Sport
5 September, 2026
Prelim final venue change
THE Warrnambool and District Football Netball League preliminary final this Saturday, September 5 will now be held at Davidson Oval.
The decision to move the preliminary final from Reid Oval was made late last week following discussions between council and the league.
“This is the right decision for the league and will help ensure Reid Oval is in the best possible condition for our WDFNL grand final,” league president Larissa Barclay said.
“We know it has been a challenging season weather-wise, and the wet conditions have made it difficult for grounds to recover.
“The decision to move the preliminary final allows council to undertake the necessary maintenance works at Reid Oval ahead of grand final day.”
Ms Barclay said the league was looking forward to a great preliminary final at Davidson Oval and to continuing what has been a fantastic finals series so far.
“I encourage everyone to get along, support their clubs and enjoy what is shaping up to be a fantastic finals series.”
Warrnambool City Council chief executive Andrew Mason said the announcement meets a joint commitment made with the leagues earlier this month to share any plans around the scheduling of finals.
“This is a sensible move and I acknowledge the support of the WDFNL,” Mr Mason said.
“Council curators are continuing the ground maintenance program at Reid Oval and that includes aeration, over-sowing, fertilising and top dressing of low-lying areas.
“We want to improve turf health, surface consistency, and provide the highest quality playing surface possible for the upcoming finals.
“These proactive measures will help ensure the ground is in peak condition for players, officials and spectators at both grand finals.”
This year rain was recorded on 48 of 61 days across June and July, including almost every game day which gave grounds little time to recover.
