mmg.com.au

Mel Napier is used to independence when following football.

The Kialla mother, 42, is a Carlton fan among a family of Collingwood supporters.

Her football tips are hers – she does not ask anyone for help.

‘‘I used to get (son) Kaedyn to help me, but he was making me lose, so I stopped,’’ she said.

Mrs Napier thinks she is good chance of winning the Metricon $10000 Goulburn Valley Football League tipping competition.

She finished second in an AFL tipping competition at a shop in her hometown of Rosebud last year.

‘‘Tipping competitions are always AFL. I think it’s a great idea to have one with the local teams,’’ she said.

‘‘I just like the social side of football tipping. It’s more the thrill of it, knowing I beat the blokes (last year).’’

Mrs Napier tipped Shepparton United over her supported GVFL club – Mooroopna – to win this year’s premiership.

Football mad Kaedyn, 10, and his sister Maycee, 11, follow their mother to most Mooroopna games.

‘‘We go to all homes games and some away games, depending what we’re doing on the weekend and I go to all the club functions,’’ Mrs Napier said.

‘‘I like seeing new blokes come into the team and ex-AFL players playing for other teams.’’

Mrs Napier said she would study results and player injuries to do her tips weekly.

‘‘I hadn’t thought of worrying about teams like Rochy and Mansfield,’’ she said.

‘‘It will be interesting to learn about players from teams other than Mooroopna.’’

Mrs Napier said she would spend the competition’s $10000 first prize on her children and a holiday if successful.

Competition entries cost $25, with second earning $1000 and third $500.

The News will run weekly leader updates to tell readers how close, or open, the competition is during the season.

Register for footy tipping here. Terms and conditions are also available online.