2026 Zone League 3

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by slipperyfish

I wouldn?t say they?re winning the social media game, that would have to be Maitland jnrs for me. Well done to them being a new club and putting in the effort. I have to say merewether United or Fletcher have to be getting promoted this year, the comp couldn?t be easier.

---

Interesting observation, What is the criteria for your selection of maitland juniors winning the social media game?

If it's quantity of posts, sure they have posted plenty. But Merewether and Suburbs both well ahead in quality and professionalism of posts. Their socials , Players have clear photos .Similar to those done oversees when clubs do a presser for a new arrival. The Maitland ones are obviously done at training, for some they aren't even looking towards the camera. I like the fact that they have posted though, so well done.

I think Hamilton Azzurri were the club that really started the ball rolling in this space. Croatia then brought in some big hitters , that changed the game. The Crabs have continued in that area.

Known players gets people talking from the local football community, but I guess it all depends on what your target audience is.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Richardarlison

Merewether winning the pre season social media title is both a blessing and a curse in my opinion, I just hope for their sake that they down burn out and end up struggling to push for that 4th/5th position

---

Merewether, Kurri and Charlestown (not in any particular order) are the 3 teams to beat in this competition. Southern Lakes are the darkhorses, But I wouldn't rule out any of the others.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by anfield

Merewether, Kurri and Charlestown (not in any particular order) are the 3 teams to beat in this competition. Southern Lakes are the darkhorses, But I wouldn't rule out any of the others.

---

We?ve been saying this for years mate. Who wants it more? Greta, Jaffas, Nelson bay and southern up in the last 3 years, Charlestown seem the only team who want to really want it. Comp couldn?t be easier for Kurri and Fletcher but seriously who wants it mate. They asked the comp who wanted to go up to ZL2 and none put their hand up. Some teams really need to take a look at things, from what I?ve heard and player movements Charlestown will be looking the favourites in 2026.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by slipperyfish

We?ve been saying this for years mate. Who wants it more? Greta, Jaffas, Nelson bay and southern up in the last 3 years, Charlestown seem the only team who want to really want it. Comp couldn?t be easier for Kurri and Fletcher but seriously who wants it mate. They asked the comp who wanted to go up to ZL2 and none put their hand up. Some teams really need to take a look at things, from what I?ve heard and player movements Charlestown will be looking the favourites in 2026.

---

Simple solution, Whoever finishes 2nd MUST go up next year. Put it in the rules before the season starts, That gets rid of the uneven competitions.

The issue over the last few years has been the big gap between first and last in each division. Hence last year's last place in ZL1 and ZL2 have folded. 10 team competitions will help fix this in the future. In the meantime why not have a 6 team final series? Make it more attractive for teams to go up, remember the main prize is minor premiership and promotion. It will also create more interest for more clubs.

As for your Fletcher prediction, they didn't win 1 game in first or reserve grade all last year. That's 0 wins from 40 matches. I know there has been some changes, But they won't be top 3 and I can't see them anywhere near it.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by anfield

Simple solution, Whoever finishes 2nd MUST go up next year. Put it in the rules before the season starts, That gets rid of the uneven competitions.

The issue over the last few years has been the big gap between first and last in each division. Hence last year's last place in ZL1 and ZL2 have folded. 10 team competitions will help fix this in the future. In the meantime why not have a 6 team final series? Make it more attractive for teams to go up, remember the main prize is minor premiership and promotion. It will also create more interest for more clubs.

As for your Fletcher prediction, they didn't win 1 game in first or reserve grade all last year. That's 0 wins from 40 matches. I know there has been some changes, But they won't be top 3 and I can't see them anywhere near it.

---

Fletcher with a draw against a full strength Medowie squad who finished third last year. I know they struggled last year but after the money they spent during the off season, they?ll improve A LOT this season. Don?t count them our for top 2

Also been told Muswellbrook is mainly made up of Singleton newfm from last year, bold showing expected from them in the upcoming season

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Richardarlison

Fletcher with a draw against a full strength Medowie squad who finished third last year. I know they struggled last year but after the money they spent during the off season, they?ll improve A LOT this season. Don?t count them our for top 2

---

Im happy to stick with my prediction, they won't finish top 3. Id be hugely surprised if they were spending any money on players.