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INSIDER: Congratulations on your 300 games ahead of Round One, how's the body holding up at 37?

DANIEL:I'm pretty fresh, considering there's been very little footy with COVID over the last two years. To be honest, recovery is a slow process these days!

INSIDER: How would you describe yourself as footballer?

DANIEL:I think it's my athletic ability above all else that has got me through. I was a basketballer originally before transitioning later to football.

INSIDER: What do you consider to be the greatest change in the game over your journey?

DANIEL:Definitely, the speed of the game for one and the typical forward. There's not as many 'hulks' as there used to be. These days we're seeing more athletic, mobile types.

INSIDER: You would have played on some genuine stars of the BFNL over the last 20 years. Is there one opponent who stands above as the hardest to contain?

DANIEL:Yep, Dan Jordan.

INSIDER: Who is the best player you have seen at Bacchus Marsh?

DANIEL:On sheer ability, Jarrah Maksymow

INSIDER: Who has been your favourite Bacchus Marsh Coach pre-Tom German?

DANIEL:Travis Hodgson (2016 Premiership)

INSIDER: What's your favourite ground to play on outside of Maddingley Park?

DANIEL:Darley Park

INSIDER: Just on the old foe, can you describe the rivalry between Bacchus Marsh and Darley?

DANIEL:Early days it was ruthless, very tough. These days it's a more competitive (than combative) style, more mature if you like.

INSIDER: Who is your favourite club person(s) at Bacchus Marsh?

DANIEL:Tyson Shea and Simon LaFranchi

INSIDER: Who is the quickest at the club over 20-30m?

DANIEL:Ashton Craig

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

DANIEL:Shaun Taylor (ex-player)

INSIDER: If you had to test your culinary skills and impress 50 people at the club for a 'one-off' food sitting, what would you serve up?

DANIEL:Hamburgers! (Really)

INSIDER: What's your poison - beer, wine or spirits?

DANIEL:Beer, Pale Ales

INSIDER: If you couldn't live in Australia, which country would you choose?

DANIEL:New Zealand

INSIDER: Tip for 2022 flag (outside of Bacchus Marsh)

DANIEL:Melton

INSIDER: Can we expect you to play on beyond 2022?

DANIEL:No, this will be my last year.

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INSIDER: Congratulations on your career Daz, how are the motivational levels right now amid finals?

Darren Leonard:Extremely high, very excited for the footy club.

INSIDER: What has Dan Jordan brought to the club in his two seasons?

DL:Calm approach, he’s a bit quirky and good banter

INSIDER: Are you afforded any favours on the training front given you're in the twilight of your career?

DL:No, not really - had to train after Christmas and still battling for my spot!

INSIDER: When Darley didn't win a game in 2021, did you think of giving it away or was that a kicker to go around again and chase redemption/team success if you like?

DL:Definitely go again, couldn't finish on a note like that!

INSIDER: What's becoming a father done for the way you see footy?

DL:Balance

INSIDER: Who of the departed Devils over the journey are among the best you've seen?

DL:Brian Graham, Steve Kennedy, Zak Butters

INSIDER: What are two non-negotiables playing under Dan Jordan?

DL:Play your role and blitz pressure.

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

DL:Water skiing

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

DL:Mace Cousins

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

DL:Will Johnson

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

DL:Shane Page

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

DL:Mitch Ward

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

DL:Lorissa Edwards

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

DL:Grug! Harley Inglis

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

DL:Dimmi!

INSIDER: Biggest threat to Darley for the flag?

DL:Melton

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

DL:BBQ - got it covered!

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

DL:Duncan Cadman

INSIDER: Who is DJ's favorite player?

DL:Duncan Cadman - there's some special connection going on there!!

INSIDER: Who's your biggest footy critic?

DL:BL, my Dad - can talk!

INSIDER: Favorite AFL club and player?

DL:Carlton, Zak Butters!

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

DL:Tony Lockyer (Sebastopol), Isaac Grant (Redan), Harry Minton-Connell (Sunbury)

INSIDER; Will this be your last season?

DL:Not sure!

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INSIDER: Congrats Elise on your VFLW debut with the Cats - how was that level compared to other representative matches you've played in? 

ELISE COOK:I really enjoyed the experience, it was a lot faster.

INSIDER: What was your role?

EC:Inside Mid and Centre Half Back

INSIDER: How did you end up on the Geelong VFLW radar?

EC:Through the Coates Talent league (GWV Rebels)

INSIDER: What would be the first non-negotiable GWV Rebels coach Sally Riley would write on the white board?

EC:United, relentless, discipline are the Rebels’ values.

INSIDER: Great news to hear of your selection in the Vic Country squad - when and where are the Championships this year?

EC:Queensland, July/August

INSIDER: What would you say are your greatest strengths and areas for improvement?

EC:Strengths - to read the play and be clean with my ball use. Improvements - To be more explosive.

INSIDER: Who is your harshest critic in the family?

EC:My brother Will!

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

EC:Millie Lang

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

EC:Anika Tran and Emily Kennedy

INSIDER: Who (at the Rebels and the Marsh) would you like kicking for goal after the siren to win you a game of footy?

EC:Rebels - Claire Mahony. Marsh - Olivia Dilges

INSIDER: Who is your favorite footy person at the Bacchus Marsh FNC?

EC:Sissa Bassett

INSIDER: What's your favorite thing that is considered authentically Australian?

EC:Tim Tams

INSIDER: If you won a holiday to anywhere in the world outside Australia where would you like to go?

EC:Greece or Italy

INSIDER: What's your favorite TV series to stream at the moment?

EC:Kath and Kim

INSIDER: Taylor Swift took Melbourne by storm earlier this year - are you a 'Swifty'?

EC:Not really

INSIDER: Give us your footy head rating out of 10?

EC:7/10

INSIDER: What's your favorite meal before and after a big game?

EC:Pasta

INSIDER: Favorite AFLW club and player?

EC:Geelong, Georgie Prespakis

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

EC:Bella Davies (North Ballarat), Tyla Crabtree (Redan), Claire Mahony (Lake Wendouree)

INSIDER: Shane, thanks for organising the chat - describe in a word how Elise's footy journey is travelling in your eyes?

SHANE COOK:Proud that she is progressing and enjoying her footy.

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INSIDER: You're part of a younger Redan list this year, how do you think you and the team are travelling eight rounds in?

FLYNN: The more we play together, the more we're improving. We're still working each other out.

INSIDER: Name the #1 non-negotiable we would expect your coach Jarrett Giampaolo to write first on the whiteboard?

FLYNN: The one-percenters - have a crack!

INSIDER: Lachie George has been terrific for the club, now in his third season after a career in the VFL. What makes him so influential? 

FLYNN: Treats everyone well, good teacher, explains things clearly, smart footy brain.

INSIDER: Who would win the battle over 10 different sports - you or your brother Cooper?

FLYNN: Me, easy!

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

FLYNN: None, not much good at anything but got Mr Cool covered. (See previous question!)

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

FLYNN: Liam Hoy

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

FLYNN: Rory Gunsser

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

FLYNN: Liam Hoy  

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

FLYNN: Sam McDougall (INSDR: surely Lincoln Barnes, stiff?)

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

FLYNN: Gary Goyne

INSIDER: What's your comfort food?

FLYNN: Chocolate milk

INSIDER: What's your favourite TV series or Movie?

FLYNN: Shameless 

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

FLYNN: Dean Matthews

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

FLYNN: Spaghetti Bolognese

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

FLYNN: Jack Jones

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

FLYNN: Izaac Grant

INSIDER: Favourite AFL club and player?

FLYNN: Brisbane, Lachie Neale

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

FLYNN: Fletcher Toose (North Ballarat), Jarrod Curran (North Ballarat), Joe Nelson-Hill (North Ballarat)

INSIDER: Not the best timing to recommend three North Ballarat players, you play them this round!

FLYNN: We'll be right!  

INSIDER: Good luck Flynn!

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INSIDER: Your girls are flying undefeated at the moment, what do you attribute to the success of the North Ballarat netball program?

GEORGETTE PAATSCH:Hard working and committed. We really enjoy playing with and for one another and I think that translates to on court success.....oh and the fact that we all like each other is a bonus too!

INSIDER: You meet fellow undefeated team Darley in the Match of the Round this week, how are the confidence levels?

GP:We have an unchanged team from last year and we're quietly confident our connection will hold up. But, they will certainly give us a run that's for sure!

INSIDER: How much training goes on from week to week in preparation for games?

GP:90 mins on Thursday nights are compulsory. Extra training is expected in own time around individual work/life schedule.

INSIDER: Does the group engage in a pre-season regime similar to the football program?

GP:It's not as intense as the men (footy) but there are expectations on the group to maintain a level of fitness in the off season.

INSIDER: Considering all clubs are essentially netball and football clubs now, how do you rate - firstly the inclusiveness and secondly the importance of the Netball program to local clubs?  

GP:North are really good and I’m aware Sebastopol have a great culture / team environment as well. More and more footballers are catching some of the netball too which is a real positive.

INSIDER: How do you think the standard of the Ballarat (A Grade) competition stacks up against other regions across Victoria?

GP:Really strong. I played 10+ years in the Geelong FNL and I’m sure we could match it with the top sides over there.

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

GP:AFL - yeah, i'd give footy a go!

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

GP:Emma Church

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

GP:Keely Smith

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

GP:Georgia Bodey

INSIDER: Who at North Ballarat would you like shooting for goal to win you a game?

GP:Maddy Selmon

INSIDER: Who is the quickest in the team over 20m?

GP:Bridie Hutchison

INSIDER: What is your favorite court to play on away from MARS Stadium?

GP:Redan, City Oval

INSIDER: Who is your favorite person at NBFNC?

GP:Annie McCartin

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

GP:Spaghetti Bolognese

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

GP:Bridgerton

INSIDER: Who from the playing group would most likely win a million dollars on a quiz show?

GP:Gina McCartin

INSIDER: Do any of the girls have annoying habits or superstitions they repeat before matches?

GP:Toilet break 3 minutes before every game - M.S, B.H, K.S (you know who you are!)

INSIDER: Who is your number one netball critic?

GP:My Dad

INSIDER: Favorite Netball player (any level)?

GP:Molly Jovic (Collingwood)

INSIDER: if you could add one player from another club to your side, who would it be?

GP:Tayla Honey (Sunbury)

INSIDER: Flag tip (outside of North Ballarat)?

GP:Sunbury or Darley

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INSIDER: Great wins over North Ballarat and Sebastopol this year, can you explain why there hasn't been more than the six so far this year? 

GRANT: Injuries haven't helped. Lost a couple to the Rebels.

INSIDER: How would you rate Liam Hoy's year since his return from that Achilles injury?

GRANT: Yeah, really good 'til he did his hammy - back this week or next.

INSIDER: What makes Izaac Grant so dangerous, he seems to hit the scoreboard every week?

GRANT: Skilful, clean, footy smarts - rarely misses

INSIDER: How many more playing years do you think Lachie George can go on impacting games at senior level? 

GRANT: Work/injury aside - another 2 or 3 at least

INSIDER: What are three non-negotiables coach Jarrett Giampaolo would write on the board?

GRANT: Pressure, hard around the contest, skill execution

INSIDER: Rumour has it that Lincoln Barnes is lightning quick...any examples other than the Stawell Gift?

GRANT: He takes the warm-up every night and tells us all! Pat Fitzgibbon reckons he's got him covered.

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

GRANT: Jacob Short

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

GRANT: Harry Lawson

INSIDER: Over your BFNL footy journey who is the best you've seen? 

GRANT: Derek Micallef (North Ballarat), Steve Kennedy (Darley)

INSIDER: You've played a lot of footy forward in your career, what's been your biggest bag?

GRANT: 11 v Melton in 2015 

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

GRANT: Patty Fitzgibbon… lol

INSIDER: Who is the best trainer (footballer) on the track?

GRANT:  Lachie George

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

GRANT: Andrew Shultz

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

GRANT: Flynn Atchison

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

GRANT: I won't say Spag Bol... I'll go with Carbonara!

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

GRANT: Dean Matthews

INSIDER: Who at the club would most likely be fined for driving too slow down the highway?

GRANT: Nick Barker

INSIDER: Favourite AFL club and player?

GRANT: Essendon, Zach Merrett

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

GRANT: Indoor cricket!

INSIDER: The best side you've played this year?

GRANT: East Point

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

GRANT: Dylan Conway (Melton South), Mickitja Rotumah-Onus (East Point), Daniel Kennedy (Ballarat)

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INSIDER: Congrats on reaching the Prelim Final - how's the morale of the group heading into Saturday?

HARLEY INGLIS: Everyone's really excited. Tough loss to Melton last week but we trained well this week - I’m hoping that translates to a win on Saturday.

INSIDER: East Point are a highly talented outfit - what needs to go right for the boys to progress another week?

HI: A fair bit! Get them at the source, win the midfield battle and get some forward pressure with repeat entries.

INSIDER: You had a break from the game post covid - can you explain why and what it's done for your love of the game?

HI: Covid was a strain, start, stop etc. I became a dad so my priorities changed but once I saw the boys running around in finals especially the Ballarat First Semi in 2022 - that really got me going!

INSIDER: It must have been pretty surreal playing three senior games last year and winning a flag - how were you feeling about footy given an apprenticeship back through the twos - was senior footy always on the radar?

HI: I was hoping always to get back - I thought I'd run out of time but it was awesome to get the call up for the finals. Rapt!

INSIDER: Name the #1 non-negotiable we would expect your coach Dan Jordan to write first on the white board game day?

HI: Know your role and stick to it!

INSIDER: Who is your harshest critic in the family?

HI: Jimmy, my dad!

INSIDER: Favorite ground to play on away from Darley Park?

HI: Eastern Oval

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

HI: Table tennis.... terribly!

INSIDER: Which of the following best suits you? A reader, a gamer, a commentator, a raver?

HI: A raver!

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

HI: Mace Cousins - done some crazy things!

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

HI: Adam Azzopardi and the Fawcett bothers

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

HI: Billy Myers (it's been done before!)

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

HI: Leigh Spiteri with good hammies!

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

HI: The Barrel - Jake Ancrum

INSIDER: Are you a footy head - how do you consume your footy each week?

HI: Not really - just follow a few Instagram pages and a bit of SEN

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

HI: Chicken Schnitzel

INSIDER: Invite 5 people whoever you like to sit at the dinner table with you.....

HI: The Beatles (that's four), Leonardo DiCaprio (couple of good stories)

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

HI: Matty Denham

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

HI: DJ (Dan Jordan)

INSIDER: Name a player that has any unusual, weird superstitions ahead of game time...

HI: I could write a book on Binga (Brett Bewley) - he runs a lap at halftime of the twos - that's only one of them!

INSIDER: Favorite AFL club and player?

HI: Collingwood, Scott Pendlebury

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

HI: Braedan Kight (Melton), Lachie Cassidy (Sebastopol), Andrew Hooper (Ballarat)

INSIDER: Henderson Medal tip?

HI: Brett Bewley (Darley) or Matty Johnston (East Point)

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INSIDER: You've played all six games so far this season injury free, and landed four times in the best - how are you feeling about your own game - what are you doing right and see areas for improvement?

Jack Bambury:Good start, been able to intercept the footy and stay in the game. Improvement will come from maintaining form.

INSIDER: What's your take on the theory that your four wins against bottom four sides (in first five games) left you vulnerable last week?

JB:No, I think North Ballarat deserved the win and just got away from us in the last quarter.

INSIDER: Where do you think the Burra are at the moment? You've played the bottom four sides and rank only 5th in the comp for shots on goal?

JB:Definitely got a few things to work on at training that we're confident will lead to more scores.

INSIDER: Does the thought of Interleague selection excite you? Is that something you would embrace and give your all for upon its return?

JB:Yes definitely, I would look forward to that opportunity.

INSIDER: Describe each of your two coaches Luke Kiel and Michael Columbro in 3 words or less?

JB:LK - Competitive, MC -Tactical

INSIDER: Name the #1 non-negotiable we would expect Luke and Michael write first on the white board?  

JB:Both - team first

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

JB:Ben Hutt

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

JB:Eastern Oval

INSIDER: You're a handy cricketer, which would you choose if you had to pick one over the other?

JB:Footy definitely.

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

JB:Hugo Papst or James Keeble

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

JB:Jacob Fletcher

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

JB:James Keeble

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

JB:Bailey Medwell

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

JB:George McIntosh

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

JB:Jed Hill

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

JB:Jed Hill

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

JB:Any type of pasta!

INSIDER: Your biggest footy critic?

JB:Mum or Grandma

INSIDER: Favorite AFL club and player?

JB:Collingwood, Nick Daicos

INSIDER: BFNL flag tip outside of Sebastopol?

JB:Melton

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

JB:Jordy Johnston (East Point), Bailey Van De Heuvel (Ballarat), Brett Bewley (Darley)

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INSIDER: Great year for you personally in a covid impacted season - how have you managed to stay on top of your game?

JACK:Keep fit over the breaks, avoid alcohol, work on strength and conditioning in own time.

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

JACK:Kyle Borg

INSIDER: Who would you have at the club kicking for goal to win you a game after the siren?

JACK:Braedan Kight or Ryan Carter

INSIDER: What do you think a pass mark for the club is this year?

JACK:Play in a Grand Final

INSIDER: Which Bloods family would win a mini Olympics - Walker, Carter, Hickey?

JACK:the Walkers - there's 4 of us - numbers win out

INSIDER: Who would you rather on your Trivia team - President Brian McNabb or Coach Aaron Tymms?

JACK:Brian

INSIDER: Who is the best player you've seen play in Bloods colors?

JACK:Matt Nottman at his peak

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

JACK:Jake Buttigieg

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

JACK:Basketball

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

JACK:Billy Crofts

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

JACK:Tommy Button

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

JACK:Chickpea Curry, they would love it 

INSIDER: Who at Melton is not as funny as he thinks he is?

JACK:Aaron Tymms

INSIDER: Favorite AFL club and player?

JACK:Western Bulldogs, Marcus Bontempelli

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

JACK:Jake Owen (Bacchus Marsh), Mickitja Rottumah-Onus (East Point), Tony Lockyer (Sebastopol)

INSIDER: If Melton don't win the flag, who would you rather?

JACK:Any team other than East Point - share the joy!

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INSIDER: Browny, welcome to 'At the Bar' - the boys tell me you're no stranger 'in the bar', would that be fair or is that an old school stitch up?

JACOB BROWN:It is true but I have had this whole year off the drink - otherwise very much so!

INSIDER: And this one from the group, You've had a great year to date but the weight of expectation surely grows given you’re the self-proclaimed Mr September?

JB:Re Mr September - Occasional claim, guilty! - Expectation - Finals are what I’m waiting for.

INSIDER: Boys are flying at the moment - how would this group go against the 2018 and 2019 premiership sides? Who wins hypothetically....

JB: I think the current team would be ahead of 18 and then 19

INSIDER: Name the #1 non-negotiable we would expect your coach Joe Carmody to write first on the white board?

JB: Team first

INSIDER: Your defensive group is averaging just 50 points against per game which is a great effort. Whose idea was it to send Jackson Merritt back to marshal the troops with you?

JB: Jackson and Joe's idea. He was already down back when I returned. 

INSIDER: You look to have an extra behind the ball more often than not - is that by design or coincidence?

JB: A bit of both but always trying to generate if we can - more often oppo go plus one because of the known strength of our front half.

INSIDER: Who is your harshest critic in the family?

JB: Me

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

JB: Chess!

INSIDER: Which of the following best suits you? A reader, a gamer, a commentator, a raver?

JB: A commentator

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

JB: Joe Dodd

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

JB: Jessie Cairns if I have to say one

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

JB: Jackson Merrett or myself!

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

JB: Max Filmer

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

JB: Todd Sporton

INSIDER: Are you a footy head - how do you consume your footy each week?

JB: I used to be AFL loaded watching 3 games a week but now I’m more into following local footy around the regions. I'll watch other good BFNL games on replay, not necessarily just ours.

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

JB: Spaghetti Bolognese

INSIDER; Invite 5 people whoever you would like to sit down at the dinner table with you.....

JB: Marcus Bontempelli, Magnus Carlsen, Elon Musk, Joe Rogan, Dave Schapelle

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

JB: Matty Johnston

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

JB: Geordie Slater

INSIDER: Name a player that has any unusual, weird superstitions ahead of game time...

JB: Jordy Johnston puts his socks on same order every week

INSIDER: Favorite AFL club and player?

JB: Western Bulldogs, Marcus Bontempelli

INSIDER: Biggest threat to East Point winning the flag?

JB: Melton

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

JB: Tony Lockyer (Sebastopol), Jake Sutton (Sunbury), JORDY Kight (Melton)!

INSIDER: Any final words to add?

JB: To the guys who stitched me up - I’m coming for you!

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INSIDER: What did you manage to get done during COVID?

JAKE: Sleep and more sleep!

INSIDER: Did you miss footy as much as you thought you would?

JAKE: Not so much game day, but definitely the boys around the club mid-week.

INSIDER: Who would you have at the club kicking for goal to win you a game after the siren?

JAKE: Dylan Conway, the big dog!

INSIDER: Who is more likely to give a goal away to a team-mate, you or your brother Will?

JAKE: Me, no doubt whatsoever!

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

JAKE: Chicken Parmigiana

INSIDER: What is the hardest trip in BFNL?

JAKE: Eastern Oval (East Point)

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

JAKE: Matt Sullivan

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

JAKE: Cricket (played subbies)

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

JAKE: Probably me

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

JAKE: Jayden Smoors

INSIDER: Which ground is your favorite surface to play on in the BFNL?

JAKE: Melton South, of course

INSIDER: Who is the most underrated player at Melton South?

JAKE: Brad Olsson, no-one knows how good he is yet

INSIDER: if you could have any of the following Jakes on your team who would pick: Edwards, McQueen, or Owen?

JAKE: McQueen (East Point)

INSIDER: Flag tip outside of Melton South?

JAKE: Sebastopol

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INSIDER: You've had a tough run personally with injury over the last few seasons, is 2022 the best condition you've been for a while?

JAMES: Probably yes, over the last 4 years. Prior to that, I had a good run.

INSIDER: Prior to today, you had won your last three games on the trot with a few soldiers missing, confidence must be sky-high. Competitiveness aside, what areas have the boys impressed you most? 

JAMES: Positivity across the board - at training and on game day. Confidence, essentially.

INSIDER: Name the #1 non-negotiable we would expect your coach Mick Searle to write first on the whiteboard?

JAMES: Stay positive with teammates and with feedback.

INSIDER: The wider competition holds Tony Lockyer in the highest regard - what's his weakness (if any) and which player in the comp would you send to Tony if you were coaching against him? 

JAMES: Weakness, if I had to choose - playing forward, but he just kicks goals from the midfield anyway. Liam Hoy (Redan) is the only player that matches up ok with him. 

INSIDER: We know you love a goal James, what's been your best return over the journey?

JAMES: I kicked 10 goals against Melton South in my first BFNL year (2018).

INSIDER: Opposition put time into you, that is a fact. Who has been your toughest BFNL opponent?

JAMES: Liam Hoy (Redan)- he was the best defender in the VFL during his time there. 

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

JAMES: Basketball or tennis, probably tennis.

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

JAMES: Adam Forbes

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

JAMES: Tommy Mitchell (still U/17 eligible) - played three or four senior games this year. 

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

JAMES: Tony Lockyer (INSDR: I thought you said he can't play forward? lol) 

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

JAMES: Jed Hill

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

JAMES: Darren Hammill

INSIDER: What's your favourite TV series or Movie?

JAMES: Meat Eater (Documentary series Netflix)

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

JAMES: Lachie O'Keefe

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

JAMES: Spaghetti Bolognese. I'd keep it simple for those blokes! 

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

JAMES: Jake Wilkinson 

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

JAMES: Jed Hill

INSIDER: Favourite AFL club and player?

JAMES: North Melbourne, Winston Abraham

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

JAMES: Liam Hoy (Redan), Brett Bewley (Darley), Bailey Van der Heuvel (Ballarat)

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INSIDER: Win, lose or draw against Ballarat this weekend - rate your season?

JASON WILLIAMS:Overachieved, exceeding internal expectation. Organic growth, tick.

INSIDER: Wins aside, what have you enjoyed most about your first year at the Cobras?

JW:Watching group improve week after week

INSIDER: Which players (of the newbies) has the club re-signed going forward?

JW:Luke Goetz

INSIDER: Name the top 3 priorities the Cobras need to return to finals?

JW:Key backs x2, retaining Coates Talent League players

INSIDER: Who has been your toughest opponent in the BFNL - coach and club?

JASON:Brendan McCartney - North Ballarat

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

JW:Josh Huxtable

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

JW:Josh Huxtable

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

JW:Josh Huxtable

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

JW:Ashton Craig

INSIDER: Which player (by foot) is the most skilled at the club?

JW:Jake McCreery

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

JW:Shane Cook

INSIDER: What's your favorite ground to play on outside of Maddingley Park?

JW:Clarke Oval (timely!)

INSIDER: What's your favorite TV series or Movie at the moment?

JW:Seinfeld

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

JW:Chicken Parmigiana

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

JW:Josh Onderwater

INSIDER: Favorite AFL club and player?

JW:Port Adelaide, Zak Butters

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

JW:Brett Bewley (Darley), Cody Brand (Sunbury), Tony Lockyer (Sebastopol)

INSIDER: You were the only coach to tip Darley for the flag at the start of the year, who is your tip now?

JW:Still leaning to Darley but Melton will be hard to beat

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INSIDER: What were you guilty of binge watching through Covid?

JED: Friends, Peaky Blinders

INSIDER: Who would win the brother Olympics at Sebastopol? The Lockyers or the Hutts?

JED: The Hutts - they're pretty good - they would back themselves 100%

INSIDER: Tell us in a nutshell about your new coach Michael Searle?

JED: Really understanding and relates to everyone well.

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

JED: Jayden 'Sevolution' Severino

INSIDER: Who would you have at the club kicking for goal to win you a game after the siren?

JED: Toby Hutt

INSIDER: What do you think a pass mark for the club is this year?

JED: Everyone getting the best out of themselves, staying healthy

INSIDER: With which BFNL club do you share your greatest rivalry?

JED: East Point

INSIDER: Who is the best side you've played in 2021?

JED: North Ballarat City

INSIDER: Who is your favorite footy person at Sebastopol?

JED: James Keeble

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

JED: Professional NBA2K player

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

JED: Simon Butler

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

JED: Simon Butler - guaranteed would lose the keys!

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

JED: Hot Chips and nuggets fresh from the oven!

INSIDER: If you couldn't live in Australia, which country would you move to?

JED: USA, closer to the NBA

INSIDER: Favorite AFL club and player?

JED: Hawthorn, Toby Greene

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

JED: Jordan Johnston (East Point), Josh Chatfield (North Ballarat City), Liam Hoy (Redan)

INSIDER: Henderson Medal outside of Sebastopol?

JED: Matt Johnston (East Point)

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INSIDER: How good, a spot in the grand final! Gee you've earned it - you're about to head into a seventh game in a row against top six opposition let alone Melton. Is there anything left in the tank?

JOE CARMODY: The boys have shown so much character to make it - we'll recharge give it a good crack!

INSIDER: Rewarding Monday night for the club and you personally winning the 2024 BFNL Coach of the Year - firstly share your initial feelings upon receiving the award and secondly describe Henderson Medal winner Matty Johnston and third place Mickitja Rotumah-Onus.

JC: Firstly, it was a great night for the club and the support, players, very uniting for the group. An award for the whole club really. Secondly, MJ - one of the most courageous I’ve come across in footy and MRO - superstar on and off the field.

INSIDER: Are there any similarities between the Ballarat side you led to a preliminary final in 2022 and this current group you have at East Point?

JC: Similar quality characters - pleasure to coach.

INSIDER: East Point improved from 7th in defence (2023 - 75pts AGST avg) and 5th in offence (2023 - 93pts FOR avg) to 2nd in both areas (51 pts AGST avg, 108pts FOR avg) behind Melton. Scoring has never been a problem at East but was a team defence a primary focus of the club post your appointment? 

JC: Yes we identified that and spent lot of time working without the footy.

INSIDER: Scoreboard aside, what's the one stat you'd like to win on Saturday?

JC: Contested ball

INSIDER: What is your #1 non-negotiable asked of the players each week?

JC: Play your role

INSIDER: Playing group aside, is there another battle going on on-field between coaches - are some harder to play against than others - do some work out your theories better than others where you need to adapt on the run?

JC: Each coach brings something different. Quality depth in stocks make it a challenging role from week to week.

INSIDER: Who is your harshest critic?

JC: My kids!

INSIDER: Favorite BFNL ground away from Eastern Oval?

JC: City Oval

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

JC: Cricket

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

JC: Jordy Johnston

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

JC: Alex Molan

INSIDER: Who is the most fundamentally skilled player at the club?

JC: Jackson Merrett

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

JC: Todd Sporton

INSIDER: Are you a footy head - how do you consume your footy each week?

JC: 10/10 - all platforms covered (local and AFL)

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

JC: Toast

INSIDER: Invite 5 people whoever you like to sit at the dinner table with you…

JC: My wife Amy, Jacob Brown, Harry Sheezel, Todd Sporton, Marcus Bontempelli

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

JC: Matty Johnston!

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

JC: Kane Irvin

INSIDER: Name a player that has any unusual, weird superstitions ahead of game time...

JC: Tom Conlan, always late! He calls it 'superstition'!

INSIDER: Favorite AFL club and player?

JC: North Melbourne, Harry Sheezel

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

JC: Brett Bewley (Darley), Braedan Kight (Melton), Riley Polkinghorne (North Ballarat).

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INSIDER: Good to see the boys recover after round 1 - what happened at Darley Park?

JOE DODD:Forgive run, wasn't ready for what was brought to the table.

INSIDER: What were the learnings from the game you've seen a correction on already?

JD:Back the system, trust the talent, take the game on.

INSIDER: Name the #1 non-negotiable we would expect your coach Joe Carmody to write first on the white board?

JD:Team first, pressure.

INSIDER: Who is your harshest critic in the family?

JD:Mum

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

JD:Soccer

INSIDER: Which of the following best suits you? A reader, a gamer, a commentator, a raver?

JD:A raver - love my house music.

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

JD:Jordy Johnston

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

JD:Strahan Robinson

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

JD:Bryson McDougall

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

JD:Kane Irvin

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

JD:Mouse!

INSIDER: What's your favorite TV series or Movie at the moment?

JD:Breaking Bad

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

JD: Uber Eats!

INSIDER: Invite 5 people whoever you like to sit at the dinner table with you..

JD:Michael Jordan, Fraser Gehrig, Tiger Woods, Noah Browning, Dom Dolla

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

JD:Matty Johnston

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

JD:Jacob Brown

INSIDER: Name a player that has any unusual, weird superstitions ahead of game time...

JD:You can't beat my housemate Jordy Johnston's candlelit meditation bath sessions every Friday night lol!!

INSIDER: Favorite AFL club and player?

JD:St Kilda, Marcus Bontempelli.

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

JD:Brett Bewley (Darley), Lachie Cassidy (Sebastopol), Braeden Kight (Melton).

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INSIDER: Name one non-negotiable we could expect your coach Dan Jordan to write on the whiteboard.

JOEL: Be at pre-game meetings!

INSIDER: Are you surprised the club has managed nine wins so far after a winless 2021?

JOEL: I felt the improvement would come with a new crew and development 

INSIDER: Tell us something about Brett Bewley and Nick Rodda we don't know...?   

JOEL: They're normal human beings.

INSIDER: Who would win a mini-Olympics Cadman brothers challenge, say 10 sports - you, Duncan or Aaron?

JOEL: Aaron, the favourite.

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

JOEL:  Cricket

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

JOEL: Duncan, stupid courage! 

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

JOEL: Mace Cousins

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

JOEL: Andy Azzopardi - he clutches up!

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

JOEL:  Dylan Landt - easy!

INSIDER: Which player (by foot) is the most skilled on their opposite side? 

JOEL: Blake Colley 

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

JOEL: Lorissa Edwards / Craig Baker

INSIDER: What's your favourite ground to play on outside of Darley Park?

JOEL: Mars Stadium

INSIDER: What's your favourite TV series or Movie at the moment?

JOEL: Sex Education (Netflix)

INSIDER: Apart from your phone, what can't you leave home without?

JOEL: Water bottle

INSIDER: Celebrity crush? C'mon, everyone has got one.

JOEL: Lisa Ann

INSIDER: Who (player) would be the last person you'd want to share a room with on a footy trip?

 JOEL: Andy Azzopardi - different species

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

JOEL: Jack Bewley and Jake Ancrum together - lost!

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

JOEL: Bacon and Eggs - Got it covered!

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

JOEL: The Great White 

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

JOEL: Mitch Ward

INSIDER: Favourite AFL club and player?

JOEL: Richmond, Brett Deledio

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

JOEL: Jordy Johnston (East Point), Jack Riding (North Ballarat), Daniel Burton (Bacchus Marsh). 

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

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

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

JOC:Reckon about 5 lol!

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

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

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

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

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

JOC:Intensity

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

JOC:Callum McKay

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

JOC:Maddingley Park, Bacchus Marsh

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

JOC:Badminton

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

JOC:Bailey Thompson

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

JOC:Lewis Gilbert

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

JOC:Lachie O'Connell

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

JOC:Timmy Collins

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

JOC:Ethan Preston

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

JOC:Gav Maher

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

JOC:Angus Gove

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

JOC:Spaghetti bolognese

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

JOC:The Office (USA version)

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

JOC:Jacob Coxall

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

JOC:Mal Kennedy

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

JOC:Jack Butler

INSIDER: Favorite AFL club and player?

JOC:Gold Coast, Touk Mller

INSIDER: BFNL flag tip outside of the Lakers?

JOC:Melton

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

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

Photo Credit: The Courier 

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INSIDER: Congratulations on your 17 goals at the weekend, when did you lose count?

JOEL:A little stage before 3/4 time lol

INSIDER: Which quarter did you do the most damage?

JOEL:I think it was five (first quarter), four (second quarter), four (third quarter), four (final quarter), so pretty even spread

INSIDER: Which teammate, in particular, do you owe a beer for his unselfishness around goal?

JOEL:NOT Jake McQueen

INSIDER: Do you expect to be available come finals given your affiliation with Williamstown?

JOEL:Depends on games played at Williamstown - I think 11 is the maximum

INSIDER: Tell us in a nutshell about your coach Jake Bridges at East Point?

JOEL:Very good man, goes about in a different way - very team-oriented

INSIDER: Jake said your effort at the weekend was just reward for all of your hard work over the last few months - what have you been up to? 

JOEL:I train Mon, Tues, Thurs and weights Wednesdays so there's been a bit of work put in

INSIDER: How is everything going at Williamstown?

JOEL:Good. We're in the eight aiming for a top-four spot.

INSIDER: Why do you think some local clubs get more access to their VFL-affiliated players than others?

JOEL:It depends on club and coach. Also the player type / dynamic and his history in the VFL

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

JOEL:I hate saying this...Jordy Johnston!

INSIDER: Who would you have at the club kicking for goal to win you a game after the siren?

JOEL:Brad Whittacker 

INSIDER: With which BFNL club do you share your greatest rivalry?

JOEL:North Ballarat City

INSIDER: Who is your favorite footy person at East Point?

JOEL:Neil Lardner 

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

JOEL:I'd love to say Basketball but I'm no good at it!

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

JOEL:Jake McQueen

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

JOEL:Jacob Brown

INSIDER: Favorite AFL club and player?

JOEL:Richmond, Dustin Martin

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INSIDER: Well done with back-back-back minor premierships - how long has the group been waiting for the business end to arrive?

JORDY COTTER:In the latter part of the year sure, but the evenness of the comp says you have to focus every week. But always work hard at training.

INSIDER: You find a lot of the ball in the back half - are you given a licence to do as you please or have you an opponent every week?

JC:Bit of a licence but it’s defend first.

INSIDER: The four boys - Brodie Sullivan (ankle), Lachie Watkins (knock), Lachie Walker (knee) and Ryan Carter (ill) were all injured v Darley in Round 17 - do you expect them to be right for Saturday?

JC:Yeah, they’re all fine.

INSIDER: Looks like Brenton Payne and Jono O'Brien will come in after missing Round 17 v the Devils. What do they bring to the group?

JC:O'Brien - the grunt / Payne - leadership and structure

INSIDER: Who of the departed Bloods from last year are you missing on field the most?

JC:Jacob Hickey

INSIDER: What are two non-negotiables playing under Aaron Tymms?

JC:Discipline and team first

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

JC:Soccer - Goalkeeper!

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

JC:Jordy Kight

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

JC:Adrian Monitto

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

JC:Liam Carter

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

JC:Kyle Borg

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

JC:Ray Newman

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

JC:Brodie Sullivan (spent enough time with him!)

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

JC:Blake Souter (funny man but one too many!)

INSIDER: Biggest threat to Melton for the flag?

JC:Darley

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

JC:Steak and vege off the app!

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

JC:Jack Walker

INSIDER: I heard there's been a momentum change in Tymms favorite player or is it still Lachie Walker?

JC:Your mail is right, the baton is changing!

INSIDER: Who's your biggest footy critic?

JC:The old girl - Mum knows everything!

INSIDER: Favorite AFL club and player?

JC:Western Bulldogs, Marcus Bontempelli

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

JC:Jordy Johnston (East Point), Brett Bewley (Darley), Jack Riding (North Ballarat)