Grand final rematch on Kangaroos’ court
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.
