BFNL Review - Round 1, 2025

Next to nothing separated the two sides entering Round 1. As the siren sounded in the first game under lights for the season at Alfredton, still nothing separates the Swans and Roosters.

The Roosters lead with a 12-point margin at quarter time, before the Swans charged back to go into the half-time break with a 1-point lead. It wasn’t long before the lead swayed again at the change, with North heading into the last quarter with a one goal lead.

The 10-minute mark of the last quarter saw Jack O’Brien contribute to the scoreboard for his third goal to bring the margin back to 5-points.

From there it was those yet to feature on the goal kickers list who brought the game to a draw. Jack Harwood and Harry Butler for the Swans both slotting goals with assists from veteran Andrew Hooper, whilst North’s Samuel Artz took an impressive grab and finished with a goal to get his team the two-points.

With Port Melbourne having the Bye in the VFL, North enjoyed the presence of Polkinghorne and White, both featuring in the Rooster’s best and having an impact.

Swans recruit Biggie Nyoun wasted no time getting used to the BFNL landscape. An impeccable vertical leap in the ruck, as well as a goal to his name.

It won’t be until Round 11 where the two sides meet again. Will one of the teams finally get the better of each other or are we taking flight for our third draw in a row?

STATS THAT MATTERED

Riley Polkinghorne (North Ballarat) - 33 disposals, 16 contested possessions, 11 clearances

Wyatt Squires (Ballarat) - 28 disposals, 14 contested possessions, 82% disposal efficiency

Paddy Simpson (Ballarat) - 29 disposals, 16 contested possessions, 9 clearances

An impressive first half of football set Bacchus Marsh up for their ideal start to the 2025 season.

Dennis Armfield’s Cobras entered the rooms at half time with a 40-point lead over the young Lakers side, who couldn’t quite find the big sticks until the second quarter.

Although, Lakers coach Rohan Brown may have had some words of wisdom to his side at half-time. The Lakers managed to win the third quarter 29 – 24, but it was Bacchus Marsh’s accuracy in front of goal that prevented that margin from being any bigger.

Eventually the home side ended their day with a 53-point win on the scoreboard.

It was hard to separate the performances of long serving Bacchus Marsh players Josh Huxtable (4 goals) and Jake Owen (7 goals), who both had impressive starts to their season.

Captain Joel O’Connell set the example for the Lakers, named as his sides best on ground.

Jake Lohman continues his return to play and rehab training with Werribee and will be a much-needed inclusion to the Lakers when they can get their hands on him.

A tough ask ahead for the Lakers, who face the reigning premiers in Melton, who have continued their good form. Meanwhile, Bacchus Marsh will face Redan who suit up for their first game of the 2025 season.

STATS THAT MATTERED

Luke Goetz (Bacchus Marsh) - 67 hitouts, 16 disposals, 8 contested possessions

Joel O'Connell (Lake Wendouree) - 20 disposals, 10 Clearances, 6 1%ers

Josh Huxtable (Bacchus Marsh) - 24 disposals, 6 tackles, 4 goals

After three out of three wins against the Devils in 2024, it was business as usual for the Bloods in the first Match of the Round for the 2025 season.

It may have been the lowest scoring game of Round 1, but there was plenty of action from two early favourites.

Leading by 5-points entering the last quarter, Melton wasted no time (less than two minutes to be exact) in getting the ball to Jaycob Hickey for his first goal of the game, to extend their lead.

With 22-minutes gone the Devils looked a chance to even up the match, trailing by just 6-points. But it was Hickey again in his best on ground performance, receiving quick hands from Walker and launching the ball to what looked on track for a goal. However, it was a quick boot to ball from Ryan Carter that put the Bloods out to a 12-point win.

Nick Hind wasted no time in adjusting to football back in the BFNL, with two goals to his name in a best on ground performance for Darley. Micky Edwards was influential on the scoreboard kicking 4.1 with Zane Le Huray rounding out the top performers for the Devils.

Darley will strive to bounce back against Sunbury at home this weekend, whilst Melton take on Lakers.

STATS THAT MATTERED

Adrian Monitto (Melton) - 29 disposals, 16 marks, 9 rebound 50s

Nick Hind (Darley) - 45 disposals, 23 contested possessions, 16 clearances

Kyle Borg (Melton) - 23 disposals, 9 marks, 8 tackles 

East Point continued their unbeaten run at the Eastern Oval with a 16-point win over Sebastopol.

It was essentially the first quarter that saw the Roos take the four points in the season opener. A 30-point lead that at half time slightly extended out to 32 points. From that moment on, it was the Burra chasing hard with an impressive 61 – 45 last half of football.

Micka Rotumah-Onus was a standout for the home side, alongside Bryson McDougall who continued his good form in front of goal, slotting 5. Up and coming youngster Ryder Lavery showed good signs in his performance in the ruck, giving 200-game veteran Joel Van Meel some well deserved rest up forward.

The Burra however will be rolling out the red carpet for Hugo Papst’s return after a year with Horsham Demons. Papst slotted 7 goals in his team’s loss, showcasing just what impact he has with the side. Lach Cassidy was back to his consistent performance across the ground finishing with an impressive 37 disposals.

Both teams face the sides coming off a Round 1 draw this week. Whilst Sebastopol take on Ballarat, East Point take on North Ballarat, who will have their VFL players in contention for selection.

STATS THAT MATTERED

Jordan Johnston (East Point) - 27 disposals, 19 contested possessions, 8 inside 50s

Hugo Papst (Sebastopol) - 23 disposals, 6 marks, 7 goals

Matt Johnston (East Point) - 32 disposals, 10 clearances, 81% disposal efficiency