BFNL Football Review - Round 13, 2026

The third placed Devils made it nine local derby wins in a row with a 29-point win over the Cobras (7th).

Maddingley Park played host to a monster crowd, as loyal fans flooded the perimeters with vested interest.

Next generation talent was on full display with Bacchus Matsh loaded up with as many as 13 players aged 21 or under, while Darley fielded nine of their own including 16-year-old debutant Whitiora 'Phittie' Kilmartin (one goal).

The young brigades certainly impressed on one of local footy’s biggest stages, seemingly unperturbed by the occasion.

The match was a game of two halves essentially as both sides struggled to get the game on their own terms and impact the scoreboard.

Just six goals were managed in a dour first half with both defences relatively on top.

The Devils held a slender eight-point lead on the back of greater efficiency inside 50. The Cobras would be the first to concede they were wasteful, unable to take full advantage of their superior numbers that equated to an inaccurate 2.9 on the scoreboard.

The game was craving for an injection of outside brilliance.

When Joel Freeman booted two goals for the Cobras in the third term to give the hosts the lead, questions were being asked of the Devils for a response.

Star speedster Nick Hind (four goals) and x-factor forward Will Johnson (three goals) raised the heart rates of both fans for contrasting reasons as the Devils duo looked dangerous around goal proving arguably the difference in the game on the offensive front.

Despite being under the pump for periods throughout the third term, Dan Jordan’s group remained composed and took their chances posting 6.0 for the term to the Cobras’ 5.3.

With the game on the line and just 11 points separating the two at the final change it was all about who could maintain the level for long enough.

The Devils who went into the 59th version of the local derby warm favourites held their nerve despite an inaccurate 5.7 to earn the prized premiership points and unofficial bragging rights that come with it.

Mikey Edwards provided plenty of drive off a wing for the Devils to feature prominently ahead of defensive young trio Chaz Jones, Jett Darcey and Brodie Ward.

The Cobras looked markedly better than recent weeks and were well served in particular by Zach Dalli, Sam Griffiths, Luke Goetz and Josh Huxtable.

Big games await these two next up with the Devils hosting ladder leaders Sebastopol to remain in top three calculations while the Cobras look to keep their top six chances alive with a tough trip to Sunbury.

LIVE vision and FULL commentary available from 2pm Saturday via BFNL.com.au.

STATS THAT MATTERED

Josh Huxtable (Bacchus Marsh) - 30 disposals, 11 marks, 8 intercept possessions

Nicholas Hind (Darley) - 32 disposals, 8 score involvements, 7 intercept possessions

Lachlan George (Darley) - 25 disposals, 16 contested possessions, 11 clearances

COACHES’ VERDICT

Dennis Armfield (Bacchus Marsh)
“Unfortunately missed opportunities early come back to bite us late. I felt we controlled the game early yet allowed Darley easy goals. And you can’t allow good teams momentum because they will capitalise. We now focus on Sunbury away who seem to be finding their feet too.”

Dan Jordan (Darley)
“Pleased with the way the boys fought out a grinding win. The local derbies always deliver on pressure, and I was proud of the way our leaders and relatively young group absorbed everything the Cobras threw at us. Our response in the third (quarter) in particular when challenged showed maturity and composure which was encouraging. Our focus shifts to Sebastopol next week, another challenge for our boys in a very even comp.”

Ballarat moved into second place on the BFNL table with a percentage gaining, 73-point win over the Lake Wendouree at CE Brown Reserve.

As many predicted, the Swans led all day with spearhead forward Biggie Nyuon amongst the action once again finishing with a game high five goals.

The 200cm former North Melbourne and Richmond representative has 51 goals from his 12 games this year averaging 4.25 goals per game.

The Swans running brigade did most of the damage as Fraser Perkins, Luke Gray, Brad Crouch and Paddy Simpson were named best ahead of key ruckman Patrick Graham (in best 9/13) and in-form small defender Zak Haintz.

Jake Lohmann took over the reins at the Lakers chasing a couple of mini wins against the dangerous Swans.

The two that spring to mind defining a mini win were the Lakers’ first, third quarter win of the season and their ability to usurp their season average of 44 points, finishing with 8.9-57 on the scoreboard.

It’s clutching at straws, but when you have lost your last 31 games it’s not a bad place to start on the long road back.

Alfred Jarnestrom (in best 8/13) was again the pick of the Lakers ahead of Corey Rich and Will Clark who just know how to find the footy. Bailey Ryan, Archie Todd and Kynan Raven also earned the nod of approval from the new, caretaker boss.

The Lakers head to Eastern Oval next week to face the Kangas while the Swans host Melton at Alfredton Oval.

STATS THAT MATTERED

Fraser Perkins (Ballarat) - 33 disposals, 10 clearances, 8 score involvements

Alfred Jarnestrom (Lake Wendouree) - 34 disposals, 11 intercept possessions, 9 rebound 50s

Patrick Graham (Ballarat) - 56 hitouts, 22 disposals, 12 score involvements

COACHES’ VERDICT

Jake Lohmann (Lake Wendouree)
“Kicked a score of 60 and kept Biggie to 5 (goals). Played with a re-brand of footy, a dash of dare, full of spirit - built on the back of defence and brotherhood.”

Ash Baker (Ballarat)
“Very pleased with our performance today. We were able to fend off a determined Lakers unit, to come home with the four points. Plenty of positives to take out of the game. I thought our young backline in the absence of a number of our ‘regular’ defenders was able to continue to learn and develop. Was also pleased to debut another U18 player this week. Looking forward to welcoming back some soldiers over the coming week or two.”

Visiting North Ballarat banked an all-important 10th win of their season with an inaccurate 19-point victory over East Point at Eastern Oval.

Clint Proctor’s promising Roosters led comfortably at every change and managed to keep the hosts at arm’s length despite conceding four unanswered goals in the final term.

The first quarter set the tone for a wasteful afternoon in front of goal for the Roosters, who set up the win with a 26-point advantage despite the frustrations of a 3.10 scoreline.

The margin blew out to as much as 45 points at the final change before a belated response from the hosts, that saw them within 19 at game’s end.

Elliott Lamb returned for the Roosters to be named best ahead of Oscar Stone, Sam Glover, Max Faulkner and ever consistent pair Josh Morris (in best 9/13 games) and Dominic Penny (7/13).

Unlikely goal source Liam Howard finished with a game high three goals for the Kangas to feature in the best alongside midfield trio Joe Dodd, Mickitja Rotumah-Onus and Liam Canny. Sam Lucas was named best in a new ‘freed up’ role for Joe Carmody’s crew.

North Ballarat host improvers Redan at Mars Stadium next up while East Point are at home again to take on the Lakers.

STATS THAT MATTERED

Dominic Penny (North Ballarat) - 30 dispoals, 18 contested possessions, 9 inside 50s

David Brinker-Ritchie (North Ballarat) - 48 hitouts, 22 disposals, 19 contested possessions

Joe Dodd (East Point) - 23 disposals, 10 tackles, 9 marks

COACHES’ VERDICT

Joe Carmody (East Point)
“We were flattered by the final scoreline. North smashed us early in all phases of the game. Good luck to Proc and his team as they head towards finals.”

Clint Proctor (North Ballarat)
“Never an easy game at Eastern Oval - I thought we played a great brand of footy today up until the 3rd quarter. We just needed to finish the work and no doubt the game would have been done. But credit to East they came home strong and were the better team in the last quarter.”

Redan validated their ‘league improvers’ status despite a narrow eight-

point defeat at the hands of ladder leaders Sebastopol.

Marc Greig’s group boasted some 14 players aged 21 or under had the scoreboard tied at three quarter time but were held goal less in the final term by the competitions number one fourth quarter team.

The Burra pounced early keeping their young opponents at bay with handy 12 and 13-point leads at the breaks before a surge came from Greig’s Pride in the third that saw the hosts draw level with a quarter to play.

Burra midfielders Jack Bambury, Bailey Medwell, Ben Hutt and Felix Henderson were named best for the visitors while it was the bigger bodied brigade of Lions that were recognised - namely Jacob Werts, Will Madden, Lachlan Bond and Daniel Bond. Progressive midfielders Jake Connolly (best) and Brodie Pope kept the midfield depth of the Burra honest all afternoon with their hunt and gather ethos.

The low scoring nature of the affair added kudos to the defensive efforts of both sides given eight goals was essentially enough to win the game.

The Burra will welcome back Tony Lockyer and Jack Buckley for their road clash against the Devils next week but there will be a watch on Joel Edwards who took little or no part in the second half of Saturdays win.

Redan will prepare to embrace another opportunity donning the underdogs tag when they head to Mars Stadium in Round 14 to face North Ballarat who have proven awfully hard to beat home (5-1) this season.

STATS THAT MATTERED

Jack Bambury (Sebastopol) - 35 disposals, 11 inside 50s, 10 clearances

Jake Connolly (Redan) - 26 disposals, 16 contested possessions, 10 clearances

Felix Henderson (Sebastopol) - 24 disposals, 11 marks, 7 score involvements

COACHES’ VERDICT

Marc Greig (Redan)
“Another good game of footy for our lads to be a part of. We learnt plenty again from a good organised footy team. I thought we were a bit off our game for the first quarter but after that we played our method and gave ourselves opportunities to win the game. 14 of our lads 21 or under, to experience the heat from the ladder leaders and play some good footy was very pleasing.”

Tony Lockyer (Sebastopol)
“We knew it was going to be a tough game today. Redan are a much-improved team and showed that on Saturday. They will be a serious test for all teams they play on the run home, and I expect they’ll get some key results! Credit to Greigy and co for the work they have done. It was a grind, but we did just enough to win. Didn’t make the most of our ball movement early and Redan did a great job to defend, then swing back momentum in the second and third quarters. Our players stood up when the pressure was on in last quarter and delivered. We look forward to the Darley challenge this week. Always a great contest”

The Lions kept their season alive with a morale boosting nine-point win over the Bloods at MacPherson Park.

Matty White’s Pride set up the crucial away win with a six-goal-to-two second term to earn a 25-point scoreboard advantage at the main break.

The Bloods responded with a seven-goal-to-four second half, but it wasn’t enough to pinch the game late.

‘Home’ life for the Bloods this year has been a struggle on the win/loss front after their fourth defeat in seven games.

Melton fans would be disappointed knowing they won every quarter bar the second of Saturday’s clash.

Both sides had a host of outs narrowing the attention to the ‘what haves’ and who could stand up and take some ownership on the outcome.

Intercept Lions’ defender and captain Tyson Lever was named best ahead of midfielders Josh Guthrie (four goals), Jack Newitt (three goals) and experienced bodies Myles Gollant, Ben Eales and Mitch McLean.

For the hosts, dashing trio Kyle Borg, Riley Walker and Chase Scoble proved a handful with their leg speed while Lachlan Phillips, Braedan Kight (two goals) and Jordy Cotter maintained their run of good form.

Despite the narrow margin, Bloods’ coach Troy Scoble virtually conceded the Lions were deserving of the win that sees the two now level on six wins in fifth and sixth place, a game and percentage clear of Bacchus Marsh.

The Bloods face a challenging Round 14 assignment on the road against the Swans (2nd) while Sunbury look to make it back-to-back wins for the first time this year when they host the Cobras (7th) at Clarke Oval.

STATS THAT MATTERED

Josh Guthrie (Sunbury) - 38 disposals, 12 clearances, 10 score involvements

Tyson Lever (Sunbury) - 30 disposals, 11 marks, 9 intercept possessions

Riley Walker (Melton) - 24 disposals, 14 rebound 50s, 10 intercept possessions

COACHES’ VERDICT

Troy Scoble (Melton)
“Outworked today by Sunbury through the middle section of the game. We had opportunities in the first quarter and half and did not capitalize conversion wise as well as Sunbury did. They executed their plan really well and after half time had to keep chasing the game. Sunbury had the answers today and we now sit frustrated that we planned well and could not execute for long enough. That’s six games lost by less than two goals, that in the end could define our year. It gets harder from here we know but we will regroup and go and keep fighting to the end.”

Matty White (Sunbury)
“Great to get back on the winner’s list this week. A great game of footy the had a bit of everything. Melton jumped us we got a good roll on in the second that set us up. Guys getting into form at an important time of the year. Melton didn’t give up and challenged us until the last minute so credit to them. We’ll celebrate but know we have a big task ahead this week.”