Following the completion of AFL Victoria’s RAC (Regional Administration Centre) Strategy Project, the Bendigo Football Netball League (BFNL) has now transitioned away from AFL Central Victoria as its operations provider and has entered a new era of self-management for the first time in almost 15 years.
The change gives the BFNL direct responsibility for its governance, employment, administration, commercial assets, and operations.
From 2027, the BFNL will assume responsibility for the management and administration of the current Central Victorian Football League (CVFL), incorporating the existing Under 18 Girls and Open Women’s competitions as grades of competition within the BFNL.
Excitingly, the BFNL has also entered into a service agreement to provide administration services to the Bendigo Junior Football League (BJFL), which will retain its independent governance.
As part of the new structure, former BFNL League Manager Tom King has been retained and elevated to the role of BFNL General Manager leading the Leagues governance, finances, commercial assets, media and events.
Former AFL Central Victoria Operations, Media & Commercial Manager Jay Cathrine will be redeployed into the newly created role of BFNL Senior Operations Manager with all senior football operations including fixturing, rules & by-laws and MRP & tribunal operations falling into his remit.
The BFNL's expanded responsibilities for the BJFL will be supported by two familiar faces with Paul Colbert continuing as BJFL Operations Manager, and James Mannix remaining as BJFL Operations Coordinator.
Former AFL Central Victoria Netball Administration Officer, Karen Pascoe will continue to provide valuable netball assistance to BFNL Clubs on a part-time basis as Netball Operations Coordinator.
BFNL Chair, Brett Fitzpatrick said “This is an exciting new chapter for the BFNL. Self-management gives us the ability to make decisions locally, for our clubs and our community, and to grow football and netball across the region”
The new chapter of the BFNL officially began on November 2 with Clubs across the BFNL, CVFL and BJFL to receive further information regarding day-to-day arrangements in the coming weeks.
The BFNL thanks AFL Central Victoria Region Manager, Cam Tomlins for his support of football and netball in the region and for his assistance during the transition.
