Local footy doesn't get any bigger than what's ahead this weekend, with numerous Grand Finals set to be contested in many of the top senior community competitions across the state.
In metropolitan areas, the top men's divisions in the Eastern, Essendon District, Northern, Southern and Western leagues all have their deciders scheduled.
In country Victoria, Grand Finals will be played in powerhouse leagues Ballarat, Bendigo, Geelong, Gippsland, Goulburn Valley, Hampden, Outer East, Ovens & Murray and Wimmera.
A Weekend of Local Footy Thrills
The weekend of September 21-22 was a spectacle of local footy with numerous Grand Finals showcasing the best talent across Victoria. From metropolitan areas to country Victoria, the competition was fierce and the atmosphere electrifying. Here's a glimpse of some of the most exciting games:
Metropolitan Victoria
The Eastern FNL Premier Senior Men Grand Final witnessed Balwyn take on East Ringwood at Marie Wallace Oval on Saturday, September 21. The Essendon District FL Premier Division Senior Men's Grand Final saw a clash between Pascoe Vale and Keilor at Windy Hill on the same day. Meanwhile, the Northern FNL Division 1 Seniors Men's Grand Final was a battle between Heidelberg and Montmorency at Preston City Oval, also on Saturday. The Southern FNL Division 1 Senior Men's Grand Final unfolded on Sunday, September 22, with Cheltenham facing Dingley at RSEA Park. Finally, the Western FNL Division 1 Seniors Men Grand Final was a showdown between Werribee Districts and Hoppers Crossing at Avalon Airport Oval on Saturday, September 21.
Country Victoria
The AFL Barwon's Colac & District FNL Seniors Men's Grand Final pitted Lorne against Irrewarra-Beeac at Central Reserve on Saturday, September 21. The AFL Central Vic's Central Murray FNL Grand Final saw Kerang face off against NNW United at Swan Hill Recreation Reserve on the same day. The Bendigo Football Netball League Seniors Grand Final took place at Queen Elizabeth Oval on Saturday, September 21, featuring Gisborne and Sandhurst. The AFL Gippsland's Gippsland League Grand Final was a clash between Leongatha and Traralgon at Morwell Recreation Reserve on Saturday, September 21.
The AFL Goldfields' Ballarat FNL Seniors Men's Grand Final was scheduled for Saturday, September 21, with Melton taking on East Point. The AFL Goulburn Murray's Murray Football League Grand Final was a battle between Congupna and Finley at Moama Recreation Reserve on Saturday, September 21. The Goulburn Valley League Grand Final saw Echuca clash with Shepparton at Deakin Reserve on Sunday, September 22. The AFL North East Border's Ovens & Murray FNL Men's Seniors - SS&A Cup Grand Final saw Yarrawonga face off against Wangaratta Rovers at Lavington Sports Ground on Sunday, September 22. The Outer East's Premier Division Seniors Men's Grand Final saw Narre Warren take on Wandin at Rob Porter Recreation Reserve on Saturday, September 21. The AFL Western District's Hampden FNL Seniors Grand Final witnessed North Warrnambool playing against South Warrnambool at Reid Oval on Saturday, September 21. Finally, the AFL Wimmera Mallee's Wimmera Football Netball League Seniors Men's Grand Final was a showdown between Ararat and Southern Mallee Thunder at Dimboola Recreation Reserve on Saturday, September 21.
Ex-AFL Stars Shine in Grand Final Showdowns
This year's local footy grand finals were particularly noteworthy due to the presence of several former AFL stars who brought their experience and talent to the field.
A St Kilda Flavor in the Essendon District FL Premier Division Senior Men's Grand Final
In the Essendon District FL Premier Division Senior Men's Grand Final, two former St Kilda players took center stage: Ahmed Saad (Pascoe Vale) and Nick O’Kearney (Keilor). Both players played a significant role in the highly anticipated clash, showcasing their skills and experience. The game itself was a testament to the passion and talent within the local footy scene, highlighting the importance of these players in their respective teams.
Former Hawthorn Forward Makes His Mark in the Bendigo Football Netball League Seniors Grand Final
The Bendigo Football Netball League Seniors Grand Final saw another former AFL player, Fergus Greene (Sandhurst), take the field. Greene, who previously played for Hawthorn, relied on his AFL experience to guide his team to victory. The game was a tight affair, with Greene's presence proving invaluable in the end. The match also featured Flynn Lakey (Gisborne), who had a standout season and was looking to add a premiership to his impressive resume.
Former GWS Player Leads Echuca to Victory in the Goulburn Valley League Grand Final
In the Goulburn Valley League Grand Final, former GWS player Sam Reid (Euchuca) played a pivotal role in leading his team to victory. Reid's experience and leadership were evident throughout the season, and his performance in the grand final solidified his importance to the Euchuca team. The match was a closely contested affair, with both teams displaying impressive skills and determination.
A State Cricketer Makes His Mark on the Local Footy Field
The weekend's grand finals also saw a state cricketer, Ashley Holland (Shepparton), make a significant impact on the field. Holland's presence in the Goulburn Valley League Grand Final added another dimension to the game, showcasing the diversity of talent within the local footy scene. Holland's influence in the middle of the ground proved crucial in his team's journey to victory.
A Wrap-up of an Unforgettable Weekend
This weekend's local footy grand finals were a testament to the passion and talent within the Victorian community. From the impressive performances of ex-AFL stars to the emergence of new stars, the competition was fierce and entertaining. These games provided a platform for players to showcase their skills and for fans to enjoy the thrill of the final showdown. As the season concludes, the excitement and memories of these games will linger long after the final whistle blows.
