The BFL was outclassed in almost every facet of the game - losing 20.15 (135) to 8.13 (61) - at Mars Stadium.

Under the guidance of Brisbane Lions great Jonathon Brown, Hampden basically put the game to rest in the first quarter.

The Bottle Greens booted six goals to lead by 36 points and did not look back.

Ballarat struggled to get their hands on the football and when it did players too often turned it over.

Once Hampden had possession, its mosquito fleet took charge and left the home side in its wake with superior ground speed and ball movement, which allowed it to find open spaces at will.

When the BFL did get chances in front of goal, inaccuracy added to the pain.

Coach Chris Stuhldreier was succinct in summing up the defeat, saying Ballarat had succumb to a better side.

He said Hampden was cleaner, spread harder and more purposeful in its ball use.

Stuhldreier said the BFL had been without its chances, partilcularly early, but turnovers had hurt - being ounsihed every time the ball was given back to Hampden.

He said he was encouraged by the effort in the third term.

"We controlled the game in all areas, but did not hit the scoreboard."

While the loss was heavy, Stuhldreier said could not fault the commitment of his largely young team.

"I take my hat off to every player who represented the Ballarat Football League."

He said he hoped this would not put off the young players is the team from pursuing opportunities at this level.

Sunbury's Grant Valles was a stand-out best player for the BFL.

Valles lined up in the last line of defence and stood tall in the face of a constant barrage.

Shaun Campbell (Melton) was also prominent with a fearless display in the midfield, where was also constantly fighting against the odds.

Jack Landt (Sunbury) provided plenty of run, but as was the pattern for the day his good work often came to nothing.

North Ballarat City will not be happy with injury news out of the game, with Ben Simpson straining a hamstring.

Nick Stuhldreier was a late withdrawal from the selected side with a quad strain.

He was replaced Lachlan McLean, while Billy Crofts was also added to be a fifth interchange player.

Jonathon Brown highlighted Hampden's superior speed.

"We had good leg speed across the ground and a well balanced line up with strong aerial presence and big bulls on the inside," he said.

"We spread well and the kids on the outside didn't look out of place at all and they were magnificent.

"They were also well led by the veterans who have been at this level before," he said.

Brown said it was hard to single out better players.

"I thought (Jeremy) Hausler was good in the ruck, (Ben) Dobson was terrific, clearly Tom Sullivan was dynamic in the first half and it was a courageous effort as he copped a heavy whack early before he just continued on," he said.

"The back line was rock solid. Tom Couch and Sam McLachlan were very underdone and shows the quality of players they are to have an impact in this game when they are a fair way off full fitness," he said.

DETAILS

HAMPDEN 6.2 11.6 13.9 20.15 (135)

BALLARAT 0.2 2.6 5.12 8.13 (61)

GOALS - Hampden: J. Korewha 4, J. Turland 3, T. Sullivan 3, A. Wines 2, S. Cowling 2, K. Mercovich 2, R. Arnold, T. Couch, J. Bell, D. Nicholson. Ballarat: J. Johnston 2, A. Willitts 2, L. George, B. Kight, J. Landt, L. Carter

BEST - Hampden: K. Mercovich, T. Sullivan, B. Dobson, J. Hausler, T. Couch, A. Pulling. Ballarat: G. Valles, S. Campbell, J. Landt, A. Willitts, M. Conn, L. Watkins, L. Bramble