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Reservoir Sporting Club - AFL is revitalising its roster for 2025, aiming for a significant turnaround under coach Rohan Davies.....read more

SportsUpNews Positive, Informative & Free Reservoir Football Club is revitalising its roster for 2025, aiming for a significant turnaround under coach Rohan Davies.

Bulleen Templestowe AFC makes a move to a league that is getting very strong.

SportsUpNews Positive, Informative & Free The Eastern Football League welcomes Bulleen Templestowe Football Club for the 2025 season, aiming for growth and enhanced competition through strategic changes in Division 4.

Now that's an announcement 🙂
Well done Old Paradians Football Club

Did you know Robbie Dolan, The 2024 Melbourne Cup winner was on the voice? Watch it here....

SportsUpNews Positive, Informative & Free Robbie Dolan, an Irish jockey, showcased his singing talent on The Voice Australia, challenging stereotypes and inspiring many despite finishing in the top 24.

Irish jockey Robbie Dolan Wins The Melbourne Cup...

SportsUpNews Positive, Informative & Free Irish jockey Robbie Dolan achieved an unforgettable Melbourne Cup victory on his debut ride, showcasing his talent and determination amidst personal challenges and a multifaceted career.

Player Points & VFL Restrictions: Time for a Change?

This topic is one that’s stirred debate for years, and it’s showing no signs of cooling down. Rumours are swirling that change is on the horizon in the NFNL, but whether any real action will be taken remains to be seen. You only need to glance at discussions on BigFooty to see that many believe reforms are imminent. However, with the 2025 season looming, any significant alterations seem unlikely at this stage—clubs have already set their lists, and a late change could be disruptive.

Why Change the System?

Some argue that the current system is flawed, particularly when it allows VFL players to return to their local clubs as 1-point players, even if they’ve played most of their season in the VFL. Right now, to qualify for NFNL finals, a VFL player must play three home-and-away games for their local club. But the word is that this requirement may soon increase to five or even seven games. If that happens, we could see a big reduction in the number of VFL players returning for finals, which would undoubtedly shake things up.

There’s also the question of point allocations. At present, players who return to their junior clubs can often do so as 1-point players, while other leagues have varied systems. Should there be a unified points system across all leagues? For example, Wangaratta Rovers have had their points cap reduced from 40 to 36 for the 2025 season—a decision they’re not too thrilled about.

The Value of Home-Grown Talent

There’s no denying the excitement that returning VFL players bring to their clubs and communities. Just look at the impact of players like Josh D’Intasante & Deacon Kalpakis at South Morang. Josh dominated in the grand final as did Deacon up back, both played a near-full season with Coburg in the VFL, and helped lift South Morang from Division 3 to Division 1 in just two years. The Lions will debut in the top division in 2025, and keeping both Josh and Deacon at 1 point could make all the difference in helping them compete. Stripping them of returning VFL players under new rules would not only weaken South Morang’s squad but also limit their fairytale progression they have worked so hard for.

Heidelberg and VFL Talent Development

Consider Heidelberg, a club that has cultivated a number of VFL-listed players. They operate close to their points cap each week, and a stricter rule on VFL points or game qualifications would mean some tough choices. This could lead to players either leaving Heidelberg or the league altogether in search of more accommodating systems. Is this truly what local leagues should aim for? Isn’t it better to have players returning to their roots, bolstering the clubs that gave them their start?

Is the Current System Fair?

As more clubs face these challenges, we’re left with some important questions.
Is the current system working as intended?
How can it be improved to balance competition without discouraging players from returning to their home clubs?

We want to hear your thoughts. Should the NFNL implement a more standardised points system? What would you change to encourage top players to stay connected with their local clubs while keeping competition fair?

Let us know in the comments section on our website, on Facebook, or on Twitter/X. This discussion isn’t going away anytime soon, so lhow do you see it working best?

SportsUpNews Positive, Informative & Free Debate continues regarding potential changes to player points and VFL restrictions in the NFNL, particularly concerning fairness and local talent integration as the 2025 season approaches.

Mash Shield in the DVCA So Far….
Diamond Valley Cricket Association...full article click below...

SportsUpNews Positive, Informative & Free DVCA Mash Division Update & Ladder Standings The DVCA Mash division has been packed with excitement this season, with standout performances from the top teams and fierce competition across the …

The DVCA Money division features competitive standings, with Rosebank leading, closely followed by Eltham and Lower Plenty, as teams strive for finals.....read more
Diamond Valley Cricket Association

SportsUpNews Positive, Informative & Free The DVCA Money division features competitive standings, with Rosebank leading, closely followed by Eltham and Lower Plenty, as teams strive for finals.

The DVCA Barclay Division standings show Riverside leading, followed closely by Macleod, with North Eltham and Epping battling for top positions....more

SportsUpNews Positive, Informative & Free The DVCA Barclay Division standings show Riverside leading, followed closely by Macleod, with North Eltham and Epping battling for top positions.

Tiger King Returns Home...

Read the article Free at Sportsupnews on the link below. Keeping local sports news free.
Heidelberg Football Netball Club

SportsUpNews Positive, Informative & Free Sam Gilmore’s return to Heidelberg Football Club excites fans, as he symbolizes loyalty and leadership, promising to strengthen the team in Division One.

Breaking News Sunday night.
Whittlesea Football & Netball Club keep the signings coming.

The WFNC are thrilled to announce the signing of Ruckman Jake McNamara for season 2025 🦅

Jake comes to the nest with plenty of senior experience, having previously played numerous years of Division 1 football for Heidelberg & Greensborough as well as the past couple of seasons at Kinglake.

Jake’s ability to get first hand on the ball and give our midfield first use will be a valuable asset to our side, as well as his marking presence around the ground and up forward.

Jake’s leadership and experience will be invaluable to not only the senior squad, but to the whole club and we look forward to seeing him in the Blue & Gold in 2025.

Welcome to the Nest Jake! 🦅

BREAKING NEWS.
SAM HEADS HOME 🏡
First and free local sports news here at SportsUp

WELCOME HOME SAMMY! 🔒🐯

Heidelberg is extremely excited to announce the return of Sam Gilmore to Warringal Park in 2025.

Sam’s played 108 games, 3 x premiership player, 2 x premiership captain, 2 x Blair Harvey Medalist, 3 x NFNL Team of the Year member and a NFNL Coaches MVP.

We can’t wait to see you back in the yellow and black.

💛🖤

Is Mick McGuane The Best Coach Not Coaching VFL / AFL?

SportsUpNews Positive, Informative & Free Mick McGuane’s proven success in local football, tactical intelligence, and commitment to player development make him a deserving candidate for VFL or AFL coaching roles.

Who did I miss?

The big movers and shakers list so far this pre-season in the NFNL.

This is your local say so if i missed someone let me know and we will add them to our working list.

SportsUpNews Positive, Informative & Free The NFNL off-season is highly active, with numerous teams enhancing rosters for a competitive 2025 season.

One of my favourite people in football / sport and a great guy out of sport too is Mark Muscat. His dedication to local sports is up there with the best in the world and he commitment to community is unrivalled.

SportsUpNews Positive, Informative & Free Mark Muscat has received a $20,000 award for his exceptional contributions to local sports development, enhancing grassroots sports and supporting local athletes and clubs to achieve their goals.

Amazing article on pathways

SportsUpNews Positive, Informative & Free Platform Sports Management aids over 800 Australian and New Zealand athletes in securing U.S. college sports scholarships, enhancing their pathways to success in competitive sports.

Destination club led by the great man. What a team ❤️
Hurstbridge Football Netball Club

A football enthusiast anonymously writes for SportsUp, expressing disappointment over The Northern Footy Show's cancellation, while discussing future collaborations and his passion for sports journalism and a exclusive interview with SportUp editor & owner...Daz

SportsUpNews Positive, Informative & Free A football enthusiast anonymously writes for SportsUp, expressing disappointment over The Northern Footy Show’s cancellation, while discussing future collaborations and his passion for sports…

The Lower Plenty Bears are enhancing their lineup with new talent and rising stars, aiming for a breakthrough performance in the.....

Lower Plenty Football & Netball Club

SportsUpNews Positive, Informative & Free The Lower Plenty Bears are enhancing their lineup with new talent and rising stars, aiming for a breakthrough performance in the 2025 season.

Trailblazing Times for Kilmore Women’s Football...
Kilmore Football Netball Club

SportsUpNews Positive, Informative & Free Kilmore Football Club launches a women’s team in 2025, featuring talented players and promoting community support for women’s football.

Check out the weeks highlight game reviews for the Diamond Valley Cricket Association here...
Every grade covered with one selected game from each grade.

Send photos and request your grade to and team to be covered and we will make it happen....thats our commitment to local cricket!

SportsUpNews Positive, Informative & FreeDVCA Positive, Informative & Free

The Exemplary Leadership of Coach Jimmy Atkins.....

Laurimar Sporting Club

SportsUpNewsPositive, Informative & Free Laurimar FC signs legendary forward Patrick Fitzgerald for the 2025 season, enhancing their ambitions under Coach Jimmy Atkins, and uniting a balanced roster for success.