Please find below important information for supporters and attendees to be aware of for this Sunday’s Ballarat Toyota Junior Grand Final Day at MARS Stadium.
Junior Grand Final 2022
Adults - $12
Family (2 adults & 2 children) - $26
Age Pensioner - $7
8 - 16yo - $5
U/8 – Free
Footy Record – $4 (Special Edition)
Note: Eftpos is available and encouraged as the preferred payment method.
Gates
Gates open at 6:45am
All matches will be filmed. Matches will be available for purchase following the Grand Finals and further information will be provided around this in the coming weeks.
All matches will be live scored on the day for those that are unable to attend the match. Scores can be accessed through specific competitions on the BFNL public results pages here:
Football - https://bit.ly/3Q4H8gg
Netball - https://bit.ly/3KPteh6
Please see details and map below for assistance with entry & parking requirements this Sunday.
Entry to MARS Stadium:
NO DOGS are permitted within the precinct this weekend.
Parking is available at the following locations:
General Parking:
Disabled Parking:
As we head into our fourth week of an enthralling BFLW senior women's season, lets have a look and how each of our clubs has started their year and what's on the horizon.
Played: 3 - Won: 3 - Lost: 0 - 415.15%
The reigning back-to-back premiers are yet to drop a game to start the season.
Opening round saw the Devils face off in a grand final rematch with rivals Redan, in a game that was full passion and tenacity where Darley came out 7 point victors.
In Rounds 1 and 2, the Devils took out comfortable wins over Lake Wendouree and East Point respectively.
With plenty of team success, last week saw individual achievements claimed when club stalwart and loved teammate Kim Bessell booted her 300th league goal.
The celebrating continues this weekend when they hoist their 2024 BFLW Senior Women’s Premiership Flag at Darley Park.
Can The Devils keep riding this winning wave or will an unexpected upset happen against the Redbacks this weekend?
Played: 3 - Won: 3 - Lost: 0 - 0%
The Marsh have started strong in season 2025 winning their first three games and holding opponents East Point, Carisbrook and Lakers to no score.
For this reason, remarkably, the Cobras still are yet to register a percentage on the ladder despite putting 316 points on the board themselves to begin the year.
This week will see the Cobras take on Redan in an evenly matched game one would think given both team's start to year.
The contest should put Bacchus Marsh in good stead for their following match after Easter against cross town rivals Darley.
Bacchus Marsh have also been celebrating milestones with Summer Marchewka chalking up her 100th game of footy in Round 2, it’s worth noting that 98 of these games were played at Bacchus Marsh!
Played: 3 - Won: 2 - Lost: 1 - 529.41%
Redan have had a good start to 2025, following a good competitive game against Darley in opening round.
The Lions hit the front in the last quarter to only go down by 7 points in a hard-fought game.
Rounds 1 and 2 saw Redan claim good wins over East Point and Carisbrook, to get their season rolling.
This week they will take on Bacchus Marsh, in what should be an evenly matched contest with the winner set to take bragging rights on the ladder.
The Lions are also supporting the OnTrack foundation as part of this weekend's Wellness Round and accepting Donations throughout the week.
Redan have been a well oiled machine with plenty of experience on their side, watch out for the Maroon and Gold as the season progresses.
Played: 3 - Won: 1 - Lost: 2 - 39.66%
The Lakers had a win over Carisbrook in Opening Round but have gone on to register two losses over the past fortnight.
This week they take on East Point which predicts to be a very even tussle between two fiercely competative sides.
Both clubs will be looking to get the win before heading into the Easter break and enjoying the long weekend with a W in their basket.
The Lakers will be keen for Captain Demi Thompson and small forward Chelsea Dew to bag a few this weekend to come away with the win.
Played: 3 - Won: 0 - Lost: 3 - 5.71%
Opening Round saw the Dragons debut 8 senior players as the new look side continues to grow together to start the year.
Whilst East Point are yet to win a game they are certainly starting to gel through the midfield with their aim now to get a stronger score on the board.
Their first win could come this week over the Lakers.
It will be a big day for the club as they celebrate its 'Live4life' round, with raffles and memrobillia being sold on the day for the charity.
Lauren Butler from the Collingwood AFLW team will also be in attendance for a post match function, so expect a big turnout down at Eastern Oval on Sunday!
With plenty of fresh faces, it will be worth keeping an eye on the Dragons' devlopment, as each week will bring more confidence and moving into the back end of season could see East moving up the ladder.
Played: 3 - Won: 0 - Lost: 3 - 0%
The Redbacks come into the competition this year with a young side that is full of spirit.
Last week saw captain and young gun Olivia Butler play her 100th game of footy with a majority of these as a homegrown Carisbrook Redback.
What a wonderful achievement for someone at the age of only 20!
Whilst Carisbrook is yet to record a win, you would think this weekends game against Darley will be a tough assignment.
The Redbacks will be looking for strong team effort after Easter Break when they take on East Point.
With ten home and away rounds down and all teams now having faced one another twice, we take a look at the BFLW Women's competition so far and what the final third of the season might hold.
Ladder Position: 1st - 9 Wins, 1 Loss
The reigning premiers look well-placed in their pursuit of a three-peat of flags, having gone unbeaten through the first eight rounds of the season.
Their only slip came in Round 9 – a 49-point loss to a young but polished Bacchus Marsh outfit.
It’s a result coach Brett Faulkhead will no doubt dissect closely, using the loss as fuel to tighten structures and adapt moving forward.
Darley’s depth remains one of their key strengths.
Charli Parsons-Jones has continued to turn heads in just her second senior season.
With Coates Talent League exposure and listed with the Western Jets, she’s brought a level of polish and maturity that’s seen her named among the best five times already this year.
Meanwhile, there’s been no slowing down for Lilli Condon.
The reigning League Best and Fairest has picked up right where she left off, consistently driving the Devils forward with clean ball use and inside 50 delivery.
She’s featured in the best in all nine of her appearances so far – a testament to her consistency.
Up forward, Kim Bessell remains as potent as ever with 39 goals to her name – the go-to target for the Devils' attacking entries.
However, Faulkhead will be well aware of the looming challenge Redan presents.
In two recent meetings, the Lions have restricted Bessell to just one goal combined – a feat few other sides have managed.
Expect emerging options like Lusiya Azina to become even more critical in the weeks ahead.
With two games still to come against Redan, the path to a top of the ladder finish is anything but straightforward.
The Devils will likely need to claim at least one of those clashes to lock in the all-important first-week bye – a valuable advantage in what’s shaping as a tight run into finals.
The run home: Redan, Lake Wendouree, Carisbrook, East Point, Lake Wendouree, Redan
Ladder Position: 2nd - 8 Wins, 2 Losses
Redan have cemented themselves as one of the most consistent outfits in recent BFLW memory – and 2025 has been no different.
But if there’s one obstacle they’ve yet to clear, it’s finding a way past Darley.
Both of the Lions' losses this season have come at the hands of the reigning premiers.
In Round 1, they trailed by just two points at the final change; in Round 6, it was five.
Close contests, but Redan couldn’t land the knockout blow.
That’ll be front of mind for coach Tim Meaney as the Lions gear up for two more critical clashes against the Devils before finals.
As has become a hallmark of Redan, it’s their depth that continues to impress.
Freya Palmer – the 2024 Under 19 League Best and Fairest – has taken the step up to senior level with composure and confidence.
Splitting her time across age groups, Palmer’s athleticism and pace have added an extra layer to Redan’s rotations.
At the pointy end, Jess Bokma is putting together a season to remember.
Leading the league goal kicking, Bokma has hit the scoreboard in every round – including a standout 10-goal haul against Lake Wendouree in Round 9.
Her consistency and accuracy make her one of the most dangerous forwards in the competition.
Adding further firepower has been the return of VFLW-listed Lori Stepnell.
With strong stints at Williamstown under her belt, Stepnell has made four appearances at club level this year, and each time has lifted the Lions with her presence, leadership, and class.
A top of the ladder finish – and a first-week finals bye – remains firmly on the table.
But for that to become reality, Redan will need to rewrite the script against Darley and hold off a surging Bacchus Marsh outfit.
The run home: Darley, East Point, Bacchus Marsh, Lake Wendouree, Carisbrook, Darley
Ladder Position: 3rd - 7 Wins, 3 Losses
If you were calling it after five rounds, the competition looked like a two-horse race. Darley and Redan were setting the pace and seemingly untouchable.
But fast-forward just a few weeks, and Bacchus Marsh have completely changed the narrative.
In Round 8, they took it right up to Redan, holding a narrow lead into the final quarter before falling by just 13 points.
A week later, they sent a statement to the rest of the competition – dismantling the previously undefeated Darley by 49 points in a four-quarter display of pressure, possession, and polish.
Coach Alan Johnson, working closely with Under 19s coach Leigh Bradbury, has managed the Cobras’ transition from young promise to genuine contender with precision.
The balance between youth and experience is striking – and shaping up nicely ahead of finals.
The Under 19 crop has been particularly influential.
Summer Marchewka, Charli O’Connor and Oliver Dilges have seamlessly stepped into senior roles, showing maturity beyond their years.
And with Coates Talent League players like Ruby Thomas and Jazmine Dalli also in the mix, Bacchus Marsh are blessed with depth and versatility.
Arguably the biggest impact has come from recruit Mel Freeman.
Fresh from Spotswood and bringing VFLW experience with both Collingwood and the Western Bulldogs, Freeman has brought structure, leadership, and composure – all while mentoring the next generation of Cobras.
With one win over the top two already in the bank, Bacchus Marsh are now the wildcard that could reshape the top of the table.
One more big scalp could be the key to a top-two finish.
The run home: East Point, Carisbrook, Redan, Lake Wendouree, Darley, East Point
Ladder Position: 4th - 4 Wins, 6 Losses
In just their third season back in the BFLW competition, East Point have continued their upward trajectory — showing maturity on-field and a strong club culture off it.
The Dragons have fielded a balanced list of youth and experience, delivering big wins and keeping games competitive even against top-tier opposition.
The off-season posed challenges, with the departures of several key players.
Rebecca Fisher, runner-up Shania Oliver, and full back Simone McNeight were notable omissions from the 2025 squad.
But rather than rebuild, East Point reloaded.
Club mainstays like Cass Nolan and Kirsten Roth have anchored the side again this year, while fresh faces like Jaslyn Skilbeck have provided a new element.
In her first season of football, Skilbeck has taken to the game with confidence and consistency.
Megan O’Beirne has arguably had a career-best year, while Katie McAloon’s experience — including her stint in the VFLW system — has brought poise to the stocks.
Between them, they’ve featured in the side’s best across nearly every round, setting the bar for the red, white and blue.
With six rounds remaining, coach Jezza Jones will be zeroing in on a potential first-week finals clash against Lake Wendouree.
Their performances in second meetings against higher-ranked sides have shown clear improvement — a sign that East Point aren’t just aiming to make finals but are driven to shake them up.
The run home: Bacchus Marsh, Redan, Lake Wendouree, Darley, Carisbrook, Bacchus Marsh
Ladder Position: 5th - 2 Wins, 8 Losses
Lake Wendouree enter the final third of the season with a clear focus: securing fifth spot on the ladder and continuing to chip away at scoreboard margins in their third meetings with opposition sides — just as they’ve done from their first to second encounters.
The Lakers have shown steady improvement, managing to reduce margins and limit opposition scoring in their return fixtures.
Now, as they gear up to face each side for a third time, coach Mark Kinnane will be urging his side to turn those reduced margins into competitive contests – and, ideally, wins.
With an average age of just 23, the Lakers are among the youngest teams in the competition – a fact that bodes well for the club’s long-term trajectory.
Keeley Abbott is a shining example of this youth movement. Having stepped into the senior side early last year, her game has continued to develop with added experience and confidence.
Captains Demi Thompson and Shellby Lonie have been standouts all season.
Thompson’s ability to read the play and apply her netball smarts has made a noticeable impact, while Lonie’s strength and leadership continue to guide the group through key moments.
The Lakers will also be hoping for more game time from Faith McKenzie.
With her athleticism, ability to run out full games, and commanding vertical leap in the ruck, her presence has made a significant difference in her four appearances to date.
With a likely elimination final against East Point on the horizon, these final rounds will serve as crucial.
And with some ladder movement still possible, the Lakers will be quietly eyeing off a potential grab for fourth spot – making their run to finals one to watch.
The run home: Carisbrook, Darley, East Point, Bacchus Marsh, Redan, Carisbrook
Ladder Position: 6th - 0 Wins, 10 Losses
Whilst they remain winless, the scoreboard margins paint a different picture of the measurable wins Carisbrook are achieving.
While the four points haven’t come yet, the experience being gained by the playing group – particularly the young stock – is vital in the long run.
The Redbacks have shown pockets of competitiveness – strings of play where possession is won, clearances are made and inside 50s are recorded.
Across the backline, turnovers are becoming less frequent, and the side is making better use of their rebound 50s.
The challenge now is converting those passages into full-quarter performances – and eventually, four consistent quarters.
There’s plenty to be excited about when you look at the list.
Olivia Rogers, fresh out of the Under 16 competition, has stepped up and held her own at Senior level.
Emme Johnson and Maddi Smith, both still eligible for the Under 19s, have embraced the challenge of Senior footy, featuring amongst the best on multiple occasions.
Captain Liv Butler is having another consistent season in the red and black – leading from the front and slotting three goals so far.
Coach Simon Booker will no doubt be using the second half of the season to instil belief and reward effort.
Internal wins – like reduced margins, increased pressure acts, and dominating key stat areas – will be crucial measures of progress from here.
The run home: Lake Wendouree, Bacchus Marsh, Darley, Redan, East Point, Lake Wendouree
The McDonald’s Ballarat FNL is pleased to announce the fixture for the first week of the 2022 McDelivery BFL Women’s finals series.
The league is excited to have many of our BFLW clubs represented across the finals series, providing a wonderful experience for our clubs and players after missing out on finals over the last two seasons.
Admission prices will come into effect as of this weekend and are as follows:
Admission Prices
BFLW Finals 2022
Adults - $10
Family (2 adults & 2 children) - $25
Age Pensioner - $5
8 - 16yo - $5
U/8 – Free
Grounds Open
Note:Gates will open at 7.30am for all venues during Week One to Week Three.
Scheduled matches across all grades of football for Week One of the finals can be found below.
The McDonald’s Ballarat FNL is pleased to announce the fixture for the second week of the 2022 Federation BFLWomen’s Finals Series.
It was great to see the finals kick off over the weekend with some fantastic games played across all four grades.
Admission prices will continue this weekend and are as follows:
Admission Prices:
BFLW Finals 2022
Adults - $10
Family (2 adults & 2 children) - $25
Age Pensioner - $5
8 - 16yo - $5
U/8 – Free
Grounds Open:
Note:Gates will open at 7.30 am for all venues during weeks one to three.
Scheduled matches across all grades of football for week two of the finals can be found below.
Federation BFLW Finals Week 2 Schedule
Finals Week 2 Preview with 'Scoop'
For Melton and Sebastopol, it's one win and they're into the 2022 Carlton Draught Senior Men's Grand Final. One loss to either Ballarat or Darley, and the season is over.
SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 3RD - 2:15PM @ MACPHERSON PARK OVAL
Last time they met (Round 11): Melton 84 - Sebastopol 43
Both teams will know they've played a game of footy come 5pm Saturday - win, lose or draw, that's for sure. Given their healthy rivalry over more recent times, and levels of mutual respect, don't count on either party leaving any stone unturned, as a prized spot in the 2022 BFNL Grand Final is up for grabs.
Michael Searl's Sebastopol has been looking forward to another crack at the flag favourites for some time, a genuine footy audit if you will, and a chance to atone for a disappointing 41-point loss in Round 11. We didn't see the real Sebastopol that day, in fact, the Burras didn't win a single quarter. But when you add James Keeble, Luke Kiel, Bailey Medwell, Chase Dummett, James Richards, Jai Harvey, Jordan Crone and Grady Snowden into the Burras Second Semi-Final line-up (all missed Rd11) you start mounting a case. Furthermore, the Burras have lost just once since that Round 11 defeat. Yep, 6/7 including wins over East Point and North Ballarat (twice) is a solid form line.
But words of advice for the hunters - turn up to play from the get-go or cop the wrath of a feverish Bloods outfit going about their business. Aaron Timms' boys have some serious numbers of their own behind them. The Bloods are 15-2 for first quarters in 2022 and +175 for third quarter points differential (212-37) over the last five weeks including an intimidating 14-goal haul against East Point. Scary stuff.
I think Tymms is fully aware his Bloods hold the aces and it’s they who need containing with winners on every line. Just who and where to start bringing down the Bloods is a task only two teams in 17 tries have had success. Michael Searl is an intelligent footy person and is likely to spend most of his time matching up Ryan (57 goals) and Liam Carter (36) and X-factor Bloods Captain Braedan Kight (40). They loom the clear and present dangers denying the Burras a passage to that one day in September.
The Burras will sweat on the availability of inspirational leader Tony Lockyer (ankle) who will be given until game-day to get right. Lockyer left the ground early in the second quarter of last week's Elimination Final win over North Ballarat and did not return.
Bloods big man Mark Orr will be put through his paces too this week after missing week one of the finals. There's no doubting a few niggles exist for both sides this far into a first full season since 2019.
While I won't be tipping against the Bloods on their home deck, I am wary the Burras' best is good enough to give it a shake.
A Grand Final berth awaits the winner while a spot in next week's Preliminary Final against the winner of Ballarat and Darley.
Head-to-head in 2022: Melton 1 - Sebastopol 0
Finished: 1st (14 wins, 2 losses)
Record against remaining teams: W4 L0
Offence team rating (top 4): 1st (106.6 avg)
Defence team rating (top 4): 1st (55.6 avg)
Leading goalkicker: Ryan Carter (57)
Best in first final (Week 1): Jack Walker
Finished: 3rd (10 wins, 6 losses)
Record against remaining teams: W0 L4
Offence team rating (top 4): 3rd (72.4 avg)
Defence team rating (top 4): 2nd (63.1 avg)
Leading goalkicker: James Keeble (31)
Best in first final (Week 1): Lachlan Cassidy
SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 4TH - 2:15PM @ CITY OVAL
Last time they met (Round 7): Darley 73 - Ballarat 91
Before we explore the 'nitty gritty" of this highly anticipated, season-on-the-line Semi-Final, it's fair we congratulate Joe Carmody and Dan Jordan for guiding their respective sides back to the business end.
I'm not sure how much can be derived from their first and only meeting at Darley Park back in Round 7 but it was the Swans who had the measure of the Devils. The final margin was as close as the Devils got late in the game, enough to warrant the Swans as the clear favourites despite their already superior, win/loss season. The Swans led from go-to-woe that day, by 19,17 and 30 at the breaks before 18 at the final siren. The Devils (9.19) did have seven more scoring shots than the Swans (14.7) but Carmody's men were far more convincing with their ball movement and ability to hit the scoreboard. Anyway, enough of May 28th... that was 99 days ago.
The Swans have won eight of ten games since, the Devils 7/10 including their last four on the trot.
Darley will have their fingers crossed on the availability of star Captain Brett Bewley (calf) who missed last week's Elimination Final win over East Point. For the Swans Josh Gibson (hamstring), Angus Bade and Rhys Perry are their only injury concerns. Both sides will look remarkably different from their earlier meeting with up to seven new faces (each) likely to feature. The Swans add big guns Marcus Powling and Bailey Van de Heuvel while Jake Dunne, Inji Fyffe, Austin McPherson, Grant Baldwin and Jesse Nicholls make up the extra five. Darley's seven include Dylan Landt, Trent Angwin, Matthew Brett, Darren Leonard, Zane Lehuray, Blake Colley and Ayden Tanner. Handy inclusions for both teams. But the gain for the Devils has been the return of seasoned defenders Brett and Leonard who have helped sure up the once very young back six. The two were instrumental in restricting noted high-scorers East Point (comp rank #2) to 47 and 57 at their last two encounters.
If Bewley doesn't play, the Devils' midfield will be up against it, taking on an in-form Swans combination. Marcus Powling, Will Liston, Sam James and Lachie Dawson have been super of late featuring as the better players every week. Van de Heuvel has become the X-factor for the Swans with his versatility. Can play at either end, has a big frame, is strong overhead and has an excellent left foot kick. Regardless of the result, the Footscray VFL affiliate will have an influence. The same can be said for dangerous forwards Nick Rodda and Andrew Hooper, both integral trump cards that can win a game off their own boot. The Swans Jake Dunne, along with Gibson provide an extra target forward and will likely stretch the Devils' defence.
Let's hope the game is bereft of could've, would've, should've status in the aftermath given what we know to be certain. One of Ballarat or Darley is heading into a Preliminary Final - a monumental achievement.
Head-to-Head in 2022 - Ballarat 1 - Darley 0
Finished 2nd (12 wins, 4 losses)
Record against remaining teams: W3 L2
Offence team rating (top 4); 4th (71.9 avg)
Defence team rating (top 4); 3rd (68.9 avg)
Leading goalkicker: Andrew Hooper (38)
Best in first final (Week 1): Will Liston
Finished: 4th (10 wins, 6 losses)
Record against remaining teams: W1 L2
Offence team rating (top 4): 2nd (81.6 avg)
Defence team rating (top 4): 4th (73.6 avg)
Leading goalkicker: Nick Rodda (57)
Best in first final (Week 1): Bailey Young
Player nominations to trial for the McDonald's Ballarat FNL Junior Netball 22/23 Representative Teams are now open on the link below.
Applications close on the 10th of October 2022.
The McDonald's Ballarat FNL Junior Netball Representative program is a great experience for our young netball talent. Nominations are now open to trial for the 2022/2023 representative teams.
All BFNL junior netballers who are keen to try out for our rep teams and who were born between 2006 and 2011 are encouraged to nominate via the online link below.
Dates for trials are yet to be finalised, however, trials will be held in October/November 2022.
This year we will have two 15 & Under Teams going to Association Champs. This gives more players an opportunity to be a part of this great program which will assist in developing skills.
13 & Under – Coach: Leah Macdonald
Players born in 2010 and 2011
15 & Under – Coach: Meg Porter & Di McCormack (Championship Team) and Lisa Strudwick (Development Team)
Players born in 2008 and 2009
17 & Under – Coach: Prue Douglass & Damien Mullane
Players born in 2006 and 2007
You must complete the online nomination form to participate in trials: https://forms.gle/7htXhRcYQhPFwxkh6
Applications for trials will close on the 10th of October.
Jnr Netball Rep Player Nominations Form
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 5th 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
Round 16 Football Preview with 'Scoop'
Finals are just three weeks away and the top six is still open for eight clubs. This is where things get really interesting…
SATURDAY AUGUST 6TH - 2.15PM @ MADDINGLEY PARK
Last time they met (Round 2): Darley 82 def by Bacchus Marsh 83
A monster crowd is expected to descend on Maddingley Park for the highly anticipated battle between cross-town rivals Bacchus Marsh and Darley. A finals berth is at stake for these two teams but sadly, there's only room for one of them. Put simply, a loss for the Cobras on their home deck will end any finals aspirations while a win keeps their season alive.
For the Devils, a win guarantees them a spot in this year's finals, which would be a significant achievement under new coach Dan Jordan given the club's winless 2021. A loss on the other hand for the Devils does not mean game over entirely on the finals front. But they would need to beat North Ballarat in Round 18 and rely on other results falling their way to sneak in. So, in a nutshell - it is all about this next instalment between the old foe, as they say, that will seal one's fate.
Let's hope the weather holds up and we can be privy to a local derby for the ages. Only the 2018 Elimination Final - and 2017 Grand Final of more recent times - rival the hype and expectation of these two going head-to-head. Needless to say, finals aside - there is no bigger stage. We want to see Brett Bewley (named in the best in 10 out of 14 games) charging out of the middle and hitting Nick Rodda (50 goals) on the lead to hear the roar of the Devils faithful. We want to see Jake Owen (named in the best in 11 out of 13 games) in full flight and Harry King's run and carry on the spread and hear the Cobra fans at home in full voice. We wish for the derby, the best version of itself - unless, of course, you're in in either the Devils or the Cobras camp.
Darley understands their finals destiny lay in their own hands and Bacchus Marsh stands very much in the way right now. Jordan will have banked arguably his boys’ best win of the season last week over East Point and done all and sundry to keep the group grounded, in check, essentially reset. For the time is now to deliver when it counts most. While the focus will be on the Devils' mids, Brett Bewley, Dylan Landt (if available) and Luther Baker to generate majority supply forward, questions will be asked of their generals in defence, namely Matty Brett and Darren Leonard to manage a young back six negating Aaron Willetts (25 goals), Rex Hickman (16 goals) and Jake Owen (16 goals) who will likely spend some time in the front half, depending on the state of the game.
For the Cobras, captain Jake Owen is the star and leads by inspirational example. Tom German, Nick Stuhldreier, Harry King, Jack Williams, Michael Culliver and Aaron Willetts head a talented support crew more than capable of getting the job done.
We'll just have to wait and see.
SATURDAY APRIL 6TH - 2.15PM @ CE BROWN RESERVE
Last time they met (Round 3): East Point 102 def Lake Wendouree 43
East Point will aim to adopt the no mercy rule approach as they strive for a needed percentage booster against the Lakers. The Kangas gave up their second placing on the BFNL ladder with a 30-point loss on the road to Darley and will want to bounce back the best way they know how - doing damage on the scoreboard.
Last week the Kangas were kept to their second-lowest score of their season (57) and will have eyes on racking up the ton (weather permitting) once this game is put to bed. I can't see the Lakers troubling a Kangas outfit on the rebound, despite honourable efforts against the Swans and the Lions over the last two weeks. The senior bodies at East Point will exploit the determined youth of the Lakers to ensure they get the job done before an enthralling Round 17 meet with Melton.
In hindsight, the Kangas will have had the toughest draw, having played all current six teams twice by the season's end. And, so they should in fairness, given their reigning dual Premiership status. The hit-out with the Lakers ahead of the Melton bout will give the Kangas an opportunity to reflect on last week's loss and to reassert their brand as one of the more ominous combinations in the competition.
Unfortunately for the Lakers, their remaining three Home & Away games are as tough as any with East Point, Sebastopol and Melton. All Lakers coach Jack Fitzpatrick can ask for is a similar effort around the contest that resembles something from their previous two games. Plenty will be asked of the senior players at the Lakers to make sure they stay hungry or risk the likelihood of two or three big defeats at the end of the season. Experienced Lakers Joel and Lachlan O'Connell, Nathan Pring, Jacob Coxall, Timmy Collins and Callum McKay's message will be made clear by their actions. Nobody is expecting them to win, but we're hopeful of another buy-in effort from the undermanned Lakers that can at least make the Kangas earn it.
Containing dangerous Kangas x-factor forward Jordy Johnston (45 goals - named in the best 9 out of 14 games) would be a good place to start for the Lakers. But that’s easier said than done.
SATURDAY AUGUST 6TH - 2.15PM @ MARS STADIUM
Last time they met (Round 5): Sebastopol 61 def North Ballarat 26
Not to be denied, this North Ballarat (6th) vs Sebastopol (4th) clash will have ramifications of its own. After a strong win against flag favourites Melton, Brendan McCartney's North find themselves in a position where they need to win to guarantee a place in this year's finals. Who would have thought their two recent slip-ups against East Point and Ballarat would see them vulnerable? If North does happen to lose against the 'Burras I will explore in greater detail the pros and cons for them enroute to finals.
Come season’s end, North Ballarat and East Point will have endured the toughest draws of all having met all remaining top six teams twice throughout the year. In hindsight, it's only fair given the Kangas and North share the 2018, 2019 Premierships (East) and 2021 Minor Premiership (North) between them. But what say of North Ballarat and their chances against a hungry 'Burras keen for some continuity much like their hosts who have been battered by injury?
North is known for bringing the heat early, we've seen that more often than not during McCartney's two-year tenure. Michael Searl's Sebastopol won't want to be playing catch up especially on Saturday because I guarantee McCartney will not have his boys overrun for a third week in a row. The 'Burras, fresh off their bye will hope to hit the ground running and put scoreboard pressure on a North Ballarat outfit who have every right to show some degree of fatigue given their tough run since Round 11. Try this block - Darley, Bye, Melton, East Point, Ballarat and now Sebastopol.
Macca's boys, whilst at home, are cherry ripe for the picking as the 'Burras continue to build as their reinforcements arrive. Reigning Henderson Medalist Lachie Cassidy is one of those who missed the 'Burrass 35-point win over North back in Round 5. However, Searl's gang will have to do it without Luke Kiel (suspended) who was instrumental in their recent wins over Bacchus Marsh and East Point.
On the home front, North Ballarat looms a different proposition at Mars Stadium where they boast a 5-1 win/loss record. North enter this game with back-to-back losses away from home while the 'Burras are aiming for a fourth straight win.
Expect a stern response from North Ballarat, Macca is of the firm belief another great win for his club is close. Will this be the game? Only the 'Burras’ best can deny them.
SATURDAY AUGUST 6TH - 2.15PM @ CLARKE OVAL
Last time they met (Round 2): Melton 108 def Sunbury 68
While Finals are out of reach for Sunbury, their Round 16 meeting with ladder leaders Melton looms as the ideal opportunity to measure their improvement over recent weeks. In fairness, the Lions' three victories this year have come against the bottom two sides, but most would agree they're one of the better ninth-placed sides around regional Victoria. But they'll need to be better again if they're to take it to the Bloods, who should be fresh from the bye and raring to launch an assault on their last three Home & Away games before a much-anticipated finals campaign.
Expect important Bloods trio Jack Walker, Jacob Hickey and Luke Heeney's return to only bolster the flag favourites line-up as Aaron Tymms and his boys go all-in from here in 2022.
Despite the two teams' separation on the ladder, Tymms will treat this hit-out as one of three remaining [regular-season] Grand Finals. The Lions will aim to restore some pride into a disappointing season with meetings against the Bloods, Ballarat and Bacchus Marsh. How the Lions go about containing the strength and overall evenness of the Bloods across the ground will tell its own story on the scoreboard.
Leading Bloods forwards Ryan Carter (45 goals), Braedan Kight (32) and Liam Carter (28) provide a three-pronged attack unrivalled in the competition. The matchups and support planning will be crucial if Travis Hodgson's Lions are to get within five goals. Comparatively, the Lions have some of their own ability forward of centre that is capable of testing opposition sides. Jake Sutton (23 goals), Leigh Brennan (21) and youngster Jake Egan (16) are proven multiple goal options on their day, but whether they can get the supply inside 50 is another challenge altogether. Both midfields are pretty handy; for the Bloods Mark Orr (ruck), Jack Walker, Jacob Hickey and Lachie Watkins lead a group of ten players that could rotate through the centre if required.
The Lions' options are not as deep, but we should see Harry Minton-Connell return to the coalface if Josh Guthrie (North Melbourne VFL) is unavailable. Minton-Connell has had a stellar year in a (predominantly) losing side and is handy around stoppage but has spent a majority of recent time across half-back. No doubt the Lions benefitted by the inclusion of Port Melbourne affiliate Mitch Lewis last week, but his availability is yet another unknown among many at Sunbury this year. Captain Daniel Toman and Haydn Ross will ensure the Bloods don't have it all their own way but it's clear they'll be up against it.
