THE
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FOLLOWER PHOTOS: WARRAGUL DROUIN GAZETTE
Photo: Warragul Drouin Gazette
GRAND FINAL 12SEPT2026
SENIORS LONGWARRY V TRAFALGAR A GRADE NEERIM SOUTH V ELLINBANK TRAFALGAR RECREATION RESERVE
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BOARD OF MANAGEMENT
PRESIDENT Ray Wall 0411 048 240 president@edfnl.org.au
DIRECTOR OF FOOTBALL Chris Behrendorff 0412 036 689 footballdirector@edfnl.org.au
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2026 THE FOLLOWER FINALS
EDFNL 2026 SEASON
231F20
DIRECTOR OF NETBALL Karen Porter 0438 299 204 NetballDirector@edfnl.org.au
DIRECTOR OF NETBALL OPERATIONS Meaghan Newitt NetballOperations@edfnl.org.au
DIRECTOR OF FOOTBALL OPERATIONS Connor Perry 0438 668 186 FootballOperations@edfnl.org.au
GAME TIMES
FOOTBALL U16: 8:15am start 4 x 18 Minute Quarters - No time on BREAKS: 4 min / 8 min / 4 min U18: 9:55am start 4 x 20 Minute Quarters - No time on BREAKS: 5 min / 8 min / 5 min
NETBALL 13 & Under 9:00am 15 & Under10:00am 17 & Under 11:00am C GRADE 12:00pm B GRADE 1:00pm A GRADE 2:30pm
RESERVES: 12:10pm start 4 x 20 Minute Quarters - No time on BREAKS: 5 min / 8 min / 5 min SENIORS: 2:15pm start 4 x 20 Minute Quarters - Plus time on Breaks : 5min / 15 min / 5 min PAGE 5
edfnl.org.au
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2026 THE FOLLOWER FINALS
RESULTS PRELIMINARY FINAL
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GJ Gardner Seniors
A Grade:
Trafalgar Bloods: 3.0, 6.1, 8.5, 14.9 (93) Neerim-Neerim South: 2.0, 3.2, 4.5, 6.6 (42) GOALS: Trafalgar Bloods: M. Swenson 4, D. Farrell 2, C. Noonan 2, D. Brewster 1, W. Claridge 1, D. Brock 1, k. beveridge 1, S. Brewster 1, K. Butler 1, GOALS: Neerim-Neerim South: B. George 3, D. Christian 2, L. Guy 1, BEST: Trafalgar Bloods: B. Hoffmann, J. Butler, k. beveridge, D. Farrell, B. Bosman, N. Caddy, BEST: Neerim-Neerim South: K. Wilson, L. French, B. George, H. Notman, D. Bagot, D. Stringer,
Ellinbank 8, 23, 36, 51, (51) Buln Buln 9, 18, 25, 38, (38) BEST Ellinbank: Rhiannon Haines GOALS Ellinbank: Abbey Gray 38 Ebony Harper 13 Buln Buln: Myah Healey 29 Taylah Thomas 9
Reserves Lang Lang Tigers: 3.1, 5.2, 7.4, 7.4 (46) Ellinbank Eagles: 1.1, 1.3, 2.4, 2.6 (18) GOALS: Lang Lang Tigers: N. Perkins 4, T. O’Riordan 3, GOALS: Ellinbank Eagles: L. Spinks 1, B. Drew 1, BEST: Lang Lang Tigers: N. Perkins, G. Wells, J. Dalgleish, R. Harvie, L. Glassborow, S. Kendell, BEST: Ellinbank Eagles: T. Mashado, S. Phelan, J. Conley, A. Quirk, L. Spinks, K. Brown, U18 Nilma Darnum Bombers: 0.2, 1.2, 3.4, 3.4 (22) Buln Buln Lyrebirds: 2.3, 6.6, 9.9, 10.9 (69) GOALS: Nilma Darnum Bombers: A. McAuley 2, A. Stevenage 1, GOALS: Buln Buln Lyrebirds: C. Ross 5, L. White 2, C. Kilmartin 1, R. Eastwell 1, C. Lindau 1, BEST: Nilma Darnum Bombers: A. McAuley, L. Dalton, j. cook, J. Egan, T. Kersten, b. macdonald, BEST: Buln Buln Lyrebirds: R. Eastwell, L. Budd, L. White, C. Ross, R. Jagoe, F. Bravington, U16 Nilma Darnum Bombers: 3.1, 3.2, 4.3, 4.4 (28) Buln Buln Lyrebirds: 1.0, 1.1, 3.1, 4.3 (27) GOALS: Nilma Darnum Bombers: N. Meggetto 1, K. McLeish 1, C. Cook 1, R. Moore 1, GOALS: Buln Buln Lyrebirds: C. Ross 2, C. Soumilas 1, C. Bridger 1, BEST: Nilma Darnum Bombers: N. Tweddle, N. Meggetto, J. Marx, J. Midgley, T. Wakefield, Z. Parsons, BEST: Buln Buln Lyrebirds: L. Heatley, H. Savage, L. Banks, E. Eastwell, C. Bridger, T. Wells,
B Grade: Bunyip 9, 22, 31, 45, (45) Neerim South 11, 21, 29, 36, (36) BEST Bunyip: Talise Berryman GOALS Bunyip: Talise Berryman 31 Jade Taylor 11 Casey Hynes 3 Neerim South: Brooke Stevens 27 Maddy Guy 9 C Grade: Ellinbank 6, 12, 18, 26, (26) Neerim South 11, 19, 28, 37, (37) BEST Neerim South: Emily Robb GOALS Ellinbank: Stefanie Backman 13 Kristi Brinksma 7 Daphne Hodge 6 Neerim South: Mackenzie De Santis 17 Kaitlyn McDonald 17 Maddi Carbonneau 3 17&Under: Yarragon 14, 22, 27, 35, (35) Poowong 6, 11, 22, 31, (31) GOALS Yarragon: Aisha G 22 Lanah H 11 Isabelle M 2 Poowong: Keesha G 16 Oriane J-R 3 15&Under: Buln Buln 3, 7, 12, 21, (21) Lang Lang 5, 9, 13, 19, (19) BEST Buln Buln: Neve H GOALS Buln Buln: Indy M 13 Ava H 5 Neve H 3 Lang Lang: Poppy M 11 Shannie C 8 13&Under Yarragon Lang Lang BEST Lang Lang: Sadie K GOALS Yarragon: Amelie B 12 Lily F 7 Lang Lang: Isla M 14 Ella M 13
8, 12, 15, 19, (19) 3, 7, 17, 27, (27)
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PRESIDENTS REPORT Congratulations and all the best to all the football and netball teams participating today. It’s fantastic to see eleven different clubs represented on Grand Final day. Unfortunately only one cup can be claimed in each match, enjoy the moment, enjoy the contest and remember that reaching the final day is a triumph in itself. As the 2026 season comes to a close, I’d like to acknowledge the club and league administrators who continue to keep football and netball running smoothly week in and week out. Countless hours and effort goes in to what can be a thankless job to ensure players can run out onto the fields and courts each week. Volunteers are the lifeblood of all our clubs, and we thank you all very much. A special thanks to the six host clubs of the finals series - Bunyip, Yarragon, Catani, Longwarry, Nilma Darnum and Trafalgar. The dedication and efforts of your committees and volunteers has ensured that you have all delivered great days that have showcased the EDFNL competition.
edfnl.org.au
On Sunday and Monday, we hosted the G.J. Gardner EDFNL Junior and Senior vote counts and presentations. Congratulations to all the Award recipients - individuals and clubs - for your outstanding season. Buln Buln claimed the Football Club Championship, Neerim South won the Netball Club Championship and Bunyip was crowned the overall Robin Hood League Club Championship (football and netball combined) The Most Disciplined Club Awards went to Buln Buln (Senior) and Neerim South (Junior). Longwarry Football Netball Club was again recognised for their community engagement, through fundraising and awareness of important issues with the Warragul Downtowner Community Club of the Year award. The junior football competition continued to grow 2026, with 11 teams in both the Under 16 and Under 18 competitions. The Junior representative program consisting of Under 16s Intraleague and Interleague (versus West Gippsland), Under 18s Interleague (Gippsland Carnival) and Netball Association Championships (junior netball) was again a highlight of the year. Thank
you to all the coaches and volunteers who made selections, training and matches happen.The development of the juniors is a priority for the League and we are pleased to announce the introduction of a dedicated Junior Sub Committee to drive and deliver the junior program in 2027. None of the EDFNL competitions and programing is possible without the support of our valued sponsors. Thank you to G.J. Gardner Homes, our naming rights sponsor in 2026. It’s been fantastic to have you on board again this year, and we look forward to continuing the partnership long into the future. The Warragul Downtowner has been a long serving and valued sponsor of the League. Thank you for your continued support, especially for the Community Club Award and as a host venue of many EDFNL events. Thank you Murphy’s Nursery (official ball sponsor) and Mercure Hotels Warragul (Most Valuable Player - Football) and Dahlsens who were back again in 2026. Along with stalwarts The Robin Hood Inn, Quality Site Welding, John Duff & Co, Hip Pocket Workwear, Parklea, Intersport Warragul, The Gazette, SEN Track 91.9 (tune in to hear Goody and Dyl call todays Grand Final), and MP Wayne Farnham your continued support is greatly appreciated. Finally, thank you to all the players and the supporters. You show up each week, rain hail or shine, give 100% and cheer on your team. This is what makes community sport so great - thank you. Enjoy Grand Final day, and see you back in 2027! Ray Wall - EDFNL President
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Thank you to the Gippsland Umpires Association. We continue to work together and build the partnership for the betterment of the games and we look forward to what can be achieved in seasons to come. A shout out to the club umpires who covered the Reserves matches again this year, your efforts are appreciated. Thank you to all the netball umpires across the League for your time to officiate matches. Umpires are an integral part of the successful delivery of matches for football and netball and we can’t do it without you.
To my EDFNL Board Directors Karen, Chris, Meaghan and Connor, and the subcommittee members and support crew across the League Sophia, Aimee, Tanya, Terry (and the Match Review panellists), Debbie, Angela, Roger, Alan, Steve, and Ken - thank you for all your countless hours and dedicated contribution to the League in 2026. The season may have thrown up some challenges, but we continue to deliver and focus on improving as an administrative group, always striving to provide the best competition possible for clubs and players.
2026 THE FOLLOWER FINALS
Hello and welcome to the G.J. Gardner Ellinbank & District Football Netball League Grand Finals for 2026!
231F20
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2026 THE FOLLOWER FINALS
FOOTBALL LADDERS TEAM
P
W
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L
D
PTS
%
TEAM
P
W
L
D
PTS
%
RESERVES
G.J. GARDNER SENIORS Longwarry Crows
18
16
2
0
64
219.43
18
15
3
0
60
Lang Lang Tigers
18
17
1
0
68
593.62
Trafalgar Bloods
187.7
18
14
4
0
56
18
14
4
0
56
368.96
Neerim-Neerim South
Longwarry Crows
216.44
18
14
4
0
56
Ellinbank Eagles
18
14
4
0
56
193.81
Buln Buln Lyrebirds
153.2
18
11
7
0
44
Bunyip Bulldogs
18
13
5
0
52
252.5
Bunyip Bulldogs
134.98
18
9
9
0
36
18
12
6
0
48
166.34
Lang Lang Tigers
Trafalgar Bloods
104.91
18
7
11
0
28
Neerim-Neerim South
18
9
9
0
36
125.45
Ellinbank Eagles
76.7
18
6
11
1
26
18
7
11
0
28
83.76
Catani Blues
Buln Buln Lyrebirds
77.23
18
5
13
0
20
Catani Blues
18
7
11
0
28
74.04
Nyora Saints
63.9
18
4
13
1
18
18
7
11
0
28
67.45
Yarragon Panthers
Yarragon Panthers
53.15
18
3
15
0
12
Nilma Darnum Bombers
18
6
12
0
24
52.19
Nilma Darnum Bombers
64.75
18
3
15
0
12
18
1
17
0
4
16.78
Poowong Magpies
Nyora Saints
41.92
Poowong Magpies
18
1
17
0
4
16.55
D
B
PTS
%
TEAM
P
W
L
TEAM
P
W
L
D
B
PTS
%
UNDER 16s
UNDER 18s Nilma Darnum Bombers 16
16
0
0
2
64
418.86
Bunyip Bulldogs
17
17
0
0
1
68
867.49
Buln Buln Lyrebirds
16
14
2
0
2
56
236.04
Buln Buln Lyrebirds
16
15
1
0
2
60
387.73
Ellinbank Eagles
17
14
2
0
1
58
349.13
Nilma Darnum Bombers 16
12
4
0
2
48
295.06
Catani Blues
16
9
6
0
2
38
99.1
Poowong Magpies
16
11
5
0
2
44
202.18
Trafalgar Bloods
Trafalgar Bloods
17
10
7
0
1
40
177.1
Yarragon Panthers
16
8
8
0
2
32
100.68
Ellinbank Eagles
17
6
11
0
1
24
56.76
Catani Blues
16
5
11
0
2
20
45.35
Longwarry Crows
17
4
13
0
1
16
44.46
Lang Lang Nyora
16
2
13
0
2
8
24.18
Neerim-Neerim South
16
0
16
0
2
0
14.37
17
9
8
0
1
36
94.62
Neerim-Neerim South 17
7
10
0
1
28
71.85
Lang Lang Tigers
16
6
10
0
2
24
84.86
Poowong Magpies
16
5
11
0
2
20
65.92
Yarragon Panthers
16
5
11
0
2
20
56.75
Bunyip Bulldogs
16
4
12
0
2
16
54.85
Longwarry Crows
17
0
17
0
1
0
28.68
*Match ratio applies to 18s and 16s
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NETBALL LADDERS Neerim South
Longwarry
Ellinbank
Buln Buln
P
W
L D FOR AGST PTS GA% A GRADE 18 18 0 0 1045 522 72 200.19
18 14
18 13
6
18
9
18
8
Yarragon
18
Bunyip
Nilma Darnum Catani
Lang Lang Trafalgar TEAM
Ellinbank
Bunyip
Neerim South
Catani
5
18 10
Poowong Nyora
4
18
18
18 18
18 P
0
0
18
8
32 88.96
Trafalgar
18
8
2
0 2 0
0
794
885
701
764
695 561
833
973
788 948
788 801
532
1025
933
610
36 95.32
32 90.96
32 80.59 24 88.2
16 70.04 4
51.9
L D FOR AGST PTS GA% B GRADE 18 16 2 0 891 514 64 173.35
18 14
18 12
2
2
6
6
Bunyip
14
18 15
18 11
32 99.72
4
W
Poowong
722
10
17
4
18 16
720
8
1
18 14
2
0
11
Lang Lang
Catani
44 117.71
10
5
52 145.98
Yarragon
L D FOR AGST PTS GA% 17 & UNDER 18 17 0 1 933 401 70 232.67
751
8
9
585
56 147.25
W
884
2
7
854
637
P
2
8
7
938
TEAM
1
2
0
985
824
741
647
62 152.95
60 132.93
48 127.36
Neerim South
18 12
Nilma Darnum
18
Buln Buln
18
Ellinbank
18
Longwarry Nyora
TEAM
Poowong
Lang Lang
P
W
Bunyip
16
18 10
8
0
772
819
40 94.26
Lang Lang
18 10
8
0
757
677
36 111.82
Longwarry
16
8
0
689
930
16 74.09
Ellinbank
16
8 72.33
Yarragon
16
L D FOR AGST PTS GA% C GRADE 18 17 1 0 757 373 68 202.95
TEAM
Longwarry
18
9
Poowong
18
8
10
0
Yarragon
18
4
14
0
Buln Buln Trafalgar Nyora
TEAM
Lang Lang
Catani
Ellinbank
Neerim South
Bunyip
18
18
18 P
4
2
2
W
18 16
18 15
18 14
18 10
Longwarry
18
9
Trafalgar
18
7
Nilma Darnum Poowong
Buln Buln Yarragon Nyora
18
18
18
18
14
16
16
2
3
4
8
0
0
0
14
16
18
777 658
677 609
755
725
760
861
874 927
936
947
429
462
425
38 99.3
32 88.9
16 70.98
8 64.31
64 175.99
60 156.93
56 178.82
Trafalgar
Catani
Longwarry
0
0
590 461
459
109
619
641
703
1142
Ellinbank
28 80.84
Trafalgar
16 71.92
Poowong
24 95.32
8 65.29 0
9.54
1
410
0
131
695
32 87.63
654
713 681
1217
32 94.03 24 82.87 14 65.36 10 60.21
0 10.76
2
2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
1
0
5
0
6
1
6
2
8
0
3
12
1
1
15
0
11
2
14
1
476
258 54 184.5
493
256 52 192.58
410
308 38 133.12
429
328 44 130.79
361
324 36 111.42
214
366 16 58.47
229
463
331
235
192
314 32 105.41
435 14 54.02
505
6 49.46
4 38.02
8
32 106.86
0
466
34 97.42
18 10
Bunyip
525
0
1
46 137.62
619
2
561
689
542
48 139.71
18 16
0
557
704
486
L D B FOR AGST PTS GA% 15 & UNDER 2 0 2 408 221 56 184.62
3
1
662
609
0
18
529
Yarragon
Catani
36 113.1
0
728
66 244.53
56 170.16
Buln Buln
Lang Lang
40 142.03
481
0
3
Neerim South Nilma Darnum Nyora
P
0
15
8
16
603
506
L D FOR AGST PTS GA% 13 & UNDER 18 18 0 0 679 163 72 416.56
502
544
16
1
14
9
Nilma Darnum 16
713
0
12
855
0
11
6
0
0
0
10
2
0
9
8
4
1
9
1
402
861
W
18 16
18 12
2
0
644
5
1
411
8
1
374
18
9
18
5
12
5
13
18 18 18
18 18
7 5
2 0
9
12
16 18
0
0 2
167
263
64 222.43
353
391
40 90.28
320
400
299
421
1
339
426
0
214
419
1
0 0
64 385.63
585
309 211 97
470 493 624
50 137.46 38 88.84 32
80
22 79.58 22 65.74
20 51.07 8
42.8
0 15.54 PAGE 9
edfnl.org.au
18
8
679
12
Neerim South 16 11
Nilma Darnum
0
6
16 14
16 13
6
0
10
16 13
Buln Buln
983
10
2
18
1
8
3
18
1
2026 THE FOLLOWER FINALS
TEAM
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2026 THE FOLLOWER FINALS
NETBALL MATCH REPORT PRELIMINARY FINALS
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The weather provided almost as much drama as the netball at Darnum, with rain and two lightning strikes all playing their part in a Preliminary Final day where six Grand Final places were on the line. Earlier rain had left the red court wet, but conditions cleared before the 13 & Under match and, with little wind, the surface held up well as a huge crowd packed around the court. With a place in the Grand Final at Trafalgar at stake, the equation was simple - win and advance, lose and the 2026 season was over.
The arm wrestle continued through the middle quarters. Lang Lang maintained their two-goal advantage at half time, 9-7, before Buln Buln began to work their way back into the contest. With the Lyrebirds making several positional changes during the third term, the margin was reduced to just one at the final change, Lang Lang leading 13-12. Pippa W was a constant presence in defence for Buln Buln, while Eve B anchored the Tigers’ defensive end as neither team was able to establish any real breathing space.
Just two weeks after Yarragon edged Lang Lang by a single goal in the Qualifying Final, the Panthers and Tigers met again with a Grand Final berth on the line. Yarragon made the stronger start, settling quickly despite the wet court and taking an 8-3 lead into quarter time. Lang Lang were forced to make changes during the second term but remained composed and began working their way back into the contest, reducing the margin to five goals at half time.
Lang Lang struck first in the last and briefly pushed the margin out to three, but Buln Buln refused to let the Tigers get away. The Lyrebirds fought their way back to level the scores before finishing the stronger of the two sides, producing nine goals for the quarter to claim a thrilling 21-19 victory and book their Grand Final berth. Buln Buln Goal Shooter Neve H was named Best on Court after playing an important role in the Lyrebirds’ hard-fought win.
The Tigers made their move after the main break. Increased defensive pressure created more turnover opportunities and, after scoring just seven goals in the opening half, piled on 10 in the third quarter to completely change the game. Yarragon managed just three for the term as the Tigers turned a five-goal deficit into a 17-15 lead heading into the last.
Yarragon and Poowong met for the third time this season in the 17 & Under Preliminary Final, with the Panthers having claimed their two previous encounters by seven and eight goals respectively. Yarragon looked determined to continue that record from the opening whistle, with excellent vision through court and strong defensive pressure creating intercepts and allowing them to race to a 14-6 quarter-time lead. Charlotte K was strong in the defensive circle, while the Panthers capitalised at the other end to establish the early break.
Lang Lang continued to apply the pressure and produced another 10-goal quarter to complete an impressive second-half turnaround. The Tigers prevailed 27-19, reversing their Qualifying Final result and booking a match with Buln Buln in the Grand Final. At the heart of the comeback was Goal Keeper Sadie K, who played all four quarters in defence and was named Best on Court for Lang Lang. Having already met in the Qualifying Final, Buln Buln and Lang Lang renewed acquaintances in the 15 & Under Preliminary Final with considerably more at stake - a place against Poowong in the Grand Final. There was also some club pride on the line, with both clubs’ 13 & Under teams already qualified for the big day. Strong defensive pressure dominated from the outset, with Lang Lang taking an early 5-3 advantage as both sides forced turnovers and made scoring opportunities difficult to come by.
Poowong refused to allow the game to get away from them. The Pies increased their pressure through the second quarter before really making their move after half time, with changes in their attacking end paying dividends. Keesha G and Holly H combined for 11 thirdquarter goals as Poowong cut an 11-goal half-time deficit to just five at the final change. Suddenly, a game Yarragon had appeared to control was very much alive. The Pies continued to come in the last, applying enormous pressure to Yarragon’s attack and reducing the margin further, but the Panthers found enough answers when it mattered. Despite Poowong winning the second half 20-13, Yarragon’s outstanding start proved decisive as they held on for a 35-31 victory and booked a Grand Final match versus Catani. Yarragon Goal Defence Addison M was named Best on Court after an outstanding
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performance at the defensive end.
Neerim South’s remarkable finals run continued in C Grade, with the fourth-placed Cats taking on an Ellinbank side that has been a fixture on Grand Final day for more than a decade. The Cats set the tone early with excellent defensive pressure creating intercepts and opportunities in attack, while Ellinbank worked hard to maintain possession and find a way through. Neerim South established an 11-6 quartertime lead, with Jessie Gleeson and Megan Preston providing a strong defensive presence behind the ball. Ellinbank lifted through the second term, but Neerim South continued to control the contest and took a 19-12 advantage into half time. The Eagles increased their defensive pressure after the break and began creating more turnovers, but the Cats remained patient with possession and continued to find avenues to goal. Another nine-goal quarter extended Neerim South’s advantage to 28-18 at three-quarter time, leaving Ellinbank with plenty of work to do to keep their Grand Final streak alive. The Eagles produced their best attacking quarter in the last, scoring eight goals, but Neerim South refused to surrender the advantage they had worked so hard to establish. The Cats finished with a 37-26 victory, completing an extraordinary rise from fourth position to book a Grand Final showdown with Lang Lang. The result also ends a remarkable era of consistency for Ellinbank, with 2026 the first time since 2014 that the Eagles will not feature in the C Grade Grand Final. Neerim South captain and midcourter Emily Robb was named Best on Court after an influential performance across the match. Bunyip entered the B Grade Preliminary Final looking to secure their place on Grand Final day, while Neerim South were hoping to join their A and C Grade sides already through to the season decider. The Bulldogs had enjoyed a comfortable 20-goal victory when the sides met in the Qualifying Final, but it was immediately clear this contest would be very different. Neerim South edged ahead early in a fiercely contested opening term before the afternoon took a dramatic turn, with a lightning strike stopping play around halfway through the first quarter. Under league bylaws, players were required to leave the court, with a second lightning strike during the delay extended the safety break and kept both teams off court for almost half an hour. When play finally resumed, Neerim
With a Grand Final berth there for the taking, Bunyip produced their best quarter when it mattered most. The Bulldogs converted turnovers, controlled their centre passes and scored 14 goals in the final term to finally break Neerim South’s resistance, securing a 45-36 victory and a Grand Final showdown with reigning premiers Ellinbank. The competition’s leading B Grade Goal Shooter, Bunyip vicecaptain Talise Berryman, was named Best on Court. After the lengthy weather delay, third-placed Ellinbank and fourth-placed Buln Buln finally took the court just after 3pm for the last Grand Final place of the day. The opening term reflected exactly what was at stake, with defensive pressure high across the court and turnovers coming from both sides as neither team could settle into a rhythm. Buln Buln held the narrowest of advantages at the first change, 9-8, setting up what looked destined to be another tight Preliminary Final. Ellinbank began to take control in the second quarter, converting turnovers through the middle of the court and producing a 15-goal term to establish a five-goal half-time lead. The Lyrebirds continued to challenge and worked hard to stay within striking distance, but the Eagles’ defensive pressure continued to create opportunities. Rachel McDonald provided a strong presence at Goal Keeper, while Taylah Wallace and Rhiannon Haines worked tirelessly through the middle as Ellinbank extended their advantage to 36-25 at the final change. Buln Buln weren’t finished, scoring four quick goals in the last to threaten another comeback, but Ellinbank responded and pulled away again. Abbey Gray carried much of the scoring load for the Eagles, finishing a strong afternoon in the circle as Ellinbank produced another 15-goal quarter to secure a 51-38 victory and book a Grand Final showdown with undefeated reigning premiers Neerim South. Ellinbank Wing Defence Rhiannon Haines continued her outstanding finals series, earning another Best on Court performance after a relentless four quarters through the midcourt.
PAGE 11
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South completed the opening quarter with an 11-9 lead, before Bunyip responded strongly in the second. The Bulldogs forced the Cats to work the ball around the circle, created rebounds and turnovers and turned the two-goal deficit into a one-goal half-time advantage. Another tight third term left Bunyip narrowly ahead 31-29 at the final change.
2026 THE FOLLOWER FINALS
NETBALL MATCH REPORT PRELIMINARY FINALS
231F20
005699
2026 THE FOLLOWER FINALS
MERCURE HOTEL MVP 2026 The ‘Most Valuable Player’ award votes will be provided by both senor coaches. Each will provide their own 3, 2 & 1 votes. Therefore 12 votes will be awarded for every match.
FINAL LEADERBOARD Player
Club
Votes
Trafalgar
42
Kody Wilson
Neerim South
Darcy Walls
Lang Lang
Sam Batson
Buln Buln
30
Kyle Beveridge
Trafalgar
26
Dylan Farrell Will Battley
Damien Lawrence Jedd Serong
Thomas Young Josh Stewart
Bailey Stephens Brendon Head Jeb McLeod
Travis Stewart
Jackson Ventura Hardy Kenny
Buln Buln Ellinbank
Longwarry
Nilma Darnum Catani
Longwarry Lang Lang Bunyip Nyora
Lang Lang Trafalgar
45 38 34 26 26
25 24
23 22
21 21 21
20
Ashley Lockett
Neerim South
20
Sage Tapner
Nilma Darnum
18
Kai Mounsey
Alex Henshall
Neerim South Poowong
18 17
PAST WINNERS YEAR
PLAYER
CLUB
2025
Kody Wilson
Neerim South
2023
Jack Hazendonk
Poowong
2021
Matt Gray
Buln Buln
Paul Pattison
Catani
2017
Paul Pattison Shane Brewster
Catani WIFC
2016
Chris Urie Ricky Clarke
Neerim South Cora Lynn
2015
Dylan Heylen
Nyora
2014 EAST
Tyson Bale
2024 2022
Kody Wilson
Travis Stewart
2020
Season Abandoned
2018
Tyson Bale
2019
2014 WEST
Luke Walker
Neerim South Nyora
WIFC
Koo Wee Rup WIFC
PAGE 12
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2026 THE FOLLOWER FINALS
PAGE 13
edfnl.org.au
2026 THE FOLLOWER FINALS
LEADING GOALKICKERS GJ GARDNER SENIORS
64 - Jedd Serong - Longwarry Crows 64 - Kai Mounsey - Neerim-Neerim South 51 - Myles Wareham - Bunyip Bulldogs 51 - Jason Wells - Longwarry Crows 49 - Darcy Walls - Lang Lang Tigers 47 - Paul Delaroche - Nyora Saints 41 - Blake Slater - Trafalgar Bloods 34 - Thomas Keily - Catani Blues 32 - Cambell Jolly - Ellinbank Eagles 32 - Riley Rundell - Longwarry Crows 31 - Cruze Ross - Buln Buln Lyrebirds 30 - Oliver Ockwell-Payne - Bunyip Bulldogs 29 - Charles Kilmartin - Buln Buln Lyrebirds 27 - Zach Mcmillan - Buln Buln Lyrebirds 25 - Danny Brewster - Trafalgar Bloods 25 - Kody Wilson - Neerim-Neerim South 25 - Travis Stewart - Nyora Saints 24 - Michael Urie - Ellinbank Eagles 24 - Fintan Fox - Longwarry Crows 23 - Liam Adams - Catani Blues 23 - Reece Piper - Bunyip Bulldogs 22 - sage tapner - Nilma Darnum Bombers 21 - Alex Henshall - Poowong Magpies 20 - Bailey George - Neerim-Neerim South 20 - Thomas Young - Nilma Darnum Bombers 20 - Brayde Bosman - Trafalgar Bloods 20 - Josh Bradley - Nilma Darnum Bombers 20 - Aaron Hillberg - Neerim-Neerim South 19 - Dylan Holland - Longwarry Crows 19 - Lachlan Guy - Neerim-Neerim South 19 - Chris Urie - Neerim-Neerim South 18 - Eddie McGillivray - Neerim-Neerim South 18 - Indiana Boswell - Nyora Saints 18 - Braydon McHugh - Longwarry Crows
RESERVES
53 - Tyler Guan - Lang Lang Tigers
45 - Kyle Salerno - Neerim-Neerim South 41 - Mitch Brown - Longwarry Crows 30 - David Bates - Yarragon Panthers 28 - Lachie Spinks - Ellinbank Eagles 27 - Daniel Puglia - Trafalgar Bloods 27 - Timothy Henschel - Bunyip Bulldogs 23 - Noah Christensen - Lang Lang Tigers 23 - Nathaniel Rodda - Catani Blues 23 - Nathan Perkins - Lang Lang Tigers 23 - Paul Williams - Longwarry Crows 22 - Tadhg O’Riordan - Lang Lang Tigers 21 - Rhys Simmons - Lang Lang Tigers 19 - Harrison Pirie - Trafalgar Bloods 18 - Benjamin Barwick - Lang Lang Tigers 18 - Brodie Cameron - Catani Blues 18 - Brett Kirkham - Lang Lang Tigers 18 - Benjamin Lockett - Neerim-Neerim South 18 - Shaun Phelan - Ellinbank Eagles 16 - Joey Conley - Ellinbank Eagles 16 - Tony Wright - Ellinbank Eagles 16 - Geordie Wells - Lang Lang Tigers 15 - Anthony Haddrick - Bunyip Bulldogs 15 - Zach Murphy - Longwarry Crows 15 - Hayden Brock - Trafalgar Bloods 15 - Lachlan Watson - Bunyip Bulldogs 14 - Tim Fraser - Yarragon Panthers 14 - Josh Bloink - Buln Buln Lyrebirds 14 - Cooper Crowe - Buln Buln Lyrebirds 14 - Jesse Garner - Bunyip Bulldogs
PAGE 14
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UNDER 18s
UNDER 16s
49 - Cooper Amey - Nilma Darnum Bombers 44 - Charlie Armour - Ellinbank Eagles 33 - Chase Ingram - Buln Buln Lyrebirds 31 - Preston Alger - Ellinbank Eagles 28 - Rylan Butler - Nilma Darnum Bombers 26 - Jake Dinsdale - Trafalgar Bloods 26 - Coby Bridger - Buln Buln Lyrebirds 26 - Archie Thompson - Lang Lang Tigers 25 - Dylan Strating - Neerim-Neerim South 21 - Riley Butters - Ellinbank Eagles 21 - Hunter McCormack - Catani Blues 19 - Dre Timmins - Catani Blues 18 - Wesley Scott - Trafalgar Bloods 18 - Xavier Ridsdale - Ellinbank Eagles 18 - Flynn Bravington - Buln Buln Lyrebirds 17 - Noah McCaughey - Bunyip Bulldogs 17 - Cooper Davey - Lang Lang Tigers 16 - Lucas Dalton - Nilma Darnum Bombers 16 - Ayden Frost - Yarragon Panthers 16 - Albert McAuley - Nilma Darnum Bombers 16 - Hugh Cunningham - Ellinbank Eagles 15 - Cooper Parr - Lang Lang Tigers 15 - Lachlan Budd - Buln Buln Lyrebirds 15 - Cooper Healy - Yarragon Panthers 15 - Cooper Hammond - Trafalgar Bloods 15 - Alexander Stevenage - Nilma Darnum Bombers 14 - Lachie Child - Longwarry Crows 14 - blake macdonald - Nilma Darnum Bombers 14 - Jhy Good - Ellinbank Eagles 14 - Lenny Heatley - Buln Buln Lyrebirds 13 - Ben Bingham - Ellinbank Eagles 13 - Darcy Spencer - Buln Buln Lyrebirds 13 - Daniel Waide - Poowong Magpies 13 - Harrison Jones - Buln Buln Lyrebirds
47 - Lenny Heatley - Buln Buln Lyrebirds 47 - Lachlan Huston - Nilma Darnum Bombers 47 - Coby Bridger - Buln Buln Lyrebirds 44 - Charlie Soumilas - Buln Buln Lyrebirds 43 - Coby Hoult - Bunyip Bulldogs 35 - Rylee Johnson - Trafalgar Bloods 35 - Kade Zealley - Poowong Magpies 33 - Jake Dinsdale - Trafalgar Bloods 29 - Ayden Frost - Yarragon Panthers 28 - Tyler Kent - Longwarry Crows 24 - Kingston Scott - Poowong Magpies 23 - Noah McCaughey - Bunyip Bulldogs 23 - Lenny Clark - Bunyip Bulldogs 22 - Cooper Hammond - Trafalgar Bloods 20 - Aiden Kane - Bunyip Bulldogs 19 - Brodie Brown - Nilma Darnum Bombers 18 - Archie Purvis - Catani Blues 17 - Lachlan Gringhuis - Trafalgar Bloods 17 - Dylan Canavan - Poowong Magpies 17 - Riley Davidson - Ellinbank Eagles 16 - Jack Robin - Ellinbank Eagles 15 - Jackson Peacock - Catani Blues 15 - Nicholas Meggetto - Nilma Darnum Bombers 15 - Cooper Rimes-Brownbill - Yarragon Panthers 14 - Evan Eastwell - Buln Buln Lyrebirds 13 - ryder skeen - Poowong Magpies 13 - Corey Smith - Yarragon Panthers 13 - Brodie Drury - Catani Blues 13 - Cooper Morris - Longwarry Crows 13 - James Midgley - Nilma Darnum Bombers
50 - James Patterson - Nilma Darnum Bombers
PAGE 15
edfnl.org.au
60 - Archie Whelan - Bunyip Bulldogs
2026 THE FOLLOWER FINALS
LEADING GOALKICKERS
PAGE 16
28
13
CATANI
6
9
NILMA DARNUM
YARRAGON
NYORA
POOWONG
10
6
30
32
TRAFALGAR
LONGWARRY
14
28
NEERIM SOUTH
ELLINBANK
BULN BULN
18
22
LANG LANG
BUNYIP
SENIORS
34
2
14
2
12
24
28
14
28
18
14
26
RESERVES
12
10
10
32
18
0
19
29
14
28
8
U18
4
0
16
22
24
20
8
10
12
0
30
34
U16
8
16
16
18
16
2
28
12
26
36
22
16
A GRADE
ROBIN HOOD INN CLUB CHAMPIONSHIPS
4
8
16
20
4
19
24
32
30
8
18
31
B GRADE
0
4
12
16
14
18
32
30
28
8
34
20
C GRADE
0
35
23
16
16
5
33
7
24
12
28
17
17 & UNDER
27
0
2
28
8
18
16
3
7
22
26
19
15 & UNDER
0
32
10
4
11
16
20
19
11
36
32
25
13 & UNDER
215
32
146
147
154
157
170
180
204
211
212
218
TOTAL
2026 THE FOLLOWER FINALS
edfnl.org.au
F04F23
MOST DISCIPLINED CLUB Total Neerim South
237
Nilma Darnum
235
Yarragon
Ellinbank
Lang Lang Buln Buln Bunyip
Trafalgar Catani
Poowong
Longwarry
SENIOR
235
247
Poowong Nyora
Trafalgar Bunyip
Lang Lang
234
14.40
219
13.69
230
13.53
SENIORS
260
254
253
250
247
251
244
239
237
242
250
228
231
226
235
222
229
242
Total
14.44
268
14.72
270
14.28
266
14.06
13.89
13.72
13.94
13.56
13.28
13.17
13.44
Weekly Ave
Total
14.69
470
267
264
267
267
261
266
265
266
259
Combine
Weekly Ave
14.76
488
14.79
14.63
469
14.66
14.71
14.25
14.44
14.13
13.82
13.88
14.31
14.24
RESERVES
Weekly Ave
14.11
U18
14.69
497
14.62
447
14.43
469
14.22
454
14.19
481
14.15
453
14.14
448
14.00
472
Weekly Ave
Total
14.89
528
13.88
Combine
Weekly Ave
15.00
535
14.86
14.78
523
14.53
14.83
14.67
14.83
14.83
14.50
14.78
14.72
14.78
14.39
521
517
517
514
512
510
504
503
501
14.67
14.47
14.36
14.36
14.28
14.22
14.17
14.00
13.97
13.92 PAGE 17
edfnl.org.au
14.69
14.47
231
257
Ellinbank
235
251
14.25
246
Nilma Darnum
Neerim South
14.69
14.81
14.00
228
265
Longwarry
Total
14.60
238
Buln Buln
Yarragon
Weekly Ave
14.53
219
Total
Catani
U16
005699
2026 THE FOLLOWER FINALS
JUNIOR
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For the best in-depth coverage of the EDFNL every week SUBSCRIBE TO THE WARRAGUL AND DROUIN GAZETTE IN PRINT OR DIGITAL
2026 THE FOLLOWER FINALS
MERCURE HOTEL WARRAGUL PAKENHAM The EDFNL is excited to&welcome SUPPORTING THE 2026 MOST VALUABLE PLAYER AWARD! Mercure Hotel Warragul & Pakenham as the new sponsor of the CONGRATULATIONS KODY WILSON, NEERIM-NEERIM SOUTH Most Valuable Player Award for season 2025! BOOK YOUR STAY WITH MERCURE.
PAGE 23
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1 APRIL 2023 • THE FOLLOWER
13
Helping you stay safe at work, so you can support the club you love Proud supporters of Country Football and Netball since 2002
2026 THE FOLLOWER FINALS
BULN BULN
PAGE 28
edfnl.org.au
FOOTBALL Bunyip football club could not be happier with the 2026 EDFNL season. To be able to fill our four football sides with quality players and be able to compete at a high standard is something we set out in pre season to achieve. We are all delighted with the commitment shown by all our players to achieve the goals put in place. We look forward to continuing on the path we have set for the future of our club. Our Senior and Reserves sides had an outstanding season, both teams going deep into finals action. Congratulations to all the players, coaches and supporters who give their all for the red, white and blue every week. We are overwhelmed with the sideline support from the Bunyip faithful, these supporters have something to be proud of once again. Attention focuses on our 16s today. These young kids have had another great season, going undefeated and heading for back to back premiership success. Led by coaches Ben Cunningham and Ben Simpson, we want to wish you all the very best today. Congratulations to Archie Whelan who was awarded the league goal kicking for 16s at the recent EDFNL votecount/ presentation day.
Good luck to all teams playing today. Bark loud, Bark Proud NETBALL We’ve worked incredibly hard to get ourselves here, and now we get the opportunity to play for the ultimate prize. What makes this team so special is the way we play together. We have depth, experience and plenty of talent, but most importantly, we genuinely enjoy playing together. There’s plenty of laughter, trust and belief out on that court and that’s what makes this group so good. We know the challenge ahead of us, but we’re ready for it. We’ve put in the work, we’ve backed each other all season and we believe in what we can do.Now it’s time to leave everything out on the court, enjoy the moment and play our brand of netball. One team. One opportunity. One goal. To bring that premiership back to the kennel.
PAGE 29
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All the very best to our Bunyip B grade team, who will be vying for a premiership cup today on the courts.
2026 THE FOLLOWER FINALS
BUNYIP
2026 THE FOLLOWER FINALS
CATANI And then there was one.
Catani.
Our 17 & Under girls are GRAND FINAL BOUND, taking on Yarragon in the big dance.
Congratulations to A Grade player Cara on being named in the EDFNL Team of the Year. An amazing recognition of your season and a fantastic achievement.
After an incredible season, it all comes down to this. One game. One opportunity. One final time to pull on the navy blue and white. CATANI ARMY, WE NEED YOU! We need the loudest, proudest and biggest crowd we can get behind our girls. Bring the flags, bring the voices and bring the navy blue and white. Let’s make sure they can hear the Catani Army from the first centre pass until the final whistle.
As we head into our final game of the year, we want to say a huge thank you to every coach, player, supporter, umpire, official, volunteer and everyone who has played a part in making 2026 such a great year for Catani Football & Netball Club. Your time, effort and commitment throughout the season does not go unnoticed, and we are incredibly grateful for everything you have contributed to our club.
PAGE 30
This week we also celebrated our Senior & Junior Vote Count, with some very special results for our club.
Now it’s time to finish the year together.
A huge congratulations to Miley and Ruby on being named equal League Best & Fairest in the 17 & Under competition.
CATANI ARMY, LET’S GET LOUD AND GET BEHIND OUR GIRLS.
An incredible achievement for you both, made even more special by the fact that you have both taken home the honour from the same club. What a result for
And then we’ll celebrate together at Presentation Night.
One final game. One final push.
LET’S GO BLUES.
edfnl.org.au
2026 THE FOLLOWER FINALS
LANG LANG The season has come to an end. We would love to give thanks our wonderful coaches, team managers, runners, trainers, water carriers, canteen, bar staff, time keeper(Flyer), scorers for netball and all our other volunteers that filled roles on game day. A big thankyou to our wonderful committee who have worked behind the scenes keeping our club functioning. Good luck to our 3 teams U13’s, C Grade and Reserves playing in their respective grand finals. Congratulations Abbey Miller for being Runners up in C Grade’s League Best and Fairest. A big congratulations to Jesse Hand who won his second League Best and Fairest for the Reserves. Darcy Walls and Jackson Ventura made the team of the year. Tyler Guan for winning the league leading goal kicker for the Reserves. Congratulations to our juniors that were invited to the league vote count! Great work to Iza Van der Heyden, Tiani Johnson and Shannie Casey for being in the top 10 for Netball and Cooper Davey for 18’s in Football. Well done !! Go Tigers
PAGE 32
edfnl.org.au
PRESIDENT’S REPORT What a week it is for the Longwarry Football Netball Club! Grand Final week is finally here and there is certainly a sense of excitement around the club as we prepare for a huge weekend with both our Seniors and Reserves taking the field on the biggest stage. To have two senior football teams competing in Grand Finals is an outstanding achievement and something our entire club should be incredibly proud of. It is a reflection of the hard work, commitment and belief shown by our players and coaches throughout the season. To our Seniors and Reserves players, enjoy the week, embrace the occasion and most importantly, back yourselves and each other. You have worked hard all year to earn this opportunity and now it’s time to go out there and give it everything you’ve got.
edfnl.org.au
A huge thank you to our coaches, our football and netball departments, our amazing volunteers and our hardworking committee for everything you have done throughout the season to get our teams to this point. Your dedication behind the scenes often goes unnoticed, but it is a massive part of our success. And to our wonderful sponsors, members, families and our one of a kind, passionate supporters—thank you for getting behind the club. We hope to see as many navy, red and yellow supporters as possible at the ground this weekend, creating plenty of noise and getting behind our boys. Grand Final day is what community football and netball is all about. It’s about mateship, family, pride and representing the jumper we all love. So, let’s get behind our boys, enjoy the occasion and make it a Grand Final weekend to remember! Go Crows! PAGE 33
I’d also like to congratulate our A Grade netball girls on a fantastic season. Making the finals is a terrific achievement and although their campaign came to an end two weeks ago, they should be extremely proud of
what they accomplished. It was great to see the girls back playing finals and representing our club with plenty of pride.
2026 THE FOLLOWER FINALS
LONGWARRY
2026 THE FOLLOWER FINALS
NEERIM-NEERIM SOUTH
PAGE 34
edfnl.org.au
IT’S GRAND FINAL DAY! Huge congratulations to Steve and his U16 boys for making it today! Win or lose – you’ve worked hard and done an amazing job to get to the grand final. Bring on some awesome footy today and hopefully you can bring home the chocolates!
and the way you performed on and off the field.
2026 THE FOLLOWER FINALS
NILMA DARNUM
To our amazing sponsors, thank-you from the bottom of our hearts. We couldn’t do it without you. To our extended family....Your passion and support on the sidelines is enormous and we are so grateful.
Our heart goes out to Sage and his U18 boys. They fought so hard all year with only 2 losses for the season. Unfortunately, they were the losses that ended their finals campaign. We couldn’t be more impressed and you should all be so proud of yourselves
PAGE 35
edfnl.org.au
2026 THE FOLLOWER FINALS
NYORA
Build Your Dream Home, Build Our Future! An Exclusive Rebate Offer for Nyora Football Netball Club Members!
Are you thinking of building a new home? Now’s your chance to not only create your dream living space but also make a significant contribution to Your Club!
How it Works
G.J. Gardner Homes Warragul is proud to partner with the EDFNL to offer an exclusive $4,000 rebate directly to the club & $1000 rebate directly to the EDFNL when any of your valued members, coaches, players, volunteers, or life members build a new home with us.
1. Qualify: Before signing a contract, simply have a committee member (President, Treasurer, or Secretary) from Your Club confirm your eligibility as a club member, coach, player, volunteer, or life member.
This incredible offer is our way of saying thank you for your dedication & commitment to the EDFNL and to help us continue to grow and succeed. Imagine the impact this could have – every new home built through this offer directly benefits your club!
1. Dream Big: Explore G.J. Gardner Homes’ wide range of designs and find the perfect home for you.
1. Build with Confidence: Enjoy the exceptional quality and service of G.J. Gardner Homes Warragul. 1. Support Our Club: Once the slab for your new home is poured, G.J. Gardner Homes Warragul will pay a $4,000 rebate directly to your club & $1000 to the EDFNL.
PAGE 36
edfnl.org.au
Good luck to our U15 netballers in the Grand Final today – no matter the result, the whole club is proud of you!
2026 THE FOLLOWER FINALS
POOWONG
Congratulations to Mia Wilson on her u15 EDFNL Best and Fairest win, and to Kade Zealley on his u16 equal EDFNL Best and Fairest win. The Poowong Football Netball Club would like to sincerely thank everyone who has contributed throughout the 2026 season. To our players, parents, families, supporters and volunteers, thank you for your commitment, encouragement, and club spirit. A special thank you to all those who stepped in to help whenever needed, including our coaches, team managers, umpires, scorers, timekeepers, water carriers, trainers, canteen manager and helpers, cleaners, and the many others working behind the scenes. Your time, effort and dedication make our club possible. Whether on the field, court, sidelines or in the background, every contribution has played an important part in our season. Thanks to all our supporters who continue to show up and cheer our players on! We sincerely thank our major sponsors for 2026
PAGE 37
edfnl.org.au
2026 THE FOLLOWER FINALS
TRAFALGAR Welcome everyone to Trafalgar Rec Reserve for EDFNL Grand Final Day, hopefully it runs as smoothly as last year with football, netball, weather, traffic, food, drinks and everything else associated with the big day. We welcome league officials, umpires, sponsors, life members and all clubs to our venue, with 11 out of the 12 clubs participating it promises to be a huge crowd and a great atmosphere. Grand Final day is a major event for our community with several local organisations involved in the various tasks on the day. Thank you to all the volunteers who are chipping in whether it’s an hour or for the entire day. At club level, today is a day of redemption for our Senior team. After being runners-up last year, fingers crossed we go one better in 2026 as we take on the Longwarry Crows in the main event. Good luck to Punky, Dyl and the boys, well done to all 21 players selected as well as those who have represented the senior team along the journey. Tomorrow upstairs we have Vote Count day for our senior football and netball squads starting at 12 midday, then next weekend we have Junior Presentation on Friday night and Senior Presentation on Saturday night, both at Moe Turfside. Good luck to everyone today and Go Bloods ! MAJOR SPONSORS
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Fonterra Fowlers Ashphalting Holdsworth Concreting Metricon RJ Low Builders edfnl.org.au
What a year 2026 has been for the Yarragon Football Netball Club! This season marked an exciting new chapter for Yarragon Football Netball Club, as the Club enjoyed its first full year in the new clubrooms and facilities at Dowton Park. After many years of planning and hard work from so many people, it has been fantastic to see players, members, supporters, volunteers and the wider community making the most of the Club’s new home. On the football side, Yarragon welcomed Senior Coach Troy Hemming to the Club for the 2026 season. The Club is incredibly grateful for the contribution of Troy, along with all football and netball coaches, assistant coaches, team managers and support staff across every grade. The time, effort and commitment that goes into preparing and supporting teams each week is significant, and their contribution has played an important role in the season. There have been plenty of achievements to celebrate throughout 2026. The Club recognised an incredible 18 player game milestones across football and netball, celebrating the commitment and loyalty of those who have continued to proudly represent Yarragon in the black, white and teal.
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The Club is especially proud of its Under 17 and Under 13 netball sides, who earned their places in the 2026 finals. Their finals appearances are a fantastic reward for the hard work and commitment shown by the players, coaches and support teams throughout the season, and the Club looks forward to seeing both teams proudly represent Yarragon throughout their finals campaigns. While wins, milestones and individual achievements are always wonderful to celebrate, community football and netball clubs are about so much more than what happens on the field and court. Volunteers continue to be at the heart of Yarragon Football Netball Club. Countless hours are contributed throughout the season, both behind the scenes and on game day, to ensure the Club can continue to operate and provide opportunities for its players and community. From the canteen, bar and gate to timekeeping, scoring, setting up, packing up, cooking, cleaning, team management and events, the contribution of volunteers across every area of the Club is invaluable. Yarragon FNC is extremely fortunate to have such
a dedicated group of people who continue to give their time to the Club. The ongoing support of the Club’s valued sponsors is equally important. Their generosity provides vital support to Yarragon’s football and netball programs and assists the Club in continuing to provide opportunities for junior and senior players while maintaining a strong and welcoming environment for members, supporters and the wider community. The Club is incredibly appreciative of the businesses and organisations that continue to get behind the Panthers each year. One of the greatest strengths of Yarragon Football Netball Club continues to be the people behind it. From the youngest junior players through to the senior teams, coaches, volunteers, sponsors, members and supporters, there is a strong sense of community that extends well beyond the scoreboard. As the Club reflects on 2026, there is certainly plenty to be proud of. However, the end of one season also signals the beginning of preparations for the next. Behind the scenes, planning for 2027 is already ramping up, with work underway across football, netball and the broader Club as Yarragon looks to continue building for the future. Bring on 2027. Go Panthers!
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Another highlight was celebrating four Senior Football debuts throughout the season. Providing opportunities for players to step into senior football is an important part of the continued development
of Yarragon’s football program and an exciting achievement for each of the players involved. There was also plenty to celebrate on the netball court, including two outstanding individual goalscoring achievements. One Senior netballer and one Junior netballer each reached the impressive milestone of 500 goals for the season.
2026 THE FOLLOWER FINALS
YARRAGON
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2026 THE FOLLOWER FINALS
GRAND FINAL PREVIEW
NETBALL
season that they can push the Cats to the absolute limit.
The 2026 EDFNL netball season comes down to one final Saturday at Trafalgar, with six premierships to be decided and some fascinating match-ups set to bring the curtain down on another outstanding year of netball.
Neerim won their first meeting in Round 5, 47-37, before the Round 13 clash produced one of the games of the season. Ellinbank matched the reigning premiers throughout the contest before Neerim escaped with a 34-33 victory courtesy of a goal after the siren.
The headline act will see Neerim South and Ellinbank meet for the A Grade premiership, with the Cats attempting to add another remarkable chapter to one of the most dominant eras the competition has seen. Neerim South enters the Grand Final with an extraordinary run that began in 2022. A victory on Saturday would make it 97 wins from 98 matches, their only defeat coming in the 2024 Grand Final, having claimed along way the 2022, 2023 and 2025 premierships - each following undefeated seasons. But if there is a team with the experience and belief to challenge that record, it’s Ellinbank.
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The Eagles finished third at the end of the home-and-away season with 13 wins and five losses, with none of those defeats greater than 11 goals. They have also shown this
Their Semi Final meeting told a different story, with Neerim producing a commanding performance to win 50-32 and advance directly to the Grand Final. Ellinbank were forced to take the longer route, eventually booking their place with a 51-38 Preliminary Final victory over Buln Buln. There are intriguing battles everywhere you look. In Ellinbank’s attacking circle, the experience of Abbey Gray will be vital. With more than 300 senior games behind her, Gray provides a strong target under the post but also has the confidence to shoot from range. Ebony Harper, who returned midway through the season after having a baby, adds movement and creativity, while Remy Ferguson provides another option if coach Jasmine Ferguson wants to change the look of the attacking end.
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Standing in their way will be a Neerim defensive unit led by coach Christie Urie. Arguably the competition’s best defender, with her ability to read play and create an intercept, she can change a game in an instant. Neerim also have plenty of options around her, with Kasey Tymkin and Tessa Fusinato bringing experience and an ability to transition the ball from defence, while Elly Radford and Rhianna Jinnette and youngster Rori Trimble provide Urie with different combinations depending on the match-up. The midcourt could be where this Grand Final is won. Neerim’s midcourt boasts speed, defensive pressure and familiarity. Tarli Hillberg controls much of the Cats’ play through the centre, while Mia McGarity brings speed and a dangerous pass into the goal circle. Mia Chandler and Peta Matthews give Neerim further options should changes be needed. Ellinbank has enormous experience through Taylah Wallace, Georgia Durrand and Rhiannon Haines, while Lily Sheehan has added speed and energy in her first season at the club. Wallace’s ability to control the tempo and read the play makes her one of the Eagles’ most influential players, while Haines enters the Grand
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Final in outstanding form after earning another Best on Court performance in the Preliminary Final.
Neerim’s long-standing combination of Kim Edwards and Nicole Alcock will again be crucial. The pair know each other’s movements almost instinctively, with Edwards able to change her style throughout a game and Alcock providing patience and reliability in the circle. Ellinbank, however, has the defensive personnel to make life difficult. Rhiannon Haines brings athleticism, elevation and relentless pressure, while the vastly experienced Abbey Cook reads the incoming ball exceptionally well. Rachel McDonald has been another important addition this season, bringing leadership, composure and an ability to create turnovers at crucial moments, while Leah Liddel provides another aggressive defensive option. And then there are the coaches.
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Neerim South deserves to enter as favourite. Ninety-six wins from their past 97 games makes that impossible to argue. But a Grand Final has provided the one exception to Neerim’s extraordinary record. Ellinbank came within a single goal - and a shot after the siren - of matching them earlier this season. If the Eagles can reproduce that pressure for four quarters, the final A Grade match of 2026 could provide a fitting finish to the EDFNL netball season. B Grade Few clubs have a B Grade record to rival Ellinbank, who will meet Bunyip in the decider. The Eagles have claimed premierships in 2011, 2012, 2013, 2016, 2017, 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025, while also finishing minor premiers in the COVID-shortened 2021 season. Bunyip has wasted little time making an impact in just its second season back in the EDFNL. The results between the two this season suggest anything is possible. Ellinbank won 47-36 in Round 6 before Bunyip turned the tables emphatically in Round
14, winning 42-30. The Eagles responded in the Semi Final with a 47-34 victory to progress directly to the Grand Final, while Bunyip earned another opportunity with its 45-36 Preliminary Final win over Neerim South. There is enough evidence for both sides to believe they can win the last one. C Grade Lang Lang and Neerim South will meet for the C Grade premiership, with the Cats producing one of the stories of the finals series after finishing the home-and-away season in fourth position. Lang Lang enters with the stronger season record and the experience of winning the 2024 premiership. The Tigers defeated Neerim South 31-25 in Round 4 and 44-20 in Round 12, but the Cats have found their best netball when it has mattered most. Their Preliminary Final victory over Ellinbank ended the Eagles’ extraordinary run of Grand Final appearances stretching back to 2014, and Neerim now gets the chance to complete its climb from fourth with one more upset. 17 & Under If recent results are anything to go by, spectators may want to find a good position around the court early for Catani and Yarragon.
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Urie has been at the centre of Neerim South’s remarkable era, building a team and culture that has made winning an expectation. On the opposite sideline, Jaz Ferguson has helped guide an Ellinbank group that has dealt with player availability issues
throughout the season, including hers, and will be the first time during the finals series she will be there due to her AFLW commitments.
2026 THE FOLLOWER FINALS
GRAND FINAL PREVIEW
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2026 THE FOLLOWER FINALS
GRAND FINAL PREVIEW Just one goal separated them in Round 2 when Yarragon won 35-34, before they couldn’t be separated at all in Round 16, drawing 40-40. The Blues then edged the Panthers 40-38 in the Qualifying Final. Yarragon brings plenty of experience, with a number of its players exposed to senior netball throughout the season. Catani, meanwhile, is chasing an extraordinary fourth consecutive premiership for this group, a run which began with the 13 & Under flag in 2023 before successive 15 & Under premierships in 2024 and an undefeated 2025. Another close thriller would surprise absolutely nobody. 15 & Under Minor premier Poowong will face third-placed Buln Buln in another contest where there has been very little between the sides.
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Buln Buln handed Poowong an 18-17 defeat in Round 7 before the Pies responded with a 24-19 win in Round 15. Their Semi Final was just as competitive, Poowong winning 25-22 to secure the direct passage into the Grand Final. There is unfinished business on both sides. Poowong returns to the 15 & Under Grand Final after falling short in the 2025 decider, while many of the Buln Buln players tasted premiership success as
top-age 13 & Under players in 2024. Both know what Grand Final day feels like and now one gets to finish 2026 with the cup. 13 & Under
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Premier Champions motto, there will be plenty at stake from the first centre pass to the last. Netball preview thanks to Angela Banbury.
The day begins with the competition’s two standout 13 & Under sides, undefeated Buln Buln and Lang Lang.
FOOTBALL
Incredibly, Lang Lang’s only two defeats during the home-andaway season came against the Lyrebirds. Buln Buln won their Round 1 meeting 20-14 and backed that up with a 25-18 victory in Round 17, giving them plenty of confidence heading into the decider. There is also a a great story to this match-up, with the two clubs the last two 13 & Under premiers. Buln Buln now has the opportunity to complete an undefeated season, while Lang Lang has a chance to turn the tables on the only opponent it has been unable to beat in 2026 and go back-to-back premiers.
The Crows will enter with slight favouritism, having won through from the second semi-final following a home and away season where they dropped the points just twice. Trafalgar have also had a strong season, dropping just the three games before working their way through for another shot at the Crows.
With six premierships on the line, Grand Final day at Trafalgar brings together the competition’s benchmark teams, emerging challengers and some remarkable premiership opportunity stories. From an undefeated 13 & Under side chasing the perfect season to an A Grade powerhouse the same
LONGWARRY will meet Trafalgar in what should be an enthralling Ellinbank District football grand final.
The Bloods have certainly troubled the Crows this season and will give themselves every chance. A dominant first half set up victory at Longwarry in round four, before the Crows turned the tables for a 22-point victory in the return encounter. The Bloods will be buoyed by the fact they led majority of the second semi-final, despite
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suffering a narrow seven-point defeat. As to be expected with the top two sides on the ladder facing off, there will be match ups to watch all around the ground. Trafalgar’s resolute defence, which saw the Bloods concede the least amount of points in the competition, will face off against a potent Longwarry forward line. The Crows scored the most points in the competition, setting up an intriguing battle. Longwarry will need to counter Brad Hoffman, who is in good form with his intercept marking. The defence around him is reliable, with the likes of Michael Ablett, Ryan Dyke, Dylan Gauci and Jace Butler all able to play a role. Hardy Kenny has enjoyed midfield time but can go back to defence should the Bloods require. The Bloods will need to counter a dynamic Crows forward line. Jedd Serong offers a mobile target, while dynamic forward Jason Wells will be better for his recent run coming back from victory.
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Longwarry will back in its own reliable defence. Jack Muirhead will take one of the keys, as should Angus Adamiak who has adjusted to a role in defence well. Jonah Serong and Brandon Allen will provide support, as will coach Darren Granger. Lachlan Willis will take on Dylan Farrell in an epic ruck duel. Willis will have his work cut out, with the Alf Walton medallist known to both provide a target forward and drift back to support the defence. The midfield battle will also be full of intrigue. Nic Visser has been a handy addition to an already talented Crows midfield group that includes Cooper Brown and Bailey Stephens.
with Klay Butler, Kyle Beveridge and Darcy Brock making up an equally potent midfield for the Bloods. Cooper Minichiello can play at either end, while Keegan Tullett and Oliver Hennesy will provide bursts off the bench. Similarly, Harry Colvin and Josh Bourke will hope to impact for the Crows. Trafalgar may have home ground advantage in a contest likely to go either way. In other matches, Lang Lang will look to turn the tables on Longwarry to defend their season 2025 reserves crown. Ellinbank and Buln Buln meet in an under 18 decider that sees both sides boast players having had valuable experience at senior level. Bunyip and Nilma-Darnum meet in the under 16 decider. Football preview thanks to Davyd Reid
Brayden Chandler, Troy Lehman, Jackson Kos, Tyler Van der Heyden and Dylan Holland make up the other runners. Nic Caddy and Connor Noonan lead the outside run for Trafalgar,
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Fintan Fox and Braydon McHugh add to the small forward mix, as does the speed of Riley Rundell.
Trafalgar also boast a potent forward line with Shane and Danny Brewster, along with Blake Slater, presenting as the key targets. Matthew Swenson also enters the decider in ominous form following a strong showing in the preliminary final, while Brayde Bosman and William Claridge are also dangerous forward.
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GRAND FINAL PREVIEW
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GRAND FINAL MATCHES Under 16s - 8.15am Bunyip v Nilma Darnum Under 18s - 9.55am Ellinbank v Buln Buln Reserves - 12.10pm Longwarry v Lang Lang Seniors - 2.20pm Longwarry v Trafalgar 13 & Under - 9am Buln Buln v Lang Lang 15 & Under - 10am Poowong v Buln Buln 17 & Under - 11am Catani v Yarragon C Grade - 12pm Lang Lang v Neerim South B Grade - 1pm Ellinbank v Bunyip A Grade - 2.30pm Neerim South v Ellinbank
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NEERIM SOUTH
A GRADE
Coach: Christie Urie
Nicole Alcock Kim Edwards Mia Muir Tarli Hillberg Tessa Fusinato Kasey Tymkin Christie Urie Elly Radford Mia Chandler Peta Matthews Rori Trimble Rianna Jinnette
C GRADE
Coach: Janell Johnson
Ashleigh Gibson Abbey Miller Charli Marsh Daisy Byrne Emma Kendell Janell Johnson Letetia Herbert Maddison Fraser Mylee Turner Regan Brokenshire Shenade Hardeman Zoe Palmer
Coach: Mia Chandler
Kaitlyn McDonald Maddi Carbonneau Mia Chandler Jess Gracan Emily Robb Charli Halligan Meg Preston Clare Bjorksten Jessie Gleeson Mackenzie De Santis Paige Butters Lucy Sheehan Charlotte Muir Keelie Carbonneau
BULN BULN
Coaches: Hayley Heatley, Tilly Kay
Ava H Indy M Jaz R Liz M Neve H Pippa W Tilly K
ELLINBANK Coaches: Kim Durrand, Cass Charles
Abby Osborne April Pratt Courtney Jolly Emma Robertson Cass Charles Jenny Carpenter Lauren Johnson Molly Bingham Dannielle Scott Ebony Harper Ella Good Stephanie Kleinitz
CATANI Bonnie K Chevie D Claire F Georgia M Ivy W Melody W Miley W Ruby F Sienna P Tahlia M Tiffany C
YARRAGON
Coach: Renee Kemp
Addison M Aisha G Bec A Charlotte K Ella B Isabelle M Kaitlyn P Lanah H Mischa M Sophie M
13 & UNDER
Coach: Meaghan Newitt & Lauren Eastwell
Aria K Bee SD Bonnie J Heidi D Lilly H Macy C Macy E Mary B Red K
Talise Berryman (VC) Jade Taylor Lisa Proctor Tess More Brooke Anderson Sim Davis © Erin Moore Julia Catrucco Casey Hynes Pippa Bracken Audrey Ryan
17 & UNDER
Coaches: Angela Banbury, Antonia McFarlane
BULN BULN
BUNYIP
Coach: Lisa Proctor
LANG LANG
Coach: Laura McGrath
Ella F Ella M Imogen M Isla M Iza V Mahana M Mia C Obie K Sadie K
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NEERIM SOUTH
15 & UNDER
Coaches: Mia Blackwood, Madi Taylor, Sally Wilson
Aaylah T Amy N Amy O Ebony W Keesha G Marlee E Mia W Mille S Pallas JR Porsha DR Sophie E
Coaches: Jasmin Ferguson, Taylah Wallace, Rach McDonald
Abbey Cook Abbey Gray Georgia Durrand Leah Liddell Lily Sheehan Rachel Ronaldson Remy Ferguson Rhiannon Haines Taylah Wallace Teagan Bramstedt
LANG LANG
POOWONG
ELLINBANK
B GRADE
2026 THE FOLLOWER FINALS
GRAND FINALS NETBALL
2026 THE FOLLOWER FINALS
LONGWARRY
GRAND FINAL SENIORS TRAFALGAR
COACH: Darren Granger Assistant: Tye Holland 1R
1
2
3
4R
4
6R
6
7
8R
Kane Taylor
Jackson Kos
Cody Coad
Darren Granger
Brock Stanfield
Troy Lehman
Jack Gilbert
Bailey Stephens
Brody Hamilton
Zach Murphy
8
Braydo McHugh
10
Anthony Salce
9
Brayden Chandler
11
Kane Oldham
12
Justin Mitchell
11R Kameron Sullivan
12
13
14
14
15
15
16
17
18
19
Dylan Holland
Tyler van der Heyden
Aidan Fazackerley
Jedd Serong
Ji Doyle
Brandon Allen
Jonah Serong
Harry Colvin
Luke Clarkson
Jason Wells
20
Nic Visser
21
Angus Young
20R Kieran Willis
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22
Nathan Fry
23
Angus Adamiak
25
Riley Rundell
27
Matthew Knights
23R Paul Williams
25R Mitch Young
29
30
33
34
36
38
39
40
41
42
45
46
47
47
48
49
50
55
57
61
63
64
66
71
91
Fintan Fox
Charlie Dore
Josh Collett
Lochie Shaw
Brad Martin
Connor Bennett
Leigh McDonald
John Werner
Damian Clive Everson
Cooper Brown
Luke Nicholls
Mitch Brown
Jack Smith
Ben Cuckson
Bailey Werle
Jake Stewart
Ryan Wouters
Jack Muirhead
Jake Newnham
Lachlan Willis
Ethan Gunstone
Luke Ramsay
Janik De Silva
Josh Bourke
COACH: Shane Brewster Assistants: Danny Brewster & Kyle Beveridge 1
Cooper Minichiello
3
Blake Zimora
2 4 5 7 9
12 13 14 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 29 32 34 36 40 46 49 51
Billy Claridge Owen Zimora Jace Butler Nic Caddy
Kyle Beveridge Ryan Dyke
Dylan Gauci
Brad Hoffman
Louis Hennessy Darcy Brock Blake Slater
Brayde Bosman Liam Coulthard
Nelson Minichiello Matthew Swenson Hardy Kenny
Oliver Hennessy Klay Butler
Connor Noonan Drew O'Brien
Mitchell Smart Dylan Farrell
Danny Brewster Keegan Tullett
Shane Brewster Michael Ablett
Josh Downes
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LONGWARRY
LANG LANG
COACH: Hamish Busk Assistant: Daniel Mitchell
COACH: Bradley Palmer Assistant: Robert McClimont
1R
1
2
3
4R
4
6R
6
7
8R
Kane Taylor
Jackson Kos
Cody Coad
Darren Granger
Brock Stanfield
Troy Lehman
Jack Gilbert
Bailey Stephens
Brody Hamilton
Zach Murphy
8
Braydo McHugh
10
Anthony Salce
9
Brayden Chandler
11
Kane Oldham
12
Justin Mitchell
11R Kameron Sullivan
12
13
14
14
15
15
16
17
18
19
Dylan Holland
Tyler van der Heyden
Aidan Fazackerley
Jedd Serong
Ji Doyle
Brandon Allen
Jonah Serong
Harry Colvin
Luke Clarkson
Jason Wells
20
Nic Visser
21
Angus Young
20R Kieran Willis Nathan Fry
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Angus Adamiak
1
Daniel Vela
25
Riley Rundell
5
Brent Miller
27
Matthew Knights
25R Mitch Young
29
30
33
34
36
38
39
40
41
42
45
46
47
47
48
49
50
55
57
61
63
64
66
71
91
Fintan Fox
Charlie Dore
Josh Collett
Lochie Shaw
Brad Martin
Connor Bennett
Leigh McDonald
John Werner
Damian Clive Everson
Cooper Brown
Luke Nicholls
Mitch Brown
Jack Smith
Ben Cuckson
Bailey Werle
Jake Stewart
Ryan Wouters
Jack Muirhead
Jake Newnham
Lachlan Willis
Ethan Gunstone
Luke Ramsay
Janik De Silva
Josh Bourke
Josh Downes
4 8 9
13 15 17 21 22 24 26 27 28 32 33 35 39 40 44 45 47 48 52 53 54 56 57 58 68
Ben Barwick Tyler Guan
Jesse Hand
Geordie Wells Bryce Fraser
Joseph Dalgleish
Luke Glassbarrow Lincoln King
Rhyce Harvie Ty Thom
Brett Kirkham Sam Kendell
James Linder
Rhys Simmons
Noah Christensen Nicholas Slavovic Blake Lyon
Max Cavanagh
Nathan Perkins
Andrew Thompson Lukas Watts
Tim Robbins
Brock Duggan
Jarrad Francome Stan Geyer
Jack Stockx
Tadhg Oriordan Ryan Floate
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22
23
23R Paul Williams
2026 THE FOLLOWER FINALS
GRAND FINAL RESERVES
2026 THE FOLLOWER FINALS
GRAND FINAL UNDER 18s ELLINBANK
BULN BULN
COACH: Toby Wallace Assistants: Scott Armour & Dean Alger
COACH: Lachie Axford
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 26 64
Jhy Good Ben Bingham Luke Rollinson Ash Debenham Andrew Mills Charlie Armour Riley Butters Josh Tylee Tyler Lisk Bailey Helps Cooper Pritchett Tarynt Davidson Nate Murray Preston Alger Riley Davidson Raff Pyle Archer Thorne Brock Parke Xavier Ridsdale Nate Murphy Nicholas Wilms Hugh Cunningham Aiden Murphy Spencer Patterson Flynn Dunsmure
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1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 27 28 35
Riley Eastwell Zac Nakamura Max Steenholdt James Clifton Charlie Lindau Chase Ingram Lenny White Darcy Spencer Cruze Ross Cooper Crowe Will McKerrow Jack Hutchison Flynn Bravington Wil Rhodes Coby Bridger Lincoln Banks Lenny Heatley Liam Kennedy Ryan Jagoe Charles Kilmartin Harry Savage Lachlan Budd Max Moreland Artie Davidson Bailen Lewien Harry Jones Tom Wells Dane Hammond
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BUNYIP COACH: Ben Cunningham 1 2 3 5 6 7 8 9 12 16 17 18 19 20 23 26 27 28 30
Coby Hoult Harry Sheehan Archie Whelan Noah McCaughey Tyler Sutton Aiden Kane Cameron Kingdom Max Wouters Samuel Blackley Noah Carthy-Gill Francis Millis Jack McComb Xavier Cooke Chase Opteynde Jack Carbonneau George Millis Ronan Pepping Callum Pepping Lachlan Hughes
COACH: Steve Tweddle Assistants: Caiden Deppeler & Ben Egan 1 10 13 14 15 16 21 22 25 26 28 31 35 38 47 56 57 58 60 61 62 65 76
Noah Tweddle Jackson Marx Cameron Bailey Zac Parsons Naite Thorne Koby McLeish Codie Bailey Zachary Peters Louis McAuley Nicholas Meggetto John Zitziras James Midgley Brodie Brown Bailey Sheppard Michael Egan Tyler Wakefield Charlie Huston Lachlan Huston Maximus Bevilacqua Rykin Moore Cooper Cook Jack Peterson Tyler Dyke
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NILMA DARNUM
2026 THE FOLLOWER FINALS
GRAND FINAL UNDER 16s
2026 THE FOLLOWER FINALS
FOOTBALL GRAND FINAL UMPIRE APPOINTMENTS FIELD
Matt Finger
Brayden Hunter Jarrod Reid
FIELD
Kohen Lott-Stephens
Jamie Warden
James Trowbridge
FIELD
Ben Courts Al Bliss
Alex Dixon
FIELD
Dan Outhred Kobi Aitken
Maya Fleming-Boland
G.J. GARDNER SENIORS BOUNDARY
Brett Rollinson
Geoff Galbraith
GOAL
Carmen Stuckey Roy Barake
Hamish Buchanan Zaiden West
RESERVES
BOUNDARY
GOAL
Andre Elliott
Phil Burns
Aidan Noonan
John Tomkins
Nathaniel De Lorenzo
EMERGENCY Gerry Boland (Field)
Roger Croxford (Goal) EMERGENCY Josh Lee (Field)
Tristan Fernando
UNDER 18S
BOUNDARY
Caytlin Norbury
GOAL
Ross Outhred
Indie-Rose Hayes Larissa Brown
EMERGENCY
Jeff Bell
Adam Flegg (Field)
GOAL
EMERGENCY
Holly Jones
UNDER 16S
BOUNDARY James Firth
Georgia Muggeridge Thom Dunham
Shay Campbell Victor De Beer
Alicia Diston (Field)
Lauren Finger
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Julie Henshall
Claire Ballantyne Claire Riley
NETBALL
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NETBALL GRAND FINAL UMPIRE APPOINTMENTS
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Taylor Panayi
Lucinda Blaschka
Ali Wilms
Joel Owen
Thank you to all Umpires and Officials from Netball and Football who have taken part across the 2026 EDFNL Season. Congratulations to those who have officiated across the finals series, and especially to those who have been selected for Grand Final matches - a result of your hardwork and dedication to officiating.
UMPIRE CODE OF RESPECT POLICY
• All players will display total respect towards umpires and always abide by their decisions and directions.
• Supporters are asked to treat the umpires with respect and to accept their decision and also ensure that any comments made during the course of the game do not become personal or offensive. • The Ellinbank & District Football Netball League will take a strong stand against any player or supporter who fails to consider the umpire code of respect policy
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edfnl.org.au
2026 EDFNL NETBALL TEAM OF THE YEAR GOALERS
Kimberly Edwards Tayla Green Holly Stephens
MIDCOURT
Renee Cook Taylah Wallace Rhiannon Haines Grace Rand
DEFENDERS
Christie Urie Akayla Peterson Cara Moody
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NETBALL AWARDS A GRADE
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B GRADE
C GRADE
Renee Cook, Buln Buln Best & Fairest
Peta Matthews, Neerim South Best & Fairest
Emily Robb, Neerim South Best & Fairest
Christie Urie, Neerim South Runner Up Best & Fairest
Talise Berryman, Bunyip Runner Up Best & Fairest
Abbey Miller, Lang Lang Runner Up Best & Fairest
Goal Throwing - Neerim South
Goal Throwing - Neerim South
Goal Throwing - Neerim South
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2026 THE FOLLOWER FINALS
NETBALL AWARDS
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15 & UNDER
13 & UNDER
Miley W & Ruby F, Catani Best & Fairest
Mia W, Poowong Best & Fairest
Bridget R, Yarragon Best & Fairest
Ella G, Ellinbank Runner Up Best & Fairest
Pippa W, Buln Buln Runner Up Best & Fairest
Macy E, Buln Buln Runner Up Best & Fairest
Goal Throwing - Catani
Goal Throwing - Buln Buln
Goal Throwing - Buln Buln
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17 & UNDER
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2026 THE FOLLOWER FINALS
FOOTBALL AWARDS Well attended Junior and Senior Vote Counts and Presentations were held this week at the Warragul Downtowner and Logan Park respectively. Thank you to both venues for their hospitality for what were great events celebrating the on field achievements of players.
JUNIORS
Congratulations to the joint Ian Cooper Medal winners Corey Smith (Yarragon), Thomas Wells (Buln Buln), & Kade Zealley (Poowong). The Under 18s saw Blake Meggetto (Nilma Darnum and Wesley Scott (Trafalgar) take home Bill Cumming Medals.
Blake Meggetto (Nilma Darnum) & Wesley Scott (Trafalgar) - Under 18s BILL CUMMING MEDAL
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Corey Smith (Yarragon), Thomas Wells (Buln Buln), Kade Zealley (Poowong) - Under 16s IAN COOPER MEDAL
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SENIORS
Trafalgar ruckman Dylan Farrell claimed his third Alf Walton Medal coming out on top in the Senior Best & Fairest count. Rylan Butler from Nilma Darnum took home the Arthur Pollard Award as the highest junior vote getter in seniors. Lang Lang’s Jesse Hand won a second consecutive Gerald Heenan Medal, winning the Reserves Best & Fairest. Full Leaderboards available on www.edfnl.org.au
Dylan Farrell, Trafalgar ALF WALTON MEDALLIST
Rylan Butler, Nilma Darnum ARTHUR POLLARD AWARD
Jesse Hand, Lang Lang GERALD HEENAN MEDAL
edfnl.org.au
CONGRATULATIONS BUNYIP FOOTBALL & NETBALL CLUB WINNERS OF THE 2026 ROBIN HOOD INN EDFNL CLUB CHAMPIONSHIPS
2026 THE FOLLOWER FINALS
ROBIN HOOD INN CLUB CHAMPIONSHIPS
Two points are awarded for each win in each grade of football and netball across the season. Bunyip claimed the win after the final round in a tight finish. This award recognises their consistent performances across both football and netball in all grades.
CONGRATULATIONS BULN BULN FOOTBALL NETBALL CLUB WINNERS OF THE 2026 FOOTBALL CLUB CHAMPIONSHIPS
The Buln Buln Football Netball Club have claimed the 2026 Football Club Championship.
Three teams made finals, with their Under 18s making the Grand Final and the Under 16s bowed out in the Prelim. The strength of the club across the football grades is evident.
CONGRATULATIONS NEERIM SOUTH FOOTBALL NETBALL CLUB WINNERS OF THE 2026 NETBALL CLUB CHAMPIONSHIPS The Neerim South Football Netball Club have claimed the 2026 Netball Club
Championship. A and C Grade will compete for the Premiership in today’s Grand Finals.
B Grade made it through to a Preliminary Final and the 17 & Under and 15 & Under teams made the Elimination Finals.
CONGRATULATIONS BULN BULN FOOTBALL NETBALL CLUB & NEERIM SOUTH FOOTBALL NETBALL CLUB
The Neerim South Football Netball Club were recipients of
the Most Disciplined Club Award - Junior. Buln Buln Football
Netball Club again retained the Most Disciplined Club Award - Senior.
This award is voted on by the umpires, and clubs are scored on
their discipline on the field, from the coaches box and from the spectators.
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