The SFNL has announced a restructure of its flagship Division 1 Grand Final day to place a greater emphasis on its Under 19 competition.
The Under 19 decider has moved to a later 12:15pm start time and will feature as the curtain raiser to the blockbuster Division 1 Senior Grand Final. As a result, the Division 1 Reserve Grand Final will be brought forward to 9:45am, and start before the Under 19 Grand Final.
The Under 19s have traditionally kicked off the final day of the SFNL season, with the Division 1 Reserve and Senior Grand Finals to follow in the afternoon.
The Division 1 Preliminary Finals will also follow the same structure as the Grand Final Day, while final weeks one and two remain as per the traditional format with the Under 19s launching the day’s action.
The move is part of the League’s desire to further promote its under-age competition, which it views as critical to the long-term sustainability of SFNL clubs, as well as key to the continual improvement of its senior football competitions.
SFNL CEO David Cannizzo explained that while the move has been initially implemented on a trial basis, discussions will be with clubs in the off-season with a view to establish this as a permanent finals fixture for the 2018 season and beyond.
“We are very excited about the trial change for the 2017 SFNL Finals Series and believe this is an important adjustment to continue to promote our under-age competition,” Cannizzo said.
“This will be a great way to promote the future of our clubs before our premier Grand Final.”
Division 1 Grand Final Day
Sunday 24 September, Springvale Reserve
Division 1 Reserve Grand Final – 9:45am start time
Under 19 Grand Final – 12:15 start time
Division 1 Senior Grand Final – 2:40 start time
Division 1 Preliminary Final Day
Sunday 17 September, Springvale Reserve
Division 1 Reserve Preliminary Final – 9:45am start time
Under 19 Preliminary Final – 12:00 start time
Division 1 Senior Preliminary Final – 2:15 start time
