GDFL bottom seven season reviews

AS FIVE GDFL sides begin their pursuit for the 2025 seniors premiership, seven have no choice but to watch on.

For some, the end of the year couldn’t come quick enough, but others will be left wondering what went wrong after falling out of contention in the final round.

6 – Thomson (10-8)

The reigning premiers were struck by injury across the year, and a finish that saw them win just one of their last five games ultimately cost them a chance to go back-to-back. Had results gone their way in the last round they may have snuck into fifth, but in the end they finished just one game out.

7 – Inverleigh (9-9)

The Hawks won four straight games between rounds 12 and 15, and looked set to make it consecutive finals appearances. However, they were unable to match it with fellow finals hopefuls, going down to Bell Post Hill and East Geelong to end the season and ultimately miss out on the top five by two games.

8 – Werribee Centrals (7-10-1)

A four-game losing streak to start the season made a finals berth in 2025 very difficult for the Centrals. However, three wins and a draw from their last six games allowed them to finish the year strong. Should take momentum from big wins against East Geelong and Bell Post Hill into next year.

9 – Winchelsea (6-12)

The Blues continued their 11-year absence from the finals with a ninth-place finish in 2025. After a promising start that saw them win two of the first three, a horror nine-game losing streak followed which cost them a shot at the top five. Four wins from their final six games should give them some confidence to finally break the curse in 2026.

10 – Bannockburn (5-13)

The Tigers kicked off 2025 sitting at 4-2 and looked poised to bounce back from their Elimination Final loss to the eventual premiers Thomson last year. However, they managed just one win for the remainder of the season and dropped five spots below their fifth-place finish in 2024. A year to forget for the Tigers.

11 – Geelong West (4-13-1)

After finishing second-last in 2024 and managing just three wins, the Giants improved in 2025. Whilst there were some shockers, there were also some valiant close losses against top five sides that should instill some belief in the group that at their peak, they can match it with the best.

12 – Corio (3-15)

The Devils have the unfortunate claim of back-to-back wooden spoons after another bottom-placed finish in 2025. They improved by one win this season, and beat Anakie in both of their matchups. A final round upset over Bell Post Hill at Myers Reserve was the highlight of the year.