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BFNL Board Members

Jeremy Brown

Jeremy grew up in the Northern Mallee, where his family still farms, in a strong sporting and community environment. That background instilled a deep appreciation for regional communities, hard work, and the role local organisations play in bringing people together.

He moved to Bendigo in 1999 to complete university at La Trobe, beginning a long-standing connection with the region. A lifelong sports enthusiast, Jeremy played both football and cricket locally with Eaglehawk, maintaining a strong involvement in grassroots sport and community clubs.

Following completion of his degree, Jeremy spent the next decade working in finance with Bendigo Bank, building extensive experience in commercial and business finance. Having spent time living and working in Melbourne before returning to Bendigo in 2015, drawn back by the strength of the community and regional opportunities.

After returning, Jeremy transitioned from commercial finance to lead the establishment and growth of McKean McGregor Real Estate’s commercial business, where he continues to work closely with local businesses and investors.

Jeremy is passionate about community sport and looks forward to contributing his regional perspective, governance skills, and professional experience to the ongoing success of the Bendigo Football Netball League.

Todd Deary

Todd Deary is a 25 year veteran of the Victoria Police, currently serving in the Bendigo Highway patrol. Todd was born and raised in Golden Square, he began his life long association with the Golden Square FNC in the U12’s in 1975.


Since retiring as a player, Todd has worked with various sporting committees in football and cricket. Todd has coached or assisted with many junior teams, in recent years coaching the U18 girls and senior women at Golden Square.


Todd has recently joined the BFNL Board as a casual member, with a focus on club sustainability, growth and inclusion, he is passionate about the health of the BFNL and the associated benefits provided for the community as a whole.


Away from football and netball, Todd and his family like to holiday in Noosa.

Craig Findlay

Craig Findlay was born and raised in Kennington, playing his junior football with Kennington-Strathdale Saints but in 1983 joined the Bendigo Umpires Association.  

A veteran of 571 matches which includes 441 senior matches and 5 BFNL senior grand finals as a field umpire.  A BUA Life Member in 1998, BUA Coach 1996 to 2000, BUA Chairman 2016 to 2021 and BUA Chairman of Selectors from 2012 to 2021.
Professionally Craig has worked with Victoria Police and V/Line, a father of 3 grown up children, recently retired and enjoying time travelling Australia.  A keen golfer, lawn bowler and strong family connections throughout Bendigo in football, netball and athletics.

Joining the BFNL Board he has a real passion for local football, with a knowledge and understanding of umpiring requirements and how this can best work for the BFNL. 

Craig understands that we need to keep football and umpiring numbers strong throughout Central Victoria to ensure the best competition.

Brett Fitzpatrick

Brett Fitzpatrick has been involved in football across Central Victoria and Melbourne for many years. He played junior and senior football at Castlemaine before moving to Melbourne, where he played cricket with Richmond and football with Port Melbourne and Fitzroy. Brett returned to the region as playing coach at Kennington in 1991, before playing again at Castlemaine from 1992 to 2000.
Following his playing career, Brett moved into coaching and football administration. He has held assistant coaching roles with the Bendigo Diggers VFL team and Bendigo Interleague, coached Castlemaine in 2013 and Sandhurst from 2014 to 2015, and served two stints as Interleague coach spanning seven years. Brett has also served on the Bendigo League Board from 2001 to 2003 and was a Board member of the Victorian Country Football League for ten years. Brett also served two terms on the AFL Central Victoria Commission and is a Life Member of AFL Victoria.
Brett has owned and operated a real estate business in Castlemaine since 2002. He is keen to see the Bendigo Football Netball League continue to improve its profile and standing within regional Victorian football and strengthen its position with a sustainable and competitive number of teams.

Caleb Kuhle

Caleb is an Accountant at a boutique firm in Castlemaine, bringing a strong foundation in business and community leadership to their professional role. Caleb completed all schooling in Castlemaine before beginning a career in the metal industry, later earning a Bachelor of Business (Accounting) from LaTrobe University in Bendigo.

Caleb’s commitment to community is evident through extensive involvement in local football, playing from Auskick through to Seniors in the Castlemaine district. Demonstrating leadership, Caleb was appointed President of the Castlemaine Football & Netball Club at the end of 2019 while studying at LaTrobe. Over six years as President, Caleb oversaw significant club achievements, including the return of A grade netball and its first finals appearance in over a decade.

In addition to sporting achievements, Caleb championed the implementation of mental health care initiatives at the club, establishing access to mental health providers and support services for members. Caleb also attained Mental First Aid Accreditation, further strengthening the club’s commitment to wellbeing and community support.

Ellyse McNish

Ellyse Roper filled a vacant Board position during late 2021, before officially becoming a BFNL Board member at the 2021 Annual General Meeting.

Ellyse is passionate about sports, from local to global stages. She was a key player in the first Nitro Athletics competition, adding a fresh take to the sport. She worked closely with top athletes like Usain Bolt for a three-night event. After that, she led the live stream for the 2017 Little Athletics Australian Championships and the 2017 and 2018 Athletics Australia Galas, announcing the Olympic Team. She's also deeply involved in community sports, working with clubs like Deception Bay Little Athletics, Southern Cross Swimming, Inglewood Football Netball, and Bendigo Harriers.

Ellyse also has a passion for health and higher education, particularly allowing students to access it in a way that’s convenient and equitable. Ellyse has a marketing and sports background, however, has spent the past four years in higher education working across La Trobe University’s Rural Health School. She has also been an integral part of running Victoria's first end-to-end rural medical program.

In 2022 Ellyse completed the Loddon Murray Community Leadership Program (LMCLP) which she has found richly rewarding in learning more about herself as a community leader and how she can support others.

Having lived in Bendigo for 11 years Ellyse believes there is a big opportunity within regional communities to make a real difference in people's lives and become a driver of positive change.  

Her personal commitment is to continue to advocate wherever possible about the opportunities for health and development in regional Victoria. 

LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellyse-roper/ 

Keely McDonald

Keely McDonald was born and raised in Bendigo and is a proud member of the local community. She has been a dedicated local lawyer for the past six years, with a strong focus on wills and estates. Her legal practice is driven by a passion for assisting the local community, ensuring that individuals and families receive the guidance and support they need in planning for the future and dealing with loss.

Growing up, Keely was actively involved in various sports, which instilled in her a deep appreciation for teamwork and community spirit. She is particularly passionate about the sustainability of the BFNL and is committed to ensuring that all clubs and members feel included. She advocates for providing access to necessary information and support services, fostering an environment where everyone can thrive.

Keely believes in the power of community and the importance of inclusivity. Her approach to legal practice and board membership is rooted in these values, as she strives to make a positive impact both professionally and personally.

Rick Townsend

Information coming soon

Colin Rosa

Information coming soon