It's been a busy early transfer window as clubs across the region look to shore up their lists heading into the new year.

Not including the usual exodus of players heading to compete in the Northern Territory FL competition, there has been a steady flow of ins and outs for the McDonald's Ballarat FNL.

Five clubs were active during the November transfer period with reigning premiers East Point signing three players, as did Redan and Melton. North Ballarat added two players and Melton South kicked things off with the one transfer.

Its been a busy period for Central Highlands FL with Creswick leading all clubs, having gained six players from the BFNL.

Ballarat league players have spread themselves far and wide heading to various leagues from the Wimmera to metro competitions.

With the early transfer window now closed, clubs will look to consolidate their lists as pre season training steps up before Christmas. The main clearance period will reopen on February 1^st 2021 through to 30^th June 2021.

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 Lions will be savouring their second successive #1 rated draw that, along with their mix of talented youth and experience, makes a finals berth seem likely. Scoop will continue to serve up the pros and cons of the fixture for every BFNL club each day this week.

Redan

Draw rating points: 94
2021 draw ranking: #1

PROS: Play only TWO teams (Darley, East Point) TWICE from the 2019 top six.

- DO NOT leave Ballarat after round 14

- Play FOUR of BOTTOM FIVE sides from 2019 TWICE

- THREE of their opening FOUR matches are at home against North Ballarat in Round 1, Ballarat in Round 3, Bye in Round 4 then Bacchus Marsh in Round 5

CONS:

- Arguably the most well-balanced draw in the comp. Even Redan's back-to-back highway travel commitment in Round 12 (Bacchus Marsh) and Round 14 (Darley) is split via a timely bye.   

Comment: Once again, Redan have landed with the most favourable draw according to the draw rating formula. With a few select additions to the playing group and the likes of Lachie George and Orron Stephenson likely to go around again, they won’t be far away. Expect the mix of talented youth and experience to see Redan making finals for a second successive season. They won't have any arguments with their draw, that's for sure.

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.

We know the Redan fans are excited and the expectations are running high for a team that had beaten every team in the comp in 2019. Coach Jarrett Giampaolo is thinking big, setting the club's first premiership in eleven years as the pass mark for the season.

Redan

Scoop’s 2021 prediction: 3rd - 5th

EXPECT Redan to join a host of BFNL teams in flag discussions (if not already) throughout 2021.

Only Ben Smyth (Darwin) from 2019's mud bath first Semi Final loss to Sebastopol has left the Lions, giving coach Jarrett Giampaolo every reason to think big.

"A Premiership is a pass mark for us this year, why not?" he said.

"It's been 11 years since we won our last one. [We've] thrown in a few Preliminary Final losses along the way and we've had enough.

“We're ready to go." 

Reigning Best and Fairest Lachie George looks set to partner up with veteran ruckman Orren Stephenson once again hoping to emulate the club's stunning 7-0 run to start 2019. Experienced campaigners Liam Hoy, Grant Bell and young gun *Lachlan McLean are sure to have found the necessary belief and fire in the belly to lead this current group deeper in September.

"We know we have the talent," Giampaolo said.

"So, the focus for us this year is all about development.

"2019 was a bit of an unknown for us."

Despite the lingering confidence in the current list, Giampaolo is hopeful they can bolster their stocks further ahead of Round One.

"We're still in the market for a relief ruckman for Orren (Stephenson) and a tall key position that can go forward or back," he said.

In the meantime, the club has signed Colby McDonald (Tatura - defender) and are hopeful popular duo Tom Lamb and Chris Giampaolo can play a role after a stint away.

VFL-listed youngsters *Cooper Atchison, *Cooper Craig-Peters and newcomer *Izaac Grant (Hepburn, Rebels - medium forward/mid) will complement the age profile of the group perfectly, and with that, the fitness edge that comes from the VFL program.

The Lions draw reads similarly favourable to 2019, but Giampaolo wasn't phased either way.

"I haven't looked that much into it to be honest. We beat everyone in 2019, that I do remember."

The Lions will be hopeful of starting one step ahead of the competition as they did in 2019 (7-0), given they managed just three wins from the last nine home and away games. Fingers crossed for Redan fans they haven't been worked out already.   

Promising up and comer Liam Phillips (AFL Barwon) is the only other notable departure.

*Affiliated players: Lachlan McLean (North Melbourne VFL), Cooper Atchison (North Melbourne VFL), Izaac Grant (North Melbourne VFL), Cooper Craig-Peters (Geelong VFL)

Giampaolo's Tips

At The Bar

Read more

INSIDER: Redan were woeful [in Round Five], when do you expect to get the troops back - namely The Big O, Izaac Grant, Dean Chester and Alex Harvey (we know Hoy - season)?

COOPER: Expect Izaac, Dean, Harves [in Round Six]. Big O, another week

INSIDER: In a freakish sense, which player at the club can do things on-field that others can't? 

COOPER: Lachie George

INSIDER: How on earth did you end up wearing the random #34?

COOPER: Stuck with me since debut. Trying to make it my own now.

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

COOPER: Izaac Grant

INSIDER: Who at the club thinks they're funnier than they really are?

COOPER: Jarrett 'The Rooster" Giampaolo

INSIDER: What do you think a pass mark for the club is this year?

COOPER: Grand Final 

INSIDER: With which BFNL club do you share your greatest rivalry?

COOPER: North Ballarat

INSIDER: Which school in Ballarat has the best footy side these days?

COOPER: St Pats

INSIDER: What makes Lachie George such a good player?

COOPER: His balance / body control / leadership

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

COOPER: Rugby Union

INSIDER: Which Cooper is the quicker at the club over 30m - you or Atchison?

COOPER: I'd have to say me, proven!

INSIDER: Who is the last person you would want to share a room with on a footy trip?

COOPER: Dean Chester

INSIDER: Who is your favourite footy person at Redan?

COOPER: Liam Hoy

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

COOPER: Porterhouse steak - no complaints whatsoever!

INSIDER: Favorite AFL club and player?

COOPER: Melbourne, Jack Viney

INSIDER: If you could add three players from other clubs to your list, who would you pick?

COOPER: Riley Polkinghorne (Noth Ballarat City), Ben Dodd (East Point), Ned Nash (North Ballarat City)

INSIDER: Flag tip outside of Redan?

COOPER: Melton

INSIDER: Henderson Medal tip (outside of Redan)?

COOPER: Riley Polkinghorne (North Ballarat City)

The Redan Football Netball Club has coaching opportunities in the female football program for 2022.

Applications are now open:

The Redan Football Netball Club run a strong, vibrant and successful Female Football program.

The club's on-field female football success has been complemented by the transition of many of our female footballers to higher levels of competition, including the GWV Rebels program, and the VFLW and AFLW competitions. 

Opportunities have arisen for new coaches/assistant coaches to join our program and play key roles in contributing to our family-based club culture focussing on skills development and continuing to provide our female footballers the best opportunities to progress as far as they desire in their chosen sport. Prospective coaches/assistant coaches are invited to apply for roles with the following teams: 

 Open Age Women 

 Youth Girls Under 16 

 Junior Girls Under 14 

Applications in writing should be emailed to Tracey Boyce at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., and should address the following points: 

 Role you are applying for 

 Reason for applying for this role 

 What you believe you will bring to the role 

 Previous coaching experience and qualifications 

Closing date for applications is Friday, December 24th, 2021 

It is anticipated that interviews will be held in the first week of January 

Please note: 

 All coaches/assistant coaches should hold (as a minimum) Level 1 Coaching Accreditation, or be prepared to attain this prior to the start of the 2022 season. 

 All coaches/assistant coaches will need to hold a current Working With Children Check (WWCC) 

Any questions may be directed to Tracey Boyce (Vice President - 0419-947-590) or Garry Goyne (President - 0417-390-250). 

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. 

Redan take on Lake Wendouree in the Good Friday clash at CE Brown Reserve. Friday 14 April at 3.15pm - LIVE streamed on the Ballarat FNL Facebook page.

CLUB: REDAN

COACH: Jarrett Giampaolo

FOR THE RECORD

(Scoop): Jarrett, reading the Lions player 'outs' - has that curbed any finals ambition or expectation on the club for 2022?

(Jarrett): No, not really, it's actually an exciting time for the club rejuvenating the list with some quality youth.

(Scoop): Experienced duo Orren Stephenson and Lachie George, along with Orren Stephenson, was having a significant impact on games in 2019 when the club made it to Week Two of the finals. While COVID has dominated the [country] footy landscape since, can we expect to see George return fresh in 2022?

(Jarrett): The 'Big O' has hung up the boots - he's got everything out of his body and deserves a well-earned rest! Lachie is flying, he's an exceptional trainer and his leadership is again at the forefront. 

(Scoop): The club welcomes a handful of players from the Central Highlands to help replenish the loss of up to seven senior players. Tell us about them and their potential roles...

(Jarrett): Nathan Dunstan (ex-North Ballarat / Hepburn) is a proven ruckman, Gordy McLaughlin - key back, Lincoln Barnes - mid with lightning speed, and Jacob Werts - intercept defender.

(Scoop): Cooper Craig-Peters remains on Footscray's VFL list - how's his pre-season been, and do you think you will see much of him in Lions colours this year?

(Jarrett): Cooper had a bit of a setback over the summer but he's back in full training. Naturally, we want him to play at the highest level - he'll be a bonus for us through the midfield if the opportunity presents.

(Scoop note): We may also see fearless leader Liam Hoy (achilles) back sooner than expected (around the mid-season)

IDENTIFIED STRENGTHS

(Jarrett): It’s a new era at Redan, the dynamic has changed with an injection of youth that I’m sure will hold us in good stead. Another strength I believe in is the number of quality people we have at the Redan Football Netball Club.

IMPROVEMENTS:

(Jarrett): Our midfield depth - we have up to eight blokes we can run through there. We're a lot younger than in previous years – I’m tipping our speed of ball movement will increase and as a result, we hope to be a more attacking side that enables us to hit the scoreboard.

PRE-SEASON TRAINING

(Jarrett): Very pleasing. We've had the Rad Centre (through Lincoln Barnes) on board over the summer working on our strength and conditioning. It's been a lot of fun.

DRAW COMMENTS:

(Jarrett): It's a very even competition - you can't look too much into it.

PLAYER INS:

Lincoln Barnes (Waubra), Nathan Dunstan (Hepburn), Jacob Werts (Bungaree), Gordy McLaughlin (SMW Rovers), Ben McDonald (Waubra).

PLAYER OUTS:

Zac Jenkins (Rokewood), Will Madden (Tiwi Islands), Chris Giampaolo (Rosebud), Keenan Waterbury (WA), Dean Chester (Carisbrook), Jack Jess (Navarre), Pat Britt (Dunnstown), Orren Stephenson (retired)

VFL AFFILIATED PLAYERS:

Cooper Craig-Peters (Footscray)

REDAN PASS MARK:

(Jarrett): Playing finals is always the goal. Promoting our youth.

IMPROVERS: (OUTSIDE OF REDAN)

(Jarrett): Ballarat

FLAG TIP: (OUTSIDE OF REDAN)

(Jarrett): Sunbury

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