This weekend is the penultimate round in the Hampden Football Netball League, and there is still so much work to be done to clearly identify who our teams will be that finish in the 4th and 5th positions. Terang Mortlake, Koroit and Cobden are all fighting for the final two positions, and all have hard opposition over the next two weeks in their endeavours to consolidate a position. It is a great conclusion to the HFNL 2024 season, we might know who the top five will be this week or there is even a chance it will come down to the final round.
Sully 100th Seagulls Game
One of the competition’s best players this decade, Matthew Sully, will suit up for the Port Fairy Seagulls this weekend for the 100th time. Matt since returning from the NEAFL and VFL competition, he has been a real barometer for the purple and gold, whether it’s in defence, midfield or forward. The number 19’s strength around the contest and in the air is hard to stop along with his fitness, which sees him run out games strongly. Matt, a multiple team of the year member, has had another great 2024 season and I know he is keen to help Port Fairy rise up the ladder again.
Crawley’s 150th Game
One of the Bloods most reliable defenders will play a major milestone match this weekend, with Sam Crawley to line up in his 150th senior game. The Crawley name is synonymous with Terang Mortlake and Sam has been one of the team’s most consistent contributors in recent years. Sam always seems to get one of the harder tasks in the defence end of the ground, and is a very hard match up as his aerial defence work is sound, he’s great with the ground ball and can also rebound with good run and carry. A big milestone in a big clash for the team, and all of his Bloods team-mates will be hoping to get the job done for the #29.
Junior Finals
Congratulations to Koroit (U16) and South Warrnambool (U14) for booking their spot in the 2024 HFNL Junior Grand Finals last weekend at Bushfield. Both sides deserve their chance and will now have to wait to see who their opposition will be. The Preliminary Final will be staged at the picturesque Leura Oval in Camperdown, with South Warrnambool and Terang Mortlake locking horns in the U16 game, while North Warrnambool and Warrnambool will battle it out in the U14 game. The quality of the junior finals thus far has been exemplary and we expect another game day on Sunday.
Round 17 Matches
Hamilton vs Koroit (Dunkeld)
Portland vs Camperdown (Hanlon Park)
Port Fairy vs South Warrnambool (Gardens Oval)
Terang Mortlake vs Warrnambool (Ridley Reserve)
North Warrnambool vs Cobden (Bushfield)
See you at the Footy
The Hampden League will welcome a new coach into the ranks in 2025, with Camperdown appointing Clinton Thomas as its new senior coach. Clinton comes to Camperdown, having worked with AFL coach Brendan McCartney the past two seasons in the Ballarat FNL. The Hamilton based mentor, also brother of Brad (Hamilton’s coach), has outstanding knowledge of the game, is big in the use of data and understands there needs to be hard work completed for the Magpies to progress further in 2025. Great to have another Thomas in the competition, and like many people, the Camperdown and Hamilton games have a little extra motivation for both sides and coaches.
So far this season, we know that Lewis Taylor, Brody Mahoney, Brad Thomas, Lachie Hupputz and Dusty McCorkell will continue in 2025, which is great news.
Draft Combine
The Hampden FNL has some exceptional talent running around in the competition and across the Coates Talent League. As expected, Koroit’s Finn O’Sullivan will be attending the three day AFL Draft combine, as well as Cobden’s Rhys Unwin, whose form has been excellent this season. What a great opportunity for both young men, and hopefully, both players will impress the AFL recruiters and potentially get an opportunity next season.
Junior Finals
The South West Tafe Junior Finals begin this weekend and it will be an extravaganza of football. Portland’s Hanlon Park will host week one of the finals, with seven teams competing and vying for an opportunity in week two of the series. Gates open from 8.45am and action kicks off at 10am with the U14 elimination final. Good Luck to all involved.
Round 15 Matches
South Warrnambool vs Cobden (Friendlies Society Park)
Portland vs Warrnambool (Hanlon Park)
Camperdown vs Port Fairy (Leura Oval)
North Warrnambool vs Koroit (Bushfield) – Playing for the Connect Cup
Terang Mortlake vs Hamilton Kangaroos (DC Farran Oval)
See you at the Footy
The Hamilton Kangaroos are already planning for 2025, with the re-appointment of senior coach Brad Thomas. ‘Thommo’ has been an important figure at the Hamilton Kangaroos this season, guiding this young group and teaching them to play a brand of football that is required to be successful at Hampden League level. Whilst Hamilton have only won two games this season, the win/loss ratio is not how ‘Thommo’ is determining success, he is looking at other elements, both on and off field. Brad had the opportunity to be a part of the interleague U23 campaign, and hopefully that experience assisted with his coaching journey. A great appointment, more importantly an important one, in hope of pushing the Hamilton Kangaroos in an upward trajectory.
WVFFL Finals
The Western Victoria Female Football League will stage their Grand Finals at the DC Farran Oval in Mortlake on Sunday. There will be five teams represented during the three games, including Hampden League teams, South Warrnambool, Hamilton Kangaroos and North Warrnambool. Hamilton and North Warrnambool will play in the U15 decider. The Eagles have been dominant all season, whilst Hamilton are taking great later season form into the game. South Warrnambool will head into the U18 Grand Final as favourites. The Roosters are a very well-drilled outfit and were outstanding in Week 1 of the finals. The Roosters will have representation in the Senior Women’s Grand Final, they play archrivals Horsham. South Warrnambool have been the envy of many opposition teams over the past few seasons and will back themselves in this game. They are well coached and play a fun and attacking brand. It has been a great season to date, and hopefully the best is still to come this weekend in Mortlake.
Bloods Milestones
Terang Mortlake defender Dylan Jones, ruckman Darcy Hobbs and gun midfielder Ryley Hutchins will all play milestone games this weekend against North Warrnambool. Dylan, will line up in his 100th senior match and what a great key position player he has been. He has built a great connection with the like of Alex Moloney, Joey Arundel and Gus Bourke over the past few seasons, making the Bloods a tough unit to score against. ‘Hobbsy’, the son of star HFNL ruckman Peter Hobbs, is making his mark in the competition as a class ruckman. Still young in age, Darcy will play his 50th game and looks set to be a great ruckman for many years. Ryley Hutchins will also play his 50th game. A classy player who has recently played Geelong VFL. A midfielder who is dangerous up forward and hits the scoreboard. Congratulations to all three players on their milestone.
Round 13 Matches
Hamilton vs Portland (Dunkeld)
Cobden vs Port Fairy (Cobden Rec Reserve)
Koroit vs South Warrnambool (Victoria Park)
Terang Mortlake vs North Warrnambool (Ridley Rec Reserve)
Camperdown vs Warrnambool (Leura Oval)
It was a great day for local football last weekend, with the Reid Oval hosting Interleague Football.
The Hampden Football Netball League had three sides take on the Ballarat Football Netball League, with the Bottle Greens registering one and two losses.
Whilst the results are important, the biggest benefit to come out of the day was the exposure given to 67 male and female footballers to play at the next level.
The U18 Female side was well coached and drilled under Chris Meade and his coaching staff. The team played a great brand of football, and it resulted in a big winning margin. Scarlett O’Donnell and Lila Evans were outstanding, along with young midfielder Leayla Pohl.
The U17 squad came up against a well-organized Ballarat team. Our boys competed well and had strong periods of the game but were outplayed by an impressive Ballarat team. Ben Parkinson and Justin Impey were great coaches on the day.
The Jonathan Brown U23 squad statistically matched it with the Ballarat squad, but our efficiency in front of goal and moving the ball forward hurt the team at times. The match showcased some great talent in Archie Stevens, Jackson Grundy, Toby Jennings and may more. We would love the opportunity to get one back on the Anthony Koutoufides led squad.
A great day of football and thank-you to all of the volunteers, club officials, coaches and players for a making it a great day at the Reid Oval.
Round 12 Matches
Port Fairy vs North Warrnambool (Gardens Oval)
Warrnambool vs Cobden (Reid Oval)
South Warrnambool vs Hamilton (Friendlies Society Park)
Terang Mortlake vs Portland (Ridley Recreation Reserve)
Koroit vs Camperdown (Victoria Park)
Part 2 of the Hampden Football Netball League season will kick off this weekend with a return round of matches occurring. All clubs are set to enter Round 10 with healthier lists available due to the bye round last weekend. Clubs will play two games before the interleague bye round and the next fortnight promises to be extremely important for those sides wishing to play finals this season. There are a number of eight-point games coming up.
Milestone Men
Three terrific servants of the Hampden Football Netball League will play in significant milestones this weekend. North Warrnambool star Jarryd Lewis will play in his 200th senior game. What a recruit ‘Chopper’ has been since arriving from Coleraine. He is the ultimate team player, a beautiful user of the football and a real hard competitor. Jarryd is one of the favourite sons at the Eagles and will be heavily supported at Bushfield this weekend. Terang Mortlake duo Ryan O’Connor and Matthew Arundell will play their 150th and 100th senior games respectively. Both big men bleed royal blue and red and have been the ultimate club players. Each Saturday, both Ryan and Matthew play the game in great spirit and are important players in the Terang Mortlake line-up. Congratulations to Jarryd, Ryan and Matthew on their outstanding contribution to the North Warrnambool Eagles and Terang Mortlake.
Interleague
We are two weeks away from interleague football at the Reid Oval. The Bottle Greens will be training twice during the week of the game at Mortlake and the Reid Oval with coach Jonathan Brown leading the way. Members of the victorious 1991 Division One VCFL championship will be in attendance on the Thursday night jumper presentation, sharing their interleague experiences with the current crop of players. All is shaping up to be a great day at the Reid Oval on July 6th.
Round 10 Matches
North Warrnambool vs South Warrnambool (Bushfield Oval)
Hamilton Kangaroos vs Cobden (Hawkesdale)
Koroit vs Warrnambool (Victoria Park)
Terang Mortlake vs Camperdown (Mortlake)
Port Fairy vs Portland (Gardens Oval)
See you at the Footy.
The Hampden Football Netball League this week announced its U23 Interleague Training Squad, ahead of its July 6th appointment with the Ballarat Football Netball League. The coaching staff selected a 38 man training squad, they will spend a day together at an AFL Match before two training sessions in the week of the interleague fixture. South Warrnambool have the strongest representation with eight players, names such as Will White, Archie Stevens and Jay Rantall have been included. It was rewarding to see some new exciting players get the opportunity to train and potentially make the final squad, such as Cobden’s Ben Berry, Hamilton’s Will Povey and Ethan Knight and Port Fairy’s Ollie Myers. The HFNL is very excited about this group and hopefully a win against the BFNL is on the cards.
Camperdown – Zach Sinnott, Sidney Bradshaw, Hamish Sinnott
Cobden – Luke Smith, Ben Berry, Ben McGlade
Hamilton Kangaroos – Hamish Cook, Will Povey, Ethan Knight, Vincent Huf
Koroit – Paddy O’Sullivan, Tom Baulch, Mac Petersen, Jack Block, Clem Nagorka, Connor Byrne
North Warrnambool Eagles – Jackson Grundy, Jett Bermingham
Port Fairy – Ollie Myers, Oscar Pollock
Portland – Toby Jennings, Will Hunter
South Warrnambool – Isaac Thomas, Riley Thomas, Will White, Max Irving, Archie Stevens, Jay Rantall, Bailey
Osborne, Myles McCluggage
Terang Mortlake – Ryley Hutchins, Darcy Hobbs, Kane Johnstone, Xavier Vickers
Warrnambool – Harry Ruan, Fletcher Timms, Amon Radley, Reggie Mast
Vic Country Selection
Outstanding to see four more names from the Hampden Football Netball League included in the Vic Country team for the AFL National Championships.
Koroit’s Finn O’Sullivan and Mitch Lloyd along with Cobden pair Flynn Penry and Rhys Unwin will mix it with the best junior talent in Australia. All four players are extremely exciting to watch and have enormous potential, hopefully enough to make it onto an AFL List. All the best to all four boys in the Vic Country jumper.
Round 9
Warrnambool vs Hamilton (Reid Oval)
Cobden vs Terang Mortlake (Cobden Rec Reserve)
Portland vs South Warrnambool (Hanlon Park)
Port Fairy vs Koroit (Gardens Oval)
North Warrnambool vs Camperdown (Victoria Park)
See you at the Footy.
Hilly
Over the next few months, affiliate clubs of the Hampden Football Netball League will be participating in a number of events to raise money and awareness for a lot of great causes. I’ve always been of the opinion that sporting clubs are great tools to fundraise, promote events and awareness campaigns because of their reach and standing in the community. Coming up next week will the ‘Push Up Challenge’, an event promoting Lifeline South West Victoria and their work to assist people with mental health problems, which then leads to suicide. All of the HFNL clubs are going to take part and aim to conduct 3,429 push ups from June 5th to 28th. MND is also a big event for a lot of Hampden League clubs, the Hamilton Kangaroos have just staged an event, raising money for the disease that former AFL player Neale Daniher is battling. The Portland Tigers are staging their own slide event during Round 9, which shall be fantastic. Later in the season, South Warrnambool and Camperdown are joining forces for a Mental Health Awareness Match. They have a big day planned with guests talking about this subject and both sides will wear special jumpers. Our clubs are great in the HFNL to raise community awareness.
Sunday Football
It was a terrific sight over at the Gardens Oval last Sunday, for the clash between Hamilton and Port Fairy. It was a Kangaroos home game, and what a great gesture by the Port Fairy Seagulls Football Netball Club to allow this to happen. The crowd was outstanding, and it brings the question, should we see a few more Sunday fixtures in the competition? We were extremely lucky because of the weather, which plays a big part in the success. It was great to see both clubs benefit from a stand-alone match. I thought it was a great advertisement for the Hampden Football Netball League.
Hutt Hits 100
One of the Cobden Football Netball Club’s favourite sons hits the 100th senior game milestone this weekend at the Cobden Recreation Reserve. Co-captain Jack Hutt will reach the major milestone and what a journey it has been to get there. I’ve always admired Jack’s football ability. He is a flexible player who can play key forward, key back or have an influence in the middle. He has a great football IQ and leads from the front. The journey hasn’t been a smooth sailing one for Jack, sustaining his fair share of injuries, but to his determination and application, it hasn’t stopped him playing the game he loves. Jack loves the Cobden Bombers, his family have been a major contributor to the club and I think this milestone will be one that Jack looks back on with great fondness.
All the best Hutty.
Round 8 Matches
Warrnambool vs Terang Mortlake (Reid Oval)
Camperdown vs Portland (Leura Oval)
South Warrnambool vs Port Fairy (Friendlies Society Park)
Cobden vs North Warrnambool (Cobden Rec Reserve)
Koroit vs Hamilton (Victoria Park)
See you at the Footy.
Hilly
It’s National Volunteer Week in Australia, and how lucky are we in the Hampden Football Netball League to have so many great people contributing their time and efforts. It takes a village to run a club, and everyone’s role is equal to ensure the outcomes are positive. On behalf of the Hampden Football Netball League, a big thank-you to those who volunteer for the league but also to the many hundreds who give everything to their club each and every week, whether it be on game day or during the week. Could I ask all players over the weekend to go up to a volunteer and just say ‘Thank You’.
Browny’s Back
Jonathan Brown will acquaint himself with the Hampden Football Netball League again this season, signing on as coach of the U23 Interleague Team. Browny, who will coach the league for the 5th time, will be joined by Adam Dowie, Nathan Vardy, Brody Mahoney and Brad Thomas on the coaching staff for the game against Ballarat FNL on July 6th at the Reid Oval. The Brisbane Lion premiership player bleeds Bottle Green and is determined to go one step better this year against the Ballarat team. In other interleague coaching announcements, Justin Impey and Ben Parkinson will co-coach the U17 squad after terrific service as coaches of the South West Junior Carnival teams. While HFNL life member Chris Meade will coach the U19 female team for the HFNL, an exciting new game being added to the program. Chris will be joined by Hamilton’s Pat Sherlock and South Warrnambool’s Ryan Jones.
What a great coaching group leading our squads.
Rebels on Display
The GWV Rebels will be on display at the Reid Oval this weekend. The squad is likely to have a strong Hampden League contingent and I urge all local supporters to get up and support our local talent against the Geelong Falcons. The U18 GWV Rebels female team will also feature, with a plethora of outstanding HFNL players showcasing their talents. Good Luck to all on Saturday afternoon and night.
Round 7
North Warrnambool vs Warrnambool (Bushfield)
Terang Mortlake vs Koroit (Ridley Reserve)
Camperdown vs South Warrnambool (Leura Oval)
Portland vs Cobden (Hanlon Park)
Hamilton vs Port Fairy (Gardens Oval – Sunday Football)
See you at the Footy.
Hilly
The spotlight was on the Hampden Football Netball League last weekend, with AFL Victoria selecting our competition to host the Worksafe Game of the Month. A huge crowd were at the Leura Oval for the clash between traditional rivals Camperdown and Cobden. The Magpies were determined to get their first win of the season after a tough start with multiple injuries to key players. Camperdown played a great four quarter game, it was off the back of tough defensive and pressuring work, allowing space to be created in transition and Cobden to turn-over the football. Hamish Sinnott was at his very best, earning best on ground honors.
Interleague
The process has begun to stage interleague football in the Hampden region later this season. The HFNL will take on the Ballarat Football Netball League for the second successive year, at the Reid Oval on July 6th. The U23 clash will be the feature fixture of the day, playing for the Clinton Baulch Cup in a twilight fixture. There will be an U17 clash as per 2023 and this season an U19 women’s game will also be held. More information on coaching appointments will be made next week, but there is an exciting group of coaches that will be leading each of the teams. It will be a great day of next level football in the first week of July.
Playing Coaches Starring
The coaching caper is almost like a full-time job. All coaches are looking at team vision, opposition vision, statistics, method each and every week. The Hampden League has a few playing coaches running around, only Lachie Hupputz, Brody Mahoney and Lewy Taylor are playing coaches. Whilst Lewy is still recovering from surgery, Brody and Lachie are setting an outstanding standard on the field, producing terrific statistical numbers. Brody’s first five weeks has been first class and his work alongside Patty Smith has made it tough to get on top of Cobden’s midfield. Lachie injured himself in the opening round, before returning on Anzac Day and accumulating 30+ disposals in the marquee match. Coaching is a hard gig on many fronts, but to back it up on the field. I take my hat off to Brody and Lachie this season.
Round 6
Warrnambool vs Portland (Reid Oval)
Hamilton Kangaroos vs Terang Mortlake (Hawkesdale)
Cobden vs South Warrnambool (Cobden Recreation Reserve)
Port Fairy vs Camperdown (Gardens Oval)
Koroit vs North Warrnambool (Victoria Park)
See you at the Footy.
Hilly
It appears all ten Hampden League clubs are ready to go for the next block of matches in the 2024 season, after the league’s first bye round. Clubs will have two more opportunities throughout the season to reset, those dates being on June 15th and July 6th. Hopefully the week off has allowed clubs to refresh their injured stars and we teams bolster their line-ups this weekend with key players.
Worksafe Game of the Month
Tomorrow, the Camperdown Football Netball Club will stage the Worksafe Game of the Month, taking on their traditional rival in Cobden. This match from AFL Victoria presents a terrific opportunity to showcase both clubs, who are excellently governed on and off the field as well as the Hampden Football Netball League in general. Western Bulldog premiership hero Tom Boyd will be a special guest at the match, alongside some Melbourne Vixen netballers. The encounter itself will not disappoint, with only pride on the line, but it’s a crucial clash for both clubs in regards to the ladder positions. The Game of the Month will be broadcasted on 3YB FM (radio and facebook) as well as AFL Victoria’s social platforms. If you are looking to watch a great game of HFNL Football and Netball, come to the Leura Oval and support both the Magpies and Bombers.
Rowbottom 100th Senior Game
One of the Camperdown Football Netball Club’s favourite sons will hit a major milestone tomorrow, with influential ruckman Will Rowbottom playing in senior game 100. Will’s journey with the Magpies commenced in 2015 under coach Phil Carse. The 2018 season was where Will really established his position in the Camperdown team and was a huge behind the Magpies success that season, with the club making the HFNL Grand Final.
Will is a real work-horse, and makes it a tough day for opposition ruckman, as he has a real thirst and hunger at the contest. Congratulations Will, on your milestone, your name is etched into the number 36 locker at the Leura Oval as recognition of your great service at the club.
Junior Carnival
The Hampden Football Netball League sent four teams to compete in the South West Junior Football Carnival last weekend. It was a highly successful day for our teams with three of them making Grand Finals. The U17 Grand Final featured our West and East teams, with Hampden East winning the title in a very tight game, the squad was guided by Ben Parkinson. The Hampden West team littered with future stars went through the round robin without defeat before falling short in the decider. Thank you to both Ben and Justin Impey for their dedication and guidance with our teams. Andrew Foster’s U14 West Team featured in the Grand Final before being outplayed by a dominant Wimmera side. The U14 West squad were outstanding throughout the day as were our East team, coached by Aaron Ross. It was great to showcase our league, and from many comments I heard throughout the day, many are envious of our talent, coaching and exposure we dedicate to junior development.
A great day all round.
Round 5 Matches
Camperdown vs Cobden (Leura Oval)
Hamilton Kangaroos vs North Warrnambool (Hawkesdale)
South Warrnambool vs Warrnambool (Friendlies Society Park)
Terang Mortlake vs Port Fairy (Mortlake)
Koroit vs Portland (Victoria Park)
See you at the Footy.
Hilly
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