See all the winners and Best & Fairest leaderboards from the 2022 McDelivery BFLW Awards.

The McDonald’s Ballarat Football Netball League held its 2022 McDelivery BFLW Presentation Night at the North Ballarat Sports Club on Monday night. Around 300 people celebrated the 2022 BFLW home-and-away season at the Awards, with many others joining us via the event live stream.

Congratulations to all of the 2022 Awards winners, which are listed below:

2022 McDelivery Leading Goal Kicker Awards

• Under 14 Junior Girls - Miah Bradbury - Bacchus Marsh - 27 goals
• Under 16 Youth Girls - Jazmine Dalli - Bacchus Marsh – 26 goals
• Under 18 Youth Girls - Kylah Thompson - North Ballarat & Mollie Tigchelaar - North Ballarat – 17 goals
• Women - Kim Bessell - Darley – 51 goals

2022 McDelivery Under 14 Junior Girls Awards

• Best & Fairest - Lara Johnson – Darley – 25 Votes
• Runner-Up – Anika Tran - Bacchus Marsh – 20 Votes
• Rising Star Award - Miah Bradbury - Bacchus Marsh

BFLW McDelivery Under 14 Junior Girls Team of the Year

2022 McDelivery Under 16 Youth Girls Awards

• Best & Fairest - Isabella Davies - North Ballarat – 25 Votes
• Runner-Up – Elise Cook - Bacchus Marsh – 24 Votes
• Rookie of the Year Award - Grace Morton - Lake Wendouree

BFLW McDelivery Under 16 Youth Girls Team of the Year

2022 McDelivery BFLW Coach of the Year Award

• Simone McNeight – East Point Dragons

2022 McDelivery BFLW Coordinator of the Year Award

• Leanne Bassett – Bacchus Marsh

2022 McDelivery Under 18 Youth Girls Awards

• Best & Fairest - Bindi Crabtree – Redan – 19 Votes
• Runner-Up – Lillee Barendsen – Ballarat
• Rookie of the Year Award - Tara McBean - Carisbrook

BFLW McDelivery Under 18 Youth Girls – Team of the Year

2022 McDelivery Women’s Awards

• Best & Fairest - Lori Stepnell – Redan – 21 Votes
• Runner-Up – Zoe Larkins – Redan – 15 Votes

BFLW McDelivery Women’s – Team of the Year

The McDonald's Ballarat FNL is pleased to announce the details of Week Three of the Carlton Draught Finals Series. 

After a thrilling one-point victory at City Oval, Ballarat moves through to the Preliminary Final to play Sebastopol in a blockbuster game. The winner will progress to the 2022 Carlton Draught Senior Men's Grand Final to take on Melton. 

In what has been a thrilling A-Grade Netball finals series, Redan will have Darley to contend with as we wait to see who will face North Ballarat in the 2022 Carlton Draught A-Grade Grand Final.

Preliminary Final day will be held at City Oval, Ballarat with, netball to kick off at 9:00AM and football from 9:55AM. 

The Redan Football Netball Club has coaching opportunities in the female football program for 2022.

Applications are now open:

The Redan Football Netball Club run a strong, vibrant and successful Female Football program.

The club's on-field female football success has been complemented by the transition of many of our female footballers to higher levels of competition, including the GWV Rebels program, and the VFLW and AFLW competitions. 

Opportunities have arisen for new coaches/assistant coaches to join our program and play key roles in contributing to our family-based club culture focussing on skills development and continuing to provide our female footballers the best opportunities to progress as far as they desire in their chosen sport. Prospective coaches/assistant coaches are invited to apply for roles with the following teams: 

 Open Age Women 

 Youth Girls Under 16 

 Junior Girls Under 14 

Applications in writing should be emailed to Tracey Boyce at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., and should address the following points: 

 Role you are applying for 

 Reason for applying for this role 

 What you believe you will bring to the role 

 Previous coaching experience and qualifications 

Closing date for applications is Friday, December 24th, 2021 

It is anticipated that interviews will be held in the first week of January 

Please note: 

 All coaches/assistant coaches should hold (as a minimum) Level 1 Coaching Accreditation, or be prepared to attain this prior to the start of the 2022 season. 

 All coaches/assistant coaches will need to hold a current Working With Children Check (WWCC) 

Any questions may be directed to Tracey Boyce (Vice President - 0419-947-590) or Garry Goyne (President - 0417-390-250). 

See all the winners of every award at the 2022 Henderson & McLean Medal Presentation.

It was Ballarat football and netball’s night of nights as the McDonald’s Ballarat FNL celebrated the 2022 Henderson & McLean Medal Presentation. With all clubs represented on the night, The North Ballarat Sports Club saw the very best of our competitions on show.

Congratulations to all the winners on the night, which are listed below: 

2022 Henderson Medal

• Winner: Brett Bewley, Darley FNC
• Runner Up: Jordan Johnston, East Point FNC

Returning to the competition and his home club in 2022, Brett polled in 13 of his 16 games. Finishing the count on a massive 29 votes there was no surprise when Brett was announced as the 2022 Henderson Medallist.

2022 McLean Medal

• Winner: Soli Ropati, Melton South FNC
• Runner Up: Rebecca Hicks, Darley FNC

Soli became the first Melton South player to claim the coveted McLean Medal for the A-Grade Netball Best & Fairest last night. Soli, who also represents the Samoan national team, polled 21 votes in the count.

The Ballarat Courier Player of the Year Award

• Winner: Brett Bewley, Darley FNC 

The Merv & Mary Howard Memorial Senior Club Championship

• Winner: East Point FNC

 2022 Ballarat FNL Netball Team of the Year

2022 Netball Coach of the Year

• Winner: Ruby Parry & Hayley Munro, Redan FNC

2022 Mick Malthouse Coach of the Year

• Winner: Joe Carmody, Ballarat FNC

Ballarat FNL Football Team of the Year

2022 Sportsman’s Association of Australia (Ballarat) Rookie of the Year

• Winner: Riley Constable, Ballarat FNC

2022 Netball Coordinator of the Year Award

• Winner: Tegan LaFranchi, Bacchus Marsh FNC

2022 Harry Harris Memorial Administrator of the Year Award

• Winner: Lorissa Edwards, Darley FNC

2022 Umpire of the Year

• Winner: Brock Reid

The George King Medal – Reserves Football Best & Fairest

• Winner: Ryan Davis, Melton FNC
• Runner Up: Mitchell Trimboli, Sunbury FNC

 B-Grade Netball Best & Fairest

• Winner: Lucy Taylor, Darley FNC
• Runner Ups: Kaylee Smith, Darley FNC & Eliza Bennett, North Ballarat FNC

  Taliyah Andrews, Melton South FNC & Lucy Taylor, Darley FNC

C-Grade Netball Best & Fairest

• Winners: Addison Wright, Darley FNC & Amy Jobling, Sebastopol FNC
• Runner Up: Georgia Pidgeon, Ballarat FNC

D-Grade Netball Best & Fairest

• Winner: Taliyah Andrews, Melton South FNC (pictured above)
• Runner Ups: Sarah Rykers, Ballarat FNC & Sophie Lewis, East Point FNC & Jemma Amoore, North Ballarat FNC 

E-Grade Netball Best & Fairest

• Winner: Chelsea Mason, Sebastopol FNC
• Runner Up: Lily McGuinness, East Point FNC

19 & Under Netball Best & Fairest

• Winner: Brydi Hutchinson, North Ballarat FNC
• Runner Up: Isabella Stevens

The Dick Rees Memorial Trophy – Under 19 Football Best & Fairest

• Winner: Blake Quinlan, Ballarat FNC
• Runner Up: Riley Constable, Ballarat FNC

Tony Lockett Medal – Senior Football Leading Goal Kicker Award

• Winner: Ryan Carter, Melton FNC & Nick Rodda, Darley FNC (56 goals)

Will Quinlan & Ryan Carter 

Jim Gull Medal – Reserves Football Leading Goal Kicker

• Winner: Taylor Stewart, Sebastopol FNC

Under 19 Football Leading Goal Kicker Award

• Winner: Will Quinlan, North Ballarat FNC

The extraordinary talent of our junior footballers and netballers across the McDonald's Ballarat FNL was on show last night at the 2022 Robert Allan Medal Awards presentation.

The McDonald’s Ballarat Football Netball League held its 2022 Robert Allan Medal Presentation Night at the North Ballarat Sports Club last night. With all clubs in attendance, around 300 people celebrated the 2022 BFNL Junior Football & Netball home-and-away season. 

Congratulations to all the winners on the night, which are listed below: 

Buxton Ballarat Junior Football Goal Kicking Awards 

2022 McDonald's Ballarat Under 13 Seniors 

• Winner:Emerton Hooper, Ballarat Storm FNC - 31 Goals 

2022 Harmac Homes Under 15 Seniors 

• Winner:Lincoln Koliba, Lake Wendouree FNC - 40 Goals 

2022 McCafé Under 17 Seniors 

• Winner:Strahan Robinson, East Point JFNC - 47 Goals 

Best & Fairest Awards

 13 & Under Senior Netball Best & Fairest 

• Runner Up:Makayla Wright (Sebastopol) - 25 votes 
• Winner:Jasmine Matthews (Darley) - 30 votes 

Under 13 Football Best & Fairest – The Lloyd Sims Trophy 

• Runners Up:James Sheehan (Storm) - 22 votes 
• Winner:Emerton Hooper (Storm) - 23 votes 

15 & Under Senior Netball Best & Fairest 

• Runners Up:Mia Hayes (Darley) - 20 votes 
• Winners:Charlotte Cross (Ballarat) - 23 votes 

Under 15 Football Best & Fairest – The Keith Rawle Memorial Trophy 

• Runner Up:Harley Hicks (Lake Wendouree) - 25 votes 
• Winner:Baxter Horsburgh (North Ballarat) - 30 votes

17 & Under Senior Netball B & F 

• Runner Up:Jane McKinnis (Redan) - 22 votes 
• Winner:Addison Wright (Darley) - 24 votes 

Under 17 Senior Football Best & Fairest - The Gordon Wise Memorial Trophy 

• Runner Up:Jack Kovacevic (Bacchus Marsh) - 16 votes 
• Winner:Joshua Huxtable (Bacchus Marsh) - 20 votes 

Robert Allan Medals and Netball MVP Presentations 

13 & Under Senior Netball – Most Valuable Player Award 

• Winner:Audrey Murnane (North Ballarat) – 8 Votes 

Under 13 Senior Robert Allan Medal 

• Winner:Emerton Hooper (Storm) – 28 Votes 

15 & Under Senior Netball – Most Valuable Player Award 

• Winners:Ella Litras (Redan) & Maggie Harris (East Point) – 9 Votes 

Under 15 Senior Robert Allan Medal 

• Winner:Harley Hicks (Lake Wendouree) – 22 Votes 

17 & Under Senior Netball – Most Valuable Player Award 

• Winner:Laila Lappin (Redan) – 8 Votes 

Under 17 Senior Robert Allan Medal 

• Winner:Khy Jess (Redan) – 14 Votes 

Coordinator of The Year Awards 

Junior Football Coordinator of The Year Award: 

Shannon Closter – Darley Junior FNC 

Junior Netball Coordinator of The Year Award: 

Jill James - Lake Wendouree FNC 

Coach of The Year Awards 

Junior Football Coach of the Year Award: 

Simon Geljon – East Point Junior FNC 

Junior Netball Coach of the Year Award: 

Meg Porter – North Ballarat FNC 

Ballarat FNL Interleague & Representative Coach Recognition 

Football Interleague Coaches 

• U/13 Coach – Scott Petrie & Simon Geljon 
• U/14 Coach – Michael Dwyer 
• U/15 Coach – Tim Beacham 
• U/16 Coach – Simon Remington 

Netball Representative Coaches 

• 13 & Under Coach – Kate McMahon 
• 15 & Under Coach – Di McCormack 
• 17 & Under Coach – Prue Douglass & Damien Mullane 

The Merv & Mary Howard Memorial Junior Club Championship 

• Winner:Redan JFNC 

Special Presentation to Junior Footballers & Netballers 

2022 NAB AFL National Development Championships - U16 Boys 

• Oliver Hannaford - East Point 
• Archie Caldow - East Point 
• Samuel Lalor - Bacchus Marsh 
• Jonty Faull - Redan 
• Lucca Grego - Bacchus Marsh 
• Jack Ough - East Point 

2022 Victorian Under 15 School Sports Team 

• Dylan Hiscock - East Point 

See all the votes for your club from the 2022 McDonald's Ballarat FNL Junior Netball and Football Best & Fairest.

13 & Under Senior Netball Best & Fairest 

• Runner Up:Makayla Wright (Sebastopol) - 25 votes 
• Winner:Jasmine Matthews (Darley) - 30 votes 

Under 13 Football Best & Fairest – The Lloyd Sims Trophy 

• Runners Up:James Sheehan (Storm) - 22 votes 
• Winner:Emerton Hooper (Storm) - 23 votes 

15 & Under Senior Netball Best & Fairest 

• Runners Up:Mia Hayes (Darley) - 20 votes 
• Winners:Charlotte Cross (Ballarat) - 23 votes 

Under 15 Football Best & Fairest – The Keith Rawle Memorial Trophy 

• Runner Up:Harley Hicks (Lake Wendouree) - 25 votes 
• Winner:Baxter Horsburgh (North Ballarat) - 30 votes 

17 & Under Senior Netball Best & Fairest 

• Runner Up:Jane McKinnis (Redan) - 22 votes 
• Winner:Addison Wright (Darley) - 24 votes 

Under 17 Senior Football Best & Fairest - The Gordon Wise Memorial Trophy 

• Runner Up:Jack Kovacevic (Bacchus Marsh) - 16 votes 
• Winner:Joshua Huxtable (Bacchus Marsh) - 20 votes 

The McDonald's Ballarat Football Netball League Senior Fixture for 2022 has been released, with a full fixture of 18 rounds plus finals planned.

Media Release

The board is pleased to announce the final fixture for the upcoming 2022 McDonald's Ballarat FNL Senior season. 

This season is hoped to build on the momentum from the 2021 season that was cut short, with a full fixture of 18 rounds plus finals planned. 

In keeping with tradition, all clubs will play 16 games and have two scheduled byes. 

Round One kicks off on Saturday 9thApril, while Round Two is split across the following weekends, with Lake Wendouree to host Redan on Good Friday, being the first Round Two game. 

The Queen's Birthday full competition bye will return after being well received in 2021 with Bacchus Marsh hosting Sunbury this weekend as a Round Nine stand-alone game. 

Details of night and twilight games will be advised after discussions with the clubs as we lead up to the start of the season. 

Photo by Leigh Monk / courtesy AFL Victoria

21 BFNL junior boys and 18 BFLW girls have been named in the GWV Rebels V/Line Cup squad for 2022. Representing the quality and development of the Ballarat FNL as the peak junior competition in the region.

The AFL Commissions of Goldfields, Western District & Wimmera Mallee, in conjunction with the GWV Rebels are delighted to announce the girls and boys squads to be considered to compete in the 2022 VLine Cup in Shepparton.

The VLine Cup will take place between Monday 19^th Sept and Tuesday 20^th Sept 2022 in Shepparton. The GWV Rebels VLine Cup squad was selected from club, representative and trial games held across all 3 regions.

The coaches of both the girls and boys squads are very excited with the assembled talented players that have been selected in the initial squads.

Training sessions will occur Monday 29^th August, Monday 5^th & 12^th September at Alexandra Oval in Ararat.

See the squads:

With pre-season preparations well under way and Round 1 quickly approaching, Scoop has gone one-on-one with all 11 senior football coaches ahead of the 2024 McDonalds BFNL season.

COACH:Gary Learmonth

PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE/ACCOLADES:Former Darley Senior Coach (2007-11)

ON THE RECORD

SCOOP: Let's start by addressing the elephant in the room. What hole did losing arguably your best player and Captain Isaac Grant, who is still in his early 20s, to Hepburn?

GARY LEARMONTH: It's not ideal. You can't replace him with one player. Darley proved last year they were able to cope / find a way without (Nick) Rodda and (Dylan) Landt. We're hopeful he'll be back sometime in the future.

SCOOP: There was a lot to like about the next generation of Lions coming through - are they far off impacting games on a week in, week out basis?

GL: We hope so, they're about to blossom with 20+ games in but they're still under 19. (Rory) Gunsen and (Marty) Boyer especially are exciting prospects. So too Kye Jess (back from the GWV Rebels) who will add to our midfield with (Liam) Farnsworth and (Harry) Lawson to continue to take further steps to being top line senior players.

SCOOP: Redan have beaten Darley twice in consecutive seasons on the road - what's the secret downing the reigning premiers who are on a 10-0 run going into a new season...

GL: Taking your opportunities.

SCOOP: There's some spruik around new recruit Lachie Bond. Tell us a little bit about him, what to expect and where he fits into the side?

GL: Good size 190cm, athletic, key forward, pinch mid, exciting, impressive highlights reel. Won Newton& Chilwell’s goalkicking the last three seasons.

SCOOP: Lachie George has been a mainstay quality mid/forward for the club over the last few seasons. In the absence of Grant do you expect him to return as a high minute mid or will you blood another youngster through there with George the support role given his latter years?

GL: Expect more midfield time for Lachie but we'll endeavour to share the load in the absence of (Isaac) Grant.

IDENTIFIED STRENGTHS

GL: Speed, kicking ability.

PROJECTED IMPROVEMENT

GL: Defensive focus aiming for more stability down back. Also (Brandon) Green, (Lachie) Bond and (Marty) Boyer will provide us with genuine aerial targets forward.

MOST UNDER AND OVERRATED STAT IN TODAY'S BFNL FOOTY

GL: Final Score – Underrated, Free kick count - Overrated

PRE-SEASON TRAINING

GL: Pre Xmas bit of fun getting together / bonding with some focus on pressure. Returned January 23.

PLAYER INS

Lachie Bond (Newton & Chilwell), Joe Black (De La Salle), Brandon Green (Waubra), Zac Mortlock (Natte Bealiba)

PLAYER OUTS

Isaac Grant (Hepburn), Liam Hoy (Newlyn), Jarret Giampaolo (Newlyn), Tom Lamb (Rokewood).

VFL AFFILIATED PLAYERS

Cooper Craig Peters (Footscray), Wil Madden (Essendon), Lachie Bond (Geelong)

THE DRAW

SCOOP: While the Lions’ draw ranks 3rd easiest there are no guarantees. Double ups with the bottom three sides from 2023 (Melton South, Lake Wendouree, Ballarat) helps and avoiding Melton and Darley twice won't harm the mission. Other double ups include North Ballarat, Sebastopol and Sunbury. Three evenly spread trips to the east with Darley, where the Lions have won last two fixtures at Darley Park, Bacchus Marsh and Sunbury. Should, again, be in the middle four range (5th-8th) at the business end.     

PRACTICE MATCH SCHEDULE:

March 16 v Cohuna (A)

March 23 v Drysdale (H)

IMPROVERS TIP (OUTSIDE OF REDAN)

GL: Melton South and Lake Wendouree

FLAG TIP (OUTSIDE OF REDAN)

GL: Melton

Get excited local footy fans, starting from this weekend every match from every round of the McDonald’s Ballarat Senior Men’s competition will be streamed live and free via Cluch.tv.

You can find the McDonald's Ballarat FNL page on Cluch here: McDonald's Ballarat FNL live in Cluch

You can watch live and on-demand on all connected devices and screens. Simply go to cluch.tv or find the stream links via BFNL.com.au or the Ballarat FNL Facebook page. Stream it to the big screen, track the scores and action across all five games, and replay the goals. Or catch up on all the action on-demand from your phone, screen or TV.

Get ready by downloading the Cluch app on your device or screen.

The McDonald’s Ballarat FNL’s streaming activity has increased significantly in recent years and the launch of full competition streaming is the next step in that journey.

We will also continue to bring you the Ballarat Toyota Match of the Round live to Facebook.

About Cluch:

Cluch is an OTT video and platform-as-a-service business dedicated to community sport. Cluch delivers premium on-demand streaming services across all connected devices and screens.

At The Bar

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INSIDER:Redan were woeful [in Round Five], when do you expect to get the troops back - namely The Big O, Izaac Grant, Dean Chester and Alex Harvey (we know Hoy - season)?

COOPER:Expect Izaac, Dean, Harves [in Round Six]. Big O, another week

INSIDER:In a freakish sense, which player at the club can do things on-field that others can't? 

COOPER:Lachie George

INSIDER:How on earth did you end up wearing the random #34?

COOPER:Stuck with me since debut. Trying to make it my own now.

INSIDER:Who would you have at the club kicking for goal to win you a game after the siren?

COOPER:Izaac Grant

INSIDER:Who at the club thinks they're funnier than they really are?

COOPER:Jarrett 'The Rooster" Giampaolo

INSIDER:What do you think a pass mark for the club is this year?

COOPER:Grand Final 

INSIDER:With which BFNL club do you share your greatest rivalry?

COOPER:North Ballarat

INSIDER:Which school in Ballarat has the best footy side these days?

COOPER:St Pats

INSIDER:What makes Lachie George such a good player?

COOPER:His balance / body control / leadership

INSIDER:What other sport could you play at a high level if there were no footy? 

COOPER:Rugby Union

INSIDER:Which Cooper is the quicker at the club over 30m - you or Atchison?

COOPER:I'd have to say me, proven!

INSIDER:Who is the last person you would want to share a room with on a footy trip?

COOPER:Dean Chester

INSIDER:Who is your favourite footy person at Redan?

COOPER:Liam Hoy

INSIDER:If you had to cook for the whole club what would be your signature dish?

COOPER:Porterhouse steak - no complaints whatsoever!

INSIDER:Favorite AFL club and player?

COOPER:Melbourne, Jack Viney

INSIDER:If you could add three players from other clubs to your list, who would you pick?

COOPER:Riley Polkinghorne (Noth Ballarat City), Ben Dodd (East Point), Ned Nash (North Ballarat City)

INSIDER:Flag tip outside of Redan?

COOPER:Melton

INSIDER:Henderson Medal tip (outside of Redan)?

COOPER:Riley Polkinghorne (North Ballarat City)

At The Bar

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INSIDER: You're part of a younger Redan list this year, how do you think you and the team are travelling eight rounds in?

FLYNN: The more we play together, the more we're improving. We're still working each other out.

INSIDER: Name the #1 non-negotiable we would expect your coach Jarrett Giampaolo to write first on the whiteboard?

FLYNN: The one-percenters - have a crack!

INSIDER: Lachie George has been terrific for the club, now in his third season after a career in the VFL. What makes him so influential? 

FLYNN: Treats everyone well, good teacher, explains things clearly, smart footy brain.

INSIDER: Who would win the battle over 10 different sports - you or your brother Cooper?

FLYNN: Me, easy!

INSIDER: What other sport could you play at a high level if there were no footy? 

FLYNN: None, not much good at anything but got Mr Cool covered. (See previous question!)

INSIDER: In a freakish sense, which player at the club can do things on-field that others can't?

FLYNN: Liam Hoy

INSIDER: Who at the club has the most upside from a junior perspective?

FLYNN: Rory Gunsser

INSIDER: Who (at Redan) would you like kicking for goal after the siren to win you a game of footy?

FLYNN: Liam Hoy  

INSIDER: Who is the quickest at the club over 30m?

FLYNN: Sam McDougall (INSDR: surely Lincoln Barnes, stiff?)

INSIDER: Who is your favourite footy person at the club?

FLYNN: Gary Goyne

INSIDER: What's your comfort food?

FLYNN: Chocolate milk

INSIDER: What's your favourite TV series or Movie?

FLYNN: Shameless 

INSIDER: Who at the club would most likely be seen eating a kebab downtown 4 am on Sunday?

FLYNN: Dean Matthews

INSIDER: If you had to cook for the whole club, what would be your signature dish?

FLYNN: Spaghetti Bolognese

INSIDER: Who at the club would most likely win a million dollars on a quiz show? 

FLYNN: Jack Jones

INSIDER: Who at the club thinks they're funnier than they really are?

FLYNN: Izaac Grant

INSIDER: Favourite AFL club and player?

FLYNN: Brisbane, Lachie Neale

INSIDER: If you could add three players from other BFNL clubs to your list, who would you pick?

FLYNN: Fletcher Toose (North Ballarat), Jarrod Curran (North Ballarat), Joe Nelson-Hill (North Ballarat)

INSIDER: Not the best timing to recommend three North Ballarat players, you play them this round!

FLYNN: We'll be right!  

INSIDER: Good luck Flynn!

At The Bar

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INSIDER: Great wins over North Ballarat and Sebastopol this year, can you explain why there hasn't been more than the six so far this year? 

GRANT: Injuries haven't helped. Lost a couple to the Rebels.

INSIDER: How would you rate Liam Hoy's year since his return from that Achilles injury?

GRANT: Yeah, really good 'til he did his hammy - back this week or next.

INSIDER: What makes Izaac Grant so dangerous, he seems to hit the scoreboard every week?

GRANT: Skilful, clean, footy smarts - rarely misses

INSIDER: How many more playing years do you think Lachie George can go on impacting games at senior level? 

GRANT: Work/injury aside - another 2 or 3 at least

INSIDER: What are three non-negotiables coach Jarrett Giampaolo would write on the board?

GRANT: Pressure, hard around the contest, skill execution

INSIDER: Rumour has it that Lincoln Barnes is lightning quick...any examples other than the Stawell Gift?

GRANT: He takes the warm-up every night and tells us all! Pat Fitzgibbon reckons he's got him covered.

INSIDER: In a freakish sense, which player at the club can do things on-field that others can't?

GRANT: Jacob Short

INSIDER: Who at the club has the most upside from a junior perspective?

GRANT: Harry Lawson

INSIDER: Over your BFNL footy journey who is the best you've seen? 

GRANT: Derek Micallef (North Ballarat), Steve Kennedy (Darley)

INSIDER: You've played a lot of footy forward in your career, what's been your biggest bag?

GRANT: 11 v Melton in 2015 

INSIDER: Who is the quickest at the club over 30m?

GRANT: Patty Fitzgibbon… lol

INSIDER: Who is the best trainer (footballer) on the track?

GRANT:  Lachie George

INSIDER: Who is your favourite footy person at the club?

GRANT: Andrew Shultz

INSIDER: Who is the last person you would want to share a room with on a footy trip?

GRANT: Flynn Atchison

INSIDER: If you had to cook for the whole club what would be your signature dish?

GRANT: I won't say Spag Bol... I'll go with Carbonara!

INSIDER: Who at the club would most likely win a million dollars on a quiz show?

GRANT: Dean Matthews

INSIDER: Who at the club would most likely be fined for driving too slow down the highway?

GRANT: Nick Barker

INSIDER: Favourite AFL club and player?

GRANT: Essendon, Zach Merrett

INSIDER: What other sport could you play at a high level if there were no footy? 

GRANT: Indoor cricket!

INSIDER: The best side you've played this year?

GRANT: East Point

INSIDER: If you could add three players from other clubs to your list, who would you pick?

GRANT: Dylan Conway (Melton South), Mickitja Rotumah-Onus (East Point), Daniel Kennedy (Ballarat)

At The Bar

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INSIDER: How are you finding the journey in women's footy - do you feel it is being embraced well by firstly the local community and more broadly across the state?

PORTIA HUGHES:Has come a long way but there's plenty more to go. Return of interleague would be a good start.

INSIDER: Why is Redan such a dominant force in women's footy?

PHA lot of the girls played juniors together. Family connection and team morale are quality traits.

INSIDER: Tell us about your coach Ash Davidson and what he has brought to the group?

PH:Always been around the juniors and now seniors. Is very knowledgeable and welcomes feedback.

INSIDER: Name the #1 non-negotiable we would expect Ash to write first on the white board?  

PH:Talk and Communication.

INSIDER: What changes would best support the women's game?

PH:Curtain raiser games before the men’s would only increase exposure

INSIDER: Who is the most underrated player at the club?

PH:Mads Quayle

INSIDER: What other sport could you play at a high level if there were no footy?

PH:Triathlon or Running

INSIDER: In a freakish sense, which player at the club can do things on-field that others can't?

PH:Ellen Werts

INSIDER: Who at the club has the most upside from a junior perspective?

PH:Jenna Bourke

INSIDER: Who at Redan would you like kicking for goal after the siren to win you a game of footy?

PH:Jess Bokma

INSIDER: Who is the quickest in the team over 20m?

PH:Abbey Wallace

INSIDER: What is your favorite ground to play on away from City Oval?

PH:Carisbrook Oval

INSIDER: Who is your favorite footy person at the club?

PH:Shannon Simpson

INSIDER: If you had to cook for the whole club what would be your signature dish of approval?

PH:Fried Rice

INSIDER: What tv series would you recommend for us this Winter?

PH:After Life / Grey's Anatomy

INSIDER: Who from the playing group would most likely win a million dollars on a quiz show?

PH:Ellen Werts

INSIDER: Do any of the girls have any superstitions they repeat before matches?

PH:Some listen to music, others like to fold their socks a certain way!

INSIDER: Who is your number one footy critic?

PH:Definitely my Dad

INSIDER: Favorite AFL club and player?

PH:Collingwood, Dane Swan

INSIDER: Can any team beat Redan?

PH:Darley and the Lakers have the potential..

Please find below important information for supporters and attendees to be aware of for this Sunday’s Ballarat Toyota Junior Grand Final Day at MARS Stadium.

General Information

• MARS Stadium – Creswick Road, Wendouree VIC
• Sunday 11^th September 2022
• The Ballarat Toyota Junior Grand Finals will be an Alcohol-Free event.

Match Schedule

Admission Fees

Junior Grand Final 2022

Adults - $12

Family (2 adults & 2 children) - $26

Age Pensioner - $7

8 - 16yo - $5

U/8 – Free

Footy Record – $4 (Special Edition)

Note: Eftpos is available and encouraged as the preferred payment method.

Gates

Gates open at 6:45am

Grand Final Filming

All matches will be filmed. Matches will be available for purchase following the Grand Finals and further information will be provided around this in the coming weeks.

Live Scores

All matches will be live scored on the day for those that are unable to attend the match. Scores can be accessed through specific competitions on the BFNL public results pages here:

Football - https://bit.ly/3Q4H8gg

Netball - https://bit.ly/3KPteh6

Entry & Parking Information

Please see details and map below for assistance with entry & parking requirements this Sunday.

Entry to MARS Stadium:

• Gate 1 – Located on Creswick Road.
• Gate 2 - Beech Avenue – Located at Northern Oval 2 behind MARS Stadium. This entry is encouraged for those attending the Netball.

NO DOGS are permitted within the precinct this weekend.

Parking is available at the following locations:

General Parking:

• Creswick Road. No parking within concrete barriers stationed outside Gate 1.
• Around Northern Oval 2. MUST enter via Beech Avenue – Cars will NOT be able to move between the North Ballarat Sports Club Car Park & Northern Oval 2.
• STRICTLY NO PARKING IN NORTH BALLARAT SPORTS CLUB.

Disabled Parking:

• Designated disabled parking can be accessed through North Ballarat Sports Club Entry. Patrons must be always a disabled parking permit holder and display permit.

The McDonald’s Ballarat FNL is pleased to announce the fixture for the first week of the 2022 McDelivery BFL Women’s finals series.

The league is excited to have many of our BFLW clubs represented across the finals series, providing a wonderful experience for our clubs and players after missing out on finals over the last two seasons.

Admission prices will come into effect as of this weekend and are as follows:

Admission Prices

BFLW Finals 2022

Adults - $10

Family (2 adults & 2 children) - $25

Age Pensioner - $5

8 - 16yo - $5

U/8 – Free

Grounds Open

Note:Gates will open at 7.30am for all venues during Week One to Week Three.

Scheduled matches across all grades of football for Week One of the finals can be found below.

The McDonald’s Ballarat FNL is pleased to announce the fixture for the second week of the 2022 Federation BFLWomen’s Finals Series.

It was great to see the finals kick off over the weekend with some fantastic games played across all four grades.

Admission prices will continue this weekend and are as follows:

Admission Prices:

BFLW Finals 2022

Adults - $10

Family (2 adults & 2 children) - $25

Age Pensioner - $5

8 - 16yo - $5

U/8 – Free

Grounds Open:

Note:Gates will open at 7.30 am for all venues during weeks one to three.

Scheduled matches across all grades of football for week two of the finals can be found below.

Finals Week 2 Preview with 'Scoop'

For Melton and Sebastopol, it's one win and they're into the 2022 Carlton Draught Senior Men's Grand Final. One loss to either Ballarat or Darley, and the season is over.

Both teams will know they've played a game of footy come 5pm Saturday - win, lose or draw, that's for sure. Given their healthy rivalry over more recent times, and levels of mutual respect, don't count on either party leaving any stone unturned, as a prized spot in the 2022 BFNL Grand Final is up for grabs.

Michael Searl's Sebastopol has been looking forward to another crack at the flag favourites for some time, a genuine footy audit if you will, and a chance to atone for a disappointing 41-point loss in Round 11. We didn't see the real Sebastopol that day, in fact, the Burras didn't win a single quarter. But when you add James Keeble, Luke Kiel, Bailey Medwell, Chase Dummett, James Richards, Jai Harvey, Jordan Crone and Grady Snowden into the Burras Second Semi-Final line-up (all missed Rd11) you start mounting a case. Furthermore, the Burras have lost just once since that Round 11 defeat. Yep, 6/7 including wins over East Point and North Ballarat (twice) is a solid form line.

But words of advice for the hunters - turn up to play from the get-go or cop the wrath of a feverish Bloods outfit going about their business. Aaron Timms' boys have some serious numbers of their own behind them.  The Bloods are 15-2 for first quarters in 2022 and +175 for third quarter points differential (212-37) over the last five weeks including an intimidating 14-goal haul against East Point. Scary stuff.

I think Tymms is fully aware his Bloods hold the aces and it’s they who need containing with winners on every line. Just who and where to start bringing down the Bloods is a task only two teams in 17 tries have had success. Michael Searl is an intelligent footy person and is likely to spend most of his time matching up Ryan (57 goals) and Liam Carter (36) and X-factor Bloods Captain Braedan Kight (40). They loom the clear and present dangers denying the Burras a passage to that one day in September.

The Burras will sweat on the availability of inspirational leader Tony Lockyer (ankle) who will be given until game-day to get right. Lockyer left the ground early in the second quarter of last week's Elimination Final win over North Ballarat and did not return.

Bloods big man Mark Orr will be put through his paces too this week after missing week one of the finals. There's no doubting a few niggles exist for both sides this far into a first full season since 2019.

While I won't be tipping against the Bloods on their home deck, I am wary the Burras' best is good enough to give it a shake.

A Grand Final berth awaits the winner while a spot in next week's Preliminary Final against the winner of Ballarat and Darley.       

Head-to-head in 2022: Melton 1 - Sebastopol 0

Melton                                                                               

Finished: 1st (14 wins, 2 losses)

Record against remaining teams: W4 L0             

Offence team rating (top 4): 1st (106.6 avg)

Defence team rating (top 4): 1st (55.6 avg)

Leading goalkicker: Ryan Carter (57)

Best in first final (Week 1): Jack Walker

Sebastopol

Finished: 3rd (10 wins, 6 losses)

Record against remaining teams: W0 L4

Offence team rating (top 4): 3rd (72.4 avg)

Defence team rating (top 4): 2nd (63.1 avg)

Leading goalkicker: James Keeble (31)

Best in first final (Week 1): Lachlan Cassidy

Before we explore the 'nitty gritty" of this highly anticipated, season-on-the-line Semi-Final, it's fair we congratulate Joe Carmody and Dan Jordan for guiding their respective sides back to the business end.

I'm not sure how much can be derived from their first and only meeting at Darley Park back in Round 7 but it was the Swans who had the measure of the Devils. The final margin was as close as the Devils got late in the game, enough to warrant the Swans as the clear favourites despite their already superior, win/loss season. The Swans led from go-to-woe that day, by 19,17 and 30 at the breaks before 18 at the final siren. The Devils (9.19) did have seven more scoring shots than the Swans (14.7) but Carmody's men were far more convincing with their ball movement and ability to hit the scoreboard. Anyway, enough of May 28th... that was 99 days ago.

The Swans have won eight of ten games since, the Devils 7/10 including their last four on the trot.

Darley will have their fingers crossed on the availability of star Captain Brett Bewley (calf) who missed last week's Elimination Final win over East Point. For the Swans Josh Gibson (hamstring), Angus Bade and Rhys Perry are their only injury concerns. Both sides will look remarkably different from their earlier meeting with up to seven new faces (each) likely to feature. The Swans add big guns Marcus Powling and Bailey Van de Heuvel while Jake Dunne, Inji Fyffe, Austin McPherson, Grant Baldwin and Jesse Nicholls make up the extra five. Darley's seven include Dylan Landt, Trent Angwin, Matthew Brett, Darren Leonard, Zane Lehuray, Blake Colley and Ayden Tanner.  Handy inclusions for both teams. But the gain for the Devils has been the return of seasoned defenders Brett and Leonard who have helped sure up the once very young back six. The two were instrumental in restricting noted high-scorers East Point (comp rank #2) to 47 and 57 at their last two encounters.

If Bewley doesn't play, the Devils' midfield will be up against it, taking on an in-form Swans combination. Marcus Powling, Will Liston, Sam James and Lachie Dawson have been super of late featuring as the better players every week. Van de Heuvel has become the X-factor for the Swans with his versatility. Can play at either end, has a big frame, is strong overhead and has an excellent left foot kick. Regardless of the result, the Footscray VFL affiliate will have an influence. The same can be said for dangerous forwards Nick Rodda and Andrew Hooper, both integral trump cards that can win a game off their own boot. The Swans Jake Dunne, along with Gibson provide an extra target forward and will likely stretch the Devils' defence.

Let's hope the game is bereft of could've, would've, should've status in the aftermath given what we know to be certain. One of Ballarat or Darley is heading into a Preliminary Final  - a monumental achievement.

Head-to-Head in 2022 - Ballarat 1 - Darley 0

Ballarat                                                                         

Finished 2nd (12 wins, 4 losses)

Record against remaining teams: W3 L2

Offence team rating (top 4); 4th (71.9 avg)

Defence team rating (top 4); 3rd (68.9 avg)

Leading goalkicker: Andrew Hooper (38)

Best in first final (Week 1): Will Liston

Darley

Finished: 4th (10 wins, 6 losses)

Record against remaining teams: W1 L2

Offence team rating (top 4): 2nd (81.6 avg)

Defence team rating (top 4): 4th (73.6 avg)

Leading goalkicker: Nick Rodda (57)

Best in first final (Week 1): Bailey Young         

Player nominations to trial for the McDonald's Ballarat FNL Junior Netball 22/23 Representative Teams are now open on the link below.

Applications close on the 10th of October 2022.

The McDonald's Ballarat FNL Junior Netball Representative program is a great experience for our young netball talent. Nominations are now open to trial for the 2022/2023 representative teams.

All BFNL junior netballers who are keen to try out for our rep teams and who were born between 2006 and 2011 are encouraged to nominate via the online link below.

Dates for trials are yet to be finalised, however, trials will be held in  October/November 2022. 

This year we will have two 15 & Under Teams going to Association Champs. This gives more players an opportunity to be a part of this great program which will assist in developing skills.

BFNL Junior Netball 22/23 Representative Teams and Coaches

13 & Under – Coach: Leah Macdonald

Players born in 2010 and 2011

15 & Under – Coach: Meg Porter & Di McCormack (Championship Team) and Lisa Strudwick (Development Team)

Players born in 2008 and 2009

17 & Under –  Coach: Prue Douglass & Damien Mullane

Players born in 2006 and 2007

You must complete the online nomination form to participate in trials: https://forms.gle/7htXhRcYQhPFwxkh6

Applications for trials will close on the 10^th of October.

The McDonald’s Ballarat FNL is pleased to announce the Junior Coaches and Players for this year’s BFNL Junior Netball Representative Program.

The League is thrilled with the knowledge and experience that these appointed coaches bring, and they are certainly putting this into practice when developing our junior players within the representative program. The players and coaches put their hard work into action at the Association Championships on the 5^th of June 2022.

We are pleased to announce the following coaches and squads for each of our age groups:

13 and Under BFNL Representative Squad

Kate McMahon – Coach

Keira McDonald – Ballarat Swans

Brydee Craig-Peters - Redan

Eliza Ashby – Ballarat Swans

Lyla Sheehan – Lake Wendouree

Emmy Holloway – Lake Wendouree

Gabriella Stanley – Mount Clear

Audrey Murnane – North Ballarat

Allie Kirby – East Point

Hayley Jackson – Ballarat Swans

Ashlee Beseler – North Ballarat

Mia Hayne – Storm

Macy Abrams – North Ballarat

15 and Under BFNL Representative Squad

Di McCormack – Coach

Addison Wright – Darley

Rylee Sheridan – Sebastopol

Penny Follett – North Ballarat

Harriet Hodge – East Point

Madison Dixon – Sebastopol

Scarlett Clayton – Darley

Mackenzie Kopke-Veldhuis - Sebastopol

Amarli Minster - Sebastopol

Maia Murphy – Ballarat Swans

Ebony Porter – North Ballarat

Abby Kinnersly- East Point

Kate Aikman – North Ballarat

Charli Ferguson – North Ballarat

17 and Under Representative Team

Prue Douglass – Coach

Damien Mullane – Coach

Katie Jackson - Redan

Rose Pfitzner – North Ballarat

Annabel Hodge – East Point

Sarah Augustine – East Point

Allanah Trevisan – Mount Clear

Jacinta McKenzie – Ballarat Swans

Georgia Bodey – North Ballarat

Chelsea Oellering – Mount Clear

Rose Murnane – North Ballarat

Isabella McNeill – Lake Wendouree

Emily Davies – Redan

Matilda Myers - Redan