News Archive

North Geelong will begin its quest for consecutive GDFNL flags with 17 of its 2025 premiership team in action against Bannockburn at Victoria Park. Tom Davis (back) and Jasper George (quad) will be missing due to injury; Noah Bily is unavailable, and Bryce Brockenshire is travelling. While Osca Riccardi, who has joined WAFL club Peel Thunder, hasn’t been named at this stage, despite reports linking him to playing with the Magpies this week. Veteran forward Blake Miller, whose 2025 season was…

First year GDFNL president Darryl Jarvis used this evening's season launch to pay tribute to his predecessor Neville Whitley OAM. "People have asked if my transition to president has been difficult and my answer is simple," he stated. "I sat beside Neville for a long period of time and felt natural to move to one seat to the left hand side of it." Guest speakers Michelle Gerdtz and David Langley reflected on the 20 years of the KEMPE | Read The Play program before premiership plaques were ha…

Bannockburn great Ronnie Pilgrim admits his primary focus will be on his side's opening round blockbuster against North Geelong this Saturday. However his players and loyal supporters have other ideas. They intend to celebrate the GDFNL legend's 500th combined game as his coaching tally will reach 184 games, adding on to his 316 as a player from 1985. "The build up has been pretty good, it just means I've been around for a very long time," he explained. Pilgrim will be called to the stage a…

KEMPE Read The Play founder Dave Langley has revealed his charity will be celebrating its 20 year milestone with a big event on November 7. "Its 20 years since we started in 2006," he reflected. (More to come)

Bell Post Hill has come a long way in two years. Just ask the club's senior captain Jack Yates. “I’m pretty sure there was an Ad in the Addy to see if we could get some players up here ahead of Round 1 in 2024,” he reflected. In one of the upset wins of the decade (so far), Bell Post Hill opened its campaign with a memorable 12.12 (84) to 11.7 (73) win against premiership favourite East Geelong. The win placed the Panthers fourth on the table to start the season however they could add anoth…

This Saturday the GDFNL season gets underway in style with our commentary team of Dale Smyth, Archie Burley and Richard ‘Grubby’ Cations calling the Round 1 clash between Bannockburn and reigning premier North Geelong. The opening bounce doesn’t just signal the start of a new season. It marks the beginning of the second quarter of the 21st century for our proud competition. Over the past 25 years, eight clubs have etched their names into premiership history, with Bell Post Hill setting the b…

This Saturday the GDFNL season gets underway in style with our commentary team of Dale Smyth, Archie Burley and Richard ‘Grubby’ Cations calling the Round 1 clash between Bannockburn and reigning premier North Geelong. The opening bounce doesn’t just signal the start of a new season. It marks the beginning of the second quarter of the 21st century for our proud competition. Over the past 25 years, eight clubs have etched their names into premiership history, with Bell Post Hill setting the b…

Reigning premier North Geelong will enter this Saturday's season opener as favourite against Bannockburn after last year's upset grand final win. To add to the narrative, Peter Riccardi has revealed his son and premiership star Osca may also be available for selection despite moving to Western Australia over the pre-season. "Unfortunately, Jonny Fazio dislocated his ankle and has a fracture in both bones in his lower leg and Thomas Davis is a day to day prospect," Peter said after his practic…

The Anakie Football & Netball Club honoured four of its families on Saturday, March 28. Both the Moore Tucker and Osborne Lowe pavillions were unveiled ahead of the senior football side's practice match against Sunshine Heights (watch full game here). Anakie legend Jeff Moore praised the hard work of club president Heath Menhennet. "I think I speak today on behalf of the Tuckers, Osbornes, Lowes and Moores when I say we are very humbled and privileged to have these rooms named after our…

Local photographer Sharlene Vale said it is surreal to be appointed as the league's photographer for season 2026. Prominent across all GDFNL matches across seasons 2024 and 2025, she hopes to add to her CV which includes GDFNL Interleague photographer (2025). "I felt pretty privileged to see the best of the GDFNL play all together and it was the first time I had captured netball so I fell into it and loved what I was doing so I kept going," she told GDFNL Media. As for her tips to the next g…

Four-time club best and fairest Michael Leamer believes his side is ready for battle when the Giants play host to Bell Post Hill. Joined by his son Jack and daughter Darci on GDFNL Media, Leamer believes his side has a good mix of youth and experience. "We are going to go into this one very confident because we have a strong backline and a very strong forward line," Leamer explained. Geelong West netball coordinator also believes that Round 1 will be a great test for the club's netball secti…

The Werribee Centrals netball section will enter the regular season with confidence following an eventful month of March. The Centurions travelled North to Yarrawonga to take part in a pre-season netball gala day.  "It was great because we versed teams that we haven't come up against before," Natasha Dimkovski told GDFNL Media. The weekend was highlighted by the B Grade side's entry into the tournament final, only to fall short by a narrow margin. "I think there is a lot we can take away fr…

A connection with a current player has helped reigning GDFNL grand finalist East Geelong sign Lara co-captain Sam Purdy. Purdy is good friends with former Cat Galen Munari, who arrived at Richmond Crescent from the Snakepit ahead of last year. (Click full story here)

Anakie has added three players with GFNL senior experience as it looks to build on its 2025 elimination final appearance. Sam Erwin, Lachie Scerri, and Jackson Francese Fulton have arrived at De Motts Road from Lara, after the Cats went into recess earlier this month. (Click here for full story)

A group of Bell Post Hill greats will extend their careers for another season as the Panthers chase a first GDFNL premiership in nine years. Coach Ash Witney has confirmed Caleb Bacely, Tim Barton, Nick Costello and reigning best-and-fairest Dyl Witney have all committed to playing in 2026. He’s also unveiled a trio of recruits seven weeks out from the Round 1 meeting against Geelong West, with Giant Tannar Stone and Lara youngsters Banjo Hickey and Riley Dixon calling Myers Reserve home. (S…

Thomson fans will have two extra reasons to smile when the GDFNL meets the Colac & District league in 2026. Tigers senior coach Paul Lynch and A Grade coach Shannyn Leach have both been appointed interleague coaches. Lynch, a four-time senior premiership coach, guided the GDFNL 25&U side to a 11.13 (79) to 10.12 (72) win against his former league in 2025 while Leach was named as GDFNL coach of the year after guiding Thomson to the minor premiership. (More to come)

GDFNL president Darryl Jarvis and treasurer Caz Hearn have explained why they appointed two netball managers in season 2026. Nicole Smith, who crosses over from St Albans, will serve the league as netball coordinator. With strong skills in leadership, governance, coordination and stakeholder engagement, she will play a key role in supporting clubs and strengthening the delivery of netball across the league. "She has been a very helpful hand at St Albans and she will be a great asset to us," J…

GDFNL president Darryl Jarvis has praised the early efforts of the league's newest leaders. Both Scott Penning (former Bannockburn president) and Glenn Myers (former Thomson secretary) were elected as vice presidents at the GDFNL AGM held on December 10. "Scott has come on board and he will be a great assett to us and Glenn has been a secretary and trainer at Thomson so both will be a wealth of knowledge for us," Jarvis said.  

2026 GDFNL Junior Netball Association Championship Trials are now open. Any junior player in the GDFNL who would like to attend the trials, please register at the following form. https://forms.gle/iRC7UBkNJT9inNyF7 Trial Dates Sunday 29th March (Geelong West FNC Courts) Wednesday 1st April (St Albans FNC Courts) Trial Times Sunday 13 & Under: 9:00 - 10:30 am 15 & Under: 10:30 -12:00 pm 17 & Under: 12:00 - 1:30 pm Wednesday 13 & Under: 4:30 pm 15 & Under…

The North Geelong Football & Netball Club is seeking experienced and accredited netball umpires for the 2026 season. This is a paid position, with umpire polo supplied, and offers the opportunity to be part of a supportive, welcoming club community from April to September. Umpires will be responsible for officiating matches to a high standard, supporting player development and contributing to a positive, inclusive environment. A minimum C Badge accreditation, current Netball Victoria mem…

Raiders Bingo Inc., proudly owned and operated by the Geelong & District Football Netball League, is currently seeking applications for casual team members to join its East Geelong venue. As a professional bingo centre that operates seven days a week (twice daily), Raiders Bingo plays a vital role in supporting the GDFNL and its affiliated clubs. All profits from the venue are reinvested back into local football and netball, helping sustain grassroots sport across the region. About the Ro…

The Geelong & District Football Netball League (GDFNL) is now seeking applications from dedicated and enthusiastic umpires to join its 2026 Netball Panel Umpire Pool. As one of Victoria’s leading regional competitions, the GDFNL prides itself on delivering high-quality netball across Geelong and surrounding regional venues. Panel Umpires play a critical role in maintaining the integrity, professionalism and standard of the League’s A and B Grade competitions. The 2026 home and away season…

Jack Yates will enter the season as the reigning Whitley Medallist after a campaign defined by effort, fairness and influence without ego. The 28-year-old polled 24 votes despite missing the opening two rounds.   Round 1 3 – Ben Crombie (East Geelong) 2 – Jude Payne (East Geelong) 1 – Josh Kunjka (Bannockburn) 3 – Brad Gerrard (Anakie) 2 – Luke Dahlhaus (Anakie) 1 – Russell Cowan (Corio) 3 – David Allitt (Belmont Lions) 2 – Tyler Crennan (Werribee Centrals) 1 – Benjamin Evans (Belmont Lion…

The opportunity to play with a good mate has helped Corio land the key signing of Jimmy Botsaris from GFNL club St Albans. The lively midfielder/forward spent last year with the Supersaints, playing every game and kicking 13 goals after crossing from Western League outfit Point Cook. K rock Football understands Botsaris is keen to take the field with fellow Devils newcomer Harrison Stanley. (See full story)

East Geelong's Sam King will enter this season as the reigning Tansing medallist. The star Eagle polled 18 votes from his 11 games.   Round 1 3 – Coby Eagle (East Geelong) 2 – Brayden Vicars (Bannockburn) 1 – Noah Charman (East Geelong) 3 – Hayden Leech (Anakie) 2 – Andrew Muller (Anakie) 1 – Dau Mayen (Corio) 3 – Damian Williams (Werribee Centrals) 2 – Riley Somers (Belmont Lions) 1 – Luke Cachia (Werribee Centrals) 3 – Chris Scott (Thomson) 2 – Joshua Camm (Thomson) 1 – Cooper Hardy (Ge…

Netball Coordinator Geelong & District Football Netball League Description Hours: Approx 15 hours per week with extended hours required during the Finals period. Some weekend and after-hours work may be required About the GDFNL The Geelong & District Football Netball League (GDFNL) is one of Victoria's leading regional sporting competitions, recognised for its professionalism, community connection, and proud history. The League oversees high-quality football and netball programs…

The Geelong District Football & Netball League would like to extend its sincere gratitude to Lee Doherty, who has recently stepped down from her role as GDFNL Netball Manager. Across her years of service, Lee has been a driving force behind the continued growth, strength, and success of netball within the GDFNL, from our junior pathways through to our senior competitions. Her passion for the game has left an enduring impact on our league and on the many people who have been part of it. On…

The countdown is on to a landmark moment for the Geelong & District Football Netball League with the inaugural 11 & Under netball season set to begin in 2026. GDFNL executive and member clubs have commended netball manager Lee Doherty and the league’s working parties for achieving the milestone, which expands a junior pathway that has been in place since netball was introduced in 2002. Until now, the league has operated three junior divisions. Inverleigh has been the dominant force a…

The Geelong & District Football and Netball League will return to separate senior football and netball vote count nights in 2026, confirming two standalone medal events for the upcoming season. The Neville Whitley Medal night will be held on Wednesday, August 26 at Buckley’s Entertainment Centre. Along with the league’s highest individual football honour, the night will also feature the presentation of the Ivan Tansing Medal for the leading reserves player, Rookie of the Year, and the anno…

New rules affecting how young people under 16 use social media have come into effect from December 10, 2025. Netball Victoria has released a fact sheet outlining the changes, their potential impact and links to helpful resources. Further information is expected from Netball Australia and the eSafety Commission in the new year with a briefing session for affiliates scheduled for February 2026. MEANWHILE the GDFNL fixture has been released for season 2026. Last year Bannockburn defeated Anaki…

Winchelsea gun Fin Parish will get a chance to put his undoubted talent on a show at a higher level after being invited to pre-season training with VFL club Werribee. The 24-year-old has earned an opportunity despite a broken thumb, followed by an overseas holiday, limiting him to just four senior matches for the Blues in 2025. “We pushed Fin early on, saying, ‘Well, are you interested? And would you be keen on giving it a crack?,” Winchelsea coach Ben Moloney said. “He’s someone who likes t…

Corio has unveiled journeyman Mikali Harrison as its latest recruit. Harrison joins the Devils after spending part of 2025 with Kyabram and District league club Stanhope. He is no stranger to local grounds, having played senior football with Belmont Lions, Newcomb and North Shore. At the Lions, he made 85 appearances in the firsts. “A mid/small forward, he’s highly skilled, thrives at contested balls, while also applying great forward pressure,” Corio said in a post on Facebook. “We’re loo…

A relationship formed during Rhyce Prismall’s playing days with GFNL club Lara has helped Werribee Centrals secure the services of Cats’ co-captain Aaron Stone. Prismall played with Lara when Stone’s dad, club great Shayne, was midfield coach, while also playing alongside brother Jordan at senior level. Stone joins returning Centurion Connor Linehan-Cunningham in making the move to Galvin Park from the Snakepit. “I’d always check it and see how the boys were going,” Prismall said. “We played…

Bannockburn had added some much-needed firepower to its forward line as it looks to avoid missing finals in consecutive seasons for the first time in more than 20 years in 2026. The Tigers have signed Henry Hawker from GFNL club Leopold as they look to improve their offensive output after ranking 10th for scoring, and tumbling down the ladder to 10th position – their worst home-and-away win-loss record since 2005. On the comeback from a serious knee injury when he arrived at the Lions, the 19…

Strong family ties have helped GDFNL preliminary finalist Bell Post Hill land former Geelong West (GFNL) captain David Handley. A Geelong Falcons premiership player in 2017, who also played 16 VFL games with Carlton, including 14 in 2022, has been unveiled as the Panthers’ first off-season signing. Handley’s mum, Amanda, is a life member at Myers Reserve, while his father, Ewan, is a former player. The 26-year-old was part of Bell Post Hill’s Auskick program but didn’t play with the club. H…

Inverleigh has poached experienced midfielder Zac Plant from GDFNL rivals Thomson. The Hawks have confirmed the arrival of Plant, who was part of the Tigers’ 2024 premiership team and played in their losing grand final side the previous year against Inverleigh. “We are getting a hard-nosed and experienced midfielder who will not only bolster our senior squad but will also drive standards and fit into our culture seamlessly,” the Hawks said in a statement on social media. “As one of the pre-e…

Bannockburn’s hopes of a quick bounce back after missing the GDFNL finals for the first time since 2014 have received a significant boost, with premiership co-coach Jack Brauman returning to the club. The hard-edged midfielder, who has VFL experience with Werribee to his name, has spent the past three seasons with QAFL club Surfers Paradise. A one-off appearance in mid-2023 was his only outing for the Tigers since leaving Victoria Park, after helping guide the club to the 2022 premiership. C…

Inverleigh will welcome back star former playing coach Adam Donohue for the 2026 season. Donohue spent 2025 with Colac and District club South Colac under former Hawks teammate Brad Surkitt, where he won the club’s best-and-fairest and finished tied for third in the league best-and-fairest, the Jack Mahoney Medal. The 36-year-old, who spent two years on Geelong’s list in 2008-09 without playing a game, first joined the Hawks in 2019. He held the coaching role at Inverleigh from his arrival f…

A returning forward and a talented basketballer have been unveiled as Winchelsea’s latest recruit. Having already welcomed back defender Adam Walsh from a one-year stint at Bellarine club Ocean Grove, the Blues have confirmed the return of joint 2024 GDFNL leading goalkicker Jordan Gould and the arrival of 199cm big man Jack Terrill. Gould spent this year playing with home club Tantanoola in South Australia, kicking 30 goals from 11 games, and helping the club to a preliminary final. “We’ve…

North Geelong has completed one of local football’s most incredible turnarounds to claim its first GDFNL premiership in 12 years following a 24-point win over East Geelong in today’s grand final at St Albans Reserve. 39 matches after narrowly avoiding the 2023 wooden spoon with a final-round victory, the Magpies have overcome a slow start, which saw them trail by six points at the main break, to kick six of the last seven goals of the contest and win. It was North’s fourth win over the Eagles…

The North Geelong faithful will rightly heap the majority of the praise on the twenty-two players and coach Peter Riccardi if the Magpies can produce one of local football’s great Cinderella stories and win tomorrow’s GDFNL Grand Final. Victory will complete a transformation that has seen North go from mid-season sackings of coaches in 2022 and 2023, and only avoiding the wooden spoon in the second of those years with a final-round win, to featuring in a grand final for the first time in a dec…

Saturday, September 20 North Geelong vs. East Geelong North Geelong To be selected from: Jasper George (27), Zac Schwennesen (3), Thomas Davis (42), Noah Bily (10), Thomas Schwennesen (24), Cooper Vaughan (1), Mitchell Habib (32), Jacsen Jewell (9), Charlie Smith (11), Bryce Brockenshire (40), Charlie McDonald (21), Patrick Cleary (22), John Fazio (31), Ben O’Brien (8), Luke Parker (4), Jordan Purcell (20), Osca Riccardi (41), Charlie Farrell (5), Rory Desnoy (6), Samuel Reynolds (38), Damian…

North Geelong youngster Rory Desnoy has been declared fit for Saturday’s GDFNL grand final clash against East Geelong after overcoming a shoulder injury. The gun midfielder has been sidelined since Round 16 after damaging his AC joint, with Magpies coach Peter Riccardi confirming on K rock Football’s Beyond the Boundary podcast that Desnoy will take on the Eagles. “He got cleared last week,” Riccardi said. “He’s trained for the last two weeks. “(He) fully trained yesterday (Tuesday) – full c…

As far as transformations in local football go in the past 20 years, it’s not quite Grovedale’s rise from wooden spooner to grand finalist in the GFNL in 2013. However, one can’t deny that North Geelong’s climb from narrowly avoiding the wooden spoon in 2023 to the GDFNL decider 24 months later isn’t any less impressive. ‘Geelong’s Fabulous Magpies’ had been anything but post-COVID. Four wins in 2021 were followed by seven wins in 2022, but the season was marred by the sacking of coach Mark…

Coach Ned Aulsebrook was adamant East Geelong wasn’t paying heed to the external noise of past finals failures, and his players proved him right, beating Bell Post Hill by 38 points to advance to its first GDFNL grand final since 2012. The Eagles were growing an unwanted reputation as finals chokers, having won just one of their past seven outings at St Albans Reserve, including being bundled out of the flag race in straight sets after finishing minor premier in 2022 and 2024. It was a fate t…

East Geelong coach Ned Aulsebrook insists his side is blocking out external noise around the club’s poor recent finals record as it prepares for Saturday’s preliminary final clash with a rampaging Bell Post Hill. The Eagles will attempt to avoid a straight-sets exit from the finals after winning the minor premiership for the third time in four years. In fact, East has won only one final since the pandemic impacted local football—the 2023 elimination final against Bannockburn—and has lost five…

Round 1 3 – Ben Crombie (East Geelong) 2 – Jude Payne (East Geelong) 1 – Josh Kunjka (Bannockburn) 3 – Brad Gerrard (Anakie) 2 – Luke Dahlhaus (Anakie) 1 – Russell Cowan (Corio) 3 – David Allitt (Belmont Lions) 2 – Tyler Crennan (Werribee Centrals) 1 – Benjamin Evans (Belmont Lions) 3 – Jacson Collins (Geelong West) 2 – Billie Smedts (Thomson) 1 – Paul Davis (Thomson) 3 – Finlay Parish (Winchelsea) 2 – Luke Wilson (Inverleigh) 1 – Lachie Gemmill (Winchelsea) 3 – Dylan Witney (Bell Post Hi…

Round 1 3 – Coby Eagle (East Geelong) 2 – Brayden Vicars (Bannockburn) 1 – Noah Charman (East Geelong) 3 – Hayden Leech (Anakie) 2 – Andrew Muller (Anakie) 1 – Dau Mayen (Corio) 3 – Damian Williams (Werribee Centrals) 2 – Riley Somers (Belmont Lions) 1 – Luke Cachia (Werribee Centrals) 3 – Chris Scott (Thomson) 2 – Joshua Camm (Thomson) 1 – Cooper Hardy (Geelong West) 3 – Bailey Forssman (Winchelsea) 2 – Daniel Grozdanovski (Inverleigh) 1 – Oliver Mahncke (Winchelsea) 3 – Harvey Martin (B…

Bell Post Hill has received a boost ahead of Saturday’s preliminary final clash against East Geelong, with captain Jack Yates taking out the Neville Whitley Medal as GDFNL best-and-fairest. The tough-as-nails Panther took the lead with 16 votes with a best-on-ground performance against Bannockburn when the count went live in Round 11, one clear of East Geelong captain John McIntyre and Anakie spearhead Andrew Boseley, and wasn’t headed from that point on. Three-vote efforts in rounds 12 and 1…

Anakie star Luke Dahlhaus has been named captain of a star-studded GDFNL Team of the Year. The former Western Bulldogs and Geelong midfielder had another impressive season with the Roos, guiding them to the finals for the first time in 27 years. Dahlhaus was among a trio of Roos honoured, with Wayne Tyquin medallist Andrew Boseley and GDFNL representative Oscar Barter also selected in the final 22. The Roos were one of four clubs to have three players included, joining Werribee Centrals prel…

East Geelong’s Sam King has held on to win the Ivan Tansing Medal as GDFNL reserve grade best-and-fairest despite missing the majority of the second half of the season. Polling 18 votes to Round 11, King was promoted to the Eagles’ senior line-up in Round 12, but then headed overseas for five weeks, returning for the final round clash with Inverleigh, where he didn’t poll. However, the challengers never seriously came. Belmont Lions recruit Brooklyn Johnston, who trailed by four when the rea…

Coach Peter Riccardi has likened himself to a “really proud dad” after North Geelong booked a berth in the GDFNL grand final for the first time since 2015. A week after snapping a ten-year drought of winning a final, the Magpies overcame minor premier East Geelong by 18 points, 10.7 (67) to 7.7 (49). “Because we’ve got so many young players, I just feel like a really proud dad, and I’m super happy for the boys. “Two years ago, who would have thought that we’re going to play off in the grand…

Bell Post Hill vice-captain Sam Quinn has labelled the controversial Round 14 clash with the Belmont Lions as “one of the best games I’ve ever played”, as the two clubs prepare to renew acquaintances in Sunday’s first semi-final at St Albans Reserve. The Panthers were awarded victory in the days that followed the clash at Winter Reserve after video and statistical evidence proved that the score signed off by officials – a one-point Lions victory – was incorrect. It was a result that returned…

Bell Post Hill has outlasted Anakie by 13 points in a tense GDFNL elimination final at St Albans Reserve to advance to a first semi-final meeting with the Belmont Lions. Leading by 19 points when classy veteran Dyl Witney snapped a goal on his non-preferred right foot, the Panthers appeared to have done enough. However, the Roos, who returned to finals action after a 27-year absence, weren’t ready to roll over, and pulled the margin back seven points following goals from Paul Ridout and Josh…

North Geelong has broken a decade-long finals-win drought in dramatic fashion, with a late Mitch Habib goal edging out Belmont Lions by three points in Saturday’s GDFNL qualifying final. The Magpies, who hadn’t tasted finals victory since their last grand final appearance in 2015, held on in a tense finish at 8.16 (64) to 9.7 (61), setting up a second semi-final clash with minor premier East Geelong. Trailing by three points at the 33-minute mark, Habib juggled a mark at the top of the goal s…

Like the rest of the local football world, Anakie co-captain Mason Rhodes thought the Roos had blown a golden chance to snap a 27-year finals drought. Consecutive losses in rounds 12 and 13 to the teams that would ultimately occupy the bottom two spots on the ladder, Corio and Geelong West, had Anakie sitting outside the top five. Rhodes says it was at that time the Roos asked themselves a simple question: “What do we want to get out of the remainder of the year?”. “Looking at the remaining…

Corio has turned to a fresh coaching combination in a bid to lift itself from the bottom of the GDFNL ladder, appointing former player Adam Bell and experienced local mentor Ross Gemmill as co-coaches for 2026. The pair have signed a one-year deal just days after the Devils ‘ season ended on a high, beating Bell Post Hill for their third win of a tough campaign. They replace outgoing coach Joel Bennett, who confirmed earlier this year he would not continue in the role. “It’s been a bit of a…

North Geelong coach Peter Riccardi says last weekend’s final-round demolition of Winchelsea has restored confidence ahead of the club’s first finals appearance in seven years. The Magpies, who had been battling patchy form leading into finals, belted the Blues by 149 points, something Riccardi admitted even surprised him. “I was a bit nervous going into it because we’d been very inconsistent the last few weeks, and we really needed a good showing just to get some confidence back,” Riccardi sa…

Anakie has broken a 27-year finals drought, storming home to defeat Werribee Centrals by 10 points on Saturday and secure its first appearance at St Albans since 1998. Trailing at every change, the Roos finished strongly at Galvin Park to claim a 14.14 (98) to 13.10 (88) victory. The result capped a remarkable turnaround for Anakie, which looked out of finals contention after back-to-back losses to Corio and Geelong West in rounds 12 and 13, respectively. “After those losses, I thought our s…

Inverleigh coach Chris Moore has encouraged his players “to have some fun” ahead of their Round 18 clash with finals-bound East Geelong at Richmond Crescent. The sixth-placed Hawks are a mathematical chance of playing finals, but on top of needing to beat the Eagles, they also require Werribee Centrals to beat fifth-placed and hope that if Thomson overcomes Bannockburn, they don’t make up a small percentage gap. “We talked about it at training last night, and I just want the players to enjoy…

If the finish to the 2024 GDFNL season was one for the ages, 2025 is about to say, ‘Hold my beer’. The GDFNL section of the Play AFL app has the potential to go into meltdown on Saturday afternoon, with all five spots inside the top five up for grabs. East Geelong, Belmont Lions and North Geelong are all live chances of claiming the minor premiership. Bell Post Hill will feature in an elimination final, with the use of the home rooms or away rooms at St Albans Reserve the only matter to be d…

Anakie is on the verge of its first finals appearance in 27 years after an impressive defensive performance was the cornerstone of a 34-point win over North Geelong at Anakie Reserve. The Roos held the Magpies to their lowest score under Peter Riccardi, picking up some handy percentage with the 12.6 (78) to 5.14 (44) result. Anakie’s win, coupled with losses to Inverleigh and Thomson, has Jayke Mawson’s men a game and percentage clear of the Hawks and Tigers with one round to play – a trip to…

East Geelong young gun Ben Crombie will make his return from mid-season ankle surgery in tomorrow’s clash with arch-rival Thomson at Godfrey Street. The Geelong VFL development list member hasn’t played since the Round 8 win over Corio, and will return on limited minutes as he looks to build into another finals campaign for the Eagles. “When he first had the surgery, we bookmarked a couple of weeks ago (for a return), and then it looked like it might push out to next week,” East coach Ned Aul…

The rarity of a ‘mathematical’ hope playing finals has Werribee Centrals coach Rhyce Prismall not getting caught up in his club’s prospects of featuring on St Albans Reserve at the end of the month. The Centurions’ win over Corio and losses by fifth-placed Inverleigh and sixth-placed Thomson have the Galvin Park-based club still alive heading into the final two rounds. However, with Centrals needing to beat Geelong West (away) and Anakie, and have Anakie lose to North Geelong, along with the…

Barring absolute calamity over the last fortnight of the GDFNL season, Belmont Lions will start their finals campaign from a qualifying final after overcoming a resurgent Inverleigh at Winter Reserve by 38 points. Spearheaded by a season-high seven goals from Ben Evans, the Lions used a 6.3 to 1.3 to third quarter to turn a four-point half-time deficit into a 26-point lead at the final change, before banging on eight goals to six in the last term for a 20.15 (135) to 14.13 (97) victory. Co-co…

Bannockburn and Werribee Centrals have both announced contract extensions for their coaches for 2026. Ron Pilgrim will continue at the Tigers for a fifth season after taking on the role for the second time in 2022 and guiding the Tigers to the flag that year. It will be a rare absence from St Albans Reserve for Bannockburn this year, with the Tigers out of finals contention. They sit ninth with a 5-10 win-loss record. The Centurions have locked away playing coach Rhyce Prismall for a sevent…

Injuries have forced Thomson into five changes for its match-up with Winchelsea at Eastern Reserve. The reigning premier was already planning to be without captain Sam Jacka, Jay Diffey, Ben Kamaric, and Jamie Bach after all four failed to see out last week’s loss to Bell Post Hill. What Paul Lynch wasn’t planning was defender Dan Mowat injuring his quad at training last night. All five are unlikely to be seen until finals, if the Tigers can hold onto fifth spot. They join the likes of Darc…

East Geelong has put what coach Ned Aulsebrook labelled “a poor month of football” in the rearview mirror in beating fellow GDFNL premiership contender Belmont Lions by 53 points at Richmond Crescent. After scraping past Bannockburn by one point before the split round, the Eagles suffered rare consecutive losses in Aulsebrook’s tenure, to North Geelong and Werribee Centrals, with last week’s defeat by the Centurions the heaviest in his time at the Eagles. “Last week, I felt like we got the co…

If Thomson is to claim consecutive GDFNL premierships, it will have to do it without star Billie Smedts. Scans have found a knee injury suffered by the former Geelong and Carlton player early in last week’s loss to Anakie needs surgery, with the 33-year-old to go under the knife in the next fortnight. Joining Smedts on the sidelines is defender Nick Lynch, who has a knee of his own that will also have him racing the clock to play again in 2025. Coach Paul Lynch says losing the key duo will i…

Corio coach Joel Bennett has been found to have no case to answer after being scrutinised for making contact with Bannockburn’s runner during last week’s clash at Victoria Park. Footage shows Bennett, who will step down from the role at the end of the season, pushing away Tigers runner Chris Rieck, who was standing on the edge of a small melee during the third quarter. AFL Barwon’s Match Review Panel said in its weekly statement that “no reportable incident was identified”. The MRP also laid…

Bell Post Hill is back in the GDFNL top five after members of the league executive today overturned the result of Saturday’s one-point loss to Belmont Lions at Winter Reserve. The Panthers disputed the outcome after claiming a goal it kicked during the second quarter through milestone man Caleb Bacely was incorrectly added to the Lions’ score. It was included on Bell Post Hill’s tally a short time later but not removed from the Belmont Lions’ score, resulting in a 19.7 (121) to 18.12 (120) vi…

Bell Post Hill has queried the final score from Saturday’s loss to the Belmont Lions, claiming that a goal it kicked in the second quarter of the clash at Winter Reserve was incorrectly credited to the home team. The final score on the day showed the Lions defeating the Panthers, 19.7 (121) to 18.12 (120). However, after the GDFNL’s statistics provider Premier Data coded the match, it showed the scoreline to be 18.11 (119) to 18.7 (115). The score in question is a goal kicked by Panthers’ mi…

A seriously broken leg that hospitalised Guy O’Keefe has taken some of the gloss off an important win that has returned Inverleigh to the GDFNL top five with a month remaining in the home-and-away. Footage of the incident shows veteran Hawk being tackled fairly to the ground by North Geelong captain Zac Schwennesen and his leg getting caught underneath him about 25 minutes into the first quarter. Teammate and opponents quickly realised the gravity of the situation and frantically motioned for…

Caleb Bacely has paid tribute to the role Bell Post Hill has played in his life as he prepares for game 250 when the Panthers meet ladder leader Belmont Lions at Myers Reserve. Baceley has spent all but two seasons of his football journey at Myers Reserve, coming through the club’s juniors to become a key plank in one of the region’s most dominant eras. Of the seven premierships Bell Post Hill won in ten grand final appearances from 2008 to 2017, Bacely featured in six, missing the 2016 succe…

GDFNL finals hopefuls Inverleigh have locked away premiership coach Chris Moore for a further two years. The Hawks have confirmed the re-signing of Moore for the 2026 and 2027 seasons via social media. “We’re thrilled to announce that Chris Moore has re-signed as senior coach for another two years,” a statement said. “Chris has shown a strong focus and ability to develop our younger players, while also getting the best out of our experienced leaders. “His passion, knowledge, and commitment…

Less than 72 hours after labelling East Geelong as the competition’s yardstick, North Geelong coach Peter Riccardi could be forgiven for pondering whether it’s now the Magpies following their 17-point win at Richmond Crescent. With most pre-planning for the top-three clash thrown out the window due to gale-force winds, Riccardi hailed his players’ effort in the trying conditions, coming from 20 points down at quarter-time to claim a 10.12 (72) to 8.7 (55) victory. The result ensured North’s b…

East Geelong has made five handy inclusions but will be without a couple of key players for the mouth-watering match-up with North Geelong at Richmond Crescent. Playing coach Ned Aulsebrook, Galen Munari, Jake McLean, Jacob Nolan and Caleb Ezard are back for the Eagles, with Ezard to make his first senior appearance since the Round 3 clash with the Magpies. His return is timely, with East’s leading goalkicker Zac Smith sidelined with a calf injury suffered late in the narrow win over Bannockb…

Peter Riccardi has labelled as “pretty easy” his decision to re-sign as coach of GDFNL contender North Geelong for the next two years. Helping Riccardi in committing until at least the end of 2027 at Keith Barclay Oval is the move to elevate assistant Keegan Carr to co-coach alongside the experienced mentor. “At the end of the day, at my age, I don’t really want to start again anywhere else,” Riccardi told K rock Football. “And with the help of Keegan, I do a little bit less, and he does a l…

Thomson is putting itself in a strong position to challenge for consecutive GDFNL premierships after taking care of an undermanned Belmont Lions by 45 points at Winter Reserve. The 15.16 (106) to 9.7 (61) result extended the Tigers’ winning run to five, keeping Paul Lynch’s men unbeaten since the King’s Birthday bye. Thomson has joined third-placed North Geelong on 36 points, but the Magpies have a game in hand and superior percentage. “I thought we probably controlled the game for most of t…

Thomson is facing the prospect of being without Darcy Troop for a large chunk of the remainder of the home-and-away season after dislocating his shoulder in last week’s win over the Geelong West Giants. The dynamic forward, who can also pinch-hit in the ruck, was booked for an MRI today (Friday) to find out the extent of the damage. “It dislocated for a little bit and then popped back in,” coach Paul Lynch said. He was still pretty sore on Tuesday night at training, so he definitely won’t pl…

A growing family and a desire to get his body right after suffering a serious on-field injury last year will see Joel Bennett step down as Corio coach at the end of the season. The 29-year-old has confirmed to K rock Football that he will hand over the reins after five years in charge, of which four he shared with his father, Darren, when the Devils’ campaign comes to a close next month. Bennett’s fiancée, Tiffany, is pregnant with the couple’s third child. At the same time, the 2023 Whitley…

The family of local football identity Geoff McLure says it has been comforted by widespread messages of condolence following his death. The 83-year-old, who had battled Parkinson’s disease for 20 years, died on Sunday. McLure is a Legend in East Geelong’s Hall of Fame and a life member of the Eagles, playing 211 games. He is also a revered figure at Bell Post Hill, where he was honoured with life membership. After a year at Corio in the mid-1970s, McLure was the first reserves coach of the…

It’s a win that has told the rest of the competition that Bell Post Hill can’t be discounted from GDFNL premiership calculations. However, coach Ash Witney is more concerned that Saturday’s 52-point victory over North Geelong at Keith Barclay Oval has provided a reminder to his players that they’re contenders. The Panthers, thanks to Anakie’s shock loss to Corio, sit two games clear of the Roos and Inverleigh after posting a 17.13 (115) to 8.15 (53) victory. “It’s not really about telling ot…

North Geelong veteran Luke Parker admits a return to the senior team wasn’t on the cards heading into the 2025 season. One of only two members of the Magpies’ most recent premiership still wearing black and white at senior level – Blake Miller is the other – Parker has played the last three games at 2 o’clock. And he’ll add to that tally when North hosts Bell Post Hill at Keith Barclay Oval tomorrow. “I’ve been having a run around in the twos, getting my 8-10 games in over the last four or f…

Co-coach Andy Walsgott has paid tribute to several unsung heroes as Belmont Lions snatched top spot off North Geelong with a thrilling 13-point win at Winter Reserve. Hit hard by injury and unavailability, the Lions’ depth has been tested during the middle part of the season. However, Walsgott and coaching partner Brent Vermeulen, who was among those sidelined, have found they have plenty in reserve if required in the run to September and when action moves to St Albans Reserve. “Paddy Lindsa…

Winchelsea coach Ben Moloney spent last night in hospital after receiving a knock to his throat during yesterday’s loss to East Geelong. The first-year Blues coach, who came out of retirement last month, was the victim of a fend-off during the second quarter at Richmond Crescent. Moloney suffered a small fracture to his hyoid bone and some damage to his voice box. “He was spitting a bit of blood yesterday and ended up at the Epworth (Hospital) and was transferred over to Barwon Health (Unive…

Bell Post Hill is facing the prospect of being without the talented Will Kerrins for the remainder of the GDFNL season after suffering a leg fracture in last week’s win over Winchelsea. The interleague representative was due to undergo an MRI scan today (Friday) to determine the extent of the damage suffered in a tackle. The concern for the Panthers is whether Kerrins has also suffered any ligament damage, which could potentially end his season. Coach Ash Witney says the 25-year-old has had…

Ned Aulsebrook will guide the fortunes of the GDFNL club East Geelong for a third season after signing a new deal for 2026. The Eagles, who claimed last year’s minor premiership and sit third on this season’s ladder, confirmed the re-signing of Aulsebrook earlier this (Tuesday) evening. “I think we’re in a pretty good spot,” Aulsebrook told K rock Football. “We’ve consolidated a top-three spot to this point in the season, and it’s looking like there’s a fair bit of upside still. “We’re addi…

Belmont Lions co-coach Andy Walsgott has put Saturday’s win over Bannockburn in the same class as the club’s preliminary final victory last year after coming from 10 points down at three-quarter time to claim a nine-point victory. Forced into six changes at selection, the Lions found themselves further undermanned when co-coach Brent Vermeulen and ruckman Shaun Dell failed to see out the first term. Braeden Eddy also battled through a knee issue and contributed an important goal. “Considerin…

Former Winchelsea captain Alex Gubbins has become the latest GDFNL player to fall victim to a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament after scans confirmed the club’s worst fears. Gubbins, who was four games into a comeback after three seasons away from the game, suffered the injury during last week’s loss to the Belmont Lions at Eastern Reserve. “It’s pretty disappointing for him,” Blues coach Ben Moloney said. “He’s got his own business and plenty of work to manage as a chippy (carpenter), so…

Belmont Lions will be without Corey Jarrad for the remainder of the season after scans confirmed the key defender has suffered a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament. Jarrad, who has previously undergone a reconstruction on the same knee, was forced from Winter Reserve during the Lions’ loss to Anakie on May 31. Co-coach Andy Walsgott says the absence of Jarrad, who has been with the club since arriving from Geelong Amateur ahead of the 2023 season, will be hard to cover. “It’s pretty shatter…

Anakie finds itself inside the GDFNL top five entering the second half of the season for the first time this century after beating Bell Post Hill by 26 points at Anakie Reserve. The Roos leapfrogged the Panthers into fourth spot with a 15.12 (102) to 11.10 (76) victory, their first over the visitors since 2008, snapping a 23-game losing streak. Anakie’s third consecutive win gives rise to hope that a 27-year finals drought can be snapped. However, coach Jayke Mawson, who is close to re-signi…

Thomson has been boosted by the inclusion of three members of its 2024 premiership team for its clash with the unbeaten North Geelong at Godfrey Street. Lucas Boyd, Nick Lynch, and Daniel Mowat have all been named, along with star big man Andrew Jarvis. They replace the unavailable Regan Kerslake and the omitted trio of Jack Stoneham, Patty Knott, and Jackson Hobbs. The Tigers sit percentage outside the top five, with a loss to the Magpies likely to mean an elimination final will be the best…

Discussions around a return interleague meeting between representatives from the Geelong and District and Colac leagues were underway well before the final siren sounded on Monday’s thrilling clash at Winchelsea’s Eastern Reserve. Result aside, the Raiders posted a seven-point win to claim the inaugural Hickey-Whitley Shield, GDFNL president Neville Whitley hailed the comeback of the concept a success. With Geelong and District in action for the first time since 2019, the wet weather that dom…

The Geelong and District Football Netball League has made a triumphant return to action after a six-year hiatus with a thrilling seven-point win over the Colac and District League at Winchelsea’s Eastern Reserve. After surrendering a 28-point third-quarter lead, a behind from Cam Saliba with 15 seconds remaining put the Raiders back in front before a goal after the siren from Austin Mulhavil gave a final score of 11.13 (79) to 10.12 (72). Despite the tense nature of the closing stages, GDFNL…

GDFNL Team List 1. Ryan Perkins (Bannockburn) 2. Austin Mahoney (Bannockburn) 3. Will Kerrins (Bell Post Hill) 4. Zane Jones (Bell Post Hill) 5. Ben McPherson (Belmont Lions) 6. Brock Mahoney (Belmont Lions) 7. Michael Murdoch (Belmont Lions) 8. Jack Hall (Corio) 9. Will Hough (East Geelong) 10. Logan Haberfield (Inverleigh) 11. Jack Stephenson (Werribee Centrals) 16. Rhys Ginn (Bannockburn) 17. Bailey Kelly (Bannockburn) 19. Toby Bennett (Corio) 20. Herchelle Carr (Corio) 24. Ben Mulvahil (Ea…

Corio captain Toby Bennett has been given the honour of leading the Geelong and District Football Netball League in its return to representative football. The star Devil was confirmed on Thursday night as skipper of the Raiders, who face the Colac and District League in an under-25 clash at Winchelsea on Monday. It’s the first time the GDFNL has been in action since an open-age clash against the Bellarine in 2019. Nine of the league’s 12 clubs have a representative in the final 23. Bannockb…

East Geelong is awaiting confirmation on the seriousness of injuries suffered by star forward Zac Smith and young gun Ben Crombie during Saturday’s 130-point win over Corio at Richmond Crescent. Smith damaged a finger early in the third quarter but played out the match to finish with 11 goals and move to within one goal of Andrew Boseley in the race for the Wayne Tyquin Medal as league-leading goalkicker. “He’s got a fracture in one of his fingers and there’s some potential ligament damage as…