BFNL Football Review - Round 12, 2026

The Cobras’ disappointing run of outs continued following a 58-point loss to the Roosters at Mars Stadium.

It was their fourth loss in a row and fifth in six games by an average of 59.4 points.

Dennis Armfield’s quiver kicked with the aid of a five-goal wind in the first quarter but again failed to get any real bang for buck on the scoreboard, the tale of the last month essentially for this group in the absence of key forward Jake Owen.

Despite the Roosters being held scoreless in the first term under trying conditions, the Cobras return of 2.6 was shy of the mark, vulnerable at best.

Those initial thoughts were confirmed at the half as the hosts booted 6.4 to no score in the second term to lead by 22 at the main break.

The Cobras scoring woes continued with a miserly 2.2 return (with the wind) in the third, outscored by the Roosters 3.1.

The hosts went onto to post an inaccurate 4.7 in the final term but again kept the Cobras scoreless to run out comfortable winners.

It was Roosters’ coach Clint Proctor’s sixth win in a row at home, unbeaten on Mars Stadium since their season opener against Ballarat.

Unfortunately, the Cobras are expected to be without Jake Owen (and Will Lalor) for at least another week prompting questions about their ability to post a score high enough to challenge Darley in Saturday’s local derby.

Over the last six weeks (Lakers game excluded) the Cobras have averaged just 42 points per game.

The Roosters however, welcomed back a handful of key troops for the battle with immediate impact.

Declyn McGuigan finished with an equal game high three goals, while Dave Brinker-Ritchie (two goals) and Sam Glover (one) also hit the scoreboard.

In form trio Dominic Penny, Josh Morris and Jye Lockett (three goals) were named best for the winners ahead of McGuigan, and speedsters Ethan York and Michael Hughes who have played just five senior games between them.

For the Cobras, all too familiar names Luke Goetz, Jamie Fulton, Tyson Shea and Zach Vesty led the resistance, but the contributors simply did not bat deep enough to trouble a very talented and exciting Roosters outfit on the rise.

The Cobras chances of rebounding at home against the Devils will be improved with the potential return of Josh Huxtable (Williamstown VFL), James McDaid (Western Jets), Sam Griffiths (suspension), Jack Parente (foot) and Angus Morgan (quad). Tarkyn Findlay (finger) will miss the local derby.

The Roosters are off to Eastern Oval to take on three-win East Point. The job on the road should be made easier with the return of x-factor forward Jamie Quick and corridor mid Elliott Lamb (concussion).

STATS THAT MATTERED

Luke Goetz (Bacchus Marsh) - 22 disposals, 22 hitouts, 9 marks

Josh Morris (North Ballarat) - 35 disposals, 10 marks, 8 rebound 50s

Sam Glover (North Ballarat) - 25 disposals, 11 intercept possessions, 6 score involvements

COACHES’ VERDICT

Clint Proctor (North Ballarat)
“Very strong wind today and a game of two ends! I thought we had the game on our terms and got the rewards in the second half eventually. Bacchus started very well and took some moments - Goetz such an influence around the ground. Good signs with our brand of football looking forward to the next challenge!”

Dennis Armfield (Bacchus Marsh)
“A tough day out at Mars Stadium. With a strong breeze one way, we were unfortunately not able to capitalize early. While North took their chances. While into the breeze, we were able to hold for large patches and apply great pressure most of the day, yet on a skill error North hurt us on turnover. Overall, a great learning for our whole team (coaches and players) and we look forward to Darley next week and getting some troops back.”

The Devils made it four wins on the trot with a stirring 72-point win over East Point at the weekend.

Despite missing Brett Bewley (leg), Billy Myers (thumb), Joel Cadman (hamstring), Duncan Cadman (concussion), Adam Azzopardi (overseas), Harley Inglis (ankle) and Jarrod White (overseas), the Devils made light work of Joe Carmody’s young Kangas.

The reigning premiers extended their impressive winning run at home to 17 while the Kangas must wait another year for an opportunity to end their drought at Darley Park dating back to 2014.

The return of key forward pairing Will Johnson (six goals) and Jayven Tanner (three goals) seemingly went under the radar given the focus of attention around the Bewley injury.

The absence of Bewley and Myers meant the next line of experienced leaders at the Devils had to stand up with voice and deliver on performance. The response was emphatic, leaving the visitors shell shocked at the half trailing by 52 points - game over!

While the Kangas toiled well in the second half, the damage was already done as Carmody referred to the contest in the aftermath as “men against boys…”

Lachie George, Nick Hind and Luther Baker rose to the occasion winning the all-important midfield battle while Johnson and Tanner’s collective nine goal haul showed what the Devils had been missing on the structural front over recent weeks.

Versatile wingman Mikey Edwards was super while Matty Brett and Zane Le Huray targeted jobs on Kangas potential match winners Jacob Brown (two goals) and Jarrod Joyce.

Devils’ coach Dan Jordan was typically measured in the post-match, acknowledging the depth of the performance across the board and notable improvement of his group fresh off a break.

The Kangas were simply outclassed on a day that many gave them a genuine chance heading in, causing the upset of the round.

It wasn’t to be despite the efforts of Joseph McGuane, Liam Canny, Luca Geue and Sam Lucas.

The Devils will embrace another week into the rehab of their missing guns as they prepare for another chapter of the local derby across town at Maddingley Park with the Cobras, who have lost their last four games in the absence of Jake Owen and Will Lalor.

The Kangas next assignment doesn’t get any easier despite the luxury of a home meeting with North Ballarat (4th) who welcome the return of Jamie Quick and Elliott Lamb (concussion).

STATS THAT MATTERED

Lachlan George (Darley) - 41 disposals, 19 inside 50s, 12 marks

Nick Hind (Darley) - 29 disposals, 9 score involvements, 8 inside 50s

Thomas Brown (East Point) - 33 hitouts, 16 disposals, 5 clearances

COACHES’ VERDICT

Dan Jordan (Darley)

“Very pleased with the performance across the board today against a determined, young East Point side. We thought it was important to start the game well sparing us the potential of having to chase the game as we have for periods in recent weeks. Clearly, we were benefitted by the week off and we looked a different side. Structurally we were improved with the inclusions of Wil Johnson and Jayven Tanner and our leaders really stood up. Sound win.”

Joe Carmody (East Point)
“Men against boys today. We were blown off the park in the first half. To the boys credit it was 11 scoring shots each in the second half. A pretty valuable experience for our young players to get a first-hand look at what a high work rate and sticking to your role looks like. We had 14 players today who are 21 or under so we are getting some games into these kids to fast track their development.”

Perennial finalists Melton delivered on expectation with a runaway 107-point win over the Lakers.

While the result attracted a certain degree of inevitability, interest was by “how far” given it was popular Lakers’ coach Rohan Brown’s last game at the helm.

The Lakers have lost their last 30 games on the trot but displayed enough intent to satisfy the faithful despite the gulf in class.

Will Clark (two goals), Corey Rich, Alfred Jarnestrom and Kye Anderson led the charge for the undisputed underdogs to be within 16 points at the first change despite the advantage of a four or five goal wind to the city end.

Talk about celebrating mini wins - when the Lakers won the toss, Brown’s boys did all but sing the song recognising the flip of the coin had landed their way.

Despite posting a respectable 4.4 in the first term, the Bloods were on song posting 7.2 of their own to deserve the lead at quarter time.

The dominance of the Bloods should’ve come as no surprise given Troy Scoble’s ‘Bloodahood’ rank #1 in the comp for first quarters.

A 16-point quarter time lead for the hosts was extended to 72 at the half and again to 78 at the final change before some inaccurate kicking late flattered the score line for the visitors.

Braedan Kight finished with a selfless, game high six goals ahead of brow raising improvers Archie Greenshields (four goals) and Austin Thorneycroft (three goals).

The most encouraging thing about the Bloods’ big win was their will to share the footy given as many as 10 players hit the scoreboard on the goal front.

While there are bigger fish to fry, the Bloods were solid despite the absence of Harry Hanley (overseas), Jordy Kight (ankle), Lachlan Walker (overseas), Max Scoble (overseas), Brodie Sullivan (wedding), Adrian Monitto (shin), Jordy Kight (foot) and Billy Crofts (Hamstring/Footscray VFL).

The percentage booster consolidates the Bloods’ fifth position on the ladder, now a game and considerable percentage ahead of Sunbury.

Bloods captain Braedan Kight (six goals) was named best for the winners ahead of defenders Jordy Cotter and Lachlan Phillips.

Kyle Borg, Liam Carter and Jack Walker stretched their legs covering considerable ground and were rewarded with enough ball to feature prominently.

One highlight in particular for the Lakers came from goal of the day contender Will Clark who had three or four links in the chain before a quality finish earned the applause of both camps.

The Lakers host Ballarat next week while the Bloods are at home to Sunbury.

STATS THAT MATTERED

Jordyn Cotter (Melton) - 33 disposals, 14 marks, 13 intercept possessions

Caleb Burquest (Melton) - 36 disposals, 10 clearances, 10 score involvements

Will Clark (Lake Wendouree) - 42 disposals, 5 clearances, 5 score involvements

COACHES’ VERDICT

Troy Scoble (Melton)
“Our youngest senior side in 8 years. Very competitive game from start to finish - pleased with our performance into the breeze in the first and third able to still move the ball and connect well forward. The connection between the Lakers boys and Browny is so evident - they played right to the end. Local footy isn’t easy especially if you experience availability challenges and Browny has represented himself and the club extremely well. Thanks to Lakers boys, full book in the socials post-game.”

Rohan Brown (Lake Wendouree)
“Challenging day for footy, thought we had some good positive patches throughout. Melton capitalised on any fundamental error, and they don't miss their chances. They will start to get some players back and Scobes has a system in place good enough to challenge. So incredibly proud of our club and the group of players I have been fortunate enough to lead over the last 3 years. Yes, it's been tough, but the resilience & loyalty shown by all is something I'm very grateful of. We are all very emotional at the club, but I said that's a good thing it means we care. Looking forward to watching the club move forward. Very humbled by the amount of phone calls, texts and well wishes from all. It's a bloody hard and challenging gig in what is a strong league led by some amazing coaches that I've been fortunate to connect with & learn. Looking forward to a bit of family time. Good luck to everyone over the next few weeks and into finals.”

Redan led at every change to upset Sunbury at Clarke Oval in a low scoring affair largely due to one man… Bond. Lachlan Bond!

The former Geelong VFL listed talent booted five of the visitors six goals to prove the difference on a day majors came at a premium.

While many at Redan would consider the ‘upset’ status an overreach given their recent form, overcoming Sunbury at Clarke Oval is a feather in the cap for coach Marc Greig in his first season in charge.

While Sunbury look a much younger line up compared to their grand final side of last year they still had 14 members of that side take the field, not including Josh Guthrie who missed the decider with injury.

For the record, Darley had just 10 players from their premiership winning side in their 72-point win over East Point.

Just not much going right on field for Sunbury this year - an injury laden season has not seen the best from the Matty White’s Pride despite the names on paper suggesting they should be going better than 5-7.

A fourth win for Redan has opened the door for Greigy’s young boys to make their own claim for an unlikely finals berth now just a game and percentage (20%) outside the six.

Lachlan Bond’s starring role aside there were many contributors for the winners - put simply, their good players all played well.

Harry Lawson, Jake Connolly, Rory Gunsser, Bailey McKay and Brodie Pope led the charge to warn the nod of approval from the Redan camp.

Unfortunately for Sunbury they’re like a nice car that just won’t start at the moment - the stocks are there but the absence of Jake Sutton, Jake Egan and Daniel Johnston is palpable.

Again, the efforts of Jack Newitt, Tyson Lever and Cody Bramble were to be recognised in the narrow loss but Sunbury’s four goal return in difficult conditions I must concede was never going to be enough to earn the premiership points.

Hats off to Redan, I’m sure they duly celebrated keeping their season alive.

Sunbury (6th) face Melton (5th) next week in a very important match up (aren’t they all this year!) while Redan host flag contenders and current number side Sebastopol.

Big ask.

STATS THAT MATTERED

Tyson Lever (Sunbury) - 33 disposals, 11 intercept possessions, 6 pressure acts

Harry Lawson (Redan) - 25 disposals, 13 marks, 8 rebound 50s

William Madden (Redan) - 25 disposals, 17 hitouts, 12 contested possessions

COACHES’ VERDICT

Matty White (Sunbury)
“Hard day in the end. Windy conditions that we couldn’t adapt to. Poor skill execution under big pressure from Redan. Redan were able to handle the conditions better than us and unfortunately, we couldn’t get it going our way. Makes it hard from here for the rest of the year but looks like we’ll get some sliders back over the next couple of weeks so let’s see what comes of that.”

Marc Greig (Redan)
“Tricky conditions for both teams. I was pleased with our ability to apply pressure and tackle which led to opportunities to get/keep the ball in our front half for scoring opportunities. It’s been a good month of footy for the lads. Next week is another good opportunity to learn and develop against the flag favourites.”

An eight-goal-to-two final quarter blitz has rocketed the Burra back to the top of the BFNL ladder with a 31-point win over the Swans.

This seesawing affair witnessed a host of lead changes before the Burra finally shrugged off the persistent Swans to give their loyal and faithful plenty to celebrate from the members balcony.

The anticipation of this one v two clash first up off the bye certainly lived up to the billing providing a snapshot into what lies ahead come finals.

Credit to Sebastopol without important trio Tony Lockyer, Jeff Buckley and Gedd Hommelhoff making it 2/2 against a depth laden Ballarat who may have touched flag favouritism for a moment in the build-up.

The Swans were missing a handful of their own (Tristan Maple, Thomas Simpson, Wyatt Squires, Sam Batistella, Rhys Perry, Bailey Fraser) and lost no admirers suffering just their third defeat of the season.

The hierarchy at the Burra settled on key ball winning trio Luke Kiel, Jack Bambury and Felix Henderson as their best in an otherwise proud team effort that yielded eight goal kickers posting a winning score.

Biggie Nyuon booted four goals for the Swans to consolidate his stranglehold on the Tony Lockett Medal tally while Luke Gray, Fraser Perkins and Patrick Graham maintained their season of good form to be named best for the visitors.

How good is BFNL footy at the moment? While the finals series is sure to entertain our socks off, don’t wish the season away as there are so many more enthralling match ups to come ahead of finals that will shape opinion and inevitably the makeup of the top six.

Next up, the Burra face Redan at City Oval while the Swans are off to CE Brown Reserve following a changing of the guard at the Lakers.

STATS THAT MATTERED

Lachlan Cassidy (Sebastopol) - 34 disposals, 10 tackles, 10 marks

Jack Bambury (Sebastopol) - 35 disposals, 9 score involvements, 7 clearances

Fraser Perkins (Ballarat) - 38 disposals, 10 inside 50s, 8 marks   

COACHES’ VERDICT

Tony Lockyer (Sebastopol)
“High quality game of Ballarat footy in trying conditions. The boys started so well and set up their day in Q1. Whilst the challenge and pressure from Ballarat came all day, particularly at the start of Q4, I was so proud to watch the character and resilience of this group to respond the way they did. All the best to Ash and the Swans for the remainder of the run home. Special thank you to Shane and off field team at Sebas for taking charge yesterday in my absence.”

Ash Baker (Ballarat)
“Full credit to Tony, Snibo and the Sebas lads - too good for us most of the day. Sebas started well, moved the ball really well and we struggled to defend their ball movement. They were really well organised around stoppage also. We stuck at it and were able to find some momentum late in the third and early in the fourth and gave ourselves a sneaky chance before Sebas regained that momentum and finished too strongly. Plenty for us to work on this week as we look to be better next weekend.”