Welcome to the second half of the 2021 HFNL season. The first half has been a huge success. On and off the field. Compared to 2020, we have been fortunate to have local football and netball back up and running.
We have run into the dreaded covid pandemic again just to keep us on our toes. Thankfully we only lost one week where no football and netball was played at all. I would like to thank all the clubs for their patience during this time. Thanks to the many participants who made sacrifices in the round with no crowds. Thanks also to the volunteers for their dedication in continuing to support their local football, netball, and junior programs.
It looks like Koroit will be the team to beat again this year. They have only lost one game to second placed North Warrnambool. Third on the ladder is South Warrnambool who have only lost one game as well. The run-up to the finals will be very interesting to watch with these 3 teams fighting out for top spot. Next, we see the surprise packet in Portland. The young tigers have shown some brilliant for on game day. Camperdown are next and have a real spearhead in Sam Gordon up in the goals. He has kicked a couple of bags of 10 so far. Then comes Warrnambool who have been hit hard by injuries. Cobden next started off slow but have shown some good form lately. Watch out for them. Then we have Hamilton, Terang Mortlake and Port Fairy. All these teams can push the higher teams on their day. Good luck to all teams for the rest of the season.
In the open netball, we have Cobden the team to beat. They haven’t lost a game so far. South Warrnambool are 2 games back then North Warrnambool, Warrnambool, and Koroit. Camperdown next then Hamilton, Portland Port Fairy and Terang Mortlake. Good luck to all the netballers.
Good luck to the junior netball teams competing in Ballarat this weekend who are representing the HFNL at the Association Championships. Thanks to all the coaches, support crew and all the parents.
Thanks must go to my very dedicated and hardworking executive. This year has certainly presented some challenges, and there’s been nothing any one of them wouldn’t take on. We have such a diverse range of knowledge in the team.
Thanks must go to the Ace radio team. Their match of the round broadcast is fantastic. It has a significant following on Saturdays. All over Australia and overseas. I watched a game at home one Saturday on my smart TV. I had a great day sitting in the warmth watching and listening to the team ably led by Matty Stewart and Trent Hill. Add Eyes, Blacky, Possum and Tilt. They do such a fantastic job, and might I add, very funny at times. Their passion for the HFNL and the job of broadcasting comes across very strongly. Well done guys.
We must thank all our sponsors. especially our Major Sponsors including Sungold Milk, Powercor, McDonalds and Lyndoch Living. To all our other sponsors, a huge thank you, we couldn’t do what we do without you.
Once again, all the very best for the second half of the 2021 season, it will be a ripper finish to the season I think.
Kind regards,
Garry Perrett
HFNL President
