MEDIA RELEASE Central Murray FNL Confirms Week 1 Structure for Historic Top 8 Finals Series
15 MAY 2026
MEDIA RELEASE
Central Murray FNL Confirms Week 1 Structure for Historic Top 8 Finals Series
*FOR IMMEDIATE DISTRIBUTION*
The Central Murray Football Netball League (CMFNL) has confirmed the Week 1 hosting structure for its new Top 8 Finals Series,
which will be introduced for the first time in season 2026.
The expanded finals format will see eight clubs in each grade compete across a four-week finals campaign, creating additional
opportunities for clubs and supporters while delivering an exciting new finals structure for both football and netball
competitions.
Under the new system, Week 1 of finals will feature 2 Qualifying Finals and 2 Elimination Finals across Saturday and Sunday.
The format will operate as follows:
Week 1 – Qualifying & Elimination Finals
Saturday – August 29
• 1st vs 4th (1st qualifying)
• 2nd vs 3rd (2nd qualifying)
Sunday – August 30
• 5th vs 8th (loser eliminated) (1st elimination)
• 6th vs 7
th (loser eliminated) (2nd elimination)
Week 2 – Semi Finals
Saturday – Semi Final 1 - 5 September
• Loser of 1st Qualifying plays Winner of 1st Elimination
Sunday – Semi Final 2 - 6 September
• Loser of 2nd Qualifying plays Winner of 2nd Elimination
Week 3 – Preliminary Finals
Saturday - 12 September
• Winner of 1st Qualifying plays Winner of Semi Final 2
Sunday - 13 September
• Winner of 2nd Qualifying plays Winner of Semi Final 1
Week 4 – Grand Final - Saturday 19 September
• Winners of each Preliminary Finals play in the Grand Final.
As part of the transition to the new Top 8 system, the Central Rivers Board undertook a club consultation and survey process
throughout April & early May to determine the preferred method to host Week 1, given the challenge of conducting 4 separate
finals across 2 days.
Following the consultation period, the Central Rivers Board met on Wednesday night to review all feedback and voting
outcomes in detail.
Based on the results of the club consultation the Board has unanimously endorsed the hosting of all matches at the Alan
Garden and Swan Hill Recreation Reserves as the preferred hosting model for Week 1 of the 2026 Finals Series.
The Board believes the adopted model provides the strongest outcome for clubs, supporters and officials by allowing clubs with
teams competing across different grades and ladder positions to remain at the one venue throughout the weekend.
The structure will also support the League’s umpiring group through improved appointments, travel and logistical efficiencies.
Central Rivers Board Chair Gavin Campbell said “this will be one of the biggest weekends of football and netball the region, or
possibly Country Victoria has ever seen. 16 games of football and 28 games of netball will be played on one precinct across the
weekend of August 29 & 30. The way things are shaping up with the season thus far, it is highly likely that every one of the 16
clubs in the Central Murray, will have a team participating. Everyone should be really excited about it!”
Several clubs have already expressed interest in hosting matches under the approved model.
Over the coming weeks, clubs included in the 2026 finals hosting rotation will be invited to submit hosting preferences for the
full finals’ series. Final venue allocations and host clubs will be confirmed by the Board following their June Board Meeting.
Further information regarding finals venues and hosting allocations will be released following the June Board Meeting.
*ENDS*
Please contact Jessie Chester CMFNL Manager
Email:
