BFNL Team Stats Ladders after Eleven Rounds of Competition.

BFNL Team Stats Ladders after Four Rounds of Competition.

Aaron Cadman's name being called as the Number One Draft Pick in the 2022 NAB AFL Draft has brought big smiles to the dials of just about everyone who has had anything to do with the young star's sporting journey. Scoop brings you some of the joy...

Popular GWV Rebels and Darley footballer Aaron Cadman's life has changed forever following his Pick One selection by the GWS Giants in this week’s NAB AFL National Draft.

The 18-year-old’s rise to prominence over the last 12 months has been nothing short of meteoric, according to GWV Coach David Loader.

"I would go as far as to say Aaron was rated in the top 80 potential draftees by a few 'experts' in January," he said.

"He's come a long way."

.....

Just some of the support for Aaron after Monday night:

"To finally hear Azz (called) at number one was incredible. Honestly, it felt like I was in a movie! It was so special; you couldn't describe how proud we (the family) are."  - Joel Cadman (brother)

"We're thrilled to see Aaron drafted as #1 Pick. He's worked extremely hard to get to this point and we wish him all the best on his AFL journey."  - Dan Jordan (Darley Senior Football Coach)

"Terrific effort by Aaron and reflection on the club’s junior program. When the news came through at training Monday night, the boys were rapt."  - Craig Baker (Darley Football Manager)

"Outstanding, very likeable young man. Quietly determined, very positive and enthusiastic by nature. Infectious personality, resilient and great work ethic."  - Rod Ward (ex-cricket coach)

.....

Loader said the 194cm winger-come-forward is a credit to his own work ethic and willingness to improve.

"Aaron is an absolute ripper, very coachable and true student of the game.

"On natural ability alone, I’ve seen plenty of them but it's simply not enough," Loader said.

"'Cads deserves everything that comes his way."

The humble apprentice, a 'sparky' to-be, was flanked by proud family at Marvel Stadium upon hearing his Pick One selection. His infectious smile and overwhelming accomplishment won the hearts of all and sundry across the AFL landscape.

GWS Captain and superstar Toby Greene presented Cadman with his jumper amid rousing applause. Even Geelong draft selection, Pick #8 Jhye Clark, later endorsed the sentiment.

"Was good to see Caddy go number one, there was no-one better to do that," Clark told Fox Sports interviewer and Western Bulldog great Brad Johnson.

Cadman becomes the third product of the Darley Football Netball Club drafted since 2018, following in the footsteps of former Fremantle Docker and reigning McDonald’s BFNL Henderson Medallist Brett Bewley and star Port Adelaide find Zak Butters.

Zak, a lifelong friend of the Cadmans' was an excited onlooker of last Monday night's proceedings. 

"I'm over the moon for Aaron," he said.

"Seeing the work he has put into himself and his game is just reward."

Butters said it is so good to see another Darley boy join the AFL, “a perfect role model for other young kids coming through the town."

Cadman, already compared to Geelong Premiership forward Jeremy Cameron (at the same age), gave full voice and appreciation to the football loving nation for the first time, acknowledging his journey could not have been done alone.

"To share this (moment) with family and friends and everyone in this room is pretty special," Cadman said.

The young gun went Pick One ahead of 800 other nominations, ranking elite for disposals, goals, score involvements and inside 50 ground ball gets in his NAB League profile that culminated with a joint Captaincy appointment of the Vic Country team. 

As Cadman prepares for a permanent move to Sydney, a change of postcode if you will, his loyal family and growing band of supporters can brace for a football ride of a lifetime!

We're all with you Aaron.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

END RELEASE

In another positive sign for the league, CUB have recommitted to the McDonalds Ballarat FNL for the 2021 season.

Through the Carlton Draught brand, CUB will continue as BFNL Finals Series naming partner and be the exclusive beer for the 2021 McDonalds BFNL Carlton Draught Finals Series.

League chair Adrian Bettio, on the announcement:

"It's great to see a major brand such as Carlton Draught stay on with the league and provide great support for next year. I know our clubs and supporters will be happy to see Carlton Draught and other CUB products across the 2021 finals series"

The confirmation of CUB continuing with the league through 2021 comes on the back of a host of major partners recommitting to support both the league and clubs through the COVID period.

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

General Information

• Mars Stadium, Creswick Rd, Ballarat

• Saturday 17th September 2022

Match Schedule

Admission prices:

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

EFTPOS is available at all gates

NO DOGS

Gates:

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

Catering

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

Live scores

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

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

Live Streaming

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

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

General Parking:

• Creswick Road. No parking within concrete barriers stationed outside Gate 1.
• Around Northern Oval 2. MUST enter via Beech Avenue – Cars will NOT be able to move between the North Ballarat Sports Club Car Park & Northern Oval 2.
• STRICTLY NO PARKING IN NORTH BALLARAT SPORTS CLUB.

Disabled Parking:

• Designated disabled parking can be accessed through North Ballarat Sports Club Entry. Patrons must be always a disabled parking permit holder and display permit.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Expression of interest close Friday 22nd July 2022.

Online application form for interested vendors: 

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

This week across all levels of AFL competition is Community Umpiring Week. The McDonald's Ballarat FNL celebrates our community umpires - there is no game without you.

Community Umpiring Week coincides with Round 7 of the 2021 Toyota AFL Premiership Season and is aimed at encouraging people to get involved in umpiring Australian Football at the community level.

Some of the activities underway this week include:

• AFL Umpires attending community club training sessions
• Umpires at each AFL match this weekend will be led onto the ground by community umpires
• AFL Umpires will officiate in junior community matches (Sunday, May 2, 2021)

AFL Community Umpiring Development Manager, Damian Anderson said with more than 1.4 million people playing Australian Football, umpire numbers have never been more important.

“There are over 15,000 umpires officiating in community football matches each week and over 12 per cent are female - a significant increase in line with the expansion of female football."

He said Community Umpiring Week is designed to increase awareness of umpiring as both an additional activity to playing and umpiring as a sport of choice and an alternative way to participate in the game.

“Over 94 per cent of umpires currently play or have played junior football. You can play and umpire on the same day or on alternate days. It is a great way to keep fit, earn money, develop life skills and make life-long friends.”

For more information or to register your interest in umpiring community football visit https://umpire.afl.

Round 9 of the 2023 Toyota AFL Premiership Season will celebrate Community Umpiring Week with the aim to encourage people to get involved in umpiring Australian Football at the community level.

Throughout the week leading up to Round 9, May 8 – May 14, the AFL will be celebrating Community Umpiring Week through a number of initiatives:

• AFL Umpires will attend community Club training sessions
• Umpires at each AFL match this weekend will be led onto the ground by community umpires
• AFL Umpires will officiate in junior community matches
• Current AFL players will officiate in junior community matches

Across the country, leagues and clubs will celebrate their local umpires with various initiatives run by the clubs.

National Umpire Recruitment, Retention and Development Lead Luke Brennan said with more than 1.4 million people playing Australian Football, umpire numbers have never been more important.

“Umpiring is for anyone, from anywhere at any age. It is a great way to keep fit, earn money, develop life skills and make life-long friends.

“Many umpires currently play or have played junior football – but umpiring is open to everyone and gives many people a new way to stay involved in the game they love.

“We are incredibly grateful to the over 15,000 umpires officiating in community football matches each week, they are critical to our game and make sure everyone can have fun at footy”, he said.

For more information or to register your interest in umpiring community football visit https://umpire.afl.

All McDonald's Ballarat FNL competitions are paused under current restrictions as the board considers the next available steps.

With the latest restrictions placed upon regional Victoria at short notice, the board of the McDonald's Ballarat FNL is currently considering the next steps available as we look to the completion of our 2021 premiership seasons. 

As the situation stands, the senior football and netball competition is stopped until such time as restrictions allow metro and regional clubs to compete in the finals series. This also applies to the BFLW Open competition. 

It was anticipated that BFNL Junior and BFLW Youth/Juniors would commence last weekend but that did not occur due to lockdown. 

Both competitions will be paused until clarity is provided around the current restrictions. This will allow the league to consider the timeframes available for the finals series in both competitions. 

There are many factors involving several stakeholders that need to be considered, including ground availabilities and club resources. 

END RELEASE 

The McDonalds Ballarat FNL continue to set the standard across competitions with confirmation that Vita First Aid will partner with the league in 2023.

The partnership will ensure that qualified first responders will be in attendance at every junior football and netball game through the 2023 season to provide the best medical care should it be needed. Vita First Aid staff will complement the terrific work undertaken by club volunteer trainers and add to the support provided.

Introduced as a trial in 2022, the overwhelming success led to an extension of this service to provide quality care for competitors and to further enhance the commitment to junior football and netball in the league.

As the only competition in regional Victoria to provide such a service and care, the Ballarat FNL is proud to set the standard for on field and off field competition and support.

Ballarat FNL General Manager, Shane Anwyl

“Providing qualified first aid services to our players is critical at this time given the concerns around concussion and other ongoing injuries.

Vita First Aid give a level certainty and “peace of mind” certainly for parents knowing their children can receive quality care should they be seriously injured.”

AFL Victoria has updated the Return to Play protocols with the latest requirements for face masks indoors and space density limits.

What clubs need to know:

- Face masks must be work in all indoor spaces

- Outdoor capacity limits:

• Max. group size of 100 people
• No more than 1 per 2 square metres if using electronic check-ins
• 1 per 4 square metres if using paper-based registers

- Indoor capacity limits:

• Max. 1 per 4 square metres
• Limit change room access to players and essential staff ONLY, with capacity limited to 1 per 2 square metres

- Every club MUST have a COVID Safe Plan in place before matches recommence

- Update and continue to follow your COVID Safe Training Plan - You can find the AFL Vic COVID Safe Plan template here

- The updated protocols provide additional clarity on managing a positive COVID-19 case within a club

“Keeping up to date with COVID protocols changes helps keep all of our footy and netball communities safe and COVID compliant," said BFNL General Manager, Shane Anwyl.

“It is important that every club has a COVID Safe Plan in place and that updates are implemented. We thank Club COVID Officers, committees, coaches and players for their outstanding work in setting us up for a COVID Safe 2021 season."

As it stands, spectator capacity for matches remains at a maximum of 1000 patrons, not including participants. AFL Victoria has advised that more detail on the management of spectators is being prepared and will be provided to clubs once available. Any further updates will be shared on www.bfnl.com.au and the BFNL Facebook page.

The McDonalds Ballarat FNL today announces a number of changes to the 2021 season based upon the recently announced COVID lockdown.

The health and safety of the wider BFNL community is of the utmost importance in any decision that is made regarding competitions, along with the advice provided by health authorities, state government and AFL Victoria.

Given today's announcement, the league wishes to advise the following impacts upon the various competitions:

SENIOR FOOTBALL & NETBALL

• The Round Seven matches scheduled for 29th May 2021 will be abandoned.
• No points or percentage shall be awarded to any team.
• Points previously allocated for a bye will be removed, with no further points awarded for future scheduled byes to ensure ladder integrity.
• The possibility of shifting Round Seven to the Queen's Birthday weekend will be investigated pending discussions with clubs.

JUNIOR FOOTBALL & NETBALL

• The Round Seven matches scheduled for 30th May 2021 will be abandoned.
• No points or percentage shall be awarded to any team.
• Points previously allocated for a bye will be removed, with no further points awarded for future scheduled byes to ensure ladder integrity.

BFLWomens

• The Round Five matches scheduled for 28th - 30th May 2021 will be abandoned.
• No points or percentage shall be awarded to any team.
• Points previously allocated for a bye will be removed, with no further points awarded for future scheduled byes to ensure ladder integrity.

It is anticipated all competitions will resume fixtured games from the weekend of 5th June 2021, pending the ongoing advice from health authorities.

The league would like to thank all our volunteers, officials and players for the tremendous work undertaken to date to ensure the various competitions of the McDonald's Ballarat FNL can be played for our communities.

Further advice and updates will be made available directly to clubs as they come to hand. The league website and social media will also have updates as they are made.

END RELEASE

In our 2021 club-by-club draw analysis, BFNL Media’s ‘Scoop’ delves into the season ahead for Darley. Over the next two weeks, Scoop will unveil the pros and cons of the fixture for every BFNL club.

Darley

Draw rating points: 98
2021 draw ranking: #3

PROS:Meet 2019 Grand Finalists East Point and Sebastopol just ONCE

- Sebastopol may be missing home after a run of FOUR consecutive away games when the two sides meet at Darley Park in Round 6. 

- No 'highway travel' after Round 11

- Don't leave town until Round 5 (v. Ballarat).

CONS:Ordinary stretch from Round 8 to Round 11 with THREE highway trips WEST v. East Point (Rd8), Redan (Rd9) and Lake Wendouree (Rd11)

Comment:Darley will welcome an easier draw than they faced in recent times given their loss of player personnel since their 2019 Elimination Final defeat to Redan. The draw gives them some chance to feature at the business end of the season, but it won't be easy. They Devils will need to win the close ones.

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: Darley

COACH: Dan Jordan (2nd Season)

2022 Home & Away Record: 4th (10-6, 111.20%)

Scoop: Can we expect much of the same from the Devils in 2023 or is it fair to suggest you can better a group second time around - natural progression if you will?

Dan Jordan: Clearly last year was an educational phase learning how we want to play. Given that base we have an opportunity to consolidate and build on our connection and familiarity.

S: You lose A-Grade talent Nick Rodda and Dylan Landt - does this make the challenge considerably more difficult to improve?

DJ: It's exciting really. Opportunity presents for some that wouldn't necessarily have had that chance with Nick and Dylan in the side. Spreading the load essentially is what we're ready to embrace.

S: You played Grand Finalists Melton and Sebastopol only once in 2022 but still averaged 75.3 points AGST per game (ranked 6th in comp) – is there a primary focus in strengthening particular lines this during the pre-season to further support this?

DJ: There's no one particular focus. All three lines we will aim to develop. I see considerable growth for this group with our connection and depth.

S: The addition of Billy Myers is significant. His versatility gives you options. If Round 1 was tomorrow - where would we likely see him line-up? Do you have an ideal position earmarked for him?

DJ: Billy is a quality player who drives standards in preparation and on the track along with Brett (Bewley). We're kind of tossing up at the moment to be honest what role would be 'the ideal'. At the moment, I would say forward/mid but his versatility, as you say, certainly gives us options.

S: Runaway 2022 Henderson Medalist Brett Bewley was hampered by a calf complaint at the business end of last year. Has that meant a re-assessment of his potential midfield minutes despite the absence of Landt?

DJ: Depends on our depth around the ball. Brett shouldered a heavy workload for us last year and had an outstanding season. I've always been a fan of having your best players around the ball but we'll keep an eye on it - I’m quite happy for him to be peaking later than Round 1.

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

DJ: Our connection in defence and knowing each other’s roles.

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

DJ: Contested ball craft and intensity. Creative ball movement and less predictability. Forward half defence. Dealing with expectation.

S: How has pre-season training looked?

DJ: The boys came back after the break looking good. That fitness base gives us an advantage to work at higher intensity and be less prone to injury.

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

DJ: Sunbury - they played some good footy at the back end of last season and were able to beat Melton.

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

DJ: Melton – I think they’ll be pretty similar to last year and will be hard to beat.

KEY INS:

Billy Myers (Williamstown VFL), Matt Denham (Melton), Billy Sullivan (Melton South), Riley Matricardi (Trentham), Darcy Matricardi (Trentham)

PLAYER OUTS:

N.Rodda (Warrnambool), D.Landt (Dimboola)

VFL AFFILIATED PLAYERS:

B.Young (Footscray). M.Cousins (Geelong)

Scoop's Darley prediction: 3rd - 4th

With the 2025 season on the horizon, Scoop has caught up with all our senior footy coaches as we build towards an epic Round 1!

It was a tale of so near but so far for the Devils in 2024, but with some of the best talent stocks in the league, Darley are sure to be one of the big contenders this year.

SCOOP: Dan, how do you weigh up the addition of key personnel v compliance when trying to make up the five or six goals you need to challenge the Bloods?

DAN JORDAN: There are a range of areas we're working on to make up the 2-3% we think are needed to play our best footy. Explore versatility (players in different positions), build connection with more time spent on the fundamentals that were momentum killers for us last year. Conditioning and preparation has also been a primary focus to improve our running ability, aid execution, and limit risk of future injury. We had a number of four week plus injuries last year that didn't allow us to play our best footy.

S: You won 11 of 18 games (4th) in your first year at the Devils, 17 of 19 (Premiership) in year two and 12 of 19 (3rd) last year - can we expect a tinker in the game plan or is the current plan still a work in progress?

DJ: The plan is always evolving. We certainly think it's good enough. Depth in role clarity is one example we can share!

S: Just on that, has the more recent Melton dominance lured or tempted you to change things up specifically?

DJ: Not really. Melton's strength is they are very clear on expectation playing a role, similar to us in 2023. (Ironically) the Bloods are an excellent blueprint having won in '22, fell short in '23 and bounced in '24 with a flag. We won in 2023, fell short in '24 and 2025 well......you get my drift. We need to improve in the area of 'clear expectation' down to the 22nd man each week.  

S: Dan, of last year’s finalists the Devils had the fewest number (10) of players average 16 disposal or more. Is it fair to suggest you were lacking two or three impact players (hence Nick Hind and Mickey Edwards additions) or do those numbers tell you something else?

DJ: It tells me we have high calibre top end talent and a healthy depth of role players. We're excited for a number of players capable of progressing to the next tier of their footy journey.

S: Tell us about your exciting new recruits Nick Hind and Mickey Edwards and their likely roles....

DJ: Hind - clearly a highly valued versatile acquisition. Nick has already shown great leadership and has fitted into the group seamlessly. As far as pinpointing any specific role, we will play it by ear to best suit our makeup.

Edwards - athletic type, left foot utility who covers the ground well, still in his early 20's - back, forward, wing option. We will be patient with Mickey given he is coming off an ACL injury. We're rapt to have him join the club and think his greatest impact will come in the second half of the season especially. Body preparation is paramount.

S: Mace Cousins, Brady Wright, Joel Cadman and Lucas Impey are your four VFL affiliated players - do you expect to see much of them or do you plan for a season without them?:

DJ: I would anticipate Mace is more unlikely to be with us for the most part. Brady, I would think will get his opportunity at VFL level. Joel is having a terrific preseason (best yet) so we're hopeful he can break into the team at Werribee and chase his footy dream. Lucas, we need to remember is relatively new to the game and remains a work in progress at Williamstown. We fully support the boys and will monitor their progress with keen interest. With reference to planning - availability (to play with us) will be considered a bonus.    

S: Is there anything in the way of Adam Azzopardi and Joel Cadman taking their games to new levels of impact from week to week?

DJ: Adam finished fourth in our best and fairest and missed a block of footy with a broken jaw. We saw first-hand Adam's progress in the finals series injury free. He's an important part of our make-up. Joel too is chasing some continuity with his footy free of injury. Not dissimilar to Adam, Joel was instrumental in the final third of the season and pipped only by Brett (Bewley) as best in finals. I think we (and Joel) may have found his spot and are excited for what that holds on the back of an uninterrupted preseason. 

S: Any diamonds in the rough at the Devils to get excited about ahead of the new season?

DJ: We have a few guys that have been in the program for 2-3 years now with the 20+ games profile we believe have considerable scope. Mitch Gardiner is one example.

S: If you had to attach a theme or key phrase for the year ahead at the Devils - how would you word that?

DJ: Dare to Darley. Theme is centred around our values and what it means to be a Darley person.

PLAYER INS:

N. Hind (Essendon AFL), M. Edwards (Banyule).

PLAYER OUTS:

M. Ward (Ocean Grove), M. Denham (retired)

VFL AFFILIATED PLAYERS:

M. Cousins (Werribee), B. Wright (Werribee), J. Cadman (Werribee), L. Impey (Williamstown).

PRACTICE MATCH SCHEDULE:

March 15 - vs South Barwon (H)
March 22 - vs Pascoe Vale (@Overnewton College)

IMPROVERS TIP: (OUTSIDE OF DARLEY)

DJ: Sebastopol

FLAG TIP: (OUTSIDE OF DARLEY)

DJ: Melton

With Round 1 fast approaching, Scoop has caught up with all ten senior footy coaches as they prepare for season 2026!

All eyes will be on the reigning premiers and their flag defence as Dan Jordan's men bring a 20-game unbeaten streak into the new year.

SCOOP: You’ve had a great run with the Devils ahead of your fifth season with two flags. You get a second opportunity to defend a title - will you have to change much to get it done this time around?

DAN JORDAN: There were some lessons learned from our title defence in 2024 and again the way we went about it last year. The personnel is a little different, and the game plan tweaked. You always hope you can evolve organically and develop with time spent so we trust a combination of the two in conjunction with previous learnings will hold us in good stead.

S: Progressive midfielder Adam Azzopardi is likely to spend some time overseas - is there a player putting their hand up for a potential midfield role or is there one (if any) you will target to fill the void?

DJ: Yes, Adam will miss a month of footy thereabouts with his trip in June/July. The club supports Adam’s decision to continue his growth as a person embracing new life lessons. As for earmarking a replacement, I’d like to think we have a number of options - Joel Cadman, Darcey Matricardi, Mitch Gardiner are three names off the top that spring to mind.

S: I noticed some quality opposition locked in for your two practice matches, not dissimilar to last year. Is that a deliberate ploy, a hit out against the best going around from other competitions?

DJ: That’s been my mantra I guess you could say - having hit outs against quality opposition especially when you have a big game in Round 1 like we have (Sunbury) and did last year (Melton). You can also find if a young bloke with little or no senior footy experience is ready to go.

S: No doubting the boy’s competitive juices will be flowing - how do you manage pride (will to win) v practice in these scenarios?

DJ: The older guys are very experienced in this space and will know what is best/how to manage their bodies. Sure, we all want to win every game, that’s one of the reasons we play but we are under no illusions where our weight of priorities lie with round one and the season ahead.

S: You lose key ruckman Lucas Impey (13 games and in best six times last season) to Swan Districts (WA) - is that role/responsibility likely to be shared amongst a handful or have you earmarked the position for one or two in particular?

DJ: To be honest it’s not a priority for us at this stage- we considered having Lucas last year as a luxury. We have a number of options that can share the load which we have seen in the past. We have a diligent midfield that can adjust on the run from oppo to oppo depending on their level of strength in this area. It’s a play it by ear scenario for us in the here and now if it must be said.

AREAS OF IMPROVEMENT

DJ: Again we had the luxury of Mace Cousins (8 games) down back for us last year and given his pre-season (injury free) at Werribee we don’t think we’re likely to see much of him to be honest. So, under our defensive coach Matty Brett who is doing a wonderful job - we will look to build on our ability to defend while at the other end, work on avenues to goal aside from Will Johnson who kicked 65 for us last year. Super effort.

INS & OUTS

In:

Out: L. Impey (Swan Districts WAFL), D. Fawcett (Melton Centrals), R. Matricardi (Hepburn), L. Spiteri (Melton South)

VFL AFFILIATED PLAYERS

B. Wright (Werribee), M. Cousins (Werribee), J. Tanner (Western Bulldogs), M. Edwards (Williamstown - train on), M. Gardiner (Geelong - train on).

PRACTICE MATCH SCHEDULE

March 15 v Keilor @Overnewton College

March 28 v Leopold (VTBD)

CLUB IMPROVERS TIP

DJ: North Ballarat

FLAG TIP

DJ: Sunbury

SCOOP SAYS

The reigning premiers are chasing a fifth title in 10 (completed) seasons and a third in five under coach Dan Jordan.

The three big guns Brett Bewley, Nick Hind and Billy Myers will again lead a proven support crew deserved of the unofficial flag favourites tag even this far out.

With any luck on the injury front ‘the hunted’ Devils remain the team to beat in 2026, currently on an impressive 20-0 run.

Projected finish: 1st