What a hectic weekend of football for the Federals club, starting on Saturday with a junior football clinic on Henry Street oval featuring Nic Naitanui and Stephen Milne with some 200 junior footballers participating.
A special thanks to coach Alistair Smith for his hard work in acquiring their services.
Sunday was our local derby and both Federals and Railways urgently needed the four points as the race for a top two finish continues; with a large crowd in attendance and Saint Kilda hall of famer Stephen Milne pulling on a Feddie's guernsey, all were in for a great day of football.
The Reserves game was closely fought contest with Railways taking the game right up to Federals with sustained pressure and hard tackling going into the half-time break with a 10-point lead; Railways 8.1 - Federals 6.3.
The third term was very even, then Federals started to lift their rating and play some serious football applying great pressure on their opposing players kicking against the breeze to hold Railways to their half-time lead of 10 points.
The final term saw Federals with a slight breeze slowly reduce Railways' lead to finally overhaul their rivals for the first time ending the game with a winning margin of 30 points.
Final scores: Federals 12.15 (87) to Railways 9.3 (57).
Awards: 1st Tyrese Rae; 2nd David Slater; 3rd Stratton Jones; Coaches' award: Zane Slater.
The league game was played at a blistering pace and with all facets of the game put on display by both sides saw them both enter the change rooms at the long break with 4.7 each.
After a stirring speech by coach Alistair Smith Federals' players realised they had a hell of a game on their hands as Railways would fight it through to the end it would come down to who was the fittest and who wanted victory the most.
The third term was a hard slog for both sides as players started to feel the effects of some furious tackling and with luck also playing its part Federals managed to claw to a 8-point lead as the quarter ended.
The final term had it all - tackling, great marks, solid bumps and excellent foot skills - to keep all at the ground on their feet wondering who would become the victors.
Well it would be Federals as both sides had players cramping up going goal for goal Railways ran out of time as the siren sounded.
Federals home by 8 points.
Final scores: Federals 11.14 (80) to Railways 10.12 (72).
Awards: 1st Jack Blaauw; 2nd Robert Forrest; 3rd Harley Corbett; Coaches' award: Jakeb Fudge.
The netball game between Fillies and Fast Tarts was played on Tuesday evening with Federals recording a resounding win, 61 goals to Railways' 25; well done girls.
Awards: 1st Sarah Gomersall; 2nd Rikki Garlett / Lisa Williamson; 3rd Katelyn.