Here is your complete guide to the 2019 BFL season.

Coach: Peter Davey (non-playing) new

2018: fifth (home and away) - 10 wins, 6 losses

Lost elimination final

2019 LEADERSHIP GROUP

Jake Owen and Liam Mullen co-captains

Ryley Stuhldreier, Daniel Burton, Harrison King vice-captains

KEY ARRIVALS

Tom Brownbridge (Irymple, SFL)

Jake De Winter (Western Magpies, QAFL)

Brodie Eason (Western Magpies, QAFL)

Chris Moloney (Western Magpies, QAFL)

Kane White (returning from knee injury)

KEY DEPARTURES

Trent Angwin (Darley)

Alec Del Papa (Diggers Rest, RDFL)

Daniel Foley (Melton Centrals, RDFL)

Ben Speight (Wangaratta, OMFL)

Jayden Trowsdale (St Albans, WRFL)

VFL-LISTED PLAYERS

Nick Stuhldreier (Werribee)

WHAT THE COACH SAYS

RECRUITING

"I'm about character, then talent."

There was no shortage of names thrown around and players approached, but it was all about getting the right people.

As a new coach, it has been a clean slate with all players being given an opportunity.

RECRUITS TO WATCH

Tom Brownbridge - experienced leader and key defender. Former Irymple (Sunraysia FL) captain.

Jake De Winter - midfielder and proven goalkicker in QAFL and Tasmanian State League.

Chris Moloney - member of Brisbane Lions under-18 academy squad last year. Raw ruck talent standing 194.5cm.

PRE-SEASON

Long, but enjoyable.

High entensity theme.

Focus on intense running program, with a lot of kilometres covered in the past month.

Impressed by way on-field leaders have led.

WHERE DO YOU SEE BIGGEST IMPROVEMENT COMING FROM?

Stoppage work.

Expect greater intensity after putting a major focus on this in pre-season.

STRENGTHS

Big change in game style - a fun brand of football which will be enjoyable for fans.

Players urged to take the game on.

Versatility in attack.

EXPECTATIONS

Finals.

Get there healthy.

Coach: Joe Carmody (non-playing) new

2018: 10th - 3 wins, 3 losses

2019 LEADERSHIP GROUP

Dan Kennedy and Nick O'Farrell co-captains

Keegan Mellington vice-captain

Sam James, Mitch Martin, Ben Hobbs, Will Garner

KEY ARRIVALS

Grant Baldwin (returning from knee injury)

Joel Berry (Creswick, CHFL)

Lochie Dawson (Hamilton, HFL/GWV Rebels)

Toby Fisher (Southern Mallee Giants, WFL)

Andrew Hooper (Werribee, VFL)

Ben Jackson (SMW Rovers, MDFL)

Ash Munari (Carisbrook, MCDFL)

Nick O'Farrell (Southern Mallee Giants, WFL)

Steve Patterson (Carisbrook, MCDFL)

Thomas Thewlis (SMW Rovers, MDFL)

Nick Weightman (Albion, WRFL)

KEY DEPARTURES

Joel Antonio (Creswick, CHFL)

Mitch Bowman (North Warrnambool, HFL)

Tom Conroy (Daylesford, CHFL)

Nick Garner (AFL Barwon)

Daniel Hobbs (AFL Cairns)

Shane Hutchinson (Lake Wendouree)

Jack Leonard (Dunnstown, CHFL)

Tom Schnerring (Heidelberg, NFL) VFL-listed 2018

Jack Sutherland (Dunnstown, CHFL)

VFL-LISTED PLAYERS

Lochie Dawson (Footscray)

WHAT THE COACH SAYS

RECRUITING

Looked for players to complement a young, developing list.

Pleased with the retention of younger players in the 19 to 22-year age bracket.

A good mix of newcomers.

RECRUITS TO WATCH

Andrew Hooper - AFL and VFL experienced on field leader.

Ash Munari - has made his mark with on-field leadership.

Nick Weightman - adds VFL experience to list.

PRE-SEASON

Team defence across the broad has been a focus.

Players have been challenged to retain possession longer - eliminating easy turnovers.

WHERE DO YOU SEE BIGGEST IMPROVEMENT COMING FROM?

Ball use. Better use on a more consistent basis.

There has already been a significant improvement in players sticking to their assigned roles after a big emphasis on match simulation.

Development of younger players.

STRENGTHS

Midfield depth.

Additions provide more options through the midfield rotation.

More opportunities for a more dynamic forward set up.

EXPECTATIONS

Planning to go hard at it every week and give a real crack.

No limit to what can be achieved if we deliver the game we are aiming to produce every week.​

Coach: Heath Scotland (playing) third year

2018 - fourth (home and away) - 11 wins, 5 losses

Lost preliminary final

KEY ARRIVALS

Trent Angwin (Bacchus Marsh)

Nick Graham (Carlton, AFL)

Sam Hitchings (Ballan, CHFL)

Josh Pickess (Maribyrnong Park, EDFL)

Nick Thacker (Centrals Trinity, AFL Cairns)

Bailey Waasdorp (Tongala, MFL/Bendigo Pioneers)

Casey Young (Old Scotch Collegians, NTFA)

KEY DEPARTURES

Brett Bewley (Fremantle AFL) VFL-listed 2018

Zak Butters (Port Adelaide AFL)

Luke Delahey (Diggers Rest, RDFL)

Rhys Ellis (travelling)

Dane Grenfell (retired)

Steve Kennedy (Altona, WRFL)

Abe Kur (St Albans, WRFL)

Dylan Reid (AFL Queensland)

Dan Roy (Lorne, CDFL)

VFL-LISTED PLAYERS

Billy Myers (Williamstown)

Josh Pickess (Williamstown)

Nick Rodda (Williamstown)

WHAT THE COACH SAYS

RECRUITING

Really happy.

Nick Graham was the primary target.

Believe gains have off-set losses despite the class of some departures.

Trent Angwin adds big-bodied key defender and confident can cover loss of ruckmen Dylan Reid and Abe Kur from existing list.

Confident eight youngsters who debuted last year will step forward.

RECRUITS TO WATCH

Nick Graham -  straight out of the AFL. Expected to be a match-winner playing alonside his brother Brian.

Trent Angwin - one of the BFL's best big defenders. Huge asset.

Bailey Waasdorp - youngster who arrives with good credentials from Bendigo Pioneers in TAC Cup.

PRE-SEASON

Pleased with what was on show in three practice matches

"Players showed me something."

WHERE DO YOU SEE BIGGEST IMPROVEMENT COMING FROM?

The bottom six players.

The top six are as good as any in the competition.

Need to strengthen up the bottom six - an area where found wanting last season.

Better management of strengthening and conditioning of players - an area which has had a greater focus this year.

STRENGTHS

Defence across the board.

More attacking options.

Greater pressure.

EXPECTATIONS

"We're playing to win a flag."

Everyone wants to play finals. but the ultimate is unquestionably the objective.

Expecting the likes of East Point and Melton to be even stronger.

Coach: Jake Bridges (non-playing) third year

2018: top (home and away) - 13 wins, 3 losses

Premier

2019 LEADERSHIP GROUP

Captain being announced Thursday night before opening round.

Chris Carson, Matt Johnston, Brad Whittaker, Cam Lovig, Joel Maher

KEY ARRIVALS

Jesse Baird (Clunes, CHFL)

Billy Jones (Grovedale, GFL)

Jacob Lench (returning)

Joel Mahar (Bungaree, CHFL)

KEY DEPARTURES

Hasker Dawborn (Modewarre, BFL)

Luke Faull  NE

Charlie Lee (South Warrnambool, HFL)

Jordan Payne

Gus Wright (St Mary's, GFL)

VFL-LISTED PLAYERS

Jake Brown (Essendon)

Jake McQueen (Essendon)

Joel Ottavi (Williamstown)

Jesse Palmer (Northern Blues)

WHAT THE COACH SAYS

RECRUITING

Minimal turnover.

Fortunate to have players keen to join early in the pre-season.

For the second year in a row some talent has arrived from CHFL along with some VFL experience - an ingredient which worked well last season.

RECRUITS TO WATCH

Jesse Baird, Billy Jones, Joel Mahar (CHFL best and fairest) - all with a lot to offer and with the challenge of breaking into a premiership line-up.

PRE-SEASON

"Solid."

Started in a sense immediately last-season, with all on and off-field members of the inner sanctum urged and given opportunity to fully absorb what had been achieved.

It all now starts again after some "ripper" practice matches.

Reinforcement to control what can be controlled.

WHERE DO YOU SEE BIGGEST IMPROVEMENT COMING FROM?

Having youngsters such as Mitch Tuddenham and Joe Dodd fit after missing last season with injury.

Possible emergence of Isaac Quick and Matt Romerill from under-age ranks.

All this adds to senior playing stocks.

Looking to move football better.

STRENGTHS

Starting fit and healthy - mentally and physically - in a comfortable and welcoming environment.

The close bond the players have developed.

This is a group which over the years through various levels has experienced success and is accustomed to handling the pressure which comes with that.

EXPECTATIONS

To keep developing as a group which will change.

Howvere, don't assume anything just happens.

Dale Power (non-playing) second year

2018: sixth (home and away) - 9 wins, 7 losses

Lost elimination final

2019 LEADERSHIP GROUP

Ash Simpson captain

Lachlan O'Connell vice-captain

Nick Clifton, Bailey Edwards, Jopel O'Connell, Caleb Hepworth

KEY ARRIVALS

Josh Bibby (Warrack Eagles, WFL)

Scott Carlin (Terang-Mortlake, HFL/GWV Rebels)

Jacob Coxall (Buninyong, CHFL)

Shane Hutchinson (Ballarat)

Joel Moriarty (Cobden, HFL)

Jamie Norton (Timboon, WDFL)

KEY DEPARTURES

Lane Buckwell (Geelong West, GFL)

Scott Carey (Newlyn, CHFL)

Gus Kirby (retired)

Tim Madden (retired)

Tim Malone (Casterton-Sandford, WBFL)

VFL-LISTED PLAYERS

Scott Carlin (Werribee)

WHAT THE COACH SAYS

RECRUITING

Just missed out on getting another tall, but other than that did okay.

Former coach Tim Malone a significant loss, but the arrival of former Ballarat coach Shane Hutchinson adds to on-field leadership and important coaching support.

Confident have added depth, given a number of departures did not play much if any senior football last year.

RECRUITS TO WATCH

Shane Hutchinson - back where it all started in assistant coaching role. Big addition to midfield physically and experience-wise.

Joel Moriarty - another who adds experience. but will be missing for sometime with osteitis pubis.

Josh Bibby - talented youngster who has substantial senior experience.

PRE-SEASON

Much better than last year - much more positive with high player retention.

Pre-season training completely restructured with list broken up into small groups and overseen by on-field leaders. Allowed players to train where and when best suited.

Did not get together as a full group until early new year.

WHERE DO YOU SEE BIGGEST IMPROVEMENT COMING FROM?

Quality of ball use - particular in forward half.

Issues there made scoring difficult last season.

There is a need to find a way to goal more often.

STRENGTHS

Nice blend of players.

Improved use of football - greater efficiency.

EXPECTATIONS

Finals again.

We will be better for the experience of last year.

Well aware though that young players do not automatically improve. Will need to work harder.

Coach: Aaron Tymms (non-playing) second year

2018: third (home and away) - 11 wins, 5 losses

Grand finalist

2019 LEADERSHIP GROUP

Braedan Kyte and Ben Archard co-captains

Matt Denham vice-captain

KEY ARRIVALS

Shaun Campbell (Wagga Tigers, RFL)

Anthony Hibbert (Melton South)

Jordan Kyte (returning)

Dyson Stevens (Deer Park, WRFL)

KEY DEPARTURES

Nick Dodge (Heidelberg, NFL)

Elliott Kavanagh (Old Melburnians, VAFA)

Brock Kennedy (Echuca, GVFL)

Kayne Wilson (Melton Centrals)

VFL-LISTED PLAYERS

Liam Carter (Williamstown)

Jake Greiser (Williamstown)

WHAT THE COACH SAYS

RECRUITING

Landed what was targeted to bolster what remains a young list - the arrival of bigger bodied midfielders.

High retention rate with two exits Nick Dodge and Elliott Kavanagh not playing at all last year.

RECRUITS TO WATCH

Shaun Campbell - high quality midfielder.

Anthony Hibbert - crosses from Melton South after failing to get clearance last season.

Dyson Stevens - joins full-time after having ties with Bloods when VFL listed. Strong-bodied midfielder.

PRE-SEASON

Keen to get started after long, intense pre-season.

Have not dwelled on last year when achieved way more than what was initially expected.

Had expected a three to four-year process to get to be in premiership contention.

WHERE DO YOU SEE BIGGEST IMPROVEMENT COMING FROM?

A lot of improvement in squad on what was achieved last season, particularly via a strengthened midfield

Ability to keep possession longer and have greater control of play.

Greater goalkicking power with improved conversion rate.

STRENGTHS

Continuing to improve.

Greater consistency.

Midfield.

EXPECTATIONS

Finals first and then see where it goes from there.

It was shown last year that if you make it young can make a good run at it (a premiership).

Coach: Heath Pritchard (non-playing) second year

2018: 11th - 1 win, 15 losses

2019 LEADERSHIP GROUP

Brody Sullivan captain

Billy Sullivan, Dylan Sharp, Ben Sortino, Daniel Leggett, Lachie Watkins

KEY ARRIVALS

Anthony Anastasio (Noble Park, EFL)

Paul Bower (Deer Park, WRFL)

Isaac Conway (North Heidelberg, NFL)

Shannen Lange

Jordan Lisle (Blackburn, EFL)

Eli Templeton (North Heidelberg, NFL)

KEY DEPARTURES

David Callus (RDFL)

Connor Charge (RDFL)

Dylan Clarke (RDFL)

Brendan Fevola (Hastings, MPFL)

Anthony Hibbert (Melton)

Mark Lynch (AFL Queensland)

Reece Miles (WRFL)

Craig Searle (WRFL)

VFL-LISTED PLAYERS

Anthony Anastasio (Port Melbourne)

Dylan Conway (Port Melbourne)

Isaac Conway (Port Melbourne)

Shannon Lange (Port Melbourne)

Jordan Lisle (Port Melbourne)

Eli Templeton (Port Melbourne)

WHAT THE COACH SAYS

RECRUITING

Very selective in a restricted market place. Adamant and stubborn in exactly what was required.

Placed a focus on aligning more Port Melbourne players to club with a view to them making a long-term commitment at the end of their VFL career.

Anthony Anastasio has unfortunately suffered a season-ending knee injury (anterior cruciate ligament).

RECRUITS TO WATCH

Paul Bowers - ex-Carlton player able to hold down key position.

Isaac Conway - injury interrupted pre-season likely to see him starting year with Panthers.

Any time any of new Port Melbourne-listed players line up.

PRE-SEASON

Really good.

Will be fitter and have much better structures after spending a lot of time working on fundamentals.

WHERE DO YOU SEE BIGGEST IMPROVEMENT COMING FROM?

A new game plan which suits our list.

Improvement has to come within the existing list, especially among younger players.

Strong belief in the untapped talent - after dove-tailing what was achieved late last year into pre-season.

STRENGTHS

Positive feel and outlook on back of feedback from within the club as to what attempting to do.

Young talent, with teenagers given a taste last year to be given every opportunity to ensure they develop into long-term players for the club.

EXPECTATIONS

To be super competitive.

No excuses.

To own what has been worked on.

Coach: Shane Skontra (non-playing) second year

2018: second (home and away) - 11 wins, 5 losses

Lost semi-final

LEADERSHIP GROUP

Simon McCartin captain

Daniel Jones and Tim Speirs vice-captains

KEY ARRIVALS

Josh Chatfield (Koroit, HFL/GWV Rebels)

Brock Freeman (Beaufort, CHFL)

Scott Howard (Beaufort, CHFL)

Izaac Johnson (East Point/Echuca/GWV Rebels)

Cam McCallum (Learmonth, CHFL)

Jason McNamara (Ballan, CHFL)

Alex Riches (North Shore, GDFL)

KEY DEPARTURES

James Cusack (Skipton, CHFL)

Marcus Darmody (Newlyn, CHFL)

Brayden Draffin (Skipton, CHFL)

Nathan Dunstan (Hepburn, CHFL)

Sam Dunstan (Hepburn, CHFL)

Keenan George (AFL Cairns)

Tyler George (AFL Cairns)

Mitch Giddings (Moulamein, GRFL)

Caleb McGrath (Waubra, CHFL)

James Sclanders (Skipton, CHFL)

James Vanderkley (North Geelong, GDFL)

WHAT THE COACH SAYS

RECRUITING

Took a more efficient approach.

Concentrated on a boosting ruck and on-ball stocks to complement youngsters progressing through the ranks.

The return of former player and veteran Jason McNamara will provide wealth of experience and on-field leadership.

RECRUITS TO WATCH

Cam McCallum - tall, returning to football after a basketball stint with Ballarat Miners.

Jason McNamara - has impressed on training track. Likely to play a Luke Hodge-type role. No expectations.

Izaac Johnson and Josh Chatfield - youngsters who could catch the eye.

PRE-SEASON

Solid.

Had a number of good hit-outs in a similar preparation to last year.

Fitter. "Players fantastic." Has built on last season.

WHERE DO YOU SEE BIGGEST IMPROVEMENT COMING FROM?

The likes of East Point and Melton will be better, so a need to improve.

More midfield/onfield options as players' roles expanded - adding up to greater depth

Expect development in youngsters blooded last season as a natural progression.

STRENGTHS

The gains from last season - building on those foundations.

Improved goalkicking options after being a little one-dimensional in 2018.

EXPECTATIONS

No hiding the desire to play finals again in what is likely to be a tight competition.

Coach: Jarrett Giampaolo (playing) first year

2018: ninth - 3 wins, 13 losses

2019 LEADERSHIP GROUP

Liam Hoy captain

Dean Mathews vice-captain

Pat Britt, Orren Stephenson, Pat Fitzgibbon

KEY ARRIVALS

Cooper Atchison (South Warrnambool)

Daniel Bond (Wodonga Raiders, OMFL)

Gus Cleary (Casterton, WBFL)

Liam O'Brien (East Point/Queensland)

Brenton Riordan (Katandra, MFL)

Keenan Waterbury (returning from knee injury)

KEY DEPARTURES

Nathan Horbury (South Bendigo, BFL)

Zac Oliver (Old Scotch, VAFA)

Brendan Peace (retired)

Ben Schiltz (Gordon, CHFL)

Tom Watson (Cobden, HFL)

VFL-LISTED PLAYERS

Lachlan McLean (North Melbourne)

WHAT THE COACH SAYS

RECRUITING

Looked to add good people and depth across the board to help compensate for loss of start Nathan Horbury.

Back after missing a season with a knee injury, Keenan Waterbury is the equivalent of a recruit.

The return of former North Ballarat Rooster Gus Cleary is a boost.

RECRUITS TO WATCH

Gus Cleary - will bolster key position options and provide ruck support to Orren Stephenson.

Daniel Bond - Ovens and Murray league under-19 representative squad member last year.

Liam O'Brien - promising youngster with opportunity to make mark.

PRE-SEASON

"Really good."

Plenty of numbers. Great to be able to train full-time on City Oval.

Lot of ball work and match-play.

WHERE DO YOU SEE BIGGEST IMPROVEMENT COMING FROM?

Across the board.

Ability of players to understand and play out specific roles.

Understanding of game plan.

STRENGTHS

Always had top-end talent. More players set to take more responsibility.

Intensity at the contest and endeavour at the ball.

Ability to apply constant pressure.

EXPECTATIONS

Expect to play finals after missing last year.

Believe have the team to return to top six again and play finals.

Coach: Leigh Hutchinson (non-playing) second year

2018: seventh - 8 wins, 8 losses

LEADERSHIP GROUP

Tom Petersen captain

KEY ARRIVALS

Sam Jenkins (Dunnstown, CHFL)

Luke Kiel (Geelong VFL)

Hugo Papst (Kalkee, HDFL)

Tim Rhook (Marong, LVFL)

Toby Thoolen (Swan Hill, CMFL)

KEY DEPARTURES

James Richards (East Warrnambool, WDFL)

WHAT THE COACH SAYS

RECRUITING

Went well

Added to midfield depth, which in turn will add to strength around wings and flanks where there will be more options.

The late pick up of ruckman/key forward Toby Thoolen a real bonus.

RECRUITS TO WATCH

Luke Kiel - arrives after an outstanding VFL career with North Ballarat Roosters and Geelong. Classy. Fine leader.

Toby Thoolen - brings AFL/VFL experience, followinjg Kiel from Swan Hill. Will impact as a tall.

Sam Jenkins - returns to where it all started after a distringuished CHFL career.

PRE-SEASON

Different feel after all the hype of last year.

A little more relaxed, but expectations no less.

WHERE DO YOU SEE BIGGEST IMPROVEMENT COMING FROM?

Midfield. Looking to provide more pressure and in turn generate more scoring opportunities.

Lost some close games last season after not taking chances in front of a goal - a factor which was major contributor to missing finals.

Younger players better for experience of last season.

STRENGTHS

Midfield, top-end talent -  as long as they stay fit. - and continued emerging of next layer of talent.

Geniune belief that can cut it with any team in the competition.

This will ensure will stay in games when things not necessarily going as would like.

EXPECTATIONS

Same as last year.

Jump into top six and play finals.

Not concerned what position, as long as it is top six. Jest get there.

Coach: Travis Hodgson (non-playing) first year

2018: eighth - 8 wins, 8 losses

LEADERSHIP GROUP

Andrew Duhau captain

Greg Hay vice-captain

Alik Magin and Jack Landt deputy vice-captains

Mitch Conn, Lachy Bramble, Nathan Bridgland, Josh Muir

KEY ARRIVALS

Ben Brennan (St Albans, WRFL)

Leigh Brennan (St Albans, WRFL)

Daylan Kempster (Maribyrnong Park, EDFL)

Dylan Featon (Rupertswood, RDFL)

KEY DEPARTURES

Aaron Christensen (AFL Sydney)

Jack Fenner (Clunes, CHFL)

Tristan Lenaz (Wangaratta Rovers, OMFL)

VFL-LISTED PLAYERS

Dylan Landt (Essendon)

WHAT THE COACH SAYS

RECRUITING

Able to put cue in the rack after securing specifically targeted players early.

Lack of height was identified as an issue last season - confident have addressed this with options for key defensive and attacking positions, which in turn will free up the likes of Grant Valles to play more creative roles.

Bonus to have Mitch Conn (Coburg) and Lachie Bramble (Williamstown) stepping away from VFL commitments.

RECRUITS TO WATCH

Ben Brennan - returning to home town, adding experience and versatility.

Leigh Brennan - back playing in home town, key position player.

Daylan Kempster - VFL experienced who will be an option in attack.

PRE-SEASON

Back at Clarke Oval for first time since being a premiership player in 1997, went into pre-season with open mind.

Impressed by whole club. Enjoying being back.

All players being given an opportunity.

WHERE DO YOU SEE BIGGEST IMPROVEMENT COMING FROM?

Increased depth.

More height provides a better balanced list with greater versatility.

Pressure for spots.

Winning away from home after struggling on road last season.

STRENGTHS

Depth.

"Not seen depth like with at any club I have been at."

Options available at selection table.

EXPECTATIONS

Finals - after missing finals last year for the first time since joining BFL.

There is a desire and expectation to play finals.