Stars turn out for VAFA v NFL clash

IT was an idea that ignited an entire reality TV show – the possibility that the next AFL star was running around in a community league somewhere just waiting for his chance.

Tomorrow, at the newly named Ikon Park (Princess Park), the TV cameras won’t be rolling and Michael Voss won’t be yelling instructions from the sidelines, but the best players in Melbourne’s premier community leagues will be on show for all to see.

In front of what is expected to be a large and passionate crowd, and a strong contingent of AFL recruiters, the who’s who of suburban footy will take centre stage and put their reputations on the line.

Last year it was Victorian Amateur Football Association star Brendan Goss who stole the show with a bag of goals before he made his way to The Recruit.

Northern Football League ruckman Matthew Dennis (Bundoora) was another to feature on the show, but unlike Goss who is ineligible this year after switching to the Eastern Football League, Dennis will back in action for the NFL tomorrow.

And what a chance he and his teammates have in front of them.

After toppling the Essendon District Football League in 2014, the NFL earned their shot at the VAFA and the No.1 ranking in this year’s Metro Championships.

Coached again by former Northcote Park mentor Jason Heatley, the NFL boasts some incredible strike power in the form of two familiar names.

Former Essendon cult hero Gary Moorcroft may be in his late 30s but the pocket rocket has lost none of his tricks up forward. Set to cause just as much havoc is goalkicking machine Shane Harvey (North Heidelberg) who has surpassed the 100-goal mark in five of his past six seasons.

Harvey and Moorcroft may have both enjoyed a career at the elite level but the NFL side is also laden with guys like Dennis, Jesse Donaldson and Justin White who are again itching to test their ability against the best.

The VAFA, the self-proclaimed ‘Undisputed Champions’ of community football may be missing a few familiar names from last year’s emphatic runaway victory over the EFL but their squad remains formidable.

Old Xaverians’ Matt Handley will lead the Ammos in their quest to remain at the top of the standings. Handley is an imposing figure and along with Old Trinity’s Brendan Iezzi (VC) will be attempting to stamp his authority on the contest and silence the NFL early.

Coach Cam Roberts will also rely heavily on University Blacks premiership captain Bede Mahon and former Carlton hardnut Adam Bentick (St Bernards) to win the midfield battle and give their high quality outside runners a chance to take over the wide expanses at IKON Park.

For the winner it means 12 months of bragging rights and immediate respect, but for the loser it’s a 3v4 play-off that awaits next year and a long hard slog back to the top.

Metro Championships

Where: IKON Park, Carlton (enter from Gate 2)

When: Saturday, March 28

Time: 3:25pm

Price: $10 for adults, $5 for concession/pensioners, FREE for children under 16 years of age

Live Stream: A live video stream of the games can be viewed HERE.