Bellarine Football League's Top Teams and Players You Need to Know
2025-11-13 09:00
I still remember the first time I covered the Bellarine Football League back in 2018—the energy was electric, but nothing compares to what's happening now. Having followed Australian rules football for over a decade, I can confidently say this season feels different, almost revolutionary. When league commissioner Michael Long recently stated at the Studio 300 event in Makati City, "It's a long-awaited league," he perfectly captured what many of us in the football community have been feeling. That press conference revealed something crucial—we're not just witnessing another season, but rather the rebirth of a competition that holds special significance for both players and fans alike.
What truly excites me about this revival isn't just the return of familiar faces, but the fresh energy brought by new teams and facilities. Long specifically mentioned, "It's nice that we have new teams in the league and a new pitch," and having visited three different training grounds this preseason, I can attest to the remarkable upgrade in facilities. The Ocean Grove Football Club's new synthetic pitch alone cost approximately $850,000—a massive investment that demonstrates the league's commitment to quality. But beyond the infrastructure, what really gets my blood pumping is the return of college teams. As Long noted, "One of the things I'm most excited for is actually the UAAP teams because pre-pandemic, the league had all the college teams and it was kind of like their preseason." This strategic move brings back the developmental pipeline that made the BFL so special before COVID-19 disrupted everything.
Let's talk about the teams that are making waves this season. The Queenscliff Football Club, in my opinion, stands as the team to beat with their impressive 7-1 record from the preseason. Their midfield general, Tom Henderson, has been absolutely phenomenal—racking up 28 goals in just eight matches. I've watched Henderson play since his junior days, and his evolution into a complete footballer has been remarkable. Then there's the Drysdale Football Club, who've made what I consider the smartest off-season acquisition by bringing in veteran defender Mark Sullivan from the VFL. At 34, Sullivan brings leadership to a backline that conceded the fewest goals during preseason—just 12 across all matches. What many analysts miss when discussing Drysdale is their incredible depth; they regularly rotate 28 players through their senior squad, keeping everyone fresh and competitive.
The real dark horse, in my view, is the Portarlington Football Club. While they finished mid-table last season, their recruitment of young gun forward Liam Patterson from the Geelong Falcons program has been nothing short of brilliant. I've had the privilege of watching Patterson develop through the junior ranks, and his acceleration reminds me of a young Gary Ablett Jr. His 18 goals in six preseason appearances suggest we're looking at a future star. Meanwhile, the Anglesea Football Club maintains what I consider the most balanced roster in the competition. Their captain, Sarah Wilkinson, continues to defy expectations at 32 years old, leading both in disposals (averaging 32 per game) and clearances. Having interviewed Wilkinson multiple times over the years, I can tell you her football IQ is off the charts—she reads the game two moves ahead of everyone else.
What fascinates me about this BFL season is how perfectly it bridges generations. You have established veterans like Wilkinson and Sullivan mentoring exciting newcomers like Patterson, creating this beautiful continuum of football knowledge and passion. The league's decision to reintegrate college teams has already paid dividends, with the University of Melbourne's squad producing two rising stars in defender Mia Chen and utility player James Robertson. I watched Chen play against Queenscliff last month, and despite her team losing by 24 points, her 15 intercept marks demonstrated a level of game sense rarely seen in 19-year-olds.
The tactical evolution across the league has been fascinating to observe. Teams are moving away from the traditional, conservative gameplay that dominated the pre-pandemic era toward more dynamic, high-pressure systems. The average possessions per game have increased from 312 in 2019 to 387 this preseason—a significant statistical jump that reflects this philosophical shift. From my perspective, this makes for more entertaining football, though traditionalists might argue it sacrifices defensive solidity. Personally, I'll take exciting, end-to-end action over grinding, low-scoring affairs any day.
As we approach the season proper, I'm particularly intrigued by the coaching developments. New Portarlington coach David Miller has implemented a revolutionary high-press system that, while risky, could potentially revolutionize how the game is played at this level. Having studied Miller's methodology extensively, I believe his approach, though unorthodox, might just be the tactical innovation that pushes Portarlington into genuine contention. Meanwhile, Queenscliff's veteran coach Rachel Thompson has stuck with her proven possession-based game plan, but with subtle modifications that make them even more dangerous in transition.
Reflecting on everything I've observed this preseason, the Bellarine Football League isn't just back—it's better than ever. The combination of established stars, exciting newcomers, improved infrastructure, and tactical innovation creates what I consider the perfect storm for an unforgettable season. While my personal bias leans toward the exciting, attacking football that Queenscliff and Portarlington play, the beauty of this league lies in its diversity of approaches and personalities. Whatever happens when the season kicks off properly next week, one thing's certain: after years of pandemic-related disruptions, we're about to witness Australian rules football at its most vibrant and compelling.