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.)

There are a few road trips to start the season for Sebastopol but the Burras should be looking good at the pointy end of 2021 with a dream run of five of their last six games at home. Scoop will wrap up the club-by-club draw analysis with Sunbury tomorrow.

Sebastopol

Draw rating points: 100
2021 draw ranking: #4

PROS: Play just THREE teams from 2019 Finals TWICE (East Point, Sunbury, Melton)

- Play at HOME FIVE out of last SIX matches

CONS: First HOME game not until ROUND SEVEN (v. Sunbury)

- FOUR trips EAST will be something new for the Burras. They have had only SIX highway games in the last TWO seasons (competition low)

Comment: Despite some time away from home in the first half of the season, the Burras should have the playing stock to see them through to a classy showing again in 2021. Good list and a dream run at the point end of the season with the final third of the season all home games bar one.

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.

The challenge is real for Sebastopol in 2021 but with huge talent on the 'Burras list, Scoop expects new coach Michael Serle to have a plan capable of dethroning the reigning premiers East Point. If they can do it amongst a strong pool of contenders, it would be the 'Burras first flag since 1975.

Sebastopol

Scoop’s 2021 prediction: 2nd - 4th

EXPECT new coach (non-playing) Michael Searl to have the recipe capable of dethroning East Point - and the mounting number of challengers along with it - in this year’s title race.

The 36-year-old brings with him a wealth of experience and flag success, both as a player and captain with North Ballarat (VFL) and more recently as coach of Springbank (Central Highlands).

"I'm excited for the season ahead," he said.

"I'm not here to make any drastic changes to the game plan that got us within three goals of a premiership in 2019, but our lack of efficiency by foot over that final series was one area we identified where there’s room for improvement.

"We had enough of it (the ball), but we lacked polish, especially going forward."

Complacency on the back of a Runners Up year is not a word you would associate with the 'Burras, given their sought-after additions in the off-season.

Jack Richards (Warrnambool) looms as the immediate replacement for departed ruckman Toby Thoolen, who has returned to Swan Hill for family reasons. *Michael Lockyer (Lismore - 6ft mid-forward/wing) and Connor O'Shea (Maryborough - half back/mid) will add leg speed and skill, while youngster Adam Haslett (Aararat - half back) is thriving with the rise in grade to BFNL company. Jacob Breguet (23-year-old from Merbein – 6’4 ruck) will provide some much-needed relief for Richards, while up and comer Liam Stow (North Warrnambool – 6’3) who trained with the club in 2019 is a hopeful hit-up third tall forward option. Nick Hausler (forward - pinch-hit ruck) and Jack McNabb (key back) assume the bonus recruits tag for 2021 given they missed near all of 2019 for the 'Burras with injury.

This blend of youth and experience is sure to add depth quality to a group that isn't shy of top talent. Lachlan Cassidy, Luke Kiel, Tony Lockyer and Daniel Widgery are said to be primed for Round One, while Michael Powell (leg) has had the best part of twelve months to fully recover from injury. Dynamic forward James Keeble is training well and continues to build. Potential young guns Jed Hill (Ballarat) and Jack Bramby (Rebels) have also been bonus acquisitions.  

The 'Burras lose Captain Tom Peterson (AFL Queensland), Brett Goodes (retired), Geoffrey Lovett (Central Highlands), Jordan Gercovich (Rokewood) and Hamish Everitt (Rokewood).

Searl was disappointed Goodes won't be going around again.

"He's (Brett) an old mate of mine from the VFL days, I would've loved to have him, if only for half a season."

The 'Burras will be ready to fire as match simulation ramps up in preparation for Round One's blockbuster Grand Final replay against the Kangas.

Searl's motto ahead of 2021 is crystal clear.

"Go one better," he said.

Sebastopol has not won a premiership since 1975.

*Michael Lockyer (brother of Tony) has booted 320 goals from 98 games with Lismore in the Mininera and District Football League over the last five seasons (season scores of 71, 67, 76, 35) and averages just over 3 goals per game.

Affiliated players: 0

Serle's Tips

The McDonalds Ballarat FNL wishes to advise a change to the round seven fixtured game between Sebastopol and Sunbury.

With the finalisation of change facility upgrades at Marty Busch Reserve being delayed, this has resulted in a fixture swap for the round 7 and round 16 games between Sebastopol and Sunbury.

The revised fixtured games will now be:

Round 7 (29th May 2021): Sunbury v Sebastopol at Clarke Oval, Sunbury.

Round 16 (7th August 2021): Sebastopol v Sunbury at Marty Busch Reserve, Sebastopol.

Thank you to both clubs for their flexibility in this change, particularly the Sunbury FNC for making the necessary changes to accommodate this game.

- End Release

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. 

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

CLUB: SEBASTOPOL

COACH: Michael Searle

FOR THE RECORD

(Scoop): Injuries were near as contagious as COVID for the 'Burra in 2021, how is the club shaping up on the injury front ahead of Round One against the Devils?

(Michael): Our injuries were a reflection on the nature of footy during COVID. I'm sure it was the same for a lot of teams - the struggle to get their best 22 on the park. We're in a good space at the moment. We'll continue to manage players through the practice matches but we should be ready to go for Round One.   

(Scoop): The club has done well retaining nearly all of its senior playing group from last season. Is there a sense of unfinished business after coming so close in 2019?

(Michael): That's a fair call. We've been open with discussions about how far this group can or wants to go. We're under no illusions, it's going to take a lot of hard work and commitment taking the next step. We haven't been far away in our last two seasons, and we're confident our Premiership window remains well and truly open.

(Scoop): You have some enviable depth through the midfield, can we expect to see more of Luke Kiel across half back - it seemed to work well given the absence of an injured Tony Lockyer in 2021?

(Michael): Yes, absolutely. Luke can take a bit of the (leadership) pressure off Tony in defence. He'll still go through the midfield, but you can expect to see Luke spending more time off half back. 

IDENTIFIED STRENGTHS

(Michael): Competitiveness, work rate, general evenness, depth.

IMPROVEMENTS

(Michael): I think you'll see some genuine growth and improvement from within this year, as the players themselves drive higher standards and expectation on their own performance. On the track we've been working on our effectiveness at the fall of the ball, an area we were lacking in last year.

PRE-SEASON TRAINING

(Michael): We've put together a solid block of work over the summer. Fitness advisor Scott Smith has done a terrific job getting the boys well-conditioned ahead of the new season. It's something new for the club to go along the sports science path and I’m very pleased with how it's all played out.

DRAW COMMENTS

(Michael): Fine, all good.

PLAYER INS:

Dean Robertson (Waubra) - back up ruckman for Jack Richards, Brad Veale (Bungaree) - in best 22 mid/forward rotation, Will Lovett (Bungaree), Jordan Crone (Bungaree)

PLAYER OUTS:

Nick Hausler (Qld), Michael Lockyer

VFL AFFILIATED PLAYERS:

None

SEBASTOPOL PASS MARK:

(Michael): Top 4

IMPROVERS (OUTSIDE OF SEBASTOPOL):

(Michael): Darley

FLAG TIP (OUTSIDE OF SEBASTOPOL):

(Michael): North Ballarat City

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.

The McDonald’s Ballarat FNL is pleased to announce the Junior Coaches and Players for this year’s BFNL Junior Netball Representative Program.

The League is thrilled with the knowledge and experience that these appointed coaches bring, and they are certainly putting this into practice when developing our junior players within the representative program. The players and coaches put their hard work into action at the Association Championships on the 5^th of June 2022.

We are pleased to announce the following coaches and squads for each of our age groups:

13 and Under BFNL Representative Squad

Kate McMahon – Coach

Keira McDonald – Ballarat Swans

Brydee Craig-Peters - Redan

Eliza Ashby – Ballarat Swans

Lyla Sheehan – Lake Wendouree

Emmy Holloway – Lake Wendouree

Gabriella Stanley – Mount Clear

Audrey Murnane – North Ballarat

Allie Kirby – East Point

Hayley Jackson – Ballarat Swans

Ashlee Beseler – North Ballarat

Mia Hayne – Storm

Macy Abrams – North Ballarat

15 and Under BFNL Representative Squad

Di McCormack – Coach

Addison Wright – Darley

Rylee Sheridan – Sebastopol

Penny Follett – North Ballarat

Harriet Hodge – East Point

Madison Dixon – Sebastopol

Scarlett Clayton – Darley

Mackenzie Kopke-Veldhuis - Sebastopol

Amarli Minster - Sebastopol

Maia Murphy – Ballarat Swans

Ebony Porter – North Ballarat

Abby Kinnersly- East Point

Kate Aikman – North Ballarat

Charli Ferguson – North Ballarat

17 and Under Representative Team

Prue Douglass – Coach

Damien Mullane – Coach

Katie Jackson - Redan

Rose Pfitzner – North Ballarat

Annabel Hodge – East Point

Sarah Augustine – East Point

Allanah Trevisan – Mount Clear

Jacinta McKenzie – Ballarat Swans

Georgia Bodey – North Ballarat

Chelsea Oellering – Mount Clear

Rose Murnane – North Ballarat

Isabella McNeill – Lake Wendouree

Emily Davies – Redan

Matilda Myers - Redan