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

A wild and windy weekend produced plenty of remarkable results as quarter-by-quarter tussles and astonishing comebacks filled the grounds to kick off finals.

Minor premiers Melton won the battle against fellow league heavyweights East Point to book their place in Saturday's second semi final with Darley.

This highly anticipated affair, 15 weeks on from their one and only meet earlier this year was marred by strong winds that it made it difficult to score, asking questions of all 22 players from both sides to have an impact.

To describe the wash up in its simplest form, all 16 goals of the match were scored at the Bacchus Marsh town end on Darley Park.

 Just who could inflict the most damage on the scoreboard during their time with the breeze would go a long way validating the result.

While there were typical moments reflective of the stakes, the game provided little on the form front given the impact of the strong, gusty winds.

Essentially it was the Bloods who outscored the Kangas with the breeze, nine goals to seven. Both sides had their chances into the breeze on rare occasions but every attempt on goal went awry in one way or another.

Bloods swingman Conrad Farrugia highlighted his versatility with a standout three goals when forward and relentless will to compete when asked to provide some relief for number one ruckman Brett McIntrye.

Farrugia took some great grabs and finished off his work in style, making the most of his opportunities.

Not dissimilar on the opportune front for the Bloods was livewire forward Jordy Kight who too finished with three invaluable goals in a relatively low scoring affair where goals came at a premium, requiring their own level of high skill and control.

Midfielders Jaycob Hickey, Jack Walker and Lachlan Walker registered good numbers, just reward for their incomparable work rate.

Harrison Handley had arguably his best game for the Bloods in just his fifth game at senior level for the season.

For the Kangas, a forgive run is granted. They weren't far off the Bloods having led at quarter time and three-quarter time but the lead never reached the comfortable stage.

Jordy Taylor, Mikitja Rottumah-Onus, Alex Molan, Bryson McDougall (three goals), Joel Van Meel and Liam Howard all earned the nod of approval from Joe Carmody's staff to be named in the best players.

East Point meet Ballarat on Sunday with a preliminary final berth up for grabs.

Should be a belter!       

STATS THAT CAUGHT THE EYE

Matt Johnston (East Point) - 31 disposals, 21 contested possessions, 12 clearances

Adrian Monitto (Melton) - 33 disposals, 15 contested possessions, 14 intercept possessions

Brett McIntyre (Melton) - 43 hitouts, 8 contested possessions, 4 marks

COACHES’ VERDICT
Troy Scoble (Melton)
"Most challenging conditions for the year and both teams cracked in worthy of a finals game. The margins were very small in all phases of the game. Fortunately for us we were able to be in front at the end. Credit to both teams trying to play their method. A bounce of the ball here and there separated the game. For us I am proud of our squad, so much adversity through the year to win a final is a step forward for us from last year. Hopefully the weather improves for next week but today showed it is an even finals series for those teams that remain." 

Joe Carmody (East Point)
"Very tough conditions, proud of the effort of our boys. Melton are a high class and well coached side and will be hard to beat from here. Great experience for our young guys and we go again."

Surprise packet Ballarat kept its ground-breaking season alive with a stunning come from behind win over Sunbury.

Chris Maple's never-say-die Swans trailed by as much as 36 points at three quarter time before storming home with a seven-goal-to-one final term to progress to a first semi final showdown with East Point.

Elation was clearly palpable for the winners in the aftermath, while you couldn't feel anything less than heartbreak for Matthew White's Lions who did plenty right, outplaying the Swans for three quarters.

Maple wouldn't mind me saying his boys looked rattled for three quarters, with little resemblance of the team that were unbeaten since round 10 heading in.

Descriptions varied from 'haven't shown up' to 'bubble's burst' as word spread of a one-sided affair unfolding at Marty Busch Reserve.

Credit to Sunbury, led by their Captain Tyson Lever who dominated from the outset holding the Swans goal less for the first 40 minutes of the game!

Jake Sutton, Nathan Doyle and Ben Cameron hit the scoreboard for the Lions to aid the advantage with two goals each.

Blake Watson, Riley Miller, Cody Bramble and Jake Egan led the charge before the arrival of a Swans tsunami hijacked any further discussions around an 'early crow'.

Tristan Maple led the revival to be named best ahead of a host of Swans who are becoming more familiar to the broader competition from week-to-week.

The Rinaldi brothers Zak (four goals) and Lewis were super while Rhys Perry, Bailey Fraser and Wil Liston were considered best of the rest according to the Swans’ hierarchy.

Experienced forward Andrew Hooper kicked two vital goals in a massive day for Maple and his beloved Ballarat Football Club.

All this on the back of a late out for the Swans as Lachie Dalgleish (illness) withdrew on the eve of the match.

It was truly an unbelievable climax to a game that saw Sunbury lead for 119 minutes and 53 seconds. Miraculously the Swans were able to find the line with their noses in front at the right time for long enough - all seven seconds to be precise.

STATS THAT CAUGHT THE EYE

Tristan Maple (Ballarat) - 43 disposals, 17 intercept possessions, 11 rebound 50s

Tyson Lever (Sunbury) - 30 disposals, 18 intercept possessions, 12 marks

Zak Rinaldi (Ballarat) - 18 disposals, 12 contested possessions, 11 score involvements, 4 goals

COACHES’ VERDICT
Chris Maple (Ballarat)
"Very proud of how our young group for hanging in there, and then executed plans well in the second half and get up to win. Still a lot to improve on. An important day for our footy club moving forward."

Matt White (Sunbury)
“A rollercoaster day in the end. Pressure was up three quarters, and momentum is a funny thing. Couldn’t do too much wrong in the first half and in that last quarter Ballarat found a way to score with the wind and made it count.

Darley proved too strong for North Ballarat to progress to a semi final showdown with Melton.

The Devils didn't have it all their own way early as trying conditions made it difficult to execute safely on the basic fundamentals.

After the Roosters won the toss and kicked with the aid of a four or five goal breeze the Devils’ defence were able to stave off numerous forward 50 entries to restrict Brendan McCartney's young band to just two goals.

With scores level at the first change there were thoughts among a large crowd in attendance the Devils would kick away with the advantage, but it wasn't to be.

In fact, if not for an Andy Azzopardi in the dying seconds, Dan Jordan's more favoured combination would've trailed at the main break.

After a recess of sorts the Devils raised the bar after half time to outscore the Roosters in the second half 8.8 to 2.2 to run away comfortable winners.

Small Devils’ forward Harley Inglis (three goals) and key target Brady Wright (two goals) were a handful for the Roosters and made significant contributions alongside Joel Cadman, Mitch Hovey, Luther Baker and Leigh Spiteri who made ball handling look easier than it was.

The Roosters were typically brave with their intent but overcoming the Devils on their own deck was always going to be tough.

Ned Nash booted three goals to give the Roosters a pulse while Elliot Lamb, Cam McCullum, Isaac Carey and Josh Sparkman shouldered much of the workload.

The Devils have every reason to savour the win but what lies on the horizon in the form of Melton who remains unbeaten since round seven (12 games) looms a different assignment altogether. 

STATS THAT CAUGHT THE EYE

Brett Bewley (Darley) - 33 disposals, 21 contested possessions, 12 clearances

Joel Cadman (Darley) - 24 disposals, 13 intercept possessions, 12 contested possessions

Cam McCallum (North Ballarat) - 64 hitouts, 16 contested possessions, 12 clearances

COACHES’ VERDICT
Dan Jordan (Darley)
"Very pleased with the result. We were able to wear down a persistent North Ballarat in the second half to keep our season alive. Shorter break this week, little time to dwell, rather use this opportunity to prepare and get ourselves right for Melton this Saturday. Wishing Macca all the best in his next footballing venture with Port Melbourne and the remaining teams the best of luck in the finals."  

Brendan McCartney (North Ballarat)
"Got beaten by a better team today. They handled the conditions better and took the game away from us in the second half. So proud of our club and players to keep being super competitive to the very end. It's been a tough year with plenty of obstacles, but we kept fighting as a group. Best wishes to teams still playing in the finals series."

With the postponement of football seasons due to Covid-19 one aspect which has clearly been identified is that clubs have lost the ability to generate income, not just match day revenue but the many other forms of revenue generation through sponsors and fundraising ventures which they rely upon to survive and pay the expenses which they face.

As a result of this there was a determination to take steps nationally to ease the burden on clubs where possible. Over recent weeks AFL Victoria has been part of discussions led by the AFL Game Development Department involving all community football bodies from each state on how community football Allowable Player Payment (APP) levels would look during 2020 as a result of the Covid-19.

Input to this discussion was done locally through AFL Goldfields, with feedback from the BFNL.

A determination has been made that  the initial step for each league is the decrease of the previously planned Allowable Player Payments (APP) budget by 50%.

This amount is then to be allocated pro rata to the original number of matches which the league was going to play (16 for the BFNL)

The BFNL 2020 APP of $140,000 becomes a $70,000 APP per club and then the BFNL normally plays 16 matches so pro rata this allows for a APP in 2020 of $4,375 per round.

This pro rata amount would then be applied across however many matches are played in the season once it gets underway. 

If there are eleven rounds (10 games played per club), this per round amount will equate to a MAXIMUM APP of $43,750.00 in 2020.

The McDonalds Ballarat Football and Netball League has confirmed today that its senior football and netball competitions will not proceed for the 2020 season.

After a period of lengthy consultation, the board of the BFNL have made the difficult decision to cancel the season in the best interests of the member clubs moving forward.

In collaboration with all clubs, it has been agreed that the current level of restrictions would not allow for a safe or financially sustainable season.

The health and safety of the Ballarat FNL players, supporters, members and volunteers is of the highest priority to the organisation and it supports the decision by the State Government to contain the spread of COVID-19.

Today’s decision will help support the long-term viability of the clubs and the league and the Ballarat FNL will continue to work with all stakeholders in the coming months to ensure a strong return to for the 2021 season.

There remains support from clubs for a junior football and netball competition in 2020 which is currently being considered by the league board based on the input from clubs’ junior coordinators.

A separate announcement on the 2020 junior football and netball competitions will be made shortly.

The Ballarat FNL would like to thank the many supporters who have been patient while we explored every opportunity to compete in 2020. We look forward to a sound and strong 2021 Premiership season. 

The McDonald’s Ballarat Football Netball League would like to advise that Melton South Football Netball Club have requested a transfer to the RDFNL for future football and netball seasons.

This transfer has now been approved by all involved and Melton South FNC will play all their football and netball games in the Riddell District Football Netball League from 2025.

The BFNL wish Melton South FNC all the best as they move across to the RDFNL.

Further information will be going out to clubs regarding the 2025 Senior Fixture over the coming weeks.

The McDonalds Ballarat FNL are pleased to announce its new partnership with RAD Centre - Strength & Conditioning Gym and Sports Physiotherapy for the upcoming season.

Since its foundation in 2015, RAD has built a reputation as a highly respected team of expert practitioners based in Ballarat, but servicing right across Western Victoria, helping athletes of all ages and abilities to improve their physical performance or recover from an injury.

RAD Centre offers a large range of fitness models for all different types of athletes with development plans, physiotherapy, rehabilitation, dietitian, and strength & conditioning services all available. 

An athlete is anyone seeking to be the best version of themselves.

As part of this exciting new partnership, RAD will be the premier supporters of the BFNL Football Interleague and Netball Representative programs for the 2024 season.

“The Ballarat Football Netball League are really excited about our partnership with RAD Centre," said BFNL Operations & Netball Manager, Gemma Murphy.

"This is an incredible opportunity for our players and community to have access to athlete development programs, strength and conditioning, physio and injury rehabilitation as well as dietitian services.

"This is a place for the whole of the Ballarat Football Netball League, RAD Centre is a great community with plenty of resources and we are really lucky to have formed a partnership together. We look forward to exciting times ahead.”

“We are super excited to be on board as a partner with the Ballarat FNL and can’t wait to help support everyone throughout the 2024 Footy/Netball season," said RAD Centre Director, Chris Radford.

"If you do suffer an injury at training or during a game, get in touch with our team to get it assessed and a rehab plan put in place to get you back to your sport as soon as possible.”

Find out more about RAD Centre by heading to their websiteand get started today!

2018 E-Grade Netball Grand Final - Ballarat FNC vs Melton South FNC.

A modern day Netball GF classic saw Ballarat FNC take on Melton South FNC in the 2018 E-Grade decider!

Sit back and enjoy the extended highlights, followed by the tense last quarter, all thanks to Buxton Ballarat

Get your copy of Photos taken from this game at the link to Red Photos below:

The McDonald's Ballarat FNL has called time on the senior competition for 2021.

It is with regret the board of the McDonald's Ballarat FNL have made the tough decision to cancel the 2021 senior competition finals series. This outcome will also apply to BFLW Women’s competition. 

The announcement today by the government that metro restrictions will next be considered for easing on September 23rdgives a clear timeframe of how the balance of the season could progress. 

With the unlikely ability of community sport to return to competition from this date, the earliest a game of football and netball could be conducted would be October 9th, given the need to provide a minimum 14-day period for training. 

This period would take the date of return beyond the leagues previous latest date of October 2nd. 

It is the belief of the board, given the above, certainty should be provided to our many players, volunteers and supporters who have been in a holding pattern as we live through the current COVID-affected period. 

As a result of the cancellation of senior finals for 2021, the highest-ranked clubs will be recognised as “2021 Minor Premiers” in each grade. 

The Henderson Medal for the best and fairest senior footballer and Sally McLean Medal for the best and fairest A Grade netballer will be held as an online event on Wednesday 15thSeptember. 

The junior competition will be assessed during the week of Monday 6thSeptember when the government is expected to make an announcement on regional restrictions. 

It is at this point that further advice will be provided to clubs on the junior football and netball and BFLW Youth/Girls competitions. 

On behalf of the league board, thank you to every player, official and volunteer for their patience and resilience as we tried to get the best possible outcome for the Ballarat FNL and member clubs. 

END RELEASE

Please find below important information for supporters and attendees to be aware of for this Saturdays Carlton Draught Grand Final Day at MARS Stadium.

General Information

• Mars Stadium, Creswick Rd, Ballarat

• Saturday 17th September 2022

Match Schedule

Admission prices:

• Adults $15.00
• Family (2A / 2C) $35.00
• Pensioners $8.00
• 8 - 16 y/o $6.00
• Under 8y/o Free
• Football Record $5.00

EFTPOS is available at all gates

NO DOGS

Gates:

• Main entry - Gate 1 on Creswick Rd
• Beech Ave, Wendouree (Best entry point for netball and carparking)
• North Ballarat Sports Club from 10am

Catering

Full catering is available throughout the day with bar facilities from 12pm.

Live scores

Live scores of all football and netball games are available throughout the day at:

• Football - https://bit.ly/3Q4H8gg
• Netball - https://bit.ly/3KPteh6

Live Streaming

Can't get to the game? Catch the live stream of the Senior Football and A-Grade Netball. The Senior Men's Grand Final will be live on BallaratFNL Facebook and Cluch.tv. The A-Grade Netball will be live on Cluch.tv - links below.

• Melton v Sebastopol Senior Mens Football: https://bit.ly/2022-GF-Melton-vs-Sebastopol
• North Ballarat v Darley A-Grade Netball: https://bit.ly/2022-GF-A-Grade-NorthBallarat-vs-Darley

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.

Football and Netball plays a vital part of our communities and is an important link in the social fabric of our society and we want to ensure the league is able to provide football and netball when it is possible to enhance the health and wellbeing of those connected with our sports.

Shane Anwyl has been employed by AFL Goldfields as the Operations Manager of the League for the last three years and will now be employed by the League directly to undertake all aspects of management of the League through this period of recess.

This will include engagement with our partners, social media and being available to our clubs to provide advice and assistance.

Do you make great coffee? Are you mobile and would love serving a finals crowd? Applications are now open for coffee vendors for 21 events across the McDonald's Ballarat junior, women’s and senior football and netball finals series.

The McDonald's Ballarat FNL invites expressions of interest from coffee vendors through the three BFNL finals series in 2022. There are 21 separate finals events across seniors, juniors and female finals.

All details of the finals series, venues and logistics are included in the information document (see attachment), and interested parties are required to complete the online form below. For further information or questions, please contact league general manager Shane Anwyl at 0409 072 403 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Expression of interest close Friday 22nd July 2022.

Online application form for interested vendors: 

https://www.cognitoforms.com/BallaratFNL/BFNLCoffeeVendorApplicationForm