North Warrnambool has booked the first ticket into the 2025 Hampden FNL Grand Final after producing a commanding second-half performance to defeat Koroit in last weekend’s second semi-final. The Eagles’ A Graders lifted when it mattered most, taking on the challenge and guiding their side home in style. It was yet another reminder of why the Eagles have been the benchmark across the past five years. They have now qualified for their fifth consecutive Grand Final and will once again set their sights on a long-awaited maiden premiership.
In the first semi-final, South Warrnambool were simply at their best. The Roosters dominated Warrnambool at Leura Oval in front of a strong crowd, showing the trademark intensity and ball movement that has carried them deep into September so many times before. The 2023 premiers were ruthless across the ground and gave the Blues little opportunity to settle into the contest. With that victory, South has earned the right to meet Koroit this weekend at Melville Oval in Hamilton, with the prize being the last remaining place in this year’s Grand Final. Fans can expect a fierce battle between two clubs with proud finals pedigrees and plenty of big-game players.
Off the court, all eyes turn to this Sunday with the presentation of the Hampden FNL’s most prestigious individual accolade, the 2025 Maskell Medal. After an even and highly competitive season, there are multiple contenders capable of walking away with the honour.
Camperdown captain Charlie Lucas and teammate Zach Sinnott have both put together standout years, while Cobden’s Luke Smith and Sam Lucas have been consistent ball-winners for the Bombers. At North Warrnambool, it has been a shared contribution from their star-studded line-up, with the Wines trio, along with Lewis, Vardy and Noske, all shining. Koroit’s Sam Dobson and Connor Byrne continue to be among the league’s elite, while Hamilton’s Sean Barnes and Levi Dare enjoyed excellent campaigns.
Port Fairy has been well-served by Jake Bartlett, Lucas and James Edmonds, while South Warrnambool’s Max Irving and Archie Stevens are fancied by many to poll strongly. Portland pair Tanner Lovell and Jay Moody also impressed, as did Warrnambool’s Jye Turland and Sam Cowling. Terang Mortlake duo Joe Arundell and Lewis Taylor round out a strong field of genuine contenders.
With so much talent spread across the competition, this year’s Maskell Medal count promises to be one of the most exciting in recent memory.
