Kerang FNC Preseason

Kerang FNC

Round 3, 2025

Round 3, 2025

We welcome everyone from the Swan Hill Football Netball Club to Riverside Park as we take on the Swans on the football field and netball courts.

It will be a big day for the club, thanks to our Ladies Day occurring during the afternoon and the first of our half-time Auskick sessions occurring at half-time of the seniors.

Two weeks ago the club made the trek across the border to Tooleybuc, which was a very, very hot day. There were many highlights that occurred on the field and on court.

FOOTBALL

Our Seniors pushed Tooleybuc/Manangatang for most of the match, however the second quarter proved to be the difference as the Blues lost by 15 points. Jordan McNeil and Ethan McKnight both kicked four goals each, with Archer Dibsdale, Bradlee Pay, Jordan McNeil, Cody Makeham, Bohden McKnight and Rylee Gitsham best on ground.

The Reserves, boosted by the help of some of our Colts players, tried their best in what was a 96-point loss. Best players were Corey Walters, Darcy Murphy, Joshua Walters, Jonathon Roberts, Mitchell Bilton and Dylan Threlfall.

Eight of our Under 15s helped fill our Colts side, who battled valiantly in a 50-point loss to the Saints. Tyler Bilton kicked three of the team's six goals in a best on ground performance, resulting in the Bunyip and Kate $15 award for the day. Other award winners were Mitchell Bilton (McKnight Family), Saxon Walker (Murray Mallee Woodfired Pizza), Nicholas Oliver (Zorba’s Pizza), Oscar Greenwood (Walkers IGA) and Mark Threlfall (The Fiit Space Kerang).

The Under 15s continued their unbeaten start of the season with a 60-point win. Oscar Greenwood kicked four goals, earning him the Coaches' award, with Cooper Gray (Gordy Family), Madden Walker, Jacoby Tonkin, Campbell McAlpin (Pizza Kitchen) and Beau Roberts the other award winners.

The Under 12s started the day for the club in the best way possible, recording a four-point win in very hot conditions. All players played an amazing role in what was a low-scoring affair, with the ball locked in the Saints' forward 50 for most of the last quarter as the hosts looked for a match-winning goal. Award winners were Brodie Buckow (Kerang Plumbing and Pumps), Ellie Verhey (Rumbolds Earthmoving), Mason Rumbold (Pizza Kitchen), Elise Hayes (Austelle Farms), Eli Howeden (Zorba’s Pizza), Jobe Howden (McKnight Family) and Lachie Stevenson (1% Award).

NETBALL

Despite the scorching heat, A Grade stayed composed and determined from start to finish to record a 17-goal win. It was an all-round brilliant performance with every player contributing to the win.

The passing throughout the game was sharp and well timed, keeping the momentum in our favour. Our defence was outstanding, consistently creating turnovers that helped extend our lead. A special mention goes to best on court, Maddy Black and Chloe Adams for their incredible work in turning over possession and delivering clean feeds down the court.

Shooting accuracy was spot on, with the girls in the ring making the most of every opportunity. In the centre court, the team showed their versatility, switching seamlessly between attack and defence, and staying focused on what the game demanded.

Mikala McNeill, also stood out, winning the 1% award.

The A Reserve made it two from two in 2025, recording a 22-goal win in a hard-fought victory, made challenging due to the scorching heat and numerous changes in the lineup. It was impressive to witness the versatility of our team, with many players adapting to different positions and some even covering both ends of the court.

Our shooters were exceptional, demonstrating remarkable accuracy and their ability to create and hold space. The passes into the ring were precise, setting up our shooters for success in the best possible ways.

The mid-court players showed incredible drive and provided numerous options, making countless second and third efforts despite the intense heat. Their resilience was truly commendable.

Our defenders were relentless, maintaining tight defense and constant communication. They frequently intercepted rebounds, swiftly transitioning the ball back down the court.

A special thanks to Chloe and Laela for stepping up and helping us out again this week. And finally, a massive Happy Birthday to Laela!

Laela Grayling (Legend Apparel), Emma Chamberlain (Murray Malee Woodfired Pizza) and Sophie Hunter (Velleley Cranes) were the award winners.

B Grade put in a mammoth effort in their 40-goal loss. The team’s defence worked hard all game, working against some very tall girls, managing to stop several goals and make some amazing intercepts. The team also thanks Maia and Coco for helping out. Kobie Waddingham (Royal Hotel), Ebony Hipworth (Murray Mallee Woodfired Pizza) and Simone Jackson (Kerang Truck and Trailer) were the award winners.

The 17 and Under team played a great game in the heat, with the side’s 56-goal win a result of all players doing as they were asked. Alli Hunter (Legend Apparal), Maia Velleley (Chino’s), Laela Grayling (Velleley Cranes) and Sam Adams (Pizza Kitchen) won the awards.

Despite the heat, the 15 and Under side put in 100 per cent, handling the intense pressure in a 39-goal loss. Keira Wise (Zorba’s Pizza), Rachael Peacock (Murray Mallee Woodfired Pizza) Brooklyn Buckow (Chino's) Sam Adams (Pizza Kitchen) and Marli Doyle (Chesnais Family) took out the awards. 

The 13 & Under side worked amazingly well in a nine-goal loss to the hosts, with the team’s defence amazing. Tehya Gitsham (Kerang Plumbing and Pumps), Ruby Shepard (Velleley Cranes), Taneisha Thamm (Rumbold Earthmoving) and Tahlia Rumbold (Pizza Kitchen) were the award winners.

Like the previous weekend, the 13 & Under Reserve put in 100 per cent as they adapted to different positions in their loss to the Saints. Harper Newson (Drew Robertson Plastering Award), Hallie Robertson (Pizza Kitchen), Holly Hicks (Zorba’s Pizza) and Arhlie Gitsham Kerang Plumbing & Pumps) were the award winners.

2025 Social Events

Our dedicated Social Committee is putting together a fantastic calendar of events for the season, with the following events occurring throughout the year:

• May 10^th: Grandparents and Special Persons Day, followed by Games Night
• May 24^th: QuizzzaMe Trivia
• June 14^th: KFNC Ball
• July 19^th: Flight Night
• August 2^nd: Reunion for 1975, 1984, 1985 and 2015 premiership sides
• August 16^th: Mock Wedding

These events are a great way to socialise and keep connected with the club.

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!