LAST weekend saw the first round of the EDFL Junior Finals with some close matches and exciting finishes throughout the weekend.
It was great to see 27 different clubs represented in the junior finals series.
The grand finals for all age groups in Divisions 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 will be played this weekend with Glenroy, Hadfield and Keilor hosting grand finals.
This weekend will also see preliminary finals for Divisions 1, 2, 3 and 4 and for all of our girls and women’s competitions. These preliminary finals will be played at different venues across the EDFL. The grand finals for these divisions will be played next weekend on Sunday 20th August.
Finals are a great opportunity to celebrate the junior football season and it is important that everyone attending finals this weekend appreciate the effort being put into the finals series, including our players, our officials and our umpires. Whilst it is great to win, ultimately we are not playing for sheep stations, therefore it is important to maintain the expected levels of behaviour and treat everyone with dignity and respect.
Prior to each grand final, the best & fairest winner and runner-up for each competition will be presented with their best & fairest medal for their outstanding performance throughout the season. Congratulations to all the players who have finished in the top two of their competition’s best & fairest count.
At this time, the officiating umpires will also be presented with their medal for their achievement in being selected to officiate in a grand final. All umpires strive to officiate in a grand final and their selection is reward for their hard work throughout the year and recognition of their on-field performance. Congratulations to all umpires who have been selected to officiate in the finals series, and to those selected to officiate in grand finals.
Congratulations must also be extended to all the junior players who will play in a grand final over the course of these next two weekends.
This is a timely opportunity to remind everyone that an admission fee is charged for junior grand finals and senior finals. Most other metropolitan leagues charge an admission fee for all junior finals, or alternatively they charge the junior players a player registration fee in lieu of an admission fee. For the junior finals the EDFL only charges an admission fee for the junior grand finals, in an attempt to keep costs for families to a minimum.
I encourage the EDFL community to get along to the junior grand finals to support and encourage the junior players striving to win a premiership medal.
Admission prices for the junior grand finals are as follows:
Adults: $10.00
Valid Aged Pension Card Holders (must produce aged pension card): $5.00
Valid Secondary Student Concession (must produce photo ID card): $5.00
Children under 14: FREE
Enjoy the weekend.
Marc Turri, EDFL CEO
