BFNL media writer 'Scoop' has crunched the numbers on the proposed 2021 season draw, revealing who are the winners and who has drawn the wrath of the footy gods. Over the next few weeks, Scoop will deliver a deep dive into the season ahead for your club.

Redan can savour a second successive #1 rated draw, while Bacchus Marsh (#2) and Darley (#3) can breathe a sigh of relief having fared well according to the formulated study.

Melton (#11) appear to have copped the wrath of the footy gods with five 'away' highway trips to Ballarat, not to mention double-up meetings with four finalists from 2019, including Grand Final duo East Point and Sebastopol.

While Melton South's (#6) Ballarat travel diary mirrors the Bloods, the draw around that looks far more favourable for a team expected to rise. As for the reigning dual Premiers East Point (#8), they copped a draw worthy of a team aiming for a three-peat. Sebastopol (#4) will enjoy a dream run in the final third of their season, while North Ballarat (#5) fared next best out of brick city. With scope for improvement both on and off field, the Rooster’s draw sees them in the mix for a sneaky finals berth.

Lake Wendouree (#7) and more-so Ballarat (#10) appear to have the job ahead of them according to the formula, despite their marquee signings. Flag challengers, Sunbury (#9), finished mid-to-low table with the draw after a difficult rating in 2019. Tough luck for the Lions who’s 2020 draw (#4) was looking bright but, alas, COVID...

Analytics aside for a brief moment, how good is it - footy's back (well nearly)!

EASIEST TO HARDEST 2021 DRAW

1. Redan - 94

2. Bacchus Marsh - 97

3. Darley - 98

4. Sebastopol- 100

5. North Ballarat - 101

6. Melton South - 103

7. Lake Wendouree - 104

8. East Point - 105

9. Sunbury - 107

10. Ballarat - 109

11. Melton - 110

SEASON 2019 Ladder

1. East Point

2. Sebastopol

3. Melton

4. Redan

5. Darley

6. Sunbury

7. North Ballarat

8. Bacchus Marsh

9. Lake Wendouree

10. Ballarat

11. Melton South

(Draw ranking points are determined by 2018 & 2019 numbers, projected improvement, this year's travel and who your team plays twice.)

In our 2021 club-by-club draw analysis, BFNL Media’s ‘Scoop’ delves into the season ahead for Darley. Over the next two weeks, Scoop will unveil the pros and cons of the fixture for every BFNL club.

Darley

Draw rating points: 98
2021 draw ranking: #3

PROS: Meet 2019 Grand Finalists East Point and Sebastopol just ONCE

- Sebastopol may be missing home after a run of FOUR consecutive away games when the two sides meet at Darley Park in Round 6. 

- No 'highway travel' after Round 11

- Don't leave town until Round 5 (v. Ballarat).

CONS: Ordinary stretch from Round 8 to Round 11 with THREE highway trips WEST v. East Point (Rd8), Redan (Rd9) and Lake Wendouree (Rd11)

Comment: Darley will welcome an easier draw than they faced in recent times given their loss of player personnel since their 2019 Elimination Final defeat to Redan. The draw gives them some chance to feature at the business end of the season, but it won't be easy. They Devils will need to win the close ones.

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With the 2021 season kicking off this weekend, Scoop says there's plenty to like about what is building at Darley Park. New playing coach Dan Roy says the club's finals destiny is in their own hands.

Darley

Scoop’s 2021 prediction: 5th - 7th

EXPECT Darley to be the hunters in 2021, not the hunted, despite the loss of star quality over the extended break.

Premiership playing coach Heath Scotland (Sunshine), Brian Graham (Sunshine), Nick Graham (North Footscray) headline eight absentees from 2019, raising reasonable doubt over the club extending on its proud run of finals appearances (every season since 2012, including two flags 2015 and 2017).

Enter new playing coach Dan Roy (Lorne) who will lead the mission.

"I'm rapt with how things are going," he said.

"We've built a lot already on our base fitness levels; some blokes are working the house down.

"Numbers on the track have been 30-plus most nights, which is really pleasing."

While the 33-year-old conceded the loss of Scotland and the Graham brothers will hurt, Roy is confident the hole left can be filled by ready-made Darley players prepared to take the next step.

"If we can improve 10 per cent across the board, there's no reason why we couldn't go deep again," he said.

"Luther Baker (equal 10th Henderson Medal 2019), Leigh Spiteri and Jake Ancrum are more than capable. They've [got] two flags under their belts and should want to be dominating."

Despite a quiet rescue effort in the marketplace throughout a difficult 2020, the Devils best 22 over recent weeks is beginning to take shape. Key defender *Matthew Brett (Werribee), mobile forward *Ryan Kemp (Werribee), inside-mid Stephen Doran (Point Cook) and Mitch Banner (VAFA) join dynamic small forward and Vic Metro representative Ben Said (St Albans) as the new faces at Darley Park. Just how often Brett and Kemp will be seen in Devils colours, however, is another question given their VFL affiliations.

There was more good news on the coaching front at Darley with the signing of popular local figure and former AFL champion Doug Hawkins, who will lead the Under 19's. Dean Chambers (Western Jets, ex-Werribee), will be another added bonus for the club following his Senior Assistant Coach appointment.

Additions aside, coach Roy will be holding the younger players accountable this year, given the club has blooded up to ten under-19 players over the past two seasons under Scotland.

"We're confident some of these boys are ready to impact games," he said.

"They should have the belief in themselves to start taking games on.”

To make finals this year, Darley will rely heavily on maintaining their impeccable record at home over the 2018 and 2019 seasons, with 16 wins and just two losses.

"Our destiny is in our own hands," Roy said.

"If we can improve our consistency on the road as well, it gives us every chance (of playing finals)."

Got it in one.

Trent Angwin (boxing), Bailey Waasdorp, Casey Young (AFL Barwon), Jackson Carrick (South Barwon), Ryan Ellis (Bendigo) are the other notable absentees from 2019.

*Affiliated players: Billy Myers (Williamstown), Nick Rodda (Williamstown), Matthew Brett (Werribee), Ryan Kemp (Werribee).

Roy's Tips

- with Scoop

Ex-AFL Assistant Coach and BFNL Hall of Famer, Dan Jordan, will take the reins as Senior Coach at Darley Park in a huge coup for the Devils.

News of the marquee signing dropped at the weekend as the Devils proudly unveiled an image of Jordan donning the black and white, sparking plenty of interest from the wider competition almost immediately.

The 40-year-old brings with him enviable degrees of knowledge and expertise, and none more so than from his most recent stint at the top level after two years as Essendon's Assistant Coach. The Bombers loss is a huge gain for the Devils.

The 2006 Henderson Medallist and five-time Tony Locket Medal winner was upbeat about the journey that lies ahead.

"Hopefully I can make a difference at this proud club and lead them back to finals," Jordan said.

"I'm really excited about the challenge, it was in fact one of the reasons I settled on the Devils, and the process in which they presented their case was first class.”

Former Western Bulldogs coach and current senior coach at North Ballarat City, Brendan McCartney spoke generously of Jordan's character and his standing in the game.

"It's great for Darley and footy in the region," McCartney said.

"Every young player in the area should listen to what Dan has to say and offer, and he's a ripper bloke as well," he said.

Darley Football Manager, Craig Baker, was rapt the club could lure a bona fide, experienced coach like Jordan with eyes on emulating McCartney’s blueprint at North Ballarat that saw them rise from outside the six in 2019 to Minor Premiers in 2021, and all on the back of developing their own stocks.

"We thought we needed someone to oversee the progress of our Under 19's to senior footballers," Baker said.

"It would be a waste if we did not capitalise on the body of work Doug [Hawkins] has put into our young blokes after a terrific season that saw them finish second before COVID cut their season short.

"I've no doubt our boys would have given [the Premiership] a shake.

"Moving forward, we are aware that local 'one point' players are worth their weight in gold."

According to Baker, Dan will also be on hand to advise the junior coaches whenever needed, ensuring all age levels at the club are heading in the same direction.

"COVID has made it hard for our senior club, like many others, but we think Dan will help rejuvenate the group after a lean couple of years," he said.

While the thought of Jordan and 'the big dance' has its own familiar ring, the Devils know their version has a long way to go. And no one knows that more than Baker himself, who has spent the best part of 35 years at the club.

"All the talk about Dan's signing has been positive," Baker said.

"Hopefully everyone gets behind him and we can start winning again in all three grades."

For the Devils’ first grade, whose talented young list haven't won a game since August 24 of 2019 – the signing is some welcome some good news. The narrative it seems has changed and the revival is now firmly set in motion.  Just how the Devils respond on-field under Jordan must be whetting the appetites of the Darley faithful already.

*Check out Dan Jordan's impressive footy CV at www.facebook.com/darleyfnc

The initial Victorian Country boys and girls U18 representative squads have been announced and five young guns from across the McDonald's Ballarat FNL and McDelivery BFL Women's have found themselves under the AFL microscope.

In another show of the strength of the BFNL competitions, the initial squads have been released for the Vic U/18 Country and Metro representative sides for 2022.

The Vic Country squads - selected in partnership with AFL recruiters - converged on Essendon's The Hangar last weekend to undergo medical screenings and fitness tests, and set up individual development plans and training programs in preparation for the 2022 season. 

Congratulations to Aaron Cadman (Darley), Felix Fogarty (East Point) and James Van Es (North Ballarat) on their selection to the boy's squad, along with Kalani Scoullar (Ballarat) and Paige Scott (Carisbrook) for their selection in the girl's squad.

The squads will return for a second three-day camp in January to learn about preparation and recovery, GPS and training loads and football/life balance, and will take part in two full training sessions, another craft-based training program and first official interviews with AFL club recruiters.

Read the full story on AFL.com.au and see the full squads: https://bit.ly/2ZTiPhg

The McDonald's Ballarat Football Netball League Senior Fixture for 2022 has been released, with a full fixture of 18 rounds plus finals planned.

Media Release

The board is pleased to announce the final fixture for the upcoming 2022 McDonald's Ballarat FNL Senior season. 

This season is hoped to build on the momentum from the 2021 season that was cut short, with a full fixture of 18 rounds plus finals planned. 

In keeping with tradition, all clubs will play 16 games and have two scheduled byes. 

Round One kicks off on Saturday 9th April, while Round Two is split across the following weekends, with Lake Wendouree to host Redan on Good Friday, being the first Round Two game. 

The Queen's Birthday full competition bye will return after being well received in 2021 with Bacchus Marsh hosting Sunbury this weekend as a Round Nine stand-alone game. 

Details of night and twilight games will be advised after discussions with the clubs as we lead up to the start of the season. 

Darley takes on Sebastopol at Marty Busch Reserve on Saturday at 2.15pm - live-streamed to the BFNL Facebook page

CLUB: DARLEY

COACH: Dan Jordan

FOR THE RECORD

(Scoop): Well Dan, there's still no recognized ruckman at the Devils, does this pose a problem?

(Dan): Not necessarily. The vacancy will give one of our younger blokes an opportunity to grow and become a potential 10-year player at the club if they're up for the challenge. I've been in a similar situation at other clubs, we'll just need to be a bit more creative with our set-up around the ball.

(Scoop): What can the BFNL expect from gun recruits Brett Bewley, Nick Rodda and Dylan Landt?

(Dan): There's no guarantees (on performance) on any player(s) returning from a higher level. That aside, Brett brings exceptional leadership and standards that will have a lasting impact on the group while Nick will 'straighten us up' structurally and provide a key target forward. I expect Dylan to play most of his footy with Essendon VFL, any games with us will be a bonus. He dominated the SANFL last year.

(Scoop): The club is coming off a winless 2021, in what areas can Devils fans expect to see a spike in improvement?       

(Dan): We're still a work in progress. The buy-in thus far from the group has been positive. We're confident our focus on competitiveness will see us in games for longer as we strive for greater consistency over four quarters.

IDENTIFIED STRENGTHS

(Dan): Stability in defence, greater midfield depth and key target forward.

IMPROVEMENTS

(Dan): Embrace flair. I think we'll see a couple of break-out seasons from players taking the game on given the added experience to the group.

PRE-SEASON TRAINING

(Dan): It's been all about conditioning and trying to get players back to pre-covid fitness levels.  On the back of that, working on a collective buy-in with a game plan.  

DRAW COMMENTS

(Dan): Not too phased who we play really, our priority is getting that first win. I've no doubt we'll be a much-improved side in the back half of the draw.

PLAYER INS:

Brett Bewley (Fremantle AFL), Nick Rodda (Williamstown VFL), Dylan Landt (Glenelg SANFL, Essendon VFL), Dylan Bishop (ex-Bacchus Marsh)

PLAYER OUTS:

Jake Edwards (Qld), Ryan Kemp (WA), Mark Hanson (Point Cook Centrals), Kirk Fenton (Melton Centrals), Ricky Hawkins (Melton Centrals), Daniel Robson (Melton Centrals)

VFL AFFILIATED PLAYERS:

Dylan Landt (Essendon), Bailey Young (Footscray)

DEVILS PASS MARK:

(Dan): To play four quarters of consistent footy. A win early would be a major boost (to achieving this goal).

IMPROVERS TIP (TEAM OUTSIDE OF DARLEY):

(Dan): Tough ask, it's my first year!

FLAG TIP (TEAM OUTSIDE OF DARLEY):

(Dan): North Ballarat City, Macca has them pretty organized.

*With thanks to Darley FNC for photography

Get excited local footy fans, starting from this weekend every match from every round of the McDonald’s Ballarat Senior Men’s competition will be streamed live and free via Cluch.tv.

You can find the McDonald's Ballarat FNL page on Cluch here: McDonald's Ballarat FNL live in Cluch

You can watch live and on-demand on all connected devices and screens. Simply go to cluch.tv or find the stream links via BFNL.com.au or the Ballarat FNL Facebook page. Stream it to the big screen, track the scores and action across all five games, and replay the goals. Or catch up on all the action on-demand from your phone, screen or TV.

Get ready by downloading the Cluch app on your device or screen.

The McDonald’s Ballarat FNL’s streaming activity has increased significantly in recent years and the launch of full competition streaming is the next step in that journey.

We will also continue to bring you the Ballarat Toyota Match of the Round live to Facebook.

About Cluch:

Cluch is an OTT video and platform-as-a-service business dedicated to community sport. Cluch delivers premium on-demand streaming services across all connected devices and screens.

Scoop' Reviews Round 2

Round Two had it all... the early contenders flexed in some big wins, there was a one-point thriller in Bacchus Marsh and across the McDonald's Ballarat FNL clubs, players and fans honoured our ANZACs. 

The Cobras needed the last goal of the game to beat cross-town rival Darley to go 2-0 for the first time since 2016. Just single digits separated the two sides at every change as Bacchus Marsh led for the majority, before the Devils surged with back-to-back goals in the final term to lead by as much as 11 points with seven minutes remaining.

Cobras small forward, Tyler Huynh, became the unlikely hero snapping his match-winning fourth goal deep in time on to give Tom German's men the perfect start to the season. Cobra fans will be in for heart checks this week after nail biting two- and one-point wins in their opening two games.

Both coaches conceded the game could have gone either way and whoever was on the wrong side of the ledger would be left lamenting the how and why. Cobras Captain Jake Owen (3 goals) was again the star, the difference if you like. Huynh's four goals were a bonus and took the honours over the Devils’ small forward returns. Midfielders Nick Stuhldrier and Tom German worked hard all day for the winners in a real arm wrestle of sorts between the arcs.

For the Devils, new recruit Nick Rodda kicked five goals and will only get better in his adjustment from the VFL, while Andy Azzopardi (3 goals) provided some much-needed spark and run during some otherwise flat periods from the Back and White. Saturday's game marked the ninth consecutive Anzac Day (weekend) blockbuster between Darley and Bacchus Marsh and the second time a one-point margin has separated the two.

The 'Burras have responded from their disappointing loss to Darley, disposing of Top Four fancy East Point to the tune of 28 points at Eastern Oval. Their 17-goal return was the highest of any across the competition in Round Two and serves a polite reminder to opposition sides: the 'Burras’ best is very good.

To complement the nature of the win even further, it was the only four-quarter win of any team in Round Two. A 19-point advantage at the first change became 24 at the half, 26 at the third before 28 at the final siren.

While the news of the James Frawley signing to East Point reverberated around BFNL clubs on Thursday night, the 'Burra welcomed back one of their favourites under the radar - the reigning Henderson Medallist, Lachie Cassidy, who was named best on ground in his return game from a hamstring complaint. Livewire forward James Keeble finished with four goals and Willy Lovett with three to lead a string of nine goal scorers for the winners despite the Kangas having ten of their own. Twenty-eight scoring shots to twenty-five gives every indication the match was fought evenly, especially after quarter time.

'Burras coach Mick Searle would be a relieved man squaring the win/loss ledger after Round Two and will take plenty of confidence from their recent wins over the 2018 and 2019 Premiers on Eastern Oval. Hugo Papst and Tony Lockyer also featured among the best while Kangas trio Jordy Johnson, Mitch Walsh and Joe Dodd were solid in defeat.

The Swans recorded an emphatic win over a youthful Panthers line-up whose wretched record in Ballarat continues. The visitors were kept goalless in the opening half, while the Swans went about their business to set up a dominant 63-point lead at the half before extending the difference at the final siren.

Midfielders Daniel Kennedy (3 goals) and Aiden Domic (3 goals) were the leading scorers among nine Swans players to hit the scoreboard. Andrew Hooper (2 goals), who booted seven goals in the corresponding fixture last year, left the ground in the second term with hamstring tightness, denying the sharpshooter his deja vu moment.

The Panthers, while disappointed with the result would be happy with the progress of youngsters Mitch Fino, Riley Theo, Rhys Lee and Cody Chapman, who are the future of the club. Dylan Conway split 50/50 game time mid/forward but was denied his usual impact given the sheer weight of the home side's possession. Swans defender Nick Weightman and ruckman Marcus Powling continued their run of good form to start the season.

A seven-goal to three opening quarter blitz from competition yardstick North Ballarat has set up a comfortable 61-point win at CE Brown Reserve. Jack Fitzpatrick's Lakers were unable to contain the North forward pressure despite the speculative memo/warnings heading in. Easier said than done.

Young guns James Quick (5), Thomas Hotchin (4), Jack Riding (3) and Sam Artz (1) combined for 13 of North Ballarat's 17 goals - mission complete. Fitzpatrick's former mentor Brendan McCartney, in charge of North Ballarat was 'chuffed' his boys were able to apply pressure and make it hard for Lake Wendouree to move the ball.

"We were strong in the contest, a lot more like how we want to play," he said. North Ballarat Captain Simon McCartin continues to lead this group of impressive young talent with near another best on ground performance.

There's no doubting the Lakers will learn a lot from the weekend and, despite scoreboard separation, can take solace in denying North Ballarat a blowout on their own terms in the last quarter. A 68-point margin at three-quarter time was reduced to 61 at the final siren to suggest that while there may be a gulf in the depth department (at this early stage), the Lakers are not short on character.

The Bloods booted their highest score against the Lions in more than 15 years to win impressively by 39 points at MacPherson Park. The home side smashed the visitors on the scoreboard with a four-goal breeze in the opening term, booting 7.4 to 0.2 - game over!

Even if Lions Coach Travis Hodgson fancied a likely response in the second term, the 44-point deficit was always going to be a huge ask against genuine flag contenders on their home deck. If that wasn't a bridge too far, consider the Lions had managed more than five goals against the Bloods just twice from their last six meetings.

Bloods forward Ryan Carter (5 goals) proved a thorn in Sunbury's side all day to make it back-to-back bags for the #23. Mark Orr's return has been crucial following the exit of Ben Archard, while Lachie Watkins and Jordyn Cotter give opposition coaches another headache to overcome.

The similarities in the even nature of competition heavyweights Melton and North Ballarat are palpable. Their Round Six meeting on May 26 should be a belter.

For Sunbury, they're 0-2, and while they did get five players back for the Bloods game they still fell well short despite winning two quarters, the same as they did in their 28-point loss to North Ballarat in Round One.

Tyson Lever and Daniel Toman were among the Lions' best again and are likely to feature for the most part. North Ballarat (away), Melton (away) – no one had a tougher start than the Lions in '22. The draw opens up for them after their bye in Round Three ... time to get cracking.