Premier 3rd Grade

The Dewar Shield 3rd Grade competition operates as the third tier below Victoria's Premier Men's Competition, the Dewar Shield and the Ward Shield.

No longer a requirement for entry into the Dewar Shield, any club that has the capacity to field a third grade team will still fight it out for the Mawhinney Cup.

In 2026, 6 clubs have entered the Premier 3rd Grade Competition with, Endeavour Hills, Footscray, Harlequins, Melbourne Unicorns, Melbourne University and Power House competing.