Football

- with Scoop

Ex-AFL Assistant Coach and BFNL Hall of Famer, Dan Jordan, will take the reins as Senior Coach at Darley Park in a huge coup for the Devils.

News of the marquee signing dropped at the weekend as the Devils proudly unveiled an image of Jordan donning the black and white, sparking plenty of interest from the wider competition almost immediately.

The 40-year-old brings with him enviable degrees of knowledge and expertise, and none more so than from his most recent stint at the top level after two years as Essendon's Assistant Coach. The Bombers loss is a huge gain for the Devils.

The 2006 Henderson Medallist and five-time Tony Locket Medal winner was upbeat about the journey that lies ahead.

"Hopefully I can make a difference at this proud club and lead them back to finals," Jordan said.

"I'm really excited about the challenge, it was in fact one of the reasons I settled on the Devils, and the process in which they presented their case was first class.”

Former Western Bulldogs coach and current senior coach at North Ballarat City, Brendan McCartney spoke generously of Jordan's character and his standing in the game.

"It's great for Darley and footy in the region," McCartney said.

"Every young player in the area should listen to what Dan has to say and offer, and he's a ripper bloke as well," he said.

Darley Football Manager, Craig Baker, was rapt the club could lure a bona fide, experienced coach like Jordan with eyes on emulating McCartney’s blueprint at North Ballarat that saw them rise from outside the six in 2019 to Minor Premiers in 2021, and all on the back of developing their own stocks.

"We thought we needed someone to oversee the progress of our Under 19's to senior footballers," Baker said.

"It would be a waste if we did not capitalise on the body of work Doug [Hawkins] has put into our young blokes after a terrific season that saw them finish second before COVID cut their season short.

"I've no doubt our boys would have given [the Premiership] a shake.

"Moving forward, we are aware that local 'one point' players are worth their weight in gold."

According to Baker, Dan will also be on hand to advise the junior coaches whenever needed, ensuring all age levels at the club are heading in the same direction.

"COVID has made it hard for our senior club, like many others, but we think Dan will help rejuvenate the group after a lean couple of years," he said.

While the thought of Jordan and 'the big dance' has its own familiar ring, the Devils know their version has a long way to go. And no one knows that more than Baker himself, who has spent the best part of 35 years at the club.

"All the talk about Dan's signing has been positive," Baker said.

"Hopefully everyone gets behind him and we can start winning again in all three grades."

For the Devils’ first grade, whose talented young list haven't won a game since August 24 of 2019 – the signing is some welcome some good news. The narrative it seems has changed and the revival is now firmly set in motion.  Just how the Devils respond on-field under Jordan must be whetting the appetites of the Darley faithful already.

*Check out Dan Jordan's impressive footy CV at www.facebook.com/darleyfnc

Following a successful Junior & Youth Girls interleague program this season, relive all the results and action below:

Team Photos

Online sales of the 2022 BFNL Interleague team photos have now closed. If you wish to purchase a team photo, please contact on t: 5333 5977 or visit the Contact Us page for further contact details.

All customers who have ordered team photos will be contacted once photos are available for collection from Saxon House, 1431 Mair Street Ballarat.

Match Replays

Watch all matches of the 2022 Goldfields Trophy between the Ballarat FNL and Bendigo JFL.

Match Centre

Check out full match results of each grade including best players & goal kickers from our matches against Bendigo JFL & Riddell District FNL:

https://www.playhq.com/afl/org/ballarat-fl-worksafe-afl-victoria-representative-games/fb7bf9ab/worksafe-afl-victoria-representative-games-2022/b2650d8c/teams

The McDonald's Ballarat FNL is pleased to announce the Week 1 match schedule for the McDonald’s BFNL Ballarat Toyota Junior Finals Series.

Matches will kick off with the Qualifying Finals at Northern Oval 2 on Saturday 20th August, followed by Elimination Finals at Wendouree Reserve and the Northern Oval on Sunday 21st August.

Once again, the league thanks the City of Ballarat for their support in hosting finals at the premier football and netball venues across the region and country Victoria.

View or download the scheduled football and netball matches for this weekend below.

The McDonald’s Ballarat Football Netball League wish to confirm some changes to junior grades in the lead up to the season.

The board received notification that Sebastopol will be fielding one side in the under 15’s, with this team being positioned in the Reserve Grade for the 2023 season. Mount Clear will also only field one side in the under 17 age group, with this team being positioned in the Senior Grade.

Sebastopol FNC have flagged a shortage in this grade since February with the club and league working to boost numbers to compete in two grades for 2023. Unfortunately, the club have not been able to secure the number of players required.

It was determined by the board that the current registered team will compete in the Reserve grade competition based off the list, past season results and player grades across multiple seasons.

Mount Clear FNC also flagged a shortage of players in their under 17 age group with the club exhausting all avenues to secure the additional 10 players to compete in both Seniors and Juniors.

Whilst the club has room for more than 10, this was the number set to be able to comfortably play and top up with additional 15 age group players.

The BFNL will work with the clubs to ensure sustained long-term viability in player numbers across all grades with a focus on filling grades in 2024.

Fixtures for the under 15 Seniors and 17 Reserves will be amended this week and promoted online as quickly as possible. Sebastopol and Mount Clear play each other in round 1 commencing Sunday 23^rd of April, 2023 so internal changes will occur for this matchup with the full season promoted correctly from round 2.

Every match from last weekend's Ballarat Toyota Junior Grand Final Day is now available for purchase on BFNL.com.au. And you can find all the match information, teams lists and more in the Digital Record.

All the matches from Sunday's Ballarat Toyota Junior Grand Final Day are available for purchase. 

You can find the links to each match by clicking the button below or go to the BFNL Media tab and select 2022 BFNLJ Grand Finals.

Each match is available for purchase for $15.

To download the match to keep or to watch online when you want, follow these steps:

1. Click on the match you wish to purchase
2. Click on the video screen
3. Create an account, or log in if you already have an account
4. Follow the payment prompts (credit card and PayPal payments available)
5. Watch the video online 
6. To download, refresh the page or log back in and select the download arrow to keep the match forever!
7. Please note: online viewing is available for 24 months

You can also find the Digital Record under the Football tab and select Junior 2022 Grand Final Record or simply click on the cover below.

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 McDonald’s Ballarat FNL is excited to announce the return of Junior Representative Football in 2021! 

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 a year off in 2020.

Games will be played at Strathfieldsaye on Saturday 26^th June across the following grades:

• Under 13 Boys
• Under 14 Boys
• Under 15 Boys
• Under 16.5 Boys
• Under 16 Girls
• Under 18 Girls

The League is pleased to provide representative football opportunities to our players competing in the newly launched BFLW Competition.

With a long and proud history of 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 submit an application here: https://forms.gle/QTDsuWr8QoQ1gMd88

END

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.

It's very hard to go against the might of East Point this season, as the Kangas chase their third successive flag. Despite all the fanfare and the time away from the game, East coach Jake Bridges says the buy-in from the group has been impressive. This is the final edition of Scoop's Season 2021 Previews because footy is back in the McDonald's Ballarat FNL tomorrow!

East Point

Scoop’s 2021 prediction: 1st

EXPECT East Point to go almighty close to a third successive Premiership in 2021. Needless to say, they will start favourites again after retaining nearly all of their 2019 Grand Final side.

Only Daniel Tung (working away) is expected to miss at this stage, but given the utility’s importance to the side, you can imagine the Kangas will do all they can to qualify him for the business end if the opportunity presents.

Despite the fanfare and pressure that comes with a rare three-peat mission, Kangas coach Jake Bridges has been happy with the buy-in from the players over the summer.

"We've had a core group of 15 to 20 blokes that haven't missed a beat," he said.

"I've been very pleased with their commitment."

'East' have added highly rated utility Aaron Hayes (dual Premiership player 2016/2017 with Kyabram - wing/half back), James Lukich (Waubra - midfielder), ex-Springbank skipper Samuel Cue (small defender/mid) and experienced campaigner Lachlan Barber (Kangaroo Flat) to an already impressive list that is laden with talent.

While the Kangaroos have dined out on a few opposition clubs with their star power, Bridges concedes there's plenty of room for improvement.

"Our offensive and defensive transition especially, has been the focus for us," he said.

Gun forward/mid Jordy Johnston joined Geelong in the VFL pre-COVID for one final roll of the dice at a higher level. For Bridges and the Kangaroos, it's a double-edged sword.

"We're really excited about Jordy and his prospects with Geelong," he said.

"If it doesn't work out, we'll be the beneficiaries at club level, but fingers crossed he can have an impact in the VFL. He's certainly good enough."

The talented Jacob Brown and Joseph Dodd remain on Essendon's VFL list despite expectations of featuring predominantly with 'East' in 2021.

Jesse Palmer (Collingwood VFL, ex-Northern Blues), who was set to join the Kangas in 2020 has since moved on to Western Australia and the WAFL.

Depth player Mitch Tuddenham (AFL Barwon) is the only other confirmed exit from 2019.

*Affiliated players: Jordy Johnston (Geelong VFL), Jacob Brown (Essendon VFL), Joseph Dodd (Essendon VFL), Joel Ottavi (Williamstown).

Bridges' Tips

Anthony Koutoufides has been confirmed to lead the Ballarat Football League when it takes on Hampden Football League in a resurgence of representative football on July 1st, 2023.

Koutoufides was named back in 2020 to lead the charges before everything was shut down due to COVID-19.

Upon recent discussions with the Carlton great, he was more than willing to fulfil the role again owing the whole situation as unfinished business in a sense.

League Chairman Adrian Bettio noted that the inclusion of “Kouta” as head coach would be great exposure for prospective players from the BFNL to play under and for one of the games great.

“Anthony will be a great inclusion to our interleague program in 2023. His knowledge and expertise will give the players a real boost to not only perform at this level, but to take back to their home clubs only strengthening our competition,” Bettio said

Kouta will go head to head with Hampden royalty with Jonathon Brown headlining their interleague squad.

“Browny” as he is more affectionately known has been at the helm of HFNL for previous seasons and this clash right here in Ballarat should be one to be witnessed.

The 2023 format which will see the game played at Mars Stadium on July 1, under 23 will be the headline act showcasing the talent both leagues have on offer.

Both leagues agreed upon running an under 23 competitions for 2023 to expose the talent within who have missed out on representative football over the past 3 years.

Further announcements regarding assistant coaches will be made shortly, along with squads for the game.

The Lakers will be looking to get some wins in early as their 2021 draw sees them play the first seven rounds in Ballarat. Scoop will keep serving up the pros and cons of the fixture for every BFNL club over the next few weeks.

Lake Wendouree

Draw rating points: 104
2021 draw ranking: #7

Play TWICE:North Ballarat City, Ballarat, Sebastopol, Redan, Bacchus Marsh, Melton

Travel EAST:THREE times - Bacchus Marsh (Rd8), Sunbury (Rd10), Melton (Rd18)

EAST 'highway travel' record (2018 & 2019 home and away seasons):Played 8 Won 2 Lost 6 @25% win rate

PROS:Do not leave Ballarat until Round EIGHT (v. Bacchus Marsh)

- Only THREE highway trips EAST for the season facing Bacchus Marsh in Round 8, Sunbury in Round 10 and Melton in Round 18

- Meet only THREE finalists from 2019 TWICE (Sebastopol, Redan, Melton)

CONS: FOUR away games in SIX rounds between Round 7 and Round 12, with Redan in Round 7, Bacchus Marsh in Round 8, Sunbury in Round 10 and North Ballarat in Round 12

Comment:Lake Wendouree will be hoping to upset a few teams who don't turn up to play. The Lakers will need to start well and be near square on the ledger before they leave Ballarat for the first time in Round 9 for Bacchus Marsh. Just the three highway trips and avoiding playing East Point twice is also a plus to draw on.

With the 2025 season on the horizon, Scoop has caught up with all our senior footy coaches as we build towards an epic Round 1!

Finally, It's Rohan Brown back at the helm for the Lakers as they look for vast improvement across the board with a strong group coming through together.

SCOOP: Last year Angus Gove made a comment on 'The Presser' the group was done being referred to as 'young and developing'. Do you echo those sentiments ahead of your second season in the job?

ROHAN BROWN: Absolutely, we all do. What's young these days anyway? Everyone is young to a degree. There'll be no excuses from our group as most prepare for their third and fourth season of senior footy. Time for these boys to stand up at the BFNL level.

S: Jaydo Wright is a versatile, interesting work in progress at the BFNL level, capable of breaking open a game. In what role do you see him as most beneficial to the side? 

RB: Down back as an intercept defender this year and a fifth mid option depending on how we're travelling. Jaydo has had an injury free pre-season, and we're excited about what he can deliver.

S: Bailey Thompson is a freakish talent. How does he manage to get off the chain and continue hitting the scoreboard regardless of the opposition?

RB: Well, he's underestimated for a start and has what every player wants - SPEED. Bailey finished third in our club B&F last year and deserved a train-on invitation with Essendon VFL over the Summer. He's now at Port Melbourne VFL with Brendan McCartney gaining more experience.

S: How do you go about coaching a side to 'stay in games for longer'? Has there been a focus on team defence over the Summer or have you explored building on other avenues to score? 

RB: It's been a balanced approach. I think it's more about maturity and leadership 'in game' that can identify shifts in momentum. Capitalise when in favour but minimise damage when against - ie back-to-back goals which we were victims of far too often last season.

S: Have you managed to find an extra experienced quality mid to aid ruckman Tom Zampatti and your depth stocks at ground level and around the ball?

RB: Jake Lohmann - while we hope he gets his chance at Werribee we'll welcome him into our side with open arms. Jake is nearing his prime now in his mid 20s.

S: In a nutshell tell us about the players you have added over the Summer and their projected roles...

RB: Liam Hepworth (key forward target), Lincoln Koliba (exciting 17 yo mid-forward), Jake Lohmann (classy mid), Jed Knight (defensive role), Jake Millen (inside mid) and Nathan Haliburton looks a progressive type up from our Under 19 premiership team.

S: What player type(s) were sort after in the marketplace you were unable to fill?

RB: Doesn't every club want another key forward and classy mid?

S: Which player(s) can we expect to rise a level and impact games against quality opposition?

RB: Will Clark (mid) and Timmy Collins (mid) have had super pre-seasons and should be ready to go to the next level.

S: What would validate a successful year on field for the footy club?

RB: Winning as many games as we can.

S: Ahead of your second year in charge - what was to like most of the group in your first season?

RB: Very united and close group willing to compete and crack in despite recent struggles on win/loss front. Essentially, they're a good bunch of mates!

PLAYER INS

L. Hepworth (Cairns), L. Koliba (Rebels), J. Lohmann (Morningside QAFL), J. Knight (Waubra), J. Millen (SA)

PLAYER OUTS

M. Foster (retired), B. Hayes (retired)

VFL AFFILIATED PLAYERS

Jake Lohmann (Werribee)

PRACTICE MATCH SCHEDULE

March 15 vs Port Fairy @ Derrinallum

IMPROVERS TIP (OUTSIDE OF LAKERS)

RB: Sunbury

FLAG TIP (OUTSIDE OF LAKERS)

RB: Melton

Next up in Scoop's club-by-club predictions for the season ahead is Lake Wendouree. The marquee signing of VFL star Nick Rippon is a big boost to a transitioning list and coach Dale Power will be looking to his Lakers to hit the scoreboard with greater frequency in 2021.

Lake Wendouree

Scoop's 2021 prediction: 9th - 11th

EXPECT 2015 JJ Liston Trophy winner Nick Rippon to headline up to six new faces for Lake Wendouree in 2021. The 26-year-old ball magnet boasts an award-winning VFL career with North Ballarat and more recently North Melbourne.

Remarkably, Rippon appeared in the best players in 47 of his 75 VFL games dating back to 2014.

Lakers Coach Dale Power who enters his fourth season in charge, was stoked with the clubs’ marquee signing.

"Nick's a former Ballarat junior, he's a great get for us," he said.

"For a player as decorated as him to join the club is pretty significant."

At 176cm Rippon, who won the inaugural John Laws Medal in 2018 in North Melbourne's first standalone year in the VFL competition, will play the entire 2021 season with the Lakers having passed on a likely VFL return due to uncertainty around the second-tier competition at present.

Led by Rippon and 2019 Club Best and Fairest Jake Coxall, the Lakers midfield will be eyeing first use out of the middle.

Newcomers Lachlan Pfeifer (Beaufort - inside mid), Angus Gove (St Michaels - mid/forward), Tom LeLievre (Beaufort - forward/mid), Zane Thompson (QLD, ex-Beaufort - small forward) and Timothy Collins (Dunnstown - forward-mid) are hopeful of bridging the gap left by outgoing talent Bailey Edwards and former Henderson Medallist and multiple club Best and Fairest Ben Taylor.

"They're huge shoes to fill," Power said.

"It's unfortunate, but we understand their reasons for leaving," he said of losing Edwards and Taylor.

"Ben has travelled for 10 years and has had enough, while Bailey has work commitments."

While Taylor's reliability and footy smarts will be sorely missed, it's Bailey's speed and line breaking you can't replace according to Power.

"He's a 70-metre player," he said.

Werribee VFL listed player Scott Carlin (Warrnambool DFNL) and Kyran Raven (CHFL) have also left the club.

Brayden Helyar (Horsham, Geelong VFL) returns to Ballarat for University and joins the Lakers after being delisted at Geelong. The 21-year-old has pace to burn with his 6’2 frame, opening the door for Power to explore his options.

"He (Helyar) could easily play on a wing," he said.

The club was also thrilled to announce that former Western Bulldog (now Box Hill) *Fergus Greene has chosen the Lakers as his feeder club for the coming season. The 23-year-old, who played five AFL games in 2018 with the Doggies still has aspirations to play at the highest level. Coach Power told members on the club’s Facebook page that having a player of Fergus' ability join the ranks doesn't happen very often and he can't wait to see him Lakers colours. Given the 187cm talent is hopeful of luring the attention of AFL clubs with Box Hill in the VFL, any sighting of Greene would be a massive bonus. 

Meanwhile, the Lakers focus for the impending 2021 season will turn to hitting the scoreboard, after disappointing returns in 2019. Nathan Pring (18) and Jacob Coxall (15) were the clubs leading goalkickers.

*Affiliated players: Jacob Loman (North Melbourne), Fergus Greene (Box Hill)

Power's Tips

Season 2021 is just four days away, and amongst those expected to be in the action at the end of the home and away season are the Sunbury Lions. The loss of serious firepower up forward has created opportunities for emerging talent, and Scoop is reserving judgement on how the Lions will shape up as the scoreboard will tell the story.

Sunbury

Scoop’s 2021 prediction: 4th - 6th

EXPECT Sunbury's enviable depth and impressive record at home to be tested in the anticipation of a repeat finals appearance in 2021.

Questions loom large of a Lions forward line that was once plentiful of options. Sunbury's forward stocks are looking depleted at best, given four of their leading five goalkickers from 2019 have moved on. Lachie Bramble (leading goalkicker with 21 goals) will miss all local footy after Hawthorn added the talented midfielder to their AFL list, while Jack Landt (20), Jack Sheehan (13) and Jarrah Maksymow (13) have also left the building. Only half-forward Alec Goodsen (19) remains. The fact is, 77 goals (including Dylan Landt’s 10) out of a season total of 180 kicked in 2019, a massive 44 per cent of the 2019 tally, is a lot to lose.

If that wasn't enough for a hungry Lions list to overcome, star midfielder Mitch Conn faces a weekly fly-in, fly-out scenario after the club confirmed his partner had been promoted and transferred to Sydney for work.

Lions coach Travis Hodgson concedes that while not ideal overall, recent events have been beyond the club’s control.

"While we're in good knick and [have] done near everything right, you can never predict the unpredictable," he said.

"We're still hopeful that on the back of our off-season recruits and growth of our younger blokes [that] the fight for spots remains a healthy one."

In some good news for Lions fans, Hodgson did confirm the recent signing of star ruckman David Kovacevic (St Albans) on a part-time basis to aid top five 2019 Best and Fairest finisher Jayden Eales.

"Eales has been very good for us and adding Kovacevic just takes the pressure off a bit in such a demanding position on the ground, especially in the BFNL," Hodgson said.

"We expect to gain eight to ten games out of a gun who I'm sure everyone who follows BFNL would be familiar with.

“There's no dispute with Kovacevic – A-Grader!"

Sunbury had gained the services of former Port Power Physiotherapist Andrew Hall to run the fitness program pre-COVID; a decision that has already an impact on some of the established stars at the club.

"[Alik] Magin is flying, and new recruit Daniel Toman looks super fit and ready to go," Hodgson said.

Toman (Port Melbourne, Bendigo Gold, Woodend) will slot straight into the midfield, while other newbies, namely Haydn Ross (Riddell - forward/mid), *Harrison Milton-Connell (Port Melbourne, Calder Cannons) and Aaron Christenson (return) will provide the support network for Magin and Jayden Eales. Boom signing Tyson Lever (Coburg) is expected to hold down the number one role in defence at centre half back.

Ross, on the other hand, who was earmarked for a role in the midfield, could find himself forward to fill a shortage of recognised goal scorers. At Riddell in 2018, Ross booted 79 goals to finish the RDFL's leading goalkicker. It’s a move that makes sense.

Unfortunately for the Lions, inside-mid Greg Hay and key swingman Jack Sheehan have opted for another year off. Sources say Hay and Sheehan did not miss footy as much as they thought they would in 2020, joining seasoned campaigners Grant Valles (Old Xaviers), Daylan Kempster (Keilor Park/travel), Jarrah Maksymow (Albury), Jack Landt (Dimboola), Dylan Landt (Doutta Stars), Nathan Bridgland (Riddell) and Will Healy (Sunbury Kangaroos) on a mounting exit list.

There are also confirmed reports that 186cm young gun and 2020 Lions signing Jake Sutton is SANFL bound, most likely to Central Districts. The 19-year-old leaves the club without playing a single game.

But with loss comes opportunity, according to Hodgson.

"There's a real chance for our young talent to step up," he said.

"Luke Goater, Thomas Werner and Jacob Bygate will get their chance."

The Lions have made Clarke Oval a nightmare for visitors over the past two seasons, having won 15 of their last 16 games. Ironically, seven of eight wins at home in 2018 wasn't enough to secure a finals berth. Unbeaten at home in 2019 and a fourth placing on the table with eleven season wins, these Lions are coming with a feverish appetite to improve on the road in 2021 (noting that they won just four of the last 16 games across 2018 and 2019, running at just 25 per cent at the pointy end of the home and away).

For the keen observer weighing progress, we lie in wait, holding judgment and with a cheeky eye fixed fairly on the scoreboard, as there are some undeniable big outs.

* Affiliated players: Harrison Milton-Connell (Port Melbourne), Josh Guthrie (Coburg).

Hodgson's Tips

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.

We continue the countdown to the senior season with Scoop's club-by-club predictions for North Ballarat. New coach Brendan McCartney is impressing all comers at Mars with his cool and calm approach. Never one to give too much away, it appears he is pretty happy with where his team is at since his return to local competition.

North Ballarat

Scoop’s 2021 prediction: 4th - 8th

EXPECTa healthy North Ballarat list to give itself every chance of returning to the September finals action that eluded them in 2019. But it won't be easy. Eleven doesn't go into six, unfortunately, as each club makes their finals intentions clear. New coach and marquee signing Brendan McCartney however, is pretty relaxed ahead of Round One.

"We're in a good space at the moment, numbers on the track have been encouraging," he said.

“I'm hoping we're in much better shape (than 2019).”

Injured ball magnets Daniel Jones (knee), 2019 Club Best and Fairest winner Simon McCartin (osteitis pubis), Tim Spiers (knee) and big man Cam McCallum (knee) are all on track for a 2021 return.

Add the 2020 pre-COVID signings of Sam Glover (Collingwood VFL) and Thomas Hotchin (North Melbourne VFL) into the mix for a 2021 tilt, along with midfield acquisitions Jonathon O’Brien (Springbank - 190cm) and 25-year-old Joey Symonds (North Ballarat VFL) who returns to the game after a three year lay-off. Glover is a bona fide gun (key position) but is unlikely to be regularly pulling on the City guernsey on a weekend given his recent VFL form with the Pies. Hotchin faces a similar scenario, leaving O'Brien the seasoned campaigner to join the midfield group on a weekly basis.

But who knows what is going to happen with the revamped VFL competition and North Ballarat could well be the beneficiaries of any potential fall-out, raising their finals claims in the process.

Mitch Johns also returns to the club, Josh McDermott (Beaufort/Lake Wendouree) will add to the ruck stocks, while the club also has 14 players who are no longer eligible for the Under 19’s and who aim to make the grade in the senior comp.

This is where you would expect McCartney to thrive - converting young talent into senior roles, given his reputation and experience in the AFL over many years.

According to McCartney the young blokes have been terrific.

"Their commitment this far out has been brilliant," he said.

"But boys against men (the prospect of senior footy), we won't know how far each have come.

"Three practice matches against quality GFL sides leading in will be give us a fair indication."

City have lost key forward Will Young (Caroline Springs), small inside mid Mitch Gilbert (Skipton), Interleague representative defender Ben Simpson (Geelong way), under-rated Sam Willian (Skipton) and James Sclanders (Skipton). 

Young especially is a huge loss for the club, but three years travelling from Melbourne had finally taken its toll.

Can North Ballarat hit the scoreboard enough in 2021 to warrant a return to finals? They’ll be coming from a fair way back given natural improvement across the competition. Young has been their leading goal scorer over the past three seasons, with his lowest return (24 goals) coming in 2019. Youngsters Izaac Johnson (21) and Harry Loader (12) were next best, highlighting the challenges forward of centre, not to mention their poor record in the 'EAST' involving highway travel - just one win from eight trips in 2018/19 and a competition travel ranking of #10).

*Affiliated players: Sam Glover (Collingwood VFL), Thomas Hotchin (North Melbourne VFL)

McCartney's Tips