Gisborne

The Bendigo Football Netball League would like to announce and congratulate the following list of 17 & Under netball players who have been selected in the 2023 BFNL 17 & Under representative squad:

2023 BFNL 17 & UNDER REP SQUAD

• KYLA BYRNE Castlemaine
• MILLIE CASSIDY Maryborough
• EDEN CLIFFORD South Bendigo
• BELLA CONNORS Gisborne
• REESE GILCHRIST Sandhurst
• EMMA KEATING Golden Square
• EMMA JOYCE Gisborne
• LAYLA O'SHEA Strathfieldsaye
• ELLA PATTEN Maryborough
• NEVE PINNER Sandhurst
• JAIDA RACO Sandhurst
• HOLLY SWATTON Golden Square
• DASH TAYLOR Gisborne
• MEGAN WILSON Castlemaine

The Bendigo FNL again welcome Nicole Donnellon and Sharni McPherson as co-coaches of the 17 & Under BFNL representative netball team to compete in the Netball Victoria Association Championships, after successfully leading the BFNL team to the Association Championships Finals in season 2022.

Nicole and Sharni bring a wealth of netball knowledge and growing levels of experience and success at BFNL, State, and regional Academy levels, and will again mentor and develop the brightest BFNL netball talent.

2023 KEY TOURNAMENT DATES
− Sunday 7th May Golden City Tournament (Bendigo)
− Sunday 14th May Echuca Tournament (Echuca)
− Sunday 21st May Netball Vic Association Championship - qualifying (Bendigo)
− Sunday 18th June Netball Vic Association Championship - finals (Melbourne)

BFNL Manager Cameron Tomlins said “The Bendigo Football Netball League sincerely thank all players who were able to commit to the 2023 BFNL netball representative program for showing interest and attending the trial process. We congratulate all players who were selected for the initial 17 & Under squad, who may now receive opportunities to represent the BFNL in 2023”.

“We also thank all players who trialled for season 2023 and were unsuccessful. The overall quality of the recent trials were of an incredibly high standard which is exciting for the future of BFNL netball. The BFNL wish all players the best with their future development and encourage them to trial for representative selection again in the future.”

GOLDEN Square regained its place as the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL’s top dog as it fought for a one-goal win against Sandhurst in the senior footy grand final.

Thousands of fans packed Queen Elizabeth Oval for what was the 10^th showdown between the great rivals for the Bendigo Advertiser premiership cup.

In a match where momentum swung wildly, especially in the final quarter it was the Christian Carter-coached Golden Square which held its nerve to win 71-65.

As he reflected on joining an elite group as a premiership player, captain, and now coach, Christian Carter declared the team of ’23 was capable of a lot more success.

“I believe this group has the hunger and quality to string more premierships together.”

Carter was a key player in the club’s golden era of 2009 to ’13 when it won five consecutive premierships.

The victorious coach said it was a mixture of excitement and relief on capturing the club’s 18^th senior premiership.

“This win means a lot to so many people, not just the 22 who played, but every player, official, volunteer, and supporter,” Carter said.

After an inaccurate first quarter in which it scored 2.6, Golden Square went to the break a point behind Sandhurst which had added 3.1.

In term two it was the Bulldogs on-ballers Ricky Monti, Ryan Hartley and Thomas Toma who started to take control around the contests.

Bulldogs’ ruckman Matt Compston had the daunting task against Hamish Hosking and was superb.

“The way Matt changed his game and angles was brilliant,” said Carter.

A key strength for Square is it work at stoppages and ability to work the ball to a running team-mate.

In the second quarter the blue and gold added 3.2 to 1.2.

By half-time Golden Square was up 38-27 against a Dragons team coached by Ash Connick, non-playing, and Bryce Curnow, playing.

Sandhurst not only charged back into the contest in the third quarter, but to the front.

Young guns Noah Walsh and Sam Conforti were outstanding at the centre ball-ups and their running game started to hurt the opposition.

As the Dragons added 3.4 they kept the Dogs to a score of 1.1.

Sandhurst was up 49-45 going into the final term.

The Bulldogs regain the lead when Liam Barrett kicks the first of what would be three goals in the last quarter.

Sandhurst veteran Andy Collins marks and makes no mistake for Sandhurst to be up 55-52 in the early minutes of the term.

Consecutive goals by Barrett, one from a set-shot and the other a bouncing shot put Golden Square in front by eight points.

Talented teenager Archer Day-Wicks took another brilliant mark and goaled for the Dragons.

When Joel Brett handpassed to Liam Duguid in the clear to goal the Dogs led 71-63 in the 20^th minute.

From there it was the Dragons who fired up and did plenty of attacking.

Golden Square’s defence was under enormous pressure as Sandhurst was relentless in putting the ball back inside the forward 50m arc.

After 30 minutes of superb footy the siren sounded with Square in front, 10.11 (71) to 9.11 (65).

“There were so many critical moments in that last quarter,” Carter said.

“Our ability to lock the ball in, pressure and tackle is what we work a lot in training.”

In an attack which featured the brilliance of Joel Brett and marking power of Braydon Vaz it was Liam Barrett who kicked a team-high three goals for the Bulldogs.

Brett finished with two goals as Liam Duguid, Hugh Freckleton, Ryan Hartley, Thomas Toma and Braydon Vaz added one each.

Best for the Bulldogs were Jack Geary who earned the Nalder Medal as best afield for the third time in his brilliant career.

The play of Ricky Monti, Tom Strauch, Matt Compston, Ryan Hartley and Thomas Toma was superb in that match which matters most.

In a season where he played his 250^th game for Sandhurst, Matt Thornton led the attack on grand final day with three goals.

Andy Collins and Sam Conforti kicked two as Archer Day-Wicks and Jake McLean added one.

Noah Walsh earned the AFL Victoria medal and was Sandhurst’s best along with Sam Conforti, Hamish Hosking, Jake McLean, Isaac  Ruff and Nicholas Stagg.

For most of Golden Square’s team it was their first senior premiership victory.

League legend and Bulldogs’ captain Jack Geary marked his sixth.

It was another grand final win for the athletic Hamish Morcom who will now join Huntly as playing coach in the Heathcote DFNL.

Tom Strauch joined his late grandfather Neville Strauch and dad Dean Strauch as a premiership player for Golden Square.

It was a day to remember for all of the 22 players who took to the field for Golden Square, along with the coaches, support staff, volunteers and fans.

There were also the hard-luck stories of Jack Merrin and Terrence Reeves who had been hit by season-ending injuries.

Golden Square won 17 matches in a row to complete a superb season.

“The loss to South Bendigo by a point in round four was the wake-up call we needed,” Carter said.

“At the time we realised we were not as good as we thought we may have been.

“To the boys’ credit they worked incredibly hard from there on in every match and training session.”

Golden Square’s premiership-winning team:

B: Jake Thrum, Zack Shelton, Harrison Burke.

Hb: Jon Coe, Jayden Burke, Jack Hickman.

C: Jack Threlfall, Ricky Monti, Thomas Toma.

Hf: Hamish Morcom, Tom Strauch, Liam Barrett.

F: Jack Stewart, Braydon Vaz, Joel Brett.

Foll: Matt Compston, Jack Geary, Ryan Hartley.

Inter: Liam Duguid, Hugh Freckleton, Brodie James, Zavier Murley.

Emerg: Macey Eaton.

Coach: Christian Carter.

In the Harmac Homes-backed reserves competition it was Sandhurst which outplayed and outran Eaglehawk to taste premiership glory.

For the second time in four weeks it was the Jake McLean-coached Sandhurst which beat the Borough.

The Darcy Richards-coached Eaglehawk went into the grand final on a win-loss tally of 17-1 in the home and away series and had beaten Sandhurst in the second semi.

In the grand final the Dragons led 14-6 at quarter-time and 21-12 by half-time.

Quarter three was when the Dragons turned up the heat.

As Sandhurst scored 4.1 it held the Hawks to a score of 1.2.

Eaglehawk won the final quarter, 16-7, but it was a Sandhurst team captained by Pat O’Farrell which celebrated a 17-point victory.

Luke Crawford and Joel Wharton kicked two goals apiece in the 8.5 (53) to 5.6 (36) victory for the maroon and blue.

Other goalkickers for Sandhurst were Harrison Free, Jack Keating, Jacob Nihill and Sean O’Farrell.

Goalkickers for the Hawks were Jack Daley, Liam Drummond, Jacob Greenwood, Ethan Hanley and Ryan Wellington.

Best afield honours went to Sandhurst’s Harrison Free who was presented with the R.F. Turner Medal.

Also in the best for the Dragons were Harrison Free, Jack Keating, Martin Leyden, Tom Calvert, Sean O’Farrrell and Luke Crawford.

Jack Daley, Ethan Hanley, Oscar Madden, Harley Bourke, Mitchell Ronchieri and Sam Dean were best for the Two Blues.

It was back-to-back premiership wins for Gisborne in the SportsPower-backed under-18s competition.

A thrilling contest between Gisborne and Golden Square ended in a 53-49 victory for Gisborne.

At the end of a hard-fought opening term it was Golden Square which led 13-7.

The Rob Kerr-coached Gisborne dominated most of the second term and led 25-15 by half-time.

Golden Square won the third term, 15-12, and then took the lead in the final quarter.

Jointly coached by Rowan Warfe and Paul Hamilton, Golden Square had scored 3.1 in the last, but a second and final goal of the match by Gisborne clinched a four-point victory.

A four-goal haul by Gisborne’s James Gray earned the Rod Ashman Medal for best afield.

Other goalkickers for the red, white and blue were Jack Clough with two, Jarrod Ainsworth and Matthew Barake.

Golden Square’s attack was led by Jack McMahon on three goals and he earned the AFL Victoria medal.

Other goalkickers for the blue and gold were Bailey Cain, Harrison Kelly, Tommi Turner and Noah Warfe.

Best for Gisborne were Kane Minns, James Gray, James Gentles, Ed Williams, Jarrod Ainsworth and Flynn Weber.

Jack McMahon, Nick Sherriff, Zac Wescott, Oliver Eaton, Xavier Carter and Tommi Turner were Golden Square’s best.

A BRILLIANT final quarter fightback has put Sandhurst into another senior footy grand final in the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL action.

The Dragons faced a three-goal deficit going into the final quarter of last Saturday’s preliminary final against Strathfieldsaye Storm at Queen Elizabeth Oval.

After being beaten just once in the home-and-away series, Sandhurst faced the prospect of consecutive finals defeat which would put it out of the premiership race.

A team jointly coached by Ash Connick, non-playing, and Bryce Curnow, playing, dominated most of the last term of Saturday’s contest.

The Dragons slammed on 6.3 which included brilliant goals by Archer Day-Wicks from an acute angle and a shot by Nick Stagg beyond the 50m arc.

At the final siren the Dragons led 11.15 (81) to 11.7 (73) to advance to next Saturday’s showdown with the Christian Carter-coached Golden Square for the Bendigo Advertiser premiership cup.

In the preliminary final an inaccurate Sandhurst led 5.10 to 4.2 at half-time.

The Darryl Wilson-coached Storm then surged to an 18-point lead as it dominated the third term.

Strathfieldsaye added 5.4 and kept the maroon and blue to a tally of two behinds which put the heat right on the Dragons.

Inspired by the play of ruckman Hamish Hosking and on-ballers Noah Walsh and Sam Conforti it was Sandhurst which stormed to victory in what would be Darryl Wilson’s final game as Strathfieldsaye coach.

The Dragons’ attack was led by the experienced Andy Collins and Matt Thornton with two goals apiece.

Other goalkickers were James Coghlan, Archer Day-Wicks, Hamish Hosking, Jake McLean, Nick Stagg and Noah Walsh.

Storm co-captain Lachlan Sharp kicked three goals which took his season tally to 98 as he claimed the Ron Best Medal for a third time.

Other goalkickers for Strathfieldsaye were Jed Brereton, Lachlan Gill, Hunter Lawrence, Joseph Mayes, Jake Moorhead,  Bode Stevens, Luke Webb and Riley Wilson.

Sandhurst’s best included Liam Ireland, Caleb Connick and Nick Stagg.

Storm’s best were Cooper Jones, Luke Webb, Jake Moorhead, Callum McCarty, Daniel Clohesy and Jed Brereton.

It was a thrilling finish to the reserves preliminary final between Sandhurst and Strathfieldsaye.

The Dragons led 36-21 at half-time of the match in the Harmac Homes-backed competition.

Storm moved within eight points going into the last quarter as it scored 1.2 to a behind in the third term.

Both line-ups kicked two goals in the last as the Dragons fought on for a 50-45 victory.

Sandhurst’s attack was led by Joel Wharton with two goals as Harrison Free, Brodie Montague, Sean O’Farrell, Connor Sexton and Jed Zimmer added one.

Goalkickers for Storm were Abe Sheahan, two; Dermott Bell, Lachlan Bonney, Jai Featherby and Shannon Murphy.

The Dragons’ best were Harrison Free, Isaac Carracher, Brodie Montague, Joel Wharton, Patrick and Sean O’Farrell.

Brady Hore, Darcy Mulquiny, Carson James, Joel Reinheimer, Abe Sheahan and Harry Teasdale were Strathfieldsaye’s best.

Sandhurst will now tackle Eaglehawk in the grand final.

The Hawks’ only loss in the home-and-away series was in the 18^th round when it played Sandhurst on the QEO.

Both teams met in the second semi where the Borough won by 52 points.

Gisborne dominated the second half of the SportsPower under-18s preliminary final clash with Sandhurst.

The Bulldogs led 16-13 at half-time and then scored 3.1 to a behind in the third quarter.

Led by the play of Jack Long, Frankie Ellis and Indy Williamson, Gisborne kicked away to record an 8.13 (61) to 3.6 (24) victory.

Zach Paterson kicked a game-high three goals for the red, white and blue.

Other goalkickers for the Bulldogs were Lachie Bianco, Jack Clough, Hamish Thomas, Ed Williams and Indy Williamson.

Sandhurst’s goals were kicked by Callum Craig, Wil Pinniger and Isaac Tzouroutis.

Best for Gisborne included Lachie Bianco, Lachlan Evans and Kane Minns.

Oliver Morris, Deakin Andrews, Davis McNair, Wil Pinniger, Daniel Noden and Logan Kilcullen played well for the Dragons.

It’s an all-Bulldogs clash in Saturday’s grand final as Golden Square takes on Gisborne.

They met in the second semi where Golden Square marked a three-goal victory.

Schedule for Saturday’s grand finals at Queen Elizabeth Oval:

Under-18s at 9.15am: Golden Square v Gisborne.

Reserves at 11.50am: Eaglehawk v Sandhurst.

Seniors at 2.20pm: Golden Square v Sandhurst.

Sandhurst strives to end Strathfieldsaye’s streak

SANDHURST will be striving to end an incredible streak by Strathfieldsaye when they clash in the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL senior footy preliminary final on Saturday.

Victory for Sandhurst would not only put it in the grand final, but also put a stop to Storm’s run of being there on that one day in September.

Since 2013, Strathfieldsaye has played in seven of eight grand finals and won the Bendigo Advertiser premiership cup four times.

The run by the Darryl Wilson-coached Storm includes the back-to-back grand final triumphs against Sandhurst in 2014 and ’15 by margins of 55 and seven points.

Sandhurst’s most recent grand final appearance was in 2016 when it beat Golden Square by 32 points.

This season’s meetings between the Dragons and Storm stand at two-nil in favour of Sandhurst.

After finishing the home and away series on top of the ladder and earning a week’s rest, Sandhurst could not stop Golden Square’s charge to victory in the second semi-final.

Now the heat’s on against a Storm line-up which has gone win, loss, win across its three finals contests.

Among the key duels will be just who does oppose Storm captain and Ron Best medallist Lachlan Sharp.

The sharpshooter goes into this match on a season tally of 95 goals.

When these teams last met it was James Coghlan who did a brilliant job limiting Sharp’s impact on the contest.

One of the best forwards in league history, Sharp kicked 142 goals and won the Michelsen Medal when Storm won the 2017 premiership.

In 2019 he booted 129 goals and Strathfieldsaye beat Eaglehawk for the premiership cup.

Best afield and recipient of the Nalder Medal was Bryce Curnow who alternated between centre half-back and centre half-forward as he played all four quarters at the city end of the ground.

On Saturday, Curnow will be aiming to play a crucial role for the Dragons.

Key players for a Sandhurst team coached by Ash Connick, non-playing, and Bryce Curnow, captain Lee Coghlan, Andy Collins, ruckman Hamish Hosking, Sam Conforti, Lachlan Wright and Noah Walsh.

It was 14 years ago that Lee Coghlan became one of the youngest winners of the Michelsen Medal.

Whether it be in an on-ball role or in attack, Lee Coghlan is one of Sandhurst’s most valuable players.

Storm’s stars include Jake Moorhead who earned the Michelsen Medal in 2022.

This season he racked up plenty of matches in the VFL with Essendon, but has returned to play a key role in Storm’s push for another premiership.

Selected as ruck-rover, Moorhead will team up with ruckman Jed Brereton, rover Callum McCarty, and centre Lachlan Gill for the important centre ball-ups.

Storm’s attack features the marking power of James Schischka and Caleb Ernst, and the pace and skill of Matt Harvey, Baxter Slater and Riley Wilson at ground level.

In defence it will be Lachlan Ratcliffe, Ben Lester, Mitch Hallinan and Luke Webb who not work to stifle Sandhurst’s moves, but also be a launching pad into attack.

They will be up against Lachlan Wright, Matt Thornton, Cobi Maxted and Nick Stagg.

The Dragons’ line-up also features Archer Day-Wicks, son of Tim Wicks, a triple winner of the Frank Harding Medal as the Loddon Valley FNL’s best and fairest in his playing days with Mitiamo.

Wicks was also part of Strathfieldsaye’s first senior team in the BFNL.

Archer’s grandfather, Terry Day was a champion ruck-rover or centreman in North Bendigo’s premiership-winning years of 1976 and ’77.

On Saturday it will be Dragons’ youngsters such as Day-Wicks, Noah Walsh, Darcy Mills and Cooper Smith giving their all to ensure victory.

Strathfieldsaye also has the experience of Shannon Geary and Daniel Clohesy.

In the reserves it’s Sandhurst against Strathfieldsaye from 12.45pm.

The Dragons won the qualifying final against Golden Square by 53 points, but were outplayed in the second semi showdown with Eaglehawk.

A 52-point victory put the Hawks into the grand final.

Key players for Sandhurst include Brodie Montague, Will Moran, Harrison Monk, Sean O’Farrell and Jake Wilkinson.

Storm’s run in the finals began by eliminating Gisborne.

Strathfieldsaye then scored an eight-goal win against Golden Square in the first semi.

Captain Wade Kinniburgh and Harry Teasdale were Storm’s leading votegetters in the race for the Alan McDonald Medal awarded to the league’s fairest and best.

Storm’s line-up to take on the Dragons includes Lachlan Bonney, Ethan and Jai Featherby, Rowan Fox, Brady Hore, Carson James and Shannon Murphy.

Preliminary final day kicks off with the under-18s match between Gisborne and Sandhurst at 10.45am.

These teams met in the qualifying final where Gisborne marked a 70-22 victory.

In last Saturday’s second semi, Gisborne went down to Golden Square by three goals.

Sandhurst won the first semi against Maryborough by 49 points.

A talented Gisborne team includes captain Kane Minns, Jarrod Ainsworth in the centre, Darcy Young, Matthew Barake and Jacob Grinter.

The Dragons will look for big games from the likes of Logan Kilcullen, Thaine Bake, Jack English, Wil Pinniger, Jacob Austin and Henry Edwards to earn a crack at the Bulldogs for a premiership victory.

SANDHURST will be aiming for a clean sweep in all five of Saturday’s netball contests on Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL grand final day at Queen Elizabeth Oval.

It’s been a remarkable feat by the Dragons to have all five teams qualify for that one day in September.

The Tamara Gilchrist-coached A-grade team from Sandhurst is chasing a fifth consecutive premiership.

Standing in the way of the maroon and blue is the Tarryn Rymer-coached Gisborne.

The grand finalists will clash from 3pm.

An unbeaten run by Sandhurst includes a 38-32 win on Gisborne’s court at Gardiner Reserve in the seventh round, and 47-31 result on the QEO in the 16^th round.

Day one of the finals series included a 37-31 victory for Gisborne in the qualifying final showdown with Kangaroo Flat.

A week later and Gisborne took on Sandhurst in the second semi.

The Dragons won 44-38 and were first to the grand final.

Gisborne hit back for a 49-36 result in last Saturday’s preliminary final against Castlemaine.

Among the many strengths of the Sandhurst team is the mid-court play of co-captain Meg Williams, Shae Clifford and Paige Ryan.

A formidable attack is led by co-captain Bec Smith and Kelsey Meade.

In defence the experienced Heather Oliver teams up with Ruby Turner and Charlotte Sexton.

There’s plenty of depth of talent and versatility in the Sandhurst team.

Among  the stars on court for Gisborne are Claudia Mawson, the playmaker from mid-court, and Zoe Davies who will soon leave for England to play for Leeds Rhinos.

Both bring exceptional speed, aerial ability and precise passing skills to the court.

In defence, Charlee Kemp’s athleticism and height are major strengths as she teams up with Kirby Elliott.

Gisborne will also look for big games from Torie Skrijel, Emerson Lakey, Eloise Rodda and Kiralee Collings.

Sandhurst:

Bec Smith (captain) GS; Meg Williams (captain) C, WA; Shae Clifford WA, C; Kelsey Meade GA, GS; Heather Oliver GD, GK, WD; Paige Ryan WA, C, WD; Kelsey Pallpratt WA, C; Charlotte Sexton GK, GD; Imogen Sexton GK, GD, WD; Sophie Shoebridge WD, GD, GK; Ruby Turner GD, GK, WD.

Coach: Tamara Gilchrist.

Gisborne:

Kirby Elliott (captain), Claudia Mawson (captain), Kiralee Collings, Rylee Connell, Zoe Davies, Charlee Kemp, Emerson Lakey, Tazma Morris, Tiana Newman, Eloise Rodda, Olivia Rodda, Torie Skrijel.

Coach: Tarryn Rymer.

In A-reserve it’s another showdown between Sandhurst and Gisborne from 1.30pm.

Both teams have had exceptional seasons.

They first met in round seven at Gisborne where the Tarryn Rymer-coached Bulldogs won 51-46.

Scores were 50-all at the end of the round 16 clash at the QEO.

The Tamara Gilchrist-coached Sandhurst began its finals campaign with a 50-27 victory in the qualifying final against Kangaroo Flat.

A week later and the maroon and blue fired up for a 44-33 result in the second semi against Gisborne.

The Bulldogs bounced back for to beat Kangaroo Flat, 48-37 in the preliminary final.

A key player for Sandhurst is Kelsey Ralph who earned the Jenni Holborn Medal as the league’s fairest and best player for her skill at goal attack or goalshooter.

Other players to watch for the Dragons include Erica Dalrymple-Monro, Katie Dean, Gab Greene and Lilly Walsh.

The play of Emily McDonald, Jemma Denman, Bridget Salter, Dasha Taylor and Bianca McKay may have a big say in Gisborne’s chances of claiming the cup.

Sandhurst:

Erica Dalrymple-Monro WA, C; Katie Dean WA, GD, GK; Reese Gilchrist GA, WA; Gab Greene GS, GA; Tess Keating WD, GD; Eliza Oxley GS; Kelsey Pallpratt C, WA, WD; Kelsey Ralph GA, GS; Paige Ryan WA, C, WD; Charlotte Sexton GK, GD; Lilly Walsh GK, GD; Darcey Williams WA, C, WD.

Coach: Tamara Gilchrist.

Gisborne:

Rylee Connell, Bella Connors, Jemma Denman, Emily McDonald, Bianca McKay, Tazma Morris, Eloise Rodda, Olivia Rodda, Alex Russ, Bridget Salter, Milly Shaw, Dasha Taylor.

Coach: Tarryn Rymer.

Gisborne and Sandhurst will contest the B-grade match from 12pm.

In round seven the ‘Hurst won 53-38 on Gisborne’s court.

Next time they met was a 54-all result at the QEO.

The Bronwyn Slater-coached Gisborne scored a 55-41 win against Kangaroo Flat in the qualifying final and then marked a 48-46 win against Sandhurst in the second semi.

Sandhurst stayed in the premiership race by beating Kangaroo Flat in the preliminary final by five goals.

Several of Gisborne’s team played in last season’s 17-and-under premiership.

Among those chasing back-to-back premierships are Monty Paton, Milly Shaw and Lulu Slater.

Gisborne also has the experience of Tarryn Rymer in mid-court, plus the hard-working Shelley Farrugia and Hannah Weier.

The Jarileey Schultz-coached Sandhurst has the experience and leadership of Briona Giddings and Erica Dalrymple-Monro.

In mid-court there’s the pacy Lucy Sherriff and Lily Trimby, while the Dragons have Eliza Oxley and Tarryn Knights to play crucial roles in the circle.

Gisborne:

Shelley Farrugia, Chelsea Kennett, Georgia Murray, Monty Paton, Taylah Raneiri, Tarryn Rymer, Milly Shaw, Lulu Slater, Hannah Weier.

Coach: Bronwyn Slater.

Sandhurst:

Briona Giddings (captain), Erica Dalrymple-Monro (vice-captain), Aimee Dean, Tahlia Isaac, Maggie Keating, Tarryn Knights, Eliza Oxley, Lucy Sherriff, Lily Trimby, Elli Williams.

Coach: Jarileey Schultz.

The other club to feature in the netball play-offs is Kangaroo Flat.

The Kate Newman-coached Kangaroos will take on Sandhurst in the B-reserve match at 10.30am.

In round one, Sandhurst scored a nine-goal win against the Roos on the QEO court.

Kangaroo Flat bounced back for a 45-40 victory against the maroon and blue in the 10^th round at Dower Park.

The Roos won the qualifying final against Gisborne by 14 goals.

It was a two-goal thriller as Sandhurst netted a 45-43 win against the Roos in the second semi.

A 42-32 win against Gisborne in the preliminary final kept Kangaroo Flat in the hunt for the premiership cup.

Saturday’s contest features Sandhurst goalshooter Isabelle Whiteley and Kangaroo Flat’s Ashlye Faulkner who were joint winners of the league’s fairest and best award.

Key players for Sandhurst include co-captain Ruby Walsh in defence or mid-court; the speedy Teresa Fitzpatrick, skilful Brianna Fletcher, and Sophie Giles.

Players to watch for the Kangaroos include co-captains Shae Cairns and Sophie Nicholson, goaler Claudia Shelton, goalkeeper Lydia Lowndes, and Gemma Roberts in mid-court.

Sandhurst:

Isabella Whiteley (captain), Ruby Walsh (captain), Bec Dine, Lucia Dyer, Teresa Fitzpatrick, Brianna Fletcher, Sophie Giles, Kelsey Hamilton, Chloe Hann, Matilda Lockyer, Ava Perez, Polly Robertson.

Coach: Rose Gallagher.

Kangaroo Flat:

Shae Cairns (captain), Sophie Nicholson (captain), Lily Dickson, Madeline Dowling, Ashlye Faulkner, Lydia Lowndes, Macey O’Shea, Gemma Roberts, Alex Rusbridge, Claudia Shelton, Hayley Smith.

Coach: Kate Newman.

Grand final action starts at 9am with the 17-and-under match between Sandhurst and Gisborne.

Record in this season’s meetings stands at two-one in favour of the Carol Cathcart-coached Sandhurst.

In round seven, Gisborne won 49-43 at home.

The Dragons fired up to win a high-scoring round 16 clash, 55-44 at the QEO.

Gisborne’s 13-goal win against Golden Square in the qualifying final was followed by a 46-43 defeat in the second semi against Sandhurst.

The Rylee Connell-coached Gisborne hit back for a 46-37 victory against Golden Square in the preliminary final.

A talented Sandhurst line-up includes Neve Pinner who was runner-up for the Carol Sing Medal as league fairest and best.

The anticipation of captain Reese Gilchrist is a major strength of her game.

Sandhurst also has Maya Dignan and Harriett Whiteacre in defence, the versatile Claire McGee, and Jaida Raco in the centre.

The rising stars from Gisborne have Bella Connors to cap off attacking moves, the dynamic Dasha Taylor in mid-court, skilful Jessie Connors, Charlotte Taylor in defence, and the versatile Charlotte Davies.

Sandhurst:

Reese Gilchrist (captain), Maya Dignan (vice-captain), Isabelle Brennan, Charlie Coghill, Lila Kelly, Diana Napoleon, Claire McGee, Neve Pinner, Jaida Raco, Harriet Whiteacre.

Coach: Carol Cathcart.

Gisborne:

Charlie Busby, Bella Connors, Jessie Connors, Charlotte Davies, Olivia Fenn, Emma Joyce, Sapphy McCarthy, Charlotte Taylor, Dasha Taylor, Ruby Taylor.

Coach: Rylee Connell.

GISBORNE ended Sandhurst’s remarkable reign as A-grade champions of the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL netball competition on Saturday.

From five goals down at five minutes to go, Gisborne staged a remarkable fightback to score a 40-39 victory.

The showdown between the Tarryn Rymer-coached Gisborne and the Tamara Gilchrist-coached Sandhurst team chasing a fifth-consecutive premiership lived up to the expectations of the hundreds of fans.

Unbeaten in its run to the finals, Sandhurst had scored a 38-32 victory at Gisborne in the seventh round, and won 47-31 on the QEO in the 16^th round.

The Dragons outpointed Gisborne, 44-38 in the second semi.

Gisborne’s run through the finals included a 37-31 against Kangaroo Flat in the qualifying final.

After being beaten in the second semi, Gisborne hit back for a 49-36 victory against Castlemaine in the preliminary final.

Going into the grand final the Gisborne players knew they would have to play exceptional netball to upstage a powerful and skilful opponent.

The team in red, white and blue did so as Gisborne had plenty of its footballers and netballers cheering on.

Gun goal attack Claudia Mawson capped an outstanding game by being best on court.

Co-captain of the Gisborne team, Mawson teamed brilliantly in the goal circle with rising star Torie Skrijel who had played in the 17-under premiership last September.

Gisborne:

Kirby Elliott (captain), Claudia Mawson (captain), Kiralee Collings, Rylee Connell, Zoe Davies, Charlee Kemp, Emerson Lakey, Tazma Morris, Tiana Newman, Eloise Rodda, Olivia Rodda, Torie Skrijel.

Coach: Tarryn Rymer.

A great day for Gisborne began with victory in the 17-and-under match against Gisborne.

Gisborne’s pursuit of back-to-back premierships was slightly derailed when Sandhurst beat it by three goals in the second semi.

The Rylie Connell-coached Gisborne struck back to win the preliminary final against Golden Square to earn a grand final berth against the maroon and blue.

A superb match between Gisborne and the Carol Cathcart-coached Sandhurst ended in a 50-49 victory for the red, white and blue.

Talented goaler Bella Connors earned best on court honours.

Gisborne:

Charlie Busby, Bella Connors, Jessie Connors, Charlotte Davies, Olivia Fenn, Emma Joyce, Sapphy McCarthy, Charlotte Taylor, Dasha Taylor, Ruby Taylor.

Coach: Rylee Connell.

From a remarkable tally of five teams in grand finals, Sandhurst netted two premierships.

It was a 10-goal victory for the Dragons in the A-reserve clash with Gisborne.

Throghout the home-and-away series the Tarryn Rymer-coached Gisborne won the home clash with Sandhurst at Gardiner Reserve by five goals.

Scores were 50-all at the end of the round 16 clash at the QEO.

The Tamara Gilchrist-coached Sandhurst began its finals campaign with a 50-27 victory in the qualifying final against Kangaroo Flat.

A week later and the maroon and blue fired up for a 44-33 result in the second semi against Gisborne.

The Bulldogs bounced back for to beat Kangaroo Flat, 48-37 in the preliminary final.

A talented Sandhurst line-up included Kelsey Ralph who earned the Jenni Holborn Medal as the league’s fairest and best player for her skill at goal attack or goalshooter.

In defence Charlotte Sexton was in superb form to claim the best on court medal as the maroon and blue charged to a 43-33 victory.

Sandhurst:

Erica Dalrymple-Monro, Katie Dean, Reese Gilchrist, Gab Greene, Tess Keating, Eliza Oxley, Kelsey Pallpratt, Kelsey Ralph, Paige Ryan, Charlotte Sexton, Lilly Walsh, Darcey Williams.

Coach: Tamara Gilchrist.

The B-grade match between Gisborne and Sandhurst also went the way of the Dragons by 11 goals.

In round seven the ‘Hurst won 53-38 on Gisborne’s court.

Next time they met was a 54-all result at the QEO.

Stung by 46-48 loss to Gisborne in the second semi, Sandhurst fought back to win the preliminary final against Kangaroo Flat by five goals.

On grand final day it was the Jarileey Schultz-coached Sandhurst line-up which had Elli Williams leading the way which claimed a 56-45 victory.

The Jarileey Schultz-coached Sandhurst has the experience and leadership of Briona Giddings and Erica Dalrymple-Monro.

Sandhurst:

Briona Giddings (captain), Erica Dalrymple-Monro (vice-captain), Aimee Dean, Tahlia Isaac, Maggie Keating, Tarryn Knights, Eliza Oxley, Lucy Sherriff, Lily Trimby, Elli Williams.

Coach: Jarileey Schultz.

Kangaroo Flat also claimed a premiership victory.

The Kate Newman-coached Kangaroos capitalised on Sandhurst errors in what was clearly the team’s best performance of the year to win 48-41.

The contest feature Kangaroo Flat’s Ashlye Faulkner and Sandhurst’s Isabelle Whiteley who were joint winners of the league’s fairest and best award.

In the grand final it was Roos’ goalkeeper who was the stand-out to claim the best on court medal.

Kangaroo Flat:

Shae Cairns (captain), Sophie Nicholson (captain), Lily Dickson, Madeline Dowling, Ashlye Faulkner, Lydia Lowndes, Macey O’Shea, Gemma Roberts, Alex Rusbridge, Claudia Shelton, Hayley Smith.

Coach: Kate Newman.

GISBORNE has made its way to Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL’s A-grade netball grand final.

The Taryn Rymer-coached Gisborne outpointed Castlemaine to score a 49-36 victory in last Saturday’s preliminary final at Queen Elizabeth Oval.

Less than a week after a stunning one-goal win to end Kangaroo Flat’s season, Castlemaine was aiming to repeat the feat.

It was not to be as an experienced and talented Gisborne team controlled a lot of the play against a Castlemaine team jointly coached by key defender Fiona Fowler and Gary Cooke.

The Bulldogs had beaten the Magpies by margins of eight goals and a goal in the home-and-away series.

A 13-goal win by the red, white and blue has set-up a grand final showdown with the Tamara Gilchrist-coached Sandhurst next Saturday.

The grand finalists met in the second semi where Sandhurst won a top contest, 44-38.

Key players for Gisborne include co-captains Kirby Elliott and Claudia Mawson, Zoe Davies and Tiana Newman.

A grand final victory by Gisborne would deny Sandhurst an incredible tally of five consecutive premierships.

Grand final day will feature Sandhurst in all five matches, and Gisborne in four.

A 48-37 win by Gisborne in the A-reserve preliminary final against Kangaroo Flat has earned a showdown with Sandhurst for the premiership.

Sandhurst fought on for a 47-42 win against Kangaroo Flat in the B-grade preliminary final.

The Dragons take on Gisborne on grand final day.

Kangaroo Flat will vie for the B-reserve title with Sandhurst.

The Kangaroos scored a 42-32 victory against Gisborne in the preliminary final.

A pursuit of back-to-back 17-and-under premierships for Gisborne rolled on after the Bulldogs won the preliminary final against Golden Square by nine goals.

The red, white and blue won 46-37 to set up a clash with Sandhurst to start grand final day at the QEO in View Street.

Schedule for Saturday’s grand finals at Queen Elizabeth Oval:

17-and-under at 9am: Sandhurst v Gisborne.

B-reserve at 10.30am: Sandhurst v Kangaroo Flat.

B-grade at 12pm: Gisborne v Sandhurst.

A-reserve at 1.30pm: Sandhurst v Gisborne.

A-grade at 3pm: Sandhurst v Gisborne.

ANOTHER upset victory is in the sights of Castlemaine’s team as it takes on Gisborne in the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL A-grade netball preliminary final on Saturday.

The Magpies are just a win from capping a remarkable rise of no A-grade team a few years ago to now be in the grand final.

Gisborne stands in Castlemaine’s way of doing so on the court at Queen Elizabeth Oval.

The clash between the Bulldogs and Magpies starts at 3.20pm.

Whatever the result, Castlemaine or Gisborne will mark a long-awaited return to an A-grade final showdown with Sandhurst on September 23.

The Tarryn Rymer-coached Gisborne began its finals campaign by scoring a 37-31 win against Kangaroo Flat in the qualifying final.

Next up was the unbeaten Sandhurst in the second semi.

The red, white and blue worked incredibly hard, but could not stop Sandhurst recording a 44-38 victory.

Castlemaine’s on a hot-streak.

Jointly coached by Fiona Fowler and Gary Cooke, Castlemaine won the elimination final against South Bendigo by 17 goals.

The Magpies then stunned Kangaroo Flat to score a 42-41 victory in last Sunday’s first semi-final.

Now the black and white army will be aiming to cheer their team to more glory.

This season’s meetings between Gisborne and Castlemaine stand at two-nil in favour of the Bulldogs.

In round two, Gisborne won 43-35 on Castlemaine’s court at Camp Reserve.

Defences were well on top as Gisborne won 29-28 at Gardiner Reserve in the 11^th round.

A powerful Gisborne line-up includes Victory Fury representative Claudia Mawson, and also Zoe Davies who starred for Collingwood at the Netball Australia nationals and will soon be bound for England to play for Leeds Rhinos.

Other players to watch in the Gisborne team are Kirby Elliott and Tiana Newman.

Castlemaine will need big games from the likes of Jane O’Donohue, Emma Winfield, Charlotte McMurray and Caitlin Richardson.

The Magpies’ squad includes Meg Ginnivan who earned the best-on-ground medal as Castlemaine beat Woorinen in the Champions IGA-backed CVFL senior women’s footy grand final at the QEO.

Gisborne.

Coach: Tarryn Rymer

Kirby Elliott (captain), Claudia Mawson (captain), Kiralee Collings, Rylee Connell, Zoe Davies, Charlee Kemp, Emerson Lakey, Tiana Newman, Torie Skrijel.

Castlemaine.

Co-coaches: Fiona Fowler, Gary Cooke.

Jane O’Donohue (captain), Kyla Byrne, Madeline Carter, Tara Ford, Fiona Fowler, Meg Ginnivan, Charlotte McMurray, Caitlin Richardson, Montaya Sardi, Mikaela Vaughan, Megan Wilson, Emma Winfield.

In the A-reserve competition it will Gisborne and Kangaroo Flat vying for a grand final berth from 2pm.

The Tarryn Rymer-coached Gisborne is on the rebound from a 44-33 loss to Sandhurst in the second semi.

Kangaroo Flat started its finals series with a 23-goal loss to Sandhurst in the qualifying final.

The Nicole Donnellon-coached Kangaroos fought back for a 38-37 victory in the first semi againt South Bendigo.

Gisborne took the points against the Roos in both of their matches in the home-and-away series.

The Bulldogs won 51-38 at Kangaroo Flat’s Dower Park in the fourth round, and 43-30 at Gardiner Reserve in the 13^th round.

Gisborne.

Coach: Tarryn Rymer.

Tazma Morris (captain), Bridget Salter (vice-captain), Jemma Denman, Emily McDonald, Bianca McKay, Eloise Rodda, Olivia Rodda, Alexandra Russ.

Kangaroo Flat.

Coach: Nicole Donnellon.

Emma Moroney (captain), Ashlee O’Shea (vice-captain), Lani Burns, Bronte Deary, Molly Drum, Chloe Fletcher, Darcie Fry, Lara Judd, Rose Kennett, Bella Pearse, Isabella Pitto, Amaya Schmidt.

In B-grade it will be Sandhurst against Kangaroo Flat from 12.40pm.

B-grade at 12.40pm – Sandhurst v Kangaroo Flat.

Both were beaten by Gisborne across the opening two weeks of the finals series.

Kangaroo Flat went down, 41-55 in the qualifying final showdown with Gisborne.

Last Saturday it was Sandhurst which could not stop Gisborne’s charge to a 48-46 victory in the second semi.

Kangaroo Flat stayed in the premiership race as it scored a 49-47 win against Strathfieldsaye in the first semi.

In this season’s meetings, Sandhurst beat Kangaroo Flat by 23 goals at the QEO in round one.

The Dragons later won 49-39 on the Roos’ court at Dower Park in the 10^th round.

Sandhurst.

Coach: Jarileey Schultz.

Briona Giddings (captain), Erica Dalrymple-Monro (vice-captain), Aimee Dean, Tahlia Isaac, Maggie Keating, Tarryn Knights, Eliza Oxley, Lucy Sherriff, Lily Trimby, Elli Williams.

Kangaroo Flat.

Coach: Laura Brooks.

Darcie Fry (captain), Nicola McIvor (captain), Bella Pearse (captain), Laura Brooks, Lani Burns, Molly Drum, Karly Elvey, Lucy Lang, Macey O’Shea, Alex Rusbridge, Claudia Shelton, Rachel Winfield.

A big day for Kangaroo Flat includes the B-reserve team in action against Gisborne from 11.20am.

These teams met in the qualifying final which went the Roos’ way, 55-41.

A closely-fought second semi-final ended in a 45-43 win for Sandhurst against Kangaroo Flat.

Gisborne won the first semi against Strathfieldsaye Storm by five goals.

The Roos beat the Bulldogs by 17 goals in round four, and by 13 in the 13^th round.

Kangaroo Flat.

Coach: Kate Newman

Shae Cairns (captain), Sophie Nicholson (captain), Lily Dickson, Madeline Dowling, Ashlye Faulkner, Lydia Lowndes, Gemma McPhee, Macey O’Shea, Gemma Roberts, Alex Rusbridge, Claudia Shelton, Hayley Smith.

Gisborne.

Coach: Leesa Lord.

Sophia Davies (captain), Brooke Bernacki, Emma Cogger, Ellie Lord, Alex Matthews, Bec Merrett, Lily Prater, Maddison Russ, Brianah Thompson, Caitlyn Walker.

Preliminary final day begins with the 17-and-under match between Gisborne and Golden Square from 10am.

These teams met in the qualifying final in which Gisborne outplayed the blue and gold for a 53-40 result.

Gisborne is on the rebound from a 46-43 loss to Sandhurst in the second semi.

A 48-41 victory in the first semi against Strathfieldsaye kept Golden Square’s premiership hopes alive.

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

Gisborne won 58-47 on Square’s court at Fur Life Vet Oval in the sixth round.

Next time it was Golden Square which claimed a 49-44 win on Gisborne’s court.

Gisborne.

Coach: Rylee Connell.

Bella Connors (captain), Charlie Busby, Jessie Connors, Charlotte Davies, Olivia Fenn, Emma Joyce, Sapphy McCarthy, Charlotte Taylor, Dasha Taylor.

Golden Square.

Coach: Lauren Swatton.

Charli Crawford, Charli Hamilton, Lilly Hope, Emma Keating, Keira Lawry, Kaylah Moon, Daisy Stringer, Holly Swatton, Abbi Wells.

SANDHURST and Gisborne will be to the fore in Saturday’s netball second semi-finals in the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL season.

The Dragons and Bulldogs feature in most of the second semis to be played at Queen Elizabeth Oval.

The QEO is the home of Sandhurst FNC and the maroon and blue has all five teams in action on Saturday.

The Dragons take on Gisborne in four of the five matches to be played.

Sole match which is not a Sandhurst and Gisborne showdown will be in B-reserve  where the Dragons take on Kangaroo Flat.

In pursuit of a fifth consecutive A-grade premiership, Sandhurst will face Gisborne in Saturday’s second semi-final at 3.20pm.

It’s been an unbeaten run in 16 matches for the Tamara Gilchrist-coached Sandhurst this season.

Defences were on top as Sandhurst won 38-32 at Gisborne’s Gardiner Reserve in the seventh round.

Next meeting was in round 16 where the maroon and blue beat the Bulldogs, 47-31 on the QEO court.

The Tarryn Rymer-coached Gisborne tipped off its finals campaign by scoring a 37-31 victory against Kangaroo Flat in last Saturday’s qualifying final.

It’s a daunting test for Gisborne against a Sandhurst team led brilliantly by Bec Smith and Meg Williams.

There’s also the experience of Kelsey Meade and Heather Oliver, and the athleticism of Charlotte and Imogen Sexton, and Sophie Shoebridge in the Sandhurst line-up.

Key players for Gisborne include co-captains Kirby Elliott and Claudia Mawson, Rylee Connell, Emerson Lakey and Tiana Newman.

On Sunday it will be Kangaroo Flat and Castlemaine fighting to stay in the premiership race when they meet in the first semi-final at 3.20pm.

This season’s meetings between the Kangaroos and Magpies stand at one-all.

In round five Castlemaine dominated on its court at Camp Reserve to claim a 55-39 victory.

The Roos bounced back to win the 14^th round contest at Dower Park, 62-39.

The Jayden Cowling-coached Kangaroo Flat faced Gisborne in the qualifying final and was beaten by six goals.

Last season’s runner-up, Kangaroo Flat will not want the ’23 campaign to end on Sunday.

Players to watch for the Roos include captain Chelsea Sartori, Ashley Ryan, defender Carly Van Den Heuvel, Abbey Ryan and Milly Wicks.

A Castlemaine team jointly coached by Fiona Fowler, playing, and Gary Cooke netted a 53-34 win against South Bendigo in the elimination final.

The Magpies’ team led by Jane O’Donohue includes Caitlin Richardson, Meg Ginnivan, Montaya Sardi and Kyla Byrne.

In A-reserve, Gisborne takes on Sandhurst in the second semi from 2pm.

The Bulldogs won the round seven match at Gisborne’s Gardiner Reserve by five goals.

Scores were locked on 50-all at the end of the 16^th round showdown at the QEO.

Sandhurst began its finals series by scoring a 50-27 victory against Kangaroo Flat in the qualifying final.

The Kangaroos will aim to bounce back from the defeat in Sunday’s first semi against South Bendigo at 2pm.

Although the Bloods finished below the Roos on the ladder they won both matches in the home-and-away series by four goals both times.

South Bendigo won 38-34 on the Kangaroos’ court in round two, and 40-36 at Kennington’s Harry Trott Oval in the 11^th round.

An exciting elimination final between South Bendigo and Castlemaine ended in a 46-43 win for the red and white.

It’s a clash between the B-grade teams from Sandhurst and Gisborne in the second semi at 12.40pm on Saturday.

The Dragons won 53-38 on Gisborne’s court in the seventh round.

A great contest in the 16^th round ended 54-all at the QEO.

Gisborne scored a 55-41 win against Kangaroo Flat in the qualifying final.

The Kangaroos face Strathfieldsaye Storm in Sunday’s first semi at 12.40pm.

Kangaroo Flat won 41-22 on Storm’s court at Triple M Park in round seven.

Latest meeting between the clubs was in the 16^th round where Strathfieldsaye won 44-31 at Dower Park.

Storm beat South Bendigo, 50-27 in the elimination final.

Kangaroo Flat will feature in the B-reserve second semi against Sandhurst at 11.20am on Saturday.

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

Sandhurst won 42-33 at the QEO in round one, and the Roos marked a 45-40 victory at Dower Park in the 10^th round.

The Flat outplayed Gisborne for a 55-41 result in the qualifying final.

On Sunday it will be Gisborne against Strathfieldaye in the B-reserve first semi-final at 11.20am.

The Bulldogs beat Storm, 45-35 in round one at Gardiner Reserve.

Strathfieldsaye won 42-37 in the 10th round at Triple M Park.

Storm advanced to week two of the finals after it eliminated Eaglehawk, 37-29.

First-up in the weekend’s action will be the 17-under teams from Sandhurst and Gisborne at 10am on Saturday.

Record between the second semi-finalists in the home-and-away series was one-all.

Gisborne won 49-43 at home in the seventh round, and the Dragons fired up for a 55-44 victory in the 16^th round.

Gisborne beat Golden Square in the qualifying final by 13 goals.

On Sunday, Golden Square faces Strathfieldsaye in the 17-under first semi at 10am.

The Bulldogs beat Storm in both matches in the run to the finals.

Golden Square won 47-40 at Triple M Park in round two, and 49-39 at Fur Life Oval in Wade Street in the 11^th round.

It was a one-goal thriller in the elimination final between Strathfieldsaye and Maryborough.

Storm led 36-35 at the final siren.

Line-ups for Saturday’s second semi-finals:

Sandhurst.

A-grade. Coach: Tamara Gilchrist:

Bec Smith (captain), Meg Williams (captain), Shae Clifford, Kelsey Meade, Heather Oliver, Kelsey Palpratt, Paige Ryan, Charlotte Sexton, Imogen Sexton, Sophie Shoebridge, Ruby Turner.

A-reserve. Coach: Tamara Gilchrist.

Kelsey Ralph (captain), Katie Dean, Gabriella Greene, Tess Keating, Eliza Oxley, Kesley Palpratt, Paige Ryan, Charlotte Sexton, Lilly Walsh, Darcy Williams.

B-grade. Coach: Jarileey Schultz.

Briona Giddings (captain), Erica Dalrymple-Monro (vice-captain), Aimee Dean, Tahlia Isaac, Maggie Keating, Tarryn Knights, Eliza Oxley, Lucy Sherriff, Lily Trimby, Elli Williams.

B-reserve. Coach: Rose Gallagher.

Ruby Walsh (captain), Isabelle Whiteley (captain), Bec Dine, Lucia Dyer, Teresa Fitzpatrick, Brianna Fletcher, Sophie Giles, Kelsey Hamilton, Chloe Hann, Matilda Lockyer, Ava Perez, Polly Robertson.

17-under. Coach Carol Cathcart.

Reese Gilchrist (captain), Maya Dignan (vice-captain), Isabelle Brennan, Charlie Coghill, Lila Kelly, Claire McGee, Diana Napoleon, Neve Pinner, Jaida Raco, Harriett Whiteacre.

Gisborne.

A-grade. Coach: Tarryn Rymer

Kirby Elliott (captain), Claudia Mawson (captain), Kiralee Collings, Rylee Connell, Zoe Davies, Charlee Kemp, Emerson Lakey, Tiana Newman, Torie Skrijel.

A-reserve. Coach: Tarryn Rymer.

Tazma Morris (captain), Bridget Salter (vice-captain), Jemma Denman, Emily McDonald, Bianca McKay, Eloise Rodda, Olivia Rodda, Alexandra Russ.

B-grade. Coach: Bronwyn Slater.

Taylah Ranieri (captain), Shelley Farrugia, Chelsea Kennett, Georgia Murray, Monty Paton, Tarryn Rymer, Milly Shaw, Lulu Slater, Hannah Weier.

17-under. Coach: Rylee Connell.

Bella Connors (captain), Charlie Busby, Jessie Connors, Charlotte Davies, Olivia Fenn, Emma Joyce, Sapphy McCarthy, Charlotte Taylor, Dasha Taylor.

Kangaroo Flat.

B-reserve. Coach: Kate Newman

Shae Cairns (captain), Sophie Nicholson (captain), Lily Dickson, Madeline Dowling, Ashlye Faulkner, Lydia Lowndes, Gemma McPhee, Macey O’Shea, Gemma Roberts, Alex Rusbridge, Claudia Shelton, Hayley Smith.

Line-ups for Sunday’s first semi-finals:

Kangaroo Flat.

A-grade. Coach: Jayden Cowling.

Chelsea Sartori (captain), Ashley Ryan (vice-captain), Carly Van Den Heuvel (vice-captain), Lou Dupuy, Ingrid Hopkins, Ava Lowndes, Emma Moroney, Ashlee O’Shea, Abbey Ryan, Annie Spear, Ella Wicks, Milly Wicks.

A-reserve. Coach: Nicole Donnellon.

Emma Moroney (captain), Ashlee O’Shea (vice-captain), Lani Burns, Bronte Deary, Molly Drum, Chloe Fletcher, Darcie Fry, Lara Judd, Rose Kennett, Bella Pearse, Isabella Pitto, Amaya Schmidt.

B-grade. Coach: Laura Brooks.

Darcie Fry (captain), Nicola McIvor (captain), Bella Pearse (captain), Laura Brooks, Lani Burns, Molly Drum, Karly Elvey, Lucy Lang, Macey O’Shea, Alex Rusbridge, Claudia Shelton, Rachel Winfield.

Castlemaine.

A-grade. Co-coaches: Fiona Fowler, Gary Cooke.

Jane O’Donohue (captain), Kyla Byrne, Madeline Carter, Tara Ford, Fiona Fowler, Meg Ginnivan, Charlotte McMurray, Caitlin Richardson, Montaya Sardi, MIkaela Vaughan, Megan Wilson, Emma Winfield.

Gisborne.

B-reserve. Coach: Leesa Lord.

Sophia Davies (captain), Brooke Bernacki, Emma Cogger, Ellie Lord, Alex Matthews, Bec Merrett, Lily Prater, Maddison Russ, Brianah Thompson, Caitlyn Walker.

South Bendigo.

A-reserve. Coach: Elizabeth Taylor.

Stephanie Greene (captain), Amanda Walters (captain), Sarah Appleby, Shaina Brook, Paige Campbell, Eden Clifford, Holly Giddings, Hayley Harrington, Amber Hollis, Morgan McClellan, Jeanette Ross.

Strathfieldsaye.

B-grade. Coach: Kirsten Pollock.

Imogen Currie (captain), Chelsea Crapper, Olivia Erwin, Bethany Hromenko, Bridgette Keath, Lana Marsh, Chelsie Martyn, Cate O’Bree,  Tahlee O’Keefe, Ella Raco.

B-reserve. Coach: Belinda Boyd.

Alicia Smalley (captain), Lucinda Sharp (vice-captain), Bridget Abe, Sienna Eddy, Maggie Gilmore, Meg Johns, Renn Minne, Lulu Mullins, Sally Nicholson, Annie Palmer, Claudia Petri, Mackenzie Strawbridge.

17-under. Coach: Fiona Schubert

Maeve Cass, Sienna Eddy, Lexie Fennell, Maggie Gilmore, Dakota Keanelly, Layla O’Shea, Charlize Pinder, Ella Pitson, Lainey Pollard.

Golden Square.

17-under. Coach: Lauren Swatton.

Charli Crawford, Charli Hamilton, Lilly Hope, Emma Keating, Keira Lawry, Kaylah Moon, Daisy Stringer, Holly Swatton, Abbi Wells.

Gisborne has been involved over the years in a few discussions with Ballarat FNL officials about joining their league.

A GREAT of Golden Square FNC, Jack Geary will mark his 200^th senior footy match when he leads the Bulldogs in Saturday’s start to the Bendigo Bank Football Netball League season.

The Bulldogs will be determined to cap Geary’s step into an elite club with victory against the Kyneton Tigers on home turf at Fur Life Oval in Wade Street.

A five-time premiership player for the Bulldogs, Geary and his team-mates will tackle the Tigers from 2.20pm.

It’s a big test for the Christian Carter-coached Golden Square against Kyneton.

The Bulldogs have kept the majority of the team which reached last season’s preliminary final and will start favourite to take the points against the Paul Chapman-coached Tigers.

A gun midfielder or on-baller for most of his career, Geary was named on a half-back flank.

An attack which has Joel Brett, Jayden Burke and Braydon Vaz as main targets will be tough for Kyneton to hold across four quarters.

Other key players for the Bulldogs include Jon Coe and Will Lee in defence, Ryan Hartley and Liam Barrett in midfield, ruckman Matt Compston, and ruck-rover Ricky Monti.

The blue and gold also welcomes back tough on-baller Tom Toma from Cohuna Kangas.

Plenty of changes have been made at Tigerland.

A huge plus for Kyneton is the return of classy small forward Ethan Foreman after premiership success with Gisborne last season.

Foreman is a previous leading goalkicker for the yellow and black.

The Tigers have also recruited another small forward in Tom Quinn from University Blues.

A defence led by Harrison Huntley, C Fisher and J Safstrom faces a huge challenge.

Other newcomers for Kyneton include ruckman Jayden Eales from Sunbury, and Jordan and Lucas Iudica.

A rematch of last season’s grand finalists, Gisborne at Strathfieldsaye should draw a big crowd to Gisborne’s Gardiner Reserve.

It’s the start of a new era as Brad Fox takes charge as senior coach after the successful run of Rob Waters.

The Bulldogs are without several of their premiership stars, including gun forward Pat McKenna.

This season it’s Jack Reaper who takes the captaincy after McKenna stepped aside from the role because of work commitments.

A formidable Gisborne line-up still has ruckman Braidon Blake, onballer Flynn Lakey, the skilful Sam Graham and Matt Merrett.

The Dogs have plenty of running power through the likes of Mack Lord, Matt Weber and Liam Spear.

Newcomers for the Bulldogs include Jed and Zac Denahy from Castlemaine.

The Darryl Wilson and Shannon Geary-coached Strathfieldsaye will be determined to start well.

There have also been quite a lot of changes to the Storm line-up.

A strong attack will again be led by Michelsen medallist and dual Ron Best medallist, Lachlan Sharp.

The marking power of James Schischka was a highlight in many of Storm’s matches last season.

Storm also named two of the prized recruits, Jack Exell and Alex Powell on a ‘from’ interchange.

Michelsen medallist Jake Moorhead will play a key role in and around the packs, as will Riley Wilson, Callum McCarty and Lachlan Gill.

Storm’s defence led by Ben Lester, Lachie Ratcliffe and Mitchell Hallinan will rely a lot on pressure further up the ground.

South Bendigo marks the start of a new era when it tackles Eaglehawk at Harry Trott Oval in Kennington.

The Bloods have played for premiership points at the Neale Street ground in previous years, but the venue is now the Bloods new permanent home for all football and netball teams.

On-field the Nathan Horbury-coached South Bendigo welcomes back gun small forward Steven Stroobants.

In recent years Stroobants has starred for Rochester in the Goulburn Valley and coached the Tigers last season.

Another key signing for the red and white was ruckman Macgregor Cameron from Monash Blues.

Players to watch for the Bloods include Brock Harvey at full-forward, rover Cooper Leon, Oscar White and Brody Haddow in midfield.

The defensive work of captain Zac Hare, Isaiah Miller, Cameron Taggert and Braydan Torpey will be important.

Biggest recruiting coup in the lead-up to 2023 was former St Kilda captain Jarryn Geary deciding to return to Eaglehawk.

The Geary brothers, Jarryn and Kallen both mark their return to the Two Blues.

Jarryn brings 207 games of AFL experience to the league, and Kallen is a triple premiership winner with Strathfieldsaye.

After finishing on the seventh rung last season the Travis Matheson-coached Eaglehawk could soar back to the top five.

A talented line-up from the Borough includes Darcy Richards, new captain Cam McGlashan and Liam Marciano in attack, new ruckman Connor Dalgleish from Montmorency, and a centreline of Joel Mullen, Fraser Verhey and Billy Evans.

The Thompsons – Ben, Jack and Sam are all in the Hawks line-up.

Maryborough is on home turf at Princes Park for its clash with Castlemaine.

Both of the Magpies will be keen to mark a victory, especially Maryborough after a winless ’22 campaign.

The Borough has appointed gun on-baller Coby Perry as playing coach.

A wrist injury will keep Perry on the sidelines for a few more weeks.

Massive plus for Maryborough is the return of Bailey Edwards who spent the summer playing for Nightcliff in the Northern Territory.

Edwards is a previous club champion at Maryborough who played for Carisbrook last season.

Key players for the Borough include Joel Swatton from South Bendigo; Brady Neill; Chris Freeeman in the centre or attack; Darcy Bond, Kya Lanfranchi and Luke Bucknall in defence.

Matt Johnston was also named in the Maryborough attack.

A premiership winner with Castlemaine, Brendan Shepherd marks his return to the club as senior coach.

On the recruiting front, Castlemaine has regained previous club champion Matt Filo.

The Magpies will look for big games from the likes of Jackson Hood, David Wilson, Ben Moran, Brodie and Jackson Byrne, and Callum McConachy.

Sandhurst takes on Kangaroo Flat at Queen Elizabeth Oval.

Beaten in last season’s elimination final, Sandhurst could mark a dramatic rise.

Ash Connick has stayed on as coach and is joined by Bryce Curnow as playing assistant coach.

A premiership winner and Nalder medallist as best on ground in a Strathfieldsaye grand final victory, Curnow played in Kerang’s premiership team in ’22.

The Dragons have also welcomed back favourite son Nick Stagg after last season’ stint with the Kerang Blues.

Former coach Andy Collins bolsters the Dragons’ attack or midfield on his return from Bridgewater.

Other key players for Sandhurst include Michelsen medallist and on-baller Lee Coghlan, ruckman Hamish Hosking, Matt Thornton and Joel Wharton in attack, Zach Pallpratt in the centre, Liam Ireland and Tanner Nally in defence.

It’s a tough initation for Nathan Johns to his coaching stint with Kangaroo Flat.

Johns brings plenty of coaching experience to lead a young Roos’ line-up.

Key recruits for the Flat include the Rouse twins, Jordan and Zac in defence.

Rover Mitch Trewhella, Liam Collins, Kyle Symons, Tim Brooks, Ryan O’Keefe, and co-captains Mitch Collins and Ethan Roberts will all play key roles as the Roos strive to maintain a high level of pressure in all quarters.