Bendigo FL discussion 2026

[Jack Doolan]

Is that poorly worded and means club delegate or does anyone who is a member of a club have the right to nominate and vote?
Could we all turn up and get Crazy on the board for example?

 

[Back in my Day]

In Bendigo Junior Footy league last year there were 21 Under 16 teams with approx 460 players. Assuming that 60% are top age and based on 5% retention theory of the AFL that would leave only 14 players continuing on after their final year. Please tell me I am missing something.

Yeah I don't think that is necessarily true for BJFL definitely more than 14 top agers going up from this 2025 group! Potentially the 5% might be more accurate when players finish 18s.

 

[footyhead2367]

In Bendigo Junior Footy league last year there were 21 Under 16 teams with approx 460 players. Assuming that 60% are top age and based on 5% retention theory of the AFL that would leave only 14 players continuing on after their final year. Please tell me I am missing something.

Definitely missing the point. The original post said if you play on the same day you retain 60%.

Our thirds play on the same day so there’d be closer to 60% retention not 5%. Say each team has 25 in a squad multiple by the 8 teams that’s 200 kids. 60% of that is 120.

 

[Shinjuku]

Definitely missing the point. The original post said if you play on the same day you retain 60%.

Our thirds play on the same day so there’d be closer to 60% retention not 5%. Say each team has 25 in a squad multiple by the 8 teams that’s 200 kids. 60% of that is 120.

The Bendigo Juniors don’t play on the same day. It’s a different league.

 

[Shinjuku]

Yeah I don't think that is necessarily true for BJFL definitely more than 14 top agers going up from this 2025 group! Potentially the 5% might be more accurate when players finish 18s.

Roars post referred to junior competitions not aligned to Senior footy so this scenario doesn’t apply

 

[Back in my Day]

Definitely missing the point. The original post said if you play on the same day you retain 60%.

Our thirds play on the same day so there’d be closer to 60% retention not 5%. Say each team has 25 in a squad multiple by the 8 teams that’s 200 kids. 60% of that is 120.

Fair call. I can't read apparently.

 

[Cec Bull]

I understand that AFL Vic carries at the work within Vic Talent pathways but I’m pretty confident that AFL Clubs , via AFL Talent provide direction or strong indication on what they’d like pathways to look like / to be .

I don’t know exactly, but I’m pretty sure afl head recruiters do not like the compromised U/18 comp and the influence the afl puts into private school football and they have have expressed this for years.
The AFL as always are listening but not hearing

 

[Trent from barwon Heads]

I don’t know exactly, but I’m pretty sure afl head recruiters do not like the compromised U/18 comp and the influence the afl puts into private school football and they have have expressed this for years.
The AFL as always are listening but not hearing

I think they now prefer school footy no travel, they like the fact they know what type of personality they get, unless they are wells who will go and look outside the square, they are happy with the elitism coming to footy. The afl weren't happy but are now happy they dont have to pay as much, Coates League is on its knees

 

[beesknees22]

I think they now prefer school footy no travel, they like the fact they know what type of personality they get, unless they are wells who will go and look outside the square, they are happy with the elitism coming to footy. The afl weren't happy but are now happy they dont have to pay as much, Coates League is on its knees

Yep, best option IMO is to go back to the old Club U19’s model. AFL/VFL clubs will build more engagement directly with community regions/clubs and I think we will see that filter through with more late bloomers coming through VFL.

You just have to look at England, even Div 1/2 clubs have their own junior academies/programs as young as 7 or 8 years old, albeit different $ financial model.

They just need to solve that 12-17yo talent pathway here, and it won’t be anywhere near as expensive as the Coates League.

 

[western royboy]

Yep, best option IMO is to go back to the old Club U19’s model. AFL/VFL clubs will build more engagement directly with community regions/clubs and I think we will see that filter through with more late bloomers coming through VFL.

You just have to look at England, even Div 1/2 clubs have their own junior academies/programs as young as 7 or 8 years old, albeit different $ financial model.

They just need to solve that 12-17yo talent pathway here, and it won’t be anywhere near as expensive as the Coates League.

Under 19’s would add another level of expense. In an uncertain market, it’s not going to happen

 

[beesknees22]

Under 19’s would add another level of expense. In an uncertain market, it’s not going to happen

Which would be an AFL club that is generating $’s and benefit in recruiting talent earlier

 

[western royboy]

Which would be an AFL club that is generating $’s and benefit in recruiting talent earlier

Multiply it out, plus Reserves =‘way too much money

 

[beesknees22]

Multiply it out, plus Reserves =‘way too much money

That’s what I’m recommending. Spend it in the right way/place.

Your naivety will get you on the Bendigo FL board this summer. I’ll nominate you.

 

[Trent from barwon Heads]

I dont think theyll want 20 spots, its a cost thing, at the moment in bendigo region, walker would be the only academy player, that clubs would entertain, hed train at the Carlton academy play school footy and few games in echuca seniors before he goes on their senior list. Theres only 6 list spots a year, thats all clubs would be seriously interested in spending development on 6-8 kids

 

[western royboy]

That’s what I’m recommending. Spend it in the right way/place.

Your naivety will get you on the Bendigo FL board this summer. I’ll nominate you.

Think you’re the best qualified

 

[MortlockWatcher]

Further, does anyone know how one gets on this BFNL board, co-opted or otherwise?
Or do I need friends in high or the right places? Invite only?
I'm genuinely interested.

You need to know Aunty Caz's secret handshake to get nominated.

 

[Crazymaggy2020]

You need to know Aunty Caz's secret handshake to get nominated.

It’s the sole reason why the place is rooted. If you’re not connected with Latrobe Uni or sandhurst you have zero change . And god forbid if you reside in a regional town

 

[fatkidinthepocket]

It’s the sole reason why the place is rooted. If you’re not connected with Latrobe Uni or sandhurst you have zero change . And god forbid if you reside in a regional town

Why did your mob block Gisbornes move then?

 

[Jack Doolan]

Why did your mob block Gisbornes move then?

How did they block it when the clubs haven’t voted on them leaving and the SGM hasn’t been held?

 

[footyhead2367]

Think they’re referring to Castlemaine voting with the board?

 

[Jack Doolan]

Think they’re referring to Castlemaine voting with the board?

Voting with them on what though the SGM isn’t until December 8 and I’m told Castlemaine are voting for the chair to leave the board at that

 

[gohardorgohome]

Was told by AFL employee retention from Junior only comps was around 5% .
Whilst have seen stats over a long period where Senior aligned have continued to be above 60% .

If junior clubs are successful, with 2-3 teams each year in year one out of juniors you are going well if you get 3 regular seniors players and 5 reserves players.

By year 5 you might have 1 or 2 regular senior players and 2-3 in the twos.

 

[footyhead2367]

If junior clubs are successful, with 2-3 teams each year in year one out of juniors you are going well if you get 3 regular seniors players and 5 reserves players.

By year 5 you might have 1 or 2 regular senior players and 2-3 in the twos.

Players head out to other clubs which is where recruiting comes in.

There was obviously a tough time after Covid with numbers hopefully it starts to correct itself now.

 

[Trent from barwon Heads]

If junior clubs are successful, with 2-3 teams each year in year one out of juniors you are going well if you get 3 regular seniors players and 5 reserves players.

By year 5 you might have 1 or 2 regular senior players and 2-3 in the twos.

If you have good juniors and good player retention, you should aim to have a core of 16 local senior players, 8 depth fringe locals. Thats the key to been successful and blooding kids early into senior footy

 

[NeonLeon81]

Voting with them on what though the SGM isn’t until December 8 and I’m told Castlemaine are voting for the chair to leave the board at that

There won’t be a SGM now from what I’m told.