BFNL Review - Round 10, 2025

A depleted North Ballarat outfit found themselves overwhelmed by a near full-strength East Point on Saturday, with the Roos storming to a 78-point victory in a dominant display at home.

The Roosters entered the clash without key players Brock Leonard and Cam McCallum, while East Point had a late change with Micka Rotumah-Onus ruled out following an incomplete warm-up. But that didn't slow the Roos, who bolted out of the gates to take a 27-point lead at quarter time.

From there, the home side never looked back. East Point’s pressure and efficiency only improved as the game wore on, restricting North Ballarat to just 3.7 for the remainer of the match, while piling on scoreboard pressure of their own with 17.16 (118).

The four points were crucial for the Roos, lifting them back into third place on the ladder, and the percentage boost could prove decisive in the race for finals positioning later in the season.

While conversion has been a concern in past weeks, East Point looked far more composed in front of goal. Though seven rushed behinds slightly skewed the scoreboard at first glance, the signs were promising across the ground.

Jackson Merrett led from the front with a season-high 46 disposals, while Bryson McDougall and Jacob Brown were dangerous up forward, both finishing with four goals apiece.

For North Ballarat, it was a tough day at the office. Denver Grainger-Barras was a standout in defence, and Riley Polkinghorne toiled hard through the middle with 30 disposals and 10 inside 50s.

The loss sees North Ballarat slip out of the top six, adding pressure to their upcoming clash with Ballarat. A win could see them bounce back into the top five.

With finals hopes hanging in the balance for both sides, Sebastopol stood up in a must-win clash at Alfredton Recreation Reserve, producing a composed and consistent four-quarter performance to claim a 36-point win over Ballarat.

The Burra were in control for most of the day, winning three of the four quarters and taking full advantage of their scoring opportunities after a slightly wasteful opening term. Despite kicking 2.5 in the first, they still took an 11-point lead into the break – a margin they extended with a sharp 4.2 second term, highlighted by Cooper Littlehayes, who took his goal tally to three before half-time.

Ballarat responded after the main break, outscoring the visitors in the third quarter. But conversion remained an issue, and the Swans went into the final change still 24 points down. Any momentum was quickly snuffed out, as Sebastopol’s backline held strong, keeping the Swans goalless in the final term to ice their third win of the season and keep their finals hopes well and truly alive.

Adam Forbes was named best afield for the Burra, putting together an influential game with 14 contested possessions and two goals. Jack Bambury was prolific through the midfield with 31 disposals, including 16 contested.

For the home side, Fraser Perkins battled hard with 25 disposals and eight tackles, while Wyatt Squires continued his consistent season, notching 24 touches and seven tackles.

With finals places up for grabs, Ballarat now faces a crucial clash with North Ballarat, while Sebastopol’s next test comes against third-placed East Point – a golden opportunity to climb closer to the six.

With the top four as tight as it is, wins alone won’t cut it in this latter half of the season – and the Bloods knew that when they racked up a 96-point win over Lake Wendouree at home.

The reigning premiers were ruthless from start to finish, extending their lead at every break and putting on a final term blitz with 7.3 to 0.0, ending the day with a dominant 45-6 last quarter.

While the Lakers managed to hold their own in some midfield stats – winning the hit outs by 24 and trailing clearances by just five – it was efficiency that told the tale. Melton doubled Lake Wendouree’s forward entry and scoring efficiency, making the most of their opportunities with a sharp 19.11 return.

Braeden Kight added four majors to his tally, climbing the Tony Lockett Medal leaderboard, but it was Ryan Davis who stood out. Davis amassed 23 disposals, including 16 contested possessions, earning best-on-ground honours.

For Lake Wendouree, Will Clark impressed with 34 disposals, 12 clearances, and 17 contested possessions, showing grit in a tough outing. Tim Collins also found some reward with two of the team’s four goals.

The win sets up an epic clash for Melton against ladder leaders Darley this week. Meanwhile, the Lakers will look to regroup and prepare for a chance to stir up the finals race for opposition, as they take on Bacchus Marsh.

In their first meeting this season, it was Bacchus Marsh’s explosive opening quarter that caught Redan off guard. This time around, it was the Lions who came out quick —but their momentum was short-lived.

Redan’s Lachlan McLean opened his account with two early majors, and a late goal from Khy Jess saw the visitors take a 9-point lead into the first break. But from there, it was a frustrating day in front of goal for the Lions, who returned 1.4 in each of the remaining three quarters—finishing with a wasteful 3.12 (30).

Despite having two more inside 50s and an even share of possession, Redan’s 33% goal accuracy proved costly. Bacchus Marsh, on the other hand, made the most of their opportunities, registering 9.8 (62) to run out 23-point winners.

The result not only handed the Cobras a much needed win, but also lifted them back into the top six.

Brody Pope was again prolific for Redan, collecting 30 disposals (17 contested) and providing plenty of drive through the midfield. But it was Lachlan Bond who earned best-on-ground honours for the Lions, kicking three of their side’s goals.

For Bacchus Marsh, Tyson Shea had one of his best performances of the season with 25 disposals at over 75% efficiency, while Jake Owen continued his strong form up forward, finishing with four goals.

With momentum back on their side, Bacchus Marsh now turn their attention to Lake Wendouree—a crucial clash that offers a real chance to build percentage and cement their finals credentials. For Redan, the finals picture is fading fast, but a home clash with Sunbury offers one last opportunity to keep the door ajar.

Last time they met, it was a dominant second-half surge that gave Darley the edge. In their Round 10 rematch, it was another trademark finish from the Devils that proved decisive – this time with a fourth-quarter masterclass to snatch an eight-point win on the road.

It was a defensive battle early at Clarke Oval, with Darley grinding out a ten-point lead at the main break. The third term, however, belonged to Sunbury. Roaring back into the contest, the Lions piled on 7.2 to Darley’s three behinds, with Daniel Johnston and Jake Sutton (who finished with five goals) leading the charge.

Yet in the back of every coach’s mind this season is a truth hard to ignore: Dan Jordan’s Devils finish better than anyone.

Facing a 31-point deficit at three-quarter time, Darley turned the game on its head with a relentless final term, slamming home 7.4 to just 1.1 from the hosts. Despite Sutton’s fifth goal late in the quarter, time wasn’t on Sunbury’s side, as the Devils stormed home to a gritty, come-from-behind victory.

The loss was compounded by a serious ankle injury to Josh Guthrie in the third term – a key blow to Sunbury’s midfield structure.

While both sides found plenty of the football, Darley’s ability to create inside 50s when it counted most was the difference.

Best on Ground honours went to Jake Sutton for his five-goal haul and tireless forward pressure. For the victors, Luther Baker stood tall, delivering a commanding midfield performance capped off with a goal to be named the Devil’s best.

The result sees Sunbury slip to fourth on the ladder, sitting four points behind East Point but still boasting the second-best percentage among the top four. Darley remain atop the table, with a third consecutive heavyweight clash looming – this time against rival Melton.