Bombers crowned champion team in Northern Rivers Cup

BALLINA Bombers claimed the inaugural Northern Rivers Cup title with a grand final win over Lismore Swans at Oakes Oval.

The undefeated Bombers ran away with a 7.9 (51) to 2.2 (14) win in the decider.

New club Lennox Head finished third with a 6.7 (43) to 6.3 (39) win over the Byron Bay Magpies.

The six-week competition was run by AFL Queensland to reintroduce senior men’s competition to the Northern Rivers.

About 250 players took part across seven clubs, with hopes of adding at least one new team next year.

“The pilot competition this year has proven successful, so we look forward to working with the stakeholders in the region on growing the participation and sustainability of football in the Northern Rivers over the coming years,” Queensland competitions manager Mitchell Simpson said.

“With the concept only being pitched across the region in April, it has been pleasing to see such a large number of participants join their local teams and re-engage with football in such a short amount of time.”

“There has been a mix of past senior players, former local juniors, AFL Masters players and a number of cross-code converts participate and it’s been great to see the entire footy community from across the region come together to make this a success.”

The competition saw Brunswick Heads, Casino, Lismore and Nimbin return to competition.

Casino and Lismore most recently played in the AFL North Coast competition before the floods in 2022, while a joint venture between Ballina and Byron Bay in the Gold Coast competition lasted only one season in 2024.