After what seemed like an eternity...Footy is finally back! The Hills Football League (HFL) kicks off tomorrow with four games in both Division 1 and Country Division (Division 2). I will bring you news from the Country Division throughout season 2020 where Kangarilla, Meadows and Macclesfield ‘represent’ the Fleurieu.

There are nine teams competing in a location-diverse Country Division in 2020. They are Gumeracha, Kersbrook, Birdwood, Torrens Valley, Ironbank-Cherry Gardens, Bridgewater-Callington, Macclesfield, Meadows and Kangarilla. It will be more important than ever to post some early wins in 2020 with just eight games being played in the minor round. 

Round one throws up some very interesting games with a Grand Final rematch between Gumeracha and Kersbrook being played at Gumeracha Oval. The Magpies were the surprise packet of the competition in 2019 as they stormed to a first ‘A’ grade title since 1984. Kersbrook are always around the mark and I expect they will be again under the expert tutelage of long-time coach Brett James. Macclesfield host Meadows in the ‘Southern Derby’ where the home side will start as favourites after a promising 2019 campaign saw them make it to the second week of finals. Meadows has been very busy in the off-season landing 17 new recruits which will hopefully help the Bulldogs back to finals action. Kangarilla will look to improve on their five-win 2019 effort as they host Bridgewater-Callington. The Raiders were slightly disappointing last season after being bundled out in the Elimination Final by Macclesfield and will hope to progress much further this season. Birdwood face off against Ironbank-Cherry Gardens and the Roosters will have a vastly different lineup from last season with more than 10 players moving on. Ironbank-Cherry Gardens made it to the Preliminary Final last season before falling to Kersbrook The 2018 premier will hope to get back to the last game of the season in 2020. Bring on the Footy!!!

Round 1 (home team named first)

Gumeracha v Kersbrook

Macclesfield v Meadows

Kangarilla v Bridgewater-Callington

Birdwood v Ironbank-Cherry Gardens

Torrens Valley has the bye