News

The challenge is real for Sebastopol in 2021 but with huge talent on the 'Burras list, Scoop expects new coach Michael Serle to have a plan capable of dethroning the reigning premiers East Point. If they can do it amongst a strong pool of contenders, it would be the 'Burras first flag since 1975.

Sebastopol

Scoop’s 2021 prediction: 2nd - 4th

EXPECT new coach (non-playing) Michael Searl to have the recipe capable of dethroning East Point - and the mounting number of challengers along with it - in this year’s title race.

The 36-year-old brings with him a wealth of experience and flag success, both as a player and captain with North Ballarat (VFL) and more recently as coach of Springbank (Central Highlands).

"I'm excited for the season ahead," he said.

"I'm not here to make any drastic changes to the game plan that got us within three goals of a premiership in 2019, but our lack of efficiency by foot over that final series was one area we identified where there’s room for improvement.

"We had enough of it (the ball), but we lacked polish, especially going forward."

Complacency on the back of a Runners Up year is not a word you would associate with the 'Burras, given their sought-after additions in the off-season.

Jack Richards (Warrnambool) looms as the immediate replacement for departed ruckman Toby Thoolen, who has returned to Swan Hill for family reasons. *Michael Lockyer (Lismore - 6ft mid-forward/wing) and Connor O'Shea (Maryborough - half back/mid) will add leg speed and skill, while youngster Adam Haslett (Aararat - half back) is thriving with the rise in grade to BFNL company. Jacob Breguet (23-year-old from Merbein – 6’4 ruck) will provide some much-needed relief for Richards, while up and comer Liam Stow (North Warrnambool – 6’3) who trained with the club in 2019 is a hopeful hit-up third tall forward option. Nick Hausler (forward - pinch-hit ruck) and Jack McNabb (key back) assume the bonus recruits tag for 2021 given they missed near all of 2019 for the 'Burras with injury.

This blend of youth and experience is sure to add depth quality to a group that isn't shy of top talent. Lachlan Cassidy, Luke Kiel, Tony Lockyer and Daniel Widgery are said to be primed for Round One, while Michael Powell (leg) has had the best part of twelve months to fully recover from injury. Dynamic forward James Keeble is training well and continues to build. Potential young guns Jed Hill (Ballarat) and Jack Bramby (Rebels) have also been bonus acquisitions.  

The 'Burras lose Captain Tom Peterson (AFL Queensland), Brett Goodes (retired), Geoffrey Lovett (Central Highlands), Jordan Gercovich (Rokewood) and Hamish Everitt (Rokewood).

Searl was disappointed Goodes won't be going around again.

"He's (Brett) an old mate of mine from the VFL days, I would've loved to have him, if only for half a season."

The 'Burras will be ready to fire as match simulation ramps up in preparation for Round One's blockbuster Grand Final replay against the Kangas.

Searl's motto ahead of 2021 is crystal clear.

"Go one better," he said.

Sebastopol has not won a premiership since 1975.

*Michael Lockyer (brother of Tony) has booted 320 goals from 98 games with Lismore in the Mininera and District Football League over the last five seasons (season scores of 71, 67, 76, 35) and averages just over 3 goals per game.

Affiliated players: 0

Serle's Tips

(Qualification must have played a minimum of 4 GAMES 2021)

B; D.KENNEDY (BALL), R.HOBBS (NBC), M.BRETT (DAR)

HB; T.LOCKYER (SEB), B.VAN DE HEUVEL (BALL), T.LEVER (SUN)

C; L.CASSIDY (SEB), M.JOHNSTON (EAST), R.POLKINGHORNE (NBC)

HF; JAKE OWEN (B/M), T.HUTT (SEB), J.CHATFIELD (NBC)

F; B.KIGHT (MELT), D.CONWAY (M/STH), N.RIPPON (LAKE)

R; D.BURTON (B/M), L.GEORGE (RED) J.DODD (EAST)

BENCH; S.MACARTIN (BALL), J.WALKER (MELT), J.OBRIEN (NBC), D.TOMAN (SUN)

STIFF; B.JONES (EAST), S.WYATT (M/STH), L&RCARTER BROS (MELT), K.KLIXX (MELT)

‘Celestial Footy’, a book on the history of Chinese heritage Australian Rules football will be launched in Ballarat at the Victoria Bowling Club on Friday December 1st, 2023.

In "Celestial Footy, the story of Chinese Heritage Aussie Rules", author Patrick Skene chronicles the participation and passion of Chinese heritage immigrants and their descendants in Australia's beloved national game – Australian Rules Football.

The event will include a presentation on the book, stories from panel members, delicious Cantonese food and a performance from Chinese classical performer Gu Zheng.

Attendees will hear from:

- Former Golden Point Rice Eaters Bill Moy and Steven Tung

- Mark Lepp, the great grandson of James Lepp the first Chinese-Australian umpire from Ballarat from the 1880s and grandson of Clarence Lepp, the first Chinese Australian captain of Golden Point

- Michael Walsh to talk about Billy Butterfly, iconic Golden Point Rice Eaters supporter

- North Ballarat's Digger Roberts on the legend of Jack Wunhym

- Sarah Loh - the first Asian CEO within the AFL football system

- Brian Foo - on his father Harold Foo who played for North Ballarat

Published by Hardie Grant Media, in partnership with the AFL, the National Foundation for Australia-China Relations and Cultural Pulse, Celestial Footy is more than a football book and it tells the powerful story of the Chinese-Australian men and women who overcame obstacles and adversity to play the game they loved.

Event Details:

Event: Celestial Footy Book Launch

Date: Friday December 1st, 2023

Venue: Victoria Bowling Club, 231 Victoria Street, Ballarat East

Time: 6pm - 8pm

Cost: Free

Books available for sale on the night.

Lachlan Cassidy and Stacey Matthews scoop major awards at Henderson & McLean Medals night.

The McDonald's Ballarat FNL rounded out a tumultuous year with the staging of the prestigious Henderson and McLean Medals. 

In a break from tradition, the awards were held as an online event and set the standard for streaming of awards. 

The league is delighted to detail the winners of all senior awards and wish everyone the best for the new 2022 season. 

FOOTBALL 

Henderson Medal (Senior Football) 

• Winner - Lachlan Cassidy (Sebastopol FNC)

• Runner Up - Jack Walker (Melton FNC) 

George King Medal (Reserves Football) 

• Winner - Jack McClure (East Point FNC) 

• Runners Up - Connor Stone (Bacchus Marsh FNC), James Taylor (Melton FNC), Simon Butler (Sebastopol FNC) 

Dick Rees Memorial Trophy (Under 19 Football) 

• Winners - Luke Gray (Ballarat FNC) & Jack Sampi (East Point FNC) 

• Runners Up - Josh Carlyle-Marks (East Point FNC) & Murphy Boyd (Sunbury FNC) 

Tony Locket Medal - Senior Football Leading Goal Kicker 

• Dylan Conway (Melton South FNC) - 35 goals 

Under 19 Leading Goal Kicker 

• Dylan Jobson (Melton FNC) - 36 goals 

McDonald's Ballarat Goal of The Year 

• Jai Harvey (Sebastopol FNC) - Round 8 

McDonald's Ballarat Mark of The Year 

• Jacob Lohmann (Lake Wendouree FNC) - Round 2

Jim Gull Medal - Reserves Football Leading Goal Kicker 

• Taylor Stewart (Sebastopol FNC) - 34 goals

Ballarat FNL Senior Football Team of The Year 

BACK

Luke Wynd (BAL), Ryan Hobbs (NB), Jordyn Cotter (MEL)

HALF BACK

Tyson Lever (SUN), Bailey Van de Heuval (BAL), Tony Lockyer (SEB)

CENTRE

Nick Rippon (LW), Matthew Johnston (EP), Lachlan Cassidy (SEB)

HALF FORWARD

Josh Chatfield (NB), Jake Owen (BM), Braedan Kight (MEL)

FORWARD

Jack Walker(MEL), Dylan Conway (MS), Andrew Hooper (BAL)

RUCK

Daniel Burton (BM), Lachlan George (RED), Riley Polkinghorne (NB)

INTERCHANGE

Cooper Craig-Peters (RED), Joel Ottavi (EP), Jonathan O’Brien(NB), Cameron McCallum (NB)

“Mick Malthouse” Coach of The Year 

• Brendan McCartney - North Ballarat FNC 

“Harry Harris” Administrator of The Year 

• Dean Hetherington - East Point FNC 

Sportsman’s Association of Australia (Ballarat - Rookie of The Year)

• Cooper Craig-Peters - Redan FNC 

Senior Umpire of The Year 

• Adrian Tinetti 

NETBALL

Sally McLean Medal (A Grade Netball) 

• Winner - Stacey Matthews (North Ballarat FNC) 

• Runner Up - Akira McCormack (Melton South) 

B Grade Netball Best & Fairest 

• Winner - Perri Fenton (Ballarat FNC) 

• Runner Up - Jacqui Clifton (Lake Wendouree FNC) 

C Grade Netball Best & Fairest 

• Winner - Kirsty McLean (Ballarat FNC) 

• Runners Up - Rachael Wilson (East Point FNC) & Tilitha Hunt (Melton FNC) 

D Grade Netball Best & Fairest 

• Winner - Elyse McGenniskan (Ballarat FNC) 

• Runner Up - Teagan Tiley (Melton FNC) 

E Grade Netball Best & Fairest 

• Winner - Joanna Aquilina (Melton FNC) 

• Runners Up - Georgie Cue (East Point FNC), Graeci Shawcross (Lake Wendouree), Amanda Borley (Melton FNC) 

19 & Under Netball Best & Fairest 

• Winner - Annie Bisinella (Lake Wendouree) 

• Runners Up - Grace Valele (Melton South FNC) & Brydi Hutchinson (North Ballarat) 

Netball Coach of The Year 

• Katie Keighrey - Lake Wendouree FNC 

Netball Coordinator of The Year 

• Melissa Dawson - Melton South FNC 

Ballarat FNL Netball Team of The Year 

GOALKEEPER 

• Grace Valele (MS)

GOAL DEFENCE 

• Emma Ryan (EP)

WING DEFENCE 

• Kara Hart (LW)

CENTRE 

• Soli Ropati (MS)

WING ATTACK 

• Stacey Matthews (NB)

GOAL ATTACK 

• Akira McCormack (MS)

GOAL SHOOTER 

• Uneeq Palavi (MEL)

SUBS

• Madison Selmon (NB)
• Emma Church (NB)
• Georgia Cann (SEB)
• Nikki Allen (SEB)
• Gina McCartin (NB)

Merv & Mary Howard Memorial Shield - Champion Club Award 

• Winner - East Point

Club Points:

East Point FNC - 113

North Ballarat FNC - 107

Lake Wendouree FNC - 91

Ballarat FNC - 79

Redan FNC - 73.5

Melton FNC - 64.5

Sebastopol FNC - 62

Melton South FNC - 56.5

Sunbury FNC - 56.5

Darley FNC - 47.5

Bacchus Marsh - 36

Congratulations to all of our 2021 award winners and thank you to our clubs, players, coaches, volunteers, supporters and sponsors.

The McDonald’s Ballarat FNL is pleased to release the 2021 Junior Fixtures for the upcoming season.

The League is excited to see a return of football and netball across the region and our junior communities getting back together.

2021 will showcase a 16-round season, commencing Sunday 18^th April with the grand final for all junior football and netball to again be played at Ballarat’s premier venue, Mars Stadium on Sunday 12^th September.

This year’s fixture has been separated into two parts to accommodate Ballarat Storm and can be separated as follows:

1. BFNL Standard Junior Fixture – All netball grades, Under 13 and Under 11 football
2. BFNL Modified Junior Fixture – Under 15 and Under 17 football

Further clarity will also be provided to clubs on the use of premier ovals in conjunction with the City of Ballarat and the structure of the BFLW fixture.

Dual gate games are yet to be determined with COVID protocols unclear at this stage. With further clarification and updates, the league will be working clubs to schedule dual gate games where possible.

The League is also delighted to announce that the Western Bulldogs Under 9 competition will again be a feature of the 2021 season and a fixture for this competition will be released in the coming weeks.

Further highlights of the 2021 junior season include:

• Competition breaks will again take place for Queens Birthday and the middle week of school holidays in July.
• Junior interleague talks continue with the Bendigo JFL, in the hope that the tradition of the Goldfields Trophy will return in 2021.

END RELEASE

The McDonald’s Ballarat FNL is pleased to provide an update to the 2021 Junior Interleague program. Following this week’s Interleague training sessions, coaches have made updates to squad lists ahead of the final week of training and matches on Saturday 26^th June.

For those that have unfortunately missed out on the opportunity to continue with the program, we thank you for your involvement and wish you all the best for the remainder of the season. Should you wish to follow up for any feedback from coaches, please email your questions to Scott Carey at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Please see below details for next weeks training sessions and the players required to attend across each age group:

Squad Updates

• Under 16 Youth Girls – no change, all squad members are required to attend next week’s training.
• Under 18 Youth Girls - no change, all squad members are required to attend next week’s training.
• U13, U14, U15 & U16.5 Boys – please see the attachment (below) for squad updates and players required to attend training next week.

Training Schedule

Note: Under 16.5 Boys have moved from Wednesday to Monday night.

Required Equipment

• All players must bring their own drink bottles to training.
• Mouthguards are requested for all players and age groups.
• Players to wear club jumpers to training.

FINAL SQUAD Presentation & Payment

Final squads will be announced by coaches at each grade's final training session. For those that make the final squads, a reminder that jumper presentations will be held on Friday 25^th June at Saxon House, 1431 Mair Street Ballarat and at the following times:

Player Cost - The McDonald’s Ballarat FNL is pleased to be able to provide opportunities to our junior clubs and players to participate in representative programs and pathways, however, these opportunities do come at a significant cost to the League.  

Given the current circumstances, the League will be subsidising a part of this cost and will require players and parents to contribute to the remaining costs associated with uniform, equipment and services provided by the League.

The cost for this year’s program per player named in the final squad of each age group will be $70.00 inc. GST. This amount will be payable to the league on Friday 25^th June. Eftpos payment will be available.

Congratulations to all the winners of the 2021 McDelivery BFLW Awards.

The McDonald’s Ballarat FNL is pleased to announce award winners following the 2021 McDelivery BFLW Presentation Night held online this evening.

The Ballarat FNL would like to thank the players coaches, parents, clubs and other volunteers for their support of the BFLW competition this season.

Award winners from the night are as follows:

League Awards

2021 McDelivery BFLW Coach of the Year

• Dylan Sexton – Sebastopol FNC

2021 McDelivery BFLW Coordiantor of the Year

• Renae Kinnane – Lake Wendouree FNC

Goal Kicking Awards

2021 McDelivery Under 14 Junior Girls Leading Goal Kicker

• Olivia Dilges - Bacchus Marsh: 19 Goals

2021 McDelivery Under 16 Youth Girls Leading Goal Kickers

• Kylah Thompson - North Ballarat: 12 Goals
• Elise Cook - Bacchus Marsh: 12 Goals

2021 McDelivery Under 18 Youth Girls Leading Goal Kicker

• Jenna Burke – Ballarat: 14 Goals

2021 McDelivery Women’s Leading Goal Kicker

• Kim Bessell – Darley: 35 Goals

2021 McDelivery Under 14 Junior Girls Awards

Best & Fairest

• Freya Palmer – Redan

Best & Fairest Runner Up

• Meg Stowe - Ballarat Swans

Rising Star

• Alyssah Whearem - Darley

2021 McDelivery Under 16 Youth Girls Awards

Best & Fairest

• Elise Cook – Bacchus Marsh

Best & Fairest Runner Up

• Tyla Crabtree - Redan

Rookie of the Year Award

• Matilda Myers – Redan
• Charley Gartlan – Ballarat Storm

2021 McDelivery Under 18 Youth Girls Awards

Best & Fairest

• Charlotte Hill – North Ballarat

Best & Fairest Runner Up

• Delta Greenhalgh – East Point

Rookie of the Year Award

• Ruby Lovel – North Ballarat

2021 McDelivery Women’s Awards

Best & Fairest

• Jaye Dalgleish - Sebastopol

Best & Fairest Runner Up

• Kali Joyce - Melton

BFLW Club-by-Club Votes

A full list of club votes can be found attached here:

The McDonalds Ballarat FNL are pleased to announce the Allowable Player Payments (APP) for the 2021 season.

After considerable input and review from various stakeholders, the league supports a reduction in APP for next season and beyond as a means of supporting clubs through this current period.

The reduced salary cap will further address a number of concerns from clubs who have been subjected to varying APP across metro leagues.

For season 2021, the Allowable Player Payments amount will be $100,000 per senior team. All other aspects of the application of the APP will remain in place. Further discussion is taking place on how player points will be applied for 2021.

By reducing the “salary cap” from $145,000 to $100,000, the league has listened to concerns of clubs and have found this to be one method for providing some financial relief moving forward.

League Chair Adrian Bettio stated,

"The real concern and feedback from clubs is about being financially viable in to next year and beyond. This reduced cap which the league has pushed for will go a long way to providing some help in budgets and bringing the cap back to a more realistic amount under the current circumstances".

The new APP will be in line with metro leagues that border our competition and provide a more equitable playing field when it comes to recruitment of players.

After a year that didn’t happen, the McDonalds Ballarat FNL today releases the full fixture for the 2021 McDonalds Senior Premiership season.

Consisting of 16 games across 18 rounds, this year promises to be one of excitement and anticipation after the cancellation of the 2020 season.

The season opens with a grand final replay, local derby and plenty of unknowns.

Highlights of the season includes:

• East Point to unfurl the 2019 Premiership flag at home against Sebastopol Round One
• Melton to open the newly redeveloped MacPherson Park precinct against cross-town rivals Melton South.
• Night football debuts at Darley Park with the devils taking on Sunbury. Match one of several night games across the first month of season.
• Bacchus Marsh to host Darley Round two in the annual ANZAC match.
• Redan to celebrate the 150^th  year in Round three.
• MacPherson Park hosting a VFL match in Round seven.
• Full league Bye on Queens Birthday weekend, replacing the interleague bye.
• Finals to commence on 28^th August with the Grand Final again taking place at Mars Stadium.

With theme rounds again this year to be confirmed and the junior fixture released shortly, there is plenty ahead in the build up to what promises to be an interesting, yet exciting season ahead.

END RELEASE

The McDonald’s Ballarat FNL is pleased to release the 2021 Western Bulldogs Under 9 fixture for the upcoming season.

After a successful launch of the competition in 2019, the League is pleased to again partner with the Western Bulldogs and see a return of Under 9 football competitions.

The partnership with the Western Bulldogs highlights the club’s commitment to the Ballarat region and development of the future stars of the Ballarat FNL.

Beginning on Friday 23^rd April, the Western Bulldogs Under 9 competition will again be showcased on a Friday night and run for 10 weeks in line with the term 2 school period, with all clubs to play each other once. No games will be held over the Queen’s Birthday weekend.

Modified rules will again be a feature of the competition with clubs hosting games played on four smaller ovals under lights.

This year also sees a growth in the competition with the Woady Yaloak Warriors entering sides for the first time.

The Ballarat FNL and Western Bulldogs encourage new families, boys, and girls to participate in this exciting competition and be part of a wonderful family atmosphere! Find your local club by visiting https://play.afl/

The fixture for the 2021 Western Bulldogs Under 9’s is attached to this release.

END RELEASE

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

This week's squad updates for the 2022 McDonald's Ballarat FNL Junior Interleague Training Squads.

Updates have been made to the 2022 McDonald’s Ballarat FNL Junior Interleague Training Squads. Following this week’s Interleague training sessions, coaches have made updates to squad lists ahead of next week's training sessions on Monday 16^th May.

• For all Junior Boys age groups please see the attachment below for squad updates and players required to attend training next week
• Youth Girls Squads will be announced via selection letters provided to clubs today

Training this week is as follows:

Monday 16th May         

• Under 13             Alfredton Village Green                                5:00pm - 6:30pm
• Under 15             Alfredton Village Green                                6:30pm - 8:00pm
• Under 14             Alfredton Recreation Reserve                     5:00pm - 6:30pm
• Under 16             Alfredton Recreation Reserve                     6:30pm - 8:00pm
• Under 16 Girls    Marty Busch Recreation Reserve               5:00pm - 6:30pm

Friday 20th May             

• Under 18 Girls    Marty Busch Recreation Reserve               6:30pm - 8:00pm

Required Equipment

• All players must bring their own drink bottles to training.
• Mouthguards are requested for all players and age groups.
• Players to wear club jumpers with playing numbers to training.

For those that have unfortunately missed out on the opportunity to continue with the interleague program, we thank you for your involvement and wish you all the best for the remainder of the season.

Should you wish to follow up for any feedback from coaches, please direct any queries through your club's Junior Coordinator.

The McDonald's Ballarat FNL is proud to announce our 2022 Junior Netball Representative Coaches.

Every year the Ballarat Football Netball League run a Junior Netball Representative Program. This program provides our junior athletes an opportunity to train, develop and compete in a crucial part of the Netball Victoria Pathway. 

We have completed our recruitment process for the 2022 Junior Netball Representative Coaches.

It is with great pleasure that the following people will be coaching in the 2022 Representative program:

Prue Douglass and Damien Mullane – 17 & Under Representative Team 

Dianne McCormack – 15 & Under Representative Team 

Kate McMahon – 13 & Under Representative Team 

We are really excited to have these coaches on board. The knowledge and experience that they all bring to the program will be amazing. 

Nominations are now open for 2022 BFNL Representative Team Players. Please fill in the attached form to submit your nomination.

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). 

The McDonald's Ballarat FNL is excited to announce finals venues for all competitions to complete the 2022 season.

With finals not being held since 2019, excitement is building towards our finals series that will see Grand Finals being played at Mars Stadium. 

Three finals series will be held over four weeks each, commencing with the McDelivery BFLWomen's Finals Series from Sunday 14thAugust through to the Carlton Draft 2022 Senior Men's Grand Final at Mars Stadium on Saturday 3rdSeptember. 

The Ballarat Toyota 2022 Junior Football and Netball finals series will kick off on Saturday 20thAugust, with the Grand Finals again at Mars Stadium on Sunday 11thSeptember. 

A competitive senior football and netball finals series will commence on Saturday 27thAugust and culminate with the Grand Finals at Mars Stadium on Saturday 17thSeptember. 

Highlights of the finals series include: 

• 21 finals events across six weeks 
• Seven different finals venues in Ballarat and Melton 
• Macpherson Park, Melton to host finals for the first time in 2022 
• 189 games of finals football and netball 
• The first ever BFLW finals series 
• More than 50,000 people expected to attend across all competitions during the finals series. 

Through the ongoing support of the City of Ballarat, Mars Stadium will host three grand finals for the premier football and netball competitions in the region in consecutive weeks. 

Through the support of McDonald's Ballarat and finals naming partners Ballarat Toyota, Carlton Draught and McDelivery, the Ballarat FNL can present top-level football and netball from the highest level across the region. 

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 Junior Fixture for 2022 has been released, with a 16-round season of junior football and netball to commence on Sunday 10th April.

The McDonald’s Ballarat FNL is pleased to release the 2022 Junior Fixture for the upcoming season.

The League is hopeful to see a full uninterrupted season of football and netball across the region.

2022 will showcase a 16-round season, commencing Sunday 10th April with the grand final for all junior football and netball to again be played at Ballarat’s premier venue, Mars Stadium on Sunday 11th September.

This year’s fixture will again be required to break into several components to accommodate our growing competitions. The first fixture release includes the following fixtures:

• BFNL Standard Junior Fixture – All netball grades, Under 11 Senior, Under 13 Senior & Reserve and Under 15 Reserve football.
• BFNL Under 15 Senior & Under 17 Fixtures – Under 15 Senior Under 17 Reserve and Senior football

Following this initial release, a modified fixture for the Under 11 Reserves will be provided to clubs with the introduction of Woady Yaloak into this grade of football.

The popular Western Bulldogs Under 9 competitions will again be a feature of the 2022 season and a fixture for this competition will be released in the coming weeks.

All junior matches have been scheduled for Sunday’s and dual gate games have not been scheduled at this point. The League still supports the dual gate concept and will manage potential opportunities with clubs on a case-by-case basis, alongside the City of Ballarat.

Further highlights of the 2022 junior season include:

• Competition breaks will again take place for the Easter Holidays, Queens Birthday weekend and the middle week of school holidays in July.
• Junior interleague against the Bendigo JFL, continuing the tradition of the Goldfields Trophy. Matches to be played in Ballarat, likely early June.

The McDonald’s Ballarat FNL is pleased to announce the appointment of our Junior and BFLW Interleague coaches for this year’s program.

The appointments follow several quality applications received by the league from coaches across both the junior and BFLW competitions. The League is pleased that all appointed coaches bring a wealth of knowledge and in particular, experience in the development of junior players to the Ballarat FNL.

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

• Under 13 – Scott Petrie & Simon Geljon
• Under 14 – Michael Dwyer
• Under 15 – Timothy Beacham
• Under 16 – Simon Remington
• Under 16 Youth Girls – Emmerson Hitch & Chris Brown
• Under 18 Youth Girls – Katie McAloon

The League is happy to provide some consistency to our coaching appointments from last year's program, as well as seeing some new coaches become involved with Simon Remington and Chris Brown stepping into their respective roles.

Some of the involvement and experience in which the selected coaches bring to the BFNL includes:

• Current BFNL Junior & BFLW coaches/players
• Previous interleague coaches
• AFL Goldfields Academy Coaches
• V/Line Coaches
• Western Bulldogs and St. Kilda Academy coaches.
• GWV Rebels Development Coaches
• Next Gen Academy Development Coaching
• VFLW playing experience

The BFNL will take on the Bendigo JFL on Saturday 4^th June in Ballarat. Selected squads and further information will be released to clubs and players over the next week.

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