The local footy games being played on Anzac Day
There were some monster individual displays and shock results across the state as Anzac Day produced some local footy classics. Here’s the lowdown on all the games.
Local Footy
Don't miss out on the headlines from Local Footy. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Anzac Day threw up plenty of exciting results across the state.
Here’s a review of every game.
Ballarat: Ballarat v Lake Wendouree
For the first time in more than 16 years Ballarat are 3-0 to start the year. In a comfortable win, they defeated Lake Wendouree by 68 points, 13.12.(90) to 2.10.(22). The contest was over early as the Swans dominated the contest. Lake Wendouree only scored two goals in the match with both coming late in the final term.
Bellarine: Portarlington v Drysdale
Drysdale has comprehensively beaten Portarlington by 84 points away from home. The Hawks were given a scare against Newcomb last week but blew the Demons away in the third term with 10.6 to no score. Jake Hargreaves, who was held goalless last week, responded in a big way with a bag of seven.
Eastern: Balwyn v South Croydon
South Croydon led at every break to to run out seven-point winners against a fast finishing Blackburn. Daniel Cooper booted six goals and was named among the best alongside Brayden Kilpatrick, Christopher Jones, Matt Jones, Matthew Aldous and Tom Schinck.
Essendon District
Avondale Heights v Aberfeldie
Abers co-coach Ben Ronke and Karl Brown booted seven goals between them as they held on in a thriller against Avondale Heights. Inaccuracy proved Heights undoing as they kicked 13.16 to go down by three points.
Tullamarine v Keilor Park
Tullamarine broke through for its first win over the season after comfortably accounting for Keilor Park by 50 points. Vice-captain Steven Vocale booted four in a best on ground performance.
Coburg Districts v Burnside Heights
The Bears continued their impressive start to the season with a 13-point win as Nick Gregson booted five to be named best on ground.
Glenroy v Westmeadows
Westmeadows powered its way to a third straight win with a 72-point thumping of Glenroy. A 13-goal to nil opening half proved to be pivotal.
Geelong: St Joseph’s v South Barwon
St Joseph’s missed the finals last year after a hot start to the season. That appears unlikely to happen again if their eye-catching Anzac Day display is anything to go by, knocking off over grand finalists South Barwon by 18 points, 12.18 (90) to 10.12 (72) – a margin that flattered the Swans.
Geelong and District: Inverleigh v Bannockburn
Reigning premiers Inverleigh has slumped to 1-3 after going down to Bannockburn by x points. Inaccuracy early came back to bite the Hawks, kicking eight straight behinds to start the quarter and 15 for the match.
Hampden: Portland v Hamilton
It’s now been more than a year since Portland last won a match and after Anzac Day the Tigers might have to wait a while longer for their next win. Hamilton smashed Portland in the traditional game, winning by 61 points, 15.12.(102) to 6.5.(41). The Kangaroos came out of the blocks the best, kicking seven goals to one to lead by 46 points. The contest was over after that with Portland kicking late goals to make the margin less than what it could be. Kangaroos captain Darcy Russell kicked seven.
Mornington: Mornington v Mount Eliza
Mount Eliza moved to the top of the Division ladder table with a big win over Mornington in the Anzac Day clash. The Redlegs sent a premiership statement to the competition, kicking 19 goals in a contest which was one-sided for most of the day. New signing, ruckman Chris Carey, won the J.A Gloury Medal as the best player.
Outer East
Upwey Tecoma v Olinda Ferny
Despite another day out by for Olinda Ferny recruit and ex-Collingwood player Matt Scharenberg, Upwey Tecoma came out on top in their Anzac Day clash. The Tigers overcame a first term deficit to win by 37 points, 11.11.(77) to 5.10.(40). The win puts Upwey Tecoma on top, heading into the weekend’s matches. Scharenberg kicked four goals for Olinda Ferny and was once again one of their best players.
Healesville v Warburton Millgrove
Four goals to ex-AFL player Aaron Edwards helped Healesville to maintain its unbeaten start to the season with a 41-point win over Warburton Millgrove. Healesville fought back from a 12-point half-time deficit to dominate the second half.
Ovens and Murray
Wodonga Raiders v Wodonga
Wodonga continued its Anzac Day streak against its rivals, smashing the Raiders to claim the Mayor’s Cup. In a one-sided contest the Bulldogs won by 73 points, 17.9.(111) to 5.8.(38). Noah Spiteri kicked four goals for the Dogs with Ethan Redcliffe, fresh from kicking more than 100 goals last year in the Tallangatta league, getting three. Noah Bradshaw was named as the club’s player of the day.
Albury v North Albury
Inaccuracy cost North Albury dearly as it went down to Albury again in the Ovens and Murray league. The Tigers claimed a two-point win, 7.9.(51) to 6.13.(49), to keep their amazing run going against their city rivals. With scores deadlocked at the final break, the Tigers held on after kicking 3.2 to 2.6 in the final term to win a thriller. It’s now been 16 years since North Albury defeated Albury and the run is now 29 straight games. Tigers star Brayden O’Hara kicked three goals.
Riddell District: Diggers Rest v Macedon
Diggers Rest withstood a fierce Macedon comeback to claim 19-point win on Thursday. The Cats pushed the reigning premier to the brink in the Riddell District’s traditional Anzac Day clash at Tony Clarke Reserve. The home team charged to within 11 points as a vocal crowd urged them on in a thrilling final quarter before Ben McMahon sealed a 10.7 (67) to 7.6 (48) victory.
Southern: Cheltenham v Bentleigh
Cheltenham underlined its premiership credentials with a comfortable 57-point win over the Demons. Back at local level. Ollie Moran starred with four goals for his side.
Western
Hoppers Crossing v Werribee Districts
Werribee Districts flexed its muscle with a 12-point win over their local rivals. In control for much of the day, the margin was closer after three late goals to the home side. Lucas Rocci was best afield while Josh Mould and Bailey Siwek also impressed.
Sunshine v North Footscray; Albion v Braybrook
Another lopsided result in division two as the Roos ran out 168-point winners against North Footscray. Meanwhile Braybrook went down to Albion by 97 points.
Wimmera: Horsham Demons v Horsham Saints
The Demons have claimed bragging rights in Horsham with a 21-point win. The Demons prevailed after overcoming the challenge of their rivals in the second half after scores were close at the main break. The margin could have been bigger if the Demons were more accurate. The win now sees them moving to 3-2 in the ledger, out of the past five matches, between the two on Anzac Day.
ANZAC DAY PREVIEW
Local footy clubs around the state will be paying their respects to those who served Australia and New Zealand on Anzac Day with games and services to be held around Victoria.
We’ve compiled all the matches to be played on Anzac Day.
Check them out below.
METRO FIXTURES
EASTERN
Premier - Blackburn vs. South Croydon – Round 3 at Morton Park, Blackburn, 2.20pm
The Burners and Bulldogs return for their annual Anzac Day game with the pair set to lock horns at the ‘Panther Pit’. South Croydon won the corresponding fixture last season by 30 points before Blackburn evened up in the next meeting in Round 16. The match will mark South Croydon coach Brendan Allen’s first against former club Blackburn, which he led for six years.
ESSENDON DISTRICT
Premier Division – Avondale Heights v Aberfeldie at Canning Reserve, 2.30pm
Aberfeldie is off to the perfect start, sitting 2-0 under new coaches Clay Illman and Ben Ronke, and welcomes an Avondale Heights side who has made an impressive start themselves. This shapes as one of the more interesting EDFL fixtures early in the season.
Division 1 – Coburg Districts v Burnside Heights at Cole Reserve, 2.15pm
Both sides are winless to start the season and four points might have never been more critical. Keilor Park has lost three, while Tulla has played just one. Drop this one and it’s a long way back.
Division 1 - Glenroy v Westmeadows at Sewell Reserve at 2.15pm.
The Roys will be looking to bounce back from their loss to Hadfield while Westmeadows are the surprise packets of the competition so far. The Tigers sit on top of the ladder and can stamp their authority with four points here.
Division 2 - Tullamarine v Keilor Park at Leo Dineen at 2.20pm.
Burnside looks set to be right among the premiership contenders and should take care of business here. Although, you can’t afford to discount a Districts side who appear to be very good on their day.
MORNINGTON PENINSULA
Division 1
Mornington v Mt Eliza, Alexandra Park, 2pm
The old rivals renew their acquaintance with Mornington looking to square its season ledger at 2-2. It will be tough, though, because Mt Eliza has looked the goods early under new coach Rikki Johnston, upsetting reigning premier Dromana a fortnight ago.
OUTER EAST
Premier Division
Upwey Tecoma v Olinda Ferny Creek, at Chosen Ave, 2.25pm
This shapes as a great contest between two strong, on-the-up teams. The Tigers beat Monbulk and then pushed Woori Yallock last week, with Jai Sheehan, Sam Raru and Glenn Costas in mint form. Olinda Ferny Creek is undefeated, with ex-Magpie Matthew Scharenberg in sublime form.
Division 1
Healesville v Warburton Millgrove, at Don Rd Reserve, 2.30pm
With Aaron Edwards firing off 10 goals and Max Donegan doing the same, the Bloods made an explosive start to the season last week. Their firepower will pose concerns for Warburton Millgrove, which started with an impressive win over Seville but was well held by Alexandra last round.
Seville v Belgrave, at Seville Reserve, 3.15pm
Seville started the season as a leading flag contender but dropped its opening game. The Blues will look forward to testing themselves against an improved Belgrave, which has had two bumper wins.
RIDDELL
Premier - Lancefield v Kyneton at Lancefield Park, 2.15pm and Macedon v Diggers Rest at Tony Clarke Reserve, 3.15pm
The traditional Anzac Day clash between Macedon and Diggers Rest will be joined this season by Lancefield hosting league newcomer Kyneton. The Cats are fresh coming off a bye, while the Burras - the reigning premier - is coming off a five-day break after beating Melton Centrals by 115 points. With the Autumn Leaf Festival running on the same weekend, carparks and restaurant bookings will be at a premium on the day. At Lancefield, the Tigers meet the Tigers for the first time. Lancefield is looking to rebound after a difficult 81-point loss to Woodend-Hesket, while Lancefield is coming off a narrow 22-point defeat to Romsey.
SOUTHERN
Division 1 — Cheltenham v Bentleigh at Jack Barker Oval at 3pm
The Rosellas host the Demons in their annual clash which is celebrated by the local RSL. Cheltenham will be boosted by the addition of Jack Lonie, who missed last weekend’s match due to his Footscray VFL coaching commitments. Bentleigh has one win from its three starts but has shown plenty of promise in those defeats.
WESTERN
Division 1
Hoppers Crossing v Werribee Districts at Hogans Road Reserve at 2.30pm
Districts will look to continue stamping its authority on the competition in its bid to win back-to-back flags. Hoppers haven’t tasted success under new coach Jared Polec just yet and this may present the perfect opportunity.
Division 2
Sunshine v North Footscray at Kindersmith Reserve at 2.15pm
The home side are the clear favourites for this one coming off the back of a monster game against Sunshine Heights. North Footscray suffered a big loss in its weekend fixture and will be desperate to respond.
Braybrook v Albion at Pennell Reserve at 2.15pm
On paper this looks set to be a one-sided game. Albion are many people’s picks for the premiership this season while the Brookers look like they’ll finish around the middle of the ladder.
COUNTRY FIXTURES
Ballarat
Ballarat v Lake Wendouree at Alfredton Recreation Reserve at 1.15pm
Ballarat will be looking to win its first three games of the season for the first time in more than 15 years against Lake Wendouree. It’s been 14 games since the Lakers won a contest but were competitive for long periods last week against Bacchus Marsh. It might look a one-sided game but Ballarat will have to work hard to have their best start in years. This is the first Anzac Day clash since the Covid pandemic with the last clash in the Ballarat league taking place in 2017 between North Ballarat and Melton South.
Bellarine
Portarlington v Drysdale at 2.15pm at Portarlington Recreation Reserve
Usually these matches would be lopsided, given the long losing streak Portarlington had the past few years. But now it could be a contest which shapes the finals. The Demons have been impressive, winning two of their four games, and face a Drysdale outfit who has lost once this season, which was to last year’s premiers Torquay. The Hawks will start favourites but don’t write off the Demons.
Geelong
St Joseph’s v South Barwon Seniors at 2.15pm at Herne Hill Reserve
The traditional Anzac Day clash is back and this time bragging rights are on the line with one team to be 3-0 at the end of the game. Both enter the contest unbeaten after two rounds. St Joseph’s have dominated the clash in previous years, winning the last nine between the two on April 25. The last time South Barwon won it also claimed the premiership, which was in 2013. A win by South Barwon might be an omen for the rest of the year.
Geelong District
Inverleigh v Bannockburn at Inverleigh Reserve at 2pm.
It promises to be a cracking contest between the last two premiers in the Geelong District league. But Inverleigh will be looking for a win to get their season back on track. The team has lost two of their first three clashes with Bannockburn currently sitting in second with two wins from three contests. Last year’s contest was close with Bannockburn winning by two points.
Hampden
Portland v Hamilton at Hanlon Park at 3.30pm
It’s been a tough 12 months for Portland with their last win in the Hampden league coming this time last year against the Kangaroos. Now, 366 days on, the Tigers will be looking to beat a Hamilton side who have started the season well with a win against Camperdown in round two. The Tigers have owned Anzac Day in recent years, winning five of their past six against Hamilton and overall leads 7-3.
Ovens and Murray
Wodonga Raiders v Wodonga at Birallee Park at 2pm; Albury v North Albury at Albury Sports Ground at 2pm.
North Albury have had their best start to a season in years but now face a side who the Hoppers have struggled against. The past 28 encounters have been won by Albury, who in that time have won seven Ovens and Murray premierships. It will be a big statement if Tim Broomhead and North Albury win on the day.
The other game has also been one-sided with Wodonga Bulldogs winning its past four against the Raiders. The last win for the Raiders on Anzac Day came in 2021 when the team last made the finals.
Wimmera
Horsham Demons v Horsham Saints at Horsham City Oval at 6.35pm.
At one stage Horsham was the pride of the Wimmera league with both teams winning the premiership for 16 straight years from 2003 to 2018. Now, both will be looking to avoid a 0-2 start. In the traditional match between the two teams over the past few years the ledger is locked at 2-2. The Saints won last year’s clash by 31-points with Jarrod Garth kicking three goals.
Fight for equality threatens to leave players in cold
When a successful Victorian women’s footy team broke away from its club, they didn’t realise they might be left without a league to play in. The club president and league give their sides of the story.
How Swinburne Uni plans to overcome high player turnover
Swinburne University is hopeful of unearthing a “couple of gems” on the eve of the season as the Razorbacks prepare to celebrate a significant milestone in 2025. The rundown on every VAFA D3 club here.