BFNL Review - Round 8, 2025

Darley have cemented their place atop the BFNL ladder following a consistent and composed four-quarter effort over North Ballarat at Mars Stadium, finishing 31-point victors.

The contest got off to a tough start for the Roosters, with key ruckman Cam McCallum going down early in the opening term.

His absence was a significant blow, with third-gamer Ryan Luke moving into guts to take on Lucas Impey – a difficult task for even the most experienced campaigners.

Despite the setback, North Ballarat remained in touch, with a late second quarter push keeping the deficit to just 17 points at halftime.

However, Darley stamped their authority in the third, dominating field position and inside 50s to register nine scoring shots to just two.

Their inaccuracy in front of goal spared the Roosters a heavier margin, but the pressure was beginning to tell.

Heading into the final term 42 points down, North launched a brief surge midway through the quarter, registering six consecutive scoring shots.

Unfortunately for the home side, only two of those translated into goals.

The Devils responded by slotting the final major of the day, sealing a 31-point win that not only extended their unbeaten streak, but reinforced their credentials as a premiership favourite.

Darley again showed why they are competition leaders – efficient with the ball, dominant in possession, and ruthless at generating forward entries.

The pairing of Brett Bewley and Will Johnson proved lethal, each kicking four goals and accounting for three-quarters of the team’s total score. Bewley was a class above and was named best on.

For North Ballarat, Josh Sparkman earned best on ground honours for his tough work around the contest, while Isaac Carey played arguably his best game of the season, consistently providing clean ball and linking defence to attack.

The Roosters now sit just two points outside the top six, with their upcoming clash against fellow finals hopeful Sebastopol shaping as season-defining.

Darley, meanwhile, will enjoy a well-earned rest before a top-of-the-table clash against East Point in Round 11.

STATS THAT MATTERED

Brett Bewley (Darley) - 38 disposals, 19 contested possessions, 10 score involvements

Billy Myers (Darley) - 35 disposals, 13 intercept possessions, 12 marks

Ned Nash (North Ballarat) - 30 disposals, 11 marks, 11 rebound 50s

East Point have bounced into second on the BFNL ladder after a commanding 89-point win over Lake Wendouree, delivering a much-needed percentage boost in a congested top-four race.

The Kangaroos were in control from the outset at Eastern Oval, more than doubling the Lakers' inside 50 count and dominating contested ball.

While East Point’s accuracy wavered in the third term – kicking 2.8 – the damage had already been done, and the margin could easily have crept into triple figures.

Despite the blowout, the Lakers found some positives.

For the first time this season, they registered a goal in every quarter – a small but notable milestone in a year short on scoreboard success.

Micka Rotumah-Onus continued his standout season with another best-on-ground performance, powering through the midfield to drive his side forward.

Joel Van Meel also impressed, neutralising the influence of Lakers ruckman Tom Zampatti to be named second best.

Young Roo Kyle Anderson shone in his second year at senior level, producing arguably his most complete game yet.

Teammate Noah Shearer also had a breakout performance, using the ball with precision and adding a goal to his name.

For the Lakers, Lincoln Koliba provided a moment of brilliance with a mark-of-the-year contender in the third quarter – a soaring grab over Joe Fraser that brought the crowd to life.

East Point now enjoy a much needed break ahead of a huge 1 v 2 clash with ladder-leaders Darley.

Lake Wendouree will look to build on their small wins when they face Redan in a bottom-of-the-table clash after the break.

STATS THAT MATTERED

Jordan Johnston (East Point) - 36 disposals, 19 contested possessions, 14 score involvements

Bryson McDougall (East Point) - 20 disposals, 17 score involvements, 12 marks

Angus Gove (Lake Wendouree) - 31 disposals, 9 marks, 9 rebound 50s

It was billed as a potential preview of finals football – and Saturday’s clash between Melton and Sunbury at Macpherson Park delivered a high-quality battle, with the Bloods emerging 23-point victors in a game that further cemented their status as a big-game performer.

All eyes were on the final term, with Sunbury’s league-best last quarters pitted against Melton’s season-long struggle to finish strongly.

The Lions, epic in fourth quarters, were well-positioned to break a seven-year drought at Melton’s home ground, trailing by just one goal at three-quarter time.

But when it mattered most, the Bloods delivered.

They produced six scoring shots to four in the final term, converting five of them to outplay and outlast a fast-finishing Sunbury outfit.

Their efficiency in front of goal and composure under pressure proved the difference, turning a tight contest into a 23-point win.

While the Lions had the edge in possession and contested ball across the match, it was Melton’s superior ball use and structure inside 50 that set them apart.

Their forward entries were cleaner, more dangerous, and ultimately more rewarding.

The Carter brothers were instrumental in getting the job done. Liam stepped up in the final term with two clutch goals (three total), while Ryan was everywhere – hauling in 14 marks and recording 13 score involvements in a dominant display.

Jaycob Hickey celebrated his 100th game in fine fashion, posting a game-high 39 disposals, including 20 contested possessions and 14 clearances in another solid performance for the Bloods.

For the visitors, Jack Newitt made the most of his time forward to be named Sunbury’s best, while Josh Guthrie continued his outstanding 2025 form with 33 disposals and relentless tackling pressure through the midfield.

The result sees Sunbury slip outside the top three, with a crucial clash against Bacchus Marsh to come after the break. Melton, meanwhile, move within striking distance of a top-two berth and will look to continue their momentum when they face Ballarat next.

STATS THAT MATTERED 

Jaycob Hickey (Melton) - 39 disposals, 20 contested possessions, 14 clearances

Tyson Lever (Sunbury) - 38 disposals, 17 intercept possessions, 14 rebound 50s

Ryan Carter (Melton) - 20 disposals, 14 marks, 13 score involvements

In their 200th Ballarat Football Netball League meeting, it was Ballarat who held firm under late-game pressure to edge out Redan by the slimmest of margins—securing a sixth consecutive win over their rivals.

With the game shaped by pre-match narratives around starts and finishes, it was the Swans who answered the first challenge forcefully.

After a tight opening, it was Biggie Nyuon and Andrew Hooper who lit up in the latter part of the first quarter, each slotting two goals to give the visitors a four-goal lead at the first break.

Ballarat held the upper hand through the middle stages of the contest, maintaining scoreboard pressure and managing to keep the Lions at bay.

But the game’s final act would deliver one of the most dramatic finishes of the season.

With Ballarat leading by 30 points deep into the final quarter, it looked all but over. But Redan, winless in final terms until now, flipped the script.

The Lions exploded with a five-goal blitz in under ten minutes—led by the Bond duo, Lachlan and Taj, who combined for four of them—to amazingly hit the front.

With the clock ticking into the 34th minute, the ball landed in Luke Gray’s hands 30 metres out. It may have been a point but one of the best of his career—nudging Ballarat back into the lead just moments before the final siren sounded.

From there, the Swans’ defence locked down to secure a vital one-point win.

Rudie Forde was instrumental, controlling the ruck and winning vital contested possessions to swing momentum Redan’s way when needed most.

Taj Bond was equally impressive in tandem, with his two fourth-quarter goals nearly flipping the result.

Tristan Maple’s return to the senior side proved timely, collecting 30 disposals in just his second game this year.

Down back, Bailey Fraser stood tall again, repelling repeated Redan forward entries when the game was on the line.

The win keeps Ballarat in the top six and provides breathing space ahead of a tough clash with Melton next round.

For Redan, it’s another close call that slipped away—but with the winless Lakers awaiting after the break, there's still life in their finals push yet.

STATS THAT MATTERED

Lachlan Bond (Redan) - 10 marks, 9 intercept possessions, 7 score involvement

Bailey Fraser (Ballarat) - 25 disposals, 12 marks, 8 intercept possessions

Fraser Perkins (Ballarat) - 24 disposals, 15 tackles, 7 score involvements

Sebastopol have reignited their finals hopes, claiming a crucial 29-point win over Bacchus Marsh at Maddingley Park.

In a game that could very well define the trajectory of both teams’ seasons, the Burra stood tall under pressure, with the return of coach Tony Lockyer providing the perfect boost.

The opening quarter was a tightly contested affair, with just one point separating the sides at the first break.

Bacchus Marsh struck early in the second through Jake Owen, but it would be their only major for the term.

Sebastopol found their rhythm shortly after, going on a run that gave them a 15-point buffer at halftime.

The Cobras came out of the major break firing, with Owen again sparking life into the contest by kicking two quick goals to regain the lead.

Luke Goetz followed up moments later, capping off a dominant stretch for the home side.

But just as the momentum looked to swing permanently, Sebastopol responded— Lockyer himself hitting the scoreboard before a pair of vital goals turned the game once more.

From there, the Burra did what they’ve done well at times this season: finish strong.

With calm heads and smart ball use, they piled on late goals to run out comfortable winners.

Sebastopol’s win was built on a lift in inside 50s and a much more efficient use of possession.

Despite the Cobras winning the clearance count, the Burra’s ability to control the contested ball and hit targets forward of centre gave forwards like Lachie Sheridan and Cooper Littlehayes every chance to impact the scoreboard.

Luke Goetz continued his stellar form, dominating the ruck and being named Bacchus Marsh’s best. For Sebastopol, Toby Hutt was a standout in the pocket, consistently applying pressure and finishing opportunities when they arose.

The win sees Sebastopol climb to 7th and right back in the finals frame.

For Bacchus Marsh, the pressure now mounts — just two points clear inside the top six, with a tough clash against in-form Sunbury awaiting them after the bye.

The Burra now prepare for another must-win against 8th-placed North Ballarat.

STATS THAT MATTERED

Lachlan Cassidy (Sebastopol) - 47 disposals, 24 contested possessions, 15 clearances

Luke Goetz (Bacchus Marsh) - 73 hitouts, 21 disposals, 15 contested possessions

Toby Hutt (Sebastopol) - 30 disposals, 12 marks, 12 score involvements