The 2023 GFNL season is filled match-ups that are not to be missed
The 2022 GFNL season was full of blockbusters and 2023 is set to be no different. The Addy takes a look at all the best matches to look out for this season.
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The 2022 GFNL season was full of blockbusters and 2023 is set to be no different.
The Addy takes a look at all the best matches to look out for this season.
Round 1 – St Mary’s v St Joseph’s
Come the end of the 2022 season, St Mary’s wasn’t close to finals, however it managed to make St Joseph’s life harder as it searched for a top five berth.
The two sides tied in Round 16, making for an interesting match-up come Round 1 this season.
St Mary’s showed glimpsed of its best last season and if it can play that way consistently for four quarters in Round 1, its season could get off to a flying start.
Round 2 – St Albans v Newtown & Chilwell
St Albans ended Newtown & Chilwell’s unprecedented 150-game winning streak in 2022 in one of the stories of the season.
The Eagles ultimately continued on to make another grand final while the Supersaints were bundled out in an elimination final, however both are expected to be contenders again in 2023.
With stars such as Uneeq Palavi, Zanna Woods and Jane Cook on either side, this match-up is sure to deliver another classic.
Round 2 (Anzac Day) – South Barwon v St Joseph’s
It’s one of the biggest days on the GFNL fixture and South Barwon and St Joseph’s always seem to produce classic clashes.
The two sides split their two match-ups in 2022, Joeys’ strong defence going up against Swans star shooter Ellen Doyle.
With both teams seeking a finals berth in 2023, Anzac Day is set to produce a must-see game.
Round 3 – Newtown & Chilwell v South Barwon
South Barwon only got one crack at Newtown & Chilwell in 2022, a 13-goal loss in Round 7.
However, with a preliminary final appearance now under their belt, a young and rising Swans side would be hungry to go one step better and take down the all conquering Eagles.
With league best-and-fairest winner Ellen Doyle in the goal circle, South Barwon are set to be another strong contender for a premiership.
Round 3 – Geelong West v St Albans
Geelong West pipped St Joseph’s for fifth spot on the ladder last season by 5.94 per cent and made it count, taking down fourth-placed St Albans by 12 goals in an elimination final.
It was the Giants third-straight victory over the Supersaints for the season, having won by 21 goals in Round 5 and two goals in Round 18.
With both sides set to be challenging for the top five, early season games such as these are vital to help bank wins as early as possible and make the latter stages of the season stress free.
Round 3 – St Mary’s v Leopold
Neither side set the world on fire in 2022, but both St Mary’s and Leopold will be under new leadership in 2023 and both have relatively young lists.
The Saints and Lions only met once in 2022, with the points being split after a 37-37 draw in round 10.
The two sides tied for wins with three each last year, but the Saints had an extra draw that came late in the year against St Joseph’s to knock Joeys out of finals contention.
Both sides are hoping to be on the up in 2023, and it could be another hotly contested clash between the teams.
Round 9 – Colac v Newtown & Chilwell
We are forced to wait nine rounds to watch a grand final replay, but it will be worth it in 2023.
Colac toppled the applecart and disrupted the league’s order by upsetting the Eagles on grand final day, ending a seven-year premiership streak that dated back to 2013.
It will also be the rematch between star shooter Julia Woolley and gun keeper Indya Forde, whose battles in 2022 were not to be missed.
Both sides have reloaded and will be strong contenders again in 2023.
Round 11 – Bell Park v St Joseph’s
The Dragons trumped Joeys in their only match up last season, claiming a 45-44 upset in round 8.
Bell Park ended the year three games behind St Joseph’s but only one ladder position below the finals contender.
The sides will play each other twice in 2023, with the second clash coming in round 16.
Round 18 – Geelong West v St Joseph’s
The final round clash could potentially seal finals fate for both sides, with the Giants and Joeys both expected to be around the mark of an elimination final berth.
St Joseph’s swept Geelong West in the two clashes in 2022, but the Giants made the finals after a late Joeys stumble and proceeded through to the semi final, where they lost to South Barwon.
The top six teams are expected to be strong but even again, meaning this clash will carry extra weight in the final round of the season.
Round 18 – South Barwon v Colac
Another round 18 clash, another potential finals decider.
Both the Swans and the Tigers are almost guaranteed to be contending for the premiership this season, so it is unlikely this clash will decide whether a side makes the finals campaign, but there is a chance it does have permutations on the ladder positions.
Newtown & Chilwell is arguably the team to beat again this year and could claim another minor premiership, but a win either way in this South Barwon v Colac game could have ripple effects on who claims a double chance.
Throw in the fact the two sides went to double-overtime in the first final, then Colac held off the Swans in a thrilling preliminary final, and this game could be an instant classic.
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