Localised men's football in the Northern Rivers has returned to the region in style, with the six-week competition culminating in this Saturday's Grand Final at Oakes Oval in Lismore.
Local football content will return to Oakes Oval for the first time since 2020, in what became the final season of the QFA Northern Rivers competition.
Over 250 participants have taken the field across seven teams from all parts of the Northern Rivers region, marking the competition as a resounding success.
Ballina with play Lismore in the Grand Final at 2pm, with Lennox Head playing Byron Bay and Casino taking on Brunswick Heads in the 3rd and 5th placed playoffs respectively.
Queensland Competitions Manager, Mitchell Simpson has been impressed by the uptake from participants across the region.
"With the concept only being pitched to stakeholders across the region in April, it has been pleasing to see such a large number of participants join their local teams and re-engage with football in such a short amount of time".
"There has been a mix of past senior players, former local juniors, AFL Masters players and a number of cross-code converts participate and it's been great to see the entire footy community from across the region come together to make this a success"
"Everyone involved across the teams should be commended for the work that has gone into the competition".
"There is plenty of excitement around this weekend's Grand Final, and I know there are many across the region eagerly awaiting local football to return to Oakes Oval.
"The pilot competition this year has proven successful so we look forward to working with the stakeholders in the region on growing the participation and sustainability of football in the Northern Rivers over the coming years".