It was a tough weekend on the weather front for most Hampden Football Netball League clubs, with heavy rain leaving grounds across the region wet, muddy and slippery. For many venues, it was the first real test of winter, and how they recover over the next fortnight will be important with finals just around the corner.
On the field, the season continues to deliver twists, especially at the top end of the ladder. North Warrnambool have firmed as a likely top-three finisher, but who joins them remains unclear. With only four rounds to go, every match carries huge implications. The next month will go a long way to shaping the final ladder and setting up September.
Another fascinating race is the senior goal-kicking leaderboard, with several players still well and truly in the hunt for the title. Warrnambool spearhead Luke Cody continues to lead the charge with 46 majors for the season. He’s five ahead of Portland’s Jake Wilson (41), while the Koroit duo of Connor Byrne and Sam Dobson are closing in fast after strong performances last weekend. With key matchups still to come, this race could go right down to the wire.
This weekend marks the start of the split round, with three matches scheduled for Saturday and the remaining two to follow the next weekend. The staggered fixture comes at a good time, allowing clubs the chance to freshen up sore bodies and potentially rest key players ahead of the run to finals. It’s a crucial period, especially for teams fighting to secure a top-three finish or simply lock in a finals berth.
The weather might be unpredictable, but the football is consistently thrilling. As we enter the business end of the season, supporters can expect high-stakes contests.
