Weekly Wrap | With another thirteen premierships up for grabs this past weekend there was plenty of drama and stories coming out of the matches that were played across the state.
In the Wimmera FNL there was still the ongoing cloud during the week as to whether former Carlton player and Ararat FNC star Tom Williamson would be able to play in the decider against Southern Mallee Thunder FNC. Williamson, who is still involved in a pending investigation around alleged vilification that took place in the 2nd Semi FInal, was deemed eligible to play, given the investigation had still not been completed. He would prove to be the difference in the Grand Final kicking 6 goals in the 13.13 91 to 5.8 38 victory after there was only 1 point separating the two sides at half time. The victory secured a three-peat of wins for the club.
Former Essendon captain Dyson Heppell celebrated a Grand Final win that had eluded him at the top level when his hometown Leongatha FNC demolished Traralgon FNC in the Gippsland FNL grand final to the tune of 95 points. Heppell starred with a best on ground performance that saw him win both the league and AFL Victoria medals for best on ground to go with the premiership medallion in the 19.11 135 to 4.6 430 victory.
In the Bendigo FNL, Eaglehawk FNC kicked seven goals in the final quarter to overcome a three quarter time deficit of 22 points in the match against league leaders Sandhurst FNC. The Dragons who had led at every change and kicked the first of the last quarter, had no answers as Eaglehawk slammed on six in a row to hit the front and hold on for a 14.10 94 to 12.12 84 win claiming their first flag in 7 years and 29th overall.
Possibly the biggest upset of the year took place in the Murray FNL decider at Moama on Saturday. Congupna FNC who were chasing back to back flags, were red hot favourites in the match against fourth placed Cobram FNC given their 33 game winning streak and having only lost one quarter of football for the entire season. What transpired saw Cobram ending a 27 year premiership drought after Congupna kicked themselves out of the match, managing a staggeringly inaccurate 5.21 51 to Cobram’s 8.6 54.
With a wind favouring one end all day, Congupna squandered first use of it kicking 1.7 in the first quarter and proceeded to waste try advantage again with another 1.5 when they had its assistance in the third quarter. Former Port Adelaide and Western Bulldog big man Jackson Trengove capped off a fantastic weekend with a premiership medal to go alongside the Murray FNL Best and Fairest award he won earlier in the week. These will go somewhat to help ease the pain of the broken ribs and punctured lung he suffered during the match.
The Mornington Peninsula FNL Division 1 decider was a thriller that saw Rosebud FNC come from a goal behind at three quarter time to register a 1 point victory over Mt Eliza FNC. In a tight final quarter, Rosebud edged in front at the 12 minute mark, but a late Mt Eliza goal in the 28th minute put everyone on edge. It would end up being the last score of the day as Rosebud secured their first flag in 10 years with the 8.7 55 to 7.12 54 win.
Nar Nar Goon FNC capped off an amazing season becoming just the second ‘Premiers and Champions’ of the 2025 season. Their undefeated run of 27 games saw them complete the perfect season, becoming back to back West Gippsland FNC premiers with a 21 point win over Tooradain Dalmore FNC 9.11 65 to 6.8 44.
Former AFL players Brett Bewley and Nick Hind helped Darley FNC to the club’s second premiership in 3 years with a 34 point win against Sunbury FNC, 11.13 79 to 6.9 45. The fast starting Devils poured on a 7.5 47 to 0.0 0 opening quarter and the game was put beyond doubt from that point on. Whilst Hind kicked three goals in the win, former Roo Aaron Mullett kicked 10 to help Wandin FNC to a 91 point Grand Final victory over Olinda Ferny Creek. Former Collingwood player Matthew Scharenberg kicked 3 goals while bravely played the game for Olinda Ferny Creek despite an ACL injury, but it wasn't enough to inspire his teammates as Wandin won 22.13 145 to 8.6 54, giving them another flag after their last win in 2023.
The final two premierships for 2025 are on offer this Friday. (last flag)
Geelong FNL | 1 v 4 | St Joseph’s (2018) V St Mary’s (2022)
Hampden FNL | 1 v 3 | North Warrnambool (1994) V Koroit (2022)
