THE Bendigo Football Netball League’s 17-under netball team, coaches and supporters endured a roller-coaster ride at Netball Victoria’s association championships on Sunday.

Victorious in the Northern Association finals, the Bendigo FNL’s young guns made a great start to their pool matches on the State Netball and Hockey Centre courts in Parkville.

By Nathan Dole

 The Melinda Keighran-coached BFNL won a closely-fought contest with Ballarat, 7-6, and then followed up with an 11-8 victory against Dandenong and District, and 17-6 win against Yarrawonga and District.

Bendigo’s unbeaten run was broken as St Albans/Caroline Springs scored a 13-8 result.

The last of the pool matches was to be a final before the finals as the BFNL faced West Gippsland.

An 11-all draw meant Bendigo finished in third place and West Gippsland which had a win-loss tally of 3-0 and had drawn two matches advanced to the semis.

The 17-under title was taken out by Goulburn Valley, 15-14 against St Albans/Caroline Springs.

Although disappointed not to have reached the semi-finals, Keighran said there were so many positives for the Bendigo FNL squad.

“The Association championships capped a 12-week journey,” said Keighran.

“The commitment by all the girls was fantastic.

“Despite club commitments, some playing dual sports, school and more, the players gave their all.”

A squad of 14 for this year’s matches included representatives from six clubs.

“The way the girls teamed so well, and the parental support we had was incredible,” Keighran said of the BFNL’s play at the Golden City and Shepparton tournaments, and the Northern region play-offs.

In Sunday’s matches, Sophie Shoebridge and Ruby Turner were outstanding in defence.

“Bridie Semmens was a late call-up for the finals because of injuries and she made some great intercepts at pivotal times,” said Keighran.

“Bree Heiden was phenomenal in every game as captain, and Ella Wicks had a great carnival.”

In charge of a coaching panel that included Nina Cass and Bec Mullen, Keighran said every player should be proud of their efforts.

Bendigo FNL was also represented by Carissa Brooks, Abbey Clohesy, Abbey Grindal, Chelsea Hicks, Keely Jones, Chloe Langley and Ashlee O’Shea in Sunday’s finals.

A knee and ankle injury respectively meant Jasmine Collins and Brianna Pedretti could not play at Parkville.

Keighran said there was a lot of talent in the BFNL’s 17-under competition.

“It’s an exciting time looking ahead to the rest of this year, and to next year.

“Quite a few of the girls from our squad are in try-outs for the North Central team, coached by Janelle Hobbs, to play at this year’s state titles.

“More than half of this year’s 17-under team qualify to represent BFNL next year.”

For Keighran the focus now switches back to clubland where she coaches Golden Square, which is sixth on the 17-under ladder.

By Nathan Dole