Round remembers Pat Cronin

THERE was a lot more than an elusive four premiership points up for grabs when Kangaroo Flat and Broadford met at Dower Park last Saturday – there was an important cause to shine a spotlight on.

The battle of the BFNL’s two Kangaroos served as the league’s marquee clash during Pat Cronin Foundation Round.

Held annually, the round honours the life and legacy of Pat Cronin, who was just 19 years old when he tragically died as a result of a coward punch in 2016.

Footballers and netballers across eight Victorian leagues, including the BFNL, wore yellow armbands to symbolise a stand against all forms of violence, including the coward punch.

Several hundred metres of armband tape bearing the message Let’s End the Coward Punch was delivered to Bendigo clubs last week ahead of Saturday’s game.

Kangaroo Flat claimed the honours in the main game, breaking through for their first win since late June in 2024 against Maryborough.

Up by 62 points at three-quarter time, Flat put the lid on a stirring 21.25 (151) to 9.4 (58) victory with a six goal final term.

A strong game in defence earnt Tyran Farmer the Pat Cronin Medal as Kangaroo Flat’s best, while Jaiden Magor took home Broadford’s medal.

Five-goal forward Nick Keogh, Jay Newman, Aaron Nevins, Mitch Rovers and Angus Macpherson were other big contributors for Kangaroo Flat.

 

 

The Pat Cronin Foundation Round initiative educates players, coaches and an estimated 300,000 spectators about the impacts of violence and the importance of emotional control both in sport and off the field, as part of the foundation’s broader goal of challenging Australians’ attitudes to violence.

A record participation, this year’s round involved more than 75,000 players across the state.

This year’s round carried extra significance, coming just after the 10th anniversary of his death in April, 2016.

BFNL league manager Tom King said the BFNL was proud to again stand alongside the Pat Cronin Foundation in 2026 and support the powerful work it does educating young people around respect and the devastating impact of violence.

“It’s a message that strongly aligns with the values we want to uphold across our competition,” he said.

“Our partnership with the Pat Cronin Foundation is about more than awareness – it’s about creating real cultural change within our clubs and communities. The conversations they are driving are critical, and we’re committed to playing our part.”

Kangaroo Flat president Leigh Bailey said he could not speak highly enough’ of the foundation’s work.

“The foundation has delivered presentations to our club on several occasions, and we’re proud to be part of the annual round once again,” he said.

Foundation director Matt Cronin said the milestone anniversary of Pat’s death had been especially difficult for his family.

“Ten years on it still feels like yesterday,” he said.

“It doesn’t get any easier – in many ways it gets harder, as you think about everything that Pat has missed and all the moments he should have had.

“Pat was a talented footballer and captain of his team at his beloved Research Junior Football Club in Melbourne – which this month unveiled a wing of the ground in his name.

“The Bendigo Football Netball League has been an incredible supporter of the round and to see clubs like Broadford – one of about 40 new clubs stepping in and embracing the message this year – means a lot.”

In other Pat Cronin Foundation Round Games, Strathfieldsaye defeated Castlemaine 16.9 (105) to 6.14 (50); and Sandhurst beat Golden Square 11.11 (77) to 6.13 (49).

In A-grade netball, Strathfieldsaye defeated Castlemaine 61-25; and Sandhurst had the better of Golden Square 72-47.

For more on the foundation, visit patcroninfoundation.org.au