Ex-Bomber recovering after serious neck injury, Curnow gets nod in battle of former Blues

We’ve hit finals time in Victorian country footy with the Upper Murray FNL completing round one this weekend and the Omeo & District FNL and Picola and District FNL having now concluded their home and away seasons. However, there's still plenty to play out as most leagues head towards the conclusion of the home and away seasons.

In off-field news this week it was revealed that the Broadford FNC, who have been in recess this season, are looking at reemerging for 2025 but in a new league. Whilst currently aligned to the Outer East FNL, the Roos are looking at potentially joining the Bendigo FNL next year. Whilst these talks are ongoing, the Outer East FNL have cleared the way for Broadford to move leagues if they desire.

To matters on field and unfortunately a serious injury to Thorpdale FNC coach and former Essendon player Jason Winderlich caused their match against Toora FNC in the Mid Gippsland FNC to be abandoned early in the game. An accidental knock to his head while he was trying to get the ball initially had everyone fearing a major spinal injury. Winderlich was flown to the Alfred Hospital and underwent surgery; it was revealed to be an injury to his neck, which alleviated the initial spinal concerns. Everyone involved in country football wishes him a speedy recovery.

Two former AFL teammates went head to head in the Colac and District FNL this weekend with the Ed Curnow coached Lorne FNC taking on Birregurra FNC who had Curnow’s Carlton FC teammate Lachie Henderson lining up for them. The top of the ladder Lorne were too strong, running out 68-point winners, 19.18 132 to 10.6 64. Henderson managed to kick two goals for the Saints who remain in ninth spot overall with one round to play.

The Bellarine FNL match between Queenscliff FNC and Barwon Heads FNC, ended in some controversy. After the final siren, the scoreline read that Barwon Heads had won by four points, 14.4 88 to 12.12 84. However, Queenscliff FNC have lodged a review of the result after they believed Barwon heads were incorrectly given a goal during the second quarter with the scores changing during the half time break. Queenscliff have used vision from the match to support their case, whoever at this point in time the original score stands pending the outcome of the review. A change in result would see Barwon Heads lose their spot in 5th place heading into the final round.

A couple of big winning streaks came to an end this weekend. In the Kyabram and District FNL a run of 25 straight wins to Lancaster FNC came to a conclusion at the hands of 5th placed Nagambie FNC, 11.14 80 to 8.12 60. Hay FNC in the Golden Rivers FNL lost for the first time in 16 weeks going down to second placed Ultima FNC by 24 points while down in the West Gippsland FNC Cora Lynn FNC had their winning run of 13 consecutive victories end in thrilling style with Nar Nar Goon FC coming from behind to record a 1 point in, 10.11 71 to 10.10 70.

On the other side of the ledger two clubs had their first wins for season 2024 breaking some losing streaks of their own. In the Colac and District FNL Otway Districts FNC ended a run of 15 straight loses with a 34 point win over Apollo Bay FNC, while in the East Gippsland FNL

Lindenow FNC sang the song for the first time in 13 weeks with a 36 point win over Paynesville FNC. The hard luck story this weekend was in the Horsham and District FNL where Natimuk United FNC were chasing win number one in 2024 as well as looking to break a 14 game run of outs. Heartbreakingly they went down by 1 point, with inaccurate kicking proving costly in the loss to Edenhope Apsley FNC, 9.9 63 to 8.14 62.

More forwards had big days out this weekend with 11 ending up with double digit hauls. The biggest for the weekend was in the Tallangatta and District FNL, where Tallangatta FNC’s James Breen kicked 16 in his side's big 280-point win over Wahgunyah FC while in the neighbouring Ovens and King FNL Greta FNC’s Cody Crawford managed 13 in their 257 point victory over Tarrawingee FNC. Overall we have joint leaders on 113 goals with Murchison-Toolamba FNC’s James Lloyd and Strathmerton FNC’s Tim Looby. With the Picola and District FNL entering finals, Looby will remain on this mark while Lloyd has two rounds to go to build his tally. Lachlan Sharp from Bridgewater FNC sits behind them on 106 for the season also with two rounds to play.

For all the latest in country footy, head to Country Footy Scores.