First look at how Ballarat league is shaping up for 2025
With the full Ballarat league fixture expected to be released next week, here’s what to expect. How many teams make finals? And what impact Melton South’s departure has.
Ballarat FL
Two number one picks in three years: Country town’s unique draft legacy
Located an hour west of Melbourne, the growing town of Bacchus Marsh has produced an incredible run of top end AFL talent. AFL legend and former junior footy coach Doug Hawkins reveals what makes the town so special.
Meet the No.1 pick: Inside Dusty-like gun’s unlikely rise to the top
Sam Lalor hasn’t been above 80 per cent this year, yet he is the red-hot favourite to be the No.1 pick. He opens up on his injury struggles which proved to be a blessing in disguise and more.
Ranked: The ex-AFL players who lit up local footy this year
From the bush to the ‘burbs, former AFL players thrilled local football crowds across all corners of the state this year. We’ve named the best – and ranked the top 15. See who heads the list.
More Stories
Ex-AFL names star on local footy’s biggest stage
Local footy grand finals were highlighted by stunning performances from ex-AFL names and even a state cricketer. Here’s a full wrap from across Victoria.
Country footy battler finds new home
After several years of 100-point plus thrasings, Melton South is a step closer to finding its new footballing home for the 2025 season. Here are the ramifications for two leagues.
Ginni-style GF prep, $1999 is unders and the QR code highlight reel
There’s a Jack Ginnivan-style GF preparation, a player not settling for less than 2k a game, a QR code to individual highlights and two big AFL names linked to local footy. It’s all here in Quick Kicks.
Grand final wins and a shock or two
Finals accelerated in local footy with plenty of grand final winners as elsewhere there were stunning results as teams looked to qualify for the decider. Here are the talking points from Saturday’s football.
Bloods not deterred by finals venue
Melton avoided repeating the horrors of last year, going out in straight sets, with a win over East Point on Saturday. Now, the team is preparing for its toughest test of the season. More here.
Revealed: Local footy’s longest winning and losing streaks
Some local footy teams can’t stop winning while others are still searching for a win after multiple years. Check out the longest winning and losing streaks across the state.
Revealed: The local footy team’s eyeing perfect seasons
It’s the pinnacle of local footy, winning the premiership and not losing a game all season. See the clubs on track for the perfect year.
Flag droughts end, grand final tickets booked
Two major premiership droughts ended with a host of clubs book grand final berths on a bumper Saturday of local footy. Check out all the big winners here.
Where you can watch footy with no AFL on this weekend
The AFL might not be on this weekend but there are plenty of matches around the state for fans to watch. Check out the list of must watch games here.
Next Stewart? The top 25 country footy draft smokeys ranked
We have seen Joe Richards and Oli Wiltshire plucked straight out of country footy by AFL clubs in recent years, and more mature-age gems who could join them. See the best 25 and have your say.
Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/localfooty/ballaratfl/page/3