BFNL Football Review - Round 5, 2026

The Roosters overcame an early scare to put away a brave undermanned Bloods outfit at Mars Stadium.

The 77-point margin was compelling for Clint Proctor’s men, who are arguably the most inform team of the competition.

While the Bloods would be disappointed with the result, the mounting personnel on the sidelines has reached its tipping point.

But nobody told that to the Bloods early as they raced away to lead by 24 points at the first change, continuing their underdog approach into a third week after two-character building wins over last year’s grand finalists.

After quarter time it was virtually one way traffic as the Roosters piled on an inaccurate albeit convincing 15.23 to 1.6, 38 scoring shots to seven consolidated their claim as one of the heavyweights in the competition.

Progressive half forward Declyn McGuigan finished with a game high four goals ahead of nine other Roosters to hit the scoreboard.

Denver Grainger-Barras booted two in his last game ahead of an overseas trip. Good news for Roosters fans, he will be back for finals.

Jye Lockett impressed with three goals and will shoulder the ‘key forward’ role moving forward. Don’t be surprised if swingman Sam Glover finds his way forward in the absence of DGB.

Reggie Palmer was named best for the winners ahead of a number of possibles that could easily have ended the afternoon with their name in ink alongside the speedster.

The Roosters hierarchy settled on big-bodied quartet Josh Morris, Jarrod Curran, Jye Lockett and impressive newcomer and ruck option Seb Collins from Sandhurst. While it’s expected that big man Dave Brinker-Ritchie will debut as early as this week, their ruck stocks are sound with Collins having shown enough to be included as their bona fide number two.

For the Bloods, it was a struggle after quarter time despite the efforts of Harry Hanley, Chase Scoble, Jaykob Hickey and familiar back three Lachlan Phillips, Jordy Cotter and Adrian Monitto.

Bloods’ 201 gamer Braedan Kight gave the Bloods something to smile about early with his three goals.

While the Bloods embrace for more injury concerns in Brody Sullivan (soft tissue), Austin Thorneycroft (cork) and Alex Robinson (ankle) surely a handful of the missing are nearing a long-awaited return.

Ryan Davis, Lachie Watkins, Lachlan and Riley Walker, Ryan Carter, Oscar Greenshields and Josh Stewart did not play.

North Ballarat coach Clint Proctor will be rapt with the win ahead of their trip to City Oval against Redan and following week off.

Expect the Roosters to remain on top of the BFNL table into the break before two blockbusters against Sebastopol (A) and Darley at home.

Proctor will be all over the situation taking week by week in his stride.

Fingers crossed a suspected leg injury to fearless mid Brock Leonard id not as bad as first thought.

For Troy Scoble’s Bloods, another race against the fitness clock is on the cards ahead of an important home meeting Ballarat (4-1).

Despite the Bloods positive 3-2 win/loss ledger, the May 23^rd bye can’t come quick enough.

STATS THAT MATTERED

Adrian Monitto (Melton) - 40 disposals, 11 rebound 50s, 10 marks

Seb Collins (North Ballarat) - 56 hit outs, 15 score involvements, 12 tackles

Elliot Lamb (North Ballarat) - 23 disposals, 8 score involvements, 8 tackles

COACHES’ VERDICT

Clint Proctor (North Ballarat)
“Melton came to play early and showed why they are such an impressive team - taking territory and field position. Very pleased with the maturity of the group to deal with such a difficult first quarter and work their way back into the game and eventually take back the control of the contest.”

Troy Scoble (Melton)
“Planned well and executed in first quarter. North showed great maturity to get the game back on their terms and we just could not wrestle back momentum or capitalize on any opportunities. Fought the game out well but outplayed.”

The Swans made it three wins in a row by 50+ points, downing East Point at Alfredton Oval.

Despite missing key tall Biggie Nyuon (general soreness) the Swans delivered their first, four quarter win of the season.

Credit to the winless Kangas, staying within touch at the breaks, trailing by seven, nine and 13 points before the dam wall broke and the Swans kicked seven goals to one in the final term.

The Kangas’ slim chances were dealt a crucial blow losing Jacob Brown (four goals) in the third term with a recurring hamstring issue.

Inside mid Mickijta Rotumah-Onus (groin), forward Jarrod Joyce (knee) and utility Geordie Slater (knee) did not play, raising the degrees of difficulty heading in for Joe Carmody’s camp.

But that didn’t stop the Kangas from digging and making it a contest for three quarters.

Experienced trio Jackson Merrett, Joe Dodd and Liam Canny flew the flag for the rebuilding Kangas and proved a solid workout for the Swans ahead of their road trip to Melton.

Ballarat’s recent hattrick of wins have come against the bottom three sides who have just one win between them after five rounds.

That won’t bother Swans coach Ash Baker at all but the realities of what lies ahead cannot be ignored.

Riley Constable and Fraser Perkins were named best for the winners ahead of Tristan Maple, Patrick Graham (three goals), Brad Crouch and Zak Rinaldi.

The next five games are huge for the Swans, Melton (A), Bacchus Marsh (H), Sunbury (H), Darley (A) and North Ballarat (A).

It’s then we will know just where the Swans sit in the pecking order and the potential reach of their ceiling at the halfway mark.

Should be an enthralling period for the Swans, while the Kangas continue to build getting games into their next gen talent.

Unfortunately for Carmody’s group they will be without x-factor forward Jarrod Joyce (eight weeks) and Geordie Slater (five weeks).

The severity of Brown’s hamstring is “not a bad one” according to Carmody while a return for Mickitja Rotumah-Onus after just one week on the sidelines is unlikely.

STATS THAT MATTERED

Tristan Maple (Ballarat) - 40 disposals, 9 marks, 8 tackles

Patrick Graham (Ballarat) - 58 hitouts, 17 disposals, 9 intercept possessions

Jackson Merrett (East Point) - 39 disposals, 8 marks, 7 inside 50s

COACHES’ VERDICT

Ash Baker (Ballarat)
“Well done to Joey and his boys at East. They have plenty of young talent on display that given time, will develop well. Their youth came with plenty of pressure and enthusiasm today and we couldn’t manage to make the most of our opportunities early. Our boys however, stuck to their guns, trusted our processes and were eventually able to grind out a good solid victory.”

Joe Carmody (East Point)
“Well done to Bakes and Ballarat. Too polished for us today. Good effort by our players to still be in the game until late in the 3rd quarter. Unfortunately, another four injuries to add to an already large list. A positive is that it will provide opportunities for more youngsters to be exposed to Senior footy.

The Devils returned home booting 26 unanswered goals from the 11-minute mark of the first quarter to the sixth minute of the last, trouncing the Lakers by 165 points.

Experienced recruit Lachie George cashed in to finish with a game high nine goals for the Devils ahead of Will Johnson (seven), Brett Bewley (five) and Andy Azzopardi (fourth) in his 100th senior game.

The Lakers gave the Devils a wakeup call early booting three of the opening four goals before Jordan’s army, off the back of a loss, hit their straps and extended enroute to the highest score posted of any team in the BFNL this season.

Joel Cadman (100 games) thrived in his new role as a starting mid to be named best on ground for the winners ahead of a host of contributors including George, Mickey Edwards, Brett Bewley, Will Johnson and Andy Azzopardi.

Despite encouraging signs early, it was slim pickings for the Lakers who were forced to go about their unenviable task without key midfield recruit Will Fordham in the second half.

Shining-light ruckman Tom Zampatti was named best for the visitors for a fifth time in as many games this season.

Noah Shearer, Will Clark, Geelong VFL listed recruit Lewis Antonac (two goals), Cooper James and Timmy Collins also earned the nod from the Lakers’ hierarchy on an otherwise long afternoon for Rohan Brown’s group.

Three debutants - Kai Watkins, Nic Cadman and Liam Steegstra, complemented the win for the Devils in front of home fans replacing Billy Myers, Jayven Tanner and Jack Bewley who were sidelined from the Round 4 loss to Melton.

Next week, the Devils (third) travel to Marty Busch Reserve to take on Sebastopol (second) in one of the match ups of the round while the Lakers (10th) host East Point (9th) before a well-earned weekend off for the BFNL interleague.

STATS THAT MATTERED

Brett Bewley (Darley) - 47 disposals, 31 contested posessions, 15 score involvements

Joel Cadman (Darley) - 39 disposals, 17 score involvements, 9 inside 50s

Lewis Antonac (Lake Wendouree) - 26 disposals, 8 tackles, 7 inside 50s

COACHES’ VERDICT

Dan Jordan (Darley)
“The Lakers gave us a bit of a wake up early before we were able to steady. We had control of the game through the middle part of the game and savoured our milestone games. Congratulations to Joel Cadman and Andy Azzopardi (100 games each) and our three debutants Nick Cadman, Kai Watkins and Liam Steegstra who managed to hit the scoreboard. Credit to the Lakers, losing a few soldiers in the run but kept fighting in the last quarter. Looking ahead to Sebastopol - should be a real test for us.”

Rohan Brown (Lake Wendouree)
“First 20 minutes our boys were outstanding. Actually, on top of the game. We just give the ball back through error it makes it so hard to defend and a side as clinical as Darley are make you pay every time they enter F50. As always their ability to get to outside and link in transition was just too good! We were never worried about the result on the scoreboard more our effort and will to fight the game out and we made steps forward in this area, very proud of my boys tonight. No rotations in the 2nd half, Fordham, Raven & Jarnestrom all out. Middle quarters we weren't happy with but last quarter we felt like had a few little wins in the last which gives us confidence moving forward. One of these days the footy gods will be smiling on us with the way the ball bounces, injuries and decisions.”

The Cobras returned to the winners list with conviction, taking care of Redan by 65 points on a sun-kissed Maddingley Park.

The stirring win, and first for the Cobras in front of home fans was set up with a seven-goal-to-one opening term.

Dennis Armfield’s group were the clear beneficiaries of a weekend off despite having to make up to six changes from their loss to Darley on Anzac Day.

There was a certain ‘freshness’ about the Cobras in the opening term, resemblant of their free running display over East Point on Good Friday.

The Cobras return on the scoreboard was just two points shy of their best effort against the Kangas.

Spearhead Jake Owen booted six goals for the winners and Isaac Nixon’s three proved to be a difficult match up for the Lions to contain.

While the age profile of the Lions had been well publicised with some 15 players aged 21 or under taking part, you can’t discount the Cobras in that space fielding 13 of their own.

The Cobras welcomed the return of Jamie Fulton, Jack Kovacevic, Billy Griffiths, Simon LaFranchi, Will Lalor and the debut of ferocious small forward Armi Wakefield.

The ins highlight the mounting depth at the Cobras given Rye Penny, Ashton Craig, Kade Hilton, Jaydn Trowsdale, Jude Milburn and Bailey Glascott were sidelined.

Redan were competitive for the most part but were a little shy on size and top end talent experience.

The Bond boys Taj (two goals) Lachlan (two goals) and Daniel did their best to impact while Harry Lawson and Lachlan McLean were the primary source of rebound and distribution.

A 34-point half time lead for the hosts was extended to 55 at the final change, the result inevitable.

Could the Cobras cash in late or would the Lions mount one final challenge?

Neither scenario really panned out as fatigue crept into an otherwise spirited contest.

Credit to the Cobras restricting the Lions to just one goal in the final term while managing three of their own.

The margin felt like 10 goals from a fair way out and ended accordingly.

Competition for spots at the Cobras is healthy, a full list, injury free will pose a welcoming challenge for Armfield fielding his best team ahead of a big three weeks for the club.

The Cobras cling to sixth position, a game and percentage clear of next week’s opponent Sunbury.

After the May 23rd break, the Cobras are on the road to Ballarat for a meeting with the Swans (4-1).

With the likelihood of seven sides fighting for a spot in the top six, every match is crucial.

A slip up missing out on premiership points or percentage when the opportunity presents could be the difference between making finals or not.

Redan under Marc Greig will continue to front up and go about their business, one foot in front of the other.

The Lions’ next two games are against North Ballarat (H) and Darley (A).

STATS THAT MATTERED

Luke Goetz (Bacchus Marsh) - 54 hitouts, 21 disposals, 12 score involvements

Jake Owen (Bacchus Marsh) - 26 disposals, 15 marks, 13 score involvements

Harry Lawson (Redan) - 32 disposals, 15 rebound 50s, 9 intercept possessions 

COACHES’ VERDICT

Dennis Armfield (Bacchus Marsh)
“Great way to welcome a few faces and bounce back after a week off. We knew we needed to start well and to our credit we did. Redan got it back on their terms during the middle of the game. Got through unscathed and plenty to like and hopefully can get some synergy building over the weeks ahead.”

Marc Greig (Redan)
“The Baccus lads jumped us in the first quarter and while we kicked five goals in the second quarter, we just couldn’t peg back the margin. The conditions were perfect for footy at the Marsh and their skill level was far superior to our boys. Well played. Every week is providing great learnings for our players, and hopefully we might get 3-4 experienced defenders back next week to help provide the on-field leadership that’s required at present.”

Backs-to-the-wall Sunbury have withstood the challenge from a previously unbeaten Sebastopol outfit to win by 26 points at Clarke Oval.

Sure, the Lions welcomed back four players for the clash from injury, but you couldn’t deny momentum with the visitors in the lead up given results of the last fortnight.

But some forgot about the demons still in the closet at the Burra noting they had never, not once beaten Sunbury at Clarke Oval in 22 attempts!

And that is essentially how the game began with Sunbury putting their ‘home bunnies’ on the back foot early with a four-goal-to-one opening term.

With momentum and belief restored under Lions’ coach Matty White in a potential season defining half hour period, there would be no chance of the ‘Pride’ letting this one slide after a horror fortnight of rare big losses.

The Lions won the opening three quarters building on a quarter time lead of 18 at the first change to 22 at the half.

The defence of the ‘Pride’ was resolute restricting the Burra to just four goals until three quarter time in perfect conditions for football.

In fact, it was the Burras’ second lowest score recorded since Round 10 last year.

Ironically their lowest score for the period (46) came against their next opponents Darley the last time they met.

We all concede, the Burra are a different team now, injury free and buoyed with key arrivals. Coach Tony Lockyer was clearly disappointed falling shy of Sunbury without star trio Jake Egan, Josh Guthrie and Jake Sutton.

Lions’ pressure forward Mitch McLean booted five goals in his return from a troublesome calf to finish in the best alongside in form pair Riley Miller and Harry Power.

Youngster Noah Ryan was prominent earning the nod while Daniel Johnston’s three goals and Sean Reilly’s frugal display in defence was also recognised.

While not the end of the world for the Burra, rather an opportunity gone begging, they did have a crew that took it up to the Lions - namely, Toby Hutt (two goals), Lachlan Cassidy, James Curtin, Jack Bambury, Jack Buckley and Bailey Medwell.

It was the first time in five rounds dangerous Burra forwards Joel Edwards and Adam Forbes were kept goalless.

The Burras first loss may well work in their favour given a timely reminder of their mortality ahead of the reigning premiers.

Coach Tony Lockyer has gone on the record noting his respect for the Devils so expect his boys to get back to work.

For the winners, Lions’ coach Matty White enjoyed one of his proudest wins in charge. We’ll let him savour the moment for a couple of days before another tough challenge presents on the road against Bacchus Marsh.

The two sides are currently sixth and seventh (Sunbury) on the BFNL ladder separated by percentage.

STATS THAT MATTERED

Toby Hutt (Sebastopol) - 30 hitouts, 26 disposals, 10 marks

Tyson Lever (Sunbury) - 25 disposals, 12 marks, 7 intercept possessions

Riley Miller (Sunbury) - 18 disposals, 8 intercept possessions, 5 1%ers

COACHES’ VERDICT

Matty White (Sunbury)
“Was a great result today. We got back to us, in a game that was a worry with a very inform Sebas. To have McLean included after his calf and for him to kick 5 while DJ started us with 3 as well was a brilliant effort. We got back to our DNA which is my favourite bit. Credit to Sebas who kept fighting to the end.”

Tony Lockyer (Sebastopol)
“Very disappointed with that one when we know we can deliver far better. With the quality in this league you just can’t have an off day and expect a positive outcome. Huge credit to Matty and Sunbury who came out roaring and set the tone. Really impressive response by them after what has been a challenging month. They absolutely deserved the 4 points and they’ll continue to get better! Some good learnings for us to take out of the day. We look forward to reloading vs Darley next week.”