The VAFA had their country counterparts cold at Elsternwick Park with a 91-point win in the senior game and a 40-point triumph in the under-19s clash, but the GVL will have a chance for revenge next year at Deakin Reserve.
It will be the final game of the original two-year deal, but GVL chairman Peter Foott is hopeful there could be further opportunities beyond that window.
“It’s a two-year journey,” Foott said.
“Hopefully, it’s a long-term commitment from both of us if we can.
“I think they’re pretty keen to continue it after Saturday, there’s definitely a good opportunity for us.
“Even their players, I went and thanked them after the game, and a few came up and said they really enjoyed (the game).”
The purple and gold spirit is a proud beast with a lengthy history.
The GVL contested the Ash-Wilson Trophy against the O&M for the past four years, and before that was long one of Victoria’s strongest performers on the interleague stage.
Naturally, when the O&M opted to compete against the Bendigo league this year, the GVL set out to continue a storied legacy with some of its best players in tow, lining up against one of the state’s strongest leagues.
And for Foott, the on-field results form only a part of the overall representative picture.
“In terms of going down there and playing the game of footy, I think there’s probably more to come out of it than meets the eye,” he said.
“In terms of our preparation, we’ve become a lot more professional. We’ve shifted the needle in how we’re preparing now.
“It’s good to take that level of professionalism that (GVL coach) Nick Pearson has brought to the table, as well as Peter Banfield and a few others who are around us right at the moment.”
Foott also paid tribute to the league’s band of supporters that made the journey down to Melbourne to cheer on a star-studded squad.
“I thank the players and our support around the players, particularly the people that travelled to watch the game on Saturday,” he said.
“The players were appreciative, the VAFA were appreciative.
“It shows that we’re hopefully building a bit of trust back in the league, and we’ll continue to build on the good things that are happening.”
The GVL home-and-away season continues this weekend with round 14.
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