Bogey side St Mary’s stands between Newtown & Chilwell and its first minor premiership in 40 years when the archrivals meet in a mouthwatering final-round clash at Elderslie Reserve tomorrow.
The Eagles have jumped out of the pack in Geelong great Steve Johnson’s first year as coach to sit atop the GFNL ladder, percentage clear of second-placed St Joseph’s.
However, they will have to overcome the Saints, who have won 12 of the past 14 meetings between the two clubs, including a 68-point victory in Round 2, to remain there.
Forward Connor Fopiani says they’ve had their sights set on the return meeting for some time, hoping to replicate their reversal of fortunes against St Joseph’s, which also had the better of the Towners early in the season.
“I think we’ve been waiting for it for a while,” Fopiani told K rock Football’s Beyond the Boundary podcast.
Similar to the Joeys one, we obviously got done, and then were able to bounce back from it. This week, that’s the goal.
“We’ve gone in every week trying to just put our best foot forward and compete, so I think this week will be a really good battle.
“If we can just play the way we’ve been playing and stick to our process, it will hold us in good stead, and hopefully we get there.”
Fopiani’s emergence as a key forward has been critical to Newtown & Chilwell’s success.
The 24-year-old has kicked an equal-team-high 40 goals from 16 games. Prior to 2025, Fopiani had managed 18 majors from 51 appearances.
“I trained as a midfielder at the start of the preseason; (I) just wanted to get back into that role,” Fopiani said.
“But, I’ve always been open to doing what’s best for the team.
“During a few practice matches, he (Johnson) threw me forward, and that’s where the team needed me to play.
“There wasn’t too much conversation around it; it just happened, and we’ve got a lot of good boys that make it really easy up the field.”
Newtown & Chilwell has named Sydney VFL star Matty Lloyd for his first senior game since Round 1 a,ong five changes.
Liam Nash, Charlie Byrne and Oscar Murodch return after missing last week’s hiding of Lara.
Werribee VFL-listed Noah Tullio will make his second senior appearance of an injury-interrupted campaign.
A hamstring injury has sidelined talented youngster Ben Pennisi, Jedd Coburn is being managed, with Zach Barnes, Will Hall, and Edan Ibbetson omitted.
The Saints, who could drop out of the top five if defeated, have lost Ryan Pendlebury to an ankle injury, replaced by Chris Jansen, who has recovered from an AC joint issue sustained in the Round 12 win over St Joseph’s
Meanwhile, young big Lachie Peck’s return from a ruptured ACL will take a giant stride forward when he features in tomorrow’s reserve grade clash.
South Barwon will again be without captain Matt Caldow and fellow Mathieson medallist Doyle Madigan for their must-win clash with St Albans at McDonald Reserve.
Caldow was a late withdrawal from last week’s win over Colac after suffering a hamstring injury at training.
Madigan remains sidelined with his own hamstring issue picked up against St Mary’s a fortnight ago.
The Swans, who are unchanged for the first time in Mark Neeld’s coaching tenure, need to win and have at least one of the Saints, Colac, or Bell Park lose to secure a finals berth.
The Supersaints will have access to Matt McKenzie for the third time this season.
His WAFL club, West Perth, failed to make the finals, making the talented big man available.
He replaces Harrison Howarth (broken toe).
As reported earlier this week, former coach Jason Davenport will line up for North Shore when it faces Lara at Windsor Park in the battle to avoid the wooden spoon.
Davenport, who turns 40 next Thursday, replaces Michael Kavanagh.
The winless Cats, who can move off the bottom with victory, have been boosted by the return of Majok Bol and Cooper McKane.
Werribee-listed St Joseph’s young gun Liam Kershaw will make his return from a hamstring injury for the clash with Geelong West at Drew Oval.
Kershaw, who hasn’t played since appearing at VFL level on July 26, is among four inclusions for Joeys.
After getting through the reserves last week, Joey Chaplin returns, Josh Nurnaitis has been recalled, and Oscar Morrison is back after being managed out of last week’s win over St Albans.
They replace gun forward Mitch Chafer (soreness), and omitted trio Gus Morrison, Eddy McCoy and Jack Leonard.
A St Joseph’s win and a Newtown & Chilwell loss would see Joeys claim their second straight minor premiership.
The Giants, who will farewell coach Greg Mellor after eight years in charge, have named Zekiah Davey as the replacement for Charlie Leavold.
West’s Ethan Liddle will play his 100th game for the club.
Micah Robb will make his first senior appearance since Round 6 when Colac faces Grovedale at Burdoo Reserve.
However, big man Zach Zdybdel will remain sidelined with a knee issue.
Robb’s inclusion is among two changes for the Tigers, who have recalled Joel Cooper from the reserves.
They replace Darcy Howard (ankle) and Luke Inglis.
Colac can claim the double chance with victory and either a St Mary’s loss or a narrow Saints victory against Newtown & Chilwell.
Returning for Grovedale is Harrison Whyte, who will get to play alongside brother Cooper for the first time since 2021.
Sam Adams has been recalled from the reserves, with Tyler Cummins omitted.
Bell Park and Leopold have lodged unchanged teams for their meeting at Hamlyn Park.
A win for the Dragons will secure consecutive finals appearances.
However, a loss to the Lions, who can’t play finals, could prove costly.
X: @krockfootball
