2025 SEASON PREVIEW: Eaglehawk FNC
Eaglehawk Football Netball Club is gearing up for an exciting 2025 Season, with new additions both on the netball court and football field while new President, Rani Madden looks to make her mark on the ‘Borough in her first year at the helm.
Football Preview
Continuing to Build
2025 will see Eaglehawk be under the charge of Co-Coaches – the returning Travis Matheson and playing Coach, Clayton Holmes who steps into steps into a coaching role for the first time.
The Borough are fresh of a 2024 Finals campaign which saw them lose an Elimination Final to Golden Square.
Recruiting has been a hot topic at Canterbury Park as the Two-Blues had a busy pre-Christmas period before slowing down early in 2025. Recently though, they have announced the signings of Jack Donat from Cohuna and Joel Budarick who joins Eaglehawk from the NTFL’s Nightcliff FC while also having some VFL experience with Brisbane.
Some experience has also departed Eaglehawk with key forward Darcy Richards returning to North Bendigo. While Oscar Madden has moved to the newly formed Calder United Lions in the NCFL.
From the Coach
When speaking about Eaglehawk’s 2025 recruits, Co-Coach, Travis Matheson said “we had a fast start with a few recruits like Ty (Evans) and Nick (Thompson) who have both had an impact this pre-season.”
Speaking on some newer recruits, Matheson said, “more recently we’ve added Joel Budarick and Jesse Corigliano who both bring extra leadership to our side.” Matheson added “Jesse in particular is going to be great for us and hopes to put together 5 or 6 games for Eaglehawk throughout the season.”
When asked about how new co-coach, Clayton Holmes was settling in, Matheson said, “I’m in year 7 of coaching now so to have some fresh ideas has been really good.” Matheson added, “Clayton has bought a new perspective and definitely given a noticeable energy boost to the team.”
As excitement grows, Matheson remains optimistic about the upcoming year, highlighting the competitiveness of the league. "Every Club aims to finish top 3 but it’s not going to be easy. It's going to be an interesting season.”
Key Player Additions:
- Joel Budarick: A versatile midfielder who joins from the NTFL’s Nightcliff, Budarick brings plenty of experience, having previously played with Brisbane's VFL team.
- Jesse Corigliano: Currently the captain of Coburg’s VFL side, he’ll contribute to Eaglehawk's defensive strength as he balances his commitments between the VFL and BFNL.
- Nick Thompson: A young key position player from Charlton who adds serious depth to the Eaglehawk forward line.
- Jack Donat: Joining from Cohuna Kangas, Donat is a versatile player who is expected to increase the teams flexibility across the ground.
- Ty Evans: a Classy half-back from the Geelong League that has made an impression in the pre-season.
Netball Preview
Eaglehawk’s netball squads are preparing for an exciting 2025 season lead by new head coach, Janelle Hobbs.
It’s been a busy and productive off-season for Hobbs who has settled into her new role while also assisting with the recruitment of some key A-Squad players who will help their lead squad improve from their Semi-Final loss in 2024.
Key recruits for the ‘Borough include Allira Holmes who joins Eaglehawk fresh off leading Elmore FNC to an A-Grade Netball premiership in 2024.
A strong defender, Holmes bring plenty of experience to the Eaglehawk lineup having spent some time at Golden Square before Elmore.
Another marquee recruit for the club is Chloe Langley who heads to the ‘Borough following a stint at Kangaroo Flat. Langley, a prolific goal shooter, looks to be a difference maker for Eaglehawk as she comes off a Runner-Up B&F finish at Kangaroo Flat.
A key departure for the Club is Elley Lawton who has moved to White Hills as their A-Grade Coach.
From the Coach
In a recent interview, Hobbs said, “After a long pre-season, I am excited to get the season underway.” Hobbs added “I have absolutely loved my first pre-season at Eaglehawk and when we add our recruits to the talent we have retained, I think we can be really take it up to those top teams.”
On their 2025 game plan, Hobbs said, “We’re aiming to build on last year's results with an increased focus on structured play and defensive pressure. The club has had a solid pre-season, and the players are ready to be as competitive as possible”
When asked for a name to keep an eye on, Hobbs highlighted Darcy Lloyd saying “Darcy is an existing Eaglehawk player and after an impressive pre-season will be pushing for an A-Grade position in Round 1.”
Key Player Additions:
- Alira Holmes: A fantastic and experienced defender, Holmes comes to Eaglehawk having coached Elmore to an A-Grade Premiership in 2024.
- Chloe Langley: A 2024 Runner up B&F at Kangaroo Flat who will bring a wealth of goal shooting experience.
- Briella Gibbs: Former Marong A Grader who joins Eaglehawk as a speedy midcourter
- Eden Clifford: Young gun recruited from South Bendigo.
- Tiff Williams: A strong young mid courter recruited from Dunolly who will be keen to have an impact at the highest level in 2025.
A look ahead
Before the ‘real’ stuff gets under way, Eaglehawk’s football department have two practice matches scheduled against Shepparton United on March 22 at Canterbury Park and against Redan on March 29 at Ballarat.
While Eaglehawk’s netball squads have already played two practice matches against White Hills and Mount Pleasant and will face Kerang next week before rounding out their pre-season against Redan on March 29.
In Round 1 of the 2025 BFNL Season on April 12, Eaglehawk head to Wade Street to take on Golden Square FNC before hosting Good Friday at Canterbury Park against Kangaroo Flat.
