The Riddell District season kicks off several big games, we’ve picked the top 10 to watch
Good Friday and Anzac Day double-headers, an early grand final rematch and two new clubs making their debuts. These are the must-watch Riddell District matches of 2025.
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The Riddell District football season will kick off with a bang in 2025.
A blockbuster opening month of the season will see a smorgasbord of local footy action across the region.
There will be Good Friday and Anzac Day double-headers, new rivalries kick off and, of course, two new clubs make their debut/return.
We’ve cast our eye over the 2025 fixture to pick out the 10 must-watch matches of the year.
MELTON SOUTH v DIGGERS REST
Round 1, Saturday April 5 at Melton Reserve
The Panthers return to the Riddell District with a clash against 2023 premier Diggers Rest. Melton South last played in the Riddell District in 1996, transferring to the Ballarat league. The match could also see the local footy debut of two-time Richmond premiership star Marlion Pickett.
GISBORNE GIANTS v KYNETON
Round 1, Saturday April 5 at Macedon Ranges Sport Precinct
Welcome to senior football, Gisborne Giants. Coming off the back of an under-19s premiership, the fledgling club steps up to seniors and reserves in 2025. It will welcome 2024 RDFNL new arrival Kyneton for its debut match.
WALLAN v RIDDELL
Round 2, Saturday April 12 at Greenhill Reserve
We won’t have to wait long for the highly-anticipated grand final rematch. The Round 2 clash will double as Wallan’s season debut after copping the Round 1 bye. The Magpies will look to debut big-name off-season recruits including Cameron Cloke and Victor Micallef.
WOODEND-HESKET v KYNETON
GISBORNE GIANTS v MACEDON
Round 2, Friday April 18 at Gilbert Gordon Oval/Macedon Ranges Sport Precinct
A Good Friday double-header gives local footy fans smorgasbord of action. The day kicks off with local rivals Woodend-Hesket and Kyneton going head-to-head. Then, under lights, newcomers Gisborne Giants welcome Macedon in the RDFNL’s newest rivalry. Just 6km separates the two clubs – a short pre-season training session – and two of the regions best junior programs.
KYNETON v LANCEFIELD
MACEDON v DIGGERS REST
Round 3, Friday April 25 at Kyneton Showgrounds/Tony Clarke Reserve
A week later there’s even more holiday footy on offer. For the second year, Kyneton and Lancefield will meet in the Clash of the Tigers. The traditional RDFNL Anzac Day clash between Macedon and Diggers Rest will also be held at Tony Clarke Reserve in an intriguing double-header. The Cats and Burras will meet for the first time since Macedon ended Diggers 2024 campaign with a stunning semi-final victory.
MELTON SOUTH v GISBORNE GIANTS
Round 3, Saturday April 26 at Melton Reserve
The newcomers do battle for the first time, potentially both looking for a first win. Melton South is returning to the Riddell District after 29 years away in the Ballarat league. Meanwhile, Gisborne Giants, which was only founded in 2016, is taking its first step in senior footy but at least is coming off under-19s premiership success in 2024.
DIGGERS REST v RIDDELL
Round 6, Saturday May 17 at Bloomdale Oval
All kinds of records were broken last time these two teams met. For Diggers, none of them were good. The Burras scored just three behinds for the match as the Bombers recorded a 91-point victory. Diggers Rest will no doubt be out for revenge or at the very least to remind their old rivals what they’re truly capable of.
LANCEFIELD v MELTON SOUTH
Round 6, Saturday May 17 at Lancefield Park
The Tigers and Panthers both endured winless seasons in 2024, this could be the chance to break that drought. Both will have played Gisborne Giants by this stage – Lancefield in Round 5 and South in Round 3 – so may already have a win under their belts but any chance to sing the song is like gold.
MELTON SOUTH v MELTON CENTRALS
Round 10, Saturday June 21 at Melton Reserve
We’ll have to wait an eternity for the history-making first Melton derby. Melton Centrals entered the RDFNL in 1996 but in Division 2, while Melton South was in Division 1. The June 21 clash will be the first official meeting of the two clubs, separated by just 6km. Both teams no doubt will be keen to get one over their cross-town rival.
RIDDELL v WALLAN
Round 16, Saturday August 2 at Bloomdale Oval
Fast-forward to the third last round of the season and the second grand final rematch could also be a minor premiership-deciding bout. Riddell and Wallan are again expected to be battling for top spot on the ladder and this could well be a grand final preview. The Bombers claimed all four contests in 2024 and the Magpies will be determined to lay down a marker heading into finals.
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