This weekend the SFNL launches its inaugural Remembrance Round, which aims to pay tribute to those within the SFNL community that have recently passed away. We invite all football and netball teams, officials, supporters and umpires to participate in this initiative by standing for a minute's silence on the ground or court prior to the start of their games this weekend and reflect on the contributions of those we have lost during the off-season.
SOUTHERN FM MATCH OF THE DAY
Port Melbourne Colts V St Kilda City (JL Murphy Reserve)
Tune in to 88.3 Southern FM to hear the live call of this game, or stream the commentary on your mobile via sfnllive.com.au.
DIVISION 1
ROUND 1 PREVIEW
By Will Hunter
@Will_Hunter89
East Malvern V Mordialloc (Dunlop Reserve)
V 
Following their fairy tale Grand Final appearance in 2015, the Bloods were well below expectations last year. They lost far too many games they should have won, and this ultimately cost them a finals berth.
It was a similar story of underachievement at East Malvern, who looked like challenging for the premiership at the start of the year. However, a heavy injury toll severely curtailed their output at various stages, and although they still managed to reach a semi final, they were arguably capable of much more.
As such, both teams will be keen to finish higher in 2017.
The Panthers have been the story of the off-season, with their cacophony of superstar additions dominating the headlines. As a result, Ben Lockwood’s team is widely-regarded as the hot favourites to take home the cup at the end of the year.
Both sides possess extremely strong midfield groups, which will ensure an outstanding contest between two finals-bound teams. But East Malvern will have the edge in the air, with former Hawks ruckman Simon Taylor to give his onballers first use of the pill, which will help swing the contest in their favour.
East Malvern by 24 points.
Oakleigh District V Clayton (Princes Highway Reserve)
V 
The Oaks enjoyed a stunning debut Division 1 season last year, reaching a preliminary final, and looking every bit a premiership contender. There is a feeling around the club that they are better prepared coming into their second season in the top flight, which may be a scary thought for other teams.
Things haven’t been quite so rosy at Meade Reserve, with many forecasting a long season ahead for the Clays following a long list of off-season departures. Notably, coach Nick Scanlon, one of the most dynamic players in the competition, has returned to Narre Warren along with brothers Dean and Stewart, superstar halfback Andy Ray and ruckman Trent Papworth.
Key defender Daniel Kirby has also crossed to Oakleigh District and, in an interesting twist, will play his first game for his new club against his former teammates.
On paper, Oakleigh look to have the far stronger side and should get the four points, and the Monash Community Cup, quite comfortably.
Oakleigh District by 36 points.
Bentleigh V St Pauls (Bentleigh Reserve)
V 
The fierce local rivals again go head to head, but both enter the clash after finishing at opposite ends of the spectrum last season.
St Pauls are, in many respects, a side in transition, and new coach Jason Heffernan will be laying the foundation for future success after their seventh-place finish in 2016. The club will benefit from the senior experience given to their young pups last season, and the return of Matty Kreymborg is a huge plus, but it’s hard to see the club playing finals this year.
Last year’s grand finalists, meanwhile, have a very talented young list, and recently topped up with experienced senior players as they chase their first Division 1 senior flag. They should go very close again in 2017.
The Demons won both encounters against their neighbours last season, and I’m expecting that trend to continue on Saturday.
Bentleigh by 26 points.
Dingley V Cheltenham (Souter Oval)
V 
A positive finish to the 2016 season and several boom recruits has seen optimism restored at Jack Barker Oval.
Many are expecting the Rosellas to be one of the big improvers this year, however, they could not have been handed a tougher first up opponent in the two-time defending champions.
That said, if you want to be the best, you have to beat the best, and they will get no better opportunity to prove to the SFNL community that they mean business that knocking off the all-conquering Dingoes.
Dingley, meanwhile, have said goodbye to its previous two captains in Tony Lavars and Leigh Wonnacott – the pair are among five off-season retirements – and this sort of leadership and experience is not easily replaced. Coming back into the side are Jackson Peet (who will assume the co-captaincy with Trav La Rocca) and Lucas Walmsley from stints at VFL level, which will help ensure Shane Morwood’s men will again be tough to best in 2017.
The Rosellas were competitive against the premiers last year, and Saturday’s game should be no exception.
Dingley by 15 points.
88.3 SOUTHERN FM MATCH OF THE DAY
Port Melbourne Colts V St Kilda City (JL Murphy Reserve)
V 
What a huge game to welcome Division 1 newcomers Port Melbourne Colts in to the fold! The Colts play host to a rejuvenated St Kilda City in a massive Port Phillip local derby that is sure to produce some fireworks.
The Colts swept all before them last year, winning all 20 matches to be crowned the undefeated premiers and champions of the Division 2 competition. And given the last two second grade premiers have made a Prelim Final or greater in their first year in Division 1, every indication is that Port will be similarly competitive.
Dual-premiership coach Richard Houston returns to the Peanut Farm and has rejuvenated the Saints’ list with some high-profile recruits. After a few years in the lower reaches of the Division 1 ladder, expect to finally see some considerable improvement from St Kilda City this year.
This will be an intriguing contest, and one that could genuinely go either way, but I think Port Colts should get the chocolates.
Port Melbourne Colts by 10 points.
Tune in to 88.3 Southern FM to hear the live call of this game, or stream the commentary on your mobile via sfnllive.com.au.
DIVISION 2
ROUND 2 PREVIEW
By Jason Barbin
@JBarbin10
Round 2 of Division 2 is upon us and one of the premiership contenders in Caulfield will have its first run of the season while Murrumbeena will regroup with the bye this week.
JB’s Game of the Round
Keysborough v Chelsea Heights (Keysborough Reserve)
V
My game of the round will be a beauty as Chelsea Heights make its way to Keysborough in what should be a ripping contest.
The Burra were impressive in their comeback victory against Highett in last week while the Heighters were too good for Murrumbeena.
It’s very early in the season and we haven’t seen either side at their best yet, making this a hard game to decipher but I’m giving the home side the nod.
Keysborough by five points.
Skye v Mount Waverley (Carrum Downs Recreation Reserve)
V 
The Bombers announced themselves as a finals contender once again last week and looked really good during their win against East Brighton with Stephen Hawkins in prime form.
Mount Waverley were disappointing in its first Division 2 hit out but I’m guessing the experience will help it in the long run.
Don’t expect another performance like that from the Lions, but in saying that Skye will be too strong and will take home win number two.
Skye by 23 points.
Caulfield v East Brighton (Koornang Park)
V 
The Vampires face yet another tough challenge in Division 2, going up against flag contender Caulfield away from home.
The Bears are fresh off a grand final defeat and will be raring to go after the first round bye, whereas East Brighton will be desperate to bounce back after a first round loss to Skye.
Keen to see the influence Port Melbourne premiership coach Brad Julier has had on the Bears since he joined the club.
Caulfield by 13 points.
Hampton v Heatherton (Peterson Street Reserve)
V 
The Hammers were impressive for the majority of round one’s win against Mount Waverley, but need to back it up when they host Heatherton at the Toolbox.
The Tonners were also in good form when they overcame Springvale Districts and the combination and David White and Justin Whyte is looking particularly dangerous up forward.
For the Hammers, Josh Burbidge is always a player to watch out for and is a ball magnet.
Hampton by 22 points.
Springvale Districts v Highett (Springvale Reserve)
V 
Two teams that probably feel as those they should’ve won in Round 1, will be eager for victory this week.
Springvale looks vastly improved from last season and will look to make use of the best ground in the competition and take home their first win.
Highett fell apart in the second half of its clash against Keysborough and will want to make amends with Andrew Carey in good early season form.
Highett by 10 points.
BYE: Murrumbeena
DIVISION 3
ROUND 1 PREVIEW
By Andrew Paloczi
@Apaloczi
At last a new season of Division 3 footy is upon us.
It should be a beauty too, with a number of strong teams likely to battle it out for the available finals spots.
But even for those teams unlikely to feature in September action, there is plenty to look forward to.
Several clubs that finished around the bottom of the table last year have taken on new coaches.
It will be exciting to see whether or not clubs that struggled last season are able to build their competitiveness this year.
Here is a look at what to expect in round 1 action.
Lyndale vs Sandown (Greaves Reserve)
V 
Sandown endured a harrowing 2016 season, collecting the dreaded wooden spoon.
The Cobras face the challenge of visiting Lyndale, which finished last season just a couple of spots short of finals action.
New Sandown coach, Ange Sammartino, is striving to create a more competitive outfit and this match offers an early challenge.
Expect the Pumas to prevail comfortably, but new Cobras players, Shane Scandolera and Beau McLean should help Sandown compete better around the midfield.
Endeavour Hills vs Carrum Patterson Lakes (Barry Simon Reserve)
V 
Home side Endeavour Hills starts as a strong favourite against Carrum Patterson Lakes.
CPL battled to compete in 2016, whilst the Falcons finished just outside the finals places.
Former Collingwood player Terry Philippe returns to coaching after a long absence, taking charge at CPL.
He has been active in the recruiting period, helping ensure the Lions will be tougher to beat this season.
But the Falcons will claim the points in this one.
Ashwood vs Dandenong (Essex Heights Reserve)
V 
Ashwood gets its season under way on home turf and should be too strong for Dandenong.
The Magpies are looking to go one better this year, after finishing runner up last year.
Nathan Boyd is the man embracing the challenge of reshaping the Redlegs, having stepped into the senior coaching position.
Dandenong was eleventh on the ladder last season and 2017 is about establishing a base for long-term success.
This match will be a learning experience for the Redlegs, but Ashwood will record a substantial victory.
South Yarra vs Doveton Eagles (Fritsch Holzer Park)
V 
This promises to be a hotly contested match between two of last year’s finalists.
Doveton Eagles, under the leadership of new coach Simon Caldwell, will need to be at their best for what is a challenging first-up assignment.
South Yarra has arguably the biggest home ground advantage in this division and applies fierce tackling pressure in the tight confines of Fritsch Holzer Park.
The Eagles should win, but it will be a close result, and a Lions’ victory wouldn’t be a major surprise.
Lyndhurst vs Hallam (Marriott Waters Reserve)
V 
Expect an entertaining battle between the up-and-coming young Lyndhurst side, and premiership favourite Hallam.
The Hawks are fit and strong and performed admirably in winning the Seymour Law Cup.
Lyndhurst coach, Paddy Cooke has recruited well.
He has warned his players against complacency after an unexpectedly strong first season in senior competition.
Lightning will improve this year, but few teams will get the better of Hallam, and the Hawks will start with a round 1 win.
Moorabbin vs Black Rock (Widdop Crescent Reserve)
V 
It is difficult to know what to expect from Black Rock after it spent last season in Division 2.
The Jets start their Division 3 journey with a visit to Moorabbin’s home ground.
This is a tricky one, with Black Rock appearing to be the heavy favourite, but Moorabbin potentially pulling off some significant recruiting moves just ahead of the season.
Hampton pair Justin Isaac and Damian Armansin, and Justin Berry from St Pauls are exciting prospects who are capable of having a big impact for Moorabbin.
All three will need to receive transfer clearances if they are to line up for the Kangaroos this week.
If these recruits all play, Black Rock should still get the job done, but it will be a much more arduous challenge.
UNDER 19
ROUND 1 PREVIEW
By Britt Goldsmith
The Under 19s competition this year will feature 13 teams battling it out for supremacy. In a Grand Final replay, St Kilda City and Hampton will face off, with Hampton looking to gain some consolation after a bitter four-point loss last year.
Hallam will take on returning competitors Skye, who are back in the Under 19s competition after a 12-month break. Cheltenham and Dingley, who finished middle of the pack last year, will also go head to head.
A recent alignment between Springvale Districts and the Parkmore Pirates promises a fresh fusion of talent, with Springvale Districts fielding their first Under 19s side in over 20 years. Keysborough and Carrum Patterson Lakes have also chosen to join forces in 2017.
A new standalone Bentleigh side will challenge St Pauls, and the freshly formed Carrum Patterson Lakes / Keysborough side will take on last year’s sixth-placed Endeavour Hills.
Oakleigh District, who suffered a huge loss in the Preliminary Final last year at the hands of St Kilda City, will be looking to restore some pride as they face up to Parkmore / Springvale Districts.
Doveton Eagles will have to wait just a little longer to kick start their 2017, as the fixture summoned them to the Round 1 bye.
The opening round will showcase the teams’ pre season dedication, some new faces and a revitalised competition as the Under 19s return from a six-month break off the home and away season.
As players find their feet and get back into the swing of things, Round 1 will serve as merely a springboard into the exciting year that is ahead for the Under 19s.
Good luck to all teams.
