The Warrnambool & District Football Netball League is encouraging competing teams in Finals this weekend to wear blue armbands and join in a moment of silence pre-game in honour of Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson and Senior Constable Vadim De Waart, who were tragically killed in the line of duty in Porepunkah.
We recognise the vital role that Victoria Police and all emergency first responders play in our community, and we wish to express our support to the families, friends, and colleagues affected by this tragedy.
For those who wish to contribute, donations can be made to Victoria Police Legacy, a charitable not-for-profit organisation providing direct support to affected families, via www.policelegacyvic.org.au
Week two of the finals is here and we have just four teams remaining in both the footy and netball premiership races.
Davidson Oval hosts the second semi-finals on Saturday, while the do-or-die first semi-finals head to Allansford Recreation Reserve on Sunday.
In the A-grade netball second semi-final, another chapter in a modern-day rivalry will take place when minor premier Nirranda takes on Merrivale for a spot in the grand final.
The Blues are chasing a fourth straight flag and are unbeaten since the 2023 home-and-away season.
The Tigers are also perennial contenders and have featured in three of the past four grand finals, winning their last premiership in 2019.
In the first semi-final, Allansford takes on Dennington in what should be another entertaining fixture.
The Dogs are riding high after a first finals win in years, while the Cats are looking to bounce back from their qualifying final loss to Merrivale.
In the senior football second semi-final, minor premier Merrivale goes head-to-head with Allansford for a spot in the decider.
These two teams have a win each from their two meetings in 2025, so you can expect another cracking contest.
The Tigers are targeting their third straight grand final appearance, while a win to the Cats would see them qualify for their first decider since 2004.
In the first semi-final, three-time reigning premier Nirranda plays Russells Creek.
They’ll have to do it the hard way, but the Blues have the belief they are capable of a fourth consecutive premiership.
The Creekers, however, are a tough outfit and will back themselves to bounce back after a heavy loss to Allansford in the qualifying final.
Matt Hughes
Journalist
