Sport
7 May, 2026
River rivals confirm their picks
The big names are locked in for next month's Loddon Valley football river rival between Newbridge and Bridgewater featuring former AFL greats
Newbridge FNC - as the successful applicant from Victoria, were allocated the first Victorian pick and unsurprisingly drafted dual Brownlow medallist Gary Ablett Jr.
Situated near the Loddon River, the club has recovered from two major floods in the past 15 years.
They will line up against arch rivals, Bridgewater who welcomed Ablett’s former teammate and 2022 Premiership Cat, Gary Rohan to the helm.
Newbridge Football Netball Club Treasurer, Chris Dixon said: “The opportunity for the club to be in the room with some of the AFL’s greatest names for a day is incredible.”
“It’s been a tough few years at Newbridge since we won our last senior flag. We’ve survived two floods and haven’t seen a lot of success on field but our fighting spirit only grows each year.”
“Words can’t explain how much this will mean for our club, from the players, staff, volunteers, and supporters. The excitement, morale and fundraising that this game will generate for our community will have an everlasting impact.”
Read More: Bridgewater, Newbridge