BFNL Review - Round 7, 2025

North Ballarat have continued their charge toward a top six spot with a commanding 97-point win over Lake Wendouree.

Despite the lopsided final scoreline, the Lakers started with intent.

They matched North Ballarat for effort early, and while the visitors had one extra scoring shot in the opening term, it was North’s accuracy—five straight goals—that made the difference.

The Lakers couldn’t capitalise at the other end, registering just two goals in the first half.

From there, it was all North Ballarat.

The Roosters piled on 99 points to 11 after quarter time, taking full control of the game and stamping their authority across the game.

The Lakers were able to hold their own in clearance numbers, but the Roosters dominated the possession game—both contested and uncontested—and used the ball far more effectively.

Their forward entries were frequent and deep, giving their attacking unit plenty of opportunity to convert.

Brock Leonard had a standout performance for the home side, collecting a game-high 37 disposals and posting elite pressure numbers.

A forward-line switch for Denver Grainger-Barras proved effective, with the tall utility booting five goals.

For the Lakers, Angus Gove continued to lead from the front.

He topped the round for intercept possessions with 16 and gathered 33 disposals in a tireless display.

Jaydo Wright and Joel O’Connell also battled hard, combining for nearly 40 contested possessions and trying to lift their side through the middle.

The Lakers face another tough ask next week as they meet an in-form East Point.

Meanwhile, North Ballarat—now with back-to-back wins and rising confidence—gear up for a crucial showdown with ladder leaders Darley.

STATS THAT MATTERED

Brock Leonard (North Ballarat) - 37 disposals, 12 tackles, 9 clearances

Josh Sparkman (North Ballarat) - 32 disposals, 14 intercept possessions, 7 rebound 50s

Angus Gove (Lake Wendouree) - 33 disposals, 16 intercept possessions, 15 rebound 50s

The last two meetings between East Point and Ballarat produced defining moments in the competition—but this time, any hint of another classic was snuffed out before quarter time.

The Roos exploded out of the gates with a dominant 51-point opening term, keeping Ballarat scoreless and without a single shot on goal.

While the strong breeze at Alfredton Oval played its part, East Point made it count—something Ballarat failed to replicate.

Even when the Swans had the wind in the second, they could only match East Point’s 2.2 for the term.

After a wasteful start to the third quarter, the Roos clicked again—adding five quick goals to surge even further ahead.

Ballarat struggled into the breeze once more, registering just three points for the quarter.

A handful of late goals in junk time made the scoreboard appear slightly more respectable, but the damage was long done.

East Point’s 79-point win cements their position in the top bracket—and significantly boosted their percentage.

East Point dominated possession all day, combining quantity with exceptional ball use.

While Ballarat held their own in the clearance battle, their inefficiency was ruthlessly exposed by a Roos side that used the ball far better.

Micka Rotumah-Onus was unstoppable through the middle, finishing with 36 disposals, 23 contested possessions, and 11 clearances.

Young gun Brodie Willems enjoyed a breakout performance up forward, slotting four straight goals and providing constant pressure to be named best on.

For the Swans, Wyatt Squires found himself with far too much freedom, with no clear opponent paying him close attention,

Whilst he capitalised with 28 touches and a goal, it would not play favourable to the home side.

Despite the flood of Roos entries, Ballarat’s Bailey Fraser kept battling, finishing with 29 disposals and several key intercepts.

Next up, East Point will be looking to further boost their percentage against the winless Lakers.

Ballarat, meanwhile, will be desperate for a much-needed win as they face Redan in a vital clash for the top six race.

STATS THAT MATTERED

Mickitja Rotumah-Onus (East Point) - 36 disposals, 23 contested possessions, 11 clearances

Jordan Johnston (East Point) - 27 disposals, 13 score involvements, 12 intercept possessions

Bailey Fraser (Ballarat) - 29 disposals, 13 rebound 50s, 7 intercept possessions

It was a battle of composure in the conditions at MacPherson Park, as Melton and Bacchus Marsh faced off in blowy conditions.

Ultimately, it was the home side who handled the breeze better to claim a 31-point win.

Both sides made the most of the wind advantage early, with Melton controlling the opening stages before Cody Salmon found space to kick the Cobras’ first.

Bacchus Marsh then wrestled back momentum in the second, with Jake Owen and Josh Huxtable converting crucial chances to close the gap to just six points at the main break.

Huxtable’s third early in the third term looked like it might spark a Cobra surge, but from there, it was all Melton.

The Bloods piled on 11 scoring shots to none for the rest of the quarter, converting five and regaining full control of the match.

Needing a huge final term to stay in touch, Bacchus Marsh couldn’t find the breakthrough, with Melton locking the game down and securing a solid win.

Possession was shared relatively evenly, with Melton dominating in contested ball, while the Cobras edged the uncontested stats.

But it was Melton’s ability to drive the ball inside 50 and make the most of their opportunities that proved decisive.

Braedan Kight returned to form in front of goal, kicking four majors and finishing with 11 score involvements to earn best-on-ground honours.

Jaycob Hickey continued his strong form with 34 disposals and excellent work around the loose ball.

For the Cobras, Luke Goetz was again outstanding in the ruck with a round-high 69 hit outs.

Jake McCreery applied relentless pressure and made the most of Goetz’s dominance, collecting 11 clearances.

With North Ballarat breathing down their necks, Bacchus Marsh now prepare for a crucial clash against Sebastopol.

Melton, meanwhile, will turn their focus to the red-hot Sunbury in what sets to shake-up the top three on the ladder.

STATS THAT MATTERED

Luke Goetz (Bacchus Marsh) - 69 hitouts, 18 disposals, 12 contested possessions

Blake Souter (Melton) - 28 disposals, 14 contested possessions, 9 tackles

Jaycob Hickey (Melton) - 34 disposals, 24 contested possessions, 9 clearances

Less than 20 seconds after the opening bounce, it looked like Redan were in for a long afternoon at Darley Park.

Ball up. Impey to Bewley. Loose ball. Bewley gathers. Fends off. Launches from outside 50. All clear. Inhumane.

Darley’s dominance was clear in the first half. While Redan shook off a shaky start and found plenty of the ball in the second quarter, five behinds had them ruing missed opportunities – especially when they surged again in the third.

The Lions made a real push, bringing the margin back to just 15 points at the final break.

But accuracy in front of goal again let them down, with four missed chances in the last quarter stalling their momentum.

Darley stayed composed under pressure and sealed a 24-point win.

Clearances were evenly split across the day, but it was Darley’s ability to find space and control the uncontested ball that made the difference.

While he wasn’t named among the best, Brett Bewley was again monumental – finishing with 47 disposals and a round-high 25 contested possessions.

It was Nick Hind who claimed best-on-ground honours, delivering inside 50 with precision and slotting two goals of his own.

For the visitors, Rory Gunsser continued his stellar form across half back, earning best afield rights for Redan.

Lachie George and Brody Pope worked tirelessly through the middle and up forward, combining for over 60 disposals.

Darley now turn their focus to North Ballarat in Round 8 – a win there will likely see the Devils remain on top of the ladder.

For Redan, a matchup with Ballarat offers the chance to shake up the top six once more.

STATS THAT MATTERED

Brett Bewley (Darley) - 47 disposals, 25 contested possessions, 12 clearances

Nick Hind (Darley) - 36 disposals, 10 inside 50s, 10 score involvements

Lachlan George (Redan) - 30 disposals, 16 contested possessions, 7 score involvements

Despite Sebastopol managing to counter Sunbury’s trend of fast starts, they couldn’t make the most of their time with the breeze, ultimately falling short against the in-form Lions.

The Burra took a deserved 14-point lead into quarter time, but a dominant 41–0 second term from the Lions quickly flipped the game on its head, handing the hosts a commanding lead at the main break.

Both sides traded inaccurate third quarters, with 3.6 apiece, but it was Sunbury who again controlled territory in the final term, limiting Sebastopol’s opportunities and running out 55-point winners.

While the conditions certainly played a role, the Burra’s missed chances in front of goal proved costly. Improved efficiency could have made the final margin far more respectable.

There were still positives for the visitors. Jack Bambury was everywhere – collecting 35 disposals, helping repel attacks from half back, and contributing to six score involvements.

Toby Hutt earned best-on honours for Sebastopol, impressing during his time in the ruck and driving the ball forward to generate inside 50s.

For the Lions, Josh Guthrie continues to build an impressive season.

He finished with 31 disposals and was clinical in front of goal, going 2 from 2. Harry Power was also key, with clean hands and smart ball use through traffic helping Sunbury maintain their fast-paced game style.

The win not only extends Sunbury’s hot run but also gives their percentage another healthy boost – a handy buffer ahead of three straight games against top-six opposition.

Sebastopol will look to reset quickly as they prepare for another road trip to face Bacchus Marsh.

STATS THAT MATTERED

Jack Bambury (Sebastopol) - 35 disposals, 12 contested possessions, 10 rebound 50s

Jake Egan (Sunbury) - 29 disposals, 14 contested possessions, 11 score involvements

Joshua Guthrie (Sunbury) - 31 disposals, 18 contested possessions, 6 clearances