ANOTHER chapter in the rivalry between Gisborne and Kangaroo Flat in A-grade netball will be played out on Good Friday as the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL marks opening round.
The Bulldogs and Kangaroos will play at Melbourne North Truck Centre Oval in Gisborne’s Gardiner Reserve from 2.30pm.
These clubs have played great matches across many seasons.
A Gisborne team again coached by Tarryn Rymer will be primed for a big game at home against the reigning premier.
Gisborne’s squad includes Kirby Elliot, Charlee Kemp, Claudia Mawson and Torie Skrijel.
The red, white and blue recruited Charlee Duff-Tytler who is likely to play in defence.
Kangaroo Flat faces a tough test in its quest to claim back-to-back premierships.
The Jayden Cowling-coached Kangaroos have experience and skill in all thirds of the court.
Players to watch in the green and white include Betty Thompson medallists Ruby Barkmeyer, Ash Ryan and Chelsea Sartori.
Castlemaine marks its return to A-grade netball by playing a home game at The Railway Hotel Reserve in Camp Reserve against Golden Square.
The Magpies will be coached by Vanessa Saunders, and assisted by Zeth Thompson.
A gun recruit for Castlemaine is Taleisha AhMat.
Players to watch for the black and white include Tegan Maddern in attack, Abby Thompson in defence, Grace Brady and Abbey Klemm in midcourt.
Golden Square has playing coach Teigan Redwood on court and Ollie Ryan as assistant coach.
The blue and gold will be keen to mark a winning start.
Charli Hamilton and Keira Lawry will team up with recruits Teagan Bethune, Lacey Broad, Abbey Grindal and Hayley Howard.
Strathfieldsaye faces South Bendigo at Triple M Park in Tannery Lane.
The Jess Mangan-coached Strathfieldsaye meets an opponent which scored an 87-25 win at Broadford’s Harley Hammond Reserve last Saturday.
A Storm squad coached by Jess Mangan includes her sisters Brooke and Rachelle to play on a new-look court.
The South Bendigo team coached by Lauren Bowles and assisted by Mel Dillon will be keen to build on the win from the stand-alone match on Broadford’s court.
A strong squad in red and white includes goaler Gabe Richards, defender Karley Hynes, and the skilful Cayde Hayes and Steph Greene.
Eaglehawk will be on its court at C & M Park in Canterbury Park to take on Sandhurst on Easter Saturday.
Massive test for the Janelle Hobbs-coached Hawks against last season’s runner-up.
The Eaglehawk squad includes Ella Flavell, Sienna Hobbs, Allira Holmes and Mia McCrann-Peters.
A power across all grades of netball for many seasons, Sandhurst is likely to be a serious contender for premiership glory once again.
An A-grade squad coached by Tamara Gilchrist includes reigning Betty Thompson medallist and mid-court gun Shae Clifford, Heather Oliver, Sophie Shoebridge and Rebecca Smith.
Broadford has the bye.
