THAT one day in September has arrived for five Victorian country football leagues.

Right on the mark: South Rovers' forward Edward Richardson will need to be at his strongest in today's Warrnambool & District Football League grand final. Picture: Yuri Kouzmin

Article first appeared: 08 September 2007   Herald Sun

Today's Bellarine League match between Newcomb Power and Ocean Grove is the third consecutive grand final for Power.

Ocean Grove suffered a 54-point loss to Newcomb in the qualifying final but fought its way back into flag contention after narrow wins in the semi-final and preliminary final.

Federal, the Upper Murray League's reigning premier, has also bounced back from an early finals loss to reach this year's grand final.

Federal plays Bullioh in a rematch of this year's semi-final which saw Bullioh win and progress straight to the grand final.

Carngham Linton will defend its Lexton Plains flag against Natte Bealiba today at Austar Arena, Ballarat.

Omeo-Benambra plays Swan Reach at Ensay and South Rovers take on Timboon Demons in the Warrnambool and District League grand final at Warrnambool's Reid Oval.

LONGWARRY spearhead and Victorian Country Football League leading goalkicker Ryan Donaldson has been cleared to play in today's preliminary final against Catani at Warragul.

Donaldson appeared before the Ellinbank and District League tribunal on Wednesday night after he was reported for an attempted trip during last week's semi-final against Cora Lynn.

The case was dismissed after Donaldson's actions were deemed not malicious.

Donaldson has kicked 147 goals this season with the Crows.

The Longwarry full-forward bagged 12 goals during last weekend's semi-final.

His presence in today's preliminary final is sure to tip the scales back in Longwarry's favour.

Nyora will play the winner of today's game in next week's Ellinbank & District grand final.