The BFNL celebrated its night of nights as we crowned all the amazing achievements of our footballers and netballers from the 2025 season.

See below for a full list of winners andrecipients from the night.

Henderson Medal - Senior Football Best and Fairest

Jake Egan (Sunbury FNC) - 28 votes

Sally McLean Medal - A Grade Netball Best and Fairest

Maddy Selmon (North Ballarat FNC) - 30 votes

Tony Lockett Medal - Senior Football Leading Goal Kicker

Jake Sutton (Sunbury FNC) - 68 goals

A Grade Netball Goaler of the Year

Becca Hicks (Sunbury FNC) - 1053 goals

Football Team of the Year

Netball Team of the Year

Mick Malthouse Football Coach of the Year

Dennis Armfield (Bacchus Marsh FNC)

Netball Coach of the Year

Shannon Blackman (Darley FNC)

Harry Harris Memorial Football Administrator of the Year

Shannon Nixon (Bacchus Marsh FNC)

Netball Coordinator of the Year

Lindsay Jones (Sunbury FNC)

Merv & Mary Howard Memorial Senior Club Championship

Sunbury FNC

Umpire of the Year

Jack Anderson

Sportsman’s Association of Australia, Ballarat Rookie of the Year

Harvey Lewis (North Ballarat FNC)

Netball Rising Star

Tahlia Thompson (Redan FNC)

George King Medal - Reserves Football Best & Fairest

Jackson Vella (Darley FNC) - 18 Votes

Dick Rees Memorial Trophy - Under 18.5 Football Best & Fairest

Cooper Beseler (North Ballarat FNC) - 15 Votes

B Grade Netball Best & Fairest

Eliza Roughead (Redan FNC) - 28 votes

C Grade Netball Best & Fairest

Steph Maher (Lake Wendouree FNC) - 25 votes

D Grade Netball Best & Fairest

Iman Shrive (Lake Wendouree FNC) - 24 votes

E Grade Netball Best & Fairest

Kym Squire & Lexie McNaughton (Lake Wendouree FNC) - 29 votes

19 & Under Netball Best & Fairest

Addison Wright (Darley FNC) - 26 votes

Jim Gull Medal - Reserves Football Leading Goal Kicker

Leigh Brennan (Sunbury FNC) - 55 votes

Under 18.5 Football Leading Goal Kicker

Nic Salter (East Point FNC) - 43 goals

McDonald's Mark of the Year

Lincoln Koliba (Lake Wendouree FNC)

McDonald's Goal of the Year

Jordan Johnston (East Point FNC)

The McDonalds Ballarat Football Netball League Board is pleased to announce the final fixture for the upcoming 2025 McDonalds Ballarat FNL Senior season

This season hopes to build on momentum from 2024, with a full fixture of 18 rounds plus finals in store.

The fixture looks a little different for 2025.

With Melton South moving to the RDFNL, all clubs will face each other twice, guaranteeing a season filled with competitive football and netball.

We look forward to seeing some impressive matches across the season both on the field and court.

Round 1 kicks off on Saturday 5th of April 2025. Ballarat will host North Ballarat in the first “Night Match” of the season.

Good Friday football returns to the fixture in 2025, with Bacchus Marsh hosting East Point and Sunbury hosting Redan, followed by the second year running of Lake Wendouree v Ballarat on Anzac Day under lights.

We have some important rounds across the season.

Please take note of these dates, further information will be provided as we near each round.

Round 2 – April the 12th – Wellness Round
Round 3 – April the 25th - Anzac Day
Round 6 & 7 – May 17th & 24th - Indigenous Round
Round 16 – August the 2nd – RMCH Round

Interleague will also make its return in 2025, with the BFNL set to host Hampden for the annual competitions.

We’re also proud to announce several dual-gate events throughout the season, where our youngest footballers and netballers will play alongside their senior teams.

The McDonald's Ballarat FNL continues to lead the way among country leagues in providing access and opportunities for all supporters of football and netball.

Find the full fixture below.

Rep footy returns to the Ballarat FNL tomorrow as our senior and junior interleague teams face off against the Hampden and Bendigo Leagues.

Senior Interleague

FIXTURE

Saturday July 5th, 10:30am - Under 19 Women vs Hampden FNL @ Mars Stadium, 725 Creswick Rd, Wendouree VIC 3355

Saturday July 5th, 12:15pm - Under 17 Boys vs Hampden FNL @ Mars Stadium, 725 Creswick Rd, Wendouree VIC 3355

Saturday July 5th, 2:30pm - Under 23 Men vs Hampden FNL @ Mars Stadium, 725 Creswick Rd, Wendouree VIC 3355

SQUADS

LIVE STREAM

Watch all three games live streamed via the bfnl.com.au website HERE

With live match commentary for the Under 23 Mens game at 2:30pm

Junior Interleague

FIXTURE

Saturday July 5th, 10:00am - Under 13 Boys v Bendigo JFNL @ Junortoun Sporting Precinct - O'Keefe Oval, 1 St Vincents Road, Junortoun

Saturday July 5th, 12:30pm - Under 14 Girls v Bendigo JFNL @ Junortoun Sporting Precinct - O'Keefe Oval, 1 St Vincents Road, Junortoun

Saturday July 5th, 2:30pm - Under 16 Girls v Bendigo JFNL @ Junortoun Sporting Precinct - O'Keefe Oval, 1 St Vincents Road, Junortoun

Saturday July 5th, 10:30am - Under 14 Boys v Bendigo JFNL @ Junortoun Sporting Precinct - Howard Oval, 1 St Vincents Road, Junortoun

Saturday July 5th, 10:30am - Under 15 Boys v Bendigo JFNL @ Junortoun Sporting Precinct - Howard Oval, 1 St Vincents Road, Junortoun

SQUADS

The Ballarat Football Netball League (BFNL) is excited to announce the appointment of Jake Bridges as the Head Coach of the Under 23 Interleague team for the 2025 program.

Jake is no stranger to the Interleague environment, having served as an assistant coach in the BFNL program for the past two seasons.

His deep connection to representative football stretches back to his junior playing days, where he proudly represented the league after starting his career at North Ballarat in the early 1990s.

Jake went on to finish his junior football at North before moving to Redan for senior football and also spent time with the Greater Western Victoria Rebels and in the VFL system.

Jake’s leadership journey off the field has been equally impressive.

Through a decade at Leading Teams, he developed a strong foundation in leadership and culture, which transitioned into a successful coaching career.

After a stint assisting at Buninyong, he was appointed Head Coach of East Point in 2017, leading the club to back-to-back BFNL premierships in 2018 and 2019.

Jake said his passion for development and connection within the game were key drivers behind his desire to take on the Interleague role.

"I love being around people who want to get better. This program brings together the best
young players across the league and gives them a chance to test themselves at a higher
level.

I’m excited to help those who want to be here – players who are driven to improve."

Beyond the on-field opportunities, Jake highlighted the deeper importance of community and connection.

“Through COVID, I realised just how important connection is. Winning is great, but the relationships we build through footy — the people we play with and against — they’re what really matters.

The interleague concept has so much history in the BFNL.

It’s not just about the now – it’s uncles, brothers, grandfathers who’ve worn the jumper too.

With there being so much more to life than footy, this is about belonging and community.”

As planning begins for the 2025 campaign, Jake is energised by the quality of talent available and the players' enthusiasm.

“If you look at who’s eligible and how many are putting their hands up to play, it’s just so exciting. Watching how driven these young men are – it’s a credit to them and the clubs they come from.”

Training for the nominated players will commence in June.

The Ballarat Football Netball League is proud to announce the appointment of our 2025/2026 Representative Netball Coaches.

These individuals bring a wealth of experience, knowledge, and passion for the game, and we are excited to have them leading our representative programs this season.

17 & Under

Championship Team Coach: Josh Wells

Assistant Coach: Marcelle Geljon

15 & Under

Championship Team Coach: Kirsty Mclean

Development Team Coach: Dail Hilton

13 & Under

Coach: Kyra Miller

Coach: Kirsty Walsh

Coaching Mentor

Prue Douglass

We congratulate each of our appointed coaches and thank them for their commitment to developing and guiding the league’s talented athletes.

We look forward to a successful representative campaign and seeing our players thrive under their leadership.

Nominations are now open for players to register to trial for our BFNL Representative Netball Teams.

CLICK HERE to register now.

The Ballarat Football Netball League (BFNL) Board is excited to announce that applications are now open for coaching positions across the BFNL and BFLW Interleague programs for the 2026 season

The Interleague program is a long-standing and valued initiative within the league, providing development opportunities for players and coaches while showcasing the strength of our region’s talent.

In a significant milestone for women’s football in the region, the 2026 Interleague program will include the return of a Senior Women’s team.

Coaching applications are now open for the following teams:
• Under 13 Boys
• Under 14 Boys
• Under 15 Boys
• Under 17 Boys
• Under 15 Girls
• Under 18 Girls
• Senior Women

Interested applicants can apply online via the link: https://forms.office.com/r/0iY7kfxp3n

Applications close: Wednesday 26 November
Interviews: First week of December

For further information, please contact Operations Manager - Tayla Banham: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The Ballarat Football Netball League wishes to advise all players, families, clubs and supporters of the confirmed 2026 season dates for the BFNL Junior and Ballarat Football League Women’s (BFLW) competitions.

These dates have been confirmed to assist clubs and participants with planning and preparation ahead of the 2026 season.

BFNL Junior Competitions

• Season Commencement: Sunday, 19 April 2026
• Whole League Byes: Sunday, 7 June (King’s Birthday), Sunday, 4 July (School Holidays)
• Interleague: Saturday, 23 May 2026
• Grand Final: Sunday, 13 September 2026

BFLW Competitions

• Opening Round: Saturday, 28 March 2026 – Women’s, Sunday, 29 March 2026 – All Other Grades
• Competition Byes: Sunday 5 April (Easter), Sunday 7 June (King’s Birthday), Sunday 5 July (School
Holidays)
• Interleague: Saturday, 23 May – Under 18 Girls, Saturday, 4 July – Women’s, Under 18 Girls &
Under 15 Girls
• Grand Final: Sunday, 30 August 2026

For BFNL Junior competitions, clubs will have until 31 January 2026 to confirm their team entries, while clubs participating in the BFLW competitions will have until 11 February 2026 to submit their entries.

Once all club entries have been finalised, the BFNL will commence work on the 2026 fixtures for these competitions.

To assist clubs in managing team numbers and planning for the season, players are encouraged to register with their club prior to these dates.

Anyone interested in becoming involved at a local club is encouraged to visit the BFNL website to explore all affiliated clubs

The Ballarat Football Netball League (BFNL) wishes to advise its clubs and community that following a review of confirmed team nominations and player numbers for the 2026 season, the Board has resolved that Woady Yaloak Football Netball Club cannot be fixtured in the 2026 BFNL Junior Competition.

This decision has been made following careful consideration of the minimum team requirements necessary to ensure the stability, integrity and fairness of the junior competition across all grades.

The BFNL Board has a responsibility to all member clubs to ensure competitions are structured in a way that avoids uneven draws, excessive byes, potential forfeits and ongoing fixture disruption.

Fixturing a club without the capacity to consistently field the required number of teams would create significant challenges for the broader competition and impact the experience of players and families across the League.

While this is a difficult outcome, the League acknowledges the efforts of Woady Yaloak FNC in working to field junior teams and recognises the participation challenges faced by many regional
clubs.

Importantly, the BFNL strongly encourages Woady Yaloak FNC to continue its involvement in the Under 8 Football competition and Under 9 Netball competition in 2026.

These entry-level competitions play a vital role in grassroots participation and provide an important foundation for rebuilding junior pathways in future seasons.

The BFNL remains committed to working collaboratively with Woady Yaloak FNC to support the growth and sustainability of its junior program.

The League thanks all clubs for their ongoing cooperation and commitment to maintaining strong, sustainable junior competitions.

The McDonald’s Ballarat Football Netball League (BFNL) Board is pleased to announce the 2026 BFNL Junior Fixtures.

The 2026 season will feature a 16-round competition, with all clubs kicking off their seasons on Sunday 19th of April.

This year’s fixture has been structured into three components:

• BFNL Standard Junior Fixture – Includes all Netball competitions and Under 10, Under 12 and Under 14 Football
• BFNL Under 16 Reserve Football Fixture
• BFNL Under 16 Senior Football Fixture

Alongside these competitions, the Western Bulldogs Under 8 Football and BFNL Under 9 Netball will again take place on Friday evenings, with season details to be released in the coming weeks.

The BFNL Interleague campaign will be back on home soil in 2026, with Under 13, Under 14 and Under 15 Boys and Under 15 and Under 18 girls set to take on Bendigo FNL on Saturday July 4th, continuing the tradition for the Goldfields Trophy.

Themed rounds remain a major feature of the BFNL calendar. Wellness Round – spanning two weeks – returns to provide clubs the opportunity to promote and support causes important to their communities.

Sir Doug Nicholls Round and the Ronald McDonald House Charity Round will also return, reinforcing celebration, inclusion and community connection within the League.

The BFNL extends its thanks to naming rights sponsors Inland Motor Group and Ballarat Toyota for their support of our Junior Football and Netball competitions.

The BFNL wishes all members clubs the very best for season 2026.

We would like to congratulate the following athletes who have been selected to represent the Ballarat Football Netball League in their respective teams. 

The BFNL Representative Teams will participate in the 2026 Association Championships.

Netball Victoria's Association Championships provide more than 180 Victorian associations and leagues the opportunity to compete in a crucial part of the Netball Victoria pathway, with talent ID opportunities for athletes, umpires and coaches at all tournament days across the state. 

Congratulations to all players and coaches who will be representing the Ballarat Football Netball League in the 2026 Representative Netball Teams.

2026 Coaching Mentor 

Prue Douglass

13 & Under Squad

Coach: Kyra Miller

Coach: Kirsty Romsey

15 & Under Development Team

Coach: Dail Hilton
 

15 & Under Championship Team

Coach: Kirsty Mclean

17 & Under Championship Team

Coach: Josh Wells

Assistant Coach: Marcelle Geljon

The Ballarat Football Netball League is excited to invite clubs from the BFNL as well as neighbouring regions (Associations and Leagues) to express their interest in participating in our 2026 Senior Netball Tournament, to be held on Saturday, 21st March 2026.

This tournament is a fantastic opportunity for clubs to enjoy quality pre-season match play and test combinations ahead of the 2026 season.

Event Details

• Date: Saturday, 21st March 2026
• Location: TBA – tournament will be in Ballarat
• Divisions: Division 1 & Division 2 (clubs may enter up to two teams)
• Entry Fee: $200 per team
• Umpires: Each team must supply one umpire
• Prizes: Money prizes awarded to the Division 1 and Division 2 winners

The tournament promises to be a fun, competitive, and well-organised day of netball, bringing together clubs from across the region to kick off the season in style.

To register your club’s interest, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. by Friday, 31st January 2026

Clinic 1: Unbadged to C Badge
This clinic is perfect for anyone looking to work towards becoming a “badged” umpire. It’s a great opportunity to build your confidence on the court, develop essential umpiring skills, and enhance your game knowledge. Whether you're new to umpiring or have some experience, this clinic will set you up for success in your umpiring journey.

Clinic 2: C Badge to B Badge
For current C Grade umpires or those looking to progress towards a B Grade accreditation, this clinic is for you. Focused on strengthening confidence, improving rule understanding, and sharpening umpiring skills, this clinic will help you take your umpiring to the next level.

Clinic Details

• Date: 15th February 2026

• Time:

  • Clinic 1 (Unbadged to C Badge): 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

  • Clinic 2 (C Badge to B Badge): 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM

• Location: Saxon House & City Oval Netball Courts, Ballarat.

• Cost: $90 + GST (Includes whistle, participant pack, and on-court mentoring)

This is an amazing opportunity to be “Umpire Ready” leading into the new season, whether you are just starting or are looking to refine your skills.

Anyone is welcome to attend the clinics, simply choose the one that best suits your needs.

Good Friday Football Preview with 'Scoop'

The Kangaroos host the Cobras for a second instalment of their standalone Good Friday fixture to kickstart a highly anticipated BFNL season.

The Kangaroos host the Cobras for a second instalment of their standalone Good Friday fixture to kickstart a highly anticipated BFNL season.

Whilst East Point have the wood over Bacchus Marsh, unbeaten from their last five meets, contrasting off seasons in the player movement space sees the Cobras in with their best chance to win at Eastern Oval since their last success at the venue back in 2018.

Kangas’ coach Joe Carmody will need all of his (professional) teaching acumen to fall into place having lost four (top end) Premiership players, if they’re to maintain their impeccable run of finals appearances.

A-Grade talent in the form of Matthew and Jordy Johnston and forward Bryson McDougall will border on the impossible to replace in the short term but Carmody will embrace the opportunity for promising next gen talent to consolidate their untapped potential.

Ironically Matty Johnston and McDougall did not play in either of the Kangas’ two wins over the Cobras last year.

Bacchus Marsh coach Dennis Armfield won’t be taking anything for granted ahead of Friday knowing his opponents have won 17 of their last 18 home games over and beyond a two season stretch.

However, Armfield and his legion of Cobra fans can be assured Friday’s match up looms their best chance of walking away from Eastern Oval with the premiership points for some time.

The rationale comes not only on the back of those key exits from the Kangas but handy gains of their own.

Up to six ready-made (some familiar) senior players have arrived at the Cobras, with Joel Freeman, Sam Griffiths, Billy Griffiths, Hamish Coulton, Zach Vesty and Hugh Canning all capable of immediate impact.

That’s not including Jake Owen and Isaac Nixon who only played 15 games last year. Owen was the only player in the competition to average over four goals per game in 2025.

In fact, only Sunbury’s Jake Sutton and Melton’s Braedan Kight have kicked more goals than Owen across the competition in their last 50 games.

While Kangas’ pair Jacob Brown and Jarrod Joyce will shoulder much of the load hitting the scoreboard given their aerial qualities, Carmody will be hopeful returns on the goal front from dangerous trio Jack Jeffrey, Liam Canny and Alex Molan exceed cameos.

Despite the likelihood of the Kangas fielding up to six teenagers you can guarantee they will be well led across the three areas of the field.

Jackson Merrett (defence), Liam Canny (Captain) and Mickitja Rottumah-Onus (midfield), and Jacob Brown (forward) are likely to assume the verbal directives on field aiming to hold a desperate Cobras quiver at bay.

It’s over to Bacchus Marsh for mine, given the Kangas have (to varying degrees) labelled their coming season a development year in what promises to be a tough competition to earn a finals berth.

That’s smart of the Kangas to relinquish some of the early pressures to bounce, while tempering any external expectations in the process.

Given the even spread of talent at the Cobras, compliance to Armfield’s system will play a huge role in how far they go in 2026 after a return to finals last year.

Up to six bona fide inclusions for the Cobras suggest they’re every bit a work in progress for the here and now having only one practice match against Williamstown CYMS under their belts to build and resemble the kind of connection Armfield would be striving for.

East Point have predominantly played their ‘kids’ over their build up into the new season with humble returns if indeed the scoreboard was deemed relevant. Looking forward to seeing Kangas’ new recruit Sam Lucas (Cobden) with an intercept role across half back earmarked for the recent club best and fairest winner.

It’s a flip of the coin game on paper despite the Kangas’ superior H2H record of recent times.

There’s something in the air on the win/loss front this game will mean more for the Cobras down the track as the season long race to earn one of six prized positions at the business end officially begins.

Scoops tip: Bacchus Marsh by 6 points.

Scoop Reviews Good Friday

The Cobras impressed winning all four quarters on their way to a 51-point win over the Kangaroos at Eastern Oval, their first success at the venue in eight years.

The nature of the win was arguably the most pleasing for coach Dennis Armfield in his 36th game in charge, now into a third season.

The Cobras’ willingness to run, support and share the footy gave every indication of the testing material moving forward.

While there were questions raised around where East Point were at given 11 absentees from their first semi-final side of 2025, the takeaway was more about the improvement of the Cobras.

The six newcomers have added considerable depth quality and versatility to Armfield’s armoury.

Defender Zach Vesty and small forward Billy Griffiths (four goals) impressed first up joining future star Josh Huxtable (three goals) among vote contention.

The Cobras finished with an even spread of nine goal kickers after posting their highest half time score (10.5) under Armfield.

Kangaroos’ forward Jack Jeffrey (five goals) fought out the battle to the very end despite growing separation on the scoreboard.

Youngster Fraser Molan impressed with his composure and decision making under pressure while crucial trio Mickitja Rotumah-Onus, Joe Dodd and Jacob Brown (two goals) will be better for the run.

What did we learn?

The Cobras exciting, free running brand displayed on Good Friday shifts the weight of expectation on proven match winner Jake Owen (three goals) for the better.

East Point’s ‘reset of sorts’ was confirmed, albeit a small sample size.

STAT STARS

Josh Huxtable (Bacchus Marsh) – 32 disposals, 9 marks, 6 clearances

Luke Goetz (Bacchus Marsh) – 62 hit outs, 18 disposals, 5 tackles

Mickitja Rotumah-Onus (East Point) – 27 disposals, 16 contested possessions, 13 clearances

COACHES’ VERDICT

Joe Carmody (East Point)
Overall, free flowing game. Well done to Dennis and his boys as their pressure and work rate was excellent. Bacchus Marsh leg speed and ball movement from the back half split us open and created a lot of easy goals. We take some positives out of the experience considering the lack of experience within the team. Ball movement and contest was okay at times. Transition into defence needs a lot of work. The more games we can get in to the players the quicker the development.

Dennis Armfield (Bacchus Marsh)
Overall, really proud of the group today. Having not won at East point since 2018, we knew they were going to bring the heat and be up for a fight. And to stay playing our way for four quarters was a huge positive. All players had their moments and raised to the occasion. Happy to see the buy in filtering through our whole group, with our reserves having a good win too and our 18s being very competitive.

The A Grade season gets underway in blockbuster fashion this Good Friday on the 3^rd of April 2026, with East Point Netball Club hosting Bacchus Marsh Netball Club at Eastern Oval from 2:30pm.

These two sides built a tight rivalry across 2025, with Bacchus Marsh getting the upper hand on both occasions.

They claimed a 6-goal win in their first meeting before backing it up in Round 14 with a narrow 3-goal victory.

With margins that slim, expect another fiercely contested battle to open the 2026 campaign.

East Point will be eager to turn the tables on their home court, led by shooting combination Keele Hillas (GS) and Jeremi Robinson (GA).

Through the midcourt, Bridey McElligott (WA) and Rhiannon White (C) will look to provide strong drive and connection, while Bella Stevens (WD), Sarah Augustine (GD) and Stella Geljon (GK) form a defensive unit ready to apply pressure from the first whistle.

They’ll have depth to call on from the bench with Lily McGuinness, Abby Kinnersly and Tess Geljon.

Bacchus Marsh, however, will arrive full of confidence following last season’s results.

Their attacking end features Kimberly Philipps (GS) and Jasmine Paama (GA), supported by experienced midcourters Melissa Prismall (WA) and Eliza Moodie (C).

Defensively, Ella Logan (WD), Georgia Shattock (GD) and Avana Hobson (GK) will be tasked with shutting down East Point’s scoring opportunities, with Remy Day and Jaimee Walsh providing options off the bench.

Off the court, there are strong storylines developing in the coaching ranks.

Bacchus Marsh will again be guided by Nicole Gleeson in her second season at the helm, bringing continuity and confidence into the new year.

Meanwhile, East Point enters an exciting new chapter, with Kirsty McLean in her second year now joined by Josh Wells, who steps into his first season at the Club as Co-Coach of the A Grade side.

With both sides boasting strong line-ups, experienced coaching and recent history suggesting nothing will separate them easily, this Good Friday clash shapes as a must-watch to kick off the A Grade season.

The McDonald’s Ballarat Football Netball League (BFNL) Board is pleased to announce the 2026 BFNL Senior Fixture.

The League will once again deliver a full 18-round home-and-away season, followed by an exciting
finals series set to showcase the region’s top football and netball talent.

The 2026 season will open with a Good Friday showcase, headlined by East Point and Bacchus Marsh.

Round 1 will commence on Saturday 11 April, featuring local derbies between all Ballarat-based clubs, while the Eastern block teams will also face off in a major early-season highlight.

ANZAC Day will be strongly represented in Round 3, with several twilight matches scheduled to
commemorate the occasion.

Sunday football will also return in 2026, with four clubs linking senior matches with their junior programs.

Themed rounds remain a major feature of the BFNL calendar.

Wellness Round—spanning two weeks—returns to provide clubs the opportunity to promote and support causes important to their communities.

Sir Doug Nicholls Round and the Ronald McDonald House Charity Round will also return,
reinforcing the League’s commitment to celebration, inclusion and community connection.

Interleague football and netball will take centre stage during the first league-wide bye, with BFNL Under 23 Football and Netball, Under 18 Girls, and Under 18 Boys travelling to Hampden for the annual representative competition.

A second full-competition bye will occur during the middle week of school holidays.

After a thrilling 2025 season full of high-quality competition, the BFNL is excited for what 2026 will
bring.

The strength of the McDonald's Ballarat FNL was on full display at the 2021 NAB AFL Draft, with local talent heading to Richmond, Essendon and North Melbourne.

With five players being drafted - yes, we are clear and proud to claim you too, Paul Curtis - two in the first round, the league congratulates the players, their families and home clubs for the many hours and years of hard work to reach this point. 

BFNL talent drafted and likely to have a long and successful career at the highest level were:

 Pick #9

• Josh Gibcus (East Point FNC)  -  drafted to Richmond FC

Pick #20

• Kai Lohmann (Lake Wendouree FNC)  -  drafted to Brisbane Lions FC

Pick #22

• Josh Goater (Sunbury FNC)  -  drafted to North Melbourne FC

Pick #23

• Sam Butler (Lake Wendouree FNC)  -  drafted to Hawthorn FC

Pick #35

• Paul Curtis (Melton South FNC) - drafted to North Melbourne FC

AFL Goldfields in conjunction with the Western Bulldogs FC are offering a coach education Session.

Details:

Date: Thursday 23rd February
Venue: Saxon House - 1431 Mair Street Ballarat
Time: 6.30pm
Registration link:

PRESENTERS:

Jamie Maddocks joined the Bulldogs' coaching panel at the end of 2015.
Maddocks has been heavily involved in the player development space, after honing his coaching craft at state underage level and in the TAC Cup (now NAB League).

From 2015-19, Maddocks was the Bulldogs' development coach and opposition analyst.

He was promoted to the role of development manager ahead of the 2020 season.

Maddocks coached at the Oakleigh Chargers (2011-13) and Dandenong Stingrays (2008-10) in the TAC Cup and was involved in a premiership with the Chargers in 2012.

Brendan Lade has joined the Bulldogs as an assistant coach in 2023. A former Port Adelaide best and fairest and two-time All Australian, Lade played 234 games for the Power, winning a premiership in 2004.

The 46-year-old began his coaching journey in 2010 immediately following his retirement, joining Richmond as an assistant coach alongside former teammate Damien Hardwick.

After seven seasons at the Tigers, Lade returned to Port Adelaide for a further two seasons, taking the reins as an assistant coach at Alberton.

In 2019, Lade was appointed as a Senior Assistant at the St Kilda Football Club, relocating his family back to Melbourne and coaching the forward and midfield lines across two seasons.

Marc Webb came to the Bulldogs in 2022 after stints coaching in the WAFL with Claremont FC, at Fremantle FC and with up-and-coming stars in WA. He was at Fremantle for seven years in a variety of roles as midfield coach before taking on head of development. Webb spent 2021 at the WA Football Commission coaching the State U19s.

This week we saw the announcement from the elite game of its planned roadmap to Return to Play. We are now in a position to be able to share more definitive plans in terms of what this means for community football in Victoria.

Returning to play in a safe, hygienic and controlled manner is paramount to the AFL. The safety and wellbeing of our participants is our number one priority. As such, our return to play strategy has been focused on ensuring we have the clear endorsement of State Government and public health officials at every phase of return.

Each State Government is responsible for determining what level Australian football is in their State and approving when we can transition into the next stage.

Following Victorian Government advice around the return of community sport this week, AFL Victoria will release its return to train protocols early next week and is endorsing a return to club sanctioned training from Monday, May 25.

This timing will provide the opportunity to communicate our protocols with Leagues and allow volunteers and clubs time to digest the protocols, go through an education period and prepare themselves ahead of returning to club sanctioned training.

In summary, the return to train protocols for community football in Victoria will enable:

• Training to resume in groups of up to 10 people. The group of 10 does not include a coach or the minimum number of support staff who are reasonably required to manage the activity.
• Two groups of 10 can utilise the same oval provided they do not operate closely together, and the oval is split into two zones.

We will continue to work with the State Government to ensure alignment with their advice, and in the event of further easing of restrictions, we hope to be able to return to full training and competition later in the year, with hygiene and safety protocols firmly in place.

Our primary focus is preparing to return to train in a safe environment in a well prepared and educated manner. In order for this return to play to be successful, and in line with Government advice, it is essential that clubs and individuals work within the timelines and protocols and do not move ahead of the level and restrictions in place.

On Friday, 15 May, the AFL re-opened transfers until 30 June. Further information about transfers will be provided via a comprehensive FAQ document.

In addition, an important part of this return to play process is the requirement of each Club to appoint a COVID Safety Officer that is responsible for ensuring these protocols are adhered to and participants can return to a prepared and safe environment.

We strongly recommend all participants immediately download the COVID-SAFE App, to ensure we can quickly trace and manage any outbreaks in the community. We all have an important role to play in ensuring that not only football returns, but that Australia returns safely towards a normal way of life.

We understand this announcement will raise many questions for Club officials, players, parents/guardians and volunteers. As such, the AFL has prepared a set of FAQs that hopefully address most of these questions. We will continue to update these as the situation progresses and our return to train protocols are released.

We will also be providing a suite of educational resources and COVID safety posters that can be downloaded from www.afl.com.au/clubhelp.

Thank you for your patience and understanding, and we look forward with cautious optimism towards returning to training as a first step.

Get excited local footy fans, starting from this weekend every match from every round of the McDonald’s Ballarat Senior Men’s competition will be streamed live and free via Cluch.tv.

You can find the McDonald's Ballarat FNL page on Cluch here: McDonald's Ballarat FNL live in Cluch

You can watch live and on-demand on all connected devices and screens. Simply go to cluch.tv or find the stream links via BFNL.com.au or the Ballarat FNL Facebook page. Stream it to the big screen, track the scores and action across all five games, and replay the goals. Or catch up on all the action on-demand from your phone, screen or TV.

Get ready by downloading the Cluch app on your device or screen.

The McDonald’s Ballarat FNL’s streaming activity has increased significantly in recent years and the launch of full competition streaming is the next step in that journey.

We will also continue to bring you the Ballarat Toyota Match of the Round live to Facebook.

About Cluch:

Cluch is an OTT video and platform-as-a-service business dedicated to community sport. Cluch delivers premium on-demand streaming services across all connected devices and screens.