News

The BFNL celebrated its night of nights as we crowned all the amazing achievements of our footballers and netballers from the 2025 season.

See below for a full list of winners andrecipients from the night.

Henderson Medal - Senior Football Best and Fairest

Jake Egan (Sunbury FNC) - 28 votes

Sally McLean Medal - A Grade Netball Best and Fairest

Maddy Selmon (North Ballarat FNC) - 30 votes

Tony Lockett Medal - Senior Football Leading Goal Kicker

Jake Sutton (Sunbury FNC) - 68 goals

A Grade Netball Goaler of the Year

Becca Hicks (Sunbury FNC) - 1053 goals

Football Team of the Year

Netball Team of the Year

Mick Malthouse Football Coach of the Year

Dennis Armfield (Bacchus Marsh FNC)

Netball Coach of the Year

Shannon Blackman (Darley FNC)

Harry Harris Memorial Football Administrator of the Year

Shannon Nixon (Bacchus Marsh FNC)

Netball Coordinator of the Year

Lindsay Jones (Sunbury FNC)

Merv & Mary Howard Memorial Senior Club Championship

Sunbury FNC

Umpire of the Year

Jack Anderson

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

Harvey Lewis (North Ballarat FNC)

Netball Rising Star

Tahlia Thompson (Redan FNC)

George King Medal - Reserves Football Best & Fairest

Jackson Vella (Darley FNC) - 18 Votes

Dick Rees Memorial Trophy - Under 18.5 Football Best & Fairest

Cooper Beseler (North Ballarat FNC) - 15 Votes

B Grade Netball Best & Fairest

Eliza Roughead (Redan FNC) - 28 votes

C Grade Netball Best & Fairest

Steph Maher (Lake Wendouree FNC) - 25 votes

D Grade Netball Best & Fairest

Iman Shrive (Lake Wendouree FNC) - 24 votes

E Grade Netball Best & Fairest

Kym Squire & Lexie McNaughton (Lake Wendouree FNC) - 29 votes

19 & Under Netball Best & Fairest

Addison Wright (Darley FNC) - 26 votes

Jim Gull Medal - Reserves Football Leading Goal Kicker

Leigh Brennan (Sunbury FNC) - 55 votes

Under 18.5 Football Leading Goal Kicker

Nic Salter (East Point FNC) - 43 goals

McDonald's Mark of the Year

Lincoln Koliba (Lake Wendouree FNC)

McDonald's Goal of the Year

Jordan Johnston (East Point FNC)

The McDonalds Ballarat Football Netball League Board is pleased to announce the final fixture for the upcoming 2025 McDonalds Ballarat FNL Senior season

This season hopes to build on momentum from 2024, with a full fixture of 18 rounds plus finals in store.

The fixture looks a little different for 2025.

With Melton South moving to the RDFNL, all clubs will face each other twice, guaranteeing a season filled with competitive football and netball.

We look forward to seeing some impressive matches across the season both on the field and court.

Round 1 kicks off on Saturday 5th of April 2025. Ballarat will host North Ballarat in the first “Night Match” of the season.

Good Friday football returns to the fixture in 2025, with Bacchus Marsh hosting East Point and Sunbury hosting Redan, followed by the second year running of Lake Wendouree v Ballarat on Anzac Day under lights.

We have some important rounds across the season.

Please take note of these dates, further information will be provided as we near each round.

Round 2 – April the 12th – Wellness Round
Round 3 – April the 25th - Anzac Day
Round 6 & 7 – May 17th & 24th - Indigenous Round
Round 16 – August the 2nd – RMCH Round

Interleague will also make its return in 2025, with the BFNL set to host Hampden for the annual competitions.

We’re also proud to announce several dual-gate events throughout the season, where our youngest footballers and netballers will play alongside their senior teams.

The McDonald's Ballarat FNL continues to lead the way among country leagues in providing access and opportunities for all supporters of football and netball.

Find the full fixture below.

Rep footy returns to the Ballarat FNL tomorrow as our senior and junior interleague teams face off against the Hampden and Bendigo Leagues.

Senior Interleague

FIXTURE

Saturday July 5th, 10:30am - Under 19 Women vs Hampden FNL @ Mars Stadium, 725 Creswick Rd, Wendouree VIC 3355

Saturday July 5th, 12:15pm - Under 17 Boys vs Hampden FNL @ Mars Stadium, 725 Creswick Rd, Wendouree VIC 3355

Saturday July 5th, 2:30pm - Under 23 Men vs Hampden FNL @ Mars Stadium, 725 Creswick Rd, Wendouree VIC 3355

SQUADS

LIVE STREAM

Watch all three games live streamed via the bfnl.com.au website HERE

With live match commentary for the Under 23 Mens game at 2:30pm

Junior Interleague

FIXTURE

Saturday July 5th, 10:00am - Under 13 Boys v Bendigo JFNL @ Junortoun Sporting Precinct - O'Keefe Oval, 1 St Vincents Road, Junortoun

Saturday July 5th, 12:30pm - Under 14 Girls v Bendigo JFNL @ Junortoun Sporting Precinct - O'Keefe Oval, 1 St Vincents Road, Junortoun

Saturday July 5th, 2:30pm - Under 16 Girls v Bendigo JFNL @ Junortoun Sporting Precinct - O'Keefe Oval, 1 St Vincents Road, Junortoun

Saturday July 5th, 10:30am - Under 14 Boys v Bendigo JFNL @ Junortoun Sporting Precinct - Howard Oval, 1 St Vincents Road, Junortoun

Saturday July 5th, 10:30am - Under 15 Boys v Bendigo JFNL @ Junortoun Sporting Precinct - Howard Oval, 1 St Vincents Road, Junortoun

SQUADS

The Ballarat Football Netball League (BFNL) is excited to announce the appointment of Jake Bridges as the Head Coach of the Under 23 Interleague team for the 2025 program.

Jake is no stranger to the Interleague environment, having served as an assistant coach in the BFNL program for the past two seasons.

His deep connection to representative football stretches back to his junior playing days, where he proudly represented the league after starting his career at North Ballarat in the early 1990s.

Jake went on to finish his junior football at North before moving to Redan for senior football and also spent time with the Greater Western Victoria Rebels and in the VFL system.

Jake’s leadership journey off the field has been equally impressive.

Through a decade at Leading Teams, he developed a strong foundation in leadership and culture, which transitioned into a successful coaching career.

After a stint assisting at Buninyong, he was appointed Head Coach of East Point in 2017, leading the club to back-to-back BFNL premierships in 2018 and 2019.

Jake said his passion for development and connection within the game were key drivers behind his desire to take on the Interleague role.

"I love being around people who want to get better. This program brings together the best
young players across the league and gives them a chance to test themselves at a higher
level.

I’m excited to help those who want to be here – players who are driven to improve."

Beyond the on-field opportunities, Jake highlighted the deeper importance of community and connection.

“Through COVID, I realised just how important connection is. Winning is great, but the relationships we build through footy — the people we play with and against — they’re what really matters.

The interleague concept has so much history in the BFNL.

It’s not just about the now – it’s uncles, brothers, grandfathers who’ve worn the jumper too.

With there being so much more to life than footy, this is about belonging and community.”

As planning begins for the 2025 campaign, Jake is energised by the quality of talent available and the players' enthusiasm.

“If you look at who’s eligible and how many are putting their hands up to play, it’s just so exciting. Watching how driven these young men are – it’s a credit to them and the clubs they come from.”

Training for the nominated players will commence in June.

The Ballarat Football Netball League is proud to announce the appointment of our 2025/2026 Representative Netball Coaches.

These individuals bring a wealth of experience, knowledge, and passion for the game, and we are excited to have them leading our representative programs this season.

17 & Under

Championship Team Coach: Josh Wells

Assistant Coach: Marcelle Geljon

15 & Under

Championship Team Coach: Kirsty Mclean

Development Team Coach: Dail Hilton

13 & Under

Coach: Kyra Miller

Coach: Kirsty Walsh

Coaching Mentor

Prue Douglass

We congratulate each of our appointed coaches and thank them for their commitment to developing and guiding the league’s talented athletes.

We look forward to a successful representative campaign and seeing our players thrive under their leadership.

Nominations are now open for players to register to trial for our BFNL Representative Netball Teams.

CLICK HERE to register now.

The McDonald’s Ballarat Football Netball League is pleased to announce the fixture for the Grand Final of the 2026 Barry Plant BFLW Finals series.

The league is excited to have many BFLW clubs represented across the final’s series, providing a
wonderful experience for our clubs and players following successful seasons thus far.

Admission Prices

Adults - $15
Family (2 adults & 2 children) - $40
Age Pensioner/Concession - $7
8 - 16yo - $7
U/8 – Free

Record - $10

Grounds Open

Note: Gates will open at 7.30am

City Oval will have two gates open, the drive-in gate will be off Pleasant Street North and the walk-in entrance is on Mair Street.

Scheduled matches across all BFLW grades of football for the Grand Finals can be found below.

The Barry Plant BFLW celebrated its night of nights for the Under 14 and 16s competitions as we crowned all the amazing achievements of our junior female footballers from the 2026 season.

Join us live for the 2026 BFLW Womens Grand Final where Bacchus Marsh will take on Darley. Live from 1:50pm at City Oval

The BFLW celebrated its night of nights for the Under 19 and Senior Women's competitions as we crowned all the amazing achievements of our female footballers from the 2026 season.

Join us live for the 2026 BFLW Vote Counts as we celebrate the standout performers from the Under 14 and Under 16 competitions and crown this season’s Best and Fairest winners. Coverage gets underway from 6:30pm.

Join us live for the 2026 BFLW Vote Counts as we celebrate the standout performers from the Under 19 and Senior Womens competitions and crown this season’s Best and Fairest winners. Coverage gets underway from 6:30pm.

The Ballarat Football Netball League (BFNL) Board is excited to announce that applications are now open for coaching positions across the BFNL and BFLW Interleague programs for the 2026 season

The Interleague program is a long-standing and valued initiative within the league, providing development opportunities for players and coaches while showcasing the strength of our region’s talent.

In a significant milestone for women’s football in the region, the 2026 Interleague program will include the return of a Senior Women’s team.

Coaching applications are now open for the following teams:
• Under 13 Boys
• Under 14 Boys
• Under 15 Boys
• Under 17 Boys
• Under 15 Girls
• Under 18 Girls
• Senior Women

Interested applicants can apply online via the link: https://forms.office.com/r/0iY7kfxp3n

Applications close: Wednesday 26 November
Interviews: First week of December

For further information, please contact Operations Manager - Tayla Banham: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The Ballarat Football Netball League wishes to advise all players, families, clubs and supporters of the confirmed 2026 season dates for the BFNL Junior and Ballarat Football League Women’s (BFLW) competitions.

These dates have been confirmed to assist clubs and participants with planning and preparation ahead of the 2026 season.

BFNL Junior Competitions

• Season Commencement: Sunday, 19 April 2026
• Whole League Byes: Sunday, 7 June (King’s Birthday), Sunday, 4 July (School Holidays)
• Interleague: Saturday, 23 May 2026
• Grand Final: Sunday, 13 September 2026

BFLW Competitions

• Opening Round: Saturday, 28 March 2026 – Women’s, Sunday, 29 March 2026 – All Other Grades
• Competition Byes: Sunday 5 April (Easter), Sunday 7 June (King’s Birthday), Sunday 5 July (School
Holidays)
• Interleague: Saturday, 23 May – Under 18 Girls, Saturday, 4 July – Women’s, Under 18 Girls &
Under 15 Girls
• Grand Final: Sunday, 30 August 2026

For BFNL Junior competitions, clubs will have until 31 January 2026 to confirm their team entries, while clubs participating in the BFLW competitions will have until 11 February 2026 to submit their entries.

Once all club entries have been finalised, the BFNL will commence work on the 2026 fixtures for these competitions.

To assist clubs in managing team numbers and planning for the season, players are encouraged to register with their club prior to these dates.

Anyone interested in becoming involved at a local club is encouraged to visit the BFNL website to explore all affiliated clubs

The Ballarat Football Netball League (BFNL) wishes to advise its clubs and community that following a review of confirmed team nominations and player numbers for the 2026 season, the Board has resolved that Woady Yaloak Football Netball Club cannot be fixtured in the 2026 BFNL Junior Competition.

This decision has been made following careful consideration of the minimum team requirements necessary to ensure the stability, integrity and fairness of the junior competition across all grades.

The BFNL Board has a responsibility to all member clubs to ensure competitions are structured in a way that avoids uneven draws, excessive byes, potential forfeits and ongoing fixture disruption.

Fixturing a club without the capacity to consistently field the required number of teams would create significant challenges for the broader competition and impact the experience of players and families across the League.

While this is a difficult outcome, the League acknowledges the efforts of Woady Yaloak FNC in working to field junior teams and recognises the participation challenges faced by many regional
clubs.

Importantly, the BFNL strongly encourages Woady Yaloak FNC to continue its involvement in the Under 8 Football competition and Under 9 Netball competition in 2026.

These entry-level competitions play a vital role in grassroots participation and provide an important foundation for rebuilding junior pathways in future seasons.

The BFNL remains committed to working collaboratively with Woady Yaloak FNC to support the growth and sustainability of its junior program.

The League thanks all clubs for their ongoing cooperation and commitment to maintaining strong, sustainable junior competitions.

The McDonald’s Ballarat Football Netball League (BFNL) Board is pleased to announce the 2026 BFNL Junior Fixtures.

The 2026 season will feature a 16-round competition, with all clubs kicking off their seasons on Sunday 19th of April.

This year’s fixture has been structured into three components:

• BFNL Standard Junior Fixture – Includes all Netball competitions and Under 10, Under 12 and Under 14 Football
• BFNL Under 16 Reserve Football Fixture
• BFNL Under 16 Senior Football Fixture

Alongside these competitions, the Western Bulldogs Under 8 Football and BFNL Under 9 Netball will again take place on Friday evenings, with season details to be released in the coming weeks.

The BFNL Interleague campaign will be back on home soil in 2026, with Under 13, Under 14 and Under 15 Boys and Under 15 and Under 18 girls set to take on Bendigo FNL on Saturday July 4th, continuing the tradition for the Goldfields Trophy.

Themed rounds remain a major feature of the BFNL calendar. Wellness Round – spanning two weeks – returns to provide clubs the opportunity to promote and support causes important to their communities.

Sir Doug Nicholls Round and the Ronald McDonald House Charity Round will also return, reinforcing celebration, inclusion and community connection within the League.

The BFNL extends its thanks to naming rights sponsors Inland Motor Group and Ballarat Toyota for their support of our Junior Football and Netball competitions.

The BFNL wishes all members clubs the very best for season 2026.

The BFNL celebrated its night of nights for its junior competitions as we crowned all the amazing achievements of our junior footballers and netballers from the 2026 season.

13 and Under Senior Netball Best & Fairest

Winner: Emmi Narin (Sebastopol FNC)

Runner-Up: Gina Martin (East Point FNC)

13 and Under Senior Netball MVP

Poppy Molloy (Ballarat FNC)

13 and Under Netball Special Achievement

Allie Stewart (Sebastopol FNC)

Under 12 Senior Football Goal Kicker of the Year

Archie Sands (Redan FNC) - 30 Goals

Under 12 Senior Football Best & Fairest - The Lloyd Sims Trophy

Winner: Lenny Palmer (North Ballarat FNC)

Runners-Up: Logan Price (Sebastopol FNC), Chase McKay (Redan FNC) & Hamish Kuchel (Mount Clear FNC)

Under 12 Robert Allan Medal

Lenny Palmer (North Ballarat FNC)

15 & Under Senior Netball Best & Fairest

Winners: Lily Petrie (Ballarat FNC) & Pippa Edwards (Redan FNC)

Runner-Up: Felicity McGrath (East Point FNC)

15 & Under Netball MVP

Pippa Edwards (Redan FNC)

Under 14 Senior Football Goal Kicker of the Year

Riley Jew (Ballarat FNC) - 44 goals

Under 14 Senior Football Best & Fairest - The Keith Rawle Memorial Trophy

Winner: Charlie Clarke (Lake Wendouree FNC)

Runners-Up: Mitchell Kane (North Ballarat FNC) & Logan Simons (Bacchus Marsh FNC)

Under 14 Senior Football Robert Allan Medal

Charlie Clarke (Lake Wendouree FNC)

17 & Under Senior Netball Prue Douglass Best & Fairest Trophy

Winner: Makayla Wright (Sebastopol FNC)

Runner-Up: Ruby Thomas (North Ballarat FNC)

17 & Under Netball MVP

Makayla Wright (Sebastopol FNC)

Under 16 Senior Football Goal Kicker of the Year

Tyson Kilmartin (Darley FNC) - 32 goals

Under 16 Senior Football Best & Fairest - The Gordon Wise Memorial Trophy

Winner: Harrison Drain (Ballarat FNC)

Runner-Up: Freddie Young (North Ballarat FNC)

Under 16 Senior Football Robert Allan Medal

Harrison Drain (Ballarat FNC)

Junior Football Administrator of the Year Award

Daniel O'Kelly (Mount Clear FNC)

Junior Netball Administrator of the Year Award

Jordie Roney (East Point FNC)

Junior Football Coach of the Year Award

Shane Skontra (Lake Wendouree FNC)

Junior Netball Coach of the Year Award

Nicole Jenkins (Ballarat FNC)

Merv and Mary Howard Memorial Junior Club Championship

Redan FNC

Join us live for the 2026 BFNL Junior Vote Counts as we celebrate the standout performers from the Junior competitions and crown this season’s Best and Fairest winners. Coverage gets underway from 6:00pm.

We would like to congratulate the following athletes who have been selected to represent the Ballarat Football Netball League in their respective teams. 

The BFNL Representative Teams will participate in the 2026 Association Championships.

Netball Victoria's Association Championships provide more than 180 Victorian associations and leagues the opportunity to compete in a crucial part of the Netball Victoria pathway, with talent ID opportunities for athletes, umpires and coaches at all tournament days across the state. 

Congratulations to all players and coaches who will be representing the Ballarat Football Netball League in the 2026 Representative Netball Teams.

2026 Coaching Mentor 

Prue Douglass

13 & Under Squad

Coach: Kyra Miller

Coach: Kirsty Romsey

15 & Under Development Team

Coach: Dail Hilton
 

15 & Under Championship Team

Coach: Kirsty Mclean

17 & Under Championship Team

Coach: Josh Wells

Assistant Coach: Marcelle Geljon

The Ballarat Football Netball League is excited to invite clubs from the BFNL as well as neighbouring regions (Associations and Leagues) to express their interest in participating in our 2026 Senior Netball Tournament, to be held on Saturday, 21st March 2026.

This tournament is a fantastic opportunity for clubs to enjoy quality pre-season match play and test combinations ahead of the 2026 season.

Event Details

• Date: Saturday, 21st March 2026
• Location: TBA – tournament will be in Ballarat
• Divisions: Division 1 & Division 2 (clubs may enter up to two teams)
• Entry Fee: $200 per team
• Umpires: Each team must supply one umpire
• Prizes: Money prizes awarded to the Division 1 and Division 2 winners

The tournament promises to be a fun, competitive, and well-organised day of netball, bringing together clubs from across the region to kick off the season in style.

To register your club’s interest, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. by Friday, 31st January 2026

Clinic 1: Unbadged to C Badge
This clinic is perfect for anyone looking to work towards becoming a “badged” umpire. It’s a great opportunity to build your confidence on the court, develop essential umpiring skills, and enhance your game knowledge. Whether you're new to umpiring or have some experience, this clinic will set you up for success in your umpiring journey.

Clinic 2: C Badge to B Badge
For current C Grade umpires or those looking to progress towards a B Grade accreditation, this clinic is for you. Focused on strengthening confidence, improving rule understanding, and sharpening umpiring skills, this clinic will help you take your umpiring to the next level.

Clinic Details

• Date: 15th February 2026

• Time:

  • Clinic 1 (Unbadged to C Badge): 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

  • Clinic 2 (C Badge to B Badge): 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM

• Location: Saxon House & City Oval Netball Courts, Ballarat.

• Cost: $90 + GST (Includes whistle, participant pack, and on-court mentoring)

This is an amazing opportunity to be “Umpire Ready” leading into the new season, whether you are just starting or are looking to refine your skills.

Anyone is welcome to attend the clinics, simply choose the one that best suits your needs.