The quirky start to the 2024 VAFA Season sees the new and revitalised Thirds kick off the Animals year in Dandenong against Masala Dandenong’s second Thirds side.
After the revelation last week the Thirds will spend the year in the South section of Division 4, a host of new sides, like Masala Dandenong, will feature on the Thirds calendar this year.
Acting Thirds Coach, and last year’s Reserves coach, Josh Webb has an extremely strong pool to choose from for the opening week, including a former premiership player for the Animals.
A total of 9 players will make their debuts in blue this weekend, including former club videographer Lachlan Port who lines up at Full Forward.
A star studded midfield features Premiership player Zac Kearns, Best and Fairest winner Jordy Rodda, and club debutants Max Warburton and Daniel Thorson. These four will be crucial in extracting the centre clearance and feeding season Thirds veterans in Joe Caldow and Jeff Riordan up forward.
Across the backline, club stalwart Nic Glanville will lead a skilled half backline, flanked by George Burgess and Jarrah Davis.
Zac will not be the only Kearns on Lois Twohig Reserve either, with brother Ben returning from the UK and joining a strong 6-man bench for the opening clash of the season.
First bounce is at 11am, with the Reserve and Senior Men playing a practice match a mere 10 minutes down the road against Division 3 side St. Johns OC.
