Next up in Scoop's club-by-club predictions is Melton. The Bloods will be feeling the loss of big forward Mark Orr, but with a more settled pre-season and an injury-free start, coach Aaron Tymms is hopeful the club can take the next step in 2021. 

Melton

Scoop’s 2021 prediction: 4th - 8th

EXPECT Melton to tinker with their forward line set up in 2021 in the absence of key big man Mark Orr who has left the club who left the club due to travel.

While Orr's return on the goal front was modest (19) last season in 2019, the structural advantages and flexibility he brings to the line-up will be sorely missed. Not only will the Bloods look a little smaller going forward they will also need to find a pinch-hitting relief option for Ben Archard in the ruck.

Bloods coach Aaron Tymms acknowledged replacing the club’s 2019 Runner Up Best and Fairest won't be easy. You can also add gun midfielders Shaun Campbell (to Parkside) and more recently Connor Griffiths (to Yarrawonga) into the mix of star exits.

"That trio especially will leave a big hole that's for sure," he said.

"We've been throwing the magnets around a bit over pre-season, trying to find the right mix forward with Orry leaving, and [now] how the midfield group will look for us come Round One.

"I expect we'll see players in different roles this year. We could play Ryan Carter forward, but in my opinion, he's one of the best shut down defenders in the comp."

Bloods fans will expect to be a part of the business end conversation for a third successive season after rising to prominence in 2018 with a runners-up result that exceeded expectation. The writing was on the wall for another tilt at a flag in 2019, but their form by their own standards was patchy at best before falling short to Sebastopol in the penultimate week of finals.

Tymms hopes an uninterrupted pre-season and injury-free list will hold them in good stead early for a tough opening month of footy.

"In 2019, we couldn't even get on our ground until Round One, which wasn't ideal," he said.

"And with Archard and Denham going down early with hamstring injuries, it had us on the back foot a little."

While the Bloods had just five players play every game in 2019, they were matched only by East Point for the fewest number of players used (34), mounting the argument that attrition rate is one thing, and who gets injured is another.

Tymms is hopeful there is enough improvement within the club to take the next step in 2021.

Kevin Klix (Deer Park - small forward), Lachlan Watkins (Coburg, Melton South) and youngster Lachlan Phillips (Western Jets/Melton Centrals - midfield) have been welcoming additions for the Bloods in testing times for all clubs post-COVID, while dangerous forward Jordyn Cotter returns after a lengthy lay off with an injury.

"I know we have a young list, most of the guys are still 21-22 years old, but we think there is enough talent here to give it a shake."

Proven match-winning forward, Braedan Kight, is said to be flying on the track, while experienced trio Ben Archard, Matt Denham and runaway 2019 B&F winner Dyson Stevens are moving freely ahead of the shouldering duties that await them in the new season.     

Shaun Campbell (to Parkside), Daniel Walker (to Melton South), Darren Haby (WRFL), Michael Hibbert (work), Mitch Brockwell (to Diggers Rest) join Orr, Campbell and Griffiths as the other notable absentees for 2021.

Who knows what influence the departed and a difficult draw will have on the Bloods in 2021?

I'm on the fence.

*Affilliated players: Jake Greiser (Williamstown VFL)

Tymms' Tips

They finished the decade as a strong force within the BFNL, narrowly missing out on Premiership glory in 2018!

Can the Bloods go all the way in 2021?

The 2022 Federation BFLW Grand Finals will take over Mars Stadium tomorrow. Find all the Grand Final details below, including match times, parking information, entry details and match vision.

Watch the 2022 Federation BFLW Senior Grand Final LIVE from 1:20pm here: https://bit.ly/3KEBMY2

Federation BFLW Grand Finals – Event Information

Ahead of the first Federation BFLW Grand Final Day at Mars Stadium, please see some important information for supporters and attendees to be aware of:

General Information

• MARS Stadium – Creswick Road, Wendouree VIC
• Saturday 3rd September 2022
• The Federation BFLW Grand Finals will be an Alcohol-Free event.

Match Schedule

Admission Fees

BFLW Grand Final 2022

• Adults - $12
• Family (2 adults & 2 children) - $26
• Age Pensioner - $7
• 8 - 16yo - $5
• U/8 – Free
• Footy Record – $2

Note: Eftpos is available and encouraged as the preferred payment method.

Gates & Parking

• Gates open at 7:00am
• Entry into MARS Stadium via Gate 1 (only) located on Creswick Road.

Parking is available at the following locations:

• General Parking:
  • Creswick Road. No parking within concrete barriers stationed outside Gate 1.
  • Around Northern Oval 2. Entry via Beech Avenue ONLY – Cars will NOT be able to move between the North Ballarat Sports Club Carp 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.
  • PARKING MUST ONLY OCCUR IN DESIGNATED AREA AND IS FOR DISABLED PARKING ONLY.

Grand Final Filming

• All matches will be filmed with the Senior Women’s match being live streamed - link via Facebook and this website on the day.
• 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 - https://bit.ly/3Q4H8gg

Scoop' Reviews Finals Week 1

Melton, Sebastopol and Darley all claimed wins in Week 1 of the 2022 Carlton Draught BNFL Finals Series.

Minor Premiers and flag favourite Melton took the best part of three quarters to shrug off an honest Ballarat to win by 23 points. 

After trailing at the half (by 1 point), the Bloods added six goals to two in the third term to set up a match-winning 31-point lead at the final change. Ironically the Bloods won just one and a half quarters for the game on their home deck but it was enough to get the job done.

Bloods midfielders Jack Walker (3 goals) and Jacob Hickey (1 goal) were named best for the winners while the outside run and carry of wingman Kyle Borg (2 goals) proved significant. Defenders Jordy Cotter, Brenton Payne and Riley Walker were recognised as key contributors as the underdog Swannies took it up to their more fancied opponents in the first half. Dangerous Bloods forwards Braedan Kight (2 goals), Liam Carter (2 goals) and Ryan Carter (1 goal) were three of nine Bloods players to hit the scoreboard.

There's no doubting plenty of positives for Joe Carmody's Swans to draw from the game despite the loss after testing the Bloods. Clearly, their third quarter alone cost them a genuine crack at the finish. Carmody recognised the efforts of his midfield Will Liston, Sam James and Marcus Powling by naming the in-form trio among the best players with Footscray VFL affiliate Bailey Van de Heuvel and defenders Austin McPherson and Nick Swain. Swans sharpshooter Andrew Hooper finished with three goals. Josh Gibson (hamstring tightness) did not play but is expected to return next week. 

What the coaches said...

Aaron Tymms (Melton):We held strong in the first half when Ballarat had some territory dominance before we were able to get the game back on our terms in the second (half). (We were) really pleased with the contributions from across all lines.

Joe Carmody (Ballarat):We defended really well in the first half and probably didn't get the reward on the scoreboard. Melton outworked us in the third (quarter) and used the ball really well. That was the difference in the end.

Sebastopol has secured a prized double chance, ending North Ballarat's season in the process with a hard-fought 33-point win on the weekend. It was the third straight win for the 'Burras over Brendan McCartney's Roosters in season 2022.

The 'Burras won every quarter and kicked six of the last seven goals to run out deserved winners and progress to a semi-final meeting with Melton. Much of the discussion during the week will be on the progress of 'Burras inspirational leader Tony Lockyer (ankle) who left the field in the second term and did not return. 

Toby Hutt (4 goals) broke the game open in the third term with three goals as the 'Burras added six straight to North Ballarat's 3.4 to lead by 26 points at the final change. Unfortunately for North, 'the tape' will tell a story of wasted/missed opportunity and inferior ball use. Essentially, the right team won, the 'Burras used the ball much better, and made more of their opportunities. But you couldn't shame the Roosters for effort. Their intensity matched the 'Burras but again, their execution of the fundamentals proved their undoing.

'Burras defenders Riley O'Keefe, Ben Trew and Connor O'Shea were named best for the winners while the run and line-breaking carry of Matt Austin and Jed Hill was a highlight in a game played on the inside for the most part. Reigning Henderson Medalist Lachlan Cassidy was solid for four quarters but wasn't alone. Hugo Papst again proved his versatility at either end, answering the call to whatever the coach's needs. Papst is very important to the 'Burras fortunes moving forward, that I'm sure of.

For North Ballarat, forward trio Josh Chatfield, Jamie Quick (1 goal) and Jack Riding (2 goals) were given little time and space to get the game on their terms. In fairness, their influence wasn't helped by poor forward entries. Quick and Riding were more often forced to win their own ball at ground level making it easier for the 'Burras to defend.

Cam McCallum (1 goal) won the majority of hit-outs yet again and slotted a much-needed goal 20 minutes into the third term to get North Ballarat within three points. But that's as close as they would be for the remainder. Isaac Carey, Brock Leonard, and Riley Polkinghorne never gave up the effort while Harry Loader, Ryan Hobbs (before moving forward) and Ned Nash were solid distributors from defence.

A 'throw at the stumps' opportunity against Melton to make the Grand Final awaits Sebastopol this week. For the record, 12 of the 'Burras line-up that featured on Saturday were part of the 2019 Grand Final side.

North Ballarat exits after a tough year, a difficult draw and the untimely injury to key players. McCartney's boys lost five of their last six games after beating Melton in Round 13 - who would have thought? North Ballarat will find some comfort knowing McCartney has signed on to lead the group in 2023.        

What the coaches said...

Michael Searl (Sebastopol):Super proud of the group. We needed to match them on the contested footy and felt we did that well. The belief in the group is important and we have a great opportunity in front of us.

Brendan McCartney (North Ballarat):We worked hard and gave ourselves numerous opportunities but weren't able to convert when we had chances. Sebastopol are well organised and well coached.

Darley withstood an avalanche of inside 50's from East Point in the last quarter to progress through to a Semi-Final meeting with Ballarat. Sure, the Kangas would lament their inaccuracies (1.7 in the last qtr) 

but credit to the Devils' back six and support crew for holding on under immense finals pressure. Players from both sides had barely enough energy to celebrate or commiserate at the final siren. Any last efforts in the immediate aftermath were spent purely on a handshake or embrace -recognition and respect for an old-fashioned battle that went down to the wire.

Kangas Captain Matty Johnston and Mickitja Rotumah-Onus led the charge in the second half, either waltzing out of stoppage or with their run and carry just as the Devils looked to be tiring. But the 'Brett Bewley-less' Devils' blend of youth and experience down back, combined with some Kangas wasted opportunities on goal, amounted to a wholesale, morale-boosting win for one, with heartbreak and disappointment for the other. 

The highlights reel will be a tough assignment for the techs. So where do we start? 

For the winners, Bailey Young was arguably best-on-ground for his four-quarter effort ahead of a host of defenders led by Matthew Brett and Mace Cousins. Bigman Trent Angwin was terrific in the air and was influential between the arcs providing a target for the Devils all day. The Devils' match-winning return of seven goals was shared among seven players.

For East Point, finishing near plus 20 for inside 50's in a game they won just one quarter, says a lot for their final quarter dominance. But alas, couldn't it get done and lost no admirers for their effort.

Kangas youngsters Jesse Cairns and Jack Jeffrey were lively and had their share of the ball while experienced campaigners Joel Van Meel, Clay Bilney and Mitch Walsh were never far from the action. On a tough day for forwards in unassuming breezy conditions, the Kangas managed just five goals, shared among five individual players. Evidently, it was the Kangas' lowest score of the season.

The numbers didn't lie heading in, giving every indication this final was going to be a close one. For the record, the Kangas averaged seven more points (FOR) per game while the Devils were conceding seven fewer points (AGST) per game to suggest a draw could be on the cards.

Missed it by that much...!    

What the coaches said...

Dan Jordan (Darley):I thought we were more efficient in key moments during the first three quarters. But full credit to East Point, they kept coming at us in the last. In the end, we were just happy to hang on in a tight one that could've gone either way.

Jake Bridges (East Point):We can't all play a winning game, someone is sure to lose, yet we can play so that our name, no one may dare accuse. That when the Master referee scores against our name, it won't be whether we've won or lost, but how we have played the game.

Next week:

Saturday, September 3 -Melton vs Sebastopol

Sunday, September 4 - Ballarat vs Darley

The Swans secured second spot and a prized double chance with a narrow three-point win over the Burras at Marty Busch Reserve. It was the Swans' sixth win of the season by a goal or less and the tenth win by 18 points or less. How are the heart rates at Ballarat, we're yet to play a final!

What the Swans do have is character - truckloads of it. Despite their narrow successes, only Melton won more games than Joe Carmody's men in 2022. There's no doubting the Swans line-up is buoyed by the return of big man duo Marcus Powling and Bailey Van de Heuvel. Ruckman Powling missed a large chunk of the season with a torn hamstring but returned to his very best with arguably best-on-ground honours. Josh Gibson and Lachie Dawson booted three goals each for the winners while a wasteful Sebastopol were kept in it by Toby Hutt (three goals), James Keeble and Hugo Papst (two goals each).

The Burras trailed the Swans by 37 points at halftime and were just 1% ahead of Darley on the LIVE ladder, looking down the barrel at a fourth-place finish. But credit Michael Searl and his Burras contingent arresting the game back on their terms with five unanswered third-quarter goals.

Grady Snowden, Luke Kiel and Tony Lockyer featured prominently in the Burras revival and will be hopeful restricting dangerous North trio Jamie Quick, Jack Riding and Josh Chatfield.

Four points separated these two heavyweights at the final change as an arm wrestle of sorts (two goals each) prevailed for the duration as the Swans hung on to record another prizefighting win. 

Ballarat head to Melton on Saturday for a Qualifying Final at Maccy Park while the Burras face 2021 Minor Premiers North Ballarat at Eastern Oval.

What the coaches said:

Michael Searl (Sebastopol):Another tough loss for us against the Swans. (We) didn't capitilise on our early dominance in the first quarter. They completely outworked us in the second quarter and really showed us the importance of work rate. (I'm) proud of the group to really dig deep and come at them in the second half. Lots of learnings to take from the match.

Joe Carmody (Ballarat):We set the game up in the second quarter with some good ball movement and excellent pressure. Sebastopol were very good in the contest in the third quarter. We showed a lot of character to hang on.

Sunbury finished their season on a high, surpassing 100% for and against on their way to a resounding 65-point win over Bacchus Marsh in front of a home crowd.

The Lions finished off their season with four wins from their last six games, an encouraging base for next year under Travis Hodgson who will lead the club into a fourth year in 2023. The Cobras, on the other hand, capitulated to a fifth loss in six games ending their season in eighth place with seven wins.

Veteran forward Leigh Brennan (five goals) shows no signs of ageing, leading a charge of eight Lions players to hit the scoreboard. The Lions led from start to finish and virtually put this game to bed by quarter time despite having had the advantage with the breeze.

Lions stand-outs Tyson Lever and Harry Minton-Connell continued their run of good form while the progression of youth trends in the right direction. Jack Hannett and Jack Newitt topped the list for as many as 12 candidates among best-on-ground conversations.

The Cobras, seemingly bereft of the fight we saw earlier in the year could manage just six goals on a quiet day for the visiting forwards. Six individual Cobras' goalkickers represented their major returns on the scoreboard while young combative ruckman Spencer Meagher was named best for the losing side. Defenders Daniel Veldon, Dominic Miesen and Xavier Jenks toiled manfully behind the ball while Tom German and Riley Stuhldreier were again serviceable contributors in the red, yellow and black.

Both are proud clubs and will prepare for their journey back to finals, for an eighth and ninth place finish, simply won't do.

What the coaches said:

Travis Hodgson (Sunbury):(It was) a good way to finish off the season - it's been a positive two-month block. The Marsh tried hard but our ability to stretch them with legs on the outside was obvious and played a significant role in the result. 

Tom German (Bacchus Marsh):They used the ball well around the ground and we didn't execute well as a team.

The McDonald's Ballarat FNL wishes to advise of a game cancellation due to Health & Safety Protocols.

Circumstances have arisen whereby the Ballarat v Melton reserves game at Alfredton Reserve Saturday 14^th May 2022 will be cancelled under COVID by-laws and protocols.

This is supported by advice and recommendations from AFL Victoria.

As a result of the game being cancelled under COVID guiding bylaws and protocols, the points for this game shall be split and each team receive 2 points.

A revised schedule for football games has been arranged which will see Under 19 football commence at 11am and senior football commence at 1pm.

The league supports the actions of the Ballarat FNC in dealing with this issue and thank them for their proactive stance and initiative to address the unfortunate circumstance where the available players do not allow for reserves to be played.

State government protocols and league safety bylaws have been implemented to ensure the health and wellbeing of players, supporters and members of the football and netball community.

A special thanks to the Melton FNC for their understanding and willingness to work with the Ballarat FNC to ensure games continue in a safe environment.

After 88 home and away games and six finals, Melton meets Sebastopol to decide the 2022 BFNL Carlton Draught Grand Final in arguably one of the more even competitions in recent history.

Despite Bloods coach Aaron Tymms' 0-3 record at Mars Stadium, the Minor Premiers will start red hot favourites against the Burra.

Will Melton will do enough to secure their first title since 2005? Burras coach Michael Searl will have different ideas and ensure they're made to earn it, even if they come up short as they have in their previous two meets.

Tymms' winless record at the ground is something Burra fans can cling to, but they will have to overcome a similar record (against) of their own to get it done.

Under Searl, Sebastopol is 0-3 against Tymms' Melton. You would have to go back 1099 days come game day to witness the last Burra success over the Bloods - an 18-point,= 2019 Preliminary Final win.

Searl and his boys were able to overcome their 0-3 record over Ballarat last week to make it onto the McDonald's Ballarat FNL's biggest stage. And what an opportunity for both clubs the day presents.

Melton finally gets their chance to assert their dominance, their stranglehold on the 2022 competition in front of a huge crowd enhanced by the addition of live streaming via Facebook, the CLUCH TV app and LIVE radio. I expect this game to be the most watched of any BFNL game in recent history given the improvements to access.

It's the players' time to shine before one club's time to celebrate.

For the record, these two teams are the current Runners Up of 2018 and 2019. So, for the here and now, one club's luck is about to change.

The Bloods ability to score is frightening

If the nature of the Bloods' uncontested superiority is the fuel then surely their ability to score is the fire.

On ten occasions, the Bloods have scored 100+ points or more, not to mention a further six scores of 80+ points. On the flipside for the Burra, three scores of 100+ and just three other scores of 80+.

On the two occasions the Burra has met Melton they have managed just six goals, in fact, their two returns were identical. Why so? See 'the worry for Sebastopol' below. They are just six shy of the Bloods on average for inside 50s per game. The Bloods +7 advantage for marks inside 50 validates the separation of scoring to a degree, highlighting Searl and his support crew will need to have a day out on the magnets and get the message through.

Of the 12 goals kicked by the Burra against Melton this year, only Lachie Cassidy (once - 2 goals) has a multiple-goal return.

The Bloods on the other hand have had six multiple goalscorers from their two meets - Braedan Kight (twice - 2,3), Liam Carter (twice - 4,2), Ryan Carter (once - 3) and Luke Heaney (once - 3).

To put the weight of scoring into perspective, the Burras have just four or more players that played at the weekend kick 10 or more goals this season - James Keeble (32 / 17 games), Jed Hill (17/18), Toby Hutt (16/16), Liam Stow (15/18). Melton however have seven - Ryan Carter (60/17), Braedan Kight (42/18), Liam Carter 40/18), Lachlan Hickey (19/17), Luke Heaney (18/16), Kyle Borg (16/18) and Lachie Watkins (11/17). It's fair to imply that 'frightening' is the operative word.   

Expect the Bloods defence to hold up

Only the height of the occasion stands in the way of this unheralded defensive group getting it right once again.

The Bloods have been the competition's benchmark in defence, matching the exploits of their more spoken about forwards group, but that would suit them just fine.

Tymms and his support staff would be thrilled with the returns from his defence given they've been 'the hunted' near all of 2022. Just one more effort stands in the way of the club's first Senior Men's Premiership since 2005.

Surely they've proven themselves more than capable of honouring the challenge.

Only one club averaged less than 60 points per game against this season and it's Melton (54). Convincing to say the least, as the silent assassins went about turning defence on the back of intercept into attack and, ultimately, scores.

Just how the 'Burra forwards get separation and find avenues to goal is another primary concern for Searl and his men. There is some merit in that everything that has happened previously accounts for nothing but something will need to change for the Burra to take home the Cup.

The worry for Sebastopol 

Clearly Melton's advantage, regardless of opposition this year, has been their superior weight of possession, and more so uncontested possession.

Tymmsy's boys are +58 for disposals over the Burra on average per game, 50 of those uncontested. As a result, there is no surprise to see the Bloods are +27 for marks including a whopping +26 of those uncontested.

The Bloods often start their attack off half-back and boast a handy +14 advantage over the Burra for intercept possession that no doubt has the follow-on effect to the aforementioned. As a result, these chains of intercept, rebound and uncontested passage amount to a +4 advantage for marked shallow entries inside 50 and +3 for marks deep inside 50. Their sheer weight of possession alone, more often uncontested, has proven the catalyst behind their imposing 16-2 win/loss record and clearly the difference in their previous 41- and 43-point wins.

What is encouraging for the Burra, it's these stats in isolation loom their greatest threat, the rest are quite similar. 

The 'potential' fix

Only two teams have been successful against the Bloods in 18 attempts this year. Melton spread most defences with good effect. The only chance the Burra have of causing an upset will be to keep their defence high as they did in the second half of their Elimination Final win over North Ballarat, denying the Bloods the corridor and width of the ground in offence. Easier said than done.

Burra have weapons of their own 

You can't make it through such an even BFNL season without some weaponry of your own.

Sebastopol deserves its place in the big one. In fact, Tymms would be the least surprised of any, being the only coach to tip Sebastopol (outside of your own team) at the start of the season.

What will keep the Bloods in check is Tymms' respect for the 'Burra. The Bloods - let's be honest - haven't won anything yet. Tymms has been measured all through the season and has not once been caught 'out of his lane' assuming any premature entitlement.

So, when the Bloods back themselves in they will be fully aware that their opposition bat deep enough to test the season-long favourites.

James Keeble, Lachie Cassidy, Luke Kiel, Toby Hutt, Jed Hill, James Richards, Bailey Medwell, Riley O'Keefe are just eight players that spring to mind without raising the head off the keyboard. Each brings with them an impactful skillset that can aid across all three lines and deny the Bloods a game on their terms. Apologies to Matt Austin, Daniel Widgery, Chase Dummett and maybe even Tony Lockyer. There are another three or four and the potential Lockyer return (?) will gather its own head of steam in the build-up. 

What the coaches say

Aaron Tymms (Melton):Really looking forward to the challenge that awaits us. It has been three years of hard work to reach this point and we are looking to get reward for the effort put in over that time. We are under no illusions that Sebastopol presents a tough challenge, are a well-organised team with high-quality players across the ground who enjoy the contest. We will need to be at our best and most combative to succeed and enjoy the ultimate success.

Michael Searl (Sebastopol):Excited for the challenge. We're under no illusions that Melton is deserving of the favourites tag this weekend but we are excited and can't wait to crack in. Anything can happen in a final, so we prepare well and enjoy the lead-up to the biggest game of the year.

*Statistics for this article sourced via Premier Data

The BFLW is proud to announce Federation University as the inaugural BFLW Finals Series naming rights partner.

Federation has today been announced as the naming partner of the upcoming BFLWomens finals series and grand finals, commencing this Sunday the 14th of August 2022. 

The partnership will see Federation not only as naming partner of the now Federation BFLW Finals Series and Federation BFLW Grand Finals but will provide valued support to grow female football in Ballarat and regional Victoria. 

Since its inception in 2021, BFLWomens has continued to grow and be the home of female football participation across regional Victoria from Melton, Maryborough and across the wider Ballarat district. 

Support from Federation will ensure the McDonald's Ballarat FNL, as custodians of female football in the region, can continue to build on the current competition with the stated aim of maximising female sports participation. 

Ballarat FNL General Manager, Shane Anwyl 

“The partnership with Federation is an exciting step in the growth of female football, and more broadly participation across Ballarat. The Ballarat FNL is committed to the growth of female sport and an 'access for all' priority”. 

Federation is Victoria’s leading regional university focused on transforming lives and enhancing communities. They have a 152-year history of partnering with community, industry and government to meet the needs of the regions they serve. 

Federation University Vice-Chancellor, Liam Sloan 

“We are proud to be partnering with BFLW in the inaugural finals series for the League and look forward to enjoying the competition during the Federation Finals Series and supporting the growth of women in sport in Ballarat and surrounding areas. This collaboration between Federation and BFLW is driven by our shared value of inclusion and common goal of equality in sport."

The Bloods came close in both 2018 and 2019 but BFNL Media’s ‘Scoop’ has Melton facing the toughest season draw on the table in 2021. Keep checking in as Scoop serves up the pros and cons of the rest of fixture for every BFNL club next week.

Melton

Draw rating points: 110
2021 draw ranking: #11

PROS:Not many. FOUR of FIRST SIX games at home although the opposition line-up is a worry with Melton South in Round 1, Sebastopol in Round 3, East Point in Round 5 and Redan in Round 6

CONS:FIVE trips to Ballarat, including FOUR in SIX weeks from Round 8 to Round 13, up against North Ballarat Round 8, Lake Wendouree in Round 9, Ballarat in Round 11 and East Point in Round 13

-  Tough draw in the first SIX rounds despite having FOUR at HOME – (Melton South HOME, Sunbury AWAY, Sebastopol HOME, Darley AWAY, East Point HOME, Redan HOME)

- Play FOUR of 2019 Finalists TWICE, including Grand Final duo East Point and Sebastopol, as well as Sunbury and Darley

Comment:They came close in 2018 and 2019 but have lost some key personnel. With (in my opinion) an unfavourable 2021 draw, the Bloods will need to do plenty right to guarantee a finals berth in what is shaping up to be an improving season across the board despite the salary cap reduction.

With the 2025 season on the horizon, Scoop has caught up with all our senior footy coaches as we build towards an epic Round 1!

First cab off the rank is the reigning premier, Melton, as Troy Scoble gets his team ready for a flag defence.

SCOOP: Well Scobes, you're now officially the hunted following an 18-1 season capped by an emotional premiership win. Back-to-back is a tough ask - do you consider changing a system that is already proven?

TROY SCOBLE: We were really proud of our club’s performance in 2024. Our first year together was planned to be the foundational component of the system. Our players have been a part of this system for (essentially) 19 games. The first part of the season focused on the learning component, while the latter was more about consolidation of those learnings. The 2024 game style was for THAT playing group noting opposition and weather condition variables. All clubs will have changed so we have to continue the build on the foundational components to keep developing our game style with a focus on key areas in each phase of the game. 

S: How about the hunger of the players - do you subscribe to the theory there's a natural drop-off with intensity/buy-in after a flag?

TS: My previous experience post premiership success tells me some players are driven for more success and improvement, and some feel fulfilled and don't have as strong internal drive. That's natural and we will go into the new season with that mindset. The 2025 Melton Bloods squad has players wanting to develop their game, wanting to be better players and plenty wanting a taste of what others have experienced. With a large squad, the player who is best prepared to play the role required will be suitably rewarded with their opportunity.

S: Billy Crofts returns after a stint with Geelong and the Western Bulldogs at VFL level - tell us about his player type and likely role.

TS: Billy commenced his VFL career with Geelong when I was there and has really grown as a person and footballer through his time with the Cats and more recently the Western Bulldogs. Billy is an inside mid with speed, power and strength in the contest - can play anywhere. While he remains a Footscray VFL listed player, coming home has been rewarding for the club to continue developing our own and provide Billy with more opportunities to play alongside childhood mates he grew up (playing) with. 

S: You lose tireless campaigner Brett McIntrye (travel) - will Jono O'Brien and Josh Stewart assume the ruck duties?

TS: Brett, who will remain connected to the group, was really important for us in 2024 with Jono O’Brien’s injury and Josh Stewart early in the development of his career. While we're excited about having Jono back and the opportunity to keep progressing Josh's footy, we expect to roll a number of players through that role during the year pending the scenario we face.

S: Leading forward Ryan Carter is expected to play just ten games this year - please explain...

TS: Ryan's partner took up an amazing opportunity in Brisbane that the club is genuinely excited for and fully supports. Ryan's connection with the club is really strong, and with a number of return trips to Melbourne we are really pleased he wants to continue his footy with the group he loves so much. We are yet to finalise what that looks like with the amount of games etc, but it will be significant. Ryan has connected with a mate of mine coaching in the QAFL so we know he will have access to quality training. When he is not with us it provides great opportunities for some of our younger key position types to gain senior exposure. 

S: Key intercept defender Jordy Cotter (foot) has not been since round nine - how's he tracking for a return?

TS: Jordy was a significant loss to our group. He pushed hard for a finals return but the injury was far more significant than originally thought as he experienced first-hand during his rehab. Jordy supported the group throughout that whole period. He already saw the game well and hopefully there will be some real positives for him to draw on when he returns. Jordy is progressing well through the break and continues to throw himself into making sure he ticks every box for a successful return. Players at his level are very hard to find so we look forward to having him back.

S: Adam Kennedy (GWS) and Jack Watkins (Port Adelaide SANFL) have been spoken to for a possible return - what is the likelihood of acquiring these two?

TS: Jack earned an amazing opportunity to train with Port Adelaide for a Supplementary Selection Period list opportunity and is performing really well. We hope that eventuates and we see Jack in Port colours in 2025. Adam has commenced his post AFL playing career with a Development Coaching role at the Sydney Swans. Both boys supported us strongly throughout 2024 and remain connected to the club and our group. Seeing Adam is more likely than seeing Jack.

S: Jack Walker and Jaycob Hickey play 'high minutes' through the midfield for you - can we expect more of the same or can we expect some new blood rotated through the area?

TS: Our mids play similar game time each week. We rotate a number of players through that bracket on game day which adds to our flexibility. Those two (Jack and Jaykob) may play 'higher minutes' but the reality is - that is their role for us. We have some new additions to our midfield group planned for this year, some returning players, younger players and some guys that will look to add to their existing roles. The more flexibility, the better.

S: Given Melton South's move to the RDFL, do you believe this year's title will be the hardest to win in recent times given you have to play each team twice?

TS: They are all hard to win. I guess playing everyone twice evens up the draw. I anticipate this year’s premiership will be just as challenging as previous years. Exciting season ahead.

PLAYER INS:

B. McMahon (Diggers Rest), M. Caddy (Melton South), B. Crofts (Caroline Springs/Footscray VFL)

PLAYER OUTS:

B. McIntrye (travel)

VFL AFFILIATED PLAYERS:

K. Borg (Port Melbourne), J. Watkins (Port Adelaide SANFL), B. Crofts (Footscray).

PRACTICE MATCH SCHEDULE:

March 15/16 -Yarrawonga play-in tournament
March 22 -vs Gisborne (home)

IMPROVERS TIP (OUTSIDE OF MELTON):

TS: All teams will be stronger and comp very even.

FLAG TIP (OUTSIDE OF MELTON):

TS: Darley