This Saturday, footballers and netballers will compete at Huntly in the Heathcote District Football Netball League grand final and semi-finals get under way in the Bendigo Football Netball League.

The weekend forecast is looking chilly for the HDFNL grand final, with a cloudy top of 12 degrees forecast, but next week, the weather begins to improve with Monday and Tuesday headed for the high teens.

Senior Sergeant Craig Gaffee said the finals, coupled with the warmer weather on the way, would mean more people would be out and about.

“We ask people to behave, enjoy the occasion but don’t spoil the enjoyment for other people by behaving inappropriately,” he said.

Senior Sergeant Gaffee said the public normally behaved well at grand finals but police would be in attendance at the sporting grounds.

“If you plan on having some drinks, then plan ahead about how you’re going to get home,” he said.

“And act responsibly while you’re on our roads or if in a licensed premises or out having a meal, just act responsibly.”

Leitchville-Gunbower takes on North Bendigo in the seniors at Huntly while White Hills goes up against Colbinabbin in the HDFNL A grade.

BFNL second semi-finals take place at the QEO on Saturday, followed by the first semi-finals on Sunday.

Senior Sergeant Gaffee said people should expect to see more police out and about, along with breath and drug testing of drivers.

“We also ask that when you’re out with friends that you look after them,” he said. 

“If for whatever reason they might have had too much to drink, look after them and make sure they get home safely.”

AFL Central Victoria region general manager Carol Cathcart said she wanted everyone to have a great day and enjoy the game.

“The grand finals are a culmination of a year and everyone has put in a lot of work to get there,” she said.

“It’s really just about making sure that everyone respects each other – from the players and umpires to everyone else.”

Senior Sergeant Gaffee said police would monitor the roads and people’s behaviour at the games.

“We’ll have a focus on licensed premises as well just to ensure the patrons are doing the right thing,” he said.

“We have a good relationship with licensed premises and we understand that it’s a business for them and they don’t want to do anything that is going to impact their reputation.”