BFNL Review - Round 6, 2025

It may have taken until Round 6, but North Ballarat finally opened their 2025 account with a performance that served as a reminder of their finals-worthy potential.

Breaking Redan’s trend of strong opening quarters, the Roosters hit the scoreboard within the first five minutes, booting back-to-back goals to set the tone.

From there, it was a consistent and composed display, with North Ballarat extending their lead at every break before running out convincing 42-point winners.

While accuracy in front of goal remains an area to sharpen, the Roosters’ dominance in inside 50s and control of possession proved too much for the young Lions.

Josh Morris was back to his Round 1 best, finishing with three goals, while the return of experienced ruckman Cam McCallum brought stability to the midfield battle.

His presence freed up young Charlie Darbin to push further up the ground, adding versatility to North’s rotations.

But it was Mal White who claimed best-on-ground honours, winning 19 contested possessions and setting the tone through the centre.

Despite the final margin, Redan weren’t without positives.

Rory Gunsser was a rock across half-back, constantly repelling forward entries and finishing with 30 touches, while Lachie George impressed in his return with clean disposal under pressure.

North Ballarat now looks to build momentum with a winnable clash against Lake Wendouree in Round 7, while Redan face the daunting task of a trip to Darley Park to take on the in-form Devils.

STATS THAT MATTERED

Mal White (North Ballarat) - 32 disposals, 19 contested possessions, 12 score involvements

Brody Pope (Redan) - 29 disposals, 16 contested possessions, 11 clearances

Brock Leonard (North Ballarat) - 31 disposals, 20 contested possessions, 11 score involvements

In what was presented as a defining early-season clash, Ballarat managed to edge out Bacchus Marsh by just six points in a gripping contest that could’ve gone either way.

With both teams entering Round 6 sitting in 5th and 6th respectively, the result would give the winner a vital buffer inside the top six—and the Swans made sure it was theirs.

Breaking a frustrating trend of slow starts, the Swans finally took the early advantage with a composed opening term, heading into the first break with a 12-point lead.

That margin remained largely intact by half time, with the Swans holding a 13-point buffer.

The third quarter saw Bacchus Marsh begin to gain control of the match.

Dominating inside 50s and controlling possession, the Cobras created seven scoring opportunities to Ballarat’s three.

But accuracy proved costly, with the home side only converting two of those chances, while Ballarat made theirs count—slotting all three goals to maintain a 14-point lead heading into the final quarter.

With the game well and truly within reach, the Cobras came out hard in the last.

But the Swans’ defensive pressure in crucial moments and the home side’s continued struggles in front of goal saw Ballarat hold firm and claim a gritty six-point win.

Despite the narrow loss, the Cobras had the edge statistically in several key areas.

But Ballarat’s ability to convert their opportunities and remain composed under pressure proved the difference.

Luke Gray was instrumental for the Swans, constantly driving the ball forward and finishing with two goals to go along with multiple inside 50s.

Wyatt Squires continued his excellent season with 31 disposals and 19 intercept possessions in another commanding midfield display.

For the Cobras, James McDaid led from the front and earned best-on honours for his side, while Luke Goetz once again dominated in the ruck with another commanding hit-out performance.

Both sides remain in the top six after six rounds, but sterner tests await—with Bacchus Marsh heading into a tough Round 7 clash against Melton, and Ballarat preparing to take on an East Point side back to good form.

STATS THAT MATTERED

Jake McCreery (Bacchus Marsh) - 37 disposals, 17 contested possessions, 16 clearances

Wyatt Squires (Ballarat) - 31 disposals, 19 contested possessions, 11 clearances

Fraser Perkins (Ballarat) - 31 disposals, 15 contested possessions, 16 tackles

Almost a year to the day since East Point handed Melton their only loss of 2024, the Roos have done it again—ending the Bloods’ unbeaten streak in a gripping grand final rematch at Eastern Oval.

The opening quarter was a high-pressure affair.

Despite East Point dominating contested ball, they struggled to convert on the scoreboard, finishing the term with 1.7 to Melton’s 0.3—Jordy Johnston the sole goal scorer.

Melton responded swiftly in the second quarter, with back-to-back goals within four minutes that gave them momentum and a slender 2-point lead heading into halftime.

The second half turned into a tug-of-war, with both sides trading leads. But a crucial tackle from Alex Molan, resulting in a set shot goal, pushed East Point out to a 13-point lead.

A quick reply from Chase Scoble brought the Bloods back within striking distance, but the Roos held firm in the final minutes to secure a statement win.

Both sides were missing impact players—Jacob Brown for East Point and Ryan Carter for Melton—which added another layer of intrigue to an already tightly contested clash.

Ultimately, it was the Roos' dominance at stoppages and ability to adjust to the drizzly conditions that proved decisive, led by Matt Johnston with a monster performance of 25 intercept possessions and 18 clearances.

Jordan Johnston was named best on ground with four goals, while Micka Rotumah Onus and Sam Cue earned praises for their relentless pressure around the contest.

For the Bloods, Harrison Hanley stood tall in defence and Blake Souter impressed with his work rate with ball in hand.

East Point now look to consolidate their top-four standing with a crucial clash against Ballarat, while Melton will aim to bounce back against sixth-placed Bacchus Marsh.

STATS THAT MATTERED

Matt Johnson (East Point) - 40 disposals, 25 contested possessions, 18 clearance

Jesse Cairns (East Point) - 28 disposals, 8 tackles, 8 score involvements

Blake Souter (Melton) - 29 disposals, 11 intercept possessions, 10 tackles

Sunbury’s epic start to the 2025 season rolled on with a dominant 113-point win over Lake Wendouree at CE Brown Reserve, reaffirming their status as one of the teams to beat.

Facing a side renowned for explosive opening terms, the young Lakers were always going to be up against it—and the Lions didn’t disappoint.

Picking up where they left off after a stunning final quarter against East Point last week, Sunbury flew out of the blocks with a seven-goal first quarter and never looked back.

The Lions' ability to maintain scoreboard pressure was relentless, finishing with 22.16 (148) for the day.

While the clearance count remained relatively even, Sunbury’s control over general play and clinical ball use saw them dominate across the board.

In a positive note for Lake Wendouree, the side managed to hit the scoreboard across the first three quarters, showing glimpses of growth—particularly from rising forward Jackson O’Brien, who kicked two goals in just his second Senior appearance.

Co-captain Joel O’Connell continued to lead by example, winning 17 contested possessions in another brave individual effort, while Kynan Raven impressed with his composure and delivery inside 50 when he could.

For Sunbury, Jake Sutton and Daniel Johnston were virtually unstoppable, sharing 12 goals between them.

But it was Fraser Ampulski who claimed best on ground honours, extending his strong season with another classy display.

The win keeps Sunbury in fine form, with a matchup against Sebastopol next.

For the Lakers, they'll look to regroup against North Ballarat, who will be in a much better place after securing their first win of the year.

STATS THAT MATTERED

Jake Egan (Sunbury) - 29 disposals, 16 score involvements, 15 contested possessions

Tyson Lever (Sunbury) - 30 disposals, 13 intercept possessions, 12 marks 

Kynan Raven (Lake Wendouree) - 21 disposals, 8 tackles, 7 clearances

Darley have sent a resounding reminder to the competition that they’re firmly among the premiership contenders, dismantling Sebastopol by 101 points in a dominant display at Marty Busch Reserve.

Coming off their first win of the season, the Burra were hopeful of carrying that momentum into their clash with the in-form Devils—but Darley had other ideas.

From the opening bounce, it was all one-way traffic, with the visitors slamming home eight unanswered goals in the first quarter.

Brett Bewley and Will Johnson each had two majors to their name by the first break.

Sebastopol responded with spirit in the second term, led by a goal from Toby Hutt that sparked some resistance.

The quarter was a tighter affair, with Darley edging it 20–19, but the damage had already been done.

After half time, Darley once again took full control.

With the wind at their backs, the Devils piled on another seven goals in the third and closed the match with four more in the last to complete the defeat.

Statistically, the Devils were dominant across the board.

They led in intercept possessions, clearances and effective disposals.

Luther Baker stood tall with a best-on-ground performance, collecting 36 disposals (18 contested) and showcasing his stellar start to the season.

Sebastopol’s Lach Cassidy worked hard through the midfield with 30 touches and a goal, while Riley O’Keefe was a standout in defence with an impressive 22 intercept possessions to his name to earn best on for the home side.

But in the end, Darley’s ability to win the ball and use it with precision proved the decisive factor.

The Devils now look to continue their hot streak when they face Redan in Round 7.

For the Burra, things don’t get any easier as they prepare to take on the surging Sunbury.

STATS THAT MATTERED

RIley O'Keefe (Sebastopol) - 27 disposals, 22 intercept possessions, 15 marks

Lucas Impey (Darley) - 44 hit outs, 24 disposals, 7 clearances

Nick Hind (Darley) - 37 disposals, 12 score involvements, 11 clearances