TODAY we welcome the Sorell Eagles to Boyer Oval for a rematch of the first game of the 2026 SFL Community League Season. We are back to normal game times today with the Senior Women first at 10 am, followed by the Reserves at noon and the Seniors at 2pm. Today’s games look like good contests and will be competitive. Our teams will be up for the challenge, and we look forward to some good football today.
Our new Eagle Bar has been a great success in our first two home games. We again welcome players, supporters and patrons to utilise this facility for today’s games. The grandstand 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.
SENIOR NOTES
The Sorell Eagles sit undefeated on top of the SFL Community League ladder following a 6-point victory over Cygnet last weekend. Our seniors put up a brave fight against last season’s premiers, the Huonville Lions, last week, before running out of steam in the final 15 minutes of the match. While we have won only one game so far this season, we have certainly been in the hunt in all matches to date. The first game against Sorell resulted in a 48-point loss, but our performance in the second half of the match was excellent. It is encouraging that our new look Senior team has narrowed the margin on the teams played so far this season. Today’s game will be extremely tough against the very much improved Sorell Eagles. However, I am sure the boys will be in for the contest.
RESERVES NOTES
The Reserves have also improved this season with two wins under their belts to date. Again, getting the same 22 on the ground each week is becoming a problem. Their first-up effort against Sorell, which resulted in a 46-point loss, was encouraging. This was followed by a narrow but courageous 5-point victory over the Hobart Tigers at the TCA Ground and a narrow 12-point defeat at the hands of Cygnet. They also recorded a good 27-point victory over Claremont a fortnight ago. After winning only two games last season, the results so far this season gives us hope that the Reserves will be a much more competitive outfit this season. If the Reserves manage to field their best team today, I am sure they will give the Sorell Eagles a massive fright. Let’s see if the Reserves can put in another good performance today back on their home turf.
WOMEN’S NOTES
The Lady Eagles are again enjoying a great season to date. They have chalked up four wins, with their only loss being to last year’s premiers and again undefeated this season Claremont Magpies. We sit in third position on the ladder, only separated from second spot by percentage. In their first encounter with Sorell this season, we recorded a strong 49-point victory. Today, we are at home against the Sorell in a game they would expect to win. It should be an interesting encounter, and we wish the New Norfolk women good luck today.
GOOD LUCK TO ALL TEAMS TODAY
NEXT GAMES
Saturday, May 23
Women v Lindisfarne at Boyer Oval at 9.30am
Reserves v Hobart at the TCA Ground at noon
Seniors v Hobart at the TCA Ground at 2pm
Saturday May 30 at Boyer Oval
Women v Hutchins at 10am
Reserves v Lindisfarne at noon
Reserves v Lindisfarne at 2pm
MILESTONES
Nemesia Skelly – 50 games: Last Saturday, Nem Skelly played her 50th club game. She played her first game in 2023 and her loyalty, commitment and dedication to the club does not go unnoticed. Week after week she gives her all on and off the field and represents the Eagles with pride. Congratulations Nem on your 50th game, we hope there are many more games in store.
SPONSORS
Community football clubs rely heavily on sponsors, and the New Norfolk District Football Club (NNDFC) is no exception. The NNDFC is proud to acknowledge the following sponsors for the 2026 season:
- Diamond Sponsors (Key Priority Partners): 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: Loretto 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 MLC, TVEX Pty Ltd (Tristan Triffett), Derwent Valley Glass, Rebecca White MHR, Brian Mitchell MHA, T&M Trophies, Derwent Valley Council.
The New Norfolk District Football Club appreciates and thanks all sponsors for their support.
VOLUNTEERS
Supporters and members are probably unaware of how much work goes into fielding community-based football teams each weekend 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.
Chris Lovell
Vice President – Football Operations
New Norfolk and Derwent Valley News is a sponsor of the New Norfolk District Football Club.
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