The addition of Gisborne Giants and Melton South senior sides in the Riddell District Football Netball League in 2025 has led to the return of a ‘Top Six’ finals series.
The league has been operating on a ‘Top Five’ system for several years.
Another change is that Grand Final Day will be on a Saturday, not a Sunday.
This was revealed when the league unveiled its 2025 season fixtures last week.
There are 18 home and away rounds, with the opening round on Saturday, April 5.
Gisborne Giants, busy building up a senior list in recent months, will make its senior senior debut by playing Kyneton at the Macedon Ranges Sports Precinct.
For the first time, football and netball enthusiasts of Gisborne and surrounds will have a choice of supporting two sides — the long-established and successful Gisborne FNC, which competes in the Bendigo League, and the relatively new Gisborne Giants.
In the Saturday April 5 opening round, the 2024 football premiers Riddell will be at home to Macedon, with the Puka Up Cup at stake.
Netball A-grade premiers Woodend-Hesket will be able to unveil their flag under lights with Melton Centrals visiting Gilbert Gordon Reserve.
Traditional rivals and neighbours, Lancefield and Romsey, play one another at Tigerland on April 5.
The other opening round match is between Melton South — making a return to the Riddell League — and Diggers Rest.
The qualifying and elimination finals are scheduled for the weekend of August 23 and 24.
Semi-finals take place on August 30 and 31.
Preliminary final day is Saturday, September 6, with the Grand Final a week later.
Various levels of pre-season training have been taking place across the various clubs.
