Redan into BFLW grand final after Cobras withdraw

REDAN has advanced directly to the BFLW grand final on 24 August, after Bacchus Marsh notified the league of its decision to withdraw from the remainder of the season due to ‘unforeseen circumstances.’

The Lions and Cobras were due to meet in this weekend’s second semi-final at City Oval, after Bacchus Marsh upset Darley in last Sunday’s qualifying final.

But limited player numbers, after the Cobras used a number of youth under-19 players last week against the Devils, has forced the club into making the tough decision to concentrate its efforts on the under-19 competition.

Bacchus Marsh finished the under-19 youth girls season on top of the ladder and will play Ballarat White this Sunday, with the winner advancing to the premiership decider.

With a three-week gap between games, senior women’s minor premiers Redan will play an intra-club match this Sunday at City Oval, kicking off at 12.45pm, the same time the semi-final was originally scheduled.

Darley and East Point will meet in next week’s preliminary final to determine the Lions’ grand final opponent.

In a statement released by the BFNL on Thursday afternoon, the league said it had met the previous night (Wednesday) to consider the most appropriate course of action to ensure the fairness and integrity of the competition was maintained once the Cobras’ plight became known.

“This adjustment provides both East Point and Darley with a week’s break to prepare adequately and ensures that all remaining matches are contested in the fairest and most competitive manner possible under the revised final’s structure,” the statement read.

“Further details regarding the venue and match time for the preliminary final on Sunday, 17 August will be confirmed and communicated in due course.

“The BFNL acknowledges the disruption this change may cause and appreciates the cooperation and understanding of all clubs, players, and supporters during this time.

“The league remains committed to delivering a strong and successful conclusion to the 2025 Senior Women’s season.”