Everything you need to know about local footy this weekend
From one man playing game 650 to historic clashes, the weekend’s local footy action has it all. Here’s everything you need to know.
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It’s shaping as another huge weekend of local footy action.
From major milestones to early season blockbusters, here’s everything you need to know about the weekend’s action.
VERMONT CHAMPION’S RARE FEAT
Vermont ruckman Robbie Ross will become just the 10th player in the club’s 103-year history to play 200 senior games on Saturday. It’s been some career for the 36-year-old after debuting in 2004, taking in the highs of five flags at the Eagles to go with a best-and-fairest award. He also had a successful stop at Outer East club Wandin from 2013-18, yielding two premierships before returning to Terrara Rd in 2019.
A MILESTONE UNLIKE ANY OTHER
Avoca‘s Trevor Field is going to play game number 650 for the Bulldogs this weekend.
Field is a club legend, winning multiple premierships, multiple best and fairests at the club and a league best and fairest.
The club’s best and fairest for seniors is named in his honour.
MONSTER DAY IN THE MPFNL
Bookend battles highlight Division 1 of the Mornington Peninsula league on Saturday with Dromana (4-0) hosting fellow undefeated side Mt Eliza (3-0-1).
Former Richmond livewire Jake Aarts has been named as one of the Tigers’ best in three of their four outings this season.
At the other end of the ladder, Rosebud – with just one win – welcomes 2022 grand finalist Bonbeach, which is yet to register points.
A loss on Saturday would place the Sharks in the dreaded position of fighting to avoid relegation.
BENDIGO’S BIG WEEKEND
All Bendigo Football Netball League players will don yellow armbands to raise awareness for the Pat Cronin Foundation.
The foundation was created to end the coward punch after Pat Cronin, 19 at the time, died as a result of an attack after helping out his mates on a night out.
Funds raised through the foundation go towards awareness and education in schools, clubs and community groups in relation to violence and what it can do.
Around 1800 people are expected to wear yellow armbands.
DINGLEY’S CHANCE TO MAKE A STATEMENT
Dingley has an opportunity to make a statement in the top flight when it travels to Springvale Reserve to take on the undefeated Springvale Districts.
After losing its first match, the Dingoes have won three on the bounce and have a soft draw after their clash with the undefeated Demons.
Dingley young gun Lachlan Benton has been named in his sides best in both of the Dingoes’ wins.
POINT COOK’S HUGE TEST
The Clay Smith coached Point Cook will get an indication of where it sits in the Western Region league this year when it travels to take on Caroline Springs this weekend.
Many consider the Lakers, coached by Brian Lake, as one of the premiership favourites while the Bulldogs are one of the competition’s biggest improvers.
UNDEFEATED SOUTHERN BATTLE
In Division 2, East Brighton travel to Highett in a top of the table clash between the only remaining undefeated sides.
The Bulldogs have defeated the three winless sides while the Vampires have knocked off contenders, but records mean very little under the lights at Turner Road on Saturday night.
SOUTH WEST CLASSIC
Geelong star Jeremy Cameron‘s junior club Dartmoor will take on Coleraine in a battle of the unbeaten teams so far in the South West league.
Coleraine will be looking to make amends after losing last year’s preliminary final to the Giants who lost the grand final to Cavendish.
The Maroons have been the standout so far, having the best defence and attack in the competition.
HISTORIC VAFA RIVALRY
The Australian Football Cup contested between Old Melbournians and Old Scotch looms as the game to watch this VAFA round.
OM’s just missed out on finals last year and are still chasing their first win of the season after three games.
The Cardinals finished mid-table last year, below OM’s, and have started the campaign with a strong 2-1 record.
With a storied history between the sides, where their aligned school Melbourne Grammar and Scotch College played in the first recorded game of Australian rules football, this game is filled with interest.
You can watch the action live on KommunityTV.
EDFL GIANTS FACE OFF
Aberfeldie and Keilor are two of the powerhouses of the Essendon District league and when the two sides come together, the quality of footy is usually excellent.
Both are in the race for the Premier Division flag this season and this will be an early indicator of where both sides are at.
NEW ADVENTURE FOR MURRAYVILLE
Victorian club Murrayville will make their debut in a new competition this weekend as the team prepares to travel interstate for the first few weeks.
The Blues will compete in the Murray Valley Football Netball League after joining following the disbanding of their former competition.
The team will face clubs in South Australia and will have, at one stage, a 500km round trip to face Sedan Cambrai.
Murrayville is one of two Victorian clubs to play in SA based competitions with Casterton-Sandford taking on Mount Gambier clubs every week in the Western Border Football League.
For the first few rounds they’ll travel into SA before Croweater clubs come across the border.
The Blues face Browns Well first up.
A LEGEND RUNS OUT FOR THE FINAL TIME
It will be an emotional day at North Heidelberg on Saturday afternoon when local legend Shane Harvey runs out for the final time.
Harvey, 40, will retire following the game and go out of the game’s greats.
HURLEY’S SWAN HILL APPEARANCE
Former Essendon player and two-time All-Australian Michael Hurley will play for Swan Hill this weekend in the Central Murray Football League.
Hurley, who plays in the Northern Football League currently, is playing a one-off game of the Swans.
He will also host a sportsman’s night after the match to raise funds for the club.
The Swans take on Nyah Nyah West at home.
WILL ST ALBANS END THE STREAK?
St Albans haven’t tasted success since 2019 and they’ve got a fantastic opportunity to get back on the winners list this weekend.
They’ll take on Lara in a clash between two winless Geelong league clubs on Saturday afternoon.
NORTHERN PRESSURE TEST
Diamond Creek welcomes South Morang in a huge clash on Saturday afternoon with both sides currently undefeated after the first three rounds.
The Demons enjoyed a strong pre-season recruiting drive while the Lions haven’t looked out of place after making the step up from Division 3.
MILESTONE FOR BENALLA STAR
Benalla‘s James Martiniello will play his 200th senior for the club this weekend against Shepparton United.
Martiniello has played for the Saints his whole career, coaching the club and also being captain in their premiership winning year of 2015.
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