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Central Murray FNL Confirms Venues & Hosts for Historic 2026 Top 8 Finals Series 

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  • News Author: essie Chester – CMFNL Manager 
  • Article Text:

    MEDIA RELEASE 
    Central Murray FNL Confirms Venues & Hosts for Historic 2026 Top 8 Finals Series 
    *FOR IMMEDIATE DISTRIBUTION* 


    The Central Murray Football Netball League (CMFNL) is pleased to announce the confirmed host clubs and venues for its 
    historic 2026 Finals Series, marking the first season the League will operate under a Top 8 finals structure. 
    Following the expansion of the competition to 16 clubs, the introduction of a Top 8 Finals Series represents a significant 
    milestone in the League's history, providing more opportunities for clubs, players, volunteers and supporters to 
    experience finals football and netball. 


    The four week finals campaign will culminate with the Grand Final on Saturday, 19 September, and is expected to be one 
    of the largest finals series staged in regional football and netball. 
    The inaugural Top 8 Finals Series is shaping as one of the biggest events in the League's history. 


    Remarkably, all 16 Central Murray clubs currently occupy a Top 8 position across the League's football and netball 
    competitions, while 14 clubs sit inside the Top 4 of at least one grade. Should current trends continue, every club in the 
    competition could have a team participating during the opening weekend of finals, creating a unique whole league 
    celebration of football and netball across the region. 


    Week 1 – Qualifying & Elimination Finals 
    Saturday, 29 August 
    • 1st Qualifying Final (1 v 4) – Swan Hill FNC hosting at Swan Hill Recreation Reserve 
    • 2nd Qualifying Final (2 v 3) – Ultima FNC hosting at Alan Garden Reserve 


    Sunday, 30 August 
    • 1st Elimination Final (5 v 8) – Cohuna Kangas FNC hosting at Swan Hill Recreation Reserve 
    • 2nd Elimination Final (6 v 7) – Moulamein FNC hosting at Alan Garden Reserve 


    Week 2 – Semi Finals 
    • Saturday, 5 September – Nyah Recreation Reserve 
    • Sunday, 6 September – Murrabit Recreation Reserve 


    Week 3 – Preliminary Finals 
    • Saturday, 12 September – Greenham Park, Balranald 
    • Sunday, 13 September – Riverside Park, Kerang 


    Week 4 – Grand Final 
    • Saturday, 19 September – Lake Boga FNC hosting at Swan Hill Recreation Reserve 


    The finals hosting allocations were determined following submissions from clubs and in accordance with the League's 
    Finals Hosting Rotation Policy. The Central Rivers Board carefully considered all applications and hosting preferences to 
    ensure a fair and equitable distribution of finals opportunities across the competition. 
    Further information regarding finals operations and timings, will be released closer to the commencement of the 2026 
    Finals Series 


    *ENDS* 


    Please contact Jessie Chester – CMFNL Manager 
    Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
  • File Download 1: Download PDF

MEDIA RELEASE 
Central Murray FNL Confirms Venues & Hosts for Historic 2026 Top 8 Finals Series 
*FOR IMMEDIATE DISTRIBUTION* 


The Central Murray Football Netball League (CMFNL) is pleased to announce the confirmed host clubs and venues for its 
historic 2026 Finals Series, marking the first season the League will operate under a Top 8 finals structure. 
Following the expansion of the competition to 16 clubs, the introduction of a Top 8 Finals Series represents a significant 
milestone in the League's history, providing more opportunities for clubs, players, volunteers and supporters to 
experience finals football and netball. 


The four week finals campaign will culminate with the Grand Final on Saturday, 19 September, and is expected to be one 
of the largest finals series staged in regional football and netball. 
The inaugural Top 8 Finals Series is shaping as one of the biggest events in the League's history. 


Remarkably, all 16 Central Murray clubs currently occupy a Top 8 position across the League's football and netball 
competitions, while 14 clubs sit inside the Top 4 of at least one grade. Should current trends continue, every club in the 
competition could have a team participating during the opening weekend of finals, creating a unique whole league 
celebration of football and netball across the region. 


Week 1 – Qualifying & Elimination Finals 
Saturday, 29 August 
• 1st Qualifying Final (1 v 4) – Swan Hill FNC hosting at Swan Hill Recreation Reserve 
• 2nd Qualifying Final (2 v 3) – Ultima FNC hosting at Alan Garden Reserve 


Sunday, 30 August 
• 1st Elimination Final (5 v 8) – Cohuna Kangas FNC hosting at Swan Hill Recreation Reserve 
• 2nd Elimination Final (6 v 7) – Moulamein FNC hosting at Alan Garden Reserve 


Week 2 – Semi Finals 
• Saturday, 5 September – Nyah Recreation Reserve 
• Sunday, 6 September – Murrabit Recreation Reserve 


Week 3 – Preliminary Finals 
• Saturday, 12 September – Greenham Park, Balranald 
• Sunday, 13 September – Riverside Park, Kerang 


Week 4 – Grand Final 
• Saturday, 19 September – Lake Boga FNC hosting at Swan Hill Recreation Reserve 


The finals hosting allocations were determined following submissions from clubs and in accordance with the League's 
Finals Hosting Rotation Policy. The Central Rivers Board carefully considered all applications and hosting preferences to 
ensure a fair and equitable distribution of finals opportunities across the competition. 
Further information regarding finals operations and timings, will be released closer to the commencement of the 2026 
Finals Series 


*ENDS* 


Please contact Jessie Chester – CMFNL Manager 
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

News - CMFNL, News - GRFNL, News - Umpires

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Written by staff on . Posted in News.

MEDIA RELEASE Central Murray FNL Confirms Week 1 Structure for Historic Top 8 Finals Series

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  • News Author: CMFNL
  • Article Text:

    15 MAY 2026


    MEDIA RELEASE


    Central Murray FNL Confirms Week 1 Structure for Historic Top 8 Finals Series
    *FOR IMMEDIATE DISTRIBUTION*


    The Central Murray Football Netball League (CMFNL) has confirmed the Week 1 hosting structure for its new Top 8 Finals Series, 
    which will be introduced for the first time in season 2026.


    The expanded finals format will see eight clubs in each grade compete across a four-week finals campaign, creating additional 
    opportunities for clubs and supporters while delivering an exciting new finals structure for both football and netball 
    competitions.


    Under the new system, Week 1 of finals will feature 2 Qualifying Finals and 2 Elimination Finals across Saturday and Sunday.
    The format will operate as follows:


    Week 1 – Qualifying & Elimination Finals
    Saturday – August 29
    • 1st vs 4th (1st qualifying)
    • 2nd vs 3rd (2nd qualifying)
    Sunday – August 30
    • 5th vs 8th (loser eliminated) (1st elimination)
    • 6th vs 7
    th (loser eliminated) (2nd elimination)


    Week 2 – Semi Finals
    Saturday – Semi Final 1 - 5 September 
    • Loser of 1st Qualifying plays Winner of 1st Elimination 
    Sunday – Semi Final 2 - 6 September 
    • Loser of 2nd Qualifying plays Winner of 2nd Elimination 


    Week 3 – Preliminary Finals 
    Saturday - 12 September 
    • Winner of 1st Qualifying plays Winner of Semi Final 2 
    Sunday - 13 September 
    • Winner of 2nd Qualifying plays Winner of Semi Final 1 


    Week 4 – Grand Final - Saturday 19 September 
    • Winners of each Preliminary Finals play in the Grand Final.


    As part of the transition to the new Top 8 system, the Central Rivers Board undertook a club consultation and survey process 
    throughout April & early May to determine the preferred method to host Week 1, given the challenge of conducting 4 separate
    finals across 2 days.


    Following the consultation period, the Central Rivers Board met on Wednesday night to review all feedback and voting 
    outcomes in detail.


    Based on the results of the club consultation the Board has unanimously endorsed the hosting of all matches at the Alan 
    Garden and Swan Hill Recreation Reserves as the preferred hosting model for Week 1 of the 2026 Finals Series.


    The Board believes the adopted model provides the strongest outcome for clubs, supporters and officials by allowing clubs with 
    teams competing across different grades and ladder positions to remain at the one venue throughout the weekend.


    The structure will also support the League’s umpiring group through improved appointments, travel and logistical efficiencies.
    Central Rivers Board Chair Gavin Campbell said “this will be one of the biggest weekends of football and netball the region, or 
    possibly Country Victoria has ever seen. 16 games of football and 28 games of netball will be played on one precinct across the 
    weekend of August 29 & 30. The way things are shaping up with the season thus far, it is highly likely that every one of the 16 
    clubs in the Central Murray, will have a team participating. Everyone should be really excited about it!”


    Several clubs have already expressed interest in hosting matches under the approved model.


    Over the coming weeks, clubs included in the 2026 finals hosting rotation will be invited to submit hosting preferences for the 
    full finals’ series. Final venue allocations and host clubs will be confirmed by the Board following their June Board Meeting.


    Further information regarding finals venues and hosting allocations will be released following the June Board Meeting.


    *ENDS*
    Please contact Jessie Chester CMFNL Manager
    Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
  • File Download 1: Download PDF

15 MAY 2026
MEDIA RELEASE


Central Murray FNL Confirms Week 1 Structure for Historic Top 8 Finals Series
*FOR IMMEDIATE DISTRIBUTION*


The Central Murray Football Netball League (CMFNL) has confirmed the Week 1 hosting structure for its new Top 8 Finals Series, 
which will be introduced for the first time in season 2026.


The expanded finals format will see eight clubs in each grade compete across a four-week finals campaign, creating additional 
opportunities for clubs and supporters while delivering an exciting new finals structure for both football and netball 
competitions.


Under the new system, Week 1 of finals will feature 2 Qualifying Finals and 2 Elimination Finals across Saturday and Sunday.
The format will operate as follows:


Week 1 – Qualifying & Elimination Finals
Saturday – August 29
• 1st vs 4th (1st qualifying)
• 2nd vs 3rd (2nd qualifying)
Sunday – August 30
• 5th vs 8th (loser eliminated) (1st elimination)
• 6th vs 7
th (loser eliminated) (2nd elimination)


Week 2 – Semi Finals
Saturday – Semi Final 1 - 5 September 
• Loser of 1st Qualifying plays Winner of 1st Elimination 
Sunday – Semi Final 2 - 6 September 
• Loser of 2nd Qualifying plays Winner of 2nd Elimination 


Week 3 – Preliminary Finals 
Saturday - 12 September 
• Winner of 1st Qualifying plays Winner of Semi Final 2 
Sunday - 13 September 
• Winner of 2nd Qualifying plays Winner of Semi Final 1 


Week 4 – Grand Final - Saturday 19 September 
• Winners of each Preliminary Finals play in the Grand Final.


As part of the transition to the new Top 8 system, the Central Rivers Board undertook a club consultation and survey process 
throughout April & early May to determine the preferred method to host Week 1, given the challenge of conducting 4 separate
finals across 2 days.


Following the consultation period, the Central Rivers Board met on Wednesday night to review all feedback and voting 
outcomes in detail.


Based on the results of the club consultation the Board has unanimously endorsed the hosting of all matches at the Alan 
Garden and Swan Hill Recreation Reserves as the preferred hosting model for Week 1 of the 2026 Finals Series.


The Board believes the adopted model provides the strongest outcome for clubs, supporters and officials by allowing clubs with 
teams competing across different grades and ladder positions to remain at the one venue throughout the weekend.


The structure will also support the League’s umpiring group through improved appointments, travel and logistical efficiencies.


Central Rivers Board Chair Gavin Campbell said “this will be one of the biggest weekends of football and netball the region, or 
possibly Country Victoria has ever seen. 16 games of football and 28 games of netball will be played on one precinct across the 
weekend of August 29 & 30. The way things are shaping up with the season thus far, it is highly likely that every one of the 16 
clubs in the Central Murray, will have a team participating. Everyone should be really excited about it!”


Several clubs have already expressed interest in hosting matches under the approved model.


Over the coming weeks, clubs included in the 2026 finals hosting rotation will be invited to submit hosting preferences for the 
full finals’ series. Final venue allocations and host clubs will be confirmed by the Board following their June Board Meeting.


Further information regarding finals venues and hosting allocations will be released following the June Board Meeting.


*ENDS*
Please contact Jessie Chester CMFNL Manager
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

News - CMFNL, News - GRFNL, News - Umpires

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Written by staff on . Posted in News.

MEDIA RELEASE Central Murray confirms Top 8 Finals series for 2026 & 2027

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  • Article Text:

    26 NOVEMBER 2025
    MEDIA RELEASE
    Central Murray confirms Top 8 Finals series for 2026 & 2027
    *FOR IMMEDIATE DISTRIBUTION*


    Following the confirmation of Hay, Moulamein, Murrabit, Ultima & Wandella joining the Central Murray Football 
    Netball League in 2026, the Central Rivers Board on Wednesday night confirmed that the League will adopt a Top 8
    Finals Series structure for the 2026 and 2027 seasons.


    This decision marks an exciting step forward for our growing league and reflects our commitment to providing 
    opportunities, supporting club development, and creating an even more engaging competition for players, 
    volunteers, families, and supporters.


    The finer logistics and operational details of the new finals’ series will be worked through in consultation with 
    clubs in early 2026. The League will also draw on the experience of other competitions currently operating a Top 8 
    system, including the Central Highlands FNL, to gather insights, feedback, and innovative approaches to ensure 
    the series is fair, competitive, and engaging. This process will involve thinking outside the box to create the best 
    possible outcome for players, clubs, and supporters.


    The 2026 Finals Series will take place across four weeks, with the Grand Final locked in for Saturday, 19 
    September.


    Top 8 Benefits:
    With the League growing to 16 teams, moving from a Top 5 to a Top 8 brings several exciting benefits:
    • More Clubs, more opportunity:
    A Top 8 gives more teams the chance to experience finals football and netball, helping players grow, 
    building club pride, and keeping more communities involved right up to September.
    • Stronger competitions across the Season:
    More teams remain in the hunt for finals for longer, creating closer matches, higher intensity, and a more 
    engaging season for supporters.
    • Community energy & excitement:
    Finals bring people together. More clubs taking part means more crowds, more atmosphere, and more 
    local communities sharing in the excitement.
    • Growth for Clubs on & off the field:
    Finals exposure helps strengthen clubs, support player pathways, volunteer engagement, and club 
    sustainability.
    • Increased fan engagement:
    A broader finals series boosts community interest, crowds, and digital engagement in the lead up to 
    September.
    • Commercial Benefits:
    A longer, more inclusive finals series creates increased sponsorship value, match day revenue 
    opportunities, and greater visibility for club and league partners.


    This is an important milestone in the next chapter of the Central Murray Football Netball League, and we look 
    forward to working hand in hand with our clubs to bring this expanded finals series to life.
    Further details will be announced following club consultation in the new year.
    *ENDS*
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26 NOVEMBER 2025
MEDIA RELEASE
Central Murray confirms Top 8 Finals series for 2026 & 2027
*FOR IMMEDIATE DISTRIBUTION*


Following the confirmation of Hay, Moulamein, Murrabit, Ultima & Wandella joining the Central Murray Football 
Netball League in 2026, the Central Rivers Board on Wednesday night confirmed that the League will adopt a Top 8
Finals Series structure for the 2026 and 2027 seasons.


This decision marks an exciting step forward for our growing league and reflects our commitment to providing 
opportunities, supporting club development, and creating an even more engaging competition for players, 
volunteers, families, and supporters.


The finer logistics and operational details of the new finals’ series will be worked through in consultation with 
clubs in early 2026. The League will also draw on the experience of other competitions currently operating a Top 8 
system, including the Central Highlands FNL, to gather insights, feedback, and innovative approaches to ensure 
the series is fair, competitive, and engaging. This process will involve thinking outside the box to create the best 
possible outcome for players, clubs, and supporters.


The 2026 Finals Series will take place across four weeks, with the Grand Final locked in for Saturday, 19 
September.


Top 8 Benefits:
With the League growing to 16 teams, moving from a Top 5 to a Top 8 brings several exciting benefits:
• More Clubs, more opportunity:
A Top 8 gives more teams the chance to experience finals football and netball, helping players grow, 
building club pride, and keeping more communities involved right up to September.
• Stronger competitions across the Season:
More teams remain in the hunt for finals for longer, creating closer matches, higher intensity, and a more 
engaging season for supporters.
• Community energy & excitement:
Finals bring people together. More clubs taking part means more crowds, more atmosphere, and more 
local communities sharing in the excitement.
• Growth for Clubs on & off the field:
Finals exposure helps strengthen clubs, support player pathways, volunteer engagement, and club 
sustainability.
• Increased fan engagement:
A broader finals series boosts community interest, crowds, and digital engagement in the lead up to 
September.
• Commercial Benefits:
A longer, more inclusive finals series creates increased sponsorship value, match day revenue 
opportunities, and greater visibility for club and league partners.


This is an important milestone in the next chapter of the Central Murray Football Netball League, and we look 
forward to working hand in hand with our clubs to bring this expanded finals series to life.
Further details will be announced following club consultation in the new year.
*ENDS*

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