 The 2026 Female Football Gippsland Finals Series kicked off on Sunday, with six matches played across the East Division Girls, West Division Girls and Women’s competitions. Boisdale Recreation Reserve hosted the East Division Girls and Women’s finals, while the West Division Girls took centre stage at Western Park. East Division GirlsBairnsdale Girls progressed with a 26-point victory over Traralgon Girls. Bairnsdale led by six points at quarter time before taking control in the second term, adding 2.5 while restricting Traralgon to two behinds. The margin grew to 35 points at three-quarter time before Traralgon responded with three goals in the final term. Bairnsdale finished with a 7.8 (50) to 3.6 (24) victory. Sadie Stevens, Jasmin O’Connor, Jessica Grimsted, Evelyn Gudgin, Jemma Martin and Lucy Carroll were named among Bairnsdale’s best. Peyton Schroeter, Steevie McClements, Olivia Ambler, Tylah Platt, Lexi Schroeter and Regan Thomas impressed for Traralgon. The other East Division Girls final produced one of the closest contests of the day, with Boisdale-Briagolong holding on for a three-point win over Woodside. Woodside led 2.1 (13) to 1.1 (7) at half-time and remained five points ahead entering the final quarter. Boisdale-Briagolong then kicked the only goal of the last term to secure a 3.4 (22) to 3.1 (19) victory. Summer Harbour, Mahlee Shillinglaw, Susie Coleman, Bailey Sheen, Tia Blackley and Lara Dowsett were among Boisdale-Briagolong’s leading players. Grace Dillow, Manawa Apiata, Esther Hinkley, Zoe Hustwayte, Lexie Francis and Charlotte Dillow were named Woodside’s best. West Division GirlsWarranor Girls advanced following a strong 22-point win over Phillip Island at Western Park. Warranor established a 14-point advantage by half-time before Phillip Island fought back during the third quarter. Warranor finished the match strongly to record a 7.5 (47) to 4.1 (25) victory. Neave Cunningham, Elizabeth Kuol, Poppy Cumming, Amelia Henry, Daisy Martel and Iris Dieu led the way for Warranor. Phillip Island’s best included Lily Bow, Ruby Kent-Ford, Maddison Leed, Sera Szymanski, Lerah Schonewille and Tess Ricardo. Warragul Industrials delivered the most dominant performance of the opening week, defeating Meeniyan-Dumbalk under the competition’s mercy-rule provisions. The Industrials took control from the opening quarter and continued to build their advantage, with the official result recorded as 10.1 (61) to 0.1 (1). Island Meikle, Ellison Bickerton, Abbey Lees, Amy Conlan, Ella Hollier and Caitlin Hibberson were named among Meeniyan-Dumbalk’s best players. Women’sLindenow South progressed in the Women’s competition after defeating Woodside by 19 points. Lindenow South kicked six goals to three in the 6.4 (40) to 3.3 (21) victory. Brodi Harris led the scoring with three goals, while Connie Barry, Michaela Manning and Siarra Peters also contributed majors. Jasmaie Saunders-Baxter, Sophie Hamilton, Cleo Evans, Matilda Pendergast, Aleisha Cantrill and Siarra Peters were named Lindenow South’s best players. The final match at Boisdale produced another close finish, with Moe overcoming Boisdale-Briagolong by six points. Boisdale-Briagolong started strongly and led 1.2 (8) to 0.3 (3) at quarter time before extending its advantage to nine points at the main break. Moe responded after half-time, kicking two goals in the third quarter to take a one-point lead into the final term. Another goal in the fourth quarter helped Moe complete the comeback and secure a 5.6 (36) to 4.6 (30) victory. Boisdale-Briagolong’s Shani Dixon kicked three goals, with Chelsea Wain also contributing a major. The opening weekend delivered close finishes, comeback victories and dominant performances as the remaining teams moved one step closer to their respective Grand Finals.
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 Female Football Gippsland League will bring the spotlight to Traralgon Showgrounds this month, with the 2026 Latrobe Health Services Gather Round set to showcase the region’s women’s and girls’ football talent.
The Gather Round will be held on Sunday, May 24, with all Female Football Gippsland League matches to be played across Terry Hunter Oval and Old Trafford Oval in a major celebration of female football in Gippsland. Supported by Latrobe Health Services, the event will feature nine matches across the two ovals, bringing together players, clubs, families and supporters for one of the biggest female football events of the season. Latrobe Health Services Player of the Match awards will also be presented across all nine matches, celebrating and recognising the athletes who make a standout contribution throughout the Gather Round fixture. Matches on Terry Hunter Oval will commence from 10am, while Old Trafford Oval will host the first match of the day from 9:30am. The event forms part of the Gippsland League’s ongoing commitment to growing female football opportunities across the region, following Female Football Gippsland’s transition under the Gippsland League banner in 2026. Coverage from the day will be available via Female Football Gippsland League social media channels, with matches played on Terry Hunter Oval to be livestreamed via Gippsland League TV. More information, including event updates, will be available via the Female Football Gippsland League website and social media channels. Gippsland League General Manager Daniel Heathcote said the Gather Round was an important opportunity to bring the competition together and celebrate the continued growth of female football in Gippsland. “The Gather Round concept is one we are pleased to continue and look forward to building on. It is a fantastic chance to showcase the strength of female football in Gippsland,” Heathcote said. “Having all matches at one venue creates a great atmosphere for players, families, clubs and supporters, and we are excited to work with Latrobe Health Services to deliver an event that recognises the role female football continues to play across our region. “It is also a great opportunity to highlight both the senior women’s competition and the Youth Girls pathway, with clubs from right across Gippsland coming together in a central venue format.” As part of the day, AFL Gippsland, will host the launch of the new Gippsland Lead Your Way Network. The Lead Your Way Network is a local initiative designed to support, connect and empower women and gender diverse people involved in community sport leadership roles across Gippsland. The network aims to bring together women and gender diverse leaders from community sporting clubs and associations to build local connections, develop leadership skills and confidence, share ideas and experiences, support inclusive and sustainable sporting environments, and celebrate the impact of women and gender diverse leaders in community sport. The Gippsland League will also present premiership flags for the first time to the 2025 Female Football Gippsland premiers during the Lead Your Way function, in a first time initiative formally acknowledging the clubs achievements from the previous season under Female Football Gippsland. The Gippsland League thanks Latrobe Health Services for its support of the Gather Round and its contribution to promoting community sport, health, wellbeing and participation across the region. Event Details 2026 Latrobe Health Services Gather Round Sunday, May 24 Traralgon Showgrounds Terry Hunter Oval and Old Trafford Oval More info: femalefootballgl.com.au Match Schedule Traralgon Recreation Reserve (Terry Hunter Oval) – Womens Matches Boisdale-Briagolong v Nar Nar Goon — 10:00am MDU v Lindenow South — 11:30am Traralgon v Woodside (Youth Girls) — 1:00pm Moe v Woodside — 2:30pm Old Trafford Oval – Youth Girls matches Inverloch-Kongwak v MDU — 9:30am Warranor v Warragul Industrials — 11:00am Morwell v Boisdale-Briagolong — 12:30pm Phillip Island v Drouin — 2:00pm Sale City v Bairnsdale — 3:30pm  Female Football Gippsland League is proud to announce Latrobe Health Services as a Premier Partner for the 2026 season, supporting the continued growth of Youth Girls and Women’s football to foster health, resilience and wellbeing across the Gippsland region.
The partnership will see Latrobe Health Services take on naming rights to the Senior Women’s competition and the 2026 Female Football Gippsland League Gather Round, further strengthening the connection between community sport, health, wellbeing and regional participation. The announcement marks a significant step forward in the new era for female football in Gippsland. Following the transition of Female Football Gippsland League into the Gippsland League structure, the competition has been realigned to provide greater opportunities for women and girls to participate, compete and progress within community football. Securing the competition’s first Premier Partner is an important milestone and reflects the growing momentum behind female football across the region. Latrobe Health Services’ support will be visible throughout the 2026 season, including at key FFGL events such as Gather Round and the Finals Series. Their partnership champions accessibility and equity in health and wellbeing, and will elevate the presentation of the competition, support major event delivery and provide further recognition for players, clubs and volunteers involved in the female football pathway. A key feature of the partnership will be Latrobe Health Services’ naming rights to the Senior Women’s competition, along with a strong presence at the Female Football Gippsland League Gather Round. The event will bring clubs together in a showcase of female football and celebrate the continued growth of the game across Gippsland. Latrobe Health Services is a member-based, not-for-profit private health insurer supporting more than 110,000 members across Australia. Established in Gippsland in 1951, Latrobe Health Services has a proud history of connecting, supporting and empowering communities, particularly across rural and regional areas. With a strong focus on physical and mental health, family wellbeing and improved access to health services, the partnership is a natural fit for Female Football Gippsland League. Both organisations share a commitment to strengthening communities and creating opportunities for people across Gippsland to be active, connected and supported. Female Football Gippsland League looks forward to working closely with Latrobe Health Services throughout the 2026 season and thanks them for their commitment to supporting female football and the wider Gippsland community. Connect with Latrobe Health Services via: Web: latrobehealth.com.au Instagram: @latrobe_health_services Facebook & LinkedIn: Latrobe Health Services  Gather Round to showcase female football in GippslandFemale Football Gippsland League will bring the spotlight to Traralgon Showgrounds this month, with the 2026 Latrobe Health Services Gather Round set to showcase the region’s women’s and girls’ football talent.
The Gather Round will be held on Sunday, May 24, with nine matches across one venue in a major celebration of female football in Gippsland. Supported by Latrobe Health Services, the event will feature a full day of football across Terry Hunter Oval and Old Trafford Oval, bringing together players, clubs, families and supporters for one of the biggest female football events of the season. Three women’s and girls’ feature matches will be played on Terry Hunter Oval from 10am, while Old Trafford Oval will host five Youth Girls matches from 9:30am. The event forms part of the Gippsland League’s ongoing commitment to growing female football opportunities across the region, following Female Football Gippsland’s transition under the Gippsland League banner in 2026. Gippsland League General Manager Daniel Heathcote said the Gather Round was an important opportunity to bring the competition together and celebrate female football in Gippsland. “The Gather Round concept is one we are pleased to continue and look forward to building on, it is a fantastic chance to showcase the strength of female football in Gippsland,” Heathcote said. “Having nine matches at one venue creates a great atmosphere for players, families, clubs and supporters, and we’re excited to work with Latrobe Health Services to deliver an event that recognises the role female football continues to play across our region.” The day will highlight both the women’s competition and the Youth Girls pathway, with clubs from across Gippsland coming together in a central venue format. The Gippsland League thanks Latrobe Health Services for its support of the Gather Round and its contribution to promoting community sport and participation across the region. More information, including the full match schedule, will be available via the Female Football Gippsland League website and social media channels. EVENT DETAILS Latrobe Health Services Gather Round Sunday, May 24 Traralgon Showgrounds Terry Hunter Oval: Three women’s and girls’ feature games from 10am Old Trafford Oval: Five Youth Girls matches from 9:30am More info: femalefootballgl.com.au  The Gippsland League is pleased to confirm that the Match Day Record is now available online, giving supporters, players and officials easy access to all the latest league information anytime, anywhere.
Traditionally a key part of the game day experience at grounds, the Match Day Record has evolved to ensure greater accessibility across the competition. The online version provides the same comprehensive coverage, including team lists, fixtures and competition information. Making the Record available online ensures those unable to attend matches can still stay informed, while also providing a convenient option for supporters at the ground who prefer digital access. Supporters can access the latest edition via the FF Gippsland League website and are encouraged to check in each week to stay up to date with everything happening across the competition. The Gippsland League thanks all contributors involved in producing the Match Day Record and looks forward to continuing to deliver a high-quality and accessible publication throughout 2026.  The opening two rounds of the Female Football Gippsland League Youth Girls competitions have provided a strong early snapshot of the 2026 season, with Round 1 results now adding important context to the momentum swings seen in Round 2. Across both the East and West conferences, teams are beginning to settle into structures, identify strengths, and build continuity, while a handful of sides have already emerged as early pace-setters.
In the East Conference, Bairnsdale have wasted no time asserting themselves as a genuine benchmark. Their Round 1 performance set the tone with a composed 5.4 (34) to 1.5 (11) win over Traralgon, before taking it to another level in Round 2 with a dominant 66 to 6 result against Morwell. Their ability to move the ball efficiently and apply consistent scoreboard pressure has been a standout, while defensively they’ve been just as impressive, limiting opposition opportunities. Woodside also made a powerful statement in Round 1, overpowering Hill End 8.8 (56) to 1.3 (9), highlighting their scoring potential and ability to capitalise on forward entries. Although they didn’t feature in the Round 2 results provided, that opening performance has them well placed early in the season. Sale City opened their account with a hard-fought 2.6 (18) to 1.1 (7) win over Morwell, showing resilience in a tighter, lower-scoring contest, before being challenged by Traralgon in Round 2. Traralgon themselves responded strongly after their Round 1 loss, producing a solid 7.4 (46) to 4.3 (27) win over Sale City, suggesting they are beginning to find their rhythm. Boisdale-Briagolong, coming off a Round 1 bye, made an immediate impact in Round 2 with a commanding 8.15 (63) to 1.1 (7) victory over Hill End. Their ability to generate scoring shots stood out, and with improved conversion they loom as a dangerous side moving forward. Hill End, meanwhile, have faced a tough start against two strong opponents but will look to build as the season progresses. Across the East, percentage is already shaping as a key factor, with several teams recording significant winning margins that could prove crucial later in the year. In the West Conference, the competition has produced a slightly more mixed set of results, but the early form lines are beginning to take shape. Phillip Island have been one of the most impressive teams across either conference, opening their season with a dominant 10.0 (60) to 0.0 (0) win over Inverloch-Kongwak in Round 1. That performance showcased both their attacking efficiency and defensive control, and they backed it up in Round 2 with a composed win over Nar Nar Goon, further strengthening their early credentials. Meeniyan-Dumbalk United started strongly with a 4.7 (31) to 3.4 (22) win over Drouin in Round 1, demonstrating their ability to grind out results in competitive contests. However, they were unable to replicate that form in Round 2, coming up against a red-hot Dusties outfit. After a Round 1 bye, Dusties delivered the most emphatic performance of the weekend, defeating MDU 9.9 (63) to 0.3 (3). Their ball movement, forward connection, and scoring power were standout features, immediately placing them among the teams to watch. Drouin, after their narrow Round 1 loss, responded well with a 5.10 (40) to 2.0 (12) victory over Inverloch, controlling territory and creating repeated scoring opportunities. While their accuracy in front of goal left room for improvement, their ability to generate chances suggests they will remain competitive. Warranor also made a positive start to their campaign with a 3.8 (26) to 1.0 (6) win over Nar Nar Goon in Round 1, showing strong defensive structure and the ability to manage the game. Nar Nar Goon and Inverloch-Kongwak have found the opening rounds challenging, but both sides have shown patches of competitiveness and will look to continue developing as the season unfolds. Across both conferences, a number of key themes are already emerging. Teams that can consistently win territory, apply forward pressure, and convert their opportunities are creating early separation. At the same time, Round 1 to Round 2 progression has highlighted how quickly sides can adjust, with several teams showing clear improvement in cohesion, ball movement, and defensive accountability. Importantly, the depth of talent across the competition is evident, with developing players stepping into roles and contributing immediately. As teams continue to build chemistry and refine structures, the gap between sides is likely to tighten, particularly through the middle portion of the season. While it is still early days, Bairnsdale, Boisdale-Briagolong, Phillip Island and Dusties have set a strong early standard, while teams like Traralgon, Drouin, Woodside and MDU have shown enough to suggest they will remain firmly in the mix. With plenty of football still to be played, the foundations laid in the opening two rounds have set up an exciting and competitive 2026 season ahead. Gippsland League is pleased to confirm that the organisation of the Female Football Gippsland (FFG) Youth Girls and Women’s competitions will move under the Gippsland League from the 2026 season onward. This outcome follows extensive discussions initiated by the Female Football Gippsland Board, aimed at establishing a long-term transition model for the competitions from 2026 and beyond. These discussions have focused on creating a structure that delivers stability, governance support, and the organisational capacity required for the continued growth of female football in Gippsland. As part of the new structure, Gippsland League’s Pathways Programs Coordinator, Elli Linney, will oversee the Youth Girls and Women’s competitions. Elli will lead competition organisation, fixturing and operational processes, and support the integration of these competitions within the League’s administration framework. The Female Football Gippsland Board’s decision to pursue this transition reflects key priorities identified through recent consultation, including outcomes from the July 2025 Female Football Forum. Focus areas included: • strengthened organisational support • consistent and centralised governance • flexible and player-focused fixturing Transitioning the competitions under the Gippsland League provides the structural support, resourcing and administrative consistency needed to sustain and expand female football. It also allows clubs and volunteers to focus on participation, culture and player development, with competition organisation and governance managed centrally. AFL Gippsland will continue to work with clubs on participation and club development initiatives. We extend our sincere thanks to the outgoing FFG Board and administration for their leadership of the competitions, and their proactive approach in reviewing operations and capacity, and taking steps to ensure female football in Gippsland is positioned for long-term success. Over the next week, the Gippsland League will commence engagement with all current member clubs, and Expressions of Interest for new and returning teams wishing to join the 2026 Youth Girls and Women’s competitions will open later this week. Gippsland League looks forward to working alongside clubs, volunteers and key stakeholders as these competitions move under the League’s structure. Together, we are committed to strengthening the foundations of female football and supporting participation and growth across the region. For further information, please contact: [email protected]  The 2025 Female Football Gippsland season came to a spectacular close at Traralgon Showgrounds, with four premierships decided across the senior women’s and junior youth competitions in front of a passionate crowd celebrating the continued growth of female football in the region. In the Senior Women’s Grand Final, Boisdale-Briagolong claimed the 2025 premiership after a thrilling contest against Lindenow South, winning 4.1 (25) to 3.3 (21). The match was played at high intensity from the opening bounce, with both sides showcasing elite pressure and skill in a contest that remained in the balance right until the final siren. The future of the game was also on display across the youth competitions. Warragul Industrials U16 Girls delivered a strong performance to secure the U16 Girls premiership, defeating the Bulldogs U16 Girls 3.7 (25) to 1.2 (8). Their disciplined team football and ability to capitalise on scoring opportunities proved the difference on grand final day. In the Youth Girls (U18 Division One) Grand Final, Bairnsdale capped off a fantastic season by defeating Warragul Industrials 3.4 (22) to 2.2 (14). The match highlighted the depth of emerging talent across the competition, with both teams producing a high standard of football in challenging conditions. Rounding out the 2025 premierships, Boisdale-Briagolong completed a remarkable season by also claiming the Youth Girls (U18 Division Two) flag, defeating Nar Nar Goon 2.2 (14) to 1.5 (11) in a closely fought contest that showcased determination and resilience from both sides. Female Football Gippsland congratulates all premiership teams on their outstanding achievements, along with the runners-up, officials, volunteers and clubs who played a vital role in delivering another successful season. The 2025 grand finals once again highlighted the strength of the female football pathway in Gippsland and the bright future that lies ahead.  Event Details:
Full Fixture Details including game times and ovals coming soon. Women’s Games on the Day: Moe/Newborough vs Boisdale Briagolong Nar Nar Goon/Drouin vs Lindenow South Division 1 Youth Girls Games: Warragul Industrials vs MDU Traralgon vs Newborough Division 2 Youth Girls Games: Woodside vs Warranor Sale City vs Morwell Dalyston vs Drouin Boisdale Briagolong vs Nar Nar Goon  |
