News

The McDonald’s Ballarat FNL today welcomes the announcement from the AFL of updated concussion management guidelines for community football.

Concussion management is vital to support the health and wellbeing of players affected with the Ballarat FNL to adopt these guidelines with immediate affect across all competitions at all levels. The competitions referred include:

• McDonalds Ballarat FNL Seniors
• McDonald’s Ballarat FNL Juniors
• McDelivery BFLWomens
• Western Bulldogs Under 9’s

Further support for clubs and officials (trainers / first aid) is being sought by the league through medical professionals that will further enhance the processes and provide greater support for clubs when dealing with players and returning to play.

The guidelines are not a radical departure from what has been the previous version of the concussion guidelines in place since 2017. The primary differences are the adoption of the head check app as the management tool. This app has been trialled within community leagues for a number of seasons.

Following an update from AFL Victoria, the BFNL Independent Tribunal has adopted new procedures for both reporting and assessing judicial incidents. 

Players who have been “reported” will now have their alleged incident classified that includes either base sanctions, tribunal referrals or deductions for early guilty pleas.

The new processes will ensure greater consistency across competitions and has been implement with the full support of the Ballarat FNL, Maryborough Castlemaine District FNL, BFUA and clubs.

“The new process will ensure the BFNL, and other competitions are consistent in how incidents are assessed and should reduce the number of cases referred to the tribunal," said Ballarat FNL Competition Manager Matt Newton. 

"Players with good records can also now receive a ‘discount’ for accepting an early guilty plea which was not available previously,".

The McDonald's Ballarat FNL will introduce an Independent Tribunal for season 2022. Expressions of interest are welcome from suitably qualified applicants to join the Tribunal panel. 

The McDonald's Ballarat Football Netball League will introduce a new Independent Tribunal in 2022 to hear disciplinary matters arising from the various competitions of the league.

Applications are now invited for suitably qualified people to become a member of the Independent Tribunal. Working with the Tribunal chairs, panel members will hear reports and other matters referred according to the guidelines of the AFL, AFL Victoria and Netball Victoria.

This role is ideally suited to a person who has recently retired from the game or who has a passion and interest in football and/or netball.

To express your interest, please email BFNL General Manager Shane Anwyl at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. by COB Tuesday 5^th April 2022.

For further information, please contact Shane Anwyl on 0409 072 403.

The BFLW is proud to announce Federation University as the inaugural BFLW Finals Series naming rights partner.

Federation has today been announced as the naming partner of the upcoming BFLWomens finals series and grand finals, commencing this Sunday the 14th of August 2022. 

The partnership will see Federation not only as naming partner of the now Federation BFLW Finals Series and Federation BFLW Grand Finals but will provide valued support to grow female football in Ballarat and regional Victoria. 

Since its inception in 2021, BFLWomens has continued to grow and be the home of female football participation across regional Victoria from Melton, Maryborough and across the wider Ballarat district. 

Support from Federation will ensure the McDonald's Ballarat FNL, as custodians of female football in the region, can continue to build on the current competition with the stated aim of maximising female sports participation. 

Ballarat FNL General Manager, Shane Anwyl 

“The partnership with Federation is an exciting step in the growth of female football, and more broadly participation across Ballarat. The Ballarat FNL is committed to the growth of female sport and an 'access for all' priority”. 

Federation is Victoria’s leading regional university focused on transforming lives and enhancing communities. They have a 152-year history of partnering with community, industry and government to meet the needs of the regions they serve. 

Federation University Vice-Chancellor, Liam Sloan 

“We are proud to be partnering with BFLW in the inaugural finals series for the League and look forward to enjoying the competition during the Federation Finals Series and supporting the growth of women in sport in Ballarat and surrounding areas. This collaboration between Federation and BFLW is driven by our shared value of inclusion and common goal of equality in sport."

The Ballarat Football Netball League is seeking enthusiastic members to be part of its media team for the 2024 season.

The BFNL is the premier sporting competition in the Western region of Victoria, and is seeking volunteers to provide coverage of its renowned football and netball competitions.

This opportunity is perfect for journalism and media students looking to gain experience in sports media, or for passionate sports fans and former participants of the league to keep engaged in a fun and meaningful way.

There are many ways to get involved as part of the team, see the available positions below:

Football Commentator

Be involved in the BFNL Football Match of the Round live stream each Saturday from 2pm. Both Play-by-Play and Special Comments positions available.

Netball Commentator

Be involved in the BFNL Netball Match of the Round live stream each Saturday from 2:30pm. Both Play-by-Play and Special Comments positions available.

Football Reporter

Write content, including match previews, reviews and feature articles for the BFNL Website from the BFNL’s football competition.

Netball Reporter

Write content, including match previews, reviews and feature articles for the BFNL Website from the BFNL’s netball competition.

BFLW Reporter

Write content, including match previews, reviews and feature articles for the BFNL Website from the BFLW competition.

If you are interested in becoming a media volunteer with the BFNL, please contact the relevant BFNL competition managerwith a resume and brief background.

BFNL Football

Matt Newton – E: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Ph: 0435 737 257

BFNL Netball

Gemma Murphy - E: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Ph: 0401 152 906

BFLW

Tom McGregor - E: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Ph: 0472 700 410

Adrian Bettio, Chairman of the McDonald's Ballarat Football Netball League, has issued a joint statement alongside President of the Central Highlands Football League, Doug Hobson, asking the local football and netball community to respect and abide by the crowd restrictions put in place by government and health authorities.

 The boards of the Ballarat FNL, Central Highlands FL look forward to finals commencing this weekend after an interrupted season. 

The entire football and netball communities across the wider Ballarat region are to be commended for adapting to the everchanging protocols that are in place to keep us all safe and healthy. 

One of those protocols that are in place is the need to limit the number of people who can attend sporting events. This of course has a profound impact on our competitions, but we understand the need to have such measures to ensure we can move to a more normal environment soon. 

Whilst both leagues would welcome public, family and club members to support their teams competing, the current restrictions do not allow anymore than the minimum number of people to conduct the games of football and netball. There is, however, an allowance for one parent or carer to attend for junior players. 

Across this weekend, we ask that the football and netball community respect the restrictions put in place by government and health experts, that both leagues must abide by. 

Good luck to all teams and clubs competing this weekend and beyond. 

Regards,

Adrian Bettio - Chairman, McDonald's Ballarat FNL

Doug Hobson - President, Central Highlands FL

- with Scoop

Ex-AFL Assistant Coach and BFNL Hall of Famer, Dan Jordan, will take the reins as Senior Coach at Darley Park in a huge coup for the Devils.

News of the marquee signing dropped at the weekend as the Devils proudly unveiled an image of Jordan donning the black and white, sparking plenty of interest from the wider competition almost immediately.

The 40-year-old brings with him enviable degrees of knowledge and expertise, and none more so than from his most recent stint at the top level after two years as Essendon's Assistant Coach. The Bombers loss is a huge gain for the Devils.

The 2006 Henderson Medallist and five-time Tony Locket Medal winner was upbeat about the journey that lies ahead.

"Hopefully I can make a difference at this proud club and lead them back to finals," Jordan said.

"I'm really excited about the challenge, it was in fact one of the reasons I settled on the Devils, and the process in which they presented their case was first class.”

Former Western Bulldogs coach and current senior coach at North Ballarat City, Brendan McCartney spoke generously of Jordan's character and his standing in the game.

"It's great for Darley and footy in the region," McCartney said.

"Every young player in the area should listen to what Dan has to say and offer, and he's a ripper bloke as well," he said.

Darley Football Manager, Craig Baker, was rapt the club could lure a bona fide, experienced coach like Jordan with eyes on emulating McCartney’s blueprint at North Ballarat that saw them rise from outside the six in 2019 to Minor Premiers in 2021, and all on the back of developing their own stocks.

"We thought we needed someone to oversee the progress of our Under 19's to senior footballers," Baker said.

"It would be a waste if we did not capitalise on the body of work Doug [Hawkins] has put into our young blokes after a terrific season that saw them finish second before COVID cut their season short.

"I've no doubt our boys would have given [the Premiership] a shake.

"Moving forward, we are aware that local 'one point' players are worth their weight in gold."

According to Baker, Dan will also be on hand to advise the junior coaches whenever needed, ensuring all age levels at the club are heading in the same direction.

"COVID has made it hard for our senior club, like many others, but we think Dan will help rejuvenate the group after a lean couple of years," he said.

While the thought of Jordan and 'the big dance' has its own familiar ring, the Devils know their version has a long way to go. And no one knows that more than Baker himself, who has spent the best part of 35 years at the club.

"All the talk about Dan's signing has been positive," Baker said.

"Hopefully everyone gets behind him and we can start winning again in all three grades."

For the Devils’ first grade, whose talented young list haven't won a game since August 24 of 2019 – the signing is some welcome some good news. The narrative it seems has changed and the revival is now firmly set in motion.  Just how the Devils respond on-field under Jordan must be whetting the appetites of the Darley faithful already.

*Check out Dan Jordan's impressive footy CV at www.facebook.com/darleyfnc

Following a successful Junior & Youth Girls interleague program this season, relive all the results and action below:

Team Photos

Online sales of the 2022 BFNL Interleague team photos have now closed. If you wish to purchase a team photo, please contact on t: 5333 5977 or visit the Contact Us page for further contact details.

All customers who have ordered team photos will be contacted once photos are available for collection from Saxon House, 1431 Mair Street Ballarat.

Match Replays

Watch all matches of the 2022 Goldfields Trophy between the Ballarat FNL and Bendigo JFL.

Match Centre

Check out full match results of each grade including best players & goal kickers from our matches against Bendigo JFL & Riddell District FNL:

https://www.playhq.com/afl/org/ballarat-fl-worksafe-afl-victoria-representative-games/fb7bf9ab/worksafe-afl-victoria-representative-games-2022/b2650d8c/teams

The McDonald's Ballarat FNL is pleased to announce the Week 1 match schedule for the McDonald’s BFNL Ballarat Toyota Junior Finals Series.

Matches will kick off with the Qualifying Finals at Northern Oval 2 on Saturday 20th August, followed by Elimination Finals at Wendouree Reserve and the Northern Oval on Sunday 21st August.

Once again, the league thanks the City of Ballarat for their support in hosting finals at the premier football and netball venues across the region and country Victoria.

View or download the scheduled football and netball matches for this weekend below.

Every match from last weekend's Ballarat Toyota Junior Grand Final Day is now available for purchase on BFNL.com.au. And you can find all the match information, teams lists and more in the Digital Record.

All the matches from Sunday's Ballarat Toyota Junior Grand Final Day are available for purchase. 

You can find the links to each match by clicking the button below or go to the BFNL Media tab and select 2022 BFNLJ Grand Finals.

Each match is available for purchase for $15.

To download the match to keep or to watch online when you want, follow these steps:

1. Click on the match you wish to purchase
2. Click on the video screen
3. Create an account, or log in if you already have an account
4. Follow the payment prompts (credit card and PayPal payments available)
5. Watch the video online 
6. To download, refresh the page or log back in and select the download arrow to keep the match forever!
7. Please note: online viewing is available for 24 months

You can also find the Digital Record under the Football tab and select Junior 2022 Grand Final Record or simply click on the cover below.

Interleague is back! The McDonald's Ballarat FNL announces the Junior and BFLW Interleague coaches for 2021.

The McDonald’s Ballarat FNL is pleased to announce the appointment of our Junior and BFLW Interleague coaches for this year’s program.

The appointments follow several quality applications received by the league from coaches across both the junior and BFLW competitions. The League is pleased that all appointed coaches bring a wealth of knowledge and, in particular, experience in the development of junior players to the Ballarat FNL.

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

• Under 13 – Scott Petrie & Simon Geljon
• Under 14 – Michael Dwyer
• Under 15 – Timothy Beacham
• Under 16.5 – Wayne McKercher
• Under 16 Youth Girls – Emmerson Hitch
• Under 18 Youth Girls – Katie McAloon

Some of the involvement and experience in which the selected coaches bring to the BFNL includes:

• Current BFNL Junior & BFLW coaches/players
• Previous interleague coaches
• AFL Goldfields Academy Coaches
• V/Line & Western Bulldogs Academy
• GWV Rebels Development Coaches
• Next Gen Academy Development Coaching
• VFLW playing experience

The BFNL will take on the Bendigo JFL on Saturday 26^th June in Strathfieldsaye. Selected squads and further information will be released to clubs and players over the next week.

END RELEASE

The McDonald's Ballarat FNL is excited to welcome back Junior Interleague for 2022. Coaching applications for all age groups are now open.

The McDonald’s Ballarat FNL will once again participate in Junior Representative football in 2022.

For many years, the Ballarat FNL has competed against the Bendigo JFL for the Goldfields Trophy, and both leagues are pleased to continue the tradition after returning in 2021.

Games will be played in Ballarat on Saturday 4th June across the following grades:

• Under 13 Boys
• Under 14 Boys
• Under 15 Boys
• Under 16 Boys
• Under 16 Girls
• Under 18 Girls

With a long and proud participation in representative football, all coaching positions for the above grades are available for suitable candidates. 

If you have an interest and passion for representative football and would like to apply for a coaching position, please click here to apply: https://forms.gle/Mw5dGmbiehtMZhf27   

The McDonald’s Ballarat FNL is excited to announce the return of Junior Representative Football in 2021! 

For many years, the Ballarat FNL has competed against the Bendigo JFL for the Goldfields Trophy, and both leagues are pleased to continue the tradition after a year off in 2020.

Games will be played at Strathfieldsaye on Saturday 26^th June across the following grades:

• Under 13 Boys
• Under 14 Boys
• Under 15 Boys
• Under 16.5 Boys
• Under 16 Girls
• Under 18 Girls

The League is pleased to provide representative football opportunities to our players competing in the newly launched BFLW Competition.

With a long and proud history of participation in representative football, all coaching positions for the above grades are available for suitable candidates.

If you have an interest and passion for representative football and would like to apply for a coaching position, please click here to submit an application here: https://forms.gle/QTDsuWr8QoQ1gMd88

END

The Week 3 updates to the 2022 McDonald's Ballarat FNL Junior Interleague Training Squads have been announced. 

Updates have been made to the 2022 McDonald’s Ballarat FNL Junior Interleague Training Squads. Following this week’s Interleague training sessions, coaches have made updates to squad lists ahead of next week's training sessions on Monday 23^rd May.

• For all Junior Boys age groups and the Under 16 Youth Girls, please see the attachment below for squad updates and players required to attend training next week.
• Under 18 Youth Girls will kick off training tonight at Marty Busch Reserve starting at 6:30pm.

Training next week is as follows:

Monday 23^rd May         

• Under 13             Alfredton Village Green                                5:00pm - 6:30pm
• Under 15             Alfredton Village Green                                6:30pm - 8:00pm
• Under 14             Alfredton Recreation Reserve                     5:00pm - 6:30pm
• Under 16             Alfredton Recreation Reserve                     6:30pm - 8:00pm
• Under 16 Girls    Marty Busch Recreation Reserve               5:00pm - 6:30pm

Friday 27th May             

• Under 18 Girls    Marty Busch Recreation Reserve               6:30pm - 8:00pm

Required Equipment

• All players must bring their own drink bottles to training.
• Mouthguards are requested for all players and age groups.
• Players to wear club jumpers with playing numbers to training.

For those that have unfortunately missed out on the opportunity to continue with the interleague program, we thank you for your involvement and wish you all the best for the remainder of the season.

Should you wish to follow up for any feedback from coaches, please direct any queries through your club's Junior Coordinator.

The Week 4 updates to the 2022 McDonald's Ballarat FNL Junior & Youth Girls Interleague Training Squads have been announced. 

Updates have been made to the 2022 McDonald’s Ballarat FNL Junior & Youth Girls Interleague Training Squads. Following this week’s Interleague training sessions, coaches have made updates to squad lists ahead of next week's final training sessions on Monday 30^th May.

• For all Junior Boys and Youth Girls age groups, please see the attachment below for squad updates and players required to attend training next week.
• Note: NO TRAINING for the Under 14 Boys next week
• IMPORTANT: If you are feeling unwell, please DO NOT attend training. Players/Parents are asked to contact their head coach to advise.

Training over the next week is as follows:

Friday 27th May             

• Under 18 Girls
  • 6:30pm - 8:00pm at Marty Busch Recreation Reserve

Monday 30^th May         

• Under 13            
  • 5:00pm - 6:30pm at Alfredton Village Green (Oval 2)
• Under 15            
  • 6:30pm - 8:00pm at Alfredton Village Green (Oval 2)
• Under 14            
  • NO TRAINING
• Under 16             
  • 6:30pm - 8:00pm at Alfredton Recreation Reserve
• Under 16 Girls   
  • 5:00pm - 6:30pm at Marty Busch Recreation Reserve 
• Under 18 Girls   
  • 6:30pm - 8:00pm at Marty Busch Recreation Reserve

Required Equipment

• All players must bring their own drink bottles to training.
• Mouthguards are requested for all players and age groups.
• Players to wear club jumpers with playing numbers to training.

For those that have unfortunately missed out on the opportunity to continue with the interleague program, we thank you for your involvement and wish you all the best for the remainder of the season.

Should you wish to follow up for any feedback from your coach, please submit any queries through your club's Junior or BFLW Coordinator.

The BFNL has a proud tradition in its Junior Netball Representative Program. In preparation for our 2022 engagements the BFNL have declared all coaching positions are open for application.

The BFNL invite suitably qualified people who may be interested in applying for a coaching position in 13 & Under, 15 & Under and 17 & Under Representative Netball Teams to contact BFNL Netball Manager Gemma Murphy at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Note: These appointments will be for a term of 1 year and all representative coaching positions will be assessed at the completion of the 2022 season.

Key Responsibilities and Requirements:

• Minimum certification of Foundation level coaching qualification
• Plan, attend and run all training sessions.
• Current Working with Children Check (WWCC).
• Passion for junior development and ability to build strong training programs and game plans that focus on competitive player development.
• Demonstrated ability to build positive working relationships with participants of junior sport, to foster the optimal sporting potential of individuals
• Attend all representative lead up events (dress presentation, team photos as required).

In 2022 the BFNL Netball Representative teams will be competing at, but not limited to, the following Interleague/tournaments:

• Netball Victoria Western Zone Association Championships – TBA

Please forward all applications, outlining your skills and qualifications that address the criteria outlined above, to:

Gemma Murphy – Netball Manager
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
0401 152 906

It's very hard to go against the might of East Point this season, as the Kangas chase their third successive flag. Despite all the fanfare and the time away from the game, East coach Jake Bridges says the buy-in from the group has been impressive. This is the final edition of Scoop's Season 2021 Previews because footy is back in the McDonald's Ballarat FNL tomorrow!

East Point

Scoop’s 2021 prediction: 1st

EXPECT East Point to go almighty close to a third successive Premiership in 2021. Needless to say, they will start favourites again after retaining nearly all of their 2019 Grand Final side.

Only Daniel Tung (working away) is expected to miss at this stage, but given the utility’s importance to the side, you can imagine the Kangas will do all they can to qualify him for the business end if the opportunity presents.

Despite the fanfare and pressure that comes with a rare three-peat mission, Kangas coach Jake Bridges has been happy with the buy-in from the players over the summer.

"We've had a core group of 15 to 20 blokes that haven't missed a beat," he said.

"I've been very pleased with their commitment."

'East' have added highly rated utility Aaron Hayes (dual Premiership player 2016/2017 with Kyabram - wing/half back), James Lukich (Waubra - midfielder), ex-Springbank skipper Samuel Cue (small defender/mid) and experienced campaigner Lachlan Barber (Kangaroo Flat) to an already impressive list that is laden with talent.

While the Kangaroos have dined out on a few opposition clubs with their star power, Bridges concedes there's plenty of room for improvement.

"Our offensive and defensive transition especially, has been the focus for us," he said.

Gun forward/mid Jordy Johnston joined Geelong in the VFL pre-COVID for one final roll of the dice at a higher level. For Bridges and the Kangaroos, it's a double-edged sword.

"We're really excited about Jordy and his prospects with Geelong," he said.

"If it doesn't work out, we'll be the beneficiaries at club level, but fingers crossed he can have an impact in the VFL. He's certainly good enough."

The talented Jacob Brown and Joseph Dodd remain on Essendon's VFL list despite expectations of featuring predominantly with 'East' in 2021.

Jesse Palmer (Collingwood VFL, ex-Northern Blues), who was set to join the Kangas in 2020 has since moved on to Western Australia and the WAFL.

Depth player Mitch Tuddenham (AFL Barwon) is the only other confirmed exit from 2019.

*Affiliated players: Jordy Johnston (Geelong VFL), Jacob Brown (Essendon VFL), Joseph Dodd (Essendon VFL), Joel Ottavi (Williamstown).

Bridges' Tips

Anthony Koutoufides has been confirmed to lead the Ballarat Football League when it takes on Hampden Football League in a resurgence of representative football on July 1st, 2023.

Koutoufides was named back in 2020 to lead the charges before everything was shut down due to COVID-19.

Upon recent discussions with the Carlton great, he was more than willing to fulfil the role again owing the whole situation as unfinished business in a sense.

League Chairman Adrian Bettio noted that the inclusion of “Kouta” as head coach would be great exposure for prospective players from the BFNL to play under and for one of the games great.

“Anthony will be a great inclusion to our interleague program in 2023. His knowledge and expertise will give the players a real boost to not only perform at this level, but to take back to their home clubs only strengthening our competition,” Bettio said

Kouta will go head to head with Hampden royalty with Jonathon Brown headlining their interleague squad.

“Browny” as he is more affectionately known has been at the helm of HFNL for previous seasons and this clash right here in Ballarat should be one to be witnessed.

The 2023 format which will see the game played at Mars Stadium on July 1, under 23 will be the headline act showcasing the talent both leagues have on offer.

Both leagues agreed upon running an under 23 competitions for 2023 to expose the talent within who have missed out on representative football over the past 3 years.

Further announcements regarding assistant coaches will be made shortly, along with squads for the game.

The Lakers will be looking to get some wins in early as their 2021 draw sees them play the first seven rounds in Ballarat. Scoop will keep serving up the pros and cons of the fixture for every BFNL club over the next few weeks.

Lake Wendouree

Draw rating points: 104
2021 draw ranking: #7

Play TWICE:North Ballarat City, Ballarat, Sebastopol, Redan, Bacchus Marsh, Melton

Travel EAST:THREE times - Bacchus Marsh (Rd8), Sunbury (Rd10), Melton (Rd18)

EAST 'highway travel' record (2018 & 2019 home and away seasons):Played 8 Won 2 Lost 6 @25% win rate

PROS:Do not leave Ballarat until Round EIGHT (v. Bacchus Marsh)

- Only THREE highway trips EAST for the season facing Bacchus Marsh in Round 8, Sunbury in Round 10 and Melton in Round 18

- Meet only THREE finalists from 2019 TWICE (Sebastopol, Redan, Melton)

CONS: FOUR away games in SIX rounds between Round 7 and Round 12, with Redan in Round 7, Bacchus Marsh in Round 8, Sunbury in Round 10 and North Ballarat in Round 12

Comment:Lake Wendouree will be hoping to upset a few teams who don't turn up to play. The Lakers will need to start well and be near square on the ledger before they leave Ballarat for the first time in Round 9 for Bacchus Marsh. Just the three highway trips and avoiding playing East Point twice is also a plus to draw on.

With preseason preparations well under way and Round 1 fast approaching, Scoop goes one-on-one with all 11 senior coaches ahead of the 2023 McDonalds BFNL season.

CLUB: Lake Wendouree

COACH: Jack Fitzpatrick (2nd Season)

2022 Home & Away Record: 11th (1-15, 57.63%)

Scoop: Well Jack, clean slate, year two, here we go! While it wasn't the best season for the club in 2022 what were your impressions of the wider competition (on-field) in your first year?

Jack Fitzpatrick: Standard was good. I think we're starting to regain momentum out of the covid period. The Ballarat Football Netball League would be more than competitive against most other country leagues if not all.

S: It's encouraging to see the club has attracted a handful of new talent over the off-season - tell us about them....

JF: Well they all come from different areas with different ideas which is exciting. We've added a blend of youth and experience we're confident will add to our ball use depth.

S: Nearly all of your progressive young talent has remained at the club - how do you, given your experience, ensure they continue to get better?

JF: It doesn't happen automatically; it really is up to them. I can only guide them. They will get their rewards as a player more often, from what they put in.

S: There's a wrap around on new 200cm ruckman Tom Zampatti (St Josephs, GFL) - do you plan on spending considerable time with him on the teaching front given your skillset or will you just let him do his thing?

JF: While he's moving well, I won't be overburdening him - he's come off a couple of serious knee injuries. We just want to see him enjoying his footy and see what he can do first - let him find his feet. We'll go from there.

S: One-win seasons are tough. What did you learn in your first year at the Lakers - about coaching for one and secondly the club?

JF: As a coach - finding ways to stay in games for longer - we really took it up to Sebastopol (2nd) and Ballarat (3rd) but could not sustain it for the entire four quarters.

On the club front - you wouldn't have known at training we were a one-win team - the feeling around the group was always positive. We're not defined by wins and losses, rather identifying something out of each game to improve on the following week.

S: What are some of the identified strengths of the club?

JF: We’re solid around the ball and on the inside

S: Where do you expect to see your projected improvement come from?

JF: Minimising errors that impact scores against. Better ball use. Being in games for longer.

S: How has pre-season training looked?

JF: Cold, wet nights in the middle of Summer was a strange experience! That aside, it was pleasing to see the boys had done the work over the break. That can only improve our progress.

S: Who do you expect to be the biggest improvers this year? (Outside of your club)

JF: Sunbury.

S: Who is your flag tip? (Outside of your club)

JF: Melton - defending champs, impressive outfit.

KEY INS:

Michael Foster (Donald), Tom Zampatti (St Josephs), Flynn Loader (GWV Rebels), Liam Holmes (South Barwon), Matthew Mcculloch (Taylors Lakes), Aiden Laffy (Horsham Demons), Tyler Davis (North Ballarat)

PLAYER OUTS:

F.Greene (Hawthorn), R.Emerson-Jones (Bungaree), C.Brennan (Overseas), M.Phillips (Moved to Melbourne)

VFL AFFILIATED PLAYERS:

Nil

Scoop's Lake Wendouree prediction: 9th - 11th