.
Joe Pignataro and Nick Armistead are joined by a host of special guests to pay tribute to a life in VAFA football dating back to 1965. Hear from Phil Stevens, Mike McArthur-Allen, Leigh Carlson and Mark Gibson who've all had working relationships with Brian, but even longer and deeper friendships.
Congratulations on a wonderful career Brian, and good luck in retirement!
In a special edition, the VAFA are shining a light on mental health and talking through the ups and downs of the current situation we are living through in Victoria.
Carlton psychologist, Tarah Kavanagh, has over a decade of experience with elite AFL footballers, outlining coping mechanisms and techniques for staying motivated, former Hawthorn AFC President Pat Clancey discusses the WINGS program that has become a significant part of the Hawks culture, St Kevin's assistant coach Nick Walsh is the program manager of Tackle Your Feelings, a program implemented for community coaches and clubs to assist in guiding themselves and their players plus we change tact and ask Joe Pignataro about how his football club St Bernard's supported him through a period of grief.
Join Joey and Nick Armistead for a very special edition of the VAFA podcast.
Joe Pignataro, Nick Armistead and Brian Waldron bring you the news that the VAFA season for 2020 has been cancelled. The #1 reason being the health and safety risks are far too great to proceed with the 2020 season. VAFA CEO, Brett Connell joins the boys to work through the last few months in the VAFA and what lies ahead in the coming months for the organisation.
Joe Pignataro and Nick Armistead bring you a special edition of the VAFA Podcast. Due to the coronavirus pandemic across the world, all sport has been postponed in 2020. VAFA Media is endeavouring to continue with brand new content and integrations to keep people entertained during this time, Nick Armistead updates the VAFA community on what they can expect to see over the coming months.
Joe Pignataro, Nick Armistead & Brian Waldron wrap up the 2019 VAFA Season with plenty of highlights from the Premier sections Grand Final weekend, Brett Connell, the CEO of the VAFA wraps up the year from the VAFA HQ perspective, Brendon Goddard has claimed his first ever senior premiership while Williamstown CYMS have completed the perfect season in 2019 to come up to Premier B in 2020 as champions!
Joe Pignataro, Nick Armistead & Brian Waldron recap all Premier Preliminary Finals + all the Division Grand Finals, it was a cracking weekend for St Kevin's, Old Scotch & Ajax who have all advanced to their section Grand Finals. Whitefriars completed the perfected season in the Divisions, Aquinas produced a 2 point thriller, Preston won their 4th flag in 7 years and St Francis Xavier farewell the VAFA in Division 4 as the Champions. We look ahead to the Premier Grand Finals this weekend & an in-depth chat with Jack Gray of Williamstown CYMS after they won their way into the Premier C Grand Final & B Grade promotion in semi-final weekend.
Joe Pignataro, Brian Waldron & Nick Armistead recap the semi-final weekend of the Premier sections, the preliminary finals of the Division sections plus a full recap of Woodrow Medal night including an in-depth chat with the 2019 Woodrow Medallist, Ayce Cordy from University Blues!
Joe Pignataro & Nick Armistead present the 2019 VAFA Awards night on RSN Carnival.
Chief footy writer of the Wilson Women's Sections Alisha Min joins the panel to go through the votes & interview the worthy winners, plus Brian Waldron assists in awarding the mens section winners.
Congratulations to all winners on putting together superb 2019 seasons!
Joe Pignataro, Nick Armistead & Brian Waldron are reunited after Nick spent a month in the UK chasing the Ashes urn! Finals are one our doorstep in the Premier sections, the divisions are in the heat of it all - Luke Mahoney has had the Roys produce their best performance of the season to stay in Premier B for 2020, he was our very special guest!
Joe Pignataro is re-joined by Brian Waldron and "the list manager" Nick Roach from Collegians in this weeks edition of the VAFA podcast. We have 1 round to go in William Buck Premier, who will finish 4th? Who will go down? Premier B has 5 contenders for relegation, Premier C is just about locked away and the Divisions move into their finals this weekend. Shaun Payze kicked his 1,000th career goal on the weekend with Peninsula as the Pirates snuck into the 4 in Division 1! He is now 2 games away from 400!
In the 2nd edition of the Player Takeover podcast, it's all about the defenders with veteran from St Bernard's Tom Caven paired with up and coming star of Uni Blues Connor Lappin joining Joe Pignataro to wrap up the round of VAFA football, plus look ahead to this weekend's games. We head over to England to check in with the voice and face of the VAFA Nick Armistead!
The first of the player takeover episodes! Joe Pignataro is joined by Gossy & Kenno in place of Brian & Nick as they wrap up round 15 of VAFA football, look ahead to the next round of footy + a chat with Nick Armistead who's over in England.
Joe Pignataro, Nick Armistead & Brian Waldron wrap up a big round of VAFA football, has the top 4 been locked away for another year or is there going to be a surprise bolter? Bags of 11 from Jarrad Waite and our special guest this week Seb Williams, plus a full wrap of the Women's first weekend of finals action!
Joe Pignataro, Brian Waldron & Nick Armistead have a new edition of the VAFA podcast - Wrapping up the round of footy across all the sections, a hot debate about players who come to play for 1 season, win a flag and move on plus a look ahead to all the Women's Finals with Alisha Min.
Joe Pignataro, Nick Armistead & Brian Waldron wrap up the round of VAFA footy, another draw in William Buck Premier plus do we have a new flag favourite? Luke Pacconi, the captain of Old Trinity joins the guys for a chat!
Joe Pignataro, Brian Waldron & Nick Armistead bring you a MASSIVE edition of the VAFA podcast, wrapping up the VAFA's loss to AFL Vic Country on the weekend, all the divisional sections played on the weekend, a preview of the Premier sections that return this week plus an in-depth chat with the CEO of the VAFA Brett Connell.
A big BIG V edition of For the Love of the Game with Joe Pignataro, Nick Armistead & Brian Waldron - Wrapping up the Prem B - D4 Big V win in Perth, a chat with AFL Vic Country coach Danny Frawley, plus an in-depth look at the Big V side with the captain Josh Freezer as well as a look at the Divisional sections which will be playing this weekend!
It's a big edition of the For the Love of the Game VAFA podcast with Joe Pignataro, Brian Waldron & Nick Armistead - A points investigation is ongoing with Old Xavierians, we've got some big results in Premier B, C & the Divisions to discuss - Plus an interview with Uni Blacks ruckman Josh Steadman who's been announced the captain of the Premier B - D4 Big V side that's heading to Perth this weekend to take on WAAFL!
Joe Pignataro, Nick Armistead & Brian Waldron wrap up a big weekend of VAFA footy that included a "Bernards Boilover" - Superstar of the Snowdogs Adam Bentick joined the boys for a chat about the win over Uni Blues plus there's plenty more on the agenda!
Joe Pignataro, Nick Armistead & Brian Waldron wrap up the round of VAFA football & look ahead to the round 10 games coming up, recapping the Big V u/19 and Women's dominant wins at Elsternwick Park plus discuss the squads announced for the Prem B - D4 / William Buck Premier A Grade team as well as an in-depth chat with the captain of De La Salle, Tom Humphrey after they've put 2 wins in a row together!
Joe Pignataro, Nick Armistead & Brian Waldron wrap up a big round 8 of VAFA football, going through all the results across all sections. Plus a look ahead to the U19 Big V game this Saturday with coach David Kinsella & the final team for the VAFA Women's Big V side taking to the field this Saturday at Elsternwick Park as well!
Joe Pignataro, Nick Armistead & Brian Waldron wrap up a big round 7 of VAFA football, the power forwards of A Grade, who has the strongest midfield in William Buck Premier, scores & results from all other sections plus an in-depth chat with Josh Green who's starring in the Uni Blues forward line with 20 goals from his 7 games!
Joe Pignataro, Brian Waldron & Nick Armistead recap a big round 6 of VAFA footy, we saw the first draw of the season in William Buck Premier between Old Trinity & Old Brighton. Old Scotch have got a new coach in Barry Mitchell for the remainder of the season in Premier B. Who are the front runners in Prem C? Are UHS-VU the most dominant side in all the VAFA plus plenty more on the agenda!
Joe Pignataro, Nick Armistead & Brian Waldron recap a big round 5 of VAFA football, Old Xavier are front runners in William Buck Premier 5-0 at the top of the ladder, the VAFA has gone global with incredible vision from the Snakepit, we look ahead to Thick & Thin Round this weekend plus an in-depth chat with Sir Vivian Michie from Collegians.
Joe Pignataro, Nick Armistead & Brian Waldron wrap up round 4 of VAFA football - Anthony "Plugga" Lynch is the special guest, legend of the St Kevin's footy club looking ahead to round 5 where the Skobs host the top of the table University Blues.
Joe Pignataro, Nick Armistead & Brian Waldron wrap up round 3 of VAFA footy plus recognize the work of the VAFA umpires this coming weekend with a chat with Gavin De Kretser, ball-magnet from Old Brighton Nic Pavlou joins the fun. The big footy team of the week returns and Nick Armistead gives his famous tips leading into round 4.
Joe Pignataro & Nick Armistead bring you a special edition of For the Love of the Game. With no games over the Easter weekend the guys take an in-depth look at the start of the season for 4 VAFA clubs - Ajax in Premier C with captain Nick Lewis, UHS-VU in Division 1 with leadership group member James Dimattina, Whitefriars in Division 2 with playing-coach Kristian Height and the President of Masala-Dandenong Wayne McMahon, plus Nick's famous tips are back ahead of Round 3 of William Buck Premier & VAFA football action!
Joe Pignataro, Nick Armistead & Brian Waldron wrap up round 2 of VAFA football, plus an in-depth chat with the coach of Old Melburnians Nathan Brown. Alisha Min, the chief footy reporter from the women's section joins the fun and we have the round 2 Big Footy team of the week.
Joe Pignataro, Nick Armistead and Brian Waldron are back for the 2019 VAFA season wrapping up round 1 of the VAFA season, Brendan Goss joins the boys from Old Xavier fresh off a bag of 5 goals on the weekend plus the rolling team of the week, the weeks rising star nominees and Nick's famous tips!
Joe Pignataro, Nick Armistead and Brian Waldron are back for 2019! A full blown pre-season preview with all the coaching changes, player movement and new rule interpretations for the year on the agenda. We get an update from Shona McInness on the continued rise of participation in women's footy and the growth in those numbers PLUS the world famous pre-season predictions from Nick himself.
Joe Pignataro, Nick Armistead and Brian Waldron wrap up the William Buck Premier Grand Final win by St Kevin's with an in-depth chat with Mitch Brown, successful St Bernard's coach Mark "Bomber" Riley joins the boys after the Snowdogs claimed the B Grade Premiership and Fitzroy favourite Luke Mahoney reflects on the first Premiership won by the Roys since 1944.
Joe Pignataro, Nick Armistead & Brian Waldron wrap up the Division Grand Finals from the weekend including a chat with North Brunswick's Jake George after their 37 year Premiership drought. Ayce Cordy is the 2018 Woodrow Medallist and he joined the guys for an in-depth chat plus a legend of the VAFA who made his VFL debut in the 1975 finals series for Hawthorn, Michael Cook ahead of Premier B Grand Final between St Bernard's vs. Old Carey.
Joe Pignataro, Nick Armistead & Brian Waldron wrap up the first round of finals action for Premier A, B and C - Preview the Division Grand Finals plus an in-depth chat with Old Brighton's coach Greg Hutchison.
Joe Pignataro, Nick Armistead and Brian Waldron wrap up the final round of the home and away season for William Buck Premier. De La Salle have avoided relegation and remain in A Grade in 2019. Plus coach of Carlton's AFLW side and 2015 Premiership coach of St Kevin's Daniel Harford joins the boys taking an in-depth look at how the final 4 of William Buck Premier will approach this first weekend of finals.
Joe Pignataro, Nick Armistead and Brian Waldron wrap up Round 17 of William Buck Premier football leading into the final round of action. Old Xavier stalwart & Big V champion Matt Handley reaches 250 games, Danny Frawley is the champion coach of the Old Haileybury women's side in 2018 plus Brendan Iezzi has returned to Old Trinity leading into their 2018 finals campaign.
Joe Pignataro, Nick Armistead & Brian Waldron wrap up Round 16 of VAFA football at William Buck Premier, preview the Women's Grand Finals plus an in-depth chat with St Kevin's head of football & 1990 Premiership player with Collingwood, Michael Christian.
Joe Pignataro, Brian Waldron & Nick Armistead discuss the first round of finals for the women, a preview of Round 16 of William Buck Premier plus an in-depth chat with Tomi Johnston from Old Xavier.
Joe Pignataro, Brian Waldron & Nick Armistead wrap up Round 15 of VAFA football with some upsets across many of the divisions plus Nat Edwards from Old Camberwell previews the Women's finals series and relives the day she won the Premiership with Old Camberwell in 2017.
Joe Pignataro, Nick Armistead and Brian Waldron wrap up Round 14 of VAFA football with relegation tightening up in William Buck Premier, how big is is the gulf between the best and worst in Premier B? Undefeated Old Paradian captain Chris Kandilakis talks division 2 and the run to the finals plus Joey released the first part of his 2018 William Buck Premier team of the year.
Joe Pignataro, Nick Armistead & Brian Waldron wrap up round 13 of VAFA football plus Ayce Cordy joins the guys after Uni Blues big 46 point win over St Kevin's on the weekend.
Joe Pignataro, Nick Armistead and Brian Waldron wrap up the history making weekend of Big V representative football with 4 wins from 4 games plus the successful Premier B to D4 coach Russell Barnes joins the boys for a chat about the win plus Jane's Match this Saturday - St Bede's vs. Old Trinity.
Joe Pignataro, Brian Waldron and Nick Armistead wrap up the round of VAFA football plus an in-depth chat with St Bede's coach Sam Anstey.
Joe Pignataro, Nick Armistead & Brian Waldron wrap up Round 11 of the VAFA plus a wrap of all the other divisions. Should a team who finishes on top be granted a home final during the finals series as a reward plus plenty more.
Joe Pignataro, Brian Waldron and Nick Armistead wrap up Round 10 of VAFA football plus have an in-depth chat with Edyn Sibbald of St Bernard's, the ladder leaders of Premier B footall.
Joe Pignataro, Nick Armistead & Brian Waldron run through the mid-season report card of William Buck Premier plus an in-depth chat with captain of the Big V and superstar of Collegians George Burbury and PR for FightMND Andrew Holmes ahead of the FightMND this Saturday with De La Salle vs. Old Trinity.
Joe Pignataro, Nick Armistead and Brian Waldron wrap up Round 9 across the VAFA plus Al Armstrong from Old Melburnians who's part of the Big V side heading over to Adelaide this weekend.
Joe Pignataro, Nick Armistead and Brian Waldron discuss how the VAFA can help struggling clubs, Collegian the big winners for the round in A-Grade, St Bernard's take top spot in B Grade and PEGS with an upset victory over Fitzroy in C Grade.
Joe Pignataro, Nick Armistead and Andrew Leonard wrap up the Round 7 of the VAFA football with an in-depth chat with Tom Quinn who played in the first draw of William Buck Premier for 2018 plus an exclusive chat with St Kevin's superstar Mitch Brown.
Joe Pignataro, Nick Armistead and Brian Waldron wrap up Round 6 of VAFA football, answer all your Twitter questions plus a preview of the Premier C top of the table clash with Williamstown CYMS and Fitzroy FC this Saturday at Brunswick St Oval.
Joe Pignataro, Brian Waldron and Nick Armistead discuss the Big V 40 man squad that was released. A full wrap of Round 5 VAFA footy and a preview to this weekend's games. Plus an in-depth chat with a superstar of Old Trinity - Harry Tinney.
Joe Pignataro, Nick Armistead and Brian Waldron wrap up another round of VAFA footy plus look ahead to Umpire Appreciation Round in the VAFA this week with the head of the umpires Haydn O'Connor and a favourite at Old Brighton who are undefeated after 4 weeks - Harry Hill!
Joe Pignataro, Nick Armistead, Brian Waldron wrap up round 3 of the VAFA and preview Round 4 with the first game at the newly developed Elsternwick Park plus our feature interview with Old Melbournians Josh Freezer.
Joe Pignataro, Nick Armistead and Brian Waldron wrap up round 2 of the VAFA. St Bernard's loss to Old Carey high on the agenda, De La Salle's big win including our feature interview with Jason Tutt plus some big news from the Elsternwick spy.
Joe Pignataro, Nick Armistead and Brian Waldron wrap up the opening round of VAFA action - St Kevin's unfurled their Premiership flag in style. Old Xavier had a shock loss at home and we look ahead to the early top of the table clash in Premier B between Old Carey vs. St Bernard's. Will Johnson ruined Brian's Saturday kicking 5 goals and joined us for an extensive chat.
Host Joe Pignataro, Nick Armistead and Brian Waldron discuss the pre-season, Women's footy, why the VAFA is the best amateur football competition in Australia plus an in-depth chat with 2017 reigning Premiership captain Anthony Lynch of St Kevins.