Massive squad shows BFNL means business

THE Bendigo Football Netball League (BFNL) is leaving no stone unturned in pursuit of senior football interleague success this season, naming an initial training squad of 53 players for this month’s clash against Ovens and Murray at the QEO.

A talent-laden squad, which trained for the first time on Wednesday night at Camp Reserve in Castlemaine, features players from all nine of the league’s clubs.

Strathfieldsaye is best represented with nine players, followed by Sandhurst with eight.

Reigning premier Eaglehawk, current top of the ladder South Bendigo and Golden Square each has seven players.

Coach Simon Rosa’s preparation was given an early boost with confirmation early last week that three of the league’s biggest guns, Castlemaine’s Bailey Henderson, Eaglehawk 2025 premiership star Ben Thompson and Sandhurst’s Fergus Greene would all be available for selection for the 23 May clash.

Rosa, who coached the senior BFNL team for the first time last season against the Victorian Amateur Football Association, said the squad selection process had been ‘competitive and rewarding’ and highlighted the strength of the league.

“The depth of talent across the BFNL continues to grow, and that made selection incredibly challenging in the best possible way,” Rosa said.

“This squad gives us a strong foundation to build from, with a great mix of experience, leadership and players who are ready to take the next step at interleague level.

“We’re looking forward to getting the group together, setting our standards early and building a team that represents the league with pride.”

The squad will train again this Wednesday at Dower Park and at the QEO on 19 May and 21 May.

Rosa emphasised the importance of commitment and connection as the program progressed.

“Interleague is about more than just performance on the day, it’s about representing your league and your teammates,” he said.

“We want players to embrace that responsibility, build strong relationships within the group and create an environment that brings out the best in everyone.”

The clash against the O&M will be the first between the two leagues in 30 years.

Readying for his first interleague clash in six years, Castlemaine coach Henderson said he was excited for the opportunity.

“I’ve had limited chances in the past through injuries and VFL commitments, so to be involved in 2026 and to play alongside new players in the league, building relationships that can last a lifetime, is something I’m really looking forward to,” said Henderson, who last represented the BFNL in 2019 against the Outer East.

“I grew up watching interleague footy, it was always part of the winter routine.

“You’d hear stories about past players and the pride they took in it, so to now be a part of it myself is pretty special.”

The prospect of playing against an ultra-strong Ovens and Murray was exciting for Henderson for multiple reasons.

“Coming up against guys I’ve played with before, including Brodie Filo, adds another layer to it,” he said.

“The Ovens & Murray is recognised as one of the strongest competitions in country footy, so it’s a huge challenge and a great opportunity to test ourselves against the best.

“More than anything, it’s about representing our league alongside players you usually compete against.

“That’s what makes interleague footy unique and something I’m really keen to be part of.”

BFNL senior interleague training squad: Louis Thompson, Sebastian Morris, Jaiden Magor (Broadford), Bailey Henderson, Michael Hartley, Dylan Landt, Harrison Sheahan (Castlemaine), Noah Wheeler, Oscar White, Charles Langford, Ben Thompson, Tyh Evans, Jonty Neaves, Joel Mullen (Eaglehawk), Harry Luxmoore, Shane Clough, Zac Vescovi, Dylan Johnstone, James Gray (Gisborne), Liam Barrett, Jordan Rosengren, Jayden Burke, Jack Stewart, Jack McMahon, Archie Edwards, Tom Strauch (Golden Square), Aaron Nevins, Angus McPherson, Nic Keogh (Kangaroo Flat), Lachie Hood, Cobi Maxted, Fergus Greene, Lachlan Wright, Matthew Wilkinson, Cooper Smith, Caleb Connick, Ollie Morris (Sandhurst), Jack Fallon, Brock Harvey, Josh Nitschke, Brody Haddow, Callum Crisp, Tom Templeton, Coen Harker (South Bendigo) Drew Lloyd, Riley Wilson, Cooper Jones, Lachlan Ratcliffe, Jaidi Jackson-Leahy, Pat Blake, Zane Keighran, Tyson McKenzie, James Schishka (Strathfieldsaye).