By Kieran Iles
BROADFORD A-grade coach Jaimie Hooper says the club’s netballers are rapt to be back where they belong, on Saturdays, side-by side with the footballers, competing in a strong country league.
“Because we know one thing … you’ve got to play the best to be the best,” said Hooper, who will lead the Kangaroos into BFNL battle for the first time this Saturday against South Bendigo in a standalone clash at Harley Hammond Reserve.
It will be a historic occasion for the club, with the footballers returning to the field for the first time since going into recess two years ago, after three seasons in the Outer East Football Netball League.
The netballers remained active, continuing to ply their trade in the Northern Football Netball League in readiness for their leap into the BFNL.
Hooper acknowledged it was a big step up for the club, but a challenge they were keen not to shy away from and one they were ultimately ready for.
For the Kangaroos, early progress will not be measured on the scoreboard or by wins and losses, with the focus very much on the long term.
“This won’t be about instant results. This is about building, growing, showing up,” Hooper said.
“We are a proud, resilient netball community, a club and a town that stands strong together.
“And we will continue to prove why Broadford Football Netball Club belongs in a competition like Bendigo.
“It’s a challenge… but one we’re ready for.
“We know the strength of this league. We know the quality of clubs and players.
“And what an opportunity, what an inspiration to compete alongside them.
“Give us three years and let’s have that conversation again.”
Broadford has left no stone unturned in their preparation, having started pre-season training in November, well ahead of most teams.
The Kangaroos will field teams in four of the six grades, with the exception of A-reserve and the newly created 15-and-under division.
Gisborne will also not have a team in the 15-and-under competition.
The Kangaroos A-grade squad contains an exciting mix of youth and experience and will be captained by the experienced Ebony Heers.
With an eye to the future, Hooper said a lot of focus would be on developing young talent for the future.
“While we may not have an A-reserve side this season and are stepping into A-grade, this is all part of our journey and one we are ready to embrace,” Hooper said.
“It might not be our finished product just yet, but it’s a powerful step forward for our club.
“We have some exciting young talent coming through, with players like Cassie Milner and Shayla White stepping up from our junior ranks into senior netball and straight into A-grade.
“That’s a huge achievement and a testament to their hard work and readiness for the challenge.
“Surrounding them is the experience and leadership of players like life member Ebony Heers, who is set to reach an incredible milestone of 300 senior netball games for BFNC.
“It’s this blend of youth and experience that will shape our future and while we’re building, we know we’re building something strong.”
Hooper, who will coach the A and B-grade teams and serve as netball operations manager, praised the netball group’s loyalty in staying thick during their time in the NFNL and their resilience in adapting to a new league and playing conditions.
She believes it will hold them in good stead in their return to outdoor courts, Saturday competition, and longer, tougher quarters.
“To the league and clubs, thank you for the support and welcome,” Hooper said.
“We’re excited, we’re ready, and we can’t wait to be part of what promises to be an incredible season.”
Other Broadford netball appointments include Bonnie Cavanagh-Welch as B-grade coach, Renee Sari and Chloe Zol as 17-and-under coaches, Brooke Currell as A-grade team manager and Cassie Zol as 17-and-under team manager.
