VAFA footy finally returns this weekend after a break for the King’s Birthday bye, with three Wattle Park teams hoping to continue their winning form and one hoping to get back on the winner’s list. Round 8 was a triumph for the Women, who took down then-ladder-leaders Elsternwick, and the Reserves and Seniors, who rained on Richmond Central’s parades with two hard-fought wins, while the Thirds unfortunately suffered at the hands of Elsternwick. 

With everyone eager to get back into the swing of things, Bennettswood Reserve is again home to another triple-header as the Women welcome current ladder-leaders Preston, and the Reserves and Seniors take on Power House. Elgar Park awaits the Thirds as they face Box Hill North. 

THIRDS:

It’s a fresh look for a fresh opponent as the Thirds call upon some reinforcements this week. 2019 Premiership defender Michael Mazzeo and long-time Animal Louis Fasolino will don the blue and blue this weekend, as well as Mel Dell’Olio making his playing debut for the Animals.

A debuts will also go to Zac Levitt in the backline, where he’s joined by the returning Sam Heydon who missed last time out at Elsternwick a fortnight ago.

Meanwhile Ben Severin plays his second game back for the Animals since returning from Europe, looking to press his claims to join a surging Reserves team and make another charge at a Grand Final.

RESERVES:

The high-flying Reserves side has again made a raft of changes to a squad that appears to have winning running through their veins, and this weekend will be no different. In for their first games in the blue and blue for the year, Dan Hill and Flynn Normand-McMahon return to the side, in the forward line and on the wing respectively. Both club president Cam Gardner, in the back pocket, and Jordy Rodda, starting on the bench, will play their first Reserves games of the year after fantastic form in the Thirds, while Will Mayne’s efforts have been rewarded with his first ever Reserves game. Jacob Hooke, for his first game as an Animal, is named on the bench. 

WOMEN:

A building Women’s side is looking to be boosted by the return of three players for their game on Saturday. Elli Haylock returns to her half-back flank role after missing round 8, while Bronwyn Slater comes back into the side with a different role in the forward line. Rhiannon Stute returns also, from the bench, and will no doubt inject some more fierceness to an already-tough Animals side. 

SENIORS: 

Minimal changes have been made to the Seniors team after their win in round 8, but a few notable players all over the ground return. Tom Wales comes back into the side after spending some time both in the Reserves and on the sidelines through injury, named as the back rotation. The forward line is also boosted with Jonathan Greensides named in the pocket, while Jess Goldsmid returns to the wing to hopefully provide some more speed through the middle of the ground.