Shepparton United product Michael Barlow won the first senior premiership of his career recently.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
Two thousand and twenty-five was the year of the dynasty destroyers.
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Echuca was denied a four-peat in the Goulburn Valley League, while Waaia’s fourth straight Picola District Football League flag was ripped away at the final hurdle.
Congupna also coughed up a prime chance to go back-to-back in the Murray Football League, meaning the season just gone was, in most cases, not one for the favourites.
However, that rule didn’t apply to a volley of local talents who have found new homes in recent years.
Tom Boyd, an ex-Shepparton gun, skippered Wangaratta Rovers to a premiership in the Ovens and Murray League for the second year running.
The former Bear chipped in with a goal as the Rovers knocked over cross-town rival Wangaratta 9.7 (61) to 6.10 (46) in the decider at Lavington Sports Ground, one year on from pipping Yarrawonga by three points in a gripping 2024 grand final.
Boyd wasn’t the only ex-GV talent to add another flag to the mantle, either.
Zane Barzen (back row, second from right) and Sean Martin (front row, far right) completed the four-peat with Heidelberg. Photo: Heidelberg FNC.
Sean Martin (Tatura) and Zane Barzen (Shepparton United) helped further Heidelberg’s legacy as a Northern Football League juggernaut, the duo adding their fourth premiership on the spin with the Tigers after a grand final demo job on Hurstbridge.
Barzen booted a goal in the 18.17 (125) to 6.8 (44) victory, also snaring a spot in the NFL division one team of the year for a second year running.
While Martin and Barzen are in their prime, one of the GV’s elder statesmen and most successful exports enjoyed a maiden premiership at 37 years of age.
Shepparton United product Michael Barlow finally celebrated his first senior flag after a decorated AFL career, saluting in the Hampden Football Netball League grand final with North Warrnambool on Friday afternoon.
The former Fremantle and Gold Coast midfielder notched a game-high 30 disposals in the Eagles’ 13.12 (90) to 7.6 (48) triumph over Koroit, exorcising the demons of last year’s agonising one-point loss in the decider.
In other news, a returning GV star has reflected on his career in the state league with a move back to his home club confirmed.
Angus Hicks, a VFL premiership winning star for Werribee in 2024, signed off on his time at the Tigers after committing to Shepparton United full-time for next season.
The 26-year-old played 30 times for Werribee in 2024-25 after joining from Richmond, where he played 37 games at VFL level, earning his stripes at both Tiger factions.
Hicks thanked Werribee for two memorable years at Avalon Airport Oval.
“I’m forever grateful for the opportunities this club has given me. The memories I’ve made here are ones I’ll carry with me for life,” he said.
“What makes footy clubs truly special are the people, and I’ve been incredibly fortunate to cross paths with some of the best throughout my VFL career.”
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