Kerang FNC notes

Round 11, 2025

Although we had last weekend off thanks to the first of two byes this season, it was a busy week for the club. It was great to see so many of our netballers participate in a Buddy Night as part of Thursday night training, while a large contingent of our senior footballers ran drills for our Auskick participants.

This week we head across to Lalbert to take on the Eagles. This will be a big game on the netball court, thanks to a potential A Grade qualifying final preview and our A Reserve netballers taking on the competition leaders.

On the football field, our Colts will continue their efforts to record their first win this season, and our seniors will aim to cause an upset victory.

Don’t forget our Flight Night is taking place in our clubrooms after today’s games. Head along and see where the club will jet off to.

Two weeks ago we hosted Nyah-Nyah West United on what proved to be a very successful day for our netballers.

FOOTBALL

The 2024 CMFNL grand final rematch saw our Seniors blood some new players, with Zarme Thamm and Dylan Threlfall rewarded for their efforts in the Colts and Reserves. Although the hosts challenged the defending premiers, in the end the Blues could not hold on in the second half, going down by 59 points, with Rylee Gitsham, Bohden McKnight, Tyson Clingan, Flynn McKnight, Marty Kelly and Myles Greenwood best on ground.

It was a tough day for the Reserves in what was a 178-point loss; however the highlight was Keenan Messer’s celebration after booting the side’s only goal of the match. The bow and arrow certainly entertained those located at the entrance end of the ground. Jason Greenwood, Mat Coates, Rhys Lee, Lochie Sommerfield, Deklan Luks and Tyler Meehan were best on ground for the hosts.

For a second game in a row, the Colts came agonisingly close to also opening their account, going down by six points after leading at three-quarter time. Flynn McKnight (KFNC Canteen Committee), Hugh Bremner (Zorba’s Pizza), Zarne Thamm (Murray Mallee Woodfired Pizza), Mitchell Bilton (Walkers IGA), Tyler Bilton (McKnight Concreting), Kai Roberts (Cam’s Detailing) and Oscar Greenwood (The Fiit Space Kerang) received awards for their efforts.

The Under 15s kept the Demons to one goal for the match in a 54-point win, led by a five-goal effort from Oscar Greenwood. Other award winners were Deklyn Jolly (Gordy Family), Madden Walker (KFNC Canteen Committee), Kai Roberts (Barham Pizza), Campbell McAlpin (Murray Mallee Woodfired Pizza) and Oliver Gitsham (Gitsham Family).

Over on the second oval, the Under 12s led the way from the opening siren, recording a 67-point win in what was the team’s best performance for many matches. Ollie Hetherington (Rumbold’s Earthmoving) Abel Howden (Kerang Plumbing and Pumps), Rory Fernee (Murray Mallee Woodfired Pizza and Zorba’s Pizza), Rhyder Brennan (Gray’s Bakery), Micah Steel (KFNC

Canteen Committee) Vinnie Sartore (McKnight Family) and Archer Verhey (1% Award) received awards.

NETBALL

Our A Grade side was unfazed by the chilly conditions, taking control of the game as they recorded a 38-goal victory. It was a special day for 14-year-old Laela Grayling, who made her A Grade debut in a best on court performance.

Katelyn Wright and Denise Roberts were unstoppable in the shooting circle, demonstrating pinpoint accuracy from all angles. In the centre, Mikala McNeil, Bree Cordina (1% Award), Madi Hall and Lily Wise showcased their strength and precise passes that kept the momentum flowing. Defensively, Chloe Adams and Maddy Black worked seamlessly, reading each other’s movements and creating crucial turnovers.

A dominant first quarter set the tone for the A Reserve side, who came away with a confident nine-goal win over Nyah.

Jamison Wise was strong and composed in the ring, using her presence to control the scoreboard, whilst Hannah Pay (Mat Coates 1% Award) was calm under pressure, with her drive through the court anchoring the attacking end beautifully.

Emma Chamberlain (Legend Apparel) and Hallie Murphy were relentless in defence, making the Nyah shooters work hard for every shot, complimented by Jenna who made an immediate impact in the third, picking up key intercepts with focus and grit.

Jarni Gilmour brought strong drives and determination down the court, while Chloe Meehan (Mat Coates 1% Award) was a standout through the mid court; running tirelessly all day.

Sophie Hunter (Murray Mallee Woodfired Pizza) was intense from start to finish, applying pressure on every pass and creating vital turnovers.

B Grade faced a tough, physical game in what was a 59-goal loss. There were times where it felt like the side was outnumbered due to the opposition seeming to have us covered all over the court. Awards went to Joli Robertson (Mat Coates Electrical 1% Award) and Harley Tarr (Royal Hotel).

The 17 and Under side consolidated their spot on top of the ladder 45-goal win, with Alli Hunter, Jenna Gray and Chloe Meehan winning the awards.

After many weeks of improvement, the 15 and Under side broke through for their first win of the season, recording a 22-goal victory. Everyone should be proud of themselves for their efforts. The shooters were flawless, whilst the mid court fought hard all day, going after every loose ball and moving smoothly. Just as importantly, the defence was super strong, staying tight throughout the whole game. Thaieisha Towle-Wise (Zorba’s Pizza), Sam Adams (KFNC Canteen Committee), Keira Wise (Grays Bakery) and Aivah O’Regan (Chino’s) were award winners.

It may have been a freezing start to the day for the 13 and Under team, but the weather was no concern as the side produced a 21-goal win. Great teamwork and improvement was evident across the court, with plenty of intercepts securing the result. Carla Peacock (Kerang Plumbing and Pumps), Ruby Shepard (Rumbold Earthmoving), Ivy Velleley (Zorbas Pizza) and Tehya Gitsham (KFNC Canteen Committee) received awards for their efforts.

The 13 and Under Reserve team played an amazing game in a 10-all draw with the Demons. Arhlie Gitsham, Hallie Robertson (Zorba's Pizza), Millie Cameron (Zorba's Pizza), Jess Bilton (KFNC Canteen Committee), Ivy Coates (Drew Robertson Plastering) and Holly Hicks (Kerang Plumbing and Pumps) received awards.

2025 Social Events

It has been great to see so many people support our social events so far this season. Please keep the following dates in your calendar as we head into the second half of the season:

· June 28th: Flight Night

· July 19th: Sponsors Day, followed by Goods and Services Auction

· August 2nd: Reunion for 1975, 1984, 1985 and 2015 premiership sides

· August 16th: Family Day, followed by Mock Wedding

· August 24th: Vote Count

· September 25th: Presentation Night

Staying connected

There are many ways to keep updated with the club throughout season 2025:

· 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/

· Become a member – Membership not only supports the club, it’s a great opportunity to connect with fellow supporters. If you are interested in becoming a member, please speak to our volunteers at the canteen who will be able to assist you.

GO BLUES!