The official word today from HQ regarding the make up of the new look VFL competition. 

The AFL today announced the 2021 VFL season is set to begin on Saturday April 17, which will see state league men’s footy return to Victoria, Queensland and New South Wales after a 2020 season affected by COVID-19.

The home and away season will feature 22 clubs from Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria and will consist of a 16-game season across 19 rounds. The largest second-tier football competition in Australia will provide all players with a premium standard of football with VFL matches played in Queensland and New South Wales for the first time.

A Top Eight Finals structure will commence on Saturday August 28 with the VFL Grand Final to be held on the weekend of September 18/19. All clubs will have three allocated byes to provide an added level of flexibility to adjust where required.

The VFL Competition will integrate into a streamlined calendar for men’s football with the 2021 NAB League Boys, with both seasons running concurrently with the 2021 Toyota AFL Premiership Season.

The 2021 fixture is set to be released at the end of February given the connection to the 2021 Toyota AFL Premiership Season. The involvement of AFL-listed players from 14 AFL clubs in the VFL competition is central to the fixturing of the season. All clubs and fans have shown resilience and patience ahead of the fixture release.

All clubs have commenced preseason training and are following the return-to-train protocols and guidelines established by the AFL. Club practice matches will commence in March.

Clubs:
Standalone Clubs: Aspley, Coburg, Frankston, Northern Bullants, Port Melbourne, Southport, Werribee, Williamstown
Standalone AFL Clubs: Brisbane Lions, Carlton, Collingwood, Essendon, Footscray, Geelong Cats, Gold Coast SUNS, GWS GIANTS, North Melbourne, Richmond, Sydney Swans
Aligned Clubs: Sandringham, Box Hill Hawks, Casey Demons

All clubs will have connections to community clubs and pathway programs, including a varied alignment to Under-19 NAB League Clubs for Victorian-based teams and state league programs for New South Wales and Queensland-based teams.

The AFL will continue to work with all AFL Clubs on their non-selected AFL players ahead of their respective 2021 seasons and their involvement in state league football.

The AFL will continue to review all arrangements including return-to-play protocols and the return of fans to matches in consultation with clubs, the various State Governments and respective Health Officers to ensure the health and safety of everyone involved in this competition remains the priority.

In a recruiting coup Werribee has landed the signature of SANFL premiership player Nick Hayes.

The former Woodville - West Torrens star chose Avalon Airport Oval as his new football home after discussions with former Werribee coach Mark Williams.

Hayes told the Big W podcast about his decision:

“I had a meeting with Choco and Hamish (MacInnes) and after chatting to them about the club, that was where I wanted to play my footy. I think they had a lot of similar values to Woodville. A stand alone club and a real community and team atmosphere. That was what I was looking for, so I signed. I like playing at the highest level I can, for as long as I can, so my aim was always to go to a VFL club. I still have that hunger to play, I still love the game and think I can still contribute to a winning team.”

Werribee senior coach Mick Barlow is very happy with Hayes’ arrival:

“It is a unique move. I rock up and here is a 27 year old SANFL premiership player who plays a high half forward role and has a bit if variety in his play. It was a good Christmas present, to be honest. It is good to have Nick on board as well as a couple of others like Wylie Buzza and Matt Lobbe, who hasn’t played a game for Werribee yet.”

Training has begun for the 2021 season. Stay tuned for the fixture release soon and more exciting news from Avalon Airport Oval. 

The 2021 fixture will be released soon and full details of our 2021 membership offers are not far away. Also our playing list is taking final shape with some very exciting news coming on that front.  

Michael Barlow's return in the role of senior coach is just the tonic to end 2020.

President Martin Carter happily announced the news in 2020 fashion to a zoom meeting of players, staff and sponsors:

"From the day Mick walked in, there has been a bond between him and the club that makes this an obvious progression and a very easy appointment to make.

That is not to say there were not many interested in this role. There were. Michael Barlow epitomises our values and spirit and will deliver our blueprint for the future. 

Make no mistake. Mick was an integral part of the Mark Williams team and as natural a successor as you will ever see."

Barlow left Werribee to further his coaching ambitions, taking on the senior role at Yarraville Seddon Eagles in the WRFL for 2021.

"Firstly, let me thank Yarraville for appointing me and now allowing me to take up this irresistible position at Avalon Airport Oval. I plan to still be involved with the Eagles, helping out where I can.

Obviously this wasn't planned, but what a golden opportunity. I am excited with what I have inherited from 'Choco' and what I have learnt from him as well. I can't wait for the players to come back so we can build on the foundation the club has laid in recent seasons."