GFNL Football Preview | Finals Week Two
AFL Barwon writer Wil Spence previews this week's GFNL Senior Football games.
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St Joseph's vs Colac
This is more than just a spot in the Grand Final — it’s about legacy, redemption, and a shot at history.
Colac are chasing their second GFNL premiership, with their last (and only) title coming back in 2014.
A decade has passed, and this talented Tigers outfit is desperate to convert strong seasons into silverware.
St Joseph’s are on the hunt for their fifth premiership, having previously lifted the cup in 1989, 2015, 2017, and most recently in 2018.
A powerhouse of the last decade, they’ve remained a perennial contender — but haven’t returned to the top since their 2018 triumph.
After bowing out in straight sets last year, St Joeys will be looking to break the hoodoo.
These two sides split the ledger during the home-and-away season, opportunities come far and few, the club that take their chances this weekend could come out on top.
The Tigers are riding a wave of confidence after a dominant 49-point win over Newtown & Chilwell last week — their first finals win in several years.
That performance broke a string of finals heartbreaks and injected belief back into the squad.
St Joseph’s earned the week off after finishing on top of the ladder, showcasing class and consistency across the season.
They’ve been the benchmark all year, and now it’s time to turn that into results under pressure.
Previous Results
Round 5 – St Joseph’s 15.12 102 v Colac 8.11 59
Round 13 – Colac 7.10 52 v St Joseph’s 5.10 40
Match Details
Date: Saturday 13 September
Location: West Oval Reserve
Time: 2:10pm
Watch: AFL Barwon TV
Listen: K rock Football
Newtown & Chilwell vs St Mary's
It’s do-or-die time.
A win here will catapult either Newtown or St Mary’s into a Preliminary Final clash with the loser of St Joseph’s v Colac.
Newtown’s consistency throughout the season has been a staple of their success, looking like the Minor Premiers for much of the season.
Premiership success has eluded the Towners since way back in 1986, their last appearance in a Grand Final came back in 2015, creating history this season is the highest priority.
Staring at a straight sets exit, the bounce back we expect from Newtown is much required.
The Towners will be out to prove a point to the competition — and they have the talent to turn things around very quickly.
St Mary’s have surged late, winning when it mattered most — including a key win over Newtown just two weeks ago.
Having won both their games against Newtown this year, history favours the Saints this weekend.
St Mary’s are looking to add a seventh premiership to a club rich with history.
They last featured in a Grand Final, back in 2022.
Does the dream run continue for St Mary’s, or does Newtown avoid the dreaded straight sets exit?
Previous Results
Round 2 – St Mary’s 18.16 124 v Newtown 8.8 56
Round 18 – Newtown 10.10 70 v St Mary’s 16.13 109
Match Details
Date: Sunday 14 September
Location: West Oval Reserve
Time: 2:10pm
Watch: AFL Barwon TV
Listen: K rock Football
