It was a weekend defined by mud, rain, and relentless pressure across the Kyabram District Football Netball League (KDFL), with Round 15 delivering some of the most physically demanding matches of the season.
With just three rounds remaining before finals, the stakes have never been higher, and several teams are now walking the finals tightrope.
In one of the most anticipated matchups of the round, Avenel and Rushworth squared off in a bruising, high stakes senior football battle.
With slippery conditions making ball control a challenge, both sides were tested mentally and physically.
Avenel fought bravely, staying in the contest all day, but Rushworth edged ahead in the crucial moments to secure a 13 point win.
Latest Stories
Avenel now sits eighth on the ladder, still within striking distance of the top six, but needing wins in their final three games to stay in the hunt.
Coach JD Delaney reflected on the battle:
“Yeah, it was a tough loss to accept," he said.
"Obviously both teams had a lot to play for, and we knew Rushy were gonna give their best, especially in the conditions we played in.
"It was a bloody tough slog.
"We battled really hard all day, and I couldn’t be prouder of how our boys gave it their all.
"Unfortunately, they were way too good for us, and that’s footy at the end of the day.
Delaney remains positive for the season's ending.
"Three more home and away games left and we just have to produce our best footy and you never know what can happen.”
SCOREBOARD: Avenel 5.8.38 defeated by Rushworth 7.9.51.
In the netball arena, Avenel A Grade pushed Rushworth in another wet weather showdown.
Slowing down their pace to match Rushworth’s physicality, Avenel remained competitive for most of the game but couldn’t maintain pressure in the second half.
Georgia Velt shared her insights:
“Yeah, a tough one in the wet," she said.
"We had to slow down our style of play, which actually suited us against a really strong Rushworth defence.
"It forced us to be more patient with the ball.
"We kept up with them most of the game, but in the second half we just couldn't force the turnovers like they did, and they didn’t miss many goals at all”
Longwood travelled to Nagambie on Saturday and left with an impressive four points, dominating the contest with cleaner ball use and greater efficiency inside 50.
Despite the conditions, Longwood looked composed and in control throughout.
The win pushes them to fifth on the ladder; Nagambie still sits in fourth and under pressure to rebound quickly in the run to finals.
SCOREBOARD: Nagambie 3.8.26 defeated by Longwood 7.11.53.
In netball, Nagambie delivered a statement performance, outclassing Longwood with slick ball movement and excellent shooting.
The 27 goal margin highlights Nagambie’s sharpness as they enter the final stretch of the season.
The senior football match between Violet Town and Undera was abandoned after a serious neck injury to an Undera player early in the match.
The game was halted as a precaution, and thankfully, it was later confirmed that the player had avoided serious damage, a relief for both clubs and the league.
Violet Town, sitting ninth on the ladder, now finds itself in a must-win position heading into the final three rounds.
The Towners' netballers held their nerve in tough conditions, using smart ball movement and patient play to come away with a well earned eight goal win.
With only six teams to qualify for finals, the race is on. Longwood and Nagambie are sitting in strong positions, while Avenel and Violet Town must fight for every opportunity over the next three weeks to stay alive.
Round 16 – Key Football matchups this week.
Longwood vs Lancaster (1st)
The Redlegs face the ultimate challenge this week, taking on the top of the table Lancaster.
A win would send a strong message to the competition.
Avenel vs Shepparton East (3rd)
A crucial game for Avenel.
With their season on the line, they’ll need to overcome one of the league’s toughest sides in Shepparton East to stay in the finals mix.
Violet Town FNC Seniors vs Rushworth (6th)
A true elimination clash.
Violet Town must defeat Rushworth to keep any hope of a finals appearance alive.
Nagambie FNC Seniors vs Girgarre (10th)
Nagambie will aim to bounce back and lock in their top four spot with a strong performance against the struggling Girgarre.
