SFNL: The must-watch Division 1 games ahead of the 2025 season

From newcomers facing the test to old rivalries, the Southern league Division 1 fixture has dropped and here are the biggest matches to pencil in across the season.

The Southern league 2025 football fixture has dropped, and there’s dates to be locked away in almost every round.

From grand final rematches to suburban powers finally locking horns, here are the best Division 1 matches to look forward to …

Narre Warren v Cranbourne, Round 1, April 5 at Kalora Park

The old foes meet again. Both clubs wanted to host this game as a huge crowd is expected to gather for Narre Warren’s Southern league introduction. The Magpies have hosted Pakenham under lights for several years, so they’ll push for the ball to be tossed up at 7pm in this one.

The old rivals are at length again. Picture: Stuart Milligan

Cheltenham v Dingley, Round 1, April 5 at Jack Barker Oval

A Cheltenham-Dingley game is always worth the price of admission – but this one has extra value. A collective three points separated the two sides across two finals matches this year, highlighted by a tense two-point grand final. The Dingoes have loaded up this off season, so it’ll be a first showing as to where they sit in 2025.

Cheltenham v Springvale Districts, Round 2, April 12 at Jack Barker Oval

There could be some serious star power rolling around in this one. Springvale Districts has added Jackson Sketcher and Kyle Martin this off season, which had already offered to be a terrific match-up with the likes of Jack Lonie and Dylan Weickhardt at Cheltenham, but with the VFL State of Origin set for this weekend, the Rosellas could also have VFL guns Aussie Johnson, Nick Burke and Ollie Moran in.

Aussie Johnson could be one of Cheltenham's VFL guns back. Picture: Richmond FC

Murrumbeena v Bentleigh, Round 2, April 12 at Murrumbeena Park

By the end of this game, Division 1 should have a fair indicator of where Bentleigh and Murrumbeena stand. With double relegation last season, there is a bit of unknown about the Demons and there’s always mystery surrounding the promoted side. The result, especially if it’s a statement win by either team, will be a sign of what to expect.

Dingley v Springvale Districts, Round 3, April 18 (Good Friday) at Souter Oval

Of all the games on the Division 1 fixture, this is one which jumps off the page the most. Both Springvale Districts and Dingley have recruited well and will face off in a stand-alone Good Friday fixture. The footy purists will be hoping for a shootout to see more centre bounces between these stacked midfields. Expect an enormous crowd to pile into Souter Oval.

St Paul’s McKinnon v Murrumbeena, Round 3, April 25 (Anzac Day) at McKinnon Reserve

The local rivals face once again and will do it on Anzac Day. There’s been numerous player connections between the Dogs and Lions in recent years and it won’t be forgotten when they face off in April.

Cheltenham v Narre Warren, Round 4, May 3 at Jack Barker Oval

At this point, these two sides have collectively won 108 of their past 116 games. The eventual premiers met in a practice match before last season, where Narre Warren snuck over the line. It should be an exciting, fast-paced match between two suburban footy giants.

East Brighton v Cheltenham, Round 5, May 10 at Hurlingham Reserve

The closest the Vampires got to the Rosellas last year was 36 points but they’ve recruited impressively this pre-season. With the additions East Brighton has made to all areas of the ground, it will be interesting to see if it has closed the five-goal gap between it and the competition’s benchmark next year.

St Paul’s McKinnon v Dingley, Round 6, May 17 at McKinnon Reserve

St Paul’s McKinnon and Dingley met four times in 2024, with the Dingoes evening the ledger during the finals. While both will have the expectation to face off again in September, this particular clash is an intriguing battle due to the Dingoes’ woes at McKinnon Reserve. Despite its dominance over the past decade, Dingley has won just two of its past nine games at the kennel.

Dingley’s Kai Stretton is chased by Cheltenham’s Jack Lonie. Picture: Andrew Batsch

Narre Warren v Port Melbourne Colts, Round 11, June 28 at Kalora Park

At this stage of the Division 1 season, wins will be vitally important and the Magpies taking on the Colts could be a danger clash for both outfits. The contested possession battle in the midfield will be an entertaining watch, with Justin Taylor, Luke and Robbie McComb taking on Kurt Mutimer, Tom Toner and Brad Scalzo.

Springvale Districts v St Paul’s McKinnon, Round 14, July 26 at Springvale Reserve

The Round 14 clash starts a difficult five week block for the Demons. With East Brighton, Cranbourne, Bentleigh and Narre Warren in the final four matches of the season, the game with the Dogs could ignite a ladder-shaping final five weeks for Kris Thompson’s men.

Springvale Districts coach Kris Thompson. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Dingley v St Paul’s McKinnon, Round 16, August 9 at Souter Oval

The second bout between these two sides falls in an important spot for the Bulldogs. After facing Springvale Districts in Round 14, St Paul’s McKinnon finish the home and away season with Cheltenham, Dingley, Narre Warren and East Brighton. A momentum-building win over the Dingoes could shape the Doggies’ finals aspirations.

East Brighton v St Paul’s McKinnon, Round 18, August 23 at Hurlingham Reserve

East Brighton and Cranbourne know all too well that the final round of the season can have a significant impact on the ladder. East Brighton was the unlucky side to miss last season and will be looking to finish on a strong note against the Dogs in Round 18.

Murrumbeena v Port Melbourne Colts, Round 18, August 23 at Murrumbeena Park

Whether it be to cement a finals berth or to avoid a sour finish, both Murrumbeena and Port Melbourne Colts will be out for a Round 18 win. The smaller ground should feel like home for the Colts which will make this an interesting watch.