The McDonalds Ballarat Football and Netball League has confirmed today that its senior football and netball competitions will not proceed for the 2020 season.

After a period of lengthy consultation, the board of the BFNL have made the difficult decision to cancel the season in the best interests of the member clubs moving forward.

In collaboration with all clubs, it has been agreed that the current level of restrictions would not allow for a safe or financially sustainable season.

The health and safety of the Ballarat FNL players, supporters, members and volunteers is of the highest priority to the organisation and it supports the decision by the State Government to contain the spread of COVID-19.

Today’s decision will help support the long-term viability of the clubs and the league and the Ballarat FNL will continue to work with all stakeholders in the coming months to ensure a strong return to for the 2021 season.

There remains support from clubs for a junior football and netball competition in 2020 which is currently being considered by the league board based on the input from clubs’ junior coordinators.

A separate announcement on the 2020 junior football and netball competitions will be made shortly.

The Ballarat FNL would like to thank the many supporters who have been patient while we explored every opportunity to compete in 2020. We look forward to a sound and strong 2021 Premiership season. 

The McDonald’s Ballarat Football Netball League would like to advise that Melton South Football Netball Club have requested a transfer to the RDFNL for future football and netball seasons.

This transfer has now been approved by all involved and Melton South FNC will play all their football and netball games in the Riddell District Football Netball League from 2025.

The BFNL wish Melton South FNC all the best as they move across to the RDFNL.

Further information will be going out to clubs regarding the 2025 Senior Fixture over the coming weeks.

It's the biggest day on the BFNL calendar. Take a look as we preview all SIX massive netball grand finals coming up at City Oval this Saturday.

Losing a grand final is heartbreaking. Losing three in a row is devastating – and it’s a pain only one team in BFNL A Grade history knows: Darley.

For the fourth consecutive year, the Devils will contest the decider, desperate to turn heartbreak into history.

Standing in their way once again are the Sunbury Lions – the very side who snatched last year’s premiership from Darley in the dying minutes.

Both coaches, Kim Bailey (Sunbury, 2024 BFNL Coach of the Year) and Shannon Blackman (Darley, 2025 BFNL Coach of the Year), enter the grand final having managed injuries to key players.

The Lions will be without Elly Randall (shoulder/arm), while Darley miss Ailish McCormack (achilles), placing the spotlight firmly on their starting sevens.

Bailey has strengthened Sunbury’s depth in 2025.

Caitlin Hill (GA) – a Vic Fury SSN Reserve and VNL Championship player – has been a standout since returning from SSN duties.

Abigail Inglis (C) has also proven a handy addition after years away from the game.

Blackman, meanwhile, has guided Darley with remarkable steadiness, retaining all eight players from last year’s grand final lineup.

Expect momentum swings – both teams have shown they can erase deficits or blow games open in a matter of minutes.

Key battles will shape the result.

Sunbury’s Rebecca Hicks (GS), the league’s leading goal scorer, will test Anna Lawley (GD) and co-captain Matilda Elliot (GK) – both Team of the Year defenders who can seamlessly switch from double-teaming to split-circle setups.

Hicks’ partnership with Hill will demand constant adjustments.

At the other end, Sunbury captain Tayla Honey, finding new form at goal defence, faces the critical task of containing Darley co-captain Monique Nagle, who has been pivotal in easing the scoring load on Olivia Cawthray this finals series.

Through the midcourt, it will be a battle of speed and endurance.

The Lions’ Sarah Croft, Inglis, Simona Di Fillipo, and Georgia Hellyer will go head-to-head with Darley’s Jaimee Smith, Blackman, and Lucy Taylor in what promises to be a fast, physical, and fiercely contested battle.

For Sunbury, it’s the chance to secure a fourth A Grade premiership since joining the competition.

For Darley, it’s another shot at the club’s first-ever A Grade flag.

There’s plenty on the line this weekend and this grand final promises the highest standard of netball – and plenty of heart-stopping moments.

There’s more than just a premiership on the line in this year’s B Grade decider.

For Sunbury, it’s the chance to go back-to-back. For Darley, it’s the opportunity to claim their first-ever B Grade flag.

Both teams carry plenty of big-game experience.

Sunbury’s Jemiah Niki, Holly Cootee, Ava Hellyer, Taylah Egan, Emily Conn, and Chelsea Amor were all part of last year’s premiership side.

For Darley, the likes of Addison Wright, Sarah Mason, Sophie Andreula, and Chelsea Mason bring success from the Under-19 premierships of 2023 and 2024.

The battle in Sunbury’s goal circle will be one to keep an eye on.

Sunbury’s sharp-shooting duo of Niki (GS) and Amor (GA) – who helped the Lions post the most goals in the competition – will test the Devils’ rock-solid defence of Ellie Martin, Chelsea Mason, and Under-19 League Best & Fairest Wright, who anchored the league’s tightest defence this season, conceding the least amount of goals against.

Both line-ups also boast A Grade experience.

Sunbury’s Cootee and Amor have stepped up at the top level, while Darley’s Martin, Wright, Mason, Victoria Abdulnour, and Maddison Bosio have all had time in A Grade rank across recent years.

That exposure will only heighten the quality and intensity of this contest.

Midcourt match-ups will be key to stopping the force of both attack ends.

The head-to-head between Ruby Power (Sunbury) and Emily Fitzgerald (Darley) will no doubt be a high-energy battle, with both players renowned for their speed, endurance, and ability to turn defence into attack.

On the wings, Darley’s Kaylee Smith (WD) will need to contain Cootee’s precision feeding, while Sunbury’s Hellyer (WD) must combat the pace and reach of Andreula.

With Sunbury featuring in six of the past nine B Grade grand finals, the Lions know the path to premiership success.

But with history beckoning, the Devils will be desperate to etch their name onto the trophy for the very first time.

Lake Wendouree enter the 2025 C Grade grand final as favourites – but standing in their way is the only side to have blemished their season: Sunbury.

The Lakers boast experience and power across the court.

Captain and League Best & Fairest Steff Millard (nee Maher) leads from the front, supported by runner-up Courtney McLean and the ever-reliable Katie Keighrey. With a core of proven big-game players, they have the tools to go all the way.

But the Lions cannot be underestimated.

In their second clash during the home-and-away season, Sunbury led for three quarters before the Lakers surged late.

Their goaling trio of Taylah Graham, Sasha Amor, and Deanna Stainer showed they can trouble any defence.

Sunbury’s defensive duo of Tahlia West (GK) and Alannah Burnett (GD) face the critical challenge of limiting McLean and Tess Squire.

Their rebounding strength and ability to contest every ball will be vital.

In attack, Demi Sheedy will need to steer the ball cleanly into the circle while avoiding the intercepting reach of Sarah Drew, whose speed and precision can turn defence into attack in an instant.

Erin Crawford (WD) could play a key role in cutting off Drew’s influence down the court, transitioning to attack.

Both benches provide impact options.

For the Lakers, Dakoda Emery brings energy, voice, and the ability to hit circle edge with ease. For the Lions, Stainer’s creativity and flair – particularly her look-away passes – could break open the Lakers’ defensive structure.

Both sides have history on the big stage.

Sunbury are chasing their first C Grade premiership since 2018, while Lake Wendouree look to recapture the glory of 2019.

It’s a third consecutive grand final appearance for Sunbury D Grade, who will be chasing both a repeat of their 2023 triumph over Ballarat and redemption for last year’s loss to Lake Wendouree.

For Darley, this marks a historic moment – their first-ever D Grade grand final since the competition began in 2014.

The Devils arrive full of confidence after dismantling Lake Wendouree by 18 goals in their preliminary final.

They’ve already proven they can trouble the Lions, having defeated them by 10 goals during the season and pushing them all the way until the final quarter in Semi Final 2.

The goaling circle will be a major highlight.

Sunbury’s potent duo of Holly Hodgson (GA) and Scarlett Colson (GS) have been the most damaging in the competition this season, while Darley’s defensive pairing of Ashlee Byron (GK) and Jasmin Dearing (GD) boast the stingiest record in goals conceded.

Experience will also be a telling factor.

For Sunbury, none provide more leadership than Lauren Gilchrist, who brings a wealth of knowledge from over 400 club games and continues to set the standard in defence.

Amy Taylor looms as the Lions’ x-factor – a versatile player capable of slotting in anywhere to shift momentum.

Darley’s strength lies in its wealth of shared experience, with nearly 1,400 games played in the black and white across the team.

Veterans Lauren Martin and Caitlin Bewley lead the side in this area, with plenty of accolades between the pair.

The midcourt battle could ultimately tip the scales.

Sunbury’s Kelly Wood brings composure and class in transition, but she’ll face fierce resistance from Darley’s Ella Closter, whose defensive pressure and ability to disrupt opponents’ rhythm could be crucial.

It’s redemption on the line for Sunbury – and the chance at a first-ever D Grade flag for Darley.

There’s been almost nothing between Sunbury and Lake Wendouree all year – just two goals in the Lions’ favour when you add it all up.

In the eighth season of BFNL E Grade, both sides know what it takes to be here. Lake Wendouree are chasing their second premiership in three years after lifting the cup in 2023, while Sunbury are back for redemption after finishing runners up last year.

For the Lions, Saffron Moody and captain Alizah Woodgate will be key.

Moody’s speed through the middle and sharp feeds into the pocket have been a constant threat, while Woodgate’s uncompromising one-on-one defence is sure to test the Lakers’ attack.

Add in Grace Kavanagh (GK), whose timing and long reach over the shot create plenty of turnovers, and Sunbury have a strong backbone to work from.

But the Lakers have plenty of class of their own, led by two league best and fairests at opposite ends.

Coach Kym Squire brings calm leadership and a steady hand under the post, while captain Lexie McNaughton has been a revelation in defence.

In just her third season of netball, McNaughton’s ability to read the play, pull in rebounds and shut down opposition shooters has been outstanding.

With only 10-minute quarters, starting well is crucial.

Both sides know they can beat each other, both have finals experience, and both are stacked with players who thrive under pressure

It’s two very different stories heading into this year’s Under 19 Grand Final.

For North Ballarat, this is familiar territory – their sixth grand final appearance in a decade. For East Point, it’s been a long time coming – 17 years since their last Under 19s grand final.

East Point finished the season as minor premiers, dropping just the one game across the home and away rounds.

But North’s finals know-how was on full display in the qualifying final when the two sides met, the Roosters settling far quicker and taking control early.

Both teams boast players with valuable senior experience.

For North, Maggie Smith and Georgia Bodey have been regular features in A Grade, while East Point’s Stella Geljon, Olivia Ashby, Lily Woodland and Maggie Harris have all stepped up to the A Grade level the past two seasons.

On top of that, both clubs have tapped into their junior talent to add depth and versatility.

North’s Chari Ferguson and Audrey Murnane, along with East’s Tannah Castles, Evie Roney and Maddy McGuinness, all played in this year’s Under 17 Senior Grand Final – so expect no shortage of big-game experience across the board.

There are some exciting matchups to look out for.

Stella Geljon vs. Maggie Smith will be one to watch – Geljon making the move from goal shooter to goal keeper this year, while Smith has been switching between goal keeper in A Grade and goal shooter in the 19s.

Through the middle, Daisy Darbin and Maggie Harris are set to provide plenty of action, both known for their quick ball movement and ability to win turnover ball.

And the goal attacks – North’s Bodey and East’s Lily McGuinness play similar roles as clever feeding attackers, but both can shoot from range when needed, and do so with accuracy.

With plenty of depth across both squads, expect rolling subs and player movement all game.

When the final whistle blows, we’ll know if East Point finally celebrates their first Under 19 premiership, or if North Ballarat can make it two flags in the past ten years.

It's set to be one of the biggest weekends of A Grade action as we prepare ourselves for the first week of finals.

With all games capable of a legitimate coin toss result, all eyes will head to the courts with eager anticipation.

There’s only been one team able to bring down the formidable Sunbury Lions this season – and fittingly, it’s their finals opponent this weekend, the Darley Devils.

The two sides first met back in Round 2, though that clash was hardly a true reflection of what’s to come. Sunbury were missing starting GA Caitlin Hill, while Darley were without their target in the circle, Olivia Cawthray.

Their second meeting told a similar story, again without both teams at full strength. The Lions were missing reigning back-to-back Sally McLean Medallist Simona Di Fillipo and Hill – two players easily worth the 11-goal margin that day.

This time around, Kim Bailey’s Lions are set to roll out at full strength, while Darley will have their core group kitted up.

The late season signing of Montanna Holmes had all eyes on the Devils.

However, crowds will have to patiently wait to see if she takes the court this finals series, currently sidelined through injury.

With Rebecca Hicks owning one end for Sunbury and Olivia Cawthray the other for Darley, the game may well be decided through the midcourt.

Keep an eye on the contest between Jamie Smith (WD) and Simona Di Fillipo (WA) – both quick, both relentless, and both capable of controlling momentum.

Add in the duel between Shannon Blackman and Tayla Honey through the centre, and there’s going to be plenty of action.

In defence, both teams boast defensive pairings that are a genuine partnership.

Sunbury’s Elly Randall and Eliza Gollant can draw on their time together at the Western Warriors, while Darley’s Anna Lawley and Matilda Elliott have been key to the Devils conceding the second-fewest goals this season.

With one win apiece this year, this qualifying final may just well be decided by just a few goals.

Tip:Sunbury

In the Ballarat FNL, it’s often said that third can be the best place to finish on the ladder – but that’s only true if you can get past sixth in the opening elimination final.

That’s the task ahead for Redan this weekend.

When the two sides met mid-season, only four goals separated them.

Their Round 17 clash, played in wet conditions, saw Redan hold a steady lead for most of the game.

Still, if there’s ever a team capable of writing the fairy tale of sixth beating third, it’s the Lakers.

The return of Remi Hooper and Kate Drew has bolstered Lake Wendouree’s defence and given youngster Audrey Domaille the freedom to shine in wing defence.

That trio’s ability to read the play and come off their opponent for an intercept at the last second makes them dangerous – and it means Redan veterans Ruby Parry (GA) and Kat O’Dwyer (C) will need to treasure every possession.

Patience will also be crucial for Courtney McLean’s Lakers in attack.

Ade Funcke (GS) and Ebony Porter (GA) have hit form at the right time of year, but they’ll be up against arguably the most experienced defensive duo in the competition – coach Ash Smith (GD) and Erin Riley (GK).

With Smith’s athleticism and Riley’s hands over the shot, the Lakers’ goalers will need to stay composed.

The bench depth for both sides adds another layer to this match.

Redan can inject impact through Grace Manserra’s precision passing and Tahlia Thompson’s speed and strength in the circle.

Lakers, meanwhile, have their own experienced options in Mel Allen, who has delivered on the big stage before, and Kara Hart, whose leadership and communication can steady the group.

On paper, Redan enter as favourites – but don’t underestimate the Lakers starting to write a fairy tale finals story.

Tip: Redan

Not much has separated these two across their clashes this season – but they arrive at this week’s elimination final from very different paths.

Whatever magic Annie McCartin continues to weave at North Ballarat, it’s working.

The Roosters remain one of the most consistent clubs of the past decade, with five premierships and a habit of going deep into September.

For Bacchus Marsh, it’s a different story.

Under first-year coach Nichole Gleeson, this weekend marks the Cobras’ first finals appearance since 2019 – a milestone in itself.

The Roosters will be bolstered by the return of Poppy Douglass from overseas, reuniting with long-time partner in crime Maddy Selmon.

Few circles boast more chemistry than those two, and with Stacey Matthews (C/WA) and Gina McCartin (WA) feeding them, the Roosters’ attack end is a well-oiled machine.

But North aren’t the only ones with a sister act.

The Cobras’ Ally and Holly Keating have been a driving force through the midcourt all season, setting the tone with speed and connection.

In the goaling circle, recruits Kimberley Phillips (GS) and rising talent Jasmine Paama (GA) have slotted in seamlessly, their rotations textbook and their shooting accuracy over 80% across the year.

Their last meeting was a scrap right until the final whistle, while the one before was goal for goal until Ally Keating’s injury turned the tide.

So, who do you back?

If experience, composure, and big-game wisdom sway you – the Roosters look the safer pick.

If hunger, resilience, and the promise of a club on the rise speaks louder – the Cobras are the ones for you.

Tip: Bacchus Marsh

After a wild first week of finals, our semi final match ups will provide many intriguing battles with grand final glory and season-over consequences on the line. 

When North Ballarat finished the home-and-away season fourth, Annie McCartin probably didn’t picture her side playing for a Grand Final spot in week two of finals.

But with Lake Wendouree knocking off third-placed Redan in week one, that’s exactly where the Roosters now find themselves.

The season’s earlier meetings don’t give stat-heads much confidence that North can topple the reigning premiers — but with a double chance, anything’s possible.

Sunbury will line up much the same as they did in their qualifying final.

The midcourt battle between Tayla Honey and North’s Brydi Hutchinson will be one to watch.

Both are athletic and sharp at reading play, so expect plenty of contests and turnovers through the middle.

North Ballarat’s line-up, meanwhile, could have a few unknowns.

Georgia Bodey earned the starting GA bib while Poppy Douglas was overseas late in the season, and her speed plus long-range shooting gave the Roosters a different look in attack.

Down back, Maggie Smith (GK) and Emma Trigg (GD) combined strongly in their first final, with support through wing defence.

Against Sunbury’s Simona Di Fillipo, McCartin may look to rotate Milly Simpson, Alana Bodey or Hutchinson through that role to keep things tight.

For Sunbury, Sarah Croft looms large.

North will need to be smart with their ball movement — fakes and borks galore — to counter her ability to not only play tight one-on-one, but also peel off and cut off space.

Stacey Matthews’ nous could be key here, using her body positioning to protect the ball and draw contact.

It’s a huge task for North Ballarat, but that’s the beauty of a second chance — the chance to test combinations on the big stage.

For Sunbury, the job is simpler: stay disciplined, stick to their brand, and keep doing what’s worked all season.

Tip:Sunbury

Having already sent a strong message to the competition, Courtney McLean’s Lake Wendouree crew are perfectly placed to send another this weekend — by giving Darley a one-way ticket out of the finals race.

And judging by the Lakers’ recent form against the remaining three sides, it’s definitely a chance.

The two teams drew earlier in the season, but both are very different outfits since that meeting.

For the Devils, Montanna Holmes and Emily Fitzgerald featured, while Lucy Taylor didn’t.

For the Lakers, Mel Allen was sidelined with a calf injury, replaced by U17s and current Maryborough Giants shooter Lacey Broad.

Elonie Hooper returned, while Sadie Cheeseman and Bella Clark were notable outs.

So, with neither side yet seen at “full strength”, what can we expect from Shannon Blackman’s Devils and McLean’s Lakers?

For Darley, the main threat is Liv Cawthray (GS), who will no doubt face plenty of attention from Kate Drew (GK) and Remi Hooper (GD). That means Mon Nagle and Ailish McCormack will need to step up as scoring options through goal attack.

For the Lakers, feeding from the circle will be crucial.

Sadie Cheeseman (C) will look to work with Kara Hart, Bella Clark and Eliza Williams to keep supply flowing.

But if last week was anything to go by, Darley defenders Matilda Elliott (GK) and Anna Lawley (GD) won’t give an inch — no high ball is safe, and space is rarely what it looks like.

Expect Mel Allen to slot into the goal ring at some stage, bringing her experience to steady the Lakers’ young attack.

With both teams stacked with defenders who can generate plenty of turnover, making shots count will be the difference.

Lake Wendouree will want to replicate their commanding start from last week’s final. If the Devils can hold them early, apply pressure, and convert, they’ll give themselves every chance to control the game.

The Lakers have shown they’ve got options galore to throw at the match — the question is, do Darley have the answers?

Tip: Darley

An enthralling first week of A Grade finals raised eyebrows across the courts. From heavy-weight battles, dominant wins and upset victories, the weekend's action had it all.

North Ballarat have reminded the BFNL’s premier netball competition that they’re here to go all the way.

Annie McCartin’s Roosters produced a commanding win over the Cobras, extending their lead at every break and proving once again their ability to perform in finals.

With Poppy Douglas returning from overseas on Saturday, youngster Georgia Bodey earned the starting GA bib and more than rose to the occasion.

With goal shooter Maddy Selmon the main target under the post this season, Bodey added a new look to North’s goal ring — shooting 13 from 14 in the first half alongside Selmon’s 14 from 16.

Nichole Gleeson kept her side unchanged through the first half, letting them settle into their first finals appearance in six years.

But trailing by 12 at the main break, she made a series of changes heading into the third and throughout the second half.

Lauren Shankland, part of the winless Cobras line-up last season, was injected into wing attack, while Eliza Moodie shifted from goal defence to goal attack to take some pressure off youngster Jasmine Paama.

McCartin made changes of her own, showing the depth of the Roosters’ line-up.

Douglas slotted into goal attack, feeding Selmon as she has for much of the season, while Stacey Matthews brought fresh legs and plenty of finals experience at wing attack.

By three-quarter time, the margin had stretched to 20.

All Bacchus Marsh could do in the last was fight it out, and to their credit they did.

Kimberley Phillips became a target under the post, opened up by Paama’s movement, and the Cobras managed to take the final term 13–12.

While the season ends here for Bacchus Marsh, making finals probably feels like a win in itself — a sign of what hard work and club culture can build.

North Ballarat, meanwhile, turn their focus to Sunbury as they look to lock in a spot in the 2025 A Grade Grand Final.

If there was a team capable of writing the fairy tale of sixth beating third, we said it would be Lake Wendouree. And on Saturday at Maddingley Park, they did exactly that.

A commanding start from the Lakers was all it took to book their spot in this weekend’s Semi Final 1.

Led by defenders Kate Drew (GK) and Remi Hooper (GD), the Lakers capitalised early, feeding young shooters Ade Funcke (GS) and Ebony Porter (GA), who converted 11 of 16 attempts to Redan’s 6 from 9.

The Lions looked to shift momentum in the second quarter with the injection of recruit Tahlia Thompson into GA.

She made an immediate impact, shooting 6 from 8.

But Courtney McLean’s Lakers had a response of their own, calling on the experience of Mel Allen at GS, who steadied with 4 from 5.

Trailing by four at half-time, Redan threw everything at the contest through the midcourt.

Lily Francis and Sadie Cheeseman fought hard through the centre position, while defenders Erin Riley (GK) and coach Ash Smith (GD) started to generate turnovers in the Lakers’ attack.

The Lions dominated possession, producing 15 scoring shots to the Lakers’ 9, but Allen and Porter were clinical, finishing the quarter at a flawless 100%.

With just two goals in it heading into the last, the game was there for the taking.

Redan clawed back the lead late and looked set to spoil the fairy tale.

But the composure and relentless defence of Lake Wendouree came to the fore, just as it had in the first quarter, sealing the win by a single goal.

The Lakers now continue their dream run as they prepare to face Darley in Semi Final 1 on Sunday.

The qualifying final between Sunbury and Darley could well have been a Grand Final preview.

With the two sides boasting more players than any other team with high-level netball experience, the scoreline reflected the class of netball on display.

Sunbury wasted no time on their journey to back-to-back flags, finding competition leading goal scorer Becca Hicks under the ring, missing not a single shot in the opening term.

Down the other end, Sunbury’s Elly Randall (GK) and Eliza Gollant (GD) were able to double team Darley’s Liv Cawthray (GS) and limit the feeds to the dominate shooter.

However, captain Mon Nagle (GA) lead from the front, providing another scoring option in the goaling ring for her side.

Whilst Shannon Blackman’s side remined unchanged heading into the second term trailing by one, Kim Bailey experimented with the wing defence position across the opening half, seeing who out of Georgia Hellyer, Sarah Croft and Abigail Inglis could provide a shutdown of the speedy Lucy Taylor (WA) and provide connection in transition.

Darley’s reliable duo Anna Lawley (GD) and Matilda Elliott (GK) were able to limit the Sunbury’s feeds to Hicks in the second quarter, covering the high ball beautifully.

Similar to the Devils, it was goal attack Caitlin Hill who then provided the go to option, contributing 7 goals from 9 attempts.

With both Blackman and Bailey having done their homework on how one another’s sides play, changes at the main break were made by both teams.

For the Lions, Croft came into the centre to limit Blackman’s influence and Tayla Honey was moved to wing defence. For the Devils, Ailish McCormack entered the game into wing attack and Lucy Taylor was given the task of combating reigning dual Sally McLean medallist Simona Di Fillipo.

The game started to drift in the hands of Sunbury, extending their lead throughout the third term.

Darley responded though, bringing McCormack into the goal ring, and Jaime Smith back into wing defence.

They clawed the game back to trail by three heading into the last.

As the final quarter progressed, Sunbury extended their lead out to as much as six goals.

But the relentless pressure from the Devils and perhaps complacency from the Lions saw back-to-back turnover through attack.

The Devils capitalised and brought the score back within one.

However, it took one turnover for the Lions to find their rhythm again and remain composed and in control to take a three-goal win.

Darley will now face Lake Wendouree to keep their finals hopes alive, with Sunbury set to take on North Ballarat after Redan’s shock exit.

The McDonalds Ballarat FNL are pleased to announce its new partnership with RAD Centre - Strength & Conditioning Gym and Sports Physiotherapy for the upcoming season.

Since its foundation in 2015, RAD has built a reputation as a highly respected team of expert practitioners based in Ballarat, but servicing right across Western Victoria, helping athletes of all ages and abilities to improve their physical performance or recover from an injury.

RAD Centre offers a large range of fitness models for all different types of athletes with development plans, physiotherapy, rehabilitation, dietitian, and strength & conditioning services all available. 

An athlete is anyone seeking to be the best version of themselves.

As part of this exciting new partnership, RAD will be the premier supporters of the BFNL Football Interleague and Netball Representative programs for the 2024 season.

“The Ballarat Football Netball League are really excited about our partnership with RAD Centre," said BFNL Operations & Netball Manager, Gemma Murphy.

"This is an incredible opportunity for our players and community to have access to athlete development programs, strength and conditioning, physio and injury rehabilitation as well as dietitian services.

"This is a place for the whole of the Ballarat Football Netball League, RAD Centre is a great community with plenty of resources and we are really lucky to have formed a partnership together. We look forward to exciting times ahead.”

“We are super excited to be on board as a partner with the Ballarat FNL and can’t wait to help support everyone throughout the 2024 Footy/Netball season," said RAD Centre Director, Chris Radford.

"If you do suffer an injury at training or during a game, get in touch with our team to get it assessed and a rehab plan put in place to get you back to your sport as soon as possible.”

Find out more about RAD Centre by heading to their websiteand get started today!

2018 E-Grade Netball Grand Final - Ballarat FNC vs Melton South FNC.

A modern day Netball GF classic saw Ballarat FNC take on Melton South FNC in the 2018 E-Grade decider!

Sit back and enjoy the extended highlights, followed by the tense last quarter, all thanks to Buxton Ballarat

Get your copy of Photos taken from this game at the link to Red Photos below:

The McDonald's Ballarat FNL has called time on the senior competition for 2021.

It is with regret the board of the McDonald's Ballarat FNL have made the tough decision to cancel the 2021 senior competition finals series. This outcome will also apply to BFLW Women’s competition. 

The announcement today by the government that metro restrictions will next be considered for easing on September 23rdgives a clear timeframe of how the balance of the season could progress. 

With the unlikely ability of community sport to return to competition from this date, the earliest a game of football and netball could be conducted would be October 9th, given the need to provide a minimum 14-day period for training. 

This period would take the date of return beyond the leagues previous latest date of October 2nd. 

It is the belief of the board, given the above, certainty should be provided to our many players, volunteers and supporters who have been in a holding pattern as we live through the current COVID-affected period. 

As a result of the cancellation of senior finals for 2021, the highest-ranked clubs will be recognised as “2021 Minor Premiers” in each grade. 

The Henderson Medal for the best and fairest senior footballer and Sally McLean Medal for the best and fairest A Grade netballer will be held as an online event on Wednesday 15thSeptember. 

The junior competition will be assessed during the week of Monday 6thSeptember when the government is expected to make an announcement on regional restrictions. 

It is at this point that further advice will be provided to clubs on the junior football and netball and BFLW Youth/Girls competitions. 

On behalf of the league board, thank you to every player, official and volunteer for their patience and resilience as we tried to get the best possible outcome for the Ballarat FNL and member clubs. 

END RELEASE

Please find below important information for supporters and attendees to be aware of for this Saturdays Carlton Draught Grand Final Day at MARS Stadium.

General Information

• Mars Stadium, Creswick Rd, Ballarat

• Saturday 17th September 2022

Match Schedule

Admission prices:

• Adults $15.00
• Family (2A / 2C) $35.00
• Pensioners $8.00
• 8 - 16 y/o $6.00
• Under 8y/o Free
• Football Record $5.00

EFTPOS is available at all gates

NO DOGS

Gates:

• Main entry - Gate 1 on Creswick Rd
• Beech Ave, Wendouree (Best entry point for netball and carparking)
• North Ballarat Sports Club from 10am

Catering

Full catering is available throughout the day with bar facilities from 12pm.

Live scores

Live scores of all football and netball games are available throughout the day at:

• Football - https://bit.ly/3Q4H8gg
• Netball - https://bit.ly/3KPteh6

Live Streaming

Can't get to the game? Catch the live stream of the Senior Football and A-Grade Netball. The Senior Men's Grand Final will be live on BallaratFNL Facebook and Cluch.tv. The A-Grade Netball will be live on Cluch.tv - links below.

• Melton v Sebastopol Senior Mens Football: https://bit.ly/2022-GF-Melton-vs-Sebastopol
• North Ballarat v Darley A-Grade Netball: https://bit.ly/2022-GF-A-Grade-NorthBallarat-vs-Darley

General Parking:

• Creswick Road. No parking within concrete barriers stationed outside Gate 1.
• Around Northern Oval 2. MUST enter via Beech Avenue – Cars will NOT be able to move between the North Ballarat Sports Club Car Park & Northern Oval 2.
• STRICTLY NO PARKING IN NORTH BALLARAT SPORTS CLUB.

Disabled Parking:

• Designated disabled parking can be accessed through North Ballarat Sports Club Entry. Patrons must be always a disabled parking permit holder and display permit.

Football and Netball plays a vital part of our communities and is an important link in the social fabric of our society and we want to ensure the league is able to provide football and netball when it is possible to enhance the health and wellbeing of those connected with our sports.

Shane Anwyl has been employed by AFL Goldfields as the Operations Manager of the League for the last three years and will now be employed by the League directly to undertake all aspects of management of the League through this period of recess.

This will include engagement with our partners, social media and being available to our clubs to provide advice and assistance.

Do you make great coffee? Are you mobile and would love serving a finals crowd? Applications are now open for coffee vendors for 21 events across the McDonald's Ballarat junior, women’s and senior football and netball finals series.

The McDonald's Ballarat FNL invites expressions of interest from coffee vendors through the three BFNL finals series in 2022. There are 21 separate finals events across seniors, juniors and female finals.

All details of the finals series, venues and logistics are included in the information document (see attachment), and interested parties are required to complete the online form below. For further information or questions, please contact league general manager Shane Anwyl at 0409 072 403 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Expression of interest close Friday 22nd July 2022.

Online application form for interested vendors: 

https://www.cognitoforms.com/BallaratFNL/BFNLCoffeeVendorApplicationForm

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

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

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

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

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

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

END RELEASE 

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

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

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

SENIOR FOOTBALL & NETBALL

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

JUNIOR FOOTBALL & NETBALL

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

BFLWomens

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

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

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

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

END RELEASE

As was announced through media over the weekend AFL Victoria has received approval on its Return to Play requirements from the Victoria State Government providing the opportunity for community clubs to commence training in a limited form from Monday 25th May.

The McDonald's Ballarat FNL fully supports and welcomes these measures to provide clarity for clubs on how they may take the steps to resume training.

There are steps which the club need to undertake under these protocols before training can start. 

These include:

• Each club must have a nominated Covid Safety Officer, (more than one can help to share the load)
• A maximum of two groups of ten players on an oval at any point in time.
• There is to be no swapping between members of these groups.
• Physical distancing should still be practiced wherever possible.
• Players need to arrive at training ready to train and then leave immediately after training. Get In, train and Get out
• Changerooms are not to be used, access to toilets only.
• Minimal equipment to be used. Footballs should be wiped down as often as possible and after each session.
• A register of participants maintained and retained by the club.
• Permission obtained from Local Government to use the oval.  

To further support the health and wellbeing of our clubs moving forward, a number of other measures have been put in place that include clubs completing a register of trained players with further resources available through the AFL.

There is no length of time announced of how long these restrictions will apply to training before larger group training or full training will be permitted. It will be reliant on state government announcements and then as with this current step preparation on how it will need to be implemented determined with health departments.

Further to the details announced through AFL Victoria, Netball Victoria have also released details that are consistent with this same advice.

Similarly, there is no announcement yet on any possible date to commence seasons and this will not be expected until there is a significant easing of the restrictions which currently remain in place.

It must be stressed the welcome guidelines provided for a return to training do not provide any indication or details around if and how the 2020 McDonald's Premiership Season may commence or look. That will continue to be reviewed based upon the ongoing discussions being held.

The Ballarat FNL will continue to work with our clubs at both senior and junior level through this period to provide the advice and guidance that is required. 

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

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

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

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