BFNL unveils vastly experienced interleague coaching panel for VAFA clash

BENDIGO Football Netball League is leaving no stone unturned in preparation for its senior interleague football clash against the Victorian Amateur Football Association (VAFA) in July.

The BFNL has unveiled a high-quality and vastly experienced coaching panel and support staff to back head coach Simon Rosa in a bid to turn the tables on the VAFA following a 13-point loss in last season’s encounter at Elsternwick Park.

A dynamic and distinguished coaching panel includes a virtual who’s who of BFNL football following the appointment of Wayne Mitrovic, Nick Carter, Troy Coates, Tyrone Downie, Rick Ladson and Lenny Schmidt as assistant coaches.

Their interleague involvement will serve as an added responsibility for Coates and Downie, who will take charge of South Bendigo and Kangaroo Flat respectively as senior coaches during the 2025 season.

In other appointments, Russell Shischka takes on the role as team manager and 2019 Michelsen medallist Adam Baird as runner.

Rounding out the support team is Paul Seery (head of fitness), Rohan Molenaar (team doctor), Theo Kapakoulakis (head physiotherapist) and Ryan Evans (physiotherapist).

Appointed in December, Rosa – who returns to the BFNL interleague program after an illustrious playing career – is excited by the calibre of the team around him, praising its ‘wealth of football knowledge’ and ‘extensive representative football knowledge’.

“I’m thrilled to be working alongside such a knowledgeable and passionate group of people,” the Golden Square and BFNL legend said.

“The BFNL has a proud tradition in representative football, and we’re committed to putting together a program that allows our players to represent the league with pride and perform at their best.

“This league is full of incredible talent, and I’m excited to work with the players and showcase the strength of football in this region.”

The league has set a June 1 deadline for the announcement of its initial 35-player training squad for the clash against the VAFA. The squad will be finalised on July 6.

A jumper presentation dinner will be held on Friday, July 11.

The BFNL will host the VAFA at the Queen Elizabeth Oval on Sunday, July 13.