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. 

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:Rohan Brown

PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE/ACCOLADES:Beaufort Senior Coach (CHFL)

ON THE RECORD

SCOOP: Congrats Rohan on your coaching appointment with the Lakers. It's been a tough couple of years for the club on the results front - what's the prevailing message or theme you're trying to instill given you're coming from a fair way back?

RB: Positive attitude moving forward. Working hard is a great place to start.

SCOOP: There's some good wraps on newcomer Jayden Wright - can we expect him to have a similar impact as he has shown at Ararat? What are his strengths?

RB: We hope so, ripper kid. He wants to play at a higher level. Jayden's a strong lad, we're really excited about he can bring to our club. Positionally - inside mid, behind the ball (CHB) 6"3, 87kg - utility essentially. Quality person who has bought in to our footy club.

SCOOP: Tall duo Tom Zampatti and Felix Fogarty show plenty of promise - how are they travelling and what roles have you an eye on for them in '24?

RB: Felix Fogarty will be up forward as an aerial target, Tom Zampatti will be our #1 ruckman and rest forward.

SCOOP: What did you know of the BFNL prior to your appointment?

RB: Coached CHFL (Beaufort) and did six months with Shane Skontra at NBC in the covid year (2020 - no footy). I'm excited to be among quality coaches, players and grounds. The whole league is in pretty good shape. Looking forward to the challenge.

SCOOP: What excites you the most about the immediate future of the Lakers ahead of the coming season?

RB: Seeing how our Under 19s come through and general progression of our young list - seeing what they can do with planning and structure. There are some ripping young, talented men at the Lakers ready to thrive, some now in the system for a couple of years.

SCOOP: I so often ask new coaches three non-negotiables you want adhered to on match day by the group. What are yours?

RB: Enjoyment, Effort, Honesty/Trust

IDENTIFIED STRENGTHS

RB: Speed, intensity at the contest.

PROJECTED IMPROVEMENT

RB: Being in games for longer, maintaining momentum. Execution. There's no ceiling - 'we make our own bed'.

PRE SEASON TRAINING

RB: Our group came back in great shape. We did some testing (2km trials) which confirmed that and we're already into match sim. Numbers on the track and support staff have been encouraging. Returned Jan 22nd.

MOST UNDER AND OVERRATED STAT IN TODAY'S LOCAL FOOTY

RB: Team involvements - 1%ers ect – Underrated, Clearance numbers, efficiency is everything - Overrated

PLAYER INS

Jayden Wright (Ararat), Bailey McKimmie (Skipton), Will Clark (Hay - ex Laker junior)

PLAYER OUTS

Flynn Loader (work - Brisbane), Jacob Coxall (Buninyong)

VFL AFFILIATED PLAYERS

N/A

THE DRAW

SCOOP: While the Lakers cop 4/6 last year finalists twice (Melton, East Point, Sebastopol, Redan) they avoid double ups with grand finalists Darley and North Ballarat. Challenging year ahead for premiership points in an improving competition. Mini win - Don't leave Ballarat until Round 8 v Melton or after Round 12 v Bacchus Marsh.

PRACTICE MATCH SCHEDULE

March 16 v South Warrnambool (A)

March 23 v Port Fairy (A)

IMPROVERS TIP (OUTSIDE OF LAKE WENDOUREE)

RB: Tough for me to call - Melton South

FLAG TIP (OUTSIDE OF LAKE WENDOUREE)

RB: Darley in an even comp.

The McDonalds Ballarat Football Netball League Board is pleased to announce the final fixture for the upcoming 2025 McDonalds Ballarat FNL Senior season

This season hopes to build on momentum from 2024, with a full fixture of 18 rounds plus finals in store.

The fixture looks a little different for 2025.

With Melton South moving to the RDFNL, all clubs will face each other twice, guaranteeing a season filled with competitive football and netball.

We look forward to seeing some impressive matches across the season both on the field and court.

Round 1 kicks off on Saturday 5th of April 2025. Ballarat will host North Ballarat in the first “Night Match” of the season.

Good Friday football returns to the fixture in 2025, with Bacchus Marsh hosting East Point and Sunbury hosting Redan, followed by the second year running of Lake Wendouree v Ballarat on Anzac Day under lights.

We have some important rounds across the season.

Please take note of these dates, further information will be provided as we near each round.

Round 2 – April the 12th – Wellness Round
Round 3 – April the 25th - Anzac Day
Round 6 & 7 – May 17th & 24th - Indigenous Round
Round 16 – August the 2nd – RMCH Round

Interleague will also make its return in 2025, with the BFNL set to host Hampden for the annual competitions.

We’re also proud to announce several dual-gate events throughout the season, where our youngest footballers and netballers will play alongside their senior teams.

The McDonald's Ballarat FNL continues to lead the way among country leagues in providing access and opportunities for all supporters of football and netball.

Find the full fixture below.

The strength of the McDonald's Ballarat FNL was on full display at the 2021 NAB AFL Draft, with local talent heading to Richmond, Essendon and North Melbourne.

With five players being drafted - yes, we are clear and proud to claim you too, Paul Curtis - two in the first round, the league congratulates the players, their families and home clubs for the many hours and years of hard work to reach this point. 

BFNL talent drafted and likely to have a long and successful career at the highest level were:

 Pick #9

• Josh Gibcus (East Point FNC)  -  drafted to Richmond FC

Pick #20

• Kai Lohmann (Lake Wendouree FNC)  -  drafted to Brisbane Lions FC

Pick #22

• Josh Goater (Sunbury FNC)  -  drafted to North Melbourne FC

Pick #23

• Sam Butler (Lake Wendouree FNC)  -  drafted to Hawthorn FC

Pick #35

• Paul Curtis (Melton South FNC) - drafted to North Melbourne FC

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:What do you attribute most to your (personal) exceptional start to the season?

ASHLEY:Good teammates

INSIDER:What expectations does the group have on how far they can go in 2021?

ASHLEY:If we stick to our processes, results will take care of themselves.

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

ASHLEY:Geoff Hunter

INSIDER:Tell us about Josh Rensch, Best on Ground last week, 17-year-old on debut...

ASHLEY:Pretty lucky to have him at the moment, he’s a special talent, gun - one of four from the Rebels.

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

ASHLEY:Toast, simple bunch, LOL.

INSIDER:Favourite AFL Club and player?

ASHLEY:Collingwood, John Noble

INSIDER:Who at the club is really not as funny as he thinks he is?

ASHLEY:There's plenty, but I'll go with Callum McKay.

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

ASHLEY:Ping pong

INSIDER:Who wins the 2km time trial at Lakers?

ASHLEY:Lachie Dodd or Jessie McLean

INSIDER:Which Lakers player would be the best chance to win a million dollars on a quiz show?

ASHLEY:Nick Rippon

INSIDER:What TV show did you binge-watch during COVID?

ASHLEY:The Office (UK)

INSIDER:If you could add any forward, mid and back to your side from within the BFNL, who would you take? Name one of each.

ASHLEY:'Vintage' Bryce McDougall (East Point forward), Lachie Cassidy (Sebastopol), Tony Lockyer (Sebastopol)

INSIDER:Does the club expect to see former Western Bulldog Fergus Greene play this season, given his affiliation with Box Hill?

ASHLEY:Yes, well, he's keen. But his VFL form is very good at the moment.

INSIDER:Give us your flag tip (outside Lakers) and your Hendo tip for 2021...

ASHLEY:Sebastopol and Lachie Cassidy

At The Bar

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INSIDER: What do you attribute most to your (personal) exceptional start to the season?

BLAKE: The coach Dan Roy. He allows to me explore my strengths with a license play my own game. Dan's been a massive influence for me on the back of a solid, albeit lengthy pre-season.

INSIDER: What expectations does the group have on how far the Devils can go in 2021?

BLAKE: Early days but naturally finals. Our focus is on development but injuries aren't helping at the moment.

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

BLAKE: Shane Page, proven.

INSIDER: Who would you least prefer to share a room with on a footy trip away?

BLAKE: Harley Inglis or Mitch Ward - too much energy!

INSIDER: Tell us about Matthew Brett and Ryan Kemp...

BLAKE: Class above, you can tell they've come from a higher level

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

BLAKE: Toasted sandwich

INSIDER: Favorite AFL Club and player?

BLAKE: Hawthorn, Marcus Bontempelli.

INSIDER: Who at the club is really not as funny as he thinks he is?

BLAKE: Corey Cullen

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

BLAKE: Athletics, Cross Country running

INSIDER: Who wins the 2km time trial at Darley?

BLAKE: Adam or Andy Azzopardi or Jack Bewley

INSIDER: Which Darley player would be the best chance to win a million dollars on a quiz show?

BLAKE: Tom Evans

INSIDER: Who would you rate as the best team you've played this year?

BLAKE: Melton

INSIDER: If you could add any forward, mid and back to your side from within the BFNL who would you take - name one of each.....

BLAKE: Braeden Kight (Melton), Daniel Burton (Bacchus Marsh), Josh Gibson (Ballarat)

INSIDER: Which of the other Devils youngsters do you think has the greatest scope?

BLAKE: Joel Cadman

INSIDER: Give us your flag tip (outside Lakers) and Hendo tip for 2021....

BLAKE: Too hard to tell for flag. Hendo - Nick Stuhldrier (Bacchus Marsh)

At The Bar

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INSIDER: Rate the Lakers season so far compared to last year? What's different?

BRAYDEN HELYAR:A bit more identity/vision this year. The vibe is up on last year.

INSIDER: Tell us about tall dual combo Tom Zampatti and Felix Fogarty?

BH:Zampatti - fitted in really well. Back from ACL. 100% effort. Fogarty - could be one of the best future players in the league.

INSIDER: What do you think the Lakers need to start challenging for a top six position?

BH:Another star player, probably an A-grade midfielder and to continue the internal growth.

INSIDER: Who wins the Lakers’ family Olympics? The O’Connell’s or Helyer’s?

BH:Definitely Helyer’s.

INSIDER: Recruit Jaydo Wright had a frustrating start to his Lakers move. How's he tracking after a couple of return games?

BH:Starting to come into his own now with more confidence in the ankle. More to come, watch this space for Jaydo!

INSIDER: Bailey Thompson has kicked 30% (16/54) of all Lakers goals this year. How does he do it? Even against the really good sides he's hitting the scoreboard!

BH:All heart, cracks in, excellent goal awareness, craft and the fact he doesn't like to handball always helps!

INSIDER: Best team you've played this year?

BH:Melton

INSIDER: What are three non-negotiables we would expect Rohan Brown to write on the whiteboard?

BH:Intensity, Pressure, Effort.

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

BH:Bailey Thompson

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

BH:Lincoln Koliba (16yo)

INSIDER: Who is the quickest at the club over 20m?

BH:Sam Canny

INSIDER: Favorite ground to play on away from Lake Wendouree?

BH:Eastern Oval

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

BH:Gavin Maher

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

BH:Tom Zampatti

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

BH:Chorizo Pasta

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

BH:Callum McKay

INSIDER: Toughest opponent?

BH:Jake Owen (Bacchus Marsh)

INSIDER: Favorite AFL club and player?

BH:North Melbourne / Charlie Comben.

INSIDER: Tip for the BFNL flag?

BH:Melton at this stage.

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

BH:Brett Bewley (Darley), Jake Owen (Bacchus Marsh), Luke Goetz (Bacchus Marsh).

At The Bar

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INSIDER: Finally a win for the seniors at the weekend ending an 18 game losing streak - what was the overwhelming feeling on the final siren and in the rooms later on?

Joel O’Connell:Been a long time.... sigh of relief then enjoyment.

INSIDER; Just curious Joel, how many players were in the middle of the circle celebrating their first win at the club when you were belting out the victory theme song?

JOC:Reckon about 5 lol!

INSIDER: We're fully aware of Melton South and their on-field struggles this season but what were the positives to draw from the massive 102-point win?

JOC:Stuck to our structures and executed what we had been working on a training.

INSIDER: Tell us about your relationship with coach Jack Fitzpatrick?

JOC:Good coach. Great fella. Bonus having some AFL, VFL experience leading the group.

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

JOC:Intensity

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

JOC:Callum McKay

INSIDER: Name your favorite BFNL ground to play on away from home?

JOC:Maddingley Park, Bacchus Marsh

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

JOC:Badminton

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

JOC:Bailey Thompson

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

JOC:Lewis Gilbert

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

JOC:Lachie O'Connell

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

JOC:Timmy Collins

INSIDER: Who is the best trainer out on the track?

JOC:Ethan Preston

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

JOC:Gav Maher

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

JOC:Angus Gove

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

JOC:Spaghetti bolognese

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

JOC:The Office (USA version)

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

JOC:Jacob Coxall

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

JOC:Mal Kennedy

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

JOC:Jack Butler

INSIDER: Favorite AFL club and player?

JOC:Gold Coast, Touk Mller

INSIDER: BFNL flag tip outside of the Lakers?

JOC:Melton

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

JOC:Cam McCullum (North Ballarat), Tony Lockyer (Sebastopol), Brett Bewley (Darley)

At The Bar

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INSIDER: St Joseph’s (GFNL) has been a resourceful AFL hunting ground for talent over the years. Have you played with anyone who have gone on to the highest level?

TOM ZAMPATTI:Sam Walsh (Carlton), Tom McCartin (Sydney)

INSIDER: So why the move to Lakers?

TZ:I'm best mates with Angus Gove and Brayden Helyar - we went to Uni together.

INSIDER: How are you enjoying your time, glad you made the move?

TZ:I'm loving it, good vibe, developing young group. Good foundation for future on-field success

INSIDER: There was much speculation about your knee ahead of your first game in Lakers’ colours. What actually happened?

TZ:I did my ACL for a second time on Anzac day 2022. No luck at all!

INSIDER: You're now playing and going well, what were your first impressions of the BFNL?

TZ:Pretty good standard, grounds and facilities are better in the BFNL, similar levels in top-end talent. GFNL has more depth in playing lists (the bottom six).

INSIDER: Who wins GFNL or BFNL?

TZ:Tough question. Put it this way, I reckon Melton and Darley would play finals but not win it.

INSIDER: What are three non-negotiables we would expect you to write on the whiteboard?

TZ:Play your role, Consistency, Tempo

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

TZ:Bailey Thompson

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

TZ:Bailey Ryan

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

TZ: NOT Angus Gove!

INSIDER: Favorite ground to play on away from Lake Wendouree?

TZ:Eastern Oval

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

TZ:Gav Maher

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

TZ:Bailey Thompson

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

TZ:Chicken Enchiladas

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

TZ:Angus Gove

INSIDER: Favorite AFL club and player?

TZ:Richmond, Dustin Martin

INSIDER: Tip for the BFNL flag?

TZ:Darley

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

TZ:Brett Bewley (Darley), Jordy Johnston (East Point), Ryan Carter (Melton).