It’s unfortunate this week to start our wrap with the tragic news of the death of Castlemaine FNC under-18s player Dallas Keogh-Frankling following the match against Kyneton FNC at the Kyneton Showgrounds on Saturday. Our heartfelt sympathies go to the Dallas’ family and friends at this time.
Also, we extend our thoughts to all the players, coaches, volunteers, members and supporters of both the Castlemaine and Kyneton FNCs who have been affected by this event. One of the greatest redeeming features of country football and netball clubs is that in times of crisis, they are places for people to gather and clubs wrap their arms around their local communities who need support.
A statement from the Bendigo FNL league is expected later this week regarding what will take place regarding both the Senior and Reserve games that were canceled as a result of Saturday’s events.
Onto other news, Victorian country footy’s longest winning streak is over. Leongatha FNC was in line for a 35th consecutive win this weekend before coming up against a determined Moe FNC in their Gippsland FNL clash. Inaccuracy affected the Parrots’ chances, kicking 6.14 (50) to the Lions’ 12.5 (77). This loss now hands the winning streak mantle over to the Marong FNL who racked up their 21st win in a row defeating Bridgewater FNC in the Loddon Valley FNL. Two other 8-game winning streaks went by the wayside this week too, with Seymour FNC in the Goulburn Valley FNL and Wodonga FNC in the Ovens & Murray FNL suffering defeats in their respective matches on the weekend.
This weekend saw four-time Hawthorn FC premiership player and former Melbourne FC player Jordan Lewis lace up the boots in the Omeo & District FNL for the Buchan Cavemen in their match against Lindenow South FNC. Lewis was instrumental in setting up several goals while managing 2 of his own in the 12.8 (80) to 5.13 (43) victory.
This week also saw former Carlton FC star Anthony Koutoufides confirmed to coach the Ballarat FNL when it takes on the Hampden FNL, who will also be coached by another former AFL champion in former Brisbane Lion Jonathan Brown, in their interleague clash on July 1st.
Staying with the former AFL player theme, Paddy Ryder had a day out in front of goals in snagging 10 for Devon Meadows FNC in their MPNFNL clash with Rye FNC. Whilst a great effort, it was overshadowed by a haul of 18 by Woorndoo Mortlake FNC’s Jesse Horan in his side’s big total of 38.29 257 against Mininera & District FNL opponent Moyston Willaura FNC. This was also the highest score for this weekend’s round of matches, which also saw four 1 point games and another draw. This time it was in the Hampden FNL where Port Fairy FNC, searching for their second win in 2023, couldn’t be separated from Cobden FNC in the 16.2 98 v 15.8 98 result.
It’s safe to say that next week we should see our first forward hit the 50 goal total for season 2023 as we now have a 3 way tie in first place. Longtime list leader Ethan Redcliffe from Mitta United FNC has now been joined by Swan Reach FNC’s Max Solomon (8 this week) and Anthony Zelencich (9 this week) from Carisbrook FNC with a total of 47 goals apiece.
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Image from Buchan FNC Facebook
