For the first time since 2019, RSEA Park will play host to three exciting representative matches of football across men’s, women’s & U19’s as the RDFNL (Riddell District Football Netball League) venture down.
Aside from winning premiership medallions for their respective clubs, representing your league is an honor only few players can truly understand & today will be no different for those who are lucky enough to be selected.
The SFNL & the RDFNL are no strangers to when it comes to playing interleague football as the last time these two leagues met in 2019 saw a thriller be played out at Riddell.
Originally showing the score as a one point win to the SFNL confusion ensued as the goal umpires met in the middle to confer their scorecards to which an error was found the scores were in fact tied.
It meant five minutes each way of extra time was needed & on that occasion it left Southern going down by 3 points.
In 2024 it’s time for revenge. The senior men are very lucky to have the services of former premiership winning coach of Cheltenham in Des Ryan at their disposal to lead them to victory while Kris Thompson (Springvale Districts) & Zach Horsley (Dingley) will also be leading the charge as assistant coaches.
While an array of players from Divisions 1 and 2 will be ready and waiting for the battle to commence. Expect midfield bulls like Jackson Peet (Dingley) who’s making his back into the interleague fold his expertise and leadership will be on show for everyone to see along side his teammate Kristen Feehan who is also making another interleague appearance, Cranbourne’s Zak Roscoe will bring his pace around the ball as well as his love for a cheeky goal or two. While Murrumbeena pair Dareo Rogers and Sam Michael will look to bring flair and silky ball movement to the side.
While for the SFNL women who are also returning to representative football after their last match against the SEWF (South East Women’s Football) They, like their male counterpart will be looking for the sweet taste of revenge too after the 52
point defeat back in 2019 also at RSEA Park.
The SFNL women’s competition has only gotten bigger and better since 2019 with now 15 senior women’s sides playing across two divisions the talent pool available for this years squad was immense & with the coaching talents of current St Kilda AFLW assistant Lachie Harris leading the way the skills & new tactical ideas will be something that all players can take back to their own respective clubs.
Expect big things when the big forward trio of Lana Fullwood (Casey Thunder), Ellen Block (Murrumbeena) and Claire Bould (Narre South Saints) all link up. With over 40 goals to their name combined after 5 rounds it spells trouble for the RDFNL. While Lyndale’s Kiana Te Huia’s hard at it footy mentality will come in handy for the side with assistance likely from Endeavour Hills’ Nicola Weston and Emily Terlicher from Black Rock as well.
While the story of Black Rock’s Jenna Brown gets better & better as well. Having come out to Australia from Canada this year she makes her interleague debut for the SFNL after her impressive start to season 2024.
While our under 19’s have the coaching abilities of Liam Dimmitina on show for them to accurately learn and grow from.
Bentleigh’s Bailey Fitzsimon will look to bring his senior playing experience to the core on Saturday with his ball movement expected to be on show to service the likes of Highett’s Luca Guida & Tom Limpens from Frankston Dolphins on the massive RSEA Park surface.
The action will begin at 10:00 with the Under 19’s followed by the senior women’s at 12 and wrapping it up with the senior men from 2:00.
The netball will also take place inside the RSEA Park indoor basketball court area from 12:30. It’s a massive day not only for the SFNL but for the players taking part in it ! Make sure you get down and show your support for your teams players & cheer loud for the SFNL!
