Weekly Wrap | This weekend of finals had it all. Premiership droughts broken, close games, straight set exits for some flag favourites and two match finishes that were just downright crazy.

First up to our Grand Finals and the close one of the weekend was in the Golden Rivers FNL where Ultima FNC won their first flag in 9 years with a come from behind 1 point win in a game that was close all day. Despite entering half time with a two point lead, Ultima was 6 points behind at 3/4 time. Scores were tied courtesy of a behind to Hay FNC late in the last before Ultima got the final score to register the thrilling win 11.10 76 to 11.9 75.

In another close game, it was a three peat of flags for Nirranda FNC in the Warrnambool and District FNL when they defeated Merrivale FNC by 3 points, 9.10 64 to 9.6 60 ending the TIgers impressive end of season run of 10 straight matches. There was a five point thriller in the MPNFNL Division 2 Grand Final, where Edithvale Aspendale FNC held on to win 11.16 82 to Chelsea FNC’s 11.11 77. This was despite playing with 2 players short for the last 20 minutes after two Edithvale Aspendale players were sent off, including former Tiger and Hawk Tyrone Vickery, who had kicked 4 goals to that point.

Boisdale Briagolong FNC broke a 23 year premiership drought when claiming their first ever flag In the East Gippsland FNL with a 32 point win over Lucknow FNC, reversing the result from this season's 2nd Semi Final. In the Heathcote and District FNL White Hills FNC broke a premiership drought that stretched all the way back to 1988 when they easily won their match against Leitchville Gunbower FNC by 71 points on the back of 8 goals from Liam Bartels. Waaia FNC in the Picola and District FNL easily accounted for Katandra FNC to win their third straight flag while other premiership winners this weekend were Torquay FNC in the Bellarine FNL and Tyrendarra FNC in the South West District FNL.

To other finals matches now and the results were simply incredible with serious flag contenders in four leagues all going out in straight sets. There was a one point thriller in the Kyabram and District FNL where Shepparton East FNC sent Lancaster FNC out, coming from the clouds to win 11.6 72 to 10.11 71. In the Geelong and District FNL East Geelong FNC who were two games clear on the top of the ladder at seasons end, fell 11 points short of Thomson FNC who now progress to face the Belmont Lions FNC in the decider next weekend. Out east and in the West Gippsland FNC end of season ladder leader Cora Lynn FNC fell in the Preliminary Final to local rivals Nar Nar Goon FC by 22 points to fall short of the Grand Final, while Gordon FNC had their 10 game winning streak in the Central Highlands FNL ended by Bungaree FNC to the tune of 32 points.

Now normally a finish like Lorne FNC’s barnstorming six goal run in the final quarter to overcome Alvie FNC who were up 50-17 at the seven minute mark of the last quarter to run out three point winners would be the story of the rounds results, however it’s not even close to what happened in the Geelong FNL and Hampden FNL finals over the weekend.

Firstly to the Geelong FNL Qualifying Final where Leopold FNC won an amazing match by a golden point.

With scores tied with St Mary’s FNC at the end of the last quarter, extra time was required. Scores remained tied after the first period of extra time, so another 5 minutes was required. To add to the drama, the siren sounded early not once but twice, during this period where scores again remained tied at the conclusion of the second extra time period so it came down to a golden point scenario. At the end of an amazing match, a rushed behind by Leopold, enabled them to get the win and advance to the 2nd Semi Final, 11.10 76 to 11.9 75.

If that was a crazy result then the Hampden FNL 1st Semi Final between Warrnambool FNC and Terang Mortlake FNC was even more amazing thanks to the windy conditions.

A nine goal to nothing first quarter saw Warrnambool FNC lead 9.8 62 to 0.2 2, thanks to a six goal effort from former North Melbourne star Ben Cunnington. In the second quarter Warrnambool FNC were held scoreless, while Terang Mortlake FNC managed 5 of their own, but still trailed 5.8 38 to 9.8 62 at half time. The third quarter then saw Warrnambool extend their lead to head into the final quarter, up 12.11 83 to 6.9 45 before Ternag Mortlake stormed home, kicking seven goals, including the winner which went through as the siren sounded to record a remarkable 2 point win 13.14 92 to 13.12 90. An amazing result that saw 24.22 kicked to one end of the ground, compared to just 2.4 at the other.

This coming weekend is a Super Saturday of GF with another 18 premierships on offer across Victoria. (last flag)

Central Highlands FNL | 1 v 3 | Bungaree FNC (2014) V Daylesford FNC (2012)
Ellinbank & District FNL | 1 v 3 | Buln Buln FNC (2023) V Ellinbank FNC (1995)
Geelong & District FNL | 2 v 4 | Belmont Lions FNC (2007) V Thomson FNC (2018)
Horsham & District FNL | 1 v 3 | Harrow Balmoral FNC (2023) V Noradjuha Quantong FNC (going for 1st ever)
Kyabram & District FNL | 1 v 3 | Murchison-Toolamba FNC (2013) V Shepparton East FNC (2012)
Loddon Valley FNL | 1 v 2 | Marong FNC (2023) V Pyramid Hill FNC (1950)
Maryborough Castlemaine District FNL | 1 v 3 | Natte Bealiba FNC (2019) V Trentham FNC (1994)
Mid Gippsland FNL | 1 v 2 | Fish Creek FNC (2023) V Yinnar FNC (2022)
Mininera & District FNL | 1 v 2 | Wickliffe / Lake Bolac FNC (2018) V Penshurst FNC (2012)
MPNFL - Div 1 | 1 v 2 | Dromana FNC (2023) V Mt. Eliza FNC (2005)
North Central FNL | 1 v 2 | Sea Lake Nandaly FNC (2023) V Birchip-Watchem FNC (2022)
North Gippsland FNL | 1 v 2 | TTU FNC (2023) V Woodside FNC (1974)
Outer East FNL - Div 1 | 2 v 3 | Healesville FNC (2016) V Warburton Millgrove FNC (2006)
Ovens and King FNL | 2 v 3 | Greta FNC (1999) V Bright FNC (2004)
Riddell & District FNL | 1 v 2 | Riddell FNC (2022) V Wallan FNC (1992)
Sunraysia FNL | 1 v 2 | Imperials FNC (2013) V Wentworth FNC (2012)
Tallangatta & District FNL | 1 v 2 | Yackandandah FNC (2000) V Chiltern FNC (2023)
West Gippsland FNL | 2 v 3 | Phillip Island FNC (2019) V Nar Nar Goon FNC (2010)