Kerang FNC notes

Round 9, 2025

We welcome Nyah-Nyah West United to Riverside Park today for the halfway mark of the 2025 season.

There will be plenty of focus from the local football media about today being the first time the Blues and Demons face off since last season’s CMFNL grand final, but season 2025 is a different situation for both clubs.

On the netball court, our A Grade side will look to remain undefeated before what shapes to be a blockbuster game against the Mallee Eagles next week.

The club is also looking forward to tonight’s KFNC Ball, which is always a highlight of our social calendar.

Two weeks’ ago, we travelled to Tyntynder, which was a mixed day for our footballers and netballers.

FOOTBALL

It was a tough game for our Seniors, in what was Tyson Clingan’s 50th senior game. We got off to a strong start against the Bulldogs, but inaccurate kicking in front of goal cost us a 25-point loss. Cooper Meehan, Jonah McKnight, Tyson Clingan, Marty Kelly, Scott Pay and Rylee Gitsham were best on ground for the Blues.

Our Reserves opened their account for season 2025, recording a 47-point win. The side recorded their highest score of the season by the main break, with the result confirmed going into the final quarter. Dylan Threlfall, Tyler Meehan, Rhys Lee, Konrad Walters, Alex Kirby and Patrick Oliver were best on ground.

The Colts came agonisingly close to also opening their account, going down by eight points. The team led for most of the game, however fatigue became a factor in the final quarter. Declan Heffer (McKnight Concreting), Flynn McKnight (Zorbas’s Pizza), Leigham McAlpin (Murray Mallee Woodfired Pizza), Oscar Greenwood (Cam’s Detailing), Eddie May (Walker’s IGA) and Zarne Thamm (The Fiit Space Kerang) received awards for their effortd.

The Under 15s wrapped up another victory by three-quarter time in a mercy rule result. Oscar Greenwood again led the way in the forward line with five goals, with awards also going to Madden Walker (Gordy Family), Beau Robers (Kerang Carpet and Flooring), Kai Roberts (Pizza Kitchen), Austin Verhey (Pizza Kitchen), Braxton Hayes (Gitsham Family) and Xavier Edwards.

A poor start cost the Under 12s the chance to win, however a solid second half meant the side recorded a 27-point loss. Awards went to Eli Howden (Kerang Plumbing and Pumps), Archer Verhey (Rumbold’s Earthmoving), Hudson Hicks (Murray Mallee Woodfired Pizza and Zorba’s Pizza), Jobe Howden (Pizza Kitchen), Abel Howden (Austelle Farms), Lachlan Stevenson (McKnight Family) and Ollie Hetherington (1% Award).

NETBALL

Our A Grade side headed into the King’s Birthday break undefeated thanks to a 13-goal win. Although the energy wasn’t quite as electric as in previous weeks, the team stayed sharp and determined.

The side went into half-time trailing, but after a fiery pep talk from the coaches, they stormed back onto the court with unstoppable momentum in the third quarter. Their incredible effort turned the game around, propelling them into the lead.

Katelyn Wright was best on court, with Chloe Adams receiving the 1% Award.

The A Reserve held on for a two-goal win in a nailbiter of a finish that had everyone on the edge of their seats!

A great, strong start by the girls set the tone early, showing determination and grit from the first whistle. Our defence was rock-solid throughout, applying relentless pressure and never giving an inch.

Up front, our shooters stood strong under pressure, holding their nerve and delivering when it counted. Even when things got tough and we looked a little rattled, the team dug deep, stayed composed, and showed real resilience.

A special mention to Laela Grayling and Chloe Meehan, who rolled on when needed and brought a sense of calm and control that helped steady the team when it mattered most.

Awards went to Awards: - Jamison Wise (Royal Hotel), Sophie Hunter (The Little Shoe Shop) and Jarni Gilmour (Murray Mallee Woodfired Pizza).

The B Grade team started strong with lots of confidence, but a slow start on the court meant the team was chasing the scoreboard in a 17-goal loss. There are a few things that have been worked on at training, but keep going. Award winners were Terri McKenzie (Legend Apparel), Brylee Clingan (Murray Mallee Woodfired Pizza) and Kobie Waddingham (Kerang Truck & Trailer).

The 17 and Under side played amazingly in their 28-goal win. A few bigger changes were made and everyone adjusted accordingly. Maia Velleley (Legend Apparel) brought intensity throughout the court, allowing the team to settle and reset. Coco Crellin (Murray Mallee Woodfired Pizza) led the way in front of goal and she rebounded many balls, whilst Liv Kelly (Pizza Kitchen) was put in positions all over the court but still dominated. Our defenders also got many turnovers.

It was a super tough game for the 15 and Under side in their 71-goal loss, however everyone still fought all game with a smile. Award winner were Haylee Chesnais (Murray Mallee Woodfired Pizza), Racheal Peacock (Zorba’s Pizza), Marli Doyle (Chino’s), Brooklyn Buckow (Chesnais Family) and Macey Hall (Pizza Kitchen).

It was a tough day for the 13 and Under side, who lost by five goals against the competition leaders. Awards went to Tehya Gitsham (Kerang Plumbing and Pumps), Sienna Hicks (Rumbold Earthmoving) Ivy Velleley (Zorba’s Pizza) and Ruby Shepard (Pizza Kitchen).

The 13 and Under Reserve team members played well in their new positions during their 27-goal loss, thanks to a tight defence and all players shooting well. Millie Cameron, Holly Hicks (JNR Sandblasting), Hallie Robertson (Pizza Kitchen), Ashleigh Stevenson (Drew Robertson Plastering) and Emaline Murphy (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 14th: KFNC Ball

· 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: Mock Wedding

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.