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.
More than 200 residents dressed in red, yellow, blue and black gathered at the proposed McDonald’s site on Forest Street on Wednesday, joining other Victorian communities in their fight to stop the spread of multinational fast-food outlets.
The MAC OFF- Protect Castlemaine demonstration was attended by supporters opposed to the McDonald’s development at Kyneton and coincided with a similar demonstration by Northcote’s ‘Not Lovin’ It!’ campaign, which arose after Darebin City Council rejected a McDonald’s, only for the decision to be overturned at VCAT.
These campaigns are calling on Premier Ben Carroll and the Victorian Government to support David Ettershank MP’s Planning Amendment (Restricting New Fast-Food Developments) Bill 2026. The proposed legislation would give councils stronger powers to refuse new fast-food developments where they conflict with community health, neighbourhood character and local planning objectives.
MAC OFF – Protect Castlemaine campaign coordinator Vicki Anderson said the government should support stronger planning controls, enabling councils to take a more active role.
“Castlemaine now joins a long line of communities across Australia trying to protect important town and suburb sites from the impacts of McDonald’s outlets, having to navigate the inadequate planning controls currently in place,” she said.
“We want to protect our blend of unique local businesses and enterprises, and our reputation for creativity, artisan produce and cultural heritage, which our shire’s annual $364 million tourism industry and UNESCO Creative City and Region of Gastronomy designation is based upon.”
Held on Vote for Food Day, a national initiative coordinated by Sustain: The Australian Food Network, community members at Wednesday’s event were invited to sign the physical petition or e-petition supporting the new legislation and had the opportunity to purchase MAC OFF badges and bumper stickers, with funds raised to be used to support the local campaign against the proposed development.
You can sign the petition, which calls on the Legislative Council to support legislation giving Victorian communities and local governments greater power to create healthier local food environments, at: macoffcastlemaine.com/legislative-council-petition
Castlemaine’s Theatre Royal presents a very special program on Sunday, September 20.
At 4.30 pm, Beautiful Dark – The Music of Twin Peaks will bring the mood and music of David Lynch and Mark Frost’s series to life, followed by a 40th anniversary screening of David Lynch’s Blue Velvet at 7pm.
Australia’s preeminent interpreters of David Lynch and Angelo Badalamenti’s music Beautiful Dark: Ann-Marie Sullivan (vocals), Bec Blakeney (keys/vocals), Zoe Hunting (synth/vocals), James Payne (guitar), Andy Hazel (bass/guitar), Dandelion Jackson (saxophone) and Billy Raffin (drums), are devoted to bringing the mood and music of Lynch and Mark Frost’s series to life.
Featuring projections, props, costumes and doughnuts, and a faithful interpretation of the music from the television series and the film Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me, the group seeks to recreate the world created by Mark Frost and David Lynch.
From the Double R Diner to the Red Room, their show A Night at the Roadhouse carries you through a strange and mysterious world where the birds sing a pretty song, and there’s always music in the air.
Followed by a screening of David Lynch’s Blue Velvet, which blends neo-noir mystery with romantic intrigue and suburban satire into a powerful, transformative film.
With a beautiful score by Angelo Badalamenti, this is a perfect accompaniment to a performance by Beautiful Dark, but also a perfect fit for any night at the cinema – enjoy it with specially prepared cherry pie at the Theatre Royal Castlemaine.
Tickets to Beautiful Dark and Blue Velvet can either be purchased separately or as a discount package (limited number available) theatreroyalcastlemaine.com.au
Rhiz & The Sugarplums are hittin’ the road to launch their new album All Over Again and are stopping by the Taproom this Sunday for a hootenanny!
Reviving a retro sound that’s as timeless as it is irresistible, Rhiz & The Sugarplums breathe new life into vintage vibes. They blend cleverly written songs, powerhouse vocals, a funky rhythm section, and a whole lotta twangy guitar into one big, bold sound.
‘All Over Again’ is a love letter to classic country, filtered through a contemporary Australian lens. Rooted in traditional styles yet unequivocally fresh and original, the album pairs timeless melodies with Rhiz’s own unique voice and perspective.
5 pm Sunday, September 13 at Shedshaker Brewery, The Mill – bring your dancing shoes!
Castlemaine Football Netball Club’s Senior Women’s Football team has claimed legendary status after securing their fifth consecutive premiership in the AFL Central Vic Women’s League.
The Magpies faced off against top of the table Golden Square in rain-soaked conditions under lights at the Queen Elizabeth Oval on Friday evening.
The sides had faced-off four times during the year with the Magpies winning the first encounter by 13 points, the Bulldogs the second bout by 8 points, Castlemaine their third battle by 16 points, and Square claiming the Semi Final by 11 points.
The Magpies bounced back defeating Sandhurst in the preliminary final to set the stage for the ultimate showdown between the two powerhouse sides of the competition.
The Castlemaine side were determined to claim their fifth consecutive flag from five outings, whilst the Bulldogs were seeking validation after their devastating 2025 grand final loss.
The game opened in steady rain with Golden Square getting the upper hand early in the slippery conditions kicking 2.2 and holding the Magpies to just two points.
At quarter time they led by two straight kicks.
The Magpies lifted in the second, getting first to the ball and making the most of their opportunities to slam on three goals to one and snatch back a narrow three point buffer at half-time.
The rain continued to fall as the third term opened, both sides struggled to handle the footy, soccering it along the ground in desperation to push forward. Castlemaine’s experience shone through with the side clinching another vital goal and keeping the Bulldogs scoreless to go into the final term with an 11 point advantage.
The Magpies looked dangerous in the last term, relishing the wet and going hard at the ball. They kicked another 1.3, whilst restricting Square to just three points to extend their lead to 15 points.
As the final siren sounded there were scenes of jubilation.
The Magpies had shown their class claiming another hard earned premiership in the most challenging of conditions.
A huge throng of Magpie faithful spilled onto the ground to join them in their celebrations.
Castlemaine’s Aisling Tupper was named Best on Ground, whilst the AFL Victoria Country Best on Ground Medal went to Kate Douglass of Golden Square.
Other top contributors for the Magpies were Jemma Finning, Tiahna Cochrane, Taylah Sartori, Eillish Cumming and Mikaela Trethowan.
Hannah Cochrane and Maeve Tupper were also outstanding kicking two goals each.
Coach Jordan Cochrane congratulated Golden Square on an incredible season which saw them finish on top of the ladder.
“You are just getting better and better. Stick together, keeping working hard and the rewards will come,” he said.
Cochrane said he was absolutely thrilled with the win and so proud of his side.
“They have worked so hard all season. We went into this match as the underdogs and came out on top and that is a credit to every single one of our players,” he said.
He also thanked everyone behind the scenes.
“Just look at this turn out tonight. It’s just incredible. Thanks to everyone for their support,” he said.
Under 18s bow out
The Castlemaine Magpie Under 18 Men’s squad continued its finals campaign on Sunday tackling Sandhurst in the Bendigo Football Netball League 1st Semi Final at the Queen Elizabeth Oval.
The first quarter was scrappy with the Dragons managing five points, whilst the Magpies were scoreless.
Sandhurst opened the second term with three goals in quick succession, before the Magpies finally replied with one of their own.
At half time the Dragons led by 19 points.
Castlemaine continued to apply pressure to the Dragons in the third forcing errors in front of goal. But they eventually settled and piled on another three goals, before the Magpies returned fire with one of their own.
At the final change the margin had blown out to 35 points.
Castlemaine grabbed another two in the final term, but the Dragons found another in reply and eventually ran out winners by 31 points ending the Magpies finals hopes.
Best for the Magpies were Oscar Giddings, Angus Fitzgerald, Joshua Tull, Flynn Culph, Zachary Thompson and Harper Kneebone with 2 goals.
