The McDonald's Ballarat FNL are pleased to announce its new partnership with The Running Company Ballarat for the next two seasons.

The Running Company Ballarat opened in 2016 with the vision of providing the best service to runners and walkers through expertise grounded in science, holistic guidance and inspiring product solutions.

At the Running Company Ballarat, they offer free one-on-one personal assessments including a digital gait assessment, measuring of your foot and an in-depth discussion around footwear requirement and history to help get you into the correct shoes.

"We are thrilled to announce our partnership with the Running Company Ballarat, a renowned retailer known for delivering exceptional service and high-quality runners," said BFNL Commercial Partnership Coordinator, Aaron Clarke.

"This collaboration will aid our athletes in achieving their goals by providing them with the best runners they can get.

"The Running Company offers runners unparalleled service through scientific expertise, holistic guidance, and innovative product solutions.

"Our athletes will significantly benefit from this collaboration, receiving the best support and resources to help them achieve their goals.

"We take pride in partnering with such a reputable and community-driven business and look forward to working with Alice and the team to make this a long-lasting partnership."

"We are very excited to be teaming up with BFNL and to be able to offer our services in supporting players in their training, with safe footwear options and advice with their running, to help support their journey," said The Running Company's Alice Rowe.

Find out more about The Running Company Ballarat by heading to their websiteand get started today!

Last night our BFNL 2024 Board held their first meeting. We would like to welcome incoming BFNL Board Members Holly McEldrew and Rod Ward.

We say thank you to our 2023 Board members that assisted throughout 2023 and have now finished their term on the BFNL Board.

Adrian Bettio will continue to be the Chairperson of the BFNL Board in 2024.

Robert Simmonds has stepped into the Vice Chair Role and will work closely with Adrian over the coming season.

Our 2024 Board Members will take on the following roles in 2024.

Chairperson: Adrian Bettio
Vice Chairperson: Robert Simmonds
Finance: Gerard Harrington
Netball Directors: Brigette Mihaljevic & Alissa Harris
Executive Director: Rod Ward
Junior Football Directors: Barry Agg
BFLW Directors: Robert Simmonds & Holly McEldrew
Senior Football Director: Peter Earl

We look forward to a great season ahead of football and netball in 2024.

The initial Victorian Country boys and girls U18 representative squads have been announced and five young guns from across the McDonald's Ballarat FNL and McDelivery BFL Women's have found themselves under the AFL microscope.

In another show of the strength of the BFNL competitions, the initial squads have been released for the Vic U/18 Country and Metro representative sides for 2022.

The Vic Country squads - selected in partnership with AFL recruiters - converged on Essendon's The Hangar last weekend to undergo medical screenings and fitness tests, and set up individual development plans and training programs in preparation for the 2022 season. 

Congratulations to Aaron Cadman (Darley), Felix Fogarty (East Point) and James Van Es (North Ballarat) on their selection to the boy's squad, along with Kalani Scoullar (Ballarat) and Paige Scott (Carisbrook) for their selection in the girl's squad.

The squads will return for a second three-day camp in January to learn about preparation and recovery, GPS and training loads and football/life balance, and will take part in two full training sessions, another craft-based training program and first official interviews with AFL club recruiters.

Read the full story on AFL.com.au and see the full squads: https://bit.ly/2ZTiPhg

Welcome to Episode One of BFNL: Beyond the Boundary - proudly brought to you by Ballarat Toyota.

This week we bring you a special feature-length episode talking to the General Manager of the McDonald's Ballarat Football Netball League, Shane Anwyl, about what it means to be back on the eve of Round One, as well as previewing all the action coming up this weekend.

Throughout the year, we will bring you insights from special guests from across BFNL Netball, BFLW and the BFNL.

And look out for host Brad Sinclair, who will be popping up all over the place for Street Talk and interviews and more.

The Ballarat Football Umpires Association (BFUA) is thrilled to announce its upcoming 110th Anniversary Celebration, marking more than a century of dedication to the game of football and the umpiring community. 

This momentous occasion will bring together current and former umpires, along with their families and friends, to reflect on the association's rich history since its inception in 1913.

The event promises to be a memorable gathering open to all ages, fostering camaraderie and nostalgia.

Scheduled to take place at the Ballarat Leagues Club on evening of Saturday July 15, 2023, the BFUA's 110th Anniversary Celebration is poised to be an unforgettable experience.

Umpires, both present and past, will have a chance to reconnect, reminisce, and share stories of their time on the field.

Additionally, this event provides an opportunity for attendees to witness the remarkable progress and evolution of the BFUA over the past century.

"The BFUA's 110th Anniversary Celebration is a milestone that speaks to our enduring commitment to football and the umpiring fraternity," said BFUA Chairperson Deb Sleep.

"We look forward to bringing together a diverse group of individuals who have dedicated themselves to the sport, as well as their loved ones.

"This event will allow us to celebrate our shared history, honour the contributions of our umpires, and create lasting memories."

To secure a place at this historic gathering, tickets are available for purchase at the price of $35 per person. Interested individuals can reserve their tickets by visiting the official event booking page.

The Ballarat Football Umpires Association looks forward to welcoming the football community, including current and former umpires, family members, friends, and all those who share a passion for the game.

Don't miss out on this exceptional occasion to honour our shared heritage and celebrate the enduring spirit of the BFUA.

For further information, please contact Billy Mitchell at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 0400 477 251

The Ballarat Football Umpires Association (BFUA) is proud to announce and celebrate a significant achievement as two promising female field umpires, Ally Steenhuis and Kate Tomkins, make their debut in the Ballarat Football Netball League (BFNL) senior competition

Love footy and think umpiring could be for you? Now is a great time to have a chat. The BFUA is now seeking applications for all Coaching and Leadership Team positions next season.

No experience in umpiring is necessary. Full training and support will be provided to the successful applicant as they learn the umpiring craft.

The Ballarat Football Umpires Association are seeking both males and females with good communication skills and the ability to work with a diverse team. 

All roles are paid and this a great opportunity to utilise people skills and build your resume in a new football environment.

Attached to this email are the Position Descriptions for our four head coach roles:

• Senior Field Umpire Coach
• Boundary Umpire Coach
• Goal Umpire Coach
• Development Field Umpire Coach

We are also seeking applications for the following supporting roles:

• Fitness Coach
• Boundary Umpire Assistant Coach
• Boundary Umpire Observer
• Goal Umpire Assistant Coach
• Goal Umpire Observer
• Development Field Umpire Mentor
• Sports Trainer - Ballarat
• Castlemaine/Bacchus Marsh Hub Coaches

Even if you've never considered coaching before, we encourage you to throw your hat in the ring and try your hand at one of these leadership positions. The BFUA Board is keen to hear from anyone internally or externally, including all levels of experience in umpiring or indeed other sporting environments. 

For a discussion about the roles and responsibilities of any given position, feel free to contact Billy Mitchell on 0400 477 251 or Deb Sleep on 0438 688 959.

Next up in Scoop's club-by-club predictions is Melton. The Bloods will be feeling the loss of big forward Mark Orr, but with a more settled pre-season and an injury-free start, coach Aaron Tymms is hopeful the club can take the next step in 2021. 

Melton

Scoop’s 2021 prediction: 4th - 8th

EXPECT Melton to tinker with their forward line set up in 2021 in the absence of key big man Mark Orr who has left the club who left the club due to travel.

While Orr's return on the goal front was modest (19) last season in 2019, the structural advantages and flexibility he brings to the line-up will be sorely missed. Not only will the Bloods look a little smaller going forward they will also need to find a pinch-hitting relief option for Ben Archard in the ruck.

Bloods coach Aaron Tymms acknowledged replacing the club’s 2019 Runner Up Best and Fairest won't be easy. You can also add gun midfielders Shaun Campbell (to Parkside) and more recently Connor Griffiths (to Yarrawonga) into the mix of star exits.

"That trio especially will leave a big hole that's for sure," he said.

"We've been throwing the magnets around a bit over pre-season, trying to find the right mix forward with Orry leaving, and [now] how the midfield group will look for us come Round One.

"I expect we'll see players in different roles this year. We could play Ryan Carter forward, but in my opinion, he's one of the best shut down defenders in the comp."

Bloods fans will expect to be a part of the business end conversation for a third successive season after rising to prominence in 2018 with a runners-up result that exceeded expectation. The writing was on the wall for another tilt at a flag in 2019, but their form by their own standards was patchy at best before falling short to Sebastopol in the penultimate week of finals.

Tymms hopes an uninterrupted pre-season and injury-free list will hold them in good stead early for a tough opening month of footy.

"In 2019, we couldn't even get on our ground until Round One, which wasn't ideal," he said.

"And with Archard and Denham going down early with hamstring injuries, it had us on the back foot a little."

While the Bloods had just five players play every game in 2019, they were matched only by East Point for the fewest number of players used (34), mounting the argument that attrition rate is one thing, and who gets injured is another.

Tymms is hopeful there is enough improvement within the club to take the next step in 2021.

Kevin Klix (Deer Park - small forward), Lachlan Watkins (Coburg, Melton South) and youngster Lachlan Phillips (Western Jets/Melton Centrals - midfield) have been welcoming additions for the Bloods in testing times for all clubs post-COVID, while dangerous forward Jordyn Cotter returns after a lengthy lay off with an injury.

"I know we have a young list, most of the guys are still 21-22 years old, but we think there is enough talent here to give it a shake."

Proven match-winning forward, Braedan Kight, is said to be flying on the track, while experienced trio Ben Archard, Matt Denham and runaway 2019 B&F winner Dyson Stevens are moving freely ahead of the shouldering duties that await them in the new season.     

Shaun Campbell (to Parkside), Daniel Walker (to Melton South), Darren Haby (WRFL), Michael Hibbert (work), Mitch Brockwell (to Diggers Rest) join Orr, Campbell and Griffiths as the other notable absentees for 2021.

Who knows what influence the departed and a difficult draw will have on the Bloods in 2021?

I'm on the fence.

*Affilliated players: Jake Greiser (Williamstown VFL)

Tymms' Tips

BFNL Team Stats Ladders after Ten Rounds of Competition.

BFNL Team Stats Ladders after Eleven Rounds of Competition.

BFNL Team Stats Ladders after Four Rounds of Competition.

Aaron Cadman's name being called as the Number One Draft Pick in the 2022 NAB AFL Draft has brought big smiles to the dials of just about everyone who has had anything to do with the young star's sporting journey. Scoop brings you some of the joy...

Popular GWV Rebels and Darley footballer Aaron Cadman's life has changed forever following his Pick One selection by the GWS Giants in this week’s NAB AFL National Draft.

The 18-year-old’s rise to prominence over the last 12 months has been nothing short of meteoric, according to GWV Coach David Loader.

"I would go as far as to say Aaron was rated in the top 80 potential draftees by a few 'experts' in January," he said.

"He's come a long way."

.....

Just some of the support for Aaron after Monday night:

"To finally hear Azz (called) at number one was incredible. Honestly, it felt like I was in a movie! It was so special; you couldn't describe how proud we (the family) are."  - Joel Cadman (brother)

"We're thrilled to see Aaron drafted as #1 Pick. He's worked extremely hard to get to this point and we wish him all the best on his AFL journey."  - Dan Jordan (Darley Senior Football Coach)

"Terrific effort by Aaron and reflection on the club’s junior program. When the news came through at training Monday night, the boys were rapt."  - Craig Baker (Darley Football Manager)

"Outstanding, very likeable young man. Quietly determined, very positive and enthusiastic by nature. Infectious personality, resilient and great work ethic."  - Rod Ward (ex-cricket coach)

.....

Loader said the 194cm winger-come-forward is a credit to his own work ethic and willingness to improve.

"Aaron is an absolute ripper, very coachable and true student of the game.

"On natural ability alone, I’ve seen plenty of them but it's simply not enough," Loader said.

"'Cads deserves everything that comes his way."

The humble apprentice, a 'sparky' to-be, was flanked by proud family at Marvel Stadium upon hearing his Pick One selection. His infectious smile and overwhelming accomplishment won the hearts of all and sundry across the AFL landscape.

GWS Captain and superstar Toby Greene presented Cadman with his jumper amid rousing applause. Even Geelong draft selection, Pick #8 Jhye Clark, later endorsed the sentiment.

"Was good to see Caddy go number one, there was no-one better to do that," Clark told Fox Sports interviewer and Western Bulldog great Brad Johnson.

Cadman becomes the third product of the Darley Football Netball Club drafted since 2018, following in the footsteps of former Fremantle Docker and reigning McDonald’s BFNL Henderson Medallist Brett Bewley and star Port Adelaide find Zak Butters.

Zak, a lifelong friend of the Cadmans' was an excited onlooker of last Monday night's proceedings. 

"I'm over the moon for Aaron," he said.

"Seeing the work he has put into himself and his game is just reward."

Butters said it is so good to see another Darley boy join the AFL, “a perfect role model for other young kids coming through the town."

Cadman, already compared to Geelong Premiership forward Jeremy Cameron (at the same age), gave full voice and appreciation to the football loving nation for the first time, acknowledging his journey could not have been done alone.

"To share this (moment) with family and friends and everyone in this room is pretty special," Cadman said.

The young gun went Pick One ahead of 800 other nominations, ranking elite for disposals, goals, score involvements and inside 50 ground ball gets in his NAB League profile that culminated with a joint Captaincy appointment of the Vic Country team. 

As Cadman prepares for a permanent move to Sydney, a change of postcode if you will, his loyal family and growing band of supporters can brace for a football ride of a lifetime!

We're all with you Aaron.

The McDonald's Ballarat FNL has called time on the senior competition for 2021.

It is with regret the board of the McDonald's Ballarat FNL have made the tough decision to cancel the 2021 senior competition finals series. This outcome will also apply to BFLW Women’s competition. 

The announcement today by the government that metro restrictions will next be considered for easing on September 23rdgives a clear timeframe of how the balance of the season could progress. 

With the unlikely ability of community sport to return to competition from this date, the earliest a game of football and netball could be conducted would be October 9th, given the need to provide a minimum 14-day period for training. 

This period would take the date of return beyond the leagues previous latest date of October 2nd. 

It is the belief of the board, given the above, certainty should be provided to our many players, volunteers and supporters who have been in a holding pattern as we live through the current COVID-affected period. 

As a result of the cancellation of senior finals for 2021, the highest-ranked clubs will be recognised as “2021 Minor Premiers” in each grade. 

The Henderson Medal for the best and fairest senior footballer and Sally McLean Medal for the best and fairest A Grade netballer will be held as an online event on Wednesday 15thSeptember. 

The junior competition will be assessed during the week of Monday 6thSeptember when the government is expected to make an announcement on regional restrictions. 

It is at this point that further advice will be provided to clubs on the junior football and netball and BFLW Youth/Girls competitions. 

On behalf of the league board, thank you to every player, official and volunteer for their patience and resilience as we tried to get the best possible outcome for the Ballarat FNL and member clubs. 

END RELEASE

In another positive sign for the league, CUB have recommitted to the McDonalds Ballarat FNL for the 2021 season.

Through the Carlton Draught brand, CUB will continue as BFNL Finals Series naming partner and be the exclusive beer for the 2021 McDonalds BFNL Carlton Draught Finals Series.

League chair Adrian Bettio, on the announcement:

"It's great to see a major brand such as Carlton Draught stay on with the league and provide great support for next year. I know our clubs and supporters will be happy to see Carlton Draught and other CUB products across the 2021 finals series"

The confirmation of CUB continuing with the league through 2021 comes on the back of a host of major partners recommitting to support both the league and clubs through the COVID period.

Please find below important information for supporters and attendees to be aware of for this Saturdays Carlton Draught Grand Final Day at MARS Stadium.

General Information

• Mars Stadium, Creswick Rd, Ballarat

• Saturday 17th September 2022

Match Schedule

Admission prices:

• Adults $15.00
• Family (2A / 2C) $35.00
• Pensioners $8.00
• 8 - 16 y/o $6.00
• Under 8y/o Free
• Football Record $5.00

EFTPOS is available at all gates

NO DOGS

Gates:

• Main entry - Gate 1 on Creswick Rd
• Beech Ave, Wendouree (Best entry point for netball and carparking)
• North Ballarat Sports Club from 10am

Catering

Full catering is available throughout the day with bar facilities from 12pm.

Live scores

Live scores of all football and netball games are available throughout the day at:

• Football - https://bit.ly/3Q4H8gg
• Netball - https://bit.ly/3KPteh6

Live Streaming

Can't get to the game? Catch the live stream of the Senior Football and A-Grade Netball. The Senior Men's Grand Final will be live on BallaratFNL Facebook and Cluch.tv. The A-Grade Netball will be live on Cluch.tv - links below.

• Melton v Sebastopol Senior Mens Football: https://bit.ly/2022-GF-Melton-vs-Sebastopol
• North Ballarat v Darley A-Grade Netball: https://bit.ly/2022-GF-A-Grade-NorthBallarat-vs-Darley

General Parking:

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

Disabled Parking:

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

Football and Netball plays a vital part of our communities and is an important link in the social fabric of our society and we want to ensure the league is able to provide football and netball when it is possible to enhance the health and wellbeing of those connected with our sports.

Shane Anwyl has been employed by AFL Goldfields as the Operations Manager of the League for the last three years and will now be employed by the League directly to undertake all aspects of management of the League through this period of recess.

This will include engagement with our partners, social media and being available to our clubs to provide advice and assistance.

Do you make great coffee? Are you mobile and would love serving a finals crowd? Applications are now open for coffee vendors for 21 events across the McDonald's Ballarat junior, women’s and senior football and netball finals series.

The McDonald's Ballarat FNL invites expressions of interest from coffee vendors through the three BFNL finals series in 2022. There are 21 separate finals events across seniors, juniors and female finals.

All details of the finals series, venues and logistics are included in the information document (see attachment), and interested parties are required to complete the online form below. For further information or questions, please contact league general manager Shane Anwyl at 0409 072 403 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Expression of interest close Friday 22nd July 2022.

Online application form for interested vendors: 

https://www.cognitoforms.com/BallaratFNL/BFNLCoffeeVendorApplicationForm

This week across all levels of AFL competition is Community Umpiring Week. The McDonald's Ballarat FNL celebrates our community umpires - there is no game without you.

Community Umpiring Week coincides with Round 7 of the 2021 Toyota AFL Premiership Season and is aimed at encouraging people to get involved in umpiring Australian Football at the community level.

Some of the activities underway this week include:

• AFL Umpires attending community club training sessions
• Umpires at each AFL match this weekend will be led onto the ground by community umpires
• AFL Umpires will officiate in junior community matches (Sunday, May 2, 2021)

AFL Community Umpiring Development Manager, Damian Anderson said with more than 1.4 million people playing Australian Football, umpire numbers have never been more important.

“There are over 15,000 umpires officiating in community football matches each week and over 12 per cent are female - a significant increase in line with the expansion of female football."

He said Community Umpiring Week is designed to increase awareness of umpiring as both an additional activity to playing and umpiring as a sport of choice and an alternative way to participate in the game.

“Over 94 per cent of umpires currently play or have played junior football. You can play and umpire on the same day or on alternate days. It is a great way to keep fit, earn money, develop life skills and make life-long friends.”

For more information or to register your interest in umpiring community football visit https://umpire.afl.

Round 9 of the 2023 Toyota AFL Premiership Season will celebrate Community Umpiring Week with the aim to encourage people to get involved in umpiring Australian Football at the community level.

Throughout the week leading up to Round 9, May 8 – May 14, the AFL will be celebrating Community Umpiring Week through a number of initiatives:

• AFL Umpires will attend community Club training sessions
• Umpires at each AFL match this weekend will be led onto the ground by community umpires
• AFL Umpires will officiate in junior community matches
• Current AFL players will officiate in junior community matches

Across the country, leagues and clubs will celebrate their local umpires with various initiatives run by the clubs.

National Umpire Recruitment, Retention and Development Lead Luke Brennan said with more than 1.4 million people playing Australian Football, umpire numbers have never been more important.

“Umpiring is for anyone, from anywhere at any age. It is a great way to keep fit, earn money, develop life skills and make life-long friends.

“Many umpires currently play or have played junior football – but umpiring is open to everyone and gives many people a new way to stay involved in the game they love.

“We are incredibly grateful to the over 15,000 umpires officiating in community football matches each week, they are critical to our game and make sure everyone can have fun at footy”, he said.

For more information or to register your interest in umpiring community football visit https://umpire.afl.