Ballarat takes on Bacchus Marsh on Saturday at 2.15pm at Maddingley Park

 CLUB: BALLARAT

COACH: Joe Carmody

FOR THE RECORD

(Scoop):There's a bit of hype around Ballarat's chances in 2022 - how do you think you're shaping up?

(Joe): Our midfield depth is as good as it's ever been - Domic, Kennedy, James, Powling. Our back six are also strong. The focus is on developing more avenues to goal (other than Hooper). Achieve this and it would be fair to say we'll be dangerous.

(Scoop):I have to ask how Josh Gibson, Andrew Hooper, and exciting newcomer Aiden Domic are travelling?

(Joe): Gibson has had a considered build-up and is moving well. We'll start to ramp up his work over the coming weeks - he'll be right to go Round One against the Cobras. Hooper is the fittest I’ve seen this time of year. He’s injury-free (from) post wrist surgery (last year). Domic’s looking good; an aerobic beast strong both inside and out and extremely versatile.

(Scoop):Since 2018 the Swans have won just once (1-8) on the road outside of Ballarat. You have Bacchus Marsh (Rd1), Darley (Rd7) and Sunbury (Rd11) down the highway this year. How do you go about changing the narrative? These games could make or break you, given your tough rated draw....

(Joe): The players have more experience on the road now so we're hopeful a growing belief, confidence level and developed mindset will hold us in good stead. There'll be no excuses.

IDENTIFIED STRENGTHS

(Joe): Leg speed, ball movement and our ability to change angles. Also, our team defence held up really well last year and we're expecting more of the same again in 2022.

IMPROVEMENTS

(Joe): Depth. Our younger guys have just scratched the surface with 20-plus games under their belts. We're confident there's plenty of upside with this group.

PRE-SEASON TRAINING

(Joe): Good. We've done a lot, especially over the last five weeks with match simulation. Jack Dunne (calf) and Inji Fyfe (hamstring) are our only injury concerns ahead of Round One.

DRAW COMMENTS

(Joe): Tough one first up on the road as we tend to struggle down there (Bacchus Marsh). Otherwise, it's pretty even across the board for us.

PLAYER INS:

Aiden Domic (Werribee) - gun mid, has the bulk of Lachie George, runs like Alik Magin. James Clark (GWV Rebels) - half forward/wing, will play mostly Rebels. Nick Swain (Anglesea) - half back, Mitch Martin like-for-like replacement. Tom Mooney (Glenroy EDFL) - third tall forward option, good competitor. Jesse Nicholls (SMW Rovers) - relief ruck, key back. Angus Bade (GWV Rebels) - key back/mid at 194cm, will play mostly Rebels. Inji Fyfe (Bendigo Pioneers/Old Scotch VAFA) - wing/flanker, pacy two-way runner.

PLAYER OUTS:

Mitch Martin (work-WA), Pat Glandford (Springbank)

VFL AFFILIATED PLAYERS:

Bailey Van de Heuvel (Footscray), Angus Bade (Footscray)

BALLARAT PASS MARK

(Joe): Finals

IMPROVERS (OUTSIDE OF BALLARAT):

(Joe): Darley

FLAG TIP (OUTSIDE OF BALLARAT):

(Joe): Melton

Sebastopol host Darley at Marty Busch Reserve at 2.15pm on Saturday - live-streamed to the BFNL Facebook page

CLUB: SEBASTOPOL

COACH: Michael Searle

FOR THE RECORD

(Scoop): Injuries were near as contagious as COVID for the 'Burra in 2021, how is the club shaping up on the injury front ahead of Round One against the Devils?

(Michael): Our injuries were a reflection on the nature of footy during COVID. I'm sure it was the same for a lot of teams - the struggle to get their best 22 on the park. We're in a good space at the moment. We'll continue to manage players through the practice matches but we should be ready to go for Round One.   

(Scoop): The club has done well retaining nearly all of its senior playing group from last season. Is there a sense of unfinished business after coming so close in 2019?

(Michael): That's a fair call. We've been open with discussions about how far this group can or wants to go. We're under no illusions, it's going to take a lot of hard work and commitment taking the next step. We haven't been far away in our last two seasons, and we're confident our Premiership window remains well and truly open.

(Scoop): You have some enviable depth through the midfield, can we expect to see more of Luke Kiel across half back - it seemed to work well given the absence of an injured Tony Lockyer in 2021?

(Michael): Yes, absolutely. Luke can take a bit of the (leadership) pressure off Tony in defence. He'll still go through the midfield, but you can expect to see Luke spending more time off half back. 

IDENTIFIED STRENGTHS

(Michael): Competitiveness, work rate, general evenness, depth.

IMPROVEMENTS

(Michael): I think you'll see some genuine growth and improvement from within this year, as the players themselves drive higher standards and expectation on their own performance. On the track we've been working on our effectiveness at the fall of the ball, an area we were lacking in last year.

PRE-SEASON TRAINING

(Michael): We've put together a solid block of work over the summer. Fitness advisor Scott Smith has done a terrific job getting the boys well-conditioned ahead of the new season. It's something new for the club to go along the sports science path and I’m very pleased with how it's all played out.

DRAW COMMENTS

(Michael): Fine, all good.

PLAYER INS:

Dean Robertson (Waubra) - back up ruckman for Jack Richards, Brad Veale (Bungaree) - in best 22 mid/forward rotation, Will Lovett (Bungaree), Jordan Crone (Bungaree)

PLAYER OUTS:

Nick Hausler (Qld), Michael Lockyer

VFL AFFILIATED PLAYERS:

None

SEBASTOPOL PASS MARK:

(Michael): Top 4

IMPROVERS (OUTSIDE OF SEBASTOPOL):

(Michael): Darley

FLAG TIP (OUTSIDE OF SEBASTOPOL):

(Michael): North Ballarat City

Bacchus Marsh takes on Ballarat on Saturday at 2.15pm at Maddingley Park

 CLUB: BACCHUS MARSH

COACH: Tom German

FOR THE RECORD

(Scoop):The Cobras were one of the first to begin practice matches in early March against East Keilor (EDFL). How did the group go, firstly, and secondly, connect with so many new faces?

(Tom): There were pleasing signs against a really good, strong side. East Keilor (including Heath Shaw) gave us positive feedback from the hit-out. We had a few out for various reasons, we ran a 12-man bench and gave our youngsters an opportunity as reward for their hard work over the pre-season.

(Scoop):Jack Williams, Jason Robinson and Michael Colliver have been touted as high-quality additions to the line-up - tell us about these three in particular...

(Tom): You're right about the quality! Each have displayed genuine enthusiasm and leadership on the track and to the small sample size we've seen on (practice) match day. Jack at key back, Jason at half back, and Michael at half back/wing is an exceptional runner. They're different players, but equally as important.

(Scoop): The Cobras have been heavily reliant on Daniel Burton, Nick Stuhldrier and yourself shouldering very high minutes through the midfield. Can we expect more of the same in 2022 or will you experiment / explore new options?

(Tom): I'm happy with our midfield depth and what it will bring. 

IDENTIFIED STRENGTHS

(Tom): Our spine is very solid and our midfield very competitive.

IMPROVEMENTS:

(Tom): More run / better ball movement, etc.

PRE-SEASON TRAINING

(Tom): There's no denying it's been a challenge due to COVID. That aside, I’m very happy with our efforts on the track and with our levels of continuity. Our training camp down at Aireys Inlet was also a success.

DRAW COMMENTS:

(Tom): Overall we weren't unhappy with our draw. It's a very even competition, whichever way you look at it.

PLAYER INS:

Jack Williams (Camperdown), Jason Robinson (Camperdown), Michael Colliver (VAFA), Sam Crea (Glen Orden), Ryan Chandler (Hillside), Rex Hickman (Mallee Eagles), Max Eastmure (Torquay)

PLAYER OUTS:

Ryan Bartlett (work), Lachie Christopher (Mansfield), Jayden Owen (Gisborne), Billy Griffiths (Gordon), Sam Griffiths (Gordon), Kane Dickson (Dunnstown), Kane White (Skipton), Tim Hughes (Skipton), Tom Wardell (Dunnstown)

VFL AFFILIATED PLAYERS:

Nick Stuhldrier (Port Melbourne)

B/MARSH PASS MARK:

(Tom): Finals

IMPROVERS (OUTSIDE OF BACCHUS MARSH):

(Tom): Ballarat 

FLAG TIP (OUTSIDE OF BACCHUS MARSH):

(Tom): North Ballarat City

Sunbury takes on North Ballarat on Saturday at 2.15pm at Mars Stadium

CLUB: SUNBURY

COACH: Travis Hodgson

FOR THE RECORD

(Scoop): Sunbury has lost six senior players in the off-season - what can you tell us about the new brigade that will help calm the nerves of Lions fans?

(Travis): Cooper Anderson is a key position half-forward on Essendon’s VFL list, Pat Scanlon is a tall key defender, Ben Toman is a big-bodied mid at 186cm, Matthew Medcalfe is a dangerous small forward and mid rotation, Lachy Byrne will provide distribution off half-back, while Blake Graham (utility) has had a solid pre-season. Mitch Lewis we're unlikely to see - he's a very good player at Port Melbourne. So, we've added height and rebound off half-back, firepower forward, and a big body into the midfield whose running capacity near rivals his brother (Ben and Daniel Toman).

(Scoop): It's your third season as coach of Sunbury, will this be your best chance at winning a flag? 

(Travis): I think so. We just missed out on a Prelim berth in 2019 and I reckon this group has a lot more upside.

(Scoop): I rated your 2022 draw the easiest of any clubs, but your opening two games - North Ballarat City (away) and Melton (away) will be tough. Will there be an added focus on the importance of these games in particular?

(Travis): Absolutely. The 2021 Minor Premiers away, then Melton away after the unveiling of their new facility to home fans won't be easy, not to mention our poor recent win/loss record against these two away from home. If we can be square with the ledger after Round Two, I’ll be happy.

IDENTIFIED STRENGTHS

(Travis): Our depth most certainly. Our Twos will be hard to beat. The gap between our 12th and 30th player isn't much and we're all the better for it. We're also confident in our running ability.

IMPROVEMENTS

(Travis):Connection. We were 1-5 after the opening six games last year, it did take us a while to get going.

PRE-SEASON TRAINING

(Travis): Big numbers are hitting the track, and the boys look pretty fit under fitness guru Andrew Hall. Our focus has been to build on the momentum of last season that saw us win four of our last five games.

DRAW COMMENTS:

(Travis): It's a good draw.

PLAYER INS:

Matthew Medkraft (Port Douglas), Ben Toman (overseas), Mitch Lewis (Port Melbourne VFL), Pat Scanlon (Rupertswood), Connor Lever (East Sunbury), Will Wright (East Sunbury), Lachy Byrne East Sunbury), Blake Graham (Ballan), Cooper Anderson (QAFL)

PLAYER OUTS:

Alik Magin (Qld), Mitch Conn (Sydney), Josh Goater (North Melbourne AFL), Luke Goater (Deer Park), Dylan Featon (Deer Park), Mick Edwards (Riddells Creek), Wade Derkson (WA)

VFL AFFILIATED PLAYERS

Mitch Lewis (Port Melbourne), Jake Sutton (Essendon), Cooper Anderson (Essendon), Jayden Eales (Box Hill), Josh Guthrie (North Melbourne)

LIONS PASS MARK

(Travis): Win a final

IMPROVERS (OUTSIDE OF SUNBURY):

(Travis): Darley

FLAG TIP (OUTSIDE OF SUNBURY):

(Travis): North Ballarat City

BFNL footy returns, with the 2021 season re-jigged, refreshed, and ready to relaunch this weekend (minus crowds). With only four rounds of the 2021 McDonald's BFNL home and away season remaining, Scoop takes a look at your team's finals prospects on the road home, in what's been a very even and testing 2021 season.

BFNL media writer 'Scoop' has crunched the numbers on the proposed 2021 season draw, revealing who are the winners and who has drawn the wrath of the footy gods. Over the next few weeks, Scoop will deliver a deep dive into the season ahead for your club.

Redan can savour a second successive #1 rated draw, while Bacchus Marsh (#2) and Darley (#3) can breathe a sigh of relief having fared well according to the formulated study.

Melton (#11) appear to have copped the wrath of the footy gods with five 'away' highway trips to Ballarat, not to mention double-up meetings with four finalists from 2019, including Grand Final duo East Point and Sebastopol.

While Melton South's (#6) Ballarat travel diary mirrors the Bloods, the draw around that looks far more favourable for a team expected to rise. As for the reigning dual Premiers East Point (#8), they copped a draw worthy of a team aiming for a three-peat. Sebastopol (#4) will enjoy a dream run in the final third of their season, while North Ballarat (#5) fared next best out of brick city. With scope for improvement both on and off field, the Rooster’s draw sees them in the mix for a sneaky finals berth.

Lake Wendouree (#7) and more-so Ballarat (#10) appear to have the job ahead of them according to the formula, despite their marquee signings. Flag challengers, Sunbury (#9), finished mid-to-low table with the draw after a difficult rating in 2019. Tough luck for the Lions who’s 2020 draw (#4) was looking bright but, alas, COVID...

Analytics aside for a brief moment, how good is it - footy's back (well nearly)!

EASIEST TO HARDEST 2021 DRAW

1. Redan - 94

2. Bacchus Marsh - 97

3. Darley - 98

4. Sebastopol- 100

5. North Ballarat - 101

6. Melton South - 103

7. Lake Wendouree - 104

8. East Point - 105

9. Sunbury - 107

10. Ballarat - 109

11. Melton - 110

SEASON 2019 Ladder

1. East Point

2. Sebastopol

3. Melton

4. Redan

5. Darley

6. Sunbury

7. North Ballarat

8. Bacchus Marsh

9. Lake Wendouree

10. Ballarat

11. Melton South

(Draw ranking points are determined by 2018 & 2019 numbers, projected improvement, this year's travel and who your team plays twice.)

The McDonalds Ballarat FNL, in partnership with Ballarat Toyota is proud to promote the Toyota Good for Footy program to support community clubs in our league.

Toyota Good for Footy is Toyota's grassroots footy program. Toyota has helped clubs raise over $7 million since 2008 through the program and helped over 500 local clubs from every state and territory.

To buy tickets and support your local community club, follow this link here.

It's been a busy early transfer window as clubs across the region look to shore up their lists heading into the new year.

Not including the usual exodus of players heading to compete in the Northern Territory FL competition, there has been a steady flow of ins and outs for the McDonald's Ballarat FNL.

Five clubs were active during the November transfer period with reigning premiers East Point signing three players, as did Redan and Melton. North Ballarat added two players and Melton South kicked things off with the one transfer.

Its been a busy period for Central Highlands FL with Creswick leading all clubs, having gained six players from the BFNL.

Ballarat league players have spread themselves far and wide heading to various leagues from the Wimmera to metro competitions.

With the early transfer window now closed, clubs will look to consolidate their lists as pre season training steps up before Christmas. The main clearance period will reopen on February 1^st 2021 through to 30^th June 2021.

There has been plenty of movement around the league ahead of a blockbuster 2023 season. Find all the additions to your club below thanks to Quest Ballarat.

Bacchus Marsh

N/A

Ballarat

Carisbrook

N/A

Darley

East Point

Lake Wendouree

N/A

Melton

N/A

Melton South

North Ballarat

N/A

Redan

N/A

Sebastopol

N/A

Sunbury

N/A

It wasn't just back to footy for the players and the fans on the weekend, Round One also signalled the return of umpire's reports and reviews.

The McDonald's Ballarat FNL advises the following outcomes of reports and reviews from Round One of the BFNL senior competition. 

Darley -v- Sunbury 

Darley player Andrew Azzopardi was reported for intentionally striking a Sunbury player and was offered a 2-week set penalty. The player requested this to be heard by the AFL Goldfields Independent Tribunal. 

The player Azzopardi pleaded guilty and received a reprimand due to his good record. 

East Point -v- Sebastopol 

Sebastopol player Jacob Wilkinson was sighted by the Match Review Panel for an incident involving Billy Jones from East Point and charged with intentionally striking. 

The matter was heard by the AFL Goldfields Independent Tribunal, where Wilkinson pleaded not guilty. After hearing from all parties, the player was found guilty and suspended for 2 matches. 

END RELEASE

The McDonalds Ballarat FNL advises the following outcomes from the recent AFL Goldfields Independent Tribunal, held Tuesday 27th April 2021.

Bacchus Marsh v Darley (Reserves) at Maddingley Park

Bacchus Marsh player Baiden Cracknell was reported by the umpire for ”intentionally or carelessly kicking another person”.

The AFL Goldfields Independent Tribunal found the charge not sustained and player Cracknell not guilty.

Bacchus Marsh v Darley (Reserves) at Maddingley Park

Darley player Dale Peacock was reported by the umpire for “intentionally or carelessly striking another person”. With the players good record, a 2-week set penalty was offered.

The AFL Goldfields Independent Tribunal found the charge sustained and player Peacock guilty. The AFL Goldfields Independent Tribunal sanctioned Dale Peacock (Darley FNC) with a severe reprimand.

END RELEASE

The BFLW are excited to announce the launch of an Under 12 Girls Development Program for 2024.

• A Football
• A Development Program training top
• A Drink Bottle

Final training for the 2022 McDonald’s Ballarat FNL Under 18 Youth Girls Interleague Training Squad will be held on Monday. 

Updates have been made to the 2022 McDonald’s Ballarat FNL Under 18 Youth Girls Interleague Training Squad following last night’s training session.

• Required players to attend Monday night's final training session can be found on the attachment below.
• IMPORTANT: If you are feeling unwell, please DO NOT attend training. Players/Parents are asked to contact your head coach to advise.

Training details for Monday are:

Monday 30^th May         

• Under 18 Girls   6:30pm - 8:00pm 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 McDonald's Ballarat FNL looks to welcome a safe return to junior competition this weekend for regional-based clubs under eased restrictions.

The McDonald's Ballarat FNL welcomes today’s announcement of eased restrictions for regional Victoria and community sport. 

Given today’s announcement, the board of the Ballarat FNL is working through the various protocols and guidelines, as provided, to ensure junior competition can be undertaken this weekend. 

These competitions include the Western Bulldogs Under 9’s, BFNL junior football and netball and BFLW Youth grades (Under 14 to Under 18’s). 

It is the league's intention that junior football and netball take place in an environment that is safe and has regard for the health and wellbeing of all participants and their families. 

The further restrictions and requirements to allow competition are being clarified and will be announced as soon as they are confirmed. 

As announced, senior competitions can return to training for regional-based clubs under a number of restrictions detailed to clubs. 

We hope players and clubs are preparing for the various competitions that will return this week and look forward to further details as soon as they are available. It is anticipated full details will be announced within the next 24 hours. 

END RELEASE

The McDonald’s Ballarat FNL wishes to acknowledge an error in the voting for the Under 15 Senior Football Best & Fairest.

The League wishes to advise of an error in the results of the Under 15 Senior Best & Fairest Award.

Following an error in the collation of votes for the Round 11 match between East Point & Darley, a recalculation of the votes has seen a change in the final leader board.

As a result, East Point’s Harry Charleson and Darley’s Mitchell Gardiner both finished on a revised total of 17 votes, equalling runner up Jacob Britt from East Point.

The league apologies for the error in counting and wishes to acknowledge both Harry and Mitchell for their outstanding 2021 seasons.

Harry played 10 games this season, including a further 5 in the Under 17 Reserves to assist with playing numbers throughout the year. Averaging over a goal a game. Harry’s season included four Best on Ground performances as adjudged by the umpires and appeared in his club’s best players on all but one occasion.

Mitchell’s season for Darley was equally as impressive, booting 17 goals for the season. Mitchell was named Best on Ground for the Ballarat FNL Under 15 interleague match against Bendigo in June. Four Best on Ground performances was also a highlight of Mitchell's consistent season.

Updated award info and club by club votes can be found below.

Award winners from the night are as follows:

Buxton Ballarat Junior Football Goal Kicking Awards

2021 McDonald's Ballarat Under 13 Seniors

• Murphy Skinner (Ballarat Storm Junior Football Club) 26        

2021 GJ Gardner Under 15 Seniors

• Jayven Tanner (Darley Football Club) 29

2021 McCafe Under 17 Seniors

• Isaac Hucker (Mount Clear Junior Football Club) 38
• Joel Freeman (Bacchus Marsh Football & Netball Club Inc) 38

13 & Under Senior Netball Best & Fairest

Runner Up: Jemima Knobel (Ballarat Swans) - 17 votes   

Winner: Ebony Porter (North Ballarat) - 20 votes 

Under 13 Football Best & Fairest – The Lloyd Sims Trophy

Runners Up: Cole Hutchinson (Mount Clear) & Cooper Beseler (North Ballarat) - 15 votes       

Winner: Armi Wakefield (Bacchus Marsh) - 22 votes 

15 & Under Senior Netball Best & Fairest

Runners Up: Matilda Myers (Redan) & Arna Howard (Ballarat Swans) - 18 votes   

Winners: Bridie Shanahan (Darley) & Maddison Lewis (Sebastopol) - 19 votes

Under 15 Football Best & Fairest – The Keith Rawle Memorial Trophy

Runner Up: Jacob Britt (East Point), Harry Charleson (East Point) & Mitchell Gardiner (Darley) - 17 votes         

Winner: Jonty Faull (Redan) - 21 votes 

Coordinator of The Year Awards

Junior Football Coordinator of The Year: James Bik - Ballarat Swans JFNC

Junior Netball Coordinator of The Year Award: Alissa Harris - Darley JFNC

Coach of The Year Awards

Junior Football Coach of the Year Award: Brett Dean – Sebastopol JFNC

Junior Netball Coach of the Year Award: Leah McDonald – Redan JFNC

Ballarat FL Interleague Coach Recognition

Football Interleague Coaches

• U/13 Coach – Scott Petrie & Simon Geljon
• U/14 Coach – Michael Dwyer & Tom Molan
• U/15 Coach – Tim Beacham
• U/16.5 Coach – Wayne McKercher

Netball Interleague Coaches

• 13 & Under Coach – Courtney McLean and Kara Hart
• 15 & Under Coach – Katie Keighrey
• 17 & Under Coach – Prue Douglass, Damien Mullane and Debra Hutchinson

Merv & Mary Howard Memorial Junior Club Championship

3^rd: Redan JFNC - 189 points 

2^nd: North Ballarat JFNC - 190 points

Winner: East Point JFNC - 195 points

Special Presentation to Junior Footballers & Netballers

• 17 & Under Netball Victorian State Team Member – Adut Manyiel (Sebastopol FNC)
• Under 17 Victoria Country Football Squad Member – Felix Fogaty (East Point JFNC)
• Under 12 Victorian Metro State Team – Oliver Cape (Darley JFNC)

17 & Under Senior Netball B & F

Runner Up: Arlee Bennett (North Ballarat) - 18 votes       

Winner: Bella Clark (Lake Wendouree) - 22 votes 

Under 17 Senior Football Best & Fairest - The Gordon Wise Memorial Trophy

Runner Up: Jack Jeffrey (East Point) - 15 votes      

Winner: Ethan McKercher (Bacchus Marsh) - 25 votes 

Robert Allan Medals and Netball MVP Awards

13 & Under Senior Netball – Most Valuable Player Award

Winner: Ebony Porter (North Ballarat) – 11 Votes

Under 13 Senior Robert Allan Medal

Winner: Riley Hiscock (East Point) – 19 Votes

15 & Under Senior Netball – Most Valuable Player Award

Winner: Chelsea Oellering (Mount Clear) – 7 Votes

Under 15 Senior Robert Allan Medal

Winner: Samuel Lalor (Bacchus Marsh) – 15 Votes

17 & Under Senior Netball – Most Valuable Player Award

Winner: Bella Clark (Lake Wendouree) – 16 Votes

Under 17 Senior Robert Allan Medal

Winner: Joel Freeman (Bacchus Marsh) – 15 Votes

A full list of club votes - including the updated U15 Senior Football vote tables - can be found attached.

The Ballarat FNL is saddened with the recent passing of a stalwart of the league, Wayne Hankin. Wayne was a former chair of the league and with his contributions to the league over many years, was awarded a life membership of the Ballarat FNL.

Wayne held many roles with the BFNL from the late 70's and had been instrumental in preserving some of the rich and proud history of the league, along with his beloved Golden Point FC.

On behalf of all member clubs of the league, we pass on our condolences to the family of Wayne.

To recognise his passing, The Courier have written a piece in todays paper and can be read here:  https://bit.ly/3cgKhG7

The McDonalds Ballarat FNL today announces several venue changes to Junior Competitions across football and netball this weekend.

In conjunction with the City of Ballarat and competing clubs, a decision has been made to move matches away from the Mars Stadium precinct this Sunday 11^th July.

Venue changes have been made to avoid a clash with the Greater Western Sydney vs Gold Coast Suns match, now scheduled to be played in Ballarat this Sunday following recent fixture confirmations from the AFL.

As a result, the following amendments have been made to this weekend’s junior fixtures:

• Lake Wendouree vs Ballarat Swans to now be played on Oval 2 at Alfredton Recreation Reserve.
• North Ballarat v Bacchus Marsh to now be played at Marty Busch Reserve in Sebastopol.

Both the Ballarat FNL and the City of Ballarat appreciate the understanding and cooperation of all clubs involved in the changes.

END RELEASE

The League in conjunction with the City of Ballarat has made a venue change for this Saturday’s Junior Football & Netball Qualifying Finals.

As a result of the current condition of Wendouree Reserve, the decision has been made to move Saturday’s games to Northern Oval 2, ensuring the ground does not deteriorate further ahead of Sunday’s Elimination Finals. The venue change includes all netball matches which will now be played on the North Ballarat netball courts.

The schedule for matches on Sunday will remain as originally fixtured. Please see below this weekend’s match schedules.

Entry Details

Saturday 20^th August

• North Ballarat Sports Club Gate
• Note: STRICTLY NO PARKING IN NORTH BALLARAT SPORTS CLUB CAR PARKS
• Wendouree Reserve / Northern Oval 2 Gate
• The double gate between the Wendouree Reserve and Northern Oval 2 will be open to allow attendees the ability to utilise parking around Wendouree Reserve and for those that may enter off Dowling Street.

Sunday 21^st August

• North Ballarat Sports Club Gate
• Note: STRICTLY NO PARKING IN NORTH BALLARAT SPORTS CLUB CAR PARKS
• Wendouree Reserve – Enter via Dowling Street.

Admission Fees

Admission fees now come into effect for all BFNL Junior Finals matches. Fees are as follows:

BFNL Junior Finals 2022

• Adults - $10
• Family (2 adults & 2 children) - $25
• Age Pensioner - $5
• 8 - 16yo - $5
• U/8 – Free

Admission fees provide entry to ALL BFLW and JUNIOR games on the same day. Please ensure you obtain a passout when leaving to obtain entry at another venue.

The McDonalds Ballarat FNL is pleased to announce a renewed partnership with Victor Sports.

Being a long time partner with the BFNL, Victor Sport quickly agreed to continue being the preferred supplier of medical supplies to all football and netball competitions, including the BFLWomens leagues.

In the current era of COVID, Victor Sport also will be a source for COVD safe supplies for clubs and will provide the expert advice needed to assist with clubs meeting the various protocols as they are implemented.

About Victor Sport

Victor Sports Pty Ltd. (Victor) was established in 1993 and has continuously expanded its business practices and product range to now provide a comprehensive range of sports medical and rehabilitation appliances.

Products supplied include strapping tape, sports medicine items, braces, footcare, injury prevention, rehabilitation and first aid products.

Our goal is to equip athletes and medical professionals with the most advanced sports medical products available.

Victor Sport products will continue to be available through FootyMart Ballarat at rates that will ensure your club saves through the 2021 season and beyond.