The Mansfield Junior Football Club wrapped up a huge 2025 season last Thursday night with its annual Presentation Night, the final formal event on the junior football calendar.

Over 120 players, coaches, and supporters packed into the clubrooms to to reminisce and celebrate the season that was.

Season 2025 marked a record-breaking year for the MJFC, with over 220 registered players across 10 teams, ranging from Under 10s through to Under 17s, the highest participation in the club’s history.

The Under 10s and 12's enjoyed a fantastic season, kicking things off under lights in the early rounds before returning to Lords Oval for the remainder, in a tight local competition.

With new faces among both players and coaches, it was great to see fresh enthusiasm and excitement from those just starting their football journeys.

This year, in the Under 12 grade, in a bid to fast-track development, the club introduced a new 10-week, 4-game representative initiative, giving top-performing players the opportunity to face off against sides from Benalla, Alexandra, Wodonga, and Euroa which was thoroughly enjoyed by both players and supporters alike.

Despite battling a tough run of injuries, both Under 14 teams had strong seasons, finishing mid-ladder.

Each side was unlucky to drop a couple of crucial games, results that ultimately cost them a place in the finals but has them well placed with plenty of determination for next year.

The Under 17s proudly flew the flag for Mansfield in the finals, putting up a brave fight in a hard-fought match against the Tigers, a great result in a tough league.

In another exciting development for 2025, the club launched its High-Performance Eagles Academy, targeting selected Under 14 and Under 17 players.

Alongside the Under 12s rep initiative, the Academy has already paid dividends, the focused training is evident in the growth and development of all involved.

The MJFC would like to sincerely thank the many volunteers who are the backbone of the club, from the committee to our 20 dedicated coaches, support crews, umpires, scorers, and first aid officers.

Your time and commitment make the club what it is, and most importantly, allows the kids to play the game they love.

A special acknowledgement goes to Kristie Payne, who has served on the committee for an incredible 10 years.

Her unwavering commitment, dedication, and behind-the-scenes efforts have been instrumental to the success and smooth running of the club.

Kristie will be truly missed, and we thank her wholeheartedly for everything she has contributed over the past decade.

A huge thank you also goes to our generous sponsors, whose ongoing support ensures the young people of Mansfield have every opportunity to participate in this great game and maybe even become the stars of tomorrow.

As we reflect on what has been a remarkable year, a special thanks goes to our players, who have represented the club with pride, passion, and sportsmanship that reflect the true values of MJFC.

We don’t measure success purely by wins, but by how we develop, both on and off the field, and how we carry ourselves in the process.

If measured by this, the tape isn't long enough for those who don the yellow and blue.

Here’s to an even bigger and better 2026!