Blues News
Round 14, 2026
This weekend will see the Kerang Football Netball Club embark on its longest journey for a day of football and netball – a 200-plus kilometre trek to Hay for an important weekend of action for many of our sides. As a club, our players and spectators look forward to experiencing the hospitality from the league’s northernmost team.
Last weekend saw the Blues produce some important wins against Ultima in what was a perfect day for football and netball.
ROUND 13 WRAP
FOOTBALL
The Seniors jumped back into the top eight following a 17-point win against Ultima. Set up by six goals from Zak Bozanich and best on field performances from Ian Fisher, Bohden McKnight, Jack Sullivan, Cody Makeham, Marty Kelly and Kane Wilson (KJ Marine and Outdoor), the Blues opened up an 18-point lead in the third quarter and were able to hold off the hosts. The result means the Blues can book a finals berth this weekend with a win against Hay. 
The Reserves’ match against Hay this weekend is now an elimination final for the Blues following a 132-point loss to Ultima. Oscar Greenwood and Cameron Hipworth kicked Kerang’s two goals for the match, with Eddie May (coaches award), Alex Lloyd (McKnight Concreting), Peter Moore (Royal Hotel Kerang), Jay Ogborne (AutoPro) and Harrison Pearson (Oliver Family award) recognised for their efforts.
The Colts held on in the final term to record a 10-point win, with the Mallee Eagles’ superior percentage keeping the Blues out of a finals position with two games to go this season. Oscar Greenwood (coaches award) and Harrison Pearson kicked two goals each, with Kai Roberts (Chicken Supreme), Hudson Taylor (Chicken Supreme), Harley Mills (Chicken Supreme), Cam Hipworth (Chicken Supreme), Eddie May (Wilk’s Barbershop), Campbell McAplin (Walkers IGA) and Cooper Gray (Gitsham Family award) receiving awards for their efforts.  
The Under 15s recorded their fourth win of the season thanks to a mercy rule victory against Ultima. Charlie Greenwood (coaches award) kicked six goals for the visitors, with awards also presented to Madden Walker (Josh Cameron award), Braxton Hayes (Chicken Supreme), Jack Hogg (Chicken Supreme), Ollie Hetherington (Chicken Supreme), Ollie McKnight (Gitsham family award), Abel Howden (KFNC hat) and Lincoln Taylor (treats package).
The Under 12s improved their 2026 record to 5-8 following a 59-point win. All players contributed to the team’s best performance away from home in a number of seasons, with Hadley McKnight (Des and Marie Hudson award), Frankie Walker (Des and Marie Hudson award), Abel Howden (Chicken Supreme), Jack Hein (Chicken Supreme), Jobe Howden (Pizza Kitchen and Central Fish Shop), Archer Verhey McDonald’s and Des and Marie Hudson award) and Adam Blencowe (1% Award) receiving the day’s awards.
Finally, the Under 10s adjusted to their earliest game time this season, improving as the match progressed. The second and third quarters were the highlights, with this period featuring multiple goals and great passages of play. Charles Hammond, Hudson Hicks, Levi Bourne, Finlay Woodier and Yehen Akurugoda were the day’s award winners.
NETBALL 
A Grade sits six points outside the top eight following a nine-goal win against Ultima, and must win their final two games of the season to make finals. Jamison Wise and Alli Hunter were best on court for the Blues, who upped their intensity after the Storm challenged the team late in the third quarter. All of the team’s nine players played an outstanding, highlighted by defensive pressure, strong midcourt passing and converted attacking moves. 
A Reserve’s 12-goal loss means the side must win their final two games and hope results go the Blues’ way to make finals. Despite facing plenty of inconsistency and having to make non-stop positional changes and adjustments all game long, every single player kept their head high and refused to back down. This was evident in the second half, when the team regrouped, kept their work rate high and eventually outscored the Storm in the final quarter.  Madi Hall (Royal Hotel Kerang), Lilly Simmonds (Beauty Dust), Hannah Pay (Zorba’s Pizza) and Bel Grayling (Chino’s) were the day’s award winners.
B Grade can replace Hay in the top eight with a win this weekend despite losing to Ultima by eight goals. Both teams putting on a great contest, with the Blues rallying together from the first whistle. The team’s passages of play down the court were fantastic, the defenders applied plenty of pressure, and the side’s goal shooters moved well to keep us in the contest. It was also great to see great sportsmanship after Brylee Clingan suffered a knee injury. All players from both sides gathered around Brylee for the final team clap, creating a special moment that reflected the true spirit of netball. Lily Velleley (Little Shoe Shop), Maia Velleley (Rulcify's) and Nerida Coates (Velleley Cranes) received awards for their efforts.
A superior percentage is helping B Reserve remain in the top eight with two rounds remaining, with a 26-goal loss to Ultima making this weekend’s game a must-win encounter. In what was the final game for coach Ebony Hipworth (Kerang Truck and Trailer), the team never stopped fighting against a very physical opposition. It was also a special day for Carla Peacock, who made her senior debut and played alongside her mum, Zenda Peacock (Chino’s), who stood out in attack, and sister, Rachel Peacock, who worked well with Olivia Kelly in the centre of the court. Haylee Chesnais (cash award) also took to the court alongside her mum, Terri Chesnais, with Haylee and Kobie Waddingham (Legend Apparel) standing out in defence. 
An eight-goal loss to Ultima now means that our 17 and Under must defeat Hay this weekend to move into the top eight. The intensity was sky-high from the opening whistle, with the Blues taking charge in the middle quarters and pushing Ultima to their absolute limits. Congratulations to Teyha Gitsham (Terri’s $10 award) for a sensational 17 and Under debut, as well as Jenna Gray (Kerang Truck and Trailer), Laela Grayling (Pizza Kitchen) and Ivy Velelley (Beauty Dust) for their award-winning efforts.
A 15-goal loss to Ultima mean that our 15 and Under side must defeat Hay this weekend to go into the last game of the home and away season with the chance to book a finals spot. The third quarter was the highlight of the match, with the girls fighting their way back and closing the gap through great teamwork, strong defensive pressure and patient attacking play. They worked tirelessly to shut down their opponents thanks to plenty of rebounds, intercepts and relentless chasing of the ball. Unfortunately, Ultima found another gear in the final quarter and the score blew out, but that certainly didn’t reflect the effort the Blues put in. Award winners were Ruby Shepard (Velleley Cranes), Tehya Gitsham (Des and Marie Hudson award), Marli Doyle (Rumbolds Earthmoving) and Sienna Hicks (Chicken Supreme).
Millie Cameron (Kerang Plumbing and Pumps), Hallie Robertson (KFNC Canteen Committee), Gabby Bico (Drew Robertson Plastering) and Harper Newson (Chicken Supreme) received awards in 13 and Under’s 21-goal loss. There were still plenty of positives to take away from the game, with the girls working hard all game, supporting each other, and showing great teamwork across the court. 
Finally, 13 and Under Reserve recorded a 39-goal win, bouncing back following the previous weekend’s loss. Harper Newson (Pizza Kitchen), Ashleigh Stevenson (Chicken Supreme), Chelsea Gordy (McDonald’s) and Sahej Sandhu (Gray’s Bakery) were the day’s award winners, with the entire team playing a fantastic game.
SOCIAL EVENTS
Thanks to the club’s Social Committee, functions are planned throughout the season. Details regarding what is happening are below:
•    August 22nd: Silent Disco.
•    August 23rd: Junior Presentation Day and Vote Count
STAYING CONNECTED
There are many ways to keep updated with the club during season 2026:
•    Follow us on Facebook – we have a public page and a members’ page
•    Follow us on Instagram - @kerangfnc 
•    Our website – Visit us online at https://kerangfnc.com.au/
GO BLUES!