Chris Febvre • August 11, 2021
AFLNEB Female Football League Preliminary Finals
AFLNEB Female Football League Preliminary Finals
Photo: Simon Ginns Photography
Welcome back to Lavington Sports Ground for the Preliminary Finals. The opening week of finals saw six great games of football, with all three Lavington Panthers sides booking their place in the Grand Finals. Congratulations to all sides who competed admirably last time out. A special thank you to all clubs for organising your teams to play coming out of the recent lockdown and for following the requirements of COVID-19 restrictions that enabled us to play football safely. With the changes to the border bubble, we have some extra considerations for this week, so we thank everyone for following the guidelines; signing-in, wearing face masks, social distancing where necessary and using hand sanitiser. On behalf of AFL North East Border, a big thank you to everyone who makes it possible for the players to take the field and enjoy playing footy.
The action today kicks off with the U14 match between Wodonga Raiders and Wodonga. The two sides only met once in the home and away season, with the Raiders claiming victory in the first Wodonga derby for our competition. The Bulldogs have been enjoying their first season of footy more and more as the season goes on and have been a positive light in a year that has seen a couple of COVID-19 related interruptions. The Raiders have also enjoyed a great year, with their first win of the season against the Bulldogs beginning a run of 9 straight victories. With a Grand Final berth on the line, expect this instalment of the derby to be an exciting match.
The U17’s contest will see Murray Felines play United in what is sure to be a tight affair across four quarters. Both sides have quality players who have experience in spades and know what it will take to reach the Grand Final. The Felines took home maximum points against United this season, however the last contest was very close, the team from Rutherglen running out two-point winners. United, with players from Alpine Lions, Thurgoona and Yarrawonga, have momentum building from their late season efforts and will go all-out to reach the big dance. Another game that could go either way and will be one to watch.
Wangaratta Rovers will play in their first Preliminary Final against Wodonga Raiders, who as Minor Premiers will need to take the long way to the Grand Final after falling to Lavington last weekend. The Raiders will be motivated to bounce back strongly and show why they went through the season undefeated. The Rovers will be eager to stage an upset and extend their history making season, and earn a shot at Premiership glory against Lavington next week.
Remember to follow all requirements related to COVID-19 restrictions (face masks are mandatory at NSW events indoors and outdoors), and support your team in a positive way with respect for the game and all involved.
Lavington Sports Ground - Oval 1
10am - U14 Preliminary Final: Wodonga Raiders v Wodonga
11:15am – U17 Preliminary Final: Murray Felines v United
12:45pm – Open Women’s Preliminary Final: Wodonga Raiders v Wangaratta Rovers
Download the FFL Preliminary Finals Record here.
The AFL North East Border (AFLNEB) LaTrobe University Junior Carnival celebrated its 18th year in 2025, continuing its proud tradition of showcasing emerging talent from across the region. The carnival provides junior footballers with a valuable opportunity to represent their league against strong opposition from neighbouring competitions. This year saw significant changes to the carnivals structure, with the Tallangatta and District Football Netball League and Hume Football League withdrawing from the Junior Carnival this year with both leagues facing off in an Interleague Match later this season. As such in 2025, we held four full matches between the Albury Wodonga Junior Football League (AWJFL) and Wangaratta & District Junior Football League (WDJFL) across 4 age groups – U13’s, U14’s, U15’s and U16’s. Held once again at the picturesque Lavington Sportsground, the event made full use of both ovals. With the sun shining and perfect playing conditions, the stage was set for an outstanding day of football. Match Results & Highlights U13s – Oval 2, 10:00 AM A thrilling opener saw the WDJFL control much of the play early, led by Tom Sealy and Jack Hart, and holding a narrow lead into the final term. However, a resilient AWJFL side, inspired by Best on Ground Ryder Pearce (Wodonga Raiders JFC), surged late to claim victory. Final Score: AWJFL 7.9 (51) def WDJFL 5.8 (38) U15s – Oval 1, 10:00 AM The AWJFL made the most of a first-quarter breeze to take an early lead, and despite a determined fightback from the WDJFL, they held on for a hard-fought win. Will Packer (Albury JFC) was instrumental and awarded Best on Ground honours. Final Score: AWJFL 7.8 (50) def WDJFL 5.5 (35) U14s – Oval 2, Midday This closely contested match saw multiple lead changes in the second half. Archie Knobel and Harris Bruneau were instrumental for the WDJFL. With pressure mounting in the final minutes, the AWJFL edged ahead with a goal after the siren, sealing a memorable 8-point win. Tom Toepfer (Albury JFC) was pivotal and named Best on Ground. Final Score: AWJFL 6.7 (43) def WDJFL 5.5 (35) U16s – Oval 1, Midday Featuring some of the region’s top junior talent, this match showcased high-level football. WDJFL started strongly, but AWJFL steadily worked their way back and dominated the second half. Blake Morgan (Albury JFC) delivered a standout performance to earn Best on Ground. Final Score: AWJFL 12.14 (86) def WDJFL 7.4 (46) Overall it was a fantastic day of football, with all but the U16’s match up for grabs until the final 5 to 10 minutes keeping everyone in attendance highly engaged. Zac Hedin, AFLNEB Region Manager, shared his thanks and reflections on the day: "On behalf of AFLNEB, I’d like to thank everyone involved in the 2025 AFLNEB LaTrobe University Junior Carnival. A special thank you goes to all the volunteers – coaches, team managers, trainers, runners, and first aiders – who make this event possible each year." "It was fantastic to see all games played in such great spirit. The conduct of players, coaches, and spectators was exemplary, and a credit to all involved. We look forward to seeing how these young players continue to develop through the 2025 season, and we hope to welcome many of you back in 2026." A big thanks to our AFLNEB Partners, in particular LaTrobe University, Hume Bank, the Commercial Club, Loco Apparel and APCO.
A huge congratulations to ALL 7 clubs from the AFLNEB region who’ve scored funding through Round 2 of the AFL’s Telstra Footy Country Grants! Across the first two rounds, 9 local clubs have shared over $18,000 to support their incredible initiatives and projects! This is a massive win for our community, and we’re proud to have played a small part in making it happen. We can’t wait to keep the momentum going and support even more clubs in the remaining two rounds this year! If your club is looking to make an application in the coming rounds please reach out to AFLNEB Club Development Lead, Chandan Kulkarni - chandan.kulkarni@aflneb.com.au More info - Telstra Footy Country Grants
The ultimate footy fundraiser is back for the 2025 Toyota AFL Premiership Season and it’s your time to Raise Like A Legend! Toyota has been supporting grassroots clubs every step of the way since 2015. Last year, we helped raise $1,242,865 across 913 clubs. This year we want your footy club to be part of it. It’s free and easy, and Toyota provide the promotional tools so that anyone at your club can get involved, you’ll be smashing fundraising records in no time. For more info and to register your club, please follow the link here - Toyota Good For Footy Raffle
