Where you can watch local footy this weekend
Dust off the boots and pump up the Sherrins, local footy clubs hit the park for practice matches this weekend. Here’s where you can get your fix.
NFL
Loaded Fitzroy Stars fill leadership void
31 for 31: After a difficult NFNL Division 3 debut, Fitzroy Stars has loaded up on experienced talent as it looks to end a seven-year finals drought.
Promising start boosts hope at Lower Plenty
After narrowly avoiding relegation last season, Lower Plenty is confident its young talent and core stars can lift the club back up the NFNL Division 2 ladder.
West Preston-Lakeside to usher in new generation
31 for 31: After missing finals for the first time since 2016, West Preston-Lakeside will give its promising youngsters more opportunity to excel in 2024.
Paradians prepare for Northern learning curve
Old Paradians expects to be competitive in its NFNL Division 3 debut but the Raiders know it will be a massive learning curve at the same time. Plus, how many games will Sam Gilmore play?
Struggles toughen Ivanhoe for Northern return
A difficult final VAFA season will hold Ivanhoe in good stead for its return to the Northern league, with a star forward set to play a handful of games.
Closing the gap key to Panton Hill’s finals aim
Panton Hill had wins over Diamond Creek, St Mary’s and South Morang but finished eighth. Coach Simon Amore reveals the key to the Redbacks’ improvement.
Eltham’s goals for Division 1 return
Eltham returns to NFNL Division 1 for the first time in 2017 with some simple goals, while a returning young gun has caught the eye on the training track.
Dane Swan to kick off Northern league club’s season
Brownlow Medallist Dane Swan will make his first foray into the Northern Football Netball League, helping a Division 3 club kick off its season with a guest appearance.
Epping ‘on track’ for success after drop
31 for 31: After suffering relegation last season, Epping has been busy in the off-season, bringing in new talent, and a pre-season win has expectations high.
Are young and gun Borough ready to play finals?
31 for 31: After missing finals for the first time in a decade, Greensborough is looking to its developing young talent to lift the club back into the NFNL Division 1 top-five.
Finals taste has St Mary’s hungry for more
31 for 31: After playing NFNL Division 2 finals for the first time in club history, St Mary’s is eyeing a bigger slice in 2024.
Recruits ‘rejuvenating’ Heidelberg West
31 for 31: As Heidelberg West’s finals drought nears 30 years, the club is looking to build long-term success with new recruits and a fresh look in 2024.
‘No excuses’: South Morang primed for big year
31 for 31: An eye-catching recruiting campaign and a strong pre-season has South Morang primed to build on last season’s semi-final appearance in NFNL Division 2.
AFL reveals tackle ban amid major rule changes for junior footy
Juniors will be forced to not tackle in certain age groups this year after the AFL announced shock new new rule changes for underage footy.
Younger, quicker Macleod ready to surprise
Macleod has had arguably the biggest turnover of any NFNL Division 1 club but coach Craig Hayes sees plenty of positives in the new-look Kangas line-up.
Adaptable Kinglake ready for flag run
New Kinglake coach Dave Florance is confident his new gameplan is versatile enough to succeed anywhere, while the club’s boom recruit is having a big impact.
Young guns to lead Laurimar challenge
The continued development of Laurimar’s clutch of young guns will be key to the club’s hopes of success as it steps up to NFNL Division 2 for the first time.
‘Harshly judged’ Montmorency aims to end curse
31 for 31: Montmorency coach Nick Rutley has a simple expectation for 2024 and has been pleased with the Magpies’ DNA as he implements a new gameplan.
‘Fire in the belly’ fuelling Mernda redemption
31 for 31: Mernda is ready to become the hunted in 2024, strengthening its side with some strong talent, as it aims to erase last year’s heartbreak.
Can Whittlesea continue bounce-back flag tradition?
31 for 31: It happened in 2013, 2015 and 2019. Can Whittlesea do it again in 2024? New coach Garry Ramsay reveals his expectations for the Eagles.
New leaders ready to step up at Bundoora
31 for 31: Bundoora’s off-season changes are well documented, so who are the next generation of leaders to keep the Bulls in the finals hunt?
Bridges chasing top-end premiership glory
Five Hurstbridge players are chasing premiership glory before a ball has been kicked in the NFNL, starring for NTFL club Tracy Village.
Locked in: every Northern club’s practice matches
The 2024 season is just around the corner and Northern league clubs are ramping up preparations, locking in practice matches. See the schedule here.
Rumour mill: Rising star’s setback
A VFL-bound local footy gun has reportedly suffered an injury setback after lighting it up this pre-season. All and more revealed here.
The best photos from local footy grand finals
Grand final day often creates some of the best footy memories for clubs across the state. Leader Local Footy’s photographers were there to capture all the moments last weekend.
Collins hoping for better grand final luck 10 years on
This time 10 years ago, Luke Collins and Montmorency were on the wrong end of Bundoora’s famous grand final comeback, now he hopes to captain the Bulls back to the promised land.
Ultimate NFNL Division 1 grand final preview
It’s the NFNL Division 1 grand final sequel but will it be The Godfather II or Speed II: Cruise Control? See the key match-ups, players to watch and analysis here.
Tiger etches name in history with second Rosbrook
Heidelberg’s Lachie Wilson is a two-time Rosbrook Medallist after a thrilling count on Wednesday night, while Tahnysha Salanoa was crowned the top netballer.
Local footy grand final display attracts AFL interest
Eltham and Northern Bullants rising star Finnbar Maley tore his local footy grand final apart and his astronomical rise is attracting AFL interest.
Ranked: the top-40 players of NFNL Division 1
The NFNL Division 1 is awash with star players. The level of talent is among the best in local footy. So who makes the cut in our top-40 stars of 2023?
Finals exit costs Montmorency coach his job
Montmorency has made the decision to part ways with Jono Manzoney after one season following the club’s straight sets finals exit.
Creekers will be better for dirty day
Injury, ill-discipline and a red-hot Eltham made grand final day one to forget for Diamond Creek but coach Andrew Tranquilli is confident the club is well placed for a quick bounce back.
Bundoora demolition earns grand final rematch
It’s on again, Heidelberg and Bundoora in the NFNL Division 1 grand final. The Bulls booking their place with a preliminary final demolition.
Local footy wrap: Flag droughts broken, milestones marked
Clubs broke premiership droughts while some marked significant flag milestones – one even lifted a 37th cup. All the talking points from a bumper Saturday across the bush and the ‘burbs.
Panther perfect: Eltham ends 21-year flag drought
Eltham is going back to the top after claiming a drought-breaking premiership with a crushing win over Diamond Creek.
Your ultimate guide to 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 league to trial four umpires in prelims
In what is likely a local footy first, a metro league will trial having four umpires in a game during preliminary finals with a view to next week’s grand finals.
North Heidelberg skipper rubbed out of finals
North Heidelberg will be without captain Kyle McDonald for Sunday’s preliminary final, and a possible grand final, after he was suspended for a high hit.
Ulimtate NFNL Division 2 grand final preview
Let’s get ready to rumble … heavyweights Eltham and Diamond Creek prepare for grand final battle. Check out the players to watch, key match-ups and our verdict.
Named: top 30 guns of NFNL Division 2
From top to bottom, the Northern league’s Division 2 competition is littered with outstanding players. Check out our top 30 guns of 2023.
Fear of irrelevancy driving Old Paradians move
Old Paradians has voted to leave the VAFA, citing player recruitment and retention as a major factor in wanting to join the Northern league.
How Mernda will heal the heartbreak
Mernda’s changerooms were as quiet as a graveyard after letting the NFNL Division 3 premiership slip but coach Rob Fletcher had only admiration for his players.
Old Eltham Collegians celebrate first premiership
After a club-saving move to the Northern league in 2019, Old Eltham Collegians celebrated its first premiership win as its reserves saluted.
Majak’s six sends North Heidelberg into prelim
North Heidelberg is “enjoying the ride” as marches into a NFNL Division 1 preliminary final, ending Montmorency’ season, behind Majak Daw’s six goals.
Dominant Creekers cruise into grand final
Diamond Creek is one win away from a drought-breaking premiership after defeating St Mary’s in the NFNL Division 2 preliminary final.
Heidelberg flexes on Bulls in statement showing
Reigning NFNL Division 1 premier Heidelberg will have a chance to defend its crown after a crushing win over arch-rival Bundoora in their semi-final.
Stunning late show delivers Laurimar historic premiership
Laurimar claimed its first senior premiership in club history, snatching victory from the jaws of defeat with a stunning late surge to break Mernda hearts.
Local footy wrap: cups won as drama impacts prelims
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.
Your ultimate local footy grand final guide
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.
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