Congratulations to all the athletes that have made the 2023 BFNL Junior Representative Netball Teams.

Please see the players named in the McDonald's BFNL 13 & Under team and watch this space as tomorrow we will announce the 15 & Under Squads.

[Pictured: 2022 BFNL 13 & Under Junior Netball Representative Team]

BFNL 13 & Under Championship Team

Hayley Jackson – Ballarat

Evie Palmer – North Ballarat

Taylor Young – North Ballarat

Ella Manley – Storm

Stella Kane – Redan

Ashlee Beseler – North Ballarat

Tiarnee Smith – Darley

Emme Moore – Lake Wendouree

Tahlia Spratling – Sebastopol

Lotti Macdonald – Redan

Milla Rundell – Lake Wendouree

Mackenzie McMahon - Ballarat

Coach: Leah Macdonald

15 & Under Development Team

Brydee Craig-Peters – Redan

Mia Price - Redan

Lyla Sheehan – Lake Wendouree

Charli Ferguson – North Ballarat

Georgie Popple – Bacchus Marsh

Emmy Holloway – Lake Wendouree

Alexandra Harris – Darley

Milly Vallance – Mount Clear

Eleanor Justin – East Point

Allie Kirby – East Point

Emily Mihaljevic – East Point

Emma McConchie – Ballarat

Coach: Lisa Strudwick

15 & Under Championship Team

Ebony Porter – North Ballarat

Maia Murphy – Ballarat

Kate Aikman – North Ballarat

Abby Kinnersly – East Point

Zarli Brudenall – Redan

Amarli Minster – Sebastopol

Eliza Ashby – Ballarat

Audrey Murnane – North Ballarat

Grace Jackson – Ballarat

Keira McDonald - Ballarat

Coaches: Meg Porter & Di McCormack

The McDonald's Ballarat FNL is proud to announce the appointment of our Junior Netball Representative Coaches for 2023.

Congratulations to our 2023 Junior Netball Representative Coaches:

13 & Under Championship Team – Leah Macdonald

15 & Under Development Team – Lisa Strudwick

15 & Under Championship Team – Meg Porter & Di McCormack

17 & Under Championship Team – Prue Douglass & Damien Mullane

Expressions of interest for players to join trials will be announced in the coming days.

The McDonalds Ballarat FNL is pleased to announce its fixtures for the 2024 junior football and netball competitions.

Find full competition dates and fixtures via the downloadable links below:

Football & Netball

Football & Netball

Football

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.

The strength of the McDonald's Ballarat FNL was on full display at the 2021 NAB AFL Draft, with local talent heading to Richmond, Essendon and North Melbourne.

With five players being drafted - yes, we are clear and proud to claim you too, Paul Curtis - two in the first round, the league congratulates the players, their families and home clubs for the many hours and years of hard work to reach this point. 

BFNL talent drafted and likely to have a long and successful career at the highest level were:

 Pick #9

• Josh Gibcus (East Point FNC)  -  drafted to Richmond FC

Pick #20

• Kai Lohmann (Lake Wendouree FNC)  -  drafted to Brisbane Lions FC

Pick #22

• Josh Goater (Sunbury FNC)  -  drafted to North Melbourne FC

Pick #23

• Sam Butler (Lake Wendouree FNC)  -  drafted to Hawthorn FC

Pick #35

• Paul Curtis (Melton South FNC) - drafted to North Melbourne FC

This is a free event designed for girls to experience playing football in a fun, inclusive and safe environment!

Date:

Sunday February 26th

Time:

10.30am-12:00pm

Venue:

Bacchus Marsh Racecourse and Recreation Reserve (BMRRR)

Information:

This is a free event designed for girls to experience playing football in a fun, inclusive and safe environment! This will be a perfect opportunity for anyone thinking of having a go at Auskick or Junior Footy in 2023. There will be fun footy activities, skill sessions, games and free AFL giveaways on the day!

For further information - please contact Sam Pfeiffer - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Registration Link:

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 

Please find below important information for supporters and attendees to be aware of for this Sunday’s Ballarat Toyota Junior Grand Final Day at MARS Stadium.

General Information

• MARS Stadium – Creswick Road, Wendouree VIC
• Sunday 11^th September 2022
• The Ballarat Toyota Junior Grand Finals will be an Alcohol-Free event.

Match Schedule

Admission Fees

Junior Grand Final 2022

Adults - $12

Family (2 adults & 2 children) - $26

Age Pensioner - $7

8 - 16yo - $5

U/8 – Free

Footy Record – $4 (Special Edition)

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

Gates

Gates open at 6:45am

Grand Final Filming

All matches will be filmed. 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:

Football - https://bit.ly/3Q4H8gg

Netball - https://bit.ly/3KPteh6

Entry & Parking Information

Please see details and map below for assistance with entry & parking requirements this Sunday.

Entry to MARS Stadium:

• Gate 1 – Located on Creswick Road.
• Gate 2 - Beech Avenue – Located at Northern Oval 2 behind MARS Stadium. This entry is encouraged for those attending the Netball.

NO DOGS are permitted within the precinct this weekend.

Parking is available at the following locations:

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.

The McDonald’s Ballarat FNL is pleased to announce the final squads for our BFLW Interleague sides.

Under 16 & Under 18 Youth Girls teams will compete against Bendigo on Saturday 26^th June in Strathfieldsaye as part of the Goldfields Trophy.

The Ballarat FNL would like to thank the coaches, parents, clubs and other volunteers who have committed their time to the 2021 interleague program and wish all players the best representing the league.

Games will be played at the following times:

Selected squads including emergencies are:

Jumper Presentations for the below selected squads will be held at Saxon House at the following times:

• Under 16 Youth Girls at 6:20pm
• Under 18 Youth Girls at 6:40pm

The McDonald’s Ballarat FNL is pleased to announce the fixture for the first week of the 2022 McDelivery BFL Women’s finals series.

The league is excited to have many of our BFLW clubs represented across the finals series, providing a wonderful experience for our clubs and players after missing out on finals over the last two seasons.

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

Admission Prices

BFLW Finals 2022

Adults - $10

Family (2 adults & 2 children) - $25

Age Pensioner - $5

8 - 16yo - $5

U/8 – Free

Grounds Open

Note:Gates will open at 7.30am for all venues during Week One to Week Three.

Scheduled matches across all grades of football for Week One of the finals can be found below.

The McDonald’s Ballarat FNL is pleased to announce the fixture for the second week of the 2022 Federation BFLWomen’s Finals Series.

It was great to see the finals kick off over the weekend with some fantastic games played across all four grades.

Admission prices will continue this weekend and are as follows:

Admission Prices:

BFLW Finals 2022

Adults - $10

Family (2 adults & 2 children) - $25

Age Pensioner - $5

8 - 16yo - $5

U/8 – Free

Grounds Open:

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

Scheduled matches across all grades of football for week two of the finals can be found below.

With planning underway for the 2023 season, the McDonald's Ballarat FNL would like to provide details of the structure of all competitions next year.

The creation of the fixtures for all competitions will be dependant on many outside influences such as the AFL fixture and other competitions such as NAB league and VFL, the dates for each competition can now be announced.

SENIORS

• Start Date (round 1) Saturday 15th April 2023
• Grand Final Saturday 23rd September 2023
• 18 round season

Includes allowance for full competition bye on King's Birthday weekend as in recent years and weekend bye for the potential return of senior interleague.

JUNIORS

• Start Date (round 1) Saturday 15th April 2023
• Grand Final Sunday 17th September 2023
• 16 round season

Includes allowance for full competition bye on King's Birthday weekend and middle weekend of school holidays (1st July) as in recent years.

BFLWomens

• Start Date (round 1) Sunday 16th April 2023
• Grand Final Saturday 9th September 2023
• 15 round season*

* (TBC)

Includes allowance for full competition bye on King's Birthday weekend and middle weekend of school holidays (2nd July) as in recent years.

Following a successful return to community football and netball in 2022, the 2023 season promises to be highly anticipated following recent signings at clubs.

The home and away season will lead into the finals series and grand finals that will be held once again at Mars Stadium and with over 40,000 people attending BFNL finals in 2022, it is sure to be another exciting year of competition.

The McDonalds Ballarat FNL has completed an extensive review of junior football across the league and determined the structure of junior football from 2022 and beyond.

After consultation with clubs and other stakeholders, it was evident the existing ‘odd’ age structure has not been successful, leading to a decrease in participation at the higher level of junior football, as evident in both registration numbers and actual players taking the field at club level.

As a result, and based on the wishes of the BFNL clubs, the junior age structure from 2022 will be:

• Under 16 Seniors and Reserves
• Under 14 Seniors and Reserves
• Under 12 Seniors and Reserves
• Under 10 Seniors and Reserves
• Under 9 Seniors and Reserves

Based on modeling, the league has identified increased participation for junior players across age groups which will in turn lead to stronger competitions to those which are already enjoyed in the BFNL.

The background and rationale to the change that is to be implemented includes:

• A decrease in players at the upper level of junior football, particularly Under 17’s
• This decrease reflective of the different demands and opportunities afforded to 17-year-old males
• Change being implemented in 2022 allows clubs to work with their current lists to facilitate the transition
• Modelling supports a better alignment of player registrations at an Under 16 age instead of the current Under 17
• Strong support for the Western Bulldogs Under 9’s to continue to build on its implementation in 2019

As a consequence of the change to an even structure, and the top age being Under 16, the existing Under 19 competition will become Under 18½.

As part of the AFL Victoria policy for competition changes, this format will be provided to neighboring leagues who may be affected, for comment with formal approval by AFL Goldfields expected in early 2021.

The league is excited to be able to adopt a junior football structure that will best reflect the needs of BFNL clubs and will allow increased participation for those who want to be part of our game.

The BFNL juniors continue to be the strongest junior competition within the region, enjoying consistent growth at the lower age groups and a development pathway for those wanting to play at the highest level.

Junior netball has not been included in this review as there are no structural issues with junior netball. Whilst most clubs are at capacity for netball, the issue to be addressed moving forward is how does the league accommodate growth in junior netball through increased team participation

Please note a change to the date of the 2021 Henderson & McLean Medals night, now to be held on Monday the 20th of September at 7pm.

With the current restrictions in place and the lack of clarity in the near future, all awards nights will be online and streamed through social media and the league website. 

This is a first for the league and will allow proper and due recognition to the best players across all competitions in 2021. 

With a deep and rich history, the senior competition Henderson & McLean Medals, along with the Robert Allan Medal for juniors will be joined by the awards presented for the best female footballers in the BFLW. 

Through the services of media partner Red Onion, the live-streamed awards will be presented through BFNL social media and website (www.bfnl.com.au) as follows: 

• McDelivery BFLWomen's Awards Night

oWednesday 8thSeptember 2021 from 7pm* 

• McDonald's Ballarat BFNL Robert Allan Medal

oMonday 13thSeptember 2021 from 7pm* 

• McDonald's Ballarat BFNL Henderson & McLean Medals

o Monday 20thSeptember 2021 from 7pm* 

* Start time TBC 

END RELEASE 

The board of the Ballarat FNL have today confirmed a pathway to the conclusion of the 2021 senior football and netball season.

This plan moving forward is designed to provided certainty for all stakeholders (clubs, players, and the league) in the best interests of the senior competitions.

With many variables as we move through this current period, the league has tried to create a compromise at all points that takes in to account the varying needs and wants of all clubs across the league.

The announcement yesterday from government that lockdown and further restriction will continue for another two weeks, means the earliest date for competition would be Saturday 4th September.

There is a requirement to provide a minimum 7-day period for a return to training before competition can commence, in effect means the earliest date for competition will be Saturday 11th September 2021.

In summary:

As each week progresses from the 11th of September that finals are delayed, the bottom two clubs based on ladder position will be removed from finals.

This is a last resort and a tough decision that was made by the board to move through to a finalisation of the season. The final date the grand final can be held is the 2nd of October 2021, which is designed to give as much time as possible to have a premiership decided via a game.

League chair Adrian Bettio added:

“The aim of the BFNL board is to provide fairness and equality to all clubs and maintain the integrity of our competition.

It is a delicate and complex balancing act, and we accept that we are not going to please everyone. As with all leagues, we have had little choice but to evolve with the conditions.

“We face a unique situation in the Ballarat FNL with clubs that cross regional and metro areas which has created many challenges."

The league respects the right of all clubs who have qualified for finals to have the ability to compete in a final’s series with all other clubs” In other competitions, the McDonalds BFNL Junior finals series will kick off this weekend, along with Youth / Junior BFLW games.

BFLW open age competition will be paused along the same lines as the senior competition to allow the opportunity for Melton Centrals to compete in that final’s series

It's back - but no crowds, please!

In line with the easing of restrictions, the McDelivery BFLW and McDonald's Ballarat FNL junior competitions return to play this weekend. We appreciate all of our clubs, players, volunteers and families helping us keep the competition safe as we return to play.

Following the announcement of the return of senior competitions, the McDonald's Ballarat FNL is also pleased to announce a return to play for the Junior & BFLW competitions. 

Both competitions will recommence from this Sunday 1stAugust 2021 under strict COVID protocols. 

A revised fixture has been completed for both competitions that will ensure a more equitable fixture and a maximisation of games. 

Changes made to fixtures include: 

BFNL Juniors 

• Round 7 replacing Round 14 this weekend. 
• Rounds 12 & 13 will be abandoned 
• Rounds 15 (8th August) & 16 (15thAugust) will remain as originally scheduled for the junior competition. 
• Ballarat Toyota Junior Finals Series to begin on 21stAugust. 

BFLW 

• Matches this weekend will begin from Round 12 as originally scheduled for 1st August. 
• Rounds 10 & 11 will be abandoned. 
• Round 13 will remain as scheduled for 8th August 
• An extra round of home & away matches to be added for 15th August – Fixture to be advised. 
• McDelivery BFLW Finals Series to begin on Sunday 22nd August. 

Western Bulldogs Under 9’s 

The Under 9 competition will not return with current restrictions, however, the remaining rounds will look to be rescheduled when restrictions allow a return to play for this competition. 

With crowds restricted at venues under the current stage of restrictions, entry will be strictly limited to players and officials from each competing club only. Further advice will be provided from both AFL Victoria and Netball Victoria soon. 

The BFNL is excited to have competition football and netball back in the premier competition across the region. 

END RELEASE 

The McDonald’s Ballarat FNL is pleased to announce the final squads for our 2022 Junior and BFLW Interleague sides.

Congratulations to all the players selected for our Junior and BFLW Interleague sides.

Teams will compete against Bendigo this Saturday 4^th June at Wendouree Reserve and Northern Oval as part of the longstanding Goldfields Trophy.

The Ballarat FNL would like to thank the coaches, parents, clubs and other volunteers who have committed their time to the 2022 interleague program and wish all players the best in representing the league.

Games will be played at the following times:

Due to Senior Football & Netball at Mars Stadium this Saturday, strictly no entry will be available to Northern Oval through the North Ballarat Sports Club.

All players, families, spectators and volunteers are to enter this weekend’s venues via the following entry points:

• All matches at Wendouree Reserve as per the above match schedule, must be accessed through the entry off Dowling Street, Wendouree.
• All matches at Northern Oval 2 (Frank Bourke Oval) as per the above match schedule, must be accessed through the entry off Beech Avenue, Wendouree.

Selected squads for all junior and girl’s sides can be found below.

Following the release of Victoria's 'roadmap' out of lockdown, the board of the McDonald's Ballarat FNL has, with deep regret, cancelled junior finals.

It is with deep regret that the board of the McDonald's Ballarat FNL have made the decision to cancel the finals for BFNL Junior and BFLW Youth / Junior competitions. 

This decision, therefore, ends the 2021 seasons for all grades in these competitions. Teams that finished on top of the ladder at the end of the home & away season will be recognised as the minor premiers. 

With the announcement today of the roadmap for a return to activities, it is clear that community sport will not be able to commence until a fully vaccinated rate of 80% has been achieved, expected to be around the 5th of November 2021. 

Whilst the board have allowed as much time as possible to play finals, it is now evident this is not possible under the current plan. 

This decision will at least provide certainty to all the junior players, volunteers, and families that the season has concluded. 

League chair, Adrian Bettio:

“This decision is one that we knew was coming but we all wanted to hold out some hope that it would not eventuate. I feel for the kids who just want to get and play with their mates and finish the year with finals.

“We will do everything over the offseason to make sure the 2022 season gives everyone the opportunity to play and to catch up on two lost years through COVID. 

“I want to thank the many club volunteers and parents for their patience, understanding and support of the league and each other through challenging times." 

END RELEASE 

The McDonald’s Ballarat FNL is pleased to announce the final squads for our Junior Interleague sides.

Teams will compete against Bendigo on Saturday 26^th June in Strathfieldsaye as part of the Goldfields Trophy.

The Ballarat FNL would like to thank the coaches, parents, clubs and other volunteers who have committed their time to the 2021 interleague program and wish all players the best representing the league.

Games will be played at the following times:

Selected squads including emergencies are: