Melton FNC

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 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.

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.

Following a successful return to senior finals after a three-year wait, the McDonald's Ballarat FNL is pleased to announce details of Week Two of the Carlton Draught Senior Finals series. 

In football, Semi Final Two, and the chance to progress directly to the 2022 Carlton Draught Grand Final will be held at Macpherson Park, Melton on Saturday 3rdSeptember 2022 following the success of the debut at this venue. Semi Final One will be held at City Oval, Ballarat on Sunday 4thSeptember 2022. 

Netball will see a slight variation with Semi Final One to be held at Macpherson Park, Melton Saturday 3rdSeptember and Semi Final Two, and the chance for Grand Final progression to be held Sunday 4thSeptember. 

Melton will have the chance to grab a Grand Final berth should they win Saturday; however, Sebastopol will be a formidable opponent standing in their way. In the other semi-final, Darley will travel to Ballarat and take on the Swans at City Oval, the scene of their nail-biting one-point win over the reigning premiers last week. 

With a full card of netball across both days and record crowds in Week One, the excitement continues to build as we head towards the 2022 Carlton Draught Grand Final on Saturday 17thSeptember. 

You can see the path to the Grand Final below and find the full schedule for Week Two of the 2022 Carlton Draught Finals Series below. Want to download the schedule? Hit the button at the end of the article or do what we do and make an easy link on our phone by selecting Add to Home Screen under the web address.