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 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. 

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:Troy Scoble

Previous Experience/Accolades:Geelong VFL Assistant/Line/Development Coach (2019-23), Melton South Senior Coach (2007-10).

ON THE RECORD:

SCOOP: Troy, welcome aboard - you take over a group that has seemingly had the competition mentally beat before the opening bounce, but that aura has shifted somewhat since a straight sets exit in last year’s finals. How do you go about invigorating a group to go again and a little differently I imagine under your tutelage?

TROY SCOBLE: Thats the challenge for us sure - reinvigorate the older group, educate the middle, develop the young. They're a motivated, driven group and whilst we are looking forward, not back, some do feel they left a bit of footy out there last year. Excited about supporting the group to fulfill their potential.

SCOOP: Denying the Bloods uncontested marking (primarily) was a masterstroke from coaches Travis Hodgson (2022) and Dan Jordan (2023, three times). Is there a plan to change the way you play or can we expect pretty much of the same. After all, it was only Darley and East Point that found a way last year.

TS: Expect a different style of footy - focus on our structure and an emphasis on our quality of clearance and method around the contest.

SCOOP: Did you watch much BFNL footy last year - if so, what are your thoughts on the level of competition?

TS: Saw every game. Standard is good. Teams have different sets of attributes and some real high-quality coaching.

SCOOP: Did you start making notes on opposition once aware of your appointment for season 2024?

TS: Yeah I did, more so on the style of footy teams were playing and what we need think about to combat that and challenge the competition. Was also detailed assessment of the Melton list - where we're at / what to work on etc. 

SCOOP: Ben Archard and Brenton Payne are notable absentees for your 2024 campaign but you welcome back the Hickeys among a few. I guess it's a case of aerial loss for ground ball gain. How do you see it?

TS: Agree totally. Running capacity over aerial regardless of talent we will ensure we have a greater balance and flexibility for the type of footy we want to play.

SCOOP: What will be the three non-negotiables playing under Troy Scoble?

TS: Run, Use the ball well, Team first attitude.

SCOOP: The Devils got you three times last year. They're the new yardstick - share a weakness of theirs with the broader BFNL that will help find a way through.

TS: I thought Darley were in great shape to win it a long way out, they are coached so well. Any vulnerabilities if I have to pick an area - maybe scoring. Defensively and their work around the contest and clearance through the midfield, you don't see much better.

IDENTIFIED STRENGTHS

TS: Running ability, Balance and depth of the list (talls and smalls). United, well driven local group.

PROJECTED IMPROVEMENT

TS: New game style, clear method in all phases of the game. (Defence, Contest and Offence), Development from within the list, plenty of players hungry for opportunity.

MOST UNDER AND OVERRATED STAT IN TODAY'S BFNL FOOTY

TS: Possessions – Overrated, Post clearance groundball - Underrated

PRE-SEASON TRAINING

TS: Strong numbers with 76 players training. One session per week only for a month pre-Xmas - returned Jan 22.

PLAYER INS

Jaycob Hickey (Diggers Rest), Lachlan Hickey (Diggers Rest), Bailey Mawson (returning), Billy Sullivan (Darley).

PLAYER OUTS

Ben Archard (work - Noosa, Qld), Brenton Payne (Gordon)

VFL AFFILIATED PLAYERS

Kyle Borg (Port Melbourne), Jack Watkins (North Melbourne), Conrad Farrugia (Werribee training), Adrian Monitto (Werribee training).

THE DRAW

SCOOP: Rated second EASIEST draw in the comp with double ups against just two of remaining five finalists from last year (Darley, North Ballarat). Other double up meetings include Melton South, Lake Wendouree, Bacchus Marsh and Sunbury). On the draw alone, there should be no excuses. Expecting the Bloods again to secure a top three finish after two previous H&A Minor Premierships.

PRACTICE MATCH SCHEDULE

March 16 v Strathmore (Venue TBA)

March 23 v Gisborne (Venue TBA)

April 6 v Pending opposition.

IMPROVERS TIP: (OUTSIDE OF MELTON)

TS: East Point

FLAG TIP: (OUTSIDE OF MELTON)

TS: Darley

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.

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: Hi Aaron, you've committed to the club again in 2023 win, lose or draw. I see up to six other coaches are departing - how time-consuming is the role?

AARON: Oh mate, when your time is not spent working, it's spent working on footy!

INSIDER: You finished 2nd in 2018 in your first season in charge with a young group arguably ahead of time. What makes this group so coachable? 

AARON: Willingness to learn and adapt.

INSIDER: Name the #1 non-negotiable your players would expect you to write first on the whiteboard?

AARON: Compete.

INSIDER: From the outside, you're quite an even lot at the Bloods across the three lines - is there any line that stands above internally?

AARON: Well, I'm a 'defence first' coach - I often run the young blokes through there for early development. It's a good way for them to start learning the game.

INSIDER: Who has been the one opposition player that has caused you the most grief in any one game?

AARON: Matty Johnston (East Point - 2018 BFNL Grand Final)

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

AARON: Maybe basketball 

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

AARON: Kyle Borg

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

AARON: Zac Russell

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

AARON: Toss up - Braeden Kight or Ryan Carter

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

AARON: Kyle Borg

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

AARON: Lachlan Walker - he's been my love child since day one and we're still together!

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

AARON: Breaking Bad

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

AARON: Chris Jones

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

AARON: Bangers and Mash

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

AARON: No one!

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

AARON: Braeden Kight

INSIDER: Favorite AFL club and player?

AARON: Western Bulldogs, Liam Picken.

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

AARON: Tony Locker (Sebastopol - back), Brett Bewley (Darley - mid), Jake Owen (Bacchus Marsh - forward)  

INSIDER: Finally, describe your opponent Sebastopol in a word?

AARON: Honest

At The Bar

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INSIDER: About time we got you At the Bar - you've twisted our arm for long enough! How long has it been for you at the Bloods?

NABBY:33 years - arrived at the club in 1991.

INSIDER: Strange one, but did you have offers to join other clubs as an administrator over the journey?

NABBY:Over the journey yes - I’ll withhold club names out of respect.

INSIDER: How are the Bloods travelling mate?

NABBY:Tracking well this year, promoting within. Year to date – successful.

INSIDER: And more importantly, how are you travelling at the moment - how's your health?

NABBY:In between a pacemaker and prostate cancer life couldn't be better for the last 2 years.

INSIDER: Maccy Park is a love it or hate it venue - given its location and exposure to the elements. Is the ground a bit firmer than you'd like - to the eye, apart from the middle it looks rock hard?

NABBY:We'd like a softer surface sure. It's a grass (type) issue, not a surface issue.

INSIDER: You've been a fan of interleague over the years and placed a huge onus on socialising with other clubs, win or lose, is that club policy or do you just enjoy the social aspect?

NABBY:I enjoy the people you meet on the journey and the thrill of seeing them again years later wherever that may be.

INSIDER: You've done well to hang onto all those talented juniors (1 pointers) and keep them inside the cap. They must be a special bunch of lads who value club first ahead of themselves?

NABBY:They've played all their footy together right up through juniors - their loyalty is very much appreciated by the club.

INSIDER: Is it written in small print they must buy a car from you at Melton Toyota upon signing on?

NABBY:Very much so - #1 condition of all signatures!

INSIDER: Where are you seeing the greatest area of growth at club level?

NABBY:Started with the juniors moving to Maccy Park - keeps us all on the same page with vested interest.

INSIDER: Were you ever any good at footy - what was your version of your biggest day out before we get it confirmed?

NABBY:No glory on it, plenty off it!

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

NABBY:Hugh Carey

INSIDER: Who was the highest profile player you almost landed at Melton?

NABBY:David Barnes! The pen ran out of ink, that's why David ended up at Darley.

INSIDER: Strangely, no Premierships in the RDFL and three in the BFNL - is that unders? Have the Bloods left a few out there?

NABBY:For sure. We lost 4/4 Grand Finals in the 1990's!

INSIDER: You look like a nervous watcher of footy and happier when it's all over - how are you on match days?

NABBY:Nervous wreck, no matter who or where we're playing. Come 5pm I’m a happy man!

INSIDER: What is your favorite ground to visit away from MacPhersons Park?

NABBY:Darley Park on and off the ground.

INSIDER: Favorite footy person over the journey outside of the club?

NABBY:Kelvin Dale and Mick Whelan

INSIDER: Invite 5 of your favorite Bloods over the journey to the Dinner table - take your pick..

NABBY:Hugh Carey, Darren Brown, Craig Berger, Jack Walker, Adrian Monitto

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

NABBY:Sausages, chips and an egg with gravy!

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

NABBY:Foxtel sport - best reality tv show on earth!

INSIDER: Which one of the following most relates to you - Reader, viewer, gamer, commentator, raver?

NABBY:People do say I’m a raver!

INSIDER: Best three players you've seen at the Bloods in your time there?

NABBY:Hugh Carey, Mark Hunter, Danny Del Ray

INSIDER; Best or favorite three players from other clubs over the journey?  

NABBY:David Barnes (Darley), Brendan Treblecock (Sunbury), Brett Bewley (Darley)

INSIDER: Any truth in the story you signed former star Melton South junior and Western Bulldog Darren Stanley on a napkin in the late hours at a night club?

NABBY:Yes, 100% true over a Scotch!

INSIDER: Who wins - the Premiership Bloods of 2000, 2001 or 2022?

NABBY:The 2000 team gets the nod

INSIDER: Favorite AFL club and player?

NABBY:Sydney - Luke Parker

INSIDER: Biggest danger to the Bloods this year?

NABBY:Darley on a good day

INSIDER: If you could have three current players from other BFNL clubs join Melton who would you recruit?

NABBY:Brett Bewley (Darley), Matty Johnston (East Point) and Jordy Johnston (East Point)

At The Bar

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INSIDER: Great year for you personally in a covid impacted season - how have you managed to stay on top of your game?

JACK:Keep fit over the breaks, avoid alcohol, work on strength and conditioning in own time.

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

JACK:Kyle Borg

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

JACK:Braedan Kight or Ryan Carter

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

JACK:Play in a Grand Final

INSIDER: Which Bloods family would win a mini Olympics - Walker, Carter, Hickey?

JACK:the Walkers - there's 4 of us - numbers win out

INSIDER: Who would you rather on your Trivia team - President Brian McNabb or Coach Aaron Tymms?

JACK:Brian

INSIDER: Who is the best player you've seen play in Bloods colors?

JACK:Matt Nottman at his peak

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

JACK:Jake Buttigieg

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

JACK:Basketball

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

JACK:Billy Crofts

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

JACK:Tommy Button

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

JACK:Chickpea Curry, they would love it 

INSIDER: Who at Melton is not as funny as he thinks he is?

JACK:Aaron Tymms

INSIDER: Favorite AFL club and player?

JACK:Western Bulldogs, Marcus Bontempelli

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

JACK:Jake Owen (Bacchus Marsh), Mickitja Rottumah-Onus (East Point), Tony Lockyer (Sebastopol)

INSIDER: If Melton don't win the flag, who would you rather?

JACK:Any team other than East Point - share the joy!

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INSIDER: What did you manage to get done during COVID?

JAKE: Sleep and more sleep!

INSIDER: Did you miss footy as much as you thought you would?

JAKE: Not so much game day, but definitely the boys around the club mid-week.

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

JAKE: Dylan Conway, the big dog!

INSIDER: Who is more likely to give a goal away to a team-mate, you or your brother Will?

JAKE: Me, no doubt whatsoever!

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

JAKE: Chicken Parmigiana

INSIDER: What is the hardest trip in BFNL?

JAKE: Eastern Oval (East Point)

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

JAKE: Matt Sullivan

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

JAKE: Cricket (played subbies)

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

JAKE: Probably me

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

JAKE: Jayden Smoors

INSIDER: Which ground is your favorite surface to play on in the BFNL?

JAKE: Melton South, of course

INSIDER: Who is the most underrated player at Melton South?

JAKE: Brad Olsson, no-one knows how good he is yet

INSIDER: if you could have any of the following Jakes on your team who would pick: Edwards, McQueen, or Owen?

JAKE: McQueen (East Point)

INSIDER: Flag tip outside of Melton South?

JAKE: Sebastopol

At The Bar

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INSIDER: What were you guilty of binge watching through Covid?

JED: Friends, Peaky Blinders

INSIDER: Who would win the brother Olympics at Sebastopol? The Lockyers or the Hutts?

JED: The Hutts - they're pretty good - they would back themselves 100%

INSIDER: Tell us in a nutshell about your new coach Michael Searle?

JED: Really understanding and relates to everyone well.

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

JED: Jayden 'Sevolution' Severino

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

JED: Toby Hutt

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

JED: Everyone getting the best out of themselves, staying healthy

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

JED: East Point

INSIDER: Who is the best side you've played in 2021?

JED: North Ballarat City

INSIDER: Who is your favorite footy person at Sebastopol?

JED: James Keeble

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

JED: Professional NBA2K player

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

JED: Simon Butler

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

JED: Simon Butler - guaranteed would lose the keys!

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

JED: Hot Chips and nuggets fresh from the oven!

INSIDER: If you couldn't live in Australia, which country would you move to?

JED: USA, closer to the NBA

INSIDER: Favorite AFL club and player?

JED: Hawthorn, Toby Greene

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

JED: Jordan Johnston (East Point), Josh Chatfield (North Ballarat City), Liam Hoy (Redan)

INSIDER: Henderson Medal outside of Sebastopol?

JED: Matt Johnston (East Point)

Photo Credit: The Courier 

At The Bar

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INSIDER: Congratulations on your 17 goals at the weekend, when did you lose count?

JOEL:A little stage before 3/4 time lol

INSIDER: Which quarter did you do the most damage?

JOEL:I think it was five (first quarter), four (second quarter), four (third quarter), four (final quarter), so pretty even spread

INSIDER: Which teammate, in particular, do you owe a beer for his unselfishness around goal?

JOEL:NOT Jake McQueen

INSIDER: Do you expect to be available come finals given your affiliation with Williamstown?

JOEL:Depends on games played at Williamstown - I think 11 is the maximum

INSIDER: Tell us in a nutshell about your coach Jake Bridges at East Point?

JOEL:Very good man, goes about in a different way - very team-oriented

INSIDER: Jake said your effort at the weekend was just reward for all of your hard work over the last few months - what have you been up to? 

JOEL:I train Mon, Tues, Thurs and weights Wednesdays so there's been a bit of work put in

INSIDER: How is everything going at Williamstown?

JOEL:Good. We're in the eight aiming for a top-four spot.

INSIDER: Why do you think some local clubs get more access to their VFL-affiliated players than others?

JOEL:It depends on club and coach. Also the player type / dynamic and his history in the VFL

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

JOEL:I hate saying this...Jordy Johnston!

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

JOEL:Brad Whittacker 

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

JOEL:North Ballarat City

INSIDER: Who is your favorite footy person at East Point?

JOEL:Neil Lardner 

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

JOEL:I'd love to say Basketball but I'm no good at it!

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

JOEL:Jake McQueen

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

JOEL:Jacob Brown

INSIDER: Favorite AFL club and player?

JOEL:Richmond, Dustin Martin

At The Bar

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INSIDER: Well done with back-back-back minor premierships - how long has the group been waiting for the business end to arrive?

JORDY COTTER:In the latter part of the year sure, but the evenness of the comp says you have to focus every week. But always work hard at training.

INSIDER: You find a lot of the ball in the back half - are you given a licence to do as you please or have you an opponent every week?

JC:Bit of a licence but it’s defend first.

INSIDER: The four boys - Brodie Sullivan (ankle), Lachie Watkins (knock), Lachie Walker (knee) and Ryan Carter (ill) were all injured v Darley in Round 17 - do you expect them to be right for Saturday?

JC:Yeah, they’re all fine.

INSIDER: Looks like Brenton Payne and Jono O'Brien will come in after missing Round 17 v the Devils. What do they bring to the group?

JC:O'Brien - the grunt / Payne - leadership and structure

INSIDER: Who of the departed Bloods from last year are you missing on field the most?

JC:Jacob Hickey

INSIDER: What are two non-negotiables playing under Aaron Tymms?

JC:Discipline and team first

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

JC:Soccer - Goalkeeper!

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

JC:Jordy Kight

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

JC:Adrian Monitto

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

JC:Liam Carter

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

JC:Kyle Borg

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

JC:Ray Newman

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

JC:Brodie Sullivan (spent enough time with him!)

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

JC:Blake Souter (funny man but one too many!)

INSIDER: Biggest threat to Melton for the flag?

JC:Darley

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

JC:Steak and vege off the app!

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

JC:Jack Walker

INSIDER: I heard there's been a momentum change in Tymms favorite player or is it still Lachie Walker?

JC:Your mail is right, the baton is changing!

INSIDER: Who's your biggest footy critic?

JC:The old girl - Mum knows everything!

INSIDER: Favorite AFL club and player?

JC:Western Bulldogs, Marcus Bontempelli

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

JC:Jordy Johnston (East Point), Brett Bewley (Darley), Jack Riding (North Ballarat)

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INSIDER: The Bloods are flying again on a back-to-back mission, do you think you're traveling better this year?

JORDY KIGHT:Yeah I think so, if we get our full 22 on the park it's fair to say yes.

INSIDER: What are you (as a team) doing better than last year - and not as well as last year?

JK:Better - less reliant on individuals. Improvement - training the way we play.

INSIDER: Which of the departed Bloods from last season flag win are you missing the most?

JK:Bailey Mawson

INSIDER: What are three non-negotiables playing under Aaron Tymms?

JK:Brotherhood, Pressure, Play your role

INSIDER: Which family would win a goalkicking comp? the Carters, the Walkers, the Kights or the Watkins?

JK;The Kights! The Watkins no chance!

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

JK:Cricket

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

JK:Blake Souter

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

JK:Oscar Greenshields

INSIDER: Biggest footy critic?

JK:My girlfriend’s Dad!

INSIDER: Have you ever bought a car off Nabby?

JK:No!

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

JK:James Robertson

INSIDER: Favorite ground to play on away from MacPherson Park?

JK:Eastern Oval

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

JK:Ray Newman

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

JK:Riley Walker

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

JK:Steak!

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

JK:Jack Walker

INSIDER: Is Lachlan Walker still Tymmsy's favorite player?

JK: It's pretty close now mate, Lachlan Phillips is turning a few heads!

INSIDER: Who do you think would be leading Melton's Best and Fairest?

JK:Jordy Cotter

INSIDER: Favorite AFL club and player?

JK:Western Bulldogs, Tom Liberatore

INSIDER: Biggest threat to Melton for the flag?

JK:North Ballarat

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

JK:Andrew Hooper (Ballarat), Billy Myers (Darley), Jake Owen (Bacchus Marsh)

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INSIDER: You're a Port Melbourne VFL listed player - do you still have ambitions furthering your footy beyond the Bloods - where are you at?

KYLE BORG:The interest from Port Melbourne is there but my opportunity has yet to come. #hurryup!

INSIDER: The 'Borg moment' kicking the sealer against Sunbury a few weeks ago must have been bittersweet for you in a tough week. How were the scenes in the rooms after the game?

KB:Very emotional. Meant so much to me and the footy club. Oe of the best wins I’ve ever been involved with.

INSIDER: On the team front - explain the improvement at Melton?

KB:New system under Troy Scoble exceeding expectation. More improvement to come.

INSIDER: What do the Kights and the Carters think of you sneaking down off a wing and kicking goals? Liam Carter made his thoughts clear marking your would've been goal on the goal line last week!

KB:They're not HUGE fans to be honest! They think I’m a bit of a scene stealer taking away an opportunity to flare their wears! 

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

KB:Team first, selfless attitude, effort.

INSIDER: Take us through your interleague experience - how was it?

KB:Amazing, very grateful, learnt a lot!

INSIDER: Hypothetically speaking, how would the Under 23 BFNL team fare if it were a team in the BFNL?

KB:Would hold their own, competitive, make finals.

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

KB:Lachie Walker

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

KB:Athletics

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

KB:Jordy Kight

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

KB:Zach Russell and Lachie Doran

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

KB:Braedan Kight

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

KB:I've got them covered!

INSIDER: What is your favorite ground to play on away from MacPhersons Park?

KB: Eastern Oval or Mars Stadium.

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

KB:Lachie Watkins and Adrian Monitto

INSIDER: Invite 5 of your favourite celebs to the Dinner table - take your pick..

KB:Sam Mitchell, Luke Hodge, Chris Hemsworth, Tom Brady, Margot Robbie

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

KB:Lasagne with a side of sweet potato chips!

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

KB:"You" (Netflix)

INSIDER: Which one of the following most relates to you - Reader, viewer, gamer, commentator, raver?

KB:Gamer and reader

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

KB:Jack Walker - he's pretty switched on.

INSIDER: Do any of the boys have annoying habits or superstitions they repeat before matches?

KB:More a team superstition. We play 'Keep it up' with a soccer ball each week. Record stands at 46.

INSIDER: Who is your number one footy critic?

KB:Dad

INSIDER: Favorite AFL club and player?

KB:Hawthorn, Luke Hodge and Sam Mitchell

INSIDER; Biggest danger to the Bloods this year?

KB:East Point - very physical and well drilled.

INSIDER If you could have three players from other BFNL clubs join Melton who would you recruit?

KB:Brett Bewley (Darley), Tony Lockyer (Sebastopol), Jordy Johnston (East Point)

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INSIDER: You've been made to work after half time in a couple of games already this year. How many sides do you think can actually win the flag?

Lachie Phillips:Four

INSIDER: You've started the season very well personally, have you done anything different or is it down to natural progression from being a good junior?

LP:Progression with more experience in the role.

INSIDER: North Ballarat's Stewart Crameri is a fair-sized unit! How'd you go against him? Any advice for other players who get that role?

LP:I think he was bit sore going in. It's do your best kind of stuff, you're right he is a big unit!

INSIDER: Who of the departed Bloods from last year are you missing on-field the most?

LP:Mark Orr

INSIDER: What are two non-negotiables playing under Tymmsy?

LP:Respect the opposition and effort.

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

LP:Basketball

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

LP:Blake Souter, he’s super tough

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

LP:Zach Russell

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

LP: Liam Carter

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

LP:Kyle Borg

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

LP:Jordy Cotter

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

LP:Riley Walker

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

LP:Jordan Kight

INSIDER: Biggest threat to Melton for the flag?

LP:Sebastopol

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

LP:Steak!

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

LP:Ryan Carter

INSIDER: Can you just confirm Tymmsy's favorite player one more time for everyone please mate?

LP:Lachlan Walker

INSIDER: Who's you biggest footy critic?

LP:Dad

INSIDER: Favorite AFL club and player?

LP:Richmond, Patrick Cripps

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

LP:Brett Bewley (Darley), Lachlan Cassidy (Sebastopol), Jake Owen (Bacchus Marsh)

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INSIDER: The Bloods are flying again, do you think you're travelling better this year?

LACHIE WATKINS:Hoping so - the new game style should hold us in good stead.

INSIDER: What are you (as a team) doing better than last year - and not as well as last year?

LW:Better – Structure and set up, Improvement - natural adjustment period.

INSIDER: What are three non-negotiables playing under Troy Scoble?

LW:Effort, Pressure, Be adventurous.

INSIDER: Which family would win a goalkicking comp? the Carters, the Walkers, the Kights or the Watkins?

LW:The Watkins! Definitely not the Kights (looking at you Jordy)

INSIDER: How many games do you think your brother Jack (North Melbourne VFL) will play for the Bloods this year?

LW:Hopefully none at all with everyone fit and healthy etc

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

LW:Cricket

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

LW:Jordy Cotter, Lachlan Phillips

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

LW:Braedan Kight’s little brother!

INSIDER: Biggest footy critic?

LW:My brother Jack (perfectionist)

INSIDER: Have you ever bought a car off Nabby?

LW:Not yet, but not from a lack of him trying!

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

LW:Bailey Mawson

INSIDER: Favorite ground to play on away from MacPherson Park?

LW:Clarke Oval, Sunbury

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

LW:Ray Newman

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

LW:Any of the Walkers!

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

LW:Steak

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

LW:Tom Button

INSIDER: Which of the following best describes you - a reader, a gamer, a commentator, a raver?

LW: A reader

INSIDER: Who do you think would be leading Melton's Best and Fairest?

LW:Jaycob Hickey or Braedan Kight

INSIDER: Favorite AFL club and player?

LW:Geelong, Jeremy Cameron

INSIDER: Biggest threat to Melton for the flag?

LW:Darley

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

LW:Brett Bewley (Darley), Jordy Johnston (East Point), Tyson Lever (Sunbury).

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INSIDER: What's it like playing high level footy under your Dad (Troy)? Are you able to separate the roles he has in your life?

MAX SCOBLE: Yeah definitely - we split family / footy conversation - no favours

INSIDER: Your Grandfather, Wayne Scoble, won a B&F at Darley in 1975. Who do you think he will be supporting on Saturday?

MS: I think the Bloods....maybe...?

INSIDER: Name the #1 non-negotiable we would expect your coach, your Dad, to write first on the white board game day?

MS: United

INSIDER: Name the #1 non-negotiable we would expect your Mum to write first on the fridge?

MS: Do the Dishes!

INSIDER: It was pretty cool to see you play senior footy with your younger brother Chase - what does he have you wish you had?

MS: A cool haircut - I have everything else he wishes he had!

INSIDER: Who is your harshest critic in the family?

MS: Mum!

INSIDER: Favorite ground to play on away from MacPherson Park?

MS: City Oval

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

MS: Golf - but average at best!

INSIDER: Which of the following best suits you? A reader, a gamer, a commentator, a raver?

MS: A raver!

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

MS: Jai Whitehead

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

MS: Zach Russell

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

MS: Braedan Kight

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

MS: Kyle Borg

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

MS: Beau Beck

INSIDER: Are you a footy head - how do you consume your footy each week? Rate yourself out of 10.

MS: 8/10 - AFL - podcasts, read, watch a few games. Local - follow a few comps, mates etc

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

MS: Steak and veg

INSIDER; Invite 5 people whoever you like to sit at the dinner table with you.....

MS: Lebron James, James Hird, Justin Jefferson (NFL), Tom Brady (NFL), Tiger Woods

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

MS: Justin Newton

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

MS: Blake Souter

INSIDER: Name a player that has any unusual, weird superstitions ahead of game time...

MS: Adrian Monitto has to have a cold shower before a game!

INSIDER: Favorite AFL club and player?

MS: Essendon, Zach Merrett

INSIDER: Biggest threat to Melton winning the flag?

MS: Too close to call

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

MS: Broden Collins (Melton South), Riley Polkinghorne (North Ballarat), Brett Bewley (Darley)

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INSIDER: Congratulations on the journey so far, mate. Win/loss aside, it's been a tough year for the club. What has a spot in the grand final done for the morale of the Bloods’ family?

TROY SCOBLE: The challenges experienced galvanize and strengthen our connection. Provides genuine feedback to us all that we have a unique environment with genuine people.

INSIDER: Do you think the current playing group is undervalued or underappreciated more broadly given their impeccable win/loss record dating back as far as 2018?

TS: Absolutely. The numbers don’t lie on the group’s performance this home and away season. The acknowledgement or lack thereof is not our concern, seeking external acknowledgement has never been a goal.

INSIDER: If so, should the covid epidemic take some responsibility for us missing out on the Bloods’ full potential through 2020-21?

TS: Great question. The age profile of the group may suggest they lost some opportunities. However, there are other teams over the period that would have felt the same.

INSIDER: You're harder to play against in 2024 – what is the reason behind that? You could look at percentage, depth, maturity of talent, system, anything else?

TS: Combination of all but system, development and trust in the list is the reason. Talent has no influence.

INSIDER: Scoreboard aside, what's the one stat you'd like to win today?

TS: Pressure rating

INSIDER: What is your #1 non-negotiable asked of the players each week?

TS: Know your role, play your role.

INSIDER: Playing group aside, is there another battle going on on-field between coaches - are some harder to play against than others - do some work out your theories better than others where you need to adapt on the run?

TS: There is. Love the challenge. Some terrific coaches in the competition that challenge your coaches’ box, and you build your learning when you coach against them.

INSIDER: It must've been a proud moment seeing both of your boys Max and Chase play senior footy together... how was that reality for you?

TS: As a coach, love seeing players earn opportunities. As a parent, a thrill for our family. Also being a part of five sets of brothers playing in a game is a great memory for them.

INSIDER: Who is your harshest critic?

TS: My wife, Michelle!

INSIDER: Favorite BFNL ground away from MacPherson Park?

TS: Darley Park

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

TS: One trick wonder. None.

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

TS: Lachie Phillips

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

TS: Blood’s bank is full - too many to individualize!

INSIDER: Who is the most fundamentally skilled player at the club?

TS: Kyle Borg

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

TS: All of the volunteers

INSIDER: Are you a footy head - how do you consume your footy each week?

TS: I love footy and the strategies that go with it. Watch a bit of AFL, have some good networks.

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

TS: Some form of meat on a spit.

INSIDER: Invite 5 people whoever you like to sit at the dinner table with you...

TS: My wife Michelle, Roger Federer, Luke Hodge, Tom Brady.

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

TS: Jordy Kight

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

TS: Can't answer without offending haha!

INSIDER: Name a player that has any unusual, weird superstitions ahead of game time...

TS: Couple of players (nameless) like to shower pregame!

INSIDER: Favorite AFL club and player?

TS: Hawthorn, Toby Greene

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

TS: Brett Bewley (Darley), Brady Wright (Darley), Riley Polkinghorne (North Ballarat) & Tony Lockyer (Sebastopol).

INSIDER: I said you could only have three! haha