Clubs to play more matches in Ballarat league for first time since 2007 next year

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.

Darley’s Mitch Ward kicks the ball to a target against Melton South last season. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Ballarat league teams will have a better chance to make finals next year but they will have to work harder to qualify.

This masthead can reveal the finals system for the league is set to be the same despite Melton South leaving the competition in the off-season to join the Riddell District league.

The move has reduced the competition from 11 to 10 teams.

Melton South’s John Kovarik last season. For the first time since 1996 the team won’t be in the Ballarat league. Picture: Andy Brownbill

But it won’t reduce the teams qualifying for finals according to Ballarat league board director Rob Simmonds.

“(It) looks like final six,” he revealed.

“Draft went out to clubs for comment last week.

“We have a bit of feedback, (but) we’ll put out the final one next week.”

If the top-six is implemented it will mean 60 per cent of teams will qualify for finals next year.

Teams will have an extra challenge making it, with two games more to play in 2025.

Last season, sides played 16 games out of the 18 rounds, with two byes for each club held during the season.

For the first time since 2007 teams won’t have a bye during a round with all clubs playing each other twice for 18 matches.

To compensate, there will be two byes for all clubs, which will be held on interleague weekend and King’s Birthday on June 9.

More information on the draw will be released next week.

Originally published as Clubs to play more matches in Ballarat league for first time since 2007 next year