Local Gunditjmara and Kirrae Whurrong man Joey Chatfield has designed the Guernsey the Western Bulldogs will wear in this year’s Sir Doug Nicholls Round.

According to Joey, the Guernsey design centres around protection, respect and connection.

Dedicated to his late grandparents, the design draws strongly on traditional and environmental elements, while honouring Gundijmara and Kirrae Whurrong cultural heritage.

It also acknowledges and celebrates the Western Bulldogs 10-year premiership anniversary.

Speaking on the club’s Facebook page and Youtube Channel, Joey explained that the Guernsey represents the people and ancestors, honoured in tradition, by encompassing land, food sources, tools and processes that he and his family continue to maintain.

The Western Bulldogs acknowledged that carrying this story through design ensures it’s permanent place in Australia’s History.

Watch Joey speaking about the jumper to Western Bulldogs players below.

The post WATCH – JOEY ‘GETS A GUERNSEY’ FOR THE BULLDOGS first appeared on South West Local News.

The Warrnambool and District Football Netball League (WDFNL) wishes to advise that the Dennington Football Netball Club has made the difficult decision to place its Senior Football team into recess for the remainder of the 2026 season.

The decision follows a period of ongoing discussions between the Club, WDFNL officials and key stakeholders regarding the current position of the senior football program and the challenges being experienced both on and off the field.

After careful consideration, the Club determined that placing the Senior Football side into recess for the remainder of the 2026 season was the most responsible course of action to ensure the long-term sustainability and future viability of the Club.

Importantly, the decision relates only to the Senior Football program.

The Dennington Football Netball Club will continue to actively participate in the WDFNL competition through:

Reserves Football, A grade Netball, A Reserve Netball & B Grade Netball, Junior Football Grades – Under 18.5, Under 16, Under 13.5, Under 11, Junior Netball Grades – 17 and Under, 15 and Under, 13 and Under, 11 and Under.

The Club also remains committed to its role within the local community and to continuing to provide opportunities for players, volunteers, families and supporters across both football and netball programs.

WDFNL President Larissa Barclay said the decision was not made lightly and acknowledged the significant work undertaken by the Club throughout the process.

“This has been an incredibly difficult and emotional decision for the Dennington Football Netball Club, and one that has been made only after extensive. discussions, reflection and consideration of the Club’s current circumstances,” Ms Barclay said.

“The Club has worked collaboratively with the WDFNL throughout this process and has remained focused on making decisions that are in the best interests of its players, members, volunteers and the long-term future of the club.”

Ms Barclay said the WDFNL also had an obligation to consider the integrity, fairness and ongoing operation of the competition.

“As a League, we have a responsibility to ensure the integrity of the competition is maintained for all member clubs, players and stakeholders,” she said.

“Throughout this process, careful consideration has been given to the operational impacts on the competition, the fairness of fixturing and the broader implications for all clubs involved.”

“While this outcome is challenging for everyone, the decision provides certainty moving forward for the remainder of the season and allows the competition to continue in a fair, transparent and orderly manner.”

Ms Barclay said the WDFNL recognised the broader pressures currently facing many community sporting clubs across regional Victoria.

“Community football and netball clubs continue to face significant challenges, including player availability, volunteer fatigue, rising operational pressures and the increasing demands placed on community organisations,” she said.

“While every club’s circumstances are unique, these challenges are being experienced across community sport and require strong leadership, honest conversations and long-term planning.”

The WDFNL commended Dennington for continuing to field a Reserves football side and maintaining all junior football and senior and junior netball programs.

“Importantly, Dennington remains committed to providing opportunities for participation across its broader football and netball programs, and that commitment deserves recognition,” Ms Barclay said.

“The continuation of junior football, reserves football and all netball programs demonstrates the Club’s ongoing commitment to its members and to the future of community sport within Dennington.”

Ms Barclay said the League would continue to work closely with the Club throughout the remainder of the season and beyond.

“The WDFNL is committed to supporting Dennington through this period and working collaboratively with the Club as it focuses on rebuilding and strengthening its senior football program into the future,” she said.

“Dennington has a proud history and continues to play an important role within the local sporting landscape and wider community.”

The WDFNL also acknowledged the efforts and commitment of the Dennington committee, coaches, volunteers, players, families, sponsors and supporters who continue to contribute significantly to the Club and the competition.

The League will now work through the fixture and competition implications associated with the withdrawal of the Senior Football side for the remainder of the 2026 season.

Further information regarding fixture adjustments and competition arrangements will be communicated directly with clubs and stakeholders in due course.

The WDFNL remains committed to supporting all member clubs and continuing to strengthen and grow community football and netball across the region.

The post DENNINGTON PLACES SENIOR FOOTBALL SIDE INTO RECESS FOR 2026 SEASON. first appeared on South West Local News.

Freshly home from a flight from Kazakhstan and a bit more than 72 hours after breaking a world record, Bookaar’s Penny Smith was still beaming after an amazing effort at the ISSF World Championships.

However, breaking a record, and winning gold at the weekend isn’t going to amount to much, as she prepares for a big few years attempting to make another Olympic Games.

Smith shot a perfect 30 out of 30 targets at the World Cup last weekend, and while she is pretty excited about the achievement, she remains laser focussed on the ultimate goal.

Liam Fitzgerald had the opportunity to chat to Penny today from the studio, and as you can see – the weekend’s effort is just the start of a busy few months ahead.

The post WATCH- ALL ROADS LEAD TO THE OLYMPICS FOR LOCAL WORLD RECORD HOLDER first appeared on South West Local News.

Bookaar’s Penny Smith has come away from the 2026 ISSF World Cup with a World Record, complimented by a Gold Medal at this years event in Almaty, Kazakhstan.

The local Olympian shot a perfect 30 out of 30 score to claim the honour, as part of an eight member Australian team at the weekend.

In the Women’s Trap event, Penny Smith and Laetisha Scanlan delivered strong qualification performances, shooting scores of 120 and 119 respectively (out of 125) to secure their places in the eight-athlete final. Queenslander, Stephanie Pile, shot 107 and finished the competition ranked 39th.

In a whirlwind 48 hours of competition, Smith produced a world class performance that she described as “a very special moment”, culminating in winning gold and breaking the World Record by not missing a target in a 30 out of 30 faultless final.

Competing in the newly introduced final format, Smith said the experience of adapting to the faster, high-pressure “sprint” style of shooting added an extra layer of challenge to her victory.

“It has been a great 48 hours,” Smith said. “Shooting the new final format for the first time was a great experience. I knew I just had to stay in my lane and focus on each target. To come away with a World Cup win and a new World Record really topped it off.”

You can check out Penny’s final below.

The post WATCH – SMITH CLAIMS WORLD RECORD AT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS. first appeared on South West Local News.

Nirranda managed to escape the clutches of a hungry Timboon Demons, defeating the home side by nine points on Saturday.

Despite its best efforts, inaccurate kicking inside 50 proved the difference, with the demons scoring 14 behinds to Nirranda’s five.

Nick Harding was dialled in for the blues, finishing the game with six majors, with Danny Craven, Toby Dalton, Hugh Giblin, Jeremy Stacey, Issac Stephens and Sam Wilsher all with singles.

Bailey Thompson led the goals for the Demons with three, with Oliver Delaney the only other multiple goal scorer with two.

Game Day’s Paul Walker discussed the victory with Jeremy Stacey after the game,

You can watch the full contest between Timboon Demons and Nirranda below.

The post WATCH – BLUES EDGE OUT TIMBOON IN TOUGH CONTEST first appeared on South West Local News.

We are live from the Timboon Recreation Reserve for the A Grade clash between Timboon and Nirranda.

The post WATCH IT BACK – WDFNL GAME DAY – A GRADE NETBALL first appeared on South West Local News.

Thanks to Solomons Flooring/National Tiles Warrnambool & Roma Britnell MP

We have made the trip out to Timboon for the clash between and the Demons and reigning premiers Nirranda.

Both sides have had a great start to the season and match up pretty well, both with two wins and two losses so far this season.

Our team will bring you all of the action.

We have advertising packages still available, so if your business wants to be involved with our weekly game day coverage get in touch.

The post WATCH IT BACK – WDFNL GAME DAY – TIMBOON V NIRRANDA – SENIOR FOOTBALL. first appeared on South West Local News.

Dennington has forfeited its round five Warrnambool and District senior football game this Saturday.

The Dogs were due to play Kolora Noorat but the game will now not happen.

The club plans to field a reserves team and all other football and netball grades.

Dennington has had a tough start to the season, with a combined losing tally of 1111 points across the opening four rounds.

It was just two seasons ago, 2024, when the Dogs played finals.

An exodus of players for varying reasons has seen the club struggle badly in the first part of the 2026 season.

The post SENIOR TEAM FORFEITS GAME THIS WEEK first appeared on South West Local News.

Reigning Warrnambool and district league football premiers Nirranda has appointed a new coaching team.

Daniel Beard and James Willsher will be joint coaches of the Blues for the remainder of the season.

They have been named after Isaac Templeton had to step aside due to work commitments.

Willsher, a six-time premiership player, will be a playing coach, while Beard will be non-playing.

The Blues have two wins and two losses and play Timboon Demons on Saturday.

The post BLUES GO WITH NEW COACHES first appeared on South West Local News.

The Hampden Football Netball League has named its Under 23s interleague squad for 2026.

The team will be coached by Nathan Vardy and will play the Ballarat league at Reid Oval on May 23.

The Squad is:

Camperdown: Myles Sinnott, Jonty Lafferty
Cobden: Gus Walsh, Luke Smith, Kurtis Baker, Archie Taylor
Hamilton Kangaroos: Will Povey, Hamish Cook, Ethan Knight, Brodie Phillips
Koroit: Mac Petersen, Thomas Baulch, Connor Byrne, Jett Grayland, Des O’Keefe, Jag McInerney
North Warrnambool: Harry Keast, Charlie McKinnon, Lachie Wines, Zac Everall
Port Fairy: Lucas Edmonds, Hamish Hobbs
Portland: Charlie Piergrosse, Jack Walsh, Kade Lovell, Jamieson Ballantyne, Chad Finck
South Warrnambool: Sam Rhodes, Archie Stevens, Sam Marris, Hudson Owen, Myles McCluggage
Terang Mortlake: Xavier Vickers, Tyler Vickers, Ryley Hutchins, Sam Kenna
Warrnambool: Liam Bidmade, Amon Radley, Reggie Mast, Rhys Buck, Riley Holloway

The post INTERLEAGUE SQUAD NAMED FOR HAMPDEN first appeared on South West Local News.

Winslow trainer Ciaron Maher has won the Brierly Steeplechase on day one of the Warrnambool May Racing Carnival.

The Maher-trained Stern Idol was first across the line, with the winning odds of $2.15.

It was the second time Stern Idol has won the 3450m Brierly, while Maher has now won it six times.

Hit The Road Jack, trained by Symon Wilde was second, with Castrofrancaru third.

The post MAHER WINS FEATURE RACE AGAIN first appeared on South West Local News.

Brought to you by Solomons Flooring National Tiles Warrnambool, Roma Britnell MP

Our team is LIVE from the Davidson Oval today for the clash between Old Collegians and South Rovers.

Both teams have had great starts to the season and sit on two wins each.

This will be a crucial contest for each side to get a bit of an idea about how they’ll be placed against each other for the rest of the season.

Live From 2:15PM

The post WATCH IT BACK – WDFNL GAME DAY – SENIOR FOOTY – OLD COLLEGIANS V STH ROVERS first appeared on South West Local News.

We are live from the Davidson Oval for the A Grade contest between Old Collegians & Sth Rovers.

The Warriors have won four on the trot, while the Rovers secured two wins, and sit fifth on the ladder.

The post WATCH IT BACK – WDFNL GAME DAY – A GRADE NETBALL – OLD COLLEGIANS V STH ROVERS first appeared on South West Local News.

We are live from the Merrivale Recreation Reserve for the A Grade Netball clash between Merrivale and Russells Creek.

Merrivale has started the season well with two victories while Russells Creek are yet to lock in its first win.

Our team is live to bring ANZAC Commemorations to a close with great game of A Grade Netball.

The post WATCH IT BACK – ANZAC DAY NETBALL – MERRIVALE V RUSSELLS CREEK first appeared on South West Local News.

We bring a close to local ANZAC Day Commemorations with a twilight game of Football between Merrivale and Russells Creek.

Our team is live from the Merrivale Recreation Reserve.

It’s been a tough couple of weeks for the Tigers, while Russells Creek have enjoyed a solid start to the season.

We are live with the pregame show from 6PM.

The post WATCH IT BACK – ANZAC DAY/NIGHT FOOTBALL – WDFNL GAME DAY. first appeared on South West Local News.

Former South Warrnambool and East Warrnambool junior Jamarra Ugle-Hagan will be back in action at AFL level with weekend.

Ugle-Hagan has been selected to make his debut for the Gold Coast Suns against Hawthorn in Launceston.

Ugle-Hagan has had to wait his turn, bidding his time in the VFL over the first six weeks of the season.

A five-goal haul last week finally earnt him a call up.

Ugle-Hagan did not play football last season due to personal issues.

He previously played 67 games for the Western Bulldogs.

The post STAR TO DEBUT FOR NEW TEAM first appeared on South West Local News.

Star Hampden league junior netballers Indi O’Connor and Piper Stephens have made a national squad.

The pair impressed for Victoria at the national under 17s titles, with their form winning them a place in the Australian squad.

Those are two of just six Victorians selected in the squad.

O’Connor’s home club is Koroit, with Stephens hailing from Camperdown. 

In July, the squads will enter national development camps.

The post NATIONAL SQUAD SELECTION FOR DUO first appeared on South West Local News.

The Dennington Football Netball Club will not field a team in A Grade netball this weekend against Nirranda, forfeiting the game.

The decision comes after a club meeting on Wednesday night.

The club will field teams in the lower senior netball grades and juniors, as well as all football grades.

Dennington has had a tough start to the 2026 season on the netball court, with their A Grade team losing by 91 goals in round one and then 114 in round two, scoring just one goal.

It has also been tough for the senior football, losing to Old Collegians in round one by 189 points, and to Allansford in round two by 316 points.

The club also forfeited its reserves game against Allansford due to a lack of players.

The club has stated a preferred longer term option to the Warrnambool and District Football Netball League (WDFNL) executive.

WDFNL president Larissa Barclay said the league would work with its key stakeholders, Netball Victoria and AFL Victoria, to assist Dennington through the process.

The post DISTRICT TEAM TO FORFEIT, DISCUSSIONS ON FUTURE CONTINUE first appeared on South West Local News.

18-year-old William Sapstead’s racing weekend came to an early end after a multi-car incident at Calderpark.

Sapstead showed strong form in race one, finishing fourth in class among a 30-car field.

But race two was over almost before it began, a fellow competitor lost control just 50 metres from the starting line taking out Sapstead and seven other cars.

The young driver is now focused on repairs, with his sights set on a return to the track in Adelaide come June.

The post SAPSTEAD STARTS STRONG – VIDEO first appeared on South West Local News.

Warrnambool’s prospects for the 2026 Hampden league season have risen with news star half-back Taylem Wason is returning.

Wason won the Blues best and fairest in 2024, and played in Queensland last year and for the opening rounds of 2026.

He played for Queensland AFL club Morningside, which reached the 2025 preliminary final.

Wason was also a member of the Brisbane Lions VFL squad, playing five games at that level.

He is expected to line up for the Blues within a fortnight.

(Photo: Warrnambool Football Netball Club).

The post STAR BLUE TO RETURN first appeared on South West Local News.