BFNL Rising Star Award - Golden Square FNC Nominees
As part of our 2026 BFNL Rising Star Award presented by Bart n Print, we are going through each Club's nominees and first up is Golden Square FNC.
Golden Square has nominated Archie Edwards & Bailey Warfe as their football nominees and Lacey Broad and Zara Daykin as their netballers.
Archie Edwards
Archie has enjoyed an outstanding return to the BFNL in 2026, quickly establishing himself as one of the competition's premier half backs.
Renowned for his damaging right-foot kick, elite intercept marking and competitive nature, Edwards has impressed throughout the 2026 season with his skill and work ethic.
Having played more than 120 games across Golden Square's junior and senior ranks, along with 47 matches for Parade Junior Football Club, he also gained valuable experience with the Sandringham Dragons and Melbourne Grammar's First XVIII in 2025.
His excellent season was further recognised with selection in the 2026 BFNL Senior Interleague training squad.
Bailey Warfe
Bailey has continued his rise as one of the BFNL's most promising young defenders, establishing himself at centre half back and full back through his outstanding intercept marking, ability to read the play and impressive athleticism.
Warfe has long been regarded as a talented prospect around the club, with his current form reflecting his commitment to continual improvement.
Across 2025 and 2026 he played 21 matches with the Bendigo Pioneers, was a member of the Catherine McAuley College senior team in 2025, and earned selection in the 2026 Talent League Young Guns State Trials.
Lacey Broad
Since moving to Golden Square in 2026, Lacey has continued to establish herself as one of the region's most exciting young goalers, combining strength, accuracy and a commanding presence in the goal circle.
Playing with maturity and composure beyond her years, Broad is equally effective as a strong holding shooter or a dynamic moving option, making her a versatile attacking weapon.
Her outstanding achievements include back-to-back MCDFNL A Grade Team of the Year selections (2024 and 2025), the 2025 Maryborough Giants A Grade and Under 17 Best and Fairest awards, selection in the 2025 MCDFNL Under 17 Interleague team, runner-up in the 2025 MCDFNL A Grade leading goal scorer with 923 goals, and inclusion in the Bendigo Strikers Under 19 Reserves/Emerging Squad for the 2026 VNL season.
Zara Daykin
Zara has emerged as one of the competition's brightest young talents in just her second season of netball.
A high-quality and versatile player capable of starring at goal keeper, goal defence, wing defence and even wing attack, Daykin combines exceptional natural athleticism with an outstanding vertical leap, impressive closing speed in defence and a relentless work ethic.
Her adaptability, determination to improve and impact across multiple positions have made her a standout performer with an exciting future in the BFNL.
