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SFNL Div 1 2025

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Helps when there's no other clubs in the area
Narre also have the advantage of two feeder teams (Narre North Foxes and Narre Warren juniors), and a history of dominance and good coaches. They run a very good program from junior level all the way through, so the gun kids are ready all the way through to U19’s, and a lot of kids who want to be good or play for good teams go there from the other local clubs as well.
 
Narre also have the advantage of two feeder teams (Narre North Foxes and Narre Warren juniors), and a history of dominance and good coaches. They run a very good program from junior level all the way through, so the gun kids are ready all the way through to U19’s, and a lot of kids who want to be good or play for good teams go there from the other local clubs as well.

Exactly right. Very lucky to have the feeder teams and also having a reputation for being a good team helps when getting young talent in
 
I think that will start to change from next season onwards. The general consensus from inhouse is that every other club stocked up on players to prepare for Narre's arrival, which I tend to agree with. They have been with East Brighton, Chelt & Dingley for 2-3 qtrs but couldn't hold them off.

It kind of tells me that with 20 odd points to play with & good canteen sales they will go shopping for a couple of players next year, without upsetting the develop from within culture
If that’s the case and they are happy with their place in the SFL, then watch for them to be a force for a sustained period of time!
 
Yes Greg, Bentleigh are coming. I have been watching over the last few years. They have had two or three premiership years in under 19s and now those kids are blossoming into great young clubmen. Bentleigh are the example for other clubs in this regard.

Bentleigh have set themselves up for the future nicely without having to spend big money on getting 3- and 4-point players to the club.
Not entirely correct. If you do your homework, you will see that they have lured plenty of players across from VAFA, including about 6-7 from the one VAFA club, who were predominantly B grade reserves players. Absolutely nothing wrong with that, but you cannot claim to be "setting the example" (which they're not but you are) when you are doing the same as everyone else.
 
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Maybe but Bentleigh have also been the go-to club at under 19 level (premiership winners) and have cultivated those kids and now a lot of them are standing up in their senior team.

You're right though. They went around to a lot of local VAFA B Grade reserve players and C grade players, took them to the pub and offered them a signing bonus, there and then on the spot if they signed on with Bentleigh.
 
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De La Salle.
Can confirm DLS. All fantastic clubmen and a big loss to the club but aside from Bufalo and maybe Colak, they were all pretty much entrenched 2s players. About 6 - 7 moved across together after winning the 2022 B grade reserves flag and a couple of others have joined them since. Has nothing to do with being taken to the pub or a sign on bonus. Just an opportunity to play senior footy together and earn a few bucks at a good club. The conduit was O’Brien who returned to Bentleigh after a couple of years at DLS.
 
Can confirm DLS. All fantastic clubmen and a big loss to the club but aside from Bufalo and maybe Colak, they were all pretty much entrenched 2s players. About 6 - 7 moved across together after winning the 2022 B grade reserves flag and a couple of others have joined them since. Has nothing to do with being taken to the pub or a sign on bonus. Just an opportunity to play senior footy together and earn a few bucks at a good club. The conduit was O’Brien who returned to Bentleigh after a couple of years at DLS.
Thanks for telling us , i don't rate anything from that other ####
 
The 3 weeks for the Matty O'Brien hit for Brunt should have been a minimum given Matty is out for 3 due to concussion protocol.

I wonder if it was a premeditated act given Matty is not that tall, and he is the engine room of the St Pauls team.

I guess we will never know. But a 3 week ban for head high tackle causing concussion is at least a start.

Walker should have at least got the same verdict.

It's time this stuff was stamped out.
And it's not only in men's footy also in women's footy. Last Friday night, a Clayton's women's player spat in the face of a Lyndale women's player.
 
Division 1
Bentleigh gave Cranbourne an absolute shellacking in a result not many saw coming (myself included). The Demons really impressed me, with hard running, elite pressure and clinical finishing up forward laying the groundwork for an impressive victory. Reidy (#56) is an absolute star, and hard to believe he's only 17 - much like his teammate Theodoropoulos, both would be draft shoo ins if they were 10cm taller. Smart makes a massive difference to the midfield, with Dooley and Foley both firing as a result. The Demons have an arsenal of options up forward, which should set them in good stead as they look to threaten for finals for the first time in many moons as they're finally seeing their much vaunted under 19 crop come to fruition. For Cranbourne, they just don't have the cattle of years past and are reliant on Roscoe to put in herculean efforts week in, week out to win games. It's quite a fall from grace for the Eagles, but they are a champion club, so you'd expect them to bounce back at some point. Their beleaguered defensive front actually played quite well, Green and Buntine particularly battled commendably against the Demon's onslaught of ball invading their forward 50. Brandon Osborne should come back into the side at some point this season, which will help matters as he's one of the best defenders in the competition, but by then, it may be a case of too little too late. As a neutral, it's awesome to see 10th place have a percentage of 65, which reflects tremendously on the standard of Division 1 footy.

St Paul's rose from the canvas to take down Port Melbourne on the back of a 6 goal masterclass from O'Toole, who cashed in on Lehmann's absence. The Dogs are finding ways to win without really playing elite footy as of yet, but face a huge next fortnight with Dingley and Cheltenham awaiting. Purcell is probably the singularly most important player in the side, as his intercepting prowess behind the ball can cover for others who are perhaps not up to the lofty standard of yesteryear, remains to be seen how much footy he'll play. For the Colts, they'd be bitterly disappointed with how the year's started, and desperately need a scalp. They have the manpower, but are just not running games out - surprising considering their centre bounce contingent is amongst the best in the competition. Expect them to regroup over the interleague bye, before playing the ailing Rosellas in a must win game.

As for those Rosellas, they produced their second stinker of the year against an imperious East Brighton, who demolished them to the tune of 84 points. The Rosellas look to be weary after climbing the mountain the last two years, and other clubs haven't helped matters by picking at the carcass of their reserves team, leaving their previously enviable reserves stocks flagging. They obviously still have some outstanding top tier talent, but are relying on their youngsters to contribute heavily, which is hard against mature bodies of other teams. Edwards coming back post-bye will be integral. Contrastingly, the Vampires played an absolute blinder, sucking the Rosellas dry of their famed zip and ball movement in a defensive masterclass spearheaded by the irrepressible Keath. Dominance at the coalface through Downie, Cochrane and Cooper allowed a constant stream down the throats of Corp and company, which they gleefully capitalised on. Not sure what role Tom Lamb is playing, but he was goalless, and in conjunction with Ben Reid's impending return, should be giving opposition coaches fits as to how to keep all three muffled - only way to stop them would be praying for rain!

Springvale held a valiant Murrumbeena at arm's length in a fizzler of a second half. Helmore fired off four goals to continue his sensational start to the year and in good signs for the Springy faithful, Wetering looks to be close to his scintillating best. Martin continues to show that he still has it. For Beena, Will Smith showed why he's a former league medallist with slick skills and elusiveness, which waxed well with another four from Standish. The Lions have been competitive every week, but need another result to stave off the Eagles at the foot of the ladder.

Dingley made a late charge to trump Narre Warren late in a pulsating affair at Kalora Park. The Dingoes, whilst impressive, haven't looked unbeatable due to lacking a focal point up forward, and with Lewis' potential rise to the AFL, could be forced to spend big at the deadline. Morecroft has been elite, but he's not a #1 key. Big game coming up against St Paul's, before a more relaxed fortnight afterwards. Howe did his best to drag the Magpies to victory, slotting five in the absence of Feehan. Narre have had a middling start to the season, but are well and truly in the finals hunt. As other posters have alluded to, they may need to bring in a couple of external recruits to be true premiership fancies, for which they've got ample points to do so, because they're a shade off the genuine contenders at the present.

Division 2
Hampton Park bounced back to pip East Malvern in an entertaining contest. Mason Hawkins has to be in the conversation for recruit of the season with another domineering performance in the ruck, King was also integral at the back, clamping Morrisby. East Malvern's recruits in Hamilton and Cameron were also stellar, but their defence, which impressed me tremendously in last year's finals, haven't been at their best so far this season. All this proves is how wide open Div 2 really is!
Caulfield, fuelled by 9 from Dunn, steamrolled Doveton, who look shellshocked. Dunn makes the Bears a three goal better team when he's playing, so it's integral he reins in his temper for the rest of the season, as he's too good not to be playing. An entertaining contest against the Bulldogs awaits this week.
Highett look to have hit a rich vein of form, dismantling Keysborough by 75 points in a second half smackdown. The Dogs aren't relying on any one individual to do the damage in promising signs, but they don't have the top end talent of an EM or HP so remains to be seen how they perform in finals (if they make it that far).
Mordialloc rode a fantastic seven from their Irish import O'Donnell (who played like James, not Caoimhin), pulling off a fourth quarter heist against the second half specialists Frankston. Frankston vs EM will be a fantastic game this week, with both teams smarting after tight losses.
Chelsea Heights flipped the script on their early season form, saluting Tapscott's 50th game for the club with a marvellous win over Endeavour Hills. The Heighters are starting to get rolling now, and with tall timber to come back, will be a must watch later in the year. They're only one game (and %) out of first despite their early season struggles, yet again proving how even division 2 is.

Division 3
A Stephen Milne inspired Lyndhurst outduelled Black Rock to notch their first victory of the season, the ex St Kilda star slotting four in the potential Firestarter to the previously crying Lightning's season.
Berwick Springs continued their dream start to SFNL life with a win over a plucky Ashwood to move to 5-0. Stagg and Ellison both look a level above others.
South Mornington stunned Carrum Patterson Lakes with a gritty W in a well rounded team performance. A mouth-watering contest awaits this week against the undefeated Springers.
Heatherton took the wind out of St Kilda City's sails in an evenly matched contest, withstanding a fightback to emerge triumphant. The win can be attributed to the defensive line and the Saints' inaccuracy.
Skye edged Hampton on an after the siren special in an otherwise dour affair.

Division 4
Clayton had the better of Lyndale in an impressive result after being goalless at quarter time before Daniel Lake's 6 goals fired them to a memorable day at Meade Reserve. Stevens was well held to one goal.
Hallam thumped Moorabbin due to an even team performance, setting the stage for a 1 v 2 matchup this week against the Clays.
South Yarra saluted for the second time in as many weeks at Leigh Park behind 6 from James Orchard, consigning the Doveton Eagles to the nadir of the ladder.
Dandenong West, with the help of Jenkins' 10, belted Narre South. The Saints have a chance to end SFNL's longest losing streak this week against the Eagles in a hotly anticipated affair. Also interesting to see Mimo Dimachki rock up on the Redlegs' team sheet after some great years at Moorabbin.
 
Division 1
Bentleigh gave Cranbourne an absolute shellacking in a result not many saw coming (myself included). The Demons really impressed me, with hard running, elite pressure and clinical finishing up forward laying the groundwork for an impressive victory. Reidy (#56) is an absolute star, and hard to believe he's only 17 - much like his teammate Theodoropoulos, both would be draft shoo ins if they were 10cm taller. Smart makes a massive difference to the midfield, with Dooley and Foley both firing as a result. The Demons have an arsenal of options up forward, which should set them in good stead as they look to threaten for finals for the first time in many moons as they're finally seeing their much vaunted under 19 crop come to fruition. For Cranbourne, they just don't have the cattle of years past and are reliant on Roscoe to put in herculean efforts week in, week out to win games. It's quite a fall from grace for the Eagles, but they are a champion club, so you'd expect them to bounce back at some point. Their beleaguered defensive front actually played quite well, Green and Buntine particularly battled commendably against the Demon's onslaught of ball invading their forward 50. Brandon Osborne should come back into the side at some point this season, which will help matters as he's one of the best defenders in the competition, but by then, it may be a case of too little too late. As a neutral, it's awesome to see 10th place have a percentage of 65, which reflects tremendously on the standard of Division 1 footy.

St Paul's rose from the canvas to take down Port Melbourne on the back of a 6 goal masterclass from O'Toole, who cashed in on Lehmann's absence. The Dogs are finding ways to win without really playing elite footy as of yet, but face a huge next fortnight with Dingley and Cheltenham awaiting. Purcell is probably the singularly most important player in the side, as his intercepting prowess behind the ball can cover for others who are perhaps not up to the lofty standard of yesteryear, remains to be seen how much footy he'll play. For the Colts, they'd be bitterly disappointed with how the year's started, and desperately need a scalp. They have the manpower, but are just not running games out - surprising considering their centre bounce contingent is amongst the best in the competition. Expect them to regroup over the interleague bye, before playing the ailing Rosellas in a must win game.

As for those Rosellas, they produced their second stinker of the year against an imperious East Brighton, who demolished them to the tune of 84 points. The Rosellas look to be weary after climbing the mountain the last two years, and other clubs haven't helped matters by picking at the carcass of their reserves team, leaving their previously enviable reserves stocks flagging. They obviously still have some outstanding top tier talent, but are relying on their youngsters to contribute heavily, which is hard against mature bodies of other teams. Edwards coming back post-bye will be integral. Contrastingly, the Vampires played an absolute blinder, sucking the Rosellas dry of their famed zip and ball movement in a defensive masterclass spearheaded by the irrepressible Keath. Dominance at the coalface through Downie, Cochrane and Cooper allowed a constant stream down the throats of Corp and company, which they gleefully capitalised on. Not sure what role Tom Lamb is playing, but he was goalless, and in conjunction with Ben Reid's impending return, should be giving opposition coaches fits as to how to keep all three muffled - only way to stop them would be praying for rain!

Springvale held a valiant Murrumbeena at arm's length in a fizzler of a second half. Helmore fired off four goals to continue his sensational start to the year and in good signs for the Springy faithful, Wetering looks to be close to his scintillating best. Martin continues to show that he still has it. For Beena, Will Smith showed why he's a former league medallist with slick skills and elusiveness, which waxed well with another four from Standish. The Lions have been competitive every week, but need another result to stave off the Eagles at the foot of the ladder.

Dingley made a late charge to trump Narre Warren late in a pulsating affair at Kalora Park. The Dingoes, whilst impressive, haven't looked unbeatable due to lacking a focal point up forward, and with Lewis' potential rise to the AFL, could be forced to spend big at the deadline. Morecroft has been elite, but he's not a #1 key. Big game coming up against St Paul's, before a more relaxed fortnight afterwards. Howe did his best to drag the Magpies to victory, slotting five in the absence of Feehan. Narre have had a middling start to the season, but are well and truly in the finals hunt. As other posters have alluded to, they may need to bring in a couple of external recruits to be true premiership fancies, for which they've got ample points to do so, because they're a shade off the genuine contenders at the present.

Division 2
Hampton Park bounced back to pip East Malvern in an entertaining contest. Mason Hawkins has to be in the conversation for recruit of the season with another domineering performance in the ruck, King was also integral at the back, clamping Morrisby. East Malvern's recruits in Hamilton and Cameron were also stellar, but their defence, which impressed me tremendously in last year's finals, haven't been at their best so far this season. All this proves is how wide open Div 2 really is!
Caulfield, fuelled by 9 from Dunn, steamrolled Doveton, who look shellshocked. Dunn makes the Bears a three goal better team when he's playing, so it's integral he reins in his temper for the rest of the season, as he's too good not to be playing. An entertaining contest against the Bulldogs awaits this week.
Highett look to have hit a rich vein of form, dismantling Keysborough by 75 points in a second half smackdown. The Dogs aren't relying on any one individual to do the damage in promising signs, but they don't have the top end talent of an EM or HP so remains to be seen how they perform in finals (if they make it that far).
Mordialloc rode a fantastic seven from their Irish import O'Donnell (who played like James, not Caoimhin), pulling off a fourth quarter heist against the second half specialists Frankston. Frankston vs EM will be a fantastic game this week, with both teams smarting after tight losses.
Chelsea Heights flipped the script on their early season form, saluting Tapscott's 50th game for the club with a marvellous win over Endeavour Hills. The Heighters are starting to get rolling now, and with tall timber to come back, will be a must watch later in the year. They're only one game (and %) out of first despite their early season struggles, yet again proving how even division 2 is.

Division 3
A Stephen Milne inspired Lyndhurst outduelled Black Rock to notch their first victory of the season, the ex St Kilda star slotting four in the potential Firestarter to the previously crying Lightning's season.
Berwick Springs continued their dream start to SFNL life with a win over a plucky Ashwood to move to 5-0. Stagg and Ellison both look a level above others.
South Mornington stunned Carrum Patterson Lakes with a gritty W in a well rounded team performance. A mouth-watering contest awaits this week against the undefeated Springers.
Heatherton took the wind out of St Kilda City's sails in an evenly matched contest, withstanding a fightback to emerge triumphant. The win can be attributed to the defensive line and the Saints' inaccuracy.
Skye edged Hampton on an after the siren special in an otherwise dour affair.

Division 4
Clayton had the better of Lyndale in an impressive result after being goalless at quarter time before Daniel Lake's 6 goals fired them to a memorable day at Meade Reserve. Stevens was well held to one goal.
Hallam thumped Moorabbin due to an even team performance, setting the stage for a 1 v 2 matchup this week against the Clays.
South Yarra saluted for the second time in as many weeks at Leigh Park behind 6 from James Orchard, consigning the Doveton Eagles to the nadir of the ladder.
Dandenong West, with the help of Jenkins' 10, belted Narre South. The Saints have a chance to end SFNL's longest losing streak this week against the Eagles in a hotly anticipated affair. Also interesting to see Mimo Dimachki rock up on the Redlegs' team sheet after some great years at Moorabbin.
Great write up again showing we don't need that new fella talking ####
 

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And it's not only in men's footy also in women's footy. Last Friday night, a Clayton's women's player spat in the face of a Lyndale women's player.
Yes, some of the women's games are very spiteful. I have watched a lot of ladies footy, and they can be just as vicious as any men's game. Some of the women can be extremely aggressive.

It is up to the club administrations to uphold a set of standards, and it is up to the SNFL to make sure all clubs uphold those standards. It has to start at the top.

As we have said, the SNFL has had a reputation for thuggery in the past and it all needs to be cleaned up immediately and people at club level held accountant for players (both men and women) and spectators.
 
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Yes, some of the women's games are very spiteful. I have watched a lot of ladies footy, and they can be just as vicious as any men's game. Some of the women can be extremely aggressive.

It is up to the club administrations to uphold a set of standards, and it is up to the SNFL to make sure all clubs uphold those standards. It has to start at the top.

As we have said, the SNFL has had a reputation for thuggery in the past and it all needs to be cleaned up immediately and people at club level held accountant for players (both men and women) and spectators.
dont know if it's just the southern league but alot of the womans footy is very thuggish, wasnt it just a couple of years ago that a lyndale narre south game called off? its a very bad rep that the Southern has and I think it needs to start at the top, after the skye/keys incident and nothing happened it
 
Yes, some of the women's games are very spiteful. I have watched a lot of ladies footy, and they can be just as vicious as any men's game. Some of the women can be extremely aggressive.

It is up to the club administrations to uphold a set of standards, and it is up to the SNFL to make sure all clubs uphold those standards. It has to start at the top.

As we have said, the SNFL has had a reputation for thuggery in the past and it all needs to be cleaned up immediately and people at club level held accountant for players (both men and women) and spectators.
You are certainly amazing how you can watch so much VAFA and SFL games and now the womens , how lucky we all are
 
dont know if it's just the southern league but alot of the womans footy is very thuggish, wasnt it just a couple of years ago that a lyndale narre south game called off? its a very bad rep that the Southern has and I think it needs to start at the top, after the skye/keys incident and nothing happened it
Hi Dons3188, the women's footy is extremely thuggish. It's not something they talk about because they are trying to expand the game infinitum.

There are a lot of bigger girls who just think they can throw their weight around and because they didn't play as juniors, they haven't perfected any of the nuances of the skilful side of footy or have any idea how to tackle properly. Some of the women's footy is as rough as guts.

And of course, if you get 36 women in competition for anything. you are going to get some extreme cattiness as well.
 
Hi Dons3188, the women's footy is extremely thuggish. It's not something they talk about because they are trying to expand the game infinitum.

There are a lot of bigger girls who just think they can throw their weight around and because they didn't play as juniors, they haven't perfected any of the nuances of the skilful side of footy or have any idea how to tackle properly. Some of the women's footy is as rough as guts.

And of course, if you get 36 women in competition for anything. you are going to get some extreme cattiness as well.
How bout you start a different thread for women’s football, and this can remain Div 1 men’s
 

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How bout you start a different thread for women’s football, and this can remain Div 1 men’s
more referring back to the issues with Port Melbourne and the image of the league, articles about the guy from Dingley getting life for punching someone over the line can't be good for the league and it seems to trickle down to all Divs
 
Charlie Clarke heading for the Borough , not good for Colts , he might prefer spectators behind the goals , as well as night games
Big Trouble at the murphy reserve if this is true? They have some big games coming up, they lose them then the panic of relegation sets in , Murrumbeena and Cranbourne.
 

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