Greene and Hartley commit to Interleague Campaign

BY TOM KING

Two of the BFNL’s most experienced and talented players, Fergus Greene and Michael Hartley, have officially committed to representing the BFNL Senior Interleague side in the upcoming clash against the Victorian Amateur Football Association (VAFA).

The marquee fixture will take place on Sunday July 13 at the QEO, and the addition of Greene and Hartley is a major boost to the BFNL’s hopes of toppling the powerhouse metropolitan league.

Greene eager to represent the BFNL

2024 Ron Best medallist as the BFNL’s leading goalkicker and a standout for Sandhurst’s 2024 Premiership winning team, Greene said the opportunity to represent the BFNL is one he relishes.

"It’s a huge honour to pull on the BFNL jumper," Greene said. "I was eager to play in 2024 but unfortunately, my body didn’t allow it. Representing the BFNL is something I have wanted to tick off since moving back to Bendigo.”

Greene has strong family ties to representative football in Bendigo through his father, Chris who represented the BFNL seven times.

“Dad speaks so positively of his times playing Interleague and that is a big driver for me to participate. The relationships my dad formed during Interleague are relationships that still exist for him today.”

The quality of the 41-player squad excites Greene, “the League is super competitive this season and when you asses the quality and depth of what we have around, it’s going to be interesting to see how we all come together.”

“Players like Antonowicz and Hartley are threats when we’re playing at Club level but it’s really exciting to have them as teammates where I can leverage off their attributes.”

Greene is excited to join the squad on the track and said “Developing that connection quickly is going to be huge challenge but I think that’s one of my strengths. Helping to get people on the same page and ensure that players are gelling and getting around each other.

Hartley a key cog in BFNL squad

Joining Greene in the Blue and Gold is Castlemaine co-coach, Michael Hartley, who brings elite-level experience and a wealth of leadership to the team.

"These are the kinds of games you really get up for," Hartley said. "We know the VAFA will bring up a quality side and we know we’ll have to be at our best. I’m really looking forward to getting out there and doing the BFNL proud."

Hartley is excited to have Simon Rosa lead the charge, saying, “You’d be hard pressed to find someone with a better Bendigo footy resume than Simon. His footy brain and IQ is off the charts and I can’t wait to bounce ideas off him and his assistants.”

Now in his second season at the helm in Castlemaine, Hartley highlighted his leadership and voice as his two main attributes that he hopes to bring to the BFNL team environment.

“I can’t wait to start training with the boys and help the team build the connection necessary for us to execute on match day.”

Hartley said the interleague match offers a great platform to celebrate country football and its top performers.

"It’s a great initiative. It gives players a chance to represent something bigger and connect with others in the league. I’m pumped to be involved.”

Rosa excited by Green & Hartley’s commitment

Senior Interleague coach Simon Rosa welcomed the duo’s commitment and praised their leadership and professionalism.

“Having Ferg and Harts on board gives us a strong foundation in up forward and down back,” Rosa said. “They’re proven performers, they lead by example, and they raise the standard for everyone around them. It’s a massive statement about what we’re building as a league.”

Rosa said their inclusion will also help build belief within the broader group.

“They’ve played at the highest levels of local and professional football. Their preparation, their mindset – it’s elite. Younger players in the squad will feed off that.”

Preparations for the clash are already well underway, with the final team to be finalised ahead of the match. With elite talent and a strong sense of pride in the league, the BFNL is gearing up to host it’s first Interleague clash since 2019.