Ruckmen in VAFA's Premier B division might feel a little hard done by throughout the 2024 season given they can expect to come across two AFL-listed players.
Melbourne Demons project ruckman Kyah Farris-White made his debut for St Bede's/Mentone over the weekend against Old Haileybury, with the 206cm 20-year-old granted a season permit to play for the Tigers.
The category B rookie joined the Demons in October 2022 as a promising basketball talent who has since returned to Aussie Rules after a stint in North America.
Farris-White made his VFL debut last year for Casey and would play eight games at the state league level, before adding a further three appearances to his tally earlier this year.
The fledgeling ruckman has been granted permission to play at a lower level as he continues his development, with St Bede's/Mentone acquiring the young tall's talents for the season when available.
In his first game for the Tigers, Farris-White featured among his side's best performers in a 53-point defeat.
Farris-White's arrival on the VAFA second division scene comes after Richmond-listed ruckman Oliver Hayes-Brown made his debut for Old Ivanhoe last month.
Hayes-Brown - another category B rookie signing and basketball convert - was recruited to Punt Road last September as a 208cm and 114kg ruck prospect from NBL club the Perth Wildcats.
The 24-year-old has played four matches for Old Ivanhoe in the VAFA Premier B competition, and featured over the weekend in a four-point victory against Old Trinity.
Playing alongside ex-Western Bulldogs midfielder Toby McLean, Hayes-Brown is able to develop his ruck craft at the local level instead of the VFL after crossing from a different code.
Like Farris-White, Hayes-Brown can play in the VAFA under a season permit.
The two AFL-listed ruckmen could go head-to-head later this year when St Bede's/Mentone hosts Old Ivanhoe on Saturday, July 27 at Brindisi Street.
Hayes-Brown came up against the Tigers in Round 3 of the season, prior to Farris-White's first game for the club.
Both players will likely balance time between the VAFA and VFL, depending on selection availability for the latter, and continue to train with their respective AFL clubs.
