Kerang FNC notes

Semi-final weekend, 2025

Last weekend saw five of our sides take to the field and courts for the start of the Central Murray Football Netball League finals series. It was great to see a large contingent of supporters at Woorinen last Saturday for the qualifying finals and at Swan Hill last Sunday for the elimination finals.

The Blues head into this weekend’s semi-finals with four teams still in premiership contention. Our Under 15 footballers will head to Barham on Saturday for a second semi-final showdown against Swan Hill for a spot in the grand final, whilst our A Grade, A Reserve and 17 and Under netballers will take to the courts at Tooleybuc on Sunday for their respective first semi-final matches.

The Under 15 footballers retained their double chance thanks to a 30-point win in last weekend’s qualifying final against the Mallee Eagles. Led by two goals each from Hudson Taylor (Gitsham Family award) and Oscar Greenwood (Gordy Family award), the Blues kept the Eagles scoreless for the opening three quarters to secure the victory and a second semi-final clash with Swan Hill. Charlie Greenwood, Deklyn Jolly (Pizza Kitchen), Saxon Walker (Murray Mallee Woodfired Pizza) and Madden Walker (Zorba’s Pizza) were also recognised for their efforts.

Over on the netball courts, the 17 and Under side’s chance to secure four premierships in a row across two age levels hit a blip following a 15-goal loss to Woorinen. Laela Grayling, Alli Hunter and Coco Crellin received awards for their efforts, with the side to take on Koondrook/Barham on Sunday at Tooleybuc to remain in the finals.

Our A Grade side, making their first finals appearance since 2014, will take on Tooleybuc/Manangatang this Sunday after a 16-goal loss to Koondrook/Barham. Challenging conditions and the River Raiders’ intensity made goals hard to come by. Despite this, the team gave it their all, working hard to switch into the mindset of playing finals, a shift that’s always tougher than regular season play. Alli Hunter was best on court in her A Grade Debut – Congratulations Alli, so well deserved!

Unfortunately, the 13 and Under netball’s season came to an end last Sunday following a five-goal loss to Lake Boga. Teyha Gitsham, Tahlia Rumbold and Ruby Shepard received awards for the team, which has gone from a side that did not win a game for the past two seasons to one challenging for the premiership. The club looks forward to seeing what 2026 holds for the girls.

Finally, our A Reserve netball side marked their first finals appearance with an eight-goal win against Tooleybuc/Manangatang last Sunday, setting up a first semi-final encounter with Woorinen. The side lifted after the Saints scored the first two goals of the game, with the hard work and training over the past few weeks shining at the right time of the season. Sophie Hunter (Rulcify’s), Laela Grayling (The Little Shoe Shop) and Brontie Ridley (Zorba’s Pizza) received awards for their efforts.

Don’t forget that our Presentation Night is occurring on Thursday, 25 September at the Kerang Memorial Hall, with tickets still available for the Redfin Classic Weekend, occurring in October.

Staying connected

There are many ways to keep updated with the club leading into 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!