I must make mention of the Hampden juniors and congratulated all the coaches at all the clubs, the players development is awesome. The competition has gone from strength to strength. Well Done all!
South Warrnambool vs North Warrnambool in the Under 15 match will be a beauty. The Eagles overcame a determined Terang Mortlake to make the Preliminary final whilst the roosters went down to Hamilton. South to win through to the Grand finale.
In the under 13 reserves match the Kangaroos take on the Warrnambool Blues. I’m expecting a close match with the young Hamilton side off to the big dance.
The under 17 game between the Magpies and the Roosters is replay of the qualifying final and what a contest that was! the Roosters are up and about an will push the Pies all the way however Camperdown will advance.
Hamilton Kangaroos take on the Koroit Saints in the under 13 match. Hamilton won the match in the qualifying final by 4. A few weeks earlier in the home and away the Saints by the same margin. This match will go down to the wire, the Saints to make the grand final.
In Division 2 Netball the Eagles take on the Blues another close match between these two combatants. In the qualifying final the Eagles got going early and held off a fast-finishing Warrnambool outfit. The Eagles seem to have hit their straps at the right time and will get the win.
The under 15 Reserve match features Terang/Mortlake and Koroit. These teams finished 2 and 3 respectively. I have seen both these teams play finals and currently both teams are playing at their best. The Bloods will get over the Saints.
In Division 3 the Hamilton Kangaroos vs North Warrnambool. This encounter shows finals are a different game. The Eagles finished 5th on the ladder and have played extremely well during the finals to make the Preliminary final. On the other hand the Kangaroos had a terrific home and away series but find themselves in do or die game at the weekend. The inform Eagles to take the win.
The Division 1 match is a repeat with the Eagles again taking on the Kangaroos. Both times these sides have met in the home and away the Hamilton Kangaroos have got the points in close games. It will be a tight tussle with the Kangaroos advancing.
The Koroit Saints take on Camperdown in the Under 17 reserve match. Although the Pies have played well during the finals series Koroit will get the win.
Open Match: Cobden Bombers vs Koroit Saints: We saw a quality clash in the Qualifying final played in wet and windy conditions. With the Bombers getting over the Saints by 4 goals. I have spoken about match ups of players before but as the coaches Sophie Hinkley (Cobden) and Danielle McInerney (Koroit) have been willing to make changes as they see fit during their final campaigns this is what I would be watching for. There are so many reasons why either team will get over the line and, in a do, or die match both teams will give it their best shot. All the best to both the Bombers & the Saints. I have decided I will go for Cobden in Extra time!
What a weekend we had during the second week of the Fresha Juice Finals Series in the Hampden Football Netball League. The North Warrnambool Eagles are the first team to book their spot in the 2024 Grand Final, with their opponent to be confirmed this weekend, with South Warrnambool and Terang Mortlake to clash for the final spot. The Eagles were excellent in their Second Semi Final match, with their deep midfield very dangerous, the usual suspects of Bermingham, Grundy, Barlow, Motlop, Wines x 3 all performing well.
Sunday’s First Semi Final between Terang Mortlake and Warrnambool was unbelievable, with the Bloods narrowly winning by 2 points, courtesy of a match-winning goal from skipper Joey Arundell. The match had everything, including Warrnambool leading by 60 points at Quarter Time, Ben Cunnington kicking 6 first quarter goals, a howling breeze favouring the Warrnambool end of Victoria Park and the seven last quarter goals from Terang Mortlake. Amazing comeback, that will be remembered for many years to come.
Bloods Re-sign
Whilst Terang Mortlake are still heavily focused on this weekend’s Preliminary Final, they have started organising for 2025. Senior playing coach Lewis Taylor has re-committed which is a huge bonus, and a number of key players have also committed for next season. Locals Alex Moloney, Joey Arundell, Scott Carlin and Harvey Roberts will go again, but it is great to see the likes of Nick Shipley and Max Lower keen to return. Some great news for the Bloods and no doubt, they are up for another great year in 2025.
Maskell Medal
The 2024 Maskell Medal will be staged this weekend, and it returns as a physical event at the Warrnambool Racing Club. The Hampden FNL has seen a large abundance of top football this season and there are so many great chances to take out the coveted award this season.
Ben Cunnington and Taylem Wason have been excellent in the navy blue this season, while rivals South Warrnambool have had so many great players this season on their journey to the minor premiership including Shannon Beks, Myles McCluggage and Max Irving. The eastern clubs have had many dominant players including Eric Guthrie and Hamish Sinnott from Camperdown, Lewis Taylor and Ryley Hurchins from Terang Mortlake, while Cobden coach Brody Mahoney and ruckman Tim Auckland have been outstanding.
Portland’s Lachie Hupputz and Jake Wilson have been standouts for the Tigers, while Jack English and Ethan Knight have been ultra consistent from the Hamilton Kanagroos. Koroit’s top tier players of Petersen, Neave, Hoy and Baulch have been excellent again, while Port Fairy’s Matthew Sully has had a super season and should poll well. North Warrnambool like South Warrnambool have had many great players throughout the season with the Wines brothers, Lewis, Bermingham, Vardy, Dillon and Grundy all terrific.
This year’s group is outstanding and whoever is the winner, will be a worthy winner.
Week 3 Finals Matches
Preliminary Final
Seniors – South Warrnambool vs Terang Mortlake
Reserves – South Warrnambool vs Cobden
U18 – Hamilton Kangaroos vs Warrnambool
See you at the Footy
Hilly
Celebrating Junior Netballers on Monday night at the Hampden League Junior awards night.
The Rebecca Moroney Medal for the best and fairest under 17 netballer was won by Piper Stephens from Camperdown with 34 votes. Lara Clarke from Terand/Mortlake was runner-up in this award with 31 Votes.
The Under 17 Reserves award winner was Charli Johnstone from Sound Warrnambool with 29 votes from Hannah Gleeson from Koroit the runner-up with 27 votes.
South Warrnambool’s Maya Rhodes was the League Best and Fairest winner in the under 15 competition with 41 votes. Terang/Mortlake’s Pippa Barr was runner up with 30 votes.
Maya Veale from South Warrnambool was the winner in the Under 15 Reserves competition with 32 votes from Mia Robinson North Warrnambool Eagles 29
Athena Chivell from the Bombers was the Under 13 League Best and Fairest Winner with 30 votes from Lexi Thomas from the Hamilton Kangaroos with 28 votes.
Elky Veale from the Roosters was the Winner in the Under 13 Reserves League Best & Fairest with Austyn McInerney receiving 25 votes was the runner-up. Congratulations to all the award winners.
Second semi-final will be played at the Wilson’s DC Farran Oval,
Hamilton Kangaroos take on the undefeated South Warrnambool Rooster’s on Court 1 at 9:15, although the Kangaroos will be up and about South Warrnambool will gain a ticket to the big dance.
On court 2 the Kangaroos again take on the Roosters, with one win a piece so far this season I think Hamilton can get the win.
In the under 17 match the Koroit Saints will take on the Camperdown Magpies, this match show cases many of the Leagues’ juniors who often double up and play open netball. This will be an outstanding game with the Saints advancing to the grand finale.
In the 10:15 time slot on court 2 again South Warrnambool Rooster take on the Hamilton Kangaroos. South Warrnambool will get the points.
Lots of White and Red on the Netball courts with again South Warrnambool playing the North Warrnambool Eagles in the Division 2 competition. The Roosters will progress.
South Warrnambool vs Terang/Mortlake in the Under 15 Reserves this will be a tight tussle the Roosters will again head to the big dance.
In Division 1 Port Fairy vs Hamilton. The Kangaroos will take it right up to the Seagull. A one goal win to the Purple & Gold
The Kangaroos vs the Warrnambool Blues in Division 3, Hamilton to advance to the Grand Finale
In the Under 17 Reserves match the Roosters take on the Saints again I think the Roosters will take the quick path to the big dance.
The Will Jamieson coached South Warrnambool Roosters will have had a couple of training sessions during the weeks break while the Cobden Bombers had a tough win last week to get the chance to turn the tables on the Roosters. Match-ups galore in this contest: South defenders Gen O’Connor & Ally Mellblom against the Finch sisters in attack for the Bombers. South features Meg Carlin, Hollie Phillips & Emma Buwalda in the attacking circle against the different combinations defensively of Nadine McNamara, Jess McGlade Nikki Clover, Matilda Darcy for the Bombers. Then of course the talented mid courters from both teams. I will have my eye on the battle between the rooster’s dynamic Issy Rae and the aerial Lara Taylor. The Roosters to progress straight through to Grand finale.
The first Semi Final will be at Victoria Park Koroit on Sunday
The North Warrnambool Eagles take on the Bloods, the Eagles have won both contest through the year by 2 & by 1 respectively. A tight game with the Eagles home by the narrowest of margins.
The Camperdown Magpies vs the Warrnambool Blues in the under thirteen reserves. One win each in the home and away season. This will be an enthralling contest. The Blues to progress to the Preliminary final.
South Warrnambool Vs Cobden in the under seventeens game. The last time these teams met it was the Roosters comfortable however I am predicting a much closer contest with the Bombers to snatch the win.
In the under thirteen match the Saints take on the Baby Bombers. The young Saints to live to fight another day.
In the Division 2 match Warrnambool Blues Vs Hamilton kangaroos the Blues have won both previous match and I think they will do so again.
Koroit take on Warrnambool in the under 15 reserve match. This will be a close match however I think the Saints by a couple of goals.
The Eagles Vs the Saints in the Division 1 first semi-final. What a game this will be with a draw and a one goal win the result in the home and away matches. Concentration will be the key to this match. The Eagles to advance in extra time.
In the Division 3 match again, the Eagles take on the Koroit Saints. Lots of vocal encouragement around the courts with these matches played at the same time. My tip this time is the Saints.
In the under 17 Reserve match the Warrnambool Blues take on the Camperdown Magpies. Although the Pies play a strong game last week the Warrnambool Blues to progress to next week.
The Warrnambool Blues coached by Kate Lindsey take on the Koroit Saints in the Open match.
With State training on this Sunday will Eva Ryan (Warrnambool) and Indi O’Connor (Koroit) be available?
Contests to watch out for are Molly McLaren, Nell Mitchell & Indi O’Connor goalers against Matilda Fitzgerald & Amy Wormald (Defenders)
The opening week of the Fresha Fruit Finals Series was a big success, despite the tough weather we encountered. The Hampden FNL community came out in force and supported their teams with great passion on both the football ground and netball court. The North Warrnambool Eagles were flawless in their Qualifying Final match against Warrnambool with the midfield group of Barlow, Grundy, Bermingham and Motlop firing. Terang Mortlake had to work hard to get the Elimination Final victory against Koroit, but a stellar quarter against the breeze enabled them to continue their finals journey into week 2. A super weekend of football coming up at the Wilsons DC Farran Oval and Victoria Park, let’s hope the weather stays true.
Hampden Junior Awards
Hamilton Kangaroo young gun Charlie Field etched his name onto an impressive list of winners of the Judd Cup, at this week’s Hampden FNL Junior Presentation Night. Charlie, who played 9 senior matches this season, is an exciting talent that uses the ball well and has exceptional speed. The Hamilton Kangaroo youngster will play a lot more senior football in my mind in 2025. Terang Mortlake midfielder Kane Killen was a high polling winner in the U16 Doug McConnell Medal, winning by two votes from Koroit’s Hamish Dobson. Kane is a talented midfielder, who is tough and an excellent ball user. Port Fairy’s Hamish Williams was the first Seagull player to win a junior best and fairest award since 2007, claiming the U14 Stuart Brunt Medal. A hard-working tall midfielder, has blossomed this year, especially working alongside his senior player mentor Kelby Fleming. Three very deserving award winners.
Bourke 150th
He is one of the best ball users in the Hampden FNL competition and he will play his 150th senior match on Sunday. Terang Mortlake’s Gus Bourke has been a major part of the Bloods resurgence over the past few seasons, especially with his play and leadership of half back. His form in 2023 culminated in a Team of the Year selection. A hard-working defender, Gus has spent time in the forward half this season and poses a dangerous match-up due to his strong marking ability and long kick. A great milestone, and extra motivation for Terang Mortlake in the cut-throat first semi-final against Warrnambool.
Week 2 Finals Matches
2nd Semi Final – DC Farran Oval, Mortlake
Seniors – South Warrnambool vs North Warrnambool
Reserves – South Warrnambool vs North Warrnambool
U18 – Hamilton Kangaroos vs South Warrnambool
1st Semi Final – Victoria Park, Koroit
Seniors – Warrnambool vs Terang Mortlake
Reserves – Cobden vs Terang Mortlake
U18 – Warrnambool vs Camperdown
See you at the Footy
The Minor Premiers have earned the week off, congratulations to the teams that finished on
the top of the Ladder in each grade. I’m sure the coaches of these teams will be watching
the Qualifying final with interest.
Open South Warrnambool
Division 1 Port Fairy
Division 2 South Warrnambool
Division 3 Hamilton Kangaroos
Under 17’s Koroit
Under 17 Reserves South Warrnambool
Under 15’s South Warrnambool
Under 15 Reserves South Warrnambool
Under 13’s South Warrnambool
Under 13 Reserves South Warrnambool
The Qualifying Finals are at the Friendlies Society Park in Warrnambool
First cabs of the rank are the Hamilton Kangaroos vs Camperdown in the under 13 reserves
and Hamilton Kangaroos vs North Warrnambool Eagles. Only one goal the difference in the Under 13 reserves match last time these teams played,
Hamilton by a similar margin.
The under 15’s clash will also be a tight tussle, the Kangaroos have got the points in both
meetings this season, however I think the Eagles will turn the tables.
In the under 17’s Camperdown take on the South Warrnambool Roosters. The Pies will earn
the right to tackle Koroit next week.
The under 13 clash will be a ripper. A win each so far this season. The Saints by a couple
over Hamilton.
The Bloods take on the Saints in the under 15 reserve match, Terang/Mortlake have won
both previous encounters by the narrowest of margins, the bloods again, I think.
The Warrnambool Blues take on the Eagles in the Division 2 match for my money the Eagles
by 5
In division 3 the Blues take on Koroit, the Saints won the contest early in the Season
however Warrnambool won the 2nd time these teams met. On form I am going with
Warrnambool.
The game between Hamilton and Koroit in Division 1 is also one a piece for the season and
again on form I am going with the Saints.
In the Under 17 reserve match between Koroit & Warrnambool, the Saints have got the
points in both matches. Although the last time they met the margin was 3, so it’s anyone’s.
Koroit by a couple.
The Koroit Saints take on the Cobden Bombers, neither team has had their full list available
in previous encounters, both teams have extremely talent juniors who have relished the
opportunity to play Open netball, equally both teams and coaches are wanting the chance to
take on the all-conquering Roosters. I’m excited to watch this contest. There is no tilt on the
scales. Oh goodness I gone for Koroit perhaps in extra time.
On to Sunday at the Cobden Community Bank Recreation Reserve. Elimination Final day.
Koroit take on the Warrnambool Blues in the under 13 Reserves, Koroit will continue to the
second week of finals.
The Saints take on the Bloods in the under 15’s game, last times these teams met the score
was 27 each. Perhaps the toss of the coin will decide this match. Terang/Mortlake by 2
The close town rivals Camperdown & Cobden clash in the Under 13’s game. Playing on their
home court won’t be enough for the young Bombers the Pies by a small margin.
Cobden and Terang/Mortlake compete in the Under 17’s match. A win a piece for these to
combatants, who ever brings their A game will continue to the next week of finals. Cobden
with little to spare.
The Under 15 Reserve match is between Hamilton and Warrnambool. The first times these
teams met it was a very close game, one or two the difference. The Hamilton kangaroos got
the win with a little in hand when these two teams met in the last home and away game. As
we all know finals are a different ball game however on last week’s form Hamilton by a
couple.
The Division 2 match will see Hamilton opposed to Koroit. A goal the difference in the last
encounter between the Kangaroos and the Saints. Who ever holds their nerve will win this
one. The Kangaroos in a very close contest.
The clash of the birds with the Seagulls and the Eagles in the Division 3 match. Port Fairy
have got the points both times these teams have played. Eagles have the ability and just
need to play a full 4 quarters. Port Fairy to endure
The Cobden Bombers vs the North Warrnambool Eagles in Division 1. A high standard
contest with the Eagles continuing to next week.
In the Under 17 Reserve competition, we have the Camperdown Magpies up against The
Cobden Bombers. Camperdown Magpies to get the job done.
The Open Match will feature the Warrnambool Blues against the North Warrnambool Eagles
in both games this season the Blues have got the points. It will be interesting to see how the
Eagles line up in attack, Addison Conheady replaced the injured Skye Billings last week and
held her own. Warrnambool has had it fair share of injuries in the last few weeks also. Will
Amy Wormald play in attack or defence? Will Eva Ryan play in attack or defence? We will
have to wait and see.
I think the Warrnambool Blues will progress to the second week of finals.
The Fresha Fruit Juice Final Series is now with us, and what a four week stretch of Hampden League Football we have ahead of us.
South Warrnambool have maintained their strong performances of the 2023 season, with taking home the minor premiership, an outstanding performance by Matt Battistello’s chargers once again.
The Friendlies Societies Park and Cobden Community Bank Recreation Reserve will host the opening week of the finals series, with two outstanding fixtures to be played.
North Warrnambool have named their strongest side of the season with former AFL guns Steve Motlop and Michael Barlow to line up with the Eagles against Warrnambool. The Eagles have so much talent on each line and their biggest recruit this season has been Jordan Dillon returning. He has dominated the ruck, allowing Nathan Vardy to play key forward and provide another dimension to their midfield rotation.
Warrnambool have been one of the major improvers this season, the recruitment of Ben Cunnington has been a huge success story, along with the inclusion of Taylem Wason. The Blues over the past few weeks have injected youthful outside speed which has been significant in their second half season form.
Terang Mortlake, the question has been what does their best side look like on paper, and finally we will see it on Sunday albeit minus Ryley Hutchins, who is injured. The Bloods have a deep midfield and the inclusion of Will Kain strengthens their forward structure. Playing coach Lewis Taylor has been in serious strong form and will be important on Sunday. The emergence of Harvey Roberts in defence has been a real success story of the season.
Koroit, what a club. The past two seasons, they have lost significant star power, but this has not deflated the group, it has strengthened them significantly. The emergence of Whitehead, Petersen, Byrne x 2, Stephens, Neave was unbelievable but not surprising as they are all outstanding players. Coach McLaren has been at the top of his game, and continues to be one of the great coaches in the HFNL.
Junior Grand Final
A big crowd witnessed two outstanding games of junior football at the Reid Oval last weekend, with South Warrnambool and Koroit winning their respective grades. The skills and game method from all competing teams was first class and it is a credit to the players and coaches for helping display a great spectacle.Two thrilling Grand Finals was the culmination of a great junior season.
Fresha Fruit Juice Finals Matches
Qualifying Final (Friendlies Society Park)
Seniors – North Warrnambool vs Warrnambool
Reserves – Cobden vs North Warrnambool
U18s – Warrnambool vs South Warrnambool
Elimination Final (Cobden Community Ban Recreation Reserve)
Seniors – Terang Mortlake vs Koroit
Reserves – Warrnambool vs Terang Mortlake
U18s – Portland vs Camperdown
See you at the footy
Hilly
A Shout Out to Jessica Perry playing her 150th club games for the Warrnambool Blues. Jess started playing netball when she was 8. Jess co – coaches the Under 15 reserves, is an accurate shooter for the Division one side for the Blues and is their Captain. Jessica is a hard working girl for the blues off the court, she helps run the social media and is on the social committee at Warrnambool. Congratulations Jess.
Results from Last Week
South Warrnambool had a comfortable win against Port Fairy. Camperdown got the points in a tight game against the Portland Tigers. The Blues had a win against Terang/Mortlake . The Bloods led most of the game but got pipped at the post by fast finishing Warrnambool. Koroit comfortably over the Hamilton Kangaroos. Cobden had a solid win against the Eagles.
This week’s games
Cobden travels to Terang to take on the Bloods, this match will defy ladder positions. While Terang/Mortlake cannot make the five the Kim Grundy coach side are finishing off the season with their tails up. The finals bound Cobden have tested out some different options over the last few weeks and will probably continue this track on Saturday. The Bombers will get the points.
Portland travels to the Friendlies Society Park to take on the ladder leaders. Portland have built solid combinations as the year has progressed nevertheless the Roosters are in fine form and will win this game with a bit to spare.
The Seagulls take on the Saints at Victoria Park. An interesting game between close town rivals. Lisa Arundell has worked hard with Port Fairy and their 2nd quarter last week against the ladder leaders showed how the combinations can work and put pressure on any side. I will be interested to see if Koroit has the full team list this week. Danielle McInerney has had a headache or two juggling the Koroit side with availability and injury this season, but the perennial finalists have landed the double chance and I cannot see them losing this match.
The North Warrnambool Eagles take on the Magpies at the Laura Oval. A serious injury to the dynamic Skye Billings will cause the brains trust at North to make alterations to the starting lineup. Will North go for the two talls in Chelsea Quinn & Victoria Grundy or will they bring in young Addison Conheady ? The young Pies are ably led on court by Lily Eldridge, Lily’s talent and experience shines and has assisted the Camperdown young ones to become a competitive unit. Apparently, Piper Stephens has overcome her injury and is fit and raring to go. Will there be tears for Emily Stephens as she is coaching her final open game ? Happy tears I think for Emily. Camperdown in a tight tussle
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