While there was no local action in the Hampden Football Netball League over the weekend due to the scheduled bye, the league made a big impression on the interleague stage in Ballarat. Taking on the Ballarat Football Netball League across three matches at Mars Stadium, Hampden proudly fielded 66 players across Under 17 Boys, Under 19 Girls and Under 23 Men’s teams — all proudly wearing the Bottle Green jumper.
The U17 Boys and U19 Girls both claimed impressive victories in front of a strong crowd, showcasing the depth and future of Hampden football talent. The U23 Men’s team, despite their best efforts, were outclassed by a very talented and polished Ballarat outfit. Still, there were plenty of positives, including individual performances that earned major honours.
Cobden’s Luke Smith was outstanding through the midfield and was awarded the Richard Nixon Medal for Best on Ground in the U23 match. South Warrnambool Warrnambool forward Sam Conboy was in sensational form, kicking five goals to claim the Stephen Anderson Medal. Meanwhile, Hamilton’s Ruby Cleaver was a standout in the U19 Girls match, a clear and deserving winner of the Best on Ground Medal for her commanding performance. Days like these provide an excellent opportunity to showcase the league’s strength against other high-calibre competitions across Victoria. A huge thank you goes to all the interleague coaches and support staff who put in countless hours of work preparing these squads — your commitment doesn’t go unnoticed.
In club news, North Warrnambool supporters received a boost with the announcement that coach Nathan Vardy has signed on for the 2026 season. Vardy has been a brilliant addition to the Eagles, offering leadership, strategy, and on-field presence. His reappointment is a clear sign the club is building something strong for the future, both on and off the field.
Lastly, a moment of pride for the entire Hampden community came on the weekend with George Stevens’ AFL debut for Geelong. A product of South Warrnambool, George showed he belonged at the top level with an outstanding performance: 21 disposals, 14 score involvements, 8 clearances and a goal. His composure and strength around the contest were evident, and it’s clear this is just the beginning of a promising AFL career. Well done, George!
