RE: VAFA REPRESENTITIVE REUNION


Dear VAFA Rep Player,

One of the proudest achievements in a VAFA footballer’s career is to represent the state. Pulling on the Big V is an experience treasured by all those who have been fortunate enough to have had the experience.

This year the VAFA play four representative matches. The first match was our Under 19’s against AFLQ Under 21’s. Unfortunately we went down by 15 points but it was an extremely high standard match which will only benefit the players when they return to their club. On July 14 the Under 23’s play the SAAL in Adelaide and on the following day both the seniors and Under 19’s take on the VCFL in Ballarat. Unfortunately the A – D4 match against the Southern Football League was cancelled due to the drought.

After playing a game there has been small reunions of the teams but generally the players and officials have that one-off experience, go back to their clubs and the match becomes just a memory. The Board feels that it is long overdue for all players, officials and support staff to get together to relive those great games of the past and bring the VAFA family together.

Accordingly the first Big V luncheon will occur on Friday August 24 at the RACV Club. This venue has been specifically chosen not only because of its central locality, but also because it is able to cater for groups of various sizes. Presently we have tentatively booked for 200 but the room has a capacity of over twice this size. What a great occasion it would be if we could combine some of the players exploits from before WWII to the present. I am sure the experiences will be similar although some of the feats may have been exaggerated.

This is where we require your support. You have been nominated as a leading VAFA representative player from your club. Please see the following list of players from your club who have represented the VAFA. We request that you be the conduit from the VAFA to these players. We understand that the age of the players will vary greatly but if you were able to liaise with your secretary to ensure all of the players get the appropriate invitations, we would be most appreciative. It would be disappointing if we were unable to invite all the appropriate people.

It is not going to be an easy task to coordinate this. However if we are all able to assist then I am confident we can get the job done. At the end of the day I am confident that we will look back and say the effort to hold the luncheon was worthwhile.

At the luncheon the tables will be organised in VAFA teams, not in clubs. So eras will be put together to get the opportunity to share old times. This could truly be a great day of amateur football where old friendships are reunited and the common bond of the VAFA shared.

Would you please contact either Michael Sholly on 9531 8333 or Davina Conners Calhaem on 0425 724 351 as soon as possilbe. Invitations for the event will be sent out in mid July. I would welcome the opportunity to speak with you to discuss your role in making this a huge celebration of Amateur Football.

Thank you for your continued support of the VAFA.

Yours sincerely

Nick Bourke
President

Bruno Conti
Chairman