It’s a special weekend in the Hampden Football Netball League as we celebrate milestone round – a time to acknowledge the dedication, perseverance and talent of some of the competition’s most respected names.
Leading the way is Portland’s star midfielder Daniel Jackson, who will run out for his 150th senior game. A stalwart of the Tigers’ engine room, Jackson’s standing in the league was cemented with his 2022 Maskell Medal win, highlighting his class, consistency and impact. A fierce competitor and admired teammate, Daniel has been instrumental in shaping Portland’s midfield identity over the past decade.
Another player to reach the 150-game mark is Port Fairy’s Dylan Ginning, one of the Seagulls’ most dependable and hard-working performers. Ginning’s loyalty to his club is admirable, and his leadership on and off the field has been a constant throughout his career. Whether lining up across half-back or through the middle, Dylan’s composure, toughness and reliability have made him a favourite among teammates and fans alike.
Adding to the weekend’s celebratory feel, two emerging stars will notch up their 50-game milestones. Terang Mortlake’s Rhys Buck and North Warrnambool’s Harry Keast are two names quickly gaining recognition across the league. Buck’s aerial power and flexibility is outstanding, while Keast’s speed and creativity through the midfield have made him a player to watch. Both are key parts of their clubs’ future and are already showing signs of long and successful careers in the HFNL.
Looking ahead, next week brings an exciting development with the Interleague clash against Ballarat FNL to now be played at Mars Stadium. The venue change is a significant boost for the competition, giving our representatives the opportunity to showcase their skills on an elite AFL-standard surface. It’s a fitting stage for what promises to be a hard-fought contest between two proud country football leagues.
Training for all Interleague squads will be held on Tuesday and Thursday next week, with final selections to be announced Thursday night. Congratulations again to all players reaching milestones this week – your commitment and achievements reflect the very best of community football.
