Tom Hawkins stars on his return to country footy

Recently retired Geelong star Tom Hawkins starred on his return to country footy with Finley while other ex-AFL names made their mark in games across Victoria on Good Friday. See the wrap.

Friday 18 April 2025. Former Geelong AFL player Tom Hawkins plays with the Finley Cats senior football team against Deniliquin Rams, at the Finley Recreation Reserve in Finley, NSW. Picture: Alex Coppel.

Good Friday footy threw up plenty of talking points across the state.

See our wrap below.

HAWKINS RETURNS WITH A BANG

In his highly anticipated return to Finley, Tom Hawkins booted four goals to help the Cats to a 15-point win over Deniliquin in the pair’s Murray league clash. The recently retired AFL star was named among the better players as his hometown club bounced back from a 170-point thumping a week earlier. Will Sexton and Jesse McDonald were also named among the best for Finley.

Tom Hawkins booted four. Picture: Alex Coppel.

ROBINSON FIRES IN FRONT OF GOAL FOR ELTHAM

Mitch Robinson made a guest appearance for Eltham in the Northern league for the second straight year and he played a key role in his side’s victory. The former AFL player booted four goals and was named in the best as the Panthers prevailed by 27 points against Greensborough. James Marchbank and Cooper James were also impressive.

KEILOR LAYS DOWN PREMIERSHIP MARKER

Mick McGuane’s Keilor once again proved why it’s the team to beat after securing a 55-point win over fellow EDFL Premier Division contender Strathmore. Chris Kosmas continued his brilliant start to the season with six goals while Kyle O’Connor was best afield.

BLACKBURN CLAIM EASTERN THRILLER

Blackburn opened its EFNL Premier Division season with a 19-point win over Balwyn. Liam Malone and Daniel Wood were the main threats up forward with two goals apiece. Jack Tillig was named best for Balwyn.

TOWNSEND MAKES EDFL DEBUT

Jacob Townsend pulled on the boots for the first time in the EDFL, kicking a goal in St Albans’ 46-point win over Hillside. But the performance was capped off on the back of a stunning display from Mason Dipetta who kicked five and was best afield.

SANDHURST RECRUIT CONTINUES FINE START TO THE SEASON

Hugh Schmetzer has made a fine start to the season for Sandhurst and on Good Friday kicked four goals, taking his total to seven from two games, as his side recorded a big win over Strathfieldsaye. The Dragons booted seven goals to one in the opening quarter and from there, the Storm was unable to work their way back into the game. Liam Ireland, Lachlan Wright, Nicholas Stagg, Tanner Nally and Matthew Wilkinson all impressed for the winners.

YOUNG GUN FIRES AS TORQUAY MAKES A STATEMENT

Torquay young gun Banjo Dyer produced a performance to remember, booting eight goals as the Tigers won their first game of the season with a 73-point thumping of Barwon Heads. The home side broke the game open in the third term with four goals to one. Weylin Doyle was named the best player on the ground while Matt Boag kicked five.

DROMANA ON THE BOARD IN EMPHATIC FASHION

Dromana recorded its first MPFNL win of the season with an 81-point win over Red Hill. Billy Quigley, Sam Geurts, Billy Geurts, Reece Wilde and Josh Geurts were all named in the best in a game where they held their opposition goalless in the opening half.

DINGLEY UNDERLINES ITS STATUS

Dingley was in fine form against Springvale Districts, pulling off a 15-point win. At the time of writing, the game still said live on the PlayHQ system.

TWO WFNL THRILLERS

Western league supporters were treated to thrilling action after two close games. Reigning premier Hoppers Crossing claimed a four-point win over Point Cook as Lucas Fisher and Riley Kitchen kicked three goals each. Albion claimed a four-point win of its own against Parkside as club legend Pat Savage broke the game’s record.

ROCHESTER IN CONTENTION?

Under lights at Moon Oval, Rochester secured a 15-point win over Euroa in a battle of two GVL heavyweights. Mitch Cricelli, Andy Henderson, Ryan O’Keefe, Adam McPhee, and Dillon Williams were all named in the best for the home side. Cricelli finished with five goals.

ROVERS SHOWCASE THEIR POWER

Wangaratta Rovers proved why it will take some stopping in a bid for back-to-back Ovens and Murray premierships after recording a 110-point thumping of Albury. Werribee VFL premiership player Nathan Cooper and Lockey McCartney kicked four goals apiece in the win. Samuel Cattapan, Charlie Thompson and Jace Mcquade were named in the best.

PREVIEW

Looking for a local footy fix on Good Friday?

Across Victoria, there’s games being played with some mouth-watering fixtures you can’t afford to miss.

Take a look at the games set to be played throughout the day.

METRO FIXTURES

EASTERN

Premier Division: Blackburn v Balwyn at Morton Park 

After a season off, Good Friday football returns to the Eastern league. The pair have owned the clash since its inception in 2017, and have split the ledger in the four encounters with Balwyn prevailing by 26 points last time in 2023.

ESSENDON DISTRICT

Premier Division: Strathmore v Keilor at Lebanon Reserve, 2.15pm

The traditional clash between the two powerhouse clubs. Both sides will come into the contest undefeated in the opening fortnight of the season. Mick McGuane’s Keilor has an average winning margin of 172.5 points and is looking stronger than last season. This is an opportunity for Nick Ash’s Mores to make a statement.

Keilor coach Mick McGuane will be hoping his side can maintain its unbeaten start. Picture: Andrew Batsch

Division 1: Hillside v St Albans at Hillside Recreation Reserve, 2.15pm

It’s only round 3 but this is a crunch clash for Hillside in particular after falling to 0-2 to start the season. St Albans are 2-0 and can put a big dent in the Sharks’ double chance hopes if they confine them to an 0-3 start.

Division 2: Keilor Park v Coburg Districts at Keilor Park Recreation Reserve, 4.30pm

A huge test for the Devils who will be looking to bounce back following a Round 1 loss. Damien Cavka’s Lions will enter as strong favourites.

NORTHERN

Division 1: Eltham v Greensborough at Central Park, 2.10pm

The traditional Good Friday clash is a stand-alone blockbuster, so expect a massive crowd to descend on Panther Place – and even bigger with ex-AFL star Mitch Robinson set to pull on the red and black again. Both clubs will be looking to bounce back after Round 2 defeats.

MORNINGTON PENINSULA

Division 1

Dromana v Red Hill at Dromana Recreation Reserve, 2pm

The annual Good Friday clash is always a close and hard-fought battle between the Tigers and Hillmen, who are both chasing their first win in 2025.

Edithvale-Aspendale v Langwarrin at Regents Park, 2pm

The Eagles will unfurl their 2024 Division 2 premiership flag and then set out after a 22nd successive win when they host the emerging Kangaroos, who have made a blazing 2-0 start.

Division 2

Bonbeach v Chelsea at Bonbeach Reserve, 2pm

A cracking contest is in store between the local rivals and leading contenders in Division 2.

Seaford v Karingal at RF Miles Reserve, 6pm

After starting the season with an 11-goal win, Seaford is tipped to improve its record to 2-1 – but the proud Bulls are keen to bounce back from a big loss.

Tyabb v Rye at Bunguyan Reserve, 2pm

Expect an entertaining battle between two teams looking to push up the ladder.

RIDDELL DISTRICT

Woodend-Hesket v Kyneton at Gilbert Gordon Reserve, 2.15pm

Gisborne Giants v Macedon at Macedon Ranges Sports Precinct, 4.15pm

A Good Friday double-header in the RDFNL, although it might be a bit tough to see both with 15km between the grounds. Kyneton will be looking to make it two from two when it travels to Woodend, which was stripped of its Round 1 win. In the twilight game, newcomers Gisborne Giants are in the spotlight when they host Macedon with both looking for its first win of the campaign.

SOUTHERN

Division 1: Dingley vs. Springvale Districts, Souter Reserve, 2pm

Last year’s grand finalists Dingley have come out swinging to start the 2025 season with two strong wins. The Dingoes will host a Springvale Districts side searching for its first win.

Kyle Martin addresses his new teammates at Springvale Districts.

Division 2

Mordialloc vs. Highett, Ben Kavanagh Reserve, 1.45pm

Fresh off breaking its 630 day winless drought, Mordialloc has a chance to make it two wins on the trot when it hosts Highett. The Bulldogs will be searching for their first win of the year.

Endeavour Hills vs. Doveton, Barry Simon Reserve, 2pm

Doveton will be looking to bounce back from a disappointing round one thumping at the hands of Hampton Park when it heads to Endeavour Hills, who kicked off its 2025 as winners.

Division 3: Ashwood vs. South Mornington, Essex Heights Reserve, 2pm

Fresh off a narrow two-point victory, Ashwood will be out to make it two wins on the trot when they host last year’s grand finalists South Mornington, who are yet to pick up a win this year.

WESTERN

Division 1: Albion v Parkside at JR Parsons Reserve, 2.15pm

A first meeting between the pair since the 2023 Division 2 decider. Parkside will be desperate to bounce back after going down to Altona while Albion is looking to make it two on the trot. The Magpies will start as favourites.

Division 1: Point Cook v Hoppers Crossing at Saltwater Reserve, 2.15pm

Jared Polec’s Warriors have started their premiership defence with two straight wins and will enter this one as strong favourites against a Bulldogs side which is developing for the future.

COUNTRY FIXTURES

THE STANDOUTS

Bellarine

Torquay v Barwon Heads at McCartney Oval, 2.10pm

Reigning premier Torquay will be chasing its first win of the BFNL season when it faces recent nemesis Barwon Heads on Friday at McCartney Oval.

Torquay is looking for its first win. Photograph: Phil Yeo

Modewarre v Geelong Amateur at Mount Moriac Reserve, 2.10pm

The Ammos will be out to collect the scalp of another BFNL outfit which made the finals last year in Modewarre. Geelong Amateur has already beaten Torquay and Anglesea so far this season as the returning Mitch Day has booted 12 goals from two games.

Bendigo: Strathfieldsaye v Sandhurst at Tannery Lane Recreation Reserve, 2.20pm

A battle between two premiership contenders who have had mixed starts to the season. Strathfieldsaye lost by a point to South Bendigo, after kicking inaccurately, while Sandhurst comfortably beat Castlemaine.

Goulburn Valley: Rochester v Euroa at Moon Oval, 5pm

Euroa will be looking to get its season back on track when it faces Rochester away from home. The Magpies have started the season with losses against premiership contenders Kyabram and Echuca.

Murray: Finley v Deniliquin Rams at Finley Recreation Reserve, 6pm

The traditional Good Friday clash in the Murray league will have a special guest with Tom Hawkins to play for Finley. Hawkins, who is a former junior at the Cats, will play a one-off match, looking to help the club win its first game of the season.

Hampden: Koroit v South Warrnambool at Victoria Park, 2pm

Between them the Saints and the Roosters have won the past nine premierships in the Hampden league. Both will be looking to win to avoid starting the season 1-2 after Koroit lost in the first round and South Warrnambool lost last week to rivals North Warrnambool.

Ovens and Murray: Wangaratta Rovers v Albury at WJ Findlay Oval, 2pm

Albury will be looking to beat a second grand finalist from last year in consecutive weeks when it takes on the Rovers. Last week, the Tigers beat Yarrawonga by five points but now face the reigning premiers, who bounced back last week with a 26-point win over North Albury after losing in round one.

SATURDAY

Geelong: leopold v St Joseph’s at Stirbling Reserve, Saturday, 2.15pm

New Leopold coach Luke Kelly will lead the reigning premier into battle against the 2024 minor premier in Lorne.

Other games

Bendigo

Castlemaine v Golden Square at Camp Reserve, 2.20pm

Eaglehawk v Kangaroo Flat at Canterbury Park, 2.20pm

Gisborne v South Bendigo at Gardiner Reserve, 2.20pm

Goulburn Valley

Kyabram v Benalla at Kyabram Recreation Reserve, 2pm

Shepparton v Mooroopna at Princess Park, 2pm

Shepparton United v Shepparton Bears at Deakin Reserve, 6pm

Murray 

Mulwala v Congupna at Lonsdale Oval, 2pm

Nathalia v Tongala at Nathalia Recreation Reserve, 2pm

Echuca United v Moama at Echuca South Recreation Reserve, 2pm

Rumbalara v Numurkah at Rumbalara Recreation Reserve, 2pm

Barooga v Cobram at Barooga Recreation Reserve, 2pm

Picola District

Tocumwal v Berrigan at Tocumwal Recreation Reserve at 2.05pm

Colac District

Alvie v Colac Imperials at Alvie Recreation Reserve, 2pm

Lorne v Apollo Bay at Stribling Reserve, 2pm

Ovens and King

Greta v Moyhu at Greta Recreation Reserve, 2pm

Bonnie Doon v Benalla All Blacks at Bonnie Doon Recreation Reserve, 2pm

Ovens and Murray 

Wodonga Bulldogs v North Albury at Martin Park, 2pm

Tallangatta

Rutherglen v Wahgunyah at Barkly Park, 2.15pm

Sunraysia

South Mildura v Irymple at Mildura Sporting Precinct, 2.30pm