Bendigo FL discussion 2026

[daniel31]

What would be everyones ideal Bendigo league?

 

[Del233027]

What would be everyones ideal Bendigo league?

It depends on if you want to ruin other leagues. I think we probably merge major leagues with each other and have relegation and promotion. I did see as an interest in the 1960s the geelong league run by this, so its not entirely new either.

But bendigo without disrupting too many other leagues best case would be
Sandhurst
Square
Maine
South
Flat
E'Hawk
Strath
Marong
Echuca
Moama
Calder lions
Huntly/White Hills (should merge with a major league side and side in hdfl)

 

[Vlodrive]

It depends on if you want to ruin other leagues. I think we probably merge major leagues with each other and have relegation and promotion. I did see as an interest in the 1960s the geelong league run by this, so its not entirely new either.

But bendigo without disrupting too many other leagues best case would be
Sandhurst
Square
Maine
South
Flat
E'Hawk
Strath
Marong
Echuca
Moama
Calder lions
Huntly/White Hills (should merge with a major league side and side in hdfl)

If the league still wanted a side down the Calder highway would they go with Rupertswood or an RDFL club like Gisborne Giants or Riddell? the travel would be annoying heading for Echuca - Sunbury & Gisborne.

 

[Del233027]

If the league still wanted a side down the Calder highway would they go with Rupertswood or an RDFL club like Gisborne Giants or Riddell? the travel would be annoying heading for Echuca - Sunbury & Gisborne.

Yep it sounds like the bfl wants to expand north, if they wanted to keep gisborne, they should have gone after the Sunbury teams and gisborne giants, it makes it baffling why they kept gisborne this year when they made no effort to entice clubs close to gisborne to play bfl

 

[Vlodrive]

Yep it sounds like the bfl wants to expand north, if they wanted to keep gisborne, they should have gone after the Sunbury teams and gisborne giants, it makes it baffling why they kept gisborne this year when they made no effort to entice clubs close to gisborne to play bfl

Yep it sounds like the bfl wants to expand north, if they wanted to keep gisborne, they should have gone after the Sunbury teams and gisborne giants, it makes it baffling why they kept gisborne this year when they made no effort to entice clubs close to gisborne to play bfl

will Maine & Kflat hang about much longer? If not it makes sense to expand north or try to atleast. Can’t see Broadford hanging around for long.

 

[Del233027]

will Maine & Kflat hang about much longer? If not it makes sense to expand north or try to atleast. Can’t see Broadford hanging around for long.

Broadford will be in the kdfl in 2027

 

[jobbytonny]

Broadford will be in the kdfl in 2027

Have you asked the kdl about that

 

[GrassKat]

Have you asked the kdl about that

Sounds a bit like the Carlton motto from 2009!

 

[Del233027]

Have you asked the kdl about that

When they are still heavily under afl vic presence its a formality, they get club up and running this year transfer the new after to their playing field, far easier to do and will have afl vic backing, where grants for upgrades for kdfl clubs will be looked at favourably

 

[rkjc22]

Yep it sounds like the bfl wants to expand north, if they wanted to keep gisborne, they should have gone after the Sunbury teams and gisborne giants, it makes it baffling why they kept gisborne this year when they made no effort to entice clubs close to gisborne to play bfl

No public effort Trent.

The Moama and Echuca situations prove that the league was doing things they weren't advertising.

But even if they did approach quietly, would you say yes if you were Sunbury?

 

[Wooden Robot]

No public effort Trent.

The Moama and Echuca situations prove that the league was doing things they weren't advertising.

But even if they did approach quietly, would you say yes if you were Sunbury?

I think we can safely say, publicly or non publicly, there were no approaches or overtures to the likes of Sunbury and Gisborne Giants.

 

[rkjc22]

I think we can safely say, publicly or non publicly, there were no approaches or overtures to the likes of Sunbury and Gisborne Giants.

How come?

 

[BGOFootyNuff]

If the league still wanted a side down the Calder highway would they go with Rupertswood or an RDFL club like Gisborne Giants or Riddell? the travel would be annoying heading for Echuca - Sunbury & Gisborne.

I don’t want or think that going after Rupertswood, Sunbury, Gisborne Giants was ever going to be the way to go to me it doesn’t make sense. Maybe 10 years ago to try keep Kyneton sure.

We all know Gisborne should have been let go. I think pretty much the chapter of BfNL down the Calder is done besides Castlemaine. To me I’d like Castlemaine to stay only 30 mins from bendigo and feels more closely connected to Bendigo and Bendigo footy than Sunbury or Rupertswood…

I also don’t understand where and how the Calder lions fit into Bendigo. Can someone explain to me? I may just have my head in the sand I do not know much of NCFL area.

I have said it many times Moama & Echuca makes sense to BFNL and honestly if you have those 2 I think Rochy would have to strongly consider it themselves. (I don’t want to hear about them never coming back because of old 70s drama move on!!)

I would also support White hills/huntly merger to make a BFNL team and allow them to also have a team in HDFNL. Also MGYCW/Marong merge into a Bendigo West club or whatever and do the same, merge to create team in BfNL and also have a team in LVFNL.

I understand it is too much to ask for but if by some miracle all the clubs and leagues got along and this happened I think BFNL would be strong once again.

I also do think GV would survive if Rochy and Echuca left. GV is very Shepp oriented.

 

[Del233027]

I don’t want or think that going after Rupertswood, Sunbury, Gisborne Giants was ever going to be the way to go to me it doesn’t make sense. Maybe 10 years ago to try keep Kyneton sure.

We all know Gisborne should have been let go. I think pretty much the chapter of BfNL down the Calder is done besides Castlemaine. To me I’d like Castlemaine to stay only 30 mins from bendigo and feels more closely connected to Bendigo and Bendigo footy than Sunbury or Rupertswood…

I also don’t understand where and how the Calder lions fit into Bendigo. Can someone explain to me? I may just have my head in the sand I do not know much of NCFL area.

I have said it many times Moama & Echuca makes sense to BFNL and honestly if you have those 2 I think Rochy would have to strongly consider it themselves. (I don’t want to hear about them never coming back because of old 70s drama move on!!)

I would also support White hills/huntly merger to make a BFNL team and allow them to also have a team in HDFNL. Also MGYCW/Marong merge into a Bendigo West club or whatever and do the same, merge to create team in BfNL and also have a team in LVFNL.

I understand it is too much to ask for but if by some miracle all the clubs and leagues got along and this happened I think BFNL would be strong once again.

I also do think GV would survive if Rochy and Echuca left. GV is very Shepp oriented.

I think thats why they called themselves Calder, in 10 years it could be 4 clubs merged and coming ro bendigo to play. All the kids go to uni or apprenticeship in bendigo or melbourne, theyve got the $resources to compete in the bfl, so I think in the future they are setting up to play bfl.

Rochy are a strong footy town, where unlike echuca many families have stayed and have long memories of having to sit out a year and how that impacted the club for over 10 years. I dont think rochy would go but moama and echuca would.

I think the current setup of admin would be happy to see echuca leave, as they have an opinion on footy and how footy should work instead of towing the afl vic line

 

[Jack Doolan]

If Castlemaine is still in the league as it currently stands in 2036 I’ll put my credit card on the bar in the Sandhurst rooms after they win the flag.

 

[BGOFootyNuff]

Fitzpatrick is BFNL Chair

 

[Mad Jack]

I think thats why they called themselves Calder, in 10 years it could be 4 clubs merged and coming ro bendigo to play. All the kids go to uni or apprenticeship in bendigo or melbourne, theyve got the $resources to compete in the bfl, so I think in the future they are setting up to play bfl.

Rochy are a strong footy town, where unlike echuca many families have stayed and have long memories of having to sit out a year and how that impacted the club for over 10 years. I dont think rochy would go but moama and echuca would.

I think the current setup of admin would be happy to see echuca leave, as they have an opinion on footy and how footy should work instead of towing the afl vic line

That spells trouble to me - there are already enough “influential” clubs in the league who until now have dictated how things run. If Echuca come in, hopefully the new board stands up and says sure we want you, but on our terms, and don’t think you can come in and tell us how to do things. Bit like the Kyneton women’s situation - don’t think you can just demand demand demand then cry foul when you don’t get what you want.

 

[Shinjuku]

That spells trouble to me - there are already enough “influential” clubs in the league who until now have dictated how things run. If Echuca come in, hopefully the new board stands up and says sure we want you, but on our terms, and don’t think you can come in and tell us how to do things. Bit like the Kyneton women’s situation - don’t think you can just demand demand demand then cry foul when you don’t get what you want.

You would be getting a systematically well run club that stands up for itself and will address issues head on. Its up to the league to get themselves to a standard at committee level that they welcome vigorous debate and conversations with clubs. They are actually the type of club all clubs should aspire to be like to be honest.

 

[Wooden Robot]

Fitzpatrick is BFNL Chair

The Bendigo Football Netball League is pleased to announce the appointment of Brett Fitzpatrick as Chair and Todd Deary as Vice Chair of the League.
Both appointments follow the League’s first Board Meeting of 2026 and reflect the BFNL’s ongoing commitment to strong leadership, collaboration and strategic growth across football and netball in the region.
Fitzpatrick brings an extensive history in community sport to the role having served on the VCFL Board, the AFL CV Commission and on the BFNL Board from 2001-2003.
Brett will lead the Board in delivering the League’s Strategic Plan, with a focus on sustainability, participation, and high-quality competition -outcomes.
“It’s an honour to be appointed Chair of the Bendigo Football Netball League. The BFNL has a proud history and a strong future, and I look forward to working closely with our clubs, Board and stakeholders to continue strengthening our competitions.” Fitzpatrick said.
Appointed as Vice Chair, Deary will serve his second term as a BFNL Board Member and brings a wealth of experience to the role and will provide valuable support to the Chair and Board, contributing to the BFNL’s clubs, stakeholders and community footprint.
Deary said “I look forward to working collaboratively with the Chair, Board and League staff to ensure the BFNL remains a strong, well-governed and community-focused competition.”
The BFNL Board looks forward to the leadership of Brett & Todd as the League continues to strengthen governance, enhance the participant experience, and build strong partnerships across the regio

 

[karmapolice]

I think we can safely say, publicly or non publicly, there were no approaches or overtures to the likes of Sunbury and Gisborne Giants.

Heard on the grapevine that Rupertswood was approached several times in 2025

 

[Hermes70]

The Bendigo Football Netball League is pleased to announce the appointment of Brett Fitzpatrick as Chair and Todd Deary as Vice Chair of the League.
Both appointments follow the League’s first Board Meeting of 2026 and reflect the BFNL’s ongoing commitment to strong leadership, collaboration and strategic growth across football and netball in the region.
Fitzpatrick brings an extensive history in community sport to the role having served on the VCFL Board, the AFL CV Commission and on the BFNL Board from 2001-2003.
Brett will lead the Board in delivering the League’s Strategic Plan, with a focus on sustainability, participation, and high-quality competition -outcomes.
“It’s an honour to be appointed Chair of the Bendigo Football Netball League. The BFNL has a proud history and a strong future, and I look forward to working closely with our clubs, Board and stakeholders to continue strengthening our competitions.” Fitzpatrick said.
Appointed as Vice Chair, Deary will serve his second term as a BFNL Board Member and brings a wealth of experience to the role and will provide valuable support to the Chair and Board, contributing to the BFNL’s clubs, stakeholders and community footprint.
Deary said “I look forward to working collaboratively with the Chair, Board and League staff to ensure the BFNL remains a strong, well-governed and community-focused competition.”
The BFNL Board looks forward to the leadership of Brett & Todd as the League continues to strengthen governance, enhance the participant experience, and build strong partnerships across the regio

Heard on the grapevine that Rupertswood was approached several times in 2025

 

[harsh. but fair]

The Bendigo Football Netball League is pleased to announce the appointment of Brett Fitzpatrick as Chair and Todd Deary as Vice Chair of the League.
Both appointments follow the League’s first Board Meeting of 2026 and reflect the BFNL’s ongoing commitment to strong leadership, collaboration and strategic growth across football and netball in the region.
Fitzpatrick brings an extensive history in community sport to the role having served on the VCFL Board, the AFL CV Commission and on the BFNL Board from 2001-2003.
Brett will lead the Board in delivering the League’s Strategic Plan, with a focus on sustainability, participation, and high-quality competition -outcomes.
“It’s an honour to be appointed Chair of the Bendigo Football Netball League. The BFNL has a proud history and a strong future, and I look forward to working closely with our clubs, Board and stakeholders to continue strengthening our competitions.” Fitzpatrick said.
Appointed as Vice Chair, Deary will serve his second term as a BFNL Board Member and brings a wealth of experience to the role and will provide valuable support to the Chair and Board, contributing to the BFNL’s clubs, stakeholders and community footprint.
Deary said “I look forward to working collaboratively with the Chair, Board and League staff to ensure the BFNL remains a strong, well-governed and community-focused competition.”
The BFNL Board looks forward to the leadership of Brett & Todd as the League continues to strengthen governance, enhance the participant experience, and build strong partnerships across the regio

Lot of corporate, gobbledygook speak here, a legacy of being wedded to hip of afl admin hub. Do everyone a favour speak honestly and in language the punter knows. Also, give the hub model the flick and control your own destiny.

 

[Wooden Robot]

Legal action pending against, but not limited to NotAllClubs, the KWFC and the Midland Express.

 

[Jack Doolan]

Legal action pending against, but not limited to NotAllClubs, the KWFC and the Midland Express.

What for?

 

[Wooden Robot]

What for?

Defamation.
There was an 'alleged' message or response sent by the RDFNL president to the Kyneton Wedge-Tailed Eagles re their plight and the reasons for appealing their decision to gain entry to another league.
The contents of the 'alleged' response were reposted by the club, obviously the Midland Express and another website.
The RDFNL, its president and committee have distanced themselves from the comments and denied even sending the messages, suggesting they were 'false and fake'.
Seems the president and league have cooperated with the AFL's Integrity Unit and been cleared of wrongdoing, paving the way for legal action.
This looks like getting uglier pretty quickly.