Footy club firsts for grand final games

THE final games for the 2023 Brandt Central Highlands Football League season are set to be kicked off tomorrow.

The four grand final matches will see the year’s top performing sides take to the field at Mars Stadium for the culmination of the season.

CHFL administrator Gerard Ryan said the games will be the culmination of a well-played season.

“It’s been quite a successful season in that we’ve had many more closer games. Our average margins have been the best they’ve been in the last decade,” he said.

“There haven’t been as many close games in the finals but the crowds have really been enjoying it.”

The games will begin at 8.30am with Springbank, and Rokewood Corindhap’s under 15s sides going head-to-head followed by the clubs’ under 18s at 10.05am.

The reserves will take centre stage at 12.20pm with a match between Springbank and Newlyn, after which the former’s seniors will go up against Gordon at 2.45pm.

With a Springbank side for each match, Mr Ryan said the club is in a unique position.

“It’s an amazing effort having all four teams in the grand final,” he said. “Waubra, at one stage, had three grades, but we don’t believe all four’s happened before.

“No-one’s definitely won them all at once before so if they happen to do that, it’ll be unique. Gordon won the premiership quite comfortably so Springbank look to have improved a lot since then.

“This is also the first time Newlyn have had a team in the reserves grand final in 51 years. Rokewood Corindhap have been with the league for 10 years and it’s their first time ever in our grand final.”

Gates will open at 7.30am, with tickets free for children under 15 years old, $8 for 15 to 17 years old plus pensioners and companion card holders, and $16 for adults.