Despite the ongoing impact of adverse conditions in 2026, time marches on and the pointscore competition season will soon reach its conclusion. Attention for many teams within the 15 junior competitions and 13 senior leagues, will then turn to the Finals Series and Grand Finals.
As advised recently to each club, a modified Finals Series format will necessarily be implemented this season as a consequence of the adverse conditions that have plagued football activity in 2026. A Top-Four model will apply for each senior league and for each junior competition that will be contested, consistent with recent seasons. The primary aim for FFNC is for every competition team to play all (or close to) the number of pointscore fixtures that were planned at the start of the season, rather than declaring results simply to facilitate a ‘full’ finals series.
The semi-finals in each competition that will commence at the conclusion of each respective pointscore competition, will see Team 1 v Team 4 and Team 2 v Team 3 (based on the order of teams at the completion of the pointscore competition), with the winners of each semi-final progressing to the respective Grand Final. The summary here outlines the proposed timeline for each competition (created based on modelling effective 31st July).
As communicated previously, it is anticipated that each junior and senior Grand Final will proceed at Oakes Oval, Lismore, across three weekends (being 28/29/30 August, 4/5/6 September and 11/12/13 September). The precise schedule that will apply for each competition, will be announced when FFNC is in a position to consider a range of variables and logistical matters.
It is again timely to acknowledge the commitment and efforts of club volunteers, coaches and to every person who makes a positive contribution to sustain and to progress the game. A sincere thanks is extended to each of you, our local match officials and also to the many strategic partners, whether sponsors or at Northern NSW Football or further at Football Australia. Football truly is the Beautiful Game and may it always continue to give us so much enjoyment.
