The VAFA recently awarded life memberships to three of its great contributors, two of them having a long and storied association with the Old Xaverians.

‍Former OXFC President Davina Connors-Calhaem made history in 2004 when she was the first ever female to be appointed to the VAFA Board. Davina was a Director for 10 years, serving on the marketing and commercial sub-committees and was instrumental in the formation of the VAFA women’s competition.

Former OXFC premiership Coach Michael Sholly served as VAFA Chief Executive Officer from 2004 to 2017, and was a Director from 2005 to 2017. He led the VAFA through a period of significant growth, including the implementation of the Women’s competition, the Men’s Thirds competition, Big V Representative team tours to Ireland and South Africa, and the establishment of the annual Big V Club function.

Both made extraordinary contributions to the Association and to the game after long service to the Red 'n' Blacks.

Davina's long service to the Red 'n' Blacks began in 1989 as a trainer and for a decade she treated the walking wounded. She joined the club committee in 1998, became vice-president in 2000 and president in 2002, in which capacity she served for three years. Now she is the Executive Officer of the Old Xaverians Association. She is aan OXFC Life Member.

Michael was a star player whose career with the Red 'n' Blacks was truncated by early injury. He took up coaching and delivered a Crocs and a Senior premiership. Sholly also has had a long association with cricket as very capable batsman, coach and administrator. He is currently General Manager of Lacrosse Victoria.

Congratulations to both, and also to Ian Cordner, the highly decorated former Uni Blacks and Old Melburnians star, who has been a long-term contributor to the VAFA.

‍