League News | WorkSafe AFL Victoria Country has claimed the 2019 Brian Molony Cup, after defeating the Victorian Amateur Football Association (VAFA) by 17 points.

The 2019 Brian Molony Cup delivered another exciting game of football between two great rivals.

AFL Victoria Country (formerly VCFL) and the VAFA have been playing representative football against one another since its inception in 1993. The games have generally been extremely competitive with close results, as evident in this year’s cup.

As expected, the standard of football was at an all-time high with a close game predictable from the first bounce.

The first Quarter saw AFL Victoria Country kicking into a four-goal breeze. VAFA dominated the inside 50’s but a strong defense led by Lachlan Smith, Nathan Cooper and Nathan Horbury were outstanding repelling many forwards thrusts. The country boys played the conditions beautifully having 46 marks at quarter time to keep the VAFA goalless.

The second quarter saw the VAFA list their rating kicking three out of the first four goals to open up a handy lead, but the midfield depth country had through Cole, Mattingly, Mannagh and skipper Baird eventually got to the top and gave the forwards plenty of opportunities.

VAFA were in the game at half time with an 11-point lead. Coach Frawley moved James Hayes to the wing, and with his exquisite skills proved to be a match winner with second half goals. VAFA would not be denied kicking five goals in the third quarter to take a seven-point lead at the final break. Sam Michael the dominant big man on the ground and Best On Ground for country was now giving his midfield first use.

The last quarter saw a real struggle with both sides kicking early goals. Former AFL player Josh Green playing for the VAFA was completely shut down by Geelong’s Alex Cincotta. JD Hayes kicked two sealers and with country kicking the last four goals of the match, they proved too strong in the end to run out winners by 17 points.

Having coached the country side for the past three years, coach Danny Frawley was all smiles after his side’s win, adding another victory to his record books.

Congratulations to all players, coaches, umpires, leagues, clubs and staff from within AFL Victoria Country and the VAFA for their involvement in making the event a memorable one.

WorkSafe AFL Victoria Country

Goal Kickers: C. McCarthy 2, J. Hayes 2, K. Pettifer 2, M. Whiley, S. Michael, S. Dobson, A. Boseley, J. Cole
Best Players: S. Michael, J. Cole, L. Smith, J. Hayes, K. Pettifer, N. Cooper

VAFA

Goal Kickers: H. Hill 2, S. Critchley 2, C. Cassidy, T. Harper, C. O”Shea, N. Pavlou, T. Paule
Best Players: T. Paule, S. Crocker, N. Wood, C. O”Shea, C. Ross