GFNL Football Preview | Preliminary Final
AFL Barwon writer Wil Spence previews this Saturday's GFNL Senior Football Preliminary Final.
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Preliminary Final - Colac vs St Mary's
The stage is set for a blockbuster preliminary final as St Mary’s and Colac prepare to reignite a fierce finals rivalry with everything on the line — a place in the 2025 GFNL Grand Final beckons against the waiting St Joseph’s.
These two clubs have history, and it runs deep.
The last time they clashed in a final was the 2019 Grand Final, a heart-stopper remembered for Nick Connors’ unforgettable match-winning goal that sealed a famous win for St Mary’s.
Since then, both sides have taken different paths, but their hunger for success remains undiminished.
The Saints have been a dominant force in recent years, lifting their most recent premiership cup in 2022. With finals experience, and a game style built for September football, St Mary’s will lean on its experienced midfield brigade to shoulder the load.
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For Colac, the hunger is real.
Their last premiership came back in 2014, and after a strong 2025 campaign, they’ve shown they’re not just here to make up the numbers. Their run to the prelim has been built on grit, pressure, and a spread of contributors across the park.
This is a side with something to prove — and perhaps a score to settle after the heartbreak of 2019. Expect them to bring relentless pressure and look to catch St Mary’s off guard early.
Another chapter to be added to an already historic rivalry.
Last time they met
Round 8 – Colac 19.8 122 v St Mary’s 10.10 70
Match Details
Date: Saturday 20th September
Location: West Oval Reserve
Time: 2:10pm
Watch: AFL Barwon TV
Listen: K rock Football
