At our 2026 Michelsen Thompson Ceremony, the BFNL recognised community Radio station, FreshFM 101.5 for 40 years of calling matches.
The award was accepted by commentators John Hunter and Fr Jackson Saunders.
FreshFM has had so many volunteers as on and off-air talent across four decades.
“All are volunteers who as passionate about footy,” Hunter said.
“There’s been so many behind-the-scenes who have made the broadcasts be so successful.”
Those to have made a start with FreshFM and gone on to call in the “big league” include Anthony Hudson, Barry Denner, Shane Healy, Travis Fitzgibbon, Ron Rogers, and Joel Peterson.
Another is long-time horse racing commentator Rick McIntosh.
Season-after-season Jock Clark was the voice of Fresh fm.
Long-time sports editor at the Bendigo Advertiser, Richard Jones also called many matches with Fresh and last year was inducted to the Bendigo FNL Hall of Fame.
A highlight for Fr Jackson Saunders will be calling this Saturday’s senior grand final between Sandhurst and Gisborne with John Hunter.
On Michelsen Medal night, Fr Saunders proudly showed the Michelsen Medal won by his father, Damien Saunders who was Kangaroo Flat’s first medallist in the 1990 season.
Special comments in the Bendigo FNL grand final will be provided by Wayne Mitrovic as Cam Power is the boundary rider and Ray Pinner in production.
A big day for Power includes calling the under-18s and reserves matches with Mick Delaney.
Also involved with Fresh fm’s coverage across grand final day will be Tyson Hickey and Norm Jenkin with their insights to the play and tactics.
