BFNL Football Review - Round 11, 2026

The Swans have moved to the top of the BFNL ladder following an impressive 106-point win over the Cobras at Maddingley Park.

It was the classy Swans’ sixth win (of nine) by 50 points or more.

Key tall Biggie Nyuon was the star of the show finishing with nine goals, including eight in the second half.

The class difference after quarter time was clear for all to see as Ash Baker’s bevy monstered a disappointing Cobras outfit who slump to outside the top six for the first time this season.

After a relatively even first quarter, the Swans flexed their muscles outscoring the hosts 19 goals to four. In a nutshell, Saturday’s Ballarat Toyota Match of the Round was an old school thrashing.

The Swans had arguably the best 12 players on the ground. Tristan Maple, Biggie Nyuon, Fraser Perkins (two goals), Brad Crouch, Lewis Rinaldi and Riley Constable were superb earning the nod of approval from the Swans’ hierarchy in the aftermath.

There were slim pickings for the Cobras, who will welcome the bye and a chance to reset.

Unfortunately for Dennis Armfield’s quiver, there is very little resemblance of the impressive showing witnessed on Good Friday in their standalone fixture against East Point.

The Cobras recognised the efforts of Sam Griffiths and Cody Gates who never stopped trying on a day that simply belonged to the Swans.

Post the bye, the Cobras are up the highway to face North Ballarat at Mars Stadium, while the Swans are away to Sebastopol for a mouthwatering top of the table clash at Marty Busch Reserve.

STATS THAT MATTERED

Biggie Nyuon (Ballarat) - 19 disposals, 13 marks, 9 goals

Brad Crouch (Ballarat) - 38 disposals, 21 contested possessions, 11 score involvements

Sam Griffiths (Bacchus Marsh) - 24 disposals, 10 intercept possessions, 6 marks

COACHES’ VERDICT

Dennis Armfield (Bacchus Marsh)
“Started and finished well but unfortunately Ballarat too strong, structured and skilful in the middle. Unfortunately, it’s been a pattern of late, missing our shots and allowing theirs. We will keep fighting, I’ll never questions the effort and character of the boys.
We will need to cross our fingers again on the injury front into the bye. Had another 4 soldiers not finish the game, so good time for a week off, regroup ready to take on a strong North up at Mars.”

Ash Baker (Ballarat)
“Really pleasing four quarter performance from the boys today. Bacchus Marsh came out firing, and we were able to hold our own in a tightly contested first quarter, before getting some separation in some key areas during the second quarter. The bye has come at a good time for us so we can freshen up ahead of another big challenge after the bye v Sebastopol.”

2025 grand finalist Sunbury moved inside the top six with a much needed 66-point win over the Lakers.

The Lions led at every change but couldn’t shrug the determination of the Lakers until late, kicking away with a six-goal-to-one final term.

Despite the loss it was the Lakers’ third highest score of the season – a decent effort considering their list of outs would rival any as we head into a much-welcomed bye.

It really was season on the line stuff for Matty White’s Pride, a game they could not take for granted regardless of the Lakers’ winless record heading in.

With some key outs of their own, White has been resolute in his acceptance and dealings with the frustration and expectation on his progressive group.

Lions’ newcomers and former Montmorency pair Jordyn Gillard (six goals) and Ryan Sturgess (Coburg VFL) combined for nine goals to be named best behind young speedster Cody Bramble.

Midfield combo Joel Muir and Josh Guthrie also earned the nod of approval alongside Nathan Doyle who is proving a find forward with another three goals making it 12 goals for season from seven games.

For the hosts, coach Rohan Brown continues to ride the tough journey from week to week but is getting his reward in areas other than wins column - more so effort.

Consistent trio Joel O’Connell, Alfred Jarnestrom and Corey Rich were good again for the Lakers to be named in the best next to Noah Shearer, Logan Clark and Lewis Antonac (two goals).

Both teams will lap up the bye like many clubs before the run home.

Next up the Lakers are away to Melton while Sunbury host Redan at Clarke Oval.

STATS THAT MATTERED

Joel Muir (Sunbury) - 76 hitouts, 19 disposals, 8 marks

Alfred Jarnestrom (Lake Wendouree) - 39 disposals, 10 intercept possessions, 10 rebound 50s

Jack Newitt (Sunbury) - 32 disposals, 20 contested possessions, 14 clearances

COACHES’ VERDICT

Rohan Brown (Lake Wendouree)
“Played a terrific game for three quarters, thought we were in front of the game. Had real opportunities in the 2nd quarter just couldn't finish off our work. Great to see our kids go well against some VFL listed players. In the end the dam wall broke with Lever the difference. Looking forward to the week off, our kids need it.”

Matty White (Sunbury)
"Was a good win in the end. Battled hard in the first half against a spirited Lakers. Nice for Gillard to get a 6-goal return and got some more experience into our younger talent. The week off comes at a good time for us. Hopeful to get a few soldiers back post bye and attack the last block of games."

The Bloods made it back-to-back wins with a character building 26-point win over the Kangas at MacPherson Park.

Only six points separated the two rivals at the final change, but it was a five-goal-to-two last term that broke of the hearts of Kangas’ fans while sending the Bloods’ band of loyal and faithful into celebration mode.

The win elevates the Bloods into fifth with a decent percentage advantage over Sunbury and Bacchus Marsh.

A typical seesawing classic witnessed the Bloods start like a house on fire booting six goals to one with a handy 30-point lead.

The Kangas fought back through the middle stages winning the second and third terms to be within six points at the final change.

Credit to the Bloods steadying the resistance and regaining the momentum enroute to an all-important fifth win of the season.

Braedan Kight finished with four goals for the winners, and Liam Carter and Lachie Ericsson (three) came to aid the Bloods’ scoreline above the 100-point mark.

Kangas ever reliable Jacob Brown kicked four and Sam Lucas two, proving a handful for the Bloods who welcomed the inclusion of Billy Crofts (Footscray VFL) for his first game of the season.

Harry Hanley was named best for the winners ahead of defenders Lachlan Phillips and Riley Walker. Jaycob Hickey and Brodie Sullivan maintained their run of form to feature ahead of Kight’s contribution around goal.

In form Kangas’ midfield trio Joe Dodd (in best 6/9 games), Mickitja Rotumah-Onus (5/10) and Liam Canny (7/11) flew the flag leading from the front and were well support led by next-gen talent Deng Lual, Joseph McGuane and Cooper Glenwright-McGuane.

It doesn’t get any easier for the Kangas post bye with an away trip to Darley first up while the Bloods are at home to face the Lakers.

The Bloods lose Harry Hanley (in best 9/11 games) and Max Scoble effective immediately due to a pre-planned overseas holiday, with the pair not expected back until Round 16 or 17.

They will be missed!

STATS THAT MATTERED

Mickitja Rotumah-Onus (East Point) - 31 disposals, 21 contested possessions, 11 clearances

Josh Stewart (Melton) - 47 hitouts, 10 contested possessions, 7 tackles

Billy Crofts (Melton) - 28 disposals, 18 contested possessions, 11 clearances

COACHES’ VERDICT

Troy Scoble (Melton)
“Games against East Point just have something about them. Rinse and repeat… tight contested momentum swings and close results. Rode our momentum well in the first half and lost it in the third. Very pleased for the second week in a row to recapture and run the game out well. Loved my time coaching with Joey we had some ripper battles. Wish him again all the best going forward. Been a challenging month of June for our group, we just keep showing up. Like many byes, a chance to rest refresh build some boys back up to return post bye."

Joe Carmody (East Point)
“Another great contest vs Melton. Melton started really well which put us on the back foot early. We bridged the gap and gave ourselves a chance in the last quarter but ultimately not good enough in the end. Good luck to Scobes and Melton for the rest of the season. We’ve had some great battles in my time at East playing against Melton.”

Darley has dug deep to secure a crucial come from behind six-point win over a gallant Redan at City Oval

The hosts, buoyed with the inclusion of Cooper Craig Peters (Footscray VFL) asked questions of a tiring core group of top end Devils, who have had to shoulder the load of recent weeks given a host of key outs.

Somehow, the Devils clawed their way back for a second week in a row after trailing by 19 points.

The win sees the reigning premiers in the mix for a prized top three finish, a game shy of the top two and percentage ahead of North Ballarat (4th) with seven games still to play.

Redan gave Dan Jordan’s touring party something to think about early having started well for the first time in five weeks with a five-goal-to-two opening term to set up a handy 18-point lead.

The margin extended to 19 at the mainbreak, providing the visitors with enough time for a reset of sorts. It proved that way given Darley were able to erase the lead in good time early in the second half.

It was an arm wrestle thereafter as scoring came to a near standstill.

As both sides traded blows in the form of mini wins to earn any advantage, it was the undermanned Devils who took their moments standing up in the clinches.

The game could easily have gone either way - a super effort from Marc Greig’s Pride who were able to reduce an 89-point margin four weeks ago down to 6 points at the weekend.

Scores were level with just a minute or so remaining before Joel Cadman (best) deservedly slotted the winner to give the Devils a third win in a row essentially under the pump.

Cadman, Bewley, Hind and Baker led the charge alongside defenders Brodie Ward and Zane Le Huray who celebrated key moments complemented with the run and distribution of Andy Azzopardi and Darcy Matricardi.

The Lions too were heading for a hattrick of wins but fell agonisingly short in a proud showing against the odds.

Craig-Peters (two goals) was arguably ‘best on’, while Lachlan Bond finished with a game high four goals.

Midfield trio Will Madden, Rory Gunsser and Brodie Pope were instrumental in their support roles and nearly pulled off one of the upsets of the season.

Both teams gave us every indication the bye has come at a good time to replenish stocks ahead of the final third of the season which makes for compelling viewing.

Redan will give themselves an outside chance upsetting Sunbury on the road while the Devils are faced with another must win game at home against East Point.

Jordan’s army are on a 16-game winning streak at Darley Park while the Kangas’ last success at the venue came over 10 years ago.

STATS THAT MATTERED

Brett Bewley (Darley) - 37 disposals, 21 contested possessions, 13 clearances

Nick Hind (Darley) - 37 disposals, 7 rebound 50s, 6 marks

Cooper Craig-Peters (Redan) - 32 disposals, 18 contested possessions, 7 tackles

COACHES’ VERDICT

Marc Greig (Redan)
“A game we learnt a lot from. We had early momentum and kicked out to a lead. Darley was always going to respond in the second half. We expected it but couldn’t stop it. Seesawing last quarter when each moment counted for both teams and we couldn’t quite make our moments count. Very pleased with the efforts from the lads."

Dan Jordan (Darley)
“Grinding win against a Redan team who came to play. Credit to them, they were on top at the half, but our boys showed a bit of ticker after a reset to work back into the game and finish with our noses on front. Very proud of the group, it’s been a big three weeks - we will savour the week off and get back to work. It’s a very open comp this year, no easy games.”

The undermanned Roosters’ impressive run at home claimed another scalp at the weekend in the form of (then) ladder leaders Sebastopol with a stirring 18-points victory.

North Ballarat has won five of their six home games this year, unbeaten at Mars Stadium since their season opener against Ballarat.

How Roosters coach Clint Proctor has been able to manufacture wins against Darley and now Sebastopol with a host of players on the sidelines is a significant achievement.

Check out the missing - there’s no ceiling on the Roosters’ credentials this season when you consider what is likely to return over the coming weeks - Sam Glover (internal), Isaac Lovisson (hamstring), Jarrod Curran (hamstring), Isaac Carey (knee), Dec Mcguigan (concussion) Reggie Palmer (broken arm) and Denver Grainger-Barras (overseas) are all on the short term list while Brock Leonard (ACL), Wilbur Shea (shoulder) and Fletcher Loader (foot) are already done for the season.

You can add Elliot Lamb to the list of short-term casualties as well after he was concussed at the weekend.

Scary stuff the proposition of the Roosters moving forward given their recent successes over the Devils and the Burra.

Familiar names littered the Roosters’ best players at the weekend including Josh Morris (best), Jye Lockett (two goals), Tom Bromley-Lynch, versatile recruit Seb Collins, who has proven a genuine find, and youngsters Taj Bowman and Max Faulkner.

It was always going to be a team contribution for the Roosters kicking a winning score. While an 11-goal return proved enough, it took as many as eight Roosters to hit the scoreboard.

The Burra were by no means disappointing despite their warm favourites tag heading in.

Many sides previously have left Mars Stadium empty handed and it’s expected many more will in the future - it’s just a thing!

Not dissimilar to other Round 11 games, only six points separated the two sides at three quarter time.

Unfortunately for Tony Lockyer’s all conquering visiting party they were unable to match the Roosters in the last quarter despite it being their best performed quarter over the season to date.

The Burra weren’t shy on effort - Jack Bambury, Jack Buckley, Ash Munari (three goals), Luke Phillips, Tony Lockyer and Jacob Wilkinson all featured among the best.

The Burras’ nine goal return was their (second) lowest of the season since their previous and only loss to Sunbury in Round 5 (7.11).

Lockyer and Proctor weren’t in cliche mode welcoming the bye and the bonus rest and reset that comes with it given the demands of a very even season of BFNL footy.

Every team has proven gettable - as the longest current winning run of games (3) will attest.

Should be a cracking ride home to finals, but it can simmer for a week, a chance for all sides to refuel, recover and take a breath.

Post bye the Roosters host the Cobras at Mars while the Burra face the Swans in a one v two blockbuster to kickstart the road to finals.

STATS THAT MATTERED

Josh Morris (North Ballarat) - 27 disposals, 12 rebound 50s, 6 marks

Jye Lockett (North Ballarat) - 29 disposals, 11 marks, 7 inside 50s

Jack Bambury (Sebastopol) - 30 disposals, 17 contested possessions, 9 marks

COACHES’ VERDICT

Clint Proctor (North Ballarat)
“Good response from last week - nice to see the lads learn from the lesson against Ballarat and implement against the top team of the comp. Exciting for the club to continue to unearth some new talent! Looking forward to having some senior lads return and settle the team after the bye.”

Tony Lockyer (Sebastopol)
“The better team won today. North had us beat on a few fronts and deserved the result after four quarters. Well done to Clint and his boys, they played a great brand of footy and ran the ground well. We knew it was going to be a test and again this league shows if you are a few percent off it will be very hard to get a result. We stayed calm and had small bursts of momentum but couldn’t sustain it. We are looking forward to the bye. The freshen up will be great for us ahead of an exciting run home. Couldn’t be prouder of the club’s efforts so far this year.”