At The Bar

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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

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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)

At The Bar

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INSIDER: Rate the Lakers season so far compared to last year? What's different?

BRAYDEN HELYAR:A bit more identity/vision this year. The vibe is up on last year.

INSIDER: Tell us about tall dual combo Tom Zampatti and Felix Fogarty?

BH:Zampatti - fitted in really well. Back from ACL. 100% effort. Fogarty - could be one of the best future players in the league.

INSIDER: What do you think the Lakers need to start challenging for a top six position?

BH:Another star player, probably an A-grade midfielder and to continue the internal growth.

INSIDER: Who wins the Lakers’ family Olympics? The O’Connell’s or Helyer’s?

BH:Definitely Helyer’s.

INSIDER: Recruit Jaydo Wright had a frustrating start to his Lakers move. How's he tracking after a couple of return games?

BH:Starting to come into his own now with more confidence in the ankle. More to come, watch this space for Jaydo!

INSIDER: Bailey Thompson has kicked 30% (16/54) of all Lakers goals this year. How does he do it? Even against the really good sides he's hitting the scoreboard!

BH:All heart, cracks in, excellent goal awareness, craft and the fact he doesn't like to handball always helps!

INSIDER: Best team you've played this year?

BH:Melton

INSIDER: What are three non-negotiables we would expect Rohan Brown to write on the whiteboard?

BH:Intensity, Pressure, Effort.

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

BH:Bailey Thompson

INSIDER: Who at the club has the most upside from a junior perspective?

BH:Lincoln Koliba (16yo)

INSIDER: Who is the quickest at the club over 20m?

BH:Sam Canny

INSIDER: Favorite ground to play on away from Lake Wendouree?

BH:Eastern Oval

INSIDER: Who is your favorite footy person at the club?

BH:Gavin Maher

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

BH:Tom Zampatti

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

BH:Chorizo Pasta

INSIDER: Who at the club would most likely win a million dollars on a quiz show?

BH:Callum McKay

INSIDER: Toughest opponent?

BH:Jake Owen (Bacchus Marsh)

INSIDER: Favorite AFL club and player?

BH:North Melbourne / Charlie Comben.

INSIDER: Tip for the BFNL flag?

BH:Melton at this stage.

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

BH:Brett Bewley (Darley), Jake Owen (Bacchus Marsh), Luke Goetz (Bacchus Marsh).

At The Bar

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INSIDER: Finally a win for the seniors at the weekend ending an 18 game losing streak - what was the overwhelming feeling on the final siren and in the rooms later on?

Joel O’Connell:Been a long time.... sigh of relief then enjoyment.

INSIDER; Just curious Joel, how many players were in the middle of the circle celebrating their first win at the club when you were belting out the victory theme song?

JOC:Reckon about 5 lol!

INSIDER: We're fully aware of Melton South and their on-field struggles this season but what were the positives to draw from the massive 102-point win?

JOC:Stuck to our structures and executed what we had been working on a training.

INSIDER: Tell us about your relationship with coach Jack Fitzpatrick?

JOC:Good coach. Great fella. Bonus having some AFL, VFL experience leading the group.

INSIDER: Name the #1 non-negotiable we would expect Jack to write first on the white board?  

JOC:Intensity

INSIDER: Who is the most underrated player at the club?

JOC:Callum McKay

INSIDER: Name your favorite BFNL ground to play on away from home?

JOC:Maddingley Park, Bacchus Marsh

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

JOC:Badminton

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

JOC:Bailey Thompson

INSIDER: Who at the club has the most upside from a junior perspective?

JOC:Lewis Gilbert

INSIDER: Who at the Lakers would you like kicking for goal after the siren to win you a game of footy?

JOC:Lachie O'Connell

INSIDER: Who is the quickest at the club over 30m?

JOC:Timmy Collins

INSIDER: Who is the best trainer out on the track?

JOC:Ethan Preston

INSIDER: Who is your favorite footy person at the club?

JOC:Gav Maher

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

JOC:Angus Gove

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

JOC:Spaghetti bolognese

INSIDER: What TV series would you recommend for us this coming Winter?

JOC:The Office (USA version)

INSIDER: Who at the club would most likely win a million dollars on a quiz show?

JOC:Jacob Coxall

INSIDER: Who at the club would most likely be seen eating a kebab downtown, 4am on a Sunday morning?

JOC:Mal Kennedy

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

JOC:Jack Butler

INSIDER: Favorite AFL club and player?

JOC:Gold Coast, Touk Mller

INSIDER: BFNL flag tip outside of the Lakers?

JOC:Melton

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

JOC:Cam McCullum (North Ballarat), Tony Lockyer (Sebastopol), Brett Bewley (Darley)

At The Bar

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INSIDER: St Joseph’s (GFNL) has been a resourceful AFL hunting ground for talent over the years. Have you played with anyone who have gone on to the highest level?

TOM ZAMPATTI:Sam Walsh (Carlton), Tom McCartin (Sydney)

INSIDER: So why the move to Lakers?

TZ:I'm best mates with Angus Gove and Brayden Helyar - we went to Uni together.

INSIDER: How are you enjoying your time, glad you made the move?

TZ:I'm loving it, good vibe, developing young group. Good foundation for future on-field success

INSIDER: There was much speculation about your knee ahead of your first game in Lakers’ colours. What actually happened?

TZ:I did my ACL for a second time on Anzac day 2022. No luck at all!

INSIDER: You're now playing and going well, what were your first impressions of the BFNL?

TZ:Pretty good standard, grounds and facilities are better in the BFNL, similar levels in top-end talent. GFNL has more depth in playing lists (the bottom six).

INSIDER: Who wins GFNL or BFNL?

TZ:Tough question. Put it this way, I reckon Melton and Darley would play finals but not win it.

INSIDER: What are three non-negotiables we would expect you to write on the whiteboard?

TZ:Play your role, Consistency, Tempo

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

TZ:Bailey Thompson

INSIDER: Who at the club has the most upside from a junior perspective?

TZ:Bailey Ryan

INSIDER: Who is the quickest at the club over 30m?

TZ: NOT Angus Gove!

INSIDER: Favorite ground to play on away from Lake Wendouree?

TZ:Eastern Oval

INSIDER: Who is your favorite footy person at the club?

TZ:Gav Maher

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

TZ:Bailey Thompson

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

TZ:Chicken Enchiladas

INSIDER: Who at the club would most likely win a million dollars on a quiz show?

TZ:Angus Gove

INSIDER: Favorite AFL club and player?

TZ:Richmond, Dustin Martin

INSIDER: Tip for the BFNL flag?

TZ:Darley

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

TZ:Brett Bewley (Darley), Jordy Johnston (East Point), Ryan Carter (Melton).

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.

General Information

• MARS Stadium – Creswick Road, Wendouree VIC
• Sunday 11^th September 2022
• The Ballarat Toyota Junior Grand Finals will be an Alcohol-Free event.

Match Schedule

Admission Fees

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

Grand Final Filming

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.

Live Scores

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

Entry & Parking Information

Please see details and map below for assistance with entry & parking requirements this Sunday.

Entry to MARS Stadium:

• Gate 1 – Located on Creswick Road.
• Gate 2 - Beech Avenue – Located at Northern Oval 2 behind MARS Stadium. This entry is encouraged for those attending the Netball.

NO DOGS are permitted within the precinct this weekend.

Parking is available at the following locations:

General Parking:

• Creswick Road. No parking within concrete barriers stationed outside Gate 1.
• Around Northern Oval 2. MUST enter via Beech Avenue – Cars will NOT be able to move between the North Ballarat Sports Club Car Park & Northern Oval 2.
• STRICTLY NO PARKING IN NORTH BALLARAT SPORTS CLUB.

Disabled Parking:

• Designated disabled parking can be accessed through North Ballarat Sports Club Entry. Patrons must be always a disabled parking permit holder and display permit.

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.

Darley

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 300^th 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?

Bacchus Marsh

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 100^th game of footy in Round 2, it’s worth noting that 98 of these games were played at Bacchus Marsh!

Redan

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.

Lake Wendouree

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.

East Point

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.

Carisbrook

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 100^th 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.