The Early Crow

Ballarat FNLMatch Previews | Given current speculation surrounding various teams prospects in 2026, the BFNL could not have scripted a better grouping of matches for an enthralling start to the season.

 League heavyweights Darley and Sunbury are sure to attract a bumper crowd at Darley Park, curious of what the next chapter holds.

The mission for Matthew White’s Lions will be to ‘find a way through’ a frugal Devils defence led by Billy Myers and Matthew Brett.

While the Pride boast an imposing front six more than capable posting a winning score, the weight of expectation will hinge primarily on their midfield and quality of forward 50 entries.

However, such luxuries won’t be easily afforded as the Devils’ star laden midfield look to mark territory with superior gains of their own.

While the prospect of Brett Bewley, Nick Hind and Luther Baker is daunting for any opposition, the pre-season form of Joel Cadman and Darcy Matricardi only raises the degree of difficulty for the Lions who were 0-4 against the Devils in 2025.

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