After what has been an extremely challenging year in the wake of the January fires, the Harcourt community is celebrating this week after the Harcourt Football Netball Club’s Senior Football and Under 12 Football sides secured grand final berths in the Maryborough Castlemaine Football Netball League.
The Seniors led the charge with a thrilling three point victory over top of the table Carisbrook on Saturday, and the Under 12s defeated a valiant Talbot by 12 points on Sunday to book their premiership showdowns.
Harcourt FNC president Mark Dorian said the club has been proud to provide a hub, a focus and a safe space for club members and the wider community.
“It would be great to hold some cups aloft tomorrow, but regardless of the outcome we have come out stronger and more resilient than before,” he said.
Harcourt Pride
The Harcourt Seniors triumphed over Carisbrook by three points in last Saturday’s Preliminary Final to win a spot in the big one.
The day was made even more special with club stalwart Alex Code celebrating his 100th Senior game for the club.
The Harcourt Seniors will tackle the league’s big improvers Talbot which ended hopes of a local derby when they defeated the Newstead Seniors by 31 points last Sunday.
Newstead had an absolutely incredible season and we have no doubt that if they stick together and keep working hard we will see them in finals contention again in 2027.
The Harcourt Under 12s will face off against sixth placed Navarre which had a dream finals run to make the big one.
Harcourt FNC president Mark Dorian said the club has become a real hub for club members impacted and the wider community in the wake of the fires.
“We have embraced the community, brought everyone together and tomorrow is a special moment for everyone to celebrate.
“We welcomed a lot of new faces via our 2026 Harcourt Pride Membership Drive which aimed to support those impacted with free membership and give the whole community a place to gather and something positive to focus on,” he said.
“We were thrilled to have all our football teams and half our netball sides contest finals, an incredible feat considering the obstacles we have faced.
“We are proud of each and every one of our footballers, netballers, and the club members who have been working tirelessly behind the scenes to support club members and the wider community however they can.
“It would be fantastic to see our sides successful tomorrow, but the real winner here is the community,” he said.
Young Lions ready to pounce!
Harcourt Football Netball Club Under 12s Football co-coach Luke Mannix said its been a tough year for their youngsters.
“We have kids whose families lost everything. But footy has given them a safe space to land and a positive to focus on,” he said.
The junior club has gone from strength to strength in recent years going from six or seven junior players to now fielding full sides in all divisions.
“We (the Under 12s) take 25 kids along every week and we have plenty of kids waiting in the wings to step up. Our Auskick program is also thriving with 52 kids taking part this year. It’s the biggest in the region,” Mannix said.
The Under 12 squad made the preliminary final in 2025 and are excited to take the next step in 2026.
“They are just elated. We have players who are in their third or fourth year in the side, through the kids in their first season. We have welcomed new families into the fold in the wake of the fires and given these kids an outlet and the opportunity to just enjoy their sport and breathe.
“Some kids lost everything, including their trophies from last season and the club stepped in and replaced them, a small but powerful gesture just to give them a little something back,” he said.
“2026 has been a fantastic season, we only dropped three games and finished in third spot. We will give it our best shot tomorrow, but no matter what happens we couldn’t be more proud of each and every player and all the wonderful families and people behind the scenes who have made this special moment possible!”
Some of the key players to watch out for will include:
Captain Mitch Vidler who leads from the front in more ways than one. A dynamic on baller with an exceptional read of the game, making it all look easy. His work rate and passion is unmatched making him a tough opponent.
Nixon Leech a power forward that wont take no for an answer. He’ll find his way to the ball if its in the air or on the ground and has a keen sense of where the goals are, easily slotting it through the middle from all parts of the forward line.
First year player Camden Allen. You will not find a more chilled teammate if you tried. He can play both ends of the field and knows where the goals are.
Running back flanker Xavier King. He has a great read of the game and knows when to stay tight and when to leave his opponent, with a long kick on him he constantly rebounding the ball forward and ready to attack.
And forward Brodie Bagley who plays out on the flanks with great foot skills and understanding of the game, he quite often finds himself being a key link in a play towards goal.
Berry Powell success
Earlier this week the MCDFNL’s 2026 Berry Powell and Nalder Tracy Medallist Awards were also celebrated with Talbot ‘s Dylan Tarczon claiming the Berry Powell with 25 votes, ahead of local joint runners-up Braydon Vaz of Harcourt and Joel Smith of Newstead on 20 votes each.
Harcourt’s Braydon Vaz, Jack Threlfall & Jed Rodda and Newstead’s Michael Dalrymple, Joel Smith, Will Moran, Lachie O’Brien and Liam O’Brien were also named in the MCDFNL Football Team of the Year.
Carisbrook’s Tim Rinaldi took out the Top Goal Kicker with 105 goals.
The Nalder-Tracy A Grade Best & Fairest Medal was taken out by Trentham’s Jessica Walker with 25 votes, join runners-up were Navarre teammates Aliza Lockhart and Jess Parry on 20 votes apiece.
Other local award winners were C Grade Best & Fairest Tarni Williams of Campbells Creek FNC, and Maldon’s Sherriden Byrne who was runner-up Best & Fairest in B Grade.
For more MCDFNL, Magpies and Castlemaine Goldfields FC finals coverage see today’s Mail.