BFLW

All McDonald's Ballarat FNL competitions are paused under current restrictions as the board considers the next available steps.

With the latest restrictions placed upon regional Victoria at short notice, the board of the McDonald's Ballarat FNL is currently considering the next steps available as we look to the completion of our 2021 premiership seasons. 

As the situation stands, the senior football and netball competition is stopped until such time as restrictions allow metro and regional clubs to compete in the finals series. This also applies to the BFLW Open competition. 

It was anticipated that BFNL Junior and BFLW Youth/Juniors would commence last weekend but that did not occur due to lockdown. 

Both competitions will be paused until clarity is provided around the current restrictions. This will allow the league to consider the timeframes available for the finals series in both competitions. 

There are many factors involving several stakeholders that need to be considered, including ground availabilities and club resources. 

END RELEASE 

The McDonalds Ballarat FNL today announces a number of changes to the 2021 season based upon the recently announced COVID lockdown.

The health and safety of the wider BFNL community is of the utmost importance in any decision that is made regarding competitions, along with the advice provided by health authorities, state government and AFL Victoria.

Given today's announcement, the league wishes to advise the following impacts upon the various competitions:

SENIOR FOOTBALL & NETBALL

• The Round Seven matches scheduled for 29th May 2021 will be abandoned.
• No points or percentage shall be awarded to any team.
• Points previously allocated for a bye will be removed, with no further points awarded for future scheduled byes to ensure ladder integrity.
• The possibility of shifting Round Seven to the Queen's Birthday weekend will be investigated pending discussions with clubs.

JUNIOR FOOTBALL & NETBALL

• The Round Seven matches scheduled for 30th May 2021 will be abandoned.
• No points or percentage shall be awarded to any team.
• Points previously allocated for a bye will be removed, with no further points awarded for future scheduled byes to ensure ladder integrity.

BFLWomens

• The Round Five matches scheduled for 28th - 30th May 2021 will be abandoned.
• No points or percentage shall be awarded to any team.
• Points previously allocated for a bye will be removed, with no further points awarded for future scheduled byes to ensure ladder integrity.

It is anticipated all competitions will resume fixtured games from the weekend of 5th June 2021, pending the ongoing advice from health authorities.

The league would like to thank all our volunteers, officials and players for the tremendous work undertaken to date to ensure the various competitions of the McDonald's Ballarat FNL can be played for our communities.

Further advice and updates will be made available directly to clubs as they come to hand. The league website and social media will also have updates as they are made.

END RELEASE

The 2022 Federation BFLW Grand Finals will take over Mars Stadium tomorrow. Find all the Grand Final details below, including match times, parking information, entry details and match vision.

Watch the 2022 Federation BFLW Senior Grand Final LIVE from 1:20pm here: https://bit.ly/3KEBMY2

Federation BFLW Grand Finals – Event Information

Ahead of the first Federation BFLW Grand Final Day at Mars Stadium, please see some important information for supporters and attendees to be aware of:

General Information

• MARS Stadium – Creswick Road, Wendouree VIC
• Saturday 3rd September 2022
• The Federation BFLW Grand Finals will be an Alcohol-Free event.

Match Schedule

Admission Fees

BFLW Grand Final 2022

• Adults - $12
• Family (2 adults & 2 children) - $26
• Age Pensioner - $7
• 8 - 16yo - $5
• U/8 – Free
• Footy Record – $2

Note: Eftpos is available and encouraged as the preferred payment method.

Gates & Parking

• Gates open at 7:00am
• Entry into MARS Stadium via Gate 1 (only) located on Creswick Road.

Parking is available at the following locations:

• General Parking:
  • Creswick Road. No parking within concrete barriers stationed outside Gate 1.
  • Around Northern Oval 2. Entry via Beech Avenue ONLY – Cars will NOT be able to move between the North Ballarat Sports Club Carp 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.
  • PARKING MUST ONLY OCCUR IN DESIGNATED AREA AND IS FOR DISABLED PARKING ONLY.

Grand Final Filming

• All matches will be filmed with the Senior Women’s match being live streamed - link via Facebook and this website on the day.
• Matches will be available for purchase following the Grand Finals and further information will be provided around this in the coming weeks.

Live Scores

• All matches will be live scored on the day for those that are unable to attend the match. Scores can be accessed through specific competitions on the BFNL public results pages here - https://bit.ly/3Q4H8gg

The female player to coach program aims to provide opportunity for women to easily transition from a playing capacity into a coach. It aims to utilise resources and community connections to easily educate and develop female players. Ultimately, the program will ensure that females continue to contribute and thrive within the football community.

Part 1

1. State webinar series to explain the purpose of the program and generate interest. Guest panels will deliver sessions to identified female candidates.

• Webinar 1: Monday October 18th, 2021, 7pm
• Webinar 2: TBC (confirmed post webinar 1)
• Webinar 3: TBC (January – February period 2022)

Part 2

1. Online CoachAFL Foundation Course (Junior, Youth or Senior course) offered to all candidates
2. Regional workshop with high profile AFLW/VFLW female coach guest speaker. Link in with other stakeholders if possible
3. Regional/League based Club Coach Director/Coordinator information session
4. Follow up with an individual club information session (if required)

Part 3

1. Connect the candidate with a junior, youth or senior local club (depending on the players coaching interest) to formulate a “buddy coach” system to ensure the candidate is well supported and guided throughout the program
2. The “buddy Coach” implements training session and game day shadowing opportunities with the candidate.
3. AFL Victoria conducts a mid-season check in with the candidates and identifies the community clubs who haven’t been able to organise development opportunities and provides additional support where required
4. Post season, AFL Victoria continues to follow up with candidates to assist in the transition from female player to coach

Incentives for the Player becoming a coach

• Introductory session around Coach.afl and RM Coach led by AFL Victoria or state bodies
• Coach.AFL membership fee and foundation course offering waived by AFL Victoria
• Possible club-based incentives such as reduced playing subs for the season

Incentives for the Club to support transition of the player to coach

• AFL Vic led exclusive coaching sessions for clubs active in this area

Player to Coach - Recruiting Tips & Co-Coaching opportunities

Be open to flexibility - Some players may have work, family or study commitments that compete for their time. If you have a great coach who is keen to be involved but is only available for one training night a week, find a role that suits their level of time commitment.

Offer support within the role - It is important for female coaches to know they are supported. This enables confidence that they can take on the role. Show them how the club will back them and provide development.

Ask & Encourage - Be sure to approach potential coaches and promote an inclusive club culture. Engage current players to give them confidence to apply for the role.

Co-Coaching - If the player is new to coaching, offer the opportunity to pair up with an experienced coach as a mentor. Have them shadow an experienced coach at the club and allow them to see the game from a different perspective.

Resources - Providing the right resources to enable them to feel confident, asking questions of what they feel they need. It is important that the language around female coaches are inclusive, welcoming, and supports the coach.

Acknowledgement: Female Coaching Working Group. Members; Alicia Drew, Nick Eades, Eliza Straford, Shannon Gore, Mercedes Mathewson-Vardy, Grace Nicholls, Rebecca Herft, Jake McLean, Tara Tolios & Rick Coburn

The McDonald's Ballarat FNL is pleased to announce a new partnership with Gawk Outdoor for Season 2022.

Look out for the promotion of various league events on the Gawk digital billboard and other exciting initiatives through 2022.

Gawk Outdoor is an outdoor advertising business with billboards across Regional Victoria. Providing high-quality outdoor advertising to Victorian businesses – both large and small - the newest digital board can be found at the corner of Mair and Humffray Streets, Ballarat.

“We are stoked to be on board for 2022 with BNFL. Our long-term vision has always been to support local business and sporting organisations, so it’s great to get the opportunity to help promote the league with our digital site. To have the flexibility to promote upcoming events, key rounds/games and league partners, we are excited to showcase the capabilities this site has to offer," said James Course, Director of Gawk Outdoor.

The McDonald’s Ballarat FNL today welcomes the announcement from the AFL of updated concussion management guidelines for community football.

Concussion management is vital to support the health and wellbeing of players affected with the Ballarat FNL to adopt these guidelines with immediate affect across all competitions at all levels. The competitions referred include:

• McDonalds Ballarat FNL Seniors
• McDonald’s Ballarat FNL Juniors
• McDelivery BFLWomens
• Western Bulldogs Under 9’s

Further support for clubs and officials (trainers / first aid) is being sought by the league through medical professionals that will further enhance the processes and provide greater support for clubs when dealing with players and returning to play.

The guidelines are not a radical departure from what has been the previous version of the concussion guidelines in place since 2017. The primary differences are the adoption of the head check app as the management tool. This app has been trialled within community leagues for a number of seasons.

The McDonald's Ballarat FNL will introduce an Independent Tribunal for season 2022. Expressions of interest are welcome from suitably qualified applicants to join the Tribunal panel. 

The McDonald's Ballarat Football Netball League will introduce a new Independent Tribunal in 2022 to hear disciplinary matters arising from the various competitions of the league.

Applications are now invited for suitably qualified people to become a member of the Independent Tribunal. Working with the Tribunal chairs, panel members will hear reports and other matters referred according to the guidelines of the AFL, AFL Victoria and Netball Victoria.

This role is ideally suited to a person who has recently retired from the game or who has a passion and interest in football and/or netball.

To express your interest, please email BFNL General Manager Shane Anwyl at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. by COB Tuesday 5^th April 2022.

For further information, please contact Shane Anwyl on 0409 072 403.

The BFLW is proud to announce Federation University as the inaugural BFLW Finals Series naming rights partner.

Federation has today been announced as the naming partner of the upcoming BFLWomens finals series and grand finals, commencing this Sunday the 14th of August 2022. 

The partnership will see Federation not only as naming partner of the now Federation BFLW Finals Series and Federation BFLW Grand Finals but will provide valued support to grow female football in Ballarat and regional Victoria. 

Since its inception in 2021, BFLWomens has continued to grow and be the home of female football participation across regional Victoria from Melton, Maryborough and across the wider Ballarat district. 

Support from Federation will ensure the McDonald's Ballarat FNL, as custodians of female football in the region, can continue to build on the current competition with the stated aim of maximising female sports participation. 

Ballarat FNL General Manager, Shane Anwyl 

“The partnership with Federation is an exciting step in the growth of female football, and more broadly participation across Ballarat. The Ballarat FNL is committed to the growth of female sport and an 'access for all' priority”. 

Federation is Victoria’s leading regional university focused on transforming lives and enhancing communities. They have a 152-year history of partnering with community, industry and government to meet the needs of the regions they serve. 

Federation University Vice-Chancellor, Liam Sloan 

“We are proud to be partnering with BFLW in the inaugural finals series for the League and look forward to enjoying the competition during the Federation Finals Series and supporting the growth of women in sport in Ballarat and surrounding areas. This collaboration between Federation and BFLW is driven by our shared value of inclusion and common goal of equality in sport."

Adrian Bettio, Chairman of the McDonald's Ballarat Football Netball League, has issued a joint statement alongside President of the Central Highlands Football League, Doug Hobson, asking the local football and netball community to respect and abide by the crowd restrictions put in place by government and health authorities.

 The boards of the Ballarat FNL, Central Highlands FL look forward to finals commencing this weekend after an interrupted season. 

The entire football and netball communities across the wider Ballarat region are to be commended for adapting to the everchanging protocols that are in place to keep us all safe and healthy. 

One of those protocols that are in place is the need to limit the number of people who can attend sporting events. This of course has a profound impact on our competitions, but we understand the need to have such measures to ensure we can move to a more normal environment soon. 

Whilst both leagues would welcome public, family and club members to support their teams competing, the current restrictions do not allow anymore than the minimum number of people to conduct the games of football and netball. There is, however, an allowance for one parent or carer to attend for junior players. 

Across this weekend, we ask that the football and netball community respect the restrictions put in place by government and health experts, that both leagues must abide by. 

Good luck to all teams and clubs competing this weekend and beyond. 

Regards,

Adrian Bettio - Chairman, McDonald's Ballarat FNL

Doug Hobson - President, Central Highlands FL

Interleague is back! The McDonald's Ballarat FNL announces the Junior and BFLW Interleague coaches for 2021.

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 16.5 – Wayne McKercher
• Under 16 Youth Girls – Emmerson Hitch
• Under 18 Youth Girls – Katie McAloon

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 & Western Bulldogs Academy
• GWV Rebels Development Coaches
• Next Gen Academy Development Coaching
• VFLW playing experience

The BFNL will take on the Bendigo JFL on Saturday 26^th June in Strathfieldsaye. Selected squads and further information will be released to clubs and players over the next week.

END RELEASE

The McDonald's Ballarat FNL is excited to welcome back Junior Interleague for 2022. Coaching applications for all age groups are now open.

The McDonald’s Ballarat FNL will once again participate in Junior Representative football in 2022.

For many years, the Ballarat FNL has competed against the Bendigo JFL for the Goldfields Trophy, and both leagues are pleased to continue the tradition after returning in 2021.

Games will be played in Ballarat on Saturday 4th June across the following grades:

• Under 13 Boys
• Under 14 Boys
• Under 15 Boys
• Under 16 Boys
• Under 16 Girls
• Under 18 Girls

With a long and proud participation in representative football, all coaching positions for the above grades are available for suitable candidates. 

If you have an interest and passion for representative football and would like to apply for a coaching position, please click here to apply: https://forms.gle/Mw5dGmbiehtMZhf27   

The Week 3 updates to the 2022 McDonald's Ballarat FNL Junior Interleague Training Squads have been announced. 

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 23^rd May.

• For all Junior Boys age groups and the Under 16 Youth Girls, please see the attachment below for squad updates and players required to attend training next week.
• Under 18 Youth Girls will kick off training tonight at Marty Busch Reserve starting at 6:30pm.

Training next week is as follows:

Monday 23^rd 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 27th 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 Week 4 updates to the 2022 McDonald's Ballarat FNL Junior & Youth Girls Interleague Training Squads have been announced. 

Updates have been made to the 2022 McDonald’s Ballarat FNL Junior & Youth Girls Interleague Training Squads. Following this week’s Interleague training sessions, coaches have made updates to squad lists ahead of next week's final training sessions on Monday 30^th May.

• For all Junior Boys and Youth Girls age groups, please see the attachment below for squad updates and players required to attend training next week.
• Note: NO TRAINING for the Under 14 Boys next week
• IMPORTANT: If you are feeling unwell, please DO NOT attend training. Players/Parents are asked to contact their head coach to advise.

Training over the next week is as follows:

Friday 27th May             

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

Monday 30^th May         

• Under 13            
  • 5:00pm - 6:30pm at Alfredton Village Green (Oval 2)
• Under 15            
  • 6:30pm - 8:00pm at Alfredton Village Green (Oval 2)
• Under 14            
  • NO TRAINING
• Under 16             
  • 6:30pm - 8:00pm at Alfredton Recreation Reserve
• Under 16 Girls   
  • 5:00pm - 6:30pm at Marty Busch Recreation Reserve 
• Under 18 Girls   
  • 6:30pm - 8:00pm at 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.

With the announcement today of an extension to the current lockdown across Victoria, the McDonald's Ballarat FNL provides an update on all competitions.

SENIOR Competition

The senior football and netball competition will continue to be ‘paused’ at this stage and will resume Round 11 effective from the date of an approved return to competition. This will ensure all clubs have played each other once and the same number of byes. 

JUNIOR Competition

Junior football and netball will have the round scheduled for Sunday 25thJuly 2021 abandoned and removed from the fixture. 

The competitions will restart from the fixtured games as at the date a return to play has been announced. 

BFLW Competitions

As with junior football and netball, all BFLW grades will have the round scheduled for Sunday 25thJuly 2021 abandoned and removed from the fixture. 

The competitions will restart from the fixtured games as at the date a return to play has been announced. 

As further details become available, the league will assess the competitions to ensure the 2021 season can be completed. 

END RELEASE 

The McDonald's Ballarat FNL announces impacts to the various competitions in light of today’s announcement from the Victorian Government. 

The state government has today announced a state-wide lockdown effective from 8:00pm tonight through to 11:59pm Thursday 12thAugust, which will affect the Ballarat FNL competitions from this weekend. 

Detailed below is the impact this lockdown has on the various BFNL competitions and how they will be managed. 

McDONALD'S BFNL SENIOR COMPETITION 

The senior competition will not proceed with round 12 this weekend. This round will be cancelled and not replaced. 

Impacts on further scheduled rounds will be determined as further details are provided by the government over the coming days to indicate a likelihood of when football and netball may return to competition. 

McDONALD'S BFNL JUNIOR COMPETITION 

The junior competition will not proceed with this weekend round of football and netball, which will also be cancelled and not replaced. 

As per the senior competition, the league will await advice on when competition football and netball can return to determine the pathway forward. 

All options will be considered by the league regarding the final home and away round, and finals as further information becomes available. 

McDELIVERY BFLWOMEN'S 

The BFLW competition will not proceed with this weekend round of football, which will also be cancelled and not replaced. 

As per the senior competition, the league will await advice on when competition football can return to determine the pathway forward. 

All options will be considered by the league regarding the final home and away round, and finals as further information becomes available. 

Information will be provided as it is made available and allow us to work towards a conclusion to the 2021 competitions across football and netball. 

The McDonalds Ballarat FNL is excited to announce grand finals at Mars Stadium have been secured for the next three years across all competitions.

Working with the City of Ballarat, the BFNL is pleased to announce that for the next three years, there will be consecutive weekends of grand final football and netball showcasing what is undoubtedly the premier competitions in the region.

From 2021, the first week of September will see the relaunched BFLWomens competition stage grand finals at Mars Stadium, a return to the premier venue for what will be the premier female competition in regional Victoria. 

The support of councils Active Womens & Girls  Strategy to which the Ballarat FNL has aligned will enhance the growth and participation of female football at all levels across the City of Ballarat.

The following Sunday will see the traditional hosting of the junior grand finals for football and netball with a total of 14 grand finals across both competitions in a huge day for junior competition.

To cap off a busy September, the Carlton Draught Finals Series will conclude with grand final day to determine the best senior football and netball teams of the season.

We thank the City of Ballarat for the ongoing support of the Ballarat FNL and BFLWomens competitions, strengthening a long standing partnership.

The board of the McDonald's Ballarat FNL provides the following update on all competitions considering today’s announcement from the state government. 

As of 11:59pm tonight (Monday), regional Victoria will return to the settings in place prior to the current lockdown. That is, community football and netball will be played with several protocols to be followed. 

WESTERN BULLDOGS UNDER 9’s 

The Western Bulldogs Under 9’s will continue to be placed on hold until such time as restrictions allow for suitable crowds to attend given a large number of players and their parent/carer concentrated at one venue. 

BFLWomens 

The McDelivery BFLW competition will resume from this weekend with games as fixtured to take place on Sunday 15thAugust 2021. 

The variation to a full return is that games featuring metro-based clubs (Melton Centrals and Melton) will not proceed. The result of those games will see points shared and no percentage applied. 

This will conclude the home & away season for BFLW and see finals commence as of the 21stAugust 2021 over three weeks. 

BFNL JUNIORS 

The McDonalds Ballarat FNL junior competitions will resume this weekend from the games as fixtured to take place on Sunday 15thAugust 2021. As with BFLW, this will conclude the home & away season for juniors in 2021. 

The Ballarat Toyota BFNL Juniors Finals Series will commence from Saturday 21stAugust 2021, with the format of finals to be confirmed. 

BFNL SENIORS 

Whilst it is encouraging that regional-based competition can resume from this weekend, the Ballarat FNL is in the unique position of having senior clubs across both metro and regional communities. As a result, BFNL senior competition can only return when the settings for metro and regional communities are consistent. 

Given the above, and the likelihood that many clubs will be impacted by the potential of metro-based players not being able to compete in a regional competition, the BFNL Seniors will not proceed this weekend. 

The senior round 13 will be cancelled and no results given. 

The league will await the next advice from the government to determine the status of the final home & away round on Saturday 21stAugust and the Carlton Draught Finals series due to commence from Saturday 28thAugust 2021. 

The pathway ahead for the coming week is based upon advice that is known at this point in time. 

The league is committed to ensuring the 2021 season can be concluded in the fairest manner for all clubs and supporters and appreciate the willingness of all stakeholders to be flexible as we work through the current protocols. 

END RELEASE 

The board of the McDonalds Ballarat FNL is pleased to announce the appointment of Scott Carey as Football Manager for the league.

Scott’s appointment follows a selection process where several quality applicants were interviewed. There is no doubt Scott brings a wealth of knowledge and in particular, experience to the Ballarat FNL.

Previous roles have included operations manager of both the Ballarat FNL and MCDFNL along with a recent two-year stint in the same role with the Ballarat FUA.

Scott is well known around the league having played with the Lake Wendouree FNC and will be a valued addition to the leagues staff as we face some exciting challenges in the short term.

The primary role will be junior football and BFLWomens operations and management and will act as the first contact for these competitions.

Starting January 18^th, 2021, Scott will complement the recent announcement of Gemma Murphy as Netball Manager and give the league valued experience as we work to consolidate and grow our competitions.

The board of the McDonald's Ballarat FNL has today considered the announcement from the state government to extend the metro lockdown and the impact this has on the senior competition. 

Given the lockdown has been extended at this stage until midnight on Thursday 19thAugust 2021, it has been determined the final round of the home & away (round 14) scheduled for Saturday 21stAugust will be cancelled and not proceed.

This action will result in the 2021 Home & Away season now being completed. 

Ladder positions will be final as per the current results, which provide a true reflection of the competition given all clubs have played each other once. 

The 2021 Carlton Draught Senior Finals series is still planned to commence from Saturday 28thAugust, dependant on updates from the government as this date nears. 

The league will continue to show flexibility to ensure all finals can be played where possible with all clubs who have earned the right to participate given the opportunity. 

Further advice and details around finals structure and planning will be provided in due course, but clubs eligible for finals are asked to prepare for the series to commence as of the date advised. 

Details of the junior and BFLW finals series are being considered separately and will be advised at the completion of this weekend's games. 

END RELEASE