Three Named in 2025 VAFA's Big V Centenary Teams
St Bernard’s is proud to announce that three of our own have earned selection in the prestigious 2025 VAFA's Big V Centenary Team, with senior stars Mitch Hughes and Ben Huggard named in the Men’s squad, and rising young ruckman Alex Alessio earning a spot in the Under 19s.
Hughes: Leading From the Back
Club captain Mitch Hughes has been a model of consistency this season, steering the Snowdogs with poise and power from the half-back line. His inclusion in the squad is a deserved reward for a campaign that has seen him average 22 disposals, 6 rebound 50s, 7 intercept possessions, 4 marks and 3 score involvements per game.
A natural leader on and off the field, Hughes' composure under pressure and ability to launch attacks from defence have made him one of the most respected defenders in the competition.
Huggard: Dynamic Weapon
Joining Hughes is dynamic Ben Huggard, whose impact has been impossible to ignore. Averaging 23 disposals, 12 contested possessions, 5 inside 50s, 4 clearances, 6 score involvements and a goal per game, Huggard has added both grunt and class to St Bernard’s engine room.
Equally capable of winning the ball in the contest and hurting teams on the scoreboard, Huggard’s selection is a nod to the damage he’s done all over the ground in 2025.
Alessio: The Future is Now
Rounding out the Snowdogs' representation is promising ruckman Alex Alessio, who has earned a call-up to the VAFA's Big V Men’s Under 19 team. Alessio’s development this season has been outstanding — showing strong tap work, physical presence, and the kind of footy IQ that turns potential into performance.
His inclusion highlights the bright future of the club, and he joins an elite list of emerging talent across the league.
On Saturday, all eyes will be on Elsternwick Park, which has been renamed Sportscover Arena for rep footy weekend for two big matches against the Perth Football League.
The Big V Women are first up at 1:00pm who’ll be looking to remain undefeated, followed by the Big V Men at 3:30pm in a twilight match under the lights.
Get along to Sportscover Arena at Elsternwick Park to watch all the action and cheer on the mighty Big V. Tickets are available at the gate – just $10 for adults and children under 12 free. Parking inside the ground is an additional $5.
If you cannot get to the ground, both matches will be live streamed on VAFA.com.au and KommunityTV. Tune in for unprecedented live coverage of both matches, commencing at 12:45pm.
Then on Sunday, the focus switches to Queen Elizabeth Oval in Bendigo where the VAFA will face the Bendigo Football Netball League. First up, it’s the Under 19 Men at 11:30am, followed by the Premier B – Division 3 Men at 2:00pm. Both matches will also be live streamed on VAFA.com.au.
Congratulations to Mitch, Ben and Alex on their well-earned honours!
Written by: Hannah Juricskay