The Early Crow

Bendigo FNLLeague News | The Bendigo Football Netball League has unveiled its 26-player Senior Interleague team ahead of the 2026 representative clash against the Ovens & Murray Football Netball League on Saturday 23 May at the QEO.

Following strong squad attendance and buy-in at the first two training sessions and an outstanding opening six weeks of BFNL football, the final squad features 12 players from our 2025 Interleague squads while 10 players will make their BFNL representative debut.

Senior coach Simon Rosa said the selection process had been highly competitive. “We’ve been incredibly impressed with the level of buy-in from the players right across the program. Interleague football always means a lot to the BFNL and the way the group has approached training and preparation so far has reflected that,” Simon Rosa said. “I’d also like to thank every player who committed themselves to the training squad throughout the process.

The commitment shown by the entire group has been outstanding and made selection extremely difficult, which is a great reflection of the depth and quality across the BFNL competition.” Rosa said the group was eager to test itself against elite opposition.

“The opportunity to play against a league of the calibre of the Ovens & Murray is something the players are genuinely excited about. These matches are a fantastic showcase for country football and for the quality of talent we have within the BFNL.”

“We know the challenge ahead of us will be significant, but there’s a real sense of excitement and belief within the group. Representing your league is a special honour and the players are determined to make the BFNL community proud.”

Ahead of next Saturday’s match day, a final 22-player + 3 emergency team will be announced along with the squad’s leadership group. The team will continue preparations in the lead-up to matchday with two training sessions scheduled at the QEO on Tuesday 19 May and Thursday 21 May.

The latter session will start from 6pm and will see all five BFNL representative squads train simultaneously in an open session with media and fans invited to attend and support the Blue & Gold.

2026 BFNL Senior Interleague Squad

Angus MacPherson - Kangaroo Flat Bailey Henderson - Castlemaine Ben Thompson - Eaglehawk
Brody Haddow - South Bendigo Caleb Connick- Sandhurst Cobi Maxted - Sandhurst
Dylan Johnstone - Gisborne Fergus Greene - Sandhurst Harrison Sheahan - Castlemaine
Jack Fallon - South Bendigo Jack Stewart - Golden Square James Gray - Gisborne
James Schishka - Strathfieldsaye Jayden Burke - Golden Square Jonty Neaves - Eaglehawk
Josh Nitschke - South Bendigo Lachie Hood - Sandhurst Lachie Wright - Sandhurst
Michael Hartley - Castlemaine Nick Keogh - Kangaroo Flat Oscar White - Eaglehawk
Tyh Evans - Eaglehawk Tom Strauch - Golden Square Tyson McKenzie - Strathfieldsaye
Zac Vescovi - Gisborne Zane Keighran - Strathfieldsaye