2025 SEASON PREVIEW: Castlemaine FNC
BY TOM KING
As the 2025 Bendigo Football Netball League season approaches, Castlemaine Football Netball Club is gearing up for an exciting year. Under the leadership of long-time President, Caleb Kuhle, the Magpies are set to make their mark in 2025.
Football Preview
New Faces and Returning Stars
2024 playing Coach, Michael Hartley returns for 2025 at the helm while Harmit Singh will again be an assistant despite a move to Sydney for a role with the Swans.
Castlemaine’s football department has been active in the off-season, securing several key recruits to bolster their senior football squad and increase their depth. The addition of ex-AFL listed players Jake Stein (GWS & Gold Coast) and Josh Eyre (Collingwood) bring much-needed leadership and class to the Magpies first choice squad.
The Magpies also welcome Patrik Balta to the club who will step straight in as the Club’s first choice ruckman.
Coach Hartley is optimistic that growth will also be helped from within as players like Archie Rixon and Hunter Staples flagged as potential breakout stars of the competition.
With the core of last year’s squad that made a late push for Finals retained, the Maine’ have great expectations on a strong 2025 Senior Football Season.
From the Coach
In a recent interview, Hartley said, “We’ve put in a strong pre-season and built a game plan that suits our strengths. There’s a great mix of youth and experience, and we’re excited to see how far we can go,”
Hartley added “Jake (Stein) will join us mid-year as he recovers from ACL surgery while Josh (Eyre) gives us increased size and flexibility across the front half of the ground.”
“The addition of these recruits plus retaining guys like Bailey (Henderson) and Kal (Huntly) should give us a great boost for 2025,” said Hartley.
Key Ins
|
· Jake Stein – Injury – 2nd half of season only · Josh Eyre · Patrik Balta |
· Ronald Fejo – Northern Bullants · Matt Filo · Hunter Staples |
Key Outs
|
· Jackson Hood |
|
Netball Preview
Aiming for Success on the Court
Castlemaine’s netball squads are also preparing for a competitive season. After a tough showing in 2024, the club has lost a number of players ahead of 2025.
The 2025 season will see Castlemaine not field an A-Grade Netball team but will be looking for a strong season in the remaining grades.
Castlemaine President, Caleb Kuhle expressed disappointment with the Club not fielding an A-Grade side, saying “We worked hard to put together an A-Grade team but unfortunately, we were on the wrong side of some key recruits”.
“We are optimistic about the chances of our other four teams” and added "We've had a solid pre-season, and the girls are ready to go with an aim to be as competitive as possible."
The Magpies will look to build on last season’s performances with all squads, with an emphasis on structured play and defensive pressure.
A look ahead
Before embarking on it’s 2025 Campaign, the Magpies will play practice matches against Northcote Park on March 22 at Northcote Park and against Ivanhoe on March 29 at Castlemaine.
Castlemaine FNC kicks off its BFNL 2025 season on April 12 when they tackle reigning Senior Football Premiers, Sandhurst FNC at the QEO before hosting Golden Square FNC in a highly anticipated Good Friday match on April 18.
