Kangaroo Flat

EIGHT clubs will feature in either netball qualifying or elimination finals in this weekend’s Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL action at Queen Elizabeth Oval.

On Saturday it’s Kangaroo Flat against Gisborne in the A-grade qualifying final.

The Roos and Bullogs clash starts at 3.20pm.

This season’s meetings stand at one-all.

Kangaroo Flat won the round four showdown on its Dower Park court, 44-42.

Defences were well on top in the 13^th round when Gisborne claimed a 32-35 victory at its Gardiner Reserve home.

Since the loss to Gisborne the Jayden Cowling-coached Kangaroo Flat is on a five-game winning streak.

Runner-up last season, the Kangaroos have a powerful team led by captain Chelsea Sartori, and co-captains Ashley Ryan and Carly Van Den Heuvel.

The Roos’ squad for the qualifying final includes Lou Dupuy, Ingrid Hopkins, Ava Lowndes, Emma Moroney, Ashlee O’Shea, Abbey Ryan, Annie Spear, Ella and Milly Wicks.

Gisborne ended the home-and-away series on a 14-4 record.

The Tarryn Rymer-coached Bulldogs have a win-loss tally of 3-2 across the past five rounds.

A 31-47 loss to Sandhurst at the QEO in the 16^th round was followed by a 28-32 upset to South Bendigo at home in the 17^th round.

Key players in the red, white and blue include co-captains Kirby Elliott and Claudia Mawson who has represented Victoria Fury at the past two Netball Australia championships.

Gisborne also has Kiralee Collings, Rylee Connell, Zoe Davies, Charlee Kemp, Emerson Lakey, Tiana Newman and Torie Skrijel to take to the court.

The winner of the Kangaroo Flat and Gisborne match meets unbeaten reigning premier in the second semi-final on September 9.

Eight days after they drew their final round clash, Castlemaine and South Bendigo meet again in Sunday’s elimination final.

The Magpies and Bloods match starts at 3.20pm.

When these clubs met in round four it was Castlemaine which scored a 44-31 win on its court at Camp Reserve.

Both teams warmed up for the finals by playing a round 18 thriller in the Bloods’ home at Harry Trott Oval in Kennington.

Scores were locked on 45-all at the final whistle.

The Fiona Fowler and Gary Cooke-coached Castlemaine achieved a win-loss tally of 11-5 and two draws in the home-and-away series.

Among the highs was a 55-39 victory against Kangaroo Flat in the fifth round at Camp Reserve.

Castlemaine’s squad for Sunday will be led by captain Jane O’Donohue, playing coach Fiona Fowler, Caitlin Richardson, Montaya Sardi and Megan Wilson.

Goalshooter Mikaela Vaughan was superb against the Bloods last Saturday.

The Magpies will also be represented by Kyla Byrne, Madeline Carter, Meg Ginnivan, Charlotte McMurray and Emma Winfield.

A knee injury has put Tara Ford on the sidelines.

The record for the Jannelle Hobbs-coached South Bendigo is 9-7-2.

The Bloods win at Gisborne showed it could be a huge threat to those in the top four.

After a 41-44 loss at Eaglehawk in the 10^th round, South Bendigo was under intense pressure in the race to decide fifth place.

The Bloods lifted for a 61-52 victory on Strathfieldsaye Storm’s court at Triple M Park in the 15^th round.

A hat-trick of wins included taking the points against Maryborough and Gisborne.

The Bloods have great leadership provided by Stephanie Goode and Alicia McGlashan.

A key player is the classy Chloe Langley in attack.

Coach Hobbs is rapt with the development of teenagers Carissa Brook, Maggie Burke and Claudia Griffiths.

South Bendigo’s squad to face the Magpies includes includes Chloe Gray, Stephanie Greene, Olivia Mason, Morgan McClellan and Amanda Walters.

In the A-reserve competition, Sandhurst takes on Kangaroo Flat in Saturday’s qualifying final at 2pm.

The Dragons have won both hit-outs against the Roos this season.

In round one, Sandhurst scored a 63-42 victory on the QEO court.

Scores were much closer in the 10^th round as the Dragons won 44-37 on the Kangaroos’ court at Dower Park.

Sandhurst achieved 14 wins, a draw, and just one defeat in the run to the finals.

The Kangaroos’ record is 10-6.

It will be the Dragons or Kangaroos against Gisborne in the second semi-final.

On Sunday it’s South Bendigo against Castlemaine in the A-reserve elimination final from 2pm.

Although the Magpies finished a rung below the Bloods, Castlemaine scored a 33-29 win against South Bendigo in the ninth round, and marked a 42-40 victory at Harry Trott Oval last Saturday.

The Bloods’ tally in the regular season was 9-7.

In B-grade, Gisborne faces Kangaroo Flat in Saturday’s qualifying final at 12.40pm.

It’s one-all in this season’s meetings.

Kangaroo Flat beat the Dogs, 47-42 in the fourth round.

The round 13 showdown at Gardiner Reserve ended in a 53-47 victory for Gisborne.

The Bulldogs had a win-loss tally of 15-2 and also drew a match in the home-and-away series.

Kangaroo Flat’s record is 14-4.

The winner meets Sandhurst in the second semi-final.

On Sunday, Strathfieldsaye plays South Bendigo in the B-grade elimination final from 12.40pm.

It was 42-all when the Bloods and Storm clashed in round six at Harry Trott Oval.

Storm surged to a 46-36 victory against the red and white in the 15^th round at Triple M Park in Tannery Lane.

Storm’s record is 10 wins, seven losses, and a draw.

The Bloods’ marked a win-loss tally of 8-7, but also drew matches with Storm in round six, Eaglehawk in the 10^th, and Kyneton in the 12^th round.

Beaten just once, Kangaroo Flat will start favourite in the B-reserve qualifying final.

The Roos and Bulldogs will play from 11.20am.

In round four, Kangaroo Flat beat Gisborne, 59-42 at Dower Park.

The Roos hopped to a 48-35 victory on Gisborne’s court in the 13^th round on the way to a 17-1 record this season.

Gisborne has a win-loss tally of 13-5.

The ladder-leading Sandhurst has advanced to the second semi.

It’s Strathfieldsaye against Eaglehawk in Sunday’s elimination final from 11.20am.

The Hawks won 33-32 at Triple M Park in the fifth round.

Storm was too strong in the return game played at Canterbury Park where it won 45-33.

The league’s young stars take to the court from 10am on Saturday and Sunday to contest the 17-under matches.

In the qualifying final it’s Gisborne against Golden Square.

The Bulldogs from the south won 58-47 at Golden Square’s Fur Life Oval in Wade Street in the sixth round.

Golden Square won a great contest at Gardiner Reserve in the 15^th round, 49-44.

It’s a 16-2 record for Gisborne, and 14-4 for Golden Square across the home-and-away series.

Either Gisborne or Golden Square will face Sandhurst in the second semi.

On Sunday it will be Strathfieldsaye and Maryborough fighting to keep their season alive in the elimination final.

First pass in the match between Storm and the Magpies will be at 10am.

In round eight scores were locked at 36-all when the whistle sounded to end the match at Maryborough’s Princes Park.

The Magpies won 41-35 at Strathfieldsaye in the 17^th round.

Both elimination finalists have identical records of 10-7-1 win across the home-and-away series.

CASTLEMAINE ended South Bendigo’s run as they met in Sunday’s elimination final on two of the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL netball finals action.

The Magpies and South Bendigo had drawn their previous contest just eight days earlier in the last round of the home-and-away series.

Jointly coached by  Fiona Fowler, playing, and Gary Cooke, Castlemaine made a great start to the elimination final.

The Magpies led 13-9 at quarter-time and then took control to win the second term, 15-7.

Winning the next two quarters, 13-7 and 16-11 meant the Magpies were up 57-34 at the final siren.

Castlemaine will now meet Kangaroo Flat in next Sunday’s first semi-final.

The Jayden Cowling-coached Kangaroos will be on the rebound from a qualifying loss to Gisborne.

In Saturday’s start to the finals series it was the strong defence of the Tarryn Rymer-coached Gisborne which played a big part in winning the A-grade clash with Kangaroo Flat.

The Bulldogs led 10-9 at quarter-time and 19-15 by the main break.

Gisborne then won the third term, 12-8.

Although the Flat outscored the red, white and blue in the last quarter, 8-6, it was Gisborne which advanced to the second semi after a 37-31 victory.

Gisborne will take on Sandhurst, the unbeaten reigning premier next Saturday.

In A-reserve, South Bendigo won a closely-fought elimination final against Castlemaine.

The Bloods were down 10-13 at quarter-time, but hit back to win the second term, 12-7.

Both teams scored 12 goals in the third quarter.

Pressure was high in the last as the Bloods poured in 10 goals and held the Magpies to a tally of nine.

At the final siren South Bendigo led 46-43.

Sandhurst dominated Saturday’s qualifying final showdown with Kangaroo Flat.

The maroon and blue led 7-6 at quarter-time and then unleashed a 14-5 blitz in the second.

A 10-goal buffer at the start of the third was 14 by the end it as the Dragons scored 13 goals to the Roos’ tally of nine.

Sandhurst went on to win 50-27 and set up a second semi-final meeting with Gisborne.

A great day for Strathfieldsaye in the elimination finals included three wins for Storm.

In B-grade, Storm faced South Bendigo.

Strathfieldsaye led 10-7 at quarter-time and then won the next three terms, 12-3, 14-10 and 14-7 for a 50-27 victory.

Storm will now take on Kangaroo Flat in the first semi-final.

The Roos were beaten by Gisborne in Saturday’s qualifying final by 14 goals.

Just a goal separated the teams at half-time as the Bulldogs led 22-21.

Gisborne dominated the third, 16-10, and then won the last, 17-10, for a 55-41 result.

Saturday’s second semi-final will feature Sandhurst against Gisborne.

In B-reserve, Strathfieldsaye surged to an eight-goal victory against Eaglehawk in the elimination final.

Storm led 19-17 at half-time and won the third quarter, 9-5.

It was a closely-fought last term as Storm led 37-29 at the final siren.

Strathfieldsaye now takes on Gisborne in the first semi.

The Bulldogs were beaten in two quarters, had a win in one, and drew the other in a 41-55 loss to Kangaroo Flat in the qualifying final.

The Kangaroos led 15-10 at quarter-time and 25-21 by the long break.

Both teams scored 13 goals in the third before the Roos poured in 17 goals and held Gisborne to just seven in the last.

A 55-41 victory put Kangaroo Flat into the second semi against Sandhurst.

Elimination final day began with a one-goal thriller between Strathfieldsaye and Maryborough in the 17-and-under competition.

Scores were eight-all at quarter-time and 16 apiece by the long break.

In the third term it was Strathfieldsaye which outscored the Magpies, 14-11.

Maryborough won the last, 8-6, but it was Storm which stayed in the premiership race in a dramatic 36-35 victory.

Strathfieldsaye will now play Golden Square in the first semi.

On Saturday it was Gisborne against Golden Square in the qualifying final.

Gisborne led 15-12 at quarter-time and then charged to a 28-17 lead by half-time.

The team in red, white and blue won the third term, 13-9.

Golden Square fought on well to win the last, 14-12, as Gisborne won the match, 53-40 to advance to a second semi-final clash with Sandhurst.

Schedule for Saturday’s second semi-finals at Queen Elizabeth Oval:

A-grade at 3.20pm: Sandhurst v Gisborne

A-reserve at 2pm: Gisborne v Sandhurst.

B-grade at 12.40pm: Sandhurst v Gisborne.

B-reserve at 11.20am: Sandhurst v Kangaroo Flat.

17-and-under at 10am: Sandhurst v Gisborne.

Schedule for Sunday’s first semi-finals at Queen Elizabeth Oval:

A-grade at 3.20pm: Kangaroo Flat v Castlemaine.

A-reserve at 2pm: Kangaroo Flat v South Bendigo.

B-grade at 12.40pm: Kangaroo Flat v Strathfieldsaye.

B-reserve at 11.20am: Gisborne v Strathfieldsaye.

17-and-under at 10am: Golden Square v Strathfieldsaye.

IT’S more than premiership points at stake when Kangaroo Flat and Gisborne meet in this Saturday’s football and netball matches at Dower Park.

Round four in the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL season features the Roos and Bulldogs in the Pat Cronin Foundation match.

All clubs and more than 1800 players across the BFNL will be involved by wearing yellow armbands, official colour of the Melbourne-based anti-violence charity.

The day will be a fund-raiser for the foundation’s crucial work across the country, but also to highlight the dangers of the Coward Punch.

Theme of this weekend’s round which will involves the Eastern District, Northern FNL, and Bendigo FNL is Think PAT – Pause, Accept, Think.

Key messages are to pause and stay calm in situations; accept people do get angry, but violence is not okay; and you do have choices – walk away, defuse the situation, distract yourself.

Bendigo FNL general manager Cameron Tomlins said the initiative was crucial in raising the awareness of the impacts of violence, especially the coward punch.

“Since forming a partnership with the Pat Cronin Foundation last year we’ve had many teams sit through its Be Wise educational presentations in Bendigo,” Tomlins said.

Formed after Pat’s death at the age of 19 when struck from behind in a brawl outside a pub, the foundation has done and continues to do plenty of work in schools, clubs, and community groups.

Pat’s father and foundation director, Matt Cronin said partnerships with football-netball leagues were  incredibly important.

“We believe that reaching young people, particularly young men, will make the most difference in changing attitudes to social violence.

“By giving young people an understanding of Pat’s story, raising awareness about the impact of violence, and offering practical tips and strategies to deal with anger and aggression we can a long way to reducing the statistics.”

The support of Barry Plant Bendigo is also crucial to this day.

Barry Plant is a major sponsor of AFL Central Victoria, the Bendigo FNL, and Pat Cronin Foundation.

“The three organisations are proud to share this connection and share the same values in stamping out the coward punch,” said Tomlins.

Ambassadors for the Pat Cronin Foundation include Richmond great and Channel 7 commentator Matthew Richardson; Fremantle Dockers forward Sam Switkowski; comedian and actor Peter Helliar; and Sarah Mayo who plays AFLW for Collingwood.

After a breakthrough victory on the footy field last round, Kangaroo Flat’s confidence is up going into a big game against the reigning premier.

Both clubs have a 1-2 record.

The Nathan Johns-coached Kangaroos will focus a lot on centre breaks, work at stoppages, and creating enough scoring chances to put the heat on the Bulldogs.

A tally of 45 disposals which included 33 kicks earned Kangaroo Flat midfielder/onballer Liam Collins the Barry Plant Player of the Week award in the third round.

Collins also won nine clearances and finished with 173 ranking points as the Roos won at Maryborough’s Princes Park.

Kangaroo Flat and Gisborne have been among the netball competition’s top three for many seasons.

In this season’s premiership race, Gisborne has won all three matches and second on the ladder.

The Kangaroos have a 2-1 record and are third going into Saturday’s big contest on their court.

Last time these teams met was the 2022 preliminary final which ended in a 52-49 victory for the Kangaroos.

RUNNER-UP in its past two A-grade netball grand finals, Kangaroo Flat will be desperate to make it third time lucky when it faces Gisborne in the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL grand final on Saturday.

The Kangaroos and Bulldogs will play at Queen Elizabeth Oval from 3pm.

Across this finals series the Jayden Cowling-coached Kangaroos have already broken several jinxes.

The Roos were staring at a fourth consecutive finals defeat going into a first semi-final against Eaglehawk.

Kangaroo Flat’s finals campaign began with a four-goal loss to Sandhurst in the qualifying final.

The Roos bounced back to beat the Hawks by 33 goals and then fought on to defeat Sandhurst by four goals in the preliminary final.

Belief and confidence are high in the Kangaroos’ camp as they take on the reigning premier.

It was one-all between the Roos and Bulldogs across the home-and-away series.

Many of the league’s superstars will be on court.

Kangaroo Flat centre and captain Chelsea Sartori began grand final week by winning the Betty Thompson Medal as league fairest and best for the second year running.

A Roos’ mid-court that includes Sartori, Ash Ryan and Milly Wicks will play a crucial role.

The Tarryn Rymer-coached Gisborne has the class and experience of Kirby Elliott, Maddy Stewart and Tiana Newman.

Another player to watch in the red, white and blue is Emerson Lakey.

There’s plenty of goalscoring options for the Roos through the play of Chloe Langley, Abbey Ryan and Annie Spear.

They take on a powerful Gisborne defence led by Zoe Davies and Charlee Kemp.

The Kangaroos will need strong defensive games from Stephanie Greene and Ingrid Hopkins against Claudia Mawson and Torie Skrijel.

It’s the first time in Gisborne’s history it plays for back-to-back A-grade premierhips.

The Bulldogs will be aiming to put the 2024 cup alongside those won in ’23 and 13.

Kangaroo Flat is chasing a ninth A-grade title.

Gisborne:

Rylee Connell, Zoe Davies, Kirby Elliott, Charlee Kemp, Emerson Lakey, Claudia Mawson, Tiana Newman, Torie Skrijel, Maddy Stewart, Demi Young.

Coach: Tarryn Rymer.

Kangaroo Flat:

Bronte Deary, Stephanie Greene, Ingrid Hopkins, Chloe Langley, Ave Lowndes, Ashlee O’Shea, Abbey Ryan, Ashley Ryan, Chelsea Sartori, Annie Spear, Milly Wicks, Megan Wilson.

Coach: Jayden Cowling.

Gisborne’s run so far:

Rd 1: bye.

Rd 2: d Sandhurst, 42-38 at Queen Elizabeth Oval.

Rd 3: bye.

Rd 4: d South Bendigo, 61-37 at Harry Trott Oval.

Rd 5: d Golden Square, 58-31 at Gardiner Reserve.

Rd 6: d Eaglehawk, 53-25 at Canterbury Park.

Rd 7: d Strathfieldsaye, 40-29 at Gardiner Reserve.

Rd 8: d Castlemaine, 67-53 at Camp Reserve.

Rd 9: lt Kangaroo Flat, 43-49 at Gardiner Reserve.

Rd 10: bye.

Rd 11: d Sandhurst, 42-31 at Gardiner Reserve.

Rd 12: bye.

Rd 13: d South Bendigo, 54-9 at Gardiner Reserve.

Rd 14: d Golden Square, 77-15 at Fur Life Oval.

Rd 15: d Eaglehawk, 67-13 at Gardiner Reserve.

Rd 16: d Strathfieldsaye, 65-26 at Triple M Park.

Rd 17: d Castlemaine, 106-12 at Gardiner Reserve.

Rd 18: d Kangaroo Flat, 53-31 at Dower Park.

2^nd semi-final: d Sandhurst, 51-38 at Queen Elizabeth Oval.

Kangaroo Flat’s trek:

Rd 1: lt Sandhurst, 39-46 at Dower Park.

Rd 2: bye.

Rd 3: d South Bendigo, 60-27 at Dower Park.

Rd 4: d Golden Square, 90-35 at Fur Life Oval.

Rd 5: d Eaglehawk, 76-15 at Dower Park.

Rd 6: d Strathfieldsaye, 59-31 at Triple M Park.

Rd 7: d Castlemaine, 86-33 at Dower Park.

Rd 8: bye.

Rd 9: d Gisborne, 49-43 at Gardiner Reserve.

Rd 10: lt Sandhurst, 42-47 at Queen Elizabeth Oval.

Rd 11: bye.

Rd 12: d South Bendigo, 54-31 at Harry Trott Oval.

Rd 13: d Golden Square, 74-27 at Dower Park.

Rd 14: d Eaglehawk, 75-26 at Canterbury Park.

Rd 15: d Strathfieldsaye, 63-26 at Dower Park.

Rd 16: d Castlemaine, 115-17 at Camp Reserve.

Rd 17: bye.

Rd 18: lt Gisborne, 31-53 at Dower Park.

Qualifying final: lt Sandhurst, 42-46 at Queen Elizabeth Oval.

1^st semi-final: d Eaglehawk, 66-33 at Queen Elizabeth Oval.

Preliminary final:  d Sandhurst, 51-47 at Queen Elizabeth Oval.

In the A-reserve competition, Gisborne takes on Strathfieldsaye from 1.30pm.

The unbeaten Gisborne team coached by Maddy Stewart will start favourite.

The Bulldogs won this season’s matches with Storm by margins of 15 and 22 goals in rounds seven and 16.

After finishing the home-and-away series in second place on a 12-4 record, Storm was beaten in the qualifying final clash with Sandhurst by 11 goals.

Gisborne marked a 43-36 victory against Sandhurst in the second semi-final.

A closely-fought preliminary final between Strathfieldsaye and Sandhurst went the way of the Kirsten Pollock-coached Storm by three goals.

Gisborne

Rylee Connell, Bella Connors, Sammi Cooke, Jemma Denman, Eloise Rodda, Olivia Rodda, Alex Russ, Tarryn Rymer, Polly Salter, Dasha Taylor, Hannah Weier, Demi Young.

Coach: Maddy Stewart.

Strathfieldsaye

Coach: Kirsten Pollock.

Victoria Carroll, Siarne Cass, Steph Freemantle, Ella Henry, Tahlee O’Keefe, Layla O’Shea, Lainey Pollard, Amaya Schmidt, Lucy Spalding, Gabbi Turner, Morgan Whatley.

In B-grade it’s Sandhurst against Gisborne from noon.

Both teams had 14-2 records as they finished the regular season in first and second place.

The Bulldogs beat the Dragons in round two on the QEO court by six goals.

Sandhurst won on Gisborne’s court at Gardiner Reserve in the 11^th round by seven goals.

The Dragons began their finals campaign by scoring an 11-goal win against Kangaroo Flat.

A week later and the Jarileey Schultz-coached Sandhurst was first to the grand final as it beat Gisborne in the second semi-final by four goals.

The Polly Salter-coached Gisborne hit back for a 57-38 victory against Kangaroo Flat in the preliminary final.

Sandhurst

Maya Dignan, Tahlia Isaac, Maggie Keating, Tarryn Knights, Kate McDougall, Lucy Sherriff, Lily Trimby, Bridget Turner, Elli Williams.

Coach: Jarileey Schultz.

Gisborne

Georgia Fearn, Shelley Farrugia, Olivia Fenn, Emma Joyce, Emily McDonald, Georgia Murray, Bridget Salter, Reese Sutton, Dasha Taylor, Hannah Weier.

Coach: Polly Salter.

After an unbeaten run to the finals, Sandhurst was beaten in the B-reserve second semi-final clash with Gisborne by five goals.

Stakes are higher as the Dragons and Bulldogs clash on Saturday from 10.30am.

Both of Gisborne’s defeats across the home-and-away series were against Sandhurst by 13 and 18 goals.

The Briannah Thompson-coached Gisborne played brilliant netball to win the qualifying final against Strathfieldsaye by 37 goals and then beat Sandhurst a week later.

A Sandhurst line-up coached by Rose Gallagher stayed in the premiership race as it beat Strathfieldsaye in the preliminary final by 17 goals.

Gisborne

Kirsten Andrich, Brooke Bernacki, Charlotte Crook, Ellie Lord, Nirvana Martin, Sapphy McCarthy, Rebecca Merrett, Lily Prater, Taylah Ranieri, Niamh Rosendale, Brianah Thompson, Caytlyn Walker.

Coach: Briannah Thompson.

Sandhurst

Jess Baird, Bec Dine, Lucia Dyer, Briona Giddings, Sophie Giles, Kelsey Hamilton, Chloe Hann, Matilda Lockyer, Ava Perez, Ruby Walsh.

Coach: Rose Gallagher.

First-up on grand final day will be the 17-and-under teams from Sandhurst and Golden Square.

Their showdown will start at 9am.

Both dominated across the regular season for 15-1 records to be first and second.

The Carol Cathcart-coached Dragons won the round six match on Golden Square’s court in Fur Life Oval by 27 goals.

It was a two-goal thriller at the QEO in the 15^th round as the Clare Hope-coached Bulldogs claimed a 49-47 victory.

After a 10-goal win against Maryborough in the qualifying final, Golden Square could not stop Sandhurst’s run to a 60-39 victory in the second semi-final.

The blue and gold marked a 19-goal win against Strathfieldsaye in the preliminary final.

Sandhurst

Tshari Brown, Charlie Coghill, Tahli Gilchrist, Lila Kelly, Claire McGee, Diana Napoleon, Meg Pearce, Neve Pinner, Jaida Raco, Milla Sherriff, Harriett Whiteacre.

Coach: Carol Cathcart.

Golden Square

Anya Basilewsky, Natalie Flood, Rachael Flood, Juliet Hogan, Lilly Hope, Emma Keating, Tess Mills, Kaylah Moon, Lucy Paton, Larni Taylor, Abbi Wells.

Coach: Clare Hope

GISBORNE takes a shot at consecutive A-grade netball premierships for the first time in its Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL history in Saturday’s grand final.

A talented Kangaroo Flat team which is striving to end a premiership drought of eight years stands in Gisborne’s way as they take to the court at Queen Elizabeth Oval in View Street at 3pm.

If results of Gisborne’s two premiership wins are anything to go by then fans can expect another thriller.

The Tarryn Rymer-coached Bulldogs beat Sandhurst by a goal as last September’s finale went into overtime.

Only showdown between Gisborne and Kangaroo Flat for the A-grade title was in 2013 when the red, white and blue won 39-38.

The Kangaroos are vying for a ninth A-grade premiership.

At Wednesday night’s media conference in the lead-up to the grand final, Gisborne coach Tarryn Rymer spoke about the quest for back-to-back premierships.

“It’s something we have never had the opportunity to play for,” Rymer said.

This season’s meetings between the teams stand at one-all.

Kangaroo Flat won at Gisborne’s Gardiner Reserve in round nine by four goals.

The Bulldogs took the points in a 53-31 victory on the Kangaroos’ court in the 18^th round in Dower Park.

“Defensively it was one of our best matches of the season,” Rymer said.

“We generated a lot of pressure, let go of the ball quickly and capped off attacks with goals.”

Although it was a 22-goal margin, Rymer is wary of an opponent which carries plenty of confidence into the season decider.

“Kangaroo Flat has a great ability to re-invent itself.”

After a four-goal loss to Sandhurst in the qualifying final, Kangaroo Flat bounced back to beat Eaglehawk in the first semi-final.

The Roos then faced long-time nemesis, Sandhurst in the preliminary final and won by four goals.

“Kangaroo Flat is in great form,” Rymer said.

“Limiting the impact Chelsea Sartori and Ash Ryan have in mid-court will be important.”

Grand final week tipped off with Sartori claiming back-to-back Betty Thompson Medal wins as the competition’s fairest and best players.

There’s plenty of star power in a Gisborne line-up which has Kirby Elliott and Claudia Mawson as co-captains.

“The return of Zoe Davies was a huge plus for us,” Rymer said of the gun defender who played in England with Leeds Rhinos.

“We have been able to move players to various positions and have quite a lot of combinations to use.”

After finishing the regular season on top of the ladder, Gisborne won the second semi-final against Sandhurst and earned a week’s rest.

“Being able to stick to our game plan and slow the tempo when we need to is really important.”

A 13-1 run record across the home-and-away series was a sign of Gisborne’s dominance.

“The great thing about all of our team is the want to improve, individually and as a team,” Rymer said.

Netball has played a massive part in Jayden Cowling’s life since he first played the game in grade two.

A long-time coach at the Roos he has marked premiership success in A-reserve and B-grade, but not the top bracket just yet.

He said a “straight sets” exit in last year’s finals series stung.

“It didn’t sit well with any of us.

“We have worked hard to make this grand final.”

A gun centre and captain of the Roos’ team, Chelsea Sartori said the standard of play across the Bendigo FNL has risen dramatically the past few seasons.

“There are a lot now playing with VNL clubs and then you have Claudia (Mawson) and Charlotte Sexton who have gone to a higher level.

“The ferocity of matches, especially between the top three teams is amazing.”

Cowling said Kangaroo Flat’s mind-set focused on belief.

“It’s about can do and we will.

“We beat Gisborne earlier in the year, match-up well against them, and learnt a lot from last time we played them.”

The Roos’ off-court leader said there were many crucial contests to be played.

“There are stars everywhere.

“One of the best to watch will be our wing defence, Milly Wicks against Maddy Stewart.

“Another will be Ingrid Hopkins in defence against Claudia Mawson.”

The Roos’ have plenty of goalscoring options led by Chloe Langley, Abbey Ryan and Annie Spear.

It’s not a first grand final for Cowling who also has great support from family.

Among his biggest influences is older sister, Lauren Bowles who is a multiple premiership-winning player and coach of the Winslow White Hills Demons.

Opposition coaches on Saturday, Jayden Cowling and Tarryn Rymer teamed up as coach and assistant coach of the Bendigo Strikers 23-and-under team in its first Victorian Netball League season.

There will be plenty of red, white and blue courtside on Saturday as Gisborne has four teams vying for grand final glory.

In A-reserve, Gisborne takes on the surging Strathfieldsaye Storm.

It’s Gisborne and Sandhurst in action across the B-grade and B-reserve finals.

Play begins at 9am when Sandhurst and Golden Square contest the 17-and-under grand final

BY NATHAN DOLE

A REMATCH of last season’s A-grade netball grand finalists, Kangaroo Flat and Gisborne highlight Saturday’s start to the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL season.

The Kangaroos have home-court advantage at Dower Park for the clash with the reigning premier.

Both clubs re-appointed their coaches as they chase the ultimate prize in ’25.

Jayden Cowling is again in charge at Kangaroo Flat as Tarryn Rymer and the Gisborne team chase a premiership hat-trick.

The Roos and Bulldogs showdown will start at 2.30pm.

A talented Kangaroo Flat line-up includes Chelsea Sartori and Milly Wicks in mid-court.

Both have played key roles in a great start to the Bendigo Strikers second season in the Victorian Netball League’s championship action.

The Roos also welcome back gun goaler Ruby Barkmeyer.

Other players to watch in the green and white include Teal Hocking, Alicia McGlashan, Abbey and Ash Ryan.

Gisborne has the defensive prowess of Zoe Davies and skill of Charlee Kemp, Claudia Mawson and Torie Skrijel.

Newcomers for the red, white and blue are Sheridan Townrow from Echuca, and Emily Miles from Romsey.

Kangaroo Flat’s coaching panel for this season is Jayden Cowling, A-grade; Ash Ryan, A-reserve; Kate Newman, B-grade; Nina Cass, B-reserve; and Bridget Chambers, 17-and-under.

Gisborne’s off-court leaders are Tarryn Rymer, A-grade and A-reserve; Claudia Mawson, A-reserve; Rylee Connell, B-grade; Shelley Farrugia, B-reserve; and Zoe Davies, 17-and-under.

Another big match will be at Harry Trott Oval in Kennington where South Bendigo takes on Strathfieldsaye Storm.

A joint winner of the Betty Thompson Medal in 2008 when she played for Kangaroo Flat, Lauren Bowles, nee Cowling, marks her return to the Bendigo FNL as South Bendigo’s coach.

Bowles had played a crucial role in a great streak of success by White Hills in the Heathcote DFNL competition.

A huge coup for the Bloods was the signing of top goalshooter Gabe Richards.

A dual premiership-winning player and coach at Elmore, Richards also won a grand final in her stint with Golden Square.

A new-look South Bendigo squad includes Tegan Elliston, Olivia Jones and Andrea Wilson.

The Bloods will also have Ella Flavell, Stephanie Goode and Chloe Gray on court.

At Strathfieldsaye, Jess Mangan steps up to be A-grade coach.

An elimination finalist in ’24, Strathfieldsaye Storm’s squad for this season includes Ashlee Barbetti, Claire Gibbs, Paynton Jolliffe, Brooke and Rachelle Mangan.

South Bendigo’s netball coaches are Lauren Bowles, A-grade and A-reserve; Marita Eddy, B-grade; Vicki Brook, B-reserve; and Amber Hollis, 17-and-under.

Storm’s coaches are Jess Mangan, A-grade; Kirsten Pollock, A-reserve; Makayla Dole, B-grade; Sally Nicholson, B-reserve; and Fiona Schubert, 17-and-under.

The A-grade netball match between Golden Square and Eaglehawk will start at 3.20pm on Golden Square’s court in Wade Street.

Teigan Redwood is again in charge of a young Golden Square team.

Greater consistency in every quarter of every match is a key focus for the Bulldogs.

Ins for the blue and gold are Macey Brereton, Ella Sheehan and Jessica Smith.

Golden Square’s squad includes Daisy Stringer, Emma Keating, Mia McCrann-Peters, Holly Swatton and Caitlyn Kelly.

A multiple premiership-winning coach when at Kangaroo Flat, Jannelle Hobbs is now coaching Eaglehawk.

Hobbs also coached South Bendigo into finals campaigns and is now in charge of the Hawks.

Key recruits to Canterbury Park include goal attack Chloe Langley, defender Allira Holmes, and goaler Lucy Morcom.

It’s a testing start to the Borough’s season as they play Kangaroo Flat on Good Friday, South Bendigo on Anzac Day, and then take on Gisborne.

Golden Square’s netball coaches for ’25 are Teigan Redwood, A-grade and A-reserve; Erin McGurk, B-grade; Monique Hay, B-reserve; Clare Hope, 17-and-under.

The Hawks’ coaches are Jannelle Hobbs, A-grade and A-reserve; Paige Combridge, B-grade; Melanie Oldfield, B-reserve; and Kim Schepers, 17-and-under.

Sandhurst and Castlemaine will play at Queen Elizabeth Oval.

There will be no A-grade contest because Castlemaine is not fielding a team this season.

Matches in all other four grades will be on.

The A-reserve match between the Dragons and Magpies will start at 2pm.

Castlemaine is being coached by Vanessa Saunders in A-reserve.

The Magpies’ squad includes Rachelle McLean, Tegan Maddern, Olivia Henderson, Sarah McLean, Amelia Britt and Alana Fletcher.

Coaches of Castlemaine’s other teams are Nikkea Hogan, B-grade; Jack Davidge, B-reserve; and Vanessa Saunders, 17-and-under.

The Tamara Gilchrist and Rose Gallagher-coached A-reserve team from Sandhurst will be determined to start well.

Beaten in last season’s preliminary final, Sandhurst will be fired up to regain top spot.

Tamara Gilchrist is again coach of a formidable squad that includes Heather Oliver, Sophie Shoebridge, Bec Smith, Ruby Turner and Meg Williams.

A huge plus is the return of goaler Kelsey Meade.

Another inclusion for Sandhurst is Kelsey Ralph.

The rest of the coaching panel for the maroon and blue is Jarileey Scholtes, B-grade; Kate McDougall, B-reserve; Carol Cathcart and Rose Gallagher, 17-and-under.

First hit-out for Sandhurst’s A-grade team will be on Good Friday on Strathfieldsaye Storm’s court at Triple M Park in Tannery Lane.

IT WILL be a special occasion at Kennington’s Harry Trott Oval when two of the best in Bendigo FNL netball history mark their 300^th matches.

South Bendigo coach Alicia McGlashan and Kangaroo Flat’s Karly Bingham join one of the league’s most exclusive clubs.

As they play their 300^th matches for the Bloods and Roos respectively, McGlashan and Bingham join five others in the ‘300 Club’.

The league’s games tally record is held by Maryborough’s Alicia Cassidy.

Also, in the ‘300 Club’ are Golden Square’s Lia Marrone; Maryborough’s Alisha Chadwick; Castlemaine’s Katrina Walters, and Kristen Wilson, Golden Square and Strathfieldsaye.

The milestone matches mean a lot to both McGlashan and Bingham who were team-mates during Kangaroo Flat’s golden years of 2007 to ’17.

An outstanding run included seven premiership victories with the Roo's.

For McGlashan there is plenty to play for as the Bloods are not out of the equation of playing in this season’s A-grade finals.

South Bendigo needs a massive upset such as taking the points against the third-placed Kangaroo Flat.

Most recent hit-out for the Bloods was at Castlemaine’s Camp Reserve where they won by 47 goals.

After crossing from Dower Park to play for the Bloods, McGlashan has stepped up to be coach this season and continue to play a crucial role in defence.

Strong defence in all thirds of the court will be vital for the red and white to stop Kangaroo Flat in Saturday’s contest.

A long-time coach at Kangaroo Flat, Jayden Cowling is rapt to see Bingham still playing after more than 20 years with the club.

A Betty Thompson medallist as the Bendigo FNL’s A-grade fairest and best in 2012, Bingham is a key part of the Roos’ B-grade team.

An eight-two record has the Roos in third place in the B-grade premiership race.

It’s another big test against the fifth-placed South Bendigo.

South Bendigo and Kangaroo Flat will hold a high tea celebration for the league’s newest 300-gamers after the A-grade match at the Neale Street ground.