The Bendigo Bank Limestone Coast Football Netball League (LCFNL) has proudly unveiled its inaugural season 2024 fixture for senior grades, marking a significant milestone for the newly established league.
The Bendigo Bank LCFNL has released a comprehensive 16-round home and away fixture, set to commence on April 20, followed by an exciting four-week finals series.
The highly anticipated inaugural 2024 Bendigo Bank LCFNL Grand Final is scheduled for Saturday, September 14, the be hosted by the Casterton-Sandford Football Netball Club at Island Park.
Notable highlights of the 2024 fixture include:
- The Round 1 clash between West Gambier and North Gambier
commemorating the 50th anniversary of West Gambier FC’s historic move
from Vansittart Park to Malseed Park. The inaugural match at Malseed Park
occurred between these two formidable teams on August 31, 1974. - The much-anticipated and time-honoured Anzac Day game between North
Gambier and South Gambier in Round 2 on Thursday, April 25. - Round 5 to showcase the eagerly awaited 2023 grand final rematch
between Millicent and North Gambier, a clash not to be missed.
The formation of the Bendigo Bank LCFNL, replacing the Western Border Football League, was announced by the SANFL last year, following the SA Football Commission’s endorsement of final recommendations from a South East Working Group regarding structural changes to football in the region.
“It’s a really exciting time for the league, and we’re thrilled to release the season schedule, headlined by the traditional Anzac Day clash between two historic arch-rivals, North and South Gambier,” Interim Chairperson Scott Duncan said.
Duncan said the league also was pleased to this week unveil its new logo, a collaborative design effort by Xpress Signs & Graphics, with the colours
representing the blue of the ocean, green of the forest and yellow representing the land, fields, and crops.
The league will also launch of the league’s Facebook page this week and the new league website will be launched before the season starts.
Furthermore, the league has confirmed that all A Grade games will be filmed each round, enhancing the ability for its coaches and players to continually improve.
Duncan said a strong focus on junior participation in an equitable competition for both football and netball had seen new structures put in place to ensure the Bendigo Bank LCFNL was an attractive and sustainable competition for clubs from smaller population bases.
A major part of this reform has seen the end of the u/18, U/16, U14, U/12
structure, which will be replaced by U/17 1⁄2, U/14 1⁄2 and U/12 grades.
He said to ensure a level playing field, all Mount Gambier clubs would have two U/14 1⁄2 sides and, subject to individual club’s numbers, two U/17 1⁄2 teams as well.
“These teams will be monitored by an independent panel to ensure they are even in talent. The netball structure which has proven to be very sound in the past will continue with the 10-grade competition” he said.
All Bendigo Bank LCFNL junior grade football fixtures will be released later this month.
Duncan said the league also was pleased to have the support of the South East Football Umpires League (SEFUL), with its impressive 90-year history of officiating matches in the region.
“Their experience and dedication to the sport will be invaluable as we establish the LCFNL competition,” he said.
