Joeys to host women’s footy grand finals

HERNE Hill Reserve will again host this year’s AFL Barwon’s female football grand finals, the management body announced on Tuesday (July 25).

Slated to be played August 27, the 2023 Epworth Female Football Finals Series Grand Finals will return to the home of St Joseph’s Football Netball Club where record crowds flocked into for last year’s regional pinnacle of the female football season.

A total of eight games will be played across the two Herne Hill Reserve locations (Drew Oval and Walker Oval), providing a festival-like atmosphere for players, officials and spectators.

Joeys president Sue Cormack said the club welcomed the decision.

“St Joseph’s Football and Netball Club is delighted to be hosting the Epworth Female Football Grand Finals in 2023 and showcasing the remarkable development of the female game within our region.”

AFL Barwon Region general manager Edward Wilson thanked participating clubs for their support of female football.

“We’re incredibly grateful for the support our Clubs across the region continue to dedicate in growing and supporting female football, with St. Joseph’s hosting Grand Final Day for the second year in a row.”

South Barwon, Drysdale, North Geelong and Modewarre will host earlier weeks of the finals.

The newly formed Under 19s competition will continue to play their matches on a Friday night with all finals at Queens Park.

The full schedule for the Epworth Female Football Finals Series is as follows:

Epworth Senior Female Football Competitions & Under 14 / 16 Female Football Competitions

Week 1 – McDonald Reserve (South Barwon FNC), Osborne Park (North Geelong) & Mortimer Oval (Drysdale FNC)

Sunday, August 13

First Semi Finals

Week 2 – Mt Moriac Reserve (Modewarre FNC)

Sunday, August 20

Preliminary Finals

Week 3 – Herne Hill Reserve (St Joseph’s FNC)

Sunday, August 27

Grand Finals

Epworth Under 19 Female Football Competition

Week 1 – Queens Park (Geelong Amateur FNC)

Friday, August 4

First Semi Finals

Week 2 – Queens Park

Friday, August 11

Preliminary Finals

Week 3 – Queens Park

Friday, August 18

Grand Finals