L L A B T O O F NETBALL 36-PAGE SEASON GUIDE TO 2021
FULL FIXTURES
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FOOTBALL & NETBALL FITTING SPECIALIST SUPPORTERS OF OUR LOCAL CLUBS AND LEAGUES!
Wangaratta 20 Murphy St 03 5722 4666 FOOTBALL & NETBALL 2021 | PAGE 1
O&K FOOTBALL NETBALL LEAGUE 2021 OFFICIAL FIXTURE Round 1, March 27
Round 6, May 1
North Wangaratta vs Moyhu Milawa vs Bright King Valley vs Benalla All Blacks Whorouly vs Bonnie Doon Goorambat vs Tarrawingee Greta- Bye
Goorambat vs Benalla All Blacks Bright vs Moyhu Milawa vs Whorouly Bonnie Doon vs North Wangaratta Greta vs King Valley Tarrawingee - Bye
Round 2, April 2 & 3 - Easter Round
Round 11, June 5/12- Split Round Whorouly vs Goorambat North Wangaratta vs Benalla All Blacks Moyhu vs King Valley Greta vs Tarrawingee Bright vs Bonnie Doon- June 12 Milawa - Bye
Round 7, May 8 - Mother’s Day
Greta vs Moyhu - Good Fri. Bonnie Doon vs Benalla All Blacks - Good Fri. King Valley vs North Wangaratta - Easter Sat. Bright vs Tarrawingee - Easter Sat. Milawa, Whorouly, Goorambat- Bye Round 3, April 10
Whorouly vs Benalla All Blacks Tarrawingee vs Bonnie Doon Greta vs Goorambat Bright vs King Valley Moyhu vs Milawa North Wangaratta - Bye
Round 12, June 19 Bonnie Doon vs Whorouly Benalla All Blacks vs Milawa Tarrawingee vs King Valley Goorambat vs North Wangaratta Moyhu vs Bright Greta - Bye
Round 8, May 15
Milawa vs King Valley Goorambat vs Bonnie Doon Tarrawingee vs Greta Benalla All Blacks vs North Wangaratta Moyhu vs Whorouly Bright - Bye
Bonnie Doon vs Moyhu North Wangaratta vs Whorouly Greta vs Bright Benalla All Blacks vs Tarrawingee Goorambat vs Milawa King Valley - Bye
Round 4, April 17
Round 5, April 24 & 25 - ANZAC Round
Round 17, July 24 Bonnie Doon vs Tarrawingee Moyhu vs North Wangaratta King Valley vs Greta Goorambat vs Whorouly Milawa vs Benalla All Blacks Bright - Bye
Round 13, June 26 Milawa vs Moyhu North Wangaratta vs Greta Whorouly vs Tarrawingee King Valley vs Bright Benalla All Blacks vs Bonnie Doon Goorambat - Bye
Round 9, May 22
Greta vs Milawa Whorouly vs Bright North Wangaratta vs Goorambat King Valley vs Tarrawingee Benalla All Blacks vs Moyhu Bonnie Doon - Bye
Round 16, July 17 Benalla All Blacks vs Bright Goorambat vs Moyhu Greta vs Bonnie Doon North Wangaratta vs Milawa Whorouly vs King Valley Tarrawingee - Bye
Round 18, July 31 Bright vs Goorambat Greta vs North Wangaratta Bonnie Doon vs King Valley Moyhu vs Tarrawingee Whorouly vs Milawa Benalla All Blacks - Bye
Round 14, July 3
Round 19, August 7
Milawa vs Bonnie Doon King Valley vs Goorambat Bright vs Benalla All Blacks Tarrawingee vs North Wangaratta Whorouly vs Greta Moyhu- Bye
Bright vs North Wangaratta Tarrawingee vs Benalla All Blacks Milawa vs Greta Bonnie Doon vs Goorambat Whorouly vs Moyhu King Valley - Bye
Benalla All Blacks vs Whorouly Milawa vs Tarrawingee North Wangaratta vs Bonnie Doon Bright vs Greta Goorambat vs King Valley Moyhu - Bye
Round 10, May 29
Round 15, July 10
Round 20, August 14
King Valley vs Whorouly Goorambat vs Bright Bright vs Milawa Benalla All Blacks vs Goorambat North Wangaratta vs Bright King Valley vs Bonnie Doon Greta vs Whorouly Tarrawingee vs Whorouly Bonnie Doon vs Greta Benalla All Blacks vs Greta Moyhu vs Benalla All Blacks Bonnie Doon vs Bright Moyhu vs Goorambat Milawa vs North Wangaratta North Wangaratta vs King Valley King Valley vs Milawa Tarrawingee vs Milawa- Sunday match Tarrawingee vs Moyhu Tarrawingee vs Goorambat Moyhu vs Greta Benalla All Blacks - Bye Whorouly - Bye Bonnie Doon - Bye North Wangaratta - Bye OVENS AND KING FINALS: Elimination Finals - August 21/22 Semi Finals - August 28/29 Preliminary Final - September 4 Grand Final - September 11
O&M FOOTBALL NETBALL LEAGUE 2021 OFFICIAL FIXTURE SEASON OPENER 27 & 28 March Albury v Yarrawonga Twilight Lavington v Wang Rovers Sun Round 1 EASTER 2, 3 & 4 April Wod Raiders v Wangaratta Fri Twi Corowa-R’glen v Wodonga Sat Wang Rovers v Albury Sat Twi Yarrawonga v Lavington Sun Myrtleford v North Albury Sun Twilight Round 2 10 April Albury v Corowa-R’glen North Albury v Wang Rovers Wodonga v Yarrawonga Twilight Lavington v Wod Raiders Night Wangaratta v Myrtleford Night Round 3 17 April Wod Raiders v Yarrawonga Corowa-R’glen v North Albury Albury v Wodonga Twilight Myrtleford v Lavington Night Wang Rovers v Wangaratta Sun.
Round 4 - ANZAC DAY 24 & 25 April Yarrawonga v Myrtleford Sat Wangaratta v Corowa-R’glen Sat N Wodonga v Wod Raiders Sun North Albury v Albury Sun Round 5 1 May Wang Rovers v Yarrawonga Corowa-R’glen v Lavington Myrtleford v Wod Raiders Albury v Wangaratta Twilight Wodonga v North Albury Night Round 6 8 May Yarrawonga v Corowa-R’glen Wod Raiders v Wang Rovers Lavington v Albury Wangaratta v North Albury Myrtleford v Wodonga Round 7 15 May Corowa-R’glen v Wod Raiders Wang Rovers v Myrtleford North Albury v Lavington Wodonga v Wangaratta
INTERLEAGUE BYE 22 May Round 8 29 May Myrtleford v Corowa-R’glen Wang Rovers v Wodonga Wod Raiders v Albury Yarrawonga v North Albury Lavington v Wangaratta Round 9 5 June Corowa-R’glen v Wang Rovers Albury v Myrtleford North Albury v Wod Raiders Wangaratta v Yarrawonga Wodonga v Lavington Round 10 Queens Birthday 12 June Wod Raiders v Lavington Wang Rovers v North Albury Myrtleford v Wangaratta Corowa-R’glen v Albury Yarrawonga v Wodonga
Round 11 - Split Round 19 & 26 June Wangaratta v Wod Raiders 19 June Lavington v Yarrawonga 19 June Wodonga v Corowa-R’glen 19 June North Albury v Myrtleford 26 June Albury v Wang Rovers 26 June
Round 15 - Split Round 24 & 31 July Wang Rovers v Wod Raiders 24 July Wodonga v Myrtleford 24 July Albury v Lavington 31 July North Albury v Wangaratta 31 July Corowa-R’glen v Yarrawonga 31 July
Round 12 3 & 4 July North Albury v Corowa-R’glen Lavington v Myrtleford Yarrawonga v Wod Raiders Wodonga v Albury Wangaratta v Wang Rovers Sun
Round 16 7 August Wod Raiders v Corowa-R’glen Myrtleford v Wang Rovers Yarrawonga v Albury Lavington v North Albury Wangaratta v Wodonga
Round 13 10 July Corowa-R’glen v Wangaratta Wang Rovers v Lavington Myrtleford v Yarrawonga Wod Raiders v Wodonga Albury v North Albury
Round 17 14 August Wang Rovers v Corowa-R’glen Myrtleford v Albury Wod Raiders v North Albury Yarrawonga v Wangaratta Lavington v Wodonga
Round 14 17 July Yarrawonga v Wang Rovers Wangaratta v Albury North Albury v Wodonga Lavington v Corowa-R’glen Wod Raiders v Myrtleford
Round 18 21 August Corowa-R’glen v Myrtleford Albury v Wod Raiders North Albury v Yarrawonga Wangaratta v Lavington Wodonga v Wang Rovers
OVENS & MURRAY FINALS: Qualifying Final - Saturday 28 August; Elimination Final - Sunday 29 August; 2nd Semi Final - Saturday 4 September; 1st Semi Final - Sunday 5 September; Preliminary Final - Sunday 12 September; Grand Final - Sunday 19 September
PAGE 2 | FOOTBALL & NETBALL 2021
AFL NORTH EAST BORDER
AFL North East Border ready for season ahead REGIONALLY, the 2021 season is exciting but also presents challenges for the local football community as we move out of a year of no football or netball. As a Region we continue to explore growth opportunities for the game whilst we are faced with participation trends in certain areas which are impacting on all sports not just football. Strategically we are investing in entry level development programs in schools and linking to Auskick centres and junior clubs to increase the number of boys and girls engaged in AFL. With an acknowledgement that participation rates peek in the 12-13 year old age group, we can prepare for the projected decreases experienced in all team sports at mid to late teenage years by ensuring we maximise interest at entry levels. The more numbers playing the game at under 12 and below, the better the scenarios are for participation in future years. The challenge for all stakeholders in our game is to maintain engagement in AFL as players transition through their careers. The role of club presidents and committees and of our coaches to ensure a positive match day experience for players and families has never been more important. In some instances, the reality is that the game will need to continually evolve at both club and league level as the community needs of football and netball changes. This itself can be exciting
AFL North East Border puts out call for new umpires WITH the start of the football season bearing down on the region, players and coaches are putting the finishing touches on their squads and tactics. For AFL North East and Border (AFL NEB), the new season highlights a problem: there aren’t enough umpires. “At the moment we have 139 registered umpires and each year we sit between 185 and 190, so we’re well short from what we have had previously,” said AFL NEB umpire operations manager Michael Bocquet. For those interested in becoming umpires are encouraged to contact JOIN THE TEAM: AFL North East and Border umpires Aaron Thrum and Cam Michael Bocquet on 0417 Green are inviting everyone to join the team, with need growing in the 200 809. region. PHOTO: Kieren Tilly yet incredibly challenging. As a code we can not stand still and must continue to assess and plan for the game’s future which requires ultimate collaboration at all levels of the game. With the Community Club Sustainability Program now embedded with the Player Points System and Allowable Player Payment Rule, the environment in which clubs operate is
regulated and has shown to be having an impact on the processes Senior clubs adopt to financial management and player management. This is a positive and encourages well managed clubs. What we are also seeing is a greater focus by clubs on junior pathways and retention which should not just be about the most talented, but must also include
developing players who aspire to play the game for enjoyment and social engagement regardless of the standard. To better support players of all abilities, AFLNEB are pleased to launch the Richmond Next Generation Academy (NGA) in 2021 which will focus on 11-15 year olds and providing a higher level of training and development that could otherwise be expected at
club level. The talent outcomes of the NGA are secondary to the development outcomes of players of all abilities. The NGA is exciting on many levels with over 250 players nominated and selected registered in year 2 and will evolve further in 2020 and beyond to meet the demands and expectations of the game. The AFLNEB Commission remain committed to local football at all levels and to decision making in the best interests for football in the Region. To attain ultimate collaboration necessitates making decisions that are not always popular or well received as understandable, leagues and clubs have individual agendas which aren’t necessarily considerate of the Regional strategy or direction. Again, 2021 will be exciting at all levels and we look forward to celebrating all that is country football and netball in our Region and collectively managing the challenges which will be presented. In doing so, we look forward to working with clubs and individuals who are the backbone of the game. Regardless of what may lay before us in 2021, the format it may be, or the impact that could alter the traditional framework of the game. It is imperative to maintain a positive outlook and take great confidence in the fact that 2021 will have football and netball back in action. We look forward to seeing everyone out and enjoying their sport!
Authorised by Helen Haines 117 Murphy St Wangaratta
FOOTBALL & NETBALL 2021 | PAGE 3
SEASON PREVIEW
Footy and netball’s finally back OVENS and King football and netball has finally returned after the year of hibernation with action set to fire this weekend. For almost 18 months players, coaches and fans have been impatiently waiting for the go ahead for play to resume and now it’s here. 2019 premiers Milawa have retained their flag-winning squad, and included a few new names in Carl Groth and Sebastian De Napoli to keep the playing list fresh and give the Demons a red hot chance of going back-to-back. They won’t be without competition, however, with runners-up Bright having signed some real talent including AFL veteran Gary Moorcroft and returning Under 19 premiership players Jack Woodall and Patrick Bren. Tarrawingee round out the top contenders from 2019, boasting the fittest group they’ve seen in a long time. Names like Frazer Judd and Hamish Moore have been replaced by a rich list of newcomers to the Bulldogs including former Glenrowan Tigers Karl Norman, Matt Robinson and Tristan D’Antonio which should make Tarra a real threat. With the clubs only having played a
Do the Blues still have what it takes?
Ryan Wait goes up for a ruck contest in 2018’s interleague match against the Hume League. PHOTO: Mel Beattie few practice matches, many teams are in the dark as to opposition signings and performances but thanks to the fresh start after a year off, every team would be hopeful they are on the improve. Bonnie Doon has undergone a recruiting blitz, snatching up over a dozen new names for their senior list; Whorouly has been recruiting from all over the region as well and incorporating them into a tight, hard-working side, seeking to elevate themselves from the middle of the ladder to a top tier threat. Benalla’s focus on developing players from thirds to senior football may be the push the side needs to jump into the top
six, after narrowly missing out on playing finals footy in 2019, with the King Valley Roos also working to mix inexperienced players with hardened veterans Greta’s signings of players from as far afield as Seaford and Bacchus Marsh gives the Blues the depth to compete with the best in the league. North Wangaratta has basically a total new list with an army of recruits while Goorambat, who have signed some real talent including former Shepparton Swans best and fairest Rob Staff, and Moyhu with their focus on youth all looking to rise up the ladder. Get out and support community footy at its best this weekend.
WITH every club just happy to be getting back on the court, the reigning champions from 2019 have to get back to form quickly. Excluding the cancelled 2020 season, Greta will be looking for their fourth title on the trot, and have retained their winning list from the 2019 grand final. The side has even been bolstered with the inclusion of Grace Goodley, who will be looking to incorporate herself into one of the top teams in the league. The Blues won’t face 2019 runners up Milawa until round 4, and the Demons are fired up to take the fight to every team they face. Milawa has kept the majority of their list, as well as recruiting Shani Rickard from the O&M and welcoming Alyse Hedin back to the team. Moyhu and Whorouly have recruited strongly pre-2020 and leading into 2021 season, with both looking to enjoy their time playing netball as much as possible; Goorambat are looking to move up the ladder after ending 2019 in eighth place, and putting a strong focus on having fun while playing.
Tarrawingee are expecting to play finals, looking to the return of their centre players Maddie Canning and Megan Freeman to lead their premiership campaign. Benalla are looking to compete against the strongest teams in the league, having recruited players from all over the region while North Wangaratta will be focussing on improving the players they already have in the side, only adding one new face to the line-up. King Valley have lost three of their goal shooters, but the return of Courtney McLeod and the addition of Kyra Vernon gives the Roos versatility in defence and mid-court, as well as a scoring threat. Bonnie Doon’s relatively young side is looking to be competitive, utilising practice matches to build a strong team dynamic going into the season while Bright has lost its most reliable scorer in Emily Nightingale, but feel confident they have filled the void adequately. Netball is back across the region this weekend so get out and support your local club.
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FEMALE FOOTBALL
Female footballers keen to get started AFTER a year on the sidelines due to COVID-19, local clubs are shaping up for their return season in the North East Border Female Football League. League operations manager Matt Elliott said despite dealing with lower numbers than usual, as are junior and senior football clubs across the board after 2020 - clubs were ready to make the most of being on-field in 2021. “The clubs have worked so hard, we’re hoping to see a numbers boost for the start of the season on April 11,” Elliott said. “Clubs are pushing really hard to get their player and volunteer base back, whether that’s including players returning or new players. “If anyone is thinking they might like to give footy a try, now is the time.” The competition will run three age groups this year - under 14 for the first time, as well as under 17 and open age women - and includes local clubs Wangaratta Rovers and Alpine Lions (based in Whorouly). They will take on clubs from Yarrawonga, Thurgoona, Lavington, Wodonga Raiders and Wodonga Bulldogs, and the Rutherglen-based Murray Felines. Wangaratta Rovers senior co-coach Rick Marklew, who shares the role with Jess Whitehead and Celia Piesse, said players like veteran Kylie Barton (under 17 coach), Bronwyn McGorlick (under 14 coach) and newcomer Emma Gosbell with her running ability would form part of a competitive side. At Alpine Lions, co-coaches Amy Antonello and Emily Hurley will combine with key players including Emma Hodgkinson, Georgia Clarke, Sarah Clapperton and Issy Humphries. In addition to the 14 round season, which will wind down with finals in July and August, Elliott said there was an opportunity for the league to field a representative side in AFL Canberra over the Queen’s Birthday weekend. “That’s something the players have been asking for, so it’s an exciting opportunity,” he said.
RETURNING TO THE FRAY: Local clubs including Wangaratta Rovers will field teams in this year’s North East Border Female Football League competition.
FOOTY IS BACK! SENATOR JANE HUME
LIBERAL SENATOR FOR VICTORIA
(03) 9428 1773
Putting Indi First
senator.hume@aph.gov.au
senatorhume.com
SenatorHume
Authorised by Senator Jane Hume, Liberal Party of Australia, 223 Bridge Road, Richmond VIC 3121.
FOOTBALL & NETBALL 2021 | PAGE 5
SEASON PREVIEW - WANGARATTA & DISTRICT JUNIOR FOOTBALL LEAGUE
Juniors to return to football after 18 months off SEASON 2021 will see junior football return to grounds across the region as we progress out of the season that was in 2020. Numbers have been down on previous years, but with the smell of deep heat, the tying of boot laces and the shrill pitch of the umpire’s whistle, all junior league players are keen to return to the fields. While the players move through the age groups and some teams rise while others fall away year on year, 2021 is expected to be just as exciting. The under 12s are the great unknown of course which adds some anticipation and excitement to that competition as none of these players have played at Junior League before. The under 14s has the strongest numbers of all age groups in the Wangaratta DJFL with all clubs projecting 20 players per team. In season 2021, the under 17s age group will play its first games in the new age group which continues to have some ongoing battles with numbers it has been confirmed that all clubs will have teams for the 2021 season with the return of a Bright side however, Benalla will field just one side. Find U12s, 14s, and 17s fixtures via the AFLNEB website.
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MURRAY BUSHRANGERS
Murray Bushrangers gear up for new look competition in 2021 THE Murray Bushrangers are set for one of the more interesting NAB League seasons in recent years as the competition moves from an under 18 format to under 19 after the 2020 season was lost due to COVID-19. The change to an under 19 age group will allow for the top aged players from last year’s competition to have the chance to impress AFL recruiters in 2021. The Bushrangers have finalised both their under 17s and 19s squads, while the girls are in the midst of their NAB League Girls season, with Mark Brown remaining as coach. The under 19s will roll with the same squad as last year. Murray Bushrangers talent manager Mick Wilson said he’s looking forward to the season ahead. “We’ll go into this year with the same squad as we had last year before the season was cancelled,” Wilson said. “Going from U18s to U19s football will almost be like a jump from thirds to seniors so I think there’s going to be some good footy played throughout the year. “Hopefully some of our players can generate some interest from AFL clubs and, if not, all players will benefit from the experience of being with the Bushrangers and training under our great coaches.”
The Bushrangers have a number of both 18 and 19-yearold draft hopes for 2021. “Tyler Norton (Wangaratta) has come back from the COVID break in great condition, he’s probably one of the best prepared players for the season ahead,” Wilson said. “Tyler ran around 2.92 seconds in the 20m sprint and recorded around a level 21 in the yo-yo test. “Fletcher Hart (Albury), Toby Murray (Wangaratta Rovers) and Ryan Eyers (Corowa) also look like draft chances.” The 2021 NAB League season will consist of 12 rounds plus finals with academy teams from Gold Coast, Brisbane, Sydney and GWS all participating in the competition. “It’s going to be interesting to see how all of the clubs roll out,” Wilson said. “There are going to be players juggling their private school footy with NAB League, as well as local footy on top so it’s going to be a bit of a juggling act. “We will also look to play a few 17-year-olds in our under 19’s side so there could be players from three different age groups playing in the one side. The Bushrangers kick off their season on Saturday, April 3 against Bendigo Pioneers at Deakin Reserve, Shepparton.
Mark Brown
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Good luck to all clubs for the 2021 season Tim McCurdy MP
NATIONALS MEMBER FOR OVENS VALLEY
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FOOTBALL & NETBALL 2021 | PAGE 7
PREVIEW - MERRIWA MAGPIES
Merriwa Magpies ready to rip into 2021 THE Merriwa Magpies are ready to rip into some football in 2021 off the back of a few pre-season sessions in the lead up to the season. Club spokesperson Wade Leonard said the players were jumping out of their skin to get started. “The players are extremely keen to be training ,they really have missed this great game,” Leonard said. “Last year COVID-19 decimated all carnivals and only one training session was permitted under the restrictions Victorians had to follow.” Bob Murray will once again lead the side, with the Magpies training every Thursday from 4pm to 5pm. Leonard outlined why the competition is so important to its players. “The competition gives team members the opportunity to be a part of something they are passionate towards allowing them to showcase their skills and talents, interacting with peers and the greater community,” he said. Teams compete in the Ovens and Murray Football League, playing against Wodonga, Shepparton and Echuca, while there’s a possibility Wodonga may have two teams in this year’s competition due to high numbers. The sides don’t play every weekend, instead they will compete in carnivals every three to four weeks where each team will play three games a day. The Merriwa Magpies have gained roughly 18 new recruits ahead of this year’s season.
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SEASON PREVIEW - OVENS AND MURRAY FOOTBALL NETBALL LEAGUE
The most anticipated season in living memory THE 2021 Ovens and Murray football and netball season is set to be one of the most even and hotly contested in memory as clubs, players, officials and fans make up for 12 months without their beloved sports due to COVID-19. Both competitions launch this week, the Ovens and Murray with a split round featuring a Saturday night twilight clash between Albury and Yarrawonga at Albury and a Sunday afternoon match-up between Lavington and Wangaratta Rovers at Lavington. It comes in the same week as a further easing of restrictions in Victoria, lifting the confidence of O&M board chairman David Sinclair that we might just get through the season without pandemic interruptions. “We are all thrilled to be getting back into it,” Sinclair said. “It’s been a long wait and even a month ago it looked like it could be in jeopardy but now I’m more confident than ever. “Last year we prepared for the worst and hoped for the best and we ended up getting the worst year ever. “It would be stressful on everyone if there was another lockdown and even a further restriction on crowd size would have a massive impact.” Sinclair said while the league did not have any set plans in place if another major coronavirus outbreak occurred in Victoria or NSW leading to the reintroduction
WELCOME BACK: The Ovens & Murray league opens this weekend with a split round of football and netball.
of lockdown restrictions, there was capacity in the draw to deal with some cancelations. “We have got contingencies if there is a shutdown for three or four weekends (the interleague round plus two other split rounds) and in a worst case scenario we could also move the finals back a week to slot in another round,” he said. “It’s really playing it by ear and acting accordingly.” Sinclair was, however, excited by
the array of talent heading to the competition this season featuring a multitude of former AFL and VFL talent. “I’ve been on the board since 2005 and I’ve never seen a year like it,” he said. “The recruiting has been going on for 18 months with a steady movement of quality talent to most of the clubs. “It will be one of the best and most competitive seasons we have seen.”
The league has also had to deal with the departure of experienced general manager Sean Barrett, who has taken over the reins at the Wangaratta Turf Club, but fortunately they didn’t have to look too far for his replacement in Craig Millar. Millar and his wife come from Myrtleford and he played for the Saints back in 2004/2005 and he will take up his position on April 12. “We were disappointed to lose
Sean but he left us in good shape for the season ahead,” Sinclair said. “Craig has had an astonishing career in sports administration; he’s worked for AFL Queensland, the NEAFL and recently with Carlton Football Club and he knows the league.” Now, with everything in readiness, Sinclair had just one other thing to say. “Bring it on.”
THE NATIONALS proudly supporting grassroots football & netball BRIDGET MCKENZIE Senator for Victoria Leader of The Nationals in the Senate Authorised by Senator Bridget McKenzie, National Party of Australia, 172 High Street Wodonga VIC 3690
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FOOTBALL & NETBALL 2021 | PAGE 9
WANGARATTA MAGPIES - FOOTBALL
Wangaratta brings in the big guns WANGARATTA will be looking to go one better in 2021, after finishing runners up to Lavington in 2019. The ‘Pies are building nicely, having lured 2018 premiership coach Dean Stone back to Norm Minns Oval, along with a number of high profile recruits. Stone said his side has enjoyed a good pre-season. “Training’s been really good,” Stone said. “The guys are looking really fit and a keen to get going. “We’ve had no injuries either which is a huge bonus, we should be able to roll into round one with our strongest side on the park.” Wangaratta have brought in former Collingwood star Ben Reid, Nothern Territory gun Abraham Ankers, as well as lured Joe Richards back from Melbourne. Former Richmond and Carlton player Callum Moore joined on the eve of the 2021 season. Ruckman Xavier Wales has departed, going to Moyhu, while Brad Melville, Luke Morgan, Jack Amery, Daniel Witham and Lachie Hourigan have also departed. “We have recruited well but I honestly believe our improvement will come through our second, third and fourth year players,” Stone said. “They’ve all come back fitter and stronger and are really looking to cement a permanent
spot in the senior side. “Blokes like Fraser Ellis, Josh Smart, Luke Saunders, Ben Bray and Harry Smart have stepped up this pre-season and that’s where our improvement will come from.” With COVID-19 putting an end to the 2020 season, Stone believes it’s put more interest on this year’s competition. “I don’t think the loss of last year will have a negative impact on this year, I actually think it’ll do the opposite,” he said. “Speaking to other coaches it sounds like there’s so much hype around the playing groups and getting back to playing football.” The 2021 season shapes up as one of the most even competitions the O&M has seen in recent years. “When you look at how clubs have recruited this year’s competition looks strong,” Stone said. “You look at Yarrawonga and Wangaratta Rovers who have brought in these marquee players, it’s going to be exciting. “Bringing in marquee players not only strengthens the league but it brings interest and people to the games which will generate some much needed revenue.” Wangaratta will kick their 2021 campaign off against Joe Richards Wodonga Raiders under lights on Good Friday at Birallee Park.
Wangaratta Joe McKenzie
Paul Reid
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Danial Siperki
Anthony D'Agostino
Andrea Bowman
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WANGARATTA MAGPIES - NETBALL
Back-to-back-to-back a real possibility for Wangaratta according to Keen WANGARATTA will be looking to go back-to-back-to-back in 2021 after taking out 2018’s premiership against Albury and then following it up with a victory against Corowa Rutherglen in 2019. Kellie Keen will lead the Magpies for another season, marking her fifth season at the helm, after no games were played in the Ovens and Murray League last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Keen said despite winning the past two premierships, the squad isn’t feeling any pressure going into the highly anticipated 2021 season. “We aren’t feeling any pressure, last year was non-existent so I think that takes the pressure off us a bit,” Keen said. “Everyone’s in the same boat having not played last year so I think all netballers are just keen to get back out on the court.” The Magpies have had a solid pre-season which Kelly believes will set the squad up nicely. “Pre-season was good,” she said. “We were able to blood some younger talent through the A grade side through the practice matches and pre-season competition which was great.” 2019 premiership player Amelia Reilly is the ‘Pies only loss with the 20-year-old heading to Melbourne for university. Amanda Umanski was set to
Season Fixture R1 R2 R3 R4 R5 R6 R7 R8 R9
Friday, April 2 - 5pm
vs Wod. Raiders - away Saturday, April 10 - 6pm
vs Myrtleford - home
Sunday, April 18 - 2pm
vs Wang Rovers - WJ Findlay Saturday, April 24 - 6pm
vs Corowa R’glen - home Saturday, May 1 - 5pm
vs Albury - away
Saturday, May 8 - 2pm
vs Nth Albury - home
Saturday, May 15 - 2pm
vs Wodonga - away
Saturday, May 29 - 2pm
vs Lavington - away
Saturday, June, 5 - 2pm
vs Corowa R’glen - away
R10 Saturday, June 12 - 2pm
vs Yarrawonga - home
R11 Saturday, June, 19 - 2pm
vs Wod. Raiders - home
R12 Sunday, July 4 - 2pm
vs Wang Rovers - home
R13 Saturday, July 10 - 2pm
vs Corowa R’glen - away
R14 Saturday, July 17 - 2pm
vs Albury - home
Issy Byrne
R15 Saturday, July 31 - 2pm play elsewhere in 2021 but has since re-joined her premiership teammates. Ebony Norris will step up from the junior grades. “Ebony (Norris) will come straight into our A grade squad and there is a possibly a few other
younger players might feature at different times throughout the year,” Keen said. “Ebony hasn’t missed a beat this season so I’m looking forward to seeing what she can do. “All of the A grade girls are really fit too.”
Keen said finals are the goal. “You always want to finish off strong playing in the finals,” she said. “I definitely believe our squad can do good things but you just never know after having a year off.”
vs Nth Albury - away
R16 Saturday, August, 7 - 2pm
vs Wodonga - home
R17 Saturday, August, 14 - 2pm
vs Yarrawonga - away
R18 Saturday, August 21 - 2pm
vs Lavington - away
Get on board the magpies in 2021! Opening Round April 2nd
(Easter Friday Night) V Wodonga Raiders
First Home game – April 10th v Myrtleford Balcony Function starts 5pm sharp, tickets $90+GST including drinks, two course meal and guest speakers. (Swoopers and Sponsors free, tickets on website) There is no better place in town to watch what could be the clash of the year, featuring 7 Ex-AFL players including Ben Reid, Michael Newton, Callum Moore, Ben Speight V Dawson Simpson, Taylor Hunt, Kurt Aylett.
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Like us on FOOTBALL & NETBALL 2021 | PAGE 11
WANGARATTA ROVERS - FOOTBALL
Wangaratta Rovers beef up list ahead of 2021 season FINALS football is definitely an achievable goal for the Wangaratta Rovers with fit and ready returning locals and new players with AFL experience primed to take on Lavington in round one of the Ovens and Murray Football League season. The likes of Alex Marklew, Tyson Hartwig, and Ryan Stone return to Darryn Creswell’s fold with ex-AFL club and academy players Jamieson Daniels (Western Bulldogs), Sam Murray (Collingwood/ Sydney) Todd Grayson (GC Suns), Tyler Cornish (Qld state league), Thomas Thynne (Qld state league), and Matt Jones (Melbourne) bolstering the Rovers’ list to as good as it’s been in some time. The Rovers have curated the recruitment to the club’s needs based on gaps in skills and capabilities, while also taking into account the O&M league points cap. Rovers football operations manager Barry Sullivan said they picked up players who have a lot of experience but they
aren’t in the highest six point bracket. “Some of them have had AFL experience but they’ve been out of that system for a while with Matt Jones having played 60 odd games for Melbourne but he’s played with South Croydon for that last five years so he’s basically a three pointer,” Sullivan said. “We will struggle from time to time with players like Charlie Thompson and Nathan Cooper who will play mainly VFL but should be available at some stages.” The Rovers’ ability to secure such class of player this season bears heavily on the high status and professionalism of Creswell at the helm. Sullivan said Cresswell is a very charismatic, knowledgeable and football focused coach and he has never known anyone who prepares for a game as much. “He has been a fantastic footballer but more importantly now he is a great motivator who loves developing young players,” he said.
FIRST HOME GAME OF 2021 EASTER SATURDAY
We are looking forward to seeing the Rovers guys and gals hit the field and court in 2021! We also urge you to support country footy by supporting us again in 2021. Memberships can be purchased online on WangRovers TeamApp, at The Gateway, Flynn’s Menswear, or on the gate
PAGE 12 | FOOTBALL & NETBALL 2021
Jack Gerrish
Join us on Saturday 3 April for our first home game since 2019! Watch us go head to head with Albury Tigers in a twilight match followed by a light meal and live band.
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Gates open at 11am Footy start times: U18s 1pm RESERVES 3pm SENIORS 5pm Netball start times: U17s 12.30pm C GRADE 2pm B GRADE 3.30pm A GRADE 5pm Live Band – Headline 8pm onwards
WANGARATTA ROVERS - NETBALL
Season Fixture
Hawks fired up to hit the courts at full throttle for 2021 netball season WITH the 2020 O&M season abandoned due to COVID everyone is raring to get back on the courts, perhaps none more so than Wangaratta Rovers. A grade couch Noel Halton said the girls have been “jumping out of their skin” to make a return to the game. “From what we’ve seen, the girls are pretty eager to play,” he said. “We had one night where we had all our grades training; I think we had almost 40 girls, so pretty much everyone was at training that night. “We’ve been seeing good solid numbers and everyone is keen to get going after the year we had last year, they’re super excited to play some really good netball.” The Rovers squad is relatively unchanged from their untested 2020 lineup. “We’ve got Kelsey Wilson, she played in the 16 and Under 2019 grand final; she’ll be one to watch this year in our senior grades, she’s a really exciting young talent,” Halton said. “We’ve got a couple girls who came in from Greta that the O&M probably haven’t seen in Amelia Matthewson and Katey Pryor.
“Obviously they were excited to go last year but it didn’t happen, so they’re jumping out of their skin again, they’ve stayed with us. “We’ve also got Carley Perso; she hasn’t played in a couple years, and she’s one to look out for. “We have lost one senior player in Briony Simpson, she’s having a baby.” Looking ahead to the season, Halton is under no illusions that there are strong teams in the competition. “Hopefully we’ll just be a really solid outfit and just try to improve on seasons gone by,” he said. “We will just try and get a couple of wins early if we can. “It’s pretty hard to gauge who’s out there, you don’t know; you hear a lot of things from other clubs, who they’ve got, who’s gone and that, but you won’t really know until at least into round 4 or 5 where you sit in the mix.”
R4 R1 R2
Kelsie Wilson
Ins and Outs IN: Millie Matthewson, Katey Pryor, Carley Perso, Kelsey Wilson, Maddie Briggs, Mikaela Trethowen. OUT: Briony Simpson.
R3 R5 R6 R7 R8 R9
Sunday, March 28 - 2pm
vs Lavington - away
Saturday, April 3 - 5pm
vs Albury Tigers - home Saturday, April 10 - 2pm
vs North Albury - away Sunday, April 18 - 2pm
vs Wangaratta - home Saturday, May 1 - 2pm
vs Yarrawonga - home Saturday, May 8 - 2pm
vs Wod. Raiders - away Saturday, May 15 - 2pm
vs Myrtleford - home
Saturday, May 29 - 2pm
vs Wodonga - home
Saturday, June 5 - 2pm
vs Corowa R’glen - away
R10 Saturday, June 12 - 2pm
vs Nth Albury - home
R11 Saturday, June 26 - 2pm
vs Albury - away
R12 Sunday, July 4 - 2pm
vs Wangaratta - away
R13 Saturday, July 10 - 2pm
vs Lavington - home
R14 Saturday, June 12 - 2pm
vs Yarrawonga - away
R15 Saturday, July 24 - 2pm
vs Wod Raiders - home
R16 Saturday, August 7 - 2pm
vs Myrtleford - away
R17 Saturday, August 14 - 2pm
vs Corowa R’glen - home
R18 Saturday, August 21 - 2pm
vs Wodonga - away
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FOOTBALL & NETBALL 2021 | PAGE 13
BENALLA ALL BLACKS - FOOTBALL
Benalla All Blacks back youth and retention as keys to the future BENALLA All Blacks will be aiming for a finals berth in 2021 after finishing just outside the top six in 2019. Nich Spencer will lead the side for the second successive year, however, due to the abandonment of the 2020 season it will really be his first year in charge. Spencer said he’s pleased with how his side’s looking ahead of round one against King Valley. “Training’s been good, we’re consistently getting 30 there on Tuesday and between 25 and 30 on Thursday,” Spencer said, “It’s definitely exciting going into really my first year as coach, I’m sure I’ll be pretty nervous come round one but I’m excited at the moment.” The Panthers have kept relatively quiet on the recruiting front, signing young guns who have come out of thirds football in Luke Dunne and Regan Muliana-Williams. “We haven’t recruited that many players, more just a few out of the thirds,” Spencer said. “Young blokes who have just came out of thirds at Benalla Saints and are looking to play senior football have come across. “We’ve managed to keep the majority of players too so we’re looking pretty good ahead of round one.”
Nich Spencer
Spencer outlined players who have impressed over the preseason. “Sam Newton, Trent Chapman and Jackson Hourigan have all come out firing this pre-season,” he said. “To top it off we’ve got two or
three young blokes who have worked hard and might have a spot round one. “I feel like our 2019 campaign was really average and we still managed to finish just outside the six so I definitely believe we can play finals this year.”
It’s definitely exciting going into really my first year as coach, I’m sure I’ll be pretty nervous come round one but I’m excited at the moment. - NICH SPENCER, COACH
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BENALLA ALL BLACKS - NETBALL
Panthers set to challenge big guns with influx of players BENALLA All Blacks could be one of the big improvers of the Ovens and King Netball League having gained a number of players over the off-season. The Panthers finished in ninth position in 2019 but will definitely be pushing for finals in the upcoming season. Benalla All Blacks coach Sam Kipping said she’s looking forward to seeing how her side performs in 2021. “We’re looking really good,” Kipping said. “We’ve got a number of new girls to the club who are all keen to get started, “We won’t field any junior sides which is pretty disappointing but we’ve managed to fill all senior sides which is lucky.” Olivia Cavicchiolo will join the Panthers from Milawa, Elizabeth Fuhrneister arrives from Seymour, while Georgia Spencer will also make her way back to the side. Alex Keith will also play for the Panthers. “Olivia (Cavicchiolo) is a defender with strong presence on the court and Elizabeth (Fuhrneister) joins having played GV netball, she’ll give us a bit of versatility as she can play both mid court and defence,” Kipping said.
SEASON FIXTURE
It’s great to hear that people around the club are saying that our netball is going to be pretty strong this year. - BENALLA ALL BLACKS COACH SAM KIPPING
“We haven’t lost any players either so to have only gained players is huge for our flexibility in the A grade.” Kipping was adamant her side would push for finals. “I’ve already told the girls we’ll be playing finals this year,” she said. “It’s great to hear that people around the club are saying that our netball is going to be pretty strong this year. “We’re looking forward to getting out there in round one against King Valley who are usually pretty strong.”
Georgie Spencer
R1 King Valley (A)
March 27
R2 Bonnie Doon (A)
April 2
R3 Nth Wang (H)
April 10
R4 Moyhu (H)
April 17
R5 BYE
April 24
R6 Goorambat (A)
May 1
R7 Whorouly (A)
May 8
R8 Tarrawingee (H)
May 15
R9 Bright (A)
May 22
R10 Greta (H)
May 29
R11 Nth Wang (A)
June 5
R12 Milawa (H)
June 19
R13 Bonnie Doon (H)
June 26
R14 Tarrawingee (A)
July 3
R15 Moyhu (A)
July 10
R16 Bright (H)
July 17
R17 Milawa (A)
July 24
R18 BYE
July 31
R19 Whorouly (H)
August 7
R20 Goorambat (H)
August 14
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BONNIE DOON - FOOTBALL
Bonnie Donnie to look unrecognisable CONTINUED improvement on the field and further strengthening of the club off the field are the priorities for Bonnie Doon in 2021 according to coach Ken Murray. After a few seasons as what Murray calls the easy beats of the competition, 2019 saw the Bombers rack up half a dozen wins and signal they were on the up as footy force. “We finished midfield but it was a massive improvement on the past,” Murray said. “It made me realise there was a strong heartbeat around the club and a lot in the community wanted the club to succeed. “Culture is important to us as a small club; we probably put that first even before points because that will see us through for the long term.” Murray said the club, like most, focused on recruitment in 2020 and have topped up a dozen more names since then. New names include Campbell Smedley (Woori Yallock) who has impressed in the practice matches, Guy Murray (Mansfield), Morgan Evans (Old Carey) and younger players Zac Tanner and Blake Azzopardi who return after graduating from the junior ranks. “It’s nice to have them back at the club where their parents have done so much, that’s so important to build on,” Murray said. The Bombers have been impressive in their two practice matches so far, comfortably defeating Shepparton East and
WATCHFUL EYE: Bonnie Doon senior footballers are under the watchful guidance of head coach Ken Murray (right) once again this year who has some 19 recruits under his wing.
We will have a lot more depth across the club this year and it will be a large fail if we don’t improve on 2019.
NOW COACHING: Michael Miller has been with Bonnie Doon for some years and has now taken on the role of reserves coach - and might get a game or two himself.
- KEN MURRAY matching it with Warburton Milgrove before going down by 10 points. “We will have a lot more depth across the club this year and it will be a large fail if we don’t improve on 2019,” Murray said.
Ins and Outs IN: Jacob Howes, Conor Heaslip, Jake Keath, Blake Azzopardi, Campbell Smedley, Archie Smith, James Chiller, Jeremy Veneman, Brent McDonald, Mitch McDonald, Cory Leenan, Rob Rowe, Josh Hobson, Sean Cinquegrana, Andrew Marshall, Al Bennett, Guy Murray, Earl Ree-Gooding, Ben Hedin, Lachlan Revell, Pat Revell, Jack Kirley, Jay Jay Curtin, Jenson Curtin, Will Foster, James Law, Jack Goonan, Morgan Evans, Lachlan Mahon, Angus Murray, Shane Polkinghorne, Trent Smith, Zac Tanner, Beau Smith, Jaia Wincer, Dan Hatten, Sam Bennett. OUT: Corey Buckley, Matt Delahey, Will Foster, James Law, James Gardiner, Jesse Richard.
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FOOTBALL & NETBALL CLUB
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The committee and players of our Club have gratefully appreciated the contribution and support of our many sponsors
Alpine Butchery High Country Smash Repairs Mansfield Furniture One & Betta Electrical Murphy Fresh Mansfield Hunting, Fishing, & Outdoor Supplies Bonnie Doon Caravan Park Ancona Dorset Rams Cindy McLeish Mansfield Taxis Mansfield Flooring Extra Zeiden’s Concreting North East Plumbing Ethan Turvey Maximum Air Solutions W F Montague – Neil Thompson Maintenance & Plumbing Beautify Eye Salon Amcal Chemist High Country Water Cartage Davons Hair Product Coffee Merchant
Peppin Ridge Winery Marks I.G.A Mansfield Lotto Centre Alpine Civil Bonnie Doon Hotel Oakbank Produce Auto One Mansfield Crushing & Construction Rodwells Euroa The Strathbogie Removals Chriss Oakley Plastering Aussie Made Garage & Barns Hot & Chilly – J Roberts Roys Heating & Air Conditioning Bertalli’s Bakery Phudley’s Mansfield Delatite Poultry AWM Electrical Witches Brew Mansfield Pre Mix
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BONNIE DOON - NETBALL
Young A grade Bombers outfit ready to fly at upcoming season AFTER ending the 2019 season at tenth on the ladder, Bonnie Doon has been pushing hard to bring their young squad up to the level they know they can perform at. “We’ve been training since January, so we’ve done a fair bit,” said A grade coach Michelle Tanner. “We’ve had a couple practice matches, everything’s going well; the girls are just excited to be back playing, keeping their fingers crossed that we’ll actually get a season. “We have been able to retain the ones that we had from last year, we’re pretty happy that we’re able to keep everyone from last year, and we’ve had a couple girls come from Mansfield. “I think that was the biggest battle, just trying to keep them involved and keep them interested and get them to come again this year when they didn’t get to last year.” Despite having a relatively young side, and despite having had minimal match experience together, Tanner believes her squad has what it takes to keep up with some of the best in the league. “I think we’ll definitely be competitive in comparison to other years,” she said. “Since they haven’t really played together before, the
SEASON FIXTURE
TOP COACH: Bonnie Doon’s overall head coach Michelle Tanner (left) explains tactics to her young girls during training recently.
main goal is just getting to know each other and learning how each other play. “The practice matches have been good for that, because sometimes when you get new players who come on together they can’t work very well together, but I haven’t seen any of that. “However, if we can play netball everyone will just be happy with that; that’s my goal,
getting everyone out there, getting through the season and having a good time.” Every young side needs a leader to rally around, and Tanner thinks she has found that leader. “Sarah Walker, she’s done a lot of work over the COVID off season, just incredibly fit in comparison to other years,” Tanner said, “She’s going to have to take
YOUR LOCAL
that leadership role because she’s one of the girls that have been there for a couple years now; I would expect her to step up into one of those leadership spots and lead the younger ones in the team. “Bec Watson’s in the A grade side as well, and she actually won the league best and fairest in 2019 in B grade. “She’s young but she’s an exciting player.”
R1 Whorouly (A)
March 27
R2 Benalla (H)
April 2
R3 Goorambat (A)
April 10
R4 BYE
April 17
R5 Greta (H)
April 24
R6 Nth Wang (H)
May 1
R7 Tarrawingee (A)
May 8
R8 Moyhu (H)
May 15
R9 Milawa (A)
May 22
R10 King Valley (A)
May 29
R11 Bright (A)
June 12
R12 Whorouly (H)
June 19
R13 Benalla (A)
June 26
R14 Goorambat (H)
July 3
R15 BYE
July 10
R16 Greta (A)
July 17
R17 Tarrawingee (H)
July 24
R18 King Valley (H)
July 31
R19 Nth Wang (A)
August 7
R20 Bright (H)
August 14
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BRIGHT - FOOTBALL
Bright focusing on rebuilding club culture AFTER the lack of football last year, Bright is focusing on rebuilding the club culture and developing the younger players, as well as scoring a few key signings. “Obviously coming off a year with no football, our first goal is to consolidate and get the club in a good position again,” senior coach Paul Harrison said. “It’s been a long time since the whole club’s been together. “Our off-field goal is to get the community and everybody back involved, that’s probably been the hardest thing so far, some blokes have had 14 months out and it’s hard to get them back. “So, off-field we’ve been working hard on getting everyone back involved with the club, working on a way to get the community back together.” Harrison has brought some big signings to the club including Mitcham’s tough inside midfielder Rodrigo Arguella, and some veteran experience in former Essendon premiership player Gary Moorcroft from Bundoora who took the 2001 mark of the year and remains dangerous kicking 51 goals for Bundoora in Division 1 Northern Football League in 2019. Bright’s list from 2019 is relatively unchanged, with the exception of a few key players from the 2019 grand final side. “We’ve lost Tom Mullane-Grant due to work, he isn’t going to play,” said Harrison. “We’ve also lost Jai Dykstra who’s having a crack at the Ovens
Nick Lebish
& Murray level with Myrtleford; I think we’ve replaced them with what we’ve got.” Harrison said the lack of a season in 2020 will affect every club in the league. “I think it’s been a major impact on the league itself and the players,” he said. “You have smaller communities that, when they’re not used to going to footy every week, playing, it takes a lot to get some of them back involved.
“That’s been what we have been working on since we got back from Christmas. “You can rely on your senior list, because they’re all committed, but it’s the ones that are there to play for the enjoyment that we have been working hard on getting back to the club.” Harrison said Bright’s future comes down to the younger players coming through the club. “We’ve been lucky that we’ve been able to get a few back from
The United Bright Football Netball Club is excited for the 2021 season!
We are looking forward to welcoming everyone back to the ground at ŽƵƌ ĮƌƐƚ ŚŽŵĞ ŵĂƚĐŚ ĨŽƌ ƚŚĞ ƐĞĂƐŽŶ͕ ƚŚĞ ƚƌĂĚŝƟŽŶĂů ĂƐƚĞƌ ^ĂƚƵƌĚĂLJ ƌŝǀĂůƌLJ ŵĂƚĐŚ ǀƐ dĂƌƌĂǁŝŶŐĞĞ D ^^/s ƚŚĂŶŬ LJŽƵ ƚŽ ŽƵƌ ǀĂůƵĞĚ ƐƉŽŶƐŽƌƐ͕ ĨĂŶƚĂƐƟĐ ƐƵƉƉŽƌƚĞƌƐ Θ ŚĂƌĚǁŽƌŬŝŶŐ ǀŽůƵŶƚĞĞƌƐ ĂŶĚ ǁĞ ǁŝƐŚ Ăůů ŽĨ ŽƵƌ ƚĞĂŵƐ ƚŚĞ ǀĞƌLJ ďĞƐƚ ĨŽƌ ƚŚĞ ƐĞĂƐŽŶ ĂŚĞĂĚ &ŽůůŽǁ ŽƵƌ ƵƉĚĂƚĞƐ ǀŝĂ ŽƵƌ &ĂĐĞŬ ƉĂŐĞ Žƌ ĞŵĂŝů ƚŚĞ ůƵď Ăƚ ƵďĨŶĐΛŽƵƚůŽŽŬ͘ĐŽŵ ƚŽ ƐŝŐŶ ƵƉ ĨŽƌ ŽƵƌ ŶĞǁƐůĞƩĞƌ It’s not too late to get around us! Potential sponsors, non-playing members and volunteers, if you would like to lend a hand or get involved in any way, please contact: President - Kristi Hacket Vice President - Sam Willis via email—ubfnc@outlook.com
PAGE 18 | FOOTBALL & NETBALL 2021
Myrtleford that played in that 19s premiership at Myrtleford, so the likes of Jack Woodall and Patrick Bren are coming back to the club; they add a lot of pace and they’re both very clean with the football,” he said. “Sam Dalbosco, Alexander Dalbosco, Darcy Sholl; they’ve really stepped up in the last three or four months, taking on a bit more of a leadership role. “They’ve really put in the hard work, so they’re really setting
themselves up for a big season. “On-field, we aim to be a top four team, but we are taking it in six week blocks.”
Ins and Outs IN: Gary Moorcroft, Beau Moorcroft, Brody Waugh, Sam Mather, Rodrigo Arguello, Jack Woodall, Patrick Bren, Bailey Jennings-Allen. OUT: Tom Mullane-Grant, Chad Martin, Nick Howell, Jarrod Hayse.
BRIGHT - NETBALL
Changes for Mountain Maids but finals again the goal AFTER double-figure win seasons in each of the past two campaigns Bright’s A grade netball team will return to the Ovens and King competition with several personnel changes in 2021. The Mountain Maids have had some significant departures since last taking to the court in 2019 when the team finished the home and away season fifth and reached the preliminary final. One of the league’s most consistent goal scorers in Emily Nightingale is set to have the year off as she becomes a mother for the first time while athletic defender Grace Taberner is also gone. Finding a replacement for Nightingale hasn’t been too hard with Laura Harris set to finally debut for Bright after arriving ahead of last year’s cancelled season. But finding a replacement for Tabener has been more difficult with the team settling on moving former best and fairest winning centre Leshae Hogan to partner coach Bridget Flint Chapman in defence. “It’s a completely new role for Lesahe so we’re not putting any pressure on her to emulate what other players have done, we’re going to value her on what she brings to the position,” Flint
SEASON FIXTURE
Leshae Hogan
Chapman said. Despite Hogan’s move to defence the midcourt still contains veteran experience in Georgie Matters and Allyce Whinray with the pair also set to nurture a group of up-andcoming midcourt players. “We’ve got some young girls coming up from the under 17s in Monique Martin, Amy Ditcham and Charlotte Rosser so that’s exciting,” Flint Chapman said. “Our other new face is Laura Harris who will fill the void left by Emily. “Laura plays differently to Em, but is a very strong and a
beautiful shooter so she is really good asset to have picked up.” After a year off and an interrupted preseason Flint Chapman said the Mountain Maids haven’t set their sights beyond a return to the finals. “At the moment we’ll just be looking to make finals again and be competitive once we get there,” she said. “We’re going to be a bit of a different side to what we have been the past few seasons, we’ll definitely have some different strengths but there’s plenty there to work with. “Hopefully we win a couple
more of our early games because in 2019 we lost four of our first six before finishing really well, so if we can get a good boost of confidence early that will help a lot.” In other grades Bright’s B grade and B Reserve teams will return many of the same players from 2019 with both looking to build on respective eight and ten win seasons. Meanwhile, the club’s juniors ranks will go through rebuild of sorts with the under 15s and under 17s to field inexperienced line-ups with players graduating to higher grades.
R1 Milawa (A)
March 27
R2 Tarrawingee (H)
April 3
R3 BYE
April 10
R4 Whorouly (A)
April 17
R5 Nth Wang (A)
April 24
R6 Moyhu (H)
May 1
R7 King Valley (H)
May 8
R8 Greta (A)
May 15
R9 Benalla (H)
May 22
R10 Goorambat (A)
May 29
R11 Bonnie Doon (H)
June 12
R12 Moyhu (A)
June 19
R13 King Valley (A)
June 26
R14 Nth Wang (H)
July 3
R15 Milawa (H)
July 10
R16 Benalla (A)
July 17
R17 BYE
July 24
R18 Goorambat (H)
July 31
R19 Greta (H)
August 7
R20 Bonnie Doon (A)
August 14
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GOORAMBAT - FOOTBALL
Hernan believes Goorambat are on the up
READY FOR THE SEASON: Goorambat Bats Football Club senior coach Sam Gladstone and club president David Hernan.
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GOORAMBAT Bats Football Club is looking for a strong return for this year’s O&K season with senior coach Sam Gladstone leading the team. After finishing the 2019 season with a dismal 3-15 and ranking 10th on the ladder, as well as enduring the impact of COVID last year, club president David Hernan said the club had recruited some excellent talent and was looking strong. “Rob Staff, he won best and fairest for Shepparton Swans, and Perry Knox is back from Benalla, he’s back with us,” Hernan said. “Cooper McCoy and his brother Campbell, both from Benalla are playing as well, they were going to play last year. “There’s also Charlie Campbell from Yarrawonga and Joel Docker, he and his wife have bought a house in Goorambat. “Apart from that it’s pretty much the same.” Hernan said they were also happy with the number of players they had for the team. “We haven’t really had too many (players) leave,” he said. “They’re mostly all the same as what we had last year.” Hernan said while the impact of COVID had been tough for the operational aspect of the club, he was pleased to see the players in good shape and spirits. “The footballers seemed to have handled it pretty well,” he said. “The reserves is going to be the unknown, we haven’t had a lot even showing up for training yet. “But we’re highly confident. “Rob Staff would be the one to keep an eye on, but Sam’s pretty happy with his line-up and the team now.” Hernan said the team hoped to “stay competitive” as they had planned for last year but they weren’t setting their expectations too high.
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GOORAMBAT - NETBALL
Goorambat netballers focusing on fun as they look to move up ladder GOOROOMBAT senior netball coach Amelia Skilbeck said while her expectations for the year are as high as last season, the important thing was for players to “have fun”. “We were excited for the season last year and were thinking we would be in the top six,” she said. “I think it has been a good break for everyone and the spirit around training has been great. “The main concern would be injuries after the long break.” The Bats have been able to offset the loss of Emily Neilson and Elise Nolan with three new faces, Sarah Osborne, Kylie Relf, Olivia Dalton. Osborne is a very versatile player with speed and fitness and can play in WA, C, GS or GA. Likewise Dalton has amazing fitness and ability to play most positions and is great at reading the play and can take on WD, C, GD, GK, WA.
SEASON FIXTURE
Ins and Outs IN: Sarah Osborne, Kylie Relf, Olivia Dalton OUT: Emily Neilson, Elise Nolan.
Amelia Skilbeck dives on the ball
R1 Tarrawingee (H)
March 27
R2 BYE
April 3
R3 Bonnie Doon (H)
April 10
R4 Nth Wang (A)
April 17
R5 Moyhu (A)
April 24
R6 Benalla (H)
May 1
R7 Greta (A)
May 8
R8 Milawa (H)
May 15
R9 King Valley (A)
May 22
R10 Bright (H)
May 29
R11 Whorouly (A)
June 5
R12 Nth Wang (H)
June 19
R13 BYE
June 26
R14 Bonnie Doon (A)
July 3
R15 Tarrawingee (A)
July 10
R16 Moyhu (H)
July 17
R17 Whorouly (H)
July 24
R18 Bright (A)
July 31
R19 King Valley (H)
August 7
R20 Benalla (A)
August 14
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GRETA - FOOTBALL
Greg Newbold
Added depth to fire Greta’s improvement
GRETA coach Greg Newbold is confident the Blues can go deeper into the final series than their fifth placed finish back in 2019. Like a number of Ovens and King clubs, Greta has picked up more than they have lost on the long off-season and Newbold believes the sides steady rise up the ranks in recent years will continue. “I’m happy how the team’s
shaping up, the recruits have enabled us to increase the rotation through the midfield and we’ve been able to develop that through the practice matches,” he said. “Numbers have been a bit lighter on the track this season but it’s still been pretty good. “We’ve had practice matches against Wodonga saints and Beechworth and they have both
been good hitouts and I’ve been happy with how we’ve moved the ball. New signings have come from near and far including former Glenrowan player Bryce Ralph, who is assistant coach, midfielders Luke Minogue from Katandra and Dale Walker from Bacchus Marsh, and Cameron Newbold has also returned to
the fold from Seaford and is now living back locally. The only loss has been Matt Jarrott who has moved to Echuca. “On paper we are looking better with the added depth and minimum losses so we anticipate we will be better on the ground than in 2019,” Newbold said. If the team does surpass 2019’s result then that would make
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PAGE 22 | FOOTBALL & NETBALL 2021
it four consecutive seasons of improvements under the current coach. The Blues have the opening round bye and kick off their season against Moyhu on Good Friday.
Ins and Outs IN: Bryce Ralph, Luke Minogue, Cameron Newbold. OUT: Matt Jarrott
GRETA - NETBALL
Four-peat the aim of the mighty Blues GRETA will search for four titles in a row this season after beating Milawa 47-42 in 2019’s grand final. Although it won’t be four titles in four year’s due to the cancellation of the 2020 season, Greta will still go into the season as the defending premiers. Greta has the bye in round one but Gathercole said she was happy with how her side’s tracking ahead of their round two clash against Moyhu. “Pre-season was great,” Gathercole said. “We had a good number of girls at try outs and we’ve managed to fill all sides quite comfortably.” Despite going into the 2021 season as the team to beat, Gathercole is confident her girls will hold up well to the task. “There probably is a bit of pressure to do well but we’ve got a good group of girls who I’m confident will do well,” she said. “We haven’t had many departures this year compared to what we had at the start of the 2020 season which has been good. “Grace Goodley comes into the side who I’m looking forward to watching and we’ve also got a good group of existing players. “The goal for us is to definitely make finals again and then go as deep as possible.” 2020’s COVID-19 affected season is set to impact all clubs in different ways in 2021. “It’s definitely going to impact the league in some way or another, I guess we’re going into a bit of an unknown,” Gathercole said. “A lot of clubs have struggled in different way’s I guess, we’re just one of the lucky ones who have managed to keep good numbers.” IN: Grace Goodley OUT: Nil
SEASON FIXTURE
Loren Gathercole
R1 BYE
March 27
R2 Moyhu - City Oval
April 2
R3 Tarrawingee (A)
April 10
R4 Milawa(H)
April 17
R5 Bonnie Doon (A)
April 24
R6 King Valley (H)
May 1
R7 Goorambat (H)
May 8
R8 Bright (H)
May 15
R9 Whorouly (A)
May 22
R10 Benalla (A)
May 29
R11 Tarrawingee (H)
June 5
R12 BYE
June 19
R13 Nth Wang (A)
June 26
R14 Milawa (A)
July 3
R15 Whorouly (H)
July 10
R16 Bonnie Doon (H)
July 17
R17 King Valley (A)
July 24
R18 Nth Wang (H)
July 31
R19 Bright (A)
August 7
R20 Moyhu (A)
August 14
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KING VALLEY - FOOTBALL
A mix of youth and experience has Roos poised KING Valley United Football is looking to make its mark on the competition this year and prove themselves as a worthy competitor for the finals. After losing players Liam Cook, Nick Stewart and Nathan Morris last year, the team has taken on new and returning talent including Connor Shanley, Ayden Hansen, Adam Evans and Tom Stewart. Senior coach Beau Wheeler said while some players had returned after trying their luck at other clubs last year, some were also returning after recovering from injuries. “We held on to most of the young blokes from last year,” he said. “It’s really hard because they haven’t played a game together; we’ve got a really new side. “They train together but they haven’t played any games so that’s going to be the exciting part of it the way I’m looking at it.” Wheeler said thankfully the team had stayed motivated throughout 2020, when the season wasn’t able to go ahead due to COVID. “They all coped pretty well, we were all missing footy and we tried to keep contact through group chats and having a bit of banter and keeping in touch that way,” he said.
“The guys do have a lot of other interests so it was easy for them to switch off.” Wheeler said so far two players among the mix were standing out and had been performing well. “Damo Bradley, who has come back to the club,” he said. “He’s looking really fit and he’s one to watch, he’s had a really good pre-season and is really fit. “Zac Northey, he’s been flying fit and I’m really interested to see him take his next step into senior footy. “I’m really looking forward to see them go, they’ve had a really good pre-season and they’re really fit but I’m keen to see all the youngsters.” Wheeler said he also hoped the team would be able to make it to 5th or 6th on the ladder position. “We want to play finals this year and to give the young guys an experience in it,” he said. “I think there are a few teams up the top that have recruited really well but I think we can definitely try to push and play finals.”
Ins and Outs IN: Connor Shanley, Ayden Hansen,
Adam Evans and Tom Stewart. OUT: Liam Cook, Nick Stewart and
Nathan Morris
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KING VALLEY - NETBALL
SEASON FIXTURE
Michelle Evans and Kyra Vernon
King Valley netball have high hopes KING Valley Netball coach Michelle Evans had high hopes for all her teams last year before COVID interrupted plans to reach finals. “We were looking very promising this time last year; I would have hoped and anticipated that all grades would be playing finals,” she said. “At the moment it’s hard to tell what this year has in
store for us, but we still have a lot of potential and will be competitive. “I definitely think the break we’ve gone through will affect players. “Match fitness will have been affected, along with generally fitness and it will take time to get back to the same skill level as we left the game with.” “Kyra Vernon joined us last
year, she is great player and leader, fantastic in defence and can also play mid court,” Evans said “Courtney McLeod has returned and is an excellent target in goals. “Unfortunately we have lost Anna Wallis to university and our goal shooters Amy Voss, Sarah Stone, Freya Williams and Ash Edgeworth.”
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Gun players “Piper Vearing in goals and Reese Young in defence have been playing really well and will be assets to our senior squad,” Evans said “Charlotte Roberts is a young player who has stepped up from 15s to 17s and has a lot of potential and versatility.”
R1 Benalla (H)
March 27
R2 Nth Wang (H)
April 3
R3 Milawa (A)
April 10
R4 Tarrawingee (H)
April 17
R5 Whorouly (H)
April 24
R6 Greta (A)
May 1
R7 Bright (A)
May 8
R8 BYE
May 15
R9 Goorambat (H)
May 22
R10 Bonnie Doon (H)
May 29
R11 Moyhu (A)
June 5
R12 Tarrawingee (A)
June 19
R13 Bright (H)
June 26
R14 BYE
July 3
R15 Nth Wang (A)
July 10
R16 Whorouly (A)
July 17
R17 Greta (H)
July 24
R18 Bonnie Doon (A)
July 31
R19 Goorambat (A)
August 7
R20 Milawa (H)
August 14
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MILAWA - FOOTBALL
Demons ready for flag defence MILAWA will be determined to defend their 2019 Ovens and King Football Netball League flag in 2021 after the 2020 season was abandoned due to COVID-19. The Demons will be the hunted side in 2021 with the league stalwart having kept a similar list to their 2019 winning team. Milawa have had a big pre-season with some players starting back in November last year. Coach Ricky Petts said his side is itching to get stuck into the season. “In the middle of last year I had boys ringing and texting me because they were itching to get stuck into pre-season so we started mid-November when restrictions only allowed us to have 10 people train at each end,” Petts said. “Training was pretty easy before Christmas but now we’re stuck into it, adding a heap of fitness and working on skills that haven’t really been used since 2019.” Petts said the addition of 2013 premiership player Carl Groth, as well as some younger talent will set their side up nicely for 2021. “Carl Groth was keen to get back so he will join us this year,” Petts said. “Sebastian De Napoli will also join us from Wangaratta too so there’s a few fresh faces around the club which is nice. “We’ve also picked up a few younger boys out of the junior league because we thought our list
was ageing a bit.” With COVID-19 putting an end to 2020’s season, it’s going to be interesting to see how it impacts the 2021 season. Petts fears another COVID-19 breakout could damage the highly anticipated 2021 season. “My fear is that last year we got to this point, did all the hard work and then and then the season fell apart, he said. “We saw just the other week how quickly things can turn so that’s always in the back of my mind. “It’s also hard on sponsors because understandably there are some who don’t want to dip into their pockets because last year took so much of a toll on them.”
Ins and Outs IN: Carl Groth, Sebastian De Napoli OUTS:
Players to watch Todd Bird has been on fire this pre-season. “We’ve been flat out having regular trainers but Todd Bird has been to most sessions and is looking really fit so I’m excited to see what he can do,” Petts said. “He made a big leap in 2019 and I’m expecting him to do something similar this year. “Jamie Allen lives fitness and is looking good and Ben Clarke’s the same which is good signs.”
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MILAWA - NETBALL
Milawa looking to become a force MILAWA senior netball coach Stacey Lamb is hoping the club can “rebuild and become a force again” ahead of the 2021 season . “We have been blessed with the return of most of our players after the break,” she said. “All were keen and ready to return to training and play; I think the break has impacted many clubs and I really hope that many can rebuild and become a force again. “Like all clubs we were excited about what would happen in 2020, we were keen to redeem ourselves after losing both the A and B grand finals. “With the upcoming season fast approaching I can say that the fire is alive and well at our club. “We are fit and ready to take on the season and really hope to be there again on the last game of the year.”
SEASON FIXTURE
Taylah Reidy
R1 Bright (H)
March 27
R2 BYE
April 3
R3 King Valley (H)
April 10
R4 Greta (A)
April 17
R5 Tarrawingee (A)
April 25
R6 Whorouly (H)
May 1
R7 Moyhu (A)
May 8
R8 Goorambat (A)
May 15
R9 Bonnie Doon (H)
May 22
R10 Nth Wang (H)
May 29
R11 BYE
June 5
R12 Benalla (A)
June 19
R13 Moyhu (H)
June 26
R14 Greta (H)
July 3
R15 Bright (A)
July 10
Ins and outs
Gun players
R16 Nth Wang (A)
July 17
IN: Shani Rickard, Ellie Laffe, Kerrie Gray, Jacinta Larkings, Tayah Lord, Hayley Trethowan and Isabelle Clarke.
Pre-season has been exciting with so many talented players joining the club. Many spots are up for grabs and trainings have been very competitive. There will be many players to watch including Ellie Hourgian who is a speedy mid court player who trains and plays with great intensity. Alyse Hedin has returned from having a baby and has been in good form in the pre-season matches. Shani Rickard is a great recruit from the Ovens and Murray; she is fast and smart and I look forward to watching her slot into our side.
R17 Benalla (H)
July 24
R18 Whorouly (A)
July 31
R19 Tarrawingee (H)
August 7
R20 King Valley (A)
August 14
OUT: Ellie Warnock, Sophie Colin, Ange Buttler, Emmi Hourigan, Maddy Anderson.
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MOYHU - FOOTBALL
Moyhu to showcase list of inexperience MOYHU will be hoping to rise up the ladder in 2021, having finished second last in 2019. The Hoppers have welcomed former St Kilda and Carlton player Ian Muller on board as coach, as well as recruiting plenty of young talent to the club. Muller said he’s been happy with how his side’s gone about pre-season “Pre-season’s been pretty short but we’re travelling okay I think,” Muller said. “We’ve got a team of young fellas who are moulding into a side that I think will be competitive. “Obviously the likes of Milawa, Tarrawingee and Bright will all be pretty strong but I’m confident we’ll be able to hold our own against most teams.” The Hoppers have brought in former Wangaratta ruckman Xavier Wales and former Tarrawingee player Dan Maples, while Jack Aumont has been named as the reserves coach. Moyhu has lost star forward
Corey Smith to CDHBU in the Hume League. Alex McDonald will once again lead the club as president. “I think we’ve got a reasonable list without it being outstanding,” Muller said. “I want to get young blokes to be a part of the side and create an exciting place for kids to come and play adventurous football. “Hopefully we can attract some young talent to the club who can be at the club for years to come.” Muller said a few young players have caught his eye. “The likes of Noah Campbell, Tom Gorman, Mitch Carson, Liam Cook and Harrison McCarthy are all good young kids who will be solid contributors,” he said. “My son Matt will also have a run around as well. “There’s a nice crew of 1821 year olds who will all have a good crack.” Moyhu will face North Wang in round one.
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MOYHU - NETBALL
Wohlers “really excited” for 2021 MOYHU senior netball coach Sharlene Wohlers is “really excited” about 2021. “Moyhu had recruited well post COVID for the season of 2020 and we were looking strong,” she said. “Having a break has advantages and disadvantages; giving aging players a chance to recover and rest from any injuries but, on the negative, I think match fitness from missing a season will impact the first half of the season. “Numbers in sport have decreased in many codes particularly junior areas but, overall, the Moyhu girls are just so excited to have a season and have really bonded well together and appreciate how precious netball and football clubs are both competitively and socially. “Last year I was hopeful for finals and I am equally hopeful for 2021; we have amazing young people and wonderful volunteers and our juniors will be strong.” “Numbers were solid for 2021 tryouts despite losing some of those recruits from 2020; Gabby Whales, Liv Richards a Jess Vincent, however, Grace Tossol who was recruited for the 2020 season is having a gap year and playing, we have also picked up Amy Holmes from Wangaratta Rovers and Sophie Morey from Whorouly who is a strong goalie. “Emma O’Keefe, a strong mid court player from Maggies has decided to come out and play. “Sarah Patterson has returned after initially having 2020 off, Georgia Allen has decided to travel back each weekend to play as well. “Tayla Ward, Erika Falconer and Abbey Snowden are all playing again. “Tayla Igri will also play having a gap year and Tayla Ward, our zippy pocket rocket, will captain the A Grade team. “Olivia Annette and Colleen Balfour have left us.”
SEASON FIXTURE R1 Nth Wang (A)
March 27
R2 Greta (City Oval)
April 2
R3 Whorouly (H)
April 10
R4 Benalla (A)
April 17
R5 Goorambat (H)
April 24
R6 Bright (A)
May 1
R7 Milawa (H)
May 8
R8 Bonnie Doon (A)
May 15
R9 BYE
May 22
R10 Tarrawingee (A)
May 29
R11 King Valley (H)
June 5
R12 Bright (H)
June 19
R13 Milawa (A)
June 26
R14 Whorouly (A)
July 3
R15 Benalla (H)
July 10
R16 Goorambat (A)
July 17
R17 Nth Wang (H)
July 24
R18 Tarrawingee (H)
July 31
R19 BYE
August 7
R20 Greta (H)
August 14
Tayla Ward
Gun players Amy Holmes has quick reflexes and is a strong ring defender. Abbey Snowden is a work horse and great interceptor in Wing Defence and I think she will really improve again having now a years’ experience in A grade; I look forward to her growth. Overall the A squad is extremely versatile, fast and we have great ball interceptors. I am also really excited for the past players to implement the structure learnt in 2019 second half of the season more consistently moving into 2021. There are many rising stars, particularly from the under 15 squad, I would have to name the team, but one of star stand outs would be Ellie Miller; a very smart, agile and quick mid court player.
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FOOTBALL & NETBALL 2021 | PAGE 29
NORTH WANGARATTA - FOOTBALL
Completely new look North Wangaratta THERE’S a real air of excitement building at the North Wangaratta Football Netball Club for the season ahead with an army of new recruits and a new sense of direction driving the resurgence. Coach Josh Warren said there would be somewhere around 40 fresh faces in the senior and reserve player ranks this season, a combination of new and returning players from young to experienced, all with a burning desire to make the Hawks a competitive force. “Over pre-season training we have averaged around 39 players a night and we’ve had as many as 55 overall which is tremendous,” he said. “The president said it hasn’t been like this for years.” Warren, his assistant coach and one the recruits John Spencer and new football manager and former assistant coach Dallas Colman have spent the year contacting players from far and wide focusing on footballers who are more interested in making a difference and just returning
to the field than any major financial reward. “I believe in the old adage, ‘if you build it they will come’,” he said. “We’ve been training since the day after the Melbourne Cup and all the players have put in the hard yards and now they just want to play.” Warren said the upgraded ground had been a real drawcard in attracting players along with the club’s reputation for resilience and determination despite being hit with so many challenges in recent years. “The club just keeps on cracking in no matter what comes against them and that’s something we want to see the players do on the field,” he said. “We want to give it our best shot and win or lose we can walk off the ground with our heads held high.” Warren said instilling a winning belief in his players was one of his major goals. “You can get sick of losing but you never get sick of winning,” he said.
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NORTH WANGARATTA - NETBALL
SEASON FIXTURE R1 Moyhu (H)
March 27
R2 King Valley (A)
April 3
R3 Benalla (A)
April 10
R4 Goorambat (H)
April 17
R5 Bright (H)
April 24
R6 Bonnie Doon (A)
May 1
R7 BYE
May 8
R8 Whorouly (H)
May 15
R9 Tarrawingee (A)
May 22
R10 Milawa (A)
May 29
R11 Benalla (H)
June 5
R12 Goorambat (A)
June 19
R13 Greta (H)
June 26
Gun players
R14 Bright (A)
July 3
I believe a lot of our players are players to watch as we have a lot of diversity throughout our A grade side.
R15 King Valley (H)
July 10
R16 Milawa (H)
July 17
R17 Moyhy (A)
July 24
R18 Greta (A)
July 31
R19 Bonnie Doon (H)
August 7
R20 BYE
August 14
Tahlia Davis
Improvement is the key for Hawks NORTH Wangaratta senior netball coach Maddison Smedley is looking forward to the season ahead. “Every year you strive to be at the top or make the top five and get to finals but as a coach I’d just like us to improve as a side and build stronger throughout the year,” she said. “I think COVID has affected a lot of people due to lack of motivation during the lockdown
and having a year off with not as much sport could possibly impact in many ways, but I believe the girls I have selected are the ones to get us to where we want and need to be during the season.” We’ve only added one new face to our squad side from last year who is Paige May. But there are also new girls in our B grade team that could potentially make their way to A grade throughout the season.
Players to watch My big picks on who to watch would be Casey Brown, GA as she is an accurate shooter and is a really driven player. Ruby Lane-Gee in the defence end is very driven and an amazing taller to boost her teammates up and Bianca Grasso as she has a great positive attitude and works as hard as she can even when things aren’t going our way. They have all been exceptional to watch since tryouts.
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TARRAWINGEE - FOOTBALL
Bulldogs looking a real threat to take out 2021 TARRAWINGEE is set to shake up the top teams in the competition this season after recruiting a host of big names including a couple of former legends from Glenrowan Football Club which has gone into recess. Former Tigers Karl Norman, Matt Robinson, Tristan D’Antonio and Frazer Elliott join Daniel Witham, Lewis Sharrock (Magpies star Daniel’s younger brother) and Scott Thompson (Adelaide suburban football) at the Bulldogs while the experienced Daniel McCormick and Jack Amery who were set to return the Wangaratta Magpies in 2020 have returned to the tricolour fold to further strengthen the list. They join last year’s key signings in former AFL player Lachie Hansen from the Roos and his brother Damon adding a fresh look to an always competitive outfit. Coach Xavier Norden said plenty of work was put into recruitment last year once the competition stalled. “We just chipped away at the players we were after,” Norden said. “Training has been excellent;
everyone is so keen to get back to playing. “We were pretty busy on the track before Christmas then had the break and have built back up again. “I think it’s the fittest the group we’ve had at Tarra’. Tommy Dean and Tristan have really impressed on the track and would be two of the fittest. The Bulldogs were beaten in 2019 preliminary final and Norden said he hoped they would be thereabouts this season. He said apart from the proven O&K performers in the team others to watch included Thompson and also the Amerys, Austin, Hugh and Jack, who will be playing alongside each other for the first time at the club. “We have a lot of brothers playing at the club, it’s one of our strengths I think,” Norden said.
Ins and Outs IN: Lachie Hansen, Damon Hansen, Karl Norman, Matt Robinson, Tristan D’Antonio, Frazer Elliott, Jeremy Lawford, Tom Salmon, Ryan Hargreaves. OUT: Frazer Judd, Hamish Moore.
Tristan D’Antonio and Tommy Deans are pumped for the start of the season.
PHOTO: Nick Sinis
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PAGE 32 | FOOTBALL & NETBALL 2021
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TARRAWINGEE - NETBALL
SEASON FIXTURE
Em Tetai
Finals are a must for Tarrawingee TARRAWINGEE netball coach Jackie Everitt said reaching finals is her expectation for the teams this year, despite a long break. “I’ve only been appointed for the 2021 season but my expectations wouldn’t differ from the coaches who unfortunately weren’t able to do this in 2020,” she said. “There is a lot of work to do before that so it’s regrouping after
missing out on playing in 2020. “It will take some time to get back into it as the skills at the beginning of the year will be a little rusty but, this will pick up. “I think getting back to playing netball, or any general activity that people undertook prior to COVID, will bring a sense of normality back for everyone. “Sport is also a great social environment where people can
interact in person which we weren’t able to do last year.” “Noni Mallichan and Paige Warner won’t be playing this year and we have picked up a number of new players,” Everitt said. “This included the return of Sarah Bond, Maddie Canning, Em Te Tei and Megan Freeman. “Brydee Bond, Ally and Georgia Peters, Tayla and Tamara Russo have come to the club.”
Players to watch: Maddie Canning and Megan Freeman form a good centre team. Ally Peters has settled in well to a defence role and works well with Em Tetai and Kelly Simons. There are still lots of combinations we can do with players we’re looking at so we’ve got a lot of options.
R1 Goorambat (A)
March 27
R2 Bright (A)
April 3
R3 Greta (H)
April 10
R4 King Valley (A)
April 17
R5 Milawa (H)
April 25
R6 BYE
May 1
R7 Bonnie Doon (H)
May 8
R8 Benalla (A)
May 15
R9 Nth Wang (H)
May 22
R10 Moyhu (H)
May 29
R11 Greta (A)
June 5
R12 King Valley (H)
June 19
R13 Whorouly (A)
June 26
R14 Banella (H)
July 3
R15 Goorambat (H)
July 10
R16 BYE
July 17
R17 Bonnie Doon (A)
July 24
R18 Moyhu (A)
July 31
R19 Milawa (A)
August 7
R20 Whorouly (H)
August 14
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FOOTBALL & NETBALL 2021 | PAGE 33
WHOROULY - FOOTBALL
Whorouly confident they can impact finals HAVING been stuck in the middle of the pack for the last few years, Whorouly knows how hard a team has to work to get positive results in footy. The Lions haven’t played in a seniors premiership match for nigh on a decade but coach Ben Kneebone feels his current crop have what it takes to win the flag but it won’t be a walk in the park. “I think we’ve got a group that we believe has got some real potential,” he said. “We’re well and truly aware that we need to work really hard to achieve success, but we’re fully cognisant that there’re really good sides all around us. “Obviously Tarrawingee and Milawa, what they’ve done offfield in the last 12 months has been really good. “We’ve got a side that can play some finals footy, but we’re very aware that we have to work hard to get there.” Kneebone has been focusing on getting his squad as much Lachy Moore hands-on time with the footy as possible after the 2020 season that wasn’t, with training nights often incorporating a small intra-club but we believe we’ve recruited scratch match. relatively well. “Everyone’s just keen to get back “Jack Reader has come on among their mates, get back to board from Beechworth; Tommy touching the footy,” he said. Noble has come across from “We average between 25 and 35 Rutherglen, and Jarrod Lewin has on the track each training session, come on board from Tallangatta. which we’re happy with. “They’re getting to as many “We’ve been able to maintain a trainings as they can, they’re a majority of our playing list; there good fit for the club.” have been some departures, While good recruiting is
important for a club, Kneebone says the returning players will be the core of the team going into the 2021 season. “Rhys Goodley has put in a couple of solid years, and I think Riley Calvene can be a really good player for us going forward,” he said. “Ben Paul is a consistent performer. “We’re really happy with some players returning to the club from
years gone by, guys like Richard Jackson; we try to encourage guys that have been away to come back and play with us again.” While the end goal of the season is to win the flag, Kneebone has been working on rebuilding the club culture after it lay partially dormant for the 2020 season. “The players are buying into the club, it’s a community focused
club,” Kneebone said. “There’s a lot more that we’re trying to do in terms of supporting our football and our netball and our women’s football, our community as a whole. “Our guys are buying into that, setting some good standards of behaviours and there are some really good things to come on that front.”
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PAGE 34 | FOOTBALL & NETBALL 2021
WHOROULY - NETBALL
Lions put enjoyment as the top priority this year WHILE the cancellation of the 2020 O&K netball season interrupted everyone’s plans, the Whorouly Lions may have gotten the shortest end of the stick. Senior coach Deb Newton said that four of her top players will not play in the 2021 season due to pregnancy. “With four of our A grade out, our squad is not looking probably as strong as it was going to be,” she said. “After the year that we had last year I guess we’re all just lucky we’re all going to be out there and running around, to be honest.” With four Lions out expecting cubs, Whorouly have had to bring in players to compensate. “We’ve got Tayla Allen, she would’ve played her first season last year, and she came from Maggies,” Newton said. “Ebony Allen wasn’t going to play last year because she had ankle surgery and was out for the season, so she’s back this year. “We have had good numbers at training, right through all grades really. “We had a practice match against Wodonga Saints; the girls weren’t looking too bad. “Ange Godley is always a good player to watch, she’s a little pocket rocket that can go anywhere. “I can’t say they came out winners on the day, but you take from that what you will, that’s what a practice
SEASON FIXTURE
After the year that we had last year I guess we’re all just lucky we’re all going to be out there and running around, to be honest. - SENIOR COACH DEB NEWTON
match is all about.” The Lions finished the 2019 season at sixth place on the ladder, and Newton hopes to replicate that this year. “We’re just hoping to get through a season,” she said. “Our goals are just to go out there, enjoy, have fun and do the best that we can; if we can finish in the top six well we’ll be pretty happy with that.”
Ins and Outs IN: Tayla Allen, Ebony Allen. OUT: Katie Ivone, Sally Wood, Kaitlyn Anesbury, Jane-Maree Paton.
Players to watch Ange Godley, Tayla Allen.
Grace Way
R1 Bonnie Doon (H)
March 27
R2 BYE
April 3
R3 Moyhu (A)
April 10
R4 Bright (H)
April 17
R5 King Valley (A)
April 24
R6 Milawa (A)
May 1
R7 Benalla (H)
May 8
R8 Nth Wang (A)
May 15
R9 Greta (H)
May 22
R10 BYE
May 29
R11 Goorambat (H)
June 5
R12 Bonnie Doon (A)
June 19
R13 Tarrawingee (H)
June 26
R14 Moyhu (H)
July 3
R15 Greta (A)
July 10
R16 King Valley (H)
July 17
R17 Goorambat (A)
July 24
R18 Milawa (H)
July 31
R19 Benalla (A)
August 7
R20 Tarrawingee (A)
August 14
FOOTBALL & NETBALL 2021 | PAGE 35
value shouldn’t mean missing out on coverage
Both is better YESR0375 OLSM206170 (11/18)
PAGE 36 | FOOTBALL & NETBALL 2021