The official 2012 BFL draw was released yesterday, which saw a few minor changes from the original draft fixture that was released in December.

A few proposed Sunday games have been scrapped but most notably, North City and the Lions will now meet in round six.

The proposed match on Saturday, April 14 was one of two season openers, with Melton South and Darley providing the other clash.

However, the unavailability of Eureka Stadium means the night fixture has been abandoned. Also on the scrap pile is a Queen’s Birthday game between Darley and Lake Wendouree at Darley Park.

BFL operations manager Aaron Nunn said both sides were opposed to the match and the league subsequently withdrew the plans.

He said a Queen’s Birthday match had been played in the past, but was generally frowned upon by clubs.

The majority of draft matches remained the same.

“This year’s fixtures were particularly difficult to put together, however we are extremely satisfied with the final product that will see an emphasis on dual-gate games, pairing together senior and junior clubs at the same venue the most amount of times in a season that we have ever had,” said Nunn.

The Red Onion Creative Ballarat Football Netball League has also finalised the fixture for junior football and for the first time ever in 2012, junior netball for the upcoming season.

Nunn said the league was excited about the introduction of junior netball to junior match days and will be releasing details shortly on how interested players and families can get involved with their local clubs.