Kerang FNC notes

Round 13, 2025

The Blues will host our first home game in five weeks this weekend when we host local rivals Koondrook/Barham. Earlier this year our Senior football and A Grade netball sides returned from Barham with the four points, and both teams will look to do the same today.

It will be a big day for the club as we host our sponsors this afternoon to thank them for supporting the club, then host our annual Goods and Services Auction tonight. Thank you to all who have worked so hard to make this event possible.

Two weeks ago we travelled up the highway to Lake Boga on a weekend where sickness again decimated the club, resulting in our Colts forfeiting. Thank you for our Under 12s and Under 15s football families who changed their plans to accommodate the later start times.

FOOTBALL

The finals hopes of our Seniors side were dashed as injuries again decimated the team in their 19-point loss. The result was a significant improvement compared to when the teams met in the opening round, with the final term the difference between the sides two weeks ago. Congratulations to Scott Pay, who played his 50th senior side, and the club wishes captain Tyson Clingan all the best as he recovers from a broken jaw. Hugh Bremner, Tom Hetherington, Bohden McKnight, Scott Pay, Cody Makeham and Cooper Meehan were best on ground for the Blues.

The Reserves battled it out in their 181-point loss, which saw seniors coach, Paul Graying “dropped” for the first time in his career and a family milestone occur thanks to Paul Threlfall joining his sons, Mark, BJ and Dylan in taking the field. Eddie May, Tyler Meehan, Rhys Lee, Mark Threlfall, Konrad Walters and Keenan Messer were best on ground.

The Under 15s etched out an 11-point win against the Magpies in a low-scoring affair that saw the visitors amass 11 additional scoring shots than the hosts. Madden Walker, Declan Heffer (Gordy Family), Beau Roberts (Kerang Carpet and Flooring), Deklyn Jolly (Pizza Kitchen), Braxton Hayes (Murray Mallee Woodfired Pizza) and Lincoln Taylor (Zorba’s Pizza) received awards.

Although the Under 12s lost by the mercy rule against the undefeated hosts, the team’s improvement from the start of the season was on show thanks to some great passages of play. Jobe Howden (Rumbolds Earthmoving), Harry Grayling (Kerang Plumbing & Pumps), Eli Howden (Murray Mallee Woodfired Pizza and Zorba’s Pizza), Lachlan Stevenson (McKnight Family), Abel Howden (Austelle Farms) and Ellie Verhey (1% Award) received awards.

NETBALL

It was a challenging outing for the A Grade side, who lost by one goal. Despite the result, there were plenty of positives to take away from the match. Katelyn Wright, in a best on court performance, stood out with her exceptional leadership; constantly encouraging her teammates, offering constructive feedback, and keeping spirits high right to the final whistle. While the win slipped through our fingers, the team showed resilience and a willingness to learn. Their post-game reflections and determination to improve were a testament to their growth mindset.

Denise Roberts received the 1% award.

A Reserve got off to a flying start in their 12-goal win, taking a handy three-goal lead into the first break. After a good ol’ rev-up from Jarni (who demanded they plant the foot), the team found another gear and stretched the lead out to nine goals by half-time.

The third quarter saw some fresh legs injected into the game, bringing youthful zip and a few bold moves. With rotations rolling through to the final whistle, the girls kept their momentum and came away with a solid win.

It was also the perfect day to shuffle the deck and test out a few new combos on court—because if there’s one thing this team’s got in spades, it’s versatility!

Emma Chamberlain (Legend Apparel), Hallie Murphy (Murray Mallee Woodfired Pizza) and Bronte Ridley (Velleley Cranes) received awards.

While the final score will show our B Gade side lost by 17 goals, the girls never looked out of the game. There was strong teamwork and determination right across the court.

Our attacking end flowed really well, showing great connection and control, highlighted by the run and ball skills of Brontie Ridley (Royal Hotel), which made a big difference.

A huge well done to everyone who pushed through despite sickness, injuries, and not feeling 100 per cent, and a very big thank you to our amazing juniors who stepped up to fill in today — you brought fantastic energy and played with real confidence.

Other award winners were Jenna Gray (Murray Mallee Woodfired Pizza) and Terri McKenzie (Kerang Truck and Trailer).

The 17 and Under side played an awesome game, recording a 31-goal win, made possible thanks to many direct drives, defensive pressure and encouragement through all areas. Stephanie Bilton (Murray Mallee Woodfired Pizza) showed her ability to direct play and has improved beyond words. Alli Hunter (The Fiit Space Kerang) led the way in front of goal thanks to her on point shooting, and her ring work with Coco Crellin was exceptional! Laela Grayling (Chino’s) played another ripper game and showed her strength as the defensive end had some tough opponents yet keeps her head high.

The 15 and Under side kept their heads up and played with a smile during their 55-goal loss. Some of the team played in positions they usually don’t play in, and they did an awesome job! Racheal Peacock (Murray Mallee Woodfired Pizza), Keira Wise (Zorba’s Pizza), Macey Hall (Gray’s Bakery) and Marli Doyle (Chino’s) received awards.

The 13 and Under side tried hard against the Magpies in their 10-goal loss; however, the team’s improvement from the start of the season was evident. Award went to Ivy Velleley (Kerang Plumbing and Pumps), Tahlia Rumbold (Rumbold Earthmoving), Ruby Shepard (Velleley Cranes) and Carla Peacock (Murray Mallee Woodfired Pizza).

All of the 13 and Under Reserve players put in 100 per cent in their 35-goal loss, with amazing defence throughout the court. Congratulations to Gabby Bico on taking home the headspace award. Arhlie Gitsham, Emaline Murphy (J&R Sandblasting), Millie Cameron (Drew Robertson Plastering), Harper Newson (Chino’s) and Kiyara Nawarathna (Murray Mallee Woodfired Pizza) also 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 near the end of the season:

· July 19th: Sponsors Day, followed by Goods and Services Auction

· August 2nd: Reunion for 1975, 1984, 1985 and 2015 premiership sides

· August 16th: Family Day, followed by Mock Wedding

· August 24th: Vote Count

· September 25th: Presentation Night

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!