Local footy: The best EDFL, EFNL, MPNFL, NFNL, SFL, WRFL games named
These matches live long in the memory and showcase the true brilliance of grassroots footy. Our expert writers reveal their favourite local footy games since 2000. SEE THE LIST.
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Ask any local footy fan and they’ll be able to give you a game which stands out to them over the years.
But which is most memorable?
The after-the-siren kicks, the big bags or heart-stopping thrillers?
We’ve named our top games from across the last 20 years.
EASTERN
Vermont v Noble Park – 2007 Division 1 Grand Final
Vermont 10.14 (74) def Noble Park 10.10 (70)
The ultimate grudge-match between the EFL’s two juggernauts of the 2000s, done justice by a grandstand finish with a game-deciding kick after the siren. The likes of Mullett, Cullen, Greig, Talevski, Froud versus Anderson, O’Brien, Barlow, Kemperman, Black to name just a few. Despite a slow start, Vermont took control after quarter-time with five goals to one in the second, which the Eagles would be unrelenting in giving up throughout the third as a scoring stalemate ensued – the minor premier 16 ahead at the final change. The Bulls charged their way back into the contest in the final term, courtesy of two majors from Heath Black and Benn Logan on the run to cut the margin to five points. Noble had its chances to steal the lead late, but the game’s biggest climax was to come. With the seconds ticking down, the Bulls had one last roll of the dice – Daniel Norman sent it into attack in the direction of Daniel Kennedy, who was paid the mark and would find himself kicking to win the match after the siren. A gut-wrenching miss followed – a feeling you’d not wish upon any player.
The Eagles had claimed the flag by four points – and the three-peat – an era which goes down as one of the most dominant of the 21st century. Nathan Henley claimed the best-on-ground medal.
East Burwood v East Ringwood – 2002 Division 1 Grand Final
East Ringwood 13.12 (90) def East Burwood 9.11 (65)
A triumph 15 years in waiting for the ‘Roos. The pair had squared off in the 1987 decider, with the Rams pinching the flag courtesy of a late rushed behind. Little did ‘Roos fans know that day that they’d have to wait until 2002 to have another crack at the league’s then powerhouse for the ultimate prize. With names such as Buzaglo, McCormick, Porter and Sheers leading minor premier East Ringwood, and the likes of Houlihan, Slater, Arthurson and Hislop for East Burwood which had finished fourth and was shooting for its third flag in four seasons, the stage was set. East Ringwood trailed at all breaks, kicking just two opening-half goals and was staring down the barrel of another defeat to East Burwood on the biggest stage, with the margin 33 points at three quarter-time. What happened next was akin to a sports drama film with an epic conclusion. With a renaissance led by the usual suspects, East Ringwood put through 10 straight in the final term to two behinds, to bring the club its first flag in 18 years – and for the fans, some form of revenge for what had happened 15 years earlier. Arthurson was awarded the best-on-ground medal.
Ringwood v Mitcham – 2019 Division 2 Grand Final
Mitcham 12.12 (84) def Ringwood 12.10 (82)
The most widely spoken about on the list in recent times and will probably be for some time.
Mitcham fans will remember it as not only a stirring grand final victory but an epic conclusion to one of the great finals campaigns. Ringwood fans wouldn’t recall the day with such fondness. The Redbacks charged to a 39-point quarter-time lead which seemed a bridge too far, even for the Tigers, whose belief at that stage was sky-high. Mitcham hit back in the second and it was level-pegging from there on, drawing within a point at the main break and snatching a five-point lead at three-quarter time. The sides rallied in the final term trading goals but Mitcham seemed like it would hold on late in the piece. What happened next dominated footy discussion for the next week. The Redbacks, two points down, launch one last foray into attack as the seconds tick down, as a mark is taken by James Parker just ahead of the siren sounding with a goal needed to win. The kick looked on its way – Parker begins to celebrate, convinced it’s home – the umpire rules it falling agonisingly short on the line for no score. Momentary confusion ensues but the ecstatic Tigers win an unlikely flag, their second in five years. For Ringwood, confusion and heartbreak – again. The conjecture surrounding the available vision has the public split over whether the kick made the journey, but the officiating goal umpire is unequivocally certain of his decision. William Gordon was named best-on-ground.
Knox v South Croydon – 2007 Division 2 Grand Final
Knox 18.16 (124) def South Croydon 18.10 (118)
Often spoken about by many as the greatest grand final the EFL has produced. For some, it’s considered the greatest game they’ve seen. A desperate, free-flowing, high-scoring affair with a grandstand finish under the crucible-like pressure of extra-time. The pair had met two weeks prior in the semi as minor premier Knox disposed of second-placed South Croydon to the tune of 64 points. The polar-opposite would occur two weeks later, with the Falcons and Dogs locked in a titanic struggle – the minor premier kicked ahead by 22 points to three quarter-time. But South Croydon charged back into the contest in the fourth with seven majors to Knox’s four. With the scores locked at 111 apiece as the final siren rang out at East Burwood Reserve, both camps – out on their feet having rallied for four gruelling quarters – readied themselves for one last hurrah. The Dogs struck first, courtesy of a Nick McConnell major, before the Falcons’ Lucas Bakes tied the scores again. But it would be Alex Bakens, whose fourth of the day would be the most valuable of all, edging his side in front with what would ultimately be the matchwinner. Dusty Apps was named best on ground.
ESSENDON DISTRICT
Keilor v Strathmore — 2018 Premier Division Preliminary Final
Keilor 12.17 (89) def. Strathmore 12.15 (87)
One of the greatest chapters written between these two sides in a historic rivalry. The Blues overcame a 44-point deficit at the final change, kicking seven goals to two behinds in a thrilling finish at Windy Hill. After kicking five goals in the first three quarters, it appeared the game was over but star forward Dean Galea would put his side in front with just minutes remaining. Two rush behinds within metres of Strathmore’s goal line would eventually be enough to see Mick McGuane’s men record a historic win. “To give up a seven-goal deficit at three-quarter-time is not the way you plan things, but in saying that we believe a lot in what we do and we believe in how we play,” McGuane said after the game. Keilor lost the decider to Aberfeldie the following week.
Airport West v Tullamarine — 2018 Division 1 Grand Final
Airport West 16.11 (107) def. Tullamarine 13.16 (94)
An all-time classic played out at Windy Hill on September 8, 2018. The Eagles had one hand on the cup at halftime after leading by 46 points but remarkably found themselves down by a goal at the final break after a sensational Tulla comeback. Anthony Prestia kicked three goals during that run to bring his side back into the contest but it wasn’t enough. Airport West resettled and swung the game back in its favour to secure a remarkable result. Bior Malual was best afield for Airport West. With both sides currently one-two in 2022, could we see a rematch later this year?
Roxburgh Park v East Sunbury — 2018 Division 2 Grand Final
Roxburgh Park 6.11 (47) def. East Sunbury 5.11 (41)
The scoreboard doesn’t do this game full justice. The Magpies rose from a sixth-place finish a year earlier to deliver the club’s first senior premiership under first-year coach Michael Farrelly. Rain and strong winds were just some of the conditions facing both sides in a thrilling contest. Osama Saad’s second goal of the day and the game’s only major in the final term proved to be pivotal. “They were probably the surprise packet, along with us, for the year,” Farrelly said of East Sunbury after the game.
MORNINGTON PENINSULA
Pines v Sorrento – 2018 Division 1 Grand Final
Pines 14.12 (96) def. Sorrento 14.11 (95)
A crowd of thousands holding its collective breath, a kick after the siren to win and even a cheeky streaker who eluded four security guards, the 2018 Mornington Peninsula Division 1 grand final had everything. It was the greatest point in Pines footy club’s history. The Pythons hadn’t won a premiership in 24 years — and they still hadn’t when the siren sounded in an epic grand final against Sorrento. But Aaron Ludewig changed all that. Scores were level when the Pines forward took a mark 38m out moments before the siren. With thousands holding their breath, he thumped it as hard as he could and it sailed through to the left for a point. For Pines, it was enough. Fans stormed on to Frankston Park to celebrate the end of a long premiership drought — the Pythons’ last flag was 1994 — and Pines had won the greatest grand final in MPNFL history. It had it all, even a streaker who cheekily evaded four security guards midway through the last quarter before being halted by a bone-crunching tackle from a security man. And incredibly, Pines coach Paddy Swayn, had pre-empted the freakish finish at the three-quarter-time huddle. “Aaron Ludewig, he’d had a bit of a stinker, hadn’t had a good day,” Swayn said. “He was going back on and I said to him, ‘Mate, it hasn’t been your day but it might be your moment’.
NORTHERN
Montmorency v Bundoora — 2013 Division 1 Grand Final
Bundoora 17.21 (113) def. Montmorency 13.16 (94)
Arguably the greatest game the Northern Football League has seen since its rebranding in 2007. Bundoora‘s stunning last-quarter comeback has become almost mythical. Trailing by 47 points, 17 minutes into the third quarter, the Bulls kicked the final 11 goals of the game to claim a 29-point victory. That’s a 76-point turnaround for those playing at home.
The deficit was 33 points at three-quarter-time before Bundoora booted a staggering 9.8 (62) while holding the Magpies scoreless. Bulls gun Gary Moorcroft took a towering mark in the goalsquare to the amazement of a huge Preston City Oval crowd and finished with six goals while skipper Brayden Shaw was adjudged best on ground. Montmorency’s premiership drought has now reached 43 years.
Eltham v Lower Plenty – 2018 Division 2 Grand Final
Lower Plenty 3.10 (28) def. Eltham 2.10 (22)
Hard to believe a premiership has been won like this before or ever will be again. Lower Plenty were goalless for three quarters of the 2018 NFL Division 2 grand final yet somehow claimed the flag in one of the most extraordinary matches in Northern Football League history. In driving rain at Preston City Oval, Eltham led 2.10 (22) to 0.3 (3) at three-quarter-time before the Bears booted 3.7 in a stunning final-quarter blitz. With scores level, Ben Paterson kicked the winning goal a split second before the siren sounded, sparking wild celebrations. Lower captain Patrick Flynn was named best-on-ground after a starring performance in the ruck. Bears coach Ben Turner summed it up best. “I saw it hit his (Paterson‘s) foot, I knew a score was enough to put us in front, then obviously the ball is in flight and the siren goes. After that, just madness.”
Epping v North Heidelberg – 2012 Division 2 Grand Final
Epping 15.21 (111) def. North Heidelberg 17.5 (107)
It was Epping v Shane Harvey in one of the highest scoring grand finals in Northern Football League history. The Pingers were almost undone by horrific inaccuracy, kicking 15.21, but it was enough to secure a remarkable victory. Harvey threatened to win the game off his own boot and when he kicked his ninth major early in the third term the Bulldogs held a 32-point lead. However, Epping had reeled it back to just 14 points at the final change and with Harvey kept quiet in the thrilling finale, the Pingers charged home with a five-goal burst. A Daniel Santoro major gave Epping the lead with just minutes left on the clock and they held on to earn promotion to Division 1 for the first time since 2007. Despite defeat, Harvey‘s heroics were rewarded with best-on-ground honours.
Watsonia v Panton Hill – 2013 Division 3 Grand Final
Panton Hill 13.9 (87) def. Watsonia 13.8 (86)
Undoubtedly the greatest Division 3 game we‘ve seen. Panton Hill ended a 58-year premiership drought with a dramatic one-point victory at Epping Reserve. Watsonia, wooden spoon winners just 12 months prior, came desperately close to completing a sensational turnaround but it wasn‘t to be. The Saints booted four unanswered goals to snatch the lead with five minutes remaining in the match but Jarrod McGough quickly replied with a remarkable goal from the boundary line. Another Redbacks goal appeared to seal the game but Brody Ricardi quickly reduced the margin back to a point. However, the siren sounded seconds later and the Hillmen secured promotion to Division 2 in the most dramatic of finishes. Heidelberg legend Abe Williams claimed best-on-ground honours and added another flag to the cabinet.
SOUTHERN
Bentleigh v Port Melbourne Colts — 2019
Bentleigh 13.12 (90) to Port Melbourne Colts 12.11 (83).
Take a bow and a burst of applause, Bentleigh. That was brilliant. The Demons unleashed a whirlwind finish to overwhelm Port Melbourne Colts in 2019. “It was quite amazing, we were down and out,” Bentleigh coach Peter Pirera declared after watching his team kick eight unanswered goals in the final term to win. With a 39-point lead at three-quarter-time, the game looked to be in the Colts’ keeping as they sought to stitch up fifth place on the ladder. And when the visitors bagged the first goal of the final quarter, their lead was 45 points and appeared unassailable. “We just clicked into gear,” Pirera said. “We believed in ourselves and I simply asked the players for effort and to kick it long. Suddenly all our forwards got on top, as did our midfield and away we went.” Ruckman Mitch Smart again led the revival for the Demons, with young Matt Vorbach, the speedy Joe Colaciello and midfielder Ashley Di Ciero (four goals) also prominent. “Sam Lewin gave us a target up forward and he was terrific for us,” said Pirera, who coached with his left arm in a sling after having surgery during the week.
YARRA RANGES/OUTER EAST
Belgrave v Yarra Glen — 2017 Division 2 Grand Final
Belgrave 18.15 (123) def. Yarra Glen 14.11 (95)
It was one of the most dramatic turnarounds in AFL Yarra Ranges history. Belgrave trailed Yarra Glen by 11 goals in the second term of the 2017 Division 2 grand final, only to fight back and win 18.15 (123) to 14.11 (95). Belgrave coach Richard Brown labelled the turnaround as “the most incredible game I’ve ever been involved with”. “But I never believed they couldn’t get back,” he said. Yarra Glen opened the game with eight goals to one to lead by 47 points at the first break, before registering the first four majors of the second term. But Belgrave was not done yet. Reducing the arrears to 32 points by halftime they then piled on 12 goals to three and stormed away. “We were a long way behind, but one thing with my team all year, they’ve been able to fight back from being down,” Brown said. “I didn’t think we were ever out of it.” Belgrave’s Michael Sproules received the best on ground medal for a superb defensive job.
VAFA
PEGS v St Mary’s Salesian — 2017 Division 1 Grand Final
PEGS 15.14 (104) def. STM 14.7 (91)
In 2017, it looked like a case of St Mary’s Salesian by how much after it gained a 57-point lead at the 18th minute mark of the second. PEGS had been written off as a comeback was a long way down the list of what was to come. The impossible happened. PEGS managed to come back from almost 10 goals down to win by 13 points. It was a 70-point turnaround that no one saw coming. PEGS stalwart Robert Baddeley led his side’s comeback with a best on ground performance. Coach Dane Pound was named Coach of the Year that season.
WESTERN REGION
Port Melbourne Colts v Hoppers Crossing — 2006 Division 1 Grand Final
Port Melbourne 14.12 (96) def. Hoppers Crossing 14.10 (94)
The game looked dead and buried midway through the second quarter when Hoppers Crossing, chasing its third premiership in six years, led by 48 points. But those at Whitten Oval were about to witness one of the greatest comebacks in WRFL history. Colts came from the clouds to win back-to-back flags as Steve McAnulty put his side ahead with just minutes remaining at Whitten Oval. It was to be the club’s last premiership in the competition before crossing to the Southern league in 2016 where it would win the Division 2 crown in its first season.
Hoppers Crossing v Parkside — 2002 Division 1 Grand Final
Hoppers Crossing 18.11 (119) def. Parkside 18.5 (113)
One for the lovers of an old fashioned shootout. The Warriors won the Yarraville Oval showdown in an absolute thriller to claim their first Division 1 premiership. After trailing by 15 points at the main break, the Warriors slammed on nine goals with a significant breeze to lead at the final change. Heath Wadden pulled Parkside level with just minutes remaining but a controversial 50m penalty saw Adrian Russo put the Warriors back in front from the goalsquare. Midfielder Glen McGaw was named best on ground and would go onto win the league best and fairest a year later.
Deer Park v Spotswood — 2013 Division 1 Grand Final
Deer Park 15.10 (100) def. Spotswood 14.15 (99)
The Lions run of seven straight premierships almost never got started. After trailing by 41 points during the second term, they staged a stunning fightback to claim their first Division 1 premiership since 1994. Spotswood playing coach Chris O’Keefe was forced to rush the ball across the goal line with under a minute remaining under pressure from two Deer Park defenders. He quickly played on and some stoppages followed before the siren sounded with some Deer Park players not realising they had won for a couple of seconds. Kwame McHarg had pulled the Lions level just moments earlier.
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