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.)

The Lakers will be looking to get some wins in early as their 2021 draw sees them play the first seven rounds in Ballarat. Scoop will keep serving up the pros and cons of the fixture for every BFNL club over the next few weeks.

Lake Wendouree

Draw rating points: 104
2021 draw ranking: #7

Play TWICE: North Ballarat City, Ballarat, Sebastopol, Redan, Bacchus Marsh, Melton

Travel EAST: THREE times - Bacchus Marsh (Rd8), Sunbury (Rd10), Melton (Rd18)

EAST 'highway travel' record (2018 & 2019 home and away seasons): Played 8 Won 2 Lost 6 @25% win rate

PROS: Do not leave Ballarat until Round EIGHT (v. Bacchus Marsh)

- Only THREE highway trips EAST for the season facing Bacchus Marsh in Round 8, Sunbury in Round 10 and Melton in Round 18

- Meet only THREE finalists from 2019 TWICE (Sebastopol, Redan, Melton)

CONS: FOUR away games in SIX rounds between Round 7 and Round 12, with Redan in Round 7, Bacchus Marsh in Round 8, Sunbury in Round 10 and North Ballarat in Round 12

Comment: Lake Wendouree will be hoping to upset a few teams who don't turn up to play. The Lakers will need to start well and be near square on the ledger before they leave Ballarat for the first time in Round 9 for Bacchus Marsh. Just the three highway trips and avoiding playing East Point twice is also a plus to draw on.

The McDonalds Ballarat FNL, in partnership with Ballarat Toyota is proud to promote the Toyota Good for Footy program to support community clubs in our league.

Toyota Good for Footy is Toyota's grassroots footy program. Toyota has helped clubs raise over $7 million since 2008 through the program and helped over 500 local clubs from every state and territory.

To buy tickets and support your local community club, follow this link here.

Next up in Scoop's club-by-club predictions for the season ahead is Lake Wendouree. The marquee signing of VFL star Nick Rippon is a big boost to a transitioning list and coach Dale Power will be looking to his Lakers to hit the scoreboard with greater frequency in 2021.

Lake Wendouree

Scoop's 2021 prediction: 9th - 11th

EXPECT 2015 JJ Liston Trophy winner Nick Rippon to headline up to six new faces for Lake Wendouree in 2021. The 26-year-old ball magnet boasts an award-winning VFL career with North Ballarat and more recently North Melbourne.

Remarkably, Rippon appeared in the best players in 47 of his 75 VFL games dating back to 2014.

Lakers Coach Dale Power who enters his fourth season in charge, was stoked with the clubs’ marquee signing.

"Nick's a former Ballarat junior, he's a great get for us," he said.

"For a player as decorated as him to join the club is pretty significant."

At 176cm Rippon, who won the inaugural John Laws Medal in 2018 in North Melbourne's first standalone year in the VFL competition, will play the entire 2021 season with the Lakers having passed on a likely VFL return due to uncertainty around the second-tier competition at present.

Led by Rippon and 2019 Club Best and Fairest Jake Coxall, the Lakers midfield will be eyeing first use out of the middle.

Newcomers Lachlan Pfeifer (Beaufort - inside mid), Angus Gove (St Michaels - mid/forward), Tom LeLievre (Beaufort - forward/mid), Zane Thompson (QLD, ex-Beaufort - small forward) and Timothy Collins (Dunnstown - forward-mid) are hopeful of bridging the gap left by outgoing talent Bailey Edwards and former Henderson Medallist and multiple club Best and Fairest Ben Taylor.

"They're huge shoes to fill," Power said.

"It's unfortunate, but we understand their reasons for leaving," he said of losing Edwards and Taylor.

"Ben has travelled for 10 years and has had enough, while Bailey has work commitments."

While Taylor's reliability and footy smarts will be sorely missed, it's Bailey's speed and line breaking you can't replace according to Power.

"He's a 70-metre player," he said.

Werribee VFL listed player Scott Carlin (Warrnambool DFNL) and Kyran Raven (CHFL) have also left the club.

Brayden Helyar (Horsham, Geelong VFL) returns to Ballarat for University and joins the Lakers after being delisted at Geelong. The 21-year-old has pace to burn with his 6’2 frame, opening the door for Power to explore his options.

"He (Helyar) could easily play on a wing," he said.

The club was also thrilled to announce that former Western Bulldog (now Box Hill) *Fergus Greene has chosen the Lakers as his feeder club for the coming season. The 23-year-old, who played five AFL games in 2018 with the Doggies still has aspirations to play at the highest level. Coach Power told members on the club’s Facebook page that having a player of Fergus' ability join the ranks doesn't happen very often and he can't wait to see him Lakers colours. Given the 187cm talent is hopeful of luring the attention of AFL clubs with Box Hill in the VFL, any sighting of Greene would be a massive bonus. 

Meanwhile, the Lakers focus for the impending 2021 season will turn to hitting the scoreboard, after disappointing returns in 2019. Nathan Pring (18) and Jacob Coxall (15) were the clubs leading goalkickers.

*Affiliated players: Jacob Loman (North Melbourne), Fergus Greene (Box Hill)

Power's Tips

At The Bar

Read more

INSIDER: What do you attribute most to your (personal) exceptional start to the season?

ASHLEY: Good teammates

INSIDER: What expectations does the group have on how far they can go in 2021?

ASHLEY: If we stick to our processes, results will take care of themselves.

INSIDER: Who would you have at the club kicking for goal to win you a game after the siren?

ASHLEY: Geoff Hunter

INSIDER: Tell us about Josh Rensch, Best on Ground last week, 17-year-old on debut...

ASHLEY: Pretty lucky to have him at the moment, he’s a special talent, gun - one of four from the Rebels.

INSIDER: If you had to cook for the whole club what would be your signature dish?

ASHLEY: Toast, simple bunch, LOL.

INSIDER: Favourite AFL Club and player?

ASHLEY: Collingwood, John Noble

INSIDER: Who at the club is really not as funny as he thinks he is?

ASHLEY: There's plenty, but I'll go with Callum McKay.

INSIDER: What other sport could you play at a high level if there were no footy?

ASHLEY: Ping pong

INSIDER: Who wins the 2km time trial at Lakers?

ASHLEY: Lachie Dodd or Jessie McLean

INSIDER: Which Lakers player would be the best chance to win a million dollars on a quiz show?

ASHLEY: Nick Rippon

INSIDER: What TV show did you binge-watch during COVID?

ASHLEY: The Office (UK)

INSIDER: If you could add any forward, mid and back to your side from within the BFNL, who would you take? Name one of each.

ASHLEY: 'Vintage' Bryce McDougall (East Point forward), Lachie Cassidy (Sebastopol), Tony Lockyer (Sebastopol)

INSIDER: Does the club expect to see former Western Bulldog Fergus Greene play this season, given his affiliation with Box Hill?

ASHLEY: Yes, well, he's keen. But his VFL form is very good at the moment.

INSIDER: Give us your flag tip (outside Lakers) and your Hendo tip for 2021...

ASHLEY: Sebastopol and Lachie Cassidy

At The Bar

Read more

INSIDER: What do you attribute most to your (personal) exceptional start to the season?

BLAKE: The coach Dan Roy. He allows to me explore my strengths with a license play my own game. Dan's been a massive influence for me on the back of a solid, albeit lengthy pre-season.

INSIDER: What expectations does the group have on how far the Devils can go in 2021?

BLAKE: Early days but naturally finals. Our focus is on development but injuries aren't helping at the moment.

INSIDER: Who would you have at the club kicking for goal to win you a game after the siren?

BLAKE: Shane Page, proven.

INSIDER: Who would you least prefer to share a room with on a footy trip away?

BLAKE: Harley Inglis or Mitch Ward - too much energy!

INSIDER: Tell us about Matthew Brett and Ryan Kemp...

BLAKE: Class above, you can tell they've come from a higher level

INSIDER: If you had to cook for the whole club what would be your signature dish of approval?

BLAKE: Toasted sandwich

INSIDER: Favorite AFL Club and player?

BLAKE: Hawthorn, Marcus Bontempelli.

INSIDER: Who at the club is really not as funny as he thinks he is?

BLAKE: Corey Cullen

INSIDER: What other sport could you play at a high level if there were no footy?

BLAKE: Athletics, Cross Country running

INSIDER: Who wins the 2km time trial at Darley?

BLAKE: Adam or Andy Azzopardi or Jack Bewley

INSIDER: Which Darley player would be the best chance to win a million dollars on a quiz show?

BLAKE: Tom Evans

INSIDER: Who would you rate as the best team you've played this year?

BLAKE: Melton

INSIDER: If you could add any forward, mid and back to your side from within the BFNL who would you take - name one of each.....

BLAKE: Braeden Kight (Melton), Daniel Burton (Bacchus Marsh), Josh Gibson (Ballarat)

INSIDER: Which of the other Devils youngsters do you think has the greatest scope?

BLAKE: Joel Cadman

INSIDER: Give us your flag tip (outside Lakers) and Hendo tip for 2021....

BLAKE: Too hard to tell for flag. Hendo - Nick Stuhldrier (Bacchus Marsh)

The strength of the McDonald's Ballarat FNL was on full display at the 2021 NAB AFL Draft, with local talent heading to Richmond, Essendon and North Melbourne.

With five players being drafted - yes, we are clear and proud to claim you too, Paul Curtis - two in the first round, the league congratulates the players, their families and home clubs for the many hours and years of hard work to reach this point. 

BFNL talent drafted and likely to have a long and successful career at the highest level were:

 Pick #9

• Josh Gibcus (East Point FNC)  -  drafted to Richmond FC

Pick #20

• Kai Lohmann (Lake Wendouree FNC)  -  drafted to Brisbane Lions FC

Pick #22

• Josh Goater (Sunbury FNC)  -  drafted to North Melbourne FC

Pick #23

• Sam Butler (Lake Wendouree FNC)  -  drafted to Hawthorn FC

Pick #35

• Paul Curtis (Melton South FNC) - drafted to North Melbourne FC

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. 

Lake Wendouree host the Good Friday match - the last match of Round One - LIVE streamed tomorrow at 3.15pm on the Ballarat FNL Facebook page from CE Brown Reserve.

CLUB: LAKE WENDOUREE

COACH: Jack Fitzpatrick

FOR THE RECORD

(Scoop): Welcome Jack to the BFNL coaching ranks. Unfortunately, concussion issues cut your playing days short after 26 games with Melbourne and later Hawthorn in 2017. You're still only 30 years of age - what have you been up to in footy over the last four years?

(Jack): Werribee VFL Assistant Coach 2018-2019, Footscray AFLW Assistant Coach 2020-2021.

(Scoop): Heading into your debut season in charge of the Lakers, your job hasn't been made easier by the untimely departures of quality player personnel. Have the reinforcements arrived, or will the club focus solely on development from within?

(Jack): Reinforcements aren't everything, we've identified some good young talent that we're aiming to fast track and ultimately impact games. Liverpool ManagerJürgen Klopp won a title identifying talent within and just sort after top-up players to complement the group.

(Scoop): Name three non-negotiables (for the playing group) we would expect you to list on the whiteboard ahead of training and match days?

(Jack): Consistency, Concentration, Enjoyment.

IDENTIFIED STRENGTHS

(Jack): We are a work in progress. We will endeavour to play with excitement and flair - and be a fun and entertaining to club to watch.

IMPROVEMENTS:

(Jack): Consistency will be our greatest motivation. To remain in games even when we find ourselves behind - essentially bridging the gap between our best and our worst.

PRE-SEASON TRAINING

(Jack): It's all a bit of an unknown, at the moment. We've only played ten games in two years. Our priority is to improve fitness levels ahead of a full season. So far, I can safely say we are training well. 

DRAW COMMENTS:

(Jack): I'm a firm believer that you have to beat the best along the way to play a part at the business end. Regardless of whoever you play twice, you more often finish the season where you deserve to.

PLAYER INS:

Scott Carlin (Warrnambool), Bayley Thompson (Camperdown), Tom Hunt (Daylesford), Harold Pritchard (Portland), Cody Helyar (Horsham Saints)

PLAYER OUTS:

Kai Lohmann (Brisbane AFL), Jake Lohmann (Maryborough), Sam Butler (Hawthorn AFL), Josh Rentsch (Sturt SANFL)

VFL AFFILIATED PLAYERS:

Scott Carlin (Geelong), Fergus Greene (Box Hill)

LAKERS PASS MARK:

(Jack): An understanding of the game style we're aiming to implement will carry more weight in measuring a pass mark over wins and losses. Consistency will also play a role. 

IMPROVERS (TEAM OUTSIDE OF LAKERS):

(Jack): ... Tough for me to call in my first season.

FLAG TIP: (TEAM OUTSIDE OF LAKERS)

(Jack): North Ballarat. Macca coached me at Melbourne. His boys will be well-drilled, especially around the contested ball.

Scoop' Reviews the Round 1 Good Friday Match

It was a big day at CE Brown Reserve and an equally big win for new coach Jack Fitzpatrick.

A nine-goal second-quarter blitz has led the Lakers to a convincing 43-point win over Redan in their stand-alone meeting on Good Friday.

It was the perfect start for the Lakers under new Coach Jack Fitzpatrick, banking the four points and posting the club’s highest score since Round 10, 2016.

Donning their new look jumpers in front of a bumper crowd, the Lakers looked swift with their ball movement going forward, particularly after quarter time. Jake Coxall (four goals) was the standout for the Lakers with his inside work around the contest and his ability hurt a loose checking Lions outfit pushing forward. Geelong VFL listed player Scott Carlin gave the Lakers surety across half-back and through the middle of the ground with his clean ball use and distribution.

For Redan, the late withdrawals of Cooper Craig-Peters and Lachie George didn't help their cause, despite the efforts of Cooper Atchison and Pat Fitzgibbon, who shouldered the bulk of the drive with new ruckman Nathan Dunstan. Nonetheless, the Lakers were far superior with their ball use and movement.

Fitzpatrick would be delighted with the shared nature of the Lakers' returns across eight goalkickers, their ability to kick repeat goals - within seconds on occasions - and impose scoreboard pressure, which has been a rare feature for the club in recent times. The scoring dominance proved too overwhelming for a Lions outfit who were given a lesson on how best to use the ball in breezy conditions.

*Photo courtesy: Lake Wendouree FNC