BFNL Review - Round 17, 2025
Scoop Reviews Round 17
A remarkable weekend of football set up a grand stand finish to the 2025 home and away season as the twists and turns continued across the league.

North Ballarat
def. by

Sebastopol
Veteran playing coach Tony Lockyer gave BFNL footy goers a timely reminder his best is as good as any, with an inspirational final term to help keep the Burras’ season alive with an 18-point win over the Roosters.
The Burra were eye-balling their season mortality, trailing by a goal at three quarter time before Lockyer led from the front to hijack the show, proving pivotal in the visitors’ five-goal-to-one final term to set up a do-or-die clash with Bacchus Marsh at Marty Busch Reserve on Saturday.
The scenario now facing the Burra is simple, win and you’re in, lose and it's curtains.
The match was best described as an arm wrestle for the opening three quarters, the ongoing struggle for momentum palpable.
Both sides would concede any separation on the scoreboard was let down by their inaccuracies on goal.
At halftime, the two had combined for a 'hard watch' 3 goals, 16 behinds as the Burra held a narrow four-point advantage 2.7 to 1.9 - extraordinary!
There was no place for the feint hearted amid the tough Wintery conditions at Mars Stadium and it was no surprise to see the bigger, more experienced bodies of the Burra proving the difference.
Lockyer, Toby Hutt, Luke Kiel - off a freshen up, Ash Munari and Jack McNabb earned the nod from the Burras’ hierarchy as the most valuable contributors while Adam Forbes' two goals were priceless in a low scoring game.
For Clint Proctor's Roosters, another almost result, their fifth loss of 21 points or less of the season, not including the draw recorded against the Swans back in Round 1.
Josh Morris, Isaac Carey and Will Quinlan continued their consistent form alongside Declyn McGuigan who finished the Roosters only multiple contributor on the goal front with two.
Former AFL Collingwood and Hawthorn utility Tom Phillips did his best to aid the Roosters cause, but it was to no avail, as the Burra proved they wanted it more.
The Roosters now face the unenviable task of the Devils at Darley Park, unbeaten since the season opener.
It's a win and you're in scenario for the fifth placed Roosters but in the event of loss would need Redan to beat Ballarat to avoid missing out on finals.
Big weekend ahead!
STATS THAT MATTERED
Toby Hutt (Sebastopol) - 29 disposals, 27 hit outs, 17 contested possessions
Joshua Sparkman (North Ballarat) - 28 disposals, 10 tackles, 7 rebound 50s
Jack Bambury (Sebastopol) - 30 disposals, 9 clearances, 8 tackles
COACHES’ VERDICT
Clint Proctor (North Ballarat)
"Tough game, full credit to Sebastopol, they certainly took their moments and finished the work when they needed to. Tony (Lockyer) was clutch and (Lachie) Cassidy as well inside were major factors. We had our chances to take the game but unfortunately, we didn't capitalise when they presented. Another chance next week - we control our own destiny from here."
Tony Lockyer (Sebastopol)
"Fantastic contest with North Ballarat. Both sides cracking in early and unable to break each other. (We) felt we had some good looks early but didn't convert. North put some heat on us in the third quarter and into the last and had us on the ropes. Was so pleased our boys dug deep and responded to the challenge to come away with the result. Like us, North have come a long way this year - Proc has done an excellent job and has a great young group heading in the right direction. We are really looking forward to keeping our momentum going against Bacchus Marsh this week."

Melton
drew

Ballarat
A thrilling draw witnessed at MacPherson Park has opened the door for yet another scenario to play out next week when the Bloods and the Swans are made to earn either a third-place qualification or in Ballarat's case a potential berth in the finals action beginning August 30th.
It's rare that a draw results on the back of one team kicking two more goals from ten less scoring shots but that's how the scenario unfolded as the more accurate Swans earned more bang for buck from their opportunities.
The Bloods led at every change by 11, 3 and 11 points before a four-goal-to-two final term from the Swans proved enough to give them a pulse to progress next week when they host Redan.
Despite the Swans current eighth placing on the BFNL table the equation to make finals is the same as three other teams (North Ballarat, Bacchus Marsh, Sebastopol) split by just two points on the BFNL ladder.
Given Bacchus Marsh (sixth) play Sebastopol (seventh), the winner will play finals. The Swans must beat Redan (ninth) and rely on Darley (first) to beat North Ballarat (fifth). Unfortunately, four doesn't go into two so buckle up for a very exciting climax to the home and away season.
If that wasn't enough to stomach, Melton (fourth) did enough with the draw to earn a showdown with the Lions at Sunbury for a crucial third place finish which has been considered the preferred position of any over recent years given the nature of the final six model.
Both sides need to be commended for their effort to split the points and keep their respective camps on track for their August/September finals mission.
The Bloods were forced to do it the hard way from the outset - Jordy Kight, Max Scoble, Ryan Davis, Jordy Cotter, Lachlan Phillips, Jaycob Hickey, Ryan Carter, Craig Searle, James Taylor and Chase Scoble made up 10 notable absentees from the line-up that surely casts doubt over their back-to-back premiership chances.
However, with absence in footy, comes opportunity and coach Troy Scoble was able to get a look at potential depth stocks who can make a claim aiding a title defence.
Joshua Stewart put his hand up to be named best for the Bloods alongside Oscar Greenshields and Brodie Sullivan (three goals) which was a real positive.
While it took the top end talent of Swans quintet Zak Rinaldi (four goals), Lewis Rinaldi, Tristan Maple, Fraser Perkins and interleague rep Luke Gray to square the ledger.
All led beyond their years keeping the finals door slightly ajar while Riley Constable was recognised as best of all the Swans playing his role in defence restricting the Bloods to less than 10 goals.
With third place on the line, catch Sunbury vs Melton next week on the BFNL’s Match of the Round - streamed with LIVE commentary from 2pm via the BFNL Match Centre.
Don't miss it!
STATS THAT MATTERED
Lachlan Watkins (Melton) - 45 disposals, 13 marks, 10 intercept possessions
Tristan Maple (Ballarat) - 37 disposals, 9 marks, 9 intercept possessions
Jack Walker (Melton) - 34 disposals, 10 marks, 10 clearances
COACHES’ VERDICT
Troy Scoble (Melton)
"What a year, proud of the group in the back half of the year and again today. Couple of guys getting a look at this level. We just keep grinding and hopefully at some point our luck turns. Ballarat's transition was outstanding and just kept asking the question. We did enough to generate a winning score but failed to convert and Ballarat did. Simple. Not losing is the positive and we now convert a top four start in the final’s series. Our build for week of the finals continues. We can't wait!"
Ash Baker (Ballarat)
"Hard fought contest all day down at Melton. We were able to stay in the contest, making the most of our opportunities forward. I was proud of our efforts in and around the contest against a very well drilled side."

East Point
def. by

Darley
Dan Jordan's Devils made it 16 wins in a row with a dour 12-point win on the road over an undermanned Kangas outfit at Eastern Oval.
While the match up for many was considered a flip of the coin game given the Kangas’ impeccable winning record at home, spanning 15 games, the 'outs' come the opening bounce had Joe Carmody’s group on the drift, bordering bona fide outsiders.
Matty and Jordy Johnston, Bryce McDougall, Jack Jeffrey, Joel Van Meel, Joe Dodd, Alex Molan, Brodie Willems and Patrick Hannaford all missed, giving every indication it was the Devils to lose and a free throw at the stumps for the 'banged up' Kangas who wish it were purely a 'resting' scenario than the reality of injury to key players.
The hosts showed plenty of dash to lead the contest narrowly at halftime before the Devils asserted their authority after the main break to instil a degree of inevitability about the result.
While the margin was just 12 points in the end it looked a fair way out post the halftime break, the Devils would do enough to hang on, despite the resistance.
In trying conditions Devils’ elusive forward Will Johnston finished with a game high four goals at one end while Jacob Brown booted 2.4 at the other and was able to impact when Devils’ utility Billy Myers was moved into the ruck in the third term.
Kangas pair Jackson Merrett and Mickitja Rotumah-Onus thrived in the conditions to be arguably the leading possession winners on the ground while the Devils had a more even spread of contribution despite of finer conditions moving forward.
Myers and Johnson were named best for the winners ahead of Harley Inglis and Darcy Matricardi.
Carmody used the occasion to experiment and have a look at a few 'potentials' ahead of finals set to begin on August 30.
Debutant Luca Geue made a case for his spot moving forward having impressed in his first hit out while former tennis ace Jarred Joyce made a lasting impression in just his fifth game at senior level for the season.
While the Devils will claim their second minor premiership under Jordan in the last three seasons, Carmody's Kangas certainly lost no admirers.
STATS THAT MATTERED
Jackson Merrett (East Point) - 42 disposals, 16 rebound 50s, 14 marks
Brett Bewley (Darley) - 27 disposals, 14 contested possessions, 9 tackles
Billy Myers (Darley) - 20 disposals, 11 contested possessions, 9 rebound 50s
COACHES’ VERDICT
Joe Carmody (East Point)
"Really good contest all day, Darley's third quarter pressure was excellent and put a gap on the scoreboard. Our boys stuck at the task all day and were super with their effort."
Dan Jordan (Darley)
"Grinding, hard fought win over East Point, never easy to win there. Full credit to both sides sticking the task in trying conditions. We're under no illusions, East Point were undermanned for the match up and made us work extremely hard to earn the points. No doubt, we're looking forward to the rematch with Joe and his full crew in a couple of weeks but first up, we need to focus on North Ballarat who have a bit to play for as we embrace our last opportunity to fine tune ahead of finals."

Redan
def.

Lake Wendouree
The Lions gave interim coach Steve Kane his first win in charge from his three outings with a comprehensive 89-point pin over Lake Wendouree.
The hosts finished with a massive 43 shots on goal for the afternoon on their way to a fourth win of the season, just one shot shy of Darley's 2025 return of 44 against the inevitable wooden spooners.
Only inaccuracy in front of goal for Redan spared Rohan Brown's group of a sixth season loss of 100 points or more.
The Lakers had zero luck on the selection front heading in losing key big man Jaydo Wright for the clash, exposing the inexperienced depth stocks even further.
Bond pair Taj (six goals) and Lachie (five goals) were an afternoon long headache for the visitors combining for 11 of the Lions’ 18 goals.
Rudie Forde took full advantage in the absence of Lakers’ ruck duo Tom Zampatti and Wright to feature prominently in the best players ahead of a host of the Pride including Zak Mortlock, Bailey Carroll, Oliver Pittard and the Bond brothers.
While it was clearly another afternoon struggle for the winless Lakers, you couldn't fault the output and effort of at least a handful of Brown's boys who maintained the resistance to a degree restricting the Lions to just six second half goals after they led by as much as 66 points at the main break.
Will Clark, Logan Clark, Kynan Raven, Bailey Ryan, Angus Gove and Kyle Anderson were identified as the key soldiers albeit in loss for the Lakers, who will, barring a miracle, will end the 18 game home and away season without win.
The Lakers host East Point in their last hit out of the season on Saturday.
Redan will look to go out on a high with two big wins which would in fact deny Ballarat a finals spot in the process.
STATS THAT MATTERED
Lachlan Bond (Redan) - 22 disposals, 15 score involvements, 9 marks
Taj Bond (Redan) - 30 disposals, 16 disposals, 15 score involvements
Will Clark (Lake Wendouree) - 30 disposals, 8 marks, 8 tackles
COACHES’ VERDICT
Rohan Brown (Lake Wendouree)
"We continue to show up and create a contest. Losing Jaydo (Wright) during the week doesn't help things but the way my boys crack in and try, I’m so proud of them. We know it will turn, and we will be rewarded at some stage - we just have to stick at it. Turning the footy over in bad areas really hurts us on the scoreboard."
Steve Kane (Redan)
"Really pleasing to get the win, (I) feel for Rohan and his team, they just keep losing their best players, but our guys stuck to the task. The pleasing thing was just sticking to our plan and the way we wanted to play. The win will give our boys good confidence going into next week and finish off the year well."

Bacchus Marsh
def. by

Sunbury
Sunbury held off a gallant Bacchus Marsh to set up a mouth-watering last round battle for an all-important third place finish against Melton at Clarke Oval.
The travelling Lions, fresh off the back of some half dozen soldiers rested in Round 16, did enough to outlast a plucky Cobras outfit that refused to throw in the towel after trailing early.
A 13-point lead to the Lions at quarter time was narrowed to just two at the main break, paving the way for an entertaining conclusion.
It wasn't the first time this season the Lions had won the start with conviction against the Cobras having led them by 40 at quarter time in Round 9.
A seesawing third term witnessed a number of lead changes as both sides fought tooth and nail for any advantage.
On the back of opportunity alone the Cobras had worked their way into a winning position, leading by one point at the final change.
Unfortunately for Armfield, his band of Cobras were unable to sustain what was required in the final stanza to walk away with the points as a persistent Sunbury raised the bar again with a five goals to two finish to justify the reward of four valuable premiership points.
Tony Lockett Medal leader and mobile forward Jake Sutton proved a handful again finishing with a game high four goals, near representing the difference on the scoreboard in the end.
For the record it was Sutton's eighth haul this season of four goals or more, a true model of consistency given he is yet to be held to under two goals in any of his 16 games this year.
Fraser Ampulski, Tyson Lever, Jake Egan, Brock Landt (three goals) and Ben Cameron joined Sutton to be recognised amongst the best.
For the Cobras, all six named in their best players have been impactful over the last month. Josh Huxtable, Harry Scardamaglia, Ashton Craig (two goals), Jake McCreery, Cody Gates and Jack Kovacevic continue to cover the ground with purpose and impact heading into a marathon 18th round conclusion of the home and away season.
It was the Cobras second failed attempt in as many outings to consolidate a finals position of their own but fortunately for Dennis Armfield's promising young group, a third and final chance presents in the form of Sebastopol on the road to seal their fate.
Equation simple for Cobras - win and you're in!
STATS THAT MATTERED
Jake Egan (Sunbury) - 30 disposals, 16 contested possessions, 8 tackles
Tyson Lever (Sunbury) - 21 disposals, 13 intercept possessions, 8 marks
Josh Huxtable (Bacchus Marsh) - 27 disposals, 15 contested possessions, 6 clearances
COACHES’ VERDICT
Dennis Armfield (Bacchus Marsh)
"A cracking game of football against a well organised Sunbury. We were forced to change something early to wrestle back momentum and 12 minutes into the last quarter we were still in a winning position. Unfortunately, a few costly mistakes led to goals and Sunbury took their chances. Looking forward to next week up at Sebastopol to play for the final spot in finals against a team that Tony (Lockyer) has up and about. Exciting for the comp, our club and our young group."
Matt White (Sunbury)
"Hard fought win against quality oppo. Jumped out near a 30-point lead in the second term only to let Bacchus Marsh in with some great play of their own. Arm wrestle through the third (quarter), really could've gone either way but to able to settle and runaway to another win (the hard way) was great to see."