Photo by Leigh Monk / courtesy AFL Victoria

21 BFNL junior boys and 18 BFLW girls have been named in the GWV Rebels V/Line Cup squad for 2022. Representing the quality and development of the Ballarat FNL as the peak junior competition in the region.

The AFL Commissions of Goldfields, Western District & Wimmera Mallee, in conjunction with the GWV Rebels are delighted to announce the girls and boys squads to be considered to compete in the 2022 VLine Cup in Shepparton.

The VLine Cup will take place between Monday 19^th Sept and Tuesday 20^th Sept 2022 in Shepparton. The GWV Rebels VLine Cup squad was selected from club, representative and trial games held across all 3 regions.

The coaches of both the girls and boys squads are very excited with the assembled talented players that have been selected in the initial squads.

Training sessions will occur Monday 29^th August, Monday 5^th & 12^th September at Alexandra Oval in Ararat.

See the squads:

The Ballarat Football Umpires Association are pleased to announce the grand final appointments for all four BFLW Grand Finals set to take place this Saturday at Mars Stadium.

The appointments are headlined by an all-female umpiring panel for the BFLW Senior Women's Grand Final.

BFLW Senior Women's

Field Umpires

Kate Tompkins
Natasha Petrov
Ally Steenhuis

Boundary Umpires

Aria Violini
Kiana Jenkins
Erica Jones
Willow Klaver

Goal Umpires

Lisa Donovan
Suzanne Olsen

BFLW Under 19 Girls

Field Umpires

Anna Baxter
Connor Ziday
Jessica Handley

Boundary Umpires

Shakira Lual
Aliyah Tapster
Lana Wilson
Tessa Wilson

Goal Umpires

Harry Donovan-Clancy
Deanna Garbutt

BFLW Under 14 Girls

Field Umpires

Jake Shillito
Kyle Ettridge

Boundary Umpires

George Bishop
Aiden Wiltsher
Hudson Brennan

Goal Umpires

Alex Martin
Dan McPhan

The BFNL junior competition celebrated its night of nights as we crowned all the amazing achievements of our junior footballers and netballers from the 2023 season. See below for a full list of winners and recipients from the night.

UNDER 13 SENIORS LEADING GOAL KICKER

Tyler Borg (Bacchus Marsh) - 36 goals

UNDER 15 SENIORS LEADING GOAL KICKER

Cooper Beseler (North Ballarat) - 34 goals

UNDER 17 SENIORS LEADING GOAL KICKER

Nic Salter (East Point) - 44 goals

13 & UNDER SENIOR NETBALL BEST & FAIREST

Winner: Tessa Wilson (Mount Clear) - 34 votes

Runners-Up: Lucy Phyland (Bacchus Marsh) and Lotti McDonald (Redan) - 28 votes

UNDER 13 FOOTBALL BEST & FAIREST – THE LLOYD SIMS TROPHY

Winners: John Lang (Redan) and Freddie Young (Lake Wendouree) - 26 votes

Runners-Up: Tyler Borg (Bacchus Marsh) and Harry Metcher (Bacchus Marsh) - 19 votes

15 & UNDER SENIOR NETBALL BEST & FAIREST

Winner: Ebony Porter (North Ballarat) - 29 votes

Runner-Up: Eliza Ashby (Ballarat) - 21 votes

UNDER 15 FOOTBALL BEST & FAIREST – THE KEITH RAWLE MEMORIAL TROPHY

Winners: Jake Abrams (North Ballarat) and Emerson Vallance (Mount Clear) - 21 votes

Runner-Up: Armi Wakefield (Bacchus Marsh) - 19 votes

17 & UNDER SENIOR NETBALL BEST & FAIREST

Winner: Ella Litras (Redan) - 27 votes

Runner-Up: Olivia Ashby (East Point) - 24 votes

UNDER 17 SENIOR FOOTBALL BEST & FAIREST - THE GORDON WISE MEMORIAL TROPHY

Winner: Jacob Britt (East Point) - 21 votes 

Runner-Up: Baxter Horsburgh (North Ballarat) - 20 votes

13 & UNDER SENIOR NETBALL MOST VALUABLE PLAYER

Winner: Taylor Young (North Ballarat) - 10 votes

UNDER 13 SENIOR ROBERT ALLAN MEDAL

Winner: Freddie Young (Lake Wendouree) - 24 votes

15 & UNDER SENIOR NETBALL MOST VALUABLE PLAYER

Winner: Ebony Porter (North Ballarat) - 15 votes

UNDER 15 SENIOR ROBERT ALLAN MEDAL

Winner: Ethan Kuchel (Mount Clear) - 20 votes

17 & UNDER SENIOR NETBALL MOST VALUABLE PLAYER

Winner: Ella Closter (Darley) - 14 votes

UNDER 17 SENIOR ROBERT ALLAN MEDAL

Winner: Archie Caldow (East Point) - 19 votes

JUNIOR FOOTBALL COORDINATOR OF THE YEAR

Winner: Ash Phillips (Storm)

JUNIOR NETBALL COORDINATOR OF THE YEAR

Winners: Siobhan Gosney & Kim Lane (Mount Clear)

BALLARAT FNL JUNIOR FOOTBALL COACH OF THE YEAR

Winner: Darren Leech (Lake Wendouree)

BALLARAT FNL JUNIOR NETBALL COACH OF THE YEAR

Winner: Sascha Veldhuis (East Point)

Merv & Mary Howard Memorial Junior Club Championship

East Point FNC

The Ballarat Football Umpires Association are pleased to announce the grand final appointments for all three BFNL Football Grand Finals set to take place this Saturday at City Oval.

Senior Men's Football

Field Umpires

Brent Irvin

Brendan Brasser

Adrian Tinetti

Tyla Reid (Emergency)

Boundary Umpires

Joshua Rofe

Sean Mason

Angus Murfett

Brendon Swarbrick

Goal Umpires

Allan Lepair

Rhys Brehaut

Reserve Men's Football

Field Umpires

Bradley Sharkey

Adam Coles

Tyla Reid

Jack Anderson (Emergency)

Boundary Umpires

Daniel O'Brien

Masyn Erdody

Sam White

Jake Shillito

Goal Umpires

Mark Harris

James Morton

Under 19 Men's Football

Field Umpires

Xavier Gleeson

Mark Warwick

Jacob Rae

Boundary Umpires

Elliott Bourke

Hugh Rogan

Ned Murnane

Caleb Ortiz

Goal Umpires

Cooper James

Craig Stevens

The Ballarat Football Netball League is pleased to announce the initial squad for its upcoming senior football interleague campaign against the Hampden Football League.

The resurgance of representative football is set to take place on July 1st at MARS Stadium with the squads selected in an Under 23 format.

A team of 22 and two emergencies will be selected from the below list of 58 players.

Assistant coaches and support staff for the representative side will be confirmed shortly following the announcement that former Carlton legend Anthony Koutoufides will take the reins as senior coach of the program. 

The BFNL celebrated its night of nights as we crowned all the amazing achievements of our footballers and netballers from the 2023 season. See below for a full list of winners and recipients from the night.

Henderson Medal - Senior Football Best & Fairest

Winner: Brett Bewley (Darley) - 27 Votes

Runner-Up: Luther Baker (Darley) - 23 Votes

Sally McLean Medal - A-Grade Netball Best & Fairest

Winner: Simona DiFillipo (Sunbury) - 21 Votes

Runners-Up: Shannon Blackman (Darley), Matilda Elliot (Darley) & Brydi Hutchinson (North Ballarat) - 17 Votes

George King Medal - Reserves Football Best & Fairest

Winner: Nathan Doyle (Sunbury) - 17 Votes

Runner-Up: Drew Murphy (East Point) - 16 Votes

B-Grade Netball Best & Fairest

Winner: Ella Closter (Darley) - 26 Votes

Runner-Up: Telia Coverdale (Melton South) - 20 Votes

C-Grade Netball Best & Fairest

Winner: Melissa Jones (Redan) - 22 Votes

Runner-Up: Renee Hulls (Darley) - 21 Votes

D-Grade Netball Best & Fairest

Winner: Tami Hardwick (Sunbury) - 23 Votes

Runner-Up: Georgia Lane (Melton South) - 20 Votes

E-Grade Netball Best & Fairest

Winner: Anna Edmonds (Melton South) - 34 Votes

Runner-Up: Eliza Neyenhuis (Lake Wendouree) - 26 Votes

The Dick Rees Memorial Trophy - Under 19 Football Best & Fairest

Winner: Ryder Rousch (Sunbury) - 30 Votes

Runner-Up: Cooper Murley (Darley) - 20 Votes

Under 19s Netball Best & Fairest

Winner: Adut Manyiel (Sebastopol) - 23 Votes

Runner-Up: Lucy Taylor (Darley) - 22 Votes

Tony Lockett Medal - Senior Football Leading Goal Kicker Award

Izaac Grant (Redan) - 54 Goals

A-Grade Netball Goaler of The Year

Rebecca Hicks (Darley) - 665 Goals

Jim Gull Medal - Reserves Football Leading Goal Kicker

Michael Powell (Sepastopol) - 57 Goals

Under 19s Football Leading Goal Kicker

Lachlan Sheridan (Sebastopol) - 69 Goals

Mick Malthouse Coach of the Year

Jason Williams (Bacchus Marsh)

Netball Coach of the Year

Kim Bailey (Sunbury) & Courtney McLean (Lake Wendouree)

Umpire of the Year

Brendan Brasser

Netball Coordinator of the Year

Cassie Yueng (Lake Wendouree)

Harry Harris Memorial Administrator Of The Year Award

Michael Taylor (Lake Wendouree)

Sportsman’s Association of Australia, Ballarat Rookie of the Year

Josh Huxtable (Bacchus Marsh)

Merv & Mary Howard Memorial Senior Club Championship

Darley FNC

BFNL Football Team of the Year

BFNL Netball Team of the Year

Junior representative football returns this weekend with the Ballarat Football Netball League to play the Bendigo Junior Football League on Saturday for the 2023 La Trobe University Goldfields Trophy.

Games will take place in Bendigo at Epsom Huntly Recreation Reserve wth seven interleague sides set to represent the BFNL. 

Both junior boys and girls will be running out Saturday with three sides comprising of under 14s, under 16s and under 18s representing the girls.

Four junior boys teams will be playing in the under 13, under 14, under 15 and under 16 grades.

FIXTURES

Under 14 Girls v Bendigo - 11:30am, Oval 2

Under 16 Girls v Bendigo - 1pm, Oval 2

Under 18 Girls v Bendigo - 1:25pm, Oval 1

Under 13 Boys v Bendigo - 10am, Oval 2

Under 14 Boys v Bendigo - 9:45am, Oval 1

Under 15 Boys v Bendigo - 11:35am, Oval 1

Under 16 Boys v Bendigo - 2:50pm, Oval 1

SQUADS

Under 14 Girls

Under 16 Girls 

Under 18 Girls

Under 13 Boys 

Under 14 Boys

Under 15 Boys

Under 16 Boys

With pre-season preparations well under way and Round 1 quickly approaching, Scoop has gone one-on-one with all 11 senior football coaches ahead of the 2024 McDonalds BFNL season.

COACH:Dennis Armfield

Previous Experience/Accolades:145 AFL games (Carlton)

ON THE RECORD

SCOOP: Great news for the Cobras obtaining your services for the coming season Dennis. I've no doubt the BFNL will also be the beneficiary. How did you find your way to Bacchus Marsh?

Dennis Armfield: Long story short, my wife grew up in Bacchus Marsh and has run a business there for 20 years - Dream Entertainment Dance Studios. It was an ideal fit for family and community connection.

SCOOP: There's an encouraging blend of youthful and experienced talent at Cobra land. Have you had a chance to see much given the Coates boys from last year have been training with Port Melbourne and Williamstown? What do you know of them over your short time?

DA: Did my due diligence. Our youth is very exciting and will help lead the Cobras in a positive direction. Not only these players but the whole group are driven to learn and grow, challenging each other for a spot in the team and raising the standards which is encouraging.

SCOOP: Are playing finals on the priority list of goals in 2024 or is further development into the young brigade atop of the list - name three priorities for your tenure...

DA: Improve on 2023 (ladder position and personal growth). To become a stronger united club across men and women's footy and netball. Making Bacchus Marsh a destination club/town and place people want to come to.

SCOOP: What will Andrejs Everitt add to the Cobras list?

DA: Development, patience, wisdom, calm, balance, x-factor.

SCOOP: What is the likelihood we'll see much of Rye Penny (Collingwood VFL listed) and what role will would he play?

DA: Intercepting back. We'll support his VFL journey wholeheartedly and do whatever we can to facilitate his progress. I selfishly hope we see him for a handful of games but for his sake, I hope we don't see him at all.

SCOOP: You won a Jim Stynes Medal during your AFL career at Carlton for your contributions to the wider community. Is that something you've always valued and maintain today? Local footy I guess is another way of giving to the community....

DA: My motto is 'live to give'. I believe we should all do our part together. Connection is an important value to me and doing the journey with others makes life enjoyable. Local footy gives me so much and I hope I can return a little back to those around me.

SCOOP: What are the chances of you playing at all this year - if high - how many games are you planning on?

DA: Definitely playing is on the card but I won't stand in the way of a kid getting a game. I played 14/18 games last year and missed only when the 'bench' coach was away. I've done all this pre-season and will likely play a 'filling' role (similar to Andrejs) wherever deemed necessary by the coaching staff and match committee.

IDENTIFIED STRENGTHS

DA: Leg speed and willingness to take a risk. The internal drive and want to learn / get better. Our forward line looks in good shape, a well-connected defensive structure and an energetic midfield. 

PROJECTED IMPROVEMENT

DA: Forward structure, ball movement, competitive edge staying in games for longer.

MOST UNDER AND OVERRATED STAT IN TODAY'S LOCAL FOOTY

DA: Conversion inside 50 – Underrated, Clearances - Overrated

PRE-SEASON TRAINING

DA: Great. 50 odd numbers on the track each session pre-Christmas is very encouraging for this time of year. The group are fully trusting and invested in the program. Our strength and conditioning coach addition is also having an impact. Our leaders have been driving the standards.

PLAYER INS

Dennis Armfield (Park Orchards), Andrejs Everitt (Park Orchards), Sam Crea (Ballan), Rye Penny (Gisborne), Josh Calvitto (Dunnstown), Baden Cracknell (Dunnstown), Bailey Glascott (GSW Rovers), Cohen LeSeur (Gordon)

PLAYER OUTS

Eamon Ogden (Kyabram), Jake Long (Tullamarine), Joshua Onderwater (Western Districts), Jonathon Bissell (Macedon), Tom Gillies (retired), Dom Miessen (ACT/work)

VFL AFFILIATED PLAYERS

Rye Penny (Collingwood). Josh Huxtable (Port Melbourne training), Jack Kovacevic (Port Melbourne training), Cody Gates (Port Melbourne training), Ethan McKercher (Port Melbourne training), Isaac Nixon (Port Melbourne training), Joel Freeman (Williamstown training)

THE DRAW

SCOOP: Double ups against big guns Darley, North Ballarat and Melton will be a great challenge for Armfield's progressive group. Other home and away meets include last year’s bottom two Melton South and Lake Wendouree. Sunbury is their sixth double up in this space who are eyeing some home ground momentum in 2024. Four trips to Ballarat include Lakers (Round 2), Sebastopol (Round 5), East Point (Round 11) and North Ballarat (Round 14). Cobras will hope to be in the mix after Round 13 with North Ballarat (A), bye, Melton (H), Darley (H) and Sunbury (A) to close out their season. Tough run home. 

PRACTICE MATCH SCHEDULE

March 16 v Avondale Heights (A)

March 23 v Pending opposition

IMPROVERS TIP: (OUTSIDE OF BACCHUS MARSH)

DA: East Point and Melton South (more competitive).

FLAG TIP: (OUTSIDE OF BACCHUS MARSH)

DA: North Ballarat

With pre-season preparations well under way and Round 1 quickly approaching, Scoop has gone one-on-one with all 11 senior football coaches ahead of the 2024 McDonalds BFNL season.

COACH:Chris Maple

Previous Experience/Accolades:2016 Western Bulldogs AFL Premiership Match Day Assistant Coach, 2014 Footscray VFL Premiership Coach.   

ON THE RECORD:

SCOOP: Well Chris, a year down in charge of the Swans - what did you learn about the group and where they're at and more broadly the BFNL given you've come from an elite program in the AFL with the Western Bulldogs?

CHRIS MAPLE: We're a young team like many across the BFNL which is a positive. I just really hope they stay in the competition (not lured elsewhere). The quality of the grounds have improved a lot too since my playing days.

SCOOP: Callum Wellings (25yo, 181cm) was a great pickup ahead of last season but unfortunately he was unsighted for various reasons. Is he good to go this year after a year off?

CM: Yep, he's back in Oz and we look forward to seeing him go around through the midfield.

SCOOP: You often made reference in your post-match comment last season it was essentially a quarter here and there that was costing you dearly from gaining a result. What's the ingredient to go about rectifying that in the new season?

CM: That's the part of having a young group and clearly an area of growth for us. The new additions bring physicality and experience which will help out the younger boys in that space. Expect some speed humps a long way but I’d like to think we're heading in the right direction.

SCOOP: Tell us about Lachie Dalgleish - he reads a more than handy acquisition and the mail is he's a terrific bloke. Elaborate for us on his role...

CM: Yep your mail is right, good fella. He's arrived with an eye toward high level coaching in the future. Lachie (30yo,185cm) is well credentialled and will play a variety of roles.

SCOOP: Andrew Hooper (32yo) has been an ageless contributor for the club for some time. Apart from his forward craft we're privy seeing when he's up and about, what does he offer the young brigade off field regarding preperation and gameday?

CM: Hoops has great aspirations in the coaching space and has really grown as a leader and positive influence for our young group.

IDENTIFIED STRENGTHS

CM: Backline will be stronger, and our midfield should progress.

PROJECTED IMPROVEMENT

CM: Debuted 16 players last year so we're hopeful the youth will progress with a year of senior footy under their belts.

PRE SEASON TRAINING

CM: It has been been good. We had a month block pre-Christmas before returning on January 23.

MOST UNDER AND OVERRATED STAT IN TODAY'S BFNL FOOTY

CM: Possessions – Overrated, Repeat F50 entries - Underrated

PRACTICE MATCH SCHEDULE

Saturday March 23 v Sebastopol (A)

Thursday April 4 v Dunnstown (H, Night Match).

PLAYER INS

Lachie Dalgleish (Drysdale), Harry Butler (Carisbrook), James Carpenter (Uni Blacks, VAFA), Zak Rinaldi (Carisbrook), Bailey Fraser (Returned) 

PLAYER OUTS

Bailey Vander Heuvel (Leopold), Daniel Kennedy (Retired), Lawson Prendergast (Work - Perth), Mitch McGrath (Newlyn). Sam Fisher (SMW Rovers), Tyler Constable (Work-Bendigo)

VFL AFFILIATED PLAYERS

Tristan Maple (Footscray), Angus Bade (Foostscray)

THE DRAW

SCOOP: Even draw for the Swans ranking fourth easiest. Avoid double ups with Darley and Melton who lost just four home and away games between them last year and don't see either of them after Round 5. The Swans have three trips to the east - and just one after Round 5 at Melton South. Maple's young group get 2023 bottom two sides Lake Wendouree and Melton South twice.

IMPROVERS TIP (OUTSIDE OF BALLARAT)

CM: Melton

FLAG TIP (OUTSIDE OF BALLARAT)

CM: North Ballarat

Player nominations for the 2024 BFLW Interleague program are now open.

Nominations are open to all current BFLW players, for U18, U16 and U14 age groups.

Cut off for nominations will be this Sunday 28^th April. 

For more information or further questions e-mail BFLW Football Manager Tayla Banham: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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

The McDonalds Ballarat FNL invites past players, officials and supporters to this year's BFNL Interleague Reunion.

The reunion will be held at Saxon House on Saturday the 17th of August from 1pm as Redan host North Ballarat at City Oval.

Those wishing to attend can RSVP to Brendan Mason at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 0403 045 839.

There is also a Facebook group for past players and supporters to keep up to date with any news, share memories and stay in touch with past members.

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

The BFNL celebrated its night of nights for its junior competitions as we crowned all the amazing achievements of our junior footballers and netballers from the 2024 season.

Under 13 Senior Netball Best & Fairest

Winner: Pippa Edwards - Redan FNC

Runners-Up: Keisha Momcilovic - Bacchus Marsh FNC & Ruby Westhead - Darley FNC

Under 13 Senior Netball MVP

Amarni Daws - Sepastopol FNC

Under 13 Senior Football Leading Goal Kicker

Jack Ward - North Ballarat FNC - 24 goals

Under 13 Senior Football Best & Fairest - The Lloyd Sims Trophy

Winner: Jack Ward - North Ballarat FNC

Runner-Up: Joseph Knobel - Redan FNC

Under 13 Senior Football Robert Allen Medal

Jack Ward - North Ballarat FNC

Under 15 Senior Netball Best & Fairest

Winner: Lucy Phyland-McClure - Bacchus Marsh FNC

Runners-Up: Mikayla Tito - Darley FNC & Audrey Murnane - North Ballarat FNC

Under 15 Senior Netball MVP

Lucy Phyland-McClure - Bacchus Marsh FNC

Under 15 Senior Football Leading Goal Kicker

Tyler Borg - Bacchus Marsh FNC - 41 goals

Under 15 Senior Football Best & Fairest - The Keith Rawle Memorial Trophy

Winners: Harrison Welsh - Redan FNC & Tyler Borg - Bacchus Marsh FNC

Runner-Up: Billy O'Kelly - Mount Clear FNC

Under 15 Senior Football Robert Allen Medal

Harrison Welsh - Redan FNC

Under 17 Senior Netball Best & Fairest

Winner: Lily Woodland-Boyanton - East Point FNC

Runner-Up: Elizabeth Morrison - Redan FNC

Under 17 Senior Netball MVP

Ebony Porter - North Ballarat FNC

Under 17 Senior Football Leading Goal Kicker

Lachlan Martin - Redan FNC - 45 goals

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

Winner: Ray Glover - Mount Clear FNC

Runners-Up: Armi Wakefield - Bacchus Marsh FNC & Oliver Pittard - Redan FNC

Under 17 Senior Football Robert Allen Medal

Ray Glover - Mount Clear FNC
Jacob Martin - Bacchus Marsh FNC
Jackson McInerney - North Ballarat FNC

Merv and Mary Howard Memorial Shield for Junior Club Champions

North Ballarat FNC

School Sports Victoria Awards

Embley Jenkins - North Ballarat FNC
Xavier Cummins - North Ballarat FNC
Charlie Clarke - Lake Wednouree FNC
Michael Hughes - North Ballarat FNC

Junior Netball Coach of the Year

Damien Mullane - Redan FNC

Junior Football Coach of the Year

Tim McKay - Redan FNC

Junior Netball Coordinator of the Year

Megan Dunster - Darley FNC

Junior Football Coordinator of the Year

Brodie Doolan - Woady Yaloak FNC

With pre-season preparations well under way and Round 1 quickly approaching, Scoop has gone one-on-one with all 11 senior football coaches ahead of the 2024 McDonalds BFNL season.

COACH:Dan Jordan

Previous Experience/Accolades: Former Essendon AFL Assistant Coach (Essendon 2020-21), BFNL Hall of Fame Member, Darley 2023 BFNL Premiership Coach

ON THE RECORD

SCOOP: Firstly Dan, congratulations on your flag success just two years in with the Devils. To win virtually out of a pigeon shed with home ground renovations going on suggests the group is pretty tight and able to maintain focus (won last 10 games on the trot). Rate the nature of the group given your 20+ years in footy...

DAN JORDAN: Regarding facilities - It’s what you make of it, the 'home' is essentially the group and the people within it, we think we're well led and endeavouring to be well connected. We try to focus more on the 'what haves' than the 'have nots' and allow people to feel comfortable being themselves. We think they're the key ingredients to being a good club, not the physical facilities.

SCOOP: You said dealing with expectation after two finals in 2022 would ask questions of your relatively young group. Surely defending a flag comes with its own level of raised expectation. How as a coach do you go about restoring motivation and the need to improve? 

DJ: Expectations are more often external. We welcome the challenge being the hunted and are keen to stand up. The group enjoyed the successes of last year but are well aware of the work that is required to achieve. We'll need a bit of luck with injuries etc along the way and are hopeful being in the mix for a top three finish.

SCOOP: You'll have to get it done this year primarily without Mace Cousins (Geelong VFL), ruckman Lucas Impey (Western Jets) and experienced multiple premiership winning trio Shane Page, Darren Leonard and Jacob Zeestraaten. Page is the big out given he's barely 30. Soldier out, soldier in doesn't fit the Page solution. Has he simply had enough?

DJ: Teams are always evolving - it's very rare you have the same side from one year into the next. I'm excited for the opportunity that has opened up for a few of our youngsters. On (Shane) Page, he's reached a time in his footy where he thinks he's got nothing left to give. We'd love to have him around the club in some fashion.

SCOOP: There's no ceiling on what impact a fit and healthy Brady Wright (6'4') can deliver for the group. Where does he fit into the mould given he's a 'rare' tall among your best 22?  

DJ: We're hoping Brady can play a Darren Leonard type role for us but we won't be rushing him given he's coming off a significant injury. While a slow integration is more likely we're excited about Brady's prospects. He's added more size and strength and we know he can certainly play.   

SCOOP: You've had a relatively quiet off-season in the marketplace. Has that been by design, or has it been difficult to find the piece(s) you're after?

DJ: Bit of both. Our priority was re-signing all of our (available) players from last year’s grand final so the focus will be on improvement within.

IDENTIFIED STRENGTHS

DJ: Flexibility, adaptability, connection, pride, avenues to goal.

PROJECTED IMPROVEMENT

DJ: Young guys challenging selection - finals are often won on the back of 'bottom six' contributions.

Progression of our mid-tier players impacting games. Top end is sound. 

MOST UNDER AND OVERRATED STAT IN TODAY'S BFNL FOOTY

Goalkicking accuracy – Underrated, Clearances – Overrated, the 'nature of' is more important.

PRE-SEASON TRAINING

DJ: Came back late due to Grand Final appearance. We'll ramp it up pretty quick - the players are familiar with what is required. In 2022 we worked on building fitness, 2023 teaching and now 2024 will endeavour tinkering with the plan for improvement.

PLAYER INS

Mikey Edwards (Banyule), likely more to come.

PLAYER OUTS

Darren Leonard (Retired), Shane Page (Retired), Jacob Zeestraaten (Retired), Blake Colley (Ballan), Trae Van Leith (Ballan), Billy Sullivan (Melton).

VFL AFFILIATED PLAYERS

Mace Cousins (Geelong), Bailey Young (Footscray), Lucas Impey (Williamstown), Joel Cadman (Port Melbourne training), Mitch Ward (Port Melbourne training), Will Johnson (Geelong training), Adam Azzopardi (Geelong training)

THE DRAW

SCOOP: It is a tougher H&A assignment in store for the reigning premiers. Get 4/5 remaining finalists from last year twice - Melton, North Ballarat, Sebastopol and East Point - also likely improvers Sunbury and Bacchus Marsh. A season of two halves really for Dan Jordan's men with just two games (Melton South and Lake Wendouree) in five weeks through the middle stages of the season from June 2^nd to July 12^th. Expect a testing season ahead for the new benchmark premiers who remain unbeaten in their previous 10 BFNL games. The Devils would be happy with a top three finish ahead of finals.

PRACTICE MATCH SCHEDULE

March 23 v Rowville (H)

April 6 v Lara (A)

IMPROVERS TIP (OUTSIDE OF DARLEY)

DJ: East Point and Ballarat

FLAG TIP (OUTSIDE OF DARLEY)

DJ: North Ballarat - more improvement to come.

With pre-season preparations well under way and Round 1 quickly approaching, Scoop has gone one-on-one with all 11 senior football coaches ahead of the 2024 McDonalds BFNL season.

COACH:Joe Carmody

PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE/ACCOLADES:Ballarat FNC Senior Coach

ON THE RECORD

SCOOP: Hey Joe - welcome back to the BFNL coaching ranks - how was the year off personally and how did you end up at the Kangas? 

JOE CARMODY: Good break. Burnt out after stint at Ballarat. Unfortunately ousted in the 2022 Prelim. While I enjoyed a breather the want to coach (again) was always there. When Jackson Merrett indicated he wasn't going around again (as coach) I was approached by the club. I'm familiar with most of the group too having taught (school) or coached against them - they're a good bunch of blokes. Exciting times ahead.

SCOOP: The Kangas finished off the season well with a couple of finals wins - where do you think the boys are at? 

JC: Difficult to gauge given we finished 6th. We look forward to working with our young players - fully aware that will have its ups and downs - but we're up for the challenge and fast tracking their progress.

SCOOP: The club must be rapt with a strong bodied mid like Mikitja Rottumah-Onus returning to the club. Players like him are hard to find...

JC: Fittest I’ve seen him despite an interrupted pre-season (appendix). He's an inside bull who can extract the ball - adds depth to our midfield - and will ask questions of opposition defence in one-on-one situations forward if and when required forward.

SCOOP: With Alex Molan back from the Rebels full time, your midfield stocks are on the rise. Just curious, are you in the Jordy Johnston predominately forward or mid camp? Nice problem to have..

JC: There will definitely be midfield time for Jordy but one-on-ones forward would be the ideal. Molan and Rottumah-Onus will add to our midfield options allowing JJ to spend more time forward. He's a very dangerous player.

SCOOP: Young forward Strahan Robinson rose to prominence in the second half of last year - how's he travelling?

JC: Training at GWV Rebels, and made the list. We're excited for him and welcome his return subject to availability.

IDENTIFIED STRENGTHS

JC: Running capacity - our time trials have been impressive and will aid us in transition. Our young guys are strong and can hold their ground over the ball - are very coachable and keen.

PROJECTED IMPROVEMENT

JC: Team defence. 18 man buy-in. Our ambition is to be a front half team conceding lower scores. We'll be working hard to instill the importance of that 'team' buy-in.

MOST UNDER AND OVERRRATED STAT IN TODAY'S BFNL FOOTY

JC: Marks inside 50 – Underrated, Clearances - Overrated (Post clearance possession more important)

PRE-SEASON TRAINING

JC: Started mid-November. Young guys have put their hands up on the track. Returned Jan 29. Healthy numbers (40 odd) pre-Christmas.

PLAYER INS

Mikitja Rottumah-Onus (Southern Mallee Tigers), Jesse Cairns (return o/s), Billy Jones (return o/s), Matt Rommeril (Skipton).

PLAYER OUTS

Jake Toulmin (Geelong District), Brad Whittaker (Coaching Dunnstown), Mitch Walsh (Skipton). 

VFL AFFILIATED PLAYERS

N/A

THE DRAW

SCOOP: It’s an even draw for the Kangas ranked 5/11 easiest. They cop Darley, North Ballarat and Sebastopol from last year’s finals twice and a one-off meeting with Melton away. East were the surprise packet of last year’s finals series reaching the preliminary final after almost missing out on September action altogether. A finals berth again in an even comp would be a tick for Carmody in his first season in charge.

PRACTICE MATCH SCHEDULE

March 16 v Drysdale (H)

March 23 v Strathfieldsaye (H)

IMPROVERS TIP (OUTSIDE OF EAST POINT)

JC: Bacchus Marsh

FLAG TIP: (OUTSIDE OF EAST POINT)

JC: Darley

The McDonalds Ballarat FNL is pleased to announce the teams and match schedule for the McDonald’s BFNL Ballarat Toyota Junior Grand Finals.

Matches will be held at City Oval this Sunday 15th September with football and netball starting from 8am.

The full schedule of games across the day can be found below.

FOOTBALL

NETBALL

The McDonald's Ballarat Football Netball League is excited to announce details of the 2024 Carlton Draught Grand Finals.

To be held at City Oval, Saturday 21st of September 2024, the culmination of a full season of football and netball is eagerly anticipated.

We extend our congratulations to the teams who have demonstrated exceptional skill and determination throughout the season to earn their place in the Grand Final.

We wish all participating clubs the best of luck and look forward to an exciting day filled with memorable moments.

The full schedule of games for all grades can be found below.

FOOTBALL

NETBALL

Admission Prices

Senior Grand Finals Prices