Bendigo Football League
Last updated on May 21, 2024 at 14:09 pm
Posted on May 16, 2024 at 07:12 am
The Bendigo Football Netball League (BFNL), once known as the Sandhurst Football Association, is an Australian rules football and netball competition in the Bendigo region of Victoria, Australia. It has had several names over the years, including Bendigo and District Football Association, Bendigo Football Association, and Bendigo Football League.
History
The league was formed on June 10, 1881, by the city's three original football clubs, making it one of the oldest football leagues in Australia. It is home to some of the oldest football clubs in the country, including the Castlemaine Football Club, which is the second oldest football club in Australia and one of the oldest in the world.
Current Clubs
| Club | Nickname | Home Ground | Established | Joined BFNL | Premierships | Premiership Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Castlemaine | Magpies | Camp Reserve | 1859 | 1925 | 5 | 1926, 1952, 1966, 1992, 2000 |
| Eaglehawk | Hawks / Two Blues | Canterbury Park | 1880 | 1880 | 28 | 1882, 1883, 1886, 1887, 1889, 1894, 1895, 1896, 1897, 1998, 1901, 1903, 1906, 1908, 1922, 1924, 1935, 1941, 1946, 1953, 1957, 1968, 1971, 1980, 1982, 2007, 2008, 2018 |
| Gisborne | Bulldogs | Gardiner Reserve | 1879 | 2000 | 5 | 2002, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2022 |
| Golden Square | Bulldogs | Wade Street Recreation Reserve | 1932 | 1935 | 18 | 1938, 1939, 1945, 1964, 1965, 1972, 1975, 1976, 1979, 1988, 1989, 2001, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2023 |
| Kangaroo Flat | Kangaroos | Dower Park | 1890 | 1981 | 1 | 1996 |
| Maryborough | Magpies | Princes Park | 1872 | 1992 | 2 | 1998, 1999 |
| Sandhurst | Dragons | Queen Elizabeth Oval | 1861 | 1880 | 27 | 1881, 1884, 1885, 1890, 1891, 1893, 1920, 1923, 1927, 1929, 1930, 1931, 1932, 1933, 1934, 1937, 1940, 1947, 1948, 1949, 1973, 1977, 1978, 1981, 1983, 2004, 2016 |
| South Bendigo | Bloods | Harry Trott Reserve | 1893 | 1893 | 24 | 1899, 1900, 1902, 1904, 1905, 1909, 1910, 1911, 1912, 1914, 1919, 1921, 1925, 1950, 1951, 1954, 1955, 1956, 1969, 1974, 1990, 1991, 1993, 1994 |
| Strathfieldsaye | Storm | Strathfieldsaye Recreation Reserve | 2007 | 2009 | 4 | 2014, 2015, 2017, 2019 |
Former Clubs
- Bendigo
- Bendigo City
- Bendigo East
- California Gully
- Coachbuilders
- Echuca
- Echuca East
- Elmore
- Kennington
- Kennington-Strathdale
- Kyneton
- Lockington Bamawm United
- Long Gully
- Marong
- North Ballarat City
- North Bendigo
- North Sandhurst
- Northern United
- Provincial
- Rochester
- West Bendigo
- White Hills
- YCW
Many of these clubs have either folded, merged, or moved to other leagues over the years.
Community and Legacy
The Bendigo Football Netball League plays a vital role in the local community, promoting sportsmanship and a healthy lifestyle. It engages the community through various events and programs, encouraging youth participation in sports like football and netball.
The league's history is rich with memorable events and milestones, making it an integral part of the region's heritage. From its formation in 1881 to the present day, the BFNL continues to be a cornerstone of community spirit and sports excellence in the Bendigo region.
For detailed information you can visit Bendigo Football League Wikipedia Page.