Football and Netball 2023

F TBA &NETBA 2023

A NEW ERA

Afteranother long o -season of discussion, debate and arguing which football and netball sides will reign supreme in 2023, it’s time to find out who got it right and who got it wrong.

It was certainly one of the busiest o -season periods in recent memory and one that had its moments of drama and devastation.

Football and netball clubs right across our region were impacted by last year’s terrible floods and it’s important we continue to support and rally behind those a ected.

Unfortunately, we had more clubs issue SOS calls for players in what is a worrying trend for country football and netball

Contents

Goulburn Valley Football League

AFL Exports and Umpires

NAB League

North Country Women’s League

Cover picture: Leading the pack: Seymour A-grade premiership player Courtney Aldous, Nathalia senior women’s premiership player Abby Favaro and Echuca’s senior football premiership winning side are the teams to chase in 2023.

Picture: Megan Fisher

Contributors: Aydin Payne, Zac Standish, Bransen Gibson, James Kleeman, Max Stainkamph, Josh Huntly, Gus Underwood, Tyler Maher, Caleb Francis, Djembe Archibald, Jay Bryce, Photographers: Megan Fisher, Rechelle Zammit, Bruce Povey, Aydin Payne, Zac Standish, Daniel Webb, James Kleeman, Cath Grey, Steve Huntley, Rodney Braithwaite, Karl Phillipson, Ray Sizer, Holly Daniel, Rohan Aldous, Max Stainkamph, Julie Mercer, Tyler Maher, Brenden Paddock, Wayne Herring, Jamie Lowe, Laura Green, Margo Gregory, Blake Humphries, AAP.

Sub-editing: Ron Anderson, Thomas Moir

Editorial design: Brendan Cain

Advertising inquiries: Simone Dunne, 58203134

Published by Shepparton News Melbourne Rd, Shepparton Phone 5831 2312

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TIPSTERS

Aydin Payne

PREMIERS

GVFL: Euroa

MFL: Congupna

KDFL:

Murchison-Toolamba

PDFL: Tungamah

Zac Standish

News sports reporter

PREMIERS

Bransen Gibson

News sports reporter

PREMIERS

GVNL: Mooroopna

MNL: Deniliquin

KDNL: Nagambie

PDNL: Katunga

Morrison Medal: Will Hayes (Euroa)

Wellman Medal: Dayna Williams (Mooroopna)

GVFL leading goal-kicker: Jett Trotter (Euroa)

Story of the year prediction: Bridesmaids no more — Euroa to follow the same fate as the past three Goulburn Valley League premiers and win the flag after finishing runner-up the previous year.

Tyler Maher

News editor

PREMIERS

GVFL: Seymour

MFL: Moama

KDFL:

Murchison-Toolamba

PDFL: Tungamah

GVNL: Shepparton

MNL: Rumbalara

KDNL: Tallygaroopna

PDNL: Katamatite

Morrison Medal: Jack O’Sullivan (Seymour)

Wellman Medal: Kim Borger (Shepparton)

GVFL leading goal-kicker: Chris Neild (Mooroopna)

Story of the year prediction: Beary-tale! Tracey

Brereton’s Shepparton troops, led by the return of star shooter Kim Borger, claw their way to a GVL netball crown for their long-time mentor.

Alex Da

Riverine Herald sports reporter

PREMIERS

GVFL: Euroa

MFL: Moama

KDFL:

Murchison-Toolamba

PDFL: Tungamah

GVNL: Shepparton United

MNL: Deniliquin

KDNL: Shepparton East

PDNL: Strathmerton

Morrison Medal: Liam Ogden (Kyabram)

Wellman Medal: Ellie O’Sullivan (Seymour)

GVFL leading goal-kicker: Chris Nield (Mooroopna)

Story of the year prediction: Moama to go one better and claim Murray league flag.

GVL F TBA LA ER

GVFL: Kyabram

MFL: Congupna

KDFL:

Murchison-Toolamba

PDFL: Waaia

GVNL: Seymour

MNL: Deniliquin

KDNL: Nagambie

PDNL: Tungamah

Morrison Medal: Will Hayes (Euroa)

Wellman Medal: Stephanie Vick (Echuca)

GVFL leading goal-kicker: Michael Hartley (Seymour)

Story of the year prediction: Paul Newman leads Kyabram back to the top of the GVL mountain as Kyle Mueller bags six in epic grand final performance against Euroa.

Gregor Macta arT

PREMIERS

GVFL: Echuca

MFL: Moama

KDFL: Shepparton East

PDFL: Waaia

GVNL: Shepparton United

MNL: Moama

KDNL: Tallygaroopna

PDNL: Katunga

Morrison Medal: Jamie Macmillan (Shepparton Swans)

Wellman Medal: Greta Pearson (Echuca)

GVFL leading goal-kicker: Ruory Kirkby

Story of the year: The re-emergence of the Shepparton sides after all three missed out on finals football in 2022.

Gus Underw d

PREMIERS

GVFL: Echuca

MFL: Moama

KDFL: Lancaster

PDFL: Waaia

GVNL: Shepparton United

MNL: Moama

KDNL: Nagambie

PDNL: Tungamaha

Morrison Medal: Will Hayes (Euroa)

Wellman Medal: Jessie Barnes (Shepparton United)

GVL leading goal-kicker: Kyle Mueller (Kyabram)

Story of the year prediction: Tatura to make a bold bid to play finals but just miss.

GVFL: Echuca

MFL: Moama

KDFL:

Murchison-Toolamba

PDFL: Strathmerton

GVNL: Mooroopna

MNL: Deniliquin

KDNL: Tallygaroopna

PDNL: Tungamah

Morrison Medal: Kaine Herbert (Kyabram)

Wellman Medal: Kim Borger (Shepparton)

GVFL leading goal-kicker: Kyle Mueller (Kyabram)

Story of the year prediction: Murray Bomber magic! Echuca has built something special up along the Murray River. With an army of local talent on their list, the Murray Bombers will win back-to-back flags in 2023.

Josh Huntly

PREMIERS

GVFL: Echuca

MFL: Moama

KDFL:

Murchison-Toolamba

PDFL: Tungamah

GVNL: Mooroopna

MNL: Deniliquin

KDNL: Nagambie

PDNL: Katunga

Morrison Medal: Jack McHale (Echuca)

Wellman Medal: Sophie Atkinson (Shepparton Swans)

GVFL leading goal-kicker: Chris Nield (Mooroopna)

Story of the year prediction: Back-to-back Murray Bombers. Echuca will emulate the feat of the club’s 2001–02 side to notch a GVL double.

Ron Anderson

PREMIERS

GVFL: Mooroopna

MFL: Moama

KDFL: Shepparton East

PDFL: Tungamah

GVNL: Shepparton

MNL: Deniliquin

KDNL: Shepparton East

PDNL: Katunga

Morrison Medal: Nathan Hrovat (Shepparton Swans)

Wellman Medal: Kim Borger (Shepparton)

GVFL leading goal-kicker: Kyle Mueller (Kyabram)

Story of the year prediction: GVL club forced to go into recess due to a lack of junior and senior footballers.

News sports editor

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PREMIER 20

GVL TO BE A BLOCKBUSTER

The Goulburn Valley League will experience an injection of star power this year.

MO ISON MEDA ISTS

2022: Ben Rigoni (Seymour)

2021: Jack O’Sullivan (Seymour)

2019: Mick Mattingly (Kyabram)

2018: Nik Rokahr (Shepparton) and Sam Martin (Benalla)

2017: Simon Buckley (Echuca)

2016: Simon Buckley (Echuca)

2015: Ash Watson (Rochester)

2014: Will Martiniello (Benalla)

2013: Luke Morgan (Benalla)

WE MAN FAMILY MEDA ISTS

2022: Jessie Barnes (Shepparton United)

2021: Jessie Barnes (Shepparton United)

2019: Jessie Barnes (Shepparton United)

2018: Emma Ryan (Tatura)

2017: Steph Vick (Kyabram)

2016: Steph Vick (Kyabram)

2015: Elle McDonald

2014: Jacinta Todd (Shepparton)

2013: Jade Heinrich (Mansfield)

LA ER PREDICTIONS:

FOOTBALL

1: Euroa

2: Echuca

NETBALL

1: Seymour

2: Mooroopna

and di cult o -season for three clubs that were impacted by last October’s devastating floods — with the Swans still feeling the e ects of being one of the worst-a ected clubs in Victoria.

3: Kyabram

4: Mansfield

5: Mooroopna

3: Echuca

4: Shepparton

5: Euroa

6: Seymour

7: Shepp Swans

8:Benalla

9: Shepparton

6: Shepp Swans

7: Shepp United

8: Tatura

9: Rochester

10: Rochester

10: Kyabram

Former AFL talents will headline a raft of recruits in the competition, with Euroa’s Will Hayes, Rochester’s Joe Atley and Shepparton Swans’ trio of ex-North Melbourne players set to light up the scene.

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11: Tatura

11: Mansfield

THE EDGE TO GET AHEAD

Throw in the injection of VFL and state-league experience entering the football ranks and this year is sure to deliver on its high expectations as Echuca begins its premiership defence.

It has been a challenging

Over in the netball, can anyone step up and dethrone two-time reigning premier Seymour?

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PAST PREMIERS:

FOOTBALL

2022: Echuca

2019: Kyabram

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Kim Borger (nee Commane) returns from a stint in the UK’s SuperLeague and is sure to dazzle in Shepparton colours, while Seymour’s Casey Adamson will juggle Super Netball commitments with Collingwood.

Superstars: Seymour has been a force in A-grade netball.

THE EDGE TO GET AHEAD

PREMIER 20

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NETBALL

2022: Seymour

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Ultimate success: Echuca will aim to fly high again this year.

2022 AVERAGES PER GAME

Proud to be bringing you up to date GVL Data throughout the 2023 Season.

DATA POINTS LEADERBOARD

PLAYER CHANGES

INS: Nick Mellington (Williamstown), Josh Mellington, Nick Brazil, Fintan Brazil (Violet Town), Tom Bennett, Wade King, David Mennan (Returning), Campbell McCoy, Blake Uebergang (Goorambat)

OUTS: Jake Pallpratt (White Hills), Adam Walsh (Geelong), Michael Reese (Moved overseas)

Will Martiniello 2022 SEASON STATS

BENA A

FAST FACTS >> JOINED LEAGUE: 1896 TO 1946, 1998 TO PRESENT NICKNAME: SAINTS HOME GROUND: BENALLA SHOWGROUNDS COACH: WILL MARTINIELLO AND MARK MCKENZIE PRESIDENT: GEOFF HILL PREMIERSHIPS: 1940, 2015 MORRISON MEDALLISTS: T. PASQUALI (1999), R. PRIEST (2008 JOINT), L. MORGAN (2013), W. MARTINIELLO (2014), S. MARTYN (2018 JOINT) 2022 FINISH: 10TH (3–15) 2022 BEST-AND-FAIREST: CHRIS WELSH 2022 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: JARRAD WAITE (19)

Benalla enters season 2023 as a true Goulburn Valley League dark horse.

A perennial finals contender during the past decade, the Saints plunged to the depths of the ladder in 2022, as they battled post-COVID-19 player shortages.

But fast-forward 12 months and the club finds itself back in a position to catapult back up the ladder—with the return of some Benalla favourites set to lead the charge.

Mellington brothers Nick and Josh will be back in red, white and black, with the former fresh o an extended VFL stint with Williamstown and the latter having dominated the Kyabram District League for Violet Town.

Former North Melbourne and Carlton spearhead Jarrad Waite will also be back with his home town Saints, after booting 19 goals in five appearances towards the back end of 2022.

Throw in the consistency of stalwarts James and Will Martiniello and skipper Chris Welsh through the midfield and there is certainly plenty of talent set to take to the showgrounds.

But co-coach Mark McKenzie,

who will once again be steering the ship alongside Will Martiniello, opted to temper expectations ahead of the new campaign.

“To think we can go from bottom to top over night, it is pretty unrealistic,” McKenzie said.

“Just getting the club steady is the main thing for us, we were in turmoil 12 months ago, so we just want to get back to a stage where we are more competitive.

“On the recruiting front we have been very careful in the way we’ve gone about it in the fact that the guys we’ve brought are locals and people who have played for the club before.”

With more numbers on the track throughout this pre-season, McKenzie said he expected the entire club to benefit from the added depth.

“We were probably more filling gaps last year, because we had plenty of them,” he said.

“While this year I feel we will be able to plan to win games as opposed to limiting the damage.

“So there will be a di erent mindset from both Will and I in the way we coach and the players in how they attack the game.”

Will Martiniello.

2022topperformers

FINISHING RANGE

6TH-10TH: Trying to work out where the Saints will finish is a tough one to decipher. If everything clicks with their talented recruits, there is no reason why they can’t quickly turn themselves into a finals contender and compete with the competition’s best sides. But if injuries hit, depth could become a major issue as the club still recovers from the player shortage battles it faced 12 months ago.

BENA A NETBA

FAST FACTS >> COACH: JO TOMS 2022 FINISH: NINTH (6–12) 2023 marks the beginning of an exciting new era on the netball court at Benalla.

Winning six games last year, the Saints were the definition of a middle-of-the-road side, as they showed flashes at their best but never truly competed with the competition’s elite.

Stuck at a tough crossroads, the club has decided to go down the path of investing in its youth and building a strong culture filled with exciting local talent.

Jo Toms returns to take the reins as A and B-grade coach after a stint with Benalla All Blacks, with her developmentfirst approach making her the perfect person to front the rebuilding e ort.

Set to take a more long-term approach, she said this season would be all about setting a

platform for an exciting future at the club.

“The start of my tenure as coach has been really positive, numbers at training have been very good and vibes are up,” Toms said.

“We will certainly have a new-look team on the court this year, the goal for us is getting players into the club that want to be part of what we are building long-term.

“The girls seem very willing to buy into what I’ve been trying to do as coach, they are very committed and having fun and that’s all I can ask.

“Obviously wins on the board would be nice, and that’s what we are striving to do, but more importantly I want to create a team that will give 100 per cent both on and o the court for each other and the club.”

Josh Mellington.

Jo Toms.

FINISHING RANGE

1ST-3RD: The Murray Bombers will be hard to stop from going back-toback with minimal list turnover and a swathe of young talent coming through the ranks.

FAST FACTS >> JOINED LEAGUE: 1909 TO 1942, 1974NICKNAME: MURRAY BOMBERS HOME GROUND: VICTORIA PARK

CO-COACHES: ANDREW WALKER, SIMON MADDOX, SAM REID

PRESIDENT: JUSTIN HATFIELD PREMIERSHIPS: 1977, 1979, 2001, 2002, 2022 MORRISON MEDALLISTS: S. EISHOLD (1995 JOINT), S. ORR (1997), C. SHOLL (2001), R. ARCHARD (2003 JOINT), C. DURIE (2006), K. HEIGHT (2010), S. BUCKLEY (2016–17) 2022 FINISH: PREMIER (20–1)

2022 BEST-AND-FAIREST: RUORY KIRKBY

2022 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: RUORY KIRKBY (85)

Reigning premier—it’s a tag Echuca hasn’t carried into a season since 2003.

The Goulburn Valley League champions claimed the 2022 flag in a thrilling two-goal win over Euroa and with minimal changes to the premiership squad, the Murray Bombers will be in prime contention to go back-to-back.

But senior co-coach Simon Maddox, part of a panel of three alongside Andrew Walker and the newly-appointed Sam Reid, knows his side is well and truly the hunted, declaring the slate has been wiped clean as the GVL challengers load up to knock it o .

“It’s a new competition with new sides. Last year doesn’t mean a great deal,” Maddox said.

“It was great that we won, but there will be some new sides to contend with … Mooroopna has recruited well, Euroa has recruited well, and a few of the bottom sides have done well, so hopefully, that gap will narrow between the top and bottom clubs.

“Last year’s premiership hasn’t really been spoken about.”

Key defender Tom Monahan has relocated to Queensland, while big-bodied forward Dan Willis has moved down to Melbourne in the only departures to the premiership squad.

Williamstown’s Darby

Henderson has nominated Echuca as his local club, but Maddox said if there was a hole that needed filling, it would be by one of the club’s highlyrated youngsters.

“We’ll look to Mitch Wales, Riley Smith, A.J. Mills now they’ve played around 30 to 40 games of GVL footy,” Maddox said.

“We want that young local talent coming through our thirds list, and have represented the club so well at that level, to populate our senior side. “We’re very Echuca-based. We don’t have too many travellers and we want to reward our young boys.

“If we want to win another premiership, we want to win it as a local-minded Echuca footy club and not have 10 to 12 blokes driving in from out of town.

“We’re as well-placed as we have been in recent years and we’ll continue to work on our own backyard and our attitude.”

PLAYER CHANGES

INS: Darby Henderson (VFL)

OUTS: Tom Monahan (Noosa), Daniel Willis (Murrumbeena)

Ruory Kirkby.

2022topperformers

ECHUCA NETBA

FAST FACTS >> COACH: BELINDA LEES 2022 FINISH: FIFTH (13–6))

Echuca is shifting into a new and exciting era according to A-grade coach Belinda Lees.

The Murray Bombers will look to ride the success of their 17-and-under premiership heroes as the senior outfit transitions into a new stage.

Lees, who has taken over the coaching reins from close friend Steph Vick, is excited by the air of optimism that’s taken hold of Victoria Park.

The gun midcourter, who will take up a playing coach position similar to during her glory days at Kyabram, said she can’t wait to watch the club’s promising youth burst on to the scene.

“We’ve got a new-look A-grade side with experience intertwined with youth which is really exciting.

“Our 17s won the flag last year and so we’ve got numerous

players who will move up into the A-grade squad ... we’re moving into a new era and it will take time but we need to stay the course.”

Raina Fimmel, who claimed best-on-court honours in the grand final, will be joined by skilful tall twins Lilli Oliver and Jorja Oliver and pocket-rocket midcourter Zayah James.

Echuca bowed out of the 2022 finals race in heartbreaking fashion, but if the Murray Bombers can inject some new flavour in 2023 there is no reason the squad can’t push deeper into September.

“Those girls are incredibly talented and I’m excited by what we can get out of them,” Lees said.

“They’re like sponges and they just soak up everything at training.”

Raina Fimmel.

Ben Reid.

Grand finish: Echuca players celebrate.

EUROA

Ten minutes. That was all that separated Euroa from Goulburn Valley League glory in 2022, as it very nearly knocked o an all-conquering Echuca side in a classic grand final.

Having come so close to breaking what is now a 43-year premiership drought, Magpies supporters will be starting to think “will this ever happen for us?”

Well, if you look at the group set to don the black and white stripes in 2023, it appears this might be its best chance yet.

Through the midfield, the likes of Ben Giobbi, Jack Hellier, Jacob Gleeson and Andrew Smith will give the Magpies the upper hand around the contest.

Down back, Adam Giobbi and skipper Gus Varley are as reliable as they come, while in attack it is the three-headed monster of Jett Trotter, Tristan Davies and Erish Uthayakumar that gives this team its real X-factor.

Throw in the development of an exciting batch of youngsters and a burning hunger to clear the final hurdle, and coach Scott Rowan believes there is plenty of reason for optimism at Memorial Park.

“Everyone has been really committed this pre-season

and put in a very solid block of training. I couldn’t be happier with the way things are travelling,” Rowan said.

“There is a realisation amongst the group that we are really close and opportunities like last year don’t come around too often.”

But what has Euroa poised to take that next step is the calibre of its recruits.

Favourite son Will Hayes returns to Memorial Oval on a full-time basis after a stint on Carlton’s AFL list, while VFL stalwart Ryan Pendlebury will be a key addition to the defence after only making a couple of appearances last year.

The full-time return of Will could also see twin brother J.D. Hayes put together a more complete season, after his commitments at Lindsay Park Racing restricted the former coach to just two senior matches in 2022.

“Both Hayes boys are terrific guys. Will has taken a real leadership role through the whole club and has been wonderful for the group,” Rowan said.

“On the field, Will’s running power, determination and leadership will be a massive bonus for us, and hopefully he will bring his twin brother out more as well.”

FAST FACTS >> JOINED LEAGUE: 1971 NICKNAME: MAGPIES HOME GROUND: MEMORIAL OVAL COACH: SCOTT ROWAN PRESIDENT: SCOTT WATSON PREMIERSHIPS: 1971, 1990 MORRISON MEDALLISTS: ADAM BARKER (1998) 2022 FINISH: RUNNER-UP (14–4) 2022 BEST-AND-FAIREST: ANDREW SMITH 2022 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: JETT TROTTER (54)

Ben Giobbi.

2022topperformers

PLAYER CHANGES

INS: Will Hayes (Carlton), Ryan Pendlebury (Sale), Nic Burke (Geelong West Giants), Patrick Horsburgh (Katamatite), Jake Penman, Chris McKay

OUTS: Dan Garside, Tom Garside (St Bedes), Ben Bath (North Melbourne VFL)

FINISHING RANGE

1ST-4TH : Without getting too far ahead of myself, this simply has to be the year for the Magpies. This list is one built to win now, with a plethora of stars across every line sure to cause problems for all opposing sides.

The addition of top-end recruits in Will Hayes and Ryan Pendlebury will only add another exciting dimension to this team, meaning that coach Scott Rowan has a true embarrassment of riches at his disposal. A heartbreaking finish to its last campaign will further fuel the fire, so expect Euroa to once again be well and truly in the thick of it come September.

Sporting a new-look squad, the Magpies shocked the A-grade competition in the early stages, with upset victories of over eventual grand finalists Seymour and Shepparton United propelling towards contender status.

While injuries unfortunately saw the side’s season unravel in the back end of the year, resulting in a semi-final loss to Mooroopna, the foundations Euroa built in 2022 have it primed for another strong campaign.

“We’re super excited to just keep building on our fantastic season last season,” returning A-grade coach Ellie Warnock said.

“Because we are such a young group I think there is plenty of room for growth and there are

lots of reasons to be excited about what we might be able to achieve.”

The core of the Magpies’ group has remained intact, with Warnock and Tylah Marchbank set to hold down the fort in defence and Kellie Davidson and Eliza Hoare controlling the midcourt.

They will however sport a new-look attacking end, with VNL talent Mia Sudomirski coming to the club at the expense of an injured Bridget Hill and departing Carly Wappett.

“I am really excited to see what Mia can do, she will bring a lot of the team and has a lot of experience having played at the championship level in the VNL,” Warnock said.

“And then with our trusty players like Tylah Marchbank and Kellie Davidson coming back, it is super exciting to have so much talent in our squad.”

Will Hayes.

KYABRAM

FAST FACTS >> JOINED LEAGUE: 1894 NICKNAME: BOMBERS

HOME GROUND: KYABRAM RECREATION RESERVE COACH: PAUL

NEWMAN PRESIDENT: PETER LEARMONTH PREMIERSHIPS: 1919, 1921, 1922, 1926, 1927, 1928, 1948, 1950, 1958, 1975, 1996, 2013, 2016, 2017, 2019 MORRISON MEDALLISTS: J. COOPER (1958, 1961), C. STEWART (1963), R. CLAY (1964), P. GITTOS (1987), B. GUGLIOTTI (1993), M. MATTINGLY (2019) 2022 FINISH: FOURTH (8–3) 2022 BEST-AND-FAIREST: LACHIE SMITH 2022 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: COOPER VICK (31)

There is quiet optimism in the Bombers’ camp that it can return as a major force this season.

And it seems well justified with the inclusion of several quality recruits, the return of two key forwards and an engine room expected to match the best in the league.

Newcomers in tall, mobile and athletic Toby Wooller, a Brisbane Lions draftee three years ago, Will Golds a Hawthorn draftee, the return of gun crumber and premiership player Liam Odgen can all assist last year’s Morrison Medal top three placegetters Kaine Herbert and Zac Keogh.

Reuben Rode (Calder Cannons, Northcote Park) has nominated Kyabram, along with Golds (Essendon VFL) as his home club.

Goal-kicking star Kyle Mueller, who played only three games last year, is so ready to go again and powerhouse Goulburn Valley League representative and VFL player Brad Mangan is also on the comeback trail after two years on the sidelines with anterior cruciate ligament tears in both knees.

Another big bonus is the return of triple premiership player Rhys Clark who will be a fly-in player from the Gold Coast. He played in Southport’s

VFL runner-up side last season.

With Jack Sheldon rejoining his brother Tom and cousin Sam Sheldon at Moama this season, Clark and veteran star Jason Morgan, assistant coaches Billy Barnes and Lachie Smith and Tom Holman are experienced campaigners Kyabram can build a strong defence around.

Super veteran Kayne Pettifer has also committed again and will be carefully managed.

Rising stars Mitch Dodos (Bendigo Pioneers) and Charlie Barnett, who is training with North Melbourne, are also expected to be available for some games.

Kyabram coach Paul Newman is also expecting further improvement from his younger brigade led by Cooper Vick, Anthony Depasquale, Riley Ironside, Aiden Robinson and Tom Burnett to make it competitive for places in the senior team—a dream situation for all coaches.

“We will definitely be stronger than last year and providing we can have a good run with injuries I’ll be very disappointed if we aren’t competitive against the best sides,“ Newman said.

“But in saying that a lot of the clubs are going to be stronger this year so nothing can be taken for granted.”

Zac Norris.

Average per game

2022topperformers

(average per game)

Disposals:

Kaine Herbert 23.4

Contestedpossessions: Zach Norris 10.6

Uncontestedpossessions: Kaine Herbert 14.3

Marks: Lachie Smith 9.2

Tackles: Josh Dillon 4.9

Rebound50s: Jack Sheldon 4.9

Inside50s: Kaine Herbert 6.1

DataPoints: Kaine Herbert 94.0

Clearances: Zac Norris 5.2

Kickeciency: Jack Sheldon 80%

FINISHING RANGE

2ND-4TH: The Bombers were decimated with injuries to key players last year, but still played finals. They have stocked up again and are ready to make a presence. Only deficiency appears to be a ruckman to assist Zac Norris, but most other bases seem covered.

PLAYER CHANGES

INS: Toby Wooller (Carlton VFL), Liam Ogden (Pascoe Vale), Rhys Clark (Southport), Reuben Rode (Calder Cannons, Northcote Park), Will Golds (Essendon VFL).

OUTS: Jack Sheldon, Brad Edwards (Moama), Mitch Gugliotti, James Ross (Tongala)

KYABRAM NETBA

FAST FACTS >> COACH: RHIANNA HILTON 2022 FINISH: 10TH (5–1–12)

Kyabram A-grade mentor Rhianna Hilton understands where her side is placed heading into the 2023 season.

The first-year coach is realistic about her side’s position, as the Bombers look to continue their rebuild following a decade that brought so many positive memories.

Hilton herself was a member of those premiership wins and, after a short time away, is back to help her old club climb back up the ladder.

“We’re realistic of where we currently stand. We have a very young group but there’s been a real buy-in amongst the girls,” Hilton said.

“We want to be extremely competitive and play strong four-quarter e orts of netball. Last year we tended to play three quarters and then fall

away in one of them which hurt us.”

The Bombers move into the upcoming campaign with a lot of exciting momentum.

Star midcourter Hollie Reid, who finished runner-up in last year’s Wellman Medal count, is at Hilton’s disposal, along with dynamic talent Elivia Hall.

Chicky Barr will miss the season due to pregnancy but Hilton revealed the Bombers had recruited former VNL talent and “athletic goaler” Jada Richardson.

“One of the big things I’m trying to promote is if you put in the hard work you’ll get an opportunity,” Hilton said.

“The plan is to push our girls from the 17s up, who are quite capable, and we want to see some real progress in their netball.”

Proudly continuing our support and sponsorship with our local Football/ Netball clubs.

Elivia Hall.

Liam Ogden.

Kaine Herbert.

18 Football and Netball 2023 GOULBURN VA EY LEAGUE Average per game

MANSFIELD

FAST FACTS >> JOINED LEAGUE: 1998 NICKNAME: EAGLES

HOME GROUND: MANSFIELD RECREATION RESERVE COACH: CHAD OWENS PRESIDENT: RAY ROBINSON PREMIERSHIPS: 2004, 2009 MORRISON MEDALLISTS: T. HOTTON (2007) 2022 FINISH: THIRD (15–3) 2022 BEST-AND-FAIREST: BRETT MAHONEY 2022 LEADING GOALKICKER: BEN CHRISTOPHER (48)

Mansfield comes into the 2023 Goulburn Valley League season a team with unfinished business.

The competition’s biggest ladder-mover last year, the Eagles lost just three games during the home-and-away season, before one ordinary quarter in a preliminary final saw their campaign end one week short of their ultimate goal.

While most teams would rue a missed opportunity like this, coach Chad Owens said his young group was using last year’s growth as a driving force to go one step better this time around.

“The boys have trained really well, they’ve come back ready to go and understand that we stu ed it up badly in the first quarter of the prelim,” Owens said.

“We let a good opportunity slip, but the boys are incredibly motivated to continue on the good work we put in last year.

“We’re in a really good spot in terms of the age profile of our list, and the boys are really keen to create something special.”

On paper, Mansfield sports an incredibly balanced list.

Down back, former Casey Demons skipper Jack Hutchins leads the way after a wonderful first season in the High Country, while through the middle contested beasts Brett Mahoney,

Patrick Marks and Jimmy Herridge reign supreme.

But what gives this team its exciting edge is the attacking trio of Cam Arnold, Ben Christopher and Will Foster, with their unique skillsets combining to cause nightmares for opposition defenders.

With Owens, one of the league’s top tacticians, pulling the strings, fans should expect the Eagles to be contending strongly once again.

“We would certainly like to go that one step further this year, but we also understand a lot needs to go right for that to happen,” Owens said.

“The expectation is we want to play finals, and then from there we just want to make sure we don’t have that same feeling at the end of the year that we had last season.”

2ND-5TH: Expect a welldrilled, exciting and hungry Mansfield team to take the field in 2023.

Patrick Marks 2022 SEASON

FINISHING RANGE

2022topperformers

PLAYER CHANGES

INS: Lachie Dale (Myrtleford), Daniel Leggett (Melton South)

OUTS: Corey Rich (Old Haileybury), Ross Brown (retired), Luke Murray (travelling)

MANSFIELD NETBA

For Mansfield, there is just one primary goal in 2023.

Returning to the winners’ list.

Undergoing a rebuild in 2022, the Eagles failed to win a game in a campaign that saw them claim the wooden spoon.

But if the o -season is anything to go by they are well on their way to putting those struggles behind them, with a band of exciting recruits set to lead them back up the ladder.

A pair of former best-andfairest winners in Amy Hutchins (2019) and Amy Dixon-Reilly (2021) return to the nest, while junior star Darcy CroxfordDemasi is also back after a VNL stint with Ariels.

Inclusions that will immediately make the Eagles

more competitive, second-year A-grade coach Nelle Cousins said she was excited to see improvement from her girls in 2023.

“We’ve got some great experience and skill coming back into the team which is awesome, while we have also retained a lot of our A-grade team from last year,” Cousins said.

“We are looking really good for this season and super excited to get into it with this new-look team.

“After a bit of a disappointing season last year in terms of wins, our focus is definitely shifting to being more competitive and I think we’ve certainly got the team to do that this year.”

Nelle Cousins.

FAST FACTS >> COACH: NELLE COUSINS 2022 FINISH: 12TH (0–18)

PLAYER CHANGES

INS: Nathan Drummond, Bryce Rutherford (Berwick), Daniel Johnstone, Kris Bextream (Barooga), Mackenzie Cowley (Tongala), Will Bella

OUTS: Jai Carn, Aidan Basile (Colbinabbin), Dean Smith, Lucas Caccaviello, Lochlan O’Brien (Murchison-Toolamba)

FAST FACTS >> JOINED LEAGUE: 1894 NICKNAME: CATS HOME GROUND: MOOROOPNA RECREATION RESERVE COACH: JOHN LAMONT PRESIDENT: BILL DOWLING PREMIERSHIPS: 1894, 1895, 1896, 1907, 1923, 1924, 1936, 1937, 1938, 1985, 1986 MORRISON MEDALLISTS: L. DWYER (1936), B. MCCARTY (1962), R. WILLETT (1965, 1967, 1968), D. BUX (1972, 1973), G. SAUNDERS (1977), B. OUGH (1979), G. COOPER (1983, 1985), M. BLAKE (2012) 2022 FINISH: FOURTH (13–7)) 2022 BEST-AND-FAIREST: CHRIS NIELD 2022 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: CHRIS NIELD (82)

There is one question on the lips of all Goulburn Valley League pundits when it comes to Mooroopna and the upcoming 2023 season.

Can the Cats replicate their impressive 2022 campaign?

Mooroopna was by far the biggest surprise packet in the competition last year as John Lamont and his band of young guns pinched a spot in finals with that memorable win over the eventual premier.

An elimination final win over Rochester capped o a remarkable year for the Cats and more than six months on, Lamont knows the pressure will soon start to come.

“There will be more expectation on us now both internally and externally, which carries some responsibility because it’s not going to (just) happen (on its own), we can’t expect it to be easy,” he said.

“The expectation raises internally; we want to play in games that matter and the boys want to play in big games. Our playing group is craving that.

“What I’m enjoying most is seeing that more and more, it’s making sense to our players and they understand what’s required.”

Mooroopna is primed for

another assault on September action.

Superstar forward Chris Nield returns o an 82-goal campaign and club best-and-fairest.

Isaac Dowling, Dom Gugliotti, Kai Madgwick, Nathan Basile, Jed Woods and Kydan Atkinson are all one year older and have the experience of finals football under their belts.

Brothers Liam and Keelin Betson will be prolific, while defender Ben Hicks, captain Matt Deane, Rory Huggard, Nield and Gugliotti will feature in the leadership group.

He may not feature too many times this winter but Cats fans can expect exciting things to come from Murray Bushranger talent Coby James.

Berwick gun Bryce Rutherford has made the shift to play fulltime, while VFL talents Will Bella, Daniel Johnstone and former junior Nathan Drummond have signed on.

Don’t forget the importance of former AFL star Jackson Trengove.

Lamont revealed the ex-Port Adelaide and Western Bulldogs big man was injury free and expected GVL supporters would see a “di erent Trengove” in 2023.

Liam Betson.

2022topperformers (average per game)

Disposals:

Contestedpossessions:

Uncontestedpossessions:

FINISHING RANGE

3RD–5TH: The sudden jump in the expectation for Mooroopna has suddenly arrived following their impressive 2022 campaign. It will be intriguing to see how Lamont’s charges deal with this outside noise, but no doubt the experienced mentor will have a few tricks up his sleeve on how to deal with the pressure. The Cats have bolstered their line-up and with a fit and firing Trengove, nothing but finals action is on the cards.

M R PNA NETBA

FAST FACTS >> COACH: DI HANSLOW 2022 FINISH: THIRD (16–5)

O the back of the club’s most successful Goulburn Valley League A-grade season, Mooroopna is gearing up for another tilt at an elusive premiership.

The Cats su ered a preliminary final defeat to last year’s eventual premier Seymour and have spent the past o -season licking their wounds and strengthening their squad.

Mastermind coach Di Hanslow returns to lead her charges, with the addition of two emerging talents and one big departure.

Taylah Lloyd returns to her junior club after a brief stint at Tatura Park and adds serious height to the court, while Nathalia goaler Caitlin McLachlan will her test her skills at GVL level.

Star attacker Elle Brooks is the one talent from last season who

won’t return, due to a move to Sydney.

Exciting VNL talent Dayna Williams is back with her versatility, Maddi Wong will anchor the defence, Ella Ogier will shift to the midcourt and Hanslow’s daughter Bree will again add experience through the midcourt.

Junior state talent Hannah Onley is also expected to add some spark.

“Everything is going well. You don’t lose too many games in pre-season,” Hanslow said with a laugh.

“I’m very happy with the squad we’ve built and we’re excited to build on what was one of the club’s best results in the competition. We bring in two really exciting players who will only add to our versatility and depth and we wish Elle all the best with her move to Sydney.”

Dayna Williams.

Jackson Trengove.

FAST FACTS >> JOINED LEAGUE: 1913 TO 1914, 1973-PRESENT NICKNAME: TIGERS HOME GROUND: MOON OVAL COACH: ASH WATSON PRESIDENT: JUSTIN CLEARY PREMIERSHIPS: 1914, 1992, 1999, 2008 MORRISON MEDALLISTS: M. KEENAN (1988), P. MORGAN (1994), G. CAMPBELL (2011), A. WATSON (2015) 2022 FINISH: FIFTH (12–7) 2022 BEST-AND-FAIREST: SHAUN ATLEY 2022 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: STEVEN STROOBANTS (47)

One of Rochester’s favourite sons is set to take over as senior coach in 2023 with club legend Ash Watson taking on the role.

Watson is taking over from Steven Stroobants and has been an assistant following his retirement in 2019.

A former Tigers premiership player, as well as a Morrison Medal winner and five-time Rochy best-and-fairest, Watson will be hoping to help the club return to premiership glory once again.

The Tigers battled their way to sixth on the ladder last year, before losing to Mooroopna in the elimination finals.

Watson said he believed Rochy could build on the foundations laid last season.

“We’ve definitely got a lot of upside with our list. We had a lot of guys miss with injuries last year, and those guys will

PLAYER CHANGES

be coming back at some stage,” Watson said.

“If we can keep improving, then we get all those guys back, we’ll be pushing for sure.

“The Rochy footy club has played finals for as long as I can remember and we are keen to keep playing finals.“

Essendon VFL captain and 2022 best-and-fairest winner Joe Atley has committed to Rochy full-time this season, while Hugh Hamilton, who joined the club midway through last year, will also be back.

Bailey Wileman, Kane Moroney and Harrison McPhee are three recruits from Coburg Districts, while Jeremy Mundie has come over from Lockington-Bamawm United.

Shaun Atley, who won last year’s best-and-fairest, is currently living in Sweden but could return during the season.

INS: Jeremy Mundie (Lockington-Bamawm United), Bailey Wileman (Coburg Districts), Kane Moroney (Coburg Districts), Harrison McPhee (Coburg Districts), Sean Williams (Eaglehawk), Adrian Pappin (Marong), Matt Kellett (Geelong Amatuers)

OUTS: Shaun Atley (Sweden), Chris Jansen, Jordan Harper, Daniel Russell (Elmore), Steven Stroobants (South Bendigo), Nathan Kay (Elmore)

Joe Atley.

2022topperformers (average per game)

Disposals: Shaun Atley 30.8

Contestedpossessions: Shaun Atley 13.3

Uncontestedpossessions:

FINISHING RANGE

6TH-9TH: Rochester may have made the finals last year, but it will be a tough ask for them to do so again in 2023. The Tigers had a favourable fixture in 2022, but they might not be so lucky this time around. The Tigers will be in the hunt for the top six, but they could find themselves behind some other clubs who have improved this year.

ROCHESTER NETBA

FAST FACTS >> CO-COACHES: RACHEL WHIPP AND LINDA RASMUSSEN 2022 FINISH: EIGHTH (6–10)

Rochester will be hoping an unwanted streak can come to an end in 2023 as the Tigers look to return to the finals at long last.

Rochy hasn’t made the finals in well over a decade — a drought everyone at the club is no doubt eager to end.

The Tigers were competitive in 2022, but ultimately fell short of cracking the top six, finishing eighth with six wins, 10 losses and two draws.

This year, the Tigers will no doubt be gunning to break through their glass ceiling and burst into the top six.

Rochester will have the same core group of players on the court this season, with some

emerging stars set to play a role as well.

Last year’s best-and-fairest winner Bridgette Holt will be in yellow-and-black once again, as will league A-grade MVP Teal Hocking.

Hocking will also represent Victoria at the 19-and-under National Championships to be held in Darwin in April.

Ava Cottam, who won the 17-and-under league best-andfairest last year, is expected to come through the senior ranks, while Kasey Conder will return from an ACL injury last year.

Rachel Whipp and Linda Rasmussen will team up to be Rochester’s A-grade coaches in 2023.

Teal Hocking.

Ash Watson.

Mitch Cricelli.

FAST FACTS >> JOINED LEAGUE: 1940; 1976 TO PRESENT NICKNAME: LIONS HOME GROUND: KINGS PARK COACH: BEN DAVEY PRESIDENT: GERARD O’SULLIVAN PREMIERSHIPS: 1976, 1981, 1982, 1991, 2005, 2006, 2007 MORRISON MEDALLISTS: C.FROELICH (1940), G.LIDDELL (1978), J.SOLOMON (1989), S.SCHOTTNER (2004) J.O’SULLIVAN (2021), BEN RIGONI (2022) 2022 FINISH: SEVENTH (11–7)) 2022 BESTAND-FAIREST: JACK MURPHY 2022 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: MICHAEL HARTLEY (33)

Over the past six months

Seymour has had one figure on its mind — 0.19 per cent.

The Lions, who entered last year’s Goulburn Valley League season as premiership fancies, crashed out of finals contention in the most gut-wrenching of fashions.

With more than a dozen senior starters sidelined through injury, including 2021 Morrison Medal winner Jack O’Sullivan, the Lions struggled to recapture their impressive 2021 form.

It was 0.19 percentage points which locked the Lions to seventh spot and out of the top six.

“There’s no doubt it hurt the whole group last year,” Lions coach Ben Davey said.

“It really spurred the group on though, we’re such a close-knit club and we got to ride the wave of our senior netballers as they enjoyed their finals run.

“We used 43 players through the senior side which gives you a fair idea of the impact injuries had, but we take positives out of it, which is getting game time out of guys who wouldn’t have got a run.”

The o -season has been impacted by last year’s devastating floods and up until

March, the Lions’ spiritual home of Kings Park has been out of bounds.

But with the season only weeks away, Davey said there was an air of optimism and excitement that the Lions could bounce back in 2023.

O’Sullivan missed all of last season but is “flying” according to Davey.

Michael Hartley, who juggled VFL commitments last year, is locked in full-time to run amok on-field and provide coaching duties o the field.

Talented on-baller Dylan Cook is focused on club level which will bolster a midfield brigade led by classy user Jack Murphy, while forward Riley Mason is tipped to improve once more.

Kyle Winter-Irving has departed, while last year’s Morrison medallist Ben Rigoni and star youngster Nick Quigg have signed at VFL club Coburg.

The Lions have welcomed ruckman Will Brock, forward Nathan Fowler and former VFL on-baller Ricky Schraven.

“We’ll look to continue on the path we’ve been going on for the past few years and we’re keen to do a bit better than last year,” Davey said.

Lynne Ruscoe

David Chaston

Ray Trotter

Sarah Hill

Kirsten Clancy

Cloe Kristy Gurpreet Singh

Jack Jones Leigh Arandt

Les Myors Russell Mawson

Michael Hartley.

2022topperformers

FINISHING RANGE

4TH–6TH: Everybody expected Seymour to challenge for the flag last year but the whopping injury list ravaged Ben Davey’s side. They should play finals football when you consider the amount of stars returning and the fact former AFL talent Michael Hartley is locked in full-time to o er his services.

PLAYER CHANGES

INS: Nathan Fowler, Will Brock, Ricky Schraven (Wallan), Sam Glasgow (University Hawks), Ben Raynor (Beenleigh AFC)

OUTS: Kyle Winter-Irving (Myrtleford), Bior Malual, Matt Malual, Tom Barnes, Harley Taylor-Lloyd, Syd Voogt (Nagambie)

SEYMOUR NETBA

FAST FACTS >> COACH: ELLIE O’SULLIVAN 2022 FINISH: PREMIER (17–4)

“Time to knuckle down.”

It is not something you would expect from a two-time reigning premier, but that is the mindset of Seymour and its playing coach Ellie O’Sullivan ahead of the 2023 campaign.

The Lions were able to defend their A-grade crown—while clean sweeping the remaining senior netball titles—to stamp their authority as the competition’s powerhouse netball club.

But O’Sullivan and her talented outfit are hungry for more.

“We know the competition is so strong and last year we saw that the top-eight was even. We know it’s time to knuckle down again,” O’Sullivan said.

“O the back of last year’s success, with all three sides winning, there’s a lot of

excitement amongst the girls. “We want to keep pushing ourselves and continue to perform at a high standard.”

The Lions have lost two faces from last year’s premiership winning A-grade squad.

Gun defender Nakita Singe has shifted interstate, while goaler Ella Tennant is set to take some time o .

B-grade talent and emerging midcourter Olivia Barry has been rewarded for her hard work and has been promoted into the A-grade outfit.

The nucleus of the premiership winning squad is still intact.

Defender Sarah Szczykulski, shooter Jess Lallo, versatile midcourters Courtney Aldous and Rosie O’Sullivan and Super Netball extraordinaire Casey Adamson are all returning.

Casey Adamson.

FINISHING RANGE

6TH-8TH: Shepparton is one of the most intriguing teams in the GVL this season, having recruited heavily from lower leagues. They have brought in plenty of big names from the Murray league and Picola District league—if those players can make an impact at the next level the Bears are a fighting chance to return to finals football. If not, they will be watching the finals from the sidelines.

Anthony Andronaco 2022 SEASON STATS

FAST FACTS >> JOINED LEAGUE: 1894 NICKNAME: BEARS HOME GROUND: DEAKIN RESERVE CO-COACHES: TED LINDON AND XAVIER STEVENSON

PRESIDENT: BRENDAN BICKNELL PREMIERSHIPS: 1899, 1903, 1906, 1908, 1909, 1911, 1912, 1913, 1920, 1925, 1929, 1934, 1952, 1957, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1968, 1969, 1972, 1973, 1978, 1993, 1994, 2000, 2018 MORRISON MEDALLISTS: E. JAMES (1935–37), J. DALGLEISH (1960), D. CODE (1980–81), G. REESE (1982 JOINT), S. ASH (2000, 2003 JOINT), M. BYERS (2005), N. ROKAHR (2018 JOINT) 2022 FINISH: NINTH (5–13) 2022 BEST-AND-FAIREST: TED LINDON 2022 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: ANTHONY ANDRONACO (30)

Shepparton will be looking to claw its way back into the Goulburn Valley League’s top six this year and it will be relying on a new-look line-up to do so.

The Bears have added a host of players to their squad, with some new names joining the club and some familiar faces returning.

Xavier Stevenson a 2018 premiership player returns to the club from Tungamah, joining as the co-coach alongside Ted Lindon.

“I’m obviously really excited by the prospect of coaching Shepparton and to do so with a really close mate of mine in Ted is super exciting as well,” Stevenson said.

“We don’t really have a ceiling of what we hope to achieve. But we have definitely put on the agenda that we want to play finals football, and we have no apologies around that.”

Jonty Wardle—another member of Shepparton’s 2018 flag side—will also rejoin the Bears this season, with Trent

PLAYER CHANGES

Herbert and Brady Black also arriving from Katandra.

Four Tigers have changed their stripes as well, with Cobram quartet Izac Artavilla, Adam De Cicco, Tyron Baden and Lewis McShane joining from last year’s Murray league grand finalists.

Despite all the new pieces, Stevenson said he was expecting Shepparton’s new-look team to hit the ground running.

“We’re really lucky with the people that we have recruited that they’ve either been really strong players within respective leagues, or even really strong players when they previously were in the GVFL,” Stevenson said.

“Jonty is a premiership player at Shepp Bears already, Trent Herbert has played over 50 games at the GVFL level, and even in terms of the Cobram boys, there are numerous interleague representatives and were pretty dominant players in the Murray league last year.”

INS: Izac Artavilla (Cobram), Adam De Cicco (Cobram), Tyron Baden (Cobram), Lewis McShane (Cobram), Trent Herbert (Katandra), Brady Black (Katandra), Jonty Wardle (Katandra), Xavier Stevenson (Tungamah), Jhett Cooper (Tungamah), Kane Thompson (Dookie United), Timothy Miles (Murchison-Toolamba)

OUTS: Jordan Cox (Beenleigh)

Anthony Andronaco.

2022topperformers

SHE ARTON NETBA

FAST FACTS >> COACH: TRACEY BRERETON 2022 FINISH: SIXTH (9–8–1)

Shepparton will be bolstered by a big returning name in 2023 as the side looks to claw its way up the ladder.

Former Bear Kim Borger will be back in Shepparton’s lineup this season, with the former Melbourne Vixen returning from five years in the UK’s Netball Super League with Team Bath.

The goaler will bring plenty of class and experience to a Bears side looking to build on a sixthplace finish last season.

Shepparton battled its way into the post-season but was knocked out by Shepparton United in an elimination final.

Club legend Tracey Brereton will coach the Bears once again in 2023 for what will be her 16th year in charge.

Brereton said there would be a good mix of senior players

and young up-and-comers on the court this year.

“In seniors we have been lucky enough to get back some really experienced players across all grades,” Brereton said.

“Eliza Bicknell will be coming up from B-grade to join us. She is an exciting young prospect that has already had a taste of A-grade, so we think she’s going to be a nice fit in there.”

Brereton said she was expecting her team’s depth and diverse skillset would be among its biggest strengths this season.

“My philosophy as a coach is that players need to try and learn and be as good at as many things as they can so when we need it, we just use it,” she said.

“I’m hoping we’ll be having some good variety and good options.”

Australian Made World’s Best.

Eliza Bicknell.

FINISHING RANGE

6TH-9TH: The Swans will be hoping their balance of young talent and AFL experience will be able to carry them into the top six.

Jamie Macmillan (age 31), Nathan Hrovat (28) and Sam Wright (32) should still have plenty to give and with their young players across the park, the Swans could well be one of the most exciting teams in the league.

Finals football is certainly on the cards if the Swans can get their ducks in a row.

Ty Collison 2022 SEASON STATS

Shepparton Swans will be hoping to ru e a few feathers in 2023 as they look to fight their way back into the Goulburn Valley League’s top six.

The Swans haven’t played finals football since 2016, a drought where they have earned three wooden spoons in the process.

There was improvement in 2022, however, as the club enjoyed the highest number of wins in a season in the past five years.

Now, with a new head coach and three former North Melbourne players on their list, the Swans will be aiming to continue their ascendancy up the ladder.

Jedd Wright will be the senior coach at the Swans and he said a top six finish was definitely the target for this season.

“That’s obviously our goal. We have a really young list that is super keen to learn and super keen to improve and we are sure if we can start playing our brand of footy we can really take it up to the better teams,” Wright said.

E ort, manic pressure and a run–and–carry style will be the hallmark of Swans footy this season, Wright said.

Jamie Macmillan, Nathan

Hrovat and Sam Wright—the brother of Jedd—played 362 AFL games between them and the trio will don the red white in 2023.

“Bringing in players like that, their leadership, their calmness in situations is really what we are looking for from those blokes,” Wright said.

Midfield gun BJ Squire has departed the club for Congupna, but the Swans still have all the pieces for what could be a dominant midfield.

Tom Preece and Zac Alderton have returned to the club, with Max Clohesy expected to play for the Swans around his Richmond VFL commitments.

“With Hrovat, Max Clohesy, Zac Alderton and Tom Preece, we think we can make our midfield one of our real weapons,” Wright said.

Last year’s best-and-fairest winner Zac Banch is also set to play a key role for the Swans again this season.

PLAYER CHANGES

INS: Sam Wright (Katamatite), Jamie Macmillan, Nathan Hrovat, Tom Preece (East Malvern), Zac Alderton (St Joseph’s).

OUTS: BJ Squire (Congupna)

FAST FACTS >> JOINED LEAGUE: 1946 (AS LEMNOS FOOTBALL CLUB)

NICKNAME: SWANS HOME GROUND: PRINCESS PARK COACH: JEDD WRIGHT PRESIDENT: JARROD SUTHERLAND PREMIERSHIPS: 1959, 1960, 1970, 2014 MORRISON MEDALLISTS: B. TYQUIN (1949), R. ORRMAN (1951, 1954, 1959), N. SMITH (1975), M. LAMBOURN (1996), ALL AS LEMNOS; J. SUTHERLAND (2002), B. DURBRIDGE (2009) AS SHEPPARTON SWANS

2022 FINISH: 8TH (5–13) 2022 BEST-AND-FAIREST: ZAC BANCH

2022 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: ZAC BANCH (21)

Ty Collison.

2022topperformers

SHE SWANS NETBA

FAST FACTS >> COACH: COURTNEY SIMPSON 2022 FINISH: SEVENTH (8–10)

A familiar face will lead Shepparton Swans’ Goulburn Valley League A-grade side in 2023 with Courtney Simpson locked in as coach.

Taking on the role for a second season, Simpson will be aiming to steer her Swans in the right direction after an injury-plagued 2022.

Missing last year’s finals by one position and finishing the season with eight wins and 10 losses, the Swans showed plenty of positive signs on the court throughout the campaign.

Aiming to use what was started last season as a launching pad for success this year, Simpson said the club was only aiming to push forward.

“My goals are definitely going to be quite di erent this year, we are looking to push into September and really want to see where we can take this group,” she said.

“Numbers-wise we are in a very di erent position to what we were at the end of the year.

“They’re a pretty passionate group of girls who want to play for each other.”

The Swans have welcomed former Shepparton United duo Sophie Garner and Tayla Clohesy to the line-up—alongside returning Victorian 17-and-under representative Harriet Gall—things seem to be coming together for the red-and-white.

Garner and Clohesy were members of United’s losing grand final side from last year.

“We haven’t really lost anyone except for those that are still injured,” Simpson said.

“And our junior program is starting to flourish and come up through to senior netball.

“We’re really excited for what’s to come in 2023.”

Sophie Garner.

Bowen Calogero.

Sam Wright.

FAST FACTS >> JOINED LEAGUE: 1950 NICKNAME: DEMONS HOME GROUND: DEAKIN RESERVE COACH: DUANE HUESTON PRESIDENT: REBECCA MONK PREMIERSHIPS: 1954, 1955, 1956, 1962, 1967, 1974, 1980, 1987, 1988, 1989, 2010, 2011 MORRISON MEDALLISTS: J.WILLIAMS (1984), P. FOOTT (1992) 2022 FINISH: 12TH (1–17) 2022 BEST-AND-FAIREST: ADAM PIGATTO 2022 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: ROBBIE MIFKA (19)

For Shepparton United, the only direction is up.

The Demons endured a torrid season on the park last year as they finished at the foot of the Goulburn Valley League ladder, with a solitary win next to their name.

But heading into the new campaign there is optimism things are looking more positive at Demonland.

One of United’s favourite sons Duane Hueston will lead the side, taking on the senior coaching role from Paul Serra.

Hueston said he’d been impressed with the attitude among the playing group, especially after what was a di cult year.

“Normally, if you come in and you are 1–17 for the year, you think spirits can be flat, but that’s not the case. They are a very close group. So that’s what I’ve noticed first, coming in,“ he said.

“The biggest thing that took me back was when I first came in was just their desire, their endeavour. They want to get better and they train really hard.”

United has welcomed a host of recruits this o -season as it looks to get back towards finals contention.

Jye Chalcraft is a Demon once again having signed on with the club after winning Geelong VFL’s best and fairest in 2022.

Talls Sean Thompson and Damon Carroll will bolster

United’s ruck stocks, while Jayden Margo is another big-name recruit from the NTFL. United junior product Fergus Pinnuck has returned to the club from the VAFA having trained with North Melbourne in the o -season, with other young talent expected to get a taste of senior football.

FINISHING RANGE

10TH-12TH: United was poor in 2022 and, while there is cause for optimism things will improve, it is tough to see the Demons finishing any higher than the bottom third of the league.

Hueston himself admitted United’s rebuild would take time. So while the Dees might start moving in the right direction this year, don’t expect that to mean they’ll move up the ladder right away.

PLAYER CHANGES

INS: Tristan Salau (Tallygaroopna), Hayden Gray (Rushworth), Zak Wikman (Rushworth), Adam Schenk (Sale City), Jye Chalcraft (Geelong VFL), Fergus Pinnuck, Marcus Wattie (CMFNL), Jayden Margo (Waratah), Sean Thompson (Numurkah), Mitchell Black (Katandra), Damon Carroll.

OUTS: Charlie Di Stefano (Airport West)

Kyle Clarke.

Kyle

2022topperformers

SHE UNITED NETBA

FAST FACTS >> CO-COACHES: BESS SCHINOFFSKY AND JEANETTE SERRA 2022 FINISH: RUNNER-UP (15–4)

Shepparton United players will be hoping to put the pain of last year’s grand final loss behind them in 2023, but the Demons will face a tough test to return to the GVL’s big dance.

The Dees were one of the top sides in 2022, but some player departures could see them fall back towards the chasing pack.

Three-time Wellman Family Medallist Jessie Barnes-Hill won’t be on the court for United this season, while Sophie Garner and Tayla Clohesy have also switched clubs.

Kara Blizzard is also stepping away for the season, with last year’s coach expecting a baby in 2023.

But when one door closes, another one opens.

Bess Schino sky and Jeanette Serra will be United’s A-grade coaches this season, with plenty

of opportunities for new faces to make their mark on the team.

“The departures open up some opportunity for some of our younger players to be stepping up,” United president Rebecca Monk said.

“It’s about how we have opportunity for other players and to step into those roles. So

I think it’s just a year of development and opportunity of our young girls to learn a lot.”

Given the changes to last year’s grand final team, Monk said United’s goals were realistic but also optimistic.

“It’s going to be a di erent feel. The expectation is not to go back to being there on grand final day, that would be amazing,” she said.

“I think although there is quite a change in that playing group, I do think our girls are still very capable of making the finals.”

Bess Schino sky.

Billy Cooper 2022 SEASON STATS

FAST FACTS >> JOINED LEAGUE: 1894 NICKNAME: BULLDOGS

HOME GROUND: TATURA PARK COACH: PAUL BARNARD PRESIDENT: JAMES PYKE PREMIERSHIPS: 1898, 1900, 1901, 1902, 1904, 1905, 1952, 1953, 1995, 1998, 2003, 2012 MORRISON MEDALLISTS: W. PRITCHARD (1947), J. GREENWOOD (1969 AND 1970), N. SMITH (1974), T.ESLER (1995) 2022 FINISH: 11TH (3–15) 2022 BEST-AND-FAIREST: BILLY COOPER 2022 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: CHAZ SARGEANT (23)

Afamous Essendon name will be at the helm of Tatura this season as the Bulldogs continue their climb back up the Goulburn Valley League ladder.

AFL premiership player Paul Barnard is preparing for his first taste of country footy coaching after a long stint in the metro scene and has landed at Tatura Park for the 2023 season.

“For me, personally it’s been really refreshing,” Barnard said.

“The main focus has been on enhancing the capabilities of the squad and bring on that 18–23 bracket. There’s 8–12 that we need to get quality time into on the training track and game time.

“There’s a lot of boys here who have the talent and I can’t fault their hard work and ethic. They’ve really bought into the new program which is really pleasing and I couldn’t be prouder.”

In the final year of Paul Kirby’s tenure Tatura saw growth and development from a handful of home-grown talents in an injury-ravaged year.

Sean McAllister developed into a classy run-with onballer, Michael Archer became a gem in defence, Xavier Hutchinson showcased his wealth of talent while Will Russell, Will Pyke and Harry Murdoch all continued their improvement into

first-choice players in the senior line-up.

Jimmy Bennett returns from a thumb injury raring to go while Chaz Sargeant, Mitch Elliott, James Nihill and Che Walls are all names that supporters can expect a big year from.

Billy Cooper won the club best-and-fairest on the back of a sublime year which caught the eye of VFL recruiters and the silky mover will spend time at Richmond with Tatura his home club.

A-grade talent Tom O’Sullivan has departed, along with Ben Cosgri , and club stalwart Linc Wellington has decided to hang up the boots after a storied career.

But the Bulldogs are never one to want to spend too many years occupying the bottom of the ladder and have called upon six exciting talents to help with the development of the homegrown kids.

Barnard has brought with him two quality on-ballers from Essendon Doutta Stars, Aydin Kesici and Brodie Meyers, while Daniel Weetra, Harley McCarthy and Beau O’Connell are all Northern Territory Football League imports.

“We want to restore some real competitiveness to our club. All the sides we put out there will show a lot of fight and we know it won’t be easy but we’ll give 110 per cent.”

Billy Cooper.

2022topperformers

(average per game)

Disposals:

Cooper 30.8

Contestedpossessions:

Uncontestedpossessions:

FINISHING RANGE

9TH–11TH: This year looks to be another rebuilding season for Tatura, but that won’t seem to mind many supporters and followers. The Bulldogs have found a top-class coach in Paul Barnard who is building for the future and is focusing on the development of Tatura’s youth. Throw in some big name recruits and Tatura will surprise a few clubs with big scalps in 2023.

PLAYER CHANGES

INS: Daniel Weetra, Harley McCarthy, Beau O’Connell (NTFL), Brodie Meyers, Aydin Kesici (Essendon Doutta Stars), Ethan Penrith (West Preston Lakeside)

OUTS: Linc Wellington (retired), Daniel Maher (Picola United), Tom O’Sullivan, Aubrey Coote, Ben Cosgri

TATURA NETBA

FAST FACTS >> COACH: FIONA BOYER 2022 FINISH: 11TH (2–16) There is no denying 2022 was a di cult year for Tatura netball. Heck, even coach Fiona Boyer admits as much.

“It was definitely a tough year,” Boyer said.

Tatura finished 11th on the ladder, tasting defeat 16 times and registering just two wins for the year.

But fortunately for the Bulldogs, there is hope that things are on the up in 2023.

“In the o -season we have been working on recruiting and also maintaining a core group of what we had last year,” Boyer said.

“Definitely are our goal is to win more, win more games,

of course. But also to be competitive with that top six group and place ourselves so we’re in a position to compete for finals this year.”

Stephanie Smith-Gorrie, Elsie Boyer and Molly Kennedy look set to be some of the key players for Tatura this season. A familiar face and a new name will be on the court for the Bulldogs too—former coach and A-grade player Molly Boyle has returned to the club, while Julia Clarke has moved across from Kangaroo Flat.

This upcoming season will be Boyer’s second as Tatura’s A-grade coach.

Blower with excellent power-to-weight ratio. Quickly clears leaves and grass cuttings from any surface. Round nozzle, 2-MIX engine, stop button.

Elsie Boyer.

Chaz Sargeant.

ICIAL FIXTURE SEASON 2023

ROUND 1

April 7 (Good Friday)

Shepparton v Shepp United (N)

Benalla v Seymour (Day)

April 8

Rochester v Kyabram

Mansfield v Euroa

Shepp Swans v Mooroopna (N)

Echuca v Tatura

ROUND 2

April 15

Shepp United v Shepp Swans

Seymour v Rochester

Kyabram v Echuca (N)

Euroa v Benalla

Mooroopna v Shepparton (N)

Tatura v Mansfield

ROUND 3

April 22

Benalla v Tatura

Shepp United v Mooroopna

Seymour v Euroa

Kyabram v Shepparton

Rochester v Echuca

Shepp Swans v Mansfield

ROUND 4

April 29

Shepparton v Rochester

Mansfield v Benalla

Euroa v Shepp United

Mooroopna v Seymour

Tatura v Kyabram

Echuca v Shepp Swans

ROUND 5

May 6

Benalla v Shepp United

Shepparton v Echuca

Seymour v Mansfield

Kyabram v Mooropna

Rochester v Tatura

Shepp Swans v Euroa

ROUND 6

May 13

Shepp United v Tatura

Seymour v Shepp Swans

Mansfield v Shepparton

Euroa v Kyabram

Mooroopna v Rochester

Echuca v Benalla

FINALS

INTERLEAGUE

May 20

ROUND 7

May 27

Benalla v Mooroopna

Shepparton v Shepp Swans

Kyabram v Seymour

Rochester v Mansfield

Tatura v Euroa

Echuca v Shepp United

ROUND 8

June 3

Benalla v Rochester

Shepp United v Kyabram

Seymour v Shepparton

Euroa v Echuca

Mooroopna v Mansfield

Shepp Swans v Tatura

ROUND 9

June 10

Shepparton v Benalla

Kyabram v Shepp Swans

Mansfield v Shepp United

Rochester v Euroa

Tatura v Seymour

Echuca v Mooroopna

ROUND 10

June 17

Shepp United v Rochester

Seymour v Echuca

Mansfield v Kyabram

Euroa v Mooroopna

Shepp Swans v Benalla

Tatura v Shepparton

Elimination & Qualifying Finals: September 2 & 3

1st & 2nd Semi Final: September 9 & 10

Preliminary Final: September 17

Grand Final: September 24

GAME TIMES

ROUND 11 (SPLIT ROUND)

June 24

Shepp United v Seymour

Kyabram v Benalla

Euroa v Shepparton

July 1

Rochester v Shepp Swans

Mooroopna v Tatura

Echuca v Mansfield

ROUND 12

July 8

Benalla v Euroa

Shepparton v Mooroopna

Kyabram v Rochester

Mansfield v Seymour

Shepp Swans v Shepp United

Tatura v Echuca

ROUND 13

July 15

Shepp United v Euroa

Seymour v Benalla

Mansfield v Tatura

Rochester v Shepparton

Mooroopna v Shepp Swans

Echuca v Kyabram

ROUND 14

July 22

Benalla v Mansfield

Shepparton v Kyabram

Euroa v Seymour

Mooroopna v Shepp United

Shepp Swans v Echuca

Tatura v Rochester

ROUND 15

July 29

Shepp United v Shepparton

Seymour v Mooroopna

Kyabram v Tatura

Mansfield v Shepp Swans

Rochester v Benalla

Echuca v Euroa

ROUND 16

(SPLIT ROUND)

August 5

Benalla v Echuca

Shepparton v Mansfield

Euroa v Rochester

August 12

Mooroopona v Kyabram

Shepp Swans v Seymour

Tatura v Shepp United

ROUND 17

August 19

Shepp United v Benalla

Seymour v Tatura

Kyabram v Euroa

Mansfield v Mooroopna

Shepp Swans v Shepparton

Echuca v Rochester

ROUND 18

August 26

Benalla v Kyabram

Shepparton v Seymour

Euroa v Mansfield

Rochester v Shepp United

Mooroopna v Echuca

Tatura v Shepp Swans

SPECIAL ROUNDS

Football & Netball Action is back for 2023

GOTAFE Goulburn Valley League football and netball is set to make it’s 2023 return on 8 April 2023.

After a successful season in 2022, we are eagerly looking forward to the return of Football and Netball in 2023. Round 1 kicks off over Easter weekend. Good Friday will see the Benalla Saints host Seymour FNC which will then be followed by the traditional Shepparton United FNC v Shepparton FNC clash under lights at Deakin Reserve. All other games to be played Easter Saturday.

Round 3 will be the ANZAC Round, whilst the 20 May will see Interleague action return as the GVL takes on archrivals in the Ovens & Murray League who will play host for 2023. The TAC Road Safety Round will take place in Round 14.

On the back of the League being a successful recipient of a funding grant of $147,000, 2023 will see a Say No To Violence Round (date to be determined) as well as an expansion of the League’s current Indigenous Round, which will now be played over two rounds with all football and netball teams to be outfitted in Indigenous designed apparel.

The funding is from the Preventing the Cycle of Violence - Strengthening Families Fund and will offer an expansion of the Cultural Sporting Prevention implemented in the KDL. It will be led by

GOTAFE’s Koorie Unit Coordinator Tracy Hardie and will run in partnership with the GVL and AFL Goulburn Murray. This will be a whole of league initiative, with all 12 member clubs participating. We are proud to partner with project lead Tracy Hardie and our Major Naming Rights Partner GOTAFE to deliver this project to our clubs. The opportunity to create greater understanding and knowledge of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders history and culture whilst promoting the No Violence message is incredibly powerful. We look forward to ensuring the success of the project in 2023 and beyond.

The Say No to Violence round will contribute to a near regional response from communities to raise awareness of violence. The expansion of the current Indigenous Round will also see a launch dinner and cultural understanding session for all clubs that will take place prior to the Indigenous round.

The 2023 fixture sees 26 club requests met which will go a long way in assisting clubs financially with key games, premiership reunions and traditional clashes scheduled.

Bring on Season 2023!

Board Chair: Jacqui Hudgson

The GVL has appointed Premier Data as our Statistics Provider for 2023 and beyond.

With thanks to our Media Stats Partner

2023 SEASON AFL EXPORTS

Jordon Butts – Adelaide (Shepparton)

Josh Rachele – Adelaide (Shepparton Swans)

Brodie Kemp – Carlton (Echuca)

Caleb Marchbank – Carlton (Benalla)

Jamie Elliott – Collingwood (Euroa)

Steele Sidebottom – Collingwood (Tallygaroopna)

Will Brodie – Fremantle (Shepparton)

Lachie Schultz – Fremantle (Moama)

Josh Treacy – Fremantle (Cohuna)

Tom Hawkins – Geelong (Finley)

Esava Ratugolea – Geelong (Cobram)

Nick Holman – Gold Coast (Kyabram)

Lachie Ash – GWS (Invergordon)

Will Shaw – GWS (Deniliquin)

Harry Morrison – Hawthorn (Benalla)

Angela Foley – Port Adelaide (Shepparton)

Keeley Skepper – Carlton (Shepparton United)

Sophia McCarthy – North Melbourne (Benalla)

Cassidy Mailer – North Melbourne (Shepparton United)

Georgia Gall – Melbourne (Euroa)

Jarman Impey – Hawthorn (Shepparton and Shepparton Swans)

Clayton Oliver – Melbourne

Josh Schache – Melbourne

Jy Simpkin – North Melbourne (Mooroopna)

Brayden George – North Melbourne (Girgarre)

Daniel Howe – North Melbourne

Tom Brown – Richmond (Mooroopna)

Ollie Wines – Port Adelaide

Tom Clurey – Port Adelaide

Todd Marshall – Port Adelaide

Tom Cole – West Coast (Seymour)

Alex Keath – Western Bulldogs

Laitham Vandermeer – Western Bulldogs (Mooroopna)

Grace Egan – Richmond (Shepparton)

Annabel Johnson – Geelong

Becky Webster – Geelong

Julia Crockett-Grills – Geelong

Aurora Smith – Western Bulldogs (Shepparton United)

Bonnie Toogood – Essendon

THERE HAS NEVER B N A BE ER TIME TO BECOME AN UMPIRE

There has never been a better time to become an umpire

The 2023 season is set to be a year of expansion for the Goulburn Valley Football Umpires Association (GVFUA).

It is expanding in its reach, with new training centres opening up in the twin towns of Echuca-Moama and Cobram-Barooga.

And it is also expanding in its recruiting, having recently debuted an exciting new innovation in the Female Umpire Academy.

These measures have been put in place to ensure football in the region gets umpiring of the highest quality, and everyone across the district, from Seymour to Barooga, can have the same opportunity to get involved.

When it comes to umpiring, the benefits are endless.

Whether it is earning a bit of extra pocket money, getting a little bit fitter or having a fun social outlet—there is a role for everyone in the umpiring community.

Andrew Moore, who embarks on his

second season as AFL Goulburn Murray’s regional director of umpiring, says the association is in a great place leading into the season.

“Numbers are looking pretty good at the moment, it is still early days and we’re always on the lookout for new members, but for where we are in the season I am very happy,” Moore said.

“We’ve got a few come-and-try days coming up as well which we hope will boost numbers, and then the Female Umpire Academy is another really

exciting innovation.

“Trying to expand our reach has been our number one aim this o -season and we have put a lot in place to do that.”

So for anyone still on the fence about joining, Moore has this simple message. “Umpiring can cater for every single person,” he said.

“Whether you are young, old, a runner, not a runner, you love footy, you know the rules, you don’t know the rules, we can accommodate for you and coach you to be a successful umpire.”

Clayton Oliver.

Grace Egan.

BUSHRANGERS READY TO SINK T TH INTO NEW TALENT LEAGUE SEASON

A burgeoning Murray Bushrangers youth brigade is champing at the bit to get stuck into the upcoming Coates Talent League season.

The league, which recently had Coates take over from NAB as principal sponsor, will have girls and boys teams play the same number of games for the first time this year.

Bushrangers regional talent operations lead Mick Wilson said after months of preparation everyone involved with the program was thrilled to start the

new campaign.

“E ectively we’ve been building into this for over five months now,” Wilson said.

“We had our trials the weekend after the AFL grand final and we’ve been training almost since the beginning of October.

“It’s been quite a long build-up, there’s a lot of positive anticipation going into round one; this year the girls and boys play the same number of rounds which is very exciting.”

Wilson said a number of district bottom-age prospects had been training the house down in recent months and looked primed for a big year in Bushies colours.

“We have a really strong

bottom-age group this year,” Wilson said.

“That includes Ollie Warburton, who gained Vic Country experience last year and looks set for

another big season for us.

“Matt and Jack Whitlock are tracking along really well, Jack’s coming o a serious injury and he’s jumping out of his skin to

get started.”

On the girls’ front, the Bushies welcome former AFLW and cycling star Emma Mackie as their first full-time head coach of the girls’ program this year.

Across its four age groups, Wilson said they had assembled a formidable list, with a number of well-known names making a statement ahead of round one.

Holly Egan, Ellie Armstrong, Atong Dang, Amani Issell, Payten Johnstone and Charlise Ogilvie make up the Shepparton Swans contingent, with Shepparton United’s Charli Guppy, Matilda Henderson, Olivia McGie and Euroa’s Leila Creevey making up the remainder of the GV-based under-18 players.

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In the huddle: Murray Bushrangers.

AIR OF EXCITEMENT AS TWO SIDES JOIN THE COMPETITION FOR 2023 SEASON

After two years of stagnation, the Northern Country Women’s League is again raring with momentum.

Women’s football in the Goulburn Valley is about to go up a notch as Nagambie and Moama look to field sides in the senior women’s competition.

Nathalia defied the odds in the wet last year to stun an unbeaten Echuca outfit in an all-time classic grand final.

Abby Favaro, who won bestafield honours, was the hero that day as the Purples clinched backto-back titles.

Expect Echuca to once again be dominant as it aims to end three consecutive seasons of heartache.

Benalla, Shepparton United and Tatura are the three teams who return to once again be the challengers against the two heavyweight sides.

That trio will be hell-bent on not slipping to the incomers, Moama and Nagambie.

AFL Goulburn Murray female football advocate Dean Walton said excitement was growing ahead of 2023.

“All clubs appear to have pretty good numbers, and with Moama and Nagambie putting together sides it increases the exposure for women’s football in the region, and hopefully that will prompt other clubs to go down this same

2023 SEASON NCWL SENIOR WOMEN’S TEAMS

road,” Walton said.

“The women’s competition will be a lot stronger this year, and I think all sides will be competitive.”

Excitement is building for the Lakers. Nagambie women’s football trailblazer Rylee Alderton last year highlighted the overwhelming response to the decision to field a side.

“Within four hours of putting the social media post up we had 20 girls say they were 100 per cent in, and then within 24 hours I had 33 girls committed to playing with us next season,” she said at the time.

LA ER PREDICTIONS:

1: Echuca

“It was amazing to see (the response). At the start I was a bit nervous we wouldn’t get enough, so to get so many players it is pretty overwhelming.”

2: Nathalia

3: Moama

4: Shepparton United

5: Benalla

6: Tatura

7: Nagambie

Nathalia’s premiership winners.

YOUTH GIRLS

Northern Country Women’s League Youth Girls competition set for exciting 10th season

The 2023 season will mark 10 years of Youth Girls football in the Goulburn Valley — and all signs point to this being one of the most exciting in the competition’s history.

Having worked through the battles of the COVID-19 pandemic, the focus shifts from survival to expansion, with Nathalia’s return to the ranks making this year’s edition a fiveteam league.

Flying the flag for Shepparton are the Swans, who claimed their inaugural Youth Girls premiership in 2022, and a United program that has been a breeding ground for AFLW talent in recent years.

Up north Echuca United and Moama will represent the twin towns, with the latter itching for revenge after a grand final defeat last year.

The Purples will be looking to feed o their recent success in the senior women’s competition as they take to the Youth Girls field for the first time since 2019.

The continuation of a new post-COVID-19 era in Youth Girls football, AFL Goulburn Murray female football advocate Dean Walton said this season would set the foundation for an exciting future.

“Our main goal this year is to rejuvenate the Youth Girls competition, through the COVID times we lost a few teams, but I think now that is starting to turn which is great,” Walton said.

“I think the clubs will have younger lists which is really good for moving forward into the future and getting the numbers back to what they were three or four years ago.

“We are hoping this season inspires other clubs around the region to get involved.”

2023 NCWL YOUTH GIRLS TEAMS

Flag heroes: Shepparton Swans claimed their inaugural Youth Girls premiership in 2022.

• Echuca United

• Moama

• Nathalia • Shepparton Swans • Shepparton United

Jodie Lake.

PREMIER 20

CAN MULWALA DO IT AGAIN? WI RAMS DEFEND THEIR NETBA CROWN?

The Murray Football Netball League will have a new look in 2023.

Tocumwal — who departed the competition back in 2014 — made a dramatic return on the eve of the season, with the move set to reignite some of the competition’s most storied rivalries.

On the footy fields and across the courts, reigning premiers Mulwala (senior football) and Deniliquin Rams (A-grade netball) will be out to defend their crowns.

But with an influx of talent coming into clubs across the league, going backto-back will be no mean feat as both top-flight competitions appear to be as even as we have ever seen.

So sit back, relax and enjoy the drama that is set to unfold in season 2023.

O’DWYER MEDA ISTS

2022: Brodie Ross (Nathalia) and Nicholas Jamieson (Tongala)

2021: Coby McCarthy (Tongala)

2019: Jackson Gash (Mulwala)

2018: Brodie A’Vard (Barooga)

2017: Rhys Archard (Moama)

2016: Ned Morrison (Finley)

2015: Rhys Archard (Moama)

2014: Marcus Smith (Barooga)

2013: Ash Morris (Deniliquin)

BEST AND FAIRESTS A-GRADE

2022: Tegan Sutton (Nathalia)

2021: Emily Taverna (Moama)

2019: Elenoa Naimalua (Rumbalara)

2018: Tessa Bruni (Cobram)

2017: Amelia Wyatt (Deniliquin)

2016: Jessie Barnes (Rumbalara)

2015: Alicia White (Tongala)

2014: Tamara Skinner (Numurkah)

2013: Leanne Rawson (Numurkah)

2012: Renee Judd (Numurkah)

LA ER PREDICTIONS:

1: Congupna

2: Mulwala

3: Moama

4: Nathalia

5: Deniliquin

6: Cobram

7: Numurkah

8: Tongala 9: Barooga

10: Finley 11: Echuca United 12: Rumbalara 13: Tocumwal

PREMIER 20

1: Deniliquin

2: Moama

3: Nathalia

4: Tongala

5: Rumbalara

6: Congupna

7: Mulwala

8: Echuca United

9: Barooga

10: Finley

11: Numurkah

12: Cobram

13: Tocumwal

PAST PREMIERS:

We are the champions: Mulwala was the 2022 senior football premier.

Numero uno: Deniliquin Rams were the 2022 A-grade netball premiers.

BAR GA

FAST FACTS >> COACH: LUKE JARJOURA 2022 FINISH: NINTH (4–14) 2022 BEST-AND-FAIREST: RILEY GOW 2022 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: RILEY GOW (38) HOME GROUND: BAROOGA RECREATION RESERVE

NICKNAME: HAWKS

Witha new coach at the helm and an influx of fresh players, the Hawks will be looking to fly up the ladder in 2023.

Luke Jarjoura will be Barooga’s head coach this season, taking the reins of the club he played for back in 2013.

The Hawks won just four games last year in what Jarjoura admitted was an underwhelming season. But with plenty of hard work already being but in, he is optimistic Barooga will improve in 2023.

“We were very uncompetitive in a lot of games last year, which was extremely disappointing,” he said.

“I’m expecting a sharp improvement come April this year.”

Jarjoura, who has also coached at Parramatta, Balmain and Numurkah, said he wanted his side to be known for its tough, relentless football.

“I just want a steely, competitive nature and I want Barooga to be extremely hard to beat. I want teams to dread coming to Barooga,“ he said.

“We will play an exciting brand of football and we’re going to attack, but when we don’t have the ball, I want us to fight and scrape and not give an inch defensively.”

Midfielder Jordan Pidgeon (Parramatta) is one of the key additions to the Hawks for 2023, while backman Nick Gooch will join Barooga from Waratahs in the NTFL.

PLAYER CHANGES

INS: Nick Gooch (Waratahs), Angus Cameron, Jack Short, Lachie Stephens, Lachie Harris, Brodey Rudd, Jordan Pidgeon (Parramatta)

OUTS: Kris Bextream (Mooroopna), Daniel Johnston (Mooroopna)

NETBA

FAST FACTS >> COACH: MATT HEALEY

2022 FINISH: 10TH (4–14)

Barooga will be hoping that 2023 is the year its A-grade finals drought finally comes to an end.

The Hawks finished in 10th spot last season and haven’t played finals netball in the top division in more than nine years—a streak they will no doubt be hoping to end.

Matt Healey returns as Barooga’s head coach again this year, having also coached the Murray League’s 17-and-under representative side last season.

Healey, who has also coached at Shepparton United and Katunga, has helped reshape Barooga’s netball program.

All three of Barooga’s other senior netball sides made the finals last season, with only the A-grade team missing out.

Riley Gow.

Sophie Macheda.

Wiliam Clarke.

COBRAM

FAST FACTS >> COACH: JOHN BRUNSKILL 2022 FINISH: RUNNERUP (16–4) 2022 BEST-AND-FAIREST: TYRON BADEN 2022 LEADING GOALKICKER: TYRON BADEN (59) HOME GROUND: SCOTT OVAL

NICKNAME: TIGERS

Cobram was a powerhouse of the Murray Football League in 2022, but it looks like the Tigers’ time as one of the competition’s premier outfits might be short-lived.

Cobram has lost a number of key pieces from last season’s squad that dominated its way to the minor premiership and on to the grand final; departures that could see it fall back to the pack.

Last year’s best-and-fairest winner and leading goalkicker Tyron Baden is o to the Shepparton, along with Izac Artavilla, Adam DeCicco and Lewis McShane.

Darcy Pridham-McCormack has gone too, having departed for Strathmerton in the PDL.

“They will be heavy losses. You take them out of any side and they would be heavy. It’s not easy to replace them either,” coach John Brunskill said.

“Last year we didn’t picture finishing on top, we just wanted to make finals and that’s what we are hoping, to make finals and see what happens.”

Brunskill said Harry Beasley, Sam Beasley, Matteo Allen, Hugh Hyde and Lachlan Hyde were youngsters he was keen to see in action in 2023.

PLAYER CHANGES

INS: None

OUTS: Izac Artavilla, Adam DeCicco, Tyron Baden, Lewis McShane (Shepparton), Darcy PridhamMcCormack (Strathmerton)

A proud supporter of country football & netball, the Cobram Hotel wishes all teams from Cobram & Barooga a successful 2023 season

NETBA

FAST FACTS >> COACH: ROBBIE GLASS

2022 FINISH: 11TH (4–14)

Cobram will be hoping to turn its netball fortunes around in 2023 and the side will be relying on a new coach to help it do just that.

The Tigers had an underwhelming campaign last year, finishing secondlast on the ladder with a 4–14 win-loss record.

Cobram president Michael Hoban admitted the going was tough in 2023.

“We were a bit disappointing last year. We are a pretty proud club, Cobram, and we don’t like being down on the netball side of things,” Hoban said.

Robbie Glass will be Cobram’s A-grade coach this year, bringing with him eight years of coaching experience.

“We have appointed the new coach in Robbie Glass and it looks like he is doing a great job,” Hoban said.

“I think with the appointment of Robbie, we’ll be looking for a big improvement.”s

Luca Allen.

Tim Garlick.

Leah Nish.

FAST FACTS >> COACH: KEVIN

O’DONOGHUE AND BEN BINGHAM

2022 FINISH: FIFTH (12–6)

2022 BEST-AND-FAIREST: JAMES

BOYER 2022 LEADING GOALKICKER: DANIEL CAMPBELL (62)

HOME GROUND: MEMORIAL PARK

NICKNAME: THE ROAD

Congupna will be looking to crash through a 15-year glass ceiling this season as the club gets set to mount another tilt at its first Murray Football League premiership.

The Road have not finished in the top five on the ladder in more than 15 years, but that streak could finally come to an end as the club hunts its first premiership.

Ben Bingham, who will be Congupna’s co-coach alongside Kevin O’Donoghue, said a strong start would be key to The Road finally breaking through into the top four.

“The key is to get a really good start. Getting wins on the board early is really important,” Bingham said.

“We want to start the year o well in the first five or six weeks.”

Top class midfielder BJ Squire (Shepparton Swans) headlines an impressive list of recruits, alongside forward Elliot Cavallaro (Altona), midfielder Jack Norman (Altona) and Samuel Poole.

“We tried to get some more midfield depth and that is what BJ and Jack will give us. Getting Elliot across from Altona, he is going to be pretty exciting to watch in the Murray league,” Bingham said.

Cavallaro, Jak Trewin and

Daniel Schaper will look to fill the void left by Daniel Campbell in the forward line, with last season’s leading goal-kicker shifting to Katunga.

PLAYER CHANGES

INS: Sam Nash (Uni Blacks, VAFA), Jack Norman (Altona), Elliot Cavallaro (Altona), BJ Squire (Shepparton Swans), Matt Di Bella, Dion Gleeson, Samuel Poole (Katamatite)

OUTS: Daniel Campbell (Katunga), Fraser Hicks, Orien Kerr

NETBA

FAST FACTS >> COACH: JODIE FLEMING

2022 FINISH: EIGHTH (6–12) WINNING.

For incoming Congupna A-grade coach Jodie Fleming that is the one and only goal for season 2023.

That applies both on the court in its results and o the court in developing a culture of sustained success.

After showing great potential in patches last year, consistency would prove the biggest di culty for the Road, finishing eighth on the ladder with a dismal 6–12 record.

But when it comes to Fleming and her style of coaching, looking backwards isn’t an option, as she goes about building a quality Murray Netball League contender.

“The first few months has been terrific, the club is super welcoming and the A-grade side is super enthusiastic and hard-working,” Fleming said.

“I’ve got a lot of really good talent in the A-grade, a very speedy and skilful midcourt which excites me beyond belief—and they are just sponges in how they absorb everything I say.

“The goal is always winning the flag and we’ll be striving for that, but I am just going to start with playing finals and we’ll see what happens from there.”

Ben Bingham.

Morgan Zotti.

BJ Squire.

DENILIQUIN RAMS

F TBA

FAST FACTS >> COACH: ASH

MORRIS 2022 FINISH: SIXTH (11–7)

2022 BEST-AND-FAIREST: RICKY

GITTENS 2022 LEADING GOALKICKER: TODD GALLAGHER (45)

HOME GROUND: HARDINGE STREET

OVAL NICKNAME: RAMS

Howfar can Deniliquin go in 2023?

A chastening 78-point elimination final exit to Tongala last season shouldn’t dent the Rams’ aspirations to push deeper into September, and the club will head into the new season better for the run.

Deni will be looking to narrow the gap on the league’s best sides with a mix of new and returning faces set to bolster the Rams’ midfield in particular.

While the squad has lost ruckman Bryce Scoullar, it has welcomed back one of the club’s favourite sons in former bestand-fairest Nick Howe, while Greater Western Sydney’s Will Shaw has once again committed to the Rams when not playing VFL.

The Rams have been bolstered further with the addition of midfielder Lachlan Small, who makes his return to the club after last suiting up in 2012 following successful stints with Finley and Pambula.

Incremental improvements across the park from Deni’s fringe players will also help the side’s cause as it chases its first flag since 2011.

The Rams face Echuca United in round one.

PLAYER CHANGES

INS: Will Shaw, Dan Leurs (Winchelsea), Zach Lauritsen (Warners Bay), Nick Howe, Lachlan Small (Pambula)

OUTS: Bryce Scoullar (Warrandyte)

NETBA

FAST FACTS >> COACH: RHIANNON MAXWELL 2022 FINISH: PREMIER (20–0) Undefeated. Premiers.

It was a hell of a season for Deniliquin in 2022, with an 11-goal grand final win over Rumbalara securing the club’s first A-grade flag since 2005.

But will the sequel be as good as the original?

On current evidence, the answer seems to be ‘yes’, as the reigning A-grade champions look primed to dish up more of the same in their campaign to go back-to-back.

The majority of the squad is back on board for the upcoming season, with Rhiannon Maxwell leading the A-grade side once more.

Maxwell will be key again for the Rams, alongside best-and-fairest Amelia Seignor and rising star Annie Harvey.

The Rams have the tools at their disposal to carve out a slice of Murray League history, and it would be a brave pundit tipping against Deni in 2023.

Rachel Bull.

Harry Hillier.

Matt McDonald.

ECHUCA UNITED

FAST FACTS >> COACH: FARRAN

PRIEST 2022 FINISH: 11TH (3–15)

2022 BEST-AND-FAIREST: KYNAN

SHARPE 2022 LEADING GOALKICKER: JAMES HARNEY (51)

HOME GROUND: ECHUCA SOUTH RECREATION RESERVE

NICKNAME: EAGLES

EchucaUnited will lock-andload a home-grown, youthful squad for its new Murray Football League campaign.

Adding just two new names to its senior list and with 95 per cent of the side re-signed by round 18 last year, the Eagles will take a familiar, though fitter, squad into 2023.

It’s a side second-year Eagles coach Farran Priest is hoping can take the club back to finals for the first time since 2019.

“For us, we won three games last year,” Priest said.

“We’re looking to double that and take a few scalps along the way, and the boys have put in a solid pre-season.

“We haven’t recruited heavily.

“We brought back two of our local boys and invested time and resources into our young group that’s coming through.”

Key defender Bailey Sawyer will bolster the Eagles’ backline stocks while former 100-gamer Luke Sanderson makes his return to the club.

Priest, a 2013 premiership player and former best-andfairest, is as good as a recruit if he can make his return to the field after overcoming an ACL injury, and with minimal list turnover the Eagles could make a leap up the ladder if their list stays healthy.

PLAYER CHANGES

OUTS: None

NETBA

FAST FACTS >> COACH: JESS SAUNDERS

2022 FINISH: NINTH (4–14)

Echuca United has lost and gained A-grade best-and-fairests ahead of this season, as the team targets the Murray Netball League’s top echelon after finishing ninth in 2022.

Reigning club champion and co-coach Remy Day has stepped away from netball, but the Eagles have seen United’s 2021 best-andfairest Jess Davidson return to the club after achieving a league accolade with Echuca in the Goulburn Valley League.

Former Cobram A-grade star Tessa Bruni has also crossed over to the nest to bolster the midcourt, and United coach Jess Saunders believes the Eagles have a squad that can contend for finals.

“Our goal is going to be top eight and finals contention,” Saunders said.

“I think that’s really achievable with the group we’ve got.

“We’ve had a 20-strong group of girls put their hand up in the A and B squads, so it’s going to make my job hard at selection.

“I believe we can build on what we did last year and focus on playing good team netball.”

Hayley Saville.

F TBA

Kynan Sharpe.

INS: Luke Sanderson, Bailey Sawyer

Lachlan Carmody and Justin Cantwell.

F TBA

FAST FACTS >> COACH: ETHAN

REEVES 2022 FINISH: 10TH (3–15)

2022 BEST-AND-FAIREST: BENJI

NEAL 2022 LEADING GOAL-KICKER:

PAUL MASSINGHAM (24) HOME

GROUND: FINLEY RECREATION

RESERVE NICKNAME: CATS

There will be a strong family connection at Finley Recreation Reserve this season as the Cats look to move their way up the ladder.

Ethan Reeves will be at the helm as senior coach this season, with his brother, Bailey, one of Finley’s new recruits having come across from the SANFL.

Three Lang brothers have returned to play at their father Harvey’s old club as well, with Jack, Tom and Charlie all set to don the blue-and-white hoops in 2023.

The Cats won just three games last season, but Finley’s football manager Rick Shaw said the club was looking up.

“Finals are not out of the question,” Shaw said.

“If we can consolidate the backbone of the footy club, then moving forward, we want to put ourselves in a premiership window over the next three to five years.”

Former Tatura ruckman Robert Kirby is another key addition for the Cats, bolstering Finley’s ruck and forward stocks, while former players Jesse McDonald and Bailey Burke will also return to the Cattery.

PLAYER CHANGES

Development: In 2023 Finley will be hoping to improve on its three wins from last season.

INS: Robert Kirby (Tatura), Jesse McDonald, Jack Hay, Bailey Burke (Blighty), Bailey Reeves (Central Districts), Jack Lang (Newton), Tom Lang (St Mary’s), Charlie Lang (Southport)

OUTS: Benji Neal, Isaac Corvo, Frazer Neate, Harrison Kerr

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New generation: Finley will be hoping its young gun netballers can help them reach the finals in 2023.

NETBA

FAST FACTS >> CO-COACHES: MILLY OP’T HOOG AND SHANIA BENTLEY

2022 FINISH: SEVENTH (6–12)

Some up-and-coming netballers will be central to Finley’s push to crack into the Murray league’s top six this season.

The Cats finished one spot out of the finals in seventh last year, but with some key departures during the o -season, it will be up to their young core playing group to help get them to the post-season.

“We have a lot of young superstars coming up throughout the ranks,” Finley co-coach Shania Bentley said.

“We’ve lost quite a few of our key players this year, but we’re definitely going to give it a red-hot crack again.”

Young guns Emily Thompson and Daisy Daniel are two players to keep an eye on this year, with each heading into their second season of A-grade netball.

Bentley said Finley’s fitness and communication would be two of the side’s biggest strengths this year.

Milly Op’t Hoog, who joins Finley from Tyntynder will co-coach A and B-grades alongside Bentley.

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Rob Kirby.

FAST FACTS >> COACH: SAM

SHELDON 2022 FINISH: FOURTH

(13–5) 2022 BEST-AND-FAIREST: NICK PAVLOU 2022 LEADING

GOAL-KICKER: FRASER BUCHANAN

(29) HOME GROUND: MOAMA

RECREATION RESERVE NICKNAME: MAGPIES

There’s something stirring at Moama Recreation Reserve.

Falling at the preliminary final stage last season to eventual premiers Mulwala, the Magpies are in the box seat to claim their first flag since 2010 after bolstering the squad with a swag of experienced faces.

Goulburn Valley League flag winners Brad Edwards, Sean Dillon and Jack Sheldon have further added to the club’s “Kyabram connection”, while Ryan Hudson crosses over from Rumbalara.

With the added talent of key defender Kyal Atkinson and country football legend Kristan Height in tow, Moama will come in as one of the Murray League’s premiership favourites.

Moama assistant coach Jye Warren is aware expectations on the club will be high with such a talented list.

“We were pretty disappointed with the performance against Mulwala in the preliminary final, but in that last month of footy we had some great wins against some quality sides,” Warren said.

“Everyone’s going to have some high expectations, but we’re just taking it round by round—we don’t want to look too far ahead.

“With the blokes we’ve brought

on we think we can go a bit further.

“They’ve brought a wealth of knowledge and leadership qualities which is something we lacked a bit last year.

“Everyone’s buying in.”

PLAYER CHANGES

INS: Brad Edwards, Sean Dillon, Jack Sheldon (Kyabram), Kyal Atkinson, Ryan Lovegrove-Hudson (Rumbalara), Aaron Lonergan (Echuca), Kristan Height

OUTS: Chris Horman, Clay McGregor (LeitchvilleGunbower), Billy Barnes

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NETBA

FAST FACTS >> COACH: JODIE LAKE

2022 FINISH: FOURTH (14–5)

Moama showed it wasn’t far o the mark last season as the Magpies chased their first flag since 2018. The perennial challengers were right in the mix throughout last season, but after a thrilling one-goal elimination final win over Tongala, the Pies faltered at the semi-final stage to Nathalia.

Moama’s experience held it in good stead and it looks poised to be another seasoned outfit, led by premiership player Jodie Lake who will replace Lisa Drysdale in 2023.

Key defender Tiarna Steele seems to be the only departure, but any gaps in the Pies’ A-grade squad should be ably filled with talent to lean on in Moama’s premiership-winning B-grade and under-17 squads.

Zac Stovell.

Alex Daly.

Kyal Atkinson.

MULWALA

FAST FACTS >> COACHES: ROHAN DAVIES AND JACKSON GASH 2022 FINISH: PREMIER (17–4) 2022 BESTAND-FAIREST: JACKSON GASH 2022 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: JACK SUTHERLAND (60) HOME GROUND: LONSDALE RESERVE NICKNAME: LIONS

Lastseason Mulwala’s agonising 32-year wait for Murray Football League premiership glory came to an end, as the Lions triumphed over Cobram by three points in a famous 2022 decider.

Now, having enjoyed the spoils of that drought-breaking premiership, the Lions enter the new season in uncharted waters.

In 2023, Mulwala are now the hunted.

A slight change to the Lions’ coaching formula will have premiership-winning duo Rohan Davies and Jackson Gash steering the ship, while Bodhi Butts steps down from the role and will be purely a player this season.

A host of exciting new recruits from neighbouring Ovens and Murray outfit Yarrawonga are also set to bring new life to the Lions as they hope to prove that 2022 was no fluke.

“Obviously the guys enjoyed last year and winning the flag, but they have come back fitter, stronger and hungrier after having had a taste of it,” Lions co-coach Davies said.

“I’m not going to keep any secrets, we want to win the thing again, and I feel we are perfectly poised to make another run—good luck to all the clubs

trying to take that (crown) away from us.

“We’ve recruited really well in adding speed, which was something we lacked a bit of last year, so I have no doubt we can take it to another level again.

“If we put it all together consistently we’ll be a very hard team to beat.”

PLAYER CHANGES

INS: Jackson Meade, Connor Gri ths, Zech Cuppens, Kayden Sharp (Yarrawonga), Harley Middleton (Berrigan)

OUTS: Sean Johns, Brad Wilson (Tungamah), Jamie Smith (Greensborough), Beau Clarke (Moonee Valley)

NETBA

FAST FACTS >> COACH: NARELLE DONOVAN 2022 FINISH: SIXTH (10–9) Taking the next step will be the goal for Mulwala on the netball court this season.

Despite finishing sixth in 2022, the Lions were clearly a rung below the top sides and were exposed in a 13-goal elimination final loss to Nathalia.

They also did not beat a side that finished above them, a statistic that perfectly encapsulates what was a peculiar season at Mulwala Recreation Reserve.

But 2023 o ers new hope and, with a nucleus of girls that showed an ability to win together, the goal now is to challenge those top sides.

A coaching change has Narelle Donovan take the reins of the A-grade squad from Bre Flanagan.

On the court, star midcourter Shanna Morris will once again led the charge, with the reigning best-andfairest winner to receive great support from shooter Steph Hammond. So is this core good enough to enter premiership contention?

Well we will just have to wait and see.

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Rohan Davies.

Shanna Morris.

Cameron Magher.

NATHALIA

FAST FACTS >> COACHES: GLENN BOYD AND RYAN BUTLER 2022 FINISH: SEVENTH (10–8) 2022 BESTAND-FAIREST: BRODIE ROSS 2022 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: LIAM EVANS (40) HOME GROUND: NATHALIA RECREATION RESERVE

NICKNAME: PURPLES

Whenit comes to Nathalia’s football program, winning is in its DNA.

So when the legendary Purples found themselves 1–6 and filling the bottom rungs of the Murray League ladder halfway through last season, perplexed followers began to think—could this be it for the mighty Purples?

But fast forward just nine months and remarkably Nathalia finds itself back among the competition’s top contenders, with a flurry of exciting youngsters to boot.

A change in the coaching ranks sees a returning Ryan Butler and stalwart Glenn Boyd take over the senior side from the muchloved Mal Barnes.

On the field reigning O’Dwyer medallist Brodie Ross is the headline act in a team that is set to unleash a host of young stars who are fresh o premiership glory in the thirds last season.

Put simply, there are plenty of reasons for Purples fans to get excited, as Butler sketched out his expectations for the years ahead.

“The most exciting thing for us this year is the amount of great young talent we have coming out of the thirds—there are about eight or nine that I think are ready to have a real impact in

the seniors,” Butler said.

“What we’re focusing on this year is stripping it right back to the basics and doing the fundamentals right.

“If we are a well-drilled and well-trained side I am confident we have what it takes to be up there competing in September.

“We have a rich precedent of success here at Nathalia, and that certainly isn’t going to change when it comes to our goal for the year—we want to win as much as we can.”

PLAYER CHANGES

INS: Ryan Butler (returning), Jarrod Byrne (Tallygaroopna)

OUTS:

NETBA

FAST FACTS >> COACH: OLIVIA TILYARD

2022 FINISH: THIRD (15–4) Nathalia enters season 2023 with a point to prove.

One of the powerhouse teams of the Murray Netball League for the past three seasons, the Purples are yet to turn that success into the ultimate glory.

In 2021 it was the COVID-19 pandemic that thwarted their hopes, as they finished the campaign atop the ladder with an 11–1 record.

Meanwhile last year, a one-goal preliminary final loss to Rumbalara saw their season end in heartbreak.

This time around however, we will see a new-look Purples team take the court, with new A-grade mentor Olivia Tilyard determined to finish the job Emma McDonald started.

Set to bring a fresh set of players and game plan to Nathalia’s netball courts, Tilyard said there was a sense of excitement in the air.

“The team does look a little bit di erent, so for the moment we are just going to be taking things gameby-game,” Tilyard said.

“Obviously there is still fire in the belly from last year though and from the pre-season I can tell the girls want to come back strong.

“We’ve got a couple of girls returning in Mia and Abby Bell which is very exciting and hopefully we can click quickly as a unit.

“If we are getting the bond on court right and have fun on the court I’m confident we can have a great year.”

Mia Bell.

Brodie Ross.

None Jarrod Byrne.

NUMURKAH

FAST FACTS >> CO-COACHES: SEAN

HARRAP AND JAMASON DANIELS

2022 FINISH: EIGHTH (7–11) 2022

BEST-AND-FAIREST: KADE O’DWYER

2022 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: SHANE MILLER (20) HOME GROUND:

NUMURKAH SHOWGROUNDS

NICKNAME: BLUES

CanNumurkah return to the Murray league finals in 2023? Blues fans will be hoping the answer to that question is yes.

Numurkah had its fair share of ups and downs in 2022, finishing eighth on the ladder.

But this time around they’ll be hoping to break into the top six for the first time since 2019.

New additions in Patrick Riordan, Josh O’Dwyer and Tom Buzza will bolster a Blues squad already full of promising young players, such as Kade O’Dwyer, who are primed to make an impact at the senior level.

“Hopefully from a positional point of view we can improve on the e orts of 2022,” Blues co-coach Sean Harrap said.

“Our best team is hopefully going to be good enough against those better groups as well.”

“We want to play an exciting brand of footy. We have got some guys who are pretty quick and can get good pressure. We don’t want to mark and kick long down the line, we want to take the game on.”

PLAYER CHANGES

INS: Patrick Riordan, Tom Buzza (Katamatite), Josh O’Dwyer (South Barwon), OUTS: Sean Thompson (Shepparton United), Rhys Cason (Longwood), Morrie Serra (Lancaster)

NETBA

FAST FACTS >> COACH: FIONA ELLIOTT

2022 FINISH: 12TH (0–18)

Numurkah enters the new season at the base of the Murray Netball League mountain.

Making their return to the A-grade ranks last year, it was a baptism of fire for the Blues as they lost all 18 matches to slump to the wooden spoon.

But 2023 o ers new hope on the Numurkah Showgrounds courts, as a host of returning stars have the Blues placed to make a jump back into relevancy.

Two-time A-grade premiership player Fiona Elliott is back on board, with the 200-gamer set to bring a wealth of experience as the club’s new A-grade coach.

Local legend Tamara Skinner and the highly-skilled Ella Sprunt are also back in blue, while high-profile Strathmerton recruit Caitlyn Price adds to what has been a plentiful o -season.

Now sporting an exciting mix of youth and experience, Elliott said she was confident of a quick rise up the ladder.

“We’ve had a really good pre-season and enthusiasm is through the roof with a few more senior players returning to the club,” she said.

“The goal for the start of the season is pretty simple, we want to get a few wins on the board.

“From there we’d really like to compete with the top sides and push for a spot in the finals.”

Will Newman.

Zoe Martin.

Kobie Rahilly.

RUMBALARA

FAST FACTS >> COACH: CHRIS

EGAN 2022 FINISH: 12TH (0–18) 2022 BEST-AND-FAIREST: STEVEN STALLION 2022 LEADING GOALKICKER: JOSHUA PATMORE (9)

HOME GROUND: MERCURY DRIVE SPORTS COMPLEX

NICKNAME: RUMBA

There is only one way for Rumbalara to go in 2023 — and that is up.

Rumba plunged to the depths of the Murray Football League ladder last season, losing all 18 of their home-and-away matches to claim the wooden spoon.

And while there were few positives to come out of the campaign, what it has done is force the club to take a new direction and fully invest in its youth.

The first crucial step in this journey was to find the senior coach to lead the revival, a role which the club filled with one of its esteemed exports in former Collingwood forward Chris Egan.

On the field Rumba will also receive a boost from a trio of Darwin boys in Braedon McClean, Thomas Clarke and Hassan Ahmat-Watkins.

But starting from a fair way back, Egan understood this rebuild was not one that would happen overnight.

“The pre-season has been a bit challenging, especially on the back of last year it is hard to get blokes to commit, but we’ve been getting on a bit of a roll after Christmas and the numbers are improving,” Egan said.

“I just want the guys to have fun out there, that’s the first goal,

we need to go right back to the basics with our skills and fitness levels and go from there.

“Our main aim for the season is just to win some games, whether we are a premiership contender it will probably be hard after the year we had, but if we can get some enjoyment and a winning feeling back around the club that would be a great start.

“It is more about building towards success in the longterm and rebuilding the culture around the club.”

PLAYER CHANGES

INS: Braedon McClean (Wanderers NTFL), Thomas Clarke (Darwin Bu aloes), Hassan Ahmat-Watkins (St Mary’s)

OUTS: Ryan Lovegrove-Hudson, Kyal Atkinson (Moama), Jai Utigier (Shepparton East), Joshua Patmore (Girgarre)

NETBA

FAST FACTS >> COACH: JESS BAMBLETT 2022 FINISH: RUNNER-UP (17–2) 2022 was a case of ‘so close yet so far’ for Rumbalara.

Finally breaking through and making it to that fabled last day in September, the Rumba girls were overawed by a perfect Deniliquin Rams squad.

While most clubs would be gearing up for another tilt at the crown, Rumbalara appears to be taking a di erent approach, with a new-look side set to take the court in 2023.

Youngsters Nakiah Bamblett and Yilanii Atkinson appear poised to take up more prominent positions after getting valuable A-grade bench experience last season.

Meanwhile Tiarna Steele makes the move from Moama to give the side some much-needed experience. But with their core group of Melbourne-based players not returning, A-grade coach Jess Bamblett admitted 2023 would be unlikely to yield the same success as the year prior.

“Last year we were just happy to make it all the way to the grand final,” Bamblett said.

“So this year it is a whole di erent mindset, I am going about developing the young girls we have and thinking about the future.

“Hopefully we will still be competitive and I’m confident we are still a finals team, but this will be more a rebuilding year for us than previous seasons.”

A n i n d i g e n o u s f o c u s e d p r o g r a m w i t h a d i f f e r e n c e !

W i t h a p r o v e n r e c o r d o f s u c c e s s f u l i n d i g e n o u s y o u t h e n g a g e m e n t , A S

P r o g r a m h i g h l i g h t s i n c l u d e :

• H i g h l e v e l i n d i g e n o u s c o m m u n i t y p a r t i c i p a t i o n

• R e g u l a r h e a l t h a n d f i t n e s s a c t i v i t i e s

• E x p e r t c a r e e r g u i d a n c e a n d l i n k s t o e m p l o y m e n t

• P e r s o n a l i s e d l i t e r a c y a n d n u m e r a c y d e v e l o p m e n t

•

I n d i g e n o u s c u l t u r a l l e a r n i n g p r o g r a m s

• L e a d e r s h i p & p e r s o n a l d e v e l o p m e n t o p p o r t u n i t i e s

• A c c o m m o d a t i o n a v a i l a b l e

F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n a b o u t o u r p r o g r a m :

A strong bond: Rumbalara will be hoping to return to the winners’ list in 2023.

Jess Bamblett.

Chris Egan.

TOCUMWAL

F TBA

FAST FACTS >> COACH: KADE ROWE 2022 FINISH: 10TH (4–10 PDL) 2022 BEST-AND-FAIREST: KADE ROWE 2022 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: DREW HAEBICH (51) HOME GROUND: TOCUMWAL RECREATION RESERVE NICKNAME: BLOODS

Thiso -season has been like no other at Tocumwal.

Embroiled in the Picola District Football League’s a liation feud with AFL Victoria, the club ultimately shifted to Murray Football Netball League where it will embark on a new era.

What the move does mean, however, is that on the field the Bloods will be in for some short-term pain, as they make the step up into the far superior Murray league.

“It’s no secret that it is going to be tough,” Tocumwal coach Kade Rowe said.

“I spoke to the playing group and just said that this is in the best interests of the club, yes there will be weeks where we are right up against it and to be honest we will be on the end of a couple of floggings.

“We’re not playing for money, we’re not playing to make money, this year we are playing

for the jumper.”

But while the results will most likely be grim, what this season does do for the Bloods is give their exciting band of youngsters a chance to test themselves at a higher level.

“It is going to be great for the development of our young guys and I’ve spoken to them about the fact that they will find out a lot about themselves very quickly,” Rowe said.

“Guys like Tom Barker, Ray Sutton, Harvey White and Zander Gri n, they will benefit so much from this experience.”

PLAYER CHANGES

INS: Dylan Flanagan (Billabong Crows), Andrew Dickins (Mangoplah), Josh Flight (Moulamein)

OUTS: Luke Congram (Yarrawonga)

NETBA

FAST FACTS >> COACH: LIZ MEHMET

2022 FINISH: EIGHTH (9–8)

Tocumwal is looking forward to the challenge of returning to the ranks of Murray Netball League in 2023 according to its incoming coach.

Former star talent Liz Mehmet, who relocated to Tocumwal last year, has picked up the coaching reins.

Mehmet, who played for the Bloods during the twilight years of Tocumwal’s first stint in the Murray league, said she was excited by the shift back to the league.

“This is my first year coaching and it’s been really enjoyable. It’s been a new learning curve for me, but I love it here—it’s such a beautiful club,” Mehmet said. “I wasn’t complaining when I heard about the Murray league move. It doesn’t change much for us, we’re well prepared and we can’t wait to play at that higher level.”

Last year’s club best-and-fairest winner Rose Chamberlain and runner-up Abby Wilson are back, while exciting defender Kira Dickins joins the club.

Kade Rowe.

Abby Wilson.

TONGALA

FAST FACTS >> COACH: JORDAN SOUTER 2022 FINISH: THIRD (15–3) 2022 BEST-AND-FAIREST: NICK JAMIESON 2022 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: DARREN EWING (57) HOME GROUND: TONGALA RECREATION RESERVE

NICKNAME: BLUES

Tongala has been one of the Murray Football League’s perennial premiership challengers of the past four years, including a grand final appearance in 2019.

Fast forward to last year, and the Blues’ first full season of footy since that grand final resulted in another premiership push, only to end in a heartbreaking 10-point semi-final loss to Moama.

But it will be a new challenge in 2023 for the new-look Blues, with the departure of a raft of stars headlining the club’s o -season.

Tongala will need to juggle the loss of up to eight senior players, including Northern Territory legend Cam Ilett, reigning O’Dwyer medallist Nick Jamieson, skipper Adam Lovison, and former best-andfairest Jack Hammond.

Kyabram talents Mitch Gugliotti and James Ross have made the move to Tongala Recreation Reserve, and with the talents of Coby McCarthy, Corey Nexhip and Darren Ewing still poised to take to the park, the Blues will back themselves to remain in the hunt for finals.

PLAYER CHANGES

INS: Mitch Gugliotti, James Ross (Kyabram), Ryan Campbell (Echuca), Blake McAuli e, Mitch Fitzgerald, Jack Sinclair, Oliver Watt, Tom Cooper

OUTS: Adam Lovison (Stanhope), Nick Jamieson (Sorrento), Riley Bacon (Maiden Gully), Nick Woods, Todd Van Roy (Girgarre), Brayden Nevett (Leitchville-Gunbower), Mackenzie Cowley (Mooroopna), Anthony Dennis (Calivil United), Jack Hammond (Cobden), Cameron Ilett, Ryan Nyhuis

NETBA

FAST FACTS >> COACH: GRACE

HAMMOND 2022 RESULT: FIFTH (12–6) Can Tongala go one step further?

Challengers for the last two seasons, the Blues’ one-goal elimination final defeat to Moama showed they can mix it with the best in the Murray Netball League finals.

And first-year coach Grace Hammond hopes it will fuel the fire of a premiership push in 2023.

“Hopefully we can take that next step,” Hammond said.

“We’re still just as young as we were last season. We have a few juniors from our under-17s stepping up to the A-grade team.

“The more fun we have on and o the court, the closer we are as a team, and the success comes along with that.”

Reliable defender Rose Hammond shapes as the only key out, with the Blues looking towards their junior ranks to help take them to new heights.

Darren Ewing.

Corey Nexhip.

Chelsey Wright.

ICIAL FIXTURE SEASON 2023

ROUND 1

April 1

Tongala v Echuca United

Congupna v Barooga

Moama v Mulwala

Cobram v Nathalia

Deniliquin v Rumbalara

Finley v Numurkah (N)

Tocumwal bye

ROUND 2

April 7 (Good Friday)

Mulwala v Congupna

Tocumwal v Numurkah

Nathalia v Tongala

Echuca United v Moama

Barooga v Cobram

Finley v Deniliquin (N)

Rumbalara bye

ROUND 3

April 15

Numurkah v Deniliquin

Moama v Tongala

Cobram v Tocumwal

Mulwala v Barooga

Rumbalara v Congupna

Finley v Nathalia (N)

Echuca United bye

ROUND 4

April 22

Echuca United v Rumbalara

Tongala v Cobram

Deniliquin v Mulwala

Barooga v Finley (Twilight)

Congupna v Tocumwal

April 23

Nathalia v Numurkah

Moama bye

ROUND 5

April 29

Rumbalara v Tongala

Cobram v Echuca United

Mulwala v Nathalia

Moama v Barooga

Tocumwal v Deniliquin

Numurkah v Congupna

Finley bye

ROUND 6

May 6

Tongala v Tocumwal

Echuca United v Numurkah

Cobram v Mulwala

Finley v Rumbalara

Deniliquin v Moama

Congupna v Nathalia

Barooga bye

ROUND 7)

May 13

Tocumwal v Finley

Numurkah v Tongala

Barooga v Echuca United

Rumbalara v Cobram

Congupna v Moama

Nathalia v Deniliquin

Mulwala bye

ROUND 8

May 20

Rumbalara v Nathalia

Echuca United v Congupna

Cobram v Numurkah

Moama v Finley

Deniliquin V Barooga

Mulwala v Tocumwal

Tongala bye

ROUND 9

May 27

Moama v Cobram

Nathalia v Echuca United

Finley v Mulwala

Barooga v Tongala

Tocumwal v Rumbalara

Congupna bye

Deniliquin bye

Numurkah bye

ROUND 10

June 3

Nathalia v Barooga

Rumbalara v Moama

Mulwala v Numurkah

Tongala v Deniliquin

Echuca United v Tocumwal

Finley v Congupna

Cobram bye

ROUND 11

June 10

Numurkah v Tocumwal

Congupna v Mulwala

Cobram v Barooga

Tongala v Nathalia

Deniliquin v Finley

Moama v Echuca United

Rumbalara bye

ROUND 12

June 17

Tocumwal v Moama

Finley v Cobram

Barooga v Rumbalara

Mulwala v Tongala

Echuca United v Deniliquin

Congupna v Numurkah

Nathalia bye

ROUND 13

June 24

Nathalia v Congupna

Rumbalara v Mulwala

Barooga v Tocumwal

Tongala v Finley

Deniliquin v Cobram

Numurkah v Moama

Echuca United bye

General Bye — July 1

ROUND 14

July 8

Finley v Barooga

Mulwala v Echuca United

Congupna v Deniliquin

Moama v Nathalia

Cobram v Tongala

Numurkah v Rumbalara

Tocumwal bye

ROUND 15

July 15

Barooga v Mulwala

Echuca United v Finley

Deniliquin v Numurkah

Nathalia v Rumbalara

Tongala v Moama

Tocumwal v Cobram

Congupna bye

ROUND 16

July 22

Cobram v Congupna

Moama v Deniliquin

Rumbalara v Finley

Tocumwal v Echuca United

Sunday, July 23

Numurkah v Nathalia

Mulwala bye

Tongala bye

Barooga bye

ROUND 17

July 29

Nathalia v Tocumwal

Barooga v Deniliquin

Echuca United v Tongala

Congupna v Rumbalara

Mulwala v Cobram

Numurka v Finley

ROUND 18

August 5

Tongala v Mulwala

Rumbalara v Echuca United

Cobram v Moama

Tocumwal v Congupna

Numurkah v Barooga

Deniliquin bye

Nathalia bye

Finley bye

ROUND 19

August 12

Tocumwal v Mulwala

Deniliquin v Echuca United

Nathalia v Finley

Moama v Rumbalara

Tongala v Numurkah

Barooga v Congupna

Cobram bye

ROUND 20

August 19

Rumbalara v Barooga

Mulwala v Moama

Finley v Tocumwal

Echuca United v Cobram

Congupna v Tongala

Deniliquin v Nathalia

Numurkah bye

It’s great to see football and netball kicking off across Nicholls for another year!

I wish all teams the best of luck for the 2023 season!

While the focus is often on our talented players, games across the region would not go ahead without the work of dedicated volunteers.

Whether it’s preparing the grounds, washing uniforms, volunteering in the canteen or putting your hand up to coach a team, your work does not go unnoticed. Thank you!

When it comes to supporting you with Federal Government matters, I’m on your team, so please don’t hesitate to contact my of ce if you require any assistance.

PREMIER 20

GET READY FOR THE NEW KDL SEASON

Buckle up and strap yourself in for a wild ride.

The upcoming Kyabram District League is set to o er fascinating contests in its senior football and A-grade netball competitions o the back of last year’s electrifying season. Nothing separates the top teams, with Lancaster and Tallygaroopna set to fend o multiple challengers for their crowns.

In the o -season the league removed its top-eight finals system and reverted to its old ways of six sides battling it out in September.

The league introduced an under-14s football competition for the first time in an exciting new venture for clubs to help plan for the future.

MCNAMARA MEDA ISTS

2022: Jack Excell (Violet Town)

2021: Tom Davies (Lancaster)

2019: Kaine Herbert (Undera)

2018: Kaine Herbert (Undera)

2017: Sam Poole (Violet Town)

2016: Kasey Duncan (Avenel)

2015: Don Stirling (Avenel)

2014: Mick Shiels (Nagambie)

2013: Josh Pell (Merrigum)

2012: Russell Lee (Violet Town)

WA EN MEDA ISTS

2022: Bree Giles (Tallygaroopna)

2021: Holly Butler (Girgarre)

2019: Chicky Barr (Stanhope)

2018: Chicky Barr (Stanhope)

2017: Sharni Lloyd (Nagambie)

2016: Kathryn Hard (Avenel)

2015: Renee Lea (Merrigum)

2014: Ellie Lothian (Lancaster)

2013: Sharni Lloyd (Rushworth)

2012: Gemma Barry (Nagambie)

LA ER PREDICTIONS:

FOOTBALL

1: Murch-Tool

2: Lancaster

3: Avenel

4: Shepparton East

5: Nagambie

6: Stanhope

7: Girgarre

8: Dookie United

9: Tallygaroopna

10: Merrigum

11: Longwood

12: Violet Town

13: Undera

14: Rushworth

PREMIER 20

NETBALL

1: Nagambie

2: Tallygaroopna

3: Dookie United

4: Shepparton East

5: Violet Town

6: Girgarre

7: Murch-Tool

8: Merrigum

9: Avenel

10: Stanhope

11: Rushworth

12: Longwood

13: Lancaster

14: Undera

PAST PREMIERS:

FOOTBALL

2022: Lancaster

2019: Nagambie

2018: Tallygaroopna

2017: Nagambie

2016: Nagambie

NETBALL 2022: Tallygaroopna 2019: Stanhope

Nagambie

Avenel

Lancaster.

Tallygaroopna.

AVENEL

Ash Hansen.

NETBA

Avenel enters the 2023 season with a hint of freshness and an air of optimism.

Long-time Swan Nicole Lord has joined the coaching ranks with returning coach Ash Hansen. The duo will oversee a young and hungry Swans contingent.

The Swans showed glimpses of their best in 2022 and threatened finals-bound outfits but were unable to make it click for a sustained period.

Only a handful of starters from last year’s

squad have returned, with Lord highlighting that this year would see a focus on the club’s youth.

“We’ve had a loss in numbers but regained a few which was good. Our main focus is on rebuilding.

“We’ll look to our girls coming up from under-17s. Mon Purchase is only 18, Georgia Donnelly is coming up from juniors. Courtney Carroll is returning after a long time away from the club … Karla Sartori and Lou Jones are both returning too.”

D KIE UNITED

FAST FACTS >> COACH: MATTHEW HUY 2022 FINISH: FIFTH (14–4)

2022 BEST-AND-FAIREST: MITCH TOBIN 2022 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: JAKE SUTHERLAND

(42) HOME GROUND: AVENEL RECREATION RESERVE NICKNAME: SWANS.

NETBALL >> CO-COACHES: ASH HANSEN AND NICOLE LORD 2022 FINISH: 10TH (6–10)

F TBA

Avenel enters the 2023 season following a major change in the o -season.

One of the club’s favourite sons and coach of the past five seasons, Kasey Duncan, has departed and incoming mentor Matthew Huy steps in to take his place.

But any thought that Avenel, one of the premier outfits in the competition, will drop o this year following the o -season departure of Duncan can be quickly erased o the back of the club’s player retention and recruiting.

Huy has brought a number of skilful talents, headlined by Corey Avola, the brother of star on-baller Braydon, to the club to suit his side’s game plan and style.

“We’ve been able to bring in a handful of recruits but we lost a bit of experience,” Huy said.

“We’ve added some youth and speed which will complement the way we want to play. We know we’ve got some work to do ... there seems to have been a good buy-in over pre-season.”

PLAYER CHANGES

Avenel, which went out in straight sets last year, will look to take the next step in 2023.

“Our goal is to play finals and hopefully improve on last year. It’s a di erent brand of footy (in finals),” Huy said.

“Kasey (Duncan) did great things and there’s a lot of respect from the playing group, but they now feel a new lease on life and they’ve been working hard.”

NETBA

Incoming Dookie United coach Laura Henderson has a message for her rivals ahead of the A-grade season.

“We’ll be out there to take the number one title”.

The Thunder finished runner-up for the second straight season when they su ered a seven-goal loss to Tallygaroopna in last year’s decider.

But United is back once again to challenge for silverware according to Henderson.

“We’ll look to play a very similar style as last year, but hopefully be more adaptive with our

combinations,” she said.

“It (the team) is a pretty well-oiled machine. We’ve retained last year’s A and B-grade squads and welcomed a couple of new faces which is great.”

Henderson returns to a role she held in 2019, before she departed for a year o in 2020 which was followed by a serious leg injury in 2021.

Henderson said she was looking forward to grabbing the magnet board in 2023.

“Watching the girls play finals (last year) helped me really rediscover that passion again for netball,” she said.

INS: Corey Avola (Whittlesea), Cody Ball (Craigieburn), Jesse Nelson, Dale Keenan (Wallan), Shanyn Kearney (Broadford), Cody Lorenzi (Seymour), Elliot Kynaston, Dylan Hoysted (Epping), Jesse Jones (Colbinabbin), OUTS: Daniel Clarke, Tim Karolidis (Tallygaroopna), Kasey Duncan (North Heidelberg), Mitch Tobin (Diamond Creek), Travis Muir, Ryan Lambert (Nagambie).

FAST FACTS >> COACH: ANDY O’CONNOR 2022 FINISH: EIGHTH (6–5) 2022 BEST-AND-FAIREST: JOSH KEZERLE 2022 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: PAT MCMULLAN (34) HOME GROUND: DOOKIE RECREATION RESERVE NICKNAME: THUNDER NETBALL >> COACH: LAURA HENDERSON 2022 FINISH: RUNNER-UP (15–5)

F TBA

Incoming Dookie United coach Andy O’Connor says he is ready to put last year’s frustrations to bed as the Thunder look to play finals football in 2023.

O’Connor, stepping up into his first senior coaching role, said the talent was there for Dookie United to feature in the post-season.

“Last year was such a frustrating one for us. We had a few injuries and just dropped a couple of games we could have won,” he said.

“My aim this year is finals, that’s the pass mark for us. We have got the potential so I can’t see why we can’t push for a spot in finals.”

O’Connor revealed the Thunder had maintained the majority of last year’s squad and welcomed new faces in ruckman Henry Wedding and athletics talent Joel Bee.

The Thunder will look for promising teenager Lachy Ludeman, who won last year’s under-18s league best-andfairest, to make an impact at senior level.

“There’s been plenty of commitment from the group which has helped me a lot (in the first season as coach),” O’Connor said.

“We’re happy with where we stand. It’s always a hard slog in pre-season but we’re looking forward to this year.”

PLAYER CHANGES

INS: Henry Wedding (Undera), Joel Bee, Kyle Orchard

OUTS: Kane Thompson (Shepparton), Mason Irvine

Paul Arandt.

Andy O’Connor.

Gemma O’Sullivan.

FAST FACTS >>

BRENDAN BAUMANN 2022 FINISH: EIGHTH (7–10) 2022 BEST-AND-FAIREST: JARROD

KELLOCK 2022 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: DAMIAN CUPIDO (105) HOME GROUND: GIRGARRE RECREATION RESERVE NICKNAME: KANGAROOS NETBALL >> COACH: SHEREE STARLING 2022 FINISH: NINTH (6–10)

F TBA

Girgarre was rocked on the eve of the upcoming season with a bombshell development.

NETBA

Girgarre’s A-grade netball squad is starting the year with a full-strength team and with “great enthusiasm” according to new coach Sheree Starling.

“We had great numbers to trials,” the first-year coach said.

“The girls are super keen and are showing great enthusiasm which is very encouraging.”

The team welcomes two new defenders to the club; Darcy Stammers, who played for Murchison-Toolamba last season and Abi Sergienko, from Lockington.

Allana Adams has arrived from Merrigum and she

GIRGA E LANCASTER

will play midcourt.

The team has also recruited Lilly Waasdorp from Tongala. Waasdorp can play both defence and in goals and will be a player to watch out for this season.

“I’ll be looking at playing Lilly in goals with Jac Gahan,” Starling said.

“She has a great netball brain and is a great team player.”

Holly Nelson (nee Butler) will miss the first half of the season as she is expecting her first baby, but according to Starling, she plans to return to the court as soon as possible.

Playing coach Damian Cupido stepped down from his duties due to personal reasons, however the gun forward will remain as a player as he looks to replicate his century of goals kicked in 2022.

Girgarre president Mathew Graetz reiterated the club would be there to support Cupido.

“We will support him in any way we can help—if that’s a phone call or catching up for a co ee, whatever it is,” Graetz said.

Brendan Baumann, Girgarre’s director of football and a Girgarre life member, will take on the role of senior coach.

Graetz said keeping things consistent was a big factor in appointing Baumann, adding the club was still confident it could compete for a finals spot again this season despite the change in coaches.

“Brendan has been working with Damian for the last yearand-a-half. We thought the best thing we could do was appoint

PLAYER CHANGES

someone from within the group so it is a seamless transition,” Graetz said.

“We have faith in the list that we have. We can’t see there being any dramatic change. The same goals are still there, the same aspirations are still there.”

NETBA

Fresh faces are all around at Lancaster, with a new-look squad led by new coach Hannah Rose.

Only a handful of players have returned from last year, but Rose said it was an opportunity to build something new at the club.

“I’m feeling pretty positive. We haven’t gotten into the full swing of training yet, and I’m not sure where we sit, but we’ve definitely got some strong players,” she said.

“We’re still a young team, but we’ve got a bit of depth, and a few of the girls have returned from last year.

“They’ve got good

netballing knowledge and already have a bit of chemistry with each other, so I’m excited to see where we end up.”

After an up-and-down season with no finals netball last year, Rose said she was aiming to be competitive and hopefully successful, but ultimately was hoping that the girls would just enjoy the upcoming season.

“We’re really happy with the quality of players and culture at the moment,” she said.

“It would be fantastic if a lot of the players stuck around so we can really build something here.”

INS: George Maxwell (Stanhope), Todd van Roy (Tongala), Nick Woods (Tongala), Liam Edwards (Heathcote), Jonathan Pearson (Stanhope), Layne Baker (Rushworth), Kyle McLean (Rushworth), Anton Pearce (Undera), Mitch Dickason (Undera), Josh Patmore (Rumbalara)

OUTS: Rex Taylor, Corey Wanganeen (Fitzroy Stars), Jacob McNicol (Tullamarine), Luke Whykes (Yeppoon AFC), Jordan Clarke (Old Scotch)

FAST FACTS >> COACH: TOM DAVIES 2022 FINISH: PREMIER (16–4) 2022 BEST-AND-FAIREST: TOM DAVIES 2022 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: ZAID BESIM (32) HOME GROUND: MURCHISON LANCASTER RECREATION RESERVE NICKNAME: WOMBATS. NETBALL >> COACH: HANNAH ROSE 2022 FINISH: 11TH (6–10)

F TBA

It is more di cult to stay on top than to get there, or so the old adage goes.

2022 will be a tough act to follow for reigning premier Lancaster, but coach Tom Davies isn’t letting the boys get ahead of themselves.

Lancaster enters this year’s competition as the team to beat, following a retention of players and the addition of some handy recruits.

“We’re still a young side, and we don’t want to put too many expectations on them, but every year the ultimate goal as a footy club is the grand final,” Davies said.

“We are in a good spot, retention of the players has been good, and we’ve added a few blokes on top of that, so we’ve definitely strengthened.”

O the back of its seniors and reserves sides winning flags last year, and its thirds finishing runner-up, Lancaster’s football department is in the strongest shape it’s been in years.

Davies said that the side hadn’t

lost anyone from the previous year as of yet.

“We’re hoping to see some of the younger players step up, because we know they can, and really just build on the foundation we’ve built in the last couple of years,” he said.

PLAYER CHANGES

INS: Morrie Serra (Numurkah), Tannar Cerrone (Elmore), Oliver McAuli e.

OUTS: None

Damian Cupido.

Jake Mills.

COACH:

Lilly Waasdorp.

Jadeja Reid.

LONGW D

FAST FACTS >> COACH: JORDAN FORMOSA 2022 FINISH: 15TH (0–16) 2022 BEST-ANDFAIREST: REECE DIMECH AND GEORDIE MCMURTRIE 2022 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: RYAN CUMBERLAND (16) HOME GROUND: LONGWOOD RECREATION RESERVE NICKNAME: REDLEGS. NETBALL >> COACH: KEEARA TILLET 2022 FINISH: 12TH (4–11–1)

NETBA

Longwood’s incoming A-grade mentor wants to continue last year’s impressive results in A-grade and push the Redlegs into finals territory.

Keeara Tillet has taken over from Meg Pellegrino, who has shifted into a netball director role, and is preparing for her maiden senior coaching role.

Tillet is at the helm of an outfit that is hoping to ride the wave of optimism and excitement that is being built out at Redlegs Stadium o the back

of the club’s promising rebuild.

“This is my first go round in the hot seat. I was Meg’s assistant last year and she taught me everything she knows,” Tillet said.

“Hopefully we can match and overtake last year’s results. It’s really important we look to push past those results.

“Finals would be huge for not just us but for the whole club.

“I hope to create something magical for Longy.”

ME IGUM

NETBA

New Merrigum A-grade coach Laura Gordon is confident the club has built a competitive team from the ground up. She said despite a few losses, she was sure the junior players coming through to the top level would step up and contribute straight away.

“About 80 per cent of our senior players have come up from the juniors, which have always been at a high level, and there wasn’t a lot of di erence between our A and B sides last year anyway,” Gordon said.

Allana Adams has departed for Girgarre

in what will leave a huge hole in the club’s midcourt.

Gordon said while youth was the side’s biggest strength, it was important they kept a few experienced senior players to steady the ship.

“The goal is to get teams out on the court every week to make finals, and we’ve definitely got the group to be able to do that,” Gordon said.

“We’ve got a fairly strong junior program so hopefully they keep coming in and strengthening our senior side,” Gordon said.

Incoming Longwood coach

Jordan Formosa says he hopes to win back the respect of opposition clubs this year.

Formosa headlines a stack of new recruits at Longwood in what is shaping up to be one of the club’s most promising seasons in recent memory.

Without a win in the senior football ranks since 2019, Longwood has made giant strides o the field in a bid to change its fortunes.

The playing coach who will be joined by brother Jye in the Redlegs’ lineup has a couple of goals he wants to tick o in 2023.

“My goal is for us to be as competitive for as much as we can. Play our style and brand of footy which is team-orientated first,” Formosa said.

“I want to win some respect back for the club.”

Formosa said he had already seen “improvement” in the Redlegs since joining last year.

One such player is talented teenager Dakota Pellegrino.

The skilful utility has impressed

PLAYER CHANGES

Formosa and is one player to watch out for this year.

“Dakota has had an unreal pre-season. He has come leaps and bounds in such a short time.

“I think he is one player who has relished the challenge and he’s done everything right this pre-season.”

INS: Jordan Formosa, Jye Formosa, Josh Formusa (Strathfieldsaye), Rhys Cason (Numurkah), Josh Ferguson (Point Cook Centrals), Dillon Hardy (Heathcote), Troy Larkins (Rochester), Broden Plowright (Huntly), Kale Frost (Wallan), Blake Cooper (Seymour), Robert Rowe (Kilmore), Daniel Davis, Jordan Keel.

OUTS: Jake Dimech (Lalor), Nick McCaig (Mulgrave), Josh Langman (Myrtleford), Ty Howard (Tatura).

FAST FACTS >> COACH: JAYDON STILES 2022 FINISH: NINTH (7–9) 2022 BEST-AND-FAIREST: JACK SINCLAIR 2022 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: JACK SINCLAIR (32) HOME GROUND: MERRIGUM RECREATION RESERVE NICKNAME: BULLDOGS. NETBALL >> COACH: LAURA GORDON 2022 FINISH: SIXTH (9–9)

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There’s one word on new Merrigum coach Jaydon Stiles’ lips. Versatility.

He said he couldn’t wait for round one to kick o , with a new group capable of playing all positions.

“It’s a fresh start all around. Some players who have played backline might find themself in the midfield or forward, and that kind of utility makes it really easy for me,” Stiles said.

He said he would be able to move the magnets around at will, and that it would create a di erent dimension for other teams to have to deal with.

“The boys are training well, it’s an exciting group and I’m seeing good things at training,” Stiles said.

“I would love to get a few more numbers at training, but that’s about it.

“We’re going to have a di erent game style, similar game plan but a lot more structured, so we’re going to be very competitive.”

The Bulldogs have experienced

PLAYER CHANGES

a busy o -season which has been headlined by a raft of player changes.

Stiles has brought a number of players along to the club, while a couple of handy Kyabram reserves football talents have made the jump across.

The main drawcard for 2023 is a one-o appearance by former AFL star Dane Swan on June 17 against Avenel.

INS: Brenton Dalton (Port Fairy), Brodie Easton, Josh Wild, Jarryd Pertzel (Kyabram), Kansas Varker, Daniel Green, Jordan Hutton, Joshua Stiles, Jaydon Stiles, Hayden Tyler (Macorna), Harley Haimes (Macorna), Harry Myers

OUTS: Ryan Martin, Jacob Martin (Airport West), Jack Sinclair, Tom Cooper (Tongala), Rhys Bucktin, Nathan Smith (Tallygaroopna), Dave Matthews, Geo Connally (Moama), Jake Ross (Echunga), Darcy Collins (AFL Mackay)

Rhys Cason.

Brodie Easton.

Maddy Wilson.

Brooke Bennett.

MURCHISON-T LAMBA

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FAST FACTS >> COACH: BRETT FOLEY 2022 FINISH: RUNNER-UP (16–3) 2022 BEST-AND-FAIREST: AIDAN LLOYD 2022 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: AIDAN LLOYD (38) HOME GROUND: MURCHISON RECREATION RESERVE NICKNAME: GRASSHOPPERS NETBALL >> COACH: MISTI GOW 2022 FINISH: EIGHTH (6–10)

Murchison-Toolamba is looking to go one better in 2023 after falling at the final hurdle last year.

The star-studded group, one that came within 10 points of lifting the cup, is not only hungry to make amends—it has bolstered its line-up too.

NETBA

A new face will be at the A-grade helm at Murchison-Toolamba this year and, alongside her, a number of recruits.

Misti Gow, former Tatura playing coach and Rumbalara mentor, has stepped up from her C-grade coaching role at the Hoppers to take over from Sharne Milne.

With an extensive netball pedigree, Gow has attracted Merrigum young guns Nhykira Mansfield and Charlee QuintonThompson to the club, while Lexi Fallon comes over from Shepparton Swans.

“Our A-grade line-up this year will look a bit di erent,” Gow said.

“We’ve got a pretty young, developing team who I believe have all the qualities needed to develop into a really strong A-grade team.”

In more positive news for the Hoppers, last season’s best-and-fairest Emily Wood and former coach Milne will go around again.

“We’ll be a competitive side, we have quality defenders, midcourters and goalers, who I know will develop into the future.”

NAGAMBIE

The new additions arrive at the helm with first-year coach Brett Foley taking over the reins from Nick Iorianni.

Foley, who has an extensive coaching background, has brought in more firepower to last year’s runner-up.

Former premiership hero Chris Cullinan is back to add experience, while midfield jet David Smith and agile ruck Fletcher Paul add more firepower.

“It’s been a great start to life at Murch, everyone’s been very welcoming to me and my family,” Foley said.

“The boys are hungry. They are very keen to go one better. They came so close to tasting success and everyone’s raring to go. We’ll look to play a bit quicker, use our talls and use our speed this year.”

PLAYER CHANGES

INS: Lochlan O’Brien (Mooroopna), David Smith (Fitzroy Stars), Fletcher Paul (Violet Town), Chris Cullinan, Geremie Ganino

OUTS: Trent Freer (retired)

FAST FACTS >> COACH: TYRONE MUIR 2022 FINISH: FOURTH (8–3) 2022 BEST-AND-FAIREST: TRENT

LAVERIE

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For returning Nagambie mentor Tyrone Muir, the preparation for the 2023 season is a much smoother one compared to last year.

The playing coach heads into his second year at the helm of the Lakers on the back of a year that delivered an elimination final win over Violet Town.

NETBA

Nagambie has restocked and bolstered its talented lineup in a bid to go two steps better than last year.

Playing coach Katie Sullivan revealed the powerhouse A-grade outfit had welcomed back a couple of premiership heroes and a handful of new faces—including former Eaglehawk player Rachael Beams.

Premiership players

Tanner Shields and Emily Cole are both back at the Lakers and their return helps cover the loss of

duo Alicia White (Tongala) and Bree D’Andrea (injury).

Sullivan said there was unfinished business for her outfit that su ered a narrow loss in last year’s preliminary final.

“Our goal is to strive for finals and hopefully go one, two better than last year,” she said.

“The feeling around the club is really exciting. We were able to hold on to a few girls and at the same time welcome back new and returning faces.”

“I think the main thing this time around is knowing what is ahead of us. I feel like we are better prepared because last year I was a late appointment to the role and we were sort of scrambling before the season,” Muir said.

“This year the numbers are looking a lot better and everything seems to be trending upwards.”

Muir revealed the club had welcomed in a handful of talents from neighbouring Seymour and Euroa, while also locking in its abundance of emerging stars.

Nagambie’s littered with a truckload of teenage talent following its under-18 premiership last season.

The likes of Will Dalton, Blake

Ezard, Reilly Old, Luke Cornfoot and Will O’Brien will feature prominently, while emerging forward Jono Moore is on the cusp of tearing the league apart.

“Building o the success of the 18s is going to be massive for us,” Muir said.

“It helps the club move forward.”

PLAYER CHANGES

INS: Jarmyn Tremellen, Nic Asquith (Euroa), Tom Barnes, Syd Voogt, Harley TaylorLloyd, (Seymour), Pat Rattray (Rushworth), Ryan Lambert, Travis Muir (Avenel), OUTS: None

Emily Wood.

Sharni Lloyd.

Aidan Lloyd.

Tyrone Muir.

2022 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: JONO MOORE (35) HOME GROUND: NAGAMBIE RECREATION RESERVE NICKNAME: LAKERS. NETBALL >> COACH: KATIE SULLIVAN 2022 FINISH: FOURTH (14–1–3)

RUSHWORTH

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Consistency is key for Rushworth’s A-grade netball team in 2023.

Finishing in 13th place last year has pushed the Tigers to focus on maintaining stability in their game as they look to climb back up into finals contention.

Tigers coach Sarah West, who is returning for another year at the helm, said the team’s training had been “pretty good” in the lead-up to the season.

West confirmed that

the Tigers had stuck with the theme of stability and consistency to focus on for the upcoming year.

Emerging ring defender and Tiger young gun

Jordan Miller is one to watch out for this year according to West.

“It’s been good. We’ve kept the team to just local girls,” she said.

“If we get a win, we can’t just lay back for the next week, we should use that to motivate us into the next game.”

SHE EAST

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Expect a hungry and motivated Shepparton East outfit in 2023.

The Eagles, who claimed last year’s minor premiership, are out to exact revenge on their preliminary final loss to Tallygaroopna.

A-grade coach Erynn Hueston said her charges were keen to make amends on last year’s disappointing exit.

“I think after how last

year finished we go in with a lot of motivation,” Hueston said.

“The way we finished was devastating and we’re really looking forward to going around again. (Finals) is absolutely the goal.

“Our group stays the same, across both A and B-grade, and we’ve welcomed in Bec (Rendina) who will be a great asset to our midcourt.”

Rushworth will not field a side in the 2023 Kyabram District League senior football competition, citing an inability to find a coach and low training numbers as the two decisive factors.

The Tigers will not be shutting down the entirety of its operations and will still field football teams in the reserves, under-18s and under-14s, while boasting a full complement of netball sides.

This comes o the back of a tough 2022 season on the football field, where they won one game in the seniors and one in the reserves and parted ways with senior coach Damian Wust halfway through the campaign Rushworth president Mark Bartlett explained the situation the club was faced with and why it thought this was the best course of action.

“A lot of players wouldn’t sign on because we didn’t have a coach,” Bartlett said.

“We have done a power of work and interviewed a lot of

candidates, but a lot of them were up to 40 to 50 grand to coach which is ridiculous, as a club we can’t pay that type of money.

“So we have decided to go back a step this year in the

hope of building the club from the ground up, we have a great community of people around the club, a great netball program, so at the moment it is just about bringing the football back up to that level.”

FAST

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Shepparton East coach Rob Osborne is hopeful that his side has what it takes to go one step better this year.

After what was undoubtedly a stellar year, the Eagles su ered a tough loss in the preliminary final to a rampant Murchison-Toolamba.

But with some A-class inclusions over the summer months, the experienced Eagles are set to once more fight for a grand final spot.

Exciting talent Jai Utiger is back in the Kyabram District League, where he was formerly running around with Tallygaroopna, while the inclusions of two Strathmerton guns in Tyson Sidebottom and Simon Russell has bolstered the squad.

“We’ve just been cruising along. We’ve lost three or four and picked up six or seven,” he said.

“We’ll be thereabouts again, hopefully we are playing late in September.”

Sidebottom, one of the more famous names in Goulburn Valley footy circles, has returned to

2022

FOURTH (14–5) 2022 BEST-AND-FAIREST: TOM MCCLUSKEY 2022 LEADING GOAL-KICKER:

PLAYER CHANGES

the KDL after a brief stint in the Picola league.

Osborne said it was exciting to welcome a household name into the ranks.

“His footy CV speaks for itself really. He can play anywhere and all the boys know who he is and they look up to him too.”

INS: Jai Utiger (Rumbalara), Ian Fry, Jai Morrison, Jordan Gattuso (Picola United), Sam Woodward (Stanhope), Tyson Sidebottom, Simon Russell (Strathmerton)

OUTS: Duane Hueston, Justin Davies, Kane Handley

Sarah West.

Sarah Maskell.

From the ground up: Rushworth will not field a senior football side in 2023. Tyson Sidebottom.

FAST FACTS NETBALL >> COACH: SARAH WEST 2022 FINISH: 13TH (3–12)

FACTS >> COACH: ROB OSBORNE

FINISH:

RYAN PFIEFFER (63) HOME GROUND: CENTRAL PARK NICKNAME: EAGLES. NETBALL >> COACH: ERYNN HUESTON 2022 FINISH: THIRD (16–1–1)

STANHOPE

FAST FACTS >> COACH: MARK ADAMSON 2022 FINISH: THIRD (13–5) 2022 BEST-AND-FAIREST: RYAN SEMMEL 2022 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: RYAN SEMMEL (43) HOME GROUND: STANHOPE RECREATION RESERVE NICKNAME: LIONS. NETBALL >> CO-COACHES: FELICITY HALL, ERIN HOPKINS AND FLEUR NURSE 2022 FINISH: SEVENTH (7–9)

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Keeping a strong foundation will be at the core of Stanhope’s approach to the upcoming Kyabram District League campaign. Under the new direction of Mark Adamson, the Lions are aiming to “return to the top four” by getting some “wins on the board early”.

“We want to play an exciting type of game each week,” Adamson said.

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Stanhope has implemented a rare approach as it seeks to climb back up the senior netball ladder in 2023.

The Lions will have three co-coaches take on the club’s A and B-grade squads, with last year’s mentor joined by former premiership player Erin Hopkins and Fleur Nurse.

The two bring a wealth of GVL experience to the role and will provide a strong support base to Hall and the Lions’ next

crop of stars.

Emerging goaler Jemma Wright will look to link up with gun recruit Nicole Rodgers while young defenders Tayla Sutton and Olivia Quattrochi have formed a strong combination in defence.

“Our aim is to just consolidate on last year’s e orts,” Hall said.

“Try make finals again, even though it’s changing back to a top-six we want to build and play finals.”

TA YGAR PNA

“We’ve got a good, solid core and our numbers are up.

“We just need to fill in those gaps in our (playing list) from last year.”

The Lions have taken a big hit in its onballer department with premier midfielder Ryan Semmel departing.

Adam Lovison is one to watch according to Adamson, having the leadership position at the club of assistant coach.

Lovison comes to Stanhope Recreation Reserve with a long list of credentials, including Tongala captain and Kyabram premiership star in the Murray and Goulburn Valley leagues respectively.

PLAYER CHANGES

INS: Adam Lovison (Tongala), Noah Hannassey (Geelong West), Darcy Keck (Strathmerton), Joeseph Nesci (Macleod), Jake Rennie (Tatura).

OUTS: Jono Pearson (Girgarre), Ryan Semmel (East Brighton), Josh Dickerson, Chris Gleeson, Josh Harris, Luke Mann, Luke Semmel.

FAST FACTS >> COACH: DANIEL CLARKE 2022 FINISH: 12TH (3–13) 2022 BEST-AND-FAIREST: KIAN WISE 2022 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: KIAN WISE (24) HOME GROUND: TALLYGAROOPNA RECREATION RESERVE NICKNAME: REDLEGS. NETBALL >> COACH: FIONA DOWN 2022 FINISH: PREMIER (13–2–1)

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After multiple seasons occupying the bottom of the ladder expect Tallygaroopna to enjoy a big improvement in 2023.

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One of the big questions ahead of a new Kyabram District League A-grade netball season is can Tallygaroopna replicate its remarkable 2022?

The Redlegs snapped a 14-year flag drought last year and climbed to the pinnacle of the league after an incredible season and a dominant grand final triumph over Dookie United.

For returning coach and Redlegs legend Fiona Down, coming into a new season with the aim of playing enjoyable netball is the focus before she lets her side get carried away with dreams of going

back-to-back.

“We were so chu ed with what we were able to achieve last year,” Down said.

“I’ve said it every year — it’s about making sure we’re having fun and enjoying our netball, it’s a social sport and great for our mental health, if we focus on that then the outcomes we have in mind will take care of themselves.

“There’s some young girls from the premiership side last year that are really hungry for another one and with that desire to win who knows what we can achieve?”

The Redlegs have welcomed a host of experienced and talented players into the fold and have brought in smooth mover Daniel Clarke for his first full-time coaching gig.

“It has been a real eye-opener for me. I’ve been an assistant coach for a lot of years but this is my first full-time crack at it,” Clarke said.

The talented defender has brought a swathe of former teammates to Tallygaroopna with him, including Tim Karolidis and Rhys Bucktin.

Clarke’s relative Jesse Anderson-Clarke arrives from Wodonga Saints and is a crafty forward.

They join the foundations laid last year, headlined by bestand-fairest winner and talented forward Kian Wise.

It’s players like Wise that Clarke wants to focus on the most.

“He’s a young kid who has got

PLAYER CHANGES

heaps of talent and my role is to help him progress and get that 10–15 per cent better,” Clarke said.

“There’s a lot of talent there already and I’m looking at those guys and to get improvement from them and hopefully success will come.”

INS: Tim Karolidis, Daniel Clarke (Avenel), Jesse Anderson-Clarke (Wodonga Saints), Nathan Smith (Merrigum), Rhys Bucktin (Merrigum), Andrew Oldfield (Elsternwick), Hayden Durston (Congupna), Kyle Montgomery (Shepparton United)

OUTS: Tristan Salau (Shepparton United), Joseph Barnes-Hill

Nathan O’Reilly.

Daniel Clarke.

Jemma Wright.

Bree Giles.

FAST FACTS >> COACH: MICK KYLE AND DANNY BREWSTER 2022 FINISH: 11TH (5–11)

2022 BEST-AND-FAIREST: DYLAN MONCUR 2022 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: DYLAN MONCUR

(33) HOME GROUND: UNDERA RECREATION RESERVE NICKNAME: LIONS

NETBALL >> COACH: RACHEL TORNEY 2022 FINISH: 14TH (0–16)

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With strong numbers on the track, some big-name recruits and a band of exciting youngsters coming through, there is an air of optimism at Undera heading into the new season.

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Before starting the long trek back up the A-grade ladder, Undera will focus on team-building first, following a rough 2022 campaign.

Incoming Lions coach

Rachel Torney said she would look to instil some belief and confidence in the struggling outfit.

“There’s no way to go but up,” the first-year coach said.

“Last year, there didn’t seem to be a lot who wanted to do the hard yards.

UNDERA VIOLET TOWN

“So my main goal this year is to create positive vibes within the team.

High-fiving and supporting each other right from the get-go to create a positive space out there.”

The Lions have seen an increase in numbers for the “first time in a long time” according to Torney.

“We’ve restructured the coaching system for the junior and senior teams and it’s all running smoothly so far. I’m super pumped for the upcoming season,” Torney said.

A late coaching reshu e sees Mick Kyle return to the top job after three years away, while boom recruit Danny Brewster joins him in the chair as an exciting duo.

First task on the agenda is to improve on the five wins the Lions recorded last year; they showed great competitive spirit at times but were often overawed by the competition’s top teams. That competitiveness will be the central theme behind Undera’s game style this year.

Kyle said he hoped to see his side fight hard every Saturday.

“We will be competitive enough that’s for sure,” Kyle said.

“There are still a few things we need to put in place, but a lot of the way we play will centre around trying to stay in games and compete for as long as possible.

“The guys have really bought

NETBA

Is 2023 the year Violet Town finally goes to the next level on the netball court?

Sporting an exciting mix of youth and experience, the Towners continued on their upwards trajectory last year, as they qualified for and won a final on their way to a fifth-placed finish.

Now the challenge for coach Kolby Wild, who takes the reins solo for the first time after co-coach Abbie Ellis stepped aside, is to turn this promising team into a premiership contender.

But with young stars

Jayde Burden and Imy Law

leading the way, and a plethora of recruits to don the Violet Town colours, Wild said she could not wait to see what the girls could accomplish.

“We’ve been in a bit of a building phase for the past few seasons, and are hoping that this is the year everything really starts to come together,” Wild said.

“Recruiting-wise we’ve done a great job in adding more speed into the squad which is something we lacked a bit of last year.

“So overall, things are looking very positive at the moment and hopefully that translates into more finals netball.”

in over the o -season, we’ve recruited well, numbers have been great, and we just can’t wait to get into it.”

When it comes to the Lions, the most exciting aspect of the squad is their youth, as a host of talents appear poised to turn into solid senior contributors.

PLAYER CHANGES

“We have a lot of 17 and 18-year-olds that will come through the senior list,” Kyle said. “There is a couple of guys in Will McCartney, Corey Reardon, Logan Campbell, Tristan Castle, there are some good young players there that will be crucial in taking the club forward.”

INS: Danny Brewster (Natte Bealiba), Ryan Hatch (Kyabram), Gabriel Wundit (Shepparton), Riley Moon (Mooroopna), Elton Heenan (Mooroopna), Eligh Moore (Stanhope)

OUTS: Henry Wedding (Dookie United)

FAST FACTS >> COACH: WALLY ARMSTRONG 2022 FINISH: SEVENTH (11–6) 2022 BEST-AND-FAIREST: JACK EXELL 2022: LEADING GOAL-KICKER: JACK EXELL (110) HOME GROUND: VIOLET TOWN RECREATION RESERVE NICKNAME: TOWNERS. NETBALL >> COACH: KOLBY WILD 2022 FINISH: FIFTH (9–7)

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It is no secret that the o -season has been fraught with di culty at Violet Town.

After being bundled out in the the first week of the finals series, the Towners were unable to keep their stars on board in 2022, with the likes of Jack Exell, Josh Mellington, Nick Brazil and Fintan Brazil all finding new homes over summer.

So dire is the situation at Violet Town that in February the club issued a Save Our Souls plea on social media, facing the very real possibility of being without a reserves side in 2023.

For incoming senior coach Wally Armstrong, it will without doubt be a baptism of fire, as he looks to put a competitive side on the park every week and blood the club’s youth.

“I’ve had to come to terms with very few numbers on the track, but that’s something I’ve learned to deal with over the pre-season,” Armstrong said.

“At the moment we are just focused on building from the defence forward and recruiting

in a way that will make us more sustainable.

“We will certainly be an unknown until we play a few games, and there will be a fair bit to adjust to.”

It is not all doom and gloom for the Towners however, with the situation set to give youngsters such as Nathan Abley, Thomas

PLAYER CHANGES

Bardic and James Herring set for more prevalent roles.

“Watching the youngsters get more of a crack is going to be really exciting,” Armstrong said.

“Whether that will translate to wins I’m not sure, but these guys are the future of our club, so the goal is to give them as much opportunity as possible.”

INS: Thomas Loomes, Jordan Lampi, Pras Sayakhot, Brandon Ebert

OUTS: Jack Exell (Bendigo Football League), Josh Mellington, Nick Brazil, Fintan Brazil (Benalla), Fletcher Paul (Murchison-Toolamba), Lachlan Baldwin, Nick Abley (interstate)

Breanna Seal.

Harry Sleigh.

Jayde Burden.

Dylan Moncur.

ICIAL FIXTURE SEASON 2023

ROUND 1

April 15

Rushworth v Tallygaroopna

Lancaster v Longwood

Girgarre v Shepp East

Undera v Avenel

Dookie United v Murchison

Violet Town v Merrigum

Nagambie v Stanhope (Sunday)

ROUND 2

April 22

Stanhope v Girgarre

Longwood v Rushworth

Shepp East v Lancaster

Murchison v Nagambie

Avenel v Violet Town

Tallygaroopna v Undera

Merrigum v Dookie United (Sunday)

ROUND 3

April 29

Avenel v Tallygaroopna

Lancaster v Stanhope

Girgarre v Murchison

Nagambie v Merrigum

Violet Town v Dookie United

Undera v Longwood

Rushworth v Shepp East (Sunday)

ROUND 4 (SPLIT ROUND)

May 6

Stanhope v Rushworth

Murchison v Lancaster

Merrigum v Girgarre

Tallygaroopna v Violet Town

May 13

Shepp East v Undera

Longwood v Avenel

Dookie United v Nagambie

ROUND 5

May 20

Rushworth v Murchison

Tallygaroopna v Longwood

Girgarre v Dookie United

Violet Town v Nagambie

Undera v Stanhope

Avenel v Shepp East

Lancaster v Merrigum (Sunday)

ROUND 6

May 27

Merrigum v Rushworth

Murchison v Undera

Nagambie v Girgarre

Longwood v Violet Town

Stanhope v Avenel

Dookie United v Lancaster (Sunday)

Shepp East v Tally (Sunday)

ROUND 7

June 3

Rushworth v Dookie United

Lancaster v Nagambie

Violet Town v Girgarre

Undera v Merrigum

Tallygaroopna v Stanhope

Longwood v Shepp East

GENERAL BYE

June 10

ROUND 8

June 17

Nagambie v Rushworth

Girgarre v Lancaster

Dookie United v Undera

Merrigum v Avenel

Murchison v Tallygaroopna

Stanhope v Longwood

Shepp East v Violet Town

ROUND 9

June 24

Rushworth v Girgarre

Violet Town v Lancaster

Shepp East v Stanhope

Avenel v Dookie United

Tallygaroopna v Merrigum

Longwood v Murchison

Undera v Nagambie (Sunday)

ROUND 10

July 1

Lancaster v Rushworth

Girgarre v Undera

Nagambie v Avenel

Dookie United v Tallygaroopna

Merrigum v Longwood

Murchison v Shepp East

Stanhope v Violet Town (Sunday)

ROUND 11

July 8

Rushworth v Violet Town

Lancaster v Undera

Girgarre v Avenel

Nagambie v Tallygaroopna

Dookie United v Longwood

Merrigum v Shepp East

Murchison v Stanhope

ROUND 12 (SPLIT ROUND)

July 15

Shepp East v Dookie United

Stanhope v Merrigum

Avenel v Lancaster

Longwood v Nagambie

July 22

Undera v Rushworth

Tallygaroopna v Girgarre

Violet Town v Murchison

ROUND 13

July 29

Rushworth v Avenel

Lancaster v Tallygaroopna

Undera v Violet Town

Nagambie v Shepp East

Dookie United v Stanhope

Merrigum v Murchison

Girgarre v Longwood (Sunday)

ROUND 14

August 5

Avenel v Undera

Longwod v Lancaster

Shepp East v Girgarre

Stanhope v Nagambie

Murchison v Dookie United

Merrigum v Violet Town

Tallygaroopna v Rushworth (Sunday)

ROUND 15

August 12

Rushworth v Longwood

Lancaster v Shepp East

Girgarre v Stanhope

Nagambie v Murchison

Dookie United v Merrigum

Undera v Tallygaroopna

Violet Town v Avenel (Sunday)

ROUND 16

August 19

Shepp East v Merrigum

Stanhope v Lancaster

Tallygaroopna v Dookie United

Avenel v Nagambie

Violet Town v Rushworth

Longwood v Undera

Murchison v Girgarre

FINALS

Elimination Finals:

August 26–27

Semi Finals:

September 2–3

Preliminary Final:

September 9

Grand Final:

September 16

PREMIER 20

FU STEAM AHEAD FOR THE PICOLA DISTRICT LEAGUE IN 2023

After a disruptive o -season that saw Tocumwal depart to the Murray league, it’s now full steam ahead for the Picola District League in 2023. Questions have been thrown around in the o -season and now with the campaign only weeks away it’s time to get them answered.

Waaia and Tungamah look primed to return to the big dance once again, while it’s anyone’s pick as to who will finish in the remaining six spots in the top eight.

Over on the courts, Tungamah is wellpositioned to go back-to-back while big improvement is expected from Rennie, building on its junior success.

PEARCE MEDA ISTS

2022: Ash Holland (Waaia)

2021: Chris Marshall (Jerildeire)

2019: John Woodcock (Katamatite)

2018: Ash Thompson (Waaia) and Mark Ryan (Picola United)

2017 NW: Jed Brain (Blighty)

2017 SE: Bodhi Butts (Tungamah)

2016 NW: Andrew May (Deni Rovers) and Dave Daniel (Picola United)

2016 SE: Matt Rendina (Shepparton East), Eamon Reeves (Katunga) and Matt McCarty (Waaia)

2015 NW: Paul Massingham (Berrigan)

2015 SE: Matt McCarty (Waaia) and Nick Doyle (Tungamah)

2014 NW: Andrew May (Jerilderie)

2014 SE: Luke Minogue (Katandra) and Tyson Saunders (Katamatite)

LA ER PREDICTIONS:

FOOTBALL

1: Tungamah

2: Waaia

3: Katamatite

4: Katandra

5: Katunga

6: Strathmerton

7: Picola United

8: Jerilderie

9: Rennie

10: Deni Rovers

11: Mathoura

12: Berrigan

13: Yarroweyah

14: Blighty

PREMIER 20

NETBALL

1: Tungamah

2: Katunga

3: Strathmerton

4: Katamatite

5: Waaia

6: Jerilderie

7: Rennie

8: Picola United

9: Deniliquin Rovers

10: Katandra

11: Mathoura

12: Yarroweyah

13: Blighty

14: Berrigan

PAST PREMIERS

2022: FOOTBALL: Waaia

NETBALL: Tungamah

2019: FOOTBALL: Strathmerton

NETBALL: Strathmerton

2018: FOOTBALL: Rennie

NETBALL: Deniliquin

2017 NW: Picola United and Tocumwal

2017 SE: Rennie and Katunga

2016 NW: Picola United and Tocumwal

2016 SE: Shepparton East and Katunga

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Flying high: Waaia winning the premiership.

Thrilled: Tungamah secured the A-grade premiership.

BE IGAN

FAST FACTS >> COACH: JUSTIN HOGGAN 2022 FINISH: NINTH (6–9) 2022 BEST-AND-FAIREST: ADAM WAY 2022 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: WILL GORMAN (29) HOME GROUND: BERRIGAN RECREATION RESERVE

NICKNAME: SAINTS. NETBALL >> COACH: MADDIE MANNES 2022 FINISH: N/A

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Like many country football clubs, Berrigan is facing a battle for playing numbers in 2023.

But coach Justin Hoggan is confident the Saints can still build a strong culture around Berrigan Recreation Reserve, even if on-field results don’t end up going their way this year.

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Maddie Mannes is on board to help lead the Saints back to becoming a force to be reckoned with in the PDNL A-grade ranks.

Originally from Coleambally, where she coached the A-grade side into finals from 2019 to 2021, Mannes has gained a wealth of knowledge and skill while being a coach and player in the Farrer League.

Her coaching goals for the 2023 season include creating a strong team

BLIGHTY

ethic, building on skills development, fitness and becoming a competitive side—and therefore earning a spot in the finals.

“We are looking forward to seeing Maddie in the Saints colours and leading our senior grade whilst working with Shannon (McRitchie) and Peta and Paula (Gowans) to bring the Saints’ talent back on the courts,” Berrigan president Grace Veenstra said upon Mannes’ appointment.

“We’ve had a chunk of players decide either to not play footy at all or move up to a higher league to test themselves,” Hoggan said. Hoggan cited the return of Fraser Haintz and Angus Coldwell from serious injuries which kept them out of most, if not all, of the 2022 season as important boosts to Berrigan’s 2023 campaign.

“Fraser won the best-and-fairest two years ago but broke his foot last year,” Hoggan said.

“He’ll be an important part of our leadership team. He has been playing at the club all through his juniors and has stuck around.

Middleton brothers Harley and Levi, as well as Bartlett brothers Jacob and Rory, are among those heading to other clubs from last year’s squad.

PLAYER CHANGES

INS: Fraser Haintz, Angus Coldwell (long-term injuries)

OUTS: Harley Middleton, Rory Bartlett (Mulwala), Levi Middleton (Cobram), Jacob Bartlett (Yarrawonga)

FAST FACTS >> COACH: KYEL BAIN 2022 FINISH: 13TH (1–13) 2022 BEST-AND-FAIREST: AARON LITCHFIELD 2022 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: RHYS KOMMERS (7) HOME GROUND: BLIGHTY RECREATION RESERVE

NICKNAME: BLOODS. NETBALL >> COACH: JODI BROWN 2022 FINISH: 11TH (4–12)

Blighty is hoping to continue its trek up the PDFNL ladder in season 2023.

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Blighty didn’t have the greatest 2022 season, winning just one game across 15 rounds. However, it was one more win than the Bloods’ dismal 2021 season, and the direction is trending the right way.

While Blighty coach Kyel Bain hopes the improvement is steeper than the last two seasons’ results might suggest, his aim for 2023 is to continue that improvement.

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Blighty’s netballers are gearing up for the 2023 season, with Redeyes fans eagerly anticipating another exciting year in the Picola District Football Netball League.

The side finished in the middle of the table last season, with just the four wins.

While that may

PLAYER CHANGES

suggest being a fair way o the pace of Waaia, Strathmerton, Tungamah and the like, there’s promise there.

The club’s under-17 side marched into the finals in 2022, with a strong youth contingent at the club, and they’ll be leaning on some of that core across all divisions in 2023.

Bain is hoping acquisitions Brock Thompson (Deni Rovers) and Finley-based Toby Kennett will add more punch in the forward half, which only put 337 points on the board last season, with the latter also swapping into the midfield.

So far, the pre-season had been impressive, Bain said.

“It’s been real good, promising,” he said.

“Numbers have been pretty good for this time of year.”

Despite picking up two handy players, the Bloods have lost Bailey Burke during the o -season, with a handful of

INS: Brock Thompson (Deni Rovers), Toby Kennett

OUTS: Bailey Bourke

juniors looking to push through to the senior side in 2023.

“We’ve got a few younger guys coming through in Henry Michaels and Kobey Baxter, coming up from the thirds who’ll look to play a lot of senior footy this year,” Bain said.

He also backed in his two big men to take the next step after seeing them on the park across summer.

“Captain Aaron Litchfield and

Zac Thompson are both looking really good on the training track, with one playing in the ruck before swapping with the other at centre-half-back,” Bain said. “It’s nice to be able to have both of them there. They’ve been looking sharp on the track.”

As for the season’s goals, Bain is trying to keep it simple. “We just want to keep trying to improve. Hopefully we have a few more wins,” he said.

Angus Coldwell.

Aaron Litchfield.

Maddie Mannes.

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A boom recruitment drive and a hungry youth contingent has Deniliquin Rovers’ A-grade unit primed for a muchimproved season on the court.

Former A-grade mentor Carissa Bulmer, who took the Rovers to a preliminary final pre-COVID, returns to the top job this year, and says her side has a lot to be excited about.

“We recruited really well in the o -season which was great, we have a few players that have come in which has given us depth and strength right through our grades,” Bulmer said.

DENI ROVERS JERILDERIE

“It’s really phenomenal and it’s something we’ve never really had, we’re really excited to see what 2023 brings.”

Bulmer revealed a Murray League and Goulburn Valley League talent were on their way to Deni this year, alongside some past players who would aid her side’s junior development.

“Our main focus is to support our junior girls, it makes the coaching role easier when junior girls are coming through and there’s some girls coming in this year who will o er them a lot,” she said.

FAST FACTS >> COACH: ALEX HAY 2022 FINISH: 11TH (5–10) 2022 BEST-AND-FAIREST: JAMES FALCONE 2022 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: NICK SHELDON (27) HOME GROUND: MEMORIAL PARK NICKNAME: ROVERS. NETBALL >> CARISSA BULMER 2022 FINISH: 13TH (2–14)

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Deniliquin Rovers’ youth brigade could be the key to unlocking the side’s finals potential this year.

Returning club stalwart Alex Hay will lead the charge again for the Rovers, and said instilling consistency and e ort into his youth prospects would be a major focus at Memorial Park this season.

“Like every team I imagine, our pre-season has been fairly fitness-focussed, it’s an area we thought we could improve on with a pretty young list,” Hay said.

“We were good in patches last year but there were too many inconsistencies we’re looking to address.”

Former Rover Jordyn McCulloch returns from Wagga Wagga while Brady Trottman comes across from Deni Rams, adding some experience that Hay hopes will work wonders for his young group.

“We had four or five significant injuries to key players at the start of last year, we relied on our young guys who stepped up and did a really good job,” Hay said.

“We’ve got some really good young kids that have been able to come through over the last couple of years, hopefully this year they can take the next step.”

PLAYER CHANGES

INS: Brady Trottman (Deni Rams), Jordyn McCulloch (Wagga Wagga), Harry Turner (Wagga Wagga)

OUTS: None

FAST FACTS >> COACH: MITCH CARROLL 2022 FINISH: SEVENTH (9–6) 2022 BEST-AND-FAIREST: LACHIE LEEDS 2022 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: MITCH CONLAN HOME GROUND: JERILDERIE RECREATION RESERVE NICKNAME: DEMONS. NETBALL >> COACH: ELLA ARNOLD 2022 FINISH: SEVENTH (9–7)

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For the first time in a long time, Jerilderie’s senior football side will have a new face steering the ship this season.

Demons legend Chris Marshall has passed the baton on to experienced coach Mitch Carroll, who brings a wealth of experience to the role.

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A familiar A-grade side will be coming together on the courts of Jerilderie Recreation Reserve yet again this season.

Coach Ella Arnold said her side had found itself short on numbers last season, but the depth and quality of the club’s youth contingent had shone through.

“We were a bit short on numbers last year, our B-grade players played up a grade and we weren’t able to recruit despite trying, we relied on our local resources a lot,” Arnold said.

“A few junior girls had their first year in the senior ranks and have learnt a lot and will be called upon this year.”

After a number of encouraging seasons together, Arnold said a team-first focus would again be key this year.

“Jerilderie is very much a team e ort, there’s no golden players we rely on or anything like that,” she said.

“Now we’ve had three seasons together, we’re hoping our longevity will pull strong.

A playing-coach with stints at Ovens and Murray clubs Albury and Lavington, Carroll has worn the coaching hat in recent seasons, enjoying stints at Ganmain Grong Grong Matong, Coleambally and Lochardt.

The new coach said he had enjoyed a positive start to the new role.

“It’s all going well, I’m pretty happy with how things are going, we got really good numbers to training from the start and there’s a few young local guys looking really good,” Carroll said.

With a few handy additions, and the retention of last season’s best-and-fairest Lachie Leeds and leading goal-kicker Mitch Conlan, Carroll said his side would be eager to go deep into

September action.

“The main focus is on our younger group, trying to give them a bit more development and turning our 50-to-60-game first-grade players into senior players who will take on senior roles and push their career and the club forward.”

PLAYER CHANGES

INS: Riley O’Kane, Callum Deoleveira

OUTS: None

Alex Hay.

Lachie Leeds.

Amy Perry.

Natalie Sampson.

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Katamatite will be eyeing o returning to finals action and once again going deep into the postseason in 2023.

The Tigers missed out on a spot in the grand final after they su ered defeat in the preliminary final to the eventual premier Tungamah.

The Tigers have locked in A-grade mentor Tesslyn Saunders in the top job for another season as they look

KATAMATITE KATANDRA

to build on consistency. The gun midcourter will look for further development from her side’s star talents.

Tess Lawless claimed the club’s A-grade bestand-fairest medal with defender Ellie Lazzarotto runner-up.

Midcourter Sophie Bray was most consistent; look for further development from her as the Tigers push for silverware.

FAST FACTS >> COACH: JAMES HAZELMAN 2022 FINISH: SIXTH (10–5) 2022 BEST-AND-FAIREST: PATRICK RIORDAN LEADING GOAL-KICKER: SAM WRIGHT (45) HOME GROUND: KATAMATITE RECREATION RESERVE

NICKNAME: TIGERS. NETBALL >> COACH: TESSLYN SAUNDERS 2022 FINISH: FOURTH (13–6)

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Katamatite will be gunning to break into the top four of the PDL this season and will be relying on plenty of new faces to do so.

The Tigers have had a few big-name departures with Jedd Wright and Sam Wright o to the Shepparton Swans and favourite son Patrick Riordan o to Numurkah.

But Katamatite has recruited heavily too, drawing in players from two clubs specifically.

Five players have joined the club from Western Region Football League outfit Spotswood, with a further four players coming across from Barooga.

The Tigers will have a new coach too, with James Hazelman—who coached Barooga to a grand final in 2018 and played more than 250 Murray league games—replacing Jedd Wright.

Katamatite finished sixth last season and defeated Jerilderie in an elimination final before falling to Strathmerton in the semis.

PLAYER CHANGES

INS: Toby Kopa (Spotswood, WRFL), Mitch Coleman (Spotswood), Dylan Callard (Spotswood), James Beilby (Spotswood), Nick Ryan (Spotswood), Wade Demasi (Barooga), Mitchell Macheda (Barooga), Tom McNeill (Barooga), Will Gorman (Barooga)

OUTS: Patrick Riordan (Numurkah), Samuel Poole (Congupna), Tom Buzza (Numurkah), Patrick Horsburgh (Euroa), Sam Wright (Shepparton Swans), Jedd Wright (Shepparton Swans)

FAST FACTS >> COACH: JASON WHITTAKER 2022 FINISH: FIFTH (10–5) 2022 BEST-AND-FAIRESTS: LUKE SMITH AND JONTY WARDLE 2022 LEADING GOAL-KICKERS: LUKE SMITH (41) AND MITCHELL BLACK (41)

HOME GROUND: KATANDRA RECREATION RESERVE NICKNAME: KATS.

NETBALL >> COACH: RENEE MORRIS 2022 FINISH: NINTH (8–8)

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With a new coach, a new-look playing group and new game plan, it is clear Katandra is set for a fresh start on the football field in 2023.

Jason Whittaker, who has undergone a thorough apprenticeship at Goulburn Valley League club Mooroopna, takes the reins as senior coach following Trent Herbert’s move to Shepparton.

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There’s a lot to be excited about at the Kattery this season.

Katandra welcomes former Numurkah premiership playing-coach Renee Morris to the helm in A-grade this season, as the club looks to overcome its finals hurdle.

“They just missed out last year, and we’re hoping we can go deep into finals this year,” Morris said.

“We’re really hoping

we can build something, there’s a few 17s girls coming up who look really promising, we’ve definitely got the cattle on the park to be in the mix.”

Aside from promoting a number of young guns, Morris said she had been on a recruiting drive, with a new goal-shooter and a number of other exciting new talents tipped to feature in Kats’ colours this season.

Herbert was joined by fellow star Jonty Wardle in making the shift to Deakin Reserve, leaving a gaping hole in the Kats’ lineup that will need to be filled.

But with high-calibre recruits such as Seb Fernandez, Kai Bloomfield and Reece Walsh and an exciting band of youngsters at his disposal, Whittaker said he was confident the Kats could improve on last year’s semi-final appearance.

“I have seen a little bit of the squad playing and have had a lot of conversations around their developing list,” he said.

“It’s a young list, which is good because the players aren’t so

set in their ways and open and adaptable to change.

“So hopefully the group will adapt to my structures, set-ups and game plan and, with a few exciting recruits added to an already solid core, I think it is bright times ahead.”

PLAYER CHANGES

INS: Seb Fernandez (Old Scotch), Kai Bloomfield (De La Salle), Reece Walsh (Queensland)

OUTS: Trent Herbert, Jonty Wardle (Shepparton)

James Hazelman.

Luke Smith.

Sophie Bray.

Georgia Nelson.

Bri Armitage.

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After a fifth-placed finish and a blistering run to the Picola District League finals last year, going one better is the clear goal for coach Aimee Sidebottom’s Katunga side this year.

The Swans, despite injuries, found themselves well and truly in the mix in September, eventually bundled out by Katamatite in a narrow semi-final loss.

“We were very unfortunate with injuries last year and did well considering,” Sidebottom said.

“Obviously we’ll be

KATUNGA PICOLA UNITED

hoping we can make it through a full season with no upsets.”

The Swans went down narrowly to the competition’s top three sides last season, and managed to record a sizzling 33–31 win over eventual champions Tungamah in round eight. Katunga remains a force to be reckoned with. And with a full-strength side, PDL followers can expect the Swans to mount a serious flag challenge this year.

FAST FACTS >> COACH: DAMIEN KENNEDY 2022 FINISH: FOURTH (10–5) 2022 BEST-ANDFAIREST: CAM BISHOP 2022 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: FERGUS LAPPIN (89) HOME GROUND: KATUNGA RECREATION RESERVE NICKNAME: SWANS

NETBALL >> COACH: AIMEE SIDEBOTTOM 2022 FINISH: FIFTH (11–5)

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The Swans flew all the way to a preliminary final in 2022, bundled out by eventual premier Waaia after a strong campaign.

Senior coach Damien Kennedy believes his squad can go one better this season.

“I think we’re going to be in the mix and hopefully go deep into finals,” Kennedy said.

“That’s what I think we’re capable of; it just depends how hard we want to work.”

Key defender Nathan Congram looms as a big loss for the Swans, but what they have lost down back, they have made up for in attack with the addition of top Murray Football League spearhead Daniel Campbell.

Former best-and-fairest Tyler Dunn has been likened to a “new recruit” after missing most of last year through injury, and the addition of the Small brothers—Spencer and Oliver—has bolstered a youthful squad for a tilt at the flag.

PLAYER CHANGES

INS: Daniel Campbell (Congupna), Spencer Small, Adam Hicks, Oliver Small OUTS: Nathan Congram

FAST FACTS >> COACH: DARBY WALSH 2022 FINISH: EIGHTH (7–7) 2022 BEST-AND-FAIREST: BLAKE JORGENSEN 2022 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: TAYLOR BEARD (28) HOME GROUND: PICOLA RECREATION RESERVE NICKNAME: BLUES NETBALL >> COACH: CLARE GREAVES 2022 FINISH: SIXTH (11–5)

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Picola has welcomed back a host of former players to its lineup in the hopes of improving on its elimination final exit.

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Picola United has no intention of taking its foot o the pedal after failing to defend its 2019 flag.

The Blues finished sixth but fought their way to the 2022 preliminary final against Strathmerton, with the Bulldogs exacting revenge for their grand final defeat to United.

Blues’ league best-andfairest Jess Beaton is in doubt for the season along with the experienced Alyx Jorgensen, but United has been bolstered by Moama’s Annabel O’Dea and

Mooroopna’s Olivia Clark.

Memories of the 2019 premiership and a desire to remain near the top of the ladder will fuel the Blues’ bid for another flag, said senior player Emma Greaves.

“We still want to be up there in finals and we would love to grab that premiership back after 2019,“ Greaves said.

“We want to remain competitive and stay up in the top six. Top four would be great but we want to make sure we’re having fun.”

LBU flag winner Rhys Woodland returns to the club he won the PDFL premiership with in 2017, while former junior and Nathalia flag-winner Alistair Corry will bring Murray League premiership experience to the Blues’ squad.

The Blues bowed out of the finals to Katandra in the elimination final but senior coach Darby Walsh sees no reason why Picola can’t go one better and dig deep into September action.

“We’re in a good position,” Walsh said.

“It was a big step to make finals last year and the expectation is to go further than that and win a final.

“We’ll go as hard as we can.”

PLAYER CHANGES

INS: Brad Power, Rhys Woodland (LBU), Daniel Maher (Tatura), Alistair Corry (Nathalia), Tanner Smith (Echuca) OUTS: Leighton Ironside (Girgarre)

Nick Thorp.

Mitchell Heggart.

Emma Greaves.

FAST FACTS >> CO-COACHES: TIM MCCORMICK AND NICK FERRARI 2022 FINISH: 14TH (1–15)

2022 BEST-AND-FAIREST: JACK DUGGAN 2022 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: NICK FERRARI (17)

HOME GROUND: MATHOURA RECREATION RESERVE NICKNAME: TIMBERCUTTERS.

NETBALL >> CO-COACHES: KAT WIPPEL AND SHANTELLE KEOGH 2022 FINISH: 12TH (4–12)

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Mathoura’s rebuild will continue under 1993 premiership player Tim McCormick, with the new Timbercutters mentor confident of building on the club’s one-win 2022 campaign.

After nearly folding prior to the season, McCormick said the club was in a far better position than last year.

“We’re a fair bit in front of where we were this time in 2022,” McCormick said.

“We’re still coming from a long way back, but we’re confident.”

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An interrupted pre-season and injuries plagued Mathoura in A-grade netball last season, yielding just four wins.

But the Timbercutters are ready to reload with a full squad at its disposal, aiming to pluck a few more victories from its 2023 campaign.

Mathoura will launch into the new season under the guidance of

MATHOURA RE IE

co-coaches Kat Wippel and Shantelle Keogh, with the side set to come in as a bit of an unknown.

“We’re looking like we’ll have a full squad which is great,” Keogh said.

“We’ll have about 9–10 players around that squad and numbers have been good throughout the grades.”

Mathoura will tackle Katamatite in round one.

Victory: Rennie’s under-15s win the 2022 premiership.

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The plethora of young talent taking to the court at Rennie Recreation Reserve is the envy of the Picola District Netball League ranks.

In the A-grade, last year the Hoppers made a substantial leap, as their band of youngsters came together to reel o an impressive eight wins — six more than their 2021 return.

But what’s more exciting are the exploits of the club’s junior sides, with the under-17s and under-15s winning premierships.

A-grade coach and club legend Paula Mifka, who is returning for her second year at the helm, said she expected to see continued

growth out of her side this season.

“This year’s lineup is going to be pretty similar to last year, the one di erence is that we’ll have three under-17s players coming up who will be pushing to play A-grade,” Mifka said.

“It’s no secret our focus over the past five or so years has been junior development, and having had some success in the juniors, now is the time to see that translate to the seniors.

“After a couple years of improvement the next step for us is the finals, and I am confident with the side we have we can get to that point.”

Mathoura will lean on its youngsters again but will be bolstered by the return of experienced players Stewart Day and Wade Austin and improved forward stocks with Bundoora spearhead Aron Burns.

“Our main focus is being competitive for longer,” McCormick said.

“A lot of our games last year we were competitive for four or five minutes a quarter, then we fell away due to fitness levels.

“We’re not looking at win-loss at this stage; once the season

starts we’ll have a clearer picture of where we sit.”

PLAYER CHANGES

INS: Stewart Day (Rumbalara), Aron Burns (Bundoora), Tristan Anderson (Tooradin), Wade Austin, Jackson Lowry, Matt Wild (Tongala), James Mackenzie (Moama)

OUTS: None

FAST FACTS >> COACH: HARRY HALEY 2022 FINISH: 12TH (4–10) 2022 BEST-AND-FAIREST: TOM MCKIMMIE 2022 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: CHASE STRAWHORN (31) HOME GROUND: RENNIE RECREATION RESERVE NICKNAME: GRASSHOPPERS NETBALL >> COACH: PAULA MIFKA 2022 FINISH: 10TH (8–8)

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Season 2023 will be all about gradual improvement at Rennie Recreation Reserve.

A list packed to the brim with exciting and enthusiastic youngsters, the Hoppers do lack a bit when it comes to senior football experience, but when you look at the big picture the spine of a finals contender is beginning to emerge.

Harry Haley enters his second season as senior coach, and will continue on his developmental strategy that has seen him become a much-loved figure at the club.

The growth of young stars Chase Strawhorn and Tom McKimmie will add another exciting layer for Rennie fans as they head to games with the hope of seeing a consistent brand of footy.

“I am definitely confident we’ll improve and that is our main goal,” Haley said.

“Last year our depth was tested a bit with injuries, but as a result we saw a lot of younger guys get senior experience.

“We’ll probably be a bit more defensive-minded in the way we play and we’ll look to get oppositions on the rebound with those younger legs.

“As long as we play a consistent brand of footy that will put us in good stead moving forward.”

PLAYER CHANGES

INS: Mark McQualter (Berrigan)

OUTS: None

Seth Wright.

Chase Strawhorn.

Shantelle Keogh.

STRATHMERTON

FAST FACTS >> COACH: TIM BRAMICH AND TIM LOOBY 2022 FINISH: THIRD (10–5)

2022 BEST-AND-FAIREST: JAKE ELLERY 2022 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: TIM LOOBY (58)

HOME GROUND: STRATHMERTON RECREATION RESERVE NICKNAME:

NETBALL

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Strathmerton has its eyes set on a place in this year’s grand final after coming up agonisingly short of the big dance last season.

The Bulldogs finished third on the ladder, before falling to Tungamah by 61 points in the preliminary final.

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Nothing hurts quite like a defeat on grand final day.

After finishing on top of the ladder last year, the Bulldogs fell to Tungamah by two goals in the finale.

But as tough as that loss was, Dogs coach Olivia Osborne says her team is stronger than ever.

“A loss like that always hurts. We are a really strong group and the girls that have decided to stay are going to come out stronger than we did

before,” Osborne said.

“We are just that little bit more determined this year to try and go one better.”

In a big loss for Strathy, club and league best-and-fairest Grace Thompson has departed for Mulwala.

Osborne said the Bulldogs would have a young team on the court this season, and that they would be boosted by the addition of defender Meg Denson from Cobram.

This year, with some older players retiring or moving on, the Dogs will be hoping some younger pups from their premiership-winning reserves as well as their under-17s can give them some extra bite.

“We are really focusing on some younger local kids and some fresh faces coming through. We are pretty buoyed in what we can do this year,” co-coach Tim Looby said.

“We think we will be a better side than last year, so hopefully we give ourselves a chance to go one better and compete in a grand final.”

Key forward Darcy PridhamMcCormack has joined Strathmerton from Cobram after kicking 45 goals in the Murray league last season, a huge boost to Strathy’s forward line.

TUNGAMAH F

Tungamah coach Jayanna Sharp (left).

NETBA

They’re a happy team at Tungamah, and why wouldn’t you be after snaring premiership glory in 2022.

A-grade coach Jayanna Sharp remains at the helm for the Bears as they search for more glory this season.

Jade Robinson (Mulwala), Amy Perry (Jerilderie) and Maddie Gissing (Darwin) are

among the new — or returning — faces at Jubilee Park, and will step comfortably into the holes left by a couple of departing premiership players.

Across the grades the Bears should be strong again in 2023 — although matching last year’s four netball flags would be a herculean achievement in itself.

PLAYER CHANGES

INS: Nick Hoban, Darcy Pridham-McCormack (Cobram)

OUTS: Sam Mansfield (Yarroweyah)

FAST FACTS >> CO-COACHES: SAM FERGUSON AND SEAN JOHNS 2022 FINISH: RUNNER-UP (13–1) 2022 BEST-AND-FAIREST: ASHLEY SAUNDERS 2022 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: ASHLEY SAUNDERS (81) HOME GROUND: JUBILEE PARK NICKNAME: BEARS. NETBALL >> COACH: JAYANNA SHARP 2022 FINISH: PREMIER (16–3)

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2022 was a case of ‘so close, yet so far’ for Tungamah.

After producing a dominant home-and-away season, the minor premier Bears were overawed on grand final day, falling to Waaia by 45 points in what was easily their worst performance of the year.

While the pain of that loss still cuts deep, 2023 o ers a fresh slate for what is set to be a new-look Tungamah squad.

With the departure of senior coach Xavier Stevenson to Shepparton, Mulwala premiership hero Sean Johns comes across to take the reins alongside promoted assistant Sam Ferguson.

Star on-baller Jhett Cooper will also trade Jubilee Park for Deakin Reserve in what many may see as a crushing blow.

But with Mulwala flag heroes Bradley Wilson and Dylan Robinson and classy Wodonga Raider midfielder Joshua Cheeks coming into the fold, Johns said he was confident the Bears had the star power to get over that elusive final hurdle.

“After losing the grand final last year I’ve come in and seen a real hunger among the group which has been great,” Johns said.

“List-wise I feel we are in a great position and in the o -season we definitely gained more talent

PLAYER CHANGES

than we lost which will put us in great stead.

“Being new to the club, I am really determined to build a culture of fun and success, and hopefully from that premiership glory will come.”

INS: Sean Johns, Dylan Robinson, Brad Wilson, Cameron Magher, Cam Carling (Mulwala), Joshua Cheek (Wodonga Raiders), Dale Powell OUTS: Xavier Stevenson, Jhett Cooper (Shepparton)

Luke Sanderson.

BULLDOGS.

>> COACH: OLIVIA OSBORNE 2022 FINISH: RUNNER-UP (15–1)

Olivia Osborne.

Sam Ferguson and Sean Johns.

WAAIA

Milly Foster.

NETBA

There is a deep fire in the belly of Waaia’s A-grade squad as it enters season 2023.

After putting themselves in a great position for a premiership push last year, the Bombers faltered under the finals heat, with a pair of heartbreaking losses seeing them bundled out in straight sets.

With co-coaching unit Rosie Arnel and Milly Foster returning for another year, the squad has been quick to put the 2022 disappointment in the past and instead focus on continuing to build as a unit both on and o the court.

Set to have a great amount of depth and a

F TBA

After 17 long years, Waaia returned to the top of the Picola and District League mountain in 2022.

hungry group of girls at her disposal, Arnel was excited to see what could be achieved on the Waaia Recreation Reserve netball courts this year.

“We’ve had a real influx of senior netballers come to the club over the o -season, so it’s reassuring to know that we’ll have a lot of depth this year,” Arnel said.

“All of our girls can play two or three positions each, so to have that versatility will make us a very dangerous team.

“After the way last year ended we are all super determined to go that one step further, and with the group we have I am very confident we can do that.”

YA OWEYAH

The entire town relished in the glory, as players young and old came together to celebrate all good things Waaia.

But now having tasted the ultimate success, the Bomber faithful is itching for more.

And with the squad they have ready to don the red-and-black in 2023, there is no reason they can’t go back-to-back.

A coaching change will see Waaia favourite son Mitch Cleeland take the reins from premiership mentor Mark Meyland.

But all the Bombers’ flag heroes will be back for another tilt at the crown, with a formidable line-up headlined by Ash Holland, Jesse Trower and Harvey Walker set to strike fear into all opposition.

“It’s been a while since we’ve been in this position as reigning premier, so it will certainly be a di erent challenge for us as a

NETBA

Following a disappointing 2022 campaign Yarroweyah has turned a page in the o -season.

The future is bright for the Hoppers after they were unable to field an A-grade netball outfit last season.

Rebekah Jones will steer the Hoppers as playing coach as they look to make an impact in the A-grade scene in 2023.

A busy summer has excitement building for Yarroweyah.

Aften Westrope joins the club from Katamatite and will be explosive through the midcourt with her fiery game style and skilful all-round talents.

Jasmine Shanley was runner-up in the club’s best-and-fairest last year and expect her to be an anchor in defence this year.

group,” Cleeland said.

“We’ve made sure we haven’t rested on our laurels in the pre-season, we are very hungry to defend our title and the mindset of the guys over the past couple of months has reflected that — everyone has lifted their game a little bit.

“Continuing to find ways to improve our game is going to be key this year, if we just think

it is going to happen in this competition we will absolutely get found out.”

PLAYER CHANGES

INS: Ben Armstrong (Nathalia), Ky Johnston (Mooroopna), Dylan Moncur (Undera), Sam Boyd (Picola)

OUTS: Lachlan Wright (interstate)

FAST FACTS >> COACH: TOMMY SCOTT 2022 FINISH: 15TH 2022 BEST-AND-FAIREST: TOMMY SCOTT 2022 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: TOMMY SCOTT (17) HOME GROUND: YARROWEYAH RECREATION RESERVE NICKNAME: GRASSHOPPERS. NETBALL >> COACH: REBEKAH JONES 2022 FINISH: 15TH (0–16)

F TBA

After struggling for numbers and not having a senior team in 2022, Yarroweyah has been working hard to rebuild over the o -season — and it has paid o .

The Hoppers have added a wealth of new faces to the club and senior coach Tommy Scott said there was a positive vibe at the club at the moment.

“The vibe is good. We are building the morale now and coming back to be competitive. I’m excited to see what we can do,” Scott said.

“It is a lot better than it was last year. We are trying to maintain our numbers and build the club for the next three or four years.

“We want to win more games than we lose and try and catch a few sides o guard and surprise a few people.”

Steve Stallion and Lachlan Sykes are two of the biggest recruits. Stallion was Rumbalara’s best-and-fairest last season and ruckman Sykes is a former GVL player.

PLAYER CHANGES

INS: Lachlan Sykes (Milawa Demons), Coleby Hellyer-Maud (Barooga), Jacob Ballerini (Barooga), Steven Stallion (Rumbalara), Sebastian Fotia (Barooga), Sam Mansfield (Strathmerton), Oscar Mackay (Cobram), Nick Decicco (Cobram)

OUTS: None

Tommy Scott

Rebekah Jones.

Mitch Cleeland.

FAST FACTS >> COACH: MITCH CLEELAND 2022 FINISH: PREMIER (11–3) 2022 BEST-AND-FAIREST: ASH HOLLAND 2022 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: CHARLIE BURROWS (91) HOME GROUND: WAAIA RECREATION RESERVE

NICKNAME: BOMBERS. NETBALL >> CO-COACHES: ROSIE ARNEL AND MILLY FOSTER 2022 FINISH: FOURTH (13–3)

The PicolaDistrictLeaguedraw was not updated at the time of printing, to find it head to your local MMG masthead.

CAN BENA A A BLACKS DEFEND OVENS AND KING F TBA CROWN?

BENA A A BLACKS

F TBA

Season 2022 was one where everything went right for Benalla All Blacks on the football field.

After dominating their way through the home and away season, a campaign where they only dropped one game, the Panthers romped their way through the finals series to be crowned premiers.

The reserves joined in the celebrations to make it a memorable double for the All Blacks, as the club’s entire community revelled in the success.

But as the old saying goes, the only thing better than winning one is winning another, and for coach Nich Spencer that is the prime objective.

“The core group we’ve got at the club are very keen to have another crack at it,” Spencer said.

“It was something we certainly enjoyed after doing it, so the boys are pretty hungry to taste that feeling again.

“I’m confident with the group we’ve got and our depth we can be around the mark again, if we can play finals then anything can happen.”

But while the goal is the same, the Panthers’ squad will have a di erent look to the one we

saw a couple of months ago.

Premiership skipper Riley Moran and Jackson Hourigan headline the list of players not returning for the back-toback tilt, but with the likes of Chelton Orchard and Tom Levy set to lead an exciting crop of youngsters, Spencer was confident his group had what it takes to be a top contender once again.

“We’ve had a few blokes move on, so we’re looking at a few guys who played good footy in the reserves to step up,” he said.

“You’ll see a bit of a di erent style of footy from us this year centred more around a game plan.

“But with the nucleus we have I’m confident we can push it right to the end again.”

NETBA

Season 2023 will be the beginning of a new dawn on

the netball court at Benalla All Blacks.

After finishing in third spot on the ladder, the Panthers fell short in the finals series, with a five-goal loss to Tarawingee ultimately proving to be their undoing.

But while the hurt of that loss still cuts deep, with Alara Jones and Georgia Spencer taking the reins of the A-grade unit there is a new sense of optimism and excitement radiating through the club.

“It is brilliant to have these two girls lead our A-grade side next season,” All Blacks president Phil Spencer said.

“We put it on the girls to see if they were willing to have a go and after thinking about it for a while they decided to take the reins.

“They are both such great club people and they both have so much to give, Alara has been

LEITCHVI E-GUNBOWER LAUNCHES NEW-L K SQUADS WITH CONSISTENCY KEY

Leitchville-Gunbower has bolstered its depth, aiming to improve on a one-win 2022 season.

Former Murray League premiership player Shannon Keam has taken the reins at the Bombers, who have added former spearhead Tyler Jones, Moama trio Clay McGregor, Chris Horman and Dylan Jardine, as well as Tongala key defender Brayden Nevett.

“Those guys have played a bit of senior football which will

help with some leadership on the field,” Keam said.

“We’ve made a conscious e ort to get a lot of local blokes to return to the club.

“The team showed flashes for a quarter here and there in 2022. It’s just about getting consistency across four quarters.”

Leitchville-Gunbower’s A-grade squad will lean on its youngsters to carry it forward, with senior regulars Macey Brereton, Emily Prout, Lauren

around the club for over 20 years and if she can’t pass on a bit of her knowledge with Georgia, who has been there for three years and also played a lot of GVL and state netball.

“You don’t get much better netball coaching than that around Benalla, they are the two for the job and we can’t wait to see what they can achieve.”

G RAMBAT F TBA

A heart-breaking 11-point elimination final loss to eventual OKFL runner-up Bonnie Doon is the fuel set to drive Goorambat to new heights in 2023.

The Bats, who were a dangerous proposition each and every Saturday, finished the 2022 season in sixth spot with a number of their youngsters solidifying themselves as senior football stars of the future.

With Sam Gladstone and Jared Brennan going around as co-coaches once again, the aim will be continuing to build a culture of sustained success.

The departure of key pillars Campbell McCoy, Ethan Cooke and Blake Uebergang will test the Bats’ depth to an extent.

But with a host of exciting youngsters coming through, Gladstone forecast an exciting campaign for Bats fans.

“Hopefully we can continue to make another push up the

ladder,” Gladstone said. “We did lose a few which was a bit of a blow, but I think we’ve recovered well from it and are shaping up really nicely all over the ground.

“Finals is obviously on the cards and if we get there anything can happen, so the aim will be to give ourselves every chance and just back ourselves with an exciting brand of footy.”

NETBA

Similarly to their senior football counterparts, Goorambat’s A-grade netballers will be spurred on by finals heartache in 2023.

The Bats, who continued on their upwards trajectory in 2022, finished the home and away season in fourth position before winning an elimination final against Whorouly to set up another do-or-die showdown with Tarawingee.

Unfortunately that is where the Cinderalla story ended, as they fell by three goals in an epic semi-final showdown.

Now, with Sarah Osborne set to take the reins solo after co-coach Amelia Gall stepped down, she will be looking to take advantage of what is set to be an exciting blank canvas.

Having a young and hungry group of talented players at her disposal, expect the trend of continued improvement to continue on the netball court at Goorambat this year.

Dehne and Hannah Donehue departing.

Kerang’s Maddy Hall and LBU’s Matilda Candy have made the move to the Bombers.

“We’ll be a di erent A-grade side to last year with most of the side leaving due to family commitments,” Bombers coach Gemma Angove said.

“It’s a good opportunity for those young girls to step up and we’re really looking to develop this side.”

Josh Hawken.

Success is sweet: Benalla All-Blacks’ 2022 premiership-winning side.

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