Good Friday Footy Delivers Strong Start to 2026 Season
The 2026 SFNL season kicked off in front of a strong Good Friday crowd, with standalone games across Division 1, 2 and 4 creating a great atmosphere to open the year.
With the Easter split round in place, the Good Friday fixtures gave each game its own spotlight and the energy around the grounds showed.
Division 1 – Springvale Districts vs Dingley
Dingley came from behind to defeat Springvale Districts by 8 points, 72 to 64, in a tight contest at Springvale Reserve.
Springvale started strongly, leading at quarter time and again at the main break, but Dingley lifted in the second half. A big final term saw them kick away and secure the win after trailing for much of the day.
Division 1 – Cheltenham vs St Paul’s McKinnon
Cheltenham secured a 14-point win over St Paul’s McKinnon, 94 to 80, at Jack Barker Oval.
After trailing early, Cheltenham turned the game with a strong second half, highlighted by a six-goal third quarter that shifted the momentum. They carried that into the final term to close out the win.
Division 2 – Highett vs Keysborough
Highett made an early statement with a dominant 110-point win over Keysborough, 158 to 48.
They set the tone from the opening bounce and never let up, piling on scoreboard pressure each quarter and finishing with one of the biggest wins of the round.
Division 4 – Ashwood vs Clayton
Ashwood opened their season with a solid 29-point win over Clayton, 84 to 55.
A strong first half set up the result, with Ashwood able to maintain control across the game and keep Clayton at arm’s length.
The Good Friday fixtures delivered a strong start to the season, with great crowds and a unique standalone timeslot adding to the occasion.
With the Easter split round continuing, attention now turns to the remainder of Round 1 this weekend, where all divisions will hit the field and the 2026 season will fully get underway.
