Blues News

Round 6, 2026

Kerang’s second third of season 2026 begins on Saturday, 30 May with a trip to Nyah to take on the Demons. In an unusual quirk, this will be the first time in more than three years that the Blues have played at the Nyah Recreation Reserve. With many of our sides entrenched in the battle for a top-eight finish, the club will be aiming to produce as many wins as possible.

Last round the Blues hosted Tooleybuc Manangatang on a day that produced some entertaining matches and close results.

ROUND 5 WRAP

FOOTBALL

The Seniors consolidated their spot in the top eight thanks to an 18-point win, set up by a six-goal opening term. Tyson Clingan and Zak Bozanich kicked three goals each for the Blues, with Rylee Gitsham, Bohden McKnight, Flynn McKnight, Jack Sullivan, Damian Byrne, Tyson Clingan and Nick Oliver (KJs Outdoor Marine and Fishing) the best players for the hosts.

The Reserves were outclassed by the Saints in a 78-point loss, however the hosts displayed moments of brilliance throughout the game – including a coast-to-coast goal in the second term. Ethan Walker (coaches award), Zarne Thamm (McKnight Concreting), Jordan McNeil (Can Bar Award), Tyler Meehan (Autopro Kerang) and Mark Threlfall (Oliver Family award) were recogised for their efforts.

A slow start cost the Colts the chance to record consecutive victories, with the side recording a 25-point loss. Award winners were Cam Hipworth (Chicken Supreme), Saxon Walker (Chicken Supreme), Madden Walker (Zorba’s Pizza), Mitch Bilton (Wilk’s Barbershop), Eddie May (Walker’s IGA), Beau Roberts (KFNC Canteen Committee), Connor Goodson (Gitsham Family award) and Deklyn Jolly (coaches award).

A seven-goal performance from Charlie Greenwood (Josh Cameron Award) set up the Under 15s’ nine-point victory. The side’s teamwork across the game was evident, with Madden Walker (coaches’ award), Braxton Hayes (Zorba’s Pizza), Bryce Gordy (Chicken Supreme), Jack Hogg (Chicken Supreme), Xavier Edwards (KFNC Canteen Committee) and Harley Cartwright (Gitsham Family award) recognised for their efforts.

Over on the second oval, the Under 12s added another chapter to their recent run of close matches with the Saints, with the visitors coming from behind to win by 14 points. Award winners were Abel Howden (Chicken Supreme), Jack Hein (Chicken Supreme), Ellie Verhey (Kerang Plumbing and Pumps), Noah Maskell (KFNC Canteen Committee), Hudson Hicks (Zorba’s Pizza), Adam Blencowe (SWB Media and Communications), Archer Verhey (anonymous block of chocolate) and Levi Bourne (1% Award).

Finally, the Under 10s started proceedings on the second oval with an entertaining encounter against the Saints, with Jace Parker (Chicken Supreme), Jett Cameron (McDonalds), Parker Kelly (Kerang Plumbing and Pumps), Roman Chesnais (Chicken Supreme) and George Hammond (JNR Sandblasting) receiving awards for their efforts.

NETBALL

Despite missing four of their regular players, A Grade challenged the Saints, however the visitors were able to keep the Blues at bay in the final term in a five-goal loss to the hosts. Jarni Gilmour captained a young but talented side that did the club proud. Alli Hunter, in a best on court effort, and Jamison Wise united in the attacking third, shooting with confidence against a tough defence. Mikala McNeil, who was also best on court, gave everything she had playing in centre, linking with fellow midcourt players, Laela Grayling and Chloe Meehan in creating some impressive plays. Jarni and Emma Chamberlain combined well against the Saints’ goalshooters and did not give up all game.

Although the result did not go the Blues’ way, A Reserve’s three-goal loss showed that the side’s intensity, depth, strength and versatility is growing. Sophie Hunter and Madi Hall continue to lead the way across the midcourt, driving the ball down the court and delivering beautiful feeds into the ring all game long. The team trialled some fresh shooting combinations, with Hallie Murphy (Zorba’s Pizza) moving from defence into attack during the first half, before Jenna Gray (Mat Coates Electrical 1% Award) took over in the second half in what was her first match as a permanent squad member. Both Hallie and Jenna linked up well with Hannah Pay, with these combinations looking dangerous. Down the other end of the court, Emma Chamberlain played another stellar game, backing up after playing four quarters of A Grade, combining with Tara Cordina (Royal Hotel) to keep the team’s defensive ring tight and aggressive.

Some lovely passages of play and good use of the interchange to keep legs fresh in the second half set up B Grade’s 18-goal win. Award winners were Lilly Simmonds (Legend Apparel), Maia Velleley (1% Award) and Emma Wright (Velleley Cranes).

Every player in B Reserve played their role in a 28-goal win, with strong second efforts and great follow-up work in the attacking end a highlight. The team welcomed Zenda Peacock (Kerang Truck and Trailer 1% Award) back to the side, with Erin Murphy (Chino’s) and Harley Tarr (Thamm/ Clingan Family Award) also received awards for their performances. Unfortunately, the side lost Joli Robertson early in the first quarter with a quad injury, with the team hoping the injury is not too serious.

17 and Under secured their second win of the season with a great team performance. After focusing on a few key areas at training during the week, it was great to see them put those improvements into play on court in the 22-goal win. Both the attack and defensive ends worked strongly together, while the midcourt connected smoothly through both ends all game. Haylee Chesnais (Chino’s), Jenna Gray (KFNC Canteen Committee) and Chloe Meehan ($10 award) were best on court.

15 and Under fought hard but were outclassed in a 43-goal loss. Despite the result, the girls encouraged each other throughout the game. Award winners were Taneisha Thamm (Rumbold’s Earthmoving), Ruby Shepard (Chicken Supreme), Sienna Hicks (Trav and Gaynor Thamm award), Ivy Velleley (Central Take Away) and Tehya Gitsham (KFNC Canteen Committee).

There were plenty of positives 13 and Under can take out of their 21-goal loss. The girls showed so many personal wins on the court, with all their hard work at training starting to shine through. Those watching witnessed stronger leads, better defence, and new skills being put into action. Awards went to Holly Hicks (Chicken Supreme), Jess Bilton (KFNC Canteen Committee), Anna Ferrari (Kerang Plumbing and Pumps) and Emaline Murphy (Drew Robertson Plastering).

Finally, 13 and Under Reserve displayed amazing teamwork and encouragement in their 15-goal win. Sahej Sandhu (Chicken Supreme) did an amazing job in her first game, with Ashleigh

Stevenson (McDonalds), Harper Newson (Grays Bakery) and Arhlie Gitsham (KFNC Canteen Committee) also receiving awards for their efforts.

SOCIAL EVENTS

Thanks to the club’s Social Committee, functions are planned throughout the season. Details regarding what is happening are below:

· June 13th: Kerang FNC Ball.

· June 20th: Head back to the Royal Hotel following our matches at Lake Boga.

· June 27th: Goods and Services Auction.

· July 11th: Team of the Decades.

· July 18th: Christmas in July at the Royal Hotel.

· July 25th: Bluechella Festival.

· August 1st: Head back to the Royal Hotel following our matches at Ultima.

· August 22nd: Silent Disco.

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!