Comp now closing in on top 20

THE Central Murray Football Netball League (CMFNL) has cracked the top 20 in the newly-minted AFL Victoria Community  Championships rankings.

After the CMFNL’s 14-point victory over North Central Football League, Swan Hill’s top league climbed the list to reach 20th place out of 38.

Based on the rankings released following the interleague weekend, the CMFNL are on a crash course to play the Mildura-based Sunraysia Football Netball League next year.

The Sunraysia league was humbled at home by the Wimmera Football League to the tune of 52 points on Saturday.

AFL Central Murray regional operations manager David Alderuccio said it was fantastic to see the Swan Hill community get behind the competition this year.

“We had a really good day and was well supported by both leagues to provide a really good crowd,” he said.

“The matches were entertaining and we are happy with it all … it is good to get the monkey off our back in a way.

“I think everything right through the day was just sensational.”

One of Alderuccio’s highlights was the girls’ exhibition match.

“The girls got the chance to play and it looks like a few will come out to play competitive footy from now on,” he said.

“The whole point was to get the women to play footy in a competitive atmosphere in front of a crowd.”

While the CMFNL are in the top 20, North Central fell to 23rd on the list and looks set to play the Southern Football League next year.

The Golden Rivers Football League finished 34th in the state and can expect to take on the Loddon Valley Football League in next year’s interleague round.

Geelong Football Netball League claimed the top spot, becoming the best league in the state for at least the next year.