BFNL footy returns, with the 2021 season re-jigged, refreshed, and ready to relaunch this weekend (minus crowds). With only four rounds of the 2021 McDonald's BFNL home and away season remaining, Scoop takes a look at your team's finals prospects on the road home, in what's been a very even and testing 2021 season.

BFNL media writer 'Scoop' has crunched the numbers on the proposed 2021 season draw, revealing who are the winners and who has drawn the wrath of the footy gods. Over the next few weeks, Scoop will deliver a deep dive into the season ahead for your club.

Redan can savour a second successive #1 rated draw, while Bacchus Marsh (#2) and Darley (#3) can breathe a sigh of relief having fared well according to the formulated study.

Melton (#11) appear to have copped the wrath of the footy gods with five 'away' highway trips to Ballarat, not to mention double-up meetings with four finalists from 2019, including Grand Final duo East Point and Sebastopol.

While Melton South's (#6) Ballarat travel diary mirrors the Bloods, the draw around that looks far more favourable for a team expected to rise. As for the reigning dual Premiers East Point (#8), they copped a draw worthy of a team aiming for a three-peat. Sebastopol (#4) will enjoy a dream run in the final third of their season, while North Ballarat (#5) fared next best out of brick city. With scope for improvement both on and off field, the Rooster’s draw sees them in the mix for a sneaky finals berth.

Lake Wendouree (#7) and more-so Ballarat (#10) appear to have the job ahead of them according to the formula, despite their marquee signings. Flag challengers, Sunbury (#9), finished mid-to-low table with the draw after a difficult rating in 2019. Tough luck for the Lions who’s 2020 draw (#4) was looking bright but, alas, COVID...

Analytics aside for a brief moment, how good is it - footy's back (well nearly)!

EASIEST TO HARDEST 2021 DRAW

1. Redan - 94

2. Bacchus Marsh - 97

3. Darley - 98

4. Sebastopol- 100

5. North Ballarat - 101

6. Melton South - 103

7. Lake Wendouree - 104

8. East Point - 105

9. Sunbury - 107

10. Ballarat - 109

11. Melton - 110

SEASON 2019 Ladder

1. East Point

2. Sebastopol

3. Melton

4. Redan

5. Darley

6. Sunbury

7. North Ballarat

8. Bacchus Marsh

9. Lake Wendouree

10. Ballarat

11. Melton South

(Draw ranking points are determined by 2018 & 2019 numbers, projected improvement, this year's travel and who your team plays twice.)

The McDonalds Ballarat FNL, in partnership with Ballarat Toyota is proud to promote the Toyota Good for Footy program to support community clubs in our league.

Toyota Good for Footy is Toyota's grassroots footy program. Toyota has helped clubs raise over $7 million since 2008 through the program and helped over 500 local clubs from every state and territory.

To buy tickets and support your local community club, follow this link here.

It's been a busy early transfer window as clubs across the region look to shore up their lists heading into the new year.

Not including the usual exodus of players heading to compete in the Northern Territory FL competition, there has been a steady flow of ins and outs for the McDonald's Ballarat FNL.

Five clubs were active during the November transfer period with reigning premiers East Point signing three players, as did Redan and Melton. North Ballarat added two players and Melton South kicked things off with the one transfer.

Its been a busy period for Central Highlands FL with Creswick leading all clubs, having gained six players from the BFNL.

Ballarat league players have spread themselves far and wide heading to various leagues from the Wimmera to metro competitions.

With the early transfer window now closed, clubs will look to consolidate their lists as pre season training steps up before Christmas. The main clearance period will reopen on February 1^st 2021 through to 30^th June 2021.

There has been plenty of movement around the league ahead of a blockbuster 2023 season. Find all the additions to your club below thanks to Quest Ballarat.

Bacchus Marsh

N/A

Ballarat

Carisbrook

N/A

Darley

East Point

Lake Wendouree

N/A

Melton

N/A

Melton South

North Ballarat

N/A

Redan

N/A

Sebastopol

N/A

Sunbury

N/A

It wasn't just back to footy for the players and the fans on the weekend, Round One also signalled the return of umpire's reports and reviews.

The McDonald's Ballarat FNL advises the following outcomes of reports and reviews from Round One of the BFNL senior competition. 

Darley -v- Sunbury 

Darley player Andrew Azzopardi was reported for intentionally striking a Sunbury player and was offered a 2-week set penalty. The player requested this to be heard by the AFL Goldfields Independent Tribunal. 

The player Azzopardi pleaded guilty and received a reprimand due to his good record. 

East Point -v- Sebastopol 

Sebastopol player Jacob Wilkinson was sighted by the Match Review Panel for an incident involving Billy Jones from East Point and charged with intentionally striking. 

The matter was heard by the AFL Goldfields Independent Tribunal, where Wilkinson pleaded not guilty. After hearing from all parties, the player was found guilty and suspended for 2 matches. 

END RELEASE

The McDonalds Ballarat FNL advises the following outcomes from the recent AFL Goldfields Independent Tribunal, held Tuesday 27th April 2021.

Bacchus Marsh v Darley (Reserves) at Maddingley Park

Bacchus Marsh player Baiden Cracknell was reported by the umpire for ”intentionally or carelessly kicking another person”.

The AFL Goldfields Independent Tribunal found the charge not sustained and player Cracknell not guilty.

Bacchus Marsh v Darley (Reserves) at Maddingley Park

Darley player Dale Peacock was reported by the umpire for “intentionally or carelessly striking another person”. With the players good record, a 2-week set penalty was offered.

The AFL Goldfields Independent Tribunal found the charge sustained and player Peacock guilty. The AFL Goldfields Independent Tribunal sanctioned Dale Peacock (Darley FNC) with a severe reprimand.

END RELEASE

The BFLW are excited to announce the launch of an Under 12 Girls Development Program for 2024.

• A Football
• A Development Program training top
• A Drink Bottle

Final training for the 2022 McDonald’s Ballarat FNL Under 18 Youth Girls Interleague Training Squad will be held on Monday. 

Updates have been made to the 2022 McDonald’s Ballarat FNL Under 18 Youth Girls Interleague Training Squad following last night’s training session.

• Required players to attend Monday night's final training session can be found on the attachment below.
• IMPORTANT: If you are feeling unwell, please DO NOT attend training. Players/Parents are asked to contact your head coach to advise.

Training details for Monday are:

Monday 30^th May         

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

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 your coach, please submit any queries through your club's Junior or BFLW Coordinator

The McDonald's Ballarat FNL looks to welcome a safe return to junior competition this weekend for regional-based clubs under eased restrictions.

The McDonald's Ballarat FNL welcomes today’s announcement of eased restrictions for regional Victoria and community sport. 

Given today’s announcement, the board of the Ballarat FNL is working through the various protocols and guidelines, as provided, to ensure junior competition can be undertaken this weekend. 

These competitions include the Western Bulldogs Under 9’s, BFNL junior football and netball and BFLW Youth grades (Under 14 to Under 18’s). 

It is the league's intention that junior football and netball take place in an environment that is safe and has regard for the health and wellbeing of all participants and their families. 

The further restrictions and requirements to allow competition are being clarified and will be announced as soon as they are confirmed. 

As announced, senior competitions can return to training for regional-based clubs under a number of restrictions detailed to clubs. 

We hope players and clubs are preparing for the various competitions that will return this week and look forward to further details as soon as they are available. It is anticipated full details will be announced within the next 24 hours. 

END RELEASE

The McDonald’s Ballarat FNL wishes to acknowledge an error in the voting for the Under 15 Senior Football Best & Fairest.

The League wishes to advise of an error in the results of the Under 15 Senior Best & Fairest Award.

Following an error in the collation of votes for the Round 11 match between East Point & Darley, a recalculation of the votes has seen a change in the final leader board.

As a result, East Point’s Harry Charleson and Darley’s Mitchell Gardiner both finished on a revised total of 17 votes, equalling runner up Jacob Britt from East Point.

The league apologies for the error in counting and wishes to acknowledge both Harry and Mitchell for their outstanding 2021 seasons.

Harry played 10 games this season, including a further 5 in the Under 17 Reserves to assist with playing numbers throughout the year. Averaging over a goal a game. Harry’s season included four Best on Ground performances as adjudged by the umpires and appeared in his club’s best players on all but one occasion.

Mitchell’s season for Darley was equally as impressive, booting 17 goals for the season. Mitchell was named Best on Ground for the Ballarat FNL Under 15 interleague match against Bendigo in June. Four Best on Ground performances was also a highlight of Mitchell's consistent season.

Updated award info and club by club votes can be found below.

Award winners from the night are as follows:

Buxton Ballarat Junior Football Goal Kicking Awards

2021 McDonald's Ballarat Under 13 Seniors

• Murphy Skinner (Ballarat Storm Junior Football Club) 26        

2021 GJ Gardner Under 15 Seniors

• Jayven Tanner (Darley Football Club) 29

2021 McCafe Under 17 Seniors

• Isaac Hucker (Mount Clear Junior Football Club) 38
• Joel Freeman (Bacchus Marsh Football & Netball Club Inc) 38

13 & Under Senior Netball Best & Fairest

Runner Up: Jemima Knobel (Ballarat Swans) - 17 votes   

Winner: Ebony Porter (North Ballarat) - 20 votes 

Under 13 Football Best & Fairest – The Lloyd Sims Trophy

Runners Up: Cole Hutchinson (Mount Clear) & Cooper Beseler (North Ballarat) - 15 votes       

Winner: Armi Wakefield (Bacchus Marsh) - 22 votes 

15 & Under Senior Netball Best & Fairest

Runners Up: Matilda Myers (Redan) & Arna Howard (Ballarat Swans) - 18 votes   

Winners: Bridie Shanahan (Darley) & Maddison Lewis (Sebastopol) - 19 votes

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

Runner Up: Jacob Britt (East Point), Harry Charleson (East Point) & Mitchell Gardiner (Darley) - 17 votes         

Winner: Jonty Faull (Redan) - 21 votes 

Coordinator of The Year Awards

Junior Football Coordinator of The Year: James Bik - Ballarat Swans JFNC

Junior Netball Coordinator of The Year Award: Alissa Harris - Darley JFNC

Coach of The Year Awards

Junior Football Coach of the Year Award: Brett Dean – Sebastopol JFNC

Junior Netball Coach of the Year Award: Leah McDonald – Redan JFNC

Ballarat FL Interleague Coach Recognition

Football Interleague Coaches

• U/13 Coach – Scott Petrie & Simon Geljon
• U/14 Coach – Michael Dwyer & Tom Molan
• U/15 Coach – Tim Beacham
• U/16.5 Coach – Wayne McKercher

Netball Interleague Coaches

• 13 & Under Coach – Courtney McLean and Kara Hart
• 15 & Under Coach – Katie Keighrey
• 17 & Under Coach – Prue Douglass, Damien Mullane and Debra Hutchinson

Merv & Mary Howard Memorial Junior Club Championship

3^rd: Redan JFNC - 189 points 

2^nd: North Ballarat JFNC - 190 points

Winner: East Point JFNC - 195 points

Special Presentation to Junior Footballers & Netballers

• 17 & Under Netball Victorian State Team Member – Adut Manyiel (Sebastopol FNC)
• Under 17 Victoria Country Football Squad Member – Felix Fogaty (East Point JFNC)
• Under 12 Victorian Metro State Team – Oliver Cape (Darley JFNC)

17 & Under Senior Netball B & F

Runner Up: Arlee Bennett (North Ballarat) - 18 votes       

Winner: Bella Clark (Lake Wendouree) - 22 votes 

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

Runner Up: Jack Jeffrey (East Point) - 15 votes      

Winner: Ethan McKercher (Bacchus Marsh) - 25 votes 

Robert Allan Medals and Netball MVP Awards

13 & Under Senior Netball – Most Valuable Player Award

Winner: Ebony Porter (North Ballarat) – 11 Votes

Under 13 Senior Robert Allan Medal

Winner: Riley Hiscock (East Point) – 19 Votes

15 & Under Senior Netball – Most Valuable Player Award

Winner: Chelsea Oellering (Mount Clear) – 7 Votes

Under 15 Senior Robert Allan Medal

Winner: Samuel Lalor (Bacchus Marsh) – 15 Votes

17 & Under Senior Netball – Most Valuable Player Award

Winner: Bella Clark (Lake Wendouree) – 16 Votes

Under 17 Senior Robert Allan Medal

Winner: Joel Freeman (Bacchus Marsh) – 15 Votes

A full list of club votes - including the updated U15 Senior Football vote tables - can be found attached.

The Ballarat FNL is saddened with the recent passing of a stalwart of the league, Wayne Hankin. Wayne was a former chair of the league and with his contributions to the league over many years, was awarded a life membership of the Ballarat FNL.

Wayne held many roles with the BFNL from the late 70's and had been instrumental in preserving some of the rich and proud history of the league, along with his beloved Golden Point FC.

On behalf of all member clubs of the league, we pass on our condolences to the family of Wayne.

To recognise his passing, The Courier have written a piece in todays paper and can be read here:  https://bit.ly/3cgKhG7

The McDonalds Ballarat FNL today announces several venue changes to Junior Competitions across football and netball this weekend.

In conjunction with the City of Ballarat and competing clubs, a decision has been made to move matches away from the Mars Stadium precinct this Sunday 11^th July.

Venue changes have been made to avoid a clash with the Greater Western Sydney vs Gold Coast Suns match, now scheduled to be played in Ballarat this Sunday following recent fixture confirmations from the AFL.

As a result, the following amendments have been made to this weekend’s junior fixtures:

• Lake Wendouree vs Ballarat Swans to now be played on Oval 2 at Alfredton Recreation Reserve.
• North Ballarat v Bacchus Marsh to now be played at Marty Busch Reserve in Sebastopol.

Both the Ballarat FNL and the City of Ballarat appreciate the understanding and cooperation of all clubs involved in the changes.

END RELEASE

The League in conjunction with the City of Ballarat has made a venue change for this Saturday’s Junior Football & Netball Qualifying Finals.

As a result of the current condition of Wendouree Reserve, the decision has been made to move Saturday’s games to Northern Oval 2, ensuring the ground does not deteriorate further ahead of Sunday’s Elimination Finals. The venue change includes all netball matches which will now be played on the North Ballarat netball courts.

The schedule for matches on Sunday will remain as originally fixtured. Please see below this weekend’s match schedules.

Entry Details

Saturday 20^th August

• North Ballarat Sports Club Gate
• Note: STRICTLY NO PARKING IN NORTH BALLARAT SPORTS CLUB CAR PARKS
• Wendouree Reserve / Northern Oval 2 Gate
• The double gate between the Wendouree Reserve and Northern Oval 2 will be open to allow attendees the ability to utilise parking around Wendouree Reserve and for those that may enter off Dowling Street.

Sunday 21^st August

• North Ballarat Sports Club Gate
• Note: STRICTLY NO PARKING IN NORTH BALLARAT SPORTS CLUB CAR PARKS
• Wendouree Reserve – Enter via Dowling Street.

Admission Fees

Admission fees now come into effect for all BFNL Junior Finals matches. Fees are as follows:

BFNL Junior Finals 2022

• Adults - $10
• Family (2 adults & 2 children) - $25
• Age Pensioner - $5
• 8 - 16yo - $5
• U/8 – Free

Admission fees provide entry to ALL BFLW and JUNIOR games on the same day. Please ensure you obtain a passout when leaving to obtain entry at another venue.

The McDonalds Ballarat FNL is pleased to announce a renewed partnership with Victor Sports.

Being a long time partner with the BFNL, Victor Sport quickly agreed to continue being the preferred supplier of medical supplies to all football and netball competitions, including the BFLWomens leagues.

In the current era of COVID, Victor Sport also will be a source for COVD safe supplies for clubs and will provide the expert advice needed to assist with clubs meeting the various protocols as they are implemented.

About Victor Sport

Victor Sports Pty Ltd. (Victor) was established in 1993 and has continuously expanded its business practices and product range to now provide a comprehensive range of sports medical and rehabilitation appliances.

Products supplied include strapping tape, sports medicine items, braces, footcare, injury prevention, rehabilitation and first aid products.

Our goal is to equip athletes and medical professionals with the most advanced sports medical products available.

Victor Sport products will continue to be available through FootyMart Ballarat at rates that will ensure your club saves through the 2021 season and beyond.

The McDonald's Ballarat FNL has an opportunity for an Administration Officer to join the team. Applications are now open.

The McDonald's Ballarat FNL is the premier football and netball competition in Ballarat and surrounds and is undergoing a continued period growth.

To cater for this growth, the league is pleased to offer the position of Administration Officer at the league with an immediate start.

Reporting to the various stakeholders, the Admin Officer will work as part of a team providing support to the clubs of the BFNL and other leagues. The role will entail various aspects of competition management and is ideally suited to someone looking to get started in the sports administration field.

Based at Saxon House, Ballarat, the role will be full time for a fixed period through to 31^st October 2022. Expansion of this role to be ongoing as a permanent member of the BFNL staff will be considered beyond this date.

The successful candidate will be flexible in working hours given the nature of football and netball competitions with a remuneration that reflects the experience of the successful candidate.

Interested applicants are requested to email a one-page application outlining your experience and background to the league general manager at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Applications close COB Monday 2^nd May 2022.

Following a successful return to senior finals after a three-year wait, the McDonald's Ballarat FNL is pleased to announce details of Week Two of the Carlton Draught Senior Finals series. 

In football, Semi Final Two, and the chance to progress directly to the 2022 Carlton Draught Grand Final will be held at Macpherson Park, Melton on Saturday 3rdSeptember 2022 following the success of the debut at this venue. Semi Final One will be held at City Oval, Ballarat on Sunday 4thSeptember 2022. 

Netball will see a slight variation with Semi Final One to be held at Macpherson Park, Melton Saturday 3rdSeptember and Semi Final Two, and the chance for Grand Final progression to be held Sunday 4thSeptember. 

Melton will have the chance to grab a Grand Final berth should they win Saturday; however, Sebastopol will be a formidable opponent standing in their way. In the other semi-final, Darley will travel to Ballarat and take on the Swans at City Oval, the scene of their nail-biting one-point win over the reigning premiers last week. 

With a full card of netball across both days and record crowds in Week One, the excitement continues to build as we head towards the 2022 Carlton Draught Grand Final on Saturday 17thSeptember. 

You can see the path to the Grand Final below and find the full schedule for Week Two of the 2022 Carlton Draught Finals Series below. Want to download the schedule? Hit the button at the end of the article or do what we do and make an easy link on our phone by selecting Add to Home Screen under the web address.

The McDonalds Ballarat FNL have tonight confirmed the Western Bulldogs Under 9 competition will not proceed in 2020.

With the current uncertainty around the various aspects of conducting competition sport, the member clubs of the BFNL have unanimously agreed to cancel this season in the interests of the health and wellbeing of the players, their families and club volunteers.

The Western Bulldogs Under 9’s commenced in 2019 with great success and had intended to see the new Woady Yalloak Warriors enter in 2020 to create a nine team competition.

BFNL Manager Shane Anwyl            

“We are disappointed to have to make this decision, but ultimately the safety, health and wellbeing of our players and their families must take precedence during these times”.

“With over 400 players, their family members and volunteers in attendance each Friday night, it is felt that it is not currently practical, or safe to have these numbers attending football”

The Ballarat FNL would like to thank the Western Bulldogs for their ongoing support of the Under 9’s and look forward to Friday night football in season 2021.

With further information expected from AFL Victoria, Netball Victoria and the state government over the coming weeks, the league has set a deadline of June 26^th by which time a final decision will be made as to the commencement or cancellation of the 2020 season for all other grades of junior football and netball.

A special general meeting of the Ballarat FNL member clubs was held last night to address two issues, one of those being a motion to admit the Woady Yallock FNC as an affiliated member club of the league.

The motion to admit Woady Yallock FNC failed as it did not reach the required 75% of votes to pass with a number of clubs not supporting the inclusion.

The board of the BFNL is disappointed in this outcome and endorses the inclusion of the club in the BFNL junior competition and fully support Woady Yallock FNC to be a member club of the league.

A period of growth is being experienced by the league and the need to increase capacity identified as reaching a critical point in the near future.

Woady Yallock FNC have presented a comprehensive plan for sustainability and integration within the BFNL and are to be congratulated on their foresight in planning to meet the needs of the league.

The admittance of Woady Yallock FNC will be to compliment the existing clubs of the league, provide new competition and to provide an avenue for participants in the Ballarat West growth corridor long term.

The board of the Ballarat FNL will continue to work with the Woady Yallock FNC community on facilitating competing in the Western Bulldogs Under 9’s and Under 11 reserves junior football in 2022.