The McDonald’s Ballarat Football Netball League is pleased to announce the fixture for the first week of the 2024 BFLW Finals series.

The league is excited to have all BFLW clubs represented across the final’s series, providing a wonderful experience for our clubs and players following successful seasons thus far.

Admission prices will come into effect as of this weekend and are as follows.

Admission Prices

Adults - $12
Family (2 adults & 2 children) - $30
Age Pensioner/Concession - $5
8 - 16yo - $5
U/8 – Free

Ground admission

Gates will open at 7.30am for all venues during weeks one to three.

Match Schedule

The McDonald’s Ballarat Football Netball League is pleased to announce the fixture for the second week of the 2024 BFLW Finals series.

Week one saw all clubs feature amongst the BFLW competition, with the sunshine providing an enjoyable atmosphere for both players and spectators.

Admission prices will continue this weekend and are as follows.

Admission Prices

Adults - $12
Family (2 adults & 2 children) - $30
Age Pensioner/Concession - $5
8 - 16yo - $5
U/8 – Free

Ground admission

Gates will open at 7.30am for all venues during weeks one to three.

Match Schedule

The McDonald’s Ballarat Football Netball League is pleased to announce the fixture for the third week of the 2024 BFL Women’s Finals Series.

Congratulations to all those teams that booked their spot into the Grand Final from the weekend’s matches and the best of luck to those looking to do the same this weekend.

Admission prices will continue this weekend and are as follows.

Admission Prices

Adults - $12
Family (2 adults & 2 children) - $30
Age Pensioner/Concession - $5
8 - 16yo - $5
U/8 – Free

Ground Admission

Gates will open at 7.30am for all venues during weeks one to three.

Match Schedule

The McDonalds Ballarat FNL is excited to announce the Grand Final venues for all competitions to complete the 2024 season.

After an outstanding 2023 finals series, which culminated in a nail-biting grand final in brilliant sunshine at the City Oval we look forward to the 2024 series being just as exciting with the same wonderful weather.

The first of our series will commence with BFLW on Sunday 11th August through and culminate with the Grand Final at the Eastern Oval on Saturday 31st August.

Junior football and netball will kick off on Saturday 24th August, with the Junior Grand Final being held at the City Oval on Sunday 15th September.

After a very competitive and exciting football and netball season the senior football and netball finals series will commence on Saturday 31st August with the Grand Final being hosted at the City Oval on Saturday 21st September.

● 21 finals events across seven weeks
● Eight different finals venues encompassing Darley, Ballarat and surrounds
● In excess of 50,000 people to attend across all competitions during the final’s series.

Through the support of major sponsors, McDonalds Ballarat and finals naming partners Ballarat Toyota, Carlton Draught and McDelivery, the Ballarat FNL can showcase a high standard finals series of football and netball from across the region.

Please see below the table that shows the Top 6 Finals Format:

The McDonalds Ballarat FNL is excited to announce finals venues for all competition to complete the 2024 season.

After an outstanding 2023 finals series, excitement is building towards the finals series that will see Junior and Senior grade grand finals being played at the City Oval.

Three finals series will be held over four weeks commencing with BFL Womens from Sunday 11th August through to the grand final on Saturday 31st August.

Junior football and netball finals will kick off on Saturday 24th of August, with the grand final on Sunday 15th September.

A competitive senior football and netball finals series will commence Saturday 31st August and culminate with the grand final on Saturday 21st September.

Highlights of the final’s series include:
● 21 finals events across six weeks
● Eight different finals venues in Ballarat and Darley / Bacchus Marsh
● In excess of 50,000 people to attend across all competitions during the final’s series.

Through the support of McDonalds Ballarat and finals naming partners Ballarat Toyota, Carlton Draught and McDelivery, the Ballarat FNL can present regional football and netball at the highest level across the region.

Please see the attached table that locates the Top 6 Finals Format.

Please see the table below for the 2024 BFNL Finals Ground Allocations.

*The above venues are subject to change should the ground conditions be affected by weather.

2024 BFNL Senior & Junior and BFLW Finals Admission Prices

The Ballarat FNL travel to Warrnambool this weekend as they take on the Hampden Football Netball League in the 2024 edition of interleague football.

Under 23 Mens

Saturday July 6th @ Reid Oval, Warrnambool - 4:15pm

Under 17 Boys

Saturday July 6th @ Reid Oval, Warrnambool - 2:00pm

Under 19 Womens

Saturday July 6th @ Reid Oval, Warrnambool - 12:00pm

Registrations for the 2024 BFLW Under 12 Girls Development Program are now open. Find full details for the program below.

DATES & TIMES

• A Precision Football
• A Development Program training T-Shirt
• A Water Bottle

For any questions regarding the program contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

At The Bar

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INSIDER: Congratulations on making it back to the Grand Final - do I sense a healthy rivalry developing between Darley and Redan?

ASH DAVIDSON: It's already there - very healthy - been going for years!

INSIDER: How has your club embraced the women’s program?

AD: Fantastic, one of three that has every age group - 100% buy-in

INSIDER: Is external interest in the women’s game on the rise ie crowds?

AD: Yes, but room for improvement

INSIDER: What does women's footy need to fast track its development?

AD: Administration

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

AD: Team first

INSIDER: Who is the most under rated player at the club?

AD: Ingrid Duffy

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

AD: Tennis

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

AD: Ellen Werts

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

AD: Freya Palmer

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

AD: Ellen Werts

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

AD: Molly

INSIDER: What is your favourite ground to play on away from home?

AD: Eastern Oval, hopefully!

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

AD: Steve Russell (trainer)

INSIDER: Describe your coaching experience in 5 words or less?

AD: Different every day!

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

AD: Roast Pork

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

AD: Mash!

INSIDER: Invite 3 of your favorite celebs to dinner - take your pick?

AD: Leigh Matthews, Michael Jordan, Donald Trump

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

AD: Nicola Clark

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

AD: Not that I’m aware of

INSIDER: Who is your team’s number one fan?

AD: Brian Ryan

INSIDER: Favorite AFLW club and player?

AD: Hawthorn, Jasmine Fleming

At The Bar

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INSIDER: Congratulations on making it back to the Grand Final - do I sense a healthy rivalry developing between Darley and Redan?

BRETT FAULKHEAD: We respect Redan, great rivalry. We lift a little more for Redan!

INSIDER: How has your club embraced the women’s program?

BF: Full support from the club. Pathway will expand with U/19 addition

INSIDER: Is external interest in the women’s game on the rise ie crowds?

BF: Slowly - needs greater coverage

INSIDER: What does women's footy need to fast track its development?

BF: More teams, AFL grass roots support

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

BF: Have fun, respect for each other

INSIDER: Who is the most under rated player at the club?

BF: Charlotte Hill

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

BF: Table tennis

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

BF: Maddie Lister

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

BF: Matilda Rawlings

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

BF: Kim Bessell

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

BF: Macy Le Huray

INSIDER: What is your favourite ground to play on away from home?

BF: City Oval

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

BF: Ben Skinner

INSIDER: Describe your coaching experience in 5 words or less?

BF: Enjoyable, challenging, entertaining, rewarding, exciting

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

BF: Spaghetti

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

BF: Yellowstone

INSIDER: Invite 3 of your favorite celebs to dinner - take your pick?

BF: Paul Newman, Jack Steele, Ben Skinner

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

BF: Madalyn Clarke

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

BF: Not really, each to their own

INSIDER: Who is your team’s number one fan?

BF: Lorissa Edwards

INSIDER: Favorite AFLW club and player?

BF: St Kilda, Georgia Patrikios

At The Bar

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INSIDER: The Devils are travelling along nicely - in the here and now are you better than last year?

CHLOE OUGHTRED:Very similar. However, we're a different team from last year having lost a few/gained a few.

INSIDER: The standard of women's footy is heading in the right direction - what have you noticed at the local level - name three features in order re growth onfield..

CO:Cleaner skills, longer kicks and played at a faster pace.

INSIDER: Tell us about your coach Brett and what he has brought to the group?

CO:We had Brett in charge last year as well – he’s really big on resilience which has been massive for us!

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

CO:Lower your eyes!

INSIDER: Take us to the final siren and the realisation you have just won a flag...describe the feeling and what went through your head?

CO:Relief but also couldn't believe we've actually won it!

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

CO:Maddy Lister

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

CO:Pool/snooker

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

COE:Lilli Condon

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

CO:Charli Parsons-Jones

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

CO:Kim Bessel

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

CO:Trinity Skenderis

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

CO:CE Brown Reserve

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

CO:Ben Skinner

INSIDER: Invite 5 of favorite celebs to the dinner table - take your pick..

CO:1. Brayden Maynard 2. Heath Ledger 3. Beyonce 4. Ash Barty 5. Sam Kerr

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

CO:Some sort of pasta, doesn't matter which!

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

CO:Painkiller

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

CO:Reader

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

CO:Susan Watson

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

CO:Emmerson Hitch plays her own DJ mix pre game, even though they're average!

INSIDER: Who is your number one footy critic?

CO:My Dad

INSIDER: Favorite AFL club and player?

CO:Collingwood, Brayden Maynard.

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INSIDER: Congrats Elise on your VFLW debut with the Cats - how was that level compared to other representative matches you've played in? 

ELISE COOK:I really enjoyed the experience, it was a lot faster.

INSIDER: What was your role?

EC:Inside Mid and Centre Half Back

INSIDER: How did you end up on the Geelong VFLW radar?

EC:Through the Coates Talent league (GWV Rebels)

INSIDER: What would be the first non-negotiable GWV Rebels coach Sally Riley would write on the white board?

EC:United, relentless, discipline are the Rebels’ values.

INSIDER: Great news to hear of your selection in the Vic Country squad - when and where are the Championships this year?

EC:Queensland, July/August

INSIDER: What would you say are your greatest strengths and areas for improvement?

EC:Strengths - to read the play and be clean with my ball use. Improvements - To be more explosive.

INSIDER: Who is your harshest critic in the family?

EC:My brother Will!

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

EC:Millie Lang

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

EC:Anika Tran and Emily Kennedy

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

EC:Rebels - Claire Mahony. Marsh - Olivia Dilges

INSIDER: Who is your favorite footy person at the Bacchus Marsh FNC?

EC:Sissa Bassett

INSIDER: What's your favorite thing that is considered authentically Australian?

EC:Tim Tams

INSIDER: If you won a holiday to anywhere in the world outside Australia where would you like to go?

EC:Greece or Italy

INSIDER: What's your favorite TV series to stream at the moment?

EC:Kath and Kim

INSIDER: Taylor Swift took Melbourne by storm earlier this year - are you a 'Swifty'?

EC:Not really

INSIDER: Give us your footy head rating out of 10?

EC:7/10

INSIDER: What's your favorite meal before and after a big game?

EC:Pasta

INSIDER: Favorite AFLW club and player?

EC:Geelong, Georgie Prespakis

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

EC:Bella Davies (North Ballarat), Tyla Crabtree (Redan), Claire Mahony (Lake Wendouree)

INSIDER: Shane, thanks for organising the chat - describe in a word how Elise's footy journey is travelling in your eyes?

SHANE COOK:Proud that she is progressing and enjoying her footy.

At The Bar

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INSIDER: Congrats on your 100-goal season, an amazing effort - tell us about how you felt when it went through?

KIM BESSELL:Plenty of relief to be honest, I was more nervous than usual before the game. Over the moon and proud of the achievement.

INSIDER: How did you celebrate post-match given it was a Sunday?

KB:Went and supported the juniors before a few drinks at the pub!

INSIDER: Do you know of any other women to kick 100 goals anywhere in any comp?

KB:Not to my knowledge, but I’m sure there is.

INSIDER: The Devils are travelling along nicely and look to have closed the gap on benchmark Redan. What are you guys better at this year than last?

KB:Playing together as a team, bouncing off one another’s strengths, awesome recruits.

INSIDER: Name the #1 non-negotiable we would expect your coach Brett Faulkhead to write first on the white board?  

KB:Get everyone involved.

INSIDER: Who has had the most influence on your footy career?

KB:My parents and boyfriend!

INSIDER: Most goals you have kicked in a game during your senior career?

KB:13!

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

KB:Chloe Oughtred

INSIDER: Most courageous player at the Devils?

KB:Bella Phillips

INSIDER; Most skilful player at the Devils?

KBTrinity Skenderis and Lilli Condon

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

KB:Cricket

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

KB:Maddy Lister

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

KB:Tamara Henry

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

KB:Alyssa Humphries

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

KB:Tamara Henry

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

KB:City Oval

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

KB: Kiera Moran

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

KB:Curried sausages

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

KB:Madeline Clarke

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

KB:I wear the same socks, jocks, and drink a can of Red Bull

INSIDER: Who is your number one footy critic?

KB:My boyfriend, Mark!

INSIDER: Favorite AFLW club and player?

KB:Collingwood, Chloe Molloy

INSIDER: Redan this week qualifying final - rate your confidence levels...

KB:We proved our best is good enough, so we've got confidence in that...

At The Bar

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INSIDER: The Devils are travelling along nicely and look to have closed the gap on benchmark Redan. Is that a fair observation?

Lilli Condon:Yes definitely, next time we have to be a real chance.

INSIDER: You finished within a point of the Lions a couple of weeks ago - how did the girls process the loss?

LC:While we weren't expecting to win there was disappointment. Plenty of positives and learnings from the game.

INSIDER: Tell us about your new coach Brett Faulkhead and what he has brought to the group?

LC:Back to basics approach with good connection and understanding. Nice guy with new ideas.

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

LC:A stats reference for the day to improve on.

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

LC: Bella Phillips

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

LC:Netball or Basketball

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

LC:Maddie Lister

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

LC:Chloe Oughtred

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

LC:Kim Bessell

INSIDER: Who is the quickest in the team over 30m?

LC: Katie McAloom

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

LC:City Oval

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

LC: Lorissa Edwards

INSIDER: Describe your experience at the GWV Rebels in 5 words or less?

LC: Awesome people, amazing experience

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

LC:Pasta

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

LC:Yellowstone

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

LC: Maddy Clarke

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

LC:Emmerson Hitch (DJ set)!

INSIDER: Who is your number one footy critic?

LC:Mum, even though she doesn't know much!

INSIDER: Favorite AFL/W club and player?

LC:St Kilda, Georgia Patrikios

INSIDER: Can any team beat Redan (outside of Darley)?

LC:Hmmm, maybe not!

At The Bar

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INSIDER: How are you finding the journey in women's footy - do you feel it is being embraced well by firstly the local community and more broadly across the state?

PORTIA HUGHES:Has come a long way but there's plenty more to go. Return of interleague would be a good start.

INSIDER: Why is Redan such a dominant force in women's footy?

PHA lot of the girls played juniors together. Family connection and team morale are quality traits.

INSIDER: Tell us about your coach Ash Davidson and what he has brought to the group?

PH:Always been around the juniors and now seniors. Is very knowledgeable and welcomes feedback.

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

PH:Talk and Communication.

INSIDER: What changes would best support the women's game?

PH:Curtain raiser games before the men’s would only increase exposure

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

PH:Mads Quayle

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

PH:Triathlon or Running

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

PH:Ellen Werts

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

PH:Jenna Bourke

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

PH:Jess Bokma

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

PH:Abbey Wallace

INSIDER: What is your favorite ground to play on away from City Oval?

PH:Carisbrook Oval

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

PH:Shannon Simpson

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

PH:Fried Rice

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

PH:After Life / Grey's Anatomy

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

PH:Ellen Werts

INSIDER: Do any of the girls have any superstitions they repeat before matches?

PH:Some listen to music, others like to fold their socks a certain way!

INSIDER: Who is your number one footy critic?

PH:Definitely my Dad

INSIDER: Favorite AFL club and player?

PH:Collingwood, Dane Swan

INSIDER: Can any team beat Redan?

PH:Darley and the Lakers have the potential..

Two more Ballarat prospects entered the AFLW system with Jess Rentsch and Tamara Henry both selected at last night's 2023 AFLW National draft.

Jess Rentsch didn't have to wait long into the evening to realise her AFLW dream when the West Coast Eagles called out her name with the second selection of the draft.

The GWV Rebel skipper was swarmed by friends and family before being presented her jumper by the Eagles' newly appointed senior coach, and female footballing legend, Daisy Pearce.

Rentsch pulled on the jumper for Lake Wendouree twice in the BFLW Under 19s competiton this year, kicking two goals and being named amongst the bests in both fixtures.

At Pick 28, Darley's Tamara Henry was selected by the Adelaide Crows to become the second Ballarat prospect drafted on the night.

Henry featured for the Devils seven times this season alongside her Victorian Metro and Western Jets duties, returning late in the campaign to feature in Darley's famous BFLW Premiership victory in September.

Henry has spent several years at Darley Park after starting her junior career with Bacchus Marsh.

The BFNL wishes Jess and Tamara all the best in the next stage of their footballing journeys, we cannot wait to continue our support from the sidelines during their careers. 

The change in the junior football structure has been delayed in an effort to provide certainty and continuity to clubs, players and families.

The board of the McDonald's Ballarat FNL has met recently and confirmed the junior age structure shall remain as an ‘odd’ structure for season 2022. 

To provide some certainty and continuity, the existing ‘odd’ structure will continue through 2021 and will allow for further assessment to be made based on the ever-changing world we live in 

After consideration of many aspects, not least of which is club feedback and registration data, the league believes it is in the best interest of the competition to delay the change of age groups until season 2023. 

When the decision was made to change the structure of juniors in the Ballarat FNL, COVID had not yet appeared in our daily lives and the disruption currently felt over the past two years was not envisaged by anyone. 

Junior football in 2022 shall consist of: 

• • Under 17 Senior / Reserves Football 
• • Under 15 Senior / Reserves Football 
• • Under 13 Senior / Reserves Football 
• • Under 11 Senior / Reserves Football 
• • Under 9 Senior / Reserves Football (Friday night competition) 

Further to the above, the Under 19’s shall remain as that grade in 2022. 

The board is committed to implementing a structure for junior football that will best cater for the growing demands of our competition and ensure the long-term viability of the Ballarat FNL Juniors moving forward.

End Release 

The McDonald’s Ballarat FNL is excited to kick off the 2021 McDelivery BFLW season this Sunday the 2nd of May.

A new era of female football returns to the Ballarat FNL with matches across 4 grades of competition.

2021 will stage a 12-round season, with the grand final for all female football to be played at Ballarat’s premier venue, Mars Stadium, on Saturday the 4th of September.

In partnership with the City of Ballarat and their Active Women & Girls Strategy, the Ballarat FNL will look to build the brand of the BFLW and the opportunities for female participation within the league and across the region.

The League is also pleased to announce that McDelivery has come on as naming rights partner of the BFLW competition, strengthening the support from McDonald’s Ballarat across the Ballarat FNL.

Where possible, fixtures have been scheduled to allow the participation of players in both BFLW games and across the BFNL netball competitions. The league will also be looking to maximise the number of games across Ballarat’s premier grounds.

Further features of the 2021 BFLW season include:

• Under 16 & Under 18 interleague against Bendigo as part of the Goldfields Trophy in June.
• Competition breaks will take place for Queens Birthday, middle week of school holidays and a league-wide bye in July to assist in evening up games for clubs.