How high will the Magpies soar in the Southern league?
Narre Warren and Cheltenham have collectively won 108 of their past 116 matches. So how will they fare against each other in the Southern league in 2025?
Local Footy
Star netballer claims top honours in two leagues
Tilly Shepherd only needed seven games to claim the Northern league’s highest netball honour and made it a stunning league best-and-fairest double when she claimed the Riddell District Ryan Medal.
Bianchin’s expectations for St Mary’s ‘enormous potential’
After a second straight club best-and-fairest, Jack Bianchin will hang up the boots to concentrate on coaching St Mary’s and he believes the club is ready for a big 2025.
Bloods ‘stepping into the unknown’ with bundle of recruits
Mordialloc has made strong inroads to its fresh start in 2025 with an early signing spree. Coach Josh Jewell tells us the Bloods’ recruiting strategy and how the five newcomers fit.
Decision made on country footy battler’s home
A country footy side on one of the state’s longest losing streaks has found out what competition it will be in next year. Here is what we know.
Coach Kent: Ex-AFL Demon and Saint steps up at Panthers
Dean Kent says “now it’s time to take that next step’’ for Devon Meadows after he was elevated to co-coach of the Panthers in the MPFNL.
‘Came and conquered’: Swans legend Daryn Cresswell departs, Cutters welcome former Sun
In a bittersweet moment for the South Cairns Cutters, the club bids farewell to Swans legend coach Daryn Cresswell while welcoming a Southport Sharks legend as his replacement.
Melton Centrals pounce on in-demand coach
Melton Centrals has secured in-demand coach Damien Zanic, who was a key member of Brisbane Lions’ AFL premiership three-peat, for next Riddell District season.
Country club emerges from recess to potentially join major new league
A country footy club, home to former AFL star Barry Hall, could emerge from recess in 2025 after moving a step closer to joining one of the state’s biggest leagues. Here is what we know.
Compared: How every local footy’s premiers player points stack up
We’ve analysed every local footy premier’s player points total on grand final day and we reveal which one has the most loyal and best homegrown side for 2024. See where your club stacks up.
Premiership coach to get Pakenham pumping again
New Pakenham coach Justin Stanton explains why he believes the Lions’ job is “a really exciting challenge’’ as a new era for the one-time powerhouse club looms.
Gallery: 30 photos from Narre Warren’s premiership
Check out all the action, emotion and party pics from Narre Warren’s golden day as the Magpies hoisted four premiership flags in Outer East league. SEE 30 PHOTOS
‘A bit of a buzz’: Ex-AFL Magpie and Kangaroo joins Outer East club
Gembrook Cockatoo coach Michael Firrito hopes an ex-AFL recruit will “take a few under his wing’’ and show the way at the Brookers in 2025.
Leaders stand up to deliver for Melton again
Melton won their second premiership in three years and it was two leaders who were front and centre in guiding the team to success, which could now create a dynasty at the Bloods.
Ex-AFL players coach teams to glory
Champions were crowned across the state in local footy with coaching guns helping their teams get to the top. Here is the wrap of all the grand final action from Saturday.
Ballarat grand final shaping up as a thriller
Melton is chasing its second premiership in three years while East Point is determined to continue its impressive run. Check out our grand final preview and the key players.
What the future looks like for Ballarat league
With Melton South departing, the Ballarat league has been left with 10 teams for the 2025 season but “future planning” means a replacement could be found for the Panthers.
Stats vault: Top 100 ranked GFNL players, top 10 in every category
Who were the leaders in every statistic across the GFNL season, and which players were in the top 100 according to Premier Data? We have all the numbers that matter from the 2024 season.
Revealed: The Bendigo league’s leading young guns of 2024
The Bendigo league is full of young talent who put on a show in 2024. We list the best young guns this season.
Why Andrew Walker decided to step down as Echuca coach
Andrew Walker is standing down as Echuca co-coach after seven years and three straight flags. He reveals why the time is right and why he believes the Murray Bombers are the “best side outside of the AFL”.
‘The Fop show’: Inside late great’s act of class, BOG display in ‘04 GF
Frank Fopiani broke the hearts of his former club in the 2004 grand final with a matchwinning display. Two ex-teammates recount his stunning exploits on and off the field that day 20 years ago.
Balwyn, Sanderson ‘find a way’ to heart-stopping flag
It had to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat – but Balwyn has held on in a cliffhanging Eastern league Premier Division grand final to clinch its first flag in eight years.
Revealed: Local footy’s best players of 2024
The 2024 local footy season is coming to a close and to celebrate, we’ve named our best players from the 2024 season. Here’s who made the list.
‘The timing was right’: Superstar returns to Southern league home
Local footy superstar Jackson Sketcher has returned to where his career started. He talks us through his decision and what he hopes to achieve in his new threads.
Belo, Black claim Eastern’s top gongs
East Ringwood’s James Belo and South Croydon’s Taylah Black shone brightest among a galaxy of stars on Wednesday night, claiming the Eastern league’s top individual honours.
Every signing of the EDFL off-season
The EDFL off-season has only just started but some clubs have already well and truly started making moves for 2025. Keep up to date with every signing in our signing tracker.
Jamarra’s next move? Dog star’s surprise Mad Monday outfit
Jamarra Ugle-Hagan might have found his new favourite local footy club after revealing his Mad Monday costume. It’s all in Quick Kicks which has some baby news to share with you.
WATCH: Keilor gun’s Mark of the Year contender
Keilor young gun Jovan Petric has staked his claim for local footy’s mark of the year as the Blues booked their place in another EDFL grand final. See it here.
How Lions ‘knew’ premiership push was on
Maribyrnong Park bounced back to the EDFL top tier as coach Brodie Holland reveals why he always had confidence and the moment which turned the grand final. Plus, go inside the huddle at the last break.
‘They’re itching for it’: Why Stonecats champ took Hastings job
A Frankston YCW champion talks of the emotion behind his decision to take the Hastings coaching job — and why he’s so excited by a core group of young players at the Blues.
Sorrento employs Flood tactics as ex-Bomber joins Sharks
A former Essendon player who narrowly missed selection in the Bombers’ 1993 premiership team has joined James Hallahan’s coaching team at Sorrento.
Locked in: Package of recruits for Rye
Rye is expected to move up the ladder in Division 2 of the Mornington Peninsula league in 2025 after landing a string of recruits, including a WA signing and a VAFA 100-gamer.
The 25 best photos of the Redlegs’ premiership
We captured the action and emotion of MPFNL Division 1 grand final day as Mt Eliza roared off with the premiership. Here are our best photos from the match and inside the Redlegs’ rooms.
Analysed: Every Bendigo Pioneers boy’s season
After Harley Reid in 2023, the Bendigo Pioneers have another crop of talented youngsters available to AFL clubs at this year’s draft. We analyse every player’s season.
‘Punch out of our weight range’: Rebels chasing history
Already writing their own history, the GWV Rebels are ready for the team’s first grand final in 27 years and already have support from former AFL stars.
REPLAY: Late goal eases Power wildcard nerves
Thomas Matthews stepped up when Gippsland needed him most to put the seal on a thrilling Coates Talent League boys wildcard success over the Bushrangers. Check out the REPLAY.
‘Live chance’: Orchard’s rise from fringe to AFL draft hope
Charlie Orchard started the season wanting regular games with the Dandenong Stingrays and a senior debut alongside his brother. The ‘more actions than words’ defender now hopes to feature in the AFL draft.
Epping’s big plans for ‘awesome’ funding boost
Epping will look to invest in improved training facilities to help support its booming junior netball program after winning a $20,000 grant from Woolworths.
De Bolfo turns knee reco pain into grand final glory
Twelve months after watching from the sidelines after a knee reconstruction, Ben De Bolfo was helping lift Heidelberg to a premiership hat-trick.
Morang giant ready to lead club into top flight
South Morang ruckman Nathan Stefanile helped lead the Lions to a history-making premiership, now he wants to cement the club in NFNL Division 1 in 2025.
Proud coach: we never took a backward step
Montmorency coach Nick Rutley said his players could hold their heads high after Saturday’s grand final defeat and was confident his young players would be better for the experience.
More life, goals, medals left in Galea
There’s no slowing down Dean Galea. The local footy goalkicking great kicked five goals in Riddell’s premiership win and will be back to do it all again next year.
Wallan to strengthen again for 2025
Wallan coach Daniel Nolan is confident the club will be back stronger in 2025 after Sunday’s RDFNL grand final defeat to Riddell.
Woodend claims back-to-back crowns
Woodend-Hesket cemented itself as the dominant force in Riddell District netball, defeating Riddell, to win back-to-back A-Grade crowns.
Riddell flies up to win the premiership flag
Riddell has capped a dominant RDFNL season with a dominant grand final performance, defeating Wallan to claim a second premiership in three seasons.
Ginni-style GF prep, $1999 is unders and the QR code highlight reel
There’s a Jack Ginnivan-style GF preparation, a player not settling for less than 2k a game, a QR code to individual highlights and two big AFL names linked to local footy. It’s all here in Quick Kicks.
Grand final wins and a shock or two
Finals accelerated in local footy with plenty of grand final winners as elsewhere there were stunning results as teams looked to qualify for the decider. Here are the talking points from Saturday’s football.
Suburban stars: Melbourne’s top 30 hidden draft gems ranked
Plenty of talents from Melbourne are tearing it up in the state leagues and local footy. Who are the best mature-age gems? See our top 30 and have your say.
Where you can watch footy with no AFL on this weekend
The AFL might not be on this weekend but there are plenty of matches around the state for fans to watch. Check out the list of must watch games here.
Veteran goal kicker joins Southern contender in ‘huge’ signing
A rising Southern league club has quickly bolstered its 2025 premiership credentials with the addition of a noted goal kicker. Read from him and the club here.
‘I had complete trust’: Rosellas rise in another thriller
Cheltenham has lifted the Southern league Division 1 premiership for a second successive year after bringing down a brave Dingley in an instant classic.
Why ex-AFL Bulldog chose local footy power
Former Western Bulldog Robbie McComb has returned to local footy full time. He talks about his decision, his exit from the top level and what he hopes to achieve at his new club.
Family, flags: Rosella brothers share ‘extra special’ premiership
Sam Lonie had “one foot in retirement” while brother Jack was looking for a renewed love for footy. On Sunday, they had a share in Cheltenham’s thrilling flag. They reflect on the season, the emotional end and what lies ahead.
Watch replays: Cardinals break VAFA premiership drought
Old Scotch have ridden a wave of momentum to the club’s first premiership title in 46 years – in the process driving a dagger into the hearts of Old Brighton. Watch the VAFA grand final REPLAY and find out which players made the difference in the decider.
How Canterbury broke through after three-year rollercoaster
Canterbury had experienced the highs and lows of finals footy in the last three years but finally lifted the premiership cup on Saturday. Here’s how the Cobras reached a club first.
Ranked: Every VAFA Premier B and C player
With the season now finished, we’ve broken down the key numbers behind every player in the VAFA Premier B and C competitions. See where you ranked.
Ranked: Every VAFA Premier Men’s player in season 2024
With the grand final days away, we’ve broken down the key numbers behind every player in the VAFA Premier Men’s competition for season 2024. See where you ranked.
‘Enormous’ Werribee end 31-year premiership drought
Werribee are kings of the VFL jungle for the first time since 1993 after one of the all-time great grand finals with the Norm Goss Medal winner doing his AFL chances no harm.
Pinnuck’s rise to underrated VFL gun
Louis Pinnuck is one of the unheralded stars of Werribee’s bid for a first VFL premiership since 1993. He opens up on his journey from country Victoria to the expectation on the Bees.
Werribee v Southport VFL grand final: Paul Amy’s ultimate guide
The Bees and Sharks both have history on the line in the VFL grand final. PAUL AMY looks at the state of play for both clubs, names the key players and reveals who the experts are tipping.
Setbacks and ‘relief’: Behind Wade Lees’ unusual career
Wade Lees’ football career has been anything but ordinary. From a doping scandal to a near NFL career, Lees’ “unconventional path” has now brought him back to where it all began.
What’s next for Star Dog after VFLW honour
Fresh off winning the VFLW league best-and-fairest, star Western Bulldog midfielder Dom Carbone has revealed what she’s aiming for next and why she’s eyeing off an AFLW return.
Named: top 50 guns of the NFNL Women’s
Across three divisions, the Northern league is stacked with talented women. We’ve had a crack at naming the best of a sensational season.
‘Let’s settle this in the carpark’: The explosive local footy exchange
A local footy club coach’s testy relationship with his president reached boiling point, while a legendary forward’s hot form ended with a bang — the wrong sort. It’s all in the latest Quick Kicks column…
Lightning strikes twice for St Mary’s
NFNL Division 2 premier last year, St Mary’s stepped up to Division 1 this year and – despite a short lightning storm – walked away with back-to-back premierships.
Premiership Tiger becomes local club’s greatest ever signing
A three-time AFL premiership hero will return to the local competition where he made his name but it’s a move which will see him play against his junior club. Here’s what we know.
Where every WFNL club’s coaching position stands for 2025
There has been some major changes at Western Football Netball League clubs already this off-season with new coaches named and others re-signed to long-term deals. Here’s what we know.
The conversations which sparked Hoppers’ stunning revival
Hoppers Crossing rose from a wooden spoon to a premiership in just 12 months. President John Semertzidis takes us inside the conversations which led to the turnaround.
Revealed: WFNL Division 1’s top players of 2024
The WFNL Division 1 season was closer than ever and ahead of the grand final we’ve broken down the top players this season. Here’s who we picked and vote for who should be number one.
‘Whispers’: Footballer’s journey from USA to Yarra Glen
It all began with a road trip. Here’s how American Max DePina came to play footy at Yarra Glen and, soon, his country.
AFL reveals tackle ban amid major rule changes for junior footy
Juniors will be forced to not tackle in certain age groups this year after the AFL announced shock new new rule changes for underage footy.
Local footy wrap: Flag droughts broken, milestones marked
Clubs broke premiership droughts while some marked significant flag milestones – one even lifted a 37th cup. All the talking points from a bumper Saturday across the bush and the ‘burbs.
Revealed: The under-15 All Australian footy teams
Future AFL and AFLW stars have been uncovered at the School Sport Australia under-15 titles with strong performers named in the All-Australian team. Here’s who made it.
Crow coup: In-demand Giant chooses next home
The Crows have landed another Giant coup this off-season, having already landed Isaac Cumming, an in-demand teammate is set to also make the move to Adelaide.
‘Done it his way’: Daniher retires on premiership high
Joe Daniher has spoken of his “incredible journey” at the Lions, helping the club climb into contention and finally to a flag, with the key forward announcing his retirement on Thursday.
Lynch the Lion? How Brisbane can fill huge Daniher hole
Joe Daniher has retired, walking away from a $1m contract at the peak of his powers. JON RALPH unpacks what it means for Brisbane’s premiership defence and how the Lions can replace their spearhead.
Coffee and Disney: How Joe kept us guessing right to the end
In Grand Final week, Joe Daniher didn’t let anything slip that it would be his last game. Instead, he spoke to CALLUM DICK about not owning a TV, loving coffee, and what makes him tick.
Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/localfooty