2025 SEASON PREVIEW: Gisborne FNC

Fresh off an outstanding 2024 season which saw them play in 7 of the 8 BFNL Grand Finals, Gisborne FNC are ramping up their preparations for the 2025 BFNL Season. Under the charge of new President, Tony Brancatisano, the Bulldogs will be out for redemption in 2025.

Netball Preview

The defending back-to-back A-Grade Premiers are back and firing for their 2025 campaign and their bid for a 3-peat.

The ever-reliable Bulldogs A-Grade team capped off their dominant 20240season by claiming a stunning come from behind victory over Kangaroo Flat in the Grand Final

After the celebrations that comes with a Premiership, it was quickly back to work for the team who got straight back into training and trials across October and November.

There will be some new faces in the red, white and blue as they welcome Sheridan Ponrowe who has moved to Gisborne from Melbourne ands boosts their attacking stocks while also welcoming Emily Miles from Romsey who joins the Gisborne A-Squad as a midcourt player.

There will be noticeable exclusions from the 2024 Premiership winning A-Grade team with 2018 Betty Thompson Medallist, Maddy Stewart heading to Foster and Tianna Newman taking some time away from the game as she awaits the birth of a child.

As with most seasons, Gisborne will be well represented at a higher level with defender, Zoe Davies named vice-captain of the Bendigo Strikers VNL team while also being a member of the Melbourne Mavericks Reserves squad.

While Claudia Mawson has been selected for the Melbourne Vixens Reserves squad while also representing the Melbourne University lightning in the VNL.

Other Gisborne FNC players who will spend some time at VNL level include Kirby Elliott (Melbourne University), Charlee Kemp (Melbourne University) and Dasha Taylor (Western Warriors).

2025 is set to be a monumental year on the netball court for Gisborne who will no doubt be in the hunt to make their 3-peat dreams come to life.

From the Coach

Speaking with Gisborne FNC A-Squad Coach, Tarryn Rymer, she indicated that their young players will be vital in 2025, stating that “we’re excited by the pre-seasons that Charlee Kemp, Kirby Elliott and Torie Skrijel have put together.” Rymer added “we’ve been able to mix up positions and trial new combinations which has given us a new look.”

One of these changes has seen Skrijel move to goal attack instead of her traditional goal shooter with Rymer saying “this positional change has seen Torie’s confidence skyrocket and we’re keen to see where 2025 can take her.”

When speaking on their 2025 aspirations, Rymer said “it’s exciting to see the competition improve over the off-season. We love playing competitive games and can’t wait to get stuck in after a long pre-season.”

Football Preview

Continuing to Build

After a 2025 season that saw them play in three football Grand Finals and walk away with no Premierships including losing the Senior Grand Final by 4 points, Gisborne will lean on its youth for 2025.

Led again by head coach Rob Waters, the Bulldogs will go into 2025 having lost four of their starting 22 from the Grand Final including gun midfielder, Flynn Lakey who is taking a year off to travel. Also departing the Club are Macklan Lord, Frank Schipano and rebounding defender, Liam Spear.

The good news though; their Michelsen Medal winning duo, Brad Bernacki and Braidon Blake remain and are certain to have another dominant season in the red, white and blue.

2024 was a year to remember for Gisborne and while they didn’t come away with any silverware, their professionalism and structures should see them around the Premiership mark in 2025.

From the Coach

Gisborne Head Coach, Rob Waters said “Flynn (Lakey) is a huge loss for us. He’s the perfect clubman. He never misses a session and continues to be an underrated player in the BFNL.” Waters added, “Mack (Lord), Frank (Schipano) and Liam (Spear) and Flynn are all irreplaceable in the short term. They’re 1-point players and great people.”

Speaking on the clubs’ newcomers, Waters said, “we welcome Tom Werner from Sunbury who joins as a midfielder and Luke Melitis from Taylors Lakes who adds depth to our midfield and half back stocks.”  

While the outgoings are clearly going to have an impact, Waters is confident that they can find some growth from within and said “We need to find the next Shane Clough or the player who can have a breakout season.

Waters indicated players like Darcy Young, Kane Menzel or Dylan Johnstone could be set for breakout season and added “given the changes in our list, we have to trial players in different positions, and this gives these young guys an opportunity to cement a spot in our starting 22.”

As excitement grows, Waters remains confident about the upcoming year, highlighting the competitiveness of the league stating “it’s great for footy in the region.” Waters added “we’re under no illusions that the League has improved across the off-season and we are going to have to raise the bar to ensure we reach our ultimate goals.”

Key Player Additions:

• Tom Werner: A tough, inside midfielder who joins from Sunbury in the Ballarat FNL.
• Luke Melitis: A speedy midfielder who can show dash across half back as well. Moves to the Bulldogs from Taylors lakes in the EDFL.

A look ahead

Gisborne FNC kick off their practise match campaign his Saturday against Melton on March 15 before battling their archrival in the region, Sunbury on March 29.

Round 1 of the 2025 season has Gisborne tackling Kangaroo Flat at Dower Park in what is set to be a thrilling A-Grade Netball re-match.

While Round 2 will see Gisborne host South Bendigo on Good Friday at Gardiner Reserve.