Junior Representative Netball comes to Ballarat next week as our BFNL rep teams host Colac at Ballarat High School on Monday.

Coming off a number of impressive performances across 2023 so far, all three BFNL Netball rep teams will be in play on Monday night.

Action for the Under 13 and 15 teams will get underway at 6:30pm before the Under 17s hit the court at 7:40pm.

All three games will take place at Ballarat High School against Colac.

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.

The McDonald’s Ballarat FNL has today received a recommendation from AFL Victoria, as announced through AFL Goldfields, that community football leagues and programs should postpone training and matches until May 31st.

The league welcomes and endorses this recommendation for our clubs, their members and players health and wellbeing.

In the interim, the board of the Ballarat FNL will work closely with AFL Goldfields and AFL Victoria over the coming weeks to determine the structure of the 2020 McDonald’s BFNL competitions.

With the abovementioned recommendation, the start of the 2020 McDonald’s BFNL season will be delayed until the end of May initially, with the league to reassess the situation at this time, based on the advice of health professionals and sporting bodies.

Affected by this announcement will include:

The Ballarat Football Netball League is pleased to release the 2023 BFNL 9 & Under Netball fixture. Nine clubs will compete commencing Friday the 28th of April, 2023. Each club will host a Friday evening with all games being played at Ballarat High School indoor netball courts.

Competitions will run on Friday nights from April 28 for nine weeks. This competition focuses on development and participation.

The following clubs have entered teams in the BFNL 9 & Under netball program.

• Ballarat Swans
• East Point
• Lake Wendouree
• Mount Clear
• North Ballarat
• Redan
• Sebastopol
• Storm
• Woady Yaloak

There will be two game times with the first game commencing at 6pm followed by a 6.45pm game.

Ballarat High School will be running the canteen weekly for the BFNL 9 & Under netball program.

Round 1: Friday April 28, Ballarat High School

Host Club: Ballarat Swans

Games:
6pm Ballarat Swans v Storm
6pm Sebastopol v Mount Clear
6pm North Ballarat v East Point
6.45pm Redan v Lake Wendouree (1)
6.45pm Lake Wendouree (2) v Woady Yaloak

The McDonalds Ballarat FNL have today released details of how individual player points will be assessed for the 2021 season.

Based upon feedback provided to the CCSP sub-committee, the following protocols will be applied for the 2021 season across the region.

BFNL club Total Team Points for 2021 will be those as assessed for the 2020 season, each club’s total points being:

* Application being made to AFL Victoria to confirm additional points to a maximum 50 as per approved for 2020

For individual player points assessments:

• Any player that played with a community club and received a Season of Service deduction in 2019 and did not transfer or permit to another community club in 2020, may receive a 1 point reduction for 2020 as a season of service when assessing that Player’s Point value at that same Community Club prior to the 2021 Season.

This clause specifically refers to those players who were a multi-point player at the end of 2019 and remain with the club for 2021.

If clubs have retained players, it will free up points for additional recruiting for 2021. If they were at the top of their available points for 2020 through recruiting and they have retained these players then they will have the list which they deemed to be suitable for 2020.

The announcement today provides certainty to the leagues clubs who will now be able to plan for the upcoming McDonald’s BFNL senior premiership season.

Please note a change to the date of the 2021 Henderson & McLean Medals night, now to be held on Monday the 20th of September at 7pm.

With the current restrictions in place and the lack of clarity in the near future, all awards nights will be online and streamed through social media and the league website. 

This is a first for the league and will allow proper and due recognition to the best players across all competitions in 2021. 

With a deep and rich history, the senior competition Henderson & McLean Medals, along with the Robert Allan Medal for juniors will be joined by the awards presented for the best female footballers in the BFLW. 

Through the services of media partner Red Onion, the live-streamed awards will be presented through BFNL social media and website (www.bfnl.com.au) as follows: 

• McDelivery BFLWomen's Awards Night

oWednesday 8thSeptember 2021 from 7pm* 

• McDonald's Ballarat BFNL Robert Allan Medal

oMonday 13thSeptember 2021 from 7pm* 

• McDonald's Ballarat BFNL Henderson & McLean Medals

o Monday 20thSeptember 2021 from 7pm* 

* Start time TBC 

END RELEASE 

The McDonalds Ballarat FNL is proud to be part of Community Umpiring Week as we celebrate, acknowledge and highlight the invaluable contribution and role umpires play to our games each weekend.

Each week the Ballarat FNL is fortunate enough to have great support from our umpiring community as they perform an integral part of our matches going ahead.

This week we create awareness around umpiring pathways and promote respect for the men, women, girls and boys who officiate matches at all levels of footy and netball around the country.

There are many great reasons to get involved with umpiring including developing life skills, making friends, having flexible training options, keeping fit, making some extra money and developing a pathway to the higher level.

You can also find a balance between playing and umpiring across a weekend to keep involved with your sport.

It is also a timely reminder to remind our community that there is zero tolerance to poor behaviour towards umpires.

The role of umpires must be recognised and respected by the coaches, players, officials, spectators and families.

It is an umpire’s job to officiate the game within the rules and keep our players safe.

We need to remind everyone involved in our game of the consequences of poor behaviour towards an umpire.

The actions can have a much greater impact than what you think. We need to reiterate the need to treat umpires with respect.

Clubs and Families can help ensure the health and safety of umpires by educating players and members on showing and treating umpires with respect.

Officials, players, members, spectators and families should never argue, dispute decisions, make negative or derogatory remarks or gestures towards an umpire.

No one should behave in a manner to disturb the normal course of play in a game.

Not only is the behaviour setting a bad example for those around us, it distracts the umpire and takes away from the enjoyment of the game.

So please when heading to a game this weekend, and every weekend, remember, It’s only a game and it’s important to set a good example of respecting umpires for all of those involved.

Without umpires there is no game!

Thank you to all the umpires out there that show up each week and do their best to ensure we all get to enjoy the great game of football and netball.

The board of the Ballarat FNL have today confirmed a pathway to the conclusion of the 2021 senior football and netball season.

This plan moving forward is designed to provided certainty for all stakeholders (clubs, players, and the league) in the best interests of the senior competitions.

With many variables as we move through this current period, the league has tried to create a compromise at all points that takes in to account the varying needs and wants of all clubs across the league.

The announcement yesterday from government that lockdown and further restriction will continue for another two weeks, means the earliest date for competition would be Saturday 4th September.

There is a requirement to provide a minimum 7-day period for a return to training before competition can commence, in effect means the earliest date for competition will be Saturday 11th September 2021.

In summary:

As each week progresses from the 11th of September that finals are delayed, the bottom two clubs based on ladder position will be removed from finals.

This is a last resort and a tough decision that was made by the board to move through to a finalisation of the season. The final date the grand final can be held is the 2nd of October 2021, which is designed to give as much time as possible to have a premiership decided via a game.

League chair Adrian Bettio added:

“The aim of the BFNL board is to provide fairness and equality to all clubs and maintain the integrity of our competition.

It is a delicate and complex balancing act, and we accept that we are not going to please everyone. As with all leagues, we have had little choice but to evolve with the conditions.

“We face a unique situation in the Ballarat FNL with clubs that cross regional and metro areas which has created many challenges."

The league respects the right of all clubs who have qualified for finals to have the ability to compete in a final’s series with all other clubs” In other competitions, the McDonalds BFNL Junior finals series will kick off this weekend, along with Youth / Junior BFLW games.

BFLW open age competition will be paused along the same lines as the senior competition to allow the opportunity for Melton Centrals to compete in that final’s series

It's back - but no crowds, please!

In line with the easing of restrictions, the McDelivery BFLW and McDonald's Ballarat FNL junior competitions return to play this weekend. We appreciate all of our clubs, players, volunteers and families helping us keep the competition safe as we return to play.

Following the announcement of the return of senior competitions, the McDonald's Ballarat FNL is also pleased to announce a return to play for the Junior & BFLW competitions. 

Both competitions will recommence from this Sunday 1stAugust 2021 under strict COVID protocols. 

A revised fixture has been completed for both competitions that will ensure a more equitable fixture and a maximisation of games. 

Changes made to fixtures include: 

BFNL Juniors 

• Round 7 replacing Round 14 this weekend. 
• Rounds 12 & 13 will be abandoned 
• Rounds 15 (8th August) & 16 (15thAugust) will remain as originally scheduled for the junior competition. 
• Ballarat Toyota Junior Finals Series to begin on 21stAugust. 

BFLW 

• Matches this weekend will begin from Round 12 as originally scheduled for 1st August. 
• Rounds 10 & 11 will be abandoned. 
• Round 13 will remain as scheduled for 8th August 
• An extra round of home & away matches to be added for 15th August – Fixture to be advised. 
• McDelivery BFLW Finals Series to begin on Sunday 22nd August. 

Western Bulldogs Under 9’s 

The Under 9 competition will not return with current restrictions, however, the remaining rounds will look to be rescheduled when restrictions allow a return to play for this competition. 

With crowds restricted at venues under the current stage of restrictions, entry will be strictly limited to players and officials from each competing club only. Further advice will be provided from both AFL Victoria and Netball Victoria soon. 

The BFNL is excited to have competition football and netball back in the premier competition across the region. 

END RELEASE 

Following the release of Victoria's 'roadmap' out of lockdown, the board of the McDonald's Ballarat FNL has, with deep regret, cancelled junior finals.

It is with deep regret that the board of the McDonald's Ballarat FNL have made the decision to cancel the finals for BFNL Junior and BFLW Youth / Junior competitions. 

This decision, therefore, ends the 2021 seasons for all grades in these competitions. Teams that finished on top of the ladder at the end of the home & away season will be recognised as the minor premiers. 

With the announcement today of the roadmap for a return to activities, it is clear that community sport will not be able to commence until a fully vaccinated rate of 80% has been achieved, expected to be around the 5th of November 2021. 

Whilst the board have allowed as much time as possible to play finals, it is now evident this is not possible under the current plan. 

This decision will at least provide certainty to all the junior players, volunteers, and families that the season has concluded. 

League chair, Adrian Bettio:

“This decision is one that we knew was coming but we all wanted to hold out some hope that it would not eventuate. I feel for the kids who just want to get and play with their mates and finish the year with finals.

“We will do everything over the offseason to make sure the 2022 season gives everyone the opportunity to play and to catch up on two lost years through COVID. 

“I want to thank the many club volunteers and parents for their patience, understanding and support of the league and each other through challenging times." 

END RELEASE 

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.

BFNL Junior Netball 22/23 Representative Teams and Coaches

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 10^th of October.

Junior Rep Netball is less than four weeks away! The McDonald's Ballarat FNL announces the coaches and players in the 2021 Junior Representative Program.

The McDonald’s Ballarat FNL is pleased to announce the 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 will put their hard work into action at the Association Championships on the 27thof June. 

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

13 and Under BFNL Representative Team 

Courtney McLean – Coach 

Kara Hart – Coach 

Milly Vallance – Mount Clear 

Ebony Porter – North Ballarat 

Keira McDonald – Ballarat Swans 

Maia Murphy – Ballarat Swans 

Kate Aikman – North Ballarat 

Abby Kinnersly – East Point 

Brydee Craig-Peters - Redan 

Eliza Ashby – Ballarat Swans 

Nathalia Jenkins – Ballarat Swans 

Annie Folker – Redan 

15 and Under BFNL Representative Team 

Katie Williams – Coach 

Chelsea Oellering – Mount Clear 

Rose Murnane – North Ballarat 

Matilda Myers - Redan 

Ella Litras - Redan 

Isabella McNeill – Lake Wendouree 

Georgia Bodey – North Ballarat 

Alice Kaine – North Ballarat 

Ava Densley - Darley 

Addison Wright – Darley 

17 and Under Representative Team 

Deb Hutchinson – Coach 

Prue Douglass – Coach 

Damien Mullane – Coach 

Katie Jackson - Redan 

Bella Clark – Lake Wendouree 

Carlee Hazlett - Redan 

Ella Hutchinson – North Ballarat 

Rosie Todd – Lake Wendouree 

Milly Simpson – North Ballarat 

Milly Sharp – East Point 

Eloise Wills – North Ballarat 

Charlotte Cain – Ballarat Swans 

Arlee Bennett – North Ballarat 

Rose Pfitzner – North Ballarat 

Annie Cowan – Lake Wendouree 

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

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

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

13 and Under BFNL Representative Squad

Kate McMahon – Coach

Keira McDonald – Ballarat Swans

Brydee Craig-Peters - Redan

Eliza Ashby – Ballarat Swans

Lyla Sheehan – Lake Wendouree

Emmy Holloway – Lake Wendouree

Gabriella Stanley – Mount Clear

Audrey Murnane – North Ballarat

Allie Kirby – East Point

Hayley Jackson – Ballarat Swans

Ashlee Beseler – North Ballarat

Mia Hayne – Storm

Macy Abrams – North Ballarat

15 and Under BFNL Representative Squad

Di McCormack – Coach

Addison Wright – Darley

Rylee Sheridan – Sebastopol

Penny Follett – North Ballarat

Harriet Hodge – East Point

Madison Dixon – Sebastopol

Scarlett Clayton – Darley

Mackenzie Kopke-Veldhuis - Sebastopol

Amarli Minster - Sebastopol

Maia Murphy – Ballarat Swans

Ebony Porter – North Ballarat

Abby Kinnersly- East Point

Kate Aikman – North Ballarat

Charli Ferguson – North Ballarat

17 and Under Representative Team

Prue Douglass – Coach

Damien Mullane – Coach

Katie Jackson - Redan

Rose Pfitzner – North Ballarat

Annabel Hodge – East Point

Sarah Augustine – East Point

Allanah Trevisan – Mount Clear

Jacinta McKenzie – Ballarat Swans

Georgia Bodey – North Ballarat

Chelsea Oellering – Mount Clear

Rose Murnane – North Ballarat

Isabella McNeill – Lake Wendouree

Emily Davies – Redan

Matilda Myers - Redan

The BFNL wishes all our Netball Representative Players and Coaches the best of Luck in the Barwon Junior Championships. Our first game is tonight and all three Representative Teams will be playing against Geelong District FNL. 

Coaches: 

Leah Macdonald, Meg Porter, Prue Douglass and Damien Maullane

Players:

13 & Under

• Hayley Jackson
• Evie Palmer
• Taylor Young
• Ella Manley
• Stella Kane
• Ashlee Beseler
• Tiarnee Smith
• Emme Moore
• Tahlia Spratling
• Lotti Macdonald
• Milla Rundell
• Mackenzie McMahon

15 & Under

• Grace Jackson
• Ebony Porter
• Audrey Murnane
• Maia Murphy
• Kate Aikman
• Abby Kinnersly
• Zarli Brudenall
• Eliza Ashby
• Amarli Minster
• Keira McDonald

17 & Under

• Georgia Bodey
• Addison Wright
• Ella Closter
• Bridgette O’Brien
• Ella Litras
• Arna Howard
• Aza Richardson
• Olivia Ashby
• Alice Kain
• Emily Davies
• Eva Manserra

The McDonalds Ballarat FNL have a number of exciting employment opportunities for 2021.

The role of Netball Umpire Coordinator will be to support the development and growth of netball umpires across the various BFNL netball competitions. The role is ideally suited to those who have the experience and knowledge of netball umpiring that will further enhance the BFNL.

This role is part-time and for a fixed term with flexibility around the hours worked. Refer to the Position Description for more details about the role.

To submit an application, email your resume and brief cover letter to the BFNL Netball Manager, Gemma Murphy at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Applications to be received no later than COB Wednesday 31^st March 2021.

With four blockbuster matchups set to take place across our Senior Footy and A Grade Netball comps, here's how our teams are placed heading into Good Friday.

Maddingley Park is set to host one of two massive Good Friday clashes as Bacchus Marsh and East Point, both undefeated at 2-0, go head-to-head in a battle for top spot on the ladder.

Over the past seven seasons the two teams have met just once per year during the home and away rounds and only twice at Maddingley Park during this time.

All eyes will be on Zach Tuohy, with the AFL veteran finally set to don the Cobras’ red, yellow and black for the first time.

The streets of Bacchus Marsh have been buzzing all week in preparation, and Tuohy’s much anticipated debut is sure to bring a big crowd through the gates.

Jamie Foulton will miss the clash after a knock in last week’s win over Redan, with the recruit now likely sidelined for several weeks.

East Point, although off to a great start to their season, will come in with selection headaches.

An interstate wedding will see several Senior players out for the clash, including trio Matt Johnston, Bryson McDougall, and Billy Jones, leaving Coach Joe Carmody with some major magnet-moving to do.

Expect some fresh faces to step up from the Under 18.5 ranks as the Roos look to cover the significant losses.

Statistically, the teams have mirrored each other across the opening rounds, though East Point holds a slight edge in clearances both at the centre and around the ground.

Bacchus Marsh, meanwhile, has brought a tackling intensity that’s been a real highlight early in the season.

Can the Cobras make the most of their star recruits’ debut and jump to the top of the ladder?

Tip:Bacchus Marsh

If you're Bacchus Marsh, you're heading into this Good Friday clash with a healthy dose of confidence – and for good reason.

After walking off City Oval last week thinking they’d drawn with Redan, the Cobras received a surprise Monday morning phone call.

A post-match scoresheet review revealed a scoring error, handing Bacchus Marsh their first A Grade win in six years – by a single goal.

Now, under the guidance of new coach Nicole Gleeson, the Cobras will be eyeing back-to-back wins for the first time in recent memory.

There’s plenty to like about the Marsh in 2025.

 Kim Phillips has been a standout under the post, proving a composed and accurate goaling option.

The midcourt is humming too, with the pace and connection of Holly and Ally Keating, plus the return of club stalwart Kaila Saker.

But East Point will be eager to bounce back after a narrow Round 2 loss to North Ballarat, undoubtedly one of the competition’s most consistent sides over the past decade.

For the Kangaroos, Jamie Palmer has added a new dimension with her athleticism and drive through both the midcourt and goal circle, while Bridey McElligott has slotted seamlessly into multiple midcourt roles.

A positional switch has paid early dividends, with Liv Ashby impressing in her new role in goals and Stella Geljon thriving at the defensive end.

With both clubs boasting strong goaling circles, this game could be won and lost through the midcourt.

Stopping clean ball movement and limiting supply will be crucial.

While recent seasons have seen both sides rebuilding, there's no doubt each has finals aspirations in 2025 – and a win on Friday could set the tone.

Tip:Bacchus Marsh

The second of the Good Friday double-header sees Sunbury host Redan at Clarke Oval, with both sides hungry to notch their first win of the 2025 season.

Both teams came close in Round 2, heading into the final quarter of their respective matches within five points of their opponents.

But the hot conditions saw them fall away late, unable to capitalise on their strong starts and ultimately walking away winless.

There’ll be plenty of interest in the midfield battle, particularly around the ruck, where Sunbury’s Fraser Ampulski will be challenged by Redan’s dual threat in Taj Bond and Rudie Forde.

The pair worked well in tandem last week and loom as key figures again.

Redan were Round 2's leaders in one-percenters, showcasing a commitment to the contest.

But Sunbury can take heart in their ball-winning ability, amongst the top of the competition in both intercept and contested possessions.

Historically, Sunbury had Redan’s measure early in their rivalry, winning seven of the first eight encounters.

But since as early as 2002, it’s been a much tighter affair. Their past seven clashes have been hard-fought, with Sunbury’s 31-point win last year the biggest margin in that stretch.

Both clubs fell short of expectations in 2024, and a win here would do plenty for confidence with tough matchups looming in Round 3—Redan facing East Point, and Sunbury up against a strong Darley outfit.

Tip: Sunbury

Both Sunbury and Redan hit the court this weekend for their second outing of the 2025 season.

For Sunbury, it was business as usual.

Facing Darley in the Grand Final rematch, Kim Bailey’s reigning premiers shook off a tight first half and flexed their depth and dominance in the second, blowing the margin out from five goals to a convincing 21-goal win.

Meanwhile, Redan will no doubt have some disappoint coming off their opener.

 What was thought to be a draw with Bacchus Marsh turned out to be a narrow one-goal loss following a scoring review.

Redan will know they need greater efficiency under the post if they’re to challenge a side of Sunbury’s calibre.

The return of player-coach Ash Smith – a notable absence due to Victorian Mixed Team duties – could be the spark Redan needs.

Smith’s versatility and on-court leadership will be a major asset.

For Sunbury, Georgia Hellyer returns to A Grade after recovering from a knee injury and spending 2024 in the B Grade ranks, while off-season recruit Charli Cooke, formerly of the Ballarat Swans, adds another defensive option.

Add to that the unstoppable presence of Rebecca Hicks in goals and dual Sally McLean Medallist Simona Di Fillipo in the midcourt.

Redan’s midcourt of Grace Manserra, Lily Francis, and Cass Peace will need to be at their absolute best to slow Sunbury’s fast ball movement and limit clean entries into the goal circle.

If Redan can tighten up their shooting and bring pressure through the middle, they’ll give themselves a chance to compete.

Tip: Sunbury

The McDonald's Ballarat FNL today announces the return to play and training for competitions across the BFNL after confirmation of the easing of restrictions.

Following yesterday's announcement that regional Victoria will move to different settings than metro Melbourne, the league has worked to put in place plans that will enable the return of junior football and netball from this weekend, while keeping a watching brief on senior competitions. 

WESTERN BULLDOGS UNDER 9’s 

With the ongoing popularity of the Western Bulldogs Under 9’s, it is determined to place this competition on hold until further clarity is provided around density limits and the ability of crowds to attend these games on Friday evenings. 

Games schedule from this Friday will be paused, with the opportunity available for the fixture to be extended into term three of the school year to maximise participation for the youngest age group in the league. 

JUNIOR FOOTBALL & NETBALL 

• Round seven of junior football and netball (30thMay 2021) will be abandoned and not replayed or replaced. 
• Round eight of junior football and netball (6thJune 2021) will proceed as scheduled this weekend. 
• Junior competitions will then continue to follow the existing fixture. 

BFLW YOUTH COMPETITIONS (Under 14 - Under 18) 

• Round five of BFLW Youth (30thMay 2021) will be rescheduled for the 25thof July 2021 where the full bye was due to be held. 
• Round six of BFLW Youth will proceed as scheduled this weekend. 
• BFLW competitions will then follow the existing fixture. 

COVID PROTOCOLS

Several protocols will be introduced for clubs and members to abide by from this weekend in line with health advice to allow competition to recommence. 

Some of these include: 

• Due to limited density allowances, only one parentis permitted per child playing football / netball. 
• Players will be advised to “arrive / play / leave” meaning they should arrive at the venue ready to play and leave at the completion of their game. 
• Masks are not required outside unless 1.5m spacing cannot be maintained. Coaches, trainers, officials need to be aware that they should be wearing masks as they will not be deemed to be exercising and will end up inside the 1.5m spacing, based upon what has been seen last year and this. 

SENIOR FOOTBALL & NETBALL / BFLWomens OPEN 

With the current setting that senior competitions can return to limited training, the league will take a “wait and watch” approach to how the football and netball competitions will return to play. 

The Ballarat FNL is in a unique position where there are three clubs within the metro boundaries and therefore have different settings to regional clubs. 

Considering the current advice, the following impacts will apply to the senior competition fixtures: 

• Round seven and eight of senior football and netball will be abandoned at this stage and reconsidered as part of the fixture review to ensure equality and integrity of the competition for the balance of the season. 
• Round five of BFLW Open (30thMay 2021) will be rescheduled for the 25th ofJuly 2021 where the full bye was due to be held. 
• Round six of BFLW Open (6thJune 2021) competition will be abandoned and not replayed/replaced. 

Given the short timeframe for further advice, NOgames in any competition will be scheduled for the Queen’s Birthday weekend. 

The priority of the BFNL is to ensure that competition can take place in a safe environment that is supportive of members, players, and supporters. 

END RELEASE