2023 BFNL CLUB PREVIEWS – PART 2

By Todd Whelan

CLUB: Ballarat
COACH: Chris Maple (new)

ON THE RECORD:
(Todd): Well Chris, firstly welcome to the BFNL coaching ranks. What were your first impressions of the Swans group?
(Chris); There has been a bit of a shift in the age profile. We’ll be a lot younger this year. So far I can tell you they’re enthusiastic, eager to learn…both very encouraging attributes to work with.
(Todd): Is your role primarily to take the group another step beyond a Preliminary Final or is the focus more on development given some 13 players are expected up from the Under 19s this year? How do you see it?
(Chris): Well last year we had a much more experienced group, and were able to win something in the vicinity of seven games by 10 points or less – all the close ones essentially. My role, given we’ve a significantly younger list, is to help set up the club, having the right roles in place for sustained future success.
(Todd): Callan Wellings is a welcomed addition from Collingwood VFL. Tell us about him and what we can expect?
(Chris): Good ball user, has excellent leadership skills and is a quality person. Unfortunately for Callan he will miss the first month of the season due to a delayed surgery and travel commitment.
(Todd): Bailey Van de Heuvel joins Geelong’s VFL list but remains a Ballarat player. His presence will be a major boost for the group if/when available. What’s your preference (position) for Bailey given he can play a key role for you across any line – the ideal swingman at this level.
(Chris): Defence. You want him where he plays his best footy.
(Todd): You’ve lost a few impact players from last year, they’re never easy to replace. What’s a realistic ask for 2023? 12 wins was huge last year given Melton (14 in 2022) and East Point (13 in 2019) are the only other two sides to win 12 or more games in a season over the last 5 years.
(Chris): As I alluded to earlier, I’m not sure we win as many games last year without the older heads. It’s all about getting more games into the younger players – that alone is an improvement wins and losses aside.

IDENTIFIED STRENGTHS:
(Chris): Quality youth, fit, skilled with healthy blend of experience.

PROJECTED IMPROVEMENT:
(Chris): Getting more games into younger players.

PRE-SEASON TRAINING:
(Chris): Early signs have been encouraging. Enthusiastic bunch all eager to learn.

PLAYER INS:
C.Wellings (Collingwood VFL), M.Bishop (returning).

PLAYER OUTS:
S.James (Perth), L.Dawson (Brisbane), A.Domic (Buninyong), J.Dunne (CHFL), J.Blackburn (Barwon Heads), A.McPherson, T.Sutton.
*C.Prendergast, J.Gibson, N.Weightman, N.Swain are all doubtful / yet to commit

VFL AFFILIATED PLAYERS:
B.Van de Heuvel (Geelong), T.Maple (Footscray), A.Bade (Footscray)

IMPROVERS: (OUTSIDE OF BALLARAT)
(Chris): Sunbury / Darley

FLAG TIP: (OUTSIDE OF BALLARAT)
(Chris): Melton / Sebastopol clear benchmarks

Todd’s Ballarat prediction – 5th – 7th

You can also read Todd’s previews of Bacchus Marsh, Lake Wendouree, Sebastopol, and Sunbury on Page 20 of the 21 March edition here.