Injuries force local and country footy games to be called off
The opening weekend of the local footy season was overshadowed by injuries which forced one game to be called off in Melbourne’s northwest and another in Gippsland.
Local Footy
Country footy: Heppell returns for Leongatha, Wang Derby upset
Dyson Heppell has starred for Leongatha and new Wangaratta coach Jason Heatley enjoyed first-up success in Wang Derby.
Resurgent Lilydale ‘rapt’ after runner-up rout
The Falcons have opened their Eastern Division 2 season in style under a new coach, trouncing last year’s runner-up after a barren past two campaigns.
Bullants march home in nail-biting Eastern debut
Bulleen Templestowe has made it a debut to remember in the Eastern league, with the former VAFA club pinching victory from the jaws of defeat in Division 4 on Saturday.
Beaconsfield to the big time? Inside VFL bolter’s stunning rise
Matt Johnson did not come through the traditional football ‘pathway’. But through talent and tenacity he’s made his way onto the radar of AFL clubs at Frankston.
Saturday night wrap: Local footy back with a bang in bush and ‘burbs
The pulse beat again across Victoria with flags unfurled, bags kicked, statements made and scorching debuts from ex-AFL talents. Plenty of upsets, too. It’s all here in our wrap.
Class of their own: Inside Keilor’s stunning statement
After an off-season hampered by salary cap breaches, Mick McGuane’s Keilor delivered an almighty statement to start the season. Here’s why they might be even better.
Watch replay: Old Xavs destroy De La Salla in VAFA season opener
It was all one way traffic at Toorak Park on Saturday with Old Xaverians dominating from start to finish against De La Salle to kickstart their VAFA season with a bang. Watch the REPLAY here.
The lowdown: SFNL Division 4 season guide
Southern league Division 4 footy is here. Catch up on the player movement, read our verdict on every club and more in our season preview.
Brookers building in OEFN 2025
Concussion symptoms has forced a Gembrook Cockatoo player into retirement, but the arrival of two ex-AFL men makes the Brookers a fascinating watch in OEFN in 2025.
OEFN 2025: the ultimate Division 1 club-by-club preview
With emerging talents and strategic coaching, OEFN Division 1 is set for an exciting season. Get the scoop on your club’s latest changes, captain appointments, player exits, and hear directly from every coach about their aspirations.
OEFN 2025: In-depth Premier Division club-by-club preview
The coaches agree: OEFN Premier Division is as wide open as it’s ever been. Here’s how every club shapes up for 2025…all the ins, outs and coaches comments.
OEFN 2025: rising contenders, players to watch, bold predictions
New contenders are set to emerge in the Outer East league. Here’s what to expect in 2025, with a look at every club, key players and predictions in Premier and Division One.
Revealed: Motivation behind Hind’s country footy move
Darley will unveil its prized recruit in the opening match of the season against Melton. The former Bomber reveals why he’s chosen to play for the Devils.
How key position recruits could boost Sunbury
Second year Sunbury coach Matt White has given an insight into his club’s off-season recruiting with moves he hopes can take his side to the next level.
The local footy clubs set to land ex-AFL guns
Five lucky footy clubs from across Australia are set to land an ex-AFL talents from a pool of players with a combined 1437 games experience. See where they could end up.
‘I’m glad I was let go’: Essendon player reveals horror year
Delisted Bomber Nick Hind endured a traumatic end to his AFL days which included the alleged murder of his cousin, Hannah McGuire. Ahead of a special tribute this weekend, he opens up on how it affected his career.
‘Set the tone’: Newest Brayshaw on the block turning heads
There could be another Brayshaw set to join the AFL ranks with 17-year-old Freddy finding his feet in the Coates Talent League. See how to watch the Dragons v Ranges live on Sunday.
Replay: Gippsland extends dominant winning streak to 11
There was no stopping an electric Gippsland Power as they opened their Coates Talent League season with a resounding victory. Watch the full match REPLAY here.
Rocca: How coaching passion helped me through cancer battle
Anthony Rocca would spend his chemotherapy treatments studying vision to make his Northern Knights players better. The Collingwood great opens up on how football helped during his cancer battle.
Every Bendigo Pioneers boys player analysed
Potential father-son recruit Cody Walker headlines a squad full of experienced Pioneers. Check our analysis of every player.
Decision time: Moama on cusp of potential league move
It’s a big year for the Magpies as they embark on a fact finding mission to determine whether to stay in the Murray league or switch to Goulburn Valley or Bendigo. Find out which way the club is leaning.
‘Rock bottom’ to country footy’s best: How Echuca built its dynasty
A behemoth of country football has revealed the secrets to its rise from several years of missing finals to becoming arguably Victoria’s best side in the space of less than a decade.
Close battle expected in the Gippsland league
Traralgon start the season as defending champions but it looks to be a close competition for the premiership this season. Check out our team by team preview of the season.
Can anyone stop Echuca in the GV league?
Echuca is chasing history this season in the Goulburn Valley league as other teams look to stop them. Check out our team-by-team preview ahead of the new season.
Named: 25 EFNL Division 1 players to watch in ‘25
Bursting with talent from rising stars, dynamic midfielders, ex-AFL names and more, we’ve listed 25 Eastern league Division 1 players to keep an eye on this season. See who made the cut.
Embattled Eastern club enters recess
A proud Eastern club will not take the field this season, with the league breaking its silence just days out from round one. Latest here.
Cougars’ plan to cover league medallist
Eastern league Division 4 contender Kilsyth has provided an update on the return of one of its brightest stars amid a long injury lay-off – but the Cougars have a plan to cover his absence.
Champion midfielder departs Eastern league power
One of South Croydon’s most decorated players has departed the Eastern Premier club for a rival league – but the coach has a plan to cover his loss.
Key players, your side’s hopes: 2025 EDFL Premier Division preview
The EDFL Premier Division season is here and we’ve broken down every club’s hopes. See all the new faces, the exits, the players set to shape their side’s season and our verdict.
Key players, your side’s hopes: Our EDFL Division 1 preview
The EDFL Division 1 season is days away and we’ve broken down every club’s hopes. See all the new faces, the exits, the players set to shape their side’s season and our verdict.
Key players, your side’s hopes: Our EDFL Division 2 preview
The EDFL Division 2 season is days away and we’ve broken down every club’s hopes. See all the new faces, the exits, the players set to shape their side’s season and our verdict.
How EDFL clubs are shaping up for season 2025
It was a wild ride in the 0ff-season for several EDFL clubs, now is their opportunity to respond. We break down the key storylines throughout the season and reveal some of our big calls.
MPFNL club fined for salary cap breach in 2024
A leading Mornington Peninsula league club has been found guilty of breaching the salary cap last year.
MPFNL 2025: Division 2 club-by-club preview
New contenders are set to emerge in a wide-open MPFNL Division 2 season. See how every club shapes up — ins, outs, captains and coaches comments.
Ultimate guide: MPFNL Division 1 club-by-club preview
The start of MPFNL Division 1 season is just days away. Here’s how every club shapes up for 2025, including all the ins, outs, late recruits — and coaches comments.
MPFNL 2025: new contenders, big calls, players to watch
The Mornington Peninsula league season kicks off on Saturday. Here’s a look at each club, key players and predictions in Division 1 and 2.
Ultimate NFNL Division 1 club-by-club season preview
Is it Heidelberg’s premiership to lose? Take out the Tigers and 2025 looms as a fascinating NFNL Division 1 season with a host of clubs chasing finals. Check out all the ins and outs and key players.
Montmorency coach’s surprising grand final admission
31 for 31: Montmorency coach Nick Rutley says he learnt plenty from last year’s grand final loss and feedback from his players has led to a big gameplan change.
Ultimate NFNL Division 2 club-by-club season preview
Two standouts and eight other teams will be fighting for finals and survival, NFNL Division 2 looks an intriguing season. Check out all the ins and outs and key players at every club.
Why flag isn’t everything for Diamond Creek
31 for 31: After back-to-back grand finals, there’s only one thing on Diamond Creek’s mind but coach Andrew Tranquilli says the club faces a massive challenge.
Ultimate Riddell District club-by-club season preview
As many as nine clubs have eyes on six finals spots, making for Riddell District’s biggest and best season yet. Check out all the ins and outs and key players for every club.
Riddell embrace the challenge for flag defence
Riddell coach Arron Bray is telling his players to embrace the challenge of being reigning premiers as the Bombers get an immediate test of strength.
Named: Tom Waters selects his best 22
Tom Waters has won premierships, league medals and played 300 games alongside with some outstanding talents. He’s made some tough calls in naming his best 22.
Tweaks to help Wallan take next step
Wallan isn’t throwing the baby out with the bathwater after reaching the grand final last year but hopes small tweaks can help it take the premiership step.
‘Completely take the p***’: Inside local footy’s ‘murky’ salary cap
One of local football’s most contentious issues — the salary cap — is under the microscope after Mick McGuane’s Keilor lost its 2023 premiership. As AFL Victoria reviews the cap, we delve into the strong arguments for and against it.
Millions on offer for local footy clubs
Grassroots footy clubs in search of much-needed funds have a perfect opportunity coming next week. Find out how you can apply.
Ranked: The top 70 local footy clubs of 2024
After a stunning year of local footy we’ve ranked our top 70 clubs as the best in Melbourne. Did we get it right? See who we say is number one and lodge your own vote.
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.
Ultimate preview: Inside every SFNL Division 3 club’s hopes
Southern league Division 3 footy is here. Discover our verdict on every club and catch up on the latest key player movement in our season preview.
SFNL Division 2 preview: Ultimate season guide
Southern league Division 2 footy is just around the corner. Read the latest key player movement as we run the rule over every club in our full season preview.
SFNL Division 1 season guide: Club-by-club preview
The highly anticipated Southern league Division 1 season is upon us. See the latest key player movement and our verdict on every club.
‘Walked in off the street’: East Brighton snags Vic Metro junior
An underage All Australian footballer fell into East Brighton’s lap on the eve of the Southern league season. Find out how.
Ultimate guide: The lowdown on every VAFA Premier club
The VAFA Premier Men’s season is here and we’ve broken down every club’s hopes. See all the new faces, the exits, the players set to shape their side’s season and our verdict.
Ultimate guide: The lowdown on every Premier B club
The VAFA Premier B competition could be one of the tightest in Victoria and this is how every club is shaping up. See your club’s new faces, key players, exits and our verdict.
Ultimate guide: The lowdown on every Premier C club
New contenders emerging, young sides developing and the promoted clubs daring to dream. This is how every VAFA Premier C club is shaping up. See your club’s new faces, key players, exits and our verdict.
Ultimate guide: Everything you need to know for the VAFA D1 season
The VAFA Division 1 season is days away and we’ve broken down every club’s hopes. See all the new faces, the exits, the players set to shape their side’s season and our verdict.
Demon Desire: Reborn VFL star’s AFL ambition still burns
At age 28, Kye Declase is back in the VFL and the former Melbourne rookie is not yet prepared to give up on his dream of playing AFL, as Paul Amy finds out.
Vic footy star creates history at best and fairest count
Victorian footy stars are dominating in the top end with one recording an historic first. Here we profile all the Vics in action in the NTFL grand final and show how you can watch them live this weekend.
Locked in: clubs finalise lists for 2025 VFL season
More than 300 newcomers, from AFL retirees and discards to Coates Talent League graduates and local hopefuls, have been added to VFL lists for the 2025 season.
VFL/W clubs, state sides to take on Tassie’s best
VFL and VFLW clubs have been announced as opponents for the Tasmania’s best footballers this year in a series which will also feature NSW and Queensland teams. See who will be in action.
Creekers secure delisted Cat
The flow of top-flight talent into the Northern league extends to the women’s competition with delisted Geelong young gun Brooke Plummer returning to her junior club.
Essendon VFLW player suffers severe leg injury in NTFL
Two NTFL matches were called off after an Essendon-listed VFLW player suffered a severe lower leg injury, which left her waiting on the ground for ambos for more than two hours.
Named: Melbourne local footy’s most influential movers and shakers
Local footy is the heartbeat of the game but it requires countless hours of expertise and dedication from thousands of people. Here are those who are having the biggest impact on the grassroots.
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.
Key players, your side’s hopes: Your WFNL Division 1 preview
The WFNL Division 1 season is here and we’ve broken down every club’s hopes. See all the new faces, the exits, the players set to shape their side’s season and our verdict.
Your ultimate guide to the WFNL Division 2 season
The WFNL Division 2 season is days away and we’ve broken down every club’s hopes. See all the new faces, the exits, the players set to shape their side’s season and our verdict.
Every signing of the WFNL off-season
The WFNL 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.
Bachar’s back: Triple flag star’s footy return
Three years after last pulling on a pair of boots triple Richmond premiership hero Bachar Houli is preparing to play again. But it’s not on the field where he is hoping to make his biggest impact.
Gary Moorcroft selects his Best 22
Gary Moorcroft took the AFL’s Mark of the Century and now after a legendary local footy career, with great difficulty, he’s selected his best 22.
King of the Mountain: De Graaf back in the league he ruled
Jason De Graaf had a brush with league football, but it was to be in the country game where he won acclaim as a player and coach. At 53, he’s back in the league he dominated with a fierce, uncompromising approach.
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.
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.
‘Listless’ AFL club torched, $1.4m star called out
A Kangaroos great has lamented the club’s “listless” 65-point loss to Sydney, saying he thought his old side was past such down performances.
Ex-umpire says Crows were robbed of chance to win it
It was the controversial call that had the footy world talking and led to the Crows demanding answers from the AFL. So, what does former umpire Ray Chamberlain think?
Why Adelaide’s first loss only enhances finals credentials
Adelaide lost the game, but not any fans – and possibly very little momentum, writes MATT TURNER. Here’s why the Crows can’t get too caught up in that controversial non-call.
Tag-free zone: Will Giants gun make SuperCoach doubters pay?
Finn Callaghan didn’t have to wait long into his AFL career to cop a hard tag. But it will be a different story against the Eagles.
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