Western Border Football Netball Budget - The Western - Round 1 2023

2023 Welcome to the commencement of what I am sure is going to be another outstanding year of football and netball all clubs have been active inrecruitingandreadytogoforthefirstround.

We should all be proud of and be proud to be a part of a great league. It is a testament to our clubs, their leaders, and our league, that we get to enjoy and play and looking forward to successfulseasonthisyear

The Western Border Football League is a very proud league and we are extremely grateful to Emma Horrigan, Manager of the Bendigo Bank Mt. Gambier & District Community Bank branch, forallhercontinuedsupportasournamingrights sponsor.

We must thank SANFL SE Community Football OperationsCoordinatorMichaelMourbeyforthe mountain of work he does behind the scenes. Michaelisaveryunsungheroforall3leaguesand wereallyappreciatewhathedoesforourleague.

The WBFL and WBNA, led by Jo Gibbs, worked closely again throughout the 2022 season with lots of phone calls, discussions and tough decisions made. We continue to build a strong relationship between football and netball and would like to welcome Jill Paul to the President rolein2023Ilookforwardtoworkingtogetherto ensurethatourleagueistheverybest.

WBJFL,wewelcomeKymHammondtakenonthe role as President looking forward to working closelywiththeJuniorLeague.

WBFL will be taken on the KNTFL in the seniors in the SE Zone Championships this year in Bordertown on the Saturday of the June Long Weekend while in the 17s and 15s in the juniors wewillbeupagainsttheMSEFLandKNTFLwhich isagreatopportunitytoplayatahigherlevel.

Thanks to the hard-working football and netball clubpresidents,committees,andclubpeople.

Good Luck to all our new coaches to the league and all the best to all our retuning coachesastherechasethatpremiershipin2023

Whilstwe’reunsurewhatthefutureoffootballin the SE looks like, we’re looking forward to a bigger and better year in 2023 with strong representation across all clubs in both junior and senior football. We will continue our working relationship with the WBNA to hopefully minimise interruptions to our season.

T h e W B F L w i s h e s o counterpart leagues in MSEFLandKNTFLtheverybes fortheirseasons.

MichaelSummers

WBFLPresident

BendigoBankSeniors

2022LADDERS

BENDIGOBANKSENIORS

REMINDER

Clubs are encouraged to submit arcles regarding social events plus player and club milestone informaon for inclusion in the Western Border Football & Netball Budget. To assist the publisher please note that the preferred format for arcles is as a Word document and any photographs should be supplied as a JPEG file to ensure the best quality reproducon.

All arcles are required by 12 noon each Monday and should be emailed to westernborder@xpressigns.com.au

XPRESSIGNS.COM.AU

U/14's

SATURDAY

MONDAY 8.00am - 10.00am

Joe Ferguson-Lane will be back donning the red & blue for season 2023 with West Gambier

Laughlan Brooker looks to bring some experience to the young bulldogs

SPORTS BAR & BISTRO

MARK OFTHEROUND

GRANDFINALSRESULTS

SENIORS

Best - Millicent Dylan Bromley, Sam Willis, Frazer Bradley, Jacob Carger, Thomas Hutchesson, Hamish Nitschke South: Mitchell Sims, Todd Reid, Hamish Stevens, Joshua Woodall, Brock Keding, Taylor Saffin

RESERVES

Best - South: Ben Milstead, Robert Hein, Bryce Whicker, Koby Chant, Riley Sturges, Nick Seager Millicent: Mahew Withers, Craig Gysbers, Dylan Shanks, Steven Duldig, Jordan Pra, Mitchell Reilly

Best - South: Samuel Sims, Jack Domaschenz, Mitchell Harrold, Liam Delaney, Lochlan Thiele, Harrison Mitchell North: Brodie Allen, Reece McLaughlin, Joel Griffith, Zachary Nulty, Jay Turner, Tyler Harris

Best - South: William Awill, Lachlan Cameron, Jordan Bartle, Hudson Croser, Brody Fox East: Jarvi Mee, Brodie Versteegh, Cruz McCracken, Riley Lawrence, Rhys Grigg, Jaiden

Best - South: Harry Wright, Rex Jones, Cayde Watson, Jared Kuhl, Dean Harten Millicent: Kobe Gibson, Jackson Bowden, Jack Hagge, Harry Gibbs, Jackson Dean, Charlie Damhuis

GRANDFINALSRESULTS

A SENIORS

B SENIORS

Kybybolite B Seniors Premiers

Mundulla A Seniors Premiers

Evie Sealey (Kongorong) receiving best on ground medal from Andrew Shepherd (Kybybolite Life Member) who presented winning medallions and cup to Kybybolite

*Images courtesy John Davies Photography

Senior Coach: Daron McElroy

Assistant Coaches: Nathan Lewis

Reserves Coach: Nathan Lewis

1 Aden Pfitzner 2 Will Crook 3 Michael Minnuzzo 4 Taylor Redden 5 Kyle Giddings 6 Todd McPartlan 7 Todd Lewis 9 Jordan Williams

Well was it me or did this season come around quickly We have had a massive off season at Malseed Park in so manyaspects.

The West Netball girls starting out on new courts for the first time after so many years of lobbying and working hard to get new courts. Great work to all of the girls involved over many years, what a wonderful way to kick of the start of the A grade premiership defence on yournewcourts.

The Clubrooms and BBQ / Beer shed upgrades are still in full swing but nearing completion. A l o t o f p e o p l e h a v e contributed so much to make this happen for our club with tireless workers constantly keeping the president on his toestomakesureheisbusy

Big special thanks to Quickmix concrete and the James family, MGPlastersandMatandMardi Patzel, Hudson Plumbing and South Coast Sheds & Carports and the Hudson family, Squizzy Taylor at NJ Taylor Carpentry, Connect Electrical with Joey Ferg and the boys, KONNECT Fastening Systems with Banksy, Infa Build, Stuckey with Creeky, Sims Engineering, Danny Stephenson Tiling and last but not least Brenton Sims for his tireless work and hours he has

West Gambier West Gambier Casterton-Sandford

Blue & Red

contributed to the works and project managing everyone to makeitallcometogether

And all this is to make viewing better and more comfortable for supporters to watch the mighty Roos on the field. The guys have had a big preseason with a lot of guys working exceptionally hard with a lot of work outside trainings Impressive to see players competing and pushing each other outside the football oval to succeed So it all begins today at West with the Roos taking on the Cats. Today with the great support of Casterton wehaveourunder12Bsplaying on the main oval so make sure you support them and make plentyofnoiseforthekids.

To finish of I want to send a special message to the Hutchins family and the Casterton Sandford Football club. They are a tremendously loyal, beautiful family and are hurting at the moment. Personally and on behalf of the West Gambier Football Netball clubwesendourbestwishesto the family and Casterton Sandford Football club in this difficulttime.

GoROOS

VHappy New Year to all and finally we can return to watch ourclubscompete!

Blue, White & Red

Good luck to all players, coaches and support staff! We value your commitment and time that you have all put in overthepreseasonsohighly!

Looking forward to seeing all the new works at West today! Well done and congrats on the upgrades. Thankyou to all of our amazing volunteers who are back onboard and can't wait to see youallsupportingus. We have many new and returning faces to the club this year, welcome to you and your families and we hope you have afun,enjoyableyearwithus!

Gocats

SeeyouintheBBQshed

Fridge

Mid South East stars Andrew Stone & Brandon Newton have made the switch to Western Border to join a flurry of recruits for West Gambier

The Cats have added some fire power with Mid South East leading goal kicker Michael Krieger up forward to pair with Jarrod O’Brien pictured right as well as a host of returning players

West Gambier West Gambier

Under 18’s Under 18’s

Under 16’s Under 16’s

NO TEAM FIELDED IN THIS GRADE

Under 14’s Under 14’s

West Gambier West Gambier

MILLICENT

East Gambier East Gambier

Senior Coaches: Jake Dowdy & Keith Ransom Assistant Coach:

Coach: Mal Lockwood

Millicent Red, Black & White

Welcome to season 2023 which could be the last season ofWBFLasweknowit.

With Jake Dowdy and Keith Ransom at the helm this year the guys have had a good long preseason and are itching to gettheballrolling.

Today we host reigning premiers Millicent in our indigenous game with a 4.30 smoking ceremony and a 5 O'clockstart.

East Gambier East Gambier

Red & Black

The weather is looking perfect too should be a good night so thank you to Millicent for agreeingtothetimechange.

Alsoit'sourrayAdairmemorial game so it will be good to see a few family and friends of Ray's abouttheplace.

MILLICENT

VA massive welcome to one and all into what will be the final season of WBFL as we know it with much still to be written though and a lot to get excited aboutin2023.

To all the League sponsors, who have once again come to support us in our endeavors, Thank you and rest assured we willdoourverybesttoprovide a great league to be a part of And to Michael Summers and the league executive, great worksofarandkeepitup.Your effortsareappreciated!

Welcometoalloursupporters, playersandfamiliesinwhatwe hope will be a year we strive anddriveformoresuccess!We have done our very best to fill our coaching ranks with great junior coaches and personnel to complement our wellestablished senior coaches. It isalwaysouraimtobethevery best development club we can be and that will drive us forward.

To the various committees, and in particular Volunteers, welookforwardtoyourefforts on behalf of the MFNC in m a k i n g e ve r yo n e fe e l welcome, feeding the masses and keeping the machine that isourclubrunning.

Red, Black & White

Finally,toourmajorsponsors, Somerset Hotel Motel, Millicent Sportspower, Trav Taylor Building, J and M Shanks, The Professionals Real Estate, SECO Homes, All In Balance, OGR and TDH Partners – Thank you for all support!

And to the myriad of other sponsors, we have onboard, we appreciate each and every oneofyou!

Bringon2023,CarntheSaints! Best wishes and good luck to allclubs.

JoelRedman

Playing coach Jake Dowdy has crossed over from Hatherleigh and will join former West Gambier premiership coach Keith Ransom at the helm of the doggies this year as they start a rebuild and look to climb the ladder

East Gambier & Millicent will wear their indigenous guernsey’s for an historic night match

The 2022 Premiers are looking to stay up the top of the ladder and are hoping former juniors Hamish McCrae (pictured le) and Jack Verbena can contribute in a big way

Coach: Jason Dunn

1 Cody Williams

3 Dom McDonald

4 Talan Daltan

East Gambier East Gambier

Red & Black

Under 18’s Under 18’s

Coach: Jacob Carger

Red, Black & White

21 Trae Wilke

22 Ethan Humphies

5 Kyan Chileborough

6 Elijah Straord

8 Ky McCracken

9 Angus Clarke

10 Sam Couldrey

11 Kobe Wagener

14 Fionn Graney

15 Campbell McLean

17 Nick Bignell

12 Kaelen Mee 19 Will Ellis

20 Vinnie Kele

Coach: Kevin Schutz

Team

Lachlan

Cruz

Angus

Jarvi

Andison

Jaiden

Coach: Grant Spooner

Emme Best

Sco Brooks

Flynn Chileborough

Eamon Cook

Samuel Dickson

Xavier Farmilo

Angelo Ferraro

Chayse Gifford

Rhys Grigg

Ryan Hayden

Alex Kanahs

JOEL RENTSCH

Jackson Saunders

Noah Spooner

William Vincent

Skye Virtanen

Taj Wilson

Harry Damhuis

Alex Wesolowski

Blake Werchon

Kaden Thomas

Corey Carlson

Kallan Shanks

Eli Redman

Daniel Hateley

Jacob Todd

Saxon Snook

Isaac Veron

Patrick Jennings

Tallan Dunn

Brodi Sims

Jackson Bowden

Under 16’s Under 16’s

Team Manager: Jason Werchon 7

Jack Hagge

Harry Gibbs

Team

Under 14’s Under 14’s

Coach: Mahew White

Braith Allison

Je Beever

Cooper Bignell

William Clark

Tom Croser

Hallam Davey

Max Greene

Noah Griffin

East Gambier East Gambier

Red & Black

Under 12 A’s Under 12 A’s

Coach: Brad Tilley

Millicent Millicent

Red, Black & White

Vaughan Hunter

Brayden Legray

Nash Neilson

Mitchell O'Brien

Lennox Telfird

Isaac Thami

Harley Walker

Taj White

Coach: Nick Bignell

Zach Angelino

Chase Buckingham

Blake Cooper

Elijah Dickson

Will Hosking

Parker Lamont

William leitch

Connor Lynn

Coach: Mark Paech

Samuel Andersen

Asher Anderson

Campbell Best

Oliver Clarke

Tyler Cox

Harrison Cram

Judd Creek

Baden Dihm

Tyler Mariano

Tahj Pitkin

Louis Prosperi-Porta

William Richardson

Bentley Ward

Zavier Gurney

Ryder Straord

Axel Joyce

Levi Robbins

Tyler Ryan

Brax Thomas

Arli Sims

Colby Watson

Blayke Koehne

David Berzel

Pacey Duldig

Hudson Farmilo

Sebasan Grubb

Naon Hedwards

Memphis Howard-Love

Blake Humphries

Kade Jakutavicius

Manx Keenan

Coach: Nick Anderson

Dominic Albanese

Storm Altschwager

Billy Angelina

Braxton Bowyer

Nicholas Brooks

Van Byron

Archie Cook

Jenson Davey

Coach: Cole Hedwards

Oscar Ferguson

Maton Finck

Brayse Gifford

Taj Jensen

Ted Kerr

Tyler McPherson

Nate Moloney

Logan Murray

Cody O'Brien

Rayan Singh

Coach: Team Manager:

Archer Wilson

Raff Lawlor

Hughes Hunter

Oliver Sager

Frankie Robbins

Kobe McGrath

Hamish Damhuis

Tully Robinson

Fraser Fleming

Owen Lloyd

Jed Sunderland

Jax Reilly

Lauchlan Murphy

Tex Thomas

Jarvis Gurney

Ziggy Galambos

Nathan Barnes Ryder Wilson

Zade Kurzman

Nate Lucchini

Nash Moelder

Lucas Murray

Flynn Turner

Logan White

Coach: Craig Gysbers

Jagger Gibson

Sunny Coughlan

Levinson Clyde

Parker Millowick

Degan Rigney

Mariah Lloyd

Jacob Gysbers

Mark Rigney

South Gambier South Gambier

Red & White

V

Senior Coach: Ben Hardy

Assistant Coach: Reserves Coach: Tim Young

Nick McInerney

Tom Fle

7 Duncan Reid 10 Mitchell Sims

41 Henry Snell 49 Jamison Sneath

Brad Adams

Brady Dethmore

Senior 8 Jack Domaschenz 29 Bronson Saffin 35 Mitchell Broome

2 Alex Harkness 21 Luke Foran 30 Ben Milstead 34 Alex Keast 36 Ethan Chuck 37 Hugh Winterfield

46 Chris Fallas 48 Josh Chuck

Dale Bachmann

Sam Zeitz

Toby deWit

Shaun Buerfield

11 Fergus Calderwood 12 Jake Tentye 13 Shem Wastell

14 Chris Williams

3 Hamish Stevens 18 Brayden Kain 32 Sam Mctaggart

45 Riley Sturges 50 Bryce Whicker 57 Riley Thompson 59 Harrison McBain

Tim McInerney

Ciaran Buckley

Mitch Kelton

Josh Jenner

Tim Boxall

Bre Shepherdson

Brayden Howard

55 Nick Seager

83 Russell Paterson 5 Bre O'Neil 15 Luke Gray 23 Oli Thomson 31 Taylor Saffin

Mahew Chapman

Cam Ortlepp

Jake Schutz

Brad Notle-Jusce

William Brown

James Phillips

19 Jack Gazzard

16 Lloyd Pearce-Raisin 38 Koby Chant

44 Ryan Kuhl 40 Shaughn King

47 Nick Patzel 39 Elliot Fisher

Aidan Curs

Jay Turner

Sam Shepherd

Hamish Telford

Jordan Holli

Declan Kenny

Tim Young

Sam Stafford

Danny Poyner

Lachlan Tille

Nick Mark

Dylan Walsh

Nick Brown

Jusn McConnell

Sam Egan

Tyler Horrigan

Zach Clark

DJ Brooks

Riley Rolph

Shaun Richards

South Gambier South Gambier

Red & White

A big welcome to the 2023 season to all the families, players, supporters and sponsorsoftheSouthGambier FootballNetballClub.

WelldonetotheUnder16girls and Senior women’s teams over the summer, a tough year b u t s h o w i n g h u g e improvement through the season giving something to build on, thanks to Heath, Tracey & Damo for their work throughtheseason.

We have had a few departures this year and we wish those players well in their new direction and hope we see them back in the future. We have a new look young and excitingteam;itwillbegreatto see you out at the club watchingtheirprogression.

Thanks to the volunteers who have worked hard over the off seasontorenovatethefrontof the club to provide a better viewing area and to the committee for their work in getting prepared for the season There are plenty of things planned throughout the s e a s o n b y t h e s o c i a l committee so please support thefunctions.

V

Thanks to Mick Summers and the WBFL executive and club presidents for their work through covid and the work that has been done with the league consolidation over the last years, It will be sad to see the end of the league as we know it after 59 years. We look forward to seeing the working party’sproposalsforthefuture of football and netball in the region.

Thanks to our Major Sponsors MG Plasterers, Mick Ryan Painting, Lennons on Lake Terrace, Dycer Constructions and Australian Gas Networks, good luck to all clubs for a positive and competitive season.

GoDees

North Gambier North Gambier

Yellow & Black

Welcometoseason2023,after what seems to have been a long break (for those not involved in girls and womens football) On that note, congratulations to our North t e a m s w h o b o t h h a d successful seasons and competed in finals, without the ultimate success. Thanks to all those that assisted these teams in any way and hosting of the very successful womens grandfinal.

“One in all in” is our motto for the year and we are excited abouttheseasonahead.

Stability is a key to our plans and most of our coaches have been reappointed, or been r e p l a c e d w i t h s u p e r replacements,asfollows;

Seniors–BenHardy

Reserves–TimYoung

U18s–KevinBryan

U16s–SamZietz

U14s–RyanRoulstone

With many long serving members, our football committee is looking for new faces, for this and coming years. Please have a good think about what you can do for the club which has been

goodtosomanyofyou.

Rosters are being prepared and with our first game next week, please ensure you fulfill your responsibilities and if you think you have missed out, please contact one of the football or netball committee members.

As always, thank you for our committed committees, coaches, support staff, players and sponsors, particularly our long term major sponsors in Stuckey Electrical Contractors and KFC. If you are interested in sponsoring the North Gambier Football and Netball Club,pleasecontactme.

This round, we are proud and privileged to be playing on AnzacDay. Seeyouthere.

David(Scratcher)Bruhn Gotigers.

South Gambier will field a young enthusiasc squad this season who will be sure to cause problems for their opposion with their pace and game style. They welcome back former coach Bronson Saffin for some leadership and will wear special Anzac Day guernseys for their annual blockbuster clash with arch rival North Gambier

The Tigers have added a range of players including former premiership player Josh Jenner who returns from playing over the border. Sam Zietz also joins North Gambier from cross town rivals West Gambier and will add some bite to their midfield

Coach: James McGregor Team

South Gambier South Gambier

Red & White

Under 18’s Under 18’s

Coach: Kevin Bryan

Team Manager:

Angus Allen

Ben Allsopp

Darcy Arthurson

Mackye Baron

Darcy Bryan

Jonty Collins

Seb Doody

Josh Glidden

Maurice Goldsmith

Trae Hamilton

Deacon Illsley

Richard Kinybugma

Reece McLaughlin

Hector Opie

Jack Spark

Teangi Stephens

Under 16’s Under 16’s

Coach: Sam Zeitz

Team Manager:

Kade Allen

Ben Braithwaite

Iowani Coleman

Sam Crispino

Aaron Dally

Je Davis

Vinnie Dellorefice

Jackson Driver

James Fle

Je Hanne

Kobi Marn

Chad McLaughlin

Harrison Pearce

Intha Phu

Bowen Rogers

Cooper Turner

Under 14’s Under 14’s

71

North Gambier North Gambier Yellow & Black

Henry

Patrick Sigley

Josh Vause

Coach: Ryan Roulstone Assistant Coach: Sco Fle

Team Manager: Jess Roulstone

Sam Baron (c)

Cooper Harris (vc)

Esaie Kulimushi (vc)

Mason Rogers

Charlie Waters

Ethan Brook

Mitchell Chapman

Levi Creek

Lincoln Holtham

Kobe Roulstone

James Bryan

Kobi Long

Fletcher Mobbs

Jacob Vinko

Charlie Wurst

Kane Harris

James Butler

Reid Hamilton

Jack Dyson

Brock McEachern

Zayne Young

Coach:

South Gambier South Gambier

North Gambier North Gambier Yellow & Black

Coach: John Stafford Team Manager: Adrian Flowers

Thomas Norman

Alex Bell

Eliza Harvey

Jobe Lyngah

Jake Cary

John Hardie Stafford

Harris Mustart

Henry Montgomery

Coach: Nat Anderson

William Anderson

Kyan Awill

Oscar Benjamin

Paddy Bouchier

Flynn Clarke

Zachary Cung

Mitchell Dening

Benjamin Ellis

Elijah Finnegan

Alexander Hill

Imogen Hopes

Blake Janeway

Jackson Janeway

Jackson Jones

Beau Maxwell

Samuel Miller

Coaches: Chris Patzel & Mark Winterfield

Kobi Hay

Hadley Bryant

Tate Anderson

Harty Blackwell

Desney Bums

Summer Burns

Hudson Cook

Essie Hill

Jack Mitchinson

Chase Noonan

Hudson O'Connell

Casey Peterse Rowan Patzel

Jack Rees

Sneath

Thomas Pedler

Sebasan Radlmair

Connor Ruwoldt

Liam Salmon

Beau Vivian

Nate Wakefield

Levi Tull

Fletcher Walker

Riley Watson

Charlie Winterfield

Ronnie Coleman

Jobe Creek

Jacob Cox

Owen Flowers

Addison Schloithe

Edwin Buckland

Kane Harris

Levi Jenson

Finn Brokensha

Jenny Bigirimana

Riley Chapman

Coaches:MichaelDurbidge&StacyMullensTeamManager:AnthonyDavison

Digby Stephens

Maison Roscow

Will Mullens

Mitchell Allen

Cooper Stephen

Banks Stephen

Jarrah Durbidge

Claire Fle

Levi Hunter

Jack Davison

Saxon Gabrielli

Abel McIntosh

Mason Bradshaw

Coach: Danny Vinko Team Managers: Stephen Kamphius & Brad Lucas

Ryley Judd

Thomas Bryan

Lincoln Sawley

Wya Sawley

Levi Hunter

Ned Kamphius

Harry Lucas

Ted Lucas

Cohen Minter

Lukas Vinko

Spencer Badger

Will Gannon

William Harvey

Tom Wright

Ryder Sealey

Coaches: Joe Renko & Ciaran Buckley Team Manager: Shaun Lovekin

Oliver Liddle

Ryan Davison

Flynn Buckley

Beau Whelan

Eden Stephenson

Morgan Renko

Finn Roscow

Corey Phillips

Coach: Ben Johnson

Max Young

Sterling Badger

Cruz Bilney

Kurs Lorigan

Evie Roulstone

Cooper Williams

Flynn Moyle

Layla Mullens

Jimmy Crozier

Brax Edwards

Harrison Leek

Mitchell Lovekin

Taylor Morris

Hudson Rogers

Xavier Wurst

Fergus Brokensha

Sam Copping

Nate Johnson

FROMTHEARCHIVES GREATWBFLFINALS:1969 CASTERTONTRIUMPHS

Catswinfirstflagsince1963

champion Geoff Cayzer who won the 1968 and 1969 WBFL Medals.

WITH G GRREEEENNWWOOOOD D

goals while at centre half back the best man on thegroundwasBruceOuttram.

Warren Couzens and Rex Harvey had emerged as two top class rovers and it posed an interesting battle with Hamilton’s class pair of Allan Knape andGeoffJoseph.

His tearaway dashes from half back tore Hamilton’shighlyratedhalfforwardlinetopieces andsenttheballintoattackrepeatedly

It had been six years since its last premiership when in the former Western District League Casterton won the last four premierships – 1960, 61,62and63.

They were expected to be a powerhouse club of the new WBFL but apart from one finals appearance in 1966 when they were defeated by East Gambier in the first semi final, they really became stuck in the lower order of the ladder for muchofthefirstfiveyearsofthenewleague.

In1969acoupleofthingshappened.

Former Sandringham (VFA) and St Kilda full forwardRevDennisOakleycametotownandwas a minister with the local Uniting Church. Later in 1972 he was honoured as Victorian Father Of The Year for his work with under privileged children and the youth of Victoria as a minister He was later honoured with an Order Of Australia Medal (OAM) He started his working career as a policeman then became a social worker before joiningtheministrywiththeUnitingChurch.

As a full forward he played 103 VFA league games atSandringhamandkicked432goals,averaginga healthy four per match. He was later inducted into the Sandringham Football Club’s Hall Of Fame. He was the brother of VFL and AFL boss RossOakley

Rev Dennis Oakley arrived at Casterton following a transfer in his ministry, after coaching Heathcotetoapremiershipin1967.

His tough and aggressive play at full forward had hauled Casterton from near the bottom of the ladder in 1968 into the top four It was often said light-heartedly, but in some ways very truthfully that Rev Dennis Oakley preached the Lord’s work to his flock on Sundays but on Saturday, he took no prisoners, really did suffer from “white-line fever”andplayedthegametoughandhard. John Gill was back from Carlton and Gary Gurney atough,highleapingruckmanfromNorwoodhad takenoverascaptain-coach.

BY 1969 Casterton was looking for success as it approached the Western Border Football League grandfinalagainstHamilton. With high leaping tough nut Bob Hando as his ruck partner Casterton were confident of toppling the minor premiers and the previous year’spremiershipsideHamilton.

They faced the big task of quelling Hamilton’s

Also Cats’ centreman Bob Murrell had been a great touch and almost got Casterton over the line when they lost the second semi final to Hamiltonbyjustonepoint.

Hamilton coach and damaging half forward John Dowling had an injury-riddled season and was in doubtforthebiggame.

Hamilton got off to a great start in the grand final and with successive goals to Knape, Atkinson and Trevor Sevior appeared to be on track to become thefirstWBFLsidetowinback-to-backflags.

Hamilton was winning in most positions and quartertimeled7.4to3.1.

Casterton’s Billy May had started on the outer wing on Allan Atkinson but the Magpie speedster had a blistering start, which included a goal and theCatswereforcedtoswitchwings. It had immediate results and in the second term Maygavetheforwardsplentyofsupply.

OakleywasontopoffullbackBevanBrownwhile Rex Harvey’s roving around the packs and his amazing goal sense got Casterton to within 11 pointsatthemainbreak.

Hamilton8.6,Casterton6.7.

It was a tough, tight affair in the third term but Casterton’s 6.5 for the term probably was the turning point of the game as Hamilton added 4.1 totrailbythreepointsatthefinalchange.

Casterton’s revival in the third term was due to the efforts of Bob Hando in ruck and the brilliant rovingofHarveyandCouzens.

Cayzer had dominated in the first half but with Hando tagging him, he nullified the Hamilton champ.

Midway through the third term Casterton were trailing by two goals when at the centre bounce Handorosehighandthumpedtheballforwardto centrehalfforwardJohnGillwhogatheredonthe run and with good vision saw Harvey running downtheflanktowardsgoalandshotahandpass tohimresultinginaCatsgoal. Another goal within 10 seconds left Casterton trailingbyfourpointsandthenCouzensgoaledto giveCastertontheleadforthefirsttime.

Casterton sensed victory at the start of the last term and went straight into attack where Harvey kicked his fourth and Oakley finished with six

He was given great support byflanker RoyRitchie who kept Les Payne quiet while up forward DennisOakleyshowedhisclassandwithaccurate kickingbootedsixfortheday

Cayzer was best for Hamilton, despite Hando and Gurneybreakingeveninthesecondhalf

Atkinson continued to play well on the wing but MaywashighinCasterton’sbest.

Casterton had stormed home to kick 5 3 to Hamilton’s1.3.

Final scores: Casterton 17.13 (115), Hamilton 13.10(88).

FOOTNOTE: What was interesting in the B grade grand final was East Gambier won against Portland, 16.9 (105) to 13.3 (81) and a young Ray Hoogstad kicked eight goals at full forward for East.

• PHOTO: Casterton champion rover and goal kicker Rex Harvey booted four goals in the 1969 grand final. He would later play in a second premiership with South in 1974 when he kicked fivegoals.

GRANDFINALSRESULTS

A GRADE

West Gambier 68 (S. Rier, A. Cram) d Millicent 56 (T. Sanderson, L. Duldig)

BEST ON COURT: Sarah Rier (West Gambier)

A RESERVE

Millicent 60 (A. Janssen, J. Sunderland) d West Gambier 43 (C. Tremelling, A. Bosco)

BEST ON COURT: Jo Wilson (Millicent)

B GRADE

Millicent 43 d North Gambier 35

BEST ON COURT: Layla Baker (Millicent)

C GRADE

East Gambier 42 (J. Clarke, K. Gaffney) d South Gambier 38 (M. Dalton, M. Kuhl)

BEST ON COURT: Eryn Caruso (East Gambier)

17 & UNDER

Millicent 57 (A. Janssen, L. VanEeden) d South Gambier 51 (E. Bouchier, M. Walmsley)

BEST ON COURT: Annelise Janssen – Millicent)

15 & UNDER A

Millicent 43 (E. Easterby, M. Cushion) d North Gambier 39 (C. Nulty, A. Collins) – in overme

BEST ON COURT: Molly Cushion (Millicent)

15 & UNDER B

North Gambier 32 (M. Allen, T. Jones) d East Gambier 24 (S. Clark, T. Geraghty)

BEST ON COURT: Claire Mitchell (North Gambier)

13 & UNDER A

Millicent 52 (B. Coghlan, K. Dunn) d West Gambier 20 (L. Pearson, A. Allen)

BEST ON COURT: Bell Coghlan (Millicent)

13 & UNDER B

Casterton Sandford 25 (P. Rhook, Y. Grigg) d Millicent 14 (I. Coghlan, L. Rainsford)

BEST ON COURT: Phoebe Rhook (Casterton Sandford)

PRESIDENTS REPORT

We head into the 2023 Western Border Netball Associaon season with mixed emoons.

On one hand we will be celebraon the associaon’s 40th anniversary and there are some special celebraons in the works as we look back and those who did the hard yards to establish and develop the compeon to those who have come since, rolling up their sleeves and ensuring the compeon connuedtosurviveandthrive.

On the other hand, it is the 40th and final season for the associaon in its current form but we can only stay posive and connue to workwiththefootballtocreateavisionanda framework for the 20024 season and beyond.

The Western Border Netball Associaon has produced some elite talent over those four

decades that have gone on to much higher honours – the latest of those being Lucy Denton as part of the South Australian gold medal winning 19 & under team at this month’snaonalchampionship.

We have a large cohort of Western Border alumni playing in the Premier League and Premier League Reserves compeons in 2023 and the likes of Natalie Medhurst, Khao Was and Nyah Allen have made their mark or are sll making their mark in the now Suncorp Super Netball compeon – the bestdomesccompeonintheworld.

Across three junior age groups and seniors, the Western Border Netball Associaon has built an unparalleled resume of sustained success at the SA Country Netball Championships and we will be looking to do thatagainin2023.

W e a r e a l s o looking forward to a n o t h e r compeve season across all 10 grades andhopefully,aswedidin2022,wewillhave everyclublinedupongrandfinalday

Thanks to all the club volunteers, players, coaches, umpires and other officials that connuetoworkhardtoensuretheWestern Border Netball Associaon has a strong, smoothlyruncompeon.

AsarelavenewfacetoWesternBorder,Iam excitedtohavetakenontheroleofpresident for the 2023 season and look forward to working with my execuve and club officials toensurethisisaseasontoremember

JillPaul

WesternBorderNetballAssociaonPresident

The bad news for the rest of the Western Border Netball Association competition is reigning premiers West Gambier are returning to their club’s new courts in 2023 with the premiership line-up from 2022.

So the Roos will unveil their newly redeveloped courts and their premiership flag as they start the season as the clear competitionbenchmark. The challenge for all teams, and this weekend, more specifically, Casterton Sandford is just how to break down what is a well-oiled machine.

Defensively, West Gambier denies time and space for opponents courtesy of the right checking tenacity of mid courters Tara Bryant and Zoe Malseed and the star pairing ofAmyCramandJadeRitterin the defensive circle, with the Roos duo dominating the air

West Gambier West Gambier

Blue & Red

and also getting the job done ontheground.

At the other end, Sarah Ritter poses the biggest headache for all defenders in the competition, with her strength on the hold and accuracy from long range and when she has Lisa McGregor, who is a dangerous scoring option in her own right, delivering the ball to her shooting partner, it is hard to deny Ritter a match winning amountofball.

Mikaela Horrigan is also creative with ball in hand and can be relied upon to create some havoc defensively through the mid court so it is certainly going to be a tough askforanewlookCatsline-up. Dani Russell has taken the helm at Island Park and will also bring her experience and smartstothewingattackrole. Russell will have spent the off season working on building

Casterton-Sandford Casterton-Sandford Blue, White & Red

Vchemistry with a new look frontline for the Cats with Chloe Foster, who spent some time on the A Grade court last year, combining with her former junior shooting partner Chelsey Galpin in the shootingcircle.

Galpin is a welcome addition to the Cats top grade line-up –the former runaway 15 & Under B WBNA best & fairest, is coming off a season in the Geelong Football Netball League where she took out the19&underbestandfairest and her speed and athleticism in the goal attack role will add a new look to the Casterton Sandfordattackingline.

Galpin’s return after a couple of seasons away also frees up experience utility Madalene Cleary to run the centre role where her leadership will be critical, as will her ability to deliver the ball with precision and creativity and her strong

defensivemindset.

The defensive line is the most stable for the Cats 2023 team with young guns Caeleigh Humphries and Ebany Jarrad teaming up again Their willingness to contest every ball will see opposition teams constantly under pressure in theshootingcircle.

The defensive duo’s job will also rely on the outside pressure from Cleary and new face to Island Park – Libby Altorfer – who was part of the club’s women’s football program.

To have a settle premiership line-up, taking on a new look, inexperienced line-up sees Westclearfavouritesbutitwill be a good hit out for Cats to find out exactly where the work needs to be done as the seasonprogresses.

Tara Bryant Chloe Foster Zoe Malseed

Ebony Jarrad

East Gambier is hosting 2022 runners up Millicent – the Bulldogs fielding a new look line-upagainstaSaintsline-up that, while missing multi premiership players Hannah and Paige Nitschke, who have movedtoAdelaideforstudy,is still full of familiar faces and plentyofexperience.

East has Bo Creek and Tarsh McCallum at the helm in 2023 and the 2021 premiership teammates are still working with a squad as they look to findthebestfitforthisseason.

With no Amryn Bosko and Tyne Bosko, there were some gaps to fill and there are new faces to the competition that willbetakingonthattask.

Reigning WBNA A Grade best andfairestEmilyHunterisalso a huge loss with the star mid courter having headed to Robe to play alongside her sister

East Gambier East Gambier

Red & Black

The shooting circle will be all about movement and long range accuracy with the likes of Renee Henke, Casey Horrigan and new recruit Maddison Taylor ready to use their speed and good timing on the move to unsettle defenders.

At the other end of the court, thereisaplethoraofdefensive options with 2022 circle combinationMorganAmyand Creek ready to again make life tough for goalers, while Sharna McKinnon is another athletic defender than can fill any of the back three defensive roles and the other new recruit Eliza Cole, from Adelaide, also does her best work at the defensive end of thecourt.

McCallum will lead the mid court with her speed and smarts and her role will be critical as the new look Bulldogs attack line looks to

Vdevelop their chemistry, while utility Chloe Perryman can literallytakeonanyrole.

Her defensive skills, her hard running and her pinpoint passing will see her loom as a key pillar of the 2023 line-up whether she takes a mid court ordefensiverole.

Youngster Indi Dwyer will also getherchancetoimpress.

ForMillicentthetriedandtrue shootingcombinationofDemi Ve r b e n a a n d Ta b a t h a Sanderson will again test defensivecombinations.

Sanderson is strong under the post and Verbena’s creativity out front and speed on the drive always causes havoc, as doesherlongrangeaccuracy.

The mid court has the experience of Lisa Duldig, the talent of Lillie Paul and speed of Daisy Tunkin, and that trio can also take on any of the centre court roles, giving

Red, Black & White

coaches Donna Denton and Michelle Skeer valuable versatility

Defensively,theSaintshavean embarrassment of riches with Portia McRae, Lauren VanEeden, the returning Kimmi Tincknell and new recruitNikeishaFacey.

They are all tight checking defenders who are especially strongintheairandtheirwork over the shot and rebounding is as good as any defenders in thecompetition.

The Saints are more settled and more experienced and will take the points over a rebuildingBulldogsteam.

Sharna McKinnon

Demi Verbena

Bo Creek

Daisy Tunkin

South Gambier South Gambier

Red & White

The ANZAC Day clash is always eagerly anticipated and both SouthGambier,whoishosting the 2023 match, and North Gambier are rolling out with new look line-ups after some significantplayermovement.

While South broke their decade long ANZAC Day droughtlastyear,playerlosses will see the Demons start underdogs in this Tuesday’s clash, despite the fact, North also has a raft of changes with whichtodeal.

North is looking at a season without stalwart Caroline Wakefield but young guns Macey Griffith and Lauran Norman are shooting stars on the rise and not having that strongholdinggoalerwillhave had Tigers coach Amanda O’Shaughnessy working on a new style of offensive tactics, with a mobile goal circle that will test defenders with speed and well timed front cuts and

baselinedrives.

Norman looms as a key with her ability to also play mid court – a role she played on severaloccasionsduring2022.

Noni McConnell is a welcome returning player to the Tigers line-up with her experience, leadership and versatility –she will be able to fill a mid courtordefensiverole.

Her tight checking and ability to apply relentless pressure will see North’s ability to c r e a t e t u r n o v e r b a l l significantlyincreased.

Mel Renko and Brianna Walters are all class and Walters will be the key offensivethreatinNorth’smid court, while Renko, like McConnell, can fill a mid court or circle defence role, dependingonmatchups.

New recruit Mikaila Pitt is another versatile performer who will use her athleticism

Vand smarts to great effect wherever O’Shaughnessy choosestodeployher The ANZAC Day clash will also see Grace Potts unveiled in Tigers colours against her former club South, where she was the 2022 club best & fairestwinner Potts played one season at South in goals and 2022 in defencesoshejustaddstothe versatility of the 2023 Tigers line-up.

South will rely heavily on its emerging young stars with Alyssa Duncan the mainstay in the shooting circle and 2022 Team of the YearmemberEllie B o u c h i e r l e a d i n g t h e defensiveline.

Tully McShane and Megan Reid will continue to develop in their mid court roles where their speed and work rate is invaluable, while Sophie Wight, who already made her markin2022whenfillinginon the A Grade court, can take a

North Gambier North Gambier

Yellow & Black

mid court or defensive role and her speed, vertical leap and closing speed will be pivotal.

T h e r e t u r n o f 1 9 9 5 premiership player and former coach Belinda Scanlon will add much needed leadership and smarts to the Southline-up.

Whether in the mid court or shooting circle, Scanlon has the ability to bring others into the play and she rarely makes amistakewithballinhand.

The loss of Lara Munro and Potts is huge for the Demons, though, but it also will open the opportunity for rising star Gracie Dalton, who can hold her own in the shooting or defensive circle when called upon.

North should take the points but with both sides looking to rebuild in the wake of player losses, it should be a tight encounter

Macey Griffith

Brianna Walters

Alyssa Duncan

Megan Reid

SEASON FIXTURE F.L.

ROUND 1 - 22nd April 2023

West Gambier

East Gambier

Casterton-Sanfford

Millicent

Anzac Day - 25th April 2023

South Gambier

North Gambier

ROUND 2 - 29th April 2023

Casterton-Sanfford

Millicent

North Gambier

East Gambier

South Gambier

West Gambier

ROUND 3 - 6th May 2023

East Gambier

West Gambier

North Gambier

West Gambier

Casterton-Sanfford

Millicent

ROUND 4 - 13th May 2023

East Gambier

West Gambier

North Gambier

North Gambier

South Gambier

Millicent

ROUND 5 - 20th May 2023

South Gambier

Millicent

North Gambier

East Gambier

West Gambier

Casterton-Sanfford

ROUND 6 - 27th May 2023

North Gambier

Casterton-Sanfford

Millicent

South Gambier

West Gambier

East Gambier

ROUND 7 - 3rd June 2023

South Gambier

East Gambier

West Gambier

Millicent

Casterton-Sanfford

North Gambier

BYE Interleague - 10th June 2023

ROUND 8 - 17th June 2023

West Gambier

Casterton-Sanfford

Millicent

East Gambier

South Gambier

North Gambier

ROUND 9 - 24th June 2023

South Gambier

North Gambier

Millicent

West Gambier

East Gambier

Casterton-Sanfford

ROUND 10 - 1st July 2023

West Gambier

East Gambier

Casterton-Sanfford

Millicent

South Gambier

North Gambier

BYE State Country Championships - 8th July 2023

ROUND 11 - 15th July 2023

South Gambier

West Gambier

East Gambier

North Gambier

Casterton-Sanfford

Millicent

ROUND 12 - 22nd July 2023

Casterton-Sanfford

North Gambier

Millicent

East Gambier

West Gambier

South Gambier

ROUND 13 - 29th July 2023

East Gambier

South Gambier

North Gambier

West Gambier

Casterton-Sanfford

Millicent

ROUND 14 - 5th August 2023

Casterton-Sanfford

East Gambier

West Gambier

Millicent

North Gambier

South Gambier

ROUND 15 - 12th August 2023

Millicent

South Gambier

North Gambier

West Gambier

East Gambier

Casterton-Sanfford

ROUND 16 - 19th August 2023

West Gambier

Casterton-Sanfford

Millicent

1st Semi Final - North Gambier - 26th August 2023

2nd Semi Final - Millicent - 2nd September 2023

Preliminary Final - East Gambier - 9th September 2023

Grand Final - South Gambier - 16th September 2023

East Gambier

South Gambier

North Gambier