The McDonalds Ballarat FNL is pleased to announce the week 1 match schedule for the McDonald’s BFNL Senior Finals Series.

Matches will kick off with the Qualifying Final at Darley Park and Elimination Final 2 at Maddingley Park on Saturday 30th of August, followed by Elimination Final 1 at Eastern Oval on Sunday 31st of August.

Find the full match schedules below:

FOOTBALL

NETBALL

The McDonald’s Ballarat FNL is excited to confirm the Week Three fixture of the McDonald’s BFNL Senior Finals Series.

Another action-packed weekend of football and netball awaits as the Carlton Draught Senior Finals Series continues to heat up.

On the football field, six clubs remain in contention, all vying to secure their place in the Grand Final against Darley (Seniors), Sunbury (Reserves) and East Point (Under 18.5).

Meanwhile, on the netball court, Darley continues its dominant run with five of its six teams competing for a Grand Final berth.

Wins this weekend will see most winners line up against Sunbury (A, B, D and E Grades), while the Under 19s clash sets up a battle with North Ballarat, and the C Grade winner will meet Lake Wendouree.

Find the full match schedule below.

FOOTBALL

NETBALL

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.

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.

At The Bar

Read more

INSIDER: Congratulations on making it back to the Grand Final - do I sense a healthy rivalry developing between Darley and Redan?

ASH DAVIDSON: It's already there - very healthy - been going for years!

INSIDER: How has your club embraced the women’s program?

AD: Fantastic, one of three that has every age group - 100% buy-in

INSIDER: Is external interest in the women’s game on the rise ie crowds?

AD: Yes, but room for improvement

INSIDER: What does women's footy need to fast track its development?

AD: Administration

INSIDER: Name the #1 non-negotiable we would expect you to write first on the white board?  

AD: Team first

INSIDER: Who is the most under rated player at the club?

AD: Ingrid Duffy

INSIDER: What other sport could you coach at a high level if there were no footy?

AD: Tennis

INSIDER: In a freakish sense, which player at the club can do things on-field that others can't?

AD: Ellen Werts

INSIDER: Who at the club has the most upside from a junior perspective?

AD: Freya Palmer

INSIDER: Who would you like kicking for goal after the siren to win you a game of footy?

AD: Ellen Werts

INSIDER: Who is the quickest in the team over 20m?

AD: Molly

INSIDER: What is your favourite ground to play on away from home?

AD: Eastern Oval, hopefully!

INSIDER: Who is your favorite footy person at the club?

AD: Steve Russell (trainer)

INSIDER: Describe your coaching experience in 5 words or less?

AD: Different every day!

INSIDER: If you had to cook for the whole club what would be your signature dish of approval?

AD: Roast Pork

INSIDER: What tv series would you recommend for us this Spring?

AD: Mash!

INSIDER: Invite 3 of your favorite celebs to dinner - take your pick?

AD: Leigh Matthews, Michael Jordan, Donald Trump

INSIDER: Who from the playing group would most likely win a million dollars on a quiz show?

AD: Nicola Clark

INSIDER: Do any of the girls have annoying habits or superstitions they repeat before matches?

AD: Not that I’m aware of

INSIDER: Who is your team’s number one fan?

AD: Brian Ryan

INSIDER: Favorite AFLW club and player?

AD: Hawthorn, Jasmine Fleming

At The Bar

Read more

INSIDER:Redan were woeful [in Round Five], when do you expect to get the troops back - namely The Big O, Izaac Grant, Dean Chester and Alex Harvey (we know Hoy - season)?

COOPER:Expect Izaac, Dean, Harves [in Round Six]. Big O, another week

INSIDER:In a freakish sense, which player at the club can do things on-field that others can't? 

COOPER:Lachie George

INSIDER:How on earth did you end up wearing the random #34?

COOPER:Stuck with me since debut. Trying to make it my own now.

INSIDER:Who would you have at the club kicking for goal to win you a game after the siren?

COOPER:Izaac Grant

INSIDER:Who at the club thinks they're funnier than they really are?

COOPER:Jarrett 'The Rooster" Giampaolo

INSIDER:What do you think a pass mark for the club is this year?

COOPER:Grand Final 

INSIDER:With which BFNL club do you share your greatest rivalry?

COOPER:North Ballarat

INSIDER:Which school in Ballarat has the best footy side these days?

COOPER:St Pats

INSIDER:What makes Lachie George such a good player?

COOPER:His balance / body control / leadership

INSIDER:What other sport could you play at a high level if there were no footy? 

COOPER:Rugby Union

INSIDER:Which Cooper is the quicker at the club over 30m - you or Atchison?

COOPER:I'd have to say me, proven!

INSIDER:Who is the last person you would want to share a room with on a footy trip?

COOPER:Dean Chester

INSIDER:Who is your favourite footy person at Redan?

COOPER:Liam Hoy

INSIDER:If you had to cook for the whole club what would be your signature dish?

COOPER:Porterhouse steak - no complaints whatsoever!

INSIDER:Favorite AFL club and player?

COOPER:Melbourne, Jack Viney

INSIDER:If you could add three players from other clubs to your list, who would you pick?

COOPER:Riley Polkinghorne (Noth Ballarat City), Ben Dodd (East Point), Ned Nash (North Ballarat City)

INSIDER:Flag tip outside of Redan?

COOPER:Melton

INSIDER:Henderson Medal tip (outside of Redan)?

COOPER:Riley Polkinghorne (North Ballarat City)

At The Bar

Read more

INSIDER: You're part of a younger Redan list this year, how do you think you and the team are travelling eight rounds in?

FLYNN: The more we play together, the more we're improving. We're still working each other out.

INSIDER: Name the #1 non-negotiable we would expect your coach Jarrett Giampaolo to write first on the whiteboard?

FLYNN: The one-percenters - have a crack!

INSIDER: Lachie George has been terrific for the club, now in his third season after a career in the VFL. What makes him so influential? 

FLYNN: Treats everyone well, good teacher, explains things clearly, smart footy brain.

INSIDER: Who would win the battle over 10 different sports - you or your brother Cooper?

FLYNN: Me, easy!

INSIDER: What other sport could you play at a high level if there were no footy? 

FLYNN: None, not much good at anything but got Mr Cool covered. (See previous question!)

INSIDER: In a freakish sense, which player at the club can do things on-field that others can't?

FLYNN: Liam Hoy

INSIDER: Who at the club has the most upside from a junior perspective?

FLYNN: Rory Gunsser

INSIDER: Who (at Redan) would you like kicking for goal after the siren to win you a game of footy?

FLYNN: Liam Hoy  

INSIDER: Who is the quickest at the club over 30m?

FLYNN: Sam McDougall (INSDR: surely Lincoln Barnes, stiff?)

INSIDER: Who is your favourite footy person at the club?

FLYNN: Gary Goyne

INSIDER: What's your comfort food?

FLYNN: Chocolate milk

INSIDER: What's your favourite TV series or Movie?

FLYNN: Shameless 

INSIDER: Who at the club would most likely be seen eating a kebab downtown 4 am on Sunday?

FLYNN: Dean Matthews

INSIDER: If you had to cook for the whole club, what would be your signature dish?

FLYNN: Spaghetti Bolognese

INSIDER: Who at the club would most likely win a million dollars on a quiz show? 

FLYNN: Jack Jones

INSIDER: Who at the club thinks they're funnier than they really are?

FLYNN: Izaac Grant

INSIDER: Favourite AFL club and player?

FLYNN: Brisbane, Lachie Neale

INSIDER: If you could add three players from other BFNL clubs to your list, who would you pick?

FLYNN: Fletcher Toose (North Ballarat), Jarrod Curran (North Ballarat), Joe Nelson-Hill (North Ballarat)

INSIDER: Not the best timing to recommend three North Ballarat players, you play them this round!

FLYNN: We'll be right!  

INSIDER: Good luck Flynn!

At The Bar

Read more

INSIDER: Great wins over North Ballarat and Sebastopol this year, can you explain why there hasn't been more than the six so far this year? 

GRANT: Injuries haven't helped. Lost a couple to the Rebels.

INSIDER: How would you rate Liam Hoy's year since his return from that Achilles injury?

GRANT: Yeah, really good 'til he did his hammy - back this week or next.

INSIDER: What makes Izaac Grant so dangerous, he seems to hit the scoreboard every week?

GRANT: Skilful, clean, footy smarts - rarely misses

INSIDER: How many more playing years do you think Lachie George can go on impacting games at senior level? 

GRANT: Work/injury aside - another 2 or 3 at least

INSIDER: What are three non-negotiables coach Jarrett Giampaolo would write on the board?

GRANT: Pressure, hard around the contest, skill execution

INSIDER: Rumour has it that Lincoln Barnes is lightning quick...any examples other than the Stawell Gift?

GRANT: He takes the warm-up every night and tells us all! Pat Fitzgibbon reckons he's got him covered.

INSIDER: In a freakish sense, which player at the club can do things on-field that others can't?

GRANT: Jacob Short

INSIDER: Who at the club has the most upside from a junior perspective?

GRANT: Harry Lawson

INSIDER: Over your BFNL footy journey who is the best you've seen? 

GRANT: Derek Micallef (North Ballarat), Steve Kennedy (Darley)

INSIDER: You've played a lot of footy forward in your career, what's been your biggest bag?

GRANT: 11 v Melton in 2015 

INSIDER: Who is the quickest at the club over 30m?

GRANT: Patty Fitzgibbon… lol

INSIDER: Who is the best trainer (footballer) on the track?

GRANT:  Lachie George

INSIDER: Who is your favourite footy person at the club?

GRANT: Andrew Shultz

INSIDER: Who is the last person you would want to share a room with on a footy trip?

GRANT: Flynn Atchison

INSIDER: If you had to cook for the whole club what would be your signature dish?

GRANT: I won't say Spag Bol... I'll go with Carbonara!

INSIDER: Who at the club would most likely win a million dollars on a quiz show?

GRANT: Dean Matthews

INSIDER: Who at the club would most likely be fined for driving too slow down the highway?

GRANT: Nick Barker

INSIDER: Favourite AFL club and player?

GRANT: Essendon, Zach Merrett

INSIDER: What other sport could you play at a high level if there were no footy? 

GRANT: Indoor cricket!

INSIDER: The best side you've played this year?

GRANT: East Point

INSIDER: If you could add three players from other clubs to your list, who would you pick?

GRANT: Dylan Conway (Melton South), Mickitja Rotumah-Onus (East Point), Daniel Kennedy (Ballarat)

At The Bar

Read more

INSIDER: Welcome Khy, you're racking up some serious numbers in just your first full season of senior footy - have VFL or AFL clubs shown any interest - where are you at with your footy?

KHY JESS: Gary Learmonth (Coach) is having a crack for me so we'll see

INSIDER: It's noted you predominately kick the footy compared to handballing - is that planned or purely coincidence?

KJ: I guess I stick to my strengths (kicking). Handball numbers and improvement will come.

INSIDER: Tell us about your experienced midfield partner in crime, Lachie George, and what he's done for your footy?

KJ: Big influence, taught me a fair bit. I just feed off him!

INSIDER: Quick one on the number choice - why #41?

KJ: I had #2 but ruined that jumper so I’ve copped #41 since.

INSIDER: Are you related to former Richmond champ of the 70s and 80s, Jim Jess?

KJ: Yes, Jim is my Pop (Granddad).

INSIDER: There was a big spruik around Lachie Bond at the start of the year - what makes him so talented?

KJ: Athletic and strong 1v1.

INSIDER: Name the #1 non-negotiable we would expect Gary Learmonth to write first on the white board?  

KJ: Discipline

INSIDER: Take us through your interleague experience - how was it?

KJ: I loved it, great experience. The team worked well together. I'm well up for doing it again next year.

INSIDER: Hypothetically speaking, how would the Under 23 BFNL team fare if it were a team in the BFNL?

KJ: Close to going all of the way - we'd give it a shake at least!

INSIDER: Who is the most underrated player at the club?

KJ: Rudie Forde

INSIDER: What other sport could you play at a high level if there were no footy?

KJ: Tennis

INSIDER: In a freakish sense, which player at the club can do things on-field that others can't?

KJ: Rudie Forde

INSIDER: Who at the club has the most upside from a junior perspective?

KJ: Bailey McKay

INSIDER: Who (at Redan) would you like kicking for goal after the siren to win you a game of footy?

KJ: Lachie Bond

INSIDER: Are you a footy head? Rank yourself out of 10, tell us how you consume your local footy..

KJ: 6/10. I have an interest in most stuff that's posted.

INSIDER: Who is the quickest in the team over 20m?

KJ: Nathan Leow

INSIDER: What is your favorite ground to play on away from City Oval?

KJ: Eastern Oval

INSIDER: Who is your favorite footy person at the club?

KJ: Gary Learmonth

INSIDER: Invite 5 of favorite celebs to the Dinner table - take your pick..

KJ: Mike Tyson, Tom Brady, Dusty Martin, Roger Federer, Mohammed Ali.

INSIDER: If you had to cook for the whole club what would be your signature dish of approval?

KJ: Lasagne

INSIDER: What tv series would you recommend for us this Winter?

KJ: Prison Break (Stan)

INSIDER: Which one of the following most relates to you - Reader, viewer, gamer, commentator, raver?

KJ: Commentator!

INSIDER: Who from the playing group would most likely win a million dollars on a quiz show?

KJ: Harry Lawson

INSIDER: Do any of the boys have annoying habits or superstitions they repeat before matches?

KJ: Liam Farnsworth - Niggly, pushing everyone before games - drives everyone mad!

INSIDER: Who is your number one footy critic?

KJ: Dad

INSIDER: Favorite AFL club and player?

KJ: Richmond, Dustin Martin

INSIDER: Who do you think will win the BFNL flag?

KJ: Melton

INSIDER: If you could have three players from other BFNL clubs join Redan who would you recruit?

KJ: Brett Bewley (Darley), Matty Johnston (East Point), Billy Myers (Darley).

At The Bar

Read more

INSIDER: How are you finding the journey in women's footy - do you feel it is being embraced well by firstly the local community and more broadly across the state?

PORTIA HUGHES:Has come a long way but there's plenty more to go. Return of interleague would be a good start.

INSIDER: Why is Redan such a dominant force in women's footy?

PHA lot of the girls played juniors together. Family connection and team morale are quality traits.

INSIDER: Tell us about your coach Ash Davidson and what he has brought to the group?

PH:Always been around the juniors and now seniors. Is very knowledgeable and welcomes feedback.

INSIDER: Name the #1 non-negotiable we would expect Ash to write first on the white board?  

PH:Talk and Communication.

INSIDER: What changes would best support the women's game?

PH:Curtain raiser games before the men’s would only increase exposure

INSIDER: Who is the most underrated player at the club?

PH:Mads Quayle

INSIDER: What other sport could you play at a high level if there were no footy?

PH:Triathlon or Running

INSIDER: In a freakish sense, which player at the club can do things on-field that others can't?

PH:Ellen Werts

INSIDER: Who at the club has the most upside from a junior perspective?

PH:Jenna Bourke

INSIDER: Who at Redan would you like kicking for goal after the siren to win you a game of footy?

PH:Jess Bokma

INSIDER: Who is the quickest in the team over 20m?

PH:Abbey Wallace

INSIDER: What is your favorite ground to play on away from City Oval?

PH:Carisbrook Oval

INSIDER: Who is your favorite footy person at the club?

PH:Shannon Simpson

INSIDER: If you had to cook for the whole club what would be your signature dish of approval?

PH:Fried Rice

INSIDER: What tv series would you recommend for us this Winter?

PH:After Life / Grey's Anatomy

INSIDER: Who from the playing group would most likely win a million dollars on a quiz show?

PH:Ellen Werts

INSIDER: Do any of the girls have any superstitions they repeat before matches?

PH:Some listen to music, others like to fold their socks a certain way!

INSIDER: Who is your number one footy critic?

PH:Definitely my Dad

INSIDER: Favorite AFL club and player?

PH:Collingwood, Dane Swan

INSIDER: Can any team beat Redan?

PH:Darley and the Lakers have the potential..

Please find below important information for supporters and attendees to be aware of for this Sunday’s Ballarat Toyota Junior Grand Final Day at MARS Stadium.

General Information

• MARS Stadium – Creswick Road, Wendouree VIC
• Sunday 11^th September 2022
• The Ballarat Toyota Junior Grand Finals will be an Alcohol-Free event.

Match Schedule

Admission Fees

Junior Grand Final 2022

Adults - $12

Family (2 adults & 2 children) - $26

Age Pensioner - $7

8 - 16yo - $5

U/8 – Free

Footy Record – $4 (Special Edition)

Note: Eftpos is available and encouraged as the preferred payment method.

Gates

Gates open at 6:45am

Grand Final Filming

All matches will be filmed. Matches will be available for purchase following the Grand Finals and further information will be provided around this in the coming weeks.

Live Scores

All matches will be live scored on the day for those that are unable to attend the match. Scores can be accessed through specific competitions on the BFNL public results pages here:

Football - https://bit.ly/3Q4H8gg

Netball - https://bit.ly/3KPteh6

Entry & Parking Information

Please see details and map below for assistance with entry & parking requirements this Sunday.

Entry to MARS Stadium:

• Gate 1 – Located on Creswick Road.
• Gate 2 - Beech Avenue – Located at Northern Oval 2 behind MARS Stadium. This entry is encouraged for those attending the Netball.

NO DOGS are permitted within the precinct this weekend.

Parking is available at the following locations:

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.

As we head into our fourth week of an enthralling BFLW senior women's season, lets have a look and how each of our clubs has started their year and what's on the horizon.

Darley

The reigning back-to-back premiers are yet to drop a game to start the season.

Opening round saw the Devils face off in a grand final rematch with rivals Redan, in a game that was full passion and tenacity where Darley came out 7 point victors.

In Rounds 1 and 2, the Devils took out comfortable wins over Lake Wendouree and East Point respectively. 

With plenty of team success, last week saw individual achievements claimed when club stalwart and loved teammate Kim Bessell booted her 300^th league goal.

The celebrating continues this weekend when they hoist their 2024 BFLW Senior Women’s Premiership Flag at Darley Park.

Can The Devils keep riding this winning wave or will an unexpected upset happen against the Redbacks this weekend?

Bacchus Marsh

The Marsh have started strong in season 2025 winning their first three games and holding opponents East Point, Carisbrook and Lakers to no score.

For this reason, remarkably, the Cobras still are yet to register a percentage on the ladder despite putting 316 points on the board themselves to begin the year.

This week will see the Cobras take on Redan in an evenly matched game one would think given both team's start to year.

The contest should put Bacchus Marsh in good stead for their following match after Easter against cross town rivals Darley.

Bacchus Marsh have also been celebrating milestones with Summer Marchewka chalking up her 100^th game of footy in Round 2, it’s worth noting that 98 of these games were played at Bacchus Marsh!

Redan

Redan have had a good start to 2025, following a good competitive game against Darley in opening round.

The Lions hit the front in the last quarter to only go down by 7 points in a hard-fought game.

Rounds 1 and 2 saw Redan claim good wins over East Point and Carisbrook, to get their season rolling.

This week they will take on Bacchus Marsh, in what should be an evenly matched contest with the winner set to take bragging rights on the ladder.

The Lions are also supporting the OnTrack foundation as part of this weekend's Wellness Round and accepting Donations throughout the week.

Redan have been a well oiled machine with plenty of experience on their side, watch out for the Maroon and Gold as the season progresses.

Lake Wendouree

The Lakers had a win over Carisbrook in Opening Round but have gone on to register two losses over the past fortnight.

This week they take on East Point which predicts to be a very even tussle between two fiercely competative sides.

Both clubs will be looking to get the win before heading into the Easter break and enjoying the long weekend with a W in their basket.

The Lakers will be keen for Captain Demi Thompson and small forward Chelsea Dew to bag a few this weekend to come away with the win.

East Point

Opening Round saw the Dragons debut 8 senior players as the new look side continues to grow together to start the year.

Whilst East Point are yet to win a game they are certainly starting to gel through the midfield with their aim now to get a stronger score on the board.

Their first win could come this week over the Lakers.

It will be a big day for the club as they celebrate its 'Live4life' round, with raffles and memrobillia being sold on the day for the charity.

Lauren Butler from the Collingwood AFLW team will also be in attendance for a post match function, so expect a big turnout down at Eastern Oval on Sunday! 

With plenty of fresh faces, it will be worth keeping an eye on the Dragons' devlopment, as each week will bring more confidence and moving into the back end of season could see East moving up the ladder.

Carisbrook

The Redbacks come into the competition this year with a young side that is full of spirit.

Last week saw captain and young gun Olivia Butler play her 100^th game of footy with a majority of these as a homegrown Carisbrook Redback.

What a wonderful achievement for someone at the age of only 20!

Whilst Carisbrook is yet to record a win, you would think this weekends game against Darley will be a tough assignment.

The Redbacks will be looking for strong team effort after Easter Break when they take on East Point.