One of the most exciting times of the year is here again with junior finals beginning this Sunday in the Frankston and Districts and South East Junior Football Leagues.

AFL South East would like to extend a warm welcome to coaches, officials, players, and spectators to the 2018 Junior Finals Series – where the spirit of football is sure to shine through.

Following a successful trial in the Regional Junior Championships, AFL South East is taking an environment-friendly approach and producing digital records for the 2018 Finals Series.

Being digital eliminates the possibility of running out of records, as has been the case at several venues over the last few years. A reduction in costs and ease of access across multiple venues are other benefits of going digital.

The digital record includes a welcome message from AFL South East RGM John Anderson, fixtures/results/ladders, team lists, maps, and directions, and offers from AFLSE partners.

Please go to www.aflserecord.com.au to access the 2018 AFL South East Finals Record on your mobile device.

The next four weeks is always an exciting time of year when the best-performed teams come together to test their skills and teamwork against the best.

It’s a wonderful opportunity for boys and girls to showcase their skills in a great environment, with family and friends flocking to venues right across the region to offer their support.

In fact, 10 venues will host finals across the next four weeks and we thank all of those clubs and their dedicated band of volunteers for their efforts.

Devon Meadows, Langwarrin and Frankston Park host finals in the FDJFL, while games will be played at Casey Fields, Clyde, Endeavour Hills, Marriott Waters, Narre North, Pakenham and Shepley Oval in the SEJ.

And we ask everyone who attends this finals series, the coaches, officials, players and spectators, to keep one thing at the forefront of their mind while at the football.

Respect the game – this is football – this is fun!

The expectation is that the game is treated in a respectful manner both inside and outside the fence.

Parents, guardians, and spectators should remember that children play football for fun – they are not miniature professionals – and deserve encouragement, not ridicule or abuse – for making a mistake or losing a game of football.

Players should always play by the rules and support and encourage their teammates.

To the umpires who have been selected to officiate in these big games, congratulations on your appointments and we wish you well.

Australian football is one of the most difficult games to officiate.

Split-second decisions are made and we implore the football community as a whole to respect the umpire’s decision at all times.

To our major partners, thank you for your ongoing support and for allowing us to service our clubs.

To our Corporate Partners – Bank of Queensland Frankston, Totally Workwear, Melbourne Football Club, McDonald’s, Steller, SEN 1116, Chisholm, Mornington Racecourse, Heatstrip and AJ Recruitment – thank you for playing a huge role in making the 2018 Junior Finals Series what it is today.

And please remember… Respect the game – this is football – this is fun!

Congratulations to all teams that have made it through to this stage of the season, with a lot of hard work taking place, both on and off the field, to make this season a rewarding one.