2026 BFNL Rising Star Award - FOOTBALL FINALISTS
The BFNL is proud to announce the finalists for our 2026 Bart n Print Football Rising Star.
The BFNL Rising Star Award recognises the league's most promising young football talent, highlighting their outstanding achievements, consistency, sportsmanship and potential.
Eligible players are nominated by clubs with all nominees showcased on BFNL social media and in our weekly BFNL Record in the lead up to BFNL Finals.
Nominees are shared with an independent panel of three netball experts who rank their top-6 nominees as finalists.
A winner of the 2026 Bart n Print Football Rising Star will be announced at our Michelsen Thompson Pre-Count livestream on Monday 7 September.
With an honour roll that includes names like Martin, Coghlan & Bond, the BFNL Rising Star Award is a true indicator for future success.
View the full list of previous winners HERE.
Congratulations to our six finalists - Archie Edwards (Golden Square), Bailey Warfe (Golden Square), Jarrell Ratcliffe (Kangaroo Flat), Jaxon Howard (Sandhurst), Tyce Griffin (Strathfieldsaye) & Will Elliot (Gisborne)
Archie Edwards - Golden Square FNC
Archie has enjoyed an outstanding return to the BFNL in 2026, quickly establishing himself as one of the competition's premier half backs.
Renowned for his damaging right-foot kick, elite intercept marking and competitive nature, Edwards has impressed throughout the 2026 season with his skill and work ethic.
Having played more than 120 games across Golden Square's junior and senior ranks, along with 47 matches for Parade Junior Football Club, he also gained valuable experience with the Sandringham Dragons and Melbourne Grammar's First XVIII in 2025.
His excellent season was further recognised with selection in the 2026 BFNL Senior Interleague training squad.
Bailey Warfe - Golden Square FNC
Bailey has continued his rise as one of the BFNL's most promising young defenders, establishing himself at centre half back and full back through his outstanding intercept marking, ability to read the play and impressive athleticism.
Warfe has long been regarded as a talented prospect around the club, with his current form reflecting his commitment to continual improvement.
Across 2025 and 2026 he played 21 matches with the Bendigo Pioneers, was a member of the Catherine McAuley College senior team in 2025, and earned selection in the 2026 Talent League Young Guns State Trials.
Jarrell Ratcliffe - Kangaroo Flat FNC
Jarrell has made an immediate impact at senior level for Kangaroo Flat, establishing himself as an exciting young midfielder who has shown he is more than capable of competing in Bendigo senior football while still eligible for Under 18s.
An athletic ball winner, Ratcliffe combines his ability to win his own football with strong aerial skills and an impressive capacity to hit the scoreboard from the midfield.
His ability to quickly adapt to the club's game structure and perform with confidence beyond his years has made him a valuable addition to the Kangaroos.
Ratcliffe has also gained valuable experience through 12 Bendigo Pioneers matches across 2025 and 2026.
Jaxon Howard - Sandhurst FNC
Jaxon has made an strong start to his senior career, quickly establishing himself as a dependable key defender for Sandhurst.
Playing at centre half back and full back, Howard excels in the air through his intercept marking, spoiling and ability to launch attacking rebounds from defence.
His commitment to developing his craft has been evident, with the Dragons entrusting him with match-ups against experienced former AFL key forwards—challenges he has embraced with maturity well beyond his years.
A product of Maiden Gully Junior Football Club, Howard has played more than 100 junior games before adding six Bendigo Pioneers appearances across 2024 and 2025, while surpassing 55 matches across Sandhurst's junior and senior programs, highlighting his impressive development and exciting future.
Tyce Griffin - Strathfieldsaye FNC
Tyce has continued to establish himself as one of Strathfieldsaye's most promising young footballers through an exceptional work ethic, coachability and commitment to continual improvement.
A dominant junior throughout his football journey, Griffin consistently goes above and beyond to develop his game, whether through extra goal-kicking sessions, gym work, recovery or fitness.
A fantastic listener who embraces feedback and shows enormous respect for every coach he has worked with, Griffin brings a genuine team-first attitude and gives 100 per cent in everything he does.
His talent and leadership have been recognised through a V/Line Cup Best on Ground performance, selection in the Bendigo Pioneers leadership group and five Bendigo JFL junior representative appearances.
Griffin has also gained valuable experience at senior and representative level, playing two CMC senior matches and two Vic Country State Trial matches in 2025, along with 10 Bendigo Pioneers matches across 2025 and 2026, highlighting his exciting potential.
Will Elliot - Gisborne FNC
Will has established himself as one of Gisborne's most dependable young defenders, earning a reputation for his courage, competitiveness and ability to shut down dangerous opponents.
A small defender who thrives in one-on-one contests, Elliot combines outstanding pace with fearless aerial ability, allowing him to win the ball in defence before launching attacking chains with his run and carry.
His composure and determination have made him a valuable member of the Bulldogs' backline, while his leadership qualities were recognised through his appointment as vice-captain of the 2026 BFNL Under 18 Interleague team.
Will's football journey has also included selection in the AFL Victoria Metro Junior Development Series as a representative of the Riddell District Football Netball League in 2022, 2023 and 2024
