division one - Victorian Amateur Football Association

VAFA welcomeBruno Conti, PresidentWe welcome the WorkSafeVictorian Country FootballLeauge to Melbourne and toSportscover Arena for whatrecently has become an annualbattle of the state’s youngfootball talent.The success of these games is testimony to theplayers, coaches and umpires who commit to an extragame of football, but also to the VCFL and our ownrepresentative program for continuing to providean opportunity for our respective league’s players toplay representative football.We all play football to play in finals and premiershipsbut representative football provides a uniqueopportunity for our players that does not exist inother leagues in Melbourne. Furthermore when youget the wear one of the most famous and reveredjumpers in football, it is something you can take withyou for life.The new friends you make out of these matches areoften friends for life. To share the football field withWorkSafe VCFL welcomeNicholas Rolfe, PresidentOn behalf of the Board andManagement of the WorkSafeVictorian Country FootballLeague I would like to welcomeall VCFL parents, friends andspectators to SportscoverArena, Elsternwick Park for this much anticipatedUnder 19 clash between the WorkSafe VCFL andour hosts today the Victorian Amateur FootballAssociation.What you will see today are the best youngcommunity footballers from the city and countryplaying for their respective ‘Big V’.It is terrific that the relationship between theWorkSafe VCFL and the VAFA continues to benefitcommunity football through the creation of theseopportunities for our players to play representativefootball against each other.We are very pleased to be able to offer the chanceof State representation to the best of our under 19footballers. The VCFL now has an established pathwayof elite football through from our Junior Carnivals tothe best of the best is an opportunity that each playerwill cherish today.Last year we travelled to Shepparton and the Countryboys gave us a touch up. However in the previousyear when the VCFL travelled to Sportscover Arenawe held out for a four goal win.We would like to acknowledge the work of SeniorCoach Owen Lalor and his assistant coaching staffand the Big V selectors for getting the side togetherthis year. We also thank the clubs for release theirplayers from duties on Saturday and allowing themto don the Big V on Sunday.We expect the VCFL to team to be committed tokeeping the trophy in country hands for anotheryear but know that our team will perform to theirmaximum ability to uphold our 100% home record atSportscover Arena.The Presidents Medal will be awarded to the best anfairest player on the Amateur side today however itwill be playing on the winning team that makes thisa memorable day.All the best for a great game and let’s hope we arecelebrating a VAFA victory on Sunday night.the senior State Team.I know these boys will benefit from the expertcoaching, high level of competition, and the level ofsupport that these matches give, and I believe thatwe send all players back to their home clubs andleagues better for the experience.It is a great feather in the cap to all players to bepulling on the jumper of your State. You now haveyour own ‘Big V’ jumper to add to your footballresume - congratulations.The WorkSafe VCFL recognises our best player todayby awarding them the Peter Knights Medal. I welcomePeter to the match today.Can I also take time to thank our coach Damian Sextonfor the countless hours and expertise dedicated tothe Under 19 team, along with his hardworking teamof assistant coaches, selectors, management andmedical staff.To VAFA President Bruno Conti, as well as allassociated with the VAFA, we thank you for hostingtoday’s match.We wish all teams, umpires, and team support staff allthe very best for the day, and may the best team ‘raisethe Cup’ at the end of the day.12 THE AMATEUR FOOTBALLER 2012