BFNL week one finals venue shake-up

A shake-up of the Bendigo Football Netball League (BFNL) finals series will see games in week one played away from the Queen Elizabeth Oval (QEO) for the first time in many years.

As part of a trial of club-hosted finals, this year’s qualifying final and elimination final matches on 29 and 30 August will be played away from the league’s headquarters.

Following week one, the QEO will be utilised for weeks two, three and four of finals, including the grand final on 19 September.

The move, announced last week, will give two clubs the opportunity to host finals in line with a ‘minimum set of requirements’, selected using the senior football standings in alignment with the A-grade netball standings.

Clubs participating in week one of senior football finals will be unable to host a final.

On current ladder standings, this would include second-placed Gisborne, Sandhurst (third), South Bendigo (fourth) and Eaglehawk (fifth).

That would theoretically leave Broadford, Castlemaine, Golden Square, Kangaroo Flat and top-of-the-ladder Strathfieldsaye as potential hosts.

With an upgrade to Wade Street, which resulted in Golden Square not playing a home game this season until the end of May, not expected to be completed until August, the Bulldogs shape as unlikely hosts.

BFNL manager Tom King said the trial aimed to provide BFNL clubs with an opportunity to generate additional revenue through hosting rights, enhance the finals experience for participants and supporters, increase community engagement and attendance at finals matches, showcase the quality of facilities and volunteers across the BFNL, and strengthen the connection between finals football and netball and the broader BFNL community.

“This trial will allow the league to assess the operational, financial and spectator benefits of a rotational system for club-hosted finals and gather feedback from participating clubs, supporters, officials and stakeholders before considering any future long-term implementation,” King said.

“We look forward to working collaboratively with our clubs as we explore opportunities to further enhance the BFNL finals experience for all participants and supporters.

“The Queen Elizabeth Oval remains as the premier ground in the region and it will continue to host weeks two, three and four of the 2026 BFNL final series.”