Last-round shakeup sets the field for GFL finals

THE final round of the GFL seniors home and away season caused one last shakeup, but the top five is now finalised and there will be a new premier in 2025.

After Newtown & Chilwell’s loss, St Joseph’s snagged their second consecutive minor premiership at the eleventh hour. They now have a week off and will play the winner of the Qualifying Final.

The Eagles fell to second, and Colac’s percentage-boosting win over Grovedale saw them jump into third, meaning the two powerhouses will face off in a mouthwatering Qualifying Final at West Oval tomorrow (Saturday, September 6).

After a strong year that surprised many, new coach Steve Johnson’s crew will enter the matchup as favourites over the Tigers, having beaten every side except the Saints in 2025. Meanwhile, Colac had a shaky finish to the year, losing two of their last four matches.

Newtown & Chilwell conquered the Tigers in Colac when they last matched up in Round 9. Winning at Central Reserve is a difficult feat that should give the Eagles plenty of confidence that they can win again and progress to a matchup against Joeys.

Sunday will see the Elimination Final between St Marys and Bell Park, with the winner to face the loser of the Qualifying Final and the loser out of contention.

The Saints missed out on the double chance by a mere one percent and now have to battle for their first flag since 2022 the hard way.

The Dragons are on a five-game winning streak which includes a Round 14 shellacking of the Saints. Despite the lopsided score last time, Bell Park will be well aware of the immense finals experience in their opposition this weekend.