In a move to further enhance the strength of the McDonalds Ballarat FNL operations, the league board have resolved to withdraw from the AFL Goldfields Independent Tribunal and implement a BFNL Independent Tribunal.

Following concerns and feedback from stakeholders of the Ballarat FNL, it was determined the judiciary process for all McDonalds Ballarat FNL competitions will be overseen by the new tribunal.

The move to establish a BFNL Independent Tribunal further enhances the management of issues and operations under the umbrella of the BFNL to ensure the correct and best outcomes are achieved as a priority for our member clubs.

The league has secured two co-chairs of the new tribunal with exceptional experience and standing within the sporting communities of Ballarat and Victoria.

Roger LeGrand is well known in the BFNL and surrounding leagues for his many years of experience as an umpire, coach and mentor that has seen his knowledge utilised at regional and state level.

Joining Roger as co-chair will be Peter Brady, current AFL Goldfields Independent Tribunal panel member, a leading administrator with many years’ experience in cricket circles and a sound knowledge of processes and procedures.

Roger and Peter will be joined by a panel of members made up of experience and understanding of community expectations, knowledge of football and the ability to independently assess matters presented to them.

The BFNL Independent Tribunal will operate at arm’s length to the Ballarat FNL with operational oversight provided by BFNL staff.

The announcement of the BFNL Independent Tribunal is an exciting step in the continual review of the Ballarat FNL to achieve best standards for clubs in the region.

The 2022 Federation BFLW Grand Finals will take over Mars Stadium tomorrow. Find all the Grand Final details below, including match times, parking information, entry details and match vision.

Watch the 2022 Federation BFLW Senior Grand Final LIVE from 1:20pm here: https://bit.ly/3KEBMY2

Federation BFLW Grand Finals – Event Information

Ahead of the first Federation BFLW Grand Final Day at Mars Stadium, please see some important information for supporters and attendees to be aware of:

General Information

• MARS Stadium – Creswick Road, Wendouree VIC
• Saturday 3rd September 2022
• The Federation BFLW Grand Finals will be an Alcohol-Free event.

Match Schedule

Admission Fees

BFLW Grand Final 2022

• Adults - $12
• Family (2 adults & 2 children) - $26
• Age Pensioner - $7
• 8 - 16yo - $5
• U/8 – Free
• Footy Record – $2

Note: Eftpos is available and encouraged as the preferred payment method.

Gates & Parking

• Gates open at 7:00am
• Entry into MARS Stadium via Gate 1 (only) located on Creswick Road.

Parking is available at the following locations:

• General Parking:
  • Creswick Road. No parking within concrete barriers stationed outside Gate 1.
  • Around Northern Oval 2. Entry via Beech Avenue ONLY – Cars will NOT be able to move between the North Ballarat Sports Club Carp 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.
  • PARKING MUST ONLY OCCUR IN DESIGNATED AREA AND IS FOR DISABLED PARKING ONLY.

Grand Final Filming

• All matches will be filmed with the Senior Women’s match being live streamed - link via Facebook and this website on the day.
• Matches will be available for purchase following the Grand Finals and further information will be provided around this in the coming weeks.

Live Scores

• All matches will be live scored on the day for those that are unable to attend the match. Scores can be accessed through specific competitions on the BFNL public results pages here - https://bit.ly/3Q4H8gg

The female player to coach program aims to provide opportunity for women to easily transition from a playing capacity into a coach. It aims to utilise resources and community connections to easily educate and develop female players. Ultimately, the program will ensure that females continue to contribute and thrive within the football community.

Part 1

1. State webinar series to explain the purpose of the program and generate interest. Guest panels will deliver sessions to identified female candidates.

• Webinar 1: Monday October 18th, 2021, 7pm
• Webinar 2: TBC (confirmed post webinar 1)
• Webinar 3: TBC (January – February period 2022)

Part 2

1. Online CoachAFL Foundation Course (Junior, Youth or Senior course) offered to all candidates
2. Regional workshop with high profile AFLW/VFLW female coach guest speaker. Link in with other stakeholders if possible
3. Regional/League based Club Coach Director/Coordinator information session
4. Follow up with an individual club information session (if required)

Part 3

1. Connect the candidate with a junior, youth or senior local club (depending on the players coaching interest) to formulate a “buddy coach” system to ensure the candidate is well supported and guided throughout the program
2. The “buddy Coach” implements training session and game day shadowing opportunities with the candidate.
3. AFL Victoria conducts a mid-season check in with the candidates and identifies the community clubs who haven’t been able to organise development opportunities and provides additional support where required
4. Post season, AFL Victoria continues to follow up with candidates to assist in the transition from female player to coach

Incentives for the Player becoming a coach

• Introductory session around Coach.afl and RM Coach led by AFL Victoria or state bodies
• Coach.AFL membership fee and foundation course offering waived by AFL Victoria
• Possible club-based incentives such as reduced playing subs for the season

Incentives for the Club to support transition of the player to coach

• AFL Vic led exclusive coaching sessions for clubs active in this area

Player to Coach - Recruiting Tips & Co-Coaching opportunities

Be open to flexibility - Some players may have work, family or study commitments that compete for their time. If you have a great coach who is keen to be involved but is only available for one training night a week, find a role that suits their level of time commitment.

Offer support within the role - It is important for female coaches to know they are supported. This enables confidence that they can take on the role. Show them how the club will back them and provide development.

Ask & Encourage - Be sure to approach potential coaches and promote an inclusive club culture. Engage current players to give them confidence to apply for the role.

Co-Coaching - If the player is new to coaching, offer the opportunity to pair up with an experienced coach as a mentor. Have them shadow an experienced coach at the club and allow them to see the game from a different perspective.

Resources - Providing the right resources to enable them to feel confident, asking questions of what they feel they need. It is important that the language around female coaches are inclusive, welcoming, and supports the coach.

Acknowledgement: Female Coaching Working Group. Members; Alicia Drew, Nick Eades, Eliza Straford, Shannon Gore, Mercedes Mathewson-Vardy, Grace Nicholls, Rebecca Herft, Jake McLean, Tara Tolios & Rick Coburn

Scoop' Reviews Finals Week 1

Melton, Sebastopol and Darley all claimed wins in Week 1 of the 2022 Carlton Draught BNFL Finals Series.

Minor Premiers and flag favourite Melton took the best part of three quarters to shrug off an honest Ballarat to win by 23 points. 

After trailing at the half (by 1 point), the Bloods added six goals to two in the third term to set up a match-winning 31-point lead at the final change. Ironically the Bloods won just one and a half quarters for the game on their home deck but it was enough to get the job done.

Bloods midfielders Jack Walker (3 goals) and Jacob Hickey (1 goal) were named best for the winners while the outside run and carry of wingman Kyle Borg (2 goals) proved significant. Defenders Jordy Cotter, Brenton Payne and Riley Walker were recognised as key contributors as the underdog Swannies took it up to their more fancied opponents in the first half. Dangerous Bloods forwards Braedan Kight (2 goals), Liam Carter (2 goals) and Ryan Carter (1 goal) were three of nine Bloods players to hit the scoreboard.

There's no doubting plenty of positives for Joe Carmody's Swans to draw from the game despite the loss after testing the Bloods. Clearly, their third quarter alone cost them a genuine crack at the finish. Carmody recognised the efforts of his midfield Will Liston, Sam James and Marcus Powling by naming the in-form trio among the best players with Footscray VFL affiliate Bailey Van de Heuvel and defenders Austin McPherson and Nick Swain. Swans sharpshooter Andrew Hooper finished with three goals. Josh Gibson (hamstring tightness) did not play but is expected to return next week. 

What the coaches said...

Aaron Tymms (Melton):We held strong in the first half when Ballarat had some territory dominance before we were able to get the game back on our terms in the second (half). (We were) really pleased with the contributions from across all lines.

Joe Carmody (Ballarat):We defended really well in the first half and probably didn't get the reward on the scoreboard. Melton outworked us in the third (quarter) and used the ball really well. That was the difference in the end.

Sebastopol has secured a prized double chance, ending North Ballarat's season in the process with a hard-fought 33-point win on the weekend. It was the third straight win for the 'Burras over Brendan McCartney's Roosters in season 2022.

The 'Burras won every quarter and kicked six of the last seven goals to run out deserved winners and progress to a semi-final meeting with Melton. Much of the discussion during the week will be on the progress of 'Burras inspirational leader Tony Lockyer (ankle) who left the field in the second term and did not return. 

Toby Hutt (4 goals) broke the game open in the third term with three goals as the 'Burras added six straight to North Ballarat's 3.4 to lead by 26 points at the final change. Unfortunately for North, 'the tape' will tell a story of wasted/missed opportunity and inferior ball use. Essentially, the right team won, the 'Burras used the ball much better, and made more of their opportunities. But you couldn't shame the Roosters for effort. Their intensity matched the 'Burras but again, their execution of the fundamentals proved their undoing.

'Burras defenders Riley O'Keefe, Ben Trew and Connor O'Shea were named best for the winners while the run and line-breaking carry of Matt Austin and Jed Hill was a highlight in a game played on the inside for the most part. Reigning Henderson Medalist Lachlan Cassidy was solid for four quarters but wasn't alone. Hugo Papst again proved his versatility at either end, answering the call to whatever the coach's needs. Papst is very important to the 'Burras fortunes moving forward, that I'm sure of.

For North Ballarat, forward trio Josh Chatfield, Jamie Quick (1 goal) and Jack Riding (2 goals) were given little time and space to get the game on their terms. In fairness, their influence wasn't helped by poor forward entries. Quick and Riding were more often forced to win their own ball at ground level making it easier for the 'Burras to defend.

Cam McCallum (1 goal) won the majority of hit-outs yet again and slotted a much-needed goal 20 minutes into the third term to get North Ballarat within three points. But that's as close as they would be for the remainder. Isaac Carey, Brock Leonard, and Riley Polkinghorne never gave up the effort while Harry Loader, Ryan Hobbs (before moving forward) and Ned Nash were solid distributors from defence.

A 'throw at the stumps' opportunity against Melton to make the Grand Final awaits Sebastopol this week. For the record, 12 of the 'Burras line-up that featured on Saturday were part of the 2019 Grand Final side.

North Ballarat exits after a tough year, a difficult draw and the untimely injury to key players. McCartney's boys lost five of their last six games after beating Melton in Round 13 - who would have thought? North Ballarat will find some comfort knowing McCartney has signed on to lead the group in 2023.        

What the coaches said...

Michael Searl (Sebastopol):Super proud of the group. We needed to match them on the contested footy and felt we did that well. The belief in the group is important and we have a great opportunity in front of us.

Brendan McCartney (North Ballarat):We worked hard and gave ourselves numerous opportunities but weren't able to convert when we had chances. Sebastopol are well organised and well coached.

Darley withstood an avalanche of inside 50's from East Point in the last quarter to progress through to a Semi-Final meeting with Ballarat. Sure, the Kangas would lament their inaccuracies (1.7 in the last qtr) 

but credit to the Devils' back six and support crew for holding on under immense finals pressure. Players from both sides had barely enough energy to celebrate or commiserate at the final siren. Any last efforts in the immediate aftermath were spent purely on a handshake or embrace -recognition and respect for an old-fashioned battle that went down to the wire.

Kangas Captain Matty Johnston and Mickitja Rotumah-Onus led the charge in the second half, either waltzing out of stoppage or with their run and carry just as the Devils looked to be tiring. But the 'Brett Bewley-less' Devils' blend of youth and experience down back, combined with some Kangas wasted opportunities on goal, amounted to a wholesale, morale-boosting win for one, with heartbreak and disappointment for the other. 

The highlights reel will be a tough assignment for the techs. So where do we start? 

For the winners, Bailey Young was arguably best-on-ground for his four-quarter effort ahead of a host of defenders led by Matthew Brett and Mace Cousins. Bigman Trent Angwin was terrific in the air and was influential between the arcs providing a target for the Devils all day. The Devils' match-winning return of seven goals was shared among seven players.

For East Point, finishing near plus 20 for inside 50's in a game they won just one quarter, says a lot for their final quarter dominance. But alas, couldn't it get done and lost no admirers for their effort.

Kangas youngsters Jesse Cairns and Jack Jeffrey were lively and had their share of the ball while experienced campaigners Joel Van Meel, Clay Bilney and Mitch Walsh were never far from the action. On a tough day for forwards in unassuming breezy conditions, the Kangas managed just five goals, shared among five individual players. Evidently, it was the Kangas' lowest score of the season.

The numbers didn't lie heading in, giving every indication this final was going to be a close one. For the record, the Kangas averaged seven more points (FOR) per game while the Devils were conceding seven fewer points (AGST) per game to suggest a draw could be on the cards.

Missed it by that much...!    

What the coaches said...

Dan Jordan (Darley):I thought we were more efficient in key moments during the first three quarters. But full credit to East Point, they kept coming at us in the last. In the end, we were just happy to hang on in a tight one that could've gone either way.

Jake Bridges (East Point):We can't all play a winning game, someone is sure to lose, yet we can play so that our name, no one may dare accuse. That when the Master referee scores against our name, it won't be whether we've won or lost, but how we have played the game.

Next week:

Saturday, September 3 -Melton vs Sebastopol

Sunday, September 4 - Ballarat vs Darley

The Swans secured second spot and a prized double chance with a narrow three-point win over the Burras at Marty Busch Reserve. It was the Swans' sixth win of the season by a goal or less and the tenth win by 18 points or less. How are the heart rates at Ballarat, we're yet to play a final!

What the Swans do have is character - truckloads of it. Despite their narrow successes, only Melton won more games than Joe Carmody's men in 2022. There's no doubting the Swans line-up is buoyed by the return of big man duo Marcus Powling and Bailey Van de Heuvel. Ruckman Powling missed a large chunk of the season with a torn hamstring but returned to his very best with arguably best-on-ground honours. Josh Gibson and Lachie Dawson booted three goals each for the winners while a wasteful Sebastopol were kept in it by Toby Hutt (three goals), James Keeble and Hugo Papst (two goals each).

The Burras trailed the Swans by 37 points at halftime and were just 1% ahead of Darley on the LIVE ladder, looking down the barrel at a fourth-place finish. But credit Michael Searl and his Burras contingent arresting the game back on their terms with five unanswered third-quarter goals.

Grady Snowden, Luke Kiel and Tony Lockyer featured prominently in the Burras revival and will be hopeful restricting dangerous North trio Jamie Quick, Jack Riding and Josh Chatfield.

Four points separated these two heavyweights at the final change as an arm wrestle of sorts (two goals each) prevailed for the duration as the Swans hung on to record another prizefighting win. 

Ballarat head to Melton on Saturday for a Qualifying Final at Maccy Park while the Burras face 2021 Minor Premiers North Ballarat at Eastern Oval.

What the coaches said:

Michael Searl (Sebastopol):Another tough loss for us against the Swans. (We) didn't capitilise on our early dominance in the first quarter. They completely outworked us in the second quarter and really showed us the importance of work rate. (I'm) proud of the group to really dig deep and come at them in the second half. Lots of learnings to take from the match.

Joe Carmody (Ballarat):We set the game up in the second quarter with some good ball movement and excellent pressure. Sebastopol were very good in the contest in the third quarter. We showed a lot of character to hang on.

Sunbury finished their season on a high, surpassing 100% for and against on their way to a resounding 65-point win over Bacchus Marsh in front of a home crowd.

The Lions finished off their season with four wins from their last six games, an encouraging base for next year under Travis Hodgson who will lead the club into a fourth year in 2023. The Cobras, on the other hand, capitulated to a fifth loss in six games ending their season in eighth place with seven wins.

Veteran forward Leigh Brennan (five goals) shows no signs of ageing, leading a charge of eight Lions players to hit the scoreboard. The Lions led from start to finish and virtually put this game to bed by quarter time despite having had the advantage with the breeze.

Lions stand-outs Tyson Lever and Harry Minton-Connell continued their run of good form while the progression of youth trends in the right direction. Jack Hannett and Jack Newitt topped the list for as many as 12 candidates among best-on-ground conversations.

The Cobras, seemingly bereft of the fight we saw earlier in the year could manage just six goals on a quiet day for the visiting forwards. Six individual Cobras' goalkickers represented their major returns on the scoreboard while young combative ruckman Spencer Meagher was named best for the losing side. Defenders Daniel Veldon, Dominic Miesen and Xavier Jenks toiled manfully behind the ball while Tom German and Riley Stuhldreier were again serviceable contributors in the red, yellow and black.

Both are proud clubs and will prepare for their journey back to finals, for an eighth and ninth place finish, simply won't do.

What the coaches said:

Travis Hodgson (Sunbury):(It was) a good way to finish off the season - it's been a positive two-month block. The Marsh tried hard but our ability to stretch them with legs on the outside was obvious and played a significant role in the result. 

Tom German (Bacchus Marsh):They used the ball well around the ground and we didn't execute well as a team.

As was announced through media over the weekend AFL Victoria has received approval on its Return to Play requirements from the Victoria State Government providing the opportunity for community clubs to commence training in a limited form from Monday 25th May.

The McDonald's Ballarat FNL fully supports and welcomes these measures to provide clarity for clubs on how they may take the steps to resume training.

There are steps which the club need to undertake under these protocols before training can start. 

These include:

• Each club must have a nominated Covid Safety Officer, (more than one can help to share the load)
• A maximum of two groups of ten players on an oval at any point in time.
• There is to be no swapping between members of these groups.
• Physical distancing should still be practiced wherever possible.
• Players need to arrive at training ready to train and then leave immediately after training. Get In, train and Get out
• Changerooms are not to be used, access to toilets only.
• Minimal equipment to be used. Footballs should be wiped down as often as possible and after each session.
• A register of participants maintained and retained by the club.
• Permission obtained from Local Government to use the oval.  

To further support the health and wellbeing of our clubs moving forward, a number of other measures have been put in place that include clubs completing a register of trained players with further resources available through the AFL.

There is no length of time announced of how long these restrictions will apply to training before larger group training or full training will be permitted. It will be reliant on state government announcements and then as with this current step preparation on how it will need to be implemented determined with health departments.

Further to the details announced through AFL Victoria, Netball Victoria have also released details that are consistent with this same advice.

Similarly, there is no announcement yet on any possible date to commence seasons and this will not be expected until there is a significant easing of the restrictions which currently remain in place.

It must be stressed the welcome guidelines provided for a return to training do not provide any indication or details around if and how the 2020 McDonald's Premiership Season may commence or look. That will continue to be reviewed based upon the ongoing discussions being held.

The Ballarat FNL will continue to work with our clubs at both senior and junior level through this period to provide the advice and guidance that is required. 

Week 1 Finals Football Preview with Scoop

The stage is set for an epic conclusion to the 2026 BFNL football season, with three telling games ready to mark the tone for the remaining four weeks.

When you look at the top six v top six form in isolation, Saturday’s qualifying final looms a battle for the ages as the best defence (North Ballarat) goes head-to-head against the best attack (Sebastopol) at Alfredton Oval.

In fairness, the Burra’s potency forward has been in decline since the first half of the season.

Tony Lockyer’s boys (excluding their Lake Wendouree games) averaged 13.75 goals per game in the opening half, down to 11.125 goals in the run home.

It may not sound like much but in a game of fine margins, Roosters’ coach Clint Proctor would be more than happy upon the realisation the number one ranked team has waived by close to three goals in the run home.

And make no mistake, the Roosters have some firepower of their own with Jye Lockett kicking multiple goal returns in his last 10 games.

Take the last seven games across the competition from both sides (excluding the Lakers) as a form reference heading into this heavyweight bout as a fair enough sample size to identify a favourite.

The Burra won five of their seven games by an average of 15.2 points, usurped by the Roosters’ unblemished 7-0 run by an average of 27.8 points.

Clutching at straws potentially but these two sides deserve the deep dive given their impeccable 15-win seasons separated only by percentage.

It’s fair to say North Ballarat had a horror run with injury to the halfway mark while the Burra have experienced their frustrations in more recent times.

The solid form of North Ballarat through the back half of the season in particular, led by their frugal defence, is enough to sway the pendulum in favour as the team to beat on Saturday.

Expect a physical encounter as Lockyer in particular has endeavoured to manage his players right up until the door knock of the final’s series.

Luke Kiel (knee) and Adam Forbes (managed) will make a case for their selection, while Max Faulkner, Harvey Shea and potentially Simon McCartin are primed for a recall in the absence of unlucky pair Ethan York and Brayden Purchase (concussion).

If you’re one to explore whether Alfredton Oval will help or hinder any particular side, it was Sebastopol who took the honours against third placed Ballarat way back in Round 2 (15 points) while the Roosters had their colours lowered by the Swans comfortably in Round 10 by 59 points. Up to 16 Roosters from that loss will feature on Saturday.

Looking forward to the midfield battle beginning in the ruck with Dave Brinker-Ritchie and Toby Hutt going head-to-head while the scrap at ground level is sure to resemble a classic arm wrestle for long periods.

There’s a host of match winners on display across the ground, too many to mention. For the Burra to win, I anticipate they will need goals from their midfield.

However, it came down to assessing defence v defence as the kicker influencing a final selection, though I do think both sides will get their chance.

Other numbers of interest – top six v top six in isolation.

North Ballarat avg points FOR: 77.8 (#3)
Sebastopol avg points FOR: 86.1 (#1)

North Ballarat avg points AGST: 58.9 (#1)
Sebastopol avg points AGST: 73.4 (#3)

Note: Both North Ballarat and Sebastopol missed finals last year. The meteoric rise has seen the Roosters improve from 7.5 wins (seventh) in 2025 to 15 wins (first) in 2026 under second year coach Clint Proctor. The Burra, under Tony Lockyer, are also up to 15 wins (second) from seven wins (eighth) last season.

Scoop’s tip: North Ballarat by 9 points.

Expect targeted match ups on the competitions two leading forwards to have arguably the largest say determining the result in Saturday’s mouth-watering elimination final decider between Ballarat and Melton at Marty Busch Reserve.

When 200cm key target Biggie Nyuon (59 goals) plays he is responsible for 32.4% of all Swans goals while at the other end, the 178cm x-factor brilliance of proven big game performer Braedan Kight (55 goals) represents a tick over 26% of all Bloods majors.

The firm deck and recent visits to Marty Busch Reserve should hold Troy Scoble’s ‘Bloodahood’ in good stead despite their inferior win/loss season record to the Swans.

Even last year’s extra time preliminary final outing would be a vivid memory in the minds of the Bloods core despite the heartbreak loss.

Purely and simple, the familiarity of the ground and any nuances associated will only aid the mission.

The Bloods welcome the return of star mid Billy Crofts and progressive ruckman Josh Stewart who has a crucial role of his own to play given the plethora of tells among the Swans.

Don’t underestimate the impact of Crofts and Jaycob Hickey between the arcs, their two-way running and accumulation will act as the barometer for the Bloods alongside Braedan Kight’s ability to hit the scoreboard.

Unfortunately for the Bloods, the jury is out on the availability of Lachlan Phillips, Adrian Monitto, Jack Walker and Ryan Davis who spent the entire final quarter of last week’s loss to Sebastopol on the bench while underrated utility Conrad Farrugia remains in doubt for another week with a shoulder complaint.

Despite the rise of the Swans, they have, to varying degrees, gone under the radar, on the injury front in particular.

Swans’ coach Ash Baker has made little or no reference to their second half season frustrations as forced weekly changes became the ‘norm’.

Injury, travel, and VFL selection doesn’t appear to have unsettled the outgoing mentor and well revered Swan, who seemingly, is taking it all in his stride as the cliche suggests,
“all part of footy”.

The Swans will be bolstered with the inclusions of Brad Crouch, Alex Keath and Fraser Perkins who missed last week’s trip to Sunbury, providing every chance for the trio to be cherry ripe for a challenging finals campaign.

Both sides have looked vulnerable at times over the last month with two wins from their last four outings.

The Swans must start well, catch-up finals footy is a drain.

For the record the Swans are minus 33 for opening quarters against top six opposition this year having trailed at the first change in six of those 10 games.

On the flipside the Bloods (+59) were unbeaten in first quarters against top six opposition for nine matches up until last week’s Round 18 loss to Sebastopol.

Other numbers of interest - top six v top six in isolation.

Ballarat avg points FOR: 77.8 (#2)
Melton avg points FOR: 74.2 (#4)

Ballarat avg points AGST: 70.5 (#2)
Melton avg points AGST: 77.1 (#4)

It’s also worth noting the Swans have won 12/14 games in Ballarat this season.

Scoop’s tip: Ballarat by 9 points.

Sunbury are preparing for an all-out assault overcoming bogie side Darley in Sunday’s Elimination Final at Darley Park.

Integral Lions quintet Tyson Lever, Josh Guthrie, Harry Power, Ben Cameron and Sean Reilly are expected to return for the do-or-die clash having missed last week’s morale boosting win over flag contenders Ballarat.

While the Lions rank sixth (of six) for offence among the teams remaining, the recent inclusions of Daniel Johnston (20 goals, 9 games), Pat Scanlon (10/11), and Jordyn Gillard (17/9) should serve them well and capable posting a winning score.

But how many times have we made a legitimate case for the Lions to end their run of outs against the Devils, currently at seven games and nine of their last 10 meets?

Surely this time with the absence of Devils’ star mid Brett Bewley (hamstring) and progressive young tall Jayven Tanner (jaw), the Lions can overcome their nemesis.

Contrary to some of the key numbers of recent weeks, the reality is the Devils are out of form having lost four of their last five games including their last three at home - very un-Darley like. In fact, the Devils are a modest 3-7 against top six opposition this season.

Look for a spring in the Devils’ step this week. If finals and a season on the line decider is not enough motivation to ‘get busy’, I don’t what is!

Dual Premiership coach Dan Jordan will surely tap into the mental edge his group has over Matty White and his Pride to spark a response.

Speedster Nick Hind (34 goals) and key defender Matty Brett will make a timely return for the Devils after missing last week’s loss to North Ballarat.

While Brett to Daniel Johnston looks a given, who will get the job on Devils’ forward Will Johnson (37 goals), who has provided an afternoon long headache for the Pride in recent times?

The midfield battle does provide some concern for the Devils given the Lions ability to push forward and hit the scoreboard - Jake Egan (21 goals/10 games), Jack Newitt (20 goals /17 games) and Josh Guthrie (9 goals/14 games).

However, despite the Lions arrival with recent wins over Ballarat and Sebastopol under their belts, some of their numbers in isolation will need a correction if they’re to overrun the Devils.

Fact is, Sunbury rank ninth in the league for second and fourth quarters which is a bit of an anomaly given their strength on paper.

The Lions have also lost four of their last five final quarters in the run home paving the way for a nervous finish in more ways than one.

For the record, Darley rank first in the competition for second and third quarters despite winning just 11 games, six games shy on last year’s home and away season that ended in a premiership win over, guess who?

Sunbury!

Other numbers of interest – top six v top six in isolation.

Darley avg points FOR: 68.1 (#5)
Sunbury avg points FOR: 67.7 (#6)

Darley avg points AGST: 81.0 (#5)
Sunbury avg points AGST: 85.7 (#6)

Note: Darley has won six of the eight finals against Sunbury since their inception into the BFNL in 1997.

Scoop’s tip: Darley by 5 points.

Finals Week 2 Football Preview with 'Scoop'

After a frantic first week of finals, there will be plenty of action on show across Saturday and Sunday with grand final spots and seasons on the line.

Little motivation is needed ahead of a mouth-watering second semi final showdown between Sebastopol and Ballarat at City Oval with a spot in the McDonald’s BFNL Grand Final up for grabs.

Fingers crossed, fine weather paves the way for a potential classic, loaded with goals, high marking and fundamental brilliance, and all in front of a monster crowd.

According to the numbers, Sebastopol and Ballarat rank one and two for win / loss and offence v top four opposition.

The Burra has had the wood over the Swans (2-0) this season holding Ash Baker’s bevy to a modest 11 goals in both games. Can the Swans change the narrative?

As it stands, the reliance on key forward Biggie Nyuon (64 goals/15 games) getting the job done on the goal front is compelling.

The soon to be crowned Tony Lockett Medallist is responsible for a third of all Swans goals when he plays. Recent contributions from Paddy Simpson (7 goals last 3 games) and Fraser Perkins (9 goals last 4 games) on the goal front will have caught the attention of the Tony Lockyer camp behind the obvious threat in Nyuon.

The midfield battle looms a much watch in itself, both instrumental as avenues to goal.

Burra’s quartet Toby Hutt, Jack Bambury, Lachie Cassidy and man of the moment Felix Henderson could take the game away from the Swans.

Avoiding corridor mid Brad Crouch, ball magnet Tristan Maple (tag helps!) and the rebound presence of Alex Keath will be crucial to the Burras’ fortunes emulating their previous two head-to-head wins by 15 and 41 points.

Ruck talls Toby Hutt and Patrick Graham cancel each other out at stoppage leaving the feverish A grade midfield combos at ground level fighting for territory.

The Swans have some thinking to do and that’s not around contemplating a tag for qualifying final match winner Felix Henderson, that is a no brainer.

Lewis Rinaldi (cork), Riley Constable (quad) and Luke Dunstan (hamstring) all missed the Swans’ 33-point win over Melton in last week’s elimination final.

Baker has been patient timing the return of his players - expect no risks given the double chance nature of the second semi.

Another point of interest for the Baker camp will be the targeted match up for x-factor Burra forward Adam Forbes who has five and three goal returns to his name from their previous two meets (8/28 @ 28.5%).

Weather permitting, the stage is set for someone like Forbes leaving an indelible mark as food for serious thought in a fortnight’s time!

And finally, it would be remiss of me not to mention Lockyer himself - while it goes without saying, the 33-year-old remains the number one distributor out of the Burra’s back half.

For the record, the Burra has not won a flag since 1975, the Swans 2008. Get excited footy fans for a changing of the guard!

Other numbers of interest – top 4 v top 4 in isolation.

Sebastopol avg points FOR: 85.6 (#1)

Ballarat avg points FOR: 78.8 (#2)

Sebastopol avg points AGST: 76.7 (#3)

Ballarat avg points AGST: 74.5 (#2)

Scoop’s tip: Sebastopol

North Ballarat will start warm favourites against improving Sunbury despite the reality of a dreaded straights sets finals exit on the table.

While the minor premiers did a lot right in their narrow loss to the Burra in last week’s qualifying final there were areas for improvement according to coach Clint Proctor.

The Roosters frugal defence coughed up their third highest score of the season and their second in excess of 94 against the Burra in three meets.

Just on the Roosters’ defence for a moment, while they do rank #1 v top 4 opposition, there’s very little in it according to the numbers. In fact, North Ballarat’s average (points) concede is 74.4 per game, with Ballarat close behind (74.5) and Sebastopol (76.7) and Sunbury (80) to follow.

By the way, you can bin the theory of the Roosters being essentially a defensive team.

Since August 1^st, North Ballarat have played 4 teams in the top six for three wins, one loss averaging 82.75 points per game, giving every indication their game style has shifted.

For the 7 games prior v all teams (excluding Lake Wendouree) the Roosters averaged 60 points per game.

However, if there’s one team the numbers carry less conviction, it’s Sunbury.

The battle to get the Pride back together has been a season long ordeal dating as far back as their practice match against Montmorency - but the wait is officially over, the jigsaw near complete.

No less than eight Lions with VFL experience will take to Marty Busch on Sunday, asking questions of the Roosters mortality.

Of those eight, all are in ripping form and are surely to have their moment stepping up.

Jake Egan, Daniel Johnston, Cody Bramble, Tyson Lever, Jack Newitt, Josh Guthrie, Ben Cameron and Jordyn Gillard are names the Roosters need to put faces to and quickly, while the availability of Jake Sutton (Sydney VFL) is uncertain, adding further intrigue to this semi final decider.

The form of Sunbury has come to fruition over recent weeks, well worthy of a shot at a preliminary final berth.

A timely confidence boosting win over Darley plus wins over Ballarat and Sebastopol (twice) throughout the home and away series lays genuine claims for a Lions upset despite the Roosters winning their previous two head-to-head meets by 86 and more recently 29 points (Round 16).

The Roosters’ system under Proctor has matured with player growth and compliance.

While the Lions may have the talent on paper, they may find themselves a game or two short in continuity to overcome the Roosters despite last week’s dominance.

North Melbourne VFL listed Roosters ruckman Dave Brinker Ritchie is sure to have the largest say directing play around stoppage and will be an afternoon long problem for White and his assistants with his size, craft and follow up ability.

Sam Glover, Jai Lockett, Josh Morris, Isaac Lovisson and Brinker Ritchie will challenge the Lions aerially while their renowned pressure more broadly at ground level will be ramped right up to avoid the unthinkable.

Expect pesty, crafty forwards Jamie Quick and Declyn McGuigan to cause a few headaches too on the spill.

Sunbury are all-in and will acquit themselves well, not forgetting they were grand finalists last year.

However, after a few nervy moments I anticipate the Roosters will absorb and execute to plan, progressing to a preliminary final.

Other numbers of interest – top 4 v top 4 in isolation.

North Ballarat avg points FOR: 74.1 (#3)

Sunbury avg points FOR: 65.7 (#4)

North Ballarat avg points AGST: 74.4 (#1)

Sunbury avg points AGST: 80.0 (#4)

Scoop’s tip: North Ballarat

Preliminary Final Football Preview with Scoop

Sebastopol and North Ballarat meet for the second time in a fortnight with a prized date against Ballarat in the 2026 McDonald’s BFNL Grand Final up for grabs.

If Saturday’s preliminary final at Marty Busch Reserve resembles anything of the qualifying final witnessed between these two on August 29th, we’re in for one hell of a ride!

Call it greed, but this BFNL finals series needs another down-to-the-wire prizefight, given four of the five finals witnessed so far have ended in margins beyond 33 points, three of those by 57 or more!

Sebastopol will welcome the opportunity to play on their home deck (7-1) against the minor premiers but will need everything to go right to deny an in form North Ballarat outfit who give every indication they’re peaking at the right time.

There’s very little between the two sides on recent form.

The Burra are 6-3 (excluding their match against Lake Wendouree) from their last nine games averaging 10.77 goals per game, while the Roosters are 8-1 (also excluding the Lakers) averaging 11.77 goals per game, their only defeat for the period coming against the Burra in the Qualifying Final.

On spec, there looked to be greater scope for the Roosters coming out of that qualifying final and we saw some of that come to fruition last week against Sunbury, albeit at Marty Busch Reserve.

One concern for the Roosters however is their average concede against the remaining two sides (87.8 points per game). For all of their impression, the numbers say the Roosters rank third of the three reaming sides in offence and defence (see below).

However, the hit out for the Roosters just six days ago at the proud home of the Burra has been timely and should hold Clint Proctor’s group in good stead.

While the Burra have a superior win/loss (4-2) record against the remaining sides, I’m not convinced they’re travelling as healthy as they would like, leaving the door ajar for a match hardened Roosters outfit to pounce.

Sure, the Roosters’ 1-4 win/loss record against Ballarat and Sebastopol is not ideal but I think they’re a much-improved side the longer the season has gone. Once role players have become impact players, while their top end count continues to grow.

If the previous finals are anything to go by, starting well is a must given all five quarter time leaders have gone onto win.

Affording any leverage on the scoreboard becomes hard work as teams look to capitalise on any momentum.

Despite the narrow result a fortnight ago, the Burra did win three quarters in isolation and have won six of the last ten meets against the Roosters. Sebastopol’s winning claims are indeed compelling.

Coach Tony Lockyer, ably supported by their unofficial 23rd man that is the loyal and faithful band of home supporters will stretch the resolve of Proctor’s Roosters who I think are up to the task, boasting more weapons and a cleaner bill of health under the bonnet.

While it’s all-in for both sides given the nature of a preliminary final, expect Ballarat coach Ash Baker to be ‘smoking the pipe’ in the background, watching it all unfold as his opponent on the BFNL’s biggest stage is revealed.

There’s nothing in it but considering I thought North Ballarat would win the ultimate on the BFNL’s last day I must lean to them finding a way to progress on Saturday.

Best of luck to both camps.

Scoop’s tip: North Ballarat

Players to watch

THE DAMAGE

Jaime Quick (North Ballarat) - Dynamic forward, ground ball specialist in match winning form with 10 goals from his last two finals (34 goals/17 games).

Jye Lockett (North Ballarat) - Progressive utility (predominate forward) whose second half season form has earned him A Grade status at this level. In ridiculous form at the right time of year - 12 score involvements last week! (48 goals/20 games)

Josh Morris (North Ballarat) - Barometer. Versatile territory gain player who does it at both ends. From thumping exit kicks out of defence to dangerous long balls inside 50 from the midfield. While recognised as a very good player, goes underrated. Elite at this level for mine - coming off 9 score involvements last week (in best 11/20 games)

Adam Forbes (Sebastopol) - Mercurial x-factor forward who missed out last week and will be keen to atone. Stage is set for some ‘Forbes brilliance’ around goal if the Burra are to progress (38 goals/19 games)

Felix Henderson (Sebastopol) - Ball magnet. Match winning 37 disposals and 4 goals in their previous meet only a fortnight ago. Roosters can’t allow that again. Expect a targeted run with role at the very minimum (in best 9/20 games,16 goals)

Jack Bambury (Sebastopol) - Key distributor both between the arcs and inside 50. Super talent, whose clean groundball work and two-way running ability can be (while appreciated), underestimated! (In best 12/20 games, 20 goals)

THE RESISTENCE

Sam Glover (North Ballarat) - Perennial intercept mark and general in defence. Sets them up well behind the ball marshalling the troops. His foot skills are often the catalyst in transition. Makes hard work look easy, and often in slow motion to the eye. Can go forward and hit the scoreboard if required (In best 7/16 games).

Dom Penny (North Ballarat) - Once promising young half back, now bonafide mid riding an exciting wave of progress. While dangerous offensively with his numbers alone, Penny understands the value of defence and doesn’t mind working back to aid the cause. Primed for a VFL opportunity moving forward (in best 11/20 games, 11 goals)

Josh Morris (North Ballarat) - Included the versatile reigning club best and fairest in both areas of interest for his territory gains out of defence and his run and carry. Morris can be every bit an 80+ metre player in the chain if allowed to run unopposed.

Tony Lockyer (Sebastopol) - The Burra’s most important player behind the ball. Similar to Glover, sets up the defence with his experience and distribution. A key pillar to the Burra’s fortunes - will need to deliver again on the big stage if Sebastopol have any plans ending their 51-year premiership drought (in best 9/18, 6 goals).

Lachlan Cassidy (Sebastopol) - Excellent stoppage player who can accumulate quickly. Must deny the Roosters around stoppage. All can’t be offensive mids at the source - someone has to play a role, and Cassidy is more than capable of defending (initially) and hurting on the outside (in best 5/13, 10 goals).

Bailey Medwell (Sebastopol) - Strong body with VFL experience, can aid the cause getting the ball from inside to out, denying a deep North Ballarat midfield an exit on their own terms. Quality player, capable of significant impact in any number of roles (in best 6/16 games, 12 goals).

Top 3 v Top 3 ladder

1. Sebastopol P6 W4 L2

Win rate: 66%

Points FOR 492 (82 avg)

Points AGST 458 (76.3 avg)

107%

2. Ballarat P5 W3 L2

Win rate: 60%

Points FOR 429 (85.8)

Point at AGST 346 (69.2)

124%

3. North Ballarat P5 W1 L4

Win rate: 20%

Points FOR 321 (64.2)

Points AGST 521 (87.6)

73%

Points FOR ranking (Offence)

1. Ballarat 85.8

2. Sebastopol 82

3. North Ballarat 64.2

Points AGST ranking (Defence)

1. Ballarat 69.2

2. Sebastopol 76.3

3. North Ballarat 87.6

Round 1 Football Preview with 'Scoop'

Given current speculation surrounding various teams prospects in 2026, the BFNL could not have scripted a better grouping of matches for an enthralling start to the season.

League heavyweights Darley and Sunbury are sure to attract a bumper crowd at Darley Park, curious of what the next chapter holds.

The mission for Matthew White’s Lions will be to ‘find a way through’ a frugal Devils defence led by Billy Myers and Matthew Brett.

While the Pride boast an imposing front six more than capable posting a winning score, the weight of expectation will hinge primarily on their midfield and quality of forward 50 entries.

However, such luxuries won’t be easily afforded as the Devils’ star laden midfield look to mark territory with superior gains of their own.

While the prospect of Brett Bewley, Nick Hind and Luther Baker is daunting for any opposition, the pre-season form of Joel Cadman and Darcy Matricardi only raises the degree of difficulty for the Lions who were 0-4 against the Devils in 2025.

Despite the recent H2H record, White will be fully aware his Pride have genuine claims turning the tables, having been in three of those games early - in fact the Lions led at 1/4 time in their two previous visits to Darley Park by 19 & 26 points.

The Lions have added a few soldiers to the cause ‘finding a way through’ Dan Jordan’s Devils, unbeaten in their last 20 BFNL games. 

Josh Guthrie (ankle) returns from a lengthy lay off to bolster the midfield while Hamish Pierce (North Melbourne VFL) fills the void across half back in the absence of Jack Hannett (Ocean Grove).

The mail is reigning Tony Lockett Medallist Jake Sutton will take his place despite relocating to Sydney and will lead a three pronged attack alongside Daniel Johnston and Pat Scanlon.

Given the VFL bye this week, Jake Egan (Essendon), Jake Lever (Essendon) and Pierce will be available for another crack at the Devils.

How Jordan and his crew manage ‘the hunted’ tag will be a season long reference point given rival teams have sought after list builds, to usurp the reigning premiers as the competition benchmark.

Scoop’s tip: Darley by 24 points

Melton host brow-raising Good Friday winners Bacchus Marsh in one of five bona fide cracking, Round 1 match ups.

While the Bloods have enjoyed a comfortable win/loss advantage over recent times, especially at MacPherson Park, what the Cobras delivered against perennial finalists East Point cannot be ignored.

Future star (if not already) Josh Huxtable may well be the Cobras’ best player, atop the deepest list at Armfield’s disposal in the infancy of his third year.

Experienced key big men Jake Owen and Luke Goetz look sharp, moving freely with a spring in their step, excited for what’s to come.

Bloods’ coach Troy Scoble would have, like many of his rival counterparts, been impressed with the Cobras who played with renewed flair, confidence and accountability capable of troubling any preconceived, superior opposition.

Sure, the jury is out on the credentials of East Point who have conceded a reset approach in 2026, but it was the was the nature of the Cobras’ 51-point win that would’ve provided Dennis Armfield’s group an invaluable boost in the belief space.

And the Cobras will need every bit of that to upset the Bloods who prepare to embark on a mission of their own after falling short in last year’s title defence.

The 2022 and 2024 premiers have lost a few soldiers ahead of their rebound assignment but welcome back underrated defender Riley Walker (year off) and crucial pair Jaycob Hickey and Lachie Watkins free from injury.

You could add Jordy Cotter, Jordy Kight and Ryan Davis to the return mix having endured similar setbacks and frustrations of their own.

Let’s not forget the challenges the Carters, the Kights and the Walkers present and the likelihood of speedster Kyle Borg revelling in one or more of his x-factor moments.

For what it’s worth, the hearsay will mean very little to a Cobras’ camp eager to take the next step - claiming another scalp on the road.

The reality is, Armfield’s men must overcome arguably the competitions most potent front six and a proven premiership defence to earn the spoils.

Big ask! - if the Cobras can reproduce their Good Friday appeal (no pun intended) they will give this more than a shake.

However, I’m leaning to a fresh Bloods outfit at home to hold sway in a seesawing affair.

Scoop’s tip: Melton by 18 points

With two draws head-to-head from their last three meetings and an off-season spruik of various proportions on both sides - anyone who adopts the theory “it’s only Round 1…”, is kidding themselves, when North Ballarat host Ballarat at Mars Stadium.

The race for a prized position in the top six is already underway with Bacchus Marsh staking their early claim on Good Friday.

Which of these two legitimate candidates will put their hands up come 5pm Saturday as the team to watch moving forward?

Let’s not forget it was Ballarat who replaced North Ballarat for a finals berth following the last round of the 2025 home and away season.

If one was to nitpick over their previous four meets, you’re likely to find “advantage North Ballarat” given their recent 2-0 record at Mars Stadium (26 pts and 82 pts). Alfredton Oval, the home of the Swans, played host to the two draws.

However, given the changing landscape in the off-season player movement space, both teams have added key top end talent to boost their finals credentials.

Almost a third of the 44 players to take the field will have VFL/AFL experience to heighten interest and intrigue levels even more heading into the bout.

While those in attendance will be spoilt for choice observing quality stocks, it’s the battle of the two spines that looms the deciding factor.

Roosters’ quintet Jai Lockett, Sam Glover, David Brinker-Ritchie (doubtful), Josh Morris and Denver Grainger-Barrass will ask questions of Swans’ big men Biggie Nyuon, Alex Keith, Rhys Perry and Patrick Graham.

Whether Brad Crouch, Thomas Simpson, Tristan Maple and co can impact at ground level and deny the Roosters will be worth the watch alone as they’re likely to welcome back Port Melbourne trio James Van Ess, Riley Polkinghorne and Josh Sparkman off the VFL bye.

And let’s not forget the x-factor capabilities of small forwards Jamie Quick (Roosters) and Andrew Hooper (Swans) who will pounce on anything that comes their way.

Difficult game to tip on spec given the changes and the impressive make-up of the two sides.

Will this game be won primarily in the air or on the ground/spread?

Efficiency and fitness levels will play defining roles how this game is run and won.

It’s a concern for the Roosters, Glover and Brinker- Ritchie (doubtful) have been relatively unsighted in the lead up practice matches but the broader collective have enough games in together and are at home to worry the Swans out of it in a close one.

Scoop’s tip: North Ballarat by 6 points

There is more than just the four premiership points at stake when the new look Lakers host Redan at CE Brown Reserve.

The winners will want a party and deservingly so.

What a relief it would be for either camp given the current landscape.

The Lakers have lost 18 games on the trot, won just four of their previous 50 games and are seemingly “chips in” to make an impression on the competition for patient mentor Rohan Brown who has been starved of success on the win front since his appointment in 2024.

On the other hand, Lions new coach Marc Greig is a well-respected footy person in his own right, once as a player, now as an educator of young men.

Greig’s task ahead of the weekend is overcoming the once “easy beats” of the competition as the Lakers list build rivals any in a very productive and exciting off season.

Up to five newbies at the Lakers boast VFL experience and according to one Ovens and Murray coach the two pickups from Wodonga namely Corey Rich and Will Fordham will prove a handful for any opposition.

That’s not including Louis Antonac who remains on Geelong’s VFL list.

Unfortunately, the return of former Werribee VFL listed talent Jake Lohmann (back) is on hold for at least another week.

Former Frankston VFL/Old Brighton wing/half back Alfie Jarnestrom (test - ankle) has also joined the club to consolidate the broader mission, adding further experience to a relatively fledgling group ready to grow and win games of football.

It’s thought the Lions have had their share of struggles in the off-season given the departed but the mail is, if Greigy is at the helm they’re surely to be well versed “standing up” when the going gets tough.

Unfortunately, on spec alone, with little or no sample size, the bar of expectation on the win/loss front for the Lions has been tempered to the point where this particular matchup is no longer a ‘should win’ game.

The availability of top end stocks Cooper Craig-Peters (Footscray VFL) and hamstrung Tom Berry (Southport Sharks VFL) would’ve given the Lions a major boost ahead of Saturday, but the Pride will have to find a way under Greig getting the job done without them.

I don’t want to put the ‘mozz’ on Redan but the weight of quality inclusions at the Lakers makes a compelling case that Brown will celebrate in song with his first win since round 18, 2024 – which ironically came against the Lions at this very venue.

Scoop’s tip: Lake Wendouree by 18 points

While East Point embrace the infancy of a “reset”, Sebastopol is not in a position to take the Kangas lightly when the two sides meet on Saturday night (6.15pm) at Marty Busch.

The Kangas’ top end provided enough ball for periods in their Good Friday loss to the slick Cobras in the first half, to be within a couple of goals at the main break before Dennis Armfield’s forecast improvers kicked away enroute to a comfortable win.

The Kangas should be better for the run after coach Joe Carmody had a good look into his relatively new group weighing up the strengths and focus areas for improvement.

Underrated midfielder Jesse Cairns (calf) is expected to return for the Kangas ahead of a belter Round 1 fixture for the BFNL.

Can’t wait to see the impact Burras’ key forward signing Joel Edwards can have working aerially in tandem with Cooper Littlehales and x-factor crumber Adam Forbes, stretching the Kangas defence.

Edwards is one of three off-season pick-ups for the Burra from GFL heavyweights St Joseph’s. Felix Henderson and Jeff Buckley have made the pilgrimage alongside Edwards, joining midfielder and former Burra club best and fairest Bailey Medwell who returns from a stint with Footscray VFL.

Experienced trio Tony Lockyer, Lachie Cassidy and Luke Kiel will be a tough assignment for Carmody to contain if the Burra get on a roll.

Young gun Jack Bambury will add further run and carry for Lockyer’s men in what looms a crucial game (already) in the club’s fortunes moving forward.

Mickijta Rotumah-Onus, Jackson Merrett, Jacob Brown, Joe Dodd and newly appointed Captain Liam Canny will lead the resistance for the Kangas, aiming to deny the Burra faithful a dream start to their 2026 campaign.

Scoop’s tip: Sebastopol by 14 points

Round 10 Football Preview with Scoop

As the weekend approaches we officially enter the second half of a highly anticipated BFNL home and away season.

Cobras’ veteran Tyson Shea plays his 316th game this weekend, becoming the BFNL games record holder breaking former teammate Daniel Veldon’s previous tally of 315.

What an achievement for one of the league’s most popular in and under staples that has included no less than 10 club best and fairests and a drought breaking 2016 premiership.

How the Cobras respond to the milestone occasion will be an afternoon long watch given they will be a handful shy of their best personnel.

The Bloods face a nervous trip to Maddingley Park aiming to keep their top six chances alive.

Just three wins for Troy Scoble’s group from their opening nine games is not ideal.

The perennial finalists need a buy-in mission capable of overcoming the Cobras on their own deck.

Let’s be honest, what we see on Saturday will be a shell of both teams best 22, the challenge on depth stocks deciding this game is very real.

The Cobras missed Jake Owen, Will Lalor, Isaac Nixon, Ashton Craig, Harry Scardamaglia, Kade Hilton, Bailey Glascott, James McDaid, Zac Dalli and Armi Wakefield in their 40 point loss to Sebastopol while the Bloods were without Jordy Kight, Lachie Watkins, Jack Walker, Lachie Walker, Riley Walker, Adrian Monitto and Tim Grech for their one-point loss to Redan.

Sebastopol and Ballarat aside, the remaining eight teams in the BFNL are all dealing with injuries to key personnel, making it difficult to produce your best in an even competition.

The Cobras and the Bloods would be the first to acknowledge the misfortunes of both camps ahead of Saturday and a winning result cannot be taken for granted.

Positively, the Cobras were the most accurate team on goal in the BFNL for the first half of the season while the Bloods have improved into third.

While there’s not a great deal separating the two sides on the numbers front for quarters won, the Cobras will look to improve on their third terms - only the Lakers have a poorer record.

Expect the Bloods to be well aware of any advantage they can use to keep their season alive.

While it’s not the end of the world for the Cobras in the event of loss, the alternative that awaits in the form of consolidation should need little motivation - not to mention a celebration for one of their all-time favourite sons in his milestone game.

Congratulations Tyson.

Scoop’s tip: Bacchus Marsh

Expect the Swans (3rd) to start warm favourites against the Roosters (2nd) at Alfredton Oval on Saturday.

Sure, the matchup validates the criteria of ‘Match of the Round’ in the ‘West’ but it will be a massive task for Roosters’ coach Clint Proctor given the host of core talent still sidelined with injury.

It’s thought up to six of the absent Roosters brigade will return immediately after the bye, against Bacchus Marsh on July 11.

Saturday’s match up gives the Swans every opportunity to bounce back against quality opposition after a narrow loss on the road to the Devils.

The much-improved Swans booted four goals in time on of the last quarter to finish on the heels of the reigning premiers.

A win on Saturday with a full list to choose from, in front of home fans would see the Swans move a game clear of the Roosters in second place.

While both sides are playing some good footy at the moment, it’s the potential of the dangerous Swans that sounds alarm bells for Proctor’s visiting party ahead of Saturday.

Even the Roosters would concede they’re underdogs despite their percentage advantage on the BFNL ladder.

For all of Ballarat’s improvement, they will want to start well and execute better on the scoreboard.

Only the Lakers have a worse first quarter record than the Swans and the same can be said for accuracy.

Clutching at straws I know, but the potential at the Swans bares no ceiling if they can tidy that up.

Ash Baker’s Ballarat are in very good form, and should take care of an undermanned, albeit honest, North Ballarat.

Scoop’s tip: Ballarat

Homegrown star junior and AFL Port Adelaide delisted talent Lachie Charleson will make his long awaited return for East Point when they host fierce rivals Sebastopol.

The Kangas will start bonafide underdogs but are responding quickly barely 10 weeks into a rebuild.

Only Sam Cue (knee) is unavailable for the Kangas given the recent departure of Jackson Merrett.

Their opponents, the Burra, are riding a wave of enjoyment that is reflective of their health and a solid form base that has earned them breathing space at the top of the table - flying 8-1.

Sebastopol’s last defeat came on the road against Sunbury on May 9.

Burra’s coach Tony Lockyer is the last person who takes anything for granted given the wretched run his club had to endure over previous seasons.

His respect for opposition sides, regardless of their place on the ladder never waivers.

It’s match of the round for Lockyer’s entourage every week.

So, Kangas fans, don’t expect any favours from the visitors at the get-go.

You will be made to earn everything which makes the ideal of an unlikely victory all the more exciting.

Understand, this is a danger game for Sebastopol. The Kangas are still eyeing off slim chances for a finals berth and will enter every game for the remainder without fear of expectation.

Tipping Joe Carmody’s Kangas will trouble a few sides at home with the Burra, North Ballarat, Lakers, Ballarat and Sunbury all scheduled for an Eastern Oval appearance.

Sebastopol, home and away just need to keep winning and stay healthy. Touch wood!

For the record, Sebastopol are the number one side in the comp for first (7-2) and last quarters (9-0) at the halfway mark.

The Kangas best performed quarter for the period has been their first (4-5), comp rank 6th.

For the remaining three quarters the Kangas rank 8th in each so plenty of work to do.

Scoop’s tip: Sebastopol

Healthy rivals Sunbury and Darley prepare for another unmissable chapter in the BFNL’s Match of the Round in the ‘East’.

The sixth placed Lions have struggled on their way to just four wins from the opening half of the year, handicapped by injury and availability since the season opener.

While up to six Lions are expected to miss on Saturday, coach Matty White will have his fingers crossed star pair Jake Sutton (Sydney) and Jake Egan (Essendon) are released, given their respective VFL clubs have the bye.

Unfortunately, the favour is unlikely to be extended to the Devils camp with Werribee VFL duo Brady Wright and Mace Cousins tipped to be sidelined under instruction from the Tigers.

The predicted inclusions of Sutton and Egan will raise this game at Clarke Oval to a 50-50 contest.

Both sides would be the first to concede they have not reached the heights of last year when the two combined for just six losses ahead of a grand final showdown.

Already Sunbury (5) and Darley (3) have lost eight games at the halfway mark amid a changing of the guard in the BFNL - at least for now.

White and Devils’ coach Dan Jordan have the utmost respect for one another so expect the mindset and attitude to translate on field in what looms a crucial outcome in the ongoing makeup of the top six.

A win for the Devils on the road (1-3) will keep Jordan’s army in touch of the top three while the Lions need to consolidate their spot in the top six and build on their favourable home record (3-1).

The Lions’ defence (competition rank 6th) on paper are resembling more of their back six from last year following the welcome return of Jack Hannett.

White will be happy to get some games into the unit and roll with the same on spec this weekend despite the Devils’ 5-0 recent record over the Lions.

The midfield battle will always ask more of any Devils’ opponents given their top end brilliance.

Brett Bewley, Nick Hind and more recently Lachie George have enjoyed solid seasons without a bonafide ruckman for the opening seven weeks.

While the Devils’ forward line (rank 2nd) has struggled without Wil Jonson and Jayven Tanner in recent weeks they were blessed with a Billy Myers seven-goal masterclass in their five-point win over the Swans.

Myers is gold currency; every opposition include the former Williamstown talent in the same breath as ex-AFL pair Bewley and Hind which is glowing praise.

The role Myers (doubtful) plays this week is sure to create its own momentum - either up forward for the Devils or denying the Lions, in particular Sutton, who is playing some good footy with the Swans at VFL level.

Despite the outs at Sunbury, depth is not a problem for them overcoming the Devils who are not without their own issues.

Returned tall Ayden Tanner (suspended 1 week) and Adam Azzopardi (travel) won’t play while there is lingering doubt over Myers who had ongoing finger issues last week.

The Lions should win at home on the back of their big ins and greater depth stocks.

Both sides need to deal with their current health issues and find a way through.

A win on Saturday will provide a massive boost in the belief space given the absentees.

Scoop’s tip: Sunbury

The Lions are poised to make it back-to-wins for the first time this season when they host the winless Lakers at City Oval.

The separation witnessed at their previous meet surprised many across the competition, largely on the back of well credentialed additions to the Lakers in the off season. But it was the Lions who stood tall and did it comfortably.

Form suggests there’s little chance of the Lakers closing the gap enough to upset the Lions despite the prospect of the hosts missing up to six players (three GWV Rebels) from their upset win over the Bloods a week ago.

Speaking of the Bloods, it’s hard to fathom in the event of a win for Greig’s Pride and loss for Scoble’s Melton (v Bacchus Marsh) the two sides would be level on premiership points with three wins!

Redan need to keep improving under the guidance of Greig, if they’re to play a role in the second half of the season.

The challenge begins on Saturday in the first hit out of the return home and away games enroute to finals.

While any real ‘business end’ discussions are beyond these two for the here and now, there’s no discounting what claiming a few scalps would do.

And we should see the benefits of that put into place as early as Saturday when the Lions, still riding high from their Bloods win, look to dispose of the Lakers.

I can’t see the Lakers pinching an unlikely win despite the Lions list of outs.

Greig’s Pride surely do enough.

Scoop’s tip: Redan

Round 11 Football Preview with 'Scoop'

A crucial weekend of football awaits with the desperate need of victory across the competition as spots tighten on the BFNL ladder. 

The Cobras (5-5) host the impressive Swans (8-2) at Maddingley Park in BFNL’s ‘Match of the Round’ in the East.

Let’s temper expectations on Dennis Armfield’s young group causing an upset despite their fifth placing on the ladder.

The reality is, with key soldiers still sidelined, the Cobras are 1-5 v the current top six teams with an average losing margin of 51.8 points.

A win against seasoned opponents in the form of the Swans is unlikely, who were dominant, albeit at home, at their most recent meet just 28 days ago.

It sounds like a broken record in the weekly preview but the Swans’ 200cm trio of Biggie Nyuon (33 goals), Patrick Graham (named in the best 7/10) and Alex Keath (in best 5/8) are the point of difference - ably supported with back-up talls Riley Constable (back), Tyson Richard (forward) and a thriving midfield group that extends to the wings and across half back.

Brad Crouch (34 disposals in Round 7), Fraser Perkins (in best 6/10 games), Lewis Rinaldi (5/9) and VFL listed pair Thomas Simpson (4/6) and Tristan Maple (4/4) lead an accumulating brigade that continue to impress and impact games against any opposition.

Right now, there is no reason why the pattern will change on Saturday against a Cobras outfit essentially limping into the bye in the top end talent space.

Cobras own Jack Kovacevic showed his versatility with four goals against the Bloods last week- he is a footballer that can play anywhere.

While there is no ceiling on the limitations of Josh Huxtable who had had an indifferent preparation his previous two games.

Huxtable, crucial to the Cobras fortunes, missed their Round 7 meet against the Swans and would be a major boost if not required at Williamstown VFL.

Hamstrung Cobras’ star Jake Owen hasn’t played since Round 7 and must be nearing a return alongside Wil Lalor who hasn’t played since Round 5.

While there’s some upside to consider for the Cobras since their Round 7 fail against the Swans, it’s hard to see them making up the necessary ground (55 points) to pose a threat when the whips are cracking.

Ballarat has won five of its eight games this season by 50 points or more.

Impressive stuff - real deal material.

Scoop’s tip: Ballarat

Despite up to six changes expected for each side from their last meet on May 30, it’s hard to see the Lions upsetting the Devils at City Oval.

Marc Greig’s Pride arrive with rare back-to-back wins and valuable momentum but will need to start well to be any real chance, despite the home ground advantage.

Redan has managed just one goal in each of their previous four, first quarters, a stat that simply will not be enough against the reigning premiers.

Lion’s pair Brodie Pope and Will Madden are the pick of the six inclusions from their Round 7 meet but making up the 89 points that separated the two sides just 28 days ago looms every bit a bridge too far despite a host of key Devils expected to miss, including blue chip stocks Billy Myers and Will Johnson.

The form of the Devils’ top end in their absence has been season defining as they cling to an all-important third placing on the BFNL table.

Brett Bewley, Nick Hind, Lachie George, Joel Cadman and Luther Baker have enjoyed a good month amounting to important wins over Ballarat and Sunbury in recent weeks.

It’s all about what version of the Devils turn up in Ballarat given their disappointing result against an undermanned North Ballarat in Round 8.

Darley has trailed late in each of their three visits (1-2) to Ballarat this season suggesting they’re every bit gettable up the highway.

Devils’ Coach Dan Jordan will be well aware of their vulnerabilities despite an impressive record of 27 wins from their last 31 games.

Yes, like many clubs, the Devils will have one eye on the timely bye scheduled for July 4^th but will be well aware of the clear and present danger in the form of Redan that needs to be taken care of in the interim.

Scoop’s tip: Darley

The Burra face the luxury of a decimated Roosters outfit for the second time in 28 days.

Despite a home ground advantage in Round 7, the margin was compelling.

Playing witness to a turnaround worthy of flipping the result would be ambitious at best, given the dominant form of the Burra who continue to take all before them.

Sure, Lachie Cassidy missed last week for the Burra but they have been (deservedly) blessed with a run of health only the Ballarat Swans can rival.

Yes, they’re one and two on the ladder, they (both) bat deep but I’m convinced the relative clean bill of health has been the catalyst behind their three loss (collective) season.

Roosters’ coach Clint Proctor cannot wait for the bye - another fortnight post Saturday into the recovery of as many as nine frontline troops sidelined.

On the other hand Burra’s coach Tony Lockyer would be more than happy without a bye, capitalising on their advantage.

The Burra have always been a good side in totality despite missing the last two finals series.

The acquisition of three GFL talents, organic growth and the renaissance of experienced personnel sees them atop of the BFNL ladder and deservingly so.

Given a starved history on the silverware front, expect Lockyer to treat every game from here on as integral part of their premiership campaign with nothing taken for granted.

Note - a horror draw for North Ballarat ahead of the bye given their outs - I don’t expect them to be within four or five goals despite the comforts of Mars Stadium.

The Burra are ready to go while there’s a wait for the Roosters who I’m confident will come with a flurry when the whips are cracking closer to the end of the home and away season.

Scoop’s tip: Sebastopol

Arguably the match of the round in context when the Bloods host the Kangas at MacPherson Park.

Joe Carmody’s rebuild has seen three wins from their last five games and some would attest the Kangas have left their last two outings (losses) in the space of “woulda, coulda, shoulda!”

The Kangas led ladder leaders Sebastopol by 27 points early in the second quarter but couldn’t hang on.

Ironically the Burra’s two narrowest wins (of nine) have come against these two combatants (both 12 points) who face off on Saturday.

The Bloods have been in all bar one of their games really for periods and will again ask questions of an enigmatic group on the rise.

So much is at stake for both teams as the hosts look to consolidate their place inside the top six while the Kangas endeavour to keep their slim finals chances alive.

The usual suspects at bookends of the ground provide enough firepower for either side to win without surprise.

Bloods’ coach Troy Scoble will need to get his match ups right curtailing match winning duo Jacob Brown and Jarrod Joyce while Carmody faces the same predicament with the Carter brothers and Braedan Kight.

There’s sufficient form representation across half back out of both camps while the midfield battle may well (as in most games) prove the difference between win and loss.

The Bloods have lost five of their last six games and face similar season on the line opposition even this far out.

It would take a brave tipster to roll with either team winning beyond 15 points.

There’s nothing in it.

Scoop’s tip: East Point

Before we speculate on a highly probable result, let it be known Sunbury’s season is on the line when they head to CE Brown to take on the Lakers (0-10).

A four-win season thus far for last year’s grand finalists and a modest percentage of 85 heightens the demands on Matty White’s Pride to get this assignment done with a boost.

Lakers trio Alfred Jarnestrom (in best 5/10), Corey Rich and Joel O’Connell have provided much of the resistance for Rohan Brown’s cellar dwellers, amounting to a first quarter win against Redan last Saturday.

Considering the Lions managed 84 points against the Devils last week there’s no reason (apart from the weather) they can’t amass a total beyond 140 and the much-needed percentage that comes with it.

The form of next gen Lions talent Cody Bramble and Blake Walker is really encouraging for Sunbury moving forward but posting a score in the required vicinity, given the potential absence of Jake Sutton (Sydney VFL) and Jake Egan (inj) will be an afternoon long, point of interest.

Sunbury will win, but how far?

The margin will determine the nature of Sunbury’s want to bounce quicker in the event of a likely fifth win of the season.

Time is running out.

Scoop’s tip: Sunbury

Round 12 Football Preview with Scoop

Fresh off the bye, our Senior Football teams have everything to play for as the races to finals action heats up.

he equation for Matty White’s Pride is simple - keep winning.

However, the former Richmond and Port Adelaide speedster would be well aware that scenario is easier said than done given Redan have beaten Melton and stretched the reigning premiers Darley over recent weeks.

Sunbury are always a tough assignment to overcome, at home especially, but Redan coach Marc Greig can take some positives knowing the hosts will be without reigning Henderson Medallist Jake Egan (arm) and VFL forward pair Jake Sutton and Daniel Johnston (unlikely) due to their recent form at the penultimate level.

Sure, Redan lose Cooper Craig-Peters back to Footscray VFL but that was always a given, based on his level of consistency at the higher level for some time now.

The hosts will be buoyed with the inclusion of Riley Miller while Ben Cameron and Dean Muir will be touch and go at the selection table.

Despite a number of outs for Sunbury pretty much since Round 2, the buy-in from the in experienced soldiers has been really encouraging amid the frustration.

Cody Bramble and Blake Walker look like they should never miss again at senior level unless injured, while the addition of Jordyn Gillard (Montmorency/Coburg VFL) has been a bonus following his six-goal performance in Round 11.

Redan’s three-win season suggests a successful road trip, to Sunbury in particular, will be a bridge too far but try telling that to an exuberant young group who hold no fear.

They too, have had their frustrations with injury and unavailability but are building on their competitiveness and compliance under Greig in his first year.

The capabilities of the visitors are untapped given their age profile but expect the likes of Rory Gunsser, Brodie Pope, Lachlan Bond, Harry Lawson and Ollie Pittard to challenge their more favoured opposition as they have done others over recent weeks.

Scoop’s tip: Sunbury

The Bloods would love a copy and paste version of their previous meet with the Lakers when the two sides go head-to-head at MacPherson Park.

Some 13 goalkickers did the damage for the Bloods in Round 2, arguably their best team performance offensively for the season.

But Troy Scoble’s ‘Bloodahood’ will have to get used to a period without Harry Hanley, who has been named the bests on nine of 11 occasions, and Max Scoble who have embarked on an overseas trip joining a handful of players from other clubs opting for some Northern hemisphere sun.

Great for the adventurers, untimely for clubs. Denver Grainger-Barass (North Ballarat), Lachlan Walker (Melton), Adam Azzopardi (Darley), Jarrod White (Darley) and Brock Landt (Sunbury) are five names off the top to head overseas in the current season.

Scoble will have to play the waiting game for another week with a host of soldiers not due for a return until the Sunbury game.

Footscray VFL listed talent Billy Crofts won’t play as he returns off the Doggies’ bye to the higher level. Only Jack Walker at this stage is in consideration for a return from injury.

For all the editorial and attention shared on the misfortunes of injury, the Lakers can’t take a trick.

Tom Zampatti, Jake Lohman, Bailey Ryan, Angus Gove, Will Fordham, Kaian Constable and Sam Haywood are all done for the season!

Harvey Hicks is still 2-3 weeks away while experienced pair Joel O’Connell and Timmy Collins are in serious doubt following their Round 11 clash with Sunbury.

It’s a horror show on the casualty front for Lakers’ coach Rohan Brown but they welcome back Paddy Corbett and Josh Canny after some time out with injury.

Given the two sides will have up to 20 players sidelined it is what is left that counts on game day and dictates the nature of the script in the aftermath.

Looking forward to the opening half in particular - Melton rank #1 and #3 for first and second quarters respectively while the Lakers four individual quarter wins this season have come in the opening half - split 2 and 2.

The Bloods will do enough to win comfortably, just how long it takes to shake the resistance of the Lakers led by Alfred Jarnestrom, Corey Rich and Lewis Antonac will be reflected on the scoreboard.

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Scoop's tip: Melton

The Roosters welcome back a host of key staples for their clash against the Cobras who arrive without top end, hamstrung pair Jake Owen and Wil Lalor.

Sam Glover, Jamie Quick, Declyn McGuigan, Isaac Carey and Harvey Lewis all return for Clint Proctor’s dash toward finals.

While a handful of Roosters remain sidelined, one cannot underestimate the relief for Proctor having negotiated the last month with as many as 10 soldiers out, yet still found a way to bank recent wins against Darley and Sebastopol - both at Mars Stadium.

These results alone spell danger for the Cobras who have lost four of their last five games by an average of 57 points.

Unfortunately, in the absence of Owen in particular, who has missed three and a half of those four games, forward presence and ultimately scoring (averaging 43.5 points over the sample size) has been a genuine struggle for the Cobras.

North Ballarat has made Mars Stadium a fortress in 2026 having won their last five on the trot by an average of 55 points.

If the Cobras, under Dennis Armfield, can find a way to be within six goals given fair weather, it would be a decent effort given only Ballarat in Round 1 have been able to salute at the testing venue.

Hard to beat the Roosters from here on, as the once missing troops begin to circle - launching a more than capable assault on a valued top three position at the business end.

Armfield can wish for compliance from his relatively inexperienced group, a quarter-by-quarter effort in isolation to minimise the clear and present dangers.

Five teams have already left Mars Stadium empty handed, upstaged simply by an underrated, honest Roosters outfit on the day.

Mini wins will give Armfield something to take away in the likely event of a fifth loss in six games.

This tough, uncompromising comp can produce an upset. However, like many sides at the moment, I’m not sure the Cobras are healthy enough to upstage the rise of the Roosters on their home deck.

Jack Parente (foot) and Sam Griffiths (suspended) will also miss the trip for the visitors.

Scoop’s tip: North Ballarat

Expect this top of the table clash to resemble a war of attrition as the Burra host the Swans fresh off the break.

A bare 3.1% is all that separates these two in-form sides after 11 games in one of the toughest, more even competitions entertained within the BFNL for some years.

‘Healthy list’ has been the buzz phrase this season as each team deals with their fragilities from week to week.

In fairness, and credit to them, both Sebastopol (2nd) and Ballarat (1st) have enjoyed the best runs of any rivals on the health front and it’s with much anticipation we get to witness that firsthand on Saturday.

The Burra faithful will arrive in their droves and in full voice, playing their role as the unofficial 23rd man, urging their boys over the line with an opportunity to reclaim top spot on the ladder.

While the hosts will have to do it without their fearless leader and coach Tony Lockyer, there is some good news with the potential returns of Bailey Medwell, Lachie Cassidy and Gedd Hommelhoff.

The Swans are seemingly bulletproof at the moment. While I’m sure they’ve had their moments throughout the season on the injury front, their depth stocks are filling the void.

Unfortunately for Swans’ coach Ash Baker, progressive young defender Sam Batistella is unavailable but Bailey Fraser looks set for a timely return.

Wyatt Squires (foot) and Rhys Perry (ankle) will spend another week on the sidelines, given every chance to fully recover ahead of an exciting finals tilt for the bevy.

The availability of VFL pair Tristan Maple (Footscray) and Thomas Simpson (Werribee) will attract fair degrees of interest given their form at club level. Maple is flying having been named in the best on all five Ballarat appearances this season while Simpson has impressed landing the in the best on four of six occasions.

Speculation aside, there’s enough talent in the ‘certainties’ to play to validate a match up for the ages.

The Swans have as many as five former AFL players and two listed VFL talents while the Burra have a host of ex VFL talent and a trio of additions from highly respected GFL club St Joeys.

All have made their mark at some stage during the season, while there has been defining progress out of both camps with their organic growth.

A word on the scoring front, while Ballarat rank #1 for third and fourth quarters , they rank 8th for first quarters with only Redan and the Lakers below them.

The Burra must start well and get the nervous beginners in the Swans on the back foot early and capitalise on any ‘home ground’ momentum.

Oh, and one more, not so little thing for the Burra to sort out - Biggie!

Tough ask.

Settling on a winner here is essentially a throw at the stumps.

Scoop’s tip: Ballarat

Darley’s own dual Henderson Medallist and inspirational leader Brett Bewley will miss Saturday’s all-important run-home clash with East Point following news of a broken leg sustained before the bye.

The injury occurred during the second quarter of Darley’s Round 11 clash with Redan on June 27.

The dual Premiership captain played through the pain and discomfort to finish with 37 disposals and a crucial hand in the match winning goal.

His return is speculative at this time but the powers that be are eyeing the prospect of finals as ‘hopeful’.

The Devils’ skipper joins in form midfielder Joel Cadman (hamstring) and Billy Myers (finger) on the sidelines.

As a result, the equation ahead for the Devils (3rd) against the eighth placed Kangas just rose into the danger game status if it wasn’t already.

Two glaring stats in favour of Dan Jordan’s backs-to-the-wall army is they’re on a 16-0 winning run at home dating back to the final’s series of 2024 and, East Point have not won at Darley Park since 2014.

This match, despite their separation on the ladder is a flip of the coin encounter given the Kangas only outs are Jesse Cairns (hamstring) and Sam Cue (leg) also noting Jackson Merrett’s departure from the club earlier this season.

Jordan will have been the first to process and plan for a match without Bewley, Myers and Joel Cadman despite the unfortunate rareness of the occasion.

The two-time premiership coach is not one to look in the rear vision mirror to contemplate what lays ahead, rather channel his energies into the ‘what haves’ as the Devils hope for some respite in the form of potential returns via Will Johnson, Jayven Tanner and Harley Inglis.

On the flipside outgoing Kangas’ coach Joe Carmody will arrive full of confidence despite just one win at the venue as a player and coach over his long journey in the BFNL.

The Kangas have lost their last three games but were within touch of all Sunbury, Sebastopol and Melton.

The momentum of the Kangas’ rebuild, while not evident in the win/loss column, and the knowledge of being in their last meet against the Devils up until time on in the last quarter should hold them in good stead.

Mickitja Rotumah-Onus, Liam Canny, Jacob Brown and Joe Dodd have maintained their form and will ask questions of their opposing leader equivalents Luther Baker, Nick Hind, Matthew Brett, Lachie George and Zane Le Huray to stand up.

The wounded Devils have been brave over the last month (3-0), but what say of them now given the current landscape without Brett Bewley, Billy Myers and Joel Cadman?

What was once a mandatory Darley selection has been reduced merely to a postcode decision.

Scoop’s tip: Darley 

Round 12 Football Preview with Scoop

There will be plenty of intrigue for an upset when it comes to the Back in Play Wellness Round this weekend, with the top half of the BFNL Senior Football ladder facing off against the bottom half.

The Devils will look to consolidate their top three credentials when they head across town to meet the Cobras at Maddingley Park.

Dan Jordan’s army have had the wood over their local rivals having won the last eight meetings and 43 of the 58 encounters head-to-head since Darley entered the BFNL in 1997.

Saturday’s local derby will look a shade different on recent meets given the absence of (in particular) Cobra big guns Jake Owen (hamstring) and Wil Lalor (hamstring)and Devils star duo Brett Bewley (leg) and Billy Myers (thumb).

Given the current landscape, the assignment for Dennis Armfield’s quiver looks another tough one to say the least given the Cobras have lost five of their last six games by an average of 59.4 points.

Some consideration for the Cobras it must be said given their tough draw with games against Ballarat (twice), Sebastopol, Melton and North Ballarat.

The task of posting a big enough score in isolation looms the Cobras’ greatest challenge having averaged just 43 points per game in the five losses.

Cobras’ big man Luke Goetz will start a warm favourite in the ruck to provide his ground level midfielders in Tyson Shea and Jamie Fulton first use but denying a match hardened, highly rated ground ball rotation led by Devils’ trio Nick Hind, Lachie George and Luther Baker will ensure the clearance battle is well earned.

The Cobras will welcome the return of up to five players for the hit out, names including Josh Huxtable (Williamstown VFL), James McDaid (Western Jets), Sam Griffiths (suspension), Jack Parente (foot) and Angus Morgan (quad).

Those ins and the much-publicised absence of Bewley and Myers provides a timely confidence boost for a group currently reeling in seventh place after spending a majority of the early season entrenched inside the top six.

The Cobras at their best would challenge the Devils who are not shy on a collective of young stocks either.

When depth is exposed, inconsistency more often follows.

Can the Cobras get under the skin of the Devils and hit the scoreboard early? It will require a buy-in capable of covering the ground, winning their own ball and executing inside 50.

On the flipside the Devils will look to start well, embedding the Cobras’ vulnerabilities over the last six weeks.

A solid start from the visitors could open this game up early given the Cobras rank ninth (3-9) for second quarters with only the Lakers in their tracks.

When we look at the two teams side-by-side, it’s the Devils who hold the class edge to suggest they can overwhelm a young Cobras combination still trying to find their feet at the level.

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Scoop’s tip: Darley

The Bloods (5th) will start warm favourites against the Lions (6th) at MacPherson Park despite just one game and percentage separating the two sides on the BFNL ladder.

Troy Scoble’s group are chasing a third win at home in as many weeks, looking to widen the gap on Sunbury who have struggled to reach the heights of last season despite a standout win over Sebastopol on May 9th (Round 5).

Unfortunately for Matty White’s Pride their five-win season to date has been below par with as many as 42 players having don the jumper over a frustrating 2026.

The reality of the win/loss front tells us Sunbury have beaten only one team above them (Sebastopol) all year and have yet to string together back-to-back wins.

While the Bloods are in a similar boat with just one win over teams above them (Darley), it’s worth noting Scoble’s group has won seven of their last 10 meetings with the Lions including an 83-point demolition job at Clarke Oval 12 weeks ago on Anzac Day.

The fact that Sunbury has not won at MacPherson Park since 2017 confirms the balance of favour with the hosts.

There’s been much speculation and interest around the ‘mid table’ seasons of these two sides as both coaches (like most in the BFNL this year) deal with the fragilities and demands of todays footy.

Injury, work, travel, VFL, weddings, concussion and relocation have all had a say in the weekly shenanigans at both clubs as they strive to recapture the consistency of previous campaigns.

For what it’s worth, the Bloods have proven gettable at home (3-3) and will look vulnerable in areas again on Saturday but I’m not sure Sunbury’s visiting party will pack enough punch to deny Scoble’s ‘Bloodahood’ an all-important seventh win of the season with tough assignments against Ballarat, North Ballarat and Darley to follow.

While Scoble would be the first to concede his boys won’t start favourites in any of those three games moving forward, he will be conscious of the clear and present dangers of the Lions who are likely (again) to be without key trio Jake Sutton (Sydney VFL), Daniel Johnston (Coburg VFL) and Jake Egan (arm) for another week.

There is some positive news on the selection front however with the likely recall of Lions ruckman Joel Muir to senior level and the much-anticipated return of Brock Landt (overseas) and Zach Stevens (arm) via the reserves.

The Bloods welcome back Ryan Carter (work) and Brodie Sullivan (wing).

Scoop’s tip: Melton

The Kangas will need little motivation getting up for this clash when they host the Roosters at Eastern Oval.

Outgoing coach Joe Carmody was the first to concede his young group were “embarrassed” with their Round 3 showing at Mars Stadium despite the infancy into a rebuild.

Kangas’ swingman Jacob Brown missed the 98-point drubbing with a hamstring strain and could do little but watch on from the sidelines, craving for an opportunity to restore the faith.

Brown gets his chance on Saturday but the prospects of turning the tables remain slim.

X-factor Kangas’ forward Jarrod Joyce was injured early in the game and he too will embrace the challenge for atonement.

The Roosters are on the rise and are expected to feature prominently at the business end as coach Clint Proctor continues to build on his ideal of their best 22.

That task alone is not as easy as first thought given the organic growth at the Roosters in the absence of more familiar names with proven talent.

Jamie Quick and Elliott Lamb will return while veteran Simon McCartin is set miss with a quad complaint.

Unfortunately, the Kangas lose Tom Brown (hand) and Alex Molan (hamstring tightness) but welcome back underrated midfielder Jesse Cairns (hamstring).

Expect the Roosters to be challenged early, getting the game on their own terms given the Kangas proud combination at the source.

However, if the Kangas midfield are off their tucker in any way, the Roosters will pounce and cause havoc on the spread with their trademark compliance and work rate.

Naming just some of the Roosters’ firepower would be an injustice to the rest given the load has been relatively shared over their nine-win season.

North Ballarat should win this game and win well, staking their claim as a top three candidate.

The Kangas rank no higher than eighth for win/loss in any quarter and could be found wanting late if the Roosters can get their running game going.

It’s been a challenging period for the competitive Kangas over recent weeks having lost their last three games and Saturday’s task while at home doesn’t look any easier.

Scoop’s tip: North Ballarat

Expect Redan to provide enough resistance to elevate this meeting into an old school ‘danger game’ for ladder leaders Sebastopol.

The cliche will come as no surprise to the Burra hierarchy given the evidence on display from the Lions over recent weeks that has included wins over Melton, Sunbury and within a goal of reigning premiers Darley.

Sure, the Lions were smashed off the park back in Round 3 but they were missing some handy stock.

Lachlan Bond, Brodie Pope, Zac Mortlock, Jake Connolly, Will Madden and Jacob Werts are just some of the names to miss - all have featured prominently in the recent rise of Redan.

Key tall Taj Bond is also expected to make his belated return since he sustained a broken foot in the Interleague game against the Hampden League.

I’m not suggesting Redan will win this game by any stretch, just reiterating their more fancied rivals will be made to work harder for it while their leader Tony Lockyer for one, is sidelined for another week.

Jeff Buckley and Gedd Hommelhoff will face fitness tests to earn the green light.

There’s plenty to like about what’s going on at the Burra.

Just the ways they have managed to finish off games in a flurry has been impressive.

In fact, Sebastopol rank #1 not only on the BFNL table but also for last quarters in isolation (W10 L2).

Memo for Redan coach Marc Greig who has a W2 L10 record for last quarters - beware the Burra blitz!

Sebastopol are flying and have played the least number of players (33) of any club this season, which is a testament to their health, preparation and token ounce of luck.

Team balance is an enviable force at the Burra with seemingly the right mix of talls, smalls, bigger bodies, experience, youth and talent to beat any side on their day.

While it comes as no surprise I’m leaning firmly with the Burra camp involving anything around a tip, but you can take it to the bank rival clubs will be hoping Redan can find a way causing one of the upsets of the season.

Scoop’s tip: Sebastopol

The Lakers play host to Ballarat under newly appointed interim coach Jake Lohmann.

The former Werribee VFL listed talent and Lakers junior would take the 19 shots on goal they had at their first meet in a heartbeat but given the exponential growth of the Swans, a repeat scenario appears unlikely.

Ash Baker’s bevy are rebounding off a 31-point loss to Sebastopol and will look to work on a few things reserved for the inner sanctum.

Unfortunately for Lohmann, his debut at the helm is leaning every bit toward a baptism of fire over a celebration in song despite little or no expectations.

Mini wins will be the order of the day for Lohmann, a fresh voice to varying degrees on a group that’s been bereft of any continuity having as many as 43 players used in the first 12 rounds.

Expect the Swans to bounce, the tall timber, especially on a predicted fine day, that should play into their hands as the hosts struggle for any bona fide (aerial) match ups.

With fine weather predicted I fear for the Lakers inabilities to trouble the Swans who boast an ominous spread, as good as any in the competition.

Of those mini wins suggested for Lohmann, keeping the Swans Biggie Nyuon under eight goals would just about warrant a tick given the Lakers have lost their last 30 games on the trot.

For the record, Biggie is Europe bound in the coming days for a whirlwind holiday that will see the current Tony Lockett Medal leader miss up to three matches in the run home to finals.

Scoop’s tip: Ballarat

Round 14 Football Preview with Scoop

Seasons may well be defined when our senior football teams run out on Saturday for the Round 14 action with vital ladder positions on offer.

The Cobras will sweat on the availability of four crucial players if there to be a chance toppling a revived Sunbury at Clarke Oval on Saturday.

Captain Jack Parente (foot) is a 50/50 chance while Josh Huxtable, Zach Dalli and James McDaid await VFL and Coates League call ups.

Sunbury are in a similar boat with the potential inclusion of VFL talent Harry Minton-Connell back from a hamstring strain and the highly anticipated return of cornerstone mid Jake Egan (arm).

Despite the likely boost for the hosts, forward VFL listed pair Jake Sutton and Daniel Johnston will be unavailable. However, Joel Muir and Nathan Wood look set for a return from muscle soreness after missing the Lions’ nine-point win over Melton last week.

There’s plenty at stake in the BFNL’s Match of the Round in the ‘East’ given the sixth placed Lions sit just one game and 14% ahead of the Cobras in seventh.

When you compare the run home of the two sides a lot will be riding on Saturday’s result.

There’s no let up for Matty White’s Pride with Bacchus Marsh (H), Sebastopol (A), North Ballarat (H), East Point (A) and Ballarat (H) to negotiate before any theorising of the ‘f’ word.

White would love a two game and percentage buffer over the Cobras given their run home looks considerably easier on paper with meetings against Sunbury (A), Redan (A), East Point (H), Sebastopol (H) and Lake Wendouree (A).

Let’s not discount Melton either and their vulnerabilities in fifth, level on six wins with Sunbury. The undermanned Bloods won’t be taking anything for granted either with the toughest run home of any with Ballarat (A), North Ballarat (H), Darley (A), Redan (H) and Sebastopol (A) still to come.

Sunbury will be hard to beat at Clarke Oval as per the norm but the Cobras, despite the absence of Jake Owen and Wil Lalor (season), should be strengthened on the back of a tough six week period that has included match ups against the current top five teams in the BFNL.

Dennis Armfield’s quiver should hold no fears for the Lions given the success at their last meet that included the likes of Sutton, Egan and Johnston.

And strangely, I think the bigger ground at Clarke Oval will suit the Cobras’ game style better than Maddingley Park.

The Cobras should thrive in the wide-open spaces at Sunbury with enough leg speed on the outside to match the Lions run and carry between the arcs.

The obvious concern for the Cobras is their connection forward, and finding their way around inform intercept defender Tyson Lever.

A defensive, forward match up to minimise the rebound of the Lions’ captain would not be the dumbest idea for the Armfield camp to consider given their vulnerabilities without Owen and mounting evidence of wasted entries and opportunities over recent weeks.

We will know a lot more about these two sides come 5pm Saturday and what it means to be in the mix for a finals berth.

Let’s hope the match is not decided on (missing) personnel alone and both clubs get their way at selection.

Weighing up a tip at the time of preview, there were too many unknown variables at the Cobras to be opting against the Lions at home.

Scoop’s tip: Sunbury

The Swans (2nd - 10-3) enter the home straight towards finals one game shy of ladder leaders Sebastopol when they host Melton (5th - 6-7) at Alfredton Oval.

Despite a flawless run for Ash Baker’s bevy (8-0) against teams outside the top four, Melton have proven more than capable on their day.

In fact, the 2024 premiers under Troy Scoble will welcome the absence of Biggie Nyuon (overseas), Luke Dunstan (hamstring), Andrew Hooper (calf), Lewis Rinaldi (general soreness), Tristan Maple (Footscray VFL) and Thomas Simpson (Werribee VFL - rested despite having the bye). Meanwhile, Riley Constable, Wyatt Squires and Rhys Perry are on track for a return over the coming weeks.

Fortunately for the Swans sake at least they’re blessed with enviable depth that will see the return of Alex Keath, Bailey Fraser, Sam Batistella, Tyson Richard and Tom Mooney to fill the void.

Given the notable outs at the Swans, you would think the pendulum would swing some degrees towards the Bloods camp, but they can’t take a trick themselves.

Core premiership names Harry Handley, Adrian Monitto, Ryan Carter, Jordy Kight, Max Scoble, Oscar Greenshields, Billy Crofts (Footscray VFL) are all sidelined, while Lachie Watkins is done for the year, reducing the likelihood of success on the road this week to very slim.

Highway trips on the whole haven’t been kind to the Bloods’ campaign in 2026 with losses to North Ballarat, Redan and East Point with just the one success in the ‘west’ (Lake Wendouree) to speak of in the Bloods four visits to date.

A couple of positives Scoble can take into Saturday is knowing the Swans have named arguably their most depleted line up of the season and the fact the Bloods are the number one ranked team in the competition for first quarters (9-3-1) and may surprise the Swans (7-6) who remain a work in progress in the starting space, ranked fifth.

Don’t get too excited Bloods fans, thereafter, is when the bevy really hit their straps, ranked second for second (Melton #3) and fourth quarters (Melton #5) and lead the competition (10-3) on percentage in the third (Melton #6).

Count on a genuine challenge from the Bloods in the opening half before the Swans (weather permitting) get their chance to exploit on the outside - it’s what they do so well compliant to their trusted system under Ash Baker.

Sure, there’s no Biggie among a host of the missing bevy, but their depth and team ethos alone, suggests the collective will pick up the slack, enough to record an all-important 11th win of the season.

Ballarat’s home record is compelling with five wins from six games by an average winning margin of 49 points.

Scoop’s tip: Ballarat

The Roosters look to extend their winning run at home to six when they host the improving Lions at Mars Stadium.

Coach Clint Proctor would be extremely proud of where his Roosters are at (4th - 10-3) having endured a difficult run on the injury and availability front.

Wins over Darley and Sebastopol with their backs to the wall have been season defining, keeping the door ajar for an all-important top three finish.

The Roosters’ run home is challenging with three trips to the ‘East’ despite only one meeting with top four opposition (Darley).

Redan (H), Melton (A), Sunbury (A), Lake Wendouree (H), Darley (A) is a solid build to finals for Proctor’s progressive group.

The former Box Hill mentor in his second year at the helm will welcome a rare, quiet night at the selection table this week with Rebels talent Michael Hughes (rested) the only likely change.

Oliver Potter is one player knocking on the door as a potential replacement with his recent bout of form.

Redan lose experienced pair Jordy Grant (broken leg) and Nic Barker (leg) for the clash just as the Lions were beginning to resemble the best version of their 22 under Marc Greig.

It’s not easy to put a finger on where Redan are at given their four-win season and encouraging recent efforts to be within a goal of Darley and eight points of Sebastopol.

They’re either one or two A-graders shy or another 12 months of development away taking the next step. To be safe, I’ll lean to a combination of the two.

Expect the Lions to be competitive again, that’s what they do, but doing enough to close out a game against top four opposition remains their greatest challenge.

The dangerous thing about the Roosters, home record aside, is they can play below their best and still find a way to win.

I guess that’s what the really good sides can do.

Redan could be missing up to five players from last week’s loss to Sebastopol come the start of play will be hopeful the Roosters are ‘off their tucker’.

Unfortunately for Greigy’s Pride, the Roosters form suggests that will be unlikely with five wins from their last six games and last five at Mars Stadium dating back to their season opener against Ballarat.

For the record Redan’s run home reads North Ballarat (A), Bacchus Matsh (H), Ballarat (A), Melton (A), East Point (H).

Scoop’s tip: North Ballarat

Ladder leaders Sebastopol will start warm favourites to end Darley’s unbeaten run of 17 wins at home dating back to the 2024 semi finals.

A healthier list for starters is one major factor and the Burra’s superior 5-1 record against top five opposition (Darley 1-3) is another, to swing the weight of expectation in favour of the visitors.

Experienced leader Tony Lockyer returns for the Burra, while leading forward Joel Edwards (managed), in-form veteran Luke Kiel (managed), Jack Buckley (managed) and key defender Luke Phillips will miss.

Unfortunately, the Devils remain ‘grounded’ in the absence of Brett Bewley, Billy Myers, Joel Cadman, Adam Azzopardi and four-time premiership small forward Harley Inglis.

Try telling that to Devil’s coach Dan Jordan! The two-time premiership mentor will have wasted little or no time validating any external noise, rather hatching a plan with his ‘what haves’ to win surely his most satisfying of the season so far.

While the result is not the be all and all for the Devils, any thoughts of a top spot finish, in the event of loss, will be written off.

Given the four game and percentage advantage over Melton (fifth), the top four, which is as good as locked in, are jostling for an all-important top three finish.

Sebastopol, Ballarat and North Ballarat have already played each other twice adding pressure on the Devils to maintain their recent winning form with arguably the toughest run home - Sebastopol (H), Lake Wendouree (A), Melton (H), Ballarat (A) and North Ballarat (H)

Expect the old cliche, “one week at a time” to be rolled out for the conclusion of the home and away season by all teams as they fight to achieve their own goals.

Burra’s coach Tony Lockyer will be chomping at the bit ahead of Saturday and not taking anything for granted.

The x-factor utility has openly been on the record recognising the dangers of the Devils and will have done his due diligence ahead of one of the toughest trips on the BFNL calendar.

Devils’ stand-in captain Luther Baker, Nick Hind, Will Johnson, Matty Brett and Lachie George will lead the charge for home fans ensuring Lockyer’s 11-2 record is challenged, setting the scene for a potential upset.

However, I expect the weight of experience and proven depth at the Burra to be enough on this occasion to worry an undermanned version of the Devils out of it in a tight one.

Scoop’s tip: Sebastopol

The Lakers timing to catch East Point on the hop couldn’t be worse given the midweek departure of Kangas’ coach Joe Carmody (personal reasons).

Expect the troop to deliver their former mentor a win worthy of elevation into the ‘comfortable’ basket in front of home fans at Eastern Oval.

As recent as last week we witnessed first-hand what impact the exit of a popular figure, namely Rohan Brown (Lakers) can have on a group.

Interim coach Jake Lohmann took over the reins from Brown, extracting as much character and effort he could muster against flag contenders Ballarat and held their own with dignity despite a 31st consecutive loss.

Guarantee in the Kangas case this week, led by a loyal band of assistant coaches for the interim, the playing group’s intent, effort and want to exceed internal KPIs will see a spike, validated by the numbers in the aftermath.

Kangas’ leaders Liam Canny, Jacob Brown, Mickitja Rotumah-Onus and Joe Dodd will ensure the slack is taken up and embraced by the next gen talent who have progressed under the tutelage of Carmody.

Jack Jeffrey, Liam Howard, Joe Fraser and Jessie Cairns have also stood the task at the Kangas, through the highs of recent finals series to the realities of a three win rebuild.

While the Kangas were always heavily favoured to end their five-game run of outs on Saturday, look for a four-quarter buy-in against a vulnerable Lakers outfit second up off an emotional investment of their own.

Should be an entertaining clash despite the forecast of a typical Winter’s day in Ballarat.

If difficult conditions happen to play a role minimising any predicted separation on the scoreboard, it will account for very little when you hear the jubilant Kangas celebrate in song.

Scoop’s tip: East Point

Round 15 Football Preview with Scoop

The 2026 home & away season enters its final month with the next four weeks set to determine the fate of our clubs and their premiership hopes.

East Point will embrace a ‘throw at the stumps’ chance upstaging warm favourites Ballarat in Jacob Brown’s 100th game at Eastern Oval.

The second placed Swans will (again) be without a host of frontline stars (up to nine) but should prove the testing material on depth alone.

The inclusion of Kangas’ mid Joe Dodd will only complement Brown’s milestone occasion asking questions of Ash Baker’s bevy to maintain the rage that has led them to an impressive 11-3 record over the home and away season.

The Swans will be forced to play the waiting game on the availability of VFL listed pair Tristan Maple (Footscray) and Thomas Simpson (Werribee) despite a host of remaining outs, none more so than leading goalkicker Biggie Nyoun (overseas).

The imposing reality of this game leans heavily in the Swans’ favour who lead the competition for second, third and fourth quarters.

An even start with a top three position to play for is the only motivation Baker’s bevy needs to move forward, with an eye toward greater things.

The Swans ceiling is yet to be realised but beware the milestone game of club favourite JB in front of home fans.

Scoop’s tip: Ballarat

While the Bloods hold the box seat for a top six finish, they will sweat on the medical clearance of two premiership players Adrian Monitto and Jordy Kight when they host North Ballarat in the BFNL’s Match of the Round in the ‘east’.

Unfortunately, Ryan Carter (soreness) and Oscar Greenshields (season) will miss.

Troy Scoble’s 2024 premiers have, like many, struggled for any desired continuity to stake a legitimate claim for a top three spot despite what the numbers suggest.

The Bloods rank one for first quarters, and no worse than fifth for the remaining three suggesting their best is good enough to match it with third placed North Ballarat at MacPherson Park.

The Roosters aren’t out of the woods yet despite their (virtual) season long injury and availability troubles after Isaac Lovisson succumbed to a hamstring injury.

Reggie Palmer returns off a long layoff dating back to Round 5 which will be a morale boost for the visitors.

A win for the Bloods against the odds will keep the Cobras (7th) at arm’s length, a minimum game and percentage away depending on how Dennis Armfield’s quiver negotiate their highway trip to City Oval (Redan).

Counting on the Bloods to start well but the Roosters to stalk, with faith in their system to reel in the hosts, not dissimilar to the nature of their win against Redan last week.

Somehow, Proctor’s Roosters seem to do enough while the Bloods, find a way to fall agonisingly short when it matters most.

Scoop’s tip: North Ballarat

Bacchus Marsh key forward Jake Owen is an outside chance to take his place in a must win game for the club against Redan at City Oval.

While unlikely, the narrative surrounding Owen bears compelling relevance around the Cobras’ chances.

Redan veteran Grant Bell is a chance to play his 200th game pending a fitness test while reliable defender Nick Barker is a lock to return.

Forget the one-sided affair at their first meet, the Lions have come a long way since then, despite their ninth position on the BFNL ladder.

The Cobras have been competitive over recent weeks despite a tough draw without key pillars Owen and Wil Lalor (season).

Looking forward to the midfield battle, with Lions’ duo Rory Gunsser (Geelong VFL pending), Jake Connolly (Rebels pending) and Brodie Pope head-to-head against Josh Huxtable (Williamstown VFL pending), Jamie Fulton and Tyson Shea.

Should be an entertaining game that has the potential of going down to the wire, but plenty will need to go right for the visitors ahead of the ball for the Cobras to post a big enough score overcoming a Lions outfit on the rise.

Postcode tip, with a bit more to play out at selection..

Scoop’s tip: Redan

Reigning Henderson Medallist Jake Egan is a 90% chance of a return this week for Sunbury’s trip to Sebastopol.

The star midfielder has not played since Round 11 after suffering a fracture in his arm. The medics at his aligned VFL club, Essendon, will determine his availability.

Unfortunately, the Lions will be without key forwards Jake Sutton (Sydney VFL) and Daniel Johnston (Coburg VFL).

On spec alone, it’s hard to see Sunbury kicking a big enough score to trouble the ladder leaders without their two spearheads, despite winning their previous meet in Round 5.

Sure, the Lions held the Burra to just seven goals, but no team has been able to do so since.

Sebastopol (excluding their Lake Wendouree game) average 90 points per game, while Sunbury (excluding Lake Wendouree), sit at just just 66 ppg.

Yes, Sunbury have had their troubles with injury and continuity that hasn’t helped their numbers, but overcoming the Burra on the road is one of the toughest gigs going around at the moment.

Tony Lockyer’s men remain unbeaten at home this year in six matches, averaging a whopping 107.5 ppg and winning margin of 50.

Compelling numbers for Lions’ coach Matty White to contemplate despite arriving with back-to-back wins under their belts for the first time this year.

Looking forward to the midfield battle in particular, and how the Lions go about denying a deep Burra’s rotation capable of hitting the scoreboard.

In fact, the Burra engine room combined for 13/15 goals last week in their handling of Darley to the tune of 22 points.

The Sunbury defence is starting to resemble the back six of last year’s grand final side in health and connection but I’m not sure they will be able to restrict the Burra’s tsunami midfield and dangerous forwards.

Luke Kiel remains unlikely while Jack Buckley will be given to Thursday night to stake his claim.

Key forward Joel Edwards (concussion) will miss another week.

Expect the Lions to be competitive, they’re more than capable, but Saturday’s clash is looming more a square up opportunity for the ruthless Burra.

Scoop’s tip: Sebastopol

Given the challenges of the month ahead for Devils’ coach Dan Jordan, expect the dual premiership coach to arrive chasing as many ‘mini wins’ as Lake Wendouree interim coach Jake Lohmann when fourth meets tenth at CE Brown Reserve.

With essentially four sides vying for an all-important top three finish, it’s the reigning premiers who need to lift despite winning five of their last six games.

The Devils sit one game and percentage behind Ballarat (2nd) and North Ballarat (3rd) while ladder leaders Sebastopol look most likely to fill one of those key spots even this far out.

Darley have the Lakers (A), Melton (H), Ballarat (A) and North Ballarat (H) to come and will need to win all four to guarantee the desired finish.

Mini wins for Jordan, given the result looms inevitable, maybe more akin to a wish list - get through unscathed, win each quarter, earn the necessary percentage boost and mirror image a top four side on the rise looking to peak at the right time.

Big guns Brett Bewley (leg) and Billy Myers (thumb) are a chance to return on managed minutes but must tick a few boxes before getting the all clear.

For Lohmann’s brigade, effort will be the one non-negotiable on the former Werribee VFL talent’s white board, while a winning quarter against top four opposition would be a bonus.

Improving on their equal lowest score of the season registered last week (3.6) against East Point will also qualify for a response as the perennial underdogs aim to usurp their average return of 44 points per game.

Good to see season recruits Corey Rich, Lewis Antonac and Alfred Jarnestrom fighting it out each week against the odds, and the growth of midfielder Will Clark.

While the hosts welcomed back Will Fordham last week who had been sidelined with injury since Round 9, the task at hand against the 10-4 Devils won’t be any easier.

Scoop’s tip: Darley

Round 16 Football Preview with 'Scoop'

The race for finals positions will become much clearer by 5pm on Saturday, with a series of crucial clashes set to shape the BFNL ladder in Round 16.

The Cobras will aim to keep their finals hopes alive when they host the Kangas at Maddingley Park.

It feels like such a longtime ago when the two sides last met in Good Friday’s standalone fixture at Eastern Oval.

The Cobras were simply superb that day, resembling every bit of a final’s contender moving forward.

If coach Dennis Armfield can orchestrate any copy/paste version from his players, the Kangas, it’s fair to say, are in trouble.

Unfortunately for the visitors Joe Dodd (dislocated knee), and Thomas Brown (broken wrist) will miss for while Joseph McGuane (cork) is also in doubt for the Kangas’ belated finals tilt.

Yes, a win for the Kangas will keep their slim finals chances alive. A loss however, while not the end of the world, will shut the door on any aspirations post the home and away season ending on August 22nd.

Plenty will need to go right for the travelling Kangas under stand-in coach Tommy Molan who arrives with back-to-back wins since taking over the reins. The reality is, the Kangas have just the one win away from home all season (Lakers).

The Cobras are 4-0 against teams currently below them and have trump card Jake Owen back and firing after a lengthy lay off with a hamstring tear. The key forward played a starring role last week with a five goals return.

Armfield’s quiver rank higher in all quarters in isolation bar the second. The Kangas are ninth for first and third terms, and marginally better for quarters two and four, ranking eighth.

While there is mutual frustrations on the injury front, I expect the Cobras to rise to the challenge of their most important game of the season to date in front of home fans - a pulse in the finals race depends on it.

And who would’ve thought the Cobras will be cheering home crosstown rivals Darley to help their cause.

The best scenario for Bacchus Marsh is if they and the Devils win. The Cobras would move into the top six, a game clear of the Bloods, with two rounds to play.

Plenty going on, keep your BFNL match centre close with update scores across the competition available at your fingertips.

Scoop’s tip: Bacchus Marsh

Buckle up for a highly anticipated showdown between two archrivals when the Devils host The Bloods at Darley Park.

Underestimate the importance of this game at your peril as the outcome looms (potentially) season defining.

The Devils are staking a claim for an all-important top three finish while the Bloods cling to sixth with the Cobras, and the Kangas to lesser degrees, on their hammer.

There is no room for complacency for either side with a tough run home on the horizon.

Saturday will provide the answers to so many questions surrounding the BFNL Match of the Round in the ‘East’ (LIVE action and FULL commentary from 2pm via bfnl.com.au).

Can the Devils overcome their bogie side Melton who have won five of their last six meets?

Will the Bloods get the green light to include Billy Crofts (Footscray VFL) and key forward Ryan Carter?

How much improvement can we expect from Devils star duo Brett Bewley and Billy Myers second up off significant injuries?

Can the Bloods end their current three game losing streak to keep their season alive? - note the Devils are 17-1 at home since the 2024 semifinals!

Who will get the job on Bloods’ x-factor forward Braedan Kight who has multiple goal returns from his last nine games?

Can Devils danger man Will Johnson get an afternoon on his own terms or will it be the brilliance of speedster Nick Hind who proves difference?

The Bloods’ proven defence will have a say in that.

While there is a host of intrigue simmering in the lead-up, we’re more often drawn to one battle having the greatest impact - the midfield.

Can the honest two-way running ability, pressure and speed of the Bloods upstage the star power of the Devils when it matters most?

The Saturday afternoon stage at Darley Park is all set for an enthralling reveal, as fans are left with little choice than to speculate the ifs, what’s and maybes.

One notion we can trust however, is both sides are all-in.

Don’t miss any of the on-field action or the strategy unfolding off it as premiership coaches Dan Jordan (2023, 2025) and Troy Scoble (2024) seek consolidation as an exciting new dawn awaits the winner.

Scoop’s tip: Darley

Lions’ coach Matty White will be sweating on the availability of his VFL affiliated quartet to give his Pride every chance of turning the tables on the Roosters from their previous meet when they go head-to-head at Clarke Oval.

Jake Egan (Essendon VFL), Jake Sutton (Sydney VFL - highly unlikely) and Coburg listed pair Daniel Johnston (highly unlikely) and Jordyn Gillard hold the keys bettering the Lions’ chances against a North Ballarat outfit on a five-game winning streak.

The Roosters are expected to have an unchanged line-up from the 22 disciplined soldiers who (virtually) strangled the Bloods last week enroute to a hard fought, yet comfortable 17-point win.

This matchup has the potential going down to the wire on recent form, but can the Lions withstand the relentless pressure of the Roosters and deliver the goods - not only physically but on the scoreboard?

Tough ask, considering Clint Proctor’s group are the number one ranked team defence in the competition for average points conceded per game.

Sunbury have hit their straps, unbeaten in their last three games including a win over ladder leaders Sebastopol last week in a three-point thriller at Marty Busch Reserve.

Yes, Egan was superhuman with his match winning, seven goal haul (eight behinds) but any expectations for a repeat performance, if indeed available, is reserved for the ambitious.

The big ground should favour the Lions, a chance to breathe and make better decisions against an elite pressure pack who love to outnumber at the source.

Recent history at the venue supports the possibility of the Lions causing another upset considering the Roosters have not won at the Clarke Oval since 2021.

Proctors’ inaugural visit last year ended in a 48-point loss. Egan (3 goals), Sutton (2) and Johnston (2) combined for half of the Lions’ score, aiding the separation.

For the record, just 12 Roosters from last year’s defeat will take their place - Sunbury, up to 17.

Season 2026 has proven every team is gettable - this clash could be another reminder of the Roosters mortality on foreign soil.

Rolling with an upset in this one, with Sunbury to execute well enough, and for long enough at home, to edge out the more fancied Roosters in a relatively low scoring affair.

Scoop’s tip: Sunbury

You have to have some empathy for the Lakers ahead of Saturday as they prepare for an away trip against the Burra who will be keen to bounce back from a narrow loss to Sunbury.

The upset defeat saw Sebastopol joined at the top of the table, percentage ahead of North Ballarat, an area Burra’s coach Tony Lockyer will be looking for a major boost this week.

Sebastopol key forward Joel Edwards and half back Jack Buckley (not seen since Round 11) will return while Luke Kiel will miss for a third straight week.

Just how the Lakers go about denying the Burra a score north of 150 (weather permitting) will be a challenge for interim coach Jake Lohmann.

Expect Will Clark, Corey Rich, Lewis Antonac and Alfred Jarnestrom to provide much of the resistance for the visitors alongside the recent form of Archie Todd and promoted youngster Aiden Wiltsher who booted four goals against the Devils last week.

Unfortunately, injuries have crippled the Lakers’ chances breaking their winning drought that sits at 33 games. Their average losing margin this year after 15 games is 87.8 points, up one goal on last year (81.7).

Lohmann will challenge his boys in the areas they can control, in particular effort. If the Lakers can deliver that until they have nothing more to give, the coach will sleep well.

It’s been difficult for any team containing the Burra this season, their ability to extract scores from a dangerous midfield has played a major role in their renaissance.

Again, Toby Hutt (16 goals), Jack Bambury (18), Felix Henderson (13), Lachlan Cassidy (8 from 10 games) will challenge the two-way running ability of the Lakers and will endeavour to hit the scoreboard.

Of the Burra’s five wins from six games at home their average winning margin hovers around 50 points on average. Expect that average to be extended come 5pm Saturday night.

In reality, the Lakers will eye winning a quarter and bettering their season average score of 44.

Scoop’s tip: Sebastopol

Expect the Swans to rebound quickly off a surprise loss for many against East Point last week by taking care of Redan at Alfredton Oval.

There’s simply too much at stake for the bevy as they eye a return inside the top three.

Unfortunately, four doesn’t go into three meaning one of the Swans, Sebastopol, North Ballarat or Darley miss out. And who wants to be playing a Sunbury outfit on the rise in a potential fourth v fifth elimination final?

Swans’ coach Ash Baker will have to play the waiting game learning the availability of VFL pair Tristan Maple (Footscray) and Thomas Simpson (Werribee).

Some good news however given the absence of up to nine frontliners last week, the Swans welcome back Luke Dunstan, Lewis Rinaldi and Tom Mooney.

Redan’s slim finals aspirations were put to bed last week, sent packing by the Cobras at City Oval.

Saturday’s assignment won’t be any easier.

Unfortunately core trio Nick Barker, Oliver Pittard and Lachie McLean have been ruled out already for the Swans clash raising the degrees of difficulty.

Clearly the Lions struggled without their two key midfielders Rory Gunsser (Geelong VFL) and Jake Connolly (Rebels) and it’s unlikely they will be released.

Gun Swans Fraser Perkins and Brad Crouch can prepare for a potential day out if the bevy can get their running game going.

Underrated recruit Patrick Graham will go head-to-head with Lions duo Taj Bond and Will Madden in and enthralling contest in the ruck.

Centre clearance and stoppage numbers make for a compelling read in the aftermath - whether it validates the result we shall wait and see.

Speaking of wait and see - looking forward to Biggie returning from his European vacation and assuming his role forward as the once tear way leader in the Tony Lockett Medal race.

Given the absence of experienced x-factor forward Andrew Hooper (inj), the value of Biggie to Baker’s outgoing flag mission is rated among the top few for any club eyeing the prize.

Given the predominate age profile of Redan, they will hold no fear of the Swans, rather embrace the challenge of another opportunity to grow.

Winning for the Lions is not paramount on Saturday - nor expected.

However, we’ve seen what momentum can do in games, it can turn a game quickly.

If Marc Greig’s Pride can start well against the nervous starting Swans who knows, maybe another upset on the cards?

The learnings from last week will prove enough for the compliant Swans to correct back on track, reinstating their reputation as genuine, well fancied flag contenders.

Scoop’s tip: Ballarat

Round 17 Football Preview with Scoop

Double chances and last-ditch efforts to make finals are on the line this weekend as our senior football teams prepare for Round 17.

Bacchus Marsh needs little motivation getting up for this home clash against ladder leaders Sebastopol.

Dennis Armfield’s quiver are well and truly in the race for a finals berth but will start long odds causing one of the upsets of the season.

So, with little external expectations on the Cobras and percentage of little or no consequence why not throw everything at the Burra.

Armfield will expect effort, that’s a non-negotiable and with the potential inclusions of Josh Huxtable and Zach Dali that should help them to at least match with the Burra for periods between the arcs.

Jake Owen and Joel Freeman will provide the aerial presence forward, enough to worry Tony Lockyer’s defence in a solid hit out for the visitors ahead of a deep finals campaign.

The ruck duel between Luke Goetz and Toby Hutt will be worth the entry ticket alone as first use out of the middle is likely to play a role reflective on the scoreboard.

Lockyer won’t be taking this game lightly nor will Armfield be treating this as a ‘throw at the stumps’.

An upset win for the Cobras would see them firm into narrow favourites qualifying for finals given Melton have the Burra in Round 18 and Lockyer will not want to head into the post season having lost three of their last four games.

The Cobras are a long shot but will test the waters of the Burra to use the penultimate round of the season to assert their reign of dominance that has equated to just three losses.

The Burra should win comfortably but not without a fight from the never-say-die Cobras.

Scoop’s tip: Sebastopol

The oh-so-close giant killers Redan head to MacPherson Park to attempt a 2-0 clean sweep over Melton in 2026.

Near misses have been the theme of the Lions over the last two months and will challenge the Bloods to reproduce their best after their ‘season alive’ morale boosting win over Darley.

Troy Scoble’s group will have their fingers crossed on the availability of Billy Crofts (Footscray VFL) and Ryan Carter (work) ahead of the clash and could well include Harry Hanley and Max Scoble given the stakes despite the pair having just returned from overseas.

A loss for the Bloods would put their finals intentions in jeopardy as Bacchus Marsh endeavour to pinch a late spot in the six.

Scoble won’t be taking anything for granted given the Lions are likely to recall Harry Lawson, Will Madden and Nick Barker for the road assignment.

Plenty to play out here, both sides will be confident however there is sure to be an under belly of nervousness in the Bloods camp given a loss may well prove their undoing and a premature exit from the 2026 premiership race.

Scoop’s tip: Melton

Interim Lake Wendouree coach Jake Lohmann gets his first crack in a dual role as he prepares for his long-awaited playing return against North Ballarat at Mars Stadium.

While expectations on the Lakers are low, it’s one piece of good news they can look forward to in an otherwise challenging season.

Roosters’ coach Clint Proctor will use Saturday as an opportunity to fine tune ahead of a Round 18 rematch with Darley.

It was Round 18 last year that saw the Roosters all-in against the Devils aiming to pinch a finals berth in arguably the game of the year as a host of VFL affiliated talent took their place.

Fortunately for the Roosters having already qualified, the landscape has changed.

X-factor forward Jamie Quick and utility Tom Bromley-Lynch (both managed) will miss the clash but the Roosters welcome the return of ruckman Dave Brinker-Ritchie (North Melbourne VFL) for just his sixth game of the season having missed a bulk of the season with injury and VFL selection.

Isaac Lovisson and Simon McCartin have timed their return from injury (while not planned) to perfection and are also in the mix for a call up.

It’s hard seeing the Lakers surpassing their season average of 43 points despite the inclusion of Lohmann (ex-Werribee VFL) as the likes of he, Alfred Jarnestrom (40 disposals last week), Corey Rich and co providing much of the resistance.

It’s all about getting through unscathed for North Ballarat on Saturday as they prepare for a finals tilt with the tag of arguably the best team defence in the competition pinned to their chest.

For the record - the Roosters have conceded a miserly 45 points on average from their last six home games.

Scoop’s tip: North Ballarat

LIVE stream and FULL commentary from 2.15pm via BFNL.com.au

Star forward Biggie Nyuon returns for Ballarat when they host Darley at Alfredton Oval this Saturday.

The stakes are high as both clubs eye an all-important top three finish.

The Devils are essentially ‘all-in’ on the road with the likely inclusions of Joel Cadman, Adam Azzopardi and Mitch Gardiner who all missed last week’s fade out loss to Melton.

Darley are running out of chances consolidating a top three spot with two must win games ahead.

Unfortunately, the Swans will be without Andrew Hooper, Luke Gray, Riley Constable, Wyatt Squires while the availability of VFL pair Tristan Maple and Thomas Simpson is unlikely given their recent form at the higher level.

Some positive news for the Swan’s camp, Biggie’s return aside, is Rhys Perry, who will be considered for a recall after a lengthy lay off with injury.

Darley will embrace the hunters tag having been the hunted for so long, asking questions of the Swans to resemble something close to their best to earn the points and a prized spot in the top three.

Scoop’s tip: Darley

Despite the reality of this match being considered a dead rubber in the context of their respective seasons, good luck convincing either camp!

The Kangas will want to claim another scalp on the way out under stand-in coach Tommy Molan, further validating their rebuild while Sunbury remain a work in progress, peaking at the right time!

The ‘reality’ refers to the fact the Kangas cannot play finals while the Lions can only miss if they drop both games (East Point, Ballarat) and Melton and Bacchus Marsh win their last two.

You would think Murphy’s law is all that stands in the way of Matty White’s Pride missing out!

The Lions should get the job done if they’re going to be any threat come finals even without their number one ‘striker’ Jake Sutton, who returns to Sydney VFL duties.

The Kangas lose Alex Molan to another hamstring complaint, a chronic issue for the skilful talent in isolation.

Let’s hope the condition of Eastern Oval is susceptible to a free running, high scoring affair that these two have enjoyed over previous seasons at the venue,

Looking forward to the midfield battle, as the more experienced combatants go about their afternoon territory battle.

Curious to find out the main avenue to goal given Sutton booted four of their seven last week at home.

While Jarrod Joyce looms the likely threat forward for the hosts they do have some alternatives in the names of Jack Jeffrey, Jacob Brown and potentially Sam Lucas who had been swung forward on occasions despite being recruited as a defender.

Expect Sunbury to struggle at times throughout the match given the Kangas liking to play their best footy at home but Matty White will do enough with the messaging and the magnets to drag his boys over the line.

Scoop’s tip: Sunbury

Round 18 Football Preview with Scoop

Although the top 6 is already sorted there is still plenty to play out with the finals standings yet to be determined ahead of the September action. 

The Devils host the Roosters in a perfectly timed hitout ahead of arguably the most even BFNL finals series on recent record.

Dead Rubber? Nah, not for these two coaches who will embrace every last minute to be cherry ripe for their respective final’s campaigns.

The cat and mouse decision to rest players on the err of caution hasn’t been in the forefront of mind for these two, rather another opportunity to build connection and continuity with ‘games-in’ given their injury troubles.

While some teams would prefer an easier lead up into the post season, coaches Dan Jordan and Clint Proctor see it differently.

Jordan has gone on the record in recent campaigns wanting a physical challenge while Proctor agreed (last year) in favour of the dual premiership coach’s theory.

Expect a full-dress rehearsal on Saturday minus any plan B reveals from the men with the magnets.

Let the players play they say, and that you can count on.

Devils’ key defender Matthew Brett is in doubt having missed last week while the Roosters welcome the return of Jamie Quick and Tom Bromley-Lynch at the expense of Max Faulkner and Harvey Shea who suffered ‘corks’ during their big win over the Lakers. 

Devils’ morale alone requires a top four scalp heading into finals given their 1-4 season record, not to mention a win at home having lost their last two at Darley Park.

In fact, the only win anywhere (1-3) Jordan’s army has had in the last month came against the Lakers on August 1 (Round 15).

On the other hand ladder leaders North Ballarat could be minor premiers come 5pm Saturday, a remarkable achievement for Proctor and his group who have had to overcome season long adversity on the injury front.

The Roosters are flying at the moment having won their last seven games. Hard working high forward Jye Lockett is on fire with multiple goal returns from his last nine outings while Dave Brinker Ritchie looks set to expose the Devils in the ‘ruck’ space.

Darley’s best is undoubtedly good enough, I’m just not sure we’ve seen it for long enough this year.

If the theory ‘peaking at the right time’ carry’s any weight, Jordan’s Devils should go close - a fourth loss in five games (three at home) in the run home is not ideal.

Tipping a proud yet vulnerable reigning premier to find a way back this week - it’s time!

Scoop’s tip: Darley 

While there’s little at stake in the context of the BFNL season, this intriguing battle between the Lions (ninth) and the Kangas (eighth) will provide the means for one team to celebrate at City Oval come 5pm Saturday.

In Redan’s case it would confirm their improvement not solely from recent near misses but also their previous meeting with the Kangas back in Round 8 when they were soundly beaten at Eastern Oval.

Key Lions Nick Barker, Oliver Pittard, Wil Madden, Zach Lang, Pat Fitzgibbon and Sean Mason will be given until Thursday night to prove their availability but no risks will be taken according to coach Marc Greig who already has one eye fixed on the coming pre-season.

For East Point, a sixth win would validate an encouraging rebuild ahead of a 2027 campaign under newly appointed, former Redan assistant coach Patrick Bowden.

Despite a couple of season ending injuries expect the Kangas to be right up for this final stoush, embracing the opportunity to end their season on a high.

There will be plenty of experienced and next gen talent on display at City Oval and well worth the visit if you’re in the area.

Two proud clubs, chasing a win on the way out - so just who is the better team in 2026?

Best let them decide….

Scoop’s tip: Draw

It’s likely the Swans will make the pilgrimage to Sunbury’s Clarke Oval for their Round 18 clash without three of their big guns.

With a prized third place finish already locked in for Ash Baker’s bevy, no risks are (likely) to be taken with Alex Keath, Brad Crouch and Fraser Perkins (all rested).

Good news for the travelling party however with the likely returns of Tristan Maple (Footscray VFL), wingman Luke Gray and Rhys Perry (ankle).

Unfortunately, the hosts will be without Jake Sutton (Sydney VFL) but welcome back Daniel Johnston, Cody Bramble and Jordy Gillard from Coburg VFL duties.

For the record, Johnston’s last game at BFNL level was against the Swans at their last meet back in Round 8.

Harry Power and Tyson Lever missed last week’s narrow six-point win over East Point and will need to get through training to earn the green light while Ben Cameron (work) remains subject to availability.

The inclusions for Sunbury give coach Matty White a better chance to shape the best version of his 22 ahead of an Elimination Final with Darley (likely) or Ballarat for a second week in a row.

Expect a free-flowing encounter on the big ground as both teams concede there are bigger fish to fry with finals moving forward with the risk of injury minimised.

Both camps will be happy getting through unscathed over the result, as they prepare to resemble something closer to their best after a frustrating run with injury and unavailability.

With merely bragging rights on the line, I think this result means more to Sunbury, at least in the mental space given the Swans have already shown enough.

Scoop’s tip: Sunbury

The Bloods should hold no fears for the high-flying Burra despite a road trip to Marty Busch Reserve.

With a finals berth all but sewn up, coach Troy Scoble can plan for a flag tilt that looked in jeopardy for periods on the back of losses to all teams outside the top six, bar the Lakers!

The recent acquisition of Billy Crofts (Footscray VFL) alone has triggered some life into the 2024 premiers who looked vulnerable on six wins just a fortnight ago.

Crofts, the confirmation of an available Ryan Carter and the return of Harry Hanley (overseas) are three major boosts for Scoble’s campaign, an overdue change of luck for the premiership coach.

The form of Braedan Kight, Jaycob Hickey and progressive young ruckman Joshua Stewart has restored the ‘Bloodahoods’ premiership claims.

And that’s without mentioning their trusted, tried and proven defence led by Jordy Cotter and Lachlan Phillips.

While it’s likely the Bloods will finish sixth, they wouldn’t be the sixth seed heading into finals that’s for sure - they may well scare a few along the way - including Sebastopol on Saturday!

These two sides have a history of hard-fought encounters over the last seven or eight years in particular, wherever they are on the ladder.

Burra coach Tony Lockyer will be looking for signs their best has not passed them as they prepare to face a team on the rise at the right time of year.

Lachlan Cassidy is a chance to return for a timely hit out while Ben Hutt (knee knock) and Luke Kiel (managed) are less likely, targeted more so for a final’s return.

The midfield battle has the all makings of a must watch - the running power of the Bloods vs the scoring ability of the Burra given the talent levels border on the same.

Tipping the Burras’ midfield (this time) to create enough chances in their front half, at home, to enable a narrow advantage on the scoreboard in what looms a cracking finals preview.

Scoop’s tip:  Sebastopol

Expect the Cobras to ‘fill their boots’ on Saturday when they travel to CE Brown Reserve to meet a Lake Wendouree outfit carrying a 35-game losing streak.

With the pressure of finals now off the table for the Cobras, anticipate an open, free running game in contrast to their last two that were dour in nature, essentially nine and eight goal games decided by less than kick!

Jake Owen and Joel Freeman are likely to pose the biggest threats to the Lakers in the Cobras’ front half, and it would come as no surprise if the two combined for double figure returns on the goal front.

Cobras’ ruckman Luke Goetz will have the larger say at stoppage providing the likes of Josh Huxtable and Jamie Fulton first use, heightening the likelihood of Armfield’s quiver posting a big score.

If the Cobras can replicate the intent and pressure of recent weeks, the margin could blow out well beyond 100 despite the celebratory return of Lakers’ interim coach Jake Lohmann into a dual role.

Lohmann played managed minutes last week in a small but giant step back from a season long hamstring tear.

Lakers’ trio Corey Rich, Alfred Jarnestrom and Lewis Antonac continue to rack up the bulk of possession for the Lakers but unfortunately most coming from behind the ball given the weight of play in the Lakers back half.

While the Cobras are expected to go out on a high and left to a degree wondering what could have been, the finish line for the Lakers’ season can’t come quick enough.

With the inclusion of Gisborne into the BFNL in 2027, the Lakers must get cracking in the off season not only with an eye to retain players but acquire some clever ‘moneyball’ recruits to get around the current list.

Yes, the Lakes have endured a horror run on the injury front and will need the missing back fully rehabilitated and firing.

It’s proving a long way back for the Lakers who have won just 4 of their last 67 games.

The Cobras will play without restraint this week and may impress as much as they did back on a sunny Good Friday afternoon when they trounced East Point in arguably their most convincing win of the season.

“Out with a bang” is the saying that best likens my prediction of the Cobras’ final game of their season.

An eighth win of the season for the Cobras would match the returns of 2025 while another loss for the Lakers ironically mirrors theirs.

Scoop’s tip: Bacchus Marsh

Round 2 Football Preview with 'Scoop'

A flurry of thrilling results from the start of the season sees Round 2 provide another valuable look at the BFNL's senior football competition this weekend.

Expect an invigorated Cobras outfit to relish the opportunity in front of home fans for the first time this season when they host the Roosters at Maddingley Park.

Dennis Armfield’s men are 2-0 having secured back-to-back wins on the road against two of last year’s finalists.

A six-month off-season can be a long time in local footy but the Cobras have started with a faultless campaign aided by the addition of no less than six players, four of whom are familiar returns while the acquisition of Zach Vesty (Hoppers Crossing) and Hugh Canning (Corowa) has only strengthened the Cobras’ version of their best 22.

Given injured pair Jamie Fulton (shoulder) and Jack Kovacevic (hand) remain sidelined short term, the future looks bright at Cobra land.

Not dissimilar to last year, the Roosters, under second year coach Clint Proctor have already endured all too familiar frustration with the unavailability of highly touted recruit David Brinker- Richie (knee soreness) who is expected to miss another week, and more importantly the critical match up with dominant Cobras ruckman Luke Goetz.

Nonetheless the Cobras cannot afford to underestimate the spine of the Roosters who arrive with the star power of Sam Glover, Josh Morris, Denver Grainger-Barrass and progressive talent Jai Lockett, all of whom have had an impact at VFL level.

Young 200cm tall Finn Russell and speedster Reggie Palmer are in the mix for a call up after the Roosters fell short in their season opener against Ballarat.

While spoilt for top end talent the Roosters will need to improve on last week to curb the Cobras impressive run and connection.

Armfield’s group are as fit as they’ve ever been under the former Carlton 145 gamer.

The point differential for the Cobras in second halves (111-49) and 4-0 record for second half quarters suggests the Roosters will need to bring their skates to deny the hosts a third win on the trot.

While Proctor’s Roosters failed in their two previous attempts in 2025 to down the Cobras, they do have the cattle both aerially and at ground level to upset the pattern.

Belief is an undervalued commodity; one the Cobras are embracing with aplomb early into the new season.

Over to the Roosters to find a way to curtail that growing momentum with some lasting impressions of their own.

Compliance to Proctor’s instructions is a non-negotiable if the visitors are any chance squaring their win loss ledger.

While Cobra fans need only wish for more of the same, to witness firsthand a 3-0 start would be all the more special.

Scoop’s tip: Bacchus Marsh by 12 points

The Swans host Sebastopol in the only game across the Round 2 senior football fixture involving two winners from the opening round.

While Sebastopol enjoyed a convincing win at their last visit to the nest, this assignment presents a different set of challengers for Tony Lockyer’s men.

A trio of experienced, 200cm trumpeter Swans will pose an afternoon long threat for the visitors to contain.

Alex Keith, Biggie Nyuon and Patrick Graham will have a large say in the Swans’ fortunes.

Given Keith’s intercept role across half back, compliance to Lockyer’s game plan will be a non-negotiable if the Burra are to find a way around the former Adelaide and Western Bulldog’s defender.

The Burra’s midfield can expect an early audit on their footy smarts given Biggie and Graham have the height advantage and athleticism to control the aerial contest.

Denying a formidable Swans midfield that is likely to include Tristan Maple, Thomas Simpson, Lewis Rinaldi and Fraser Perkins will test the Burra’s brains trust.

Any first use advantage out of stoppage will be significant for these two evenly matched teams at the source.

Unfortunately, recent Burra club best and fairest winners Lachie Cassidy and Bailey Medwell who play key midfield roles, are expected to miss another week.

In this case, it’s advantage Ballarat.

Swans’ second year coach Ash Baker has been busy with the enviable task of shifting the magnets with the freedom to find the right balance given all player types essentially are at his disposal.

On the flipside, if the Swans can be found out early despite the luxuries of the 200cm trio, finding the right balance becomes an ongoing challenge.

While the Swans take another step finding the best version of themselves, the Burra are not dissimilar despite a couple of key figures on the sidelines.

The addition of GFL trio Jack Buckley, Felix Henderson and Joel Edwards is significant - each played an encouraging role in the Burra’s first up win over East Point.

Lockyer will hope for further improvement, a must you would think if the Burra are to secure the premiership points.

Baker on the other hand, would be the first to concede his bevy were ‘ordinary’ at their previous meet against the Burra but pose a completely different proposition in the here and now.

Yes, plenty has gone under the bridge since their last meet and with more games together, expect the Swans to resemble a force to be reckoned with.

No Cassidy or Medwell for the Burra moves the needle in favour of the Swans for one the picks of the round in BFNL action.

Scoop’s tip: Ballarat by 10 points

New season Redan coach Marc Greig gets a ‘throw at the stumps’ opportunity to upset league heavyweights Sunbury when they host the Lions of the East at City Oval.

Redan’s relocation for the interim, comes on the back of renovations now in full swing at City Oval.

Greig’s eclectic group surprised a few with the nature of their 92-point demolition job over the Lakers in Round 1 booting ‘the sweep’ (highest score), some 12 goals more than any other club across the BFNL.

That stat alone will have drawn interest from Sunbury coach Matty White following their agonising two-point loss to Darley in the much-anticipated Grand Final replay.

Sunbury haven’t always had their way on the win/loss front up the highway but their four home and away season wins from six trips last year suggests the mental demons have subsided on the back of instilled belief and collective buy-in.

Under White, Sunbury are the genuine real deal having won seven of their last 10 BFNL games.

Only Darley has beaten them (three times) over the period.

White would be the first to concede some, if not all of his boys were sore after their first up outing given the physicality of the affair.

Redan’s case may well be different following their big win, with the occasion running a majority of the group into some early season form.

If Greig’s Lions can hit the ground running and give Whitey’s Pride something to chase, this matchup could get interesting.

The Bond boys will stretch the Sunbury defence ONLY IF the Redan midfield can have their way against a deep Sunbury core led by reigning Henderson Medallist Jake Egan and more experienced Josh Guthrie.

Sunbury’s midfield will want to make their presence felt early providing some ‘good looks’ of their own for key targets Daniel Johnston and Phil Scanlon.

Sure, their mid-forward connection remains a work in progress when Jake Sutton doesn’t play but you can’t discount their ability to score.

Redan must deny Sunbury at the source and win the “ground ball” battle to be any chance of an upset win but on the small sample size alone, who knows what they’re capable of.

Fond memories should aid a favourable result for Whitey’s Pride but they will be made to earn it if Greig’s Lions can build on their Round 1 heroics.

Scoop’s tip: Sunbury by 30 points

Having overcome a major scare in the season opener, the Devils’ next assignment against the Kangas should be a little more comfortable despite the road trip to Eastern Oval.

The Kangas take another step forward in their rebuild against the competition’s benchmark and should embrace the challenge with plenty of learnings to be drawn from the hit out.

East Point coach Joe Carmody and his staff will have other priorities than the scoreboard given their slim chances of an upset were dealt a severe blow following the confirmation of a hamstring injury to Jacob Brown that is expected to sideline the star utility for a couple of weeks.

The midfield battle however will be relatively familiar to both camps with the core of Kangas’ experienced mids including Mickijta Rotumah-Onus, Joe Dodd and Liam Canny up against gun trio Brett Bewley, Nick Hind and Luther Baker.

Unfortunately (midfield aside) the inexperience of the Kangas is likely to surface at some time and reflect for periods on the scoreboard given up to eight of Carmody’s fledgling group have played less than 10 senior games.

Devils’ clutch defender Billy Myers will welcome the absence of Brown, paving the way for a more offensive role if coach Dan Jordan sees fit, raising the degrees of difficulty for Carmody to contain.

Not to mention the likely return of Mikey Edwards from an eye complaint suffered in the Devils’ 12-point practice match win over GFL club Leopold.

Weather permitting, expect the Devils to hit the scoreboard in waves despite the resistance of a predominantly young group, keen to make an impression.

While Kangas’ forward pair Jack Jeffrey and Jarrod Joyce will keep the frugal Devils defence honest, the visitors look to have too much firepower across the ground to be denied a 22nd BFNL win on the trot.

Scoop’s tip: Darley

After disappointing losses for both sides in the season opener, you can bank on some early heat when the Lakers host Melton at CE Brown Reserve.

Let’s be honest, the Lakers owe their fans more than what was dished up against Redan in Round 1, a 92-point thrashing.

Yes, the Lakers have lost their last 19 BFNL games but given the off-season additions, Rohan Brown’s boys fell well short on external and (surely) internal expectation.

While the Bloods assignment looms tougher again for the Lakers they should not fear Troy Scoble’s visiting party.

Why might you ask?

Since Round 6 last year the once invincible Bloods have lost to every team in the BFNL bar North Ballarat and the Lakers (draw v Ballarat).

The 2024 Premiers (18-1) have less than a 50%-win record from their last 14 home and away games (6.5/7.5) and need a spark albeit being just Round 2.

A trip to CE Brown Reserve is the last dress rehearsal for Scoble ahead of blockbuster meetings with Sunbury (A) and Darley (H).

The Bloods will look to exceed KPI numbers in a number of areas, none more so than goal conversion that has cost them some close ones in recent times.

Highly decorated x-factor forward and proud leader Braedan Kight returns to bolster the mission.

The 2024 Tony Lockett Medallist (3.1) and Sunbury sharpshooter Jake Sutton (3.6) are the only two players in the BFNL to average more than three goals per game from their last 50 outings.

While an historic win for the Lakers is highly unlikely, Brown will be demanding an immediate response from his boys so used to the underdogs tag.

Genuine top end quality has been added to the Lakers list capable of matching any side for periods.

Fingers crossed we bear witness to that and the Lakers Round 1 debacle is looked upon in hindsight as a forgiven run.

On the flipside, look for the Bloods to make a statement of their own.

Scoop’s tip: Melton

Round 3 Football Preview with 'Scoop'

Round 3 brings an all star lineup of matches, with local rivalries set to ignite, finals replays back on home turf and action set to take place under lights.

A bumper crowd is expected to descend on Darley Park for the annual Anzac Day clash between proud crosstown rivals Darley and Bacchus Marsh.

With fine conditions forecast, little room will be left for excuses in the aftermath as the improving Cobras attempt to overcome the reigning premiers.

Let’s be honest, the Devils (on spec) look to be ‘just going’ at the moment despite their 2-0 start to the season, having come from behind in both matches to earn the points.

The Cobras on the other hand have shown enough to suggest they can test Dan Jordan’s army, who remain unbeaten in their last 22 BFNL games.

It will be a huge task for Dennis Armfield and his group, a four quarter investment surely a non-negotiable if they’re to inflict what East Point went so close to doing last week, the upset of the season so far.

The Cobras won’t die wondering, nor do many sides facing the competition benchmark.

It’s a timely, early season footy audit for Bacchus Marsh who will need to find a way without four of their preferred starters in Jamie Fulton (shoulder), Jack Kovacevic (hand), Hamish Coulton (calf) and Billy Griffiths (managed).

One clear disparity favouring the Cobras is the ruck duel with Luke Goetz likely to face a rotation of part timers in the specific role.

While Goetz was dominant with his tap out differential (+22) last week against young North Ballarat tall Finn Russell, the Cobras best and fairest winner ended the afternoon -1 for hit-outs to advantage.

You can back it in Devils’ luxury trio Brett Bewley, Nick Hind and Luther Baker will be waiting feverishly at the fall of the ball, heightening the importance of the Cobras to take more advantage of another predicted landslide in tap outs.

The groundball stat is an interesting one. Sure, we’re only two games in but the Devils have yet to reach the dominant levels of last year.

The Devils ranked one in this space last year (+20 average) but find themselves in ninth (-14) after two games. Ironically, only Bacchus Marsh (-21) trails in differential.

Both sides remain a work in progress with their mid forward connection despite encouraging inside 50 numbers.

The Cobras average 49.7, the Devils 56.5. Just who can “click” with those ample number of entries will tell its own story on the scoreboard at games end.

The Cobras will miss Fulton at the source, but the form of Jack Parente, veteran Tyson Shea and Ethan McKercher has been solid enough aiding the favourable 2-1 win/loss ledger.

Denying the Devils at the source, will pose ‘a new level’ hurdle for the Cobra trio - not to mention Billy Myers who has been arguably the Devils’ most important player from their two wins.

Just on that, it will be interesting to see who Jordan sends to Cobras’ match winner Jake Owen who booted five goals against the Devils in last year’s Anzac Day clash.

Expect the Devils to put some time denying future star Josh Huxtable having an impact - especially in the Cobras front half.

The BFNL representative averages more than a goal per game from his opening three appearances, adding to his impressive 27 disposals and 6.7 score involvements (avg).

While x-factor Devils forward Will Johnson has been relatively quiet on the goal front his work inside 50 has been sound, bordering on the unselfish as the mounting number of crumb goals in the opening two games will attest.

Should be a belter if the Cobras can get into the game early. The Devils will again carry the warm favourites tag into the Derby in front of home fans and will run out the game accordingly after two previous come from behind wins.

An upset win for the Cobras would officially announce their arrival as a genuine contender but I’m tipping we will have to wait until their next meet in the second half of the season to see the Cobras at their best.

Scoop’s tip: Darley

On current form the Swans will look to put this game away early against the Lakers, banking important percentage which could play a crucial role at the business end.

The Swans have the dynamic to stretch the Lakers in areas they haven’t been already despite two 90+ point losses.

This hit out will tell us about the offensive capabilities of the Swans with a predicted game on their own terms for long enough to post an intimidating score.

Unfortunately for the Lakers, albeit a small sample size, their trip to Alfredton Oval looks every bit daunting given star playmaker Jake Lohmann (back) is likely to miss another week. Consistent utility Angus Gove (elbow) is also sidelined.

While there were positive signs from newcomers Alfred Jarnestrom and Will Fordham, the scoreboard in isolation poses a harrowing issue for the Lakers to make an impression.

Containing Swans pair Biggie Nyuon and Patrick Graham in their time spent forward will test the magnet moving ability of Lakers’ coach Rohan Brown and his staff let alone a team defence approach.

Lakers’ ruckman Tom Zampatti is an invaluable asset applying his craft but numbers around the source are in need of a major spike to deny the Swans a copy-paste version of the Lakers’ opening two rounds.

Brown will show up in full swing with his charges expecting to win but the reality is, on the back of two 24-goal concedes in as many matches, it’s hard to envisage the needle moving enough to trouble the Swans.

The improved structure and experience at the Swans has seen continued growth in their spread stocks despite a 15-point loss to the Burra last week.

While the Lakers focus of attention leans to the resting tall timber forward, do not discard the lead up ability of Jack O’Brien who has proven more than capable hitting the scoreboard.

O’Brien on first impressions resembles the old school lead up forward who can take a grab and convert.

So, what’s a par result for the Lakers come the final siren?

Earning the tick of approval from their coach and fellow teammates in the effort and execution space would be a small step forward in the direction many anticipated a given at the start of the season.

Sure, the Lakers are coming from a fair way back but even a hint of the Anzac spirit shown on such a special day will at least ask questions of a Swans outfit who are expected to win and win well.

Scoop’s tip: Ballarat

The “system based” Bloods head to the wide expanses of Clarke Oval for another crack at the Lions in a replay of last year’s preliminary final.

While a repeat of the nail-biting draw witnessed at Marty Busch Reserve at their last outing is improbable, we can at least forecast a close one on present form, acknowledging a small sample size.

Both sides are 1-1 on the win/loss front but something tells me it’s Troy Scoble’s visiting party that have more at stake regarding their early standing in the competition.

Sure, the Bloods beat up on their “bunnies” in the Lakers last week but this well drilled Lions outfit will ask questions of the depth at Scoble’s disposal given up to five premiership players Ryan Carter, Jordy Kight, Ryan Davis, Lachie Watkins and Max Scoble are likely to be sidelined for another week.

There’s rarely any place to hide on Clarke Oval as the Bloods found out at their last visit, beaten comfortably, 100-40.

The Bloods managed just six goals for the afternoon, four coming off the boot of gun, spiritual leader Braedan Kight.

Scoble would be the first to concede they were handed a lesson around the ball, but the return of Jackob Hickey will provide a major boost despite the Lions inclusion of Josh Guthrie who too missed the Round 18 clash.

With the unlikelihood of Jake Sutton taking his part, the onus on the Lions reaping a greater spread of goalkickers remains a work in progress despite obvious dangers, Daniel Johnston and Pat Scanlon.

The once revered, organised, impenetrable defence of the Bloods has shown encouraging signs in the opening couple of weeks with Jordy Cotter, Harry Handley and Adrian Monitto in full flight, and cherry ripe for the challenge.

Sunbury have won eight (twice v Melton) of their last 11 BFNL games, losing only to Darley.

So, this potential classic will tell us more about the Bloods than it will the Lions who are likely to be without Sutton, Mitch McLean (quad), Zach Stephens (broken arm), Jack Newitt (test) and speedster Cody Bramble (test) who is nears a long-awaited return from an ACL.

“Prep” should be familiar for Lions’ coach Matty White in the “oppo” space.

Contain the Carters, the Kights and the rebound of Cotter and Handley - you’re halfway there.

Easier said than done.

Scoop’s tip: Sunbury

The Burra must continue its winning momentum when they host the Lions under the lights at Marty Busch Reserve from 6.15pm.

The equation should hold no ‘left field’ surprises for Sebastopol coach Tony Lockyer, but what will be asked of his undefeated charges is consistency.

That alone, given the Burras’ opening two wins, should be enough despite key pairing Lachie Cassidy and Bailey Medwell likely to be sidelined for another week.

Sebastopol’s three GFL gains in the off season are mounting their claim among the top echelon of pickups already, despite the small sample size.

The Burra must be travelling alright if former St Joey’s talent Felix Henderson could not make it into the ‘best’ last week after his brow raising 36 disposal return against Ballarat.

And let’s not forget the Burras organic stocks that have featured prominently in the opening two rounds.

X-factor forward Adam Forbes (nine goals) leads the Tony Lockett Medal tally and is sure to attract the attention of Redan coach Marc Greig in his planning.

Veteran leader Luke Kiel is expected to make a swift return raising the degrees of difficulty for the visitors.

Sure, the Burra downed the highly touted Swans in their last hit out by a modest 15 points but it was the 32 scoring shots to 22 that drew the attention, giving every indication Lockyer’s army will prove the testing material against any opposition moving forward.

Redan however, fairness to them, won’t be rocking up under the lights for a party - in fact Greig’s Pride, a balanced mix of youth and experience will embark on Marty Busch Reserve with every intention of winning.

Following their 92-point win over the Lakers, the Lions showed plenty of grit to outscore 2025 Grand Finalists Sunbury in the second half last week, giving every indication this twilight meet could be closer than once thought.

The Bond boys, Taj and Lachie, pose an aerial threat of concern for the Burras’ back six, especially if ball magnets Brodie Pope and Rory Gunsser can extricate some forward half momentum.

The wealth of experience from both camps will come as no surprise to Lockyer or Greig given their celebrated history. With that comes undeniable, mutual respect.

Just who can settle first under the elements, albeit night footy, and make the most of their opportunities will go a long way determining the result.

Scoop’s tip: Sebastopol

The Roosters host the next generation talent of the Kangaroos at Mars Stadium on Sunday.

Experienced mentor and Roosters’ coach Clint Proctor will look at putting this game to bed early, fully aware the potential dangers a young group with any momentum present.

The Kangas, despite a 0-3 record, took it up to the all-conquering Devils last week, leading the game until very late, before Brett Bewley and Billy Myers found another level to deny coach Joe Carmody the upset of the season.

Proctor would’ve seen the vision, the buy-in across the board from the Kangas, palpable.

The experienced heads at East Point are leading by example, all have earned the nod of approval featuring prominently in the best players.

Rising star Jarrod Joyce is proving a focal point up forward and surely the attention of the Roosters’ hierarchy for a targeted role.

Match ups aside, North Ballarat needs to reclaim its aura at Mars Stadium. The days of fearing the Roosters on their home deck are feeling like a thing of the past for rival teams.

The Roosters fell short in their season opener against Ballarat making it three losses from their last four home games.

Time to make a statement, a correction on that if they’re to pose a genuine title threat moving forward.

The Roosters have enviable talent, and a more mature mix of youth and experience than, not only the Kangas, but most BFNL sides.

Sam Glover, Josh Morris and Denver Grainger-Barras would stretch any opposition in local footy, let alone Jai Lockett and Jamie Quick on a good day around the sticks.

What you get from Brock Leonard, Elliott Lamb and Isaac Carey is a model of consistency while Sam Artz, Darby McGuigan, Harvey Lewis, Wilbur Shea, Taj Bowman and Will Quinlan are just some of the running types between the arcs capable of impacting games on a weekly basis.

All bring form into Sunday’s hit out with East Point who is committed to the rebuild naming up to seven players with 10 games or less senior experience.

As brave as the Kangas were last week, the task for a predominantly young group to reproduce those “highs’ will be a tough one.

Scoop’s tip: North Ballarat