Kerang FNC notes

Round 15, 2025

The Blues are back home today in what will be a big day for the club. Not only do we welcome Tooleybuc Manangatang to Riverside Park, but we also welcome our past champions from the 1955 Kerang, 1975 Rovers, 1984-1985 Kerang and 2015 Kerang premiership sides. It will be fantastic to see so many former players around the club.

Last weekend saw our football and netball sides brave the wet conditions at Swan Hill. Despite the weather, it was great to see so many of our fans make the trek up the highway. It was also fantastic to see a good crowd head back to the clubrooms for a special screening of Happy Gilmore 2.

FOOTBALL

Our Seniors ensured July would not pass without recording a win, with the Blues coming out stronger in the second half to record a 21-point win – the team’s fourth victory of the season. Zak Bozanich led the way with three goals, joining Scott Pay, Leigham McAlpin, Marty Kelly, Jonah McKnight and Flynn McKnight as best players for the victors.

The Reserves, boosted by younger players, made the most of the wet conditions in their 131-point loss. The game saw the team break a 15-quarter run of goalless terms, thanks to Tyler Meehan and Mitchell Bilton. Rhys Lee, Alexander Peacock, Jeremy Hipworth, Tyler Bilton, Mark Threlfall and Konrad Walters were best on ground for the Blues.

Although losing by 112 points, the Colts challenged the finals bound Swans in passages of the game. Austin Verhey (McKnight Concreting),Hudson Gurnett (McKnight Concreting), Hugh Adams (Zorba’s Pizza), James O’Bree (Walker’s IGA), Oscar Greenwood (Murray Mallee Woodfired Pizza), Mark Threlfall (The Fiit Space Kerang) and Hudson Taylor (The Fiit Space Kerang) received awards.

In what was a top of the ladder clash, the Under 15s pushed the undefeated Swan Hill in the rain, going down by 21 points. Kai Roberts, Oscar Greenwood (Gordy Family), Oliver Gitsham (Kerang Carpet and Flooring), Campbell McAlpin (Zorba’s Pizza), Madden Walker (Pizza Kitchen) and Deklyn Jolly (McKnight family) received awards.

Over on Alan Garden Reserve, the Under 12s responded following a blistering opening quarter from Swan Hill, keeping pace with the hosts in a 55-point loss that saw the Blues win the final quarter. Adam Blencowe (Rumbolds Earthmoving), Mason Rumbold (Kerang Plumbing & Pumps), Eli Howden (Pizza Kitchen), Brodie Buckow (Murray Mallee Woodfired Pizza and Zorba’s Pizza), Sonny Greenwood (McKnight Family), Harry Grayling (Austelle Farms) and Vinnie Sartore (1% Award) received awards.

NETBALL

After a string of tough losses, a three-goal win against the Swans was exactly what our A Grade side needed to bounce back. The conditions were far from ideal; cold, wet and slippery, making it hard to use their usual speed and flair. The team rose to the challenge, digging deep and relying on their skills, composure and grit. Every player gave it their all, showing determination

and fight to keep their spot up the top of the ladder heading into finals. Mikala McNeill was best on court, with Chloe Meehan receiving the 1% Award.

Like most teams, A Reserve experienced their toughest conditions of season 2025, recording a one-goal win in a match that went down to the final whistle. Laela Grayling (Legend Apparel), Brontë Ridley (Murray Mallee Woodfired Pizza) and Emma Chamberlain (The Fiit Space Kerang) received awards.

Despite the wet and miserable weather, B Grade put in a fantastic effort on court in their 28-goal loss. The Blues started strong and were very much in the game early on, but the opposition managed to pull ahead. Still, every player showed incredible determination, pushing right through to the final whistle. Awards went to Brontie Ridley (Royal Hotel), Erin Murphy (Murray Mallee Woodfired Pizza) and Harley Tarr (Kerang Truck and Trailer).

Taking to the court with an unusual lineup, the 17 and Under side continued their winnings ways thanks to a seven-goal victory. A standout on the day was the team’s usual Goal Keeper, Genna Gray, who played a full game at Goal Attack and did exactly what the team needed her to do, earning herself a well-deserved Best on Court for her efforts in attack.

Coco Crellin remained rock solid in Goal Shooter despite working with a new combination in the ring. Her calm presence and consistency made a big difference.

Olivia Kelly, who brought the pressure all game—hunting down loose balls and effectively shutting down her Wing Attack – was also recognised for her efforts.

Well done also to 15 and Under player Belle Wise stepped up into Goal Keeper, holding her own and more, showing confidence and composure well beyond her years.

It was a tough day for the 15 and Under side in their 43-goal loss, with a few players hitting the deck in the wet conditions. Haylee Chesnais and Keira Wise defended well and picked off lots of passes, whilst the mid court players found space down the court and are working well together. Marli Doyle and Brooklyn Buckow also received awards for their efforts.

The 13 and Under team showed they can compete with the top teams in a two-goal loss – a game that saw everyone play well in their positions. Tahlia Rumbold (Kerang Plumbing and Pumps), Sienna Hicks (Rumbold Earthmoving), Tehya Gitsham (Rumbold Earthmoving), Ivy Velleley (Pizza Kitchen), Carla Peacock (Murray Mallee Woodfired Pizza) and Taneisha Thamm (Murray Mallee Woodfired Pizza) received awards.

The 13 and Under side put in 100 per cent, despite the weather conditions, in their 18-goal loss. Awards went to Arhlie Gitsham, Emaline Murphy (Murray Mallee Woodfired Pizza) and Harper Newson (Pizza Kitchen).

2025 Social Events

With the season nearing its completion, please add the following dates to your calendar:

· 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!