Bendigo FL discussion 2025

[Shinjuku]

Fixture is out….let the complaining continue

Fixture looks good. First glance is looks pretty equitable with Top 4 from 2024 facing off in final 2 rounds. Clubs can now start planning in earnest for all of the other things the draw dictates including Home Game hosting, Player payment schedules, Social Calendar and Sponsor events which all help shape the crucial part of budgeting and planning for financial prudency.

 

[NeonLeon81]

BFNL 2025 FIXTURE​

ROUND 1 – APRIL 12

South Bendigo v Strathfieldsaye

Kangaroo Flat v Gisborne

Golden Square v Eaglehawk

Sandhurst v Castlemaine

ROUND 2 – APRIL 18 (GOOD FRIDAY)

Gisborne v South Bendigo

Eaglehawk v Kangaroo Flat

Castlemaine v Golden Square

Strathfieldsaye v Sandhurst

ROUND 3 – APRIL 26 (ANZAC WEEKEND)

South Bendigo v Eaglehawk (Anzac Day – 25th)

Kangaroo Flat v Castlemaine

Golden Square v Sandhurst (Ron Best Memorial)

Gisborne v Strathfieldsaye

ROUND 4 – MAY 3 (PAT CRONIN ROUND)

Castlemaine v South Bendigo

Sandhurst v Kangaroo Flat

Strathfieldsaye v Golden Square

Eaglehawk v Gisborne

ROUND 5 – MAY 10 – MAY 17 (SPLIT ROUND)

South Bendigo v Sandhurst (May 10)

Gisborne v Castlemaine (May 10)

Kangaroo Flat v Golden Square (May 17)

Eaglehawk v Strathfieldsaye (May 17)

ROUND 6 – MAY 24

Sandhurst v Gisborne

Castlemaine v Eaglehawk

Golden Square v South Bendigo

Kangaroo Flat v Strathfieldsaye

ROUND 7 – MAY 31 (INDIGENOUS ROUND)

South Bendigo v Kangaroo Flat

Gisborne v Golden Square

Strathfieldsaye v Castlemaine

Eaglehawk v Sandhurst

KING’S BIRTHDAY GENERAL BYE – JUNE 7

ROUND 8 – JUNE 14

Strathfieldsaye v South Bendigo

Gisborne v Kangaroo Flat

Eaglehawk v Golden Square

Castlemaine v Sandhurst

ROUND 9 – JUNE 21

South Bendigo v Gisborne

Kangaroo Flat v Eaglehawk

Golden Square v Castlemaine

Sandhurst v Strathfieldsaye

ROUND 10 – JUNE 28

Eaglehawk v South Bendigo

Castlemaine v Kangaroo Flat

Sandhurst v Golden Square

Strathfieldsaye v Gisborne

ROUND 11 – JULY 5

South Bendigo v Castlemaine

Kangaroo Flat v Sandhurst

Golden Square v Strathfieldsaye

Gisborne v Eaglehawk

INTERLEAGUE BYE – JULY 13

BFNL vs VAFA

ROUND 12 – JULY 19

Sandhurst v South Bendigo

Golden Square v Kangaroo Flat

Strathfieldsaye v Eaglehawk

Castlemaine v Gisborne

ROUND 13 – JULY 26

Gisborne v Sandhurst

Eaglehawk v Castlemaine

South Bendigo v Golden Square

Strathfieldsaye v Kangaroo Flat

ROUND 14 – AUGUST 2 – AUGUST 9 (SPLIT ROUND)

Castlemaine v Strathfieldsaye (August 2)

Golden Square v Gisborne (August 2)

Kangaroo Flat v South Bendigo (August 9)

Sandhurst v Eaglehawk (August 9)

ROUND 15 – AUGUST 16

Gisborne v Strathfieldsaye

Kangaroo Flat v Eaglehawk

Golden Square v Sandhurst

Castlemaine v South Bendigo

ROUND 16 – AUGUST 23

Sandhurst v Gisborne

South Bendigo v Kangaroo Flat

Eaglehawk v Castlemaine

Strathfieldsaye v Golden Square

FINALS DATES​

Qualifying Final – Saturday, August 30

Elimination Final – Sunday, August 31

Semi Final – Saturday, September 6

Semi Final – Sunday, September 7

Preliminary Final – Saturday, September 13

GRAND FINAL – Saturday, September 20

 

[Forest St End]

Was it entirely the leagues fault? Nope. Was a major factor the inequitable path laid out by the administration meaning they and others were continually driving into dead ends? Yes. And that can’t be disputed. Give Brendan Roughead or Karen O’Sullivan a call for a chat one day, you’ll learn a lot.

Those that know, know.

It’s incredible that we have people on here who attempt to defend the indefensible.

To be honest Forest that statement basically covers the financial advantages of the move and nothing else.

The first paragraph is a scorching takedown of AFL CV.

Exceptional governance and support, proactive and collaborative.

The translation is the opposite is true of up there.

 

[Truck]

Those that know, know.

It’s incredible that we have people on here who attempt to defend the indefensible.




The first paragraph is a scorching takedown of AFL CV.

Exceptional governance and support, proactive and collaborative.

The translation is the opposite is true of up there.

Did you apply to go on the Council?

 

[Forest St End]

Did you apply to go on the Council?

Nope, I considered it then I heard it was a boat race and didn’t bother.

One councillor told me they were asked to come onboard mid season.

 

[Forest St End]

Certainly an interesting fixture but I’ve given them enough truth for a few days so I’ll let Crazy handle this one.

 

[Arnold Horshack]

Certainly an interesting fixture but I’ve given them enough truth for a few days so I’ll let Crazy handle this one.

If you're not complaining, do you communicate at all?

 

[Forest St End]

Here’s your last five posts champion.

Nothing but empty criticism of players and clubs, so not sure you are in any position to pot anyone for being negative.

If you go through my posts you’ll find many examples of ideas for positive change in the region, could you say the same about yours?

South not happy with playing the best sides? Maybe the reason they've been irrelevant for 30 years.

No issues with a draw based on previous years placing at all and it is very simple and logical to do that. My comment is that South being unhappy that they have a tough draw sums up why they're the club they are.

The lower salary cap comment is hilarious. Kyneton blew it apart for two years, wasted ridiculous money on an average coach and couldn't make finals - threw the toys out of the cot and fled.

You really need a hobby outside of this site Jacko. Yeah I do. Too much on both counts.

If you're not complaining, do you communicate at all?

 

[Truck]

Nope, I considered it then I heard it was a boat race and didn’t bother.

One councillor told me they were asked to come onboard mid season.

Are the Maggies looking for a practice match?

 

[Mad Jack]

Fixture is out….let the complaining continue

Looks like HQ have taken on board the feedback (or as you call it, complaining) for a change. The draft fixutre looks quite different to the final fixture in terms of who play’s who a third time. They’ve finally used some common sense.

 

[saintron]

Is nathan Horbury returning to Sth B

 

[Crazymaggy2020]

Alas it has happened ! Someone has listened to common sense for once in the past 10 years and made a positive decision. This fixture was a disaster when first issued and to south bendigo credit they have had it changed. Well done to everyone for finally trying to work on equalisation


On iPhone using BigFooty.com mobile app

 

[Forest St End]

Are the Maggies looking for a practice match?

Not sure what they’ve got lined up but by all reports last year was a great hit out so couldn’t see why they wouldn’t want to do it again.

 

[Forest St End]

Alas it has happened ! Someone has listened to common sense for once in the past 10 years and made a positive decision. This fixture was a disaster when first issued and to south bendigo credit they have had it changed. Well done to everyone for finally trying to work on equalisation


On iPhone using BigFooty.com mobile app

And to think all it took was a request for the board to resign!

There’s only really two minor criticisms I could make, Eaglehawk must have been very quick to declare support recently and no footy on the Kings Birthday for a major league is a missed opportunity.

Considering the calibre of the creators however it’s a solid result. Already keen for round one!

 

[Kilonewton]

There’s only really two minor criticisms I could make, Eaglehawk must have been very quick to declare support recently and no footy on the Kings Birthday for a major league is a missed opportunity.

Ballarat had a week off for King’s Birthday last year and doing it again this year. It’s a good spot in the season for everyone (players, coaches, umpires, officials) to take a break away from it, refresh, then get back into the second half of the season.
At this level, everyone is making some type of sacrifice in their lives outside footy to be involved in the game.

 

[Forest St End]

Ballarat had a week off for King’s Birthday last year and doing it again this year. It’s a good spot in the season for everyone (players, coaches, umpires, officials) to take a break away from it, refresh, then get back into the second half of the season.
At this level, everyone is making some type of sacrifice in their lives outside footy to be involved in the game.

Yes, certainly agree it would be a popular move with everyone involved in clubs (apart from perhaps the treasurer).

To me though there should be a big game on the Sunday at the QEO as a stand alone. If we want to be a major league we need to act like it.

I haven’t had a look but I’ll bet the O and M have footy on that weekend.

 

[Earthmover]

Square attracted some very unfavourable comments on this forum earlier in the year based on a rumour of a player's inappropriate use of social media and the negative consequence this had on the club's recruiting. My own comment is any club that can appoint Dean Strauch as the coach of its Under 18's team is not in a bad place. This appointment of a man of this character and background would make them the envy of every football club in the country. While they have lost Toma & Monti they seem to have picked up some useful recruits. I predict they will be well in the mix again.

I think next year will be the most interesting season the BFNL will have for many decades. The key will be the number of even teams with everyone but Kangaroo Flat a chance for the finals. Even the Flat have their best coaching set up for many years. If new teams enter the BFNL in 2026 (or later) they need to be competitive or to be honest this will just result in more boring one sided games that have plagued the BFNL for some time. This destroy interest. We all want to see Maryborough succeed but surely they have to merge with another team such as the Giants for a long term future regardless of what league they play in. Nothing would be more harmful to the club than coming back into the BFNL and getting belted week after week again. The same applies to Broadford, particularly as a club also in recess.

In summary the biggest factor by a country mile for a healthy BFNL is an even competition - not the number of teams.

The square incident involving GBthe passing on of photos wasn’t a rumour, they lost a recruit due to it.
I’m more interested to hear the legitimacy of an ambulance wheeling out a new recruit of theirs, after over celebrating his signature.

 

[AlburyE]

The square incident involving GBthe passing on of photos wasn’t a rumour, they lost a recruit due to it.
I’m more interested to hear the legitimacy of an ambulance wheeling out a new recruit of theirs, after over celebrating his signature.

So if you want to deal with the situation and ensure younger players have a role model on conducting themselves on and off the field how could you do any better than appointing Dean Strauch?

 

[Who are ya]

And to think all it took was a request for the board to resign!

There’s only really two minor criticisms I could make, Eaglehawk must have been very quick to declare support recently and no footy on the Kings Birthday for a major league is a missed opportunity.

Considering the calibre of the creators however it’s a solid result. Already keen for round one!

Footy over the Kings birthday weekend, Easter etc only works well in holiday towns in my opinion. Down here in Geelong there’s not much footy played over them weekends in the gfl but the Bellarine league gets bumper crowds with most towns population doubling in size over the holiday periods

 

[Wooden Robot]

Footy over the Kings birthday weekend, Easter etc only works well in holiday towns in my opinion. Down here in Geelong there’s not much footy played over them weekends in the gfl but the Bellarine league gets bumper crowds with most towns population doubling in size over the holiday periods

True that.
I know the Sunraysia league plays a Good Friday game, always South Mildura and Irymple, with the teams alternating years as the host.
Biggest crowd for the year with the exception of the grand final and maybe one other final.
Easter Saturday, crowds revert to a normal home and away season crowd.

 

[Earthmover]

So if you want to deal with the situation and ensure younger players have a role model on conducting themselves on and off the field how could you do any better than appointing Dean Strauch?

Agreed. But I’m not sure as an 18’s coach he’d be sitting in on meetings where it occurred.

 

[Forest St End]

Footy over the Kings birthday weekend, Easter etc only works well in holiday towns in my opinion. Down here in Geelong there’s not much footy played over them weekends in the gfl but the Bellarine league gets bumper crowds with most towns population doubling in size over the holiday periods

That’s my thinking as well and a tourism town like Bendigo should be perfect for it.

One of my many criticisms of the hub is the complete lack of any sort of innovation or game promotion they do outside of a few piss weak clinics and 9s competitions.

Imagine if we went into the season knowing top two teams after a certain round would have their later game switched to the KB weekend Sunday at the QEO.

They could lobby the AFL for a game featuring a low drawing Vic club against GWS or Gold Coast, and play the Bendigo game after under lights. If you couldn’t play an AFL game have a regional Super Sunday where you play a top of the ladder clash between all the leagues back to back.

Set up a festival of footy in the park with kids activities, clinics etc running all day.

It would be a massive weekend for the game and the town. That’s the sort of thing they should be driving.

 

[rkjc22]

That’s my thinking as well and a tourism town like Bendigo should be perfect for it.

One of my many criticisms of the hub is the complete lack of any sort of innovation or game promotion they do outside of a few piss weak clinics and 9s competitions.

Imagine if we went into the season knowing top two teams after a certain round would have their later game switched to the KB weekend Sunday at the QEO.

They could lobby the AFL for a game featuring a low drawing Vic club against GWS or Gold Coast, and play the Bendigo game after under lights. If you couldn’t play an AFL game have a regional Super Sunday where you play a top of the ladder clash between all the leagues back to back.

Set up a festival of footy in the park with kids activities, clinics etc running all day.

It would be a massive weekend for the game and the town. That’s the sort of thing they should be driving.

With all due respect these ideas are completely fantasy land.

The AFL don't hand out games to anyone. Governments at all levels have to throw $$ at them.

And you want teams to give up home games? Who gets the gate? Who gets the canteen? The bar? Where do the 18s, 2s and netball sides play?

 

[fatkidinthepocket]

With all due respect these ideas are completely fantasy land.

The AFL don't hand out games to anyone. Governments at all levels have to throw $$ at them.

And you want teams to give up home games? Who gets the gate? Who gets the canteen? The bar? Where do the 18s, 2s and netball sides play?

But not surprising

 

[ROOTA#6]

With all due respect these ideas are completely fantasy land.

The AFL don't hand out games to anyone. Governments at all levels have to throw $$ at them.

And you want teams to give up home games? Who gets the gate? Who gets the canteen? The bar? Where do the 18s, 2s and netball sides play?

Bendigo doesn’t have a facility suitable to host an afl regular season game.

Praccy match at best but it’s even been a while since one of them was hosted at the QEO