BUNDOORA, VIC. (NFNL HQ). — Two sides delivered wins in the opening week of the 2026 Northern Football Netball League’s (NFNL) Division 1 finals series.
Montmorency surge clear of Diamond Creek to book Heidelberg clash
Montmorency has powered into the second week of the Northern Football Netball League’s Division 1 finals with a commanding 61-point victory over Diamond Creek in the First Qualifying Final.
The Magpies prevailed 15.12 (102) to 6.5 (41), with a devastating final quarter ultimately deciding the contest.
After a relatively even opening three quarters, Montmorency exploded in the final term, piling on seven goals to Diamond Creek’s one to run away with a comfortable victory.
The win sends Montmorency directly into a second Qualifying Final against Heidelberg, with a spot in the 2026 Grand Final on the line.
For Diamond Creek, the defeat means its season remains alive, but the margin for error has disappeared. The Creekers will face Greensborough in a do-or-die semi-final next weekend, with the loser eliminated.
Marcus Lentini was instrumental in Montmorency’s victory, producing a dominant performance through the midfield with 39 disposals, 11 clearances and three goals.
Nash Holmes was equally influential around stoppages, finishing with 33 disposals and 14 clearances while also hitting the scoreboard with two goals.
Ruckman Stefan Uzelac provided plenty of influence around the ground, collecting 20 disposals and eight clearances to go with two goals, while Jordan Steele was a key contributor from half-back with 29 disposals and eight rebound 50s.
Diamond Creek was led by Taj Logan, who continued his strong form with 24 disposals, five marks and five clearances, while inside midfielder Jacob Booth also finished with 24 disposals and a goal.
The result leaves Diamond Creek needing to respond quickly against a Greensborough side that enters the Semi-Final full of confidence after a dominant Elimination Final victory.
Greensborough demolishes Bundoora to keep season alive
Greensborough has kept its premiership campaign alive with a comprehensive 78-point demolition of Bundoora in the Elimination Final.
The Boro ran out 14.13 (97) to 2.7 (19) winners after taking control of the contest in the second half.
Bundoora was competitive early, with half-back Liam Mallia producing an extraordinary opening half.
Mallia amassed 28 disposals and 15 marks in the first half alone, generating 152 ranking points before Greensborough successfully shut him out of the contest after half-time.
Despite the Boro’s attention, Mallia continued to work hard and finished with 34 disposals, 16 marks and 182 ranking points in a difficult afternoon for Bundoora.
Greensborough’s midfield was led by Jackson Hasler, who collected 29 disposals, eight clearances and a goal, while Blake Watson was also prominent with 26 disposals, 11 clearances and a goal.
Jack Johnston provided plenty of drive from half-back, finishing with 25 disposals and two goals, while Jackson Davies was outstanding in defence with 16 disposals and seven intercept marks.
The victory keeps Greensborough’s season alive and sets up a do-or-die Semi-Final against Diamond Creek next Sunday.
With Montmorency and Heidelberg now waiting in the next stage of the finals, the stakes are simple for Diamond Creek and Greensborough: win and continue the premiership dream, or lose and see the 2026 season come to an end.
