The McDonald’s Ballarat FNL is pleased to announce the fixture for the second week of the 2022 Federation BFLWomen’s Finals Series.

It was great to see the finals kick off over the weekend with some fantastic games played across all four grades.

Admission prices will continue this weekend and are as follows:

Admission Prices:

BFLW Finals 2022

Adults - $10

Family (2 adults & 2 children) - $25

Age Pensioner - $5

8 - 16yo - $5

U/8 – Free

Grounds Open:

Note:Gates will open at 7.30 am for all venues during weeks one to three.

Scheduled matches across all grades of football for week two of the finals can be found below.

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

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

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

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

Affected by this announcement will include:

Scoop' s 2022 Grand Final Review

The tension was palpable around Mars Stadium as the final minutes of the McDonald’s Ballarat FNL season drew to a close. While it was Melton who would walk away with the honours as 2022 Premiers Sebastopol came agonizingly close in a match that will go down as one of the great local Grand Finals. For the last time this season, Scoop reviews the weekend’s action.

Melton ended a 17-year BFNL Premiership drought outlasting a gallant Sebastopol at Mars Stadium by five points.

In trying conditions, the Bloods were never headed in a low-scoring affair despite being joined in the lead for a brief moment late in the third term on the back of some James Keeble (3 goals) individual brilliance.

The Burra faithful were sent into a frenzy as Keeble's two 'something from nothing' soccer goals - both worthy of goal of the year consideration - gave the Bloods an almighty scare before a steadying finish late from Jacob Hickey regained the outright lead for the flag favourites.

An arm wrestle of sorts prevailed for the duration as both sides went toe-to-toe in what could aptly be described as an old-fashioned prize fight for the title. While both sides remained standing, exhausted at the final siren, it was the Bloods who took the honours on points ahead of their stoic challengers who refused to throw in the towel.

The Bloods led by 13 at quarter time before extending to a 19-point advantage at the main break to give them enough scoreboard separation given the conditions. It felt from the outside it was always going to be enough given the Burra had just 1.5 on the board and weren't threatening (except for Keeble) forward of centre. But credit to the 'Burra, they had other ideas.

Jack Richards, Bailey Veale and Lachlan Cassidy were pivotal in the 'Burra’s surge with territory gains in combo out of stoppage, providing the x-factor Keeble with an opportunity to weave his magic. Despite carrying a suspected broken foot into the game, Keeble was clearly the most dangerous forward, even more so when the ball hit the deck. All of Keeble's three goals were soccered off the ground with varying degrees of difficulty ranging from 5 through 25....out of ten mind you! His third-quarter goal from the boundary line some 30 metres away defied all reason and probability, bordering on the ridiculous.

But an ounce or two of luck was never going to be enough for the Burra as the Bloods defence led by Blake Souter and Brenton Payne repelled many an entry - rebounding seemingly endlessly when the Burra looked as if they were out. On double-figure occasions Souter with his courage and intercept, and Payne with territory by foot and ability to keep his feet in heavy conditions were to be applauded. In fact, those two alone could well have been the difference at the end given the low-scoring nature of the affair.

Both sides had their moments with the ball, sharing the honours with two winning quarters apiece. But it was the way the Bloods defence denied the Burra and made them pay for sloppy entries forward that would tell its own story in the aftermath. When the Burra’s erred, the Bloods simply did enough to arrest momentum. It felt as if the Bloods were too often given a second chance at amending their fundamental challenges. I guess the weight of numbers gives you that grace, so credit to the Bloods, they've done it so well all year.

While in retrospect the result was fitting, the Bloods would be the first to attest they were sure made hard to work for it.

And, despite the inconvenience of the worst weather on the BFNL's biggest day, no one was left disappointed with the output of these two sides. As deserving as both were, flag honours could only be reserved for one – the 2022 McDonald’s Ballarat FNL Premiers - Melton.

What the coaches said…

Aaron Tymms (Melton):It was a real war of attrition out there with the conditions and intensity. Tactics were thrown out the window as it became just a battle of will. We started with purpose and probably didn't get enough reward for the territory we had in the first half. We could have easily fallen away once Sebastopol kicked those three goals in quick succession in the third (qtr.) but as we have done all year the lads showed resilience and put their bodies on the line for the cause to hold on. I'm so proud of the lads and happy for them to get the reward for the effort put in over the last five years.

Michael Searl (Sebastopol):Really proud of the group and the entire club for their efforts. They fought until the end but sadly for us Melton was too good. Congratulations to Melton for their outstanding season and Premiership.

Q1: Melton 3.4.22 – 1.3.9 Sebastopol

Q2: Melton 4.6.30 – 1.5.11 Sebastopol

Q3: Melton 5.7.37 – 4.7.31 Sebastopol

Q4: Melton 5.9.39 – 4.10.34 Sebastopol

MELTON (BEST):B.Souter, J.Walker, B.Payne, L.Walker, R.Walker, J.Hickey

SEBASTOPOL (BEST):J.Richards, L.Cassidy, J.Keeble, B.Veale, J.Bambury, C.Dummett

MELTON (GOALS):K.Borg, B.Kight, J.Hickey, L.Walker, L.Heaney

SEBASTOPOL (GOALS):J.Keeble 3, T.Hutt 1

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

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

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

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

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

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

Round 1: Friday April 28, Ballarat High School

Host Club: Ballarat Swans

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

The McDonalds Ballarat FNL have a number of exciting employment opportunities for 2021 including an Administration Officer.

The role of Administration Officer will be to support the operation of the competitions managed by the BFNL on behalf of member clubs. The role is ideally suited to those looking to gain experience in the sports administration field. 

This role is part-time (Mondays) and for a fixed term. 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 General Manager, Shane Anwyl 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 planning underway for the 2023 season, the McDonald's Ballarat FNL would like to provide details of the structure of all competitions next year.

The creation of the fixtures for all competitions will be dependant on many outside influences such as the AFL fixture and other competitions such as NAB league and VFL, the dates for each competition can now be announced.

SENIORS

• Start Date (round 1) Saturday 15th April 2023
• Grand Final Saturday 23rd September 2023
• 18 round season

Includes allowance for full competition bye on King's Birthday weekend as in recent years and weekend bye for the potential return of senior interleague.

JUNIORS

• Start Date (round 1) Saturday 15th April 2023
• Grand Final Sunday 17th September 2023
• 16 round season

Includes allowance for full competition bye on King's Birthday weekend and middle weekend of school holidays (1st July) as in recent years.

BFLWomens

• Start Date (round 1) Sunday 16th April 2023
• Grand Final Saturday 9th September 2023
• 15 round season*

* (TBC)

Includes allowance for full competition bye on King's Birthday weekend and middle weekend of school holidays (2nd July) as in recent years.

Following a successful return to community football and netball in 2022, the 2023 season promises to be highly anticipated following recent signings at clubs.

The home and away season will lead into the finals series and grand finals that will be held once again at Mars Stadium and with over 40,000 people attending BFNL finals in 2022, it is sure to be another exciting year of competition.

The McDonalds Ballarat FNL has completed an extensive review of junior football across the league and determined the structure of junior football from 2022 and beyond.

After consultation with clubs and other stakeholders, it was evident the existing ‘odd’ age structure has not been successful, leading to a decrease in participation at the higher level of junior football, as evident in both registration numbers and actual players taking the field at club level.

As a result, and based on the wishes of the BFNL clubs, the junior age structure from 2022 will be:

• Under 16 Seniors and Reserves
• Under 14 Seniors and Reserves
• Under 12 Seniors and Reserves
• Under 10 Seniors and Reserves
• Under 9 Seniors and Reserves

Based on modeling, the league has identified increased participation for junior players across age groups which will in turn lead to stronger competitions to those which are already enjoyed in the BFNL.

The background and rationale to the change that is to be implemented includes:

• A decrease in players at the upper level of junior football, particularly Under 17’s
• This decrease reflective of the different demands and opportunities afforded to 17-year-old males
• Change being implemented in 2022 allows clubs to work with their current lists to facilitate the transition
• Modelling supports a better alignment of player registrations at an Under 16 age instead of the current Under 17
• Strong support for the Western Bulldogs Under 9’s to continue to build on its implementation in 2019

As a consequence of the change to an even structure, and the top age being Under 16, the existing Under 19 competition will become Under 18½.

As part of the AFL Victoria policy for competition changes, this format will be provided to neighboring leagues who may be affected, for comment with formal approval by AFL Goldfields expected in early 2021.

The league is excited to be able to adopt a junior football structure that will best reflect the needs of BFNL clubs and will allow increased participation for those who want to be part of our game.

The BFNL juniors continue to be the strongest junior competition within the region, enjoying consistent growth at the lower age groups and a development pathway for those wanting to play at the highest level.

Junior netball has not been included in this review as there are no structural issues with junior netball. Whilst most clubs are at capacity for netball, the issue to be addressed moving forward is how does the league accommodate growth in junior netball through increased team participation

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

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

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

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

For individual player points assessments:

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

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

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

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

The Ballarat Football Netball League is pleased to announce the appointed coaches for the 2026 Interleague representative program.

Under 15 Girls – Cam Bennett & Alex Oldaker

Cam Bennett has coached the East Point Dragons U14 program across 2024–2025 and led the 2025 U14 Girls Interleague side. He also served as an assistant with the GWV Rebels U15 V/Line Cup program and in 2026 will step into the East Point U16 Girls head coach role while continuing to assist the GWV Rebels. Cam brings strong pathway and talent development experience.

Alex Oldaker was assistant coach of the 2025 U16 Girls Interleague team and previously coached the Ballarat Swans U12 Girls in 2024. She has also coached school football at Ballarat High and is building further pathway experience through involvement with the GWV Rebels U16 program.

Under 18 Girls – Tim Meaney

Tim Meaney is the Senior Women’s Coach and Female Football Director of Coaching at the Redan Football Club. He has extensive experience across junior and senior programs over two decades, including interleague support roles and a strong history in player development, mentoring and female football pathways.

Women – Danyel Waters

Danyel Waters is the newly appointed Senior Women’s Coach at the Darley FNC in 2026 and an assistant coach with the Calder Cannons U16 Girls. She previously coached in the Coates Talent League U18 Girls program, led the Essendon Pathways Academy, and coached multiple EDFL interleague teams. Danyel brings elite pathway experience and a proven record in developing talented female footballers.

Under 13 Boys – Adam Ridley

Adam Ridley has coached junior football in Ballarat for six years, leading premiership teams in 2024 and 2025 (U13 and U14). He also has three years’ experience as a senior assistant coach and will continue in that role in 2026. Adam is known for building strong team environments and consistent on-field success.

Under 14 Boys – Justin Watkins

Justin Watkins has coached with the Darley Junior Football Club since 2016, working across all age groups from U10 to U16. In 2025 he was head coach of the BFL U13 Boys Interleague team. Justin offers broad junior development experience and a strong understanding of the local talent pool.

Under 15 Boys – Aaron Harnden

Aaron Harnden is the 2026 Bacchus Marsh U14 Senior Coach after leading the U14 Reserves in 2025, and served as assistant coach of the 2025 BFNL U15 Interleague team. He is a player-centred coach focused on adaptability, role education and high-performance standards, with strong experience in both development and representative football environments.

Under 17 Boys – Scott Petrie

Scott Petrie returns as Under 17 Interleague Coach for 2026, continuing his strong involvement in the BFNL representative pathway. He previously served as an Assistant Coach with the AFL Goldfields Academy from 2019–2021 and has coached progressively through the BFNL interleague age groups since starting at Under 13 level in 2021. Scott has led the Under 17 program for the past two seasons and is recognised for his focus on player development, game education and building a strong team-first culture.

The BFNL is excited to deliver the 2026 Interleague program as a key performance pathway for local footballers, providing selected players with the opportunity to represent the league and showcase their talent in a high-performance environment.

Player nominations via their home clubs will open shortly, with invited athletes to attend squad training.

Training is scheduled to commence across March and April for those selected in initial squads.

Successful players will represent the BFNL on the following dates.

Saturday 23 May

Under 17 Boys & Under 18 Girls

Saturday 4 July

Under 13, Under 14 & Under 15 Boys, Under 15 Girls, Under 18 Girls & Women

The McDonalds Ballarat FNL is pleased to announce a partnership extension with Russell Corp for the next three years that will see Sherrin footballs used in all competitions.

Sherrin is an iconic brand that is known throughout the AFL and community leagues for their quality and consistency and will be the official game ball of the BFNL senior, junior and women’s competitions through to 2025.

“Sherrin is proud to remain the football of choice of the BFNL for the next 3 seasons. Sherrin remains committed to grassroots football across the country and providing high quality product and service to community football.”

Senior football kicks off with Good Friday football and netball when Redan hosts Lake Wendouree at City Oval.

Season 2023 shapes up as being one the of most eagerly anticipated in a number of years and the Ballarat FNL thank Sherrin for being part of the premier community league in regional Victoria.

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

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

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

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

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

• McDelivery BFLWomen's Awards Night

oWednesday 8thSeptember 2021 from 7pm* 

• McDonald's Ballarat BFNL Robert Allan Medal

oMonday 13thSeptember 2021 from 7pm* 

• McDonald's Ballarat BFNL Henderson & McLean Medals

o Monday 20thSeptember 2021 from 7pm* 

* Start time TBC 

END RELEASE 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Without umpires there is no game!

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

Finals Round 1 Football Preview with 'Scoop'

It's finally here, the 2022 Carlton Draught Finals Series begins this weekend.

Ignore the first meeting of these two sides when you're contemplating a tip for this Qualifying Final albeit at the Bloods' home ground, Macpherson Park. The Swans arrive near full strength with solid form having won nine of their last ten. Admittedly, six of the Swans' 12 wins have come by six points or less. You can go even further and realise ten of their season's wins have been by less than 18 points. On the other hand, the Bloods have genuinely been the bullies of the schoolyard, averaging near 108 points per game for the season and conceding a messily 55 points per game getting it done.

Bloods coach Aaron Tymms would have sensed early that a genuine opportunity presents itself. A real chance to claim the prized silverware that has eluded the club since 2005. Melton were unbeaten for 12 rounds before copping a timely reminder of their mortality by North Ballarat in Round 13 and again by a five-win season Sunbury in Round 16. I'm convinced their two-game season losses ahead of the finals will hold them in good stead. They're relatively free of injury and boast unrivalled depth. In a nutshell, cherry ripe, balanced, and without excuse.

Only Joe Carmody's Ballarat truly know how they will fare against the might of the Minor Premiers. Bailey Van de Heuvel is a massive in while the return to peak form of ruckman Marcus Powling after some time out with a hamstring will only enhance belief. Expect Aiden Domic (concussion) who missed last week to return. To put their Round 5 disaster meet into perspective, highlighting its current relevance you need only look at the team sheet. Only 12 Swans took part in last week's nail-biting win over Sebastopol (and loss to Melton). Tymms will be well aware and fully versed in the fact that despite the Bloods' superior season, the Swans' win/loss returns for the last ten weeks are marginally better.

But please Ballarat, on behalf of all Swans fans start well, similar to your last two weeks and spare the faithful heart palpitations for another week. Missing the start here against the Bloods can only mean trouble. The Bloods are 15-1 for leading in first quarters.

The Swans will be nervous, the group is seemingly bereft of finals experience bar Josh Gibson and Andrew Hooper. The two will play a crucial role in calming the mental anxieties that come with a big stage.   

I wish the Swans luck, they'll need every bit.

By the numbers in 2022: Melton 1 - Ballarat 0

Melton                                         

Finished: 1st (14 wins, 2 losses) 

Record against top six teams: W6 L1   

Offence team rating (comp): 1st (107.8 avg) 

Defence team rating (comp): 1st (55.1 avg) 

Leading goalkicker: Ryan Carter (56) 

Hendo chance: Lachie Watkins (in best 10/15) 

Will Liston (in best 12/16)

Ballarat

Finished 2nd: (12 wins, 4 losses)

Record against top six teams: W5 L3

Offence team rating (comp): 8th (72.4 avg)

Defence team rating (comp): 4th (64.1 avg)

Leading goalkicker: Andrew Hooper (35)

Hendo chance: Will Liston (in best 12/16)

I'm not sure who had either of these teams bowing out in week one of the finals but it will happen.

Finding a winner, like many involving top six games this year has been difficult. But what Sebastopol have over North Ballarat are two wins already this year. I know North Ballarat Coach Brendan McCartney has said what has happened before stands for very little in the new season but the confidence the Burras drive from those two outings should give them confidence. Unfortunately for North Ballarat they have lost four of their last five home and away games and won't have the luxury of getting the job done on Mars Stadium, the venue they play so well. Six of the club's eighth-season wins this year were at home (North Ballarat 2-6 on the road).

Sebastopol coach Michael Searl, while fully respectful, has no reason to fear North Ballarat. The Burras' best is certainly good enough to edge out McCartney's boys but it's going to take that - their best to get it done.

Containing dangerous North Ballarat forward trio Jamie Quick (39 goals), Jack Riding (35) and Josh Chatfield (11 in six games) looms the Burras' greatest challenge. You don't have to be Einstein to work out the likely match-ups, but it's nice knowing you have the cattle to minimise their influence.

Expect Burras mids Lachie Cassidy, Daniel Widgery and Chase Dummett to match the physicality early of North Ballarat who are the immediate beneficiaries of Cam McCallum's dominance in the ruck. Just how many hits to advantage in the direction of Riley Polkinghorne, Tim Spiers and Brock Leonard will tell its own story at the game's end. The defence of North Ballarat has been a pillar of strength for the most part but they did cough up their highest individual (quarter) score against the Devils last week. And when you consider the plentiful options forward of centre for the Burras, you can safely assume they're more than capable of posting a winning score.

Both sides will have benefitted from further learnings during the week on the back of their Round 18 losses.  There won't be much in this, just who settles the quickest and can execute on the fundamentals especially early will be hard to catch.

By the numbers in 2022: Sebastopol 2 - North Ballarat 0

Sebastopol

Finished: 3rd (10 wins, 6 losses) 

Record against top six teams: W4 L4   

Offence team rating (comp): 6th (74.2 avg)         

Defence team rating (comp): 3rd (63.5 avg) 

Leading goalkicker: James Keeble (29) 

Hendo chance: Tony Lockyer (in best 11/16)                                   

North Ballarat

Finished: 6th (8 wins, 8 losses)

Record against top six teams: W3 L7

Offence team rating (comp): 4th (82.4 avg)

Defence team rating (comp): 2nd (63.4 avg)

Leading goalkicker: Jamie Quick (39)

Hendo chance: Jack Riding (in best 8/15)         

Both teams will be well versed in each other's strengths and weaknesses given this will be their third meeting in 10 weeks. If they weren't rivals already, I'm near certain one is building as these east vs west combatants face off in another highly anticipated showdown. The two sides share four of the last five (completed) BFNL Premierships and the reality tells us, that one of these club's seasons is coming to an end. But on the flip side, what a way to progress. In Darley's case, under new Coach Dan Jordan (a former East Point star) - getting the result would be a monumental achievement for the club after a winless 2021. For East Point, to be riding high near the top with an interrupted three-peat still well and truly alive is a credit to the Kangas. Footy post covid has proven a difficult landscape to negotiate but we've made it, especially these two, albeit separate journeys. So hats off to Kangas coach Jake Bridges and the Devils' Dan Jordan for leading their respective sides back to the business end. And we won't be shy on talent for this version of the Elimination Final I guarantee you. Expect a massive crowd for this stand-alone BFNL final as all and sundry flock to the stands for their piece of the action.

Both sides finished with 10 wins separated by just .87% and share a win apiece from their two hit-outs thus far. It's only fair the winner progresses in a game that looms as the ideal decider.

The fourth-placed Devils boast top-end talent Brett Bewley, Dylan Landt, Nick Rodda, Matthew Brett and the experience of Darren Leonard, Shane Page and Luther Baker. Throw some of their progressive youth into the mix with nothing to fear, and Darley has a genuine chance of winning in Ballarat.

Not to be outdone, the fifth-placed Kangas top end has proven more than capable. Jordy Johnston, Matty Johnston, Mickitja Rotumah Onus, Jackson Merrett, Joe Dodd and Jacob Brown are just a half dozen players that can decide the game given a sniff on their terms. The depth goes beyond that for the Kangas, a line-up laden with been-there-done-that Premiership players. Can they over-awe a less experienced Devils coming to terms with a return to finals?

I think we'll know the answer as early as halftime. The Devils will be up against it mentally and physically but if granted liberty to become the best version of themselves, a spot in the remaining four and week two of the finals awaits.

By the numbers in 2022: Darley 1 - East Point 1 

Darley

Finished: 4th (10 wins, 6 losses)

Record against top six teams:  W4 L4

Offence team rating (comp): 3rd (83.8 avg)

Defence team rating (comp): 6th (75.3 avg)

Leading goalkicker: Nick Rodda (56)

Hendo chance: Brett Bewley (in best 11/16)

East Point

Finished: 4th 5th (10 wins, 6 losses)

Record against top six teams: W4 L6

Offence team rating (comp): 2nd (90.8 avg)

Defence team rating (comp): 9th (82.3 avg)

Leading goalkicker: Jordy Johnston (51)

Hendo chance: Jordy Johnston (in best 9/16)

Finals Week 2 Preview with 'Scoop'

For Melton and Sebastopol, it's one win and they're into the 2022 Carlton Draught Senior Men's Grand Final. One loss to either Ballarat or Darley, and the season is over.

Both teams will know they've played a game of footy come 5pm Saturday - win, lose or draw, that's for sure. Given their healthy rivalry over more recent times, and levels of mutual respect, don't count on either party leaving any stone unturned, as a prized spot in the 2022 BFNL Grand Final is up for grabs.

Michael Searl's Sebastopol has been looking forward to another crack at the flag favourites for some time, a genuine footy audit if you will, and a chance to atone for a disappointing 41-point loss in Round 11. We didn't see the real Sebastopol that day, in fact, the Burras didn't win a single quarter. But when you add James Keeble, Luke Kiel, Bailey Medwell, Chase Dummett, James Richards, Jai Harvey, Jordan Crone and Grady Snowden into the Burras Second Semi-Final line-up (all missed Rd11) you start mounting a case. Furthermore, the Burras have lost just once since that Round 11 defeat. Yep, 6/7 including wins over East Point and North Ballarat (twice) is a solid form line.

But words of advice for the hunters - turn up to play from the get-go or cop the wrath of a feverish Bloods outfit going about their business. Aaron Timms' boys have some serious numbers of their own behind them.  The Bloods are 15-2 for first quarters in 2022 and +175 for third quarter points differential (212-37) over the last five weeks including an intimidating 14-goal haul against East Point. Scary stuff.

I think Tymms is fully aware his Bloods hold the aces and it’s they who need containing with winners on every line. Just who and where to start bringing down the Bloods is a task only two teams in 17 tries have had success. Michael Searl is an intelligent footy person and is likely to spend most of his time matching up Ryan (57 goals) and Liam Carter (36) and X-factor Bloods Captain Braedan Kight (40). They loom the clear and present dangers denying the Burras a passage to that one day in September.

The Burras will sweat on the availability of inspirational leader Tony Lockyer (ankle) who will be given until game-day to get right. Lockyer left the ground early in the second quarter of last week's Elimination Final win over North Ballarat and did not return.

Bloods big man Mark Orr will be put through his paces too this week after missing week one of the finals. There's no doubting a few niggles exist for both sides this far into a first full season since 2019.

While I won't be tipping against the Bloods on their home deck, I am wary the Burras' best is good enough to give it a shake.

A Grand Final berth awaits the winner while a spot in next week's Preliminary Final against the winner of Ballarat and Darley.       

Head-to-head in 2022: Melton 1 - Sebastopol 0

Melton                                                                               

Finished: 1st (14 wins, 2 losses)

Record against remaining teams: W4 L0             

Offence team rating (top 4): 1st (106.6 avg)

Defence team rating (top 4): 1st (55.6 avg)

Leading goalkicker: Ryan Carter (57)

Best in first final (Week 1): Jack Walker

Sebastopol

Finished: 3rd (10 wins, 6 losses)

Record against remaining teams: W0 L4

Offence team rating (top 4): 3rd (72.4 avg)

Defence team rating (top 4): 2nd (63.1 avg)

Leading goalkicker: James Keeble (31)

Best in first final (Week 1): Lachlan Cassidy

Before we explore the 'nitty gritty" of this highly anticipated, season-on-the-line Semi-Final, it's fair we congratulate Joe Carmody and Dan Jordan for guiding their respective sides back to the business end.

I'm not sure how much can be derived from their first and only meeting at Darley Park back in Round 7 but it was the Swans who had the measure of the Devils. The final margin was as close as the Devils got late in the game, enough to warrant the Swans as the clear favourites despite their already superior, win/loss season. The Swans led from go-to-woe that day, by 19,17 and 30 at the breaks before 18 at the final siren. The Devils (9.19) did have seven more scoring shots than the Swans (14.7) but Carmody's men were far more convincing with their ball movement and ability to hit the scoreboard. Anyway, enough of May 28th... that was 99 days ago.

The Swans have won eight of ten games since, the Devils 7/10 including their last four on the trot.

Darley will have their fingers crossed on the availability of star Captain Brett Bewley (calf) who missed last week's Elimination Final win over East Point. For the Swans Josh Gibson (hamstring), Angus Bade and Rhys Perry are their only injury concerns. Both sides will look remarkably different from their earlier meeting with up to seven new faces (each) likely to feature. The Swans add big guns Marcus Powling and Bailey Van de Heuvel while Jake Dunne, Inji Fyffe, Austin McPherson, Grant Baldwin and Jesse Nicholls make up the extra five. Darley's seven include Dylan Landt, Trent Angwin, Matthew Brett, Darren Leonard, Zane Lehuray, Blake Colley and Ayden Tanner.  Handy inclusions for both teams. But the gain for the Devils has been the return of seasoned defenders Brett and Leonard who have helped sure up the once very young back six. The two were instrumental in restricting noted high-scorers East Point (comp rank #2) to 47 and 57 at their last two encounters.

If Bewley doesn't play, the Devils' midfield will be up against it, taking on an in-form Swans combination. Marcus Powling, Will Liston, Sam James and Lachie Dawson have been super of late featuring as the better players every week. Van de Heuvel has become the X-factor for the Swans with his versatility. Can play at either end, has a big frame, is strong overhead and has an excellent left foot kick. Regardless of the result, the Footscray VFL affiliate will have an influence. The same can be said for dangerous forwards Nick Rodda and Andrew Hooper, both integral trump cards that can win a game off their own boot. The Swans Jake Dunne, along with Gibson provide an extra target forward and will likely stretch the Devils' defence.

Let's hope the game is bereft of could've, would've, should've status in the aftermath given what we know to be certain. One of Ballarat or Darley is heading into a Preliminary Final  - a monumental achievement.

Head-to-Head in 2022 - Ballarat 1 - Darley 0

Ballarat                                                                         

Finished 2nd (12 wins, 4 losses)

Record against remaining teams: W3 L2

Offence team rating (top 4); 4th (71.9 avg)

Defence team rating (top 4); 3rd (68.9 avg)

Leading goalkicker: Andrew Hooper (38)

Best in first final (Week 1): Will Liston

Darley

Finished: 4th (10 wins, 6 losses)

Record against remaining teams: W1 L2

Offence team rating (top 4): 2nd (81.6 avg)

Defence team rating (top 4): 4th (73.6 avg)

Leading goalkicker: Nick Rodda (57)

Best in first final (Week 1): Bailey Young         

Scoop Reviews Finals Week 2

Melton has punched in their ticket to the 2022 Carlton Draught BFNL Grand Final after a dominant win over Sebastopol. As for Ballarat, they just managed to escape a rampaging Darley.

Minor Premiers Melton remains the team to beat for this year's title after storming into the Grand Final with a win over Sebastopol.

Aaron Tymms' boys booted 12 of the last 13 goals of the game to win convincingly. His calm address at quarter-time proved significant given the Burras, with the aid of a four-goal breeze, led by 26 points. With alarm bells ringing of an unlikely upset, Tymms simply absorbed the moment.

While it took the Bloods nine and a half minutes into the second quarter to post their first major through key forward Ryan Carter (3 goals), five more unanswered would follow, including one after the half-time siren to give the Bloods a 12-point lead.

When the Burras had been outscored three goals to one with the breeze in the third term, it felt for the on-looker as though the game was just playing for time. There was a sense of inevitability about the likely conclusion.

The crowd, seeking an upset, were silenced as the Bloods faithful buckled up for another 30 minutes of grinding football. While the Bloods managed just 3.4 with the breeze in the final term, the visiting Burras were held scoreless. So, for all the promise and speculation of the Burras closing the gap on a 41-point loss to the Bloods in Round 11, the margin was increased to 43 at the weekend with the visitors returning the same score (6.7) as their first hit-out.     

For the winners, Riley Walker (defence), Brett Mcintyre (ruck) and Kyle Borg (wing & 2 goals) were terrific, the barometer if you like. Liam Carter (3 goals), Lachlan Hickey (1 goal) and Jack Walker (1 goal) threatened forward of centre for the most part in difficult breezy conditions.

Unfortunately for the Burras, there was no Tony Lockyer (ankle) or late-out Hugo Papst (illness) which didn't help their chances heading in, but kudos to Lachlan Cassidy (mid), Riley O'Keefe (defence), Jack Richards (Ruck) and Connor O'Shea who flew the flag and took it up to their more fancied rival for the most part but couldn't get it done. In fairness, only two teams in 18 attempts have this season.

The next attempt to overcome the Bloods will be on the BFNL's biggest stage, the 2022 Carlton Draught Grand Final.

Sebastopol meets Ballarat in Saturday's Preliminary Final at Mars Stadium.  

What the coaches said...

Aaron Tymms (Melton): Sebastopol presented a really tough challenge all day but I thought we withstood the barrage and remained patient once they were in front of the scoreboard. Our boys stood up to the adversity and were able to get reward for effort after quarter time to build the ascendancy and get the win.

Michael Searl (Sebastopol): They were simply a class above. Their ball movement was more efficient. Their work rate to outnumber (us) was superior. (I was) pleased with our start to put the first five goals on but weren't able to be as effective in the next three. (A) good learning opportunity and still grateful for another crack at it next week.

The Swans survived a barnstorming Devils finish to progress to the Preliminary Final for a meeting with Sebastopol.

The game looked shot to pieces when the Swans led the Devils a 'merry dance' by 43 points at half-time after six unanswered goals blew the game open. But the Devils had other ideas, launching an inspirational fightback as they piled on nine goals to two in the third term, stunning the Swans in the process, and reducing the lead to just three points at the final change.

Devils Coach Dan Jordan and his support crew nearly pulled off the masterstroke of the season as the willing Devils responded to a significant shuffling of the magnets.

The final stanza went goal for goal before the Devils hit the front by as much as 10 points, 20 minutes into the last quarter. But as the Swans have done so often this season, they showed the poise, resilience and character to arrest the deficit, before hanging on to win by one point.

Former Hawthorn champion Josh Gibson (five goals) was instrumental in the clutch moments for the Swans with three telling one-on-one marks in the goalsquare to assure the narrowest of margins and, with it, progress to the penultimate week of the season. And what a game it was, almost matched by the drama witnessed in the hours and minutes ahead of the opening bounce. 

Illness to valuable Devils trio Matthew Brett, Shane Page and Will Johnson proved a major blow for Jordan's camp before extraordinary scenes in the warm-up saw young defender Duncan Cadman withdrawn after a blindsided head collision with umpire Semmens who would also take no part.

The game itself lived up to the billing despite a dominant opening half from the bigger-bodied Swans.

The six-point advantage to the Swans at quarter-time felt like more and was confirmed in the second term as Joe Carmody's boys went to work. Marcus Powling, Sam James (2 goals), Aiden Domic (2 goals), and Lachie Dawson (2 goals) were influential in setting up the 43-point half-time lead while Gibson and Andrew Hooper (1 goal) looked threatening each time the ball went inside 50.

The weight of forward 50 Swans entries in the second term amounted to six goals, while the Devils could manage just one point.

Game over? Not quite.

Jordan moved Darren Leonard (3 goals) and Mace Cousins (2 goals) forward, Nick Rodda (1 goal) into the ruck and asked more of his top-end players to impact. Dylan Landt (3 goals) and Brett Bewley (1 goal) led the revival and found some aerial presence with Brady Wright (3 goals), Joel Cadman and Leonard.

While the Devils courageously fought back to hit the front, full credit must be given to the Swans who were able to respond. Another belter was witnessed in Week Two of the 2022 Carlton Draught BFNL Finals Series.

The Devils fell on the wrong side of a close one while the Swans hung on for their third win by one point and seventh win by seven points or less in 2022.

There's every indication we can expect a close one again on Saturday. Both Swans and Burras meetings this year have been decided by one and three points - in favour of Carmody's men.

For Jordan's exiting Devils, they lost no admirers and will bounce back in 2023. Their young group will be a pre-season older and hungry for another crack at the business end after an agonising sample in 2022.

What the coaches said...

Joe Carmody (Ballarat): It was a crazy game. In the first half, our contest and ball movement was very good. Darley dominated those areas in the third. The players responded well and kept at it in the last quarter to will ourselves over the line.

Dan Jordan (Darley): Probably the most bizarre preparation I've been involved in, losing four (players) to illness and then the incident in the warm-up. I couldn't be more proud of our boys and their effort. Full of courage and heart. Full credit to Ballarat. They are a very good side and all the best to Joe and his troops for the rest of their season.

The 2026 BFNL home and away season started with a bang as tight finishes and season starters made the headlines. 

Ballarat ended a run of outs at Mars Stadium dating back to 2022, with an all-the-way win over North Ballarat by 13 points.

The Swans won three quarters and may have won by more given their plus eight advantage of scoring shots (23-15).

Former Adelaide and Western Bulldogs key defender and new Swans recruit Alex Keath was the star of the show marking anything and everything that came his way in transition or turnover.

Rival clubs will need to find a way around the near 200 cm former AFL big man who announced his arrival assuming the role of director general, leading the Swans’ defence.

Tall timber trio Biggie Nyuon (200cm), Patrick Graham (in best) and Keath will remain a season long handful with their reach alone not to mention experience.

The clear beneficiaries of that first use at ground level for the Swans were reigning best and fairest Tristan Maple, Lewis Rinaldi, Fraser Perkins and the speedy Jake Drever.

Very encouraging signs for the Swans first up, their point of difference alone with their tall timber talent will take some quality coaching to negate, not to mention the aerial presence to compete.

While North Ballarat were missing key ruck signing David Brinker-Ritchie (knee), their spine on paper reads as good as any.

Despite Sam Glover, Denver Grainger-Barras and Josh Morris all featuring among the Roosters’ best it wasn’t enough to contain the Swans.

Lead up forward Jack O’Brien booted an equal game high three goals for the winners matched only by Grainger-Barras for the hosts.

Nyuon and Graham finished with two goals rotating ruck and forward. Tipping they will get hold of someone before the years out to combine for a match winning return. Look out on a dry deck!

At least future opposition can plan on the Swans playing a narrow(er) game, maximising the aerial strength if Saturday’s win was any guide.

Big tick for the Swans. Their spread has sone clearer direction complementing the exciting 200cm trio.

North Ballarat will sweat on the availability of Brinker-Ritchie (knee) and experience of club 200+ gamer Simon McCartin for their trip to Bacchus Marsh - they will need them.

STATS THAT MATTERED

Sam Glover (North Ballarat) – 31 disposals, 14 intercept possessions, 13 marks

Wyatt Squires (Ballarat) – 20 disposals, 13 contested possessions, 12 tackles

Alex Keath (Ballarat) – 25 disposals, 10 intercept possessions, 7 rebound 50s

COACHES’ VERDICT

Clint Proctor (North Ballarat)
Difficult conditions most of the day - wind and rain having an impact. I thought Ballarat were clean today and hurt us around stoppages with their movement.We adjusted well and had a chance to take the win - but unfortunately didn’t handle the moments late.

Ash Baker (Ballarat)
Pleased to come away with a win in trying conditions. Was an arm wrestle, North never gave up and came at us late. We were able to steady and find a couple of late goals. Plenty to work on moving forwards.

This highly anticipated match up ended in a fizzer as Redan smashed Lake Wendouree in a complete four-quarter performance at CE Brown Reserve.

New Lions’ coach Marc Greig would’ve heard all the reservations on his team improving given off season departures and the spruik on the Lakers, loaded with a handful of top end signings.

Clearly water off a duck’s back for the well-respected mentor given the Lions buy-in from the opening siren.

The accurate Lions piled on 26.8 to raise eyebrows across the competition with the convincing nature of the win.

Greig’s sprightly group, a mix of youth and experience won every quarter and did not take their foot off the pedal with returns of 5.2, 5.1, 6.2 and 8.3 to deny the disappointing Lakers any momentum.

Star Lions’ utility Lachlan Bond (best) finished with a game high five goals while Taj Bond and fourth gamer Flynn Batrouney snared four apiece to be among 11 of the Pride hitting the scoreboard.

Ball magnet Brodie Pope rose to the occasion, albeit external pressure, denying the hunters in this case given the two sides finish ninth and tenth (Lakers) last year.

Liam Hoy made a positive return to his old club to feature prominently alongside the Bond’s and Pope among the best.

Coach Greig was typically measured in the aftermath citing an even role contribution across the board.

It wasn’t the ideal (nor predicted) start for Rohan Brown’s Lakers in front of home fans.

Despite the relative hype around the Lakers, the reality is they’re still some way off despite the efforts of Angus Gove, Kynan Raven and newcomer Alfred Jarnestrom.

Noah Shearer and Will Clark booted two goals on an otherwise tough day at the office for the Lakers who have lost their last 19 games on the trot.

STATS THAT MATTERED

Tom Zampatti (Lake Wendouree) – 73 hit outs, 20 disposals, 6 score involvements

Brody Pope (Redan) – 30 disposals, 18 contested possessions, 16 clearances

Lachlan Bond (Redan) – 19 disposals, 11 score involvements, 5 goals

COACHES’ VERDICT

Rohan Brown (Lake Wendouree)
Good start - we had control of the game and front half territory 1st 20 minutes. Redan then took all control away, fundamentally better, even contribution and took their scoring opportunities. Today won't define us moving forward.

Marc Greig (Redan)
Slow start, it took 10-15 minutes to blow a few cobwebs out. Had the good old fashioned even spread with everyone playing their role and contributing. 11 different goal kickers was encouraging.

The Cobras booted three of the last four goals of the game into the breeze to overrun the Bloods at MacPherson Park.

The ‘breeze’ reference may be a little ‘unders’ as many considered the advantage a four-goal wind.

Fourth quarter goals to Joel Freeman, Kade Hilton and Jake Owen helped seal the deal, providing Cobras’ coach Dennis Armfield with the perfect 2-0 start into his third season.

While there was clear jubilation for the Cobras to savour in the aftermath, there were concerns early for the visitors who failed to flatter in the opening term kicking just one goal with the wind.

The Bloods booted five goals to one in the second term, taking full advantage of the aid to lead by 19 points which was significant given the low scoring nature of the affair (5.5 v 2.4).

A mental reset of sorts for the Cobras at the main break proved timely, an opportunity to restore belief and get the ball rolling. Armfield’s group began to resemble more of the ‘edgy’ Cobras witnessed on Good Friday.

While a five-goal-to-one third term gave the Cobras back the lead at the final change the challenge ahead, denying the 2024 premiers on their own deck, against the elements, was always going to be a tough task.

But momentum remained with the spirited Cobras despite the obvious degrees of difficulty.

When Jake Owen kicked a goal in time-on to give the Cobras a six-point lead, the Bloods through Ryan Carter were given one last opportunity on goal from a tough angle but could only manage a point.

The siren sounded shortly after sending an invigorated Cobras faithful into raptures.

Jack Parente (best), Tyson Shea and new recruit Zach Vesty were named among the best for the winners while ruckman Luke Goetz continued his dominant start to the season. Kade Hilton finished with an equalling game high three goals for the Cobras to honour his recall.

For the Bloods, usual suspects Jordy Cotter, Liam (three goals) and Ryan Carter, Harry Handley and Jaycob Hickey earnt the nod of approval out of a game their hierarchy later described as “a missed opportunity”.

The absence of both Kights (wedding) on a windy day in particular was duly noted - unsighted in not only in the air but at ground level!

Again, the Bloods woes on goal accuracy reared its head, as their 8.12 scoreline will attest, 3.7 in the second half alone. The Cobras’ return of 10.5 was enough to secure the premiership points - full reward for their accuracy among many other encouraging variables and results coming out of the Bacchus Marsh Football Netball Club

STATS THAT MATTERED

Adrian Monitto (Melton) – 34 disposals, 15 intercept possessions, 12 rebound 50s

Luke Goetz (Bacchus Marsh) – 61 hit outs, 17 disposals, 9 marks

Josh Huxtable (Bacchus Marsh) – 21 disposals, 12 contested possessions, 8 clearances

COACHES’ VERDICT

Troy Scoble (Melton)
In the end a good game of footy, a quick game in tricky conditions, both teams had opportunities late marsh took theirs we did not. Played the game as we planned so on that front pleasing start to the season unfortunately conversion proved costly for us today when we had momentum. Sometimes you need an element of good fortune in games and today we could not find it. Plenty to get excited about internally but we just Got to take the learnings and keep building.

Dennis Armfield (Bacchus Marsh)
Really pleased to walk away from Melton with a win. Credit to Melton who came out strong and controlled the game early. After half time we were able to get the game a little more on our terms. Adjusting to the wind and being able to play our way for longer. Real arm wrestle in the last and we were able to make the most of our momentum. A real great hit out, arm wrestle all day.

Reigning premiers Darley came from 17 points down late in the final term, to pinch a thrilling two-point win over a gallant Sunbury.

Late goals to Will Johnson, Grant Hatcher and Andy Azzopardi broke Lions’ hearts, extending the Devil’s winning run to five over Matty White’s Pride and 21 wins more broadly over the competition.

While the scoreboard gave every indication the match was ‘a classic, one for the ages’, the reality leant more to a workman like scrap.

Both coaches conceded they have a bit to work on and will be better for the run.

Scattered showers and a typical swirly breeze at Darley Park didn’t help the occasion, asking questions around the execution of the basic fundamentals.

Neither side was spared the anguish of unforced turnovers, a major source for ‘scores against’ in the modern game.

Goals came at a premium as the defences from both camps impressed, aided by a number of flawed entries and limited connection.

The highly anticipated midfield match up was deemed a ‘square’ result in the aftermath as both parties enjoyed periods of momentum.

The Devils led at every change and looked comfortable at the main break with a 14-point advantage. While the Lions managed to reduce the margin to three at the final break, there was a degree of inevitability the Devils would do enough with the breeze to hold sway.

However, the Lions had different ideas. Sure, the breeze subsided, but it was the work rate between the arcs from Harry Power, Jake Egan, Zach Stevens and Hamish Pierce that triggered Sunbury’s foray, amounting to three unanswered goals and game high 17-point lead.

Despite the early crow of “it’s all over!”, heard from one Lions’ fan, Jordan implemented his last roll of the dice.

Key back Billy Myers (best on ground) went into the ruck to curb the dangers of Lions’ big man Fraser Ampulski, rebound defender Mace Cousins went forward, midfielder Nick Hind (three goals) to half back and newcomer Lachie George into the middle.

Not since the 2023 Grand Final have we seen the Devils escape with three unanswered goals late to win a game of footy. Super effort.

In a nutshell there were two winners at Darley Park on Saturday, unfortunately for Sunbury, only one left with the premiership points.

STATS THAT MATTERED

Billy Myers (Darley) – 34 disposals, 18 intercept possessions, 17 rebound 50s

Nick Hind (Darley) – 32 disposals, 21 contested possessions, 13 clearances

Jake Egan (Sunbury) – 29 disposals, 8 clearances, 7 score involvements

COACHES’ VERDICT

Dan Jordan (Darley)
Very pleased to walk away with the points against a very good Sunbury side. I thought we controlled the game for the most part in the first half and deserved our lead (14 points). Credit to Sunbury who kept coming. We had to find something special late, and our leaders stood up to find a way. Plenty of learnings for us to take from the game. Given the small sample size, it’s clear we are a work in progress and will be better for the hit-out.

Matt White (Sunbury)
Was a good game. Scrappy at time and we had our chance to win it which unfortunately went the other way. Really positive day considering a 2-point loss.

The Burra began their season in fine style with a comfortable 45-point win over the Kangas, under the lights at Marty Busch Reserve.

While the hosts started warm favourites, Burras’ coach Tony Lockyer would not have taken anything for granted given the two club’s recent history.

Sure, it’s a different looking Kangas outfit on recent years but the Burra, like all teams in 2026, won’t be taking any risks, conceding any upper hand to the 2018-19 premiers and 2024 grand finalists.

Development will come quickly for the proud club of East Point if their junior program results are any indication.

While they took another important step into the rebuild under Joe Carmody this result was always going to tell us more about Sebastopol.

Lockyer would be the first to concede the reality. It was a must win game for the Burra despite the difficult conditions that often present in a night game of local footy.

Jack Bambury was the star for the winners with a best on ground performance ahead of a host of Burra teammates including newcomers Jack Buckley and Felix Henderson, who made encouraging first impressions.

X-factor small forward Adam Forbes lit up Marty Busch Reserve, if it wasn’t already, with four goals to be the standout forward in a relatively low scoring affair.

The Burra were +11 for scoring shots, the degree of difficulty posting majors confirmed by the greasy conditions.

Kangas’ forward Jarrod Joyce finished with 1.5 in a frustrating return on the goal front despite his lead up brilliance.

New faces Sam Lucas, Cooper Glenwright-McGuane and Sam McDonald embraced their roles on a tough night for the visitors who lost all four quarters and struggled to score.

Kangas’ swing man Jacob Brown went back behind the footy this week for a different look. His observations and learnings to be shared with the group can only aid the group moving forward.

Geordie Slater and Joyce were the pick of the bunch from an otherwise very inexperienced East Point side.

While it’s ‘the ‘chin up’ mentality for the Kangas, making their way, a keen eye will be cast on the Burra this week finding a way to contain the trio of tall timber at the Swans who too are 1-0.

STATS THAT MATTERED

Toby Hutt (Sebastopol) – 48 hit outs, 29 disposals, 20 contested possessions

Luke Kiel (Sebastopol) – 27 disposals, 19 contested possessions, 9 clearances

Liam Canny (East Point) – 22 disposals, 14 contested possessions, 7 clearances

COACHES’ VERDICT

Tony Lockyer (Sebastopol)
Nice to kick the season off with a win at home. Strong contested game and was pleased with our movement in challenging night conditions. Solid contribution across the board individually, with everyone standing up when needed. All the best for East for the year ahead they have some great talent and quality. Grateful for the huge support from the Burra community on a cold night under lights. Looking forward to Ballarat next week.

Joe Carmody (East Point)
Unfortunately, the reality for us is that we are at the start of a rebuild with this young group. We had 7 players yet to play 10 Senior games playing tonight so great exposure for them. We will have results like tonight against physically stronger teams, but we will also have glimpses of how the group is developing. Plenty of work to do but we are very positive with what this core group will achieve in the years to come.

Scoop' Reviews Round 10

The first round of return fixtures to start the second half of the BFNL home and away season provided plenty of interesting results with premiership contenders and finals hopefuls making their mark.

The Bloods ended their five-game losing streak with a dominant 38-point win over the Cobras at Maddingley Park.

The win restores the 2024 premiers’ position inside the top six, percentage clear of Sunbury.

An eight-goal-to-two opening half set up the win for Troy Scoble’s visiting party.

Ryan Carter’s three goals and another stand-out performance from the ever consistent half back/mid Harry Hanley helped deny the hosts who had won two of their three previous meets.

The Cobras are clearly struggling to match it with the ‘bigger body’ teams without key bookends Jake Owen and Wil Lalor, in particular current top six oppositions, and its reflective on the scoreboard.

Since the Cobras’ five-point win over the Bloods in Round 1, they’re -24, -102, -55, -40, -38 against the current top six, essentially 1-5 with an average loss of 51.8 points.

Injuries have crippled the Cobras’ chances of claiming a genuine scalp and it will be no different this week, albeit at home, against a thriving Ballarat (8-2) outfit.

Unlikely source Jack Kovacevic finished with a game high four goals to have the Cobras within 14 points early in the last quarter, but the Bloods steadied with the last three goals of the game to win going away.

Hanley (best) aside, the Bloods were well served by Caleb Burquest, Josh Stewart, Conrad Farrugia, Jordy Cotter and the returning Riley Walker.

The Cobras settled on Adam Blain, Tarkyn Findlay, Cody Gates, Jack Parente and Kovacevic as their leading contributors.

While the Cobras brace for a home meeting with the Swans in Round 11, the Bloods look to get their season back on track with a consolidating victory over three-win East Point.

STATS THAT MATTERED

Luke Goetz (Bacchus Marsh) - 71 hitouts, 20 disposals, 10 clearances

Harrison Hanley (Melton) - 23 disposals, 13 intercept possessions, 9 marks

Kyle Borg (Melton) - 22 disposals, 9 tackles, 8 score involvements

COACHES’ VERDICT

Dennis Armfield (Bacchus Marsh)
“Another quarter of football let us down unfortunately. Troy and Melton came with an intent and when they had momentum in the second, we couldn’t wrestle it back. We fought back hard in the 3rd, however used all our tickets and couldn’t finish. A great contested game of footy, increasing pressure which led to some fumbles and missed skills leading to easy turnover goals against.”

Troy Scoble (Melton)
“Really pleased for the group to get the result, working through a tough 8-week period having the most stable team we have had over a 2-week period since the start of the season. Very fast competitive game. We understood Marsh were players down and we had to try capitalize on those areas of the ground. Our connection forward. whilst clunky, was an improvement. Great to be a part of Tyson’s day, a super achievement. Thanks to the Marsh on hospitality all game, supporting our Unders program they went out of their way to help and encourage. The class shows by Dennis and their group was evident and you can certainly see where they are headed going forward.”

The Swans won every quarter enroute to a comfortable 59-point win over the Roosters at Alfredton Oval.

It was Ash Baker’s healthy group that proved the tipping point for Clint Proctor’s cavalry who have been decimated with injury despite winning their previous two games.

Ironically the scores from the Roosters previous loss against Sebastopol was exactly the same (99-40)!

Key forward Biggie Nyuon booted five goals for the winners to move eight clear in the race for the Tony Lockett Medal.

The nature of the Swans win was dominated by their big men in Biggie, Alex Keath, Patrick Graham, Tyson Richard (two goals) and Riley Constable while Thomas Simpson and Lewis Rinaldi maintained their excellent run of recent form that was capped with a goal apiece.

The undermanned Roosters were shy in a number of areas to overcome a well-seasoned Swans outfit, but the efforts of Dom Penny, Taj Bowman, Sam Artz, Seb Collins, Oscar Stone (two goals) and Jye Lockett (two goals) were recognised in a losing side.

Ballarat and Sebastopol have the healthiest lists in the comp by some way which is holding them in good stead at the top of the BFNL table.

Five of the Swans last seven wins have been by 50 points or more - scary stuff, while the Roosters have to play the waiting game as the troops near a return over the coming weeks.

Ballarat are away to Bacchus Marsh on Saturday for the BFNL’s ‘Match of the Round’ in the ‘East’.

North Ballarat (4th) host ladder leaders Sebastopol.

STATS THAT MATTERED

Thomas Simpson (Ballarat) - 35 disposals, 11 score involvements, 10 inside 50s

Dominic Penny (North Ballarat) - 26 disposals, 14 contested possessions, 10 intercept possessions

Alexander Keath (Ballarat) - 26 disposals, 9 marks, 8 intercept possessions 

COACHES’ VERDICT

Ash Baker (Ballarat)
“Really pleased with our four-quarter effort today. The boys were keen to start well and while not quite getting the reward on the scoreboard early, we thought we had control of the territory game. We were then able to get a bit of reward through the third quarter. In trying conditions, it was a contested style of football, to which North were very strong at. We’ll look to recover well and crack in to training this week for another big game against Bacchus before the bye.”

Clint Proctor (North Ballarat)
“Hard day at the office - difficult conditions and contest. Well down from the past couple of weeks, credit to Ballarat they were very good inside and around the contest. Some great learnings for our team to take away and work through.”

The high-flying Burra overcame a 27-point deficit in the second quarter to run out deserved winners in a close encounter against the Kangas at Eastern Oval.

Despite considerable ladder separation between the two sides, there was mounting belief the Kangas would take it up to their more fancied rivals on their home deck and they did not disappoint.

Outside of the Burra’s only loss of the season to Sunbury, no one has been closer to Tony Lockyer’s boys at the final siren. The Kangas’ narrow 12-point defeat has been matched only by Melton so kudos to Joe Carmody and the broader effort from the camp.

Luke Kiel continues to produce some of his best footy to be in vote calculations while gut runners Jack Buckley, Jack Bambury and Bailey Medwell filled the void left in the absence of Lachie Cassidy.

Big men Cooper Littlehales and Toby Hutt also earned the nod of approval.

X-factor Burra forward Adam Forbes finished with a team high three goals.

For the home side, brave in defeat there was an encouraging mix of youth and experience featuring among the best.

Joe Dodd (best), Deng Lual, Luca Gueue, Joe Fraser and Liam Canny were all prominent while the highly anticipated return of Lachie Charleson (two goals) was validated with some key moments.

Evergreen campaigner Jacob Brown finished with a game high four goals.

Gee, what could’ve been for the Kangas ended in a great save by Lockyer’s group despite three less scoring shots.

The Kangas will give themselves a genuine live chance on the road next week when they head to Melton.

Sebastopol are away to Mars Stadium for a meeting with North Ballarat who are still battling injury which should make the assignment a hell of a lot easier than once thought.

Interesting times ahead.

STATS THAT MATTERED

Jack Bambury (Sebastopol) - 25 disposals, 16 contested possessions, 7 tackles

Fraser Molan (East Point) - 20 disposals, 15 contested possessions, 6 clearances

Luke Kiel (Sebastopol) - 24 disposals, 13 contested possessions, 7 tackles

COACHES’ VERDICT

Joe Carmody (East Point)
“Well done to Tony and the Sebas team. They won the crucial contests at pivotal moments in the game and were too good in the end. Our team continues to improve. Our good is very good but we are still having lapses where the opposition score quickly in short periods of time. The more games this group plays together the better they will be and experiences like today will hold them in good stead going forward.”

Tony Lockyer (Sebastopol)
“Tough slog of a day but very proud of the boys working through the challenges to get the result. East Point had us on the ropes with their contest work and superior method in the conditions. Full credit to Joe and the team. 27 points down midway through the second was a concern but really pleased how we shifted momentum to get the margin back to one-point at half time. East are certainly going to cause some headaches in the second half of this year to the top sides. Some huge individual efforts and great to get a debut into Ned Mills (u18s), kicking a great goal in the second to spark us. Onto North at Mars next week - another big game.

Despite another slow start, Redan kicked into gear with 11 unanswered goals after quarter time to down the Lakers by 46 points.

The result meant back-to-back wins for Marc Greig’s pride, and their third of the season, drawing them level with East Point (8th).

The winless Lakers made it difficult for the Lions early - enough to lead by 14 points at the first change.

But it was all Redan thereafter who went onto record a comfortable win.

Rory Gunsser and Daniel Bond were named best for the winners once again by the powers that be, ahead of a spread of eight goalkickers in the Lions’ hard fought win.

For the Lakers, while busy early in particular, there were a handful of personnel that fought it out right to the end.

Alfred Jarnestrom made it three appearances in a row among the best and a fifth in 10 games.

Other notables were Joel O’Connell and Cooper James. Noah Shearer booted two of the Lakers three goals in a game that looked so promising early before falling flat in their endeavours of taking a game deeper.

Both teams are at home next week as Redan try to make it a hattrick of wins when they take on Darley. The Lakers host Sunbury.

STATS THAT MATTERED

Rory Gunsser (Redan) - 32 disposals, 9 inside 50s, 9 tackles

William Madden (Redan) - 47 hitouts, 26 disposals, 11 clearances

Alfred Jarnestrom (Lake Wendouree) - 38 disposals, 14 intercept possessions, 14 rebound 50s

COACHES’ VERDICT

Marc Greig (Redan)
“Lakers were up and about early and put some scoreboard pressure on. Some honest feedback at the quarter time break was used and to the lad’s credit they responded in the 2nd. Both teams cracked in and fought out the game well.”

Rohan Brown (Lake Wendouree)
“Both sides had a real crack in hard conditions for footy. Game on our terms for the 1st quarter then credit to Greigy and Redan from the break as they went to work and controlled the contest. Happy with our effort. 3 more debutants and 12 new faces in the side since Round 1.”

A spirited Darley simply hung in and did enough before overwhelming Sunbury on their home deck to the tune 18 points at Clarke Oval.

The crucial win elevates the reigning premiers to third on the BFNL ladder behind Sebastopol and Ballarat.

Sure, the Lions had a handful of preferred soldiers missing but kudos to Dan Jordan and his predominantly young group to worry Matty White’s Pride out of a contest that was vital to both sides given the context of their current seasons.

Duel Henderson Medallist Brett Bewley (three goals) led from the front with a dominant display for the Devils and was ably assisted by key top end contributors Nick Hind (two goals), Joel Cadman (one goal), Lachie George (two goals) and Mickey Edwards (one goal).

While it wasn’t the best exhibition of the fundamentals on the large ground that is Clarke Oval, one couldn’t question the endeavour of both sides as only one point separated the two sides at three quarter time.

Externally it felt like the Lions were just a goal away from breaking the Devils, who were without Billy Myers, Wil Johnston, Adam Azzopardi, Jayven and Ayden Tanner, Harley Inglis, Jarrod White and Jack Bewley.

In fact, the Devils had just 11/22 from last year’s premiership winning team.

Sunbury had 14 of their 22 that fell short on that particular day but were buoyed with the inclusions of Josh Guthrie and Cody Bramble - both of whom had their fair share of the footy.

Lions pair Jake Sutton (three goals) and Jake Egan (one goal) returned from VFL commitments to attempt the end the 0-5 run of outs against the Devils, but it wasn’t to be.

Unfortunately, Egan took no part in the game after half time due to a shoulder/arm injury sustained in the second quarter.

There were a number of good players from both sides in the relatively high scoring affair - none better than the two respective captains in Bewley and Tyson Lever who had an old fashioned ‘day out’ as their numbers would suggest.

Apart from the top end brilliance on display, there were a host of youngsters still in their teens that stood up and had their moments.

Road trips await these two in Round 11 before the bye. Darley (3rd) head to City Oval to meet Redan (9th) while Sunbury face the Lakers (10th).

STATS THAT MATTERED

Tyson Lever (Sunbury) - 33 disposals, 15 intercept possessions, 11 marks

Brett Bewley (Darley) - 40 disposals, 11 score involvements, 9 inside 50s

Nick Hind (Darley) - 35 disposals, 11 score involvements, 11 clearances

COACHES’ VERDICT

Dan Jordan (Darley)
“Super win for our group - we were really pleased with the buy-in and belief across the board from 200+ gamers to 2 gamers. Our leaders stood up and were instrumental dragging the boys over the line against a quality side like Sunbury who are always a tough assignment especially at home. Down back, Sunbury were very efficient with their conversion on goal and had our boys under the pump, but I was proud of the effort from our relatively young back six who tried their hearts out. The mids were fantastic - (Brett), Bewley, (Joel) Cadman, Hind and George were massive for us. Our wingers (Andy) Azzopardi and Edwards were really solid with their running and aerial ability. Our ruck options Matthews and Lesko answered the call and competed hard, halving a lot of contests. Up forward we were under resourced, but we found a way to manufacture 100 points which is a credit to (once again) what was a very young front six. Boys never gave up.”

Matty White (Sunbury)
“A fantastic game of footy that we couldn’t close out. We had our moments to win it but the class at Darley stood up when it counted. Bewley and Hind combining for 5 goals was the difference in the end. Reload for a road trip and a big second half of the year.”

Scoop Reviews Round 11

The bye will be a welcomed break for many teams across the competition after a hard fought weekend pulled out some season defining results.

The Swans have moved to the top of the BFNL ladder following an impressive 106-point win over the Cobras at Maddingley Park.

It was the classy Swans’ sixth win (of nine) by 50 points or more.

Key tall Biggie Nyuon was the star of the show finishing with nine goals, including eight in the second half.

The class difference after quarter time was clear for all to see as Ash Baker’s bevy monstered a disappointing Cobras outfit who slump to outside the top six for the first time this season.

After a relatively even first quarter, the Swans flexed their muscles outscoring the hosts 19 goals to four. In a nutshell, Saturday’s Ballarat Toyota Match of the Round was an old school thrashing.

The Swans had arguably the best 12 players on the ground. Tristan Maple, Biggie Nyuon, Fraser Perkins (two goals), Brad Crouch, Lewis Rinaldi and Riley Constable were superb earning the nod of approval from the Swans’ hierarchy in the aftermath.

There were slim pickings for the Cobras, who will welcome the bye and a chance to reset.

Unfortunately for Dennis Armfield’s quiver, there is very little resemblance of the impressive showing witnessed on Good Friday in their standalone fixture against East Point.

The Cobras recognised the efforts of Sam Griffiths and Cody Gates who never stopped trying on a day that simply belonged to the Swans.

Post the bye, the Cobras are up the highway to face North Ballarat at Mars Stadium, while the Swans are away to Sebastopol for a mouthwatering top of the table clash at Marty Busch Reserve.

STATS THAT MATTERED

Biggie Nyuon (Ballarat) - 19 disposals, 13 marks, 9 goals

Brad Crouch (Ballarat) - 38 disposals, 21 contested possessions, 11 score involvements

Sam Griffiths (Bacchus Marsh) - 24 disposals, 10 intercept possessions, 6 marks

COACHES’ VERDICT

Dennis Armfield (Bacchus Marsh)
“Started and finished well but unfortunately Ballarat too strong, structured and skilful in the middle. Unfortunately, it’s been a pattern of late, missing our shots and allowing theirs. We will keep fighting, I’ll never questions the effort and character of the boys.
We will need to cross our fingers again on the injury front into the bye. Had another 4 soldiers not finish the game, so good time for a week off, regroup ready to take on a strong North up at Mars.”

Ash Baker (Ballarat)
“Really pleasing four quarter performance from the boys today. Bacchus Marsh came out firing, and we were able to hold our own in a tightly contested first quarter, before getting some separation in some key areas during the second quarter. The bye has come at a good time for us so we can freshen up ahead of another big challenge after the bye v Sebastopol.”

2025 grand finalist Sunbury moved inside the top six with a much needed 66-point win over the Lakers.

The Lions led at every change but couldn’t shrug the determination of the Lakers until late, kicking away with a six-goal-to-one final term.

Despite the loss it was the Lakers’ third highest score of the season – a decent effort considering their list of outs would rival any as we head into a much-welcomed bye.

It really was season on the line stuff for Matty White’s Pride, a game they could not take for granted regardless of the Lakers’ winless record heading in.

With some key outs of their own, White has been resolute in his acceptance and dealings with the frustration and expectation on his progressive group.

Lions’ newcomers and former Montmorency pair Jordyn Gillard (six goals) and Ryan Sturgess (Coburg VFL) combined for nine goals to be named best behind young speedster Cody Bramble.

Midfield combo Joel Muir and Josh Guthrie also earned the nod of approval alongside Nathan Doyle who is proving a find forward with another three goals making it 12 goals for season from seven games.

For the hosts, coach Rohan Brown continues to ride the tough journey from week to week but is getting his reward in areas other than wins column - more so effort.

Consistent trio Joel O’Connell, Alfred Jarnestrom and Corey Rich were good again for the Lakers to be named in the best next to Noah Shearer, Logan Clark and Lewis Antonac (two goals).

Both teams will lap up the bye like many clubs before the run home.

Next up the Lakers are away to Melton while Sunbury host Redan at Clarke Oval.

STATS THAT MATTERED

Joel Muir (Sunbury) - 76 hitouts, 19 disposals, 8 marks

Alfred Jarnestrom (Lake Wendouree) - 39 disposals, 10 intercept possessions, 10 rebound 50s

Jack Newitt (Sunbury) - 32 disposals, 20 contested possessions, 14 clearances

COACHES’ VERDICT

Rohan Brown (Lake Wendouree)
“Played a terrific game for three quarters, thought we were in front of the game. Had real opportunities in the 2nd quarter just couldn't finish off our work. Great to see our kids go well against some VFL listed players. In the end the dam wall broke with Lever the difference. Looking forward to the week off, our kids need it.”

Matty White (Sunbury)
"Was a good win in the end. Battled hard in the first half against a spirited Lakers. Nice for Gillard to get a 6-goal return and got some more experience into our younger talent. The week off comes at a good time for us. Hopeful to get a few soldiers back post bye and attack the last block of games."

The Bloods made it back-to-back wins with a character building 26-point win over the Kangas at MacPherson Park.

Only six points separated the two rivals at the final change, but it was a five-goal-to-two last term that broke of the hearts of Kangas’ fans while sending the Bloods’ band of loyal and faithful into celebration mode.

The win elevates the Bloods into fifth with a decent percentage advantage over Sunbury and Bacchus Marsh.

A typical seesawing classic witnessed the Bloods start like a house on fire booting six goals to one with a handy 30-point lead.

The Kangas fought back through the middle stages winning the second and third terms to be within six points at the final change.

Credit to the Bloods steadying the resistance and regaining the momentum enroute to an all-important fifth win of the season.

Braedan Kight finished with four goals for the winners, and Liam Carter and Lachie Ericsson (three) came to aid the Bloods’ scoreline above the 100-point mark.

Kangas ever reliable Jacob Brown kicked four and Sam Lucas two, proving a handful for the Bloods who welcomed the inclusion of Billy Crofts (Footscray VFL) for his first game of the season.

Harry Hanley was named best for the winners ahead of defenders Lachlan Phillips and Riley Walker. Jaycob Hickey and Brodie Sullivan maintained their run of form to feature ahead of Kight’s contribution around goal.

In form Kangas’ midfield trio Joe Dodd (in best 6/9 games), Mickitja Rotumah-Onus (5/10) and Liam Canny (7/11) flew the flag leading from the front and were well support led by next-gen talent Deng Lual, Joseph McGuane and Cooper Glenwright-McGuane.

It doesn’t get any easier for the Kangas post bye with an away trip to Darley first up while the Bloods are at home to face the Lakers.

The Bloods lose Harry Hanley (in best 9/11 games) and Max Scoble effective immediately due to a pre-planned overseas holiday, with the pair not expected back until Round 16 or 17.

They will be missed!

STATS THAT MATTERED

Mickitja Rotumah-Onus (East Point) - 31 disposals, 21 contested possessions, 11 clearances

Josh Stewart (Melton) - 47 hitouts, 10 contested possessions, 7 tackles

Billy Crofts (Melton) - 28 disposals, 18 contested possessions, 11 clearances

COACHES’ VERDICT

Troy Scoble (Melton)
“Games against East Point just have something about them. Rinse and repeat… tight contested momentum swings and close results. Rode our momentum well in the first half and lost it in the third. Very pleased for the second week in a row to recapture and run the game out well. Loved my time coaching with Joey we had some ripper battles. Wish him again all the best going forward. Been a challenging month of June for our group, we just keep showing up. Like many byes, a chance to rest refresh build some boys back up to return post bye."

Joe Carmody (East Point)
“Another great contest vs Melton. Melton started really well which put us on the back foot early. We bridged the gap and gave ourselves a chance in the last quarter but ultimately not good enough in the end. Good luck to Scobes and Melton for the rest of the season. We’ve had some great battles in my time at East playing against Melton.”

Darley has dug deep to secure a crucial come from behind six-point win over a gallant Redan at City Oval

The hosts, buoyed with the inclusion of Cooper Craig Peters (Footscray VFL) asked questions of a tiring core group of top end Devils, who have had to shoulder the load of recent weeks given a host of key outs.

Somehow, the Devils clawed their way back for a second week in a row after trailing by 19 points.

The win sees the reigning premiers in the mix for a prized top three finish, a game shy of the top two and percentage ahead of North Ballarat (4th) with seven games still to play.

Redan gave Dan Jordan’s touring party something to think about early having started well for the first time in five weeks with a five-goal-to-two opening term to set up a handy 18-point lead.

The margin extended to 19 at the mainbreak, providing the visitors with enough time for a reset of sorts. It proved that way given Darley were able to erase the lead in good time early in the second half.

It was an arm wrestle thereafter as scoring came to a near standstill.

As both sides traded blows in the form of mini wins to earn any advantage, it was the undermanned Devils who took their moments standing up in the clinches.

The game could easily have gone either way - a super effort from Marc Greig’s Pride who were able to reduce an 89-point margin four weeks ago down to 6 points at the weekend.

Scores were level with just a minute or so remaining before Joel Cadman (best) deservedly slotted the winner to give the Devils a third win in a row essentially under the pump.

Cadman, Bewley, Hind and Baker led the charge alongside defenders Brodie Ward and Zane Le Huray who celebrated key moments complemented with the run and distribution of Andy Azzopardi and Darcy Matricardi.

The Lions too were heading for a hattrick of wins but fell agonisingly short in a proud showing against the odds.

Craig-Peters (two goals) was arguably ‘best on’, while Lachlan Bond finished with a game high four goals.

Midfield trio Will Madden, Rory Gunsser and Brodie Pope were instrumental in their support roles and nearly pulled off one of the upsets of the season.

Both teams gave us every indication the bye has come at a good time to replenish stocks ahead of the final third of the season which makes for compelling viewing.

Redan will give themselves an outside chance upsetting Sunbury on the road while the Devils are faced with another must win game at home against East Point.

Jordan’s army are on a 16-game winning streak at Darley Park while the Kangas’ last success at the venue came over 10 years ago.

STATS THAT MATTERED

Brett Bewley (Darley) - 37 disposals, 21 contested possessions, 13 clearances

Nick Hind (Darley) - 37 disposals, 7 rebound 50s, 6 marks

Cooper Craig-Peters (Redan) - 32 disposals, 18 contested possessions, 7 tackles

COACHES’ VERDICT

Marc Greig (Redan)
“A game we learnt a lot from. We had early momentum and kicked out to a lead. Darley was always going to respond in the second half. We expected it but couldn’t stop it. Seesawing last quarter when each moment counted for both teams and we couldn’t quite make our moments count. Very pleased with the efforts from the lads."

Dan Jordan (Darley)
“Grinding win against a Redan team who came to play. Credit to them, they were on top at the half, but our boys showed a bit of ticker after a reset to work back into the game and finish with our noses on front. Very proud of the group, it’s been a big three weeks - we will savour the week off and get back to work. It’s a very open comp this year, no easy games.”

The undermanned Roosters’ impressive run at home claimed another scalp at the weekend in the form of (then) ladder leaders Sebastopol with a stirring 18-points victory.

North Ballarat has won five of their six home games this year, unbeaten at Mars Stadium since their season opener against Ballarat.

How Roosters coach Clint Proctor has been able to manufacture wins against Darley and now Sebastopol with a host of players on the sidelines is a significant achievement.

Check out the missing - there’s no ceiling on the Roosters’ credentials this season when you consider what is likely to return over the coming weeks - Sam Glover (internal), Isaac Lovisson (hamstring), Jarrod Curran (hamstring), Isaac Carey (knee), Dec Mcguigan (concussion) Reggie Palmer (broken arm) and Denver Grainger-Barras (overseas) are all on the short term list while Brock Leonard (ACL), Wilbur Shea (shoulder) and Fletcher Loader (foot) are already done for the season.

You can add Elliot Lamb to the list of short-term casualties as well after he was concussed at the weekend.

Scary stuff the proposition of the Roosters moving forward given their recent successes over the Devils and the Burra.

Familiar names littered the Roosters’ best players at the weekend including Josh Morris (best), Jye Lockett (two goals), Tom Bromley-Lynch, versatile recruit Seb Collins, who has proven a genuine find, and youngsters Taj Bowman and Max Faulkner.

It was always going to be a team contribution for the Roosters kicking a winning score. While an 11-goal return proved enough, it took as many as eight Roosters to hit the scoreboard.

The Burra were by no means disappointing despite their warm favourites tag heading in.

Many sides previously have left Mars Stadium empty handed and it’s expected many more will in the future - it’s just a thing!

Not dissimilar to other Round 11 games, only six points separated the two sides at three quarter time.

Unfortunately for Tony Lockyer’s all conquering visiting party they were unable to match the Roosters in the last quarter despite it being their best performed quarter over the season to date.

The Burra weren’t shy on effort - Jack Bambury, Jack Buckley, Ash Munari (three goals), Luke Phillips, Tony Lockyer and Jacob Wilkinson all featured among the best.

The Burras’ nine goal return was their (second) lowest of the season since their previous and only loss to Sunbury in Round 5 (7.11).

Lockyer and Proctor weren’t in cliche mode welcoming the bye and the bonus rest and reset that comes with it given the demands of a very even season of BFNL footy.

Every team has proven gettable - as the longest current winning run of games (3) will attest.

Should be a cracking ride home to finals, but it can simmer for a week, a chance for all sides to refuel, recover and take a breath.

Post bye the Roosters host the Cobras at Mars while the Burra face the Swans in a one v two blockbuster to kickstart the road to finals.

STATS THAT MATTERED

Josh Morris (North Ballarat) - 27 disposals, 12 rebound 50s, 6 marks

Jye Lockett (North Ballarat) - 29 disposals, 11 marks, 7 inside 50s

Jack Bambury (Sebastopol) - 30 disposals, 17 contested possessions, 9 marks

COACHES’ VERDICT

Clint Proctor (North Ballarat)
“Good response from last week - nice to see the lads learn from the lesson against Ballarat and implement against the top team of the comp. Exciting for the club to continue to unearth some new talent! Looking forward to having some senior lads return and settle the team after the bye.”

Tony Lockyer (Sebastopol)
“The better team won today. North had us beat on a few fronts and deserved the result after four quarters. Well done to Clint and his boys, they played a great brand of footy and ran the ground well. We knew it was going to be a test and again this league shows if you are a few percent off it will be very hard to get a result. We stayed calm and had small bursts of momentum but couldn’t sustain it. We are looking forward to the bye. The freshen up will be great for us ahead of an exciting run home. Couldn’t be prouder of the club’s efforts so far this year.”

Scoop Reviews Round 12

Blustery conditions across the competition made the going tough on Saturday, but as the old adage goes, it just meant that tough got going as the road to finals nears.

The Cobras’ disappointing run of outs continued following a 58-point loss to the Roosters at Mars Stadium.

It was their fourth loss in a row and fifth in six games by an average of 59.4 points.

Dennis Armfield’s quiver kicked with the aid of a five-goal wind in the first quarter but again failed to get any real bang for buck on the scoreboard, the tale of the last month essentially for this group in the absence of key forward Jake Owen.

Despite the Roosters being held scoreless in the first term under trying conditions, the Cobras return of 2.6 was shy of the mark, vulnerable at best.

Those initial thoughts were confirmed at the half as the hosts booted 6.4 to no score in the second term to lead by 22 at the main break.

The Cobras scoring woes continued with a miserly 2.2 return (with the wind) in the third, outscored by the Roosters 3.1.

The hosts went onto to post an inaccurate 4.7 in the final term but again kept the Cobras scoreless to run out comfortable winners.

It was Roosters’ coach Clint Proctor’s sixth win in a row at home, unbeaten on Mars Stadium since their season opener against Ballarat.

Unfortunately, the Cobras are expected to be without Jake Owen (and Will Lalor) for at least another week prompting questions about their ability to post a score high enough to challenge Darley in Saturday’s local derby.

Over the last six weeks (Lakers game excluded) the Cobras have averaged just 42 points per game.

The Roosters however, welcomed back a handful of key troops for the battle with immediate impact.

Declyn McGuigan finished with an equal game high three goals, while Dave Brinker-Ritchie (two goals) and Sam Glover (one) also hit the scoreboard.

In form trio Dominic Penny, Josh Morris and Jye Lockett (three goals) were named best for the winners ahead of McGuigan, and speedsters Ethan York and Michael Hughes who have played just five senior games between them.

For the Cobras, all too familiar names Luke Goetz, Jamie Fulton, Tyson Shea and Zach Vesty led the resistance, but the contributors simply did not bat deep enough to trouble a very talented and exciting Roosters outfit on the rise.

The Cobras chances of rebounding at home against the Devils will be improved with the potential return of Josh Huxtable (Williamstown VFL), James McDaid (Western Jets), Sam Griffiths (suspension), Jack Parente (foot) and Angus Morgan (quad). Tarkyn Findlay (finger) will miss the local derby.

The Roosters are off to Eastern Oval to take on three-win East Point. The job on the road should be made easier with the return of x-factor forward Jamie Quick and corridor mid Elliott Lamb (concussion).

STATS THAT MATTERED

Luke Goetz (Bacchus Marsh) - 22 disposals, 22 hitouts, 9 marks

Josh Morris (North Ballarat) - 35 disposals, 10 marks, 8 rebound 50s

Sam Glover (North Ballarat) - 25 disposals, 11 intercept possessions, 6 score involvements

COACHES’ VERDICT

Clint Proctor (North Ballarat)
“Very strong wind today and a game of two ends! I thought we had the game on our terms and got the rewards in the second half eventually. Bacchus started very well and took some moments - Goetz such an influence around the ground. Good signs with our brand of football looking forward to the next challenge!”

Dennis Armfield (Bacchus Marsh)
“A tough day out at Mars Stadium. With a strong breeze one way, we were unfortunately not able to capitalize early. While North took their chances. While into the breeze, we were able to hold for large patches and apply great pressure most of the day, yet on a skill error North hurt us on turnover. Overall, a great learning for our whole team (coaches and players) and we look forward to Darley next week and getting some troops back.”

The Devils made it four wins on the trot with a stirring 72-point win over East Point at the weekend.

Despite missing Brett Bewley (leg), Billy Myers (thumb), Joel Cadman (hamstring), Duncan Cadman (concussion), Adam Azzopardi (overseas), Harley Inglis (ankle) and Jarrod White (overseas), the Devils made light work of Joe Carmody’s young Kangas.

The reigning premiers extended their impressive winning run at home to 17 while the Kangas must wait another year for an opportunity to end their drought at Darley Park dating back to 2014.

The return of key forward pairing Will Johnson (six goals) and Jayven Tanner (three goals) seemingly went under the radar given the focus of attention around the Bewley injury.

The absence of Bewley and Myers meant the next line of experienced leaders at the Devils had to stand up with voice and deliver on performance. The response was emphatic, leaving the visitors shell shocked at the half trailing by 52 points - game over!

While the Kangas toiled well in the second half, the damage was already done as Carmody referred to the contest in the aftermath as “men against boys…”

Lachie George, Nick Hind and Luther Baker rose to the occasion winning the all-important midfield battle while Johnson and Tanner’s collective nine goal haul showed what the Devils had been missing on the structural front over recent weeks.

Versatile wingman Mikey Edwards was super while Matty Brett and Zane Le Huray targeted jobs on Kangas potential match winners Jacob Brown (two goals) and Jarrod Joyce.

Devils’ coach Dan Jordan was typically measured in the post-match, acknowledging the depth of the performance across the board and notable improvement of his group fresh off a break.

The Kangas were simply outclassed on a day that many gave them a genuine chance heading in, causing the upset of the round.

It wasn’t to be despite the efforts of Joseph McGuane, Liam Canny, Luca Geue and Sam Lucas.

The Devils will embrace another week into the rehab of their missing guns as they prepare for another chapter of the local derby across town at Maddingley Park with the Cobras, who have lost their last four games in the absence of Jake Owen and Will Lalor.

The Kangas next assignment doesn’t get any easier despite the luxury of a home meeting with North Ballarat (4th) who welcome the return of Jamie Quick and Elliott Lamb (concussion).

STATS THAT MATTERED

Lachlan George (Darley) - 41 disposals, 19 inside 50s, 12 marks

Nick Hind (Darley) - 29 disposals, 9 score involvements, 8 inside 50s

Thomas Brown (East Point) - 33 hitouts, 16 disposals, 5 clearances

COACHES’ VERDICT

Dan Jordan (Darley)

“Very pleased with the performance across the board today against a determined, young East Point side. We thought it was important to start the game well sparing us the potential of having to chase the game as we have for periods in recent weeks. Clearly, we were benefitted by the week off and we looked a different side. Structurally we were improved with the inclusions of Wil Johnson and Jayven Tanner and our leaders really stood up. Sound win.”

Joe Carmody (East Point)
“Men against boys today. We were blown off the park in the first half. To the boys credit it was 11 scoring shots each in the second half. A pretty valuable experience for our young players to get a first-hand look at what a high work rate and sticking to your role looks like. We had 14 players today who are 21 or under so we are getting some games into these kids to fast track their development.”

Perennial finalists Melton delivered on expectation with a runaway 107-point win over the Lakers.

While the result attracted a certain degree of inevitability, interest was by “how far” given it was popular Lakers’ coach Rohan Brown’s last game at the helm.

The Lakers have lost their last 30 games on the trot but displayed enough intent to satisfy the faithful despite the gulf in class.

Will Clark (two goals), Corey Rich, Alfred Jarnestrom and Kye Anderson led the charge for the undisputed underdogs to be within 16 points at the first change despite the advantage of a four or five goal wind to the city end.

Talk about celebrating mini wins - when the Lakers won the toss, Brown’s boys did all but sing the song recognising the flip of the coin had landed their way.

Despite posting a respectable 4.4 in the first term, the Bloods were on song posting 7.2 of their own to deserve the lead at quarter time.

The dominance of the Bloods should’ve come as no surprise given Troy Scoble’s ‘Bloodahood’ rank #1 in the comp for first quarters.

A 16-point quarter time lead for the hosts was extended to 72 at the half and again to 78 at the final change before some inaccurate kicking late flattered the score line for the visitors.

Braedan Kight finished with a selfless, game high six goals ahead of brow raising improvers Archie Greenshields (four goals) and Austin Thorneycroft (three goals).

The most encouraging thing about the Bloods’ big win was their will to share the footy given as many as 10 players hit the scoreboard on the goal front.

While there are bigger fish to fry, the Bloods were solid despite the absence of Harry Hanley (overseas), Jordy Kight (ankle), Lachlan Walker (overseas), Max Scoble (overseas), Brodie Sullivan (wedding), Adrian Monitto (shin), Jordy Kight (foot) and Billy Crofts (Hamstring/Footscray VFL).

The percentage booster consolidates the Bloods’ fifth position on the ladder, now a game and considerable percentage ahead of Sunbury.

Bloods captain Braedan Kight (six goals) was named best for the winners ahead of defenders Jordy Cotter and Lachlan Phillips.

Kyle Borg, Liam Carter and Jack Walker stretched their legs covering considerable ground and were rewarded with enough ball to feature prominently.

One highlight in particular for the Lakers came from goal of the day contender Will Clark who had three or four links in the chain before a quality finish earned the applause of both camps.

The Lakers host Ballarat next week while the Bloods are at home to Sunbury.

STATS THAT MATTERED

Jordyn Cotter (Melton) - 33 disposals, 14 marks, 13 intercept possessions

Caleb Burquest (Melton) - 36 disposals, 10 clearances, 10 score involvements

Will Clark (Lake Wendouree) - 42 disposals, 5 clearances, 5 score involvements

COACHES’ VERDICT

Troy Scoble (Melton)
“Our youngest senior side in 8 years. Very competitive game from start to finish - pleased with our performance into the breeze in the first and third able to still move the ball and connect well forward. The connection between the Lakers boys and Browny is so evident - they played right to the end. Local footy isn’t easy especially if you experience availability challenges and Browny has represented himself and the club extremely well. Thanks to Lakers boys, full book in the socials post-game.”

Rohan Brown (Lake Wendouree)
“Challenging day for footy, thought we had some good positive patches throughout. Melton capitalised on any fundamental error, and they don't miss their chances. They will start to get some players back and Scobes has a system in place good enough to challenge. So incredibly proud of our club and the group of players I have been fortunate enough to lead over the last 3 years. Yes, it's been tough, but the resilience & loyalty shown by all is something I'm very grateful of. We are all very emotional at the club, but I said that's a good thing it means we care. Looking forward to watching the club move forward. Very humbled by the amount of phone calls, texts and well wishes from all. It's a bloody hard and challenging gig in what is a strong league led by some amazing coaches that I've been fortunate to connect with & learn. Looking forward to a bit of family time. Good luck to everyone over the next few weeks and into finals.”

Redan led at every change to upset Sunbury at Clarke Oval in a low scoring affair largely due to one man… Bond. Lachlan Bond!

The former Geelong VFL listed talent booted five of the visitors six goals to prove the difference on a day majors came at a premium.

While many at Redan would consider the ‘upset’ status an overreach given their recent form, overcoming Sunbury at Clarke Oval is a feather in the cap for coach Marc Greig in his first season in charge.

While Sunbury look a much younger line up compared to their grand final side of last year they still had 14 members of that side take the field, not including Josh Guthrie who missed the decider with injury.

For the record, Darley had just 10 players from their premiership winning side in their 72-point win over East Point.

Just not much going right on field for Sunbury this year - an injury laden season has not seen the best from the Matty White’s Pride despite the names on paper suggesting they should be going better than 5-7.

A fourth win for Redan has opened the door for Greigy’s young boys to make their own claim for an unlikely finals berth now just a game and percentage (20%) outside the six.

Lachlan Bond’s starring role aside there were many contributors for the winners - put simply, their good players all played well.

Harry Lawson, Jake Connolly, Rory Gunsser, Bailey McKay and Brodie Pope led the charge to warn the nod of approval from the Redan camp.

Unfortunately for Sunbury they’re like a nice car that just won’t start at the moment - the stocks are there but the absence of Jake Sutton, Jake Egan and Daniel Johnston is palpable.

Again, the efforts of Jack Newitt, Tyson Lever and Cody Bramble were to be recognised in the narrow loss but Sunbury’s four goal return in difficult conditions I must concede was never going to be enough to earn the premiership points.

Hats off to Redan, I’m sure they duly celebrated keeping their season alive.

Sunbury (6th) face Melton (5th) next week in a very important match up (aren’t they all this year!) while Redan host flag contenders and current number side Sebastopol.

Big ask.

STATS THAT MATTERED

Tyson Lever (Sunbury) - 33 disposals, 11 intercept possessions, 6 pressure acts

Harry Lawson (Redan) - 25 disposals, 13 marks, 8 rebound 50s

William Madden (Redan) - 25 disposals, 17 hitouts, 12 contested possessions

COACHES’ VERDICT

Matty White (Sunbury)
“Hard day in the end. Windy conditions that we couldn’t adapt to. Poor skill execution under big pressure from Redan. Redan were able to handle the conditions better than us and unfortunately, we couldn’t get it going our way. Makes it hard from here for the rest of the year but looks like we’ll get some sliders back over the next couple of weeks so let’s see what comes of that.”

Marc Greig (Redan)
“Tricky conditions for both teams. I was pleased with our ability to apply pressure and tackle which led to opportunities to get/keep the ball in our front half for scoring opportunities. It’s been a good month of footy for the lads. Next week is another good opportunity to learn and develop against the flag favourites.”

An eight-goal-to-two final quarter blitz has rocketed the Burra back to the top of the BFNL ladder with a 31-point win over the Swans.

This seesawing affair witnessed a host of lead changes before the Burra finally shrugged off the persistent Swans to give their loyal and faithful plenty to celebrate from the members balcony.

The anticipation of this one v two clash first up off the bye certainly lived up to the billing providing a snapshot into what lies ahead come finals.

Credit to Sebastopol without important trio Tony Lockyer, Jeff Buckley and Gedd Hommelhoff making it 2/2 against a depth laden Ballarat who may have touched flag favouritism for a moment in the build-up.

The Swans were missing a handful of their own (Tristan Maple, Thomas Simpson, Wyatt Squires, Sam Batistella, Rhys Perry, Bailey Fraser) and lost no admirers suffering just their third defeat of the season.

The hierarchy at the Burra settled on key ball winning trio Luke Kiel, Jack Bambury and Felix Henderson as their best in an otherwise proud team effort that yielded eight goal kickers posting a winning score.

Biggie Nyuon booted four goals for the Swans to consolidate his stranglehold on the Tony Lockett Medal tally while Luke Gray, Fraser Perkins and Patrick Graham maintained their season of good form to be named best for the visitors.

How good is BFNL footy at the moment? While the finals series is sure to entertain our socks off, don’t wish the season away as there are so many more enthralling match ups to come ahead of finals that will shape opinion and inevitably the makeup of the top six.

Next up, the Burra face Redan at City Oval while the Swans are off to CE Brown Reserve following a changing of the guard at the Lakers.

STATS THAT MATTERED

Lachlan Cassidy (Sebastopol) - 34 disposals, 10 tackles, 10 marks

Jack Bambury (Sebastopol) - 35 disposals, 9 score involvements, 7 clearances

Fraser Perkins (Ballarat) - 38 disposals, 10 inside 50s, 8 marks   

COACHES’ VERDICT

Tony Lockyer (Sebastopol)
“High quality game of Ballarat footy in trying conditions. The boys started so well and set up their day in Q1. Whilst the challenge and pressure from Ballarat came all day, particularly at the start of Q4, I was so proud to watch the character and resilience of this group to respond the way they did. All the best to Ash and the Swans for the remainder of the run home. Special thank you to Shane and off field team at Sebas for taking charge yesterday in my absence.”

Ash Baker (Ballarat)
“Full credit to Tony, Snibo and the Sebas lads - too good for us most of the day. Sebas started well, moved the ball really well and we struggled to defend their ball movement. They were really well organised around stoppage also. We stuck at it and were able to find some momentum late in the third and early in the fourth and gave ourselves a sneaky chance before Sebas regained that momentum and finished too strongly. Plenty for us to work on this week as we look to be better next weekend.”

Scoop Reviews Round 13

On a July Saturday soaked in sun, it was the away teams prevailing in all five matches to return home with the vital premiership points.

The third placed Devils made it nine local derby wins in a row with a 29-point win over the Cobras (7th).

Maddingley Park played host to a monster crowd, as loyal fans flooded the perimeters with vested interest.

Next generation talent was on full display with Bacchus Matsh loaded up with as many as 13 players aged 21 or under, while Darley fielded nine of their own including 16-year-old debutant Whitiora 'Phittie' Kilmartin (one goal).

The young brigades certainly impressed on one of local footy’s biggest stages, seemingly unperturbed by the occasion.

The match was a game of two halves essentially as both sides struggled to get the game on their own terms and impact the scoreboard.

Just six goals were managed in a dour first half with both defences relatively on top.

The Devils held a slender eight-point lead on the back of greater efficiency inside 50. The Cobras would be the first to concede they were wasteful, unable to take full advantage of their superior numbers that equated to an inaccurate 2.9 on the scoreboard.

The game was craving for an injection of outside brilliance.

When Joel Freeman booted two goals for the Cobras in the third term to give the hosts the lead, questions were being asked of the Devils for a response.

Star speedster Nick Hind (four goals) and x-factor forward Will Johnson (three goals) raised the heart rates of both fans for contrasting reasons as the Devils duo looked dangerous around goal proving arguably the difference in the game on the offensive front.

Despite being under the pump for periods throughout the third term, Dan Jordan’s group remained composed and took their chances posting 6.0 for the term to the Cobras’ 5.3.

With the game on the line and just 11 points separating the two at the final change it was all about who could maintain the level for long enough.

The Devils who went into the 59th version of the local derby warm favourites held their nerve despite an inaccurate 5.7 to earn the prized premiership points and unofficial bragging rights that come with it.

Mikey Edwards provided plenty of drive off a wing for the Devils to feature prominently ahead of defensive young trio Chaz Jones, Jett Darcey and Brodie Ward.

The Cobras looked markedly better than recent weeks and were well served in particular by Zach Dalli, Sam Griffiths, Luke Goetz and Josh Huxtable.

Big games await these two next up with the Devils hosting ladder leaders Sebastopol to remain in top three calculations while the Cobras look to keep their top six chances alive with a tough trip to Sunbury.

LIVE vision and FULL commentary available from 2pm Saturday via BFNL.com.au.

STATS THAT MATTERED

Josh Huxtable (Bacchus Marsh) - 30 disposals, 11 marks, 8 intercept possessions

Nicholas Hind (Darley) - 32 disposals, 8 score involvements, 7 intercept possessions

Lachlan George (Darley) - 25 disposals, 16 contested possessions, 11 clearances

COACHES’ VERDICT

Dennis Armfield (Bacchus Marsh)
“Unfortunately missed opportunities early come back to bite us late. I felt we controlled the game early yet allowed Darley easy goals. And you can’t allow good teams momentum because they will capitalise. We now focus on Sunbury away who seem to be finding their feet too.”

Dan Jordan (Darley)
“Pleased with the way the boys fought out a grinding win. The local derbies always deliver on pressure, and I was proud of the way our leaders and relatively young group absorbed everything the Cobras threw at us. Our response in the third (quarter) in particular when challenged showed maturity and composure which was encouraging. Our focus shifts to Sebastopol next week, another challenge for our boys in a very even comp.”

Ballarat moved into second place on the BFNL table with a percentage gaining, 73-point win over the Lake Wendouree at CE Brown Reserve.

As many predicted, the Swans led all day with spearhead forward Biggie Nyuon amongst the action once again finishing with a game high five goals.

The 200cm former North Melbourne and Richmond representative has 51 goals from his 12 games this year averaging 4.25 goals per game.

The Swans running brigade did most of the damage as Fraser Perkins, Luke Gray, Brad Crouch and Paddy Simpson were named best ahead of key ruckman Patrick Graham (in best 9/13) and in-form small defender Zak Haintz.

Jake Lohmann took over the reins at the Lakers chasing a couple of mini wins against the dangerous Swans.

The two that spring to mind defining a mini win were the Lakers’ first, third quarter win of the season and their ability to usurp their season average of 44 points, finishing with 8.9-57 on the scoreboard.

It’s clutching at straws, but when you have lost your last 31 games it’s not a bad place to start on the long road back.

Alfred Jarnestrom (in best 8/13) was again the pick of the Lakers ahead of Corey Rich and Will Clark who just know how to find the footy. Bailey Ryan, Archie Todd and Kynan Raven also earned the nod of approval from the new, caretaker boss.

The Lakers head to Eastern Oval next week to face the Kangas while the Swans host Melton at Alfredton Oval.

STATS THAT MATTERED

Fraser Perkins (Ballarat) - 33 disposals, 10 clearances, 8 score involvements

Alfred Jarnestrom (Lake Wendouree) - 34 disposals, 11 intercept possessions, 9 rebound 50s

Patrick Graham (Ballarat) - 56 hitouts, 22 disposals, 12 score involvements

COACHES’ VERDICT

Jake Lohmann (Lake Wendouree)
“Kicked a score of 60 and kept Biggie to 5 (goals). Played with a re-brand of footy, a dash of dare, full of spirit - built on the back of defence and brotherhood.”

Ash Baker (Ballarat)
“Very pleased with our performance today. We were able to fend off a determined Lakers unit, to come home with the four points. Plenty of positives to take out of the game. I thought our young backline in the absence of a number of our ‘regular’ defenders was able to continue to learn and develop. Was also pleased to debut another U18 player this week. Looking forward to welcoming back some soldiers over the coming week or two.”

Visiting North Ballarat banked an all-important 10th win of their season with an inaccurate 19-point victory over East Point at Eastern Oval.

Clint Proctor’s promising Roosters led comfortably at every change and managed to keep the hosts at arm’s length despite conceding four unanswered goals in the final term.

The first quarter set the tone for a wasteful afternoon in front of goal for the Roosters, who set up the win with a 26-point advantage despite the frustrations of a 3.10 scoreline.

The margin blew out to as much as 45 points at the final change before a belated response from the hosts, that saw them within 19 at game’s end.

Elliott Lamb returned for the Roosters to be named best ahead of Oscar Stone, Sam Glover, Max Faulkner and ever consistent pair Josh Morris (in best 9/13 games) and Dominic Penny (7/13).

Unlikely goal source Liam Howard finished with a game high three goals for the Kangas to feature in the best alongside midfield trio Joe Dodd, Mickitja Rotumah-Onus and Liam Canny. Sam Lucas was named best in a new ‘freed up’ role for Joe Carmody’s crew.

North Ballarat host improvers Redan at Mars Stadium next up while East Point are at home again to take on the Lakers.

STATS THAT MATTERED

Dominic Penny (North Ballarat) - 30 dispoals, 18 contested possessions, 9 inside 50s

David Brinker-Ritchie (North Ballarat) - 48 hitouts, 22 disposals, 19 contested possessions

Joe Dodd (East Point) - 23 disposals, 10 tackles, 9 marks

COACHES’ VERDICT

Joe Carmody (East Point)
“We were flattered by the final scoreline. North smashed us early in all phases of the game. Good luck to Proc and his team as they head towards finals.”

Clint Proctor (North Ballarat)
“Never an easy game at Eastern Oval - I thought we played a great brand of footy today up until the 3rd quarter. We just needed to finish the work and no doubt the game would have been done. But credit to East they came home strong and were the better team in the last quarter.”

Redan validated their ‘league improvers’ status despite a narrow eight-

point defeat at the hands of ladder leaders Sebastopol.

Marc Greig’s group boasted some 14 players aged 21 or under had the scoreboard tied at three quarter time but were held goal less in the final term by the competitions number one fourth quarter team.

The Burra pounced early keeping their young opponents at bay with handy 12 and 13-point leads at the breaks before a surge came from Greig’s Pride in the third that saw the hosts draw level with a quarter to play.

Burra midfielders Jack Bambury, Bailey Medwell, Ben Hutt and Felix Henderson were named best for the visitors while it was the bigger bodied brigade of Lions that were recognised - namely Jacob Werts, Will Madden, Lachlan Bond and Daniel Bond. Progressive midfielders Jake Connolly (best) and Brodie Pope kept the midfield depth of the Burra honest all afternoon with their hunt and gather ethos.

The low scoring nature of the affair added kudos to the defensive efforts of both sides given eight goals was essentially enough to win the game.

The Burra will welcome back Tony Lockyer and Jack Buckley for their road clash against the Devils next week but there will be a watch on Joel Edwards who took little or no part in the second half of Saturdays win.

Redan will prepare to embrace another opportunity donning the underdogs tag when they head to Mars Stadium in Round 14 to face North Ballarat who have proven awfully hard to beat home (5-1) this season.

STATS THAT MATTERED

Jack Bambury (Sebastopol) - 35 disposals, 11 inside 50s, 10 clearances

Jake Connolly (Redan) - 26 disposals, 16 contested possessions, 10 clearances

Felix Henderson (Sebastopol) - 24 disposals, 11 marks, 7 score involvements

COACHES’ VERDICT

Marc Greig (Redan)
“Another good game of footy for our lads to be a part of. We learnt plenty again from a good organised footy team. I thought we were a bit off our game for the first quarter but after that we played our method and gave ourselves opportunities to win the game. 14 of our lads 21 or under, to experience the heat from the ladder leaders and play some good footy was very pleasing.”

Tony Lockyer (Sebastopol)
“We knew it was going to be a tough game today. Redan are a much-improved team and showed that on Saturday. They will be a serious test for all teams they play on the run home, and I expect they’ll get some key results! Credit to Greigy and co for the work they have done. It was a grind, but we did just enough to win. Didn’t make the most of our ball movement early and Redan did a great job to defend, then swing back momentum in the second and third quarters. Our players stood up when the pressure was on in last quarter and delivered. We look forward to the Darley challenge this week. Always a great contest”

The Lions kept their season alive with a morale boosting nine-point win over the Bloods at MacPherson Park.

Matty White’s Pride set up the crucial away win with a six-goal-to-two second term to earn a 25-point scoreboard advantage at the main break.

The Bloods responded with a seven-goal-to-four second half, but it wasn’t enough to pinch the game late.

‘Home’ life for the Bloods this year has been a struggle on the win/loss front after their fourth defeat in seven games.

Melton fans would be disappointed knowing they won every quarter bar the second of Saturday’s clash.

Both sides had a host of outs narrowing the attention to the ‘what haves’ and who could stand up and take some ownership on the outcome.

Intercept Lions’ defender and captain Tyson Lever was named best ahead of midfielders Josh Guthrie (four goals), Jack Newitt (three goals) and experienced bodies Myles Gollant, Ben Eales and Mitch McLean.

For the hosts, dashing trio Kyle Borg, Riley Walker and Chase Scoble proved a handful with their leg speed while Lachlan Phillips, Braedan Kight (two goals) and Jordy Cotter maintained their run of good form.

Despite the narrow margin, Bloods’ coach Troy Scoble virtually conceded the Lions were deserving of the win that sees the two now level on six wins in fifth and sixth place, a game and percentage clear of Bacchus Marsh.

The Bloods face a challenging Round 14 assignment on the road against the Swans (2nd) while Sunbury look to make it back-to-back wins for the first time this year when they host the Cobras (7th) at Clarke Oval.

STATS THAT MATTERED

Josh Guthrie (Sunbury) - 38 disposals, 12 clearances, 10 score involvements

Tyson Lever (Sunbury) - 30 disposals, 11 marks, 9 intercept possessions

Riley Walker (Melton) - 24 disposals, 14 rebound 50s, 10 intercept possessions

COACHES’ VERDICT

Troy Scoble (Melton)
“Outworked today by Sunbury through the middle section of the game. We had opportunities in the first quarter and half and did not capitalize conversion wise as well as Sunbury did. They executed their plan really well and after half time had to keep chasing the game. Sunbury had the answers today and we now sit frustrated that we planned well and could not execute for long enough. That’s six games lost by less than two goals, that in the end could define our year. It gets harder from here we know but we will regroup and go and keep fighting to the end.”

Matty White (Sunbury)
“Great to get back on the winner’s list this week. A great game of footy the had a bit of everything. Melton jumped us we got a good roll on in the second that set us up. Guys getting into form at an important time of the year. Melton didn’t give up and challenged us until the last minute so credit to them. We’ll celebrate but know we have a big task ahead this week.”