MEN’S FOOTBALL
Gisborne Bulldogs BULLDOGS
SEASON 2025 LIFTOUT
Premiership coach Rob Waters continues to lead an experienced coaching group including assistant coach Dallas Normington, Shaun Cassidy and Jarrad Lynch. Reserves coach Jeremy Penefather is also continuing on from last year, in which his side made the grand final, while Jordy Ryan steps up to the coaching role for the U18s. (Jordy was U18 assistance coach in 2023 when the U18s made the grand final). Tim McCormack rounds out the coaching team as strength and conditioning coach.
New arrivals to the playing group at Gardiner Reserve include Tom Werner (ex Gisborne U18s) who comes from Sunbury and will play inside and outside midfield. Luke Melitis joins the club from Hillside and will be a big body inside and outside midfielder, and a host of young talent is coming through in James Gray, Darcy Young and Kane Minns. Shane Clough is at Essendon VFL this season and the Bulldogs look forward to seeing him play with GFNC again this year. Jack Rutten is training with the Calder Cannons U18 Boys Squad.
WOMEN’S FOOTBALL
Gisborne has united with the Kyneton Women’s Football Club to form a hybrid team to compete in the Essendon District Football League. Details, page 33.
NETBALL
A Grade coach Tarryn Rymer brings a wealth of experience to the role (2023/2024 A Grade premiership coach/ 2024 assistant coach of the 23/Under team for VNL club Bendigo Strikers/coaching BFNL Open team at association netball champs in 2024 and now will in 2025). Tarryn will also coach A Reserve alongside Claudia Mawson (A Grade player, VNL player and 2024 Vixens Reserves Squad player). Rylee Connell will coach B Grade, Shelley Farrugia B Reserve and Zoe Davies Under 17s. This season, Gisborne’s focus across all grades is developing consistency, building strong connections across the court, and maintaining a high level of intensity for four quarters.
The coaches are also placing a big emphasis on fitness, defensive pressure, and refining attacking structures across teams to ensure they’re competitive in every game. Gisborne’s netballers are still a very young playing group across all grades, which leaves room for growth and improvement. Gisborne has welcomed young Emily Miles from Romsey and experienced player, Sheridan Townrow, from Echuca, who has recently moved to Melbourne. Players who are also playing VNL include Zoe Davies (Bendigo Strikers vice captain); Charlee Kemp, Kirby Elliott and Claudia Mawson (MU Lightning) and Dasha Taylor (Western Warriors 23/U).
Zoe Davies has been named in the Melbourne Mavericks Reserves squad. Claudia Mawson has been named in the Melbourne Vixens Reserves Squad.Overall, Gisborne is aiming for a strong, cohesive season where they continue to grow as a playing group and aim for success both on and off the court.
Photos: Paul Rovere and Ruby Watts
MAGPIES
Castlemaine Magpies
FOOTBALL
Second-year coach Michael Hartley will be hoping the improvements continue this year, with a big effort required to break the longstanding finals drought for his team. A strong off season has resulted in high anticipation for the first game to witness new recruits in Josh Eyre (Collingwood/Essendon) Patrik Balta (Richmond VFL) Jake Stein (Gold Coats/GWS) Coby Perry (Maryborough/Nth Ballarat VFL) Ronnie Fejo (VFL), Will Marks, Rhys Smith and the returning Hunter Staples. The under 18s came along in leaps and bounds last year, progressing to the second week of finals. They will be looking to improve on this in season 2025 with excellent numbers of juniors coming through and some new faces under the guidance of second-year coach Bailey Henderson.
NETBALL
The netball sides will be looking to improve this year and are in great hands under the guidance of newly appointed and experienced coach Vanessa Saunders. The senior sides will be looking to improve and a number of junior players will benefit from getting a year of valuable experience under their belts last season. The likes of Sarah and Rochelle McLean, Olivia Henderson, Maddi Clifford, Amelia Britt and Tegan Maddern and will be aiding the junior teams in the under 15 development squad and under 17 juniors.
WOMEN’S FOOTBALL
JUNIORS
The women footballers will be aiming to continue their winning ways, and make it four premierships in a row. Coach Jordan Cochrane has been able to cover the progression of players with strong juniors coming through. The like of Amelia Britt, Olivia Muscat and Chloe Butcher will be ably supported by some excellent recruits in Brianna Burt, Eloise Gretgrix, Tupper and Bertram.
Junior football will be running its AusKick program at the Wesley Hill Complex, complementing junior football sides, from under nine right through to under 16 boys’ and girls’ sides.
TIGERS
Kyneton Tigers
FOOTBALL
SEASON
2025 LIFTOUT
FOOTBALL&NETBALL Country
Ethan Foreman will continue as playing coach for the Tigers, assisted by Stu Rankin. New recruits will add experience and depth to the senior lineup this year. These include midfielder Danny Grmusa (from Werribee districts), mid-forward Isaac Barassi (from Doncaster), wingman Christian Adorno (from Point Cook) and small forward Ryan Jerara (also from Point Cook).
Director of football at KFNC, Ryan Pretty, expects the Tigers to be more competitive than last season.
“We’re just excited for the season to start and are pretty bullish of our chances this year,” Pretty said.
“We had a lot of injuries last year but we’ve recovered from those and we’re looking forward to get the football started in all the grades.”
250 GAMES
Player, coach and life member Alisha Turner is playing her 250th game for Kyneton on Anzac Day and the club hopes supporters will go along and cheer her on.
KFNC welcomes both experienced and new players, stepping into seniors for the first time or returning to the court since having kids. The club’s netball department is proud of is its inclusiveness of people from all walks of life and fostering a caring community that caters for all.
NETBALL
Kyneton’s focus in 2025 is on giving back and growing its netball community. This year the Tigers return to having five senior netball teams (A-D grades) and four junior netball teams (U11-U17). The juniors are predominantly coached by senior players, which helps to grow the connection between junior and senior teams.
Head coach David O’Hare is keen to build on new and existing player relationships, nail the basics and develop the local talent. With a few new recruits and returning players, A and B grade teams are looking fantastic.
New recruits include Maddy Kirk – a NSW Premier League defensive midcourt player and current VNL squad member for Melbourne University Lightning.
Matilda Candy also joins the Tigers as a handy goaler who is stepping up into A grade after playing for Upwey-Tecoma. Returning locals include Tilly Shepherd – playing her 50th game this year. The league B&F winner returns for another year at KFNC. An incredibly smart defender and honorary local! Michelle Fletcher, Lauren Anglin and Kristy Viete all return to the club, bringing with them more than 300 club games’ experience. The current playing group has collectively played 2545 games for Kyneton FNC, revealing a loyalty to a family centred country club.
BOMBERS
RiddellBombers
Riddell has retained premiership coach Aaron ‘Skip’ Bray as senior coach and Nick May to coach reserves, while newcomer Paul Murden will coach the under 19.5s.
The Bombers have lost two senior premiership players with Jesse Horton crossing to Strathmore in the EDFL and Trent Stead retiring, but have recruited midfielder Lachlan Hay from Macedon, and halfback midfielder Ben Borg from Rupertswood. The Bombers are hoping to play finals again this year in a very even competition and are also hoping to promote a few under 19s players to give them some senior match experience.
WOMEN’S FOOTBALL
The Bombers are fielding a women’s football team for the first time this year under coach Rob Bretherton.
The side is made up of local girls and all new players, some of whom haven’t played before. The coaching team will be focusing on building skills and fitness for a sustainable future.
strong coaching lineup. The A
secured gun shooter Bec Colwell
MEN’S FOOTBALL
A change at the top this season sees former Lancefield premiership player
Ryan O’Meara taking on the role of senior men’s coach. ‘Woz’ will be supported by Andrew McTrusty (senior assistant), Cal Randall (Reserves) and Jason Tully (Under 19s).
A big off season has seen a number of talented footballers call Lancefield Park home this season. A few of note include Noah Smallacombe (Doutta Stars), Tom Jackson (Tullamarine) and Zach O’Halloran (Werribee Centrals).
Reigning Best and Fairest Riley O’Meara will return as captain and will be supported in the leadership role by Adam Miles, Leroy Ristevski and James Falcone.
WOMEN’S
FOOTBALL
SEASON 2025 LIFTOUT
FOOTBALL&NETBALL Country
TIGERS REDBACKS
Lancefield Tigers Romsey Redbacks
The Women’s Football program enters its second year with last year’s assistant coach, Cash Ferguson, stepping up to the head coach role. A host of new players join the girls from last year with strong numbers and a great atmosphere continuing to build around the Lancefield women’s team. The girls will be led by first-time captain Kirsty Albert. Kirsty will have Maddison Coates-Cowley serving as vice-captain again as well as Emily O’Brien.
NETBALL
This season Lancefield is fielding five netball teams with the addition of a D Grade team. The club has had a remarkable retention rate from season 2024 providing stability within each team but also the opportunity to add some key players to each. The addition of Renee Sari to the shooting end for B Grade enables Tarnee Hammond to move to A Grade. Chloe Hodgson has taken a break from her football career and has returned to the A Grade side, along with Tyla Evan who is returning to netball after a short break.
MEN’S FOOTBALL
The Redbacks’ focus for season 2025 is to concentrate on building up the local talent within their ranks.
Club president Eden Jedwab said last year’s senior captain Nathan Blair had been appointed the new seniors coach and would bring enthusiasm and energy to the role.
New key position players, Jo Stapleton from Lavington in the Ovens and Murray Football Netball League and Callum Lever from Sunbury Lions, will add some experience to the young list.
Charlie Jedwab and Marcus Tucker are back for 2025. Both these young men born and bred Romsey boys, with no short age of talent among them.
Jack Jedwab also returns from playing VFL to play full-time at Romsey.
WOMEN’S FOOTBALL
Matt Brundell is the new women’s football coach, assisted by Nicole Stewart.
The Redbacks are yet to win a match in their two seasons of having a women’s side so these coaches will also focus on building up skills and ball movement and leading the team to its first wins.
NETBALL
They will look to build on last year’s success, with all grades having played finals except A Grade.
Justin Philby is the new A and B Grade netball coach and Cayley Blair is the new C Grade coach.
Maddison Thompson was a new Redback for season 2024 and will move up from B Grade to join the A Grade squad this season. Taking out the club’s Leading Goal Shooter award at a huge 591 goals (not including finals) the Redbacks can’t wait to see what she will achieve in 2025. Star shooter Emma Grech also returns to the lineup.
Men’s senior football leadership group (L:R) Adam Miles, Riley O’Meara (C), James Falcone, Leroy Ristevski.
Lancefield’s netball squad at pre-season camp.
SEASON 2025 LIFTOUT
MACEDON HAWKS
Macedon Cats Woodend-Heskett Hawks
Head coach Alistair Meldrum is again at the helm in the second season of his three-year
After a 2024 preliminary final appearance the Cats are hoping to improve on that performance in 2025. Joining the coaching group is Chris Nemeth taking the reins as reserves coach and senior assistant. Chris comes to Ontime Oval fresh off a premiership with Riddell FNC as their senior assistant coach. Tom Hildebrand takes over as under 19 coach after two seasons as Jason Cooke’s assistant.
FOOTBALL
The Hawks are excited to have their under19s back up and running in 2025 and have strong numbers but there is still the opportunity for more players to get involved.
Former premiership coach Dennis Barker co-coaches the under-19s with winning under-15s coach Rob Ferguson.
Alistair Rae returns as senior football coach and has overseen a strong preseason adding some quality recruits to a good senior side that performed well in 2024.
Recruits:
Tall ruck and goal kicker Charlie Rossetti crosses to the MFNC from Montrose in the Eastern FNL. Blake Watson (ex Sunbury Lions) is a very skilled outside midfielder with a dynamic kick.
Charlie Ozanne returns to Ontime Oval after a season with Gisborne.
Bridie Kinghorne crosses to the Cats from Kyneton FNC.
Returning:
Ruby Watts – Tear away winner in the senior women’s best and fairest in 2024.
Hamish Govan – ‘Hammer’ will take on the captaincy this season a fierce competitor he will lead by example, a very respected footballer in the RDFNL.
Toby Sims – After missing some footy with a knee injury last season, ‘Simsy’ is fit and firing on all cylinders. Toby will be vice-captain in 2025.
The senior women will have co-coaches in Chris ‘Doona’ Nolan and Bevan Uren, both with sound coaching backgrounds and with big boots to fill following Damian Slater’s remarkable previous two seasons.
The Cats hope to see all four senior footy teams take part in the finals and progress as far as possible.
Among the new recruits for the seniors are midfielder Brendan Butler and defender Luke Butcher who both cross over from Strathmore.
The club hopes to return to the finals in the senior competition in 2025.
NETBALL
The netball division will work to emulate the successful 2024 season where all five teams made finals.
Ty Coppinger returns to lead A-grade to attempt to win three A-grade titles in a row, along with coaching the B-grade team that had a great finish to the season to make finals.
Lia McQualter and Brenda McDonald Lead the C and D grade teams, while Kellie Duff is again coaching the under 19s.
The Hawks have a great mix of players returning across all grades along with some new to players to freshen the squads.
Recruits for A grade include local young guns, Charlee Duff-Tytler (goaler), Sarah Duff (mid court) and Jessica Martin (defence) will be ones to watch with coach Ty Coppinger combining with Georgia Bowkett and Hayley Rogers to form a formidable defensive team for the third year in a row. Hawks 2024 premiership captain Laura Carland will lead the attacking end combining with Sarah in the mid court and supporting newcomer Kaia Giles and Charlee in goals. Youngster Jess Martin joins the A grade squad this year after her breakout year in 2024 winning the B grade best and fairest award and Kaia Giles comes across from the Drysdale FNC providing both size and versatility in the goal circle.
Gisborne Giants GIANTS
FOOTBALL
The senior men’s football program is being led by coach Andrew Hall. Andrew’s experience includes time with AFL clubs Richmond, Collingwood and Port Adelaide coupled with local experience in the EDFL Premier Division with Strathmore, Calder Cannons and Sunbury Lions. Andrew is support by football director Aaron Mclean who has 10 years’ experience in club and league management including roles with VFL Teams Coburg and Werribee.
The senior football team will be led by inaugural senior football captain Brad Mangan. Originally from Kyabram, Brad was drafted to North Melbourne in 2012 before continuing his career at VFL and SANFL level including a VFL premiership in 2015. Matt Quigley will also form part of the leadership group having excelled through the Calder Cannons pathway program before time in the VFL with Werribee and Southport. Other key signings for season 2025 include a number of members of the 2024 under 19.5 premiership team including Tom Doyle. Having captained the under 19.5 premiership team last year and won the RDNFL best and fairest, Tom is sure to have an impact at senior level this season.
NETBALL
The netball program is being headed by head coach Adrian (AJ) Craske who has mmore than 10 years of netball coaching and management experience. AJ was instrumental in the establishment of the Caroline Springs Lakers program within the WRFL and has held coaching positions within the Parkville Open Assoc Championships Finals Day and the Elmer Opens state title 2024 winners. AJ was also an integral member of the Strathmore Netball Club coaching both underage and open age teams.
Key recruits on the court include Emma Winfield who is a talented VNL known for her goaling accuracy and midcourt skills. Emma brings a wealth of experience and versatility to the team having represented MU Lightning, Victoria and Australia. Other signings include Jacqui Mitrevski a key defender who was involved with the Elmer Region team that won the 2024 state title and Emma Vitalone with A Grade experience in the Ballarat Football Netball League and Western Football Netball League.
SEASON 2025 LIFTOUT
Round 1 for the Gisborne Giants will be against Kyneton on April 5 at the Macedon Ranges Sports Precinct and the Giants urge all locals to get behind the new team.
Season 2025 is shaping up as the biggest yet for the Gisborne Giants. Having fielded teams in the under 19.5 football and D grade netball competitions within the RDFNL in 2024, 2025 will be the Giants’ inaugural year with a full compliment of senior teams in both netball and football competitions. Building on last year’s success, which saw premierships in both the under 19.5 football and D grade netball, both the netball and football teams have continued to grow with great numbers attending a rigorous pre-season.
FOOTBALL&NETBALL Country SEASON 2025 LIFTOUT
Mt Alexander Falcons FALCONS
Entering their third season, the Mt Alexander Falcons are faster, stronger and fitter than ever.
Returning head coach Louise ‘Cheez’ Ainscough has been preparing the squad for another tilt at the RDFNL senior women’s comp with her trademark mix of tactical nous, supportive leadership and paint-covered footy shorts. Any fine cheese (or Cheez) should be paired with something special to really create magic: think champagne with brie or the glorious union of processed cheese and pickles. For the Falcs’ pre-season, Cheez was paired with strength and conditioning maestro Steph Silvagni. Steph has been subjecting the squad to weights, squats and pain, with the plan to reduce injuries and help players be stronger over the ball.
On the field, the Falcons soar into 2025 with the bulk of their 2024 squad returning, including the people’s champ, the Honiara Hero, the Solomon Islands’ own goal sneak – Mary K! Word on the street is Mary has been doing extra work on her goal celebrations, so expect a repertoire that may include cartwheels, finger guns and the worm. The Falcons’ recruiting department has been busier than rennet in a cheese factory, bringing in a stellar crop of new talent: Libby, Sashi, Ruby, Georgia, Carys, Nicole, Tessa, Eloise, Peta, Hayley and Sissy have all joined the ranks, showing a mix of speed, skill and enthusiasm that has already set tongues wagging at training.
The Falcons’ junior program will ramp up in 2025 with Auskick (5-7yrs) returning alongside Superkick (7-12yrs) and an under 14s girls team in the RDFNL fledgling junior girls comp. If you or your kid are interested, you’ll find more information on the website: www.mtalexanderfalcons.com.au
All of this would not be possible without the sponsors who not only support a great team, but a thriving community. Their sponsorship provides participation opportunities for people of all different skill levels and ages promoting health and wellbeing in the community.
The businesses that sponsor the Falcons stand alongside the club as advocates for action on a variety of important issues including gender equity in sport, ending gender-based violence and stamping out racial discrimination.
If you want to join the club as a player, volunteer, supporter or sponsor, get in touch: football@mtalexanderfalcons.com.au
The first game of the home and away season offers a chance at redemption for the senior footballers’ grand final loss, when they kick off their season away at Natte Bealiba on April 5. New coach Mark Adamson is taking the helm as senior football coach. Mark has extensive senior coaching experience, having previously coached at clubs including Kyabram, Golden Square, Kyneton and, most recently, at Stanhope. Mark will be assisted by senior assistant coaches, including former AFL and Bendigo League player, Travis Baird, Mark Strickland and Jack Elkington.
NETBALL
This year’s senior captain is Joel Dovaston, with Al Ferrier his deputy. Chris ‘Chooka’ Whelan will again take on the reserves reins, while Tom ‘Wombat’ Boyer will coach the U17.5s team this season, assisted by Al Ferrier. The club is still in need of a few numbers, so anybody interested can contact Wombat or new president Nick Shearer. There have been some changes to the playing list, with several new recruits including Stanhope pair, Joey Nesci and Rhys Smith, Travis Baird, along with a number of players returning to the club.
Briarley Delaney is coaching the A Grade netball, Kasey Evans the B Grade and Jalna Holmes will take charge of the C Grade netballers. Jess Walker is coaching the club’s U17s side and Georgia Harvey the U15s, while Emma Whelan and young ‘superstar’ Stevie Courtney will jointly coach the U13s and U11s.
New recruits Kasey Button from South Bendigo and Carly Elderfield from Hepburn have seamlessly integrated into the team and promise to be fantastic additions to the netball program. Jess Walker, the MCDNFL 2023 medal winner, is rejoining the Saints after her maternity leave and now fully recovered from her injury.
MaldonBombers
Maldon is gearing up for another successful season in 2025 after having several finals contenders in 2024 with the Under 17.5s footballers claiming back-toback premierships and the Under 17 netballers also victorious.
The Dons have a new senior coach in Damian Wust. Wust led the young Maldon side from the front in 2024 winning the MCDFNL’s Berry Powell Medal for Best and Fairest. Wust will be ably assisted by Brian Kelly and Justin Trevan.
New recruits include midfielder Ash Humphries (Maryborough), forward Nate McLaren (Boort), key defender Ash Davies, and returning players Bryce Coffey, Ash Woodman, and Dave Wilson.
The Reserves will be led by club champion Steve Webb, the 17.5s will be coached by Cal Buchanan and Matthew Gray and will be looking for the treble.
NETBALL
MFNC stalwart Bec Buchanan will lead A and B grade sides. Zoe Brown heads up C grade, and Emma Webb will step into the role of senior squad assistant.
The Under 17 and 15s are once again being very capably led by superb coach Kim Williams who will be aiming to take the Under 17s to back-to-back flags.
The Under 13s will be headed up by Lou Clarke and 11s by Tayah Doyle.
Senior coach Bec Buchanan said they were excited for the 2025 season with a clear focus on building culture and having fun being the cornerstone for the year.
The club will kick off 2025 with a Good Friday match against Talbot on April 18.
Senior coaches – (L to R) Chris ‘Chooka’ Whelan (reserves coach), Jack Elkington –(assistant coach), Mark Adamson (senior coach) and Mark Strickland (assistant coach).
Netball coaches – (L to R) Briarley Delaney (A Grade), Nick Shearer (president) and Kasey Evans (B Grade).
Newstead Kangaroos KANGAROOS
Newstead Football Netball Club is gearing up for an exciting 2025 season, having welcomed new senior coaches Don Moran (football) and Laura Johnston (netball) to the club. Their experience and leadership will be invaluable as the Steaders continue to grow and strengthen their teams. The club also welcomes new president, Madison James, who brings passion and dedication to leading the Steaders into the future.
This season sees an influx of new recruits across all senior netball grades and senior football, adding fresh talent and depth to the teams.
Geordie McMurtrie comes to the Pouch from Longwood as a versatile player who can be used at either end of the ground. With sharp footy IQ, precision passing and the ability to lock down as a tagger, he’s set to make a big impact. Geordie was Best and Fairest winner for Longwood in 2022.
The Steaders also welcome Bailey McMurtrie from Longwood. A utility player who likes to go forward to kick goals, Bailey offers great skills and is a clean user of the ball.
Ethan Maltby joins Newstead from Castlemaine, bringing his strength and versatility to the team. A strong inside midfielder, Ethan dominates the contest and can also make an impact up forward or down back when needed.
Ben Moran is another talented new recruit from Castlemaine. A a strong lead-up forward known for his pinpoint accuracy in front of goal, Ben’s size and agility will be a game-changer, giving the side a big target down forward.
Also joining the Roos from Castlemaine is Ethan Heine, who made his senior debut in 2023 and earned a well-deserved Rising Star nomination. Known for his speed, clean hands and slick skills, Ethan thrives on the wing, half-back, or high half-forward. His precision with the ball means he never wastes a disposal.
A strong coaching group leads the way, with Tom, Mitch, Chantelle, Tenille, Keely, Shae and Steve joining Don and Laura to guide teams towards success. Their commitment, knowledge and support will be instrumental in developing both the senior and junior players.
A special highlight for 2025 is the long-awaited return of the U14.5 football team, a project that has taken a power of work behind the scenes. The club thanks Mitch Williams for his efforts in making this a reality and encourages any players keen to be part of this team to join them for training on Thursdays at 4.30pm.
“We remain deeply committed to our club community, junior development program, and celebrating success—and we certainly have plenty to celebrate!” Madison said.
“Congratulations to our back-to-back U11 netball premiers and their dedicated coach, Chantelle Ramsey. Their achievement is a testament to the strength of our junior program and the bright future ahead.
“With strong leadership, new talent and a commitment to success both on and off the field, 2025 is shaping up to be a fantastic season. Let’s make it one to remember!”
department has been putting in a mammoth amount of work since the end of the 2024 season. This preseason, the Lions have a strong presence of experienced players but it has been the younger talent that has been stepping up and driving the standards. The reserves are striving to defend their premiership title and have been looking strong and dedicated on the track.
SEASON 2025 LIFTOUT
LIONS MAGPIES
Harcourt Lions CampbellsCreekMagpies
The club has added depth this year that will allow it to be competitive in both grades.
Recruits include Billy Quirk (Sale City FNC), Tomas Stefaniw (returning), Sean Moss (Campbells Creek FNC/returning) Florent Bessoud-Cavillot (France Rugby), Jack Threlfall (Golden Square FNC), Sam Kennedy (Dunnstown FNC), Taylar McKnight, Joel Burns (Maiden Gully YCW FNC), Scott Berry (returning), Thomas Pollock (West Brunswick Amateur FC) Geoffrey Jolly, Koby Gibson (Macorna FNC), Lachlan Dillon, Matthew Spinks, Norm Jenkins (returning), Tom Martin.
NETBALL
The Lions look to improve on all results from last year, and continue the build to the top.
Pre-season has been strong, developing connections and strategies to bring a strong Round 1.
The squad has a lot of young developing talent, and adding experienced players will ensure a great season.
Madi Selwood will join Jess Chaplin as C crade coach, with Jess continuing to coach A and B grade.
The club is still looking for U15 and U17 players. Contact junior coordinator Jo Lawrence on 0412 839 124.
The Creekers are excited to welcome back senior football coach Matt Manning and new A grade netball coach Jemma Finning, both of whom have extensive knowledge, experience and skills in their fields.“Our 2025 goals will be to keep being competitive, ticking the small stuff off, and bringing home a few wins on the scoreboard this season,” Matt said.
“We will remain positive as a whole club, and keep building on our strong culture, which continues to grow.”
Matt and his assistant coach, Dylan Stevens, are excited to welcome newcomers Mitch Milne, Billie Dunne, Matt Cox and Mitch and Thomas Langley. The coaches are also happy to have Lach Hyland and Harley Melrose returning this year, contributing to a very strong playing group.
Campbells Creek FNC welcomes Ben Tombs as the new reserves coach for this year. Ben became involved with the club a couple of years ago and quickly built a strong rapport with the players, leading him to eagerly accept this coaching opportunity. He will be joined by assistant coach Jordan Picken, who has been a beloved and dedicated member of the Creeker community for many years.
Netball coaches were thrilled to have so many attend the recent netball tryouts and practise matches. Jemma, along with Elouise Jones and Lekeisha Roser (B grade coaches) and Tarni Williams and Molly Kennedy (C grade coaches) are excited to see all these fabulous players in action.
“Our 2025 goal will be to get a few wins on the board, keep building confidence, and become a close and strong team.”
“Our pre-season has been a great confidence booster, playing well together and getting a few wins as we head into the upcoming home and away games,” Jemma said.
Gisborne-KynetonUnited UNITED
Coaches Bernie Marantelli and Phil Hawkes will jointly lead Gisborne-Kyneton United in the Essendon District Football League, both bringing extensive coaching experience across multiple sports.
Bernie has an impressive sporting history, beginning her football career in 1983. Her accolades include playing in nine premierships, earning two league best and fairest awards, and coaching Strathmore Senior Women’s Div 1 EDFL team to a premiership in 2022. She also had a successful running career, winning many races in Stawell.
Phil, who comes with extensive coaching experience, has been involved in women’s football for decades, coaching numerous teams to premierships across both women’s and men’s clubs, and has been heavily involved in state volleyball as both a player and coach.
The Gisborne-Kyneton United team will begin their EDFL campaign in 2025 with an exciting roster of players from both clubs. Notable signings include star midfielder Kat Bau from Woodend-Hesket FNC, Kyneton FNC Best and Fairest winners Belinda Hateley and Teagan Ainslie, and the talented Shannon McFerran, who continues with Gisborne FNC. Shannon is a decorated player who has represented Victoria 12 times and was recently named in the top 100 sportswomen in Australia. There will be no shortage of talent and experience as the two playing groups join forces for the 2025 season.
Coates Talent League signings: Holly Vescovi, Lily Skehan, Chloe Bullen and Gemma Ellis are training with the Calder Cannons U18 Girls Squad. Melia Hayes will also be training with the Bendigo Pioneers this year. Fans and community members are encouraged to get behind the team as they embark on this historic season. Gisborne-Kyneton United invites sponsors and community partnerships to support their team as they actively work to develop and grow women’s football in the region.
CountrySEASON 2025 LIFTOUT - FIXTURES
Round 1 - April 4-6
Castlemaine v Woorinen
Bendigo Thunder v Golden Square
Eaglehawk v White Hills
Marong v Sandhurst
North Bendigo (BYE)
Round 2 - April 11-13
Golden Square v Eaglehawk
Sandhurst v Castlemaine
Marong v Bendigo Thunder
Woorinen v North Bendigo
White Hills (BYE)
Round 3 - April 17-20
Castlemaine v Golden Square
Bendigo Thunder v Woorinen
Eaglehawk v North Bendigo
White Hills v Marong
Sandhurst (BYE)
Round 4 - April 25-27
WOMEN’S FIXTURE
Round 6 - May 9-11
Woorinen v Sandhurst
Golden Square v Marong
Bendigo Thunder v North Bendigo
Castlemaine v White Hills
Eaglehawk (BYE)
Round 7 - May 16-18
Eaglehawk v Bendigo Thunder
Marong v Woorinen
Sandhurst v White Hills
Golden Square v North Bendigo
Castlemaine (BYE)
INTER-LEAGUE - May 25
Round 8 - May 30-June 1
Eaglehawk v Sandhurst
White Hills v Bendigo Thunder
North Bendigo v Marong
Woorinen v Castlemaine
Golden Square (BYE)
Round 11 - June 20-22
Golden Square v Castlemaine
Eaglehawk v Marong
White Hills v North Bendigo
Woorinen v Bendigo Thunder
Sandhurst (BYE)
Round 12 - June 27-29
Sandhurst v Golden Square
Marong v Castlemaine
Bendigo Thunder v Eaglehawk
North Bendigo v Woorinen
White Hills (BYE)
Round 13 July 4-6
(Indigenous Round)
North Bendigo v Eaglehawk
Bendigo Thunder v Sandhurst
White Hills v Castlemaine
Marong v Golden Square
Woorinen (BYE)
Round 14 July 18-20
Round 16 - August 1-3
Golden Square v Woorinen
White Hills v Sandhurst
Castlemaine v Bendigo Thunder
Marong v North Bendigo
Eaglehawk (BYE)
Round 17 - August 8-10
Sandhurst v Eaglehawk
Woorinen v Marong
Bendigo Thunder v White Hills
North Bendigo v Golden Square
Castlemaine (BYE)
Golden Square v Sandhurst
North Bendigo v White Hills
Marong v Eaglehawk
Woorinen - (BYE)
Bendigo Thunder v Castlemaine
Round 5 - May 2-4
North Bendigo v Castlemaine
Sandhurst v Bendigo Thunder
Eaglehawk v Woorinen
White Hills v Golden Square
Marong (BYE)
Round 9 - June 6-8
Castlemaine v Eaglehawk
Sandhurst v North Bendigo
Marong v White Hills
Woorinen v Golden Square
Bendigo Thunder (BYE)
Round 10 - June 13-15
Eaglehawk v Golden Square
Castlemaine v Sandhurst
White Hills v Woorinen
Bendigo Thunder v Marong
North Bendigo (BYE)
Golden Square v White Hills
Castlemaine v North Bendigo
Sandhurst v Marong
Woorinen v Eaglehawk
Bendigo Thunder (BYE)
Round 15 - July 25-27
Eaglehawk v Castlemaine
North Bendigo v Sandhurst
Golden Square v Bendigo Thunder
Woorinen v White Hills
Marong (BYE)
Round 18 - August 15-17
Castlemaine v Marong
North Bendigo v Bendigo Thunder
Sandhurst v Woorinen
White Hills v Eaglehawk
Golden Square (BYE)
FINALS SERIES
First Semi Final
August 24
Second Semi Final
August 24
Preliminary Final
August 29
Grand Final September 5
Erin Phillips Brand Ambassador AFLW Champion