The 2024 VT League season has officially concluded after two months of thrilling touch football action, with 32 teams competing across six divisions in Victoria. The Melbourne City Lions showcased exceptional levels of play, claiming the title of 2024 Club Champions after dominating all three women’s divisions.
Their success highlights the strength of their women’s program and the dedication of everyone involved in the club. Congratulations are also in order for all of our winners: Melbourne Phoenix (Division 1 Men’s), Melbourne City Lions (Division 1 Women’s), Galaxy Melbourne (Division 2 Men’s), Melbourne City Lions (Division 2 Women’s), Western VIC Warriors (Division 3 Men’s), and Melbourne City Lions (Division 3 Women’s).
This season wasn’t just about competition—it was also about growth and community. The Western VIC Warriors, a new regional-based team competing for the first time this year, made an outstanding debut by winning Men’s Division 3 and reaching the semi-finals in Women’s Division 3. Their performance this season gives us every reason to look forward to their future achievements as they continue to grow and develop.
The competition also expanded its reach this year by hosting rounds in Ballarat and Pakenham. This initiative, carried out in collaboration with Ballarat Touch Association and Pakenham Eels Rugby League Club, brought the excitement of Touch Football to new communities and reinforced our commitment to growing the sport across the state. The competition culminated in an unforgettable Grand Final day at Seabrook Reserve in Broadmeadows, the new home of Touch Football Victoria. With state-of-the-art facilities and an electric atmosphere, the venue provided the perfect stage for the biggest day of the season.
A season like this would not have been possible without the incredible contributions of our referees. Our referee panel, consisting of Peter Cramp, Jim Addis, and Jason Horton, played a crucial role in equipping referees with the support and guidance needed to maintain high officiating standards throughout the season. Developing referee coaches Summer Nelson and Zan McCahon also made significant contributions by assisting the panel in enhancing the skills of our officiating team. We were also fortunate to have Ken Golden and Erene Devall visit from interstate to coach and upskill our Victorian referees. Their contributions, alongside those of Dave Baggio and Amanda Sheeky helped to educate our referee community.
The Grand Finals provided an opportunity to recognise the achievements of our referees. Zan McCahon was awarded the prestigious title of VT League Referee of the Tournament, while Isabella Eichler-Onus earned the Most Improved Referee award. We also celebrated referee upgrades, with Mikey Rogers, Isabella Eichler-Onus, Jayden Muscat, and Matt Wilson all advancing to Level 3, and Paul Lawrance moving up to Level 4.
With the season wrapped up, we extend our heartfelt thanks to all players, coaches, referees, and volunteers who contributed to making the 2024 VT League a success. Your passion and dedication are the driving forces behind our community, and we’re excited to see what the future holds for VT League.
