Check out all the big results and news from a big day in local footy around the state
More than 10 teams celebrated grand final wins in metro and country footy as one footy final was stopped with a nasty injury. Check out all the talking points here.
Local Footy
Don't miss out on the headlines from Local Footy. Followed categories will be added to My News.
We’re at the pointy end of the season now as teams celebrate grand final success or qualify for the big dance to come.
There were 14 premiership winners in country and metro footy with some major upsets in preliminary finals across the state.
Meanwhile in Geelong one game was stopped for more than an hour after a serious injury.
Check out the big talking points from around the grounds below.
LAURIMAR‘S PREMIERSHIP COMEBACK
A stunning late show saw Laurimar snatch victory from the jaws of defeat and claim a drama-filled NFNL Division 3 premiership on Saturday.
Jacson Cecil was paid a highly contentious mark and the Power forward lived every kids dream has he nailed the winning goal with just seconds left on the clock.
It capped a breathtaking final quarter, which saw nine goals kicked and the Power come from the clouds.
Trailing by 17 points midway through the term Laurimar staged a famous comeback, kicking five goals in the final 13 minutes to claim a first senior premiership in club history, 13.5 (83) to 11.11 (77), at Whittlesea Showgrounds.
TIGERS‘ STUNNING UPSET
Mitcham has staged one of the upsets of the local footy season, toppling an unbeaten South Belgrave in the Eastern league Division 1 grand final on Saturday.
The Tigers, who finished third at the end of the home-and-away campaign, stunned the minor premier 8.10 (58) to 8.5 (53) in front of a pulsating crowd at Boronia‘s Tormore Reserve.
Mitcham‘s Jesse Cherry was awarded the Blue Ribbon Medal as best afield.
Just six points separated the teams at halftime before the Tigers edged ahead by two points at the final change, courtesy of an opportunistic Cherry goal.
Wasteful early in the last quarter, the Tigers looked set for glory after Guy Laughlin goaled to send his side 10 points in front midway through the term, before Byron Wright charged to 50 and kicked truly for the sealer, lifting Mitcham 17 ahead.
A late South Belgrave charge closed the margin to five points with a second to play.
VFL-listed forward Jake Parente finished with three majors for the Tigers, while ex-AFL pair Taylor Garner (four goals) and Tim Smith (three) led the way for the Saints.
It‘s Mitcham’s second premiership in four years – and third under senior coach Neil Winterton – denying South Belgrave a third-consecutive flag.
TIGERS ROAR ON THE BELLARINE
Torquay are the kings of the Bellarine league jungle again after a rampaging fourth quarter against Drysdale.
The Tigers booted seven goals to two in the final term to run away with the victory by 32 points, 16.14 (110) to 12.6. (78).
Early on it looked like the Tigers, who won all but one game during the season, would falter at the final hurdle again after Drysdale let at quarter time and three-quarter time.
The Tigers had lost the past two Bellarine deciders.
But the Tigers held strong winning their first premiership since 2017.
Lucas Anderson and Nathan Mifsud both kicked six goals apiece.
BULLDOGS TAKE FLAG
Mornington has claimed the Mornington Peninsula league’s Division 2 premiership after a come-from-behind nine-point triumph over Somerville.
The Bulldogs trailed by 14 points at halftime but a big second half led by playing-coach Josh Newman inspired the minor premiers to a 9.7 (61) to 7.10 (52) win, denying Somerville a first flag in 37 years.
Newman, who won the league medal during the week, was awarded the medal for best-on-ground in the grand final.
Ruckman Jarrod Hicks, Nathan Heath and Perry Lewis-Smith were also among Mornington’s best.
PANTHERS PROWL TO PREMIERSHIP
Marong remain the best in the Loddon Valley league, winning back-to-back premierships with a 16-point win over Pyramid Hill.
The Panthers completed the perfect season, winning their 18th straight match for the season, holding off a gallant Bulldogs outfit.
The team has now won their past 32 matches in country footy.
Led by Brandyn Grenfell, who kicked three goals in the grand final, the team led after all four quarters, kicking away in the second and third terms.
Pyramid Hill fought back in the final term, but it wasn’t enough to end their 73-year premiership drought.
Marong won 8.16 (64) to 6.12 (48).
BOMBERS FLY UP
Waaia have made it back-to-back titles, smashing Strathmerton in the grand final by 46 points.
In a battle between the two benchmark teams in the Picola District league, the Bombers got on the front foot early and were never threatened throughout the contest.
The team kept Strathmerton to three goals up until three quarter time while holding a 42-point lead.
Waaia forward Charlie Burrows kicked three goals in the final for the team with Strathmerton’s Tim Looby kicking five of the teams six goals in a gallant performance.
SWALLOWS WIN BATTLE OF BIRDS
Irymple just know how to get it done when it counts in grand finals.
The Swallows won their third straight title in the Sunraysia league with a 29-point win over Robinvale Euston.
Taking on the best team this season, with the best attack in the competition, Irymple stifled the Eagles attack throughout the contest, keeping them to four goals for the game.
Their score of 4.9 (33) was their lowest this season.
Irymple led for most of the contest, keeping their noses in front throughout as both teams went goal for goal and the Swallows defence held firm against the Eagles.
The Swallows in the final term took control of the contest, kicking three goals to none to win the contest by 29 points and give the team their fourth premiership in five seasons.
SOUTH MORNINGTON COMPLETE PREMIERSHIP DOUBLE
It was a special day for South Mornington in Division 4 of the Southern league as the Tigers claimed the seniors and reserves premierships.
After losing to Hampden in round 14 this season, their only loss of the season, the Tigers got their revenge on grand final day, claiming the title with a seven-point win.
In a fantastic season for both teams, culminating in premiership glory, the sides only lost one game all season and won 35 matches between them.
VICKERY GETS PREMIERSHIP WIN
More than 50 years since his father played for the club, Ty Vickery has created his own history with Coleraine in the South West District league.
The former Richmond and Hawthorn player has helped the Maroons claim the premiership with a 28-point win over Cavendish, 9.7 (61) to 4.9 (33)
Vickery, who joined the club this season from Springvale in the Southern league, kicked three goals in the final to help the team win their first flag in 10 years.
The win was set up with a devastating second quarter with the Maroons kicking four goals to none to lead by 30 points at the main break.
Despite a challenge from Cavendish in the third term, the Maroons held on to win the premiership.
In a good day for the club the reserves also won the premiership, beating Dartmoor by 55 points.
OAK PARK REIGN SUPREME
Oak Park has powered to the Essendon District league division two premiership with a dominant grand final display against Sunbury Kangaroos.
A year on from last year‘s heartbreak, the Todd Clark coached Oak Park was far too good from the first bounce and it simply became a matter of by how much.
The side won by 82 points, 20.15 (135) to 8.5 (53).
TTU KINGS OF NORTH GIPPSLAND
Traralgon Tyers United overcame a horror afternoon in front of goal to claim the North Gippsland league premiership.
The Bombers prevailed 4.14 (38) to 2.8 (20) as both side struggled in windy conditions.
Jye Neilson was given the best on ground medal.
BLUES PREVAIL IN WARRNAMBOOL
Merrivale might have been the best during the regular season but Nirranda got on top when it counted to win the Warrnambool District grand final.
The Blues won back-to-back grand finals with a 21-point win over the Tigers, securing their fifth premiership in the competition.
The Tigers had been the benchmark during the regular season, winning all 18 matches, but the Blues had other ideas in the finals.
Nirranda won both the qualifying final and grand final against Merrivale to reign supreme.
The grand final win was set up in a dominant first half with the Blues kicking five goals to one to set up a 27-point lead.
The Blue held on in the second half to win their third premiership in five years.
Nirranda players John Paulin (AFL Victoria Country) and Brayden Harkness (Scott Stewart Memorial Trophy) won the best on ground awards.
HAWKS MOVE CLEAR
Tatyoon have become the most successful side in the Mininera District league after winning the premiership against Woorndoo Mortlake.
The Hawks claimed their 12th title, the most in the competition, holding off a gallant Tigers outfit to win by 14 points.
Tatyoon’s accuracy getting them over the line, 10.2 (62) to 6.12 (48)
It is the Hawks first title in seven years while for Woorndoo Mortlake their 51-year premiership drought remains after last having success in 1972 in another competition.
KANGAROOS COMPLETE PERFECT YEAR
Harrow Balmoral have held off a spirited Jeparit Rainbow outfit to claim the Horsham District league title.
The Kangaroos completed the perfect season, 18 wins in a row, with a 21-point win.
Harrow Balmoral got off to an ideal start, kicking five straight first quarter goals to lead by 23 points at quarter time.
The Storm fought back to reduce the margin to nine points at half time but the Kangaroos kicked away in the third term.
Straight kicking helped the Kangaroos to prevail, kicking 11.3 (69) to 7.6 (48)
It is Harrow Balmoral’s third premiership in the past four seasons.
NARRE INTO FLAG DECIDER
Narre Warren has edged Wandin by three points in a classic second semi final in Outer East league’s Premier Division.
Led brilliantly by Hamish West, Peter Gentile and Brad Scalzo, Magpies held on to win 9.10 (64) to 9.7 (61).
In the first semi-final, Woori Yallock ended Pakenham’s season, 14.14 (98) to 12.13 (85).
VIKINGS DEFENCE ENDS
Altona’s premiership defence is over after the Vikings were outdone by Point Cook in the WRFL Division 1 preliminary final.
The Bulldogs prevailed 11.11 (77) to 8.7 (55) after controlling the game from the outset.
Ryan Burton dominated in the ruck while Luke Dahlhaus took a spectacular mark in the third.
Connor Menadue finished with five goals in a losing effort.
COLLEGIANS STUNNER
The booming right boot of Ben Woodful has kicked Collegians into the VAFA Premier Men's’ grand final.
Well into red time, Woodful stepped up to the plate to kick a 40 metre bomb, and secure a thrilling 12.12 (84) to 12.10 (80) win over Uni Blues.
The Lions pulled off a semi-finals miracle fighting their way back from two massive deficits in the game.
The minor premiers were four goals down in the first term and fought their way back, and then they did it again when it mattered most. With 10 minutes to play in the final quarter, the Blues had the game all but won up by 24 points.
But the boys in purple, spurred on by 12 months of finals heartache, never stopped fighting.
WEST COBURG INTO THE BIG ONE
EDFL Division 1 minor premier West Coburg has booked a date with Deer Park in the grand final after bouncing back in the preliminary final.
The Burgers prevailed by 43 points against Rupertswood at Coburg City Oval.
EAGLES FLY INTO DECIDER
Vermont is through to the Eastern league Premier Division grand final after a 13.7 (85) to 8.7 (55) victory over Doncaster East.
The Eagles, who finished the season on top of the ladder, will meet Rowville (second) next Saturday at Bayswater Oval.
The pair last met a fortnight ago in the semi-final, with Rowville prevailing in a one-point heart-stopper.
Vermont led Doncaster East at all changes on Saturday, including by 17 points at the half before taking a 30-point buffer into three-quarter time.
Rowville will be out to win its first top-flight premiership next Saturday, while the Eagles are looking for a third flag in five years.
HAWKS END DROUGHT
Woodend-Hesket is into its first Riddell District grand final since 2007 after beating Wallan by 21-point in the preliminary final on Saturday.
The Hawks dominated the second half as the Magpies ran out of legs following their extra-time semi-final loss.
Wallan held a four-point lead at halftime but ran out of steam as Woodend-Hesket kicked six goals to two in the second half to prevail 9.6 (60) to 5.9 (39) at Romsey Park.
DOGS HAVE THEIR DAY
Led by former Melbourne and North Melbourne defender Cameron Pedersen, Phillip Island have survived another close contest to make the West Gippsland grand final.
Last week the team lost by one point to Inverloch-Kongwak to miss qualifying for the decider.
This week the Bulldogs prevailed by the same margin over Nar Nar Goon to make the grand final.
Phillip Island came back from 12 points down at three quarter time to make it.
The team will face Inverloch-Kongwak again this week in the decider.
MATCH STOPPED IN GEELONG
Play had to be stopped in the Geelong and District league after an injury to a player in the Bell Post Hill and Thomson preliminary final at St Albans Reserve.
In the first quarter, Bell Post Hill star Nick Flaccavento suffered a horrific broken leg and could not be moved off the ground.
He went up in a marking contest and Thomson’s Jordan Camm inadvertently landed on his leg, causing it to break in two separate places.
The game was halted for close to 60 minutes as paramedics were called to the venue, with Flaccavento stuck on the playing surface the entire time.
Play eventually resumed with Thomson winning by 71 points to make the grand final.
DEVILS DANCE ON
Darley has made their first Ballarat grand final in six years with a large win over North Ballarat in the qualifying final.
After a close contest early, the Devils kicked away in the second and third term to lead by 50 points at the final break.
Darley won by 61 points to book themselves a grand final spot in two weeks time.
North Ballarat now play either Melton or East Point, who play on Sunday, for a spot in the grand final next week.
BULLDOGS INTO GRAND FINAL
Golden Square has kept their unbeaten run going in the Bendigo league to make the grand final after beating Sandhurst in the qualifying final.
Unbeaten in 15 matches the team won it’s 16th in a row beating the minor premiers to book a passage through to the decider.
The Bulldogs prevailed in a strong second half, kicking away in the third quarter after holding the Dragons goalless and kicking three goals themselves to hold a 16-point lead into the final term.
Sandhurst will now face either Strathfieldsaye or Eaglehawk for a chance to make the grand final next week.
KERANG’S RUN OVER
Balranald has caused a stunning upset to make the Central Murray league grand final with a thumping win over Kerang.
The Blues had been unbeaten all season, winning 16 games in the regular season, to win the minor premiership.
Balranald turned the script on its head by dominating the contest to progress to the decider in two weeks time.
Benjamin Fuller and Drew Lloyd kicked four goals each in the win.
Kerang now needs to beat Woorinen or Nyah Nyah West next week to make the grand final.
POWER TO WIN
Wonthaggi is on track for their first ever premiership in the Gippsland league after a 22-point win over Leongatha in the qualifying final.
Led by former Collingwood premiership player Jarryd Blair the team made their first grand final since 2014 with a dominant four quarter display.
Jack Hutchinson kicked four goals for the Power.
The team is chasing its first premiership in the Gippsland league after moving to the competition in 2010.
Inside story: The Fevolution of local footy’s cameo business
Ex-AFL stars have created their own blossoming micro-industry by making cameo appearances across the nation. However, it’s the clubs who are truly reaping the rewards.
Key talents set to light up interleague clash
Two major metro competitions will go head-to-head in a huge interleague clash on Saturday afternoon, giving players an opportunity to stake their claim for higher honours. See the squads and key players.