BFNL newcomers Broadford will take on Kangaroo Flat in the marquee clash of a record Pat Cronin Foundation Round at Bendigo Mazda Oval on Saturday, May 2.
With three football matches and four netball matches, all kicking off from 10am, it’s going to be a great opportunity to promote and educate fans, players and volunteers on the pivotal work that the Pat Cronin Foundation continue to carry out.
Honouring Coward Punch victim Pat Cronin, this year’s round - involving more than 75,000 players from eight Victorian leagues over three days of competition from May 1-3 - carries added significance, coming just after the 10th anniversary of his death in April, 2016.
The initiative educates players, coaches and an estimated 300,000 spectators about the impacts of violence and the importance of emotional control both in sport and off the field, as part of the Foundation’s broader goal of challenging Australians’ attitudes to violence.
BFNL League Manager, Tom King said, “The Bendigo FNL is proud to stand alongside the Pat Cronin Foundation again in 2026 and support the powerful work they do in educating young people around respect and the devastating impact of violence. It’s a message that strongly aligns with the values we want to uphold across our competition.”
“Our partnership with the Pat Cronin Foundation is about more than awareness — it’s about creating real cultural change within our clubs and communities. The conversations they are driving are critical, and we’re committed to playing our part,” added Tom.
Kangaroo Flat president Leigh Bailey said he could not “speak highly enough” of the Foundation’s work.
“The Foundation has delivered presentations to our club on several occasions, and we’re proud to be part of the annual Round once again.”
Foundation director Matt Cronin said the milestone anniversary of Pat’s death had especially difficult for his family.
“Ten years on it still feels like yesterday,” he said. “It doesn’t get any easier - in many ways it gets harder, as you think about everything that Pat has missed and all the moments he should have had.
“Pat was a talented footballer and captain of his team at his beloved Research Junior Football Club in Melbourne - which this month unveiled a wing of the ground in his name.
“The Bendigo Football Netball League has been an incredible supporter of the round and to see clubs like Broadford - one of about 40 new clubs stepping in and embracing the message this year - means a lot.”
Every player in the round wears a yellow armband, to spark conversations and keep the message front of mind. Several hundred metres of armband tape bearing the message, “Let’s End the Coward Punch”, was delivered to Bendigo clubs last week ahead of the competition.
Every club involved meanwhile is encouraged to participate in the Foundation’s face-to-face Play Wise, Live Wise presentation.
To find out more, visit https://patcroninfoundation.org.au/get-involved/pcf-round/
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About the Pat Cronin Foundation
The Pat Cronin Foundation is dedicated to ending the Coward Punch. Through awareness, education, research and tools, it works with schools, clubs and community groups to empower young people to never to use violence, to be wise, think carefully and act kindly.
For more information, please contact:
Darren Grant Matt Cronin
Media Manager Director
Pat Cronin Foundation Pat Cronin Foundation
M: 0400 065 068 M: 0419 508 858
E: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. E: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
