VFL and TAC Cup Grand Finals Sunday September 25

$5.00

Photo: Dave Savell PREMIER PARTNER OF THE VFL Grand Final day caps successful 2016 Welcome to the finale to the 2016 season in the Peter Jackson VFL and TAC Cup. It has been another successful year in both of AFL ’s premier competitions. Firstly, thank you to our valued partners whose support is vital to the growth and development of our game. From naming rights partners Peter Jackson and TAC, to the likes of Wynstan, Toyota, Dairy and a host of other supporters, we greatly appreciate your involvement in both competitions. This year the TAC Cup celebrated 25 years and we recognised the players and staff that have played a key role in the rich history of Australia’s premier U18 competition. We wish those TAC Cup players graduating from the competition at the end of this year all the best for the future and we will keep an eye on your football journey with interest. Some will be given an opportunity at AFL level in the various NAB AFL s in late November, with players in today’s season finale like , (Murray), Andrew McGrath and (Sandringham) ones to watch. Others will be playing in the VFL or returning to local level to continue their football. Whatever the level, we hope the TAC Cup competition has helped develop not only your football skills but off -field knowledge as you take your skills back to your various regions and clubs. In the VFL, we have enjoyed record TV ratings with our broadcast partner Channel 7. Home- and-away numbers were up six per cent averaging 53,000 viewers a week, while finals have averaged 108,000 viewers with the Grand Final still to come. Thanks to the team at Channel 7 and McGuire Media for their dedication and commitment to helping promote the competition. The broadcasts play a vital role in promoting our clubs, partners and of course the high standard of football on off er throughout the season. Best of luck to all teams today and we look forward to seeing you again in season 2017. Steven Reaper AFL Victoria CEO Contents Who’s playing who 4 5 VFL Grand Final preview 6 VFL News 40 41 Casey Scorpions player profiles 7 Development League Grand Final review 42 43 Casey Scorpions vs Footscray 9 VFL Women’s 44 45 Footscray player profiles 12 13 TAC Cup Grand Final preview 14 TAC Cup News 15 Stats Central 21 AFL Vic News 26 Michael Gibbons 50 51 player profiles 27 30 VFL and TAC Cup Teams of the Year 52 53 Murray vs Sandringham 31 Hugh McCluggage 54 55 player profiles 56 Quiz

Editor: Ben Pollard [email protected] Contributors: Anthony Stanguts, Kirstie Fitzgerald, Callum O’Connor, Michael Thompson, Kate Withers, James Szabo Design & Print: Mystique Printing Photos: AFL Photos (unless otherwise credited) Ikon Park, Gate 3, Royal Parade, Carlton Nth, VIC 3054 Advertising: Rosanna Butler (03) 8341 6021 GPO Box 4337, , VIC 3001 Cover: Murray Bushrangers’ Trent McMullan (bottom left ), Casey Scorpions captain Jack Hutchins (top left ) and Footscray captain Phone: (03) 8341 6000 | Fax: (03) 9380 1076 (top right) with the VFL premiership trophy, and www.aflvic.com.au Sandringham Dragons’ Josh Trew (bottom right) www.taccup.com.au 1 Television Online VFL Online Website: www.vfl.com.au Twitter: @VFL #PJVFL #VFLWomens Facebook: www.facebook.com/vflfooty Sunday September 25: Casey Scorpions vs Footscray TAC Cup Online Website: www.taccup.com.au Join the team from 2pm. Twitter: @TACCup #TACCup Download the PLUS7 Live app to watch games live Face