SFNL Div 1 2025

[Nepotism]

St Kevins Yes, I'd highly doubt De La, St Bedes and Mazenod (All ACC and Wednesday footy do this).

They certainly take the boys in at under 19 level.

Hence all those old boys' teams under 19s are flying whereas the local teams in St P and Caulfield are really struggling to even field a team at under 19 level.

 

[bedford]

They certainly take the boys in at under 19 level.

Hence all those old boys' teams under 19s are flying whereas the local teams in St P and Caulfield are really struggling to even field a team at under 19 level.

Ammos are as weak as piss , they should be restricted to 2 U19s max , some have 4 3rds teams like Old Xavs , it's bullshit and the top ones are very good and knock off teams in dIv grades

 

[BillytheLid]

In the area, you have got RC kids who play for St Pauls up till about under 14s then they have to make their school the number one priority. De La, St Bedes and a good portion of SKevs boys and even a few Mazenod boys.

Each school makes sure school footy is prioritised over club footy. I guess that's why you pay the admission fees.

Then by under 19s, the boys want to play for their school alumni old boys with their school mates in VAFA shamateurs rather than play under 19 SNFL club footy.

It’s also a far superior competition. VAFA 19 Premier considered the best underage comp in the land after the TAC cup or whatever it’s called these days. More travel but with 5 divisions and promotion/relegation it is more even. And it’s not just school sides with thriving U19 programs as several district clubs have multiple teams. SFL is making inroads for sure but still too many clubs not totally committed. Across the 4 grades only 14 clubs entered U19 teams and only 5 from Div 1. Under’s reintroduced almost 20 years ago but it has not kept pace with growth and improvement of the senior section. Have said it before but needs to be some sort of incentive or disincentive. I know it can be hard going but give Div 1 clubs 3 years to make genuine and legitimate efforts to a 19s up or they drop back a grade unless they have a genuine reason. St Pauls make genuine efforts to get a team up every year and always do when able but the sheer volume of clubs in that catchment and many clubs scraping for the same infinite number of players. Maybe go back to U18s, as it was originally. Would be a point of difference to the VAFA and get them straight out of local junior comps.

And it is only the APS schools (St Kevs, Xavs, Haileybury etc) that prioritise football. The ACC schools actually lose talent to those schools on scholarships. The attraction is the quality of the competition. The best way to attract platers is to make the SFL competition better.

 

[bedford]

It’s also a far superior competition. VAFA 19 Premier considered the best underage comp in the land after the TAC cup or whatever it’s called these days. More travel but with 5 divisions and promotion/relegation it is more even. And it’s not just school sides with thriving U19 programs as several district clubs have multiple teams. SFL is making inroads for sure but still too many clubs not totally committed. Across the 4 grades only 14 clubs entered U19 teams and only 5 from Div 1. Under’s reintroduced almost 20 years ago but it has not kept pace with growth and improvement of the senior section. Have said it before but needs to be some sort of incentive or disincentive. I know it can be hard going but give a Div 1 clubs 3 years to make genuine and legitimate efforts to a 19s up or they drop back a grade unless they have a genuine reason. St Pauls make genuine efforts to get a team up every year and always do when able but the sheer volume of clubs in that catchment and many clubs scraping for the same infinite number of players. Maybe go back to U18s, as it was originally. Would be a point of difference to the VAFA and get them straight out of local junior comps.

And it is only the APS schools (St Kevs, Xavs, Haileybury etc) that prioritise football. The ACC schools actually lose talent to those schools on scholarships. The attraction is the quality of the competition. The best way to attract platers is to make the SFL competition better.

Haileybury and Caulfield grammar last year forfeited ressies in games last year , but both had strong 19s .

 

[Nepotism]

Unfortunately, the rich will always get richer especially when the system is slanted in their favour.

The system hasn't changed in Melbourne since the gold rush days or at least since the first ever game of what is now AFL was played between Scotch College and Melbourne Grammar in 1858.

You can already see who was going to be benefited by that simple fact.

Each team selected their own umpire and the same elite schools, and their progeny have been running the system ever since.

 

[Yabblettt]

Hearing
Shem to Devon Meadows
Dunnell retired
Downie done hammy but hopeful for round 1


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[bluebagnuff44]

Any early practice match results?

 

[Nepotism]

Due to cricket etc, I think the first official practice games are this weekend. There are some clubs having intaclub as well.

 

[Gopies2025]

As the season draws closer. I've tried to take a stab at ranking the top 50 players in the SFNL (with some honourable mentions too!). Obviously not going to get it right, but I reckon I've made a solid fist of it.
Let me know if there's anyone I've forgot and all thoughts are welcomed!

1. Keath (EB) - Big call, but has the potential to become Bontempelli-esque in SFNL as a 6'6 bullocking midfielder who is elite by foot. Should make up for the loss of Hutchinson and then some.
2. Lonie (CHE) - Classiest player in the SFNL. His skill and guile can turn a game at the drop of a hat.
3. C. Clarke (PMC) - Prodigal son returns fresh out of the AFL system. Should function as a goalkicking midfielder, wouldn't be surprised to see him kick 40 goals.
4. Roscoe (CRA) - Reigning Ellis medallist, ridicuously classy mid/fwd who impacts the scoreboard massively - had an outstanding second half of the year.
5. Sketcher (SD) - One of the most decorated local players of his generation returns home, giving Springy a bona fide superstar midfielder who will propel them towards the zenith of division one.
6. C Lewis (DIN) - Imposing key forward who almost single-handedly turned the grand final the way of the Dingoes. Would expect him to feature more prominently at VFL level this season but undoubtedly the best forward in the competition when plying his trade at the local level.
7. Beveridge (SPM) - Superstar midfielder who actually received more votes than Roscoe for the Ellis medal, but was ineligible due to suspension. Absolutely elite stoppage player who serves as the blue collar Dogs' talisman in the middle.
8. K. Mutimer (NW) - Former AFL Eagle who has dominated in the trenches for his junior club since his return from the elite level.
9. Downie (EB) - Probably the best two-way midfielder in the competition, his tackling and speed should complement Keath nicely in a stacked Vampires engine room.
10. Hayes (CHE) - His return from the VFL sealed the premiership for Cheltenham, lockdown key defender who also provides dash off the half back line. Perfect modern day defender.
11. Hibberd (PMC) - Came in to last season a bit underdone, but with fireman training now completed, the 2021 premiership Dee looks set to have a big say this season as yet another superstar in the Colts' cosmos.
12. Kreymborg (SPM) - The two time Ellis medallist remains a matchup nightmare even as he ages (gracefully I must add), with his strength, adeptness at ground level and overhead prowess giving opposing defenders fits.
13. Feehan (DIN) - The Dingoes stalwart still reigns as one of the premier defenders in the competition, with his aerial lockdown abilities and sure kicking serving as the bedrock for one of the stingiest defensive units in the competition.
14. Dunnell (CHE) - Criminally underrated Rosella who was cruelly denied a flag by an untimely injury. Elite overhead and by foot, and his smarts and ability to hit the scoreboard allow him to be the ultimate "Mr Fix it" for the two time reigning premiers.
15. R McComb (PMC) - The former Dog comes across the west gate to join his twin brother. Should get a stack of the ball and further strengthen one of the premier midfield's in the competition.
16. T Toner (NW) - Budding superstar who is ready to take the SFNL by storm, tough and classy.
17. J Edwards (CHE) - Premier big man in the competition with simply freakish athleticism at 6'11. Needs to become a force aerially to complement his stellar game at ground level.
18. S Lai (CHE) - Superstar laser footed half back who will have AFL clubs on high alert after the success of his brother. Very similar player who should spend a lot of time with the Tigers' VFL team.
19. Walmsley (DIN) - Evergreen wingman who still runs as well as opponents 15 years younger , can 'Noodles' stave off father time for much longer?
20. Horton-Milne (DIN) - Former Dingoes champion returns home to less fanfare than his more heralded Noble Park teammates, adds another jewel to the glistening crown that is the Dingoes midfield.
21. B O'Toole (SPM) - Rangy key forward who has a superb aerobic capacity and a brilliant set shot, his poise dovetails beautifully with Kreymborg's power.
22. Taylor (PMC) - The lionhearted colts champion has been a star for a decade now, with his brutal inside game and gaudy tackle stats anchoring Port's power packed midfield.
23. Martin (SD) - Best local footy player of our generation arrives to Southern after a simply ridiculous spell with Noble Park. I've marked him down a bit due to only playing a handful of games last season, but could quickly skyrocket up this list if he gets a full preseason under his belt
24. Lamb (EB) - Mercurial key forward who is probably the best pack mark in the competition and a nightmare matchup for defenders when he's on, but inconsistency and poor set shot kicking prevent him for reaching the precipice of this list.
25. Hunt (SPM) - The Dogs will be crossing all of their fingers, toes and other parts that the towering key defender stays healthy. His booming kicking and aerial prowess will be even more valuable with the retirement of Knox and departure of Aneet.
26. Helmore (SD) - Star mid-forward who doesn't garner the plaudits he should. The Gippslander makes chances seemingly materialise out of thin air and should have a huge say in the Demons' chances in 2025
27. Pollard (MRM) - Nuggety former VFL captain who is a tackling machine in the midfield. Beena need him on song to be competitive in top echelon.
28. Windhager (DIN) - Supremely athletic key defender who is probably the best pure lockdown back in the comp. The brother of AFL Saint Marcus can also play ruck to give the Dingoes' midfield a supercharge in dire circumstances.
29. Weickhardt (CHE) - Cheltenham stalwart who has done everything in Southern footy, beginning to show his age now (only played a handful of games in 2024) but as good as any in the competition on his day.
30. Purcell (SPM) - The VFL listed big man has a sizeable impact in any area of the ground, particularly in the ruck, where his grace and athleticism contrasts the physicality of Halliday beautifully. Might be seen less at Southern level this year.
31. Lehmann (PMC) - SANFL premiership player arrives at the Colts to finally give them some structure behind the ball, may be the competition's pre-eminent shutdown defender by season's end.
32. Garnaut (CHE) - Soldily built ruck-forward with a great set of hands and deadeye accuracy. Remains to be seen if he'll play more in the ruck this year as his tap work is phenomenal.
33. Rodgers (MRM) - Diminutive, electric utility who can play a variety of roles for Beena (or in the VFL), with his manic pressure and panache with the ball giving the Lions a true game-breaker.
34. Corp (EB) - Uber consistent forward who provides a brilliant option for the Vampires forward of centre. Elite link-up player due to his excellent work rate.
35. Dessent (EB) - Arrives at the Vampires with big wraps, the former Montrose captain is ready to fill the Hutchison sized hole in their midfield. His dominance in the Eastern league should translate well to the SFNL.
36. Stretton (DIN) - Contested beast in the midfield who does the dirty work, freeing up his more attacking teammates to wreak havoc going forward.
37. Michael (MRM) - The former Division 2 league medallist steps up to the top level. His agility, sure kicking and ability to hit the scoreboard work well with Pollard's dogged defensive intent.
38. Smart (BNT) - Dominant ruckman who makes his return to Southern after a couple of years as an elite ruckman in the strong Gippsland league. Whether or not he can provide his midfielders first use will prove telling in the Demons' survival hopes.
39. Scollo (MRM) - Murrumbeena's marquee recruit. 2022 Sandringham Dragons premiership player who has plied his trade in the VFL and for De La Salle in the VAFA as a strong marking utility. Will probably wind up playing forward to replace Elton.
40. Darbyshire (CRA) - Towering wingman with a habit of hitting the scoreboard. His offensive flair serves as the Eagles' secondary attacking engine behind Roscoe.
41. Richardson (NW) - Former OEFNL league medallist in 2023 for the Magpies. Returns after a year off but is apparently in cracking shape. Will be handful for opposing centre half-backs.
42. Hendy (SD) - Opportunistic forward who has as much creativity as he does pressure. Expect a massive amount of goals from him now that Springy will be stronger through the middle of the ground.
43. Benton (DIN) - Injury ravaged the young gun's 2024, but there is no doubt that he is one of the most talented wingmen in the competition. Came back for the finals series and was one of the Dingoes' best as they fell agonizingly short of glory. Expect to see him prominently at VFL level this year.
44. Bragg-Taylor (SD) - Spring heeled utility who competes manfully against much larger opponents. Very, very effective one on one defender due to his ability to handle both larger, brawnier opponents as well as fleet footed smalls.
45. Peet (DIN) - Inspirational Dingoes captain who is still a force in the midfield, despite being closer to the end of his career than the beginning. May need to adapt to a half back role due to Dingley's embarrassment of riches through the middle.
46. Mitchell-Rusell (PMC) - Human highlight reel of a footballer, with his aerial prowess and deft kicking anchoring the Colts' defence. Should be freed up offensively by Lehmann's arrival.
47. Howe (NW) - Gun Magpie who is always a threat to hit the scoreboard.
48. Ryan (CHE) - Lanky key forward who is one of the competition's best at involving his teammates. Also has excellent tap work in the ruck.
49. Sziller (SPM) - Flashy utility with class in spades. Equally good with his defensive intent.
50. J Berry (PMC) - Hulking ruckman who rarely strays far from the Colts' best. Tristan Xerri like tackling for a big man.

Honourable Mentions

Theodoropoulos (BNT) - Probably the competition's best under 18 player and a real shot at being drafted. Ridiculously skilful, only knock on him is his size. Should be playing for the Dragons most weeks.
B Osborne (CRA) - Lionhearted defender who would've featured if not for a devastating knee injury.
Moran (CHE) - VFL
Bonner (CHE) - VFL
Johnson (CHE) - VFL
Freeman (DIN) - Looked underdone in the grand final, but no questioning his ability when he's on the park and firing. A travesty that his hammies are made of plasticine.
Duscher (DIN) - Big in for the Dingoes. His class with ball in hand should be unlocked now that there's more bodies to share the load.
McCarthy (DIN) - VFL
Reid (EB) - Not sure what sort of shape he is in given his lengthy injury history and the fact that he didn't play for Wangaratta last season. If he's firing, will be supreme in the air. Should benefit from the SFNL's lower standard when compared to the O & M.
Grima (EB) - Another great in for the Vamps, should further bolster their defence and free up Head for more attacking duties
Head (EB) - Sure footed third tall defender that needs to stay on the park to give the Vampires' some propulsion going forward. Didn't play enough last year.
Tolongs (MRM) - Physical specimen of a key forward with vice like hands that has put up some gaudy goal totals in Divison 2. Wayward kicking and a tendency to go missing in big games have dogged him for years - however the ball's in his court to prove the doubters wrong. Will be a handful in the confined spaces of the Beena Arena regardless.
Minchin (MRM) - Former SANFL ruckman arrives at the Beena Arena with big wraps. Should adjust well to the standard given he's coming from the strong Geelong league.
S Toner (NW) - VFL
Hargraves (PMC) - VFL
L McComb (PMC) - Gaudy counting stats, but impact with ball in hand sometimes leaves a little to be desired.
M Clarke (PMC) - Despite being the reason the Colts' reserves were ruled ineligible for finals, the livewire small forward is an omnipresent threat around the big sticks and should benefit with his brother's arrival.
Soylemez (PMC) - Similar to Clarke, very skilful small who is equally adept in the air. Needs to improve his consistency for the Colts to take the next step.
Wetering (SD) - Had a very down year in 2024, culminating in his dropping for finals. Seemed to be a bit underdone, but the talent is well and truly there for a phoenix like rise in 2025.
Russell (SD) - Excellent and reliable wingman. Springvale skipper who should be unlocked further by the bolstering of their inside midfield.
Tatupu?? - Not sure if he's returning to the SFNL this year. A matchup against Edwards would be a mouth-watering prospect.
O'Brien (SPM) - Young star coming off an ACL injury. If he can return to his 2023 heights, will climb this list rapidly.
Munday (SPM) - Ever reliable defender who can rotate through the midfield as well. Does his job with minimal fuss.

Martin at 23 is the silliest thing I’ve ever heard! Both him and tapscott are top 5, although tapscott is Div 2,

 

[Peta Deutschland]

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Martin at is the silliest thing I’ve ever heard! Both him and tapscott are top [emoji6], although tapscott is Div ,

We are talking current day. Martin at his peak would be in talks of best player outside of AFL comfortably. ACL surgery and neck injury will limit his capabilities current day. Very good player. But it’s not ten years ago.
Sketcher is the one.


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[MoorabbinMauler2]

100% agree. Did add the caveat that he may be able to get higher - but he played 7 games last season and not at all in 2023.

We are talking current day. Martin at his peak would be in talks of best player outside of AFL comfortably. ACL surgery and neck injury will limit his capabilities current day. Very good player. But it’s not ten years ago.
Sketcher is the one.


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[Gopies2025]

We are talking current day. Martin at his peak would be in talks of best player outside of AFL comfortably. ACL surgery and neck injury will limit his capabilities current day. Very good player. But it’s not ten years ago.
Sketcher is the one.


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Yeah maybe because of his injuries last couple years but still think he should be alot higher than 23,

 

[Peta Deutschland]

[emoji[emoji6][emoji6]][emoji6]" data-quote="Gopies[emoji[emoji6][emoji6]][emoji6]" data-source="post: 0" class="bbCodeBlock bbCodeBlock--expandable bbCodeBlock--quote js-expandWatch">

Yeah maybe because of his injuries last couple years but still think he should be alot higher than ,

Fair enough, I’m in no way saying he is no good or anything like that. Personally, I think it’s a reflection of the state of the competition is looking for the upcoming season.
Should be plenty of great footy played across the season


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[bedford]

Fair enough, I’m in no way saying he is no good or anything like that. Personally, I think it’s a reflection of the state of the competition is looking for the upcoming season.
Should be plenty of great footy played across the season


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What is all that shit above when you post

 

[toxic]

What is all that shit above when you post

Tapatalk

 

[bedford]

Tapatalk

How does he get rid of it

 

[toxic]

How does he get rid of it

Get off stupid tapatalk and post via the website browser like a normal person

 

[Peta Deutschland]

Cheers for the enlightenment lads. Does my head in too. If there is number involved all hell breaks lose lol


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[bobschoicewords]

Any practice matches this weekend?

 

[FootballGuy95]

Any practice matches this weekend?

Narre v Berwick
Cranny v wantirna south

 

[damochandler]

Any practice matches this weekend?

Edi asp v Rowville 1pm

 

[FootballGuy95]

Edi asp v Rowville 1pm

Where abouts?


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[damochandler]

Where abouts?


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Edi asp regents park

 

[Marousses]

Any practise match results from the weekend ?

Bentleigh V Devon?

Had a 45 minute glance at the football carnival at Cranbourne , Cranbourne I expect to surprise a few this year, new coach very organised and always a challenge cranny at cranny or anywhere for that matter but under rate them at your own peril.

Dingley have Rosebud this weekend , now that should be a contest and probably as good as practise matches can get. Rosebud were present at the carnival Saturday, looked incredibly professional and sharp.

Any other Practise matches ?

 

[FootballGuy95]

Any practise match results from the weekend ?

Bentleigh V Devon?

Had a 45 minute glance at the football carnival at Cranbourne , Cranbourne I expect to surprise a few this year, new coach very organised and always a challenge cranny at cranny or anywhere for that matter but under rate them at your own peril.

Dingley have Rosebud this weekend , now that should be a contest and probably as good as practise matches can get. Rosebud were present at the carnival Saturday, looked incredibly professional and sharp.

Any other Practise matches ?

Edi asp vs Beena at regents park