Weekly Wrap | This week has seen some interesting development in off field news.

Firstly the Bendigo FNL has announced it intends to appeal the move of the Gisborne FNL which has now been formally accepted into the Ballarat FNL for next season. The last of the about to be defunct Golden Rivers FNL clubs has finally found a home with Macorna FNL moving to the Loddon Valley FNL in 2026. The Maryborough FNC which has been in recess this season is trying their luck again with another application to join the Maryborough Castlemaine District FNL as it’s new home for the future.

With the Geelong FNL and Hampden FNL both ending their home and away seasons on the weekend, it means we are in full finals mode across the state and also in the middle of league awards season. As with last year, we have had two leagues where ineligible players have topped their league Best and Fairest counts. Cudgewa FNC’s John Spencer had the most votes in the Upper Murray FNL count, however due to a suspension the award went to Clint Brunnenmeyer from Bullioh FNC. Similarly in the Tallangatta and District FNL Yackandandah FNC’s Zack Leitch was also denied a medal due to a report during the season, meaning Rutherglen FNC’s Marty Brennan was named the winner.

Two Grand Finals were decided this weekend with Werrimull FNC in the Millewa FNL hoisting the cup after a 28 point win over Bambill FNC, 11.6 72 to 6.8 44. The Magpies came from 3rd place and last week knocked out league leaders Cardross FNC who exited the finals in straight sets after being undefeated all year. In the Upper Murray FNL it was back to back flags for Bullioh FNC with their 38 point win coming over Cudgewa FNC in a repeat of last season's result.

A couple of clubs are daring to dream that little bit more after this weekend's results. Rushworth FNC in the Kyabram and District FNL, who were in recess two years ago, have chalked up two finals wins in a row. This week the 6th placed Tigers beat Nagambie FNC by a point, 9.12 66 to 9.11 65 after being behind at three quarter time. It was a thrilling weekend of finals for the league after Murchison Toolamba FNC won their semi final with a kick after the siren to defeat Lancaster FNC 8.11 59 to 8.8.56 the day before. Last week in the Riddell and District FNL, Kyneton FNC won its first senior final in 27 years with an upset win against Wallan FNC. This week they were at it again, with a thrilling 12.17 89 to 13.9 87 victory over ladder leaders Diggers Rest FNC, sending the Burra’s out in straight sets.

In the Wimmera FNL there was a double overtime thriller in the Elimination Final between Dimboola FNC and Stawell FNC. Scores were tied on 87 pts each at the end of regulation time. By the end of the 1st period of extra time Dimboola FNC led by a goal, but the game was forced into another period to find a winner when Stawell FNC’s Paul Summers kicked truly to tie scores up again. By the conclusion of this second period of extra time, it was Dimboola FNC who came away 14 point victors, 16.18 114 to 15.10 100.

It’s been a long season for 18 clubs this year who were unable to sing the song after a win. However the boys from Lara FNC left it to the last possible moment to saviour their first win for the season after coming from behind at three quarter time against North Shore FNC to come out six point winners in the end, 14.12 96 to 14.8 90. In doing so they ended a 23 game losing streak.

It was a different story for Birchip Watchem FNC in the North Central FNL who registered their first loss for the season in the second semi final with an 11 point defeat at the hands of the Calder United FNC. The loss means the Bulls now head to the preliminary final next week with the chance of a straight sets exit, while the Lions are now in the grand final in their inaugural year as a newly merged entity. It’s an eerily similar situation in the Warrnambool and District FNL, where Merrivale FNC who went through the season only losing one game, also lost the second semi and also sit on the cusp of a straight sets exit.

Other results this week saw Harrow Balmoral FNC in the Horsham and District FNL and Fish Creek FNC in the Mid Gippsland FNL move into their respective grand finals, chasing three peats in the process. Second semi final wins have presented back to back opportunities for Mount Pleasant FNC, Murchison Toolamba FNC and Riddell FNC’s. While in the North Eastm Bright FNC in the Ovens and King FNL and down south Allansford FNC in the Warrnambool and District FNL are now in a position to break 21 and 38 year premiership droughts respectively after securing Grand Final berths.

This coming weekend sees another 4 premierships on offer across Victoria. (last flag)

Golden Rivers FNL | 1 v 2 | Hay (2023) V Ultima (2024)
This is the last ever grand final for the league that is winding up at the end of next week. It will see a replay of last year's epic 1 pt result which was won by Ultima FNC.
Loddon Valley FNL | 2 v 1 Bridgewater (2016) v Marong (2024)
Omeo & District FNL | 2 v 1 | Omeo Benambra (2024) v Swan Reach (2014)
South West District FNL | 1 v 2 | Dartmoor (2017) v Cavendish (2022)