Dingoes clinch first place as competition hits record high

THERE is no catching ‘Mitch Brewster and the Mad Deadly Dingoes’ as Coffs Football 6s (CF6) reaches the pointy end of the season. 

The Dingoes wrapped up the Men’s Division One title in emphatic fashion, building an unassailable nine-point lead to claim the premiership before the final whistle of the campaign had even sounded.

The last round kicks off on 2 March, with finals locked in for 9 March, bringing another high-tempo CF6 season to a close.

For North Coast Football general manager Duncan Marchant, the numbers tell a powerful story.

“This has been our biggest CF6 season yet,” Marchant said.

“We’ve seen record numbers – more than 1,000 registrations across the past 12 months – which shows the football community wants opportunities to play all year round.”

The next CF6 competition begins on 20 April, although Marchant expects a natural shift as the traditional 11-a-side season gets underway.

“We’ll likely see a slight drop-off when community football starts, but what we’ve found is that many of our higher-grade teams use CF6 as an extra training opportunity,” he said.

“It’s also become a genuine gateway into the game through our social grades.”

Growth has been widespread – Monday men’s, Tuesday women’s and Friday juniors have all surged – but it’s Wednesday night that has turned heads.

“The biggest surprise has been the growth of mixed football,” Marchant said.

At the heart of the boom is convenience.
The 45-minute format has proven a winner for players juggling work, study and family life.

“Not everyone can commit to 11-a-side football,” Marchant said.

“The fast format keeps players engaged who might otherwise drift away from the game.

“And just as importantly, it’s social. It’s a chance for mates to get together, build friendships and stay connected through football.”

With participation numbers climbing sharply across the region, Marchant believes 2026 could break fresh ground.

“Last year we had more than 6,000 players registered in community football – and this year could be even bigger,” he said.

“Female participation now accounts for 35 per cent of total registrations, which is fantastic growth.

“That allows us to expand competitions and, in most cases, run one-year age increments so players can compete within their true age group.”

Pre-season fixtures are already looming on the horizon, including the Australia Cup, the Challenge Cup in Nambucca and a full slate of friendlies – early indicators that the appetite for football across the North Coast shows no signs of slowing.

By David WIGLEY