The Upper Murray Football Netball League (UMFNL) is an Australian rules football and netball competition based in the rural Victorian town of Corryong. The UMFNL contains four clubs from around the townships and farming districts of the greater Upper Murray area, including two of the three founding clubs from 1893.
The UMFNL features three grades in the Australian rules football competition, with these being Senior-Grade, Under 14's, with Under 10's as Auskick. In the netball competition, there are six grades, with these being A-Grade, B-Grade, C-Grade, D-Grade, Under 15's, with Under 11's as Netta. Results from Auskick & Netta are normally not recorded and final series are normally not played, instead, emphasis is put on having fun while playing sport and improving their skills.
There are many pieces of league memorabilia scattered throughout the Upper Murray region, including some photos & trophies away from clubroom and sporting grounds. Some notable locations include Bridge Hotel (Jingellic), Corryong Hotel Motel, Corryong Sporting Complex, Courthouse Hotel (Corryong), Hotel Cudgewa, Khancoban Country Golf Club, Koetong Pub, Riley's Restaurant (Corryong), The Man from Snowy River Museum (Corryong), Tintaldra Hotel, and Walwa Hotel.
History
In May 1884, a meeting at the Corryong Hotel was held to form the Corryong Football Club, with the club colours being scarlet and black jersey and hose, silk blue knickers and a red cap. Mr W Sullivan was elected President, Mr Griffin - Secretary and Mr Thompson - Treasurer.[1]
Another football club that was formed in the Upper Murray region was the Tintaldra Football Club in 1884 and initial scratch matches were played on an makeshift oval behind the Corryong Hotel.[2]
In June 1892, four Australian Rules Football were formed in the Upper Murray area - Corryong, Cudgewa, Indi and Walwa.[3]
Establishment (1892–1893)
During the 1892/1893 summer three of the regions cricket clubs agreed to the establishment of a competition in order to keep their players fit during the winter break. The three founding clubs were Corryong, Cudgewa, and Mount Elliot (Mount Elliott FC was not established until 1894)[4][5] and in early 1893 the Corryong Football Association was officially established.[citation needed]
During the first five years of the association only the three founding clubs competed in the competition, and the "championship"[note 1] was awarded to the club that finished in 1st position on the ladder. The early "champions"[note 1] included Corryong (1893,[citation needed] 1894, 1899) and Mount Elliott (1895, 1897, 1898) and Cudgewa (1896).[6]
There appears to be no evidence / references of an official Corryong Football Association existing between 1893 and 1895.
Upper Murray Football Association (1896 - )
In May 1896, the Upper Murray Football Association was formed at Master's Hotel, with Mr G Bishop as the Association's first President and Mr F M'Donough as the Secretary[7] and an official fixture arranged.[8]
In early 1897, a local article had the association title as the Corryong Football Association.[9], but a later article referred to local football as the Upper Murray premiership competition.[10]
Was there an official competition in 1898 and 1899? These two articles make reference that there should be an official football association to put a stop to umpire abuse by certain players.[11][12]
In 1899, there is evidence of plenty of matches played between clubs and match reviews printed in the Corryong Courier newspaper, but no newspapers reports of ladders or Delegate's Meetings.
At the start of the 1898 season, the competition expanded for the first time in its short history to include a fourth football club, Walwa FC, representing the township of Walwa, Victoria. The addition of the Walwa FC to the competition was seen as a success, and during their second season they finished in second position on the 1899 Ladder, while Cudgewa was in recess in 1899.
The same season, 1899, the competition included a new football club, Khancoban FC representing the township of Khancoban, New South Wales. However, the addition of the Khancoban FC to the competition was less successful. Only lasting two seasons, they finished in third and fourth respectively.
Upper Murray Football Club Association (1900–1901)
At the start of the 1900 season the competition renamed itself to the Upper Murray Football Club Association[citation needed] and after the 1900 season the Khancoban FC went into recess for the first time. The Mount Elliott "Miners" did not compete in the UMFCA in 1900,[13] while Cudgewa returned after being in recess in 1899.[14] In 1901, the Mount Elliot FC renamed itself to the Federal FC.[citation needed]
In 1901, Cudgewa FC pulled out of the competition,[15] leaving only three teams in 1901,[16] but they did return in 1902.
Upper Murray Football Association (1902–1904)
At the start of the 1902 season the league name changed again, to the Upper Murray Football Association.[17]
In April 1904, the UMFA - AGM was held, with office bearers elected (Mr Acocks: President) and a fixture established, with round one taking place on Saturday, 7th May 1904.[18]
In May 1904, due to a dispute over the football premiership trophy, the Federal FC withdrew from the UMFA and Walwa FC was of the opinion that the new trophy should not be accepted.[19] Subsequently the season was abandoned in May 1904.[20]
Then in June 1904, a meeting of local football supporters was held and a new association was formed and arrangements made by the old association were abandoned and Mr P Wills was elected as President and a new fixture was drawn up, [21] which included the newly formed Towong Football Club.[22]
Corryong District Association (1904–1906)
In June 1904, the UMFA was taken over by a new committee of management and was the Corryong District Association,[23]
When this new association was formed in June 1904, both Federal FC and Walwa FC were not included in the updated draw for the remainder of the 1904 season.
The Federal FC relocated from Mount Elliot, Vic to Corryong, Vic.
In April, 1906 the Thougla Football Club was established[24] and formed part of the three team CDFA in 1906.[25]
Then in 1906 they apparently relocated again to Thougla[citation needed] and became the Thougla FC, this move would result in the club's first premiership success, Thougla 4.6 (30) defeating Corryong 2.8 (20).
Upper Murray Football Association (1907–1952)
In 1907 Cudgewa won the right to challenge the minor premiers, Corryong, in the grand final, but Corryong refused to play because an umpire for the grand final was not sourced from Albury, NSW.
By 1908, with a re-found form of success, Thowgla FC relocated back to Khancoban, NSW and renamed back to Khancoban FC and were runners-up in 1908, this was to be the last grand final match for the club. By 1910 the Corryong FC won its fourth straight premiership; 1907 (tied with Cudgewa FC), 1908, 1909, 1910.
In 1909, both Federal FC and Walwa FC returned to the UMFA after being absent for five season, since 1904.
From 1912 to 1913 Khancoban FC relocated to Tintaldra, Vic and became known as Tintaldra FC.
After the 1914 season the premiers of Tallangatta and Mitta Mitta Football Association, Federated Railways (a merged club formed by "Tallangatta FC" & "Tallangatta Valley FC"), traveled to Corryong Park to play the Combined Corryong team of both the Corryong & Federal football club's. As reported in the Corryong Courier on Thursday August 20, "The ground was in excellent order, and there was a large attendance of spectators." The Final scores were, Combined Corryong 9 goals & 12 behinds, Federated Railways 6 goals & 10 behinds. As far as records indicate, excluding Inter-League matches, this is the only time that players from the arch-rival football clubs of Corryong & Federal have played together as one club.[citation needed]
Club Inter-League Match
Saturday, 15 August (1914)
Combined Corryong Upper Murray Football Association
In 1916, with a lack of players in the region due to the First World War the Upper Murray Football Association went into recess, but there was unofficial junior football played in the region.[26]
In 1917, there was several patriotic fund raising football matches played in the region.[27]
In 1918 the association restarted but the 1918 and 1919 seasons were restricted to half seasons still due to a lack of players after the First World War.
By 1920 the competition was now representing only three townships, with four competing clubs Corryong, Cudgewa, Federal and Walwa.
Mr F J Blair was secretary of the Upper Murray Football Association for 21 years from 1907 to 1927[28] and was a former captain of Cudgewa.[29] Mr Blair was presented with a gold watch at the annual UMFA Ball.[30]
The Upper Murray Football Association was reformed after World War Two in May 1945 after a meeting, with Mr H O Allen elected as President and Mr Col McClure as Secretary.[31]
In 1950 the round five match between Corryong and Federals saw the gate takings of £30.[32]
The football competition was still known as the Upper Murray Football Association in 1952[33] and not exaxtly sure when the title was changed to "League".
Upper Murray Football League (1953?-2000)
The UMFNL was also a part of the former recruiting zone known as VFL Country Recruiting Zone no.11, which from the 1960s to the 1980s was controlled by South Melbourne. However, no players were ever recruited from the Upper Murray under the zoning rules to play for South Melbourne.
The Upper Murray Football League won the North East Riverina Leagues Championships in 1976, & 1977 with Kevin Mack as Captain-Coach & John Cornish as Vice Captain. Also in 1977 John Cornish (from Tumbarumba FC) winning "Best player from all leagues in series", Kevin Mack (from Corryong FC) winning "Best player on ground against Hume League", & Craig Whitehead (from Corryong FC) winning "Best player on ground against Ovens & King".
Upper Murray Football Netball League (2001–present)
The 2001 season saw a lot of changes for the league including the resumption of the reserve-grade football competition after it folded in 1995, and the junior football competition changed from Under 18s to Under 16s. The introduction of a netball competition being run in conjunction with the football competition, sharing the same club names, colors and playing venues. The largest change seen the Bullioh Valley Football Club reforming in late 2000 as Bullioh Football Netball Club. In 2001 both the VCFL & UMFNL admitted the club into the competition for the 2001 season, despite protests of concerns that Bullioh would pinch players from both the Cudgewa FNC & the Tallangatta Valley FNC.[34]
In 2008 Federals had a poor season and finished last on the ladder, it was the first time since 1957 that the club didn't play finals.
Since 2013 the league has been affiliated with the AFLVictoriaCountryNorth East Border board who are responsible for overseeing the game across the greater local region. In 2019 the board has conducted feasibility studies into the future of the league with player numbers continuing to drop year over year.[37][38][39]
In a first for the local area, the 2015 Round 13 (August 1, 2015) clash between Bullioh & Cudgewa at Tallangata Valley saw the match abandoned by the Umpire. During play in the third quarter Bullioh's Matt Tyrell was reported & requested to leave the ground by the Umpire. After five (5) minutes had past and Tyrell had refused to leave the field of play, a new rule allowed the Umpire officially abandon the match. As the incident has occurred after half time the scores were declared final and Cugdewa officially awarded the four premiership points, "Bullioh 2.1 (13) def. by Cudgewa 8.12 (60)." During that week's tribunal Bullioh's Matt Tyrell was cleared to play the following week after they took into account his excellent playing record, while teammate Taylor Fenton received a one-week suspension for abusive language from the same game.[40][41][42]
As part of the AFL Victoria Country reforms to league operations a player point cap system will be introduced from the start of the 2016 season. Fellow leagues the Ovens and Murray, the Tallangatta and District, and the Ovens and King will also see the introduction of a player point cap system while the Hume league introduced the change to their league for the start of the 2015 season. For the UMFNL the player points cap has been set at 46 for 2016 before it drops by four in 2017.[43]
At the Border-Walwa Football Netball Clubs annual general meeting on Sunday, 9 February 2020 the Border Mail reported that Border-Walwa Football Netball Club's had decided to enter recess for the 2020 season. A number of factors were cited including population decline, but mainly the devastation of the Upper Murray from the 2019/2020 Australian Bushfires. They hope to re-join the league in 2021.[44] This was the first time a club had left the league since then end of the 1995 season when Tumbarumba entered a state of recess for one season.
Footy For Fires
The Footy For Fires is a charity event for the Upper Murray Bushfires.
★ According to the AFL Victoria Country both Border-Walwa FNC & Federal FNC are still affiliated to the Upper Murray Football Netball League and have publicly stated their desires to rejoin the league in the future. However, they do not currently field any football or netball teams to compete in the competition but maintain some involvement with-in their local community including various fundraising events & community days.
Merged with Border United to form Border-Walwa in 1961
Berringama FC
Competition
Level
Premierships
Year Won
UMFL
Senior
0
-
★ Berringama was established in 1929, and entered the competition that season. The club wore light coloured jumper with a dark coloured vee on the front, as the photo is in black and white the team's true colours are unknown.[46] During their first season they were able to claim six points through a win along with a draw against Corryong. They withdrew from the competition after 7 rounds of the 1930 season on July 10, it's unclear as to why they withdrew but records show they were winless in 1930. They last competed in 1930, and since the 1931 season have not played, leading to the club being seen as folded.
Tintaldra-Khancoban United FC
Competition
Level
Premierships
Year Won
UMFL
Senior
1
1906
★ The football club has had a mixed past, having played under many names & colours as well as locations. The club itself was established in 1899 as Khancoban FC, they played from Khancoban (NSW) until 1900.[47] After a three-year period of recess the club reappeared for the 1904 season as Towong Wanderers FC, they played from Towong (VIC) until 1905. They then relocated for the 1906 season to Thowgla (VIC) and were known as Thowgla FC until 1907. It was while the club was based in Thowgla that the club won their sole premiership when they defeated Corryong in the grand final, 4.6 (30) to 2.8 (20). For the 1908 season they relocated back to Khancoban (NSW) and were renamed back to Khancoban FC. After another three-year period of recess the club reappeared for the 1912 season as Tintaldra FC, they played from Tintaldra (VIC) until 1913. Then from 1914 the club was in recess for 38 years, before returning as Tintaldra FC for the 1951 season playing from Tintaldra (VIC). They would be known as Tintaldra FC until the 1961 season, and from the 1962 season the club would be known as Tintaldra-Khancoban United FC, playing from both Tintaldra (VIC) & Khancoban (NSW). They last competed in 1967, and since the 1968 season have not played, leading to the club being seen as folded.
Identity of the Tintaldra-Khancoban United Football Club (1899–1967)
★ Tumut was established in 1970, and first competed in the Central Riverina Football League until 1977. They then entered the Upper Murray Football League for the 1978 season, before going on to leave after the 1985 season. Tumut claimed their sole senior premiership in 1982 at the Cudgewa Football Ground when they defeated Cudgewa, 14.7 (91) to 8.10 (58). The club renamed to Tumut-Talbingo in 1986 before joining the Farrer Football League - Division 2 for the 1986 season. They last competed in 1987, and since the 1988 season have not played, leading to the club being seen as folded.
Senior-grade honour boards
Notes 1907: In the last round of UMFA matches, Corryong FC refused to play with Mr. Doney as the umpire, while Cudgewa FC were prepared to play as Mr. Doney as umpire. The UMFA cancelled the last round of matches and arranged a grand final match between Corryong and Cudgewa, with an Albury umpire. Cudgewa refused to take part in this match. The match was abandoned. 1918–1919: Only a half season was played due to a lack of footballers during and after World War I. 1945–1946: Only a half season was played due to a lack of footballers during and after World War II.
Senior Football: Ladder Positions 1893 - 2025
KEY: [?] = Details are still unclear or are missing.
Upper Murray Football League in recess due to World War II
1942
Upper Murray Football League in recess due to World War II
1943
Upper Murray Football League in recess due to World War II
1944
Upper Murray Football League in recess due to World War II
1945
18
Walwa
12
Cudgewa
10
Corryong
8
Federal
1946
34
Cudgewa
24
Walwa
18
Federal
12
Corryong
1947
40
Cudgewa
32
Walwa
12
Corryong
12
Federal
1948
36
Corryong
24
Walwa
20
Cudgewa
16
Federal
1949
40
Walwa
32
Corryong
18
Federal
6
Cudgewa
1950
40
Walwa
32
Corryong
32
Federal
12
Cudgewa
4
Border United
1951
56
Corryong
44
Federal
36
Walwa
32
Cudgewa
12
Border United
4
Tintaldra
1952
56
Corryong
44
Cudgewa
36
Walwa
24
Federal
20
Border United
0
Tintaldra
1953
[?]
Corryong
[?]
Walwa
[?]
Federal
[?]
Cudgewa
[?]
Border United
[?]
Tintaldra
1954
[?]
Corryong
[?]
Walwa
[?]
Federal
[?]
Cudgewa
[?]
Border United
[?]
Tintaldra
1955
[?]
Corryong
[?]
Cudgewa
[?]
Federal
[?]
Walwa
[?]
Border United
[?]
Tintaldra
1956
52
Walwa
44
Cudgewa
36
Border United
24
Corryong
24
Federal
0
Tintaldra
1957
48
Walwa
42
Border United
34
Cudgewa
32
Corryong
24
Federal
0
Tintaldra
1958
44
Cudgewa
38
Walwa
38
Corryong
28
Federal
24
Border United
8
Tintaldra
1959
48
Cudgewa
44
Corryong
40
Federal
32
Border United
12
Walwa
4
Tintaldra
1960
[?]
Federal
[?]
Corryong
[?]
Cudgewa
[?]
Walwa
[?]
Border United
[?]
Tintaldra
1961
60
Cudgewa
46
Federal
32
Corryong
22
Tintaldra
12
Walwa
0
Border United
1962
40
Cudgewa
36
Corryong
24
Federal
20
Border-Walwa
0
Tintaldra-Khancoban United
1963
48
Corryong
36
Cudgewa
20
Federal
16
Border-Walwa
0
Tintaldra-Khancoban United
1964
40
Corryong
36
Federal
24
Border-Walwa
20
Cudgewa
0
Tintaldra-Khancoban United
1965
44
Cudgewa
32
Federal
20
Tintaldra-Khancoban United
16
Corryong
8
Border-Walwa
1966
40
Cudgewa
38
Corryong
28
Federal
14
Border-Walwa
0
Tintaldra-Khancoban United
1967
44
Cudgewa
34
Border-Walwa
22
Corryong
16
Federal
4
Tintaldra-Khancoban United
1968
40
Corryong
32
Federal
28
Cudgewa
20
Border-Walwa
1969
44
Corryong
32
Cudgewa
24
Federal
20
Border-Walwa
1970
56
Cudgewa
24
Corryong
20
Federal
20
Border-Walwa
1971
40
Corryong
36
Cudgewa
28
Federal
16
Border-Walwa
0
Tumbarumba
1972
38
Corryong
24
Federal
24
Border-Walwa
20
Cudgewa
0
Tumbarumba
1973
66
Corryong
59
Border-Walwa
43
Cudgewa
35
Federal
7
Tumbarumba
1974
40
Border-Walwa
28
Federal
28
Cudgewa
20
Corryong
4
Tumbarumba
1975
40
Border-Walwa
32
Federal
28
Cudgewa
20
Corryong
0
Tumbarumba
1976
40
Federal
28
Cudgewa
24
Corryong
16
Border-Walwa
12
Tumbarumba
1977
44
Federal
32
Corryong
28
Border-Walwa
8
Tumbarumba
8
Cudgewa
1978
44
Corryong
44
Federal
36
Border-Walwa
28
Tumbarumba
20
Cudgewa
8
Tumut
1979
52
Cudgewa
44
Corryong
40
Federal
28
Tumbarumba
12
Tumut
8
Border-Walwa
1980
48
Federal
44
Corryong
34
Border-Walwa
28
Tumbarumba
26
Cudgewa
0
Tumut
1981
60
Cudgewa
40
Federal
34
Corryong
34
Border-Walwa
8
Tumbarumba
4
Tumut
1982
44
Cudgewa
40
Tumut
36
Federal
28
Border-Walwa
20
Tumbarumba
12
Corryong
1983
48
Border-Walwa
44
Corryong
40
Federal
28
Tumut
12
Cudgewa
8
Tumbarumba
1984
52
Cudgewa
44
Border-Walwa
40
Corryong
30
Federal
12
Tumut
2
Tumbarumba
1985
48
Corryong
40
Border-Walwa
40
Cudgewa
36
Federal
16
Tumbarumba
0
Tumut
1986
44
Federal
32
Border-Walwa
20
Cudgewa
16
Tumbarumba
8
Corryong
1987
40
Border-Walwa
32
Federal
28
Corryong
20
Tumbarumba
0
Cudgewa
1988
44
Corryong
36
Federal
16
Border-Walwa
16
Tumbarumba
8
Cudgewa
1989
44
Federal
32
Border-Walwa
26
Cudgewa
18
Corryong
0
Tumbarumba
1990
48
Border-Walwa
24
Tumbarumba
24
Corryong
20
Federal
4
Cudgewa
1991
44
Border-Walwa
40
Corryong
24
Cudgewa
12
Federal
0
Tumbarumba
1992
48
Border-Walwa
36
Federal
20
Cudgewa
12
Corryong
4
Tumbarumba
1993
40
Federal
36
Border-Walwa
32
Corryong
8
Cudgewa
4
Tumbarumba
1994
40
Cudgewa
36
Border-Walwa
28
Federal
12
Corryong
4
Tumbarumba
1995
44
Border-Walwa
32
Corryong
28
Cudgewa
16
Federal
0
Tumbarumba
1996
48
Border-Walwa
28
Federal
16
Corryong
4
Cudgewa
1997
48
Border-Walwa
32
Cudgewa
20
Corryong
16
Federal
4
Tumbarumba
1998
36
Border-Walwa
36
Tumbarumba
28
Federal
16
Corryong
4
Cudgewa
1999
40
Border-Walwa
36
Cudgewa
28
Tumbarumba
12
Federal
4
Corryong
2000
42
Cudgewa
34
Corryong
24
Federal
20
Tumbarumba
0
Border-Walwa
2001
56
Corryong
48
Federal
32
Border-Walwa
24
Tumbarumba
16
Bullioh
4
Cudgewa
2002
52
Border-Walwa
44
Corryong
44
Bullioh
24
Federal
16
Tumbarumba
0
Cudgewa
2003
60
Federal
40
Cudgewa
32
Corryong
32
Bullioh
16
Tumbarumba
0
Border-Walwa
2004
52
Bullioh
52
Federal
32
Corryong
28
Cudgewa
12
Border-Walwa
4
Tumbarumba
2005
52
Corryong
44
Federal
40
Bullioh
32
Border-Walwa
8
Cudgewa
4
Tumbarumba
2006
60
Federal
48
Bullioh
32
Corryong
20
Cudgewa
12
Border-Walwa
8
Tumbarumba
2007
56
Bullioh
36
Federal
32
Cudgewa
28
Corryong
20
Border-Walwa
8
Tumbarumba
2008
52
Bullioh
44
Cudgewa
28
Corryong
28
Border-Walwa
16
Tumbarumba
12
Federal
2009
52
Bullioh
36
Border-Walwa
32
Tumbarumba
32
Federal
24
Cudgewa
4
Corryong
2010
56
Bullioh
44
Border-Walwa
44
Federal
20
Tumbarumba
12
Cudgewa
4
Corryong
2011
48
Bullioh
44
Federal
36
Cudgewa
32
Border-Walwa
20
Tumbarumba
0
Corryong
2012
52
Tumbarumba
48
Bullioh
44
Cudgewa
20
Corryong
12
Federal
4
Border-Walwa
2013
60
Tumbarumba
36
Corryong
32
Federal
30
Bullioh
22
Cudgewa
0
Border-Walwa
2014
52
Cudgewa
44
Corryong
44
Bullioh
20
Tumbarumba
20
Federal
0
Border-Walwa
2015
56
Cudgewa
44
Federal
30
Tumbarumba
22
Bullioh
16
Corryong
12
Border-Walwa
2016
48
Federal
40
Corryong
36
Cudgewa
32
Tumbarumba
24
Bullioh
0
Border-Walwa
2017
56
Bullioh
52
Corryong
32
Federal
24
Border-Walwa
16
Cudgewa
0
Tumbarumba
2018
60
Bullioh
44
Federal
36
Cudgewa
28
Corryong
8
Border-Walwa
4
Tumbarumba
2019
56
Cudgewa
50
Bullioh
30
Federal
28
Tumbarumba
16
Corryong
0
Border-Walwa
2020
League in recess due to COVID-19
2021^
36
Cudgewa
20
Bullioh
20
Tumbarumba
4
Corryong
0
Federal
2021^
Season abandoned due to COVID-19 - No official Premier after 11 Rounds played
2022
44
Tumbarumba
32
Cudgewa
32
Bullioh
8
Federal
4
Corryong
2023
48
Cudgewa
24
Tumbarumba
24
Bullioh
0
Corryong
2024
48
Cudgewa
28
Bullioh
16
Tumbarumba
4
Corryong
2025
40
Bullioh
40
Cudgewa
16
Tumbarumba
0
Corryong
Grand Finals
Senior Football
Between 1893 and 1905, the football team who finished on top of the ladder after the allocated home and away matches were completed, were declared as the premiers.
In the last round of the 1907 UMFA matches, Corryong FC refused to play with Mr. Doney as the umpire, while Cudgewa FC were prepared to play as Mr. Doney as the umpire. The UMFA cancelled the last round of matches and arranged a grand final match between Corryong and Cudgewa, with an Albury umpire. Cudgewa refused to take part in this match.[63] The match was abandoned. KEY: [?] = Details are still unclear or are missing.
The Upper Murray FNL Thirds competition may of commenced in 1970? and was initially an Under 18's competition which changed to an Under 16's competition in 2001. Unfortunately the Under 16's competition folded after the 2017 season.
Currently, the Upper Murray Football Netball League season runs from late April until late August, with matches traditionally played on Saturdays. There are 12 home and away rounds with each club playing each other four times. There are two fixtures per round, with each fixture hosting three football games and six netball games across the day at the one venue. A total of 18 matches take place across the Upper Murray region each round.
There are no fixtured byes each round, but there are three bye weekends fixtured by the league - after rounds 3, 6 and 9.
While there is no official pre-season competition, the league's clubs are free to organise their own practice matches against any opponent either at home or away.
Current competitions
Since 2016 a number of the grades in the Australian rules football competition have discontinued, the last under 16's season was held in 2017. Additionally the under 13's competition became the under 14's, while in 2019 it was only competed by four clubs (Bullioh, Corryong, Cudgewa & Tumbarumba). There was also talk of scrapping the netball competition's d-grade in 2019, however the clubs voted in favour of retaining it for the 2020 season.
A green tick () represents that competition will be held, while a red cross () indicates that competition is not being held, the competitions for the 2020 Upper Murray Football Netball League are listed below.[140]
The Upper Murray Football Netball League currently uses the "Page–McIntyre system". The final series is played over four Saturdays from early August until early September, with the grand final traditionally being played on the first weekend of September.
A home ground advantage is awarded to teams only according to the senior grade football, with all finals for both football & netball are played at the one venue during each final day. Unlike other leagues in the local area, the grand final is not played at a neutral venue (like the TDFL/TDNA) or traditional venue (like the Hume FNL), instead the winner of the 2nd Semi-Final for the senior grade football is awarded hosting rights for that season's grand final.
In some cases, a club's team other than the senior grade football team may be listed as the "away team" as they might qualify second for that final. For example, in Cudgewa at the 2019 Grand Final the Cudgewa reserve grade football team was listed as the "away team" as they qualifiedy second for the grand final.
Semi-Finals
Preliminary Final
Grand Final
A
1st on ladder
Home
D
Winner major semi-final
Home
2nd on ladder
Away
Winner Preliminary Final
Away
C
Loser major semi-final
Home
Winner minor semi-final
Away
B
3rd on ladder
Home
4th on ladder
Away
General information
League Names
1893–1899
Corryong Football Association
1900–1901
Upper Murray Football Club Association
1902–1903
Upper Murray Football Association
1904–1906
Corryong District Association
1907–1936
Upper Murray Football Association
1937–2000
Upper Murray Football League
2001–present
Upper Murray Football Netball League
2025 Compertitions
Football
UMFNL Seniors UMFNL Reserves UMFNL Under 16's UMFNL Under 14's UMFNL Under 12's UMFNL Under 10's (Auskick)
Netball
UNFNL A-Grade UMFNL B-Grade UMFNL C-Grade UMFNL D-Grade UMFNL Under 15's UMFNL Under 11's (Netta)
= Highlighted in red indicates records are missing or details are still unclear.
= Highlighted in blue indicates the team were champions with no finals series held.[note 1]
= Highlighted in gold indicates the team were minor premiers & qualified for the finals series.
= Highlighted in green indicates the team qualified for the finals series.
Notes
1901: Cudgewa did not enter a team in the UMFA.
1907: Cudgewa won the right to challenge the minor premiers, Corryong, who refused to play because an umpire for the grand final was not sourced from Albury, NSW.
1918–1919: Only a half season was played due to a lack of footballers during and after World War I.
1945–1946: Only a half season was played due to a lack of footballers during and after World War II.
The Upper Murray Football League won the North East Riverina Leagues Championships in 1969, 1976, & 1977 with Kevin Mack as Captain-Coach & John Cornish as Vice Captain. Also in 1977 John Cornish (from Tumbarumba FC) winning "Best player from all leagues in series", Kevin Mack (from Corryong FC) winning "Best player on ground against Hume League", & Craig Whitehead (from Corryong FC) winning "Best player on ground against Ovens & King". The interleague senior football match results below are via the official Ovens and King Football Netball League website.
In 1895, a gold medal was presented to Corryong's Frank Cain for "the best football player in the Upper Murray".
An award for the "most popular footballer" in the Upper Murray FA was awarded by Mrs Jones from the Kia Ora Cafe in 1922 and in 1923 Mrs Jones awarded a gold medal to the "best all-round footballer".[148]
An award for the "best all-round footballer" in the Upper Murray Football Association was awarded in 1926 and was voted on by the general public.[149] In 1927 there was no fewer than three different football awards donated by local business owners in the Upper Murray FA. These were - Mrs McDonough's Crystal Cafe, Mrs Graham's and Mr Anderson.[150]
The first official UMFA senior football best and fairest cup award was donated and presented in 1940, with the award being a cash award of £33 in 1945[151] and 1946. Donor, Taiton A Edwards donated a silver cup for the award from 1947 to 1952.[152]
At some unknown point, the UMFL senior football best and fairest award was called the McAuliffe Medal.
Upper Murray Football League * (No life membership awarded) * President: 1972–1977
Victoria Country Football League * VCFL Service Medallion M.B.D. Football Council * Delegate for the Upper Murray Football League 1977
[Pre-1977]
Alan M. Vogel
Upper Murray Football League * President: 1961, 1965, 1970
[Pre-1977]
Clive McAuliffe
Upper Murray Football League * President: 1964 * Vice President: 1977 * Inter-League Manager: 1977
Victoria Country Football League * VCFL Service Medallion M.B.D. Football Council * Delegate for the Upper Murray Football League 1977
[Pre-1977]
Col McClure (dec.)
Upper Murray Football League * Secretary: 1945–1962 * Ball Committee: 1977
Victoria Country Football League * VCFL Service Medallion
[Pre-1977]
G. C. Hamilton (dec.)
Upper Murray Football League * President: 1959
[?]
George Turner
[?]
[?]
Jack Hallinan
Border-Walwa FNC * Formed the Junior Border-Walwa Football team * Arranged entry into the Upper Murray Football Association * Coached & organized juniors * Club Secretary: 10 Seasons
Upper Murray Football League * Tribunal Representative Ovens and Murray Football League * Appeals Board Victoria Country Football League * Delegate for the Upper Murray Football League
[?]
Jeff Ross
Upper Murray Football League Secretary
[?]
Milne Bryant
2013
Mont Waters
(Tumbarumba AFNC)
[?]
Norm Hughes
[?]
1976
Ron G. Clarke (dec.)
Tintaldra FC * Player: 1951–1959 * Club Best & Fairest: 1958 * President: 1960–1961
Tintaldra-Khancoban United FC * President: 1963–1966 Upper Murray Football League * President: 1962, 1967 * Vice-president: 6 Seasons * Secretary: 10 Seasons * Assistant Secretary: 1 Season * Tribunal Representative: 3 Seasons * Ball Committee: 1977
Notes: 1 The current 15's & Under ran as an "14's & Under" competition between 2001 & 2014.
Leading Goal Scorers
2001–2016
Season
A-Grade
B-Grade
C-Grade
D-Grade
15's & Under
11's & Under
Upper Murray Football Netball League
2001
Unknown
Unknown
Unknown
Unknown
Unknown1
Unknown
2002
Unknown
Unknown
Unknown
Unknown
Unknown1
Unknown
2003
Unknown
Unknown
Unknown
Unknown
Unknown1
Unknown
2004
Unknown
Unknown
Unknown
Unknown
Unknown1
Unknown
2005
Unknown
Unknown
Unknown
Unknown
Unknown1
Unknown
2006
Unknown
Unknown
Unknown
Unknown
Unknown1
Unknown
2007
Unknown
Unknown
Unknown
Unknown
Unknown1
Unknown
2008
Unknown
Unknown
Unknown
Unknown
Unknown1
Unknown
2009
Unknown
Unknown
Unknown
Unknown
Unknown1
Unknown
2010
Unknown
Unknown
Unknown
Unknown
Unknown1
Unknown
2011
Unknown
Unknown
Unknown
Unknown
Unknown1
Unknown
2012
Unknown
Unknown
Unknown
Unknown
Unknown1
Unknown
2013
S-A.Walker (413)
N.Walsh (379)
A.Edwards (206)
K.mccallum (224)
C.Mckimmie (175) 1
Unknown
2014
T.Thorpe (558)
?C.Beer (306)
?A.Sheather (223)
?M.Galbraith (200)
?A.Byrne (229) 1
Unknown
2015
?C.Beer (361)
?A.Sheather (315)
?A.Byrne (179)
?M.Galbraith (111)
?T.Hunt (198)
Unknown
2016
?C.Beer (353)
?A.Sheather (198)
?A.Byrne (232)
?I.Norman (125)
?T.Hunt (179)
Unknown
Notes: 1 Ran as a "14's & Under" competition.
National League players
T.B.A.
Inter-League matches
T.B.A.
Officer Bearers
There appears to be no references to an official local Corryong and district and / or a Upper Murray football competition between 1893 and 1895 and also between 1898 and 1899.
123The term "champions" was used for a club finishing the season on top of the ladder with no finals series played, today the league recognizes these "champions" who won the "championship" as premiers who won the premiership.
↑Established as Bullioh Valley in 1947, Reformed as Bullioh in 2000.
↑Formed from merger of Border United FC & Walwa FC after the 1960 season.
↑Border-Walwa FNC entered a state of recess from the 2020 pre season, last season they competed in was the 2019 season.
↑Established as Mount Elliot in 1892, Renamed to Federal in 1901.
↑Federal FNC entered a state of recess from the 2022 post season, last season they competed in was the 2022 season.
↑Merged with Walwa FC after the 1960 season to form the Border-Walwa FC.
↑Established as Khancoban in 1884, and had a number of name changers over the years.
↑Established as Tumut in 1970, Renamed to Tumut-Talbingo in 1986.
↑Merged with Border United FC after the 1960 season to form the Border-Walwa FC.
References
↑"1884 - Upper Murray". Ovens and Murray Advertiser (Beechworth, Vic.: 1855; 1857 - 1890; 1892 - 1955). 5 June 1884. p.3. Retrieved 23 November 2025.
↑FRED M'DONOUGH (21 July 1910). "1910 - Football Memories". Corryong Courier (Vic.: 1894 - 1945). p.7. Retrieved 8 November 2025.
↑"1892 - Corryong". Ovens and Murray Advertiser (Beechworth, Vic.: 1855; 1857 - 1890; 1892 - 1955). 4 June 1892. p.3. Retrieved 11 November 2025.
↑"1950 - Obituary MR. J. F. BLAIR". The Corryong Courier and Walwa District News (Vic.: 1946 - 1952). 28 September 1950. p.5. Retrieved 2 November 2025.
↑"1927 - Local and General". Corryong Courier (Vic.: 1894 - 1945). 14 June 1928. p.2. Retrieved 3 November 2025.
↑"1945 - Football Meeting". Corryong Courier (Vic.: 1894 - 1945). 31 May 1945. p.3. Retrieved 21 November 2025.
↑"1950 - Federals Defeat Corryong". The Corryong Courier and Walwa District News (Vic.: 1946 - 1952). 1 June 1950. p.1. Retrieved 21 November 2025.
↑"1952 - FOOTBALL DRAW". The Corryong Courier and Walwa District News (Vic.: 1946 - 1952). 20 May 1952. p.5. Retrieved 21 November 2025.
↑"1945 - Football Assn". Corryong Courier (Vic.: 1894 - 1945). 23 August 1945. p.1. Retrieved 31 October 2025.
↑"1945 - Walwa: Football". Border Morning Mail (Albury, NSW: 1934 - 1935; 1938 - 1954). 29 August 1945. p.5. Retrieved 7 November 2025.
↑"1945 - Premiership Ball". Corryong Courier (Vic.: 1894 - 1945). 11 October 1945. p.1. Retrieved 3 November 2025.
↑"1945 - Walwa". Border Morning Mail (Albury, NSW: 1934 - 1935; 1938 - 1954). 10 October 1945. p.3. Retrieved 7 November 2025.
↑"1946 - Upper Murray Football Assn". The Corryong Courier and Walwa District News (Vic.: 1946 - 1952) View title info. 29 August 1946. p.5. Retrieved 31 October 2025.
↑"1948 - Upper Murray Football Assn". The Corryong Courier and Walwa District News (Vic.: 1946 - 1952). 22 January 1948. p.5. Retrieved 22 November 2025.
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