Ahead of this weekend's action, take a look into 'The Archive' as we delve through the record books for all the big moments throughout history from Round 2.

HIGHEST SCORES

39.27.261 DARLEY v Daylesford 1999

35.19.229 BACCHUS MARSH v Maryborough 1991

34.25.229 MELTON v Redan 1998

31.23.209 BALLARAT v Learmonth-Waubra 1944

31.23.209 MARYBOROUGH v Daylesford 1976

LOWEST SCORES

0.5.5 SOUTH BALLARAT v Sebastopol 1893

0.6.6 BALLARAT v Ballarat Imperial 1898

0.7.7 BALLARAT v Ballarat Imperial 1893

1.1.7 SEBASTOPOL v Ballarat 1894

1.6.12 SEBASTOPOL v South Ballarat 1893

GREATEST MARGINS

221 DARLEY 39.27.261 v Daylesford 6.4.40 1999

210 MELTON 34.25.229 d Redan 2.7.19 1998

191 NORTH BALLARAT 32.29.221 v Daylesford 4.6.30 1977

168 BACCHUS MARSH 35.19.229 v Maryborough 9.7.61 1991

167 BACCHUS MARSH 29.18.192 d Redan 3.7.25 1997

“HEART STOPPERS”

Draw South Ballarat 3.3.21 dr Ballarat Imperial 2.9.21 1896

Draw South Ballarat 10.9.69 dr Ballarat Imperial 10.9.69 1914

Draw Ballarat 12.14.86 dr St Patrick’s 12.14.86 1939

Draw Golden Point 11.18.84 dr Military Hospital 12.12.84 1940

Draw Redan 8.10.58 dr Maryborough 9.4.58 1954

Draw Maryborough 14.19.103 dr East Ballarat 14.19.103 1973

Draw Redan 9.9.63 dr Lake Wendouree 8.15.63 2010

Draw East Point 11.18.84 dr Ballarat 13.6.84 2017

GOALKICKERS

19 D.Barnes (Darley) v Daylesford 1999

12 G.Burns (North Ballarat) v Daylesford 1977

12 R.Maguire (Ballarat) v Maryborough 1991

11 J.Gull (Daylesford) v Golden Point 1964

11 T.Howlett (Golden Point) v Bacchus Marsh 1981

11 K.Murray (North Ballarat) v Redan 1982

11 G.Wilkins (Sebastopol) v Daylesford 1998

10 G.Bcakway(Maryborough) v Golden Point 1926

10 Jamieson (Golden Point) v Bacchus Marsh 1929

10 J.Squires (Goledn Point) v South Ballarat 1939

10 C.Chester (East Ballarat) v Daylesford 1978

10 K.Murray (North Ballarat) v Daylesford 1983

10 B.Thomson (Bacchus Marsh) v Daylesford 1985

10 P.Brugman (North Ballarat) v Maryborough 1990

10 M.Scott (Bacchus Marsh) v Beaufort 1990

10 M.Lockman (Redan) v Bacchus Marsh 1992

10 C.Stuhldreier (Bacchus Marsh) v Redan 2000

10 C.Meacham (Sunbury) v Sebastopol 2003

10 R.McMahon (Darley) v Sebastopol 2006

10 D.Micallef (North Ballarat) v East Point 2013

Ahead of this weekend's action, take a look into 'The Archive' as we delve through the record books for all the big moments throughout history from Round 3.

HIGHEST SCORES

38.19.247 BACCHUS MARSH v Redan 1998

34.20.224 BALLARAT v Redan 1997

31.15.201 SUNBURY v East Point 2003

30.16.196 GOLDEN POINT v Redan 1997

LOWEST SCORES

1.2.8 GOLDEN POINT v Redan 1960

1.2.8 REDAN v Golden Point 1999

1.3.9 BALLARAT v Sebastopol 1893

1.3.9 REDAN v Bacchus Marsh 1997

1.6.12 BALLARAT v South Ballarat 1909

GREATEST MARGINS

238 BACCHUS MARSH 38.19.247 d Redan 1.3.9 1998

188 GOLDEN POINT 30.16.196 d Redan 1.2.8 1999

177 BALLARAT 34.20.224 d Redan 7.5.47 1997

176 SUNBURY 31.15.201 d East Point 3.7.25 2003

149 GOLDEN POINT 27.20.182 d Maryborough 4.9.331989

“HEART STOPPERS”

Draw South Ballarat 3.5.23 dr Ballarat 3.5.23 1901

Draw Maryborough 13.11.89 dr Golden Point 13.11.89 1955

Draw Golden Point 9.5.59 dr Geelong West 9.5.59 1959

Draw Daylesford 9.7.61 dr East Ballarat 8.13.61 1962

Draw East Ballarat 15.14.104 dr Golden Point 15.14.104 1974

Draw Sebastopol 16.10.106 dr Golden Point 16.10.106 1997

Draw Ballarat 11.8.74 dr Sebastopol 10.14.74 1999

GOALKICKERS

14 T.Howlett (Golden Point) v Beaufort 1977

13 R.Kent (East Ballarat) v Daylesford 1969

12 M.Scott (Sebastopol) v Maryborough 1984 *

12 S.Bell (Maryborough) v Sebastopol 1984 *same match

11 W.Wells (Maryborough) v Geelong West 1950

11 M.Sutton (Melton South) v Melton 2003

10 M.Wheeler (Ballarat) v Golden Point 1937

10 J.Gull (Daylesford) v Ballarat 1959

10 T.Howlett (Golden Point) v Sebastopol 1980

10 I.Sartori (Daylesford) v Bacchus Marsh 1989

10 R.McMahon (Darley) v Melton South 2006

Ahead of this weekend's action, take a look into 'The Archive' as we delve through the record books for all the big moments throughout history from Round 4.

HIGHEST SCORES

42.22.274 SUNBURY v Daylesford 2000

42.19.271 EAST BALLARAT v Redan 1998

35.18.228 SUNBURY v Ballarat 2005

33.20.218 NORTH BALLARAT v Daylesford 1991

33.17.215 DARLEY v Daylesford 1998

LOWEST SCORES

0.2.2 SOUTH BALLARAT v Ballarat 1897

0.5.5 SEBASTOPOL v South Ballarat 1894

1.0.6 REDAN v East Ballarat 1998

0.10.10 SOUTH BALLARAT v Ballarat 1906

1.5.11 SOUTH BALLARAT v Golden Point 1922

GREATEST MARGINS

265 EAST BALLARAT 42.19.271 d Redan 1.0.6 1998

233 SUNBURY 42.22.274 d Daylesford 6.5.41 2000

192 DARLEY 35.14.224 d Redan 4.8.32 1999

191 DARLEY 33.17.215 d Daylesford 3.6.24 1998

175 NORTH BALLARAT 33.20.218 d Daylesford 6.7.43 1991

“HEART STOPPERS”

Draw Golden Point 7.8.50 dr Ballarat 7.8.50 1909

Draw Lake Wendouree 11.13.79 dr Golden Point 11.13.79 1995

1 pt Ballarat Imperial 3.9.27 d South Ballarat 4.2.26 1899

1 pt Ballarat 6.5.41 d South Ballarat 6.4.40 1902

1 pt Ballarat 10.16.76 d Daylesford 11.9.75 1931

1 pt East Ballarat 11.12.78 d Ballarat 11.11.77 1945

1 pt Golden Point 10.3.63 d North Ballarat 8.14.62 1964

1 pt East Ballarat 13.12.90 d North Ballarat 13.11.89 1969

1 pt Daylesford 17.12.114 d Ballarat 16.17.113 1974

GOALKICKERS

14 D.Jordan (East Point) v Melton 2006

12 D.Barnes (Darley) v Redan 1999

12 A.Stockwell (Melton South) v Daylesford 1999

11 L.Riley (Golden Point) v Daylesford 1930

11 T.Phillippe (Daylesford) v Bacchus Marsh 1984

11 O.Weatherley (East Ballarat) v Redan 1998

11 D.Jordan (East Point) v Lake Wendouree 2007

10 G.Taylor (Ararat) v Ballarat Imperial 1925

10 K.Murray (North Ballarat) v Bacchus Marsh 1981

10 M.Scott (North Ballarat) v Maryborough 1982

10 M.Townsend (Sunbury) v Daylesford 2000

10 M.Kershaw (Bacchus Marsh) v East Point 2002

10 A.Newman (Darley) v Sebastopol 2008

10 L.James (Sunbury) v Melton 2009

10 D.Cupido (Bacchus Marsh) v Melton South 2016

10 T.Hutt (Sebastopol) v Melton South 2023

Ahead of this weekend's action, take a look into 'The Archive' as we delve through the record books for all the big moments throughout history from Round 5.

HIGHEST SCORES

41.21.267 LAKE WENDOUREE v Redan 1998

39.22.256 NORTH BALLARAT v Sebastopol 2014

35.20.230 EAST BALLARAT v Beaufort 1988

35.27.237 NORTH BALLARAT v Melton South 2015

34.17.221 MARYBOROUGH v Maddingley 1978

32.29.221 EAST POINT v Bacchus Marsh 2006

LOWEST SCORES

0.4.4 BALLARAT v Ballarat Imperial 1906

0.5.5 MELTON SOUTH v East Point 2019

0.6.6 SOUTH BALLARAT v Ballarat Imperial 1899

1.1.7 REDAN v Lake Wendouree 1998

0.8.8 BALLARAT IMPERIAL v Ballarat 1904

GREATEST MARGINS

260 LAKE WENDOUREE 41.21.267 d Redan 1.1.7 1998

225 NORTH BALLARAT 39.22.256 d Sebastopol 5.1.31 2014

222 NORTH BALLARAT 35.27.237 d Melton South 2.3.15 2015

186 LAKE WENDOUREE 33.20.218 d Redan 5.2.32 1996

180 NORTH BALLARAT 33.21.219 d Bacchus Marsh 5.9.39 1992

“HEART STOPPERS”

Draw Ballarat 7.3.45 dr Ballarat Imperial 6.9.45 1898

Draw Ballarat 7.15.57 dr Redan 9.3.57 1954

Draw East Ballarat 9.9.63 dr Ballarat 9.9.63 1963

Draw Maryborough 12.15.87 dr North Ballarat 13.9.87 1965

Draw Golden Point 9.8.62 dr Beaufort 9.8.62 1970

Draw Beaufort 12.8.80 dr North Ballarat 11.14.80 1989

Draw Beaufort 19.9.123 dr Redan 18.15.123 1992

Draw North Ballarat 13.13.91 dr East Ballarat 14.7.91 1996

Draw Redan 10.19.79 dr Melton 12.7.79 2004

Draw Melton 11.8.74 dr Darley 10.14.74 2014

Draw Lake Wendouree 10.12.72 dr Ballarat 11.6.72 2019

GOALKICKERS

15 D.Jordan (East Point) v Bacchus Marsh 2006

13 J.Gull (Daylesford) v East Ballarat 1961

13 M.Raak (Melton) v Golden Point 1997

11 G.Palmer (Maryborough) v Maddingley 1978

10 D.Duff (Ballarat) v Daylesford 1929

10 W.Wells (Maryborough) v Golden Point 1950

10 G.Pryor (Maryborough) v Daylesford 1980

10 D.Jarred (Lake Wendouree) v Redan 1998

10 C.Stuhldreier (Bacchus Marsh) v East Ballarat 2000

10 D.Cupido (Bacchus Marsh) v Ballarat 2016

Ahead of this weekend's action, take a look into 'The Archive' as we delve through the record books for all the big moments throughout history from Round 6.

HIGHEST SCORES

41.21.267 LAKE WENDOUREE v Redan 1997

34.17.221 SEBASTOPOL v Daylesford 1988

33.17.215 DARLEY v Melton South 2023

31.27.213 EAST BALLARAT v Daylesford 1991

32.21.213 EAST POINT v Melton South 2006

LOWEST SCORES

1.0.6 SEBASTOPOL v South Ballarat 1895

1.4.10 BALLARAT v Sebastopol 1893

1.4.10 BEAUFORT v Golden Point 1976

1.6.12 SOUTH BALLARAT v Ballarat Imperial 1893

1.8.14 BALLARAT v South Ballarat 1913

2.2.14 MELTON SOUTH v Darley 2023

GREATEST MARGINS

223 LAKE WENDOUREE 41.21.267 v Redan 7.2.44 1997

201 DARLEY 33.17.215 v Melton South 2.2.14 2023

183 BALLARAT 32.16.208 v Sebastopol 3.7.25 2010

181 NORTH BALLARAT 32.14.206 v Beaufort 3.7.25 1993

179 GOLDEN POINT 28.21.189 d Beaufort 1.4.10 1976

“HEART STOPPERS”

Draw Horsham 11.16.82 dr Ballarat Imperial 12.10.82 1934

Draw South Ballarat 6.20.56 dr Ballarat 8.8.56 1940

Draw Golden Point 10.16.76 dr Maryborough 11.10.76 1955

Draw Ballarat 8.8.56 dr Redan 8.8.56 1960

Draw Golden Point 7.14.56 dr North Ballarat 8.8.56 1963

Draw Beaufort 14.5.89 dr North Ballarat 12.17.89 1977

GOALKICKERS

15 R.Kent (East Ballarat) v Golden Point 1969

13 D.Jarred (Lake Wendouree) v Redan 1997

12 D.Seeley (North Ballarat) v Beaufort 1993

12 D.Jordan (East Point) v Melton South 2007

11 M.Wheeler (Ballarat) v Golden Point 1939

10 K.Yates (Maryborough) v East Ballarat 1949

10 M.O’Beirne (Geelong West) v North Ballarat 1956

10 J.Gull (Daylesford) v East Ballarat 1959

10 T.Howlett (Golden Point) v Beaufort 1976

10 L.Powell (Redan) v East Ballarat 1979

10 L.Murnane (Beaufort) v Daylesford 1985

10 D.Hutchinson (North Ballarat) v Golden Point 1990

10 D.Jordan (East Point) v Darley 2010

10 S.Lyle (North Ballarat) v Darley 2014

Ahead of this weekend's action, take a look into 'The Archive' as we delve through the record books for all the big moments throughout history from Round 7.

HIGHEST SCORES

50.27.327 MELTON SOUTH v Redan 1998

41.20.266 NORTH BALLARAT v Maryborough 1983

35.16.226 NORTH BALLARAT v Golden Point 1992

33.17.215 NORTH BALLARAT v East Ballarat 1994

33.16.214 EAST POINT v Ballarat 2006

LOWEST SCORES

0.2.2 SEBASTOPOL v Ballarat 1895

1.2.8 SEBASTOPOL v Ballarat Imperial 1893

1.2.8 REDAN v Melton South 1998

1.5.11 BALLARAT IMPERIAL v South Ballarat 1909

1.5.11 BACCHUS MARSH v Sunbury 2007

GREATEST MARGINS

319 MELTON SOUTH 50.27.327 d Redan 1.2.8 1998

207 NORTH BALLARAT 41.20.266 d Maryborough 9.5.59 1983

189 NORTH BALLARAT 33.17.215 d East Ballarat 3.8.26 1994

181 NORTH BALLARAT 35.16.226 d Golden Point 6.9.45 1992

173 NORTH BALLARAT 32.20.212 d Beaufort 5.9.39 1990

“HEART STOPPERS”

Draw Daylesford 10.2.62 dr Ballarat Imperial 9.8.62 1930

Draw Maryborough 14.10.94 dr Daylesford 14.10.94 1966

Draw Ballarat 12.14.86 dr Beaufort 12.14.86 1968

Draw Ballarat 10.15.75 dr Maryborough 10.15.75 1977 *

Draw North Ballarat 8.9.57 dr Golden Point 8.9.57 1977 * same day

GOALKICKERS

15 Learmonth (Maryborough) v Ballarat Imperial 1927

15 K.Murray (North Ballarat) v Maryborough 1983

15 A.Stockwell (Melton South) v Redan 1998

14 D.Jordan (East Point) v Ballarat 2006

12 J.Gull (Daylesford) v Ballarat 1961

12 K.Drever (Ballarat) v Daylesford 1998

12 B.Maxwell (Lake Wendouree) v Bacchus Marsh 2005

11 M.Richardson (Smeaton) v Ballarat 1945

11 L.Collins (Golden Point) v East Ballarat 1949

11 J.Gull (Daylesford) v Golden Point 1962

11 M.Bongiorno (Ballarat) v Daylesford 1965

11 J.Haslett (Redan) v Maryborough 1967

11 C.Chester (Redan) v Ballarat 1976

11 M.Russell (North Ballarat) v Maryborough 1984

11 T.Phillippe (Daylesford) v Sebastopol 1984

11 D.Seeley (North Ballarat) v East Ballarat 1994

11 D.Jarred (Lake Wendouree) v Daylesford 2000

10 M.Wheeler (Ballarat) v South Ballarat 1939

10 T.Howlett (Golden Point) v Daylesford 1988

10 D.Brown (Melton) v East Ballarat 1998

10 P.Shepherd (Bacchus Marsh) v Sunbury 2015

Ahead of this weekend's action, take a look into 'The Archive' as we delve through the record books for all the big moments throughout history from Round 8.

HIGHEST SCORES

34.13.217 BACCHUS MARSH v Redan 1999

33.11.209 DAYLESFORD v Redan 1997

31.19.205 MELTON v Bacchus Marsh 2006

29.27.201 EAST BALLARAT v Daylesford 1952

27.34.196 MARYBOROUGH v Beaufort 1976

LOWEST SCORES

1.0.6 SEBASTOPOL v South Ballarat 1895

0.8.8 GOLDEN POINT v Ballarat Imperial 1908

1.3.9 SEBASTOPOL v Ballarat Imperial 1895

1.3.9 BACCHUS MARSH v East Point 2007

1.4.10 BEAUFORT v Maryborough 1976

GREATEST MARGINS

186 MARYBOROUGH 27.34.196 d Beaufort 1.4.10 1976

172 DARLEY 29.20.194 d Sebastopol 3.4.22 2005

156 DAYLESFORD 33.11.209 d Redan 8.5.53 1997

148 MELTON 31.19.205 d Bacchus Marsh 7.15.57 2006

“HEART STOPPERS”

1 pt South Ballarat 2.4.16 d Sebastopol 2.3.15 1893

1 pt Ballarat Imperial 8.6.54 d South Ballarat 8.5.53 1925

1 pt Daylesford 10.14.74 d Bacchus Marsh 11.7.73 1930

1 pt Daylesford 13.7.85 d Maryborough 11.18.84 1931

1 pt Redan 12.16.88 d Waubra 12.15.87 1945

1 pt East Ballarat 5.12.42 d Geelong West 5.11.41 1947

1 pt Redan 8.13.61 d Golden Point 9.6.60 1960

1 pt Ballarat 9.9.63 d Golden Point 8.14.62 1965

GOALKICKERS

12 Sarah (Ballarat) v Smeaton 1944

12 J.Gull (Daylesford) v Redan 1961

12 D.Grenfell (Melton) v Bacchus Marsh 2006

11 J.Gull (Daylesford) v Maryborough 1964

11 G.Melbourne (Maryborough) v Beaufort 1976

11 C.Chester (East Ballarat) v Beaufort 1978

11 L.Murnane (Beaufort) v Bacchus Marsh 1985

11 Greg Lofts (Beaufort) v Sebastopol 1987

11 P.Sproule (Daylesford) v Redan 1997

11 M.Powell (Sebastopol) v Melton 2012

10 J.Gull (Daylesford) v Redan 1959

10 J.Gull (Daylesford) v North Ballarat 1960

10 T.Phillippe (Daylesford) v Maryborough 1984

10 D.Jordan (East Point) v Bacchus Marsh 2007

10 M.Sutton (Melton South) v Lake Wendouree 2007

Ahead of this weekend's action, take a look into 'The Archive' as we delve through the record books for all the big moments throughout history from Round 9.

HIGHEST SCORES

34.32.236 REDAN v Beaufort 1976

35.20.230 DARLEY v Sebastopol 2015

35.19.229 GOLDEN POINT v Redan 1998

34.14.218 EAST POINT v Melton 2013

32.19.211 BALLARAT v Bacchus Marsh 1979

LOWEST SCORES

0.0.0 BEAUFORT v Redan 1976

0.3.3 SEBASTOPOL v Redan 2004

0.5.5 BACCHUS MARSH v North Ballarat 2012

0.7.7 BALLARAT IMPERIAL v Ballarat 1895

1.2.8 SEBASTOPOL v Ballarat 1894

GREATEST MARGINS

236 REDAN 34.32.236 d Beaufort 0.0.0 1976

209 GOLDEN POINT 35.19.229 d Redan 3.2.20 1998

192 DARLEY 35.20.230 d Sebastopol 6.2.38 2015

180 NORTH BALLARAT 30.15.195 d Daylesford 2.3.15 1992

173 REDAN 29.13.187 d Melton 2.2.14 2015

“HEART STOPPERS”

Draw South Ballarat 3.3.21 dr Ballarat Imperial 2.9.21 1896

Draw Golden Point 11.12.78 dr Maryborough 10.18.78 1951

Draw Golden Point 14.9.93 dr Maryborough 14.9.93 1978

Draw East Point 14.10.94 dr Bacchus Marsh 13.16.94 2017

GOALKICKERS

18 C.Chester (Redan) v Beaufort 1976

14 W.Higgins (Daylesford) v Redan 1973

13 D.Jordan (East Point) v Melton 2013

12 K.Reynolds (Darley) v Sebastopol 2003

12 J.Edwards (Darley) v Sebastopol 2015

11 G.Bell (Redan) v Melton 2015

10 D.Duff (Ballarat) v Ballarat Imperial 1928

10 Dalton (Ballarat Imperial) v South Ballarat 1936

10 G.Pryor (Maryborough) v Redan 1980

10 K.Murray (North Ballarat) v Bacchus Marsh 1982

10 T.Howlett (Golden Point) v Sebastopol 1983

10 G.Cahir (Sebastopol) v Maryborough 1987

10 C.Hunt (North Ballarat) v Daylesford 1992

Ahead of this weekend's action, take a look into 'The Archive' as we delve through the record books for all the big moments throughout history from our semi finals.

Semi Final 2

HIGHEST SCORES

28.12.180 NORTH BALLARAT v East Ballarat 1982
26.19.175 NORTH BALLARAT v East Ballarat 1991
25.22.172 REDAN v Darley 2006

LOWEST SCORES

2. 4. 16 GOLDEN POINT v South Ballarat 1908
2.11. 23 BALLARAT v Golden Point 1914
3. 5. 23 BALLARAT v East Ballarat 1989

HIGHEST SCORING MATCHES

297 North Ballarat 28.12.180 d East Ballarat 18. 9.117 1982
269 Redan 25.22.172 d Darley 14.13. 97 2006
253 Lake Wendouree 21. 8.134 d Sunbury 17.17.119 1997

LOWEST SCORING MATCHES

67 South Ballarat 6. 5. 41 d Ballarat Imperial 3. 8. 26 1921
79 Lake Wendouree 8. 7. 55 d Ballarat 2.12. 24 2010
81 South Ballarat 5.17. 47 d Ballarat 4.10. 34 1911
81 Ballarat Imperial 5.15. 45 d South Ballarat 5. 6. 36 1919

GREATEST MARGINS

118 NORTH BALLARAT 26.19.175 d East Ballarat 9. 3. 57 1991
99 DARLEY 18.19.127 d Bacchus Marsh 3.10. 28 2017
89 REDAN 23. 8.146 d Golden Point 8. 9. 57 1975
89 NORTH BALLARAT 16.19.115 d Ballarat 4. 2. 26 1992

“THE CLOSE ONES”

1 East Ballarat 8. 9. 57 d Ballarat 7.14. 56 1954
1 Redan 13.10. 88 d Golden Point 14. 3. 87 1976
2 North Ballarat 15.13.103 d East Ballarat 15.11.101 1970
2 Beaufort 10. 7. 67 d East Ballarat 9.11. 65 1971

HIGHEST SCORING QUARTERS

1st 10.3.63 NORTH BALLARAT v East Ballarat 1982
2nd 9.5.59 REDAN v Darley 2006
3rd 11.2.68 LAKE WENDOUREE v Sunbury 1997
4th 9.6.60 NORTH BALLARAT v East Ballarat 1982

GOALKICKERS

10 R.Knowles (Redan) v East Point 2009
9 K.Murray (North Ballarat) v East Ballarat 1982
8 Howard (North Ballarat) v East Ballarat 1991
7 Riley (Golden Point) v Ararat 1928
7 E.Coward (Maryborough) v East Ballarat 1946
7 N.Bishop (Maryborough) v Redan 1967
7 B.Quinlan (North Ballarat) v Ballarat 1994
7 D.Jarred (Lake Wendouree) v Sunbury 1997
7 K.Murrihy (Redan) v Darley 2006
7 J.Maksymow (Bacchus Marsh) v Sunbury 2016

Semi Final 1

HIGHEST SCORES

27.11.173 BACCHUS MARSH v Melton South 1998
25.17.167 GOLDEN POINT v Daylesford 1989
23.13.151 SUNBURY v Lake Wendouree 2004

LOWEST SCORES

0. 6. 6 BALLARAT IMPERIAL v Ballarat 1908
1. 7. 13 BALLARAT V Ballarat Imperial 1909
2. 2. 14 DAYLESFORD v Melton 2001

HIGHEST SCORING MATCHES

264 Redan 20.17.137 d East Ballarat 19.13.127 1984
247 Golden Point 25.17.167 d Daylesford 12. 8. 80 1989
245 Sunbury 23.13.151 d Lake Wendouree 14.10. 94 2004

LOWEST SCORING MATCHES

37 Ballarat Imperial 3. 6. 24 d Ballarat 1. 7. 13 1909
48 Melton 4.10. 34 d Daylesford 2. 2. 14 2001
57 Ballarat 7. 9. 51 d Ballarat Imperial 0. 6. 6 1908

GREATEST MARGINS

119 BACCHUS MARSH 27.11.173 d Melton South 8. 6. 54 1998
87 GOLDEN POINT 25.17.167 d Daylesford 12. 8. 80 1989
86 SOUTH BALLARAT 21.10.142 d Horsham 8. 8. 56 1935

“THE CLOSE ONES”

1 Ballarat Imperial 7.14. 56 d South Ballarat 8. 7. 55 1920
1 Daylesford 12.11. 83 d East Ballarat 11.16. 82 1981
1 Ballarat 16. 9.105 d Darley 16. 8.104 2022
1 East Point 13. 8. 86 d Melton 13. 7. 85 2023

HIGHEST SCORING QUARTERS

1st 8.6.54 BALLARAT v Daylesford 1968
2nd 8.5.53 NORTH BALLARAT v Lake Wendouree 2015
3rd 13.2.80 BALLARAT v Golden Point 1991
4th 11.1.67 BALLARAT v East Ballarat 1987

GOALKICKERS

12 M.McIntyre (South Ballarat) v Horsham 1935
10 D.Duff (Ballarat) v Maryborough 1928
10 C.Chester (East Ballarat) v Daylesford 1978
9 A.Manning (Bacchus Marsh) v Melton South 1998
8 A.Lange (Golden Point) v Daylesford 1989
8 J.McCormack (South Ballarat) v Maryborough 1926
8 N.Heath (Ballarat) v Golden Point 1991
8 M.Baird (Sunbury) v Lake Wendouree 2004
8 M.Nunn (Ballarat) v East Point 2007
8 D.Jordan (East Point) v Lake Wendouree 2008

Ahead of this weekend's action, take a look into 'The Archive' as we delve through the record books for all the big moments throughout history from our elimination and qualifying finals.

Elimination Finals

HIGHEST SCORES

24.12.156 EAST BALLARAT v Daylesford 1984
23.13.151 BALLARAT v Sunbury 2014
23. 9.147 DARLEY v Daylesford 2002
23. 9.147 NORTH BALLARAT v Darley 2012

LOWEST SCORES

2.10. 22 SUNBURY v Darley 2015
3. 6. 24 SEBASTOPOL v Golden Point 1992
4. 6. 30 EAST BALLARAT v Ballarat 1973

HIGHEST SCORING MATCHES

300 East Ballarat 24.12.156 d Daylesford 21.18.144 1984
248 Melton 21.19.145 d Lake Wendouree 15.13.103 1998
241 Darley 23. 9.147 d Daylesford 15. 4. 94 2002

LOWEST SCORING MATCHES

87 East Point 7. 7. 49 d Ballarat 5. 8. 38 2009
90 Ballarat 9. 6. 60 d East Ballarat 4. 6. 30 1973
90 Golden Point 10. 6. 66 d Sebastopol 3. 6. 24 1992

GREATEST MARGINS

74 BALLARAT 23.13.151 d Sunbury 11.11. 77 2014
72 DAYLESFORD 19.15.129 d Bacchus Marsh 9. 3. 57 2001
68 LAKE WENDOUREE 20.16.136 d Darley 10. 8. 68 1999

THE CLOSE ONES

Draw Beaufort 14.17.101 drew with Ballarat 16. 5.101 1972
1 Darley 7. 6. 48 d East Point 5.17. 47 2022
2 Daylesford 11.13. 79 d North Ballarat 11.11. 77 1981
2 Lake Wendouree 11.15. 81 d East Point 11.13. 79 2015
2 Ballarat 10.5.65 d Sunbury 9.9.63 2024

HIGHEST SCORING QUARTERS

1st 9.7.61 LAKE WENDOUREE v Ballarat 1997
2nd 9.2.56 BEAUFORT v Redan 1982
3rd 9.0.54 NORTH BALLARAT v Darley 2012
4th 7.2.44 BALLARAT v Sunbury 2014

GOALKICKERS

9 G.Cahir (Redan) v Beaufort 1982
8 D.Stewart (Lake Wendouree) v Darley 1999
8 D.Thompson (Daylesford) v Bacchus Marsh 2001
8 M.Walsh (Redan) v Darley 2003
7 M.Raak (Melton) v Lake Wendouree 1998
7 M.Baird (Sunbury) v Darley 2006
7 D.Chester (Redan) v Ballarat 2011

Qualifying Finals

HIGHEST SCORES

21.14.140 NORTH BALLARAT v Golden Point 1982
21.10.136 REDAN v East Point 2006
19.21.135 NORTH BALLARAT v Daylesford 1978

LOWEST SCORES

3. 1. 19 MARYBOROUGH V North Ballarat 1973
2.10. 22 NORTH BALLARAT v Redan 1974
4. 2. 26 DAYLESFORD v Sebastopol 1985

HIGHEST SCORING MATCHES

269 Redan 21.10.136 d East Point 19.19.133 2006
217 Sunbury 16.17.113 d Melton South 15.14.104 1998
211 Melton South 17. 9.111 d Melton 14.16.100 2001

LOWEST SCORING MATCHES

58 North Ballarat 4.15. 39 d Maryborough 3. 1. 19 1973
58 Redan 5. 6. 36 d North Ballarat 2.10. 22 1974
99 Sebastopol 11. 7. 73 d Daylesford 4. 2. 26 1985

GREATEST MARGINS

84 NORTH BALLARAT 19.21.135 d Daylesford 7. 9. 51 1978
70 NORTH BALLARAT 21.14.140 d Golden Point 10.10. 70 1982
66 REDAN 18.15.123 d North Ballarat 8. 9. 57 2015

THE CLOSE ONES

1 EAST POINT 9.10. 64 d North Ballarat 9. 9. 63 2018
3 EAST BALLARAT 14.12. 96 d Redan 14. 9. 93 1993
3 REDAN 21.10.136 d East Point 19.19.133 2006

HIGHEST SCORING QUARTERS

1st 9.4.58 DARLEY v Sunbury 2000
2nd 8.8.56 DARLEY v East Point 2008
3rd 8.4.52 NORTH BALLARAT v Golden Point 1978
4th 8.1.49 SUNBURY v Melton 1997

GOALKICKERS

9 S.Kempster (Sunbury) v Melton 1997
7 M.Scott (North Ballarat) v Golden Point 1982
7 P.Eyles (Daylesford) v East Ballarat 1996
6 I.Denny (Redan) v East Ballarat 1993
6 M.Scott (Bacchus Marsh) v East Ballarat 1995
6 M.Walsh (Redan) v Sunbury 2004
6 N.Pring (Lake Wendouree) v Sunbury 2010

North Ballarat take on Sunbury on Saturday at 2.15pm at Mars Stadium

CLUB: North Ballarat City

COACH: Brendan McCartney

FOR THE RECORD

(Scoop): Macca, you finished 9-1 and on top of the ladder in 2021 before COVID ended a very promising season for North Ballarat City. How has the club processed or weighted the season in flag terms?

(Brendan): There was still so much more to play out, but looking back, we were proud of our effort, our consistency and our connection. We will be doing our best to keep improving again in all areas through 2022. Our depth is very good and the morale around the club remains positive.

(Scoop): The club was 10-0 in first quarters last year, a fine achievement for a relatively young group. What advice, given your experience, could you suggest for players across the region who naturally want to start well on game day?

(Brendan): It's all about training - train as you play. Our training gets straight into contested situations after warm-up. We don't do slow drills, cone-to-cone for example and that is obviously having an impact on game day.

(Scoop): Josh Chatfield (Footscray VFL) and Riley Polkinghorne (Geelong VFL) have been invited for a crack at the higher level in the VFL. How are they tracking, and do you expect to see them much in City colours in 2022?

(Brendan): Both have had good summer programs at their respective VFL clubs. Naturally, we want them to play as much footy as they can at a higher level. Alternatively, we'll be more than happy to have them if/when the opportunity presents.

IDENTIFIED STRENGTHS

(Brendan): High running capacity. We have a high number of natural runners who respond well to training.

IMPROVEMENTS

(Brendan): Maximising scores from turnover and fine tuning our work around stoppage.

PRE-SEASON TRAINING

(Brendan): They've been great - very easy to coach. They bring the intensity we're after - fitness guru, Andrew Ferguson, is doing an excellent job with the boys.

DRAW COMMENTS

(Brendan): We're happy to play anyone. The home and away season is all about building behaviours and ultimately playing finals.

PLAYER INS:

Isaac Carey (WA) - excellent ball user and runner. Clearly in their best side.

PLAYER OUTS:

Daniel Jones (Beaufort), Jai Lockett (Qld), Darcy McEldrew (Qld), Josh Bromley-Lynch (Southern Mallee)

VFL AFFILIATED PLAYERS:

Josh Chatfield (Footscray), Riley Polkinghorne (Geelong), Sam Glover (Collingwood)

NBC PASS MARK:

(Brendan): To maintain a happy, engaged and well-supported club.

IMPROVERS: (OUTSIDE OF NBC)

(Brendan): Ballarat. I think there's plenty of upside for the Swans ahead of 2022.

FLAG TIP (OUTSIDE OF NBC)

(Brendan): Melton. Their intensity at the contest and work rate to win the ball back is impressive.

Darley takes on Sebastopol at Marty Busch Reserve on Saturday at 2.15pm - live-streamed to the BFNL Facebook page

CLUB: DARLEY

COACH: Dan Jordan

FOR THE RECORD

(Scoop):Well Dan, there's still no recognized ruckman at the Devils, does this pose a problem?

(Dan): Not necessarily. The vacancy will give one of our younger blokes an opportunity to grow and become a potential 10-year player at the club if they're up for the challenge. I've been in a similar situation at other clubs, we'll just need to be a bit more creative with our set-up around the ball.

(Scoop):What can the BFNL expect from gun recruits Brett Bewley, Nick Rodda and Dylan Landt?

(Dan): There's no guarantees (on performance) on any player(s) returning from a higher level. That aside, Brett brings exceptional leadership and standards that will have a lasting impact on the group while Nick will 'straighten us up' structurally and provide a key target forward. I expect Dylan to play most of his footy with Essendon VFL, any games with us will be a bonus. He dominated the SANFL last year.

(Scoop):The club is coming off a winless 2021, in what areas can Devils fans expect to see a spike in improvement?       

(Dan): We're still a work in progress. The buy-in thus far from the group has been positive. We're confident our focus on competitiveness will see us in games for longer as we strive for greater consistency over four quarters.

IDENTIFIED STRENGTHS

(Dan): Stability in defence, greater midfield depth and key target forward.

IMPROVEMENTS

(Dan): Embrace flair. I think we'll see a couple of break-out seasons from players taking the game on given the added experience to the group.

PRE-SEASON TRAINING

(Dan): It's been all about conditioning and trying to get players back to pre-covid fitness levels.  On the back of that, working on a collective buy-in with a game plan.  

DRAW COMMENTS

(Dan): Not too phased who we play really, our priority is getting that first win. I've no doubt we'll be a much-improved side in the back half of the draw.

PLAYER INS:

Brett Bewley (Fremantle AFL), Nick Rodda (Williamstown VFL), Dylan Landt (Glenelg SANFL, Essendon VFL), Dylan Bishop (ex-Bacchus Marsh)

PLAYER OUTS:

Jake Edwards (Qld), Ryan Kemp (WA), Mark Hanson (Point Cook Centrals), Kirk Fenton (Melton Centrals), Ricky Hawkins (Melton Centrals), Daniel Robson (Melton Centrals)

VFL AFFILIATED PLAYERS:

Dylan Landt (Essendon), Bailey Young (Footscray)

DEVILS PASS MARK:

(Dan): To play four quarters of consistent footy. A win early would be a major boost (to achieving this goal).

IMPROVERS TIP (TEAM OUTSIDE OF DARLEY):

(Dan): Tough ask, it's my first year!

FLAG TIP (TEAM OUTSIDE OF DARLEY):

(Dan): North Ballarat City, Macca has them pretty organized.

*With thanks to Darley FNC for photography

Melton South takes Melton on Saturday at 2.15pm at Melton Recreation Reserve

CLUB: MELTON SOUTH

COACH: Heath Pritchard

FOR THE RECORD

(Scoop): The club showed some promise in 2021, what are the expectations of the group ahead of the new season?

(Heath): To start well! We've shown our best is competitive and capable of winning games. We're confident our group will stay in games for longer and avoid 'blowouts'.

(Scoop): Bradley Olsson, Isaac Conway, Paul Curtis and Ryan Pendlebury are significant outs - all four are proven impact players. You've expressed your desire to start the season well and the returns from the midfield group will have a large say in achieving that goal. How are you shaping up in this particular area, renowned as it is for its top-end talent right across the competition?

(Heath):Billy Lloyd, Shaun Wyatt and a fit Matthew Nottman will provide the experience and footy smarts we need through there. I expect we'll give the kids who are training the house down ample opportunity to rotate alongside in a bid to fast track their development.

(Scoop): You've managed to secure experienced duo Dylan Jones (ruck) and Ben Casley (key forward) - tell us about these two signings...

(Heath): Dylan Jones is a 6-foot-7 athletic ruckman and a good ball user. He gives us genuine height advantage at centre bounce, a luxury we haven't had in recent years. 

Ben Casley, 6-foot-3, centre half forward, great pair of hands who will provide an extra avenue to goal.

IDENTIFIED STRENGTHS

(Heath): When healthy our ball movement is the testing material - this area was significant in our wins over Bacchus Marsh and Sunbury especially [last year].

IMPROVEMENTS:

(Heath): Defensively be more accountable without the ball, be harder to score against, etc. We've gained some much-needed height in the ruck and an aerial target forward to take the pressure off Dylan Conway, which should hold us in good stead.

PRE-SEASON TRAINING

(Heath):I think we've trained harder during the off-season than we have in recent years. I've been happy with our intensity and we're physically fitter as a result. 

DRAW COMMENTS:

(Heath): Can't worry about the draw, we have no control over it. I will say we're happy to be playing all of the eastern sides twice.

PLAYER INS:

Dylan Jones (Williamstown CYMS), Ben Casley (Northern Blues/Williamstown)

PLAYER OUTS:

Isaac Conway (Oakleigh Districts), Bradley Olsson (Old Xavier), Ryan Pendlebury (Sale), Paul Curtis (North Melbourne AFL)

VFL AFFILIATED PLAYERS:

Anthony Anastasio (Port Melbourne)

MELTON SOUTH PASS MARK:

(Heath):Stay healthy and improve our 'away' form.

IMPROVERS: (OUTSIDE OF MELTON SOUTH)

(Heath): Ballarat

FLAG TIP: (OUTSIDE OF MELTON SOUTH)

(Heath): East Point

Lake Wendouree host the Good Friday match - the last match of Round One - LIVE streamed tomorrow at 3.15pm on the Ballarat FNL Facebook page from CE Brown Reserve.

CLUB: LAKE WENDOUREE

COACH: Jack Fitzpatrick

FOR THE RECORD

(Scoop):Welcome Jack to the BFNL coaching ranks. Unfortunately, concussion issues cut your playing days short after 26 games with Melbourne and later Hawthorn in 2017. You're still only 30 years of age - what have you been up to in footy over the last four years?

(Jack): Werribee VFL Assistant Coach 2018-2019, Footscray AFLW Assistant Coach 2020-2021.

(Scoop):Heading into your debut season in charge of the Lakers, your job hasn't been made easier by the untimely departures of quality player personnel. Have the reinforcements arrived, or will the club focus solely on development from within?

(Jack): Reinforcements aren't everything, we've identified some good young talent that we're aiming to fast track and ultimately impact games. Liverpool ManagerJürgen Klopp won a title identifying talent within and just sort after top-up players to complement the group.

(Scoop):Name three non-negotiables (for the playing group) we would expect you to list on the whiteboard ahead of training and match days?

(Jack): Consistency, Concentration, Enjoyment.

IDENTIFIED STRENGTHS

(Jack): We are a work in progress. We will endeavour to play with excitement and flair - and be a fun and entertaining to club to watch.

IMPROVEMENTS:

(Jack): Consistency will be our greatest motivation. To remain in games even when we find ourselves behind - essentially bridging the gap between our best and our worst.

PRE-SEASON TRAINING

(Jack): It's all a bit of an unknown, at the moment. We've only played ten games in two years. Our priority is to improve fitness levels ahead of a full season. So far, I can safely say we are training well. 

DRAW COMMENTS:

(Jack): I'm a firm believer that you have to beat the best along the way to play a part at the business end. Regardless of whoever you play twice, you more often finish the season where you deserve to.

PLAYER INS:

Scott Carlin (Warrnambool), Bayley Thompson (Camperdown), Tom Hunt (Daylesford), Harold Pritchard (Portland), Cody Helyar (Horsham Saints)

PLAYER OUTS:

Kai Lohmann (Brisbane AFL), Jake Lohmann (Maryborough), Sam Butler (Hawthorn AFL), Josh Rentsch (Sturt SANFL)

VFL AFFILIATED PLAYERS:

Scott Carlin (Geelong), Fergus Greene (Box Hill)

LAKERS PASS MARK:

(Jack): An understanding of the game style we're aiming to implement will carry more weight in measuring a pass mark over wins and losses. Consistency will also play a role. 

IMPROVERS (TEAM OUTSIDE OF LAKERS):

(Jack): ... Tough for me to call in my first season.

FLAG TIP: (TEAM OUTSIDE OF LAKERS)

(Jack): North Ballarat. Macca coached me at Melbourne. His boys will be well-drilled, especially around the contested ball.

Redan take on Lake Wendouree in the Good Friday clash at CE Brown Reserve. Friday 14 April at 3.15pm - LIVE streamed on the Ballarat FNL Facebook page.

CLUB: REDAN

COACH: Jarrett Giampaolo

FOR THE RECORD

(Scoop): Jarrett, reading the Lions player 'outs' - has that curbed any finals ambition or expectation on the club for 2022?

(Jarrett): No, not really, it's actually an exciting time for the club rejuvenating the list with some quality youth.

(Scoop): Experienced duo Orren Stephenson and Lachie George, along with Orren Stephenson, was having a significant impact on games in 2019 when the club made it to Week Two of the finals. While COVID has dominated the [country] footy landscape since, can we expect to see George return fresh in 2022?

(Jarrett): The 'Big O' has hung up the boots - he's got everything out of his body and deserves a well-earned rest! Lachie is flying, he's an exceptional trainer and his leadership is again at the forefront. 

(Scoop): The club welcomes a handful of players from the Central Highlands to help replenish the loss of up to seven senior players. Tell us about them and their potential roles...

(Jarrett): Nathan Dunstan (ex-North Ballarat / Hepburn) is a proven ruckman, Gordy McLaughlin - key back, Lincoln Barnes - mid with lightning speed, and Jacob Werts - intercept defender.

(Scoop): Cooper Craig-Peters remains on Footscray's VFL list - how's his pre-season been, and do you think you will see much of him in Lions colours this year?

(Jarrett): Cooper had a bit of a setback over the summer but he's back in full training. Naturally, we want him to play at the highest level - he'll be a bonus for us through the midfield if the opportunity presents.

(Scoop note): We may also see fearless leader Liam Hoy (achilles) back sooner than expected (around the mid-season)

IDENTIFIED STRENGTHS

(Jarrett): It’s a new era at Redan, the dynamic has changed with an injection of youth that I’m sure will hold us in good stead. Another strength I believe in is the number of quality people we have at the Redan Football Netball Club.

IMPROVEMENTS:

(Jarrett): Our midfield depth - we have up to eight blokes we can run through there. We're a lot younger than in previous years – I’m tipping our speed of ball movement will increase and as a result, we hope to be a more attacking side that enables us to hit the scoreboard.

PRE-SEASON TRAINING

(Jarrett): Very pleasing. We've had the Rad Centre (through Lincoln Barnes) on board over the summer working on our strength and conditioning. It's been a lot of fun.

DRAW COMMENTS:

(Jarrett): It's a very even competition - you can't look too much into it.

PLAYER INS:

Lincoln Barnes (Waubra), Nathan Dunstan (Hepburn), Jacob Werts (Bungaree), Gordy McLaughlin (SMW Rovers), Ben McDonald (Waubra).

PLAYER OUTS:

Zac Jenkins (Rokewood), Will Madden (Tiwi Islands), Chris Giampaolo (Rosebud), Keenan Waterbury (WA), Dean Chester (Carisbrook), Jack Jess (Navarre), Pat Britt (Dunnstown), Orren Stephenson (retired)

VFL AFFILIATED PLAYERS:

Cooper Craig-Peters (Footscray)

REDAN PASS MARK:

(Jarrett): Playing finals is always the goal. Promoting our youth.

IMPROVERS: (OUTSIDE OF REDAN)

(Jarrett):Ballarat

FLAG TIP: (OUTSIDE OF REDAN)

(Jarrett): Sunbury

Ballarat takes on Bacchus Marsh on Saturday at 2.15pm at Maddingley Park

 CLUB: BALLARAT

COACH: Joe Carmody

FOR THE RECORD

(Scoop):There's a bit of hype around Ballarat's chances in 2022 - how do you think you're shaping up?

(Joe): Our midfield depth is as good as it's ever been - Domic, Kennedy, James, Powling. Our back six are also strong. The focus is on developing more avenues to goal (other than Hooper). Achieve this and it would be fair to say we'll be dangerous.

(Scoop):I have to ask how Josh Gibson, Andrew Hooper, and exciting newcomer Aiden Domic are travelling?

(Joe): Gibson has had a considered build-up and is moving well. We'll start to ramp up his work over the coming weeks - he'll be right to go Round One against the Cobras. Hooper is the fittest I’ve seen this time of year. He’s injury-free (from) post wrist surgery (last year). Domic’s looking good; an aerobic beast strong both inside and out and extremely versatile.

(Scoop):Since 2018 the Swans have won just once (1-8) on the road outside of Ballarat. You have Bacchus Marsh (Rd1), Darley (Rd7) and Sunbury (Rd11) down the highway this year. How do you go about changing the narrative? These games could make or break you, given your tough rated draw....

(Joe): The players have more experience on the road now so we're hopeful a growing belief, confidence level and developed mindset will hold us in good stead. There'll be no excuses.

IDENTIFIED STRENGTHS

(Joe): Leg speed, ball movement and our ability to change angles. Also, our team defence held up really well last year and we're expecting more of the same again in 2022.

IMPROVEMENTS

(Joe): Depth. Our younger guys have just scratched the surface with 20-plus games under their belts. We're confident there's plenty of upside with this group.

PRE-SEASON TRAINING

(Joe): Good. We've done a lot, especially over the last five weeks with match simulation. Jack Dunne (calf) and Inji Fyfe (hamstring) are our only injury concerns ahead of Round One.

DRAW COMMENTS

(Joe): Tough one first up on the road as we tend to struggle down there (Bacchus Marsh). Otherwise, it's pretty even across the board for us.

PLAYER INS:

Aiden Domic (Werribee) - gun mid, has the bulk of Lachie George, runs like Alik Magin. James Clark (GWV Rebels) - half forward/wing, will play mostly Rebels. Nick Swain (Anglesea) - half back, Mitch Martin like-for-like replacement. Tom Mooney (Glenroy EDFL) - third tall forward option, good competitor. Jesse Nicholls (SMW Rovers) - relief ruck, key back. Angus Bade (GWV Rebels) - key back/mid at 194cm, will play mostly Rebels. Inji Fyfe (Bendigo Pioneers/Old Scotch VAFA) - wing/flanker, pacy two-way runner.

PLAYER OUTS:

Mitch Martin (work-WA), Pat Glandford (Springbank)

VFL AFFILIATED PLAYERS:

Bailey Van de Heuvel (Footscray), Angus Bade (Footscray)

BALLARAT PASS MARK

(Joe): Finals

IMPROVERS (OUTSIDE OF BALLARAT):

(Joe): Darley

FLAG TIP (OUTSIDE OF BALLARAT):

(Joe): Melton

Sebastopol host Darley at Marty Busch Reserve at 2.15pm on Saturday - live-streamed to the BFNL Facebook page

CLUB: SEBASTOPOL

COACH: Michael Searle

FOR THE RECORD

(Scoop): Injuries were near as contagious as COVID for the 'Burra in 2021, how is the club shaping up on the injury front ahead of Round One against the Devils?

(Michael): Our injuries were a reflection on the nature of footy during COVID. I'm sure it was the same for a lot of teams - the struggle to get their best 22 on the park. We're in a good space at the moment. We'll continue to manage players through the practice matches but we should be ready to go for Round One.   

(Scoop): The club has done well retaining nearly all of its senior playing group from last season. Is there a sense of unfinished business after coming so close in 2019?

(Michael): That's a fair call. We've been open with discussions about how far this group can or wants to go. We're under no illusions, it's going to take a lot of hard work and commitment taking the next step. We haven't been far away in our last two seasons, and we're confident our Premiership window remains well and truly open.

(Scoop): You have some enviable depth through the midfield, can we expect to see more of Luke Kiel across half back - it seemed to work well given the absence of an injured Tony Lockyer in 2021?

(Michael): Yes, absolutely. Luke can take a bit of the (leadership) pressure off Tony in defence. He'll still go through the midfield, but you can expect to see Luke spending more time off half back. 

IDENTIFIED STRENGTHS

(Michael): Competitiveness, work rate, general evenness, depth.

IMPROVEMENTS

(Michael): I think you'll see some genuine growth and improvement from within this year, as the players themselves drive higher standards and expectation on their own performance. On the track we've been working on our effectiveness at the fall of the ball, an area we were lacking in last year.

PRE-SEASON TRAINING

(Michael): We've put together a solid block of work over the summer. Fitness advisor Scott Smith has done a terrific job getting the boys well-conditioned ahead of the new season. It's something new for the club to go along the sports science path and I’m very pleased with how it's all played out.

DRAW COMMENTS

(Michael): Fine, all good.

PLAYER INS:

Dean Robertson (Waubra) - back up ruckman for Jack Richards, Brad Veale (Bungaree) - in best 22 mid/forward rotation, Will Lovett (Bungaree), Jordan Crone (Bungaree)

PLAYER OUTS:

Nick Hausler (Qld), Michael Lockyer

VFL AFFILIATED PLAYERS:

None

SEBASTOPOL PASS MARK:

(Michael): Top 4

IMPROVERS (OUTSIDE OF SEBASTOPOL):

(Michael): Darley

FLAG TIP (OUTSIDE OF SEBASTOPOL):

(Michael): North Ballarat City

Bacchus Marsh takes on Ballarat on Saturday at 2.15pm at Maddingley Park

 CLUB: BACCHUS MARSH

COACH: Tom German

FOR THE RECORD

(Scoop):The Cobras were one of the first to begin practice matches in early March against East Keilor (EDFL). How did the group go, firstly, and secondly, connect with so many new faces?

(Tom): There were pleasing signs against a really good, strong side. East Keilor (including Heath Shaw) gave us positive feedback from the hit-out. We had a few out for various reasons, we ran a 12-man bench and gave our youngsters an opportunity as reward for their hard work over the pre-season.

(Scoop):Jack Williams, Jason Robinson and Michael Colliver have been touted as high-quality additions to the line-up - tell us about these three in particular...

(Tom): You're right about the quality! Each have displayed genuine enthusiasm and leadership on the track and to the small sample size we've seen on (practice) match day. Jack at key back, Jason at half back, and Michael at half back/wing is an exceptional runner. They're different players, but equally as important.

(Scoop): The Cobras have been heavily reliant on Daniel Burton, Nick Stuhldrier and yourself shouldering very high minutes through the midfield. Can we expect more of the same in 2022 or will you experiment / explore new options?

(Tom): I'm happy with our midfield depth and what it will bring. 

IDENTIFIED STRENGTHS

(Tom): Our spine is very solid and our midfield very competitive.

IMPROVEMENTS:

(Tom): More run / better ball movement, etc.

PRE-SEASON TRAINING

(Tom): There's no denying it's been a challenge due to COVID. That aside, I’m very happy with our efforts on the track and with our levels of continuity. Our training camp down at Aireys Inlet was also a success.

DRAW COMMENTS:

(Tom): Overall we weren't unhappy with our draw. It's a very even competition, whichever way you look at it.

PLAYER INS:

Jack Williams (Camperdown), Jason Robinson (Camperdown), Michael Colliver (VAFA), Sam Crea (Glen Orden), Ryan Chandler (Hillside), Rex Hickman (Mallee Eagles), Max Eastmure (Torquay)

PLAYER OUTS:

Ryan Bartlett (work), Lachie Christopher (Mansfield), Jayden Owen (Gisborne), Billy Griffiths (Gordon), Sam Griffiths (Gordon), Kane Dickson (Dunnstown), Kane White (Skipton), Tim Hughes (Skipton), Tom Wardell (Dunnstown)

VFL AFFILIATED PLAYERS:

Nick Stuhldrier (Port Melbourne)

B/MARSH PASS MARK:

(Tom): Finals

IMPROVERS (OUTSIDE OF BACCHUS MARSH):

(Tom): Ballarat 

FLAG TIP (OUTSIDE OF BACCHUS MARSH):

(Tom): North Ballarat City

Sunbury takes on North Ballarat on Saturday at 2.15pm at Mars Stadium

CLUB: SUNBURY

COACH: Travis Hodgson

FOR THE RECORD

(Scoop): Sunbury has lost six senior players in the off-season - what can you tell us about the new brigade that will help calm the nerves of Lions fans?

(Travis): Cooper Anderson is a key position half-forward on Essendon’s VFL list, Pat Scanlon is a tall key defender, Ben Toman is a big-bodied mid at 186cm, Matthew Medcalfe is a dangerous small forward and mid rotation, Lachy Byrne will provide distribution off half-back, while Blake Graham (utility) has had a solid pre-season. Mitch Lewis we're unlikely to see - he's a very good player at Port Melbourne. So, we've added height and rebound off half-back, firepower forward, and a big body into the midfield whose running capacity near rivals his brother (Ben and Daniel Toman).

(Scoop): It's your third season as coach of Sunbury, will this be your best chance at winning a flag? 

(Travis): I think so. We just missed out on a Prelim berth in 2019 and I reckon this group has a lot more upside.

(Scoop): I rated your 2022 draw the easiest of any clubs, but your opening two games - North Ballarat City (away) and Melton (away) will be tough. Will there be an added focus on the importance of these games in particular?

(Travis): Absolutely. The 2021 Minor Premiers away, then Melton away after the unveiling of their new facility to home fans won't be easy, not to mention our poor recent win/loss record against these two away from home. If we can be square with the ledger after Round Two, I’ll be happy.

IDENTIFIED STRENGTHS

(Travis): Our depth most certainly. Our Twos will be hard to beat. The gap between our 12th and 30th player isn't much and we're all the better for it. We're also confident in our running ability.

IMPROVEMENTS

(Travis):Connection. We were 1-5 after the opening six games last year, it did take us a while to get going.

PRE-SEASON TRAINING

(Travis): Big numbers are hitting the track, and the boys look pretty fit under fitness guru Andrew Hall. Our focus has been to build on the momentum of last season that saw us win four of our last five games.

DRAW COMMENTS:

(Travis): It's a good draw.

PLAYER INS:

Matthew Medkraft (Port Douglas), Ben Toman (overseas), Mitch Lewis (Port Melbourne VFL), Pat Scanlon (Rupertswood), Connor Lever (East Sunbury), Will Wright (East Sunbury), Lachy Byrne East Sunbury), Blake Graham (Ballan), Cooper Anderson (QAFL)

PLAYER OUTS:

Alik Magin (Qld), Mitch Conn (Sydney), Josh Goater (North Melbourne AFL), Luke Goater (Deer Park), Dylan Featon (Deer Park), Mick Edwards (Riddells Creek), Wade Derkson (WA)

VFL AFFILIATED PLAYERS

Mitch Lewis (Port Melbourne), Jake Sutton (Essendon), Cooper Anderson (Essendon), Jayden Eales (Box Hill), Josh Guthrie (North Melbourne)

LIONS PASS MARK

(Travis): Win a final

IMPROVERS (OUTSIDE OF SUNBURY):

(Travis): Darley

FLAG TIP (OUTSIDE OF SUNBURY):

(Travis): North Ballarat City

BFNL footy returns, with the 2021 season re-jigged, refreshed, and ready to relaunch this weekend (minus crowds). With only four rounds of the 2021 McDonald's BFNL home and away season remaining, Scoop takes a look at your team's finals prospects on the road home, in what's been a very even and testing 2021 season.