Castlemaine

The Bendigo FNL, in consultation with the Castlemaine FNC, Kyneton FNC, and with the support of their direct opponents, wish to provide an update with regards to proposed details of the round 7 fixture considering the direct impacts on the playing groups following the recent tragic passing of CFNC Under 18 player, Dallas Keogh-Frankling.

The BFNL can provide an update on the current intended arrangements for round 7 matches scheduled for Saturday 3rd June 2023, with all identified round 7 game details remaining subject to change:

Round 7: Castlemaine v Golden Square @ Camp Reserve:

• Senior football and A-Grade netball matches to be played as scheduled. The current intention is for the Reserves football match, and the remaining open age netball matches to proceed as scheduled. The Castlemaine FNC is monitoring and assessing the capacity of the Under 18 football and 17 & Under netball playing groups to return to competition this weekend and will make an appropriate decision in due course.

Round 7: Eaglehawk v Kyneton @ Canterbury Park (Indigenous Round feature match)

• Senior football and A-Grade netball matches to be played as scheduled. The current intention is for all remaining matches to proceed as scheduled, however the Kyneton FNC is monitoring and assessing the capacity of the Under 18 football and 17 & Under netball playing groups to return to competition this weekend and will make an appropriate decision in due course.

Furthermore, there have been some slight amendments to start times of football matches between Maryborough v South Bendigo:

Round 7: Maryborough v South Bendigo @ Princes Park Maryborough:

• Under 18: 11.00am (was 10.45am)
• Reserves: 12.45pm (was 12.30pm)
• Seniors: 2.30pm (was 2.20pm)

The BFNL and competing clubs also acknowledge that confirmed participation of all round 7 matches this weekend remains subject to change, as Castlemaine and Kyneton monitor and assess the ongoing health and wellbeing of all participants, team officials, and volunteers, and may make further decisions impacting round 7 scheduling as considered appropriate at any time prior to the match.

Whilst we appreciate this may present some uncertainty this weekend, we sincerely thank all clubs and members of the wider BFNL community for the varied support offered to both the Castlemaine and Kyneton FNC’s during this difficult time who will continue to make all decisions in the best interests of all club members.

The BFNL Board also wish to confirm that all round 6 matches between Kyneton and Castlemaine that were abandoned on Saturday the 27th of May 2023 due to the tragic circumstances, have been officially classified as abandoned within the relevant database in line with the definition of BFNL By-Law 13.4 Non-Completion of Matches:

• (b) If any match which has been started and cannot be completed for reasons beyond the control of the affiliated Senior or affiliated Junior Club or Clubs, or where a match has been cancelled at the direction of the officiating umpire, the following procedures shall apply:
• (i) Subject to clause (iii) below, if a game is concluded prior to half time and the match cannot proceed within the scheduled time, the teams shall depart the arena and the match will be declared a draw. Each team will be awarded two premiership points and the scores of the teams at the time the match was interrupted would be used to calculate the percentages.

Given this remains a fluid situation, any further relevant updates will be shared as received.

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.”

AN ALL-MAGPIES clash between Castlemaine and Maryborough on Good Friday at Castlemaine’s Camp Reserve marks the start of the Bendigo Bank Bendigo Football Netball League season.

A crucial area both clubs have worked on across pre-season is skills.

Turnovers hurt both teams in ’23, especially against the strongest teams in the league.

Quick movement from defence to attack is what fans can expect both line-ups strive to do.

On the footy field Castlemaine and Maryborough have several recruits keen to make their mark.

Among the newcomers is Castlemaine coach Michael Hartley who brings playing experience from AFL stints with Essendon and Hawthorn, and at VFL level with Collingwood.

Hartley will be part of a Castlemaine attack boasting more goalkicking and marking power.

Key targets inside the 50m arc are likely to include Bailey Henderson and Brad Keogh.

Castlemaine has also bolstered its depth in the on-ball and midfield areas.

The bigger body of Declan Slingo who returns from Pyramid Hill to team up with Matt Filo and Callum McConachy at centre bounces is an area where Castlemaine may hold an edge.

Maryborough’s on-ball division is likely to be led by co-coaches Coby Perry and Matt Johnston, and the skilful Joel Swatton who capped his first year at the club by earning the Geoff MacIlwain Medal as fairest and best.

Fans of Castlemaine will be rapt to see Kalan Huntly and Darby Semmens back at the club after premiership wins with Harcourt Lions in the Maryborough Castlemaine District FNL.

Both could start on the wing where their ability in close and also pace will test the opposition all match.

Another premiership winner, Zavier Murley is back with the ‘Maine after Golden Square’s run to glory last September.

The club also has the talented Will Moran back from Sandhurst.

Other players to watch for Castlemaine include Liam Wilkinson,

Hartley said being a stand-alone match was great for both clubs.

“At Castlemaine it’s a new beginning. The club is confident of drawing a big crowd and starting the season with a win.”

The season opener will be a huge challenge for a Maryborough team jointly coached by Coby Perry and Matt Johnston.

A team intent on being far more competitive takes its first steps toward doing so on Castlemaine’s turf.

Johnston believes the ruck is where Maryborough can control of lot of the Good Friday match and more as the season rolls on.

Ty Stewart is the team’s number one ruckman and will have support from Tom Myers and Seb Collins.

Recruits at Princes Park include Robert Castiglia from Westmeadows; Seb Collins from Sandhurst; and Beau Trahar from Leitchville Gunbower.

A 19-year-old, Castiglia’s fitness and skills have impressed the Magpies’ coaches and team-mates.

Ash Humphrey and Fraser Russell add much-needed experience to a squad in which Jye Swatton, Kya Lanfranchi and Darcy Bond were stand-outs for a lot of last season.

The game plan is for Russell to start in attack, but also have some stints in midfield.

The Magpies also welcome back Kirk Looby from St Arnaud and Ronnie Feeney from Maryborough Giants.

Maryborough’s under-18s had a great run in ’23 to reach the finals.

Those stepping up to senior footy include Lachy Bursill, Aidan Medlyn, Tom Myers and Cobie Read.

The Magpies also have more players pushing for senior selection.

Johnston said there was too great a reliance on a few in many of last season’s matches.

A fitter and stronger Maryborough team will also be working hard to limit the moments when teams take control and slam on multiple goals.

At the netball, Castlemaine’s A-grade team has a rest as Maryborough is not in the top flight this season.

The A-reserve netball match starts at 2pm.

The senior footy match starts at 2.20pm.

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.

Castlemaine has provided a host of top-flight players during its long history in the Bendigo Football Netball League, formerly just the BFL.

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.