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.