SFNL Div 1 2025

[Greg Tivendale]

I see what you did there Bedders. Because StPauls have got a few players from Ormond, you called them St Pauls Ormond.

I ventured down to McKinnon Reserve today to watch the StPauls Ormond v Beena game. The rain didn't really affect the play that much. It was more of a nuisance than anything else. St Pauls won by 50 without getting much out of second gear. They have a good side, and the inclusion of their skipper Matthew Kreymborg makes a huge difference. He can turn it on whenever he wants even though he is not match fit yet. Judd Rowell, Matt O'brien Kye Beveridge and Brayden O'Toole were all very clean. Murrumbeena were a lot more competitive in the second half. Standish, Corby, Scollo, young Callaghan and Bannister played well.

Murrumbeena are a very young team compared to St Pauls and couldn't really compete with the bigger bodies.

There was still a lot of personal abuse from the crowd especially towards Murrumbeena no 11 Julian Callaghan. He is only a young lad about 19 or so and some of the St Pauls crowd on the McKinnon Rd wing were calling him everything under the sun. I'm not picking on St Pauls because it happens everywhere. But when your team is 50 points up and cruising to Victory, do you really need to be screaming abuse at opposition players? How would you feel if someone came and did that to you at your workplace.?

It's a shame you didn't get down for the game before Nepotism, 31 - 0 down at the quarter, moved some magnets around and came back to take the 4 points. Coaching masterclass some might say

In all seriousness, crowd abuse is always there in local footy but it's up to all of us to call it out when it crosses a line. Banter and that is fine, but direct abuse is never ok.

Come say gday next time you're down.

 

[TooooVeeey]

It's a shame you didn't get down for the game before Nepotism, 31 - 0 down at the quarter, moved some magnets around and came back to take the 4 points. Coaching masterclass some might say

In all seriousness, crowd abuse is always there in local footy but it's up to all of us to call it out when it crosses a line. Banter and that is fine, but direct abuse is never ok.

Come say gday next time you're down.

Helps when St Paul’s can drop 5-6

It's a shame you didn't get down for the game before Nepotism, 31 - 0 down at the quarter, moved some magnets around and came back to take the 4 points. Coaching masterclass some might say

In all seriousness, crowd abuse is always there in local footy but it's up to all of us to call it out when it crosses a line. Banter and that is fine, but direct abuse is never ok.

Come say gday next time you're down.

What magnets did he move? He had 6-7 players who got dropped from the 1s or returned who played 1s last year

 

[Greg Tivendale]

Helps when St Paul’s can drop 5-6

What magnets did he move? He had 6-7 players who got dropped from the 1s or returned who played 1s last year

You do know "he" is me? you imbecile haha

It was a joke, hence following up with "in all seriousness".....................

We were fortunate to get some handy players in this week, shouldn't have let it get out to that margin in the first quarter.

 

[MoorabbinMauler2]

Division 1

Got down to McKinnon Reserve on Friday to witness the end of a coaching masterclass in the reserves before settling in for the senior game. St Paul's finally had a comfortable game, with a really balanced team performance helping secure the four points. As other posters have alluded, the inclusion of Kreymborg was telling. Even without a whole lot of match fitness, he's simply a matchup nightmare for anyone with his speed, strength and overhead prowess. There was one play where Kennedy (from full back) kicked it to Kreymborg, who then unlocked O'Toole for a goal, traversing the lengthy expanses of the ground in a mere two kicks. The Dogs' forward line, with Kreym, O'Toole, Hilton-Joyce and Rowell is as good as any in the comp and should kick some huge scores this season. Their midfield was also really good, albeit against an undermanned Murrumbeena. I do worry about their defence, as they've had some massive losses in Aneet, Hunt and Knox. Purcell was very impressive in an intercepting role, Kennedy had some nice usage and Beveridge simply couldn't be tackled before he went off with a slight injury concern. I think if another team's midfield can get on top, the makeshift defence may get overwhelmed, but Scott coaches brilliantly. Should be a good game against the Districts this week. For Beena, they've lost some mature bodies to Cash at East Sunbury (Elton, Hargrave and Pollard) which has left their midfield pretty light on and raw. Young Nousis was impressive in the ruck and Shirley did a great job on O'Toole despite his non existent ball use. Getting Rogers and Tolongs back will help, but they're going to need to lift to ensure their stay in division 1 isn't simply a one year sojourn. A great opportunity awaits against Cranbourne.

Cheltenham took care of Bentlegh quite easily, with Austin Johnson running riot (kicking 5). The win came at a cost for the Rosellas, with Edwards and Weickhardt both going down prior to a crunch clash with Narre on Saturday. Chelt's bottom end looks to be a lot weaker than last year's so far in 2025, leaving their status as top dog vulnerable. For Bentleigh, it's encouraging to see them remain somewhat in the game against the good sides, and they've got a chance to rein in a huge scalp this Saturday against the Colts in a game that has become somewhat of a rivalry.

East Brighton accelerated in the third quarter (kicking 44 unanswered points!) to leave Cranbourne 0-3. Keath put in a virtuouso performance to announce his SFNL arrival. In further encouraging signs, the Vampires won without Reid and Corp. They face a huge test away to the Dingoes this week in another mouth-watering clash. Cranny simply must win this week against Beena. They're a super well structured team, but losing their entire premiership forward line of 2022 has put a ridiculous weight upon Roscoe, Jones and Darbyshire to kick copious amounts of goals from the midfield. Their forward line needs to lift.

Narre overran Port late in a humdinger of a contest with some giant swings of momentum. Narre's twin towers look awesome, with Richardson making hay in the confined spaces of Murphy reserve to kick 6 and Howe looking dangerous too. They face the yardstick of the competition this week in a highly anticipated clash. For Port, they fall to 1-2. It's almost as if their ground is too small for them, as the prospect of the Clarkes in a bigger 50 would give opposing coaches fits. They've got to beat Bentleigh this week to stay in touch with the 5 in a surprisingly high stakes game.

Dingley overpowered Springy in a spirited Good Friday game, with Morecroft dominating up forward. Their inside mids are obviously very good, but Walmesly and Benton might be the best wing pairing in the competition, surging the Dingoes forward but also contributing heavily to defence. Springvale will be gutted to start 0-3, but not all is lost for the districts. They've played both grand finalists already, so the draw should open up for them. While St Paul's are 3-0 and Springy are 0-3, Saturday's contest should be a thriller.

Division 2
Keysy with a gritty win over the Bears in an inaccurate contest on ANZAC day. The Burras condemn the Bears to being the only winless side, but the men from Caulfield should improve with Dunn's return.
Chelsea Heights get on the board with a thrilling victory over the Dolphins, holding on for a four point win. Slightly disappointing for the Dolphins, but they can't be unhappy with a 2-1 start.
Doveton burst the Mordi bubble with a tight win. They've still got some seriously handy players in Primrose, Sheppard and Calvert so will give teams trouble. Interesting to see Doveton coach Stapleton playing after a year off.
East Malvern pipped Endeavour Hills in a sloppy performance, with their recruits carrying them to victory in a rare goalless game from their talisman over the spirited Falcons.
In the surprise of the century, Highett shocked Hampton Park and the SFNL community with a rabble rousing victory over the Redbacks. Young Guida played a blinder of a game (he had a stack of it against Mordi, but some poor use with it), and the Dogs rode a team performance to knock off the flag fancies. Some cracking games to come in the next couple of weeks

Division 3
South Mornington outlasted Ashwood in a good Friday thriller, with their superior accuracy proving to be the difference.
Hampton franked their premiership aspirations with a masterful team performance over the Panthers, who face a huge test away to the tigers
Whish-Wilson kicked 7 as the Saints continue their march in 2025 with a resounding shooting down of the Jets. Cloke simply needs more supply.
Berwick Springs continued their idyllic start to SFNL life with a 52 point dismantling of the lightning, who have been erratic this season.
C.P.L edged out Skye, with their twin towers of Feehan and Baxter getting the job done once again.

Division 4
Clayton continue their great form, notching a third win against the much-improved Saints, with Paola's 4 proving to be the difference.
Dandy West outdid the Lions in a canter to grab their first win of the season. It's a travesty that Leigh Park is being used for senior football.
Hallam smacked the Eagles, J Sharlassian running riot with a bag of 7 to cement their status as premiership favourites after narrowly going down last year.
Stevens continues his elite form for the Pumas, sniping 6 to sink the Kangaroos, who couldn't ride Kandakji's 5 to victory.
Regardless, one of local footy's biggest losing streaks in South Yarra or Narre South will end this week in a huge boost to the winning club!

 

[chumbawumba]

 

[chumbawumba]

 

[chumbawumba]

 

[chumbawumba]

 

[gelder01]

Narre took it up to Cheltenham, were just outmuscled and ran out of gas, which is a common theme in their losses.
Narre looked all over Cheltenham in 2nd but as very good sides do, Cheltenham responded in the 2nd half.

 

[Marousses]

ventured out to the village to catch them in action against the All Stars. Left with about 10 to go in the last, Very good game of footy , and a big crowd from my viewpoint near the scoreboard looking at the clubroom wing. Dingoes probably a 3/4 goal better side and have deeper depth in list and took full advantage when they had momentum. All Stars themselves played pretty well, although their bottom 3/4 are still average at best and other glaring area that struck me was the lack of distributors out of the back half , no Tyrren Head? but surely they just don’t rely on him to kick? they just play safe down the down line football due to probably a lack of trust in skill level and refuse to move the ball off the line or switch or 45s to get the overlap going and get opposition out of position and get their tall forwards 1 v 1 where as dingley as soon as back 6 got the ball it’s out the other side in the shape of 45s, switches and with the deep midfield that they have assembled they just run and roll in waves to get on the chain and that amounts to easier entries to tick the scoreboard over. Morecroft smart forward , but All Stars coaching staff would be frustrated with losing 1v1s , body on body easily in back half, to many marks inside 35m. #1 for All Stars is a serious player , I’d be keeping him forward but they’d love 2 of him. there’s no doubt the All Stars if they can fix up a couple of issues, maybe Keath to permanent CHB? to direct play and can find a couple more ball users they will be up there at the deep end of the season . Dingley to sure themselves up probably lack a key forward as I didn’t see Caleb Lewis out there, still concussion ? and Jake Mullen is done for the season and not sure morecroft will kick bags every week but they have the bases covered. if that’s 1 v 2 then the southern is going pretty well from a standard point of view.

 

[Swans1968]

This is a 16 year old kid playing his first senior game , who got knocked out with this cheap shot , Umpire didn’t report him or even give 50 meters . Reason I’m posting this is a Bentleigh supporter on here last year said we were a thug side , Hope no 16 is real proud of himself.

 

[bedford]

Good to see St. Pauls lose

 

[toxic]

This is a 16 year old kid playing his first senior game , who got knocked out with this cheap shot , Umpire didn’t report him or even give 50 meters . Reason I’m posting this is a Bentleigh supporter on here last year said we were a thug side , Hope no 16 is real proud of himself.

Is there video footage of the incident?

 

[Mr north man]

Good to see St. Pauls lose

Well not a very good weekend for them losing on the field with I dare say no $$$ coming from the Libs if they won and Glen Eira council.

 

[bedford]

Well not a very good weekend for them losing on the field with I dare say no $$$ coming from the Libs if they won and Glen Eira council.

Must be down on junior numbers went past a couple of hours ago and both grounds empty

 

[Swans1968]

Is there video footage of the incident?

Yes

 

[Nepotism]

Must be down on junior numbers went past a couple of hours ago and both grounds empty

Well, Bedders, as I've told you, The Indians and Chinese have moved into the area and their children don't play AFL so the game will slowly die at the local level. The first signs of that are at junior clubs like St Pauls. Sure, the big private schools will still thrive but local footy at a junior level is doomed. Not enough participants.

 

[Mr north man]

Well, Bedders, as I've told you, The Indians and Chinese have moved into the area and their children don't play AFL so the game will slowly die at the local level. The first signs of that are at junior clubs like St Pauls. Sure, the big private schools will still thrive but local footy at a junior level is doomed. Not enough participants.

Only problems doesn’t matter if it’s St.Paul’s or whoever the smiling assassins Soccer are crying out for fields everywhere especially 1 soccer club that is big in that area that will jump on it in a flash.

 

[Nepotism]

Yes, I see the soccer numbers at Bailey Reserve have no problem, in fact they are increasing. As the demographic of the area changes, and the number of junior AFL participants decreases, more and more AFL grounds will be redesigned to cater for soccer. Unfortunately, this is the beginning of the end. I am old but I can remember when both ovals at McKinnon reserve were bustling with AFL life from 9am till 5pm on a Sunday. St Pauls used to have an under 8s, two under 9s and a team in every age group all the way up till under 17 in both boys' and girls' levels. The place was alive with kids and their parents. A real community feeling. Now they have one team at under 13 and maybe under 15, I think. Where have all the kids gone?

 

[Kick It To Me !]

Yes

Your in Trouble Andrew Walker.

 

[Marousses]

Your in Trouble Andrew Walker.

Is this in relation to the above image? #16 Bentleigh. Was there a concussion/ injury? Did the player taken high take the kick ?? Give us some context here … being a 16yo has no bearing in open age football, action doesn’t look great but give the onlookers some context here , Thanks.

 

[Turbos mail]

Is this in relation to the above image? #16 Bentleigh. Was there a concussion/ injury? Did the player taken high take the kick ?? Give us some context here … being a 16yo has no bearing in open age football, action doesn’t look great but give the onlookers some context here , Thanks.

Yes being 16 has no bearing being senior footy but taking out a young player is very cowardly in my book.

 

[Marousses]

Yes being 16 has no bearing being senior footy but taking out a young player is very cowardly in my book.

No doubt but in a split second heat of battle you are not thinking age / height/ weight. But yes learning after the fact it’s a 16yo wouldn’t of sat well afterwards.

Side topic and On the Port Colts - and there seems to be a few of you on here , what’s the go with the under performance so far this season ? Paying big $$$$ and no results ? Can’t keep dishing up mid to lower end ladder finishes and spending as much as Dingleys and Cheltenhams of the competition.

 

[bedford]

Yes, I see the soccer numbers at Bailey Reserve have no problem, in fact they are increasing. As the demographic of the area changes, and the number of junior AFL participants decreases, more and more AFL grounds will be redesigned to cater for soccer. Unfortunately, this is the beginning of the end. I am old but I can remember when both ovals at McKinnon reserve were bustling with AFL life from 9am till 5pm on a Sunday. St Pauls used to have an under 8s, two under 9s and a team in every age group all the way up till under 17 in both boys' and girls' levels. The place was alive with kids and their parents. A real community feeling. Now they have one team at under 13 and maybe under 15, I think. Where have all the kids gone?

They don't play AFL , they play Aussie Rules sport

 

[Swans1968]

Is this in relation to the above image? #16 Bentleigh. Was there a concussion/ injury? Did the player taken high take the kick ?? Give us some context here … being a 16yo has no bearing in open age football, action doesn’t look great but give the onlookers some context here , Thanks.

No he was knocked out . And agree about doesn’t matter about the age . But a cheap shot is a cheap shot