A 12-3 run across the past two Netball Victoria association championships at open level is a record coach Tamara Gilchrist says all in the Bendigo Football Netball League can be extremely proud of.

by Nathan Dole

 Bendigo’s latest campaign ended in a 21-9 loss to the powerful Geelong line-up in last Sunday’s play at the State Netball and Hockey Centre in Parkville.

The eventual grand finalists met in the opening round of pool matches.

Geelong’s slick passing, strong defence and accurate goaling proved too much in a 20-8 victory against the BFNL.

From then on Bendigo’s play improved markedly each game.

“Geelong was far too good for us in the first match,” said Gilchrist.

“A great sign was the girls played better as the day went on,” she said of Bendigo’s feat to achieve wins against Wendouree, Murray and North Central.

A hard-fought semi-final ended in a 14-10 victory for Bendigo FNL against Goulburn Valley.

In the grand final, Geelong reigned supreme 21-9.

“Geelong held an edge on every line of the court,” said Gilchrist.

“There was no doubt about the effort from our team, but Geelong was too strong.

“Most of their team play VNL (Victorian Netball League), are highly skilled and worked really well together.”

After just one training session as a squad, Bendigo FNL put in a remarkable performance on finals day to beat Wendouree by seven goals, Murray by 10 goals, and North Central by 17 goals.

“The lead-up was not easy because of injuries and unavailability,” said Gilchrist.

“The goal is to do always do the best we can in every match, and we did that.

“The teamwork really gelled after the first game.”

Three clubs – Eaglehawk, Kangaroo Flat and Sandhurst – were represented in the BFNL’s team of nine which contested the open play-offs.

“Every player contributed to our success,” said the coach.

Kangaroo Flat’s Chelsea Sartori was in great form.

“Chelsea played at wing defence for most of the day and was outstanding.

“Her workrate was amazing.”

On-court leaders, Ash Ryan and Meg Williams both starred in mid-court and as captain and vice-captain led by example.

Since 2015, Bendigo FNL has achieved a great record of semi-finalist, runner-up, premier, and runner-up at open level of the Netball Victoria association championships.

For the players who represented Bendigo across the weekend the goal now is success with their BFNL clubs or in VNL action.

The Gilchrist-coached Sandhurst leads the Bendigo FNL A-grade competition and faces another big test in this Saturday’s match on Golden Square’s court.