Sunday grand final

The West Gippsland Football Netball Competition has separated itself from the pack and will play its grand final on Sunday, September 16.

The competition’s showpiece event was originally scheduled for Saturday September 15.

With a host of grand finals scheduled across eastern Victoria that weekend, including the neighbouring Ellinbank and District and South East leagues, the move ensures West Gippsland’s big day stands alone.

Acting AFL Gippsland regional general manager Tim Sexton said the decision followed consultation with the WGFNC clubs and advisory committee and was made in the best interests of the competition, its member clubs and the local football and netball community.

“We looked at the heavy schedule of finals taking place that day and felt there was an opportunity to try something a bit different,” Sexton said.

“We know Saturday is the preferred and traditional day to host a grand final but these are unique circumstances and we wanted to give local footy fans a chance to support multiple teams over one big weekend of footy and netball.

“It allows us to showcase the West Gippsland competition to a greater audience and we hope the wider football and netball community embraces the concept.”

Grand finals are also scheduled in the North Gippsland and Rent East Gippsland football netball leagues on the Saturday, along with preliminary finals in the Gippsland League.

Venues for the West Gippsland Football Netball Competition finals series and grand final day will be finalised and announced soon.