Whilst the topic, structure and interest in future Victorian country interleague matches remains undecided, this weekend sees the next installment of the Ash Wilson Trophy match between the Goulburn Valley FNL and the Ovens and Murray FNL.
Whilst this will be the 12th game for the aforementioned trophy, the two leagues have a long history of clashes, dating back to 1930. Currently the tally stands at 17 wins to the Ovens and Murray FNL and 10 wins to the Goulburn Valley FNL. Last year saw the OMFNL with an 18.11 (119) to 9.10 (64) win while we have to go back to 2010 for the last time the boys from the GVFNL sang the song when they were winners, 12.16 (88) to 9.10 (64).
Historically there has been no love lost between the two leagues with bragging rights fiercely fought for in terms of who is the best league in the north of the state, or in broader terms for the title of the best league in Victoria. With apologies to the Ballarat, Bendigo, Geelong, Hampden, Gippsland and Mornington Peninsula Nepean FNL’s, the GVFNL and OMFNL have historically been recognised as powerhouse leagues from the bush.
So the local rivalry among league supporters usually boils down to this, which league is the best?
READ ON FOR THE ANSWER