After losing by big margins to Bellarine and Central Murray the previous two years, the HDFNL put in a brave effort at North Geelong.

Despite being hampered by the loss of star midfielder Ryan Semmel to a leg injury in the first half, the HDFNL took the game right up to the home side for four quarters.

In the end Geelong District prevailed 10.17 (77) to 10.8 (68).

"Our disposal by foot was not as accurate as what they did and they handled that intense level of pressure a bit better than what we did,'' HDFNL coach Nick Carter said.

"In inter-league footy you have to take that first option when you transition the ball.

"They were a tough committed side and at the end of they probably had 20 guys contribute and we didn't have quite that many."

The HDFNL started brightly and led by a goal at quarter-time.

Geelong District grabbed the lead in the second quarter and didn't relinquish it from that point on.

The HDFNL played catch-up in the second half and just couldn’t put enough scoreboard pressure on Geelong District.

"After quarter-time we struggled to kick a couple of goals in a row which could have given us the momentum and confidence to go on with it,'' Carter said.

"We fought it out and I'm really proud of the guys.

"They showed great commitment throughout the campaign, particularly compared to last year we had access to a really good group of players. Hopefully, that continues next year."

North Bendigo's Aarryn Craig was judged the best player for the HDFNL.

"He played half-back and as a defensive wingman and played consistent footy all day,'' Carter said of Craig.

"He was tough inside and used his foot skills on the outside."

Carter was also full of praise for Leitchville-Gunbower teenager Logan Prout.

"For a kid that's only 18 or 19 to step up to that level and commit his body to the contest was enormous,'' Carter said.

"He has a big career ahead of him in whichever league he chooses to develop himself in. He's a really good player."

Carter said he'd love to stay involved with the HDFNL inter-league program next year.

"I'm really enjoying it and it's fitting into my work/life balance,'' Carter said.

"We need to make sure we evolve the commitment from all the clubs. The coaches from all of the clubs were really supportive and we blooded a lot of young guys that hadn't played inter-league footy.

"Hopefully, they learnt a lot from the experience and have another go next year."

Geelong & District FL                   3.3,  6.8,  8.12,  10.17  (77)

Heathcote & District FL                 4.3,  5.4,  8.5,  10.8  (68)

GOALS –  Geelong & District FL: Jak Kennedy Hunt 5, Jayden  Ettridge 2, Brayden Mitchell 1, Timothy Barton 1, Dylan Witney 1.

Heathcote & District FL: Jarod Bacon 3, Jarrod Findlay 2, Tyson Findlay 2, Nick Knight 1, Zeik Johnston 1, Matthew Perri 1

BEST, Geelong & District FL: Luke Wilson, Samuel Jacka, Dylan Witney, Michael Best, Adrian Fantella, Jak Kennedy Hunt.

Heathcote & District FL: Aarryn Craig, Logan Prout, Jack Gleeson, Hadleigh Sirett, Zeik Johnston, Steven Kairn.