Everything you need to know about local and country footy grand finals
It’s grand final day right across the state for a number of local footy competitions. Here’s all the games to look out for and the players who could make a difference.
Local Footy
Don't miss out on the headlines from Local Footy. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Heroes will be made and history written as local footy competitions across Victoria host their respective grand finals on Saturday.
There are a number of storylines to follow throughout the day with special individuals on display across the state.
Here’s a look at every game and the key players in each.
METRO
EASTERN
Premier Division: Vermont v Rowville at Bayswater Oval, Saturday, 2.30pm
Vermont – Adrian Kalcovski: The forward has topped the Premier Division goalkicking this season with 57 majors from 20 matches. Often commands the opposition’s best shutdown small or medium-sized defender.
Rowville – Lachlan Wynd: The young spearhead tore the Eagles apart with six goals in the semi-final two weeks ago. With Saturday’s dry conditions forecasted, it could be another big day for the VFL-listed Hawk.
ESSENDON DISTRICT
Division 1: Deer Park v West Coburg at Windy Hill, Saturday, 2.15pm
Deer Park — Levi Greenwood: The former AFL midfielder returned to the Lions at the halfway point of the season and has been a standout. Tough and ferocious in a stacked Deer Park engine room.
West Coburg — Ibrahim Taha: An excitement machine who could get the West Coburg crowd going if the Burgers get on top. Has 67 goals for the season.
MORNINGTON PENINSULA
Division 1: Dromana v Frankston YCW at Frankston Park, Sunday, 2.30pm
Dromana — Jake Aarts: The ex-AFL Tiger has had a brilliant season, either league medal.
Frankston YCW — Josh Patullo: The big forward fired off eight goals in the preliminary final and has 61 in 16 matches this season.
NORTHERN
Division 2: Eltham v Diamond Creek at Preston City Oval, Saturday, 2.10pm
Eltham — Jackson Weatherald: The Panthers co-captain has been limited to nine games this season but is fit and firing at the right time of year.
Diamond Creek — Ewen Macpherson: The classy onballer only played three home-and-away games this year but one of those was against Eltham in Round 15 and critically he was named best-on-ground.
OUTER EAST
Division 1: Berwick Springs v Emerald at Healesville, Sunday, 2.20pm
Berwick Springs – Hayden Stagg: The midfielder was best-on-ground for Narre Warren in its grand final victory last year and has been in mint form.
Emerald – Josh Rich: The vice-captain has been influential with his skill, poise and experience.
RIDDELL DISTRICT
Diggers Rest v Woodend-Hesket at Romsey Park, Sunday, 2.30pm
Diggers Rest — Marcus Calvaresi: The spark in Diggers’ line-up. Calvaresi can kick miraculous goals, as seen in the semi-final with a beauty from the pocket.
Woodend-Hesket — Ollie Watts: Won the RDFNL Under-15A league best-and-fairest last season and now the 16-year-old is set to play in a senior grand final to cap a whirlwind season.
SOUTHERN
Division 2: East Brighton v Murrumbeena at Ben Kavanagh Reserve, Saturday, 2.15pm
East Brighton — Daniel Taberner: If the Vampires ruck takes command and gives his onballers first use, it’s hard to see East Brighton going down.
Murrumbeena — Tom Rigby: The flamboyant defender will – as he has done all year – drive the Lions forward. A strong tip for best afield if Beena is to cause an upset.
WESTERN REGION
Division 1: Werribee Districts v Point Cook at Avalon Airport Oval, Sunday, 2.30pm
Werribee Districts — Lachlan Rainbow: One of the leading forwards in the competition, Rainbow has 42 goals for the season. A powerful presence inside forward 50.
Point Cook — Luke Dahlhaus: The former Western Bulldog and Geelong forward has put his injury issues from earlier in the season behind him. His form in recent weeks has been his best in Point Cook colours.
Division 3: Suns v Albanvale at Hansen Reserve, Saturday, 2.25pm
Suns — Daniel Hovey: What a brilliant season it has been back in Suns colours, finishing as the competition’s leading goal kicker with 112 to this point. Kicked seven goals in the second semi which means he is going to take some stopping.
Albanvale — Ostin Bellingham: Provides speed through the middle of the ground for the Cobras. Importantly, he’s shown he’s capable of going forward and hitting the scoreboard.
VAFA
Division 1: Oakleigh v Glen Eira at Trevor Barker Oval, Saturday, 2.30pm
Oakleigh — Aaron Cloke: Has been a dominant forward all year with 80 goals for the season. Booted eight in the second semi-final.
Glen Eira — Lachlan Myers: Been a picture of consistency throughout the season with 13 mentions in the best.
Division 2: Parkside v Old Yarra Cobras at Coburg City Oval, Sunday, 2.30pm
Parkside — Ben Radford: His side’s leading goalkicker for the season. Hasn’t played since August 19 but has been named.
Old Yarra Cobras — Nick Zappala: One of the better players for his side all season.
Division 3: Hawthorn v Elsternwick at Box Hill City Oval, Saturday, 2.30pm
Hawthorn — William Meehan: Has been a dominant force inside forward 50 all season. Could easily finish with a bag.
Elsternwick — Dylan Jones: Was best on ground for Elsternwick the last time these two sides met.
Division 4: North Brunswick v Albert Park at Garvey Oval, Sunday, 2.30pm
North Brunswick — Andrew Ramzy: A consistent goalkicker throughout the season.
Albert Park — Jack Lee: A dominant forward for the underdog who could light it up if given the opportunity.
COUNTRY
Central Highlands: Springbank v Gordon at Mars Stadium, Saturday, 2.45pm
Springbank: Todd Finco, James Thompson
Gordon: Adam Toohey, Mark Gunnell
Colac: and District Alvie v Colac Imperials at Central Reserve, Saturday, 2.15pm
Alvie: Dominic Dare, Levi Dare
Colac Imperials: Cullan Spence, Campbell Tanis
Ellinbank and District: Buln Buln v Neerim Neerim South at Dowton Park, Saturday, 2.20pm
Buln Buln: Hayden Baker, Mitch Nobelius
Neerim Neerim South: Luke Kinder, Lachlan Bambridge
Geelong and District: Inverleigh v Thomson at St Albans Reserve, Saturday, 2.15pm
Inverleigh: Adam Donohue, Luke Wilson
Thomson: Brent Jacques, Jahd Anderson
Golden Rivers: Ultima v Hay at Murrabit Recreation Reserve, Saturday, 2.30pm
Ultima: Thomas Bull, Jake Foster
Hay: Declan Watson, Will Clarke
Heathcote District: Heathcote v Mount Pleasant at Strauch Reserve, Saturday, 2.20pm
Heathcote: Corey Grindlay, Liam Jacques
Mount Pleasant: Ben Weightman, William Wallace
Maryborough Castlemaine District:Harcourt v Carisbrook at Princes Park, Saturday, 2.35pm
Harcourt: Darby Semmens, Alex Code
Carisbrook: Anthony Zelencich, Zak Rinaldi
Kyabram District: Lancaster v Nagambie at Mooroopna Recreation Reserve, Saturday, 2.30pm
Lancaster: Zac Cerrone, Jake Mills
Nagambie: William Dalton, Tom Barnes
Mid Gippsland: Newborough v Fish Creek at Morwell East Recreation Reserve, Saturday, 2.45pm
Newborough: Joel Mitchell, Patrick Charles
Fish Creek: Matthew McGannon, Roland De Biase
Murray: Congupna v Mulwala at Moama Recreation Reserve, Saturday, 2.30pm
Congupna: Elliott Cavallaro, Daniel Schaper
Mulwala: Jack Sutherland, Jackson Gash
North Central: Sea Lake Nandaly v Nullawil at Boort Park, Saturday, 2.30pm
Sea Lake Nandaly: Josh Jenkins, Trent Donnan
Nullawil: Adam Thomson, Jordan Humphreys
Ovens and King:Bonnie Doon v United Bright at WJ Findlay Oval, Saturday, 2.15pm
Bonnie Doon: Luke Murray, Al Bennett
United Bright: Cooper Thomason, Samuel Dalbosco
Tallangatta and District: Kiewa Sandy Creek v Chiltern at Sandy Creek Recreation Reserve, Saturday, 2.30pm
Kiewa Sandy Creek: Connor Newnham, Jack Haugen
Chiltern: Kyle Cooper, Scott Meyer
West Gippsland: Inverloch-Kongwak v Phillip Island at Koo Wee Rup Recreation Reserve, Saturday, 2.30pm
Inverloch-Kongwak: Will Hams, Tom Hams
Phillip Island: Cam Pedersen, Hayden Bruce
Wimmera: Southern Mallee Giants v Ararat at Dimboola Recreation Reserve, Saturday, 2.20pm
Southern Mallee: Josh Webster, Billy Lloyd
Ararat: Tom Mills, Tom Williamson
More Coverage
How proud Panthers can build from grand final heartbreak
Departing East Malvern coach Mick Rossborough has detailed what he said to his side after it’s brave grand final defeat and where he thinks the Panthers can improve in 2025.
Hawks and ‘the hard way’: Promotion at last for triple-premiership power
It has won it three times in the same tier of competition, but at long last, Boronia has earned promotion after another Division 2 grand final triumph on Sunday.