Sport
24 October, 2025
Big jump tipped for junior footy
JUNIOR football will have a “full house” in Loddon Valley football next season.
JUNIOR football will have a “full house” in Loddon Valley football next season.
After two years working to re-enter the under 18 fray, Newbridge has committed to being part of what is tipped to be an eight-team competition.
The junior fortunes have turned positive for the league that in 2022 had been down to just four underage side.
Maiden Gully returned to the fold in 2025 with Newbridge and new club Macorna lifting numbers for next szeason.
The Maroons’ decision means every club is now represented at that level and players have a defined pathway to senior football.
Bears Lagoon Serpentine, Calivil and Mitiamo will agan pool youngsters for the East Loddon Rams.
Newbridge said its under 18 side “marks an exciting step forward for the club as we continue to strengthen our football pathway and community connections”,
“We look forward to welcoming new players and their families to NFNC and ensuring long-term growth and sustainability, while providing a clear pathway for players moving up from Under-16 level.”
The club had floated re-entering the Under-18 competition last season, but in the end put off the move for 12 months.
League chairman Richard Hicks welcomed the news of Newbridge’s return, saying it was “fantastic” for the competition and that the Maroons were “bullish” about the future.
He said the club’s decision would allow the league to fixture most junior matches in tandem with senior games next season.
“Newbridge has a good group of kids coming out of (Bendigo) under 16s, so they will have a good mix capable of playing in the Under-18s,” Hicks said.
The under 16 Maroons have not played together under the Newbridge banner, with players turning out for powerful clubs including Kangaroo Flat and Marong juniors, which both field teams from under 9 level to under 18 in the Bendigo junior competition.
Read More: Newbridge, Inglewood, Pyramid Hill, Serpentine