TODAY we welcome the Cygnet Football Club to Boyer Oval for our first home game of the 2026 SFL Community League Season. It will be a late start for games today due to Anzac Day, with the Reserves kicking off proceedings at 12.30pm.
It is with great pleasure that we are able to welcome players, supporters and patrons to our new facilities, including the Eagle Bar for today’s games. This facility is a massive improvement over our old facilities and will be a very welcome addition to spectator facilities at Boyer Oval. Unfortunately, the grand stand is still under construction, and the car park is also not yet complete, so we will be limited in those areas for a few more weeks.
Today’s games will be three very tough encounters, but our new-look teams will be up for the challenge, and we look forward to some good football.
TODAY’S GAMES
Saturday, April 25, at Boyer Oval
Reserves v Cygnet at 12.30pm
(Anzac Day observance between games)
Seniors v Cygnet at 2.30pm
Women v The Port at 5pm
SENIOR NOTES
THE first two games of the season have resulted in two losses for the Seniors. Our first game against Sorell was a 48-point loss but the margin was 45 points at half-time, so we only lost the second half by three points. There is no doubt that there was improvement as the game progressed and it is interesting to note that the equivalent game last season saw a 116-point loss, so we have certainly improved on last season.
The game against Hobart last weekend was a terrific encounter, with the game still in the balance late in the last quarter. A 14-point loss was a significant improvement compared to the last encounter with Hobart last season, which resulted in a 56-point loss.
Both Sorell and Hobart have recruited well and improved from last season, as results so far this season confirm. It is encouraging that our new look Senior team has narrowed the margin on these teams and will continue to improve as they get to know each other better and their fitness improves. A disappointing outcome from last week’s game was a serious injury to Jacob Daley. Jacob sustained two broken ribs, a lacerated spleen and
internal bleeding following a sickening (but fair) clash. We wish Jacob a speedy recovery.
Josh Farrow has been re-appointed coach for the 2026 season. Together with assistant playing coaches Jacob Daley and Ryan Wakefield and bench coaches Nigel Hay and Jake King, he has been working hard to get the players ready for a strong season. We are extremely happy with our new recruits, Caleb, Blake and Bailey Mayne
and Wade Lockley. The return of Jake Foster and Nathan Eiszele has added additional strength and experience, which will assist our younger players.
Today’s game will be a tough encounter against the strong Cygnet outfit, but it gives the group an opportunity to continue to develop their game style and improve their fitness.
RESERVES NOTES
THEReserves have also improved this season with a good first up effort against Sorell in their first game. They eventually lost by 46 points but were really only run over in the last quarter. It was great to see 2017 premiership player and former Essendon ruckman Jason Laycock line up for the Reserves. He was joined by his two sons Jayson and Jesse for their first ever game of football together. We hope to see them line up for more games during the season.
Last week’s game resulted in a narrow but courageous 5-point victory over the Hobart Tigers at the TCA Ground. After winning only two games last season, a win so early this season gives us hope that the Reserves will be much more competitive. Coach Corey Ransley has a lot more to work with this season, and we will hopefully see some reserve players putting pressure on senior players to retain their spot this season. Let’s see if the Reserves can put up a good showing against Cygnet today.
WOMEN’S NOTES
THE Lady Eagles, again under playing coach Zoie Crawford, have started the season in fine form with a good first-up 49-point win over Sorell. They followed up with an excellent 124-point win over the young and inexperienced Hobart Tigers last weekend.
The inclusion of a number of new recruits including Maddie Robertson (Clarence), Madison Shaw (Launceston), Ruby Rainbird (Junior Club), Isabella Jones (Claremont – retirement), Lucy Gleeson (Junior Club), Sophie White (Brighton), Jasmine Atkinson and Jordynn Hepburn (new) have added to the Eagles’ strength and depth.
After an excellent season in 2025, which saw a Preliminary Final appearance, it looks as if the Lady Eagles can go further in 2026. Today, they are at home in their toughest encounter to date this season against the third placed Port Women. Both teams are equal on points with only percentage separating the two teams. It should be a tough, interesting tussle between these evenly matched teams. We wish the Lady Eagles good luck for today and for the upcoming season.
MILESTONES
50 GAMES – CHLOE FORD: Last weekend Chloe Ford played her 50th game for the club. She is the definition of hard work and consistently runs out games through the forward line or midfield. She has unbelievable pace
and has the tackle pressure of a player twice her size. Chloe becomes an absolute competitive beast when she crosses the boundary line and doesn’t back down from the contest.
This is Chloe’s fifth year with the Eagles, and she’s matured as one of the most experienced players in the team. She’s been vice captain for the past two seasons and fittingly led the team last Saturday night. She also finished the game by far and away the best player on the ground, showing how she steps up on big occasions and when she is needed. Congratulations Chloe, keep up the great work. You are a much-loved member of the Eagles, and we hope to see you around the club for many years to come.
SPONSORS
COMMUNITY football clubs rely heavily on sponsors, and the New Norfolk District Football Club (NNDFC) is no exception. The NNDFC is proud to announce and acknowledge the following sponsors for the 2026 season:
Diamond Sponsors (Key Priority Partners): The Granada Tavern, Daniel Wigg Painting & Decorating, New Norfolk & Derwent Valley News, the Valley Sports Bar, and the NNDFC Old Players Association.
Platinum Sponsors: Banjo’s Bakery New Norfolk, Barwick’s Landscape Supplies, Graham Family Funerals,
Petrusma Real Estate (Tegan Rainbird).
Silver Sponsors: Loreto Community Housing, Gilbert’s Garage, Boyer, ID Clothing, Priority Promotions.
Bronze Sponsors: Power Solutions Tasmania, Tierney Law, Plenty Cider, Ray Williams, Brendan Wigg Joinery, Craig Farrell, TVEX Pty Ltd (Tristan Triffett), Derwent Valley Glass, Rebecca White MP, Brian Mitchell MP, T&M Trophies, Derwent Valley Council.
The New Norfolk District Football Club appreciates, and thanks all sponsors for their generous support.
VOLUNTEERS
SUPPORTERS and members are probably unaware of how much work goes into fielding community-based football teams each week during the football season. It takes a massive amount of work and there are many volunteers who work behind the scenes to ensure that this occurs. It is getting harder each season to recruit the number of volunteers required to fill all positions.
If any supporter or member has some time available to volunteer in some way, please contact any board member. Your assistance is always welcome. During the season we will be acknowledging our volunteers with photos. It would be great to see our supporters acknowledge these volunteers whenever they see them
around the games or in the street.
The club thanks all our volunteers for their continued support. We want you to know how much the club appreciates your contribution.
NEXT GAMES
Saturday, May 3, at Boyer Oval
Reserves v Claremont at 10am
Women v Claremont at noon
Seniors v Claremont at 2pm
Saturday, May 9, at Huonville Oval
Women v Huonville at 10am
Reserves v Huonville at noon
Seniors v Huonville at 2pm
Chris Lovell
Vice President – Football Operations
New Norfolk and Derwent Valley News is a sponsor of the New Norfolk District Football Club.
See more Derwent Valley and Central Highlands news online and read our print edition every second Friday. Subscribe to our free daily news email here.
