Grand Final Day has arrived for the EFNL Junior Season, our first finals series since 2019, as we successfully navigate through the first full season since COVID-19 arrived on our shores.
The League would like to thank Eastland, the Leagues naming rights partner, along with major sponsors Bendigo Bank and Deakin University for their support throughout the season. You’ll see all three organisations’ logos displayed on our match balls over the course of the day.
371 teams took to the field this year, the same number as in 2021, a significant effort considering the impact of COVID-19. 26 clubs have at least one team playing in the Grand Final this season as 37 grand finals will be won and lost across all competitions.
Some teams will enter as red-hot favourites whilst others will take on underdog status, but with the usual dosage of nervous energy and the rain predicted can – and most likely will – happen on Grand Final Day.
Apart from those on the field, there has been a huge contribution off field from the coaches, matchday officials and club officials, along with the mums, dads and carers that support their children. To all involved we say a big thank you and trust your experience has been a positive one.
Along with the players, it is also an important day for the umpires who will be involved in the game. They too have reached a goal of their own and we wish them all the best and hope they continue with their umpiring into the future. As you watch the games this weekend, remember these are young kids who are also learning their craft and building their confidence just like the players.
A big thank you to all the host clubs of our junior finals series. Hosting finals is an important part of our competition and without the support of the host clubs and their volunteers the finals would not be able to take place and the hospitality shown by host clubs this year has been excellent.
I would also like to thank our Ground Managers, the Junior Advisory, and our staff for their efforts in bringing the season and finals to fruition. Come Sunday 5pm there will be a huge sense of relief and achievement as the final matches conclude.
Today everyone at the game has a role to play in ensuring that the environment and atmosphere on field is positive for the kids and they have a wonderful experience playing their Grand Finals. Win or lose, today should be a memorable experience for every PARTICIPANT, SPECTATOR & UMPIRE!
Best of Luck to all Teams playing Grand Finals on Sunday!
**Any abuse towards umpires, players, spectators or matchday officials is unacceptable**
Troy Swainston – EFNL CEO
The Junior Grand Final Umpire appointments can be viewed here.
Junior Grand Final Umpire Appointments
The Eastern Football Netball League’s Junior Final Series kicks off this Sunday, with a number of venues hosting fixtures, as finals return for the time since 2019.
All competing players will enter venues for free, whilst children ( those aged 17 and under) will also enter for free.
Adults (anyone aged 18 or above) will be charged a $5 entry fee.
All proceeds made from respective venues will go straight to the host clubs, to cover the costs of hosting Junior Finals. As all clubs are running separate days, there will be separate costs. Therefore, there will be no pass outs from venues.
No Pets (Guide Dogs and alike are exempt) will be allowed at any EFNL Junior Finals venue.
All Patrons are advised to bring cash, as there is no guarantee that all venues will have ATM or EFTPOS facilities available.
The EFNL Junior Finals Fixture can viewed here.
