Fitzpatrick to lead new-look BFNL board

CASTLEMAINE 1992 premiership player and former Magpies and Sandhurst senior coach, Brett Fitzpatrick, will lead a new-look Bendigo Football Netball League (BFNL) board as chair of the league.

Fitzpatrick, who previously served on the BFNL board from 2001-2003, the VCFL board and the AFL Central Victoria, was elected to the position at the league’s first board meeting for 2026 last week.

He was one of five new board members elected last month, together with Jeremy Brown, Caleb Kuhle, Col Rosa and Rick Townsend.

One of four existing members to retain their spot on the board, Todd Deary will serve as vice-chair.

In a statement released last week, the BFNL praised both appointments as a reflection of the league’s “ongoing commitment to strong leadership, collaboration and strategic growth across football and netball in the region”.

“The BFNL board looks forward to the leadership of Brett and Todd as the league continues to strengthen governance, enhance the participant experience and build strong partnerships across the region,” the statement read.

Fitzpatrick – the BFNL’s interleague coach between 2016-18 – 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,” he said.

“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.”

Appointed as vice-chair, Deary will serve his second term as a 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.

“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,” he said.

Deary, Ellyse McNish, Keely McDonald and Craig Findlay all retained their spots on the board, which will enter the new season minus former chair Carol McKinstry, who failed to win re-election.

Former board members Sam McGee and Andy Walker did not seek re-election.

The fresh board will have much to ponder in 2026, with a new club in Broadford entering the league, and Gisborne, which failed to gain a clearance to the Ballarat league for the 2026 season, indicating it will again seek a move at the end of this season.

The BFNL has made no secret of its discussions with northern clubs Echuca and Moama about a potential move into the BFNL, while Loddon Valley club Maiden Gully YCW has been firm in its intent to enter the league at some stage, possibly as early as 2027.

The 2026 BFNL season will launch on Saturday 28 March, with a standalone clash at Broadford against South Bendigo.

Round 1 will kick into action a week later with Strathfieldsaye and South Bendigo, Gisborne-Kangaroo Flat and Castlemaine-Golden Square to clash on Good Friday.

A grand final rematch between reigning premiers Eaglehawk and Sandhurst at Canterbury Park will follow on Easter Saturday.