2016 VAFA season
The 2016 VAFA season was the 116th season of the Victorian Amateur Football Association, the largest senior community Australian rules football competition in Victoria. The season began on 9 April and concluded on 18 September, with 70 teams participating across seven divisions under a promotion and relegation system.
Background
On 1 July 2016, the VAFA announced it would make changes to the structures of [|Division 2], [|Division 3] and [|Division 4] following a review in order to ensure a "competitive and fair fixture" for the 2017 season.- Division 2: Two clubs promoted to [|Division 1], one relegated to Division 3
- Division 3: Two clubs promoted to Division 2, three relegated to Division 4
- Division 4: Two clubs promoted to Division 3
Association membership
In early 2016, Glen Eira and the Monash Gryphons announced their intention to merge for the 2016 season. This ultimately did not occur and the clubs remained separate entities, with Glen Eira competing in Division 3 while Monash participated in the Club XVIII competition. The clubs would later amalgamate to form the Glen Eira Gryphons for the 2017 season.Name changes
The Northern Blues changed its name to Preston Bullants Amateur Football Club, and NOBs/St Pat's was renamed to Brunswick NOBSPC.Division 4
Westbourne Grammarians won the Division 4 premiership for the first time, defeating Point Cook by 17 points in the grand final to complete a perfect season. It was the club's first-ever senior premiership after its formation in 2014.This was Chadstone's last year of senior competition until 2024, with the club withdrawing from Division 4 in 2017 and spending seven years in the Club XVIII and Thirds competitions.