GFNL Football Preview | Finals Week One
Finals have arrived for the Geelong Football Netball League and AFL Barwon writer Wil Spence previews the two big games to kick off Senior Football fixtures in September.
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Qualifying Final - Newtown & Chilwell vs Colac
This clash isn't just another finals game — it’s layered with history, heartbreak, and hope.
Colac hasn’t featured in a grand final since 2019, and they’re desperate to return to the big stage.
With a powerful, hard-running side and finals experience in their core, the Tigers are looking to make a definitive statement that they’re back in contention.
Newtown are chasing something much bigger; a premiership drought that dates all the way back to 1986.
This is the start of what they hope is a finals campaign to remember — and with club legend and former AFL star Steve Johnson at the helm, belief is high that 2025 could finally be the year.
Back in Round Nine both sides faced in a finals like preview, the result will still be fresh in the minds of both camps,
With Colac hungry for revenge after letting one slip.
A win for either side sets up a show-down against St Joseph’s.
Last time they met
Round 9 – Colac 12.12 (84) defeated by Newtown 14.11 (95)
Match Details
Date: Saturday 6th September
Location: West Oval Reserve
Time: 2:10pm
Watch: AFL Barwon TV
Listen: K rock Football
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Elimination Final - St Mary's vs Bell Park
With no second chances, it’s all or nothing for St Mary’s and Bell Park in this cutthroat elimination final.
Both clubs know exactly what’s on the line — a loss ends the season, while a win keeps the long road to the Grand Final alive.
After a strong middle stretch of the season, Bell Park finds themselves in September with renewed belief.
Their most defining moment, a thumping 73-point win over St Mary’s in Round 14, a game where they dismantled the Saints with pace, pressure and scoreboard dominance.
That result gives them plenty of confidence heading into this weekend — but finals football is a different beast.
The Saints have tasted recent success in 2022 and want to be back in the spotlight.
Despite some inconsistency this year, they’ve got finals experience in spades and know how to rise when it matters most.
They’ll be stung by that Round 14 embarrassment — and you can bet they’ve been waiting for a chance to make things right.
Get the popcorn ready.
Last time they met
Round 14 – Bell Park 21.7 (133) defeated St Marys 8.12 (60)
Match Details
Date: Sunday 7 September
Location: West Oval Reserve
Time: 2:10pm
Watch: AFL Barwon TV
Listen: K rock Football
