Blues News

Round 1, 2026

A new era of the Central Murray Football Netball season and winter sport within the Kerang area begins today.

In what will be the biggest football and netball event in Kerang since the town last hosted the Golden Rivers Football Netball League grand final in 2007, the Blues will take on local “rivals” Wandella for the first time in the CMFNL.

You would need to go back to 1946 for the last time the Blues played the Bombers for premiership points, however Kerang Rovers (1949-1990) and Appin (1945-1995) regularly played Wandella when these teams competed in the Golden Rivers league.

It is also a historic day for the club with our newest group of footballers - our Under 10s - taking to the field for the first time. Coached by Mat Coates, this program provides the ideal step between our popular Auskick and Under 12s programs. The 15 players who make up this group are looking forward to either playing a scratch match amongst themselves or competing against other clubs during season 2026.

We welcome all new and returning players, members and officials and their families to the club for the start of the season. Whether you’re stepping onto the field or court for the first time or returning for another season, we are thrilled to have you on board.

A big welcome also to all our new and returning sponsors, whose support makes everything we do possible.

2025 CMFNL Grand Final

It was great to see a large contingent of supporter’s cheer on our Under 15s footballers during last September’s CMFNL Grand Final Day. Although our side was no match for Swan Hill, the future is bright for this group of young men, most of who are playing Colts this season,

New Life Members

The club was proud to award Life Memberships to Rob Fisher and Katelyn Wright at our Presentation Night at the end of last season.

One of the club’s longest-serving presidents, Rob was recognised for his two decades of commitment to the club. This period included holding various roles and leading the club through a period of significant changes to the sport across the region.

A seven-time club A Grade Best and Fairest, Katelyn played her 200th A Grade match for the Blues at the start of last season, with her leadership shown by coaching various grades shaping and inspiring our next generation of netballers.

Coaches ready for season 2026

It has been a busy preseason for the Blues, with our on-field and on-court efforts led by the following people:

Football

Seniors: Eight-time CMFNL Senior Football premiership player, Brad Pay is coaching our top grade side for a second time, with the seniors benefiting from a busy preseason campaign.

Reserves: Last season’s reserves coach, Jon Roberts is joined by new recruit, Matthew Angel and last year’s Colts coach, Jayden Crellin to oversee our seconds.

Colts: Two of our own young guns, Cody Makeham and Bohden McKnight, will be guiding our Colts team, which has benefited from an influx of last season’s Under 15s grand final side.

Under 15s: The club welcomes Scott Maskell as a first-time coach to the club, with fellow club coaching debutante, Sean Hayes to assist Scott.

Under 12s: Last year’s seniors coach, Paul Grayling will coach the Under 12s for another season, with the team to benefit from his experience.

Under 10s: Mat Coates has the honour of being the club’s first Under 10s CMFNL coach, having spent the past three seasons coaching the club’s Auskick program.

Auskick: The club thanks Patrick Featonby in taking on the Auskick Coordinator role after Scott Bourne stepped down from the role he held for the past three seasons. Joining Patrick to oversee this popular program is Bunyip Peacock as our Auskick coach.

Netball

A Grade: The club is thrilled that Chloe Adams and Denise Roberts are coaching the Blues’ top netballers after last season’s semi-final finish, with Bree Cordina stepping up to complete the coaching trio.

A Reserve: Jarni Gilmore is joined this season by Ned Coates and Mikala McNeill, forming a dynamic and well-balanced coaching team for a side that was one win off a grand final appearance.

B Grade: We welcome back to the court B Grade coach Belinda Grayling! We’re excited to have her back leading the team after some time away. Joining her as assistant coach is her husband, Paul. Together, they bring experience, passion, and dedication to the game.

B Reserve: Ebony Hipworth steps into her first coaching role in 2026, leading the B Reserves side with fresh energy and a passion for the game.

17 and Under: Hannah Pay will look to build on last year’s preliminary final appearance.

15 and Under: Our Gannawarra Shire Council Young Person of the Year, Brylee Clingan and Alli Hunter will work with our up and coming netballers to prepare them for senior competition.

13 and Under: Lily Velleley and Joli Robertson will work with our future senior netballers throughout the year.

13 and Under Reserve: The club thanks Alisha Gordy and Steph Bilton for overseeing our youngest netballers for this season.

2026 Social Events

Numerous social events will be held during the season. Place these dates in your diary and look out for future announcements:

· April 11h: Season Launch and iPod shuffle night.

· April 18th: Head back to the Royal Hotel following our matches at Cohuna.

· May 2nd: Grandparents and Special Persons Day (AM), Ladies Day (PM)

· May 9th: Head back to the Royal Hotel following our matches at Woorinen.

· May 16th: Trivia Night.

· 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.

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 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!