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

Grand Final Football Preview with Scoop

Ballarat and Sebastopol meet on the final day of the BFNL calendar with the competition's greatest prize on offer.

Can Sebastopol cap a fairytale week, ending a 51-year premiership drought against the high-flying Ballarat Swans?

The simple answer is, yes!

The mighty Burra thoroughly deserve their opportunity under coach of the year, Tony Lockyer.

Character and heart in isolation gives them a chance, but can they reproduce in a fourth final to overcome a Swans’ outfit firing on all cylinders?

It’s a ‘big’ ask!

The Burra’s accountability and intent without the ball last week was enough to restrict North Ballarat to 258 disposals, some 52 below the Roosters’ season average.

On paper, the Swans bat deeper but the Burra bring something extra to the table that cannot be underestimated.

Lockyer’s group have lost just four of 21 games this season and land at City Oval with a 2-1 head-to-head advantage over Ash Baker’s Swans.

Yes, if this game is played for large periods on the outside, you can expect the Swans will get them in the end, their spread on even ground is unrivalled. But the physicality of the Burra is there one wood, a tsunami of pressure denying the ball carrier that will test the Swans’ resolve.

Ballarat will have their fair share of entries; it’s the pressure on those entries that will determine what day Tony Lockett Medallist Biggie Nyuon will have.

Fingers crossed for Burra fans that Felix Henderson and Jack Bambury are ready for the test following their one-two Henderson Medal placings. A grand final day performance is not always a given despite being crowned with such illustrious honours.

While it’s the second meet for these two in a fortnight it’s just their second in 70 days.

We’re prepared to give the Burra a forgiven run for their disappointing showing in the second semi final – full credit to Ballarat but the Sebas camp were left wondering what went wrong there!

What cannot be denied is the Burra essentially missed the start with the breeze and were vulnerable chasing the game thereafter.

The Swans have endured a comfortable finals campaign with wins over the Burra and 2024 Premiers Melton and have done nothing to deter followers but the two week spell can be an anxious wait for the enigmatic beginners.

I know nothing but a whisper of the potential inclusion of Under 18 All Australian Ethan Drever, but what an inclusion he would be adding to the degrees of difficulty for the considered underdog Sebastopol.

The 188cm mid would add further anticipation not dissimilar to Zak Butters who played in Darley’s successful 2017 finals campaign.

The Swans boast four of the BFNL’s team of the year, the Burra five, paving the landscape for a battle of the best versus the best.

There’s more to these two sides than the celebrated, just which camp obtains greater compliance from their ‘bottom half’ will go a long way deciding the result.

Mind says Ballarat, heart says Sebastopol.

This finale will be decided by forces greater than talent, namely the buy-in to the badge, above the shoulders and on the sleeve.

The last day of competition could go two ways, the Burra in a tight one or the Swans by 30+.

I’m leaning to the former, the underdog, against the odds to salute in a classic rendition of the McDonald’s BFNL Grand Final.

Plenty will need to go right for the Burra to break the drought - the vibe suggests they’re capable.

Scoop’s tip: Sebastopol by 4 points 

Players to watch

THE DAMAGE

Biggie Nyuon (Ballarat #3): Recently crowned Tony Lockett Medallist (70 goals, 16 games). Kicks around a third of all Swans’ goals when he plays. Key target will welcome dry conditions.

Thomas Simpson (Ballarat #23): Werribee VFL listed talent averaging 31 disposals over his seven club games at the Swans. Was named best afield with 40+ possessions in their 2nd semi final meet a fortnight ago. Reliable accumulator will have his fair share of the ball.

Fraser Perkins (Ballarat #21): Dangerous half forward/mid (avg. 29.2 disposals per game) whose time split will be determined by how his body is feeling. No telltale signs of distress in comfort in the 2nd semi final with his 40+ disposals and three goals. Barometer team player.

Adam Forbes (Sebastopol #11): The stage is set for some Forbes brilliance around goal (38 goals, 20 games) if the Burra are to overcome the powerful Swans and break the club’s 51-year premiership drought. Should get a dry deck to utilise his x-factor brilliance. Is this the day?

Felix Henderson (Sebastopol #6): 2026 Henderson Medallist. Ball magnet (29.6 disposals pg) and part of the Sebas big four midfield group. Hunts the footy and loves the short hit up uncontested mark to break up the play and get his game going. Expect a targeted run with role at the very minimum (in best 9/21 games, 16 goals).

Jack Bambury (Sebastopol #3): Runner-up in the 2026 Henderson Medal count. Key distributor both between the arcs and inside 50 (28.6 disposals pg). Vital cog in the big 4 midfield group at the Burra. Super talent, whose clean groundball work and two-way running ability can be (while appreciated), underestimated! Loves a goal too! (In best 13/20 games, 23 goals).

THE RESISTENCE

Alex Keath (Ballarat #28): Like teammates Brad Crouch and Luke Dunstan, Keath adds significant direction behind the ball with his AFL experience. Quite the vocal general down back and has been huge for outgoing coach Ash Baker in the Swans’ rise from sixth last year to grand finalists in 2026. Rarely gets beat 1v1 and plays with a sense of calm in chaos despite his vocal ‘traffic duty cop’ will to arrange, organise and advise his back six. In the best 11/16 games tells you Lockyer and his staff will need to find a way around the key intercept defender.

Brad Crouch (Ballarat #35): Big body mid, one of three Swans with AFL experience. Corridor mid distributor and rebounder, important around stoppage. No panic with Crouch, plays in control. Averages 29.4 disposals per game and one of the few at the top end who use the ball more by hand than foot (13.9/15.5). Solid season back where it all began - in best 8/19, 7 goals.

Tristan Maple (Ballarat #7) Footscray VFL listed. Organic product of the Swans. Very assured and trusted by foot to do the distributing. Rebounding half back/mid averaging a whopping 33.4 disposals at club level with the Swans (in best 7/8 games).

Tony Lockyer (Sebastopol #5) The Burra’s most important player behind the ball (25.6 avg disposals pg). Impassable at key stages last week when the Roosters looked out. A key pillar to the Burra’s fortunes - will need to deliver again on the big stage if Sebastopol have any plans securing the silverware (in best 10/19 including 3/3 finals, 6 goals).

Lachlan Cassidy (Sebastopol #12): Excellent stoppage player who can accumulate quickly (29 disposals pg) - part of the big 4 mid brigade. Must deny the Swans around stoppage. All can’t be offensive mids at the source - someone has to play a role and Cassidy is more than capable of defending (initially) and hurting on the outside (in best 6/14, 11 goals).

Bailey Medwell (Sebastopol #13): Rounds out the elite 4 mids at the Burra (24.9 disposals pg). Strong body with VFL experience who can aid the cause getting the ball from inside to out, denying opposition an exit from stoppage on their own terms. Quality player, capable of significant impact in any number of roles (in best 7/17 games, 12 goals).

THE SMOKEY

Ethan Drever (Ballarat): Exciting 188cm midfielder from the GWV Rebels recently named in the Under 18 All Australian team. Could be one of many stories to celebrate on the day - if the Swans indeed pick him. Expected to go pointy end of the draft. Future star.

Compare the pair Head-to-Head

1.Sebastopol P3 W2 L1

Points FOR 236 (78.66 avg)

Point at AGST 247 (82.33 avg)

95%

2.Ballarat P3 W1 L2

Points FOR 247 (82.33 avg)

Points AGST 236 (78.66 avg)

105%


Points FOR ranking (Offence)

1.Ballarat 82.33

2.Sebastopol 78.66


Points AGST ranking (Defence)

1.Ballarat 78.66

2.Sebastopol 82.33

BFNL Coaches’ Tips

Clint Proctor (North Ballarat): Ballarat by 35

Matty White (Sunbury): Sebastopol by 2

Dan Jordan (Darley): Sebastopol by 15

Troy Scoble (Melton): Sebastopol by 4

Dennis Armfield (Bacchus Marsh): Sebastopol by 9

Tommy Molan (East Point): Ballarat by 28

Marc Greig (Redan): Ballarat by 30

Jake Lohmann (Lake Wendouree): Ballarat by 15

The McDonald’s Ballarat Football Netball League is excited to announce details of the 2026 Carlton Draught Grand Finals, to be held at City Oval on Saturday, 19 September.

Purchase the 2026 BFNL Senior Grand Finals at the links below!

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.

Good Friday Football Preview with 'Scoop'

The Kangaroos host the Cobras for a second instalment of their standalone Good Friday fixture to kickstart a highly anticipated BFNL season.

The Kangaroos host the Cobras for a second instalment of their standalone Good Friday fixture to kickstart a highly anticipated BFNL season.

Whilst East Point have the wood over Bacchus Marsh, unbeaten from their last five meets, contrasting off seasons in the player movement space sees the Cobras in with their best chance to win at Eastern Oval since their last success at the venue back in 2018.

Kangas’ coach Joe Carmody will need all of his (professional) teaching acumen to fall into place having lost four (top end) Premiership players, if they’re to maintain their impeccable run of finals appearances.

A-Grade talent in the form of Matthew and Jordy Johnston and forward Bryson McDougall will border on the impossible to replace in the short term but Carmody will embrace the opportunity for promising next gen talent to consolidate their untapped potential.

Ironically Matty Johnston and McDougall did not play in either of the Kangas’ two wins over the Cobras last year.

Bacchus Marsh coach Dennis Armfield won’t be taking anything for granted ahead of Friday knowing his opponents have won 17 of their last 18 home games over and beyond a two season stretch.

However, Armfield and his legion of Cobra fans can be assured Friday’s match up looms their best chance of walking away from Eastern Oval with the premiership points for some time.

The rationale comes not only on the back of those key exits from the Kangas but handy gains of their own.

Up to six ready-made (some familiar) senior players have arrived at the Cobras, with Joel Freeman, Sam Griffiths, Billy Griffiths, Hamish Coulton, Zach Vesty and Hugh Canning all capable of immediate impact.

That’s not including Jake Owen and Isaac Nixon who only played 15 games last year. Owen was the only player in the competition to average over four goals per game in 2025.

In fact, only Sunbury’s Jake Sutton and Melton’s Braedan Kight have kicked more goals than Owen across the competition in their last 50 games.

While Kangas’ pair Jacob Brown and Jarrod Joyce will shoulder much of the load hitting the scoreboard given their aerial qualities, Carmody will be hopeful returns on the goal front from dangerous trio Jack Jeffrey, Liam Canny and Alex Molan exceed cameos.

Despite the likelihood of the Kangas fielding up to six teenagers you can guarantee they will be well led across the three areas of the field.

Jackson Merrett (defence), Liam Canny (Captain) and Mickitja Rottumah-Onus (midfield), and Jacob Brown (forward) are likely to assume the verbal directives on field aiming to hold a desperate Cobras quiver at bay.

It’s over to Bacchus Marsh for mine, given the Kangas have (to varying degrees) labelled their coming season a development year in what promises to be a tough competition to earn a finals berth.

That’s smart of the Kangas to relinquish some of the early pressures to bounce, while tempering any external expectations in the process.

Given the even spread of talent at the Cobras, compliance to Armfield’s system will play a huge role in how far they go in 2026 after a return to finals last year.

Up to six bona fide inclusions for the Cobras suggest they’re every bit a work in progress for the here and now having only one practice match against Williamstown CYMS under their belts to build and resemble the kind of connection Armfield would be striving for.

East Point have predominantly played their ‘kids’ over their build up into the new season with humble returns if indeed the scoreboard was deemed relevant. Looking forward to seeing Kangas’ new recruit Sam Lucas (Cobden) with an intercept role across half back earmarked for the recent club best and fairest winner.

It’s a flip of the coin game on paper despite the Kangas’ superior H2H record of recent times.

There’s something in the air on the win/loss front this game will mean more for the Cobras down the track as the season long race to earn one of six prized positions at the business end officially begins.

Scoops tip: Bacchus Marsh by 6 points.

Scoop Reviews Good Friday

The Cobras impressed winning all four quarters on their way to a 51-point win over the Kangaroos at Eastern Oval, their first success at the venue in eight years.

The nature of the win was arguably the most pleasing for coach Dennis Armfield in his 36th game in charge, now into a third season.

The Cobras’ willingness to run, support and share the footy gave every indication of the testing material moving forward.

While there were questions raised around where East Point were at given 11 absentees from their first semi-final side of 2025, the takeaway was more about the improvement of the Cobras.

The six newcomers have added considerable depth quality and versatility to Armfield’s armoury.

Defender Zach Vesty and small forward Billy Griffiths (four goals) impressed first up joining future star Josh Huxtable (three goals) among vote contention.

The Cobras finished with an even spread of nine goal kickers after posting their highest half time score (10.5) under Armfield.

Kangaroos’ forward Jack Jeffrey (five goals) fought out the battle to the very end despite growing separation on the scoreboard.

Youngster Fraser Molan impressed with his composure and decision making under pressure while crucial trio Mickitja Rotumah-Onus, Joe Dodd and Jacob Brown (two goals) will be better for the run.

What did we learn?

The Cobras exciting, free running brand displayed on Good Friday shifts the weight of expectation on proven match winner Jake Owen (three goals) for the better.

East Point’s ‘reset of sorts’ was confirmed, albeit a small sample size.

STAT STARS

Josh Huxtable (Bacchus Marsh) – 32 disposals, 9 marks, 6 clearances

Luke Goetz (Bacchus Marsh) – 62 hit outs, 18 disposals, 5 tackles

Mickitja Rotumah-Onus (East Point) – 27 disposals, 16 contested possessions, 13 clearances

COACHES’ VERDICT

Joe Carmody (East Point)
Overall, free flowing game. Well done to Dennis and his boys as their pressure and work rate was excellent. Bacchus Marsh leg speed and ball movement from the back half split us open and created a lot of easy goals. We take some positives out of the experience considering the lack of experience within the team. Ball movement and contest was okay at times. Transition into defence needs a lot of work. The more games we can get in to the players the quicker the development.

Dennis Armfield (Bacchus Marsh)
Overall, really proud of the group today. Having not won at East point since 2018, we knew they were going to bring the heat and be up for a fight. And to stay playing our way for four quarters was a huge positive. All players had their moments and raised to the occasion. Happy to see the buy in filtering through our whole group, with our reserves having a good win too and our 18s being very competitive.

The A Grade season gets underway in blockbuster fashion this Good Friday on the 3^rd of April 2026, with East Point Netball Club hosting Bacchus Marsh Netball Club at Eastern Oval from 2:30pm.

These two sides built a tight rivalry across 2025, with Bacchus Marsh getting the upper hand on both occasions.

They claimed a 6-goal win in their first meeting before backing it up in Round 14 with a narrow 3-goal victory.

With margins that slim, expect another fiercely contested battle to open the 2026 campaign.

East Point will be eager to turn the tables on their home court, led by shooting combination Keele Hillas (GS) and Jeremi Robinson (GA).

Through the midcourt, Bridey McElligott (WA) and Rhiannon White (C) will look to provide strong drive and connection, while Bella Stevens (WD), Sarah Augustine (GD) and Stella Geljon (GK) form a defensive unit ready to apply pressure from the first whistle.

They’ll have depth to call on from the bench with Lily McGuinness, Abby Kinnersly and Tess Geljon.

Bacchus Marsh, however, will arrive full of confidence following last season’s results.

Their attacking end features Kimberly Philipps (GS) and Jasmine Paama (GA), supported by experienced midcourters Melissa Prismall (WA) and Eliza Moodie (C).

Defensively, Ella Logan (WD), Georgia Shattock (GD) and Avana Hobson (GK) will be tasked with shutting down East Point’s scoring opportunities, with Remy Day and Jaimee Walsh providing options off the bench.

Off the court, there are strong storylines developing in the coaching ranks.

Bacchus Marsh will again be guided by Nicole Gleeson in her second season at the helm, bringing continuity and confidence into the new year.

Meanwhile, East Point enters an exciting new chapter, with Kirsty McLean in her second year now joined by Josh Wells, who steps into his first season at the Club as Co-Coach of the A Grade side.

With both sides boasting strong line-ups, experienced coaching and recent history suggesting nothing will separate them easily, this Good Friday clash shapes as a must-watch to kick off the A Grade season.

Join us live for the 2026 Henderson & Mclean Medal Counts as we celebrate the standout performers from the Senior Football and Netball competitions and crown this season’s Best and Fairest winners. Coverage gets underway from 7:00pm.

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

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

Henderson Medal - Senior Football Best and Fairest

Felix Henderson (Sebastopol FNC) - 24 votes

McLean Medal - A Grade Netball Best and Fairest

Alice Kain (Sebastopol FNC) - 22 votes

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

The League will once again deliver a full 18-round home-and-away season, followed by an exciting
finals series set to showcase the region’s top football and netball talent.

The 2026 season will open with a Good Friday showcase, headlined by East Point and Bacchus Marsh.

Round 1 will commence on Saturday 11 April, featuring local derbies between all Ballarat-based clubs, while the Eastern block teams will also face off in a major early-season highlight.

ANZAC Day will be strongly represented in Round 3, with several twilight matches scheduled to
commemorate the occasion.

Sunday football will also return in 2026, with four clubs linking senior matches with their junior programs.

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 the League’s commitment to celebration, inclusion and community connection.

Interleague football and netball will take centre stage during the first league-wide bye, with BFNL Under 23 Football and Netball, Under 18 Girls, and Under 18 Boys travelling to Hampden for the annual representative competition.

A second full-competition bye will occur during the middle week of school holidays.

After a thrilling 2025 season full of high-quality competition, the BFNL is excited for what 2026 will
bring.

The Ballarat Football Netball League is proud to announce the appointment of our 2026/2027 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.

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.

The strength of the McDonald's Ballarat FNL was on full display at the 2021 NAB AFL Draft, with local talent heading to Richmond, Essendon and North Melbourne.

With five players being drafted - yes, we are clear and proud to claim you too, Paul Curtis - two in the first round, the league congratulates the players, their families and home clubs for the many hours and years of hard work to reach this point. 

BFNL talent drafted and likely to have a long and successful career at the highest level were:

 Pick #9

• Josh Gibcus (East Point FNC)  -  drafted to Richmond FC

Pick #20

• Kai Lohmann (Lake Wendouree FNC)  -  drafted to Brisbane Lions FC

Pick #22

• Josh Goater (Sunbury FNC)  -  drafted to North Melbourne FC

Pick #23

• Sam Butler (Lake Wendouree FNC)  -  drafted to Hawthorn FC

Pick #35

• Paul Curtis (Melton South FNC) - drafted to North Melbourne FC

AFL Goldfields in conjunction with the Western Bulldogs FC are offering a coach education Session.

Details:

Date: Thursday 23rd February
Venue: Saxon House - 1431 Mair Street Ballarat
Time: 6.30pm
Registration link:

PRESENTERS:

Jamie Maddocks joined the Bulldogs' coaching panel at the end of 2015.
Maddocks has been heavily involved in the player development space, after honing his coaching craft at state underage level and in the TAC Cup (now NAB League).

From 2015-19, Maddocks was the Bulldogs' development coach and opposition analyst.

He was promoted to the role of development manager ahead of the 2020 season.

Maddocks coached at the Oakleigh Chargers (2011-13) and Dandenong Stingrays (2008-10) in the TAC Cup and was involved in a premiership with the Chargers in 2012.

Brendan Lade has joined the Bulldogs as an assistant coach in 2023. A former Port Adelaide best and fairest and two-time All Australian, Lade played 234 games for the Power, winning a premiership in 2004.

The 46-year-old began his coaching journey in 2010 immediately following his retirement, joining Richmond as an assistant coach alongside former teammate Damien Hardwick.

After seven seasons at the Tigers, Lade returned to Port Adelaide for a further two seasons, taking the reins as an assistant coach at Alberton.

In 2019, Lade was appointed as a Senior Assistant at the St Kilda Football Club, relocating his family back to Melbourne and coaching the forward and midfield lines across two seasons.

Marc Webb came to the Bulldogs in 2022 after stints coaching in the WAFL with Claremont FC, at Fremantle FC and with up-and-coming stars in WA. He was at Fremantle for seven years in a variety of roles as midfield coach before taking on head of development. Webb spent 2021 at the WA Football Commission coaching the State U19s.

This week we saw the announcement from the elite game of its planned roadmap to Return to Play. We are now in a position to be able to share more definitive plans in terms of what this means for community football in Victoria.

Returning to play in a safe, hygienic and controlled manner is paramount to the AFL. The safety and wellbeing of our participants is our number one priority. As such, our return to play strategy has been focused on ensuring we have the clear endorsement of State Government and public health officials at every phase of return.

Each State Government is responsible for determining what level Australian football is in their State and approving when we can transition into the next stage.

Following Victorian Government advice around the return of community sport this week, AFL Victoria will release its return to train protocols early next week and is endorsing a return to club sanctioned training from Monday, May 25.

This timing will provide the opportunity to communicate our protocols with Leagues and allow volunteers and clubs time to digest the protocols, go through an education period and prepare themselves ahead of returning to club sanctioned training.

In summary, the return to train protocols for community football in Victoria will enable:

• Training to resume in groups of up to 10 people. The group of 10 does not include a coach or the minimum number of support staff who are reasonably required to manage the activity.
• Two groups of 10 can utilise the same oval provided they do not operate closely together, and the oval is split into two zones.

We will continue to work with the State Government to ensure alignment with their advice, and in the event of further easing of restrictions, we hope to be able to return to full training and competition later in the year, with hygiene and safety protocols firmly in place.

Our primary focus is preparing to return to train in a safe environment in a well prepared and educated manner. In order for this return to play to be successful, and in line with Government advice, it is essential that clubs and individuals work within the timelines and protocols and do not move ahead of the level and restrictions in place.

On Friday, 15 May, the AFL re-opened transfers until 30 June. Further information about transfers will be provided via a comprehensive FAQ document.

In addition, an important part of this return to play process is the requirement of each Club to appoint a COVID Safety Officer that is responsible for ensuring these protocols are adhered to and participants can return to a prepared and safe environment.

We strongly recommend all participants immediately download the COVID-SAFE App, to ensure we can quickly trace and manage any outbreaks in the community. We all have an important role to play in ensuring that not only football returns, but that Australia returns safely towards a normal way of life.

We understand this announcement will raise many questions for Club officials, players, parents/guardians and volunteers. As such, the AFL has prepared a set of FAQs that hopefully address most of these questions. We will continue to update these as the situation progresses and our return to train protocols are released.

We will also be providing a suite of educational resources and COVID safety posters that can be downloaded from www.afl.com.au/clubhelp.

Thank you for your patience and understanding, and we look forward with cautious optimism towards returning to training as a first step.

The Ballarat Football Netball League (BFNL) is pleased to announce that AFL Victoria has formally approved the transfer of the Gisborne Football Netball Club from the Bendigo Football Netball League to the Ballarat Football Netball League, effective from the commencement of the 2027 season.

The approval follows the completion of the transfer process in accordance with the AFL Victoria Community Affiliate Regulations.

The BFNL submitted its Intention to Accept application on 30 June 2026, with AFL Victoria confirming that the Bendigo Football Netball League did not lodge an objection to the proposed transfer.

The addition of Gisborne Football Netball Club marks an exciting milestone for the BFNL and reflects the continued strength and growth of community football and netball across the region.

BFNL General Manager Gemma Murphy said the League was pleased to have the process formally completed.

"We welcome Gisborne Football Netball Club to the Ballarat Football Netball League and look forward to them joining our competition in 2027," Murphy said.

"Throughout this process, our focus has been on following the appropriate governance framework and ensuring all requirements under the AFL Victoria Community Affiliate Regulations were met. We appreciate the cooperation of AFL Victoria and the Bendigo Football Netball League in facilitating the process."

The BFNL also acknowledges the support of its member clubs, who voted in favour of Gisborne Football Netball Club joining the League at a Special General Meeting earlier this month. Gisborne Football Netball Club will commence competition in the Ballarat Football Netball League across football and netball from the 2027 season.

The BFNL looks forward to working closely with Gisborne Football Netball Club over the coming months to ensure a smooth transition into the League and to continuing to provide a strong, sustainable and competitive football and netball competition for all member clubs

Get excited local footy fans, starting from this weekend every match from every round of the McDonald’s Ballarat Senior Men’s competition will be streamed live and free via Cluch.tv.

You can find the McDonald's Ballarat FNL page on Cluch here: McDonald's Ballarat FNL live in Cluch

You can watch live and on-demand on all connected devices and screens. Simply go to cluch.tv or find the stream links via BFNL.com.au or the Ballarat FNL Facebook page. Stream it to the big screen, track the scores and action across all five games, and replay the goals. Or catch up on all the action on-demand from your phone, screen or TV.

Get ready by downloading the Cluch app on your device or screen.

The McDonald’s Ballarat FNL’s streaming activity has increased significantly in recent years and the launch of full competition streaming is the next step in that journey.

We will also continue to bring you the Ballarat Toyota Match of the Round live to Facebook.

About Cluch:

Cluch is an OTT video and platform-as-a-service business dedicated to community sport. Cluch delivers premium on-demand streaming services across all connected devices and screens.

The McDonalds Ballarat FNL is pleased to announce a new 3 year deal with LoCo Sportswear.

Commencing immediately through 2023, the partnership will see LoCo Sportswear become the preferred apparel supplier to the Ballarat FNL, FootyMart Ballarat and league clubs.

Loco Sportswear was formed in 2013 after noticing a lack of suppliers in the market providing elite apparel solutions that properly catered to the unique requirements of the Australian sporting community. Our team have over 25 years’ experience in custom technical apparel at all levels; we have provided on-field solutions for many professional Australian clubs and delivered merchandise and retail programs for a host of major international events. 

Clubs choosing LoCo for the club apparel will have the added benefit of an online store where members can browse and choose their club merchandise as they need.

The league and clubs look forward to a successful partnership with LoCo as we prepare for the 2021 season.