News - CMFNL

FAVOURITES TAKE THE POINTS IN ALL MATCHES

THE favourites claimed the premiership points in all five senior footy matches as the Central Murray FNL hit the halfway mark of the home-and-away series on Saturday.

Kerang’s unbeaten run in the 3SH-backed competition rolled on as the Blues won at Lake Boga by 56 points.

Both teams scored 1.3 in the first term before Kerang added 3.5 to 1.2 in the second.

The Troy Coates-coached Blues dominated the second half as they scored 7.6 to 1.1 to complete an 80-24 victory.

Hayden Hall and Rylee Smith kicked three goals for Kerang.

Best for the Blues were Lachlan Ross, Ryan Gillingham, Michael Dalrymple, Jesse Clark, Martin Kelly and Rylee Smith.

Former Essendon and Port Adelaide forward Angus Monfries was Lake Boga’s best.

Nathaniel Holmes-Brown, Lochie Laing, Jake Warren, Ryan Fox and Jayden Lonergan worked hard for the Magpies.

Balranald won every quarter on its way to an 84-22 win against Mallee Eagles at Balranald’s Greenham Park.

The Kangaroos led 13-7 at quarter-time and 31-14 by the long break.

A closely-fought third term went Balranald’s way, 15-8, before the Roos scored 5.8 to nil in the final quarter.

Ben Fuller kicked five goals for the Roos as Jydon Neagle added two.

Goalkickers for the Eagles were Harrison Allen, Brent Macleod and Andrew McDonald.

Balranald’s best were Ben Fuller, Jack Salau, Toby Lay, Kobe Lloyd, Josh Hodgson and Ethan Gant.

Zac O’Meara, Wes Bennett, Paul Davis, Brett Thomas, Liam Drummond and Darcy McGregor played well for the Eagles.

Nine goals by Hassan Ahmat-Watkins earned best on ground honours as Nyah Nyah West United won at Tyntynder.

The Demons turned an 11-point deficit at half-time into a 20-point lead by the final siren.

NNWU led 31-25 at quarter-time before the Bulldogs dominated most of the second term to score 5.2 to 2.3.

Nyah Nyah West United struck back to score 2.3 to 0.2 in the third.

The Demons led by two points at the start of the final term and then added 5.2 to 2.2 for a 93-73 result.

It was a day out for Ahmat-Watkins, while Nic Threadgold threaded two goals for the Demons.

Tyntynder’s attack was led by Jason Eagle and Liam Whelan on three each.

Best for Nyah Nyah West United were Hassan Ahmat-Watkins, Nicholas O’Neill, Riley Daniels, Brayden Bigham, Kayne Davidson and Nic Threadgold.

Tyntynder’s best were Liam Whelan, Patrick Blake, Zac Denham, Matt Gilbee, Jason Eagle and Matt Corney.

It was a closely-fought match between Koondrook Barham and Swan Hill at Barham.

The River Raiders led 13-10 at quarter-time, but Swan Hill dominated the second term to score 2.6 to nil.

Koondrook Barham won the third term, 16-14, but the Swans were able to seize control in the last to score 3.3 to 2.1 for a 63-42 victory.

The Swan Hill attack was led by Toby Thoolen, three, and Jose Miliado, two.

Jordan Bassett booted two goals for Koondrook Barham.

Swan Hill’s best were Xavier Moloney, Jarvis Keogh, Tom Holdstock, Seamus Doherty, Sonny Beasy and Matthew Pearse.

Patrick Goble, Corey Barrington, Xavier Leonard, Eli Boyd, Jordan Bassett and Mitch Christensen played well for the River Raiders.

Woorinen marked a 68-point win at home against Tooleybuc Manangatang.

The Saints made a brilliant start to lead 27-8 at quarter-time.

In the second it was the Tigers who dominated play to score 7.8 to nil.

Woorinen’s defence was outstanding in the third as it kept Tooleybuc Manangatang scoreless to gain a 52-point lead.

Doug Beames kicked a match-high four goals as Matthew Gardner added three and Josh Domaille chipped in with two as the Tigers won 108-40.

Jaicob Kenny kicked two goals for the Saints.

Woorinen’s best were Josh Domaille, Dylan Godwin, Doug Beames, Lachlan Gardner, Mitchell Uhlhorn and Matt King.

Jack Mazzarella, Blake Grant, Jaicob Kenny, Tim Auckland and Connor McDonald played well for Tooleybuc Manangatang.

Cohuna Kangas had the bye.

ROUND 9 FOOTBALL SCOREBOARD: https://www.centralrivers.com.au/cmfnl-game-day-results-ladders 

TYNTYNDER NETS ONE-GOAL WIN AGAINST NYAH NYAH WEST

TYNTYNDER marked a one-goal win against Nyah Nyah West United in Saturday’s ninth round of A-grade netball in the Central Murray FNL season.

The Bulldogs and Demons played out a closely-fought match on Tyntynder’s court.

NNWU led 12-11 at quarter-time before scores were locked on 22-all at the main break.

The Demons won the third term, 10-9, but it was the Bulldogs who lifted in the last to win it, 10-8, and claim a 41-40 victory.

Tyntynder’s attack was led by Kimberley Calvert on 26 goals.

It was a dramatic finish to the Balranald and Mallee Eagles match at Balranald’s Greenham Park.

Balranald led 25-22 at half-time and 36-34 at a quarter to go.

In the last it was the Eagles who outscored the home team, 14-10, to complete a 48-46 result.

Mallee’s attack was led by Megan Thorneycroft, 25; and Kellie Walker, 23.

Goalers for Balranald were Ella Mirtschin, 32, and Jess Parry, 14.

The ladder-leading Lake Boga scored a 13-goal win at home against Kerang.

The Magpies led 22-17 at half-time and 32-24 by the last change.

Sarah Hepburn was in hot form as she scored 35 goals for Lake Boga and Katie Hepburn added six.

Kerang’s attack was led by Courtney Robertson, 18; Olivia Jones, 8; and Keiarah Brooks, 2.

Woorinen marked a 62-21 win at home against Tooleybuc Manangatang.

The Tigers led 32-11 at half-time and won the second half, 30-10.

Koondrook Barham could not halt Swan Hill’s charge to a big win at Barham.

The Swans led 20-3 at quarter-time and by 28 goals by the main break.

Casey Frame went on to score 30 goals as Swan Hill team-mates Zoe Morris, 27 goals, and Ingrid Condely, 22, capped off the team’s mid-court dominance in a 79-21 victory.

Koondrook Barham’s goalers were Emily Fasham, 14, and Ruby Lake, 7.

Cohuna Kangas had the bye.

ROUND NINE NETBALL SCOREBOARD:

A-Reserve:
Tyntynder 60 d Nyah Nyah West United 30
Balranald 33 lt Mallee Eagles 51
Lake Boga 62 d Kerang 18
Woorinen 48 d Tooleybuc Manangatang 16
Koondrook Barham 7 lt Swan Hill 85

B-Grade:
Tyntynder 21 lt Nyah Nyah West United 44
Balranald 32 lt Mallee Eagles 33
Lake Boga 52 d Kerang 31
Woorinen 54 d Tooleybuc Manangatang 17
Koondrook Barham 46 d Swan Hill 42

B-Reserve:
Tyntynder 32 lt Nyah Nyah West United 39
Balranald 70 d Mallee Eagles 22
Lake Boga 14 lt Kerang 42
Woorinen 44 d Tooleybuc Manangatang 18
Koondrook Barham 38 d Swan Hill 35

18-and-under:
Tyntynder 85 d Nyah Nyah West United 11
Balranald ft Mallee Eagles
Lake Boga 45 d Kerang 32
Woorinen 73 d Tooleybuc Manangatang 36
Koondrook Barham 30 lt Swan Hill 51

16-and-under:
Tyntynder 38 d Nyah Nyah West United 20
Balranald 19 lt Mallee Eagles 43
Lake Boga 38 lt Kerang 58
Woorinen 45 d Tooleybuc Manangatang 23
Koondrook Barham 19 lt Swan Hill 24

14-and-under:
Tyntynder 40 d Nyah Nyah West United 6
Balranald 13 lt Mallee Eagles 35
Lake Boga 37 d Kerang 10
Woorinen 37 d Tooleybuc Manangatang 15
Koondrook Barham 38 d Swan Hill 23

ROUND 10

On Saturday, Nyah Nyah West United is at home to play Balranald.

Tooleybuc Manangatang takes on Koondrook Barham at Manangatang.

Swan Hill plays Lake Boga at Swan Hill Recreation Reserve.

The Kangas from Cohuna meet Tyntynder at Cohuna.

Mallee Eagles face Woorinen at Lalbert.

Kerang has the bye.

Absolutely huge night at the Swan Hill Town Hall on Monday, where some of the best footballers, netballer and umpire sin the League attended the 2023 Presentation evening. 

Thanks to the Town Hall for having us a their venue, Noel Watson for MC'ing the evening, and all the guests for making the night a success.

Massive thank you also goes to NNW United Football Netball Club, who did a fantastic job catering for the night - the food and service was great, as usual!

You can catch the livestream from the night here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q2exKulJRz8

Or, alternatively, a breakdown of every grade, every round and every award can be downloaded below: 

THERE will be nine clubs represented across this weekend’s qualifying and elimination finals in the Central Murray FNL footy action.

The series kicks off with Saturday’s qualifying finals at Lalbert.

In the Radio 3SH-backed seniors its Balranald against Woorinen from 2.30pm.

This season’s meetings have won been won by the Balranald Kangaroos.

In round three, Balranald won 77-61 on the Roos’ ground at Greenham Park.

The 14^th round match on Woorinen’s turf ended in a 70-30 victory for the Roos.

A talented line-up for Balranald includes Ben Fuller, Drew Lloyd and Jydon Neagle in attack; Colin Andrews in the centre; Jaxon Neagle and Toby Lay in defence.

Other key players for the Roos are Matt Neagle, Ethan Gant and Nathan Ablett.

Woorinen will need big games from the likes of Doug Beames, Danko Bzenic, Taylor Cameron, Dylan Godwin and Henry Thompson.

The Tigers’ squad includes Ben Booth, Thomas Isma, Lachlan Gardner and Robert Rush.

Unbeaten reigning premier Kerang will meet the Kangaroos or Tigers in the second semi-final on September 9 at Balranald’s Greenham Park.

On Sunday, Lake Boga tackles Nyah Nyah West United in the seniors elimination final from 2.30pm at Swan Hill Recreation Resreve.

A point separated these teams when Lake Boga won, 65-64 at home in the second round.

In the 12^th round the Nyah Nyah West United Demons fired up for a 108-61 victory against the Magpies at Nyah.

Hassan Ahmat-Watkins who has starred in the Northern Territory kicked three goals as Riley and Corey Daniels booted three and four majors.

Best for the Demons were Kayne Davidson, Joel Walsh, Riley Daniels and Ethan Saville.

Ninth in 2022 on a win-loss tally of 3-12 and a draw, NNW United has worked incredibly hard to reach an elimination final.

The Demons will be determined the run does not end on Sunday.

Nyah Nyah West United’s team for the elimination final includes Charlie Boulton, Jarrod Stokes, Matt Gibbs and Joel Campbell.

Big test for the Demons against a Lake Boga line-up that has David Gourdis, Lochie Laing and Jayden Lonergan in attack.

Other key players for the Magpies are rover Lincoln Sieben, Matt Taverna and Tyle Williams.

Lake Boga also has former Essendon and Port Adelaide forward/mid Angus Monfries on a half-back flank.

In the reserves competition, Woorinen takes on Nyah Nyah West United in Saturday’s qualifying final from 12.25pm.

In round 11, Woorinen beat the Demons by three goals in Tigers’ territory.

The winner of Saturday’s match play Kerang in the second semi.

Lake Boga meets Mallee Eagles in Sunday’s elimination final at 12.25pm.

These teams met in the opening round where Lake Boga won 32-20 at Lalbert.

In the 13^th round, the Eagles soared to a 38-26 victory at Lake Boga Sports Club.

It’s a showdown between Kerang and Lake Boga in the Colts qualifying final at 10.20am.

Only meeting in the home and away series was in the ninth round where Kerang won 69-36 in the Magpies’ nest at Lake Boga.

The Blues or Magpies will then meet Woorinen in the second semi.

Sunday’s elimination final features Swan Hill and Koondrook Barham from 10.20am.

A great contest in the ninth round ended in a 41-36 win for Koondrook Barham at Barham.

The finals series kicks off at 9am on Saturday when Tooleybuc Manangatang takes on Kerang in the qualifying final of the Mildura Health Fund-backed under-14 ½ competition.

The Saints and Blues clashed in round one at Tooleybuc where the home team marked a 53-10 victory.

In the 13^th round, Kerang won 57-46 on its turf at Riverside Park.

Lake Boga has advanced to a second semi-final.

On Sunday it will be Nyah Nyah West United and Swan Hill striving to stay in the premiership race when they contest the elimination final from 9am.

Both of this season’s meetings between the Demons and Swans went the way of the NWU United line-up.

The Demons won 51-38 at Swan Hill in the fourth round.

Latest showdown ended in a 45-31 victory for the Demons in their den at Nyah.

Len Hutton Memorial ANZAC Match

This Saturday will see Tyntynder host Lake Boga in a special ANZAC match, as Lake Boga are the current holders of the ANZAC Trophy. Due to the innate significance of the two teams playing, the match will be renamed to the “Len Hutton Memorial ANZAC Match” to mark Len’s honour, commitment and dedication to his club, Tyntynder and his local community of Lake Boga and Swan Hill. It is set to be a huge day for all teams with the feature games in both Seniors & A Grade.

One of the lesser-known war memorials in the Swan Hill region is the Commonwealth War Graves at the Lake Boga Cemetery. It is well recognised that No 1 Flying Boat Repair Depot was established on the shores of the lake in 1942, now commemorated by the museum, but the war graves are significant in themselves. For therein lies those who lost their lives while serving at Lake Boga.

Leonard Hutton was born 1/12/1919 in Tasmania and as a child shifted to Lang Lang, Victoria, with parents Leslie James and Anne Muriel Hutton, and sister Verle.

Len was tall for his age (6’1½” on enlisting) and at the age of 14 was playing seniors cricket and also playing football.

In 1938 Len enlisted with the Militia and in December of the same year was allocated to Darwin Mobile Force serving to defend Darwin.

In December of 1940 Len returned to his family in Lang Lang where they celebrated his 21^st birthday.

During 1943 Len was commissioned to go to New Guinea with the 2/19 Battalion. Surviving hostilities there, Len returned to Australia to join the permanent military force. He then came to live at Swan Hill as Area Officer responsible for recruiting for the military and was involved in the Lake Boga Flying Boat Repair Depot. Len’s interest in sport continued and he was appointed captain coach of the Tyntynder Football Club and delegate to the Mid Murray Football League.

It was at a game against Nyah that he was playing and is reported to have received knocks to the head, following on from head injuries two weeks earlier. That evening he went home to his wife Elaine and five-month-old daughter Elizabeth, not feeling well. During the night Elaine called on the landlord to assist who called Dr Weaver who then referred him to hospital. Later the next morning Len passed away.

Len was given a military funeral and buried at the Lake Boga War Graves Cemetery.

Following Len’s death an appeal was held and over £200 was raised for Mrs Hutton.

Mrs Hutton and Elizabeth went to live near her parents at Five Dock in NSW.

MEDIA RELEASE
Central Rivers Board Confirms Key Governance and Competition Updates
*For immediate distribution*

The Central Rivers Board has today confirmed several key updates as part of its commitment to building a stronger 
and more sustainable future for football and netball in the region.

Effective immediately, By-Law 7.2: Application for Club Transfer between CMFNL & GRFNL has been removed. 
This change aligns with the AFL Victoria Community Affiliate Regulations, which override local by-laws and provide 
a clear, state-wide framework for club transfers. The former 75% club vote requirement is no longer valid under 
these regulations, and its removal eliminates unnecessary delays to 2026 planning.

Importantly, clubs will continue to be consulted on matters of competition structure and integrity. The 
removal of this by-law is not a removal of club voice, but a step toward greater consistency and fairness.

The Board has also endorsed Ultima Football Netball Club’s application to transfer to the Central Murray FNL from 
2026, in line with the club’s strategic direction and commitment to fielding football and netball teams across all 
Central Murray FNL grades. This endorsement will now proceed through the AFL Central Victoria Region Council 
process.

Looking ahead, the Board remains committed to delivering a minimum four-club Golden Rivers competition in 
2026, subject to club participation. However, it is important to note that there is currently no appetite from clubs 
for a five-club competition. A separate communication has been issued to GRFNL clubs requesting a time to meet 
and discuss their intentions for 2026, with plans to be advised no later than the 31st of July. Support is also being 
offered to Golden Rivers FNL clubs considering a move to Central Murray FNL.

Further strategic initiatives include:

• A full review of the Constitution and By-Laws in 2026.
• A mid-season competition structure review in 2026 to guide planning for 2027.
• Continued work on brand identity under the Central Rivers name, with club consultation to come.
These decisions represent proactive planning and alignment with best-practice governance and community sport 
principles. The Central Rivers Board remains focused on supporting strong, vibrant clubs and competitions across 
the region.

* Ends *

Please Contact: Jessie Chester (Leagues’ Manager)
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

14 August 2025

MEDIA RELEASE

Central Rivers Board Moves Forward with Club Transfers for 2026
*For Immediate Release*

The Central Rivers Board have today advised AFL Central Victoria of its intention to progress 
with the proposed transfers of Hay, Moulamein, Murrabit, and Wandella into the Central Murray 
Football Netball League (CMFNL) from the 2026 season, in line with the AFL Victoria State 
Transfer Regulations.

This decision, passed at last night’s Board meeting, has been communicated with the next 
steps now lying with AFL Victoria and the Region Council for consideration and approval.

Supporting Strong and Sustainable Clubs
Should the transfers be approved, the Board will develop minimum criteria for all clubs, both 
existing and transferring, to ensure they are positioned to compete strongly and sustainably.
A reporting process will also be implemented, with clubs required to provide retention and 
recruitment data to demonstrate readiness for the 2026 season. The Board will continue to 
work closely with clubs to provide guidance and support throughout this process.

Planning for Season 2026
In conjunction with the Board and the Leagues’ Manager, clubs will be consulted on the 
operational structure for 2026, helping shape the future. A review will be conducted mid-2026 
to assess whether any adjustments are required.

League Branding
Following consultation with clubs, the Board has confirmed that the Central Murray Football 
Netball League name and branding will be retained at this stage. 
Commitment to Collaboration
“We thank all clubs and stakeholders for their patience and cooperation throughout this 
journey so far,” the Board said in a statement. “We look forward to working together to ensure 
the long-term success and sustainability of our competition.”

*Ends*

Contact: Jessie Chester
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Monday 04 August
MEDIA RELEASE

AFL Central Victoria Confirms Club Transfer of Ultima FNC to Central Murray FNL
*For immediate distribution*

In accordance with the AFL Victoria State Transfer Regulations, AFL Central Victoria has
approved the transfer of the Ultima Football Netball Club, currently affiliated with the Golden
Rivers Football Netball League, to the Central Murray Football Netball League commencing
season 2026 and beyond.

The decision reflects a collaborative process involving the Ultima FNC, along with all clubs
across both leagues, the Central Rivers League Board, and AFL Central Victoria.

The transfer has been approved in line with section 4.3 of the AFL Victoria Community Affiliate
Regulations, following the completion of all required steps under the State Transfer
Regulations.

AFL Central Victoria and the Central Rivers League Board acknowledges the constructive
engagement of all stakeholders throughout the process and thanks those involved for their
ongoing commitment to the sustainability and success of community football and netball.

We extend our best wishes to the Ultima FNC and the Central Murray FNL for a successful
transition and future seasons ahead.

*Ends*

Media Release: Ultima Football Netball Club Application

*For immediate distribution* 

The Central Rivers Board can confirm that an application has been received from the Ultima
Football Netball Club affiliated with the Golden Rivers Football Netball League to seek a
transfer consistent with the AFL Victoria State Regulations to the Central Murray Football 
Netball League for season 2026.

Acknowledging the application from Ultima FNC has come through, the Central Rivers Board
will now review the application and follow the defined process as outlined in Section 4.3 of the 
AFL Victoria Community Affiliate Regulations.

*Ends*
Please contact Jessie Chester (Leagues’ Manager)

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Media Release - STATEMENT FROM THE CENTRAL MURRAY FOOTBALL NETBALL LEAGUE 

The Central Murray Football Netball League (CMFNL) is committed to maintaining a safe, 
respectful, and inclusive environment for all participants, officials, and supporters across our 
League. 

Recent incidents involving anti-social behaviour, both on and off field, are completely 
unacceptable and stand in direct opposition to the values of our League.  
Let us be clear, this behaviour is not and will not be tolerated. 

The League has acted swiftly in addressing these matters and will continue to take immediate 
and appropriate disciplinary action in line with our rules and regulations.  

Any individual/s found to be engaging in anti-social behaviour, whether on or off the field, will be 
held accountable. 

We stand firm in our commitment to upholding the principles of respect, inclusion, and 
sportsmanship at every level of our game. It is the responsibility of all players, coaches, 
officials, volunteers, and spectators to contribute to a positive and welcoming environment. 
There is no place in our League for any form of anti-social behaviour.  

The integrity of our competition and the safety of our community depend on everyone playing 
their part. 

Let’s work together to keep our local sports community strong and respectful.

-Ends- 

Jessie Chester      
Leagues’ Manager     
Central Murray Football Netball League   

Gavin Campbell 
Chairman 
Central Murray Football Netball League

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