Check out all the local footy finals being played across the state 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.

Former AFL player Jake Aarts is one to watch this weekend. Photo by Josh Chadwick

While the AFL men’s competition is having a week off other competitions around the state are heating up as footy finals take place in metro and country footy.

From ex-AFL stars still strutting their stuff to grand finals, there is plenty on around the state.

Here’s a list of what to look out for this weekend in country and local footy.

METRO

EASTERN

PREMIER DIVISION

Qualifying final: Balwyn v Rowville at Marie Wallace Oval, Saturday August 31

Jamie Ridd of Balwyn will be looking to get one step closer to the grand final. Photo by Josh Chadwick

Former Adelaide coach Brenton Sanderson will be looking to guide his team one step closer to a grand final when Balwyn faces Rowville in the qualifying final. The winner takes on minor premiers East Ringwood next week for a spot in the decider. Led by ex-AFL players Kayne Turner and Jordan Lisle the team will be hoping to overturn a 23-point loss when the two teams met in round 13.

Elimination final: Vermont v South Croydon at Jubilee Park, Sunday September 1

Vermont will be looking to continue its good run of form against South Croydon as the two teams face in an elimination final. The grand finalists from last year won both matches over their rivals this season, including a 37-point win in round 15.

DIVISION 1

Semi final 2: Park Orchards v Mitcham at Tormore Reserve, Boronia, Saturday August 31

Semi final 1: South Belgrave v Beaconsfield at Tormore Reserve, Boronia, Sunday September 1

DIVISION 2

Semi final 2: Boronia v Mulgrave at Walker Park, Mitcham, Saturday August 31

Semi final 1: Waverley Blues v Croydon at Walker Park, Mitcham, Sunday September 1

DIVISION 3

Preliminary final: Surrey Park v Knox at Jubilee Park, Ringwood, Saturday August 31

DIVISION 4

Preliminary final: Chirnside Park v Whitehorse Pioneers at East Ringwood Reserve, Sunday September 1

ESSENDON DISTRICT

PREMIER DIVISION

Qualifying final: Pascoe Vale v Strathmore at Greenvale Recreation Reserves, Saturday August 31

Former Essendon VFL coach Leigh Tudor has led Pascoe Vale into the finals series in his first season in charge but will be up against a Strathmore side who knows what it takes to perform on the big stage. Ex-AFL player Trent Dumont has been a gun for Strathmore.

Elimination final: Aberfeldie v Greenvale at Coburg City Oval, Sunday September 1

Former Sydney Swan Ben Ronke will be looking to make sure this isn’t the last weekend of action for Aberfeldie for the year. The team faces Greenvale in a repeat of last week’s fixture, which saw the Jets win by 35 points. Aberfeldie will be hoping to reverse the result in the elimination final.

DIVISION 1

Semi final 2: Maribyrnong Park v West Coburg at Joe Brown Oval, Saturday August 31

Semi final 1: Hillside v St Albans at Joe Brown Oval, Sunday September 1

DIVISION 2

Preliminary final: Burnside Heights v Westmeadows at Salesian College, Saturday August 31

MORNINGTON PENINSULA

DIVISION 1

Semi final 2: Dromana v Frankston YCW at Olympic Park, Rosebud, Saturday August 31

Jake Arts of the Tigers is tackled by Brenton Lambert of the Stonecats during last year’s MPFNL grand final. The sides meet again on Saturday. Photo by Josh Chadwick

Former Richmond player Jake Aarts will be looking to help Dromana make back-to-back grand finals but the side faces a tough test in last years finalists Frankston YCW. The Stonecats are fresh off a strong victory over nemesis Mt Eliza and will hold nothing back against the highly-fancied Tigers. The Stonecats’ chances rely on shutting down Aarts and star ruckman Billy Guerts. The two teams drew the last time they faced each other.

Semi final 1: Mt Eliza v Rosebud at Baxter Park, Sunday September 1

DIVISION 2

Preliminary final: Chelsea vs. Somerville at RJ Rowley Reserve, Rye, 2:15pm.

Can Chelsea bounce back or will it be Somerville which advances through to play Edithvale-Aspendale in the grand final? Time will tell but the Eagles have ended the seasons of two sides already, Pearcedale and Devon Meadows, and finished the home and away season with a bang. Chelsea smacked Devon Meadows by over 100 points in its first final before going down bravely to Edi-Asp last weekend. The two sides have met just once this year and the result fell the way of the Seagulls.

NORTHERN

DIVISION 1

Qualifying final: Montmorency v North Heidelberg at Preston City Oval, Saturday August 31

We could see a monster crowd at Preston on Saturday with two of the most well supported clubs going head-to-head. The Magpies won by 38 points at Shelley Reserve but the Bulldogs returned the favour at Montmorency Park with a 52-point triumph. Both sides are littered with big-name players but none are bigger than Brent Harvey at North, while league-leading goalkicker Parker Heatley and Lachie Smith will also play big roles. Magpie midfield weapons Nash Holmes, Marcus Lentini and big man Stef Uzelac hold the key for Mont as it looks to claim a rare win at PCO.

Elimination final: Hurstbridge v Greensborough at Preston City Oval, Sunday September 1

The season goes on the line for two very capable clubs on Sunday. The Bridges were sitting in the Division 1 top-three for much of the season, while the Borough only sealed their finals spot in the last game of the home-and-away campaign. Son of a gun Tom Hird has qualified for Hurstbridge, while fellow VFL stars Kye Agosta and Kye Declase will also be players to watch unless called up. Borough big man Nathan Howard will play a big role in the ruck, while Angus Seivers and Zac McCubbin are match-winners at either end.

DIVISION 2

Qualifying final 2: Whittlesea v South Morang at Epping Reserve, Saturday August 31.

This is new territory for Whittlesea. In each of its past two premiership seasons it finished second and third and came to the grand final the hard way. This year it is the minor premier with all the expectations that come with it. Meanwhile, South Morang, in its second season out of Division 3, is a club rising with a bullet and in form after a six-point win over Diamond Creek in the qualifying final. Look for Xavier Dimasi, Taidhg Bland and Jaron Murphy to lead the Eagles, while Josh D’Intinosante, ex-AFL man Tyrone Leonardis and Lachie Potter are keys for the Lions.

Semi final: Diamond Creek v Lower Plenty at Epping Reserve, Sunday September 1.

A rematch of the 2022 minor semi-final when Diamond Creek stunned Lower Plenty to send it out in straight sets. Now the shoe is potentially on the other foot with the Creekers facing a shock early end. Jacob Booth, Jack Empey and Ben Major impressed in Diamond Creek’s six-point qualifying final loss to South Morang. The Bears, meanwhile, are coming off a 103-point thrashing of Panton Hill in Round 18 and strong 44-point triumph over Thomastown in the elimination final. Look for Tyler Wallace, Patrick Flynn and Billy Barden.

DIVISION 3

Preliminary Final: Old Paradians v Mernda at Lalor Reserve, Saturday August 31

A rematch of the Division 3 qualifying final from a fortnight ago. Old Paradians narrowly claimed that victory by six points. The Raiders then fell six points short of a grand final berth despite kicking the last seven goals of the match against Fitzroy Stars. Meanwhile, Mernda bounced back strongly with a 34-point win over Epping last week. Sam Gilmore, skipper Marcus Nolan and Jack Nicolo will be key figures for the Raiders, while Josh Mazzarella, Kai Turner and Matt Bawden a major players for the Demons.

OUTER EAST

PREMIER DIVISION

Elimination final 1: Wandin v Mt Evelyn at Woori Yallock Recreation Reserve, Saturday August 31

Elimination final 2: Upwey Tecoma v Olinda Ferny Creek at Don Road Sporting Complex, Saturday August 31

DIVISION 1

Semi final: Seville v Healesville at Woori Yallock Recreation Reserve, Sunday September 1

Semi final 2: Warburton Millgrove v Belgrave at Yarra Glen Recreation Reserve, Sunday September 1

RIDDELL DISTRICT

Qualifying Final 2: Riddell v Wallan at Romsey Park, Saturday August 31

A potential grand final preview as the regular season’s No. 1 and No. 2 teams go head-to-head in the major semi-final. Riddell claimed both home-and-away match-ups, winning by 21 and 18 points but finals is a different beast. The likes of Ben Sonogan, league-leading goalkicker Dean Galea and Dylan Tarczon will be key figures for the Bombers. Wallan will hope Chris Stewart, Brodie Gilchrist, Reuben Rode and Jake Carlisle can back up their qualifying final winning form.

Semi final: Diggers Rest v Macedon at Gilbert Gordon Reserve, Sunday September 1

Diggers, the reigning RDFNL premier, looks to keep its season alive against Macedon in the minor semi-final. The Burras claimed 19 and 10-point wins during the home-and-away season but the Cats will be looking to celebrate club legend James Wright’s 250 senior game. Diggers possess some of the most potent weapons in the league, including Brodie Meyers, Shaun Campbell and skipper Mitch Jensen. Macedon meanwhile will be looking to former AFL man Matt Dick, captain Jason Cooke and big man Sam Indian to have big games.

SOUTHERN LEAGUE

DIVISION 1

Qualifying final 1: St Paul’s McKinnon vs. Dingley at RSEA Park, Saturday August 31

St Paul’s McKinnon and Dingley met just seven days ago in the final home and away round of the season. The Dingoes went down by 20 points and it’s the closest they have got to a contender this year. But Zach Horsley’s men have made six changes, including adding Kristen Feehan and Alex Windhager from injury – both two of the best defenders in the competition. The winner will meet the undefeated Cheltenham for a spot in the grand final.

Elimination final: Springvale Districts v Cranbourne Eagles at RSEA Park, Sunday September 1

DIVISION 2

Semi final 2: Murrumbeena v Doveton at Ben Kavanagh Reserve, Saturday August 31

Semi final 1: East Malvern v Hampton Park at Ben Kavanagh Reserve, Sunday September 1

DIVISION 3

Preliminary final: South Mornington v Heatherton at Robert Booth Reserve, Saturday August 31

DIVISION 4

Grand Final: Hampton vs. Hallam at Jack Barker Oval, Saturday August 31

Hampton and Hallam met only a fortnight ago and it was the Hammers who clipped the Hawks’ wings. They piled on eight goals to one in the first term to take the sting out of the game immediately. The Hawks eventually went down by 15 goals and were forced to win a preliminary final for another shot at the minor premiers. 1999 Norm Smith Medalist Shannon Grant coaches the Hammers and has them primed for a maiden Southern league flag.

VAFA

No finals games with two more rounds of the regular season.

WESTERN REGION

DIVISION 1

Qualifying final: Caroline Springs v Yarraville Seddon at DSV Stadium, Saturday August 31

Elimination final: Altona v Hoppers Crossing at DSV Stadium, Sunday September 1

Travis Varcoe will coach Altona in the finals for the first time.

Former AFL players Jared Polec and Travis Varcoe will experience the thrill of finals in the coaches box when Hoppers Crossing and Alton battle in the Western Region Division 1 elimination final.

While Varcoe has a better record in finals considering his AFL career, Polec will go into the game confident of the win.

Both sides have beaten each other once this season but Altona won the last clash by 39 points in round 15.

DIVISION 2

Semi final 2: Albion v Sunshine at Pennell Reserve, Saturday August 31

Semi final 1: Wyndhamvale v Newport at Pennell Reserve, Sunday September 1

COUNTRY

GRAND FINALS

OMEO DISTRICT

Omeo-Benambra v Swifts Creek at Swan Reach, Saturday August 31

A second successive flag showdown between two fierce rivals.

Omeo-Benambra could not have been more impressive in dropping only one match on its way to another grand final appearance.

Leading goalkicker Harry Warfe and fellow forwards Ryan Harwood and James Gibbs will stretch the backline of Swifts Creek, which has made its way into the decider from fourth spot following a 0-3 start to the season including a 95-point thrashing from Omeo-Benambra in the opening round.

Swifts Creek will be looking for back-to-back premierships this weekend. Picture Yuri Kouzmin

But the inclusions this season of Daniel O’Brien, Brodie Cameron, Andrew Sandy and Ben Commins have all been significant.

The last time the two teams met Omeo-Benambra won by 14 points.

MILLEWA

Grand final: Bambill v Cardross at Lake Cullulleraine, Saturday August 31

Something would need to go horribly wrong for Bambill not to complete another hat-trick of flags.

The Saints have dropped only one match to their grand final opponent, Cardross, but won the second semi-final by 76 points in ominous fashion a fortnight ago.

Coach Luke Stanbrook finished with nine goals after Bambill had led by 51 points at halftime.

Jason Hura also starred in the win after beginning the season at Koondrook-Barham in the Central Murray before returning before the June 30 clearance deadline.

Justin Freeman was best-on-ground in the 2022 grand final win also against Cardross and can deliver on the biggest stage.

MAJOR LEAGUE FINALS

BALLARAT

Qualifying final: Melton v East Point at Darley Park, Saturday August 31

Elimination final 1: Ballarat v Sunbury at Marty Busch Reserve, Saturday August 31

Elimination final 2: Darley v North Ballarat at Darley Park, Sunday September 1

Darley celebrate victory on the final siren against North Ballarat in the grand final last year. This year, both teams face each other in an elimination final. Picture: Hamish Blair

BENDIGO

Qualifying final: Gisborne v Strathfieldsaye at Queen Elizabeth Oval, Saturday August 31

Elimination final: Golden Square v Eaglehawk at Queen Elizabeth Oval, Sunday September 1

GIPPSLAND

Qualifying final: Traralgon v Moe at Maffra Recreation Reserve, Saturday August 31

Elimination final: Wonthaggi v Sale at Bairnsdale City Oval, Sunday September 1

GOULBURN VALLEY

Qualifying final: Echuca v Shepparton Bears at Tatura Park, Saturday August 31

Elimination final: Mooroopna v Kyabram at Mooroopna Recreation Reserve, Saturday August 31

Elimination final: Rochester v Euroa at Victoria Park, Sunday September 1

HAMPDEN

Qualifying final 1: North Warrnambool v Warrnambool at Friendlies Society Park, Saturday August 31

Elimination final: Terang Mortlake v Koroit at Cobden Community Bank, Sunday September 1

OVENS & MURRAY

Qualifying final: Wangaratta Rovers v Wangaratta at Corowa, Saturday August 31

Elimination final: North Albury v Wodonga at Albury Sports Ground, Sunday September 1

SUNRAYSIA

Semi final 2: Imperials v Irymple at Mildura Sporting Precinct, Saturday August 31

Semi final 1: Wentworth v Mildura at Kenny Park, Sunday September 1

WIMMERA

Qualifying final 1: Ararat v Stawell at Davis Park, Saturday August 31

Elimination final: Horsham Demons v Nhill at Central Park, Sunday September 1

MINOR LEAGUE FINALS

CENTRAL HIGHLANDS

Semi final 1: Bungaree v Dunnstown at Learmonth Reserve, Saturday August 31

Semi final 2: Daylesford v Hepburn at Buninyong Recreation Reserve, Sunday September 1

CENTRAL MURRAY

Qualifying final 1: Nyah Nyah West United v Mallee Eagles at Lake Boga, Saturday August 31

Elimination final: Cohuna v Balranald at Greenham Park, Sunday September 1

COLAC

Qualifying final 1: Lorne v Irrewarra-Beeac at Central Reserve Stadium, Saturday August 31

Elimination final: South Colac v Simpson at Central Reserve Stadium, Sunday September 1

EAST GIPPSLAND

Preliminary final: Boisdale Briagolong v Wy Yung at Lindenow Recreation Reserve, Saturday August 31

ELLINBANK DISTRICT

Qualifying final 2: Buln Buln v Ellinbank at Longwarry Recreation Reserve, Saturday August 31

Semi final: Neerim South v Longwarry at Neerim South Recreation Reserve, Sunday September 1

GOLDEN RIVERS

Preliminary final: Ultima v Wandella at Ultima Football Club, Saturday August 31

LODDON VALLEY

Semi final 2: Marong v Pyramid Hill at Bridgewater Recreation Reserve, Saturday August 31

Semi final 1: Bears Lagoon Serpentine v Bridgewater at Malone Park, Sunday September 1

HEATHCOTE DISTRICT

Preliminary final: North Bendigo v Leitchville Gunbower at Toolleen Recreation Reserve, Saturday August 31

HORSHAM

Semi final 2: Harrow Balmoral v Swifts at Edenhope Football Ground, Saturday August 31

Semi final 1: Noradjuha Quantong v Pimpinio at Rupanyup Recreation Reserve, Sunday September 1

KYABRAM

Semi final 1: Murchison-Toolamba v Lancaster at Girgarre Recreation Reserve, Saturday August 31

Semi final 2: Shepparton East v Nagambie at Undera Recreation Reserve, Sunday September 1

MARYBOROUGH CASTLEMAINE

Semi final 1: Lexton v Dunolly at Princes Park, Saturday August 31

Semi final 2: Harcourt v Carisbrook at Princes Park, Sunday September 1

MID GIPPSLAND

Qualifying final: Fish Creek v Yinnar at Newborough, Saturday August 31

Semi final: Foster v Newborough at Yinnar Recreation Reserve, Sunday September 1

MININERA DISTRICT

Qualifying final 2: Wickliffe/Lake Bolac v Penshurst at Hawkesdale Recreation Reserve, Saturday August 31

Semi final: Lismore Derrinallum v Hawkesdale Macarthur at Woorndoo Recreation Reserve, Sunday September 1

MURRAY

Elimination final 1: Moama v Numurkah at Lonsdale Oval, Saturday August 31

Elimination final 2: Deniliquin Rams v Mulwala at Tongala Recreation Reserve, Sunday September 1

NORTH CENTRAL

Semi final 2: Sea Lake Nandaly v Birchip Watchem at Donald Recreation Reserve, Saturday August 31

NORTH GIPPSLAND

Qualifying final 2: Traralgon Tyers United v Yallourn Yallourn North at Stephenson Park, Saturday August 31

Semi final: Woodside v Heyfield at Glengarry Recreation Reserve, Sunday September 1

OVENS AND KING

Qualifying final: Bonnie Doon v Greta at North Wangaratta Sports Reserve, Saturday August 31

Qualifying final: Bright v Goorambat at Tarrawingee Recreation Reserve, Sunday September 1

PICOLA

Preliminary final 1: Katandra v Tungamah at Mathoura, Saturday August 31

Preliminary final 2: Waaia v Katamatite at Yarroweyah, Sunday September 1

SOUTH WEST

Preliminary final: Cavendish v Dartmoor at Heywood Recreation Reserve, Saturday August 31

TALLANGATTA

Qualifying final 2: Yackandandah v Kiewa Sandy Creek at Sandy Creek Recreation Reserve, Saturday August 31

Semi final: Chiltern v Beechworth at Sandy Creek Recreation Reserve, Sunday September 1

WARRNAMBOOL DISTRICT

Preliminary final: Nirranda v Russells Creek at Reid Oval, Saturday August 31

WEST GIPPSLAND

Qualifying final: Cora Lynn v Phillip Island at Nar Nar Goon Recreation Reserve, Saturday August 31

Semi final: Nar Nar Goon v Inverloch-Kongwak at Cora Lynn Recreation Reserve, Sunday September 1