Weekly Wrap | Whilst most country leagues took a mid season break for the King’s Birthday Long Weekend, there were still enough games for this week's edition of the Weekly Wrap.
Starting with some off field news, more clubs have started looking at their futures beyond the current 2024 season. Bunyip FNC, currently in the West GIppsland FC and Newborough FNC from the Mid Gippsland FNL have signaled intentions to move from their respective leagues and join the Ellinbank and District FNL for next year. As the rest of the season progresses, this will potentially become a common discussion point as clubs and leagues look to secure their long term sustainability.
To matters on field this week, and there were more ongoing issues for troubled Bendigo FNL side Maryborough FNC. In a situation that happens in junior or reserve grades in lower level leagues, Maryborough not only had to forfeit their Reserve game due to a lack of players, they also required 2 players from opposition club Eaglehawk FNC to have enough players for the Senior match. Whilst the game went ahead, it was another big loss with Eaglehawk FNC managing 30.9 189 to Maryborough FNC’s 0.1 1. This now takes Maryborough to 53 consecutive losses.
This weekend did see some long standing losing streaks come to an end with the biggest being St Arnaud FNC in the North Central FNL singing for the first time in 25 games after a 43 point win over Charlton FNC. In the Goulburn Valley FNL Benalla FNC broke their 11 game losing streak after a close 3 point win over the Shepparton Swans FNC. Saints coach and former Blue and Kangaroo, Jarrod Waite kicked 3 goals in the victory. Also breaking an 11 game run of losses was Maffra FNC in the Gippsland FNL, with a 21 point win over Warragul FNC. Staying in the Gippsland FNL, there was also a rare double draw on Sunday between long standing traditional rivals, Traralgon FNC and Morwell FNC, who drew both the Senior football match and the A Grade netball as well.
Three former Collingwood premiership teammates laced up their boots in leagues across the state this weekend. Travis Cloke made his debut for Nullawil FNC in the North Central FL clash against Wedderburn FNC, kicking 2 goals in his side's 28 point win. In the Ovens and Murray FNL, Heath Shaw donned the blue and white vertical stripes of Corowa Rutherglen FNC as they battled Lavington FNC. Unfortunately Shaw’s efforts weren’t enough to help the Roos in their search for an elusive first win in 2024, as they succumbed to the Panthers by 26 points.
In the stand alone Central Murray FNL match, Brownlow Medalist Dane Swan lined up for Tyntynder FNC while former Bomber Michael Hurley donned the opposing Swan Hill FNC jumper. Despite Hurley managing to kick 7 goals it wasn’t enough to help his team to victory with Swan’s Tyntynder FNC holding on for a close fought 6 point win, 15.13 103 to 15.7 97.
Whilst most of the league leading goal kickers had the weekend off, there was still some action in front of the big sticks. Braydon McHugh from Longwarry FNC was the only forward to hit double digits this weekend, with a bag of 10 in his side's 148 point win over Nyora FNC. The weekend also saw two new members of the 50 goal club for season 2024 with Berrigan FNC’s Jordan Bird managing 3 majors to edge up to 51 season goals, while Alvie FNC’s Dominic Dare kicked 4 to take his season's tally to 50. They still sit far behind current statewide leader, Bear Lagoon Serpentine FNC’s Josh Mellington who leads all comers with 87.
