Welcome to season 2025/Predictions Page 2
Gippsland League Pages3-6
Mid Gippsland Pages7-10
Nor th Gippsland Pages11-14
Gippsland Power/Junior/FFG ................. Page 15
Gippsland Stars/Umpires Page 16
Fix tures .......................................... Pages17-19
BY LIAM DURKIN
NOT longnow untilthe ball is tosseduponthe field andthe first centre passisthrown on the netballcourt.
The practice matches havecome and gone, givingonlookers avague idea of how sidesare shapingup.
Player movement has seen theusual narrative of clubs looking to load up, or individuals seeking greateropportunity,oreven afew more dollars.
Which teams will be theonestobeat? Which ones will struggle? Andwill anyprove to be nothingmorethanMarch Champions?
This season, like everyother,isset to have surprises, casualties andrandom midseason recruits.
For the victors, plentyofspoils; for thebattlers, the year could feellikea decade.
But there will alsobeCinderella stories full of unlikely heroes, as well as greatcommunity initiatives,not to mention the general unifying spirit of clubmembers at thehuddleorinthe rooms throughtriumph andadversity
It is thesemomentsthat should remind everyone that countryfootballand netballhas amuch bigger role to play than simply winningand losing. That said,winning and losing will be what determines theladderacrossthe Gippsland League,Mid Gippslandand NorthGippsland football-netballleagues,and thesubsequent fate of teams.
From theoutset,the majorleaguelookslike it may be unfortunately predictive,withTraralgon, Moe,Wonthaggi andLeongatha appearing undeniablystronger than therest.
After last seasonwas arguably the most competitive in league history, it is perhaps only naturalthe declinewill be steep
However,asthe GippslandLeaguehas proven timeand time again,dynamics canchange
Senior football premier
Gippsland League: Wonthaggi
Mid Gippsland: Fish Creek
NorthGippsland: Heyfield
AGrade netball premiers
Gippsland League: Moe
Mid Gippsland: Morwell East
North Gippsland: SaleCity
weektoweek. Maffra won’tbeexpected to win many games, yet aGippsland Powerbye could suddenlymaketheir team all themorestronger.
The strong could getstronger in MidGippsland By all reports, something is going to have to go horribly wrong forFishCreek nottowin three in a row.
The Kangaroos arelike PortAdelaide of the SANFLdays,they believetheyexisttowin premierships.
Fishy have done aprettygood job of it in fairness, with closeto40flags acrosstheir history.
Closertohome, Yinnarand MorwellEast areset to provide honestopposition,while Boolarra has been earmarkedasapotential bolter.
The Demons have recruited handily,and now the challenge willbenot to rest on that laurel.
Thatthinking perhaps undidThorpdale last season. The Blueshad arguably the strongest team on paper,yet failed to ever really getgoing.
Traditional powerhouse Newborough havebeen forced to tear many piecesofpapertoshredsin recentweeks, after losing assistantcoach Tom Wilsonand key forwardNathan Wheildontoinjury.
Newly promoted senior coach Patt Frendo led the Bulldogs reserves to the premiershiplast season, but could now be facing aslight case of déjàvutryingtofind replacement players,albeit with the benefitofhaving first bite of thecherry.
In fairness,when he took the job, he probably didn’tplan to losehis assistantcoach and one of his bestforwards before thecampaign even started.
Likemostjob promotions, signing up probably seemedlike agood idea at thetime.
Conversely,his predecessor CraigSkinner lookedlikethe most relieved maninhistory when thiswriter sawhim at last year’sMoe Cupjusta few weeks after the2024season had finishedup. Relief will come forMirboo North and Hill End
Abig year for: Boolarra.Plentyof new and returning faces. Have toplay finals ata minimum
Headline wemight see: Rebel clubsbreak away and formtheir own league.
Senior football premier
Gippsland League: Traralgon
Mid Gippsland: Yinnar
NorthGippsland: Heyfield
AGrade netball premier
Gippsland League: Moe
Mid Gippsland: Yinnar
NorthGippsland: Churchill
whentheywin theodd game thisseason.
Both teamsare in the midst of lengthy rebuilds butare continuing to fight the good fight.
As Brookhampton said:“it’s funnyhow things canchange”.The Tigers andRoverswereplaying in the MGFNL Grand Finaljust fouryears ago What’sold could well again be newfor North Gippsland, although the ‘bottom three’ might have some newcompanyfromanunfamiliar team.
Woodside’sfairytale premiership lastseason now carrieseven further intrigue.
Will such awatershedmoment signalthe start of something even greater? Or justbecomeone glorious day thousands of Wildcat supporters bask in for the rest of theirlives?
Traralgon TyersUnitedwillcertainlybehoping it is thelatter
The Bombers appeared to have lastyear’s Grand Final undercontrol. Evenwatchinga replay ofthe first quarter at Gaskin Park,ifyou didn’t knowthe endresult youwould have thoughtTTU win easily.
SpeakingofGaskin Park, reigning Gippsland Leaguepremier Traralgon have picked up the man who has made the venue his own over the last 10 years in Chris Williams.
‘Squid’has finallymade the move out of North Gippsland, andfurthercuriositynow centres on just how he will go in thebig time
Joining himat the Maroonswillbea host of TTU players. TheBomberswill surely be hoping they have enough qualitytocover
Major changes arealso afootincoaching ranks
Michael Stockdaledecidedthere was nothing lefttoachieve after oneyear at Woodside YallournYallourn Northwill feel there is plenty left to achieve, but will have to do so without Tom Hutton calling the shots. Hutton alsodepartsafter just one season in charge.Dean Macdonald comesinashis replacement.
Abig year for: Heyfield.A youthful, yet experienced, football core anda persistentnetballside, theywill be right up there in bothcodes.
Headline wemight see: Gormandale breakthree-year windrought.
Howfleeting footballcan be -the Jetslostthe preliminaryfinal toWoodside by threepointslast year.
Howfortunate it can also be- theJets, well Barrie Burnett really,beatthe Wildcats by 20 minutesinthe preliminaryfinal two years earlier Newcoaches will beeverywhereinNorth Gippy thisseason
Rosedale, Yarram,Gormandale and Churchill areall entering neweras.
Michael Driscoll comeshighly regarded at the Blues, whileChurchillwill beled byclub veterans Joe Whykesand BobJellis
Some ‘new coach syndrome’islikely,wherein teams have unexpectedspikes listening toanew voiceuntilthe reality of winter setsin.
No onewill know thismorethanLeigh Brown, whose men at Heyfield could be just about primed to bringalong-awaited flagtothe timber town.
WithBrown in the goalsquareand Darren Sheen not farupthe ground,there could be some very bigtotals racked up at Gordon Street Reserve.
Big totals arealso likely on thenetball courts wheneverSaleCityand Moe feature.
MDUdid the impossible by comingfromsixth in MidGippsland netball last year. Such arepeat is unlikely,but will be enoughtokeep opponents nervous all the same.
Predictions aside, this is usually the most exciting time of yearfor players andclubs. Our football andnetballcoverage is undoubtedly the most read sectionofthe paper, and we hopetorespectthe readershipwith thorough andextensivecoverage duringthe season.
Senior football premier
Gippsland League: Traralgon
Mid Gippsland: Morwell East
North Gippsland: YallournYallournNth
AGrade netball premier
Gippsland League: Moe
Mid Gippsland: Yinnar
North Gippsland: Sale City
Abig year for: Morwell.Returningfaces andmarquee recruitsplaces them in theupper echelonofteams, giving them their bestshot at aflaginsometime.
Headlinewemight see: Leongatha’srun comes to an end,fails to win afinal.
BY LIAM DURKIN
The Devil bowed his head because he knew that he’d been beat, And he laid that golden fiddle on the ground at Johnny’sfeet.
THOSE lyrics, taken from the Charlie Daniels Band classic The Devil Went Down to Georgia,virtually summed up the immediate aftermath of last year’sGippsland League Grand Final.
Much like Johnny,the young upstartfiddle player from the song, Traralgon celebrated while Leongatha commiserated, as their quest for ahat-trick of premierships was denied in somewhat unexpected fashion.
The Maroons now carrythe golden fiddle of the Gippsland League, and interest abounds to see whether or not they can hold onto it.
The Parrots areagain expected to provide solid opposition, and shouldn’tbetoo far from atop three finish come Round 18.
This season will mark 10 years since Leongatha began their great run, which now sees them justifiably in the conversation of the league’sgreatest dynasty
For the record,Leongatha has made the grand final everyseasonsince 2015 and won four flags. Had it not been for avirus,they probably would have won even more.
However,all good things must come to an end, and therewill undoubtedly be many in league circles waiting to see if the Parrots indeed become avictim of their own success.
The players that have delivered premierships in the past arenow ayear older,and possibly ayear slower,while others have sought challenges elsewhere.
As stupid as it sounds, challenges are sometimes needed to maintain interest. Winning has become so frequent at the Parrots over the last decade (less than 30 losses) it has likely become mundane.
With that in mind, players such as Aaron Hillberg, Josh Schelling and Jesse Burns areout, as is Jack Ginnane, moving to Inverloch-Kongwak.
Of all players to leave the Aviary, Ginnane would be just about the last one you’d expect. Arethe Parrots starting to slowly unravel? Therewill be nine other clubs certainly hoping so.
What those clubs need to remember though is this: Leongatha still has the big Number 20 (Ben Willis) hitting it to the big Number 8(Tom Marriott).
They’ll also have Buln Buln spearhead Patrick Ireland inside 50 when his VFL schedule allows, and maybe even favourite son Dyson Heppell fresh out of the AFL.
Ateam that will have reason to feel confident against Leongatha, and Traralgon for that matter,isMorwell.
The Tigers rolled the Parrots on both occasions last season, and drew with their traditional Valley rival.
It certainly hasn’tbeenboring at Tigerland the last three seasons, with Morwell consistently hovering around the middle of the table, capable of extraordinarywins one day, and unexplainable losses the next.
When asked what the issue was last season, one Morwell player simplyreferenced Italian soccer manager GennaroGattuso’sfamously simplistic press conference.
Not far from Morwell is Moe, who in turn never fail to be unwittingly tangled up in some sortofmisfortune.
Just when everything seems tobegoing well for the Lions, it suddenly doesn’t.
Moe was6-1 heading into Round 8in2022, and then won two games for the rest of the year
In 2023theyfinished equal first and then nearly went out in straight sets.
Last year they beat Traralgon in the qualifying final, then lost to the same opponent by 10 goals in the prelim.
If thereisacurse dating back to 1967, the long-suffering Moe faithful will be hoping new coach Leigh Poholke is the man tolift it.
Ateamthathas experienced similar shortcomings in recent seasons is Wonthaggi.
The Power lost the 2022 preliminaryfinal narrowly to Sale, and the grand final the following year to Leongatha.
Last season saw aremarkable display of player management on the part of Wonthaggi playing-coach Jarryd Blair
The Power had noplayers in the first half of the season, but gotmost ofthemback to win eight of their last nine games to reach the second week of finals.
If Blair can get abetter run with availability this season, Wonthaggi might just be the team to beat.
Key midfielder Isaac Chugg hasn’tgone anywhere, despite his home state of Tasmania publically announcing his return. Ifanything, the Power’slistisasstrong asit’severbeen this decade
Not many work morediligently onalist than SamAnstee at Sale.
The Adrian Dodoroofthe Gippsland League did it again this offseason, swooping in and nabbing Ashton Wright awayfromMaffraand outofPeelThunder in Western Australia.
Nothing like making the Sale-Maffra rivalry even bigger
Jack Johnstone (also aformer Maffra player) enters his fifth season at thehelmas Magpies coach, and his immediate challenge appears to be winning at least one finalafter consecutive early exits.
Fortunately for Sale, they have someone called Shannen Lange.
The midfielder was last yearl the greatest Magpie ever seen prominent clubhistorian. High given the calibreofplayers who on the black and white.
Ipersonally would also have the best player I’ve seen in my the league, surpassing fellow Sale Martin.
The Magpies have certainly pr outstanding players.
Twoofthem arestill going well their twilight years -Shane Fyfea ChrisLaverty,who arejust one game away from reaching the incredible mark of 700 combined club matches.
Someone who has played many games against the pair is Maffra legend and senior games recordholder Daniel Bedggood.
Having enjoyed multiple premi success, Bedggy is now facing helping develop the next wave
Development of adifferent kind take place at Drouin, as the Hawks vacate their venue forresurfacing works for most of theseason
In many ways, results arealmost irrelevant for Drouin this year,and fewcouldcriticise theclub ifit decides to write offthe season.
Their westerncounterparts Warragul willlooktocause afew headaches, as will Bairnsdale at the other end of the geographic line.
The Gulls should be stronger,the Redlegs perhaps not so; although historysuggestsany points gained at Bairnsdale City Oval seldom come easy
It honestly feelslike awholenew world when you drive into Bairnsdale.
Neutral supporters found themselves in atwisted paradoxonGrand Final day last season, for supporting the underdog meant you had to barrack for Traralgon.
While the heartcried no, the head said it was timeto see someone other than Leongatha win aflag.
The Maroons’ victorywas splashed across the front of this publication as ‘the game of their lives’, and the question now is this:
Has anew devil emerged in Georgia?
Moewill hope to have reigning leaguemedallistRileyBaldi available as much as possible. Baldi is playinginthe VFL with Caseythis season
Ladder prediction: Traralgon, Wonthaggi, Moe, Leongatha, Sale, Morwell, Bairnsdale, Warragul,Maffra, Drouin.
BY LIAM DURKIN
HI, I’m TroyHamilton, you may remember me from such miraculous premierships as Mirboo North 2014, and Traralgon 2024.
While returning Maroons coach Troy Hamilton might have the job for life after doing what many thought impossible last season, the new season suddenly presents anew challenge for the reigning premier Hamilton had afairy tale first season in charge, adding to his reputation of carrying the Midas touch.
Everything he touched turned to gold -at least from the preliminaryfinal onwards last year,and intrigue will now surround if Traralgon can repeat the dose.
Will it be Richmond 2017 or Western Bulldogs 2016?
As it stands, theredoesn’t appear to be any reason why the Maroons won’tbeasstrong or even stronger than they werein2024.
Hamilton said therewas no reason to fear his
side was resting on its laurels from six months ago.
“The preseason was really good,they were keen and probably working even harder and having longer sessions. We feel good about our fitness and feel good about our preseason,” he said.
Traralgon will welcome Matt Northe back in aplaying capacity this season, after he was sidelined with injuryand confined to being the runner
Assisting Hamilton on the bench will again be Dan McKenna and club legend Paul ‘Jumbo’ McCulloch, while out on the ground, Jackson McMahon and Dylan Loprese will oversee things.
Of most note among the absentees is ruckman Max Jacobsen, although Hamilton was confident Peter Strong and Tyler Anderson wereready to step up and help fill the void.
The Maroons have some long terminjuries,
including luckless defender Joel Scholtes who will be out for two months, and Connor Scandrett with an ACL.
TomHamilton is expected to returnafter Easter,asiskey forwardJacob VanIwaarden from an achilles.
The outs hardly outweigh the ins however, and given the average age of the premiership team was just 21, logic suggests Traralgon should be primed to have another few tilts at the title.
The biggest question could well be internal motivation.
Winning aflagatayoung age would have ticked abucketlistitem for many,and could see anatural drop offinfocus and overall engagement -especially come the middleof winter
Again, getting back to the WesternBulldogs:
Shane Biggs, TomBoyd, Clay Smith and Fletcher Roberts werehardly heardfromagain after 2016.
Conversely,most of Richmond’steamwent on and kept winning.
One thing’sfor certain -these blokes won’t be finishing third-last.
Coach: Troy Hamilton
In: Matt Northe (back from injury), Mitch Mustoe, Jake Cashmore, Beau White, Jacob Williams, Lachlan Pollard, Tyler Mudita (TTU), Chris Williams, Brayden Kokshoorn(both Churchill), Ryan Dickson (Rosedale), Zach Bastin, Melvey Podmore(Dusties), Damian Houg (West Footscray), Matthew Pearce (Lakes Entrance)
Out: Max Jacobsen (Morwell East), Liam Hahn (Caloundra), Hudson Leech,Neil Flanagan, Lachlan McDonald (Rosedale), HarryMcDonald (Cowwarr), Adam Holland (Inverloch), Jai Moloney,Sid Cogan, Ewan Williams (Glengarry), Gabriel Wood (Kew), Archie Woodall,ClancySnell (Mirboo North), Michael Geary(Yinnar)
2024 result: Premier
BY LIAM DURKIN
WILL this be the breakthrough season?
Morwell has presented an interesting case study since football resumed fulltime in 2022. Have the Tigers improved or stagnated in that time?
Therecan be little doubt improvements have been made. Youdon’tbeatLeongatha twice in one season without getting better Numbers however don’tlie, and the realityis Morwell has been amiddle-of-the-road team with virtually the same squad for the last three seasons. Its ladder positions have been: sixth, sixth and fifth.
Granted the Tigers arestill relatively young, most football plans run on athree-four year cycle, and those behind the scenes will be wanting tosee tangible inroads made this season, rather than flashes of brilliance (beating Leongatha) meshed with moments of madness (losing to Maffra).
Returning for his thirdseason as playingcoach, eternal optimist Boyd Bailey said he was confident things were slowly but surely trending in the positive.
“Weare definitely on the right path, we have improved in some key areas last season and have fine-tuned some things in the preseason,” he said.
“A lotof close games in 2024 was apositive and anegative. No one blew us out the water but we also couldn’tput away or buryany sides either.Wehave focused on continuing to develop our offensive side of our game
and hoping if we get ourselves into awinning position in agame toclose out the game earlier.”
Morwell has topped up its list with some returning senior players, automatically injecting some experience.
Bullocking midfielder Anthony Rosato is back, as is ruckman Isaac Abas, while the Tigers will hope to get former VFL player and local Nathan Noblett on the park as quickly as possible following an unfortunate trip to Bali that saw him break his wrist.
Key position player Maclan McInnes has also joined fromTrafalgar, looking to test himself at the next level.
“Wehave included anumber of new players that Ifeel will help our team to take the next step and improve talent across the ground,”
Bailey said.
“The squad now has agreat mix of experience and youth, we have recruited seasoned senior players into the side and backing in our young who have continued to show great improvement totakeour side to the next level.
“Disappointing to lose Browny (Tyler Brown, back to YallournYallournNorth) but we get Sam Walsh and Tommy Cailie back which is unreal.”
Morwell’slistretention has been sound, and the added players should theoretically put them in aposition wheretheycan go from nine wins last season to10or11this season and getinto finals.
Whether ornot the Tigers are ready todo
damage in finals remains tobe seen, butit could also present asimple case of exactly whereMorwell sits onthe
The question you have many Morwell players wo if they drove ashort distance west down the Princes Highway?
While it is admirable playing recruiting locals, it generally you so far in the majorlea Morwellthemselves will Their last premiership (2014) had Tarkyn Lockyer in it.
The Tigers haven’twon afinal since then,and patience could be wearing thinin some quarters.
Spareathought for anyone who supports Essendon andMorwell.
Coach: Boyd Bailey
In: Anthony Rosato (Thorpdale), Nathan Noblett (Noble Park), Isaac Abas (Morwell East), TomCaile (West Footscray), Maclan McInnes (Trafalgar)
Out: Tyler Brown (Yallour YallournNorth)
2024 result: sixth (9 wins, losses)
BY LIAM DURKIN
THEY still don’tappoint outsiders (technically).
Moe enters season 2025 with anew coach, but in keeping with what has traditionally been the way at the Lions of ensuring the senior coach has strong ties to the local area.
While new coach Leigh Poholke carriers asurname not overly familiar around Moe, and will be travelling from Mornington with whiteboardintow,heisindeedaMoe boy from way back.
“My old boy lives down in Tanjil South, Iwas born in theMoe Hospital, grew up on TwoMile Road, went to St Kieran’sPrimarySchool,” Poholke said.
“(Dad) had afriend that was connected to the Moe footy club and he said ‘would you entertain achat with Moe?’ Isaid‘of course’.
“Having gone to school down there, grown up down there, it made sense. First meeting came to after that with Clint (football director Clinton Taylor) and the president (Matt Howlett).”
Poholke moved to the Peninsula as he entered his teenage years, putting together a sizable career with Sorrento into adulthood. He coached his adopted home club in the high-stakes, high-money,and highly cutthroat Mornington-Peninsula league.
Highly cutthroat was certainly the case for Poholke last season, as he was given his marching orders two weeks out from the end of the season when Sorrento was only two points outside the top five.
It is understood philosophies clashed, with Sorrento powerbrokers wanting more immediate results while Poholke opted to play the kids.
As they say,there’s only two types of coaches.
Sorrento’sloss could be Moe’sgain, and Poholke got to work once his cards were marked at his former club.
The new coach saw the Lions play a few games towardthe endoflast season, including their three finals, as well as games featuring Traralgon, Leongatha and Wonthaggi -all expected to again be finalists in 2025.
Poholke said he observed afew things from this sample size.
“It’sabit more open and free flowing, not as many stoppages, probably averaging 60-70 stoppages agame whereI’m used to 170-200 stoppages agame, so that wasabig thing that we noted watching those last five games at Moe,” he said.
He expects Traralgon to again be among the top sides, especially given the young Maroons have had another preseason under their belt.
“You’d think natural improvement comes with confidence and the ability now to win those big games that they had last year,soyou think they’ll improve out of sight,” he said of the reigningpremier
“My challenge is to get up to speed with the rest of the teams, coaches and how they play.”
Poholke takes over from Declan Keilty,who
saw the Lions toconsecutive preliminaryfinals in his three years.
Despite winning plenty of home-and-away games, Moehas stumbled in its last two finals series, both times losing preliminaryfinals against the eventual premier Keilty will stay on in aplaying capacity,and could be set for an even bigger year at centre half back now that the coaching shackles have been released.
He will have fellow defenders and new co-captains Brock Smith and Scott VanDyk for close company, while Poholke’syounger brother Myles is already being touted as one of the competition’sbest players.
The co-captains take over from veteran Jacob Wood, who selflessly relinquished the role after closeto100 games leading the troops.
Wood is the last of his mid-30s age group still playing for Moe, and like many longsuffering supporters, would dearly love a premiership beforeit’stoo late.
Addressing the elephant in the room, the Lions supposed disregardfor the salary cap has done the rounds in recent years (and rival clubs have reportedly called for investigations), although it should be noted Moe actually used less player points in last year’spreliminaryfinal than Traralgon (30 to 34).
The space has allowed the Lions torecruit, which Poholke said “thereisnosecrets there.”
Former Collingwood player Ben Crocker,
and Frankston VFL captain TomMurphy are among the big signings.
Reigning league best-and-fairest winner
Riley Baldi will play for Casey in the VFL, but come back when his schedule allows.
Presumably,Moe will do all they can to ensurethese players, as well as their host of Gippsland Power players, arequalified for finals.
Availability will certainly help, but Poholke believed therewas something even more important.
“I thinkjust their internal belief, being so close for so long, it can get alittle bit frustrating for the playing group,” he said.
“All the boring cliché stuff; stick to our structure, stick to oursystem on offence and defence and backthat the whole way through and not deviate in the big moments when the pressurecomes.
“The plan is to be playing in aprelim this year,so we needtomake surethe gameplan stands up.”
In: Ben Crocker (Rosebud), TomMurphy (Somerville), Alex Dijkstra (Bunyip), Aaron Paxton, Leigh Poholke, Myles Poholke (all Sorrento), KurtHolt (Churchill), Matt Roberts (Neerim Neerim South), Luke Cheffers (Yinnar)
Out: Tyler Pratt (NNS), Lachlan McGrath (Trafalgar), Lucas Forato (retired), Jesse Chilla (Mirboo North), Luke Mulqueen (injured) 2024 result: third(13 wins, 8losses)
Coach: Kane Ashwood
In: Cameron McPhan (Buln Buln), Jack White (Barellan United), Oscar Pike, Caleb Crofts (Paynesville), Lucas Lakay (Lindenow), Cooper Vickery(Sydney Swans).
Out: Logan Austin (West Adelaide), Link McKenna, Matt Corbett (Lucknow), Kieran Vickery(Orbost Snowy Rovers).
2024 result: seventh
Coach: Leigh Horsburgh
In: Zayne Atkins (Newcastle City), Tomas Unferdorben (Melton Centrals), Darcy Britt (Nilma Darnum), Kyle Baker (Warragul), Riley Wierzbicki (Officer).
Out: Eddie Morris (Garfield), Tom Johnstone (Kew), Jacob Sandman, TomEvans (East Brighton), Ryan Taylor, Jordan Kingi, Clayton Kingi (Ellinbank), Tim Hancock (Warragul Industrials), Ryan
Quirk, Mitch Cotter (Montrose), Xavier Kinder (Springvale Districts), Will Papley (Neerim South).
2024 result: ninth
Coach: Trent McMicking
In: Ben Harding (Old Melburnians), Patrick Ireland (Buln Buln), Jacob Warne (Oakleigh Districts), Isaac Fox (Korumburra Bena), Brok Davidson (East Malvern), Mitch De Kleuver (Poowong), Aaron Heppell (returning), Dyson Heppell (VFL aligned PortMelbourne).
Out: Jack Ginnane (Inverloch Kongwak), Aaron Hillberg (Neerim Neerim South), Josh Schelling (Meeniyan Dumbalk United), Jacob Lamers (Fish Creek), Jesse Burns (HillEnd).
2024 result: runner-up
Coach: Anthony Robbins In: Dylan Alexander
(Caloundra), Josh Davis, John Butcher (moreregularly).
Out: Kade Renooy,JordanStubbe (both Boisdale Briagolong), HenryAnderson (Collegians), Ashton Wright (Sale).
2024 result: 10th
Coach: Jack Johnstone
In: Cooper Whitehill (Sale City), HarryRonchi, Lachie Ronchi, Thomas Wrigglesworth (overseas), Connor Waixel (overseas), Ashton Wright (Maffra).
Out: Jonty McGuiness (Collegians),Cody Henness (Balranald), Hudson Holmes (Montmorency), Patrick Tainsh (Cowwarr), Nathan Whitford(overseas).
2024 result: 5th
Coach: Jed Lamb
In: Lachlan Wilson (The Basin), Koby Grass (UTS Sydney),
Zac Stewart, Jordan Stewart, James Harrison, TomHillard(Pakenham), Brayden Hefford(Yarragon), Noah LaFrantz (Old Xaverians), Damon Eastwell (Maroochydore), Brayden Fowler (Warragul Industrials), Will Hayes (Carlton VFL).
Out: Mitchell Smart, Daniel Smart (Bentleigh), Bayley Paul, Darcy Paul (both Hill End), Nick Stevenson (South Barwon).
2024 result: eighth
Coach: Jarryd Blair
In: Jai Williams (Woodside), Beau Ransom (Fish Creek), Chase Krause, Ryda Kay Darts, Keyva Kay Darts (Dalyston), Jarvis Harvey (InverlochKongwak), Jye Douthat, Scott Pugh (Kilcunda Bass).
Out: Brayden Duve (Mosman Park), Lachlan Jones, Nathan Jones, Troy Harley (all Tarwin).
2024 result: fourth
Last season: premier
Coach: Alex Moody
In: Ash Mawer
Out: Emma Sculley (pregnancy)
MOE looks everychance of competing for a historic three-peat this season, afeat yet to be achieved in Gippsland League netball.
The Lions have retained virtuallytheir entire premiership squad, with defender Emma Sculley the only absence due to pregnancy
Coming into the side is goal shooter Ashlea Mawer
If giant Warragul shooter Emma Ryde was recruit of the season last year,Moe might have just topped her as the biggest signing the league has ever seen.
Mawer is asix-time Tasmanian Netball League MVP,and understandably,iscoming to the Gippsland League with much fanfare.
Newly appointed Lions playing-coach Alex Moody wasted no time once she heardMawer was crossing Bass Strait, getting her signature to suit up for the Lions.
With Mawer and Alex’syounger sister Georgia under the post, Moe has two Victorian Netball League players shooting for goal, not to mention fellow VNL players Ramayer Gourley and Olivia Barnett at the other end.
On paper at least, the Lions arelooking very formidable. One Gippsland League official even went as far to say Moe will likely be the strongest netball team in countryVictoria this year
Despite the hype, Moody said the players weren’tgetting ahead of themselves.
“The focus each week will be executing our game plan as ateam and then our role as an individual,” she said.
“Wetry nottobuy in too much to the talk outside our group. Everyteaminthis comp has the ability to beat us if we aren’tswitched on, which we’rewellawareofgoing into each round.”
Last season: runner-up Coach: Kim Weller
In: Jade Finn Out: None
EVEN those who don’tknowmuch about netball know thereisnosubstitute for areally tall shooter
If they can shoot at close enough to 100 per cent -even better
Warragul has this in Emma Ryde, and the Gulls will be banking on her to again shoot the lights out under the ring.
The star recruitof2024verynearly saw Warragul to the flag, falling only acouple of goals shortofMoe.
Season 2025 could look decidedly different however for Warragul, and especially Ryde given Moe’sRamayerGourley is expected to move from attack to defence.
Such amatch-up might be worth the price of admission alone, and go some way to determining just who is closertothe flag
Last season: third Coach: Ruby Pratt
IF thereisastrong netball club, it is Drouin.
So strong in fact, they areseparate from the footy club.
While the Hawks aresurely the only footballnetball club in Victoria yet to amalgamate, on-courtcompetitiveness has hardly waivered as far as the girls wearing maroon and gold areconcerned.
Expectations will again be high, with anything less than afinals berth likely to be considered afailure.
Possibly the biggest challenge for Drouin ‘as aclub’ will be the move of the footballers playing away each week.
This will likely cause disruptions, yet the Hawks could also use it as amotivating tool to stick together
Last season: fourth
Coach: Alyshia Kennedy
THE feel-good storyof last year,Bairnsdale appears ready to go again in 2025.
The Redlegs won their first AGrade final in morethan adecadelast season, completing something of aCinderella storyfor the league’smost isolated club.
Sentimentality won’tcount for much second time around, although the experience seems tohave had agalvanising effect, as Bairnsdale enters the new season unchanged.
Last season: fifth
Coach: Amy Harrison
In: Emma White, Indi di Dios (upfromB Grade)
Out: Amy Harrison, Stacey Jacobsen (pregnancy)
THE challenge is therefor Traralgon.
With arguably the Maroons’ greatest netballer in StaceyJacobsen absent, Traralgon will need anew face to control the midcourt.
The Maroons will have reason tobe somewhat confident, given their BGrade team won the Grand Final last year,and some players could now be ready to step up.
Traralgon also has no shortage of recent success in junior grades, meaning stockpiles should remain plentiful.
Just how big the jump from BGrade to A Grade is for some players remains tobe seen, but coach Amy Harrison will be hoping the players at her disposalare up to the level.
Harrison steps back to purely coaching this
season. Traralgon hasdeliberately appointed three non-playing coaches toeach of its senior sides, beleiving this willserve the overall program best.
Last season: sixth Coach: Ellie Bates
In: Shannon Danckert, Chloe Cengia (Dalyston), Courtney Blair
Out: Alana McRae, Hannah McRae (both moved interstate)
YES, that’sthe Shannon Danckertwho played AFLW.
Wonthaggi will have some majorfootball connections on the courtin2025, with Danckertjoining Courtney Blair,brother of former Collingwood player and current Power coach Jarryd.
While Blair won’tplay much (if any) AGrade, her presence back around netball as aclub 200gamer willcertainly benefit Wonthaggi, as they aim to returnto finals.
Danckert, aSouth Gippslandlocal, played for Richmond and Gold Coast, and is expected tobring awealthofprofessional experience to training and game days.
Last season: seventh Coach: Lyndell Bruce BEWARE any team with a Marriott in it.
Leongatha narrowly missed finals last year and willsee it as their immediate goal to go from nine to 10 or 11wins in order to qualify
The Parrots had the highest percentage of any team outside the top five in 2024, meaning their attacking half could again be capable of putting up some big totals.
Club legend Nicola Marriott is again expected toled fromthe front.
Last season: eighth Coach: ClaireMarks and Rachael Paterson
In: Tanya Budge (back from injury), Jayde Parsons (Heyfield), Holly Stephens (Longwarry), Daisy Hill (returning) Out: Rach Tatterson, Seisha Boyd-Thomas, Bella Bettridge
AFTER ararefinals miss in 2024, the Tigers look setto atone and climb back into the top five.
Morwell has acquired some VNL experience, including Gippsland Stars goal shooter Daisy Hill coming back home, and young gun Jayde Parsons joining from Heyfield. Defender Tanya Budge is also akey in following an unfortunate ACL.
Experience could be what sets Morwell apartfromtheir contemporaries. Veterans Courtney Garth and ClaireMarks arestill going, and will no doubt want at least one moreflagbeforehanging them up.
Marks steps in for her first season as A Grade coach, sharing the role with club favourite Rachael Patterson.
The Tigers have historically had an efficient netball program, so much so Morwell Football-Netball Club President Michael Stobbarthas been on recordassaying they “run themselves”.
Moe will be waryoftheiropponents from just down the Princes Highway,who were described as a“verygoodlocal team” in previous seasons by aformer Lions coach.
“Weare veryfortunate with all the players we have been able to retain and recruit this season,” Marks said.
“It is exciting for us as coaches to have options at both ends of the courtthatwill be difficult for other teams to match upagainst.”
Last season: ninth
Coach: Rachel Ronaldson
SALE will seek further improvement in 2025.
The Magpies wonjust the single game last year,but with apercentage of 65.37, certainly weren’twalkovers either
With ahistoricallystrong junior program, it might not be long beforemoreflags find their way to The Nest.
For now however,coach Rachel Ronaldson will be out to take gradual steps in the right direction.
Ronaldson is in her second year as playing-coach, following time in the VNL with Boorondara and Casey
Last season: 10th
Coach: Staci Scott
THE only way is up for Maffra.
The Eagles failed to greet the judges last season, with adraw their only points in the ‘for’ column.
Maffra should be character-built from the experience however,and returning coach Staci Scott will hope to at least pick up afew small mercies throughout thecampaign Scott will coach the AGrade and 17 and Under team.
“Staci brings awealth ofplaying and coaching experience at league and representative levels across Gippsland, providing exceptional expertise and development opportunities for our netballers,” the Eagles said.
BY BLAKE METCALF-HOLT
AFTER quite atight Mid Gippsland FootballNetball League season last year,wecould be in foraneven greater one in 2025.
An increase number of clubs expected to be competitive will see higher expectations on the precipice of Round 1, just six spots still remain for finals, so it’suptothe teams themselves to forge ahead and answer their own beliefs. Even sides that struggled to win any number of games last season will still enter with a positive mindset and readyfor whatever is to come.
However,inthis writer’scalculations, any one of eight teams could realisticallyplay finals and win finals this year
Who will live up to and exceed those expectations? Who will fizzle out and drop down the ladder? And what is to be seen from the certain number of rebuilding clubs this year? We'll find out.
Fish Creek have undeniably been the team of Mid Gippsland football across the last half decade, and have recouped most, if not all, from their back-to-back premiership teams (and then some).
The additions of Ethan and Jacob Lamers (two of many exiting Leongatha players seeking further opportunities) and the stability of premiership coach Jarrod Walker at the forefront means there’snoreason they won’t be aforce to reckon with yet again.
Athree-peat hasn’tbeenachieved in MGFNL since Newborough’sfamed run from 1988 to 1990 following their return from Latrobe Valley Football League.
Others have come close in the ensuing years, including the Bulldogs, again winning four in five years (1999-2003) and Trafalgar almost multiple times in the 1990s and late-2000s to early 2010s.
Could powerhouse Fish Creek be the next? Only time will tell.
The Kangaroos weremadetowork for their second consecutive flag last year,and the team at the brunt of that result in Yinnar will be as hungryasever to bounce back following a two-point loss in the decider
While it doesn’tappear that the young Magpies have made any drastic shifts in terms of recruits, they’ve never been one to see any deep slippage even after heartbreak like that.
The Magpies responded to an equally painful Grand Final loss to Mirboo North in 2017 by the exact same margin as 2024 to make the big dance again in 2018.
They did succumb once morehowever,to Trafalgar on that occasion -but it still is to be said that Yinnar never give in.
Outside of the two grand finalists, there’sa plethora of other clubs in the mix.
The likes of Morwell East, Newborough, Boolarra, Foster,Tarwin, and MDU areall looking above with glistening eyes and will all
throw their hat in the ring once the thick of the season arrives.
The Hawks will celebrate 20 years since their last senior flag this year,and despite what looked to be apremiership fancy last season, bowed out after an after-the-siren scoreinthe elimination final to Newborough.
Morwell East has bolstered in the recruiting ranks, namely with Traralgon premiership ruckman Max Jacobsen arriving to the nest, and who’ll provide the Hawks with the firepower necessarytogoall theway
The cohortofNewborough, Boolarra, Foster, and Tarwin all welcome new and returning faces in the hopes of raising the cup in September
The Bulldogs, still chasing that illusive flag for the first time since 2016, have lost afew from their mix, but under new coach Patt Frendo will be rejuvenated to get the job done well and truly this year
After asugar hit in 2022 returning tofinals, the Demons of Boolarra may be back in contention with ahint of their 2011premiership returning in the formofMatt Dyer and Tristan Salerno.
Specifically,Dyer has been wearing Seagulls blue and white in the Bellarine Football League since 2015 and featured in two flags during that time -Boolarra supporters will be hoping that he and otherscan returnthe Demons to the same fortune.
Foster (preliminaryfinalists last year), Tarwin, and Meeniyan Dumbalk United will
all
For what it’sworth, this writer’ssees the likes of Newborough and MDU onthe outside looking in,but there’shigh chance that it comes down tothe finalfew gamestoetch the top six into stone.
It’shardtopointtoamorewide open football season in recent times than the one about to commence in Mid Gippsland. While it’s most likely that afew of these teams will show disparity as opposed to others onceweget through agoodportion of the year,you’ll be hard-pressed to open Round 1ofany other year with this much feasible hope across the board.
While the likes of Leongatha have run wild in the Gippsland League over the last eight years and North Gippsland FNL routinely see the side who dominant the regular seasonand finish on top go on to win the flag (minus last year with Woodside placing second on the ladder), it’sdifferent over in Mid Gippy Fish Creek aren’tworlds apartfromthe rest of the competition, and that was shown last season, wherethree teams finished on the same amountof wins by the time finals rolled around, and therewasn’tany clear indicator who would come out on top by the end of September
It allcomes down toformand hitting stride when it matters most.
There's always going tobeclubs in no man's land, at least momentarily,and it appears as though that's the fate destinedfor the likes of
Thorpdale and Stony Creek, who most likely won't be bad enough to fall into the bottom tier of teams but won't be good enough to break into the top echelon of sides either
Even in terms of the rebuilding clubs in Mid Gippsland, thereseems to be alot more promise as opposed to say those in North Gippsland.
The bottom three the likes of Hill End, Mirboo North and Toora have all shown signs of seeking out acompetitive season entering 2025, and their lists show it- all three could cause afew upsets this year andthrow a spanner inthe works in regards to finals positioning for those above.
Despite both Brisbane and Sydney featuring in all of thelast threeAFL GrandFinals, the difference between those two clubs and the rest of the league wasminiscule to say the least.
Wherethe difference between getting a double chance and just scraping into finals comes down tothree to four games, the ball narrowly bouncing your wayoranumpire’s call landing in your favour can mean victoryor defeat, jubilation or depression, memories or tragedies.
Who’stosay that good luck can’tfallthe way of any one of the 13 clubs in Mid Gippsland this year?
Ladder prediction: Fish Creek, Morwell East, Foster,Yinnar,Boolarra, Tarwin, Newborough, MDU, Stony Creek, Thorpdale, Hill End, Mirboo North, Toora.
Coach: Brendan Mason
In: Bailey Flanigan (Churchill); Tristan Salerno(Gormandale); Dillon Leys (Thorpdale), Jake Roe-Duggan (Outer East FNL); Tarmah Little (East Gippsland FNL); Matt Dyer (Barwon FNL); Tim Potter (NorthernTerritoryFL)
Out: Jayden McCormack (Yarragon); Kyle Hearn(Morwell East); Nick Miller (TTU); Reese Adams (retired)
2024 ladder: 10th (4 wins, 12 losses)
ABIG year is in the works for Boolarra.
After an up-and-down half-decade, the Demons could be well and truly back in contention once the peak of football season is upon us.
While they have lost some key players the likes of Jayden McCormack and Kyle Hearn, their recruits far outweigh their losses, with aflicker of the Demons 2011 flag at the back of everyone’smind.
Premiership players Matt Dyer and Tristan Salerno return to Boolarra’slist to accompany amultitude of signings both locally and afar that combine with their younger cohort.
“Weidentified (that) we needed some key position players after 2024 and we feel as though we’ve done that grabbing signatures of aruckman, centrehalf back and some key mids,”returning coach Brendan Mason said.
Being middle of the pack the last two years after returning to finals in 2022, the Demons will surely be out to climb back up the ladder
Boolarra could hang their hat on their defensive prowess this upcoming season, especially offthe back of their first two months of season 2024, routinelykeeping sides to low scores on their home turf.
Once finals does roll around, and if the Demons place well, they could be truly primed for adeep run due to their upgrades and continuity
Coach: Adrian Burns
In: Bayley Paul, Darcy Paul (both Warragul); Jesse Burns (Leongatha); Dane Fawcett (Neerim Neerim South); Rohan Richards (Newborough); Ryan Ladson (West Gippsland FNL); Bowdy Richards (AFLQ)
Out: Rohan Marra (Yarragon), Jamie Somers (retired)
2024 ladder: 13th (1 win, 15 losses)
THERE’S certainly asense that the tide could be shifting at Hill End this season.
Under anew coach and bringing in some familiar faces -a morecompetitive season is in the works for the Rovers.
Served misfortune after they delightfully rose up the ladder half-a-decade ago, Hill End reached the 2019 Mid Gippsland Grand Final and sat as the best side in the league beforethe 2021 seasonwas cut short.
That seems like acompletely different world these days, as departing players and coaches resulted in apair of dwindling seasons which equalled to just one win over two years.
The appointment of Adrian Burns (a former Essendon and St Kilda player in the 1990s) wasthe first step in the right direction -anoutside presence could bode well for ayoung, almost exclusively home grown list.
“I really wanted to get involved, we needed torecruit players and Ifeel like we’ve done that, fitness waskey and Ithink we areontrack for improvement,” Burns said.
To go along with Burns, Hill End returns the likes of midfielder Dane Fawcett for the first time since 2022, and utility Bayley Paul.
As junior players at the time, both Fawcett and Paul featured in the Rovers side when they made waves in 2019, and could be game changers as they make the climb back up the ladder
The Rovers retain many from last season, including previous senior coach and club champion Ambu Uliando.
Coach: Damien Turner
In: Jesse Chila (Moe); Brandon Watson, Ethan Hall (both Thorpdale); Jacob Blair (Morwell East); Jack Robertson (Gormandale); Peter Taylor (returning); Doug Black (Ellinbank and District FNL)
Out: Daniel Taylor (Thorpdale)
2024 ladder: 12th (3 wins, 12 losses)
COULD it be the year the youthful Tigers pounce back up the ladder, or is it still a while away?
Any club, great or small, has to be exposed to some down period, especially after the worlds of success the likes of Mirboo North enjoyed for close to two decades.
Nevertheless, the club has not wavered in their futureendeavours, and has focussed their efforts on developing the next premiership era; whether that’snow or five, 10years down the track.
The Tigers returnsomefamiliar faces both young and old, with premiership players Peter Taylor and Jack Robertson back tomentor the up-and-coming squad.
Former juniors Jesse Chila and Brandon Watson will also featureprominently in the Tigers line-up to accommodate a strong setofplayers sitting in asimilar age bracket.
“Weare happy, (the) boys areup and about,” returning coach and club champion Damien Turner said.
“Weneeded fitness first of all, last year we wereabit behind, but this season we areontrack.
“Weare still ayoung side and we’ve secured midfield depth and some key position players so that we have some down the line strength and support.”
Following the disastrousstormsthat inflicted thetown in early 2024,the team would have enjoyed an uninterrupted preseason this time around, which will keep them fresh for Round 1.
Coach: PaulHenry
In: Max Jacobsen (Traralgon); Kyle Hearn (Boolarra); Dylan Cooper (Cowwarr)
Out: Isaac Abas (Morwell); JacobBlair (Mirboo North)
2024 ladder: Fourth (11 wins, 5losses) HEADING into the last month of the 2024 season, it wouldn’thave been ashock for anyone to predict the Hawks to be holding up the cup on Grand Final day
Alas, Morwell East succumbed in their final three games of the year to move out of equal first on the ladder,and then lost an after-the-siren elimination final to Newborough.
The Hawks quickly rebounded from losing elite ruckman Isaac Abas by replacing him with 2024 Traralgon premiership player Max Jacobsen.
Jacobsen was awarded best-on-ground for his performance during the Maroons surprise defeat of Leongatha, and will immediately enter as oneofthe best players in Mid Gippsland.
“Our list is as goodifnot better than 2024... cricket (has kept) afew boys away,but as we edge closer toour first game ofthe year against Thorpdale, the numbers will quickly come and so will the excitement,” returning coach Paul Henry said.
Morwell East have consistently been around the mark, competingfor finals but haven’teven made the preliminaryfinal since 2016 and the Grand Final since 2010.
The Hawks aremorethan capable of breaking through with the players they have on offer,itjusthas to come together all at once.
This year marks the 20-year anniversary of Morwell East’slast senior premiership.
They’d be hoping some good fortune can come out of seeing past flag heroes back around the club conjuring some inspiration for their current on-field desires.
Coach: Patt Frendo
In: Nil
Out: Liam Charles (Ellinbank); Hayden Prestidge (AFL Mackay); Darnell Grech (relocated); Nathan Wheildon (injury).
2024 ladder: Fifth (11 wins, 5losses) WILL this be amake or break year for the Bulldogs?
With the departureofclub legend Craig Skinner,who elevated Newborough back into premiership contention with two straight grand finals, Patt Frendo now steps up as senior coach.
Frendo, Newborough’s2024 reserves premiership coach, has great rapportwith the senior group, but has been dealt some headaches already -which is anatural and frustrating occurrence as aheadcoach.
The Bulldogs see the departureofkey players over the last few seasons the likes of Hayden Prestidge, Darnell Grech and Liam Charles -additionally,Nathan Wheildon (who was primed for aphenomenal year) will miss the season with aleg injury.
The Bulldogs did see themselves slip down the ladder last season, still winning amiraculous after-the-siren final against Morwell East, so it’safair question to ponder wherethey’ll place in 2025.
“I’m excited to step into the senior role with agroup of really talented players,” Frendo said.
“Wehave abig plan to completely restructureour play style and Ican’twaitto see the progress during the season.
“With the talent we have, there’snoreason we shouldn’tbepushing for finals again.”
While therewill be high expectations internally to begin the season, it could turn into adevelopment year if the Bulldogs face aslowstart.
Dating back to last season, they’ve routinely given junior players opportunities at senior level, and have another strong contingent of under 18 footballers.
Coach: Daniel Taylor (In, Mirboo North)
In: James De Virgilio (YallournYallournNorth)
Out: Anthony Rosato (Morwell); Brandon Watson (Mirboo North); Dillon Leys (Boolarra); Jason Winderlich (injury); Jordan Ceppi (Korumburra Bena); Ray Pickering (Catani, coach)
2024 ladder: Seventh (9 wins, 6losses)
HAS the boat shipped on the Blues?
Daniel Taylor arrives as senior coach for season 2025 with awealthofexperience whereit mattersmost in football.
Taylor garnered multiple premierships during Mirboo North’sfamed period, and most recently was senior coach for Yinnar’s 2022 flag.
He’sahandy replacement in the coaching ranks, with the exit of Ray Pickering to Catani who coached the Blues for the last six seasons.
Pickering was one of many to guide the club out of disarray,asthey also welcomed back favourite son Jason Winderlich (former Essendon player)as co-coach in 2024.
Much has been covered regarding the unfortunate incident involving Winderlich last season, and his health and wellbeing is front of mind fromeveryone.
Unfortunately,the Blueshave lost anumber of key players totheir successover the last two years (a preliminaryfinal in 2023 and wereontheir waytofinals again in 2024).
Anthony Rosato makes the move back to Morwell afterone year,and Jordan Ceppi moves on as well.
James De Virgilio (from YallournYallourn North) can partly fill the void of their losses, but it willbeasking alot -and that seemed to be Taylor’sconcernaswell, their depth.
“Although we’ve lost afew,there is a number to come back. We wouldn’twant to have alot of injuries mind you,” he said.
De Virgilio was best-on-ground in YYN’s 2019 premiership -the club’slast season in Mid Gippsland.
The Blues still have the talent to compete, it’sjust amatter of how far it can take them.
Coach: SamMcCulloch
In: Patrick Kearns (Churchill); Mick Geary (returning)
Out: Luke Cheffers (Moe); Chris Witchell (Woodside)
2024 Ladder: Second(13 wins, 3losses) DON’T dismiss the Magpies.
Yinnar re-equipped themselves witha younger line-up on route to the2024Grand Final, and weremeremoments away from holding upthe cup for the second time in three years.
The Magpies had something of an anomaly after winning the2022flag, missing finals by the skin of their teeth for the first time since 2011.
Senior coach Sam McCulloch will be contuining toincoporate the same philosophies that sawthe spryMagpiesget back tothe bigdance last season.
“Weprobably feltlike we wereavery young side last year,we’ve added some bigger bodies and some depth, so although we arestill young they have some support,” McCulloch said.
Just eight players from the 2022 premiership fielded again in their loss to Fish Creek last September,with anumber of those additions rising naturally through the junior ranks.
Yinnar have always beena strong junior club, with aplethora of kids filtering through all grades, so it was high time it came to fruition for their senior side going forward.
Young gunLuke Cheffers will departfor Moeseeking togain further experience in the Gippsland League and willbemissed. He played 19 seniors games last year as an under 18s player,and wasone of the Magpies best on Grand Final day.
“The older more experiencedfellas in the group are really motivated...Fish Creek first up is agreat way to startand from all reportstheywill be the team to beat again,” McCulloch said.
The redemption arch will begin, but has the competition gotten stronger around them?
Coach: Jarrod Walker
In: Jacob Lamers, Ethan Lamers (both Leongatha); Brodie Shaw (Mornington Peninsula FNL); Luke Williams (EasternFNL).
Out: Pat Perkins (Hampden FNL); Mathew Watkins, Damien Scully (Nil).
2024 Ladder: First (13 wins, 3losses)
Coach: Sam Davies
In: Flynn Materia (Leongatha); Jaxon Lewis (Toora); Shaun Chaseling, Troy VanDyke, Scott Allott (SouthernFNL); Lachlan Rathjen (Eastern FNL)
Out: Brendan Neville, Callan VanDyke, Jonathan Degat, TomBartholomew,Daniel Hawking (all retired); Leevi Lidstone (Wonthaggi)
2024 Ladder: Third(13 wins, 3losses)
Coach: Rhett Kelly (In, Leongatha)
In: Josh Schelling, Nick Nagel (both Leongatha)
Out: Darren Sheen (Heyfield), Nathan Allen (AFL Outer East)
2024 Ladder: Sixth (10 wins, 6losses)
Coach: Troy Shepherdson
In: Ethan Busse (Ellinbank and District FNL).
Out: Nil
2024 Ladder: Ninth (5 wins, 11 losses)
Coach: Lachie Jones
In: Troy Harley,Jordan Staley (both Wonthaggi); Nathan McRae (Churchill); TomFrancis, Flynn Brosnan (VAFA); Jacob Proctor (Sunraysia FNL)
Out: Jason Kennedy, Hugh Suckling
2024 Ladder: Eighth (7 wins, 9losses)
Coach: Jay Accardi
In: Lachie Smart, Sam Smart, Jordan French, Michael Bezzene (Mornington Peninsula FNL); Lachlan Marr (AFL Outer East); Ben Wemyss (West Gippsland FNL); GusGordon(returning) Out: Jaxon Lewis (Foster); Lachlan Osbourne (Mornington Peninsula FNL); Jean Bezzene, Jordan Knox, Adam Parry
2024 Ladder: 11th (3 wins, 12 losses)
Coach: Bronwyn Joyce
In: Not provided
Out: Not provided
2024 ladder: Ninth (4 wins, 10 losses)
THE announcement of whoistohead up Boolarra’snetball department bodeswell forthe futureofthe club.
The appointmentofBronwyn Joyce(2015 A Grade premiership coach at Rosedale) brings with it added professionalismfor aside dying for afinals berth.
Joyce’sability to coachboth seniorplayersand juniortalent will supporttheir future endeavours as theDemons experienced premiershipjoy last year in the 15 &Under and17& Under grades
Theclub will be hopingthat fortunecan morph into the senior ranks this coming season.
Coach: ShaneMynard
In: Amy Peatey (Moe); Steph Paul (West Gippsland FNL), LeeWillis (returning), Ella Coulter(Newborough) Out: Nil
2024ladder: N/A
RETURNING to AGrade competition for the first time since 2023, Hill Endwillbea welcome addition intothe fold.
Shane Mynardwillhead up the Aand B Grade squadwith amix of players being offered opportunity at the top levelthis season.
Mynardhas been involvedinanumber of netballprogramsincluding Morwell East, Morwell,Warragul Industrials,Warragul and Gippsland Stars.
“A lotofnew players havecome along to enjoy theiropportunity in AGrade netball or BGrade netball just to have that positive attitude that we candoitand we can playand we want to be competitive,” he said.
In theirmostrecent season, the Rovers finished second bottom on theladder, but have always been aclubopposition clubs look forwardto competing against
Coach: EmilyTaylor
In: JessieHolland, Dani Blair (both BGrade); Loui Patten (Churchill)
Out: Nil
2024ladder: Sixth(8wins,6losses)
MAINTAININGthe final spotinthe top six in 2024, the Tigers willhit the groundrunning in timefor Round 1.
Withthe addition of Churchill goalkeeperLoui Pattenand ahandful of players steppingupinto the topgrade, excitement is high.
“There’sa lotofpositiveenergy andgood vibes around theteam,and we’reexcited about what’s to come,”returning coachEmilyTaylor said.
The Tigers wereknocked out in acompetitive elimination finaltoMorwell Eastthat ended their campaign last season -they’ll be out for blood withanother year under their belt.
Coach: Megan Marks and PaulineLittle
In: Kayla Muller(Glengarry); ClaireLovassy,Ruby Marks (B Grade)
Out: MaddisonBurney, Danni Dunn, Sukie Hodgson, Keely Bourke, TaylaWatson
2024 ladder: Third (12wins, 2losses, 1draw) IS this theyearofthe Hawks?
Morwell East hasmadefinals and won finals in each of the last three years,but have yetto featureonGrand Final day.
Megan Marks and Pauline Little will lead the motivated group in 2025, whocombine fora staggering 12 premierships (sevenAGrade) between them.
The squadhas lost anumber of substantial, experiencedplayers including 2024 league best-and-fairest Danni Dunn.
Marks and Littlewill stilllook to see results shift their wayin2025, recouping younger players on their quest for success
“Wewillbelooking at adevelopment yearand continual improvement and buildingconnections throughout theseason,”Little said.
“Wehave maintained ourtalented morejunior players that will need to step up to take on more responsibilities.”
Muchliketheir football constituents, aflag’s therefor the taking,it’sjustiftheycan push that extra mile hard enough to claimit.
Coach: Sammy Waters
In: Nil
Out: Nil
2024 ladder: Eighth (6 wins, 9losses)
BITING at the bittoreturntofinals
TheBulldogs marginallymissed the top six in thefinalfew weeksofthe season despite sticking with quite anumber of thetop sideslastyear.
Boasting asimilarly excitingand young list headinginto2025, there’snosaying wheretheir limitsare
Newborough’slastA Grade flag came in 2018
Bulldogssupporterswillbehopingsome magicakin to their surprisepremiershiprun eight years ago canberepeated under returning coachSammy Waters
Coach: Laura Whitney In: Not provided Out: Notprovided 2024 ladder: 12th (0 wins, 15 losses)
THEBluesreturnedtothe courtin2024 willshowsigns of improvement moving forward.
Dealt aharshblow the lasttwo years, Thorpdale wasinitiallygifted ayear’s grace by theleaguetoput together acompetitive netball operation.
The Blues did struggle lastyear, unable to registera winin15matches andwerestruck by thesudden stepping downofsigned AGrade coachDarcy Cooper.
Nowwith long-time clubfigureLauraWhitney in charge, Thorpdale’s top grade will hopeto continuethe sentiments thatwerearticulatedby Blues’netball coordinator Maree Carpinterilast year.
“We’re talkingaboutjunior development. that’s areallybig thingthatMid Gippsland (is) trying to focusonbecause alot of teams arestruggling with juniors,” shetoldthe Express Here’s hopingthere can be asmooth transition from juniorplayers into the seniorranksin an efforttoshiftresults,whetherit’swinsor otherwise
Coach: Patricia Chapman
In: PattyMcInnes, Anna Robertson(Buln Buln); Britney Mitchell (Geelongand District FNL)
Out: Skye McDonald (Churchill) 2024 ladder: First (13wins, 2losses)
AFIRE hasbeenlit in theMagpies.
Bowingout in straight setsin2024after claiming the minorpremiership,Yinnar have bolsteredtheir side readytoredeemthemselves from last year’smistakes.
Whilemany return,the landscapehas changed forthe 2023premier witha newcoach and a collection of new talentarriving.
Patricia Chapman returns to the club following ashortbreak andwiththe exit of premiership coach SkyeMcDonald
Chapman previously coached the Magpies for three years priortothe 2019AGrade flag
“Weare travellingreally well. we have averyfit and tall side this year,” shesaid.
One whoadds to that height is defender BritneyMitchell, aformer VNLplayer wholast year played forNorth Geelong.
Withanoutfit of returningand newplayers, Yinnarare bound to be at thepointy endofthe seasononceagain in 2025.
Coach: Jayde McGlead
In: Nil
Out: MollyEdwards (hiatus)
2024ladder: Second (12 wins, 1loss, 2draws)
THERE looks to be afew clubs witha chip on their shoulder ahead of season 2025.
After aheart-breakingloss to MDUinthe Grand Final last year,FishCreek will be back as strong as ever
The Kangaroos lost justone matchthroughto the last weekofthe season before beingdowned by twogoals in the big dance.
Fish Creek returnpractically theirentireside andare destined to be acontender for theflag onceagain.
Coach: Ebony Best
In: Chloe Chaseling (returning); Maddy Stewart (Riddell District FNL) Out: Nil
2024Ladder: Fifth (9 wins,5 losses,1 draw) UNDER newcoachand club favourite Ebony Best, Foster aretried to go the extra mile Fosterwelcome VNLexperienced players Maddy Stewart andChloe Chaseling on their questfor theirnext flag Stewartisthe gamesrecordholder for MelbourneUniversity’sChampionshipside and Chaseling returns to Tigerland havinglastplayed in the club’s2019AGrade premiership.
Coach: Jas Friend
In: Nil
Out: Sophie Thomas (West GippslandFNL)
2024ladder: Fourth (9 wins, 5losses)
THE Demons rose from fourth on theladder in 2024toupseteveryone on route to winning the premiership; whosaysthey can’tdoitagain?
MDU retain all of theirattacking end, including leading goal scorersAlahna Arnasonand Lillyca White withthe hopes of repeatingtheir efforts last season.
The Demons have lost some depthdefensively withthe exit of Sophie Thomas,but with young players rising through theranks (all threejunior gradesmade finals in 2024)who’stotell what elseistocome?
Coach: Kayla Byrnes
In: LiviniaMandemaker (Ellinbank and District FNL)
Out: Notprovided
2024 ladder: 10th (4 wins, 10 losses, 1draw)
AFTER leading theLions to premiership glory in BGrade last season, Kayla Byrnes stepsupinto the top grade.
Winning just four games for third bottom on the ladder in 2024,StonyCreek wereindesperate need of some rejuvenation to spark up the ensuing season.
The club welcomes juniortalent Livinia MandemakerfromPoowong as atalland accurate presenceingoalshooterwhich bodes well for theirfutureplans.
Coach: Katrina Slidders
In: ImogenLaw,Laura Robins, ZaliaCowell
Out: MillyEllen, Ashlin Guymer
2024 ladder: 11th(1 win, 12 losses,1 draw)
SECURING just onevictory in 2024 fora bottom-two finish, Tarwin willlook to see incremental improvement headingforward
TheSharksidentified aneedfor stronger shooting depth following atoughseason, and the recruits of ImogenLaw,LaurenRobinsand Zalia Cowell hope to fill in the gaps of some exiting players.
Coach: NatGriffin &Carla Jenkins
In: Not provided
Out: Brittany Roffey (hiatus)
2024 ladder: Seventh (7 wins, 8losses)
MISSING the finals by just one game, Tooraare backing in their group to go astep further in 2025
TheMagpieswillbewithout shooter Brittany Roffey,but withothers bringing up their second year at the cluband morejunior playersrising throughthe ranks,there’snoreason why they shouldn’tbemovingina positivedirection
BY TOM HAYES
SEASON 2025 in the North Gippsland Football-Netball League senior football competition might just be aseason like never beforeinrecent times.
Many coaches areanticipating the competitiveness to be top tier,asthe race for the premiership appears as wide open as it has ever been.
The obvious candidates will remain in contention, being last year’sgrand finalists Woodside and Traralgon Tyers United.
Both had insane winning runs last season, as TTU lost its first game then completed the home-and-away season without dropping another,while the Wildcats dominated the opening half of the season beforethe Bombers reclaimed ascendency
Expected to be up towards the top again are Heyfield and YallournYallournNorth.
The young Kangaroos bounced onto the scene when finishing thirdand making a preliminaryfinal in 2023. Now two years older since then, they will be raring to go. The Jets instead made apreliminaryfinal last year, going down to the eventual premier in a nail-biter,one that would’ve stung.
Then on the fringe of finals, moreclubs will be competing with those up above, or for the fifth and final spot.
Sale City made some surprise leaps last season to finish fourth, even beating Woodside during the home-and-away season, asidethat at times looked the most dangerous.
Yarram and Rosedale have been on the outer for the last couple of seasons. The Blues have welcomed atrio of former Gippsland League players, albeit, while losing a young talent. Meanwhile, asweep of 2018 premiership players have returned to Yarram this year,all while keeping the brunt of their squad.
Nonetheless, TTU did finish on top last year, and may feel that last year’spremiership was the one that got away
Usually,finishing on top of the ladder has given said club the best chance of winning the flag, with it happening in everyinstance since 2018 up until last season when Woodside won from second -two wins behind the Bombers.
But this year,TTU may just sportanew look, with asweep of players exiting for Traralgon in the Gippsland League. Despite this, some handy inclusions may just keep them on par with last season.
The same goes for Woodside, who say goodbye to five players, including last year’s NGFNL leading goalkicker,DanielFarmer. A couple return back from injury, but could there be ahangoverseason?
In comparison to those fighting for
finals, everyother club appears to have strengthened its depth and heightened its top-end talent, but perhaps thereisn’tmuch room for growth at Woodside and TTU.
Thereisgenuinely sevenclubs in the hunt of finals this year.That being said,ahandful are expected to struggle this season, and that’s just the way the cookie crumbles sometimes.
Churchill missed finals for just the second time in 30 years last season, and this year appears to be the startofarebuild.
At least nine exits have been confirmed at Gaskin Park, five of which played in the 2019 premiership. The Cougars will be without seven-time best-and-fairest winner Chris ‘Squid’ Williams who has moved toTraralgon, while 2023 best-and-fairest Bailey Flanigan has also left for Boolarra, and last year’sbest and fairest winner,Brendan Holt, is offtoMoe.
What makes matters worse is that almost no one has replaced those outgoing. Imean, how could you possibly replace them in one off-season?
Cowwarr will look to challenge the Cougars, but despite that fact, they were still three wins behind the Cougars last year
If things remain mostly the same, Cowwarr will need tobeatChurchill from their two encounters to have any chance of passing them on the ladder
Glengarryhavekepttheir squad together, all while bringing in some new names. Ewan Williams will slide straight into the Magpies midfield, while the duo from TTU would likely play arole.
All that is left to question is: will Gormandale win agame in 2025?
The Tigers haven’twon agame since the startof2022, and Round 1thisseason will be three years since the senior sides’ last victory.
If the rest of the league is anything to go by, that gap above them should surely close in.
Anumber of Gippsland League players have made their way to the Boneyard, seven to be exact, from Traralgon and Warragul. Some talent from across the league will also
ply their trade with Gormandale, in an attempt to bring them some long-awaited success. Keep an eye out for North Gippsland livestreaming on Sports Stream Live, wherea senior match will be livestreamed each week. During the finals series, AGrade netball will also be livestreamed. Radio commentarywill also be available in2025, via North Gippsland FM, on 107FM.
Featuregames throughout the season will include Good Friday (Round 2, Yarram v Glengarry), ANZACDay(Round 3, TTUv Rosedale), PrideRound (Round 5, Cowwarr vGormandale), Mental Health Round (Round 7, Rosedale vSale City), 25Years of NGFNL (Round 8, Cowwarr vGlengarry), and NAIDOC Round (Round 13, Woodside v Rosedale).
Ladder prediction: TTU, Heyfield, YYN, Woodside, Yarram, Sale City,Rosedale, Churchill, Cowwarr,Glengarry, Gormandale.
Coaches: JoeWhykes andBob Jellis
In: NickTwomey (Cowwarr); HaydenWeir (MorningtonPeninsulaFNL)
Out: Chris Williams(Traralgon); Kurt Holt
Brendan Holt (both Moe);Bailey Flanigan (Boolarra); PatrickKearns(Yinnar);Nathan McRae (Tarwin); Blake Slater(Trafalgar); Ashley Di Ciero, Luke Di Ciero(both SouthernFNL)
2024 ladder: Eighth (6 wins,10losses)
IT’S fair to saythe Cougars havehad a rollercoaster of apreseason.
First anumber of players pursued otherclubs, thenthe hunt for aseniorcoach prolonged. Finally,a month outfromthe 2025 season, some stability wasfound in club stalwartsJoe Whykes andBob Jellis to coach thesenior side
The seniorside only missed finals forthe secondtimein30yearslast season, but the number and quality of outgoingplayers suggests that numberwillbecome threeby theend of 2025.
OnepositiveChurchillcan certainlygain from this is theplethora of youngerplayers thatwill have to step up and gainsome serioussenior football lessons.
Not only will young players gain some opportunities,but anumber of reserves players will also be exposedtothe higherlevel.
Onecan only assumethis blimp will be temporary, as many would guess playerslike Chris Williams, Kurtand Brendan Holt, and BaileyFlanigan -who have spentmost of their seniorcareers at theclub- will returnatsome point. And when players like that return,many othersusuallyfollow What can theCougarslookforwardtothis season?
Some mightsuggest Churchillare still the eighth-strongestside, meaninggames against Cowwarr,Glengarry,and Gormandaleshould still go theirway -that’sfour wins rightthere Results that mightnow be toughinclude fixtures againstRosedale and Yarram, which always have an addedhintofspice anyways. Fixtures against those at thetop mightjustsend them areminderofwhere they wanttoreturn to eventually
Butmost clubs do eventuallygothroughthis phase,even if it is as rare as twiceevery three decades, the feeling wouldalmostbeunknown to the Cougars.
One thingisfor certain, Churchill won’tthrow in thetowel, and with the experience and leadership at thehelminWhykes andJellis, this squadwillbebettercomingout of the season.
Coaches: LukeHegarty andKeenan Hughes
In: PatrickTainsh (Sale);Jai Foulkes (Gormandale); Braden Paulet(soccer/YYN); Caleb Frith(Yinnar); Lachlan Sykes (Murray FL)
Out: Nick Twomey (Churchill); Jarvis Kirk (Gormandale)
2024 ladder: Ninth (3 wins, 13 losses)
TALK aboutthe competitiongettingbetter
Cowwarr hasreally boosted their squad in theoff-season,which will go alongway in helping thosealready thriving at the club.
New arrivals will eachplaytheir ownroles, while showingoff their ownabilities.
“Our midfield hasbeenheavily bolstered afterrecruitingmultiple playersinthe off-season.These pick-upswillhelpour current midfield with more depth running through there,along with more speed and experience,” Cowwarr Senior Co-coach, Keenan Hughessaid
“Afternot havinganassignedruckman last season, Lachlan Skyeswillplay abig role in providingfirstservice to ourmidfielders.
With these additions,the Saints hope to set agame style that utilisesspeed
In an attempttoplaya free-flowing style of football, Hughes said: “theplayers we have pickedupinBradenPaulet, Jai Foulkes, Caleb Frith, and(Patrick) Tainsh will provide alot of run andcarry to playfree-flowing football”.
With improvement to be made, Hughes said thatCowwarr’sgoalis centredaround progressingfromlastseason andcollecting some more wins along the way.
“Wesaw alot of improvementinthe group lastyear, but it was disrupted heavily due to losingsomany of our top tier playersto injuries,” he said.
“Being able to string togethermorethana half of good footballwas what cost us alot last seasonand that willbeaheavyfocus for the seasonahead.”
With Churchilllikely to enter arebuilding phase, asimple target for Cowwarr would be forthemtotarget the Cougars and get closer to thosevyingfor afinals spot
They have two chancestobeatthe Cougars, anddoing that will give them theconfidence to go afterthosefurther ahead, if that’s the way things pan out.
Coach: Alex Birmingham
In: Ewan Williams (cricket); Noah Wasalski, Hudson Whateley (TTU)
Out: Nil
2024 ladder: 10th(2wins, 14 losses)
GROWTH is thetheme for Glengarryin2025.
Lastyear, theclub fielded quite ayoung side,and theadditionofa few playerswill hopefullyallowthemtogrow, as well as add someflair to thegroup
The 10th-placeside onlybeatGormandale twice, which mayhave hadsomecoaches scrambling foranswers, but senior coach
Alex Birmingham is confident theplaying group has whatittakes to improve.
Obviously, things can’t changeovernight, andwhile the Magpies will still consist of young players, there is no ceiling on what this groupcould achieve in yearstocome. One positive forcertain is no majorexits, with the group sticking together.
“It’llbeanother year of justgetting some experience intothem(younger players),and just growingtogether,”Birminghamsaid “They’vetaken somemassive steps forward in terms of their commitmenttothe program and havinga futuretogether,and getting themselvesfit… just good natural growth.”
This year,Glengarrywillagain focus on trying to get the basics right under Birmingham, with the hope that the cohesion thatdevelops in the groupwillleadtosome moreexciting football.
“Justdothe basicsright,get the fundamentals right. We’ve been workingon all different facets of that, and it’s making everyonebetterall-roundfootballersmoving forward,”headded.
According to Birmingham,the feeling around the group hasseen amassive increaseonlastyear,withplayers seeming moreoptimistic on the season ahead. Numbers at training suggest that playerswill be fighting forspots.
“Wejust focusonwhat we can control and get better at that, and the results willcome when theycome,” he said
Will Glengarrybedraggedintoa wooden spoon race,orwillthe Magpies soar up the ladder andchallengeclubsstruggling above them?
Coach: Leigh Brown
In: DarrenSheen (MDU)
Out: Liam Heasley (SouthernFNL); TysonBirss (West Adelaide, SANFL)
2024 ladder: Fifth (10wins,6 losses), semi-finalist
COULDthis be the year that the Kangaroos pounce?
As mentioned in years gone by,Heyfield hasbeenonanupward trajectory,with hopes thatyounger players could get seniorfootball opportunities.
Butnow,senior coach LeighBrown believes the time is right forsaidplayers to take thatnext step.
“Wehope to seeour continual improvement comefromthe younger members of the squad,” he said.
“They have playedenough senior footy now to take thenext steps in theirfootyjourneys, bothas an individual and as ateam.”
The Kangaroos made asemi-finallastseason after finishing fifth, butwereswiftlydispatchedby theeventualpremier, Woodside
Duringthatmoment, they probably felt as if there wasstill alarge chunk of themountain to climb to reach that level, but itmust be rememberedthata lot of thesame squad made apreliminaryfinal the year before
Competingagainst the topteams remainsa focusfor the Kangaroos.
“Wewon’t change up too much from thepast fewseasons.Wehaveput ourselvesinpositions to compete in most of thegameswehaveplayed but justneedtodoitfor longeragainstthe top teams,” Brown said.
Theexits of LiamHeasleyand TysonBirss will surelybefelt,but the introductionof Darren Sheen, who is suretoslot many goals,willsurely bea reprieve.
From lastyeartothisyear, onecould argue thatHeyfield isn’t as strong,depthwise, but as Brown highlighted, those young senior players now have another year of experience under their belts.
Thirdsfootballer MitchellStevens made the Gippsland Power Under 18s squad.Could he too playa role similar to Asher Eastham,interms of makinganamefor himself on thebigger stage, but also helping Heyfield progress in the meantime?
Therewon’t be anycorners to cut, butall that remains is to seeifthisoutfitistruly readyto tussle with the big boysofthe league.
Coach: MichaelDriscoll(In, Ovens andMurray FNL)
In: Lachlan McDonald (Traralgon); Bailey Wright (Maffra); Liam Bleyswyk (Bairnsdale)
Out: LachlanSpeairs (university) 2024 ladder: Seventh(8wins, 8losses) ROSEDALEhavebeenteasingwith the thought of afinals berthsince lastyear, and that door may be open in 2025.
The youngBlues still havea lottolearn,but new seniorcoach MichaelDriscollbelieves that the feeling of excitementisgrowing withinthe group
“Theboys area really,really youngsideand so they’rejust going to be ayearolder,a year stronger,and ayearsmarter,”hesaid.
“But in terms of the sort of feeling around the club, theboys arereally excited. We’ve got nothing but agreat buy-ininpreseason numbers,cracking 50 afew timesacrossthe threegrades.
With theyoung side, Driscolltends to believe thatimplementing anew structureupon them will serve them best goingforward.Itmay justcome down to needingsomething new
“Morestructured, would probably be the way I’d (describe thebrandoffootball).Probably a littlebit morestructured than what waspreviously in placeatRosedale,” he added.
In terms of improvement, Rosedale’syouth are at the forefront
“They’rejust getting older.Theygot another yearofseniorfootyunder their belts, because ouraverage agewouldbe, I’dhatetoknow about 21 (years-old),” Driscoll said
Although most sides, includingRosedaledo aspiretoplayfinals,with hisyoungside, Driscoll wasa realistinthe grand scheme of things.
“It’smyfirst year at theclub. It’s goingtobea brand newstyle for theboys. We’rejust worried about getting our process sortedand sortofjust let thescoreboardtake care of itself and really spend this year trying to implement andwrap their heads around anew wayofplayingfooty,” he said.
Onlytwo wins separated Rosedale from the fifth-placed Heyfieldlastseason. Thedooris expected to be wide open for fifthspot once again.
Willtheybeina positiontotake it,orwilltheir young squad take the learningexperience and bankitfor years to come?
Coach: JackBrown
In: Josh Twite(Traralgon);Sam Curtain(Eastern FNL);JoshSegond, Nick Miller (returning)
Out: Beau White, Jake Cashmore, Mitchell Mustoe, Jacob Williams(all Traralgon)
2024 ladder: First(15 wins, 1loss)
THREEunbelievable seasons,onlytoreturn one premiership.What is stoppingthe Bombers from going all theway?
In 2022, TTUcame from third to make aGrand Final,but wassmashed by sevengoals at the hands of YYN.The followingyear they meant business, goingundefeated to winthe flag.
Last year,afterlosing the first game of the season, theywentundefeated from that point on, overtakingWoodside to finish as the minor premier again. Buta Grand Finalhiccup cost them their second flag in as many years.
Havethe Bombers now missed theirchance,or aretheystill just as good to go andhave another crackthis season? One would expect thelatter.
Although four players leaving for theGippsland League maybesignificantinone respect, TTU has depth, andplenty of talent coming through Their thirds wonthe premiershiplastseason, and theirreserves finishedtwo wins away from theminorpremier and madea preliminaryfinal. Who will step in to fill the gaps in the squad when needed?Willa newtalentbeunearthed?
It’sfairtosay TTUwillbeone of theteamsto beatagain this season,but up the top there might just be morecompetition than ever before withthe way things areprojecting.
It might notbeaseasytofinish on top of the ladder,and with multiple clubs in theracefor the minor premiership, howwillthe Bombers handle that pressure?
Thescript might’ve been different forTTU if they hadwon twoorthree flagsinthree Grand Finalappearances, but onefromthree might sound like adisappointment to some clubs, despite thesuccesssurrounding that fact.
Can TTUovercomethe pressureofbeing the hunted, andmakeittwo premiershipinfour seasons? Thatsounds awhole lot better
Coach: Dean Macdonald
In: TylerBrown (Morwell); Will Jenkinson(Moe); Todd Dixon (AFL Mackay); Daniel Cartwright (AFL Sapphire Coast); LukeCarrodus
Out: James De Virgilio (Thorpdale); Braden Paulet (Cowwarr)
2024 ladder: Third(12 wins,4 losses) IS nowthe perfecttimefor theJetstomakearun for theflag?
In asimilarpositiontoHeyfield, theclubisn’t lackingnumbers and with the right inclusions, theycould certainly spin atwistatthe pointy end of theladder.
TylerBrown will join theside halfway throughthe season, when he returns from his honeymoon,and will likelyplay an important role wheninjected.
But YYN seniorcoach Dean Macdonald hopes to seeimprovement from theyounger players, withthe mature players as role models.
“Wewillsee the most improvement from our junior,throughthe help of our experienced players,” he said.
In terms of howthe Jetswill look on the grass, Macdonald told the Express it willbe“exciting” to say the least
“Wewill seea quick, excitingbrand of footy, focused on adefence first attitude,” he added.
There werecertainly no major issues when it came to YYN’sdefence last year,boasting a percentageofover200. Butperhapsa better fight canbebrought to those with thematthe top of theladder.
Lastyear, the Jetswerejustone winaway from Woodsideinsecond, wholapsed toward the endofthe 2024 season afterspending most of theyearontop. Although that wouldn’thave changedwho they played in finals,itwould’ve changedhow thegame was lookedat, coming in as thefavourite.
Although they beat Woodside in thefirstfinal, theydidn’t win in the preliminaryfinal. Going down by three points to the eventual premier has gottohurt, but Macdonaldjustwantstocontinue to seeimprovement.
“At YYN, we pride ourselvesonimprovingeach year and this yearour goals have changed,”he said.
Withthe exclusions at Woodsideand Traralgon Tyers United, could this be the year that somethingdramatichappens at the topofthe ladder?
Coach: ShaneDuncan (In, Traralgon)
In: Riley Hughes,Tom Said,Campbell Peavey, CooperJefferies, SamBaker (Traralgon);Jesse Siddle,Damien Paul(Warragul); JarvisKirk (Cowwarr); Jaxon Gardiner (Glengarry)
Out: JaiFoulkes (Cowwarr); Tristan Salerno (Boolarra)
2024Ladder: 11th (0 wins, 16 losses)
Coach: JacobSchuback
In: Mason Benson (Sale), Brodie Johnson (Maffra)
Out: Notsupplied
2024Ladder: Fourth (11 wins,5 losses)
Coach: BenJohnson
In: DanielMissen,Trent Askew(Injury); Chris Witchell (Yinnar); Dermott Berkhout(Ellinbank andDistrict FNL)
Out: JaiWilliams (Wonthaggi);Gavin Stevenson (WestGippsland FNL); Liam Hard(Southern FNL);Daniel Farmer (Mornington Peninsula FNL)
2024 Ladder: Second (13 wins,3 losses)
Coach: Brett Mitchell
In: Ben Vardy, Ben Mattern, Jacob Davis, Adam Parry(all returning);Cody Harrison, Nathanael Dungey, Korey Carrison (Ellinbank andDistrict FNL)
Out: Nil
2024 Ladder: Sixth(8wins, 8losses)
AGrade Coach: Rachael Kearns
In: TaylaCheffers (B Grade); Skye McDonald(Yinnar); Cassandra Wass (Trafalgar); CourtneyRisol (Ellinbank District FNL)
Out: Nil
2024ladder: Second (13 wins, 3losses) NEWfaces, new opportunities.
TheCougars made the2023Grand Final,falling to SaleCity,but last yearChurchill missedout on the bigdance altogether, after Heyfieldknocked them out in thepreliminaryfinal
After falling short in thelastcoupleofoccasions, a revampedChurchill side will be all guns blazingto haveanotherstab at the flag.
“Weare very excitedtodebutsomenew players thisseason,soyou canexpectsome new faces in theblue and yellow,” Churchill AGrade Coach, Rachael Kearns said.
“I anticipate our experienced defenders, our quick mid courters,and ouraccurate goalies will produce some quality netball.”
With theshared goal of apremiershipatthe end of the day,Kearns said thegirls will enjoy the seasonalong the way.
“Weare goingtotakeitweek-by-week andmake surewehave alaugh andenjoy ourselves.”
A/B Grade Coaches: Abbey Pleydell andSally Enjees
In: Anna Gaw(Maffra); Marley Goodall(East GippslandFNL)
Out: Eden Bourke (Traralgon);ErinCampbell (golf); Caitlin Campbell (work); Lily Hawkins (relocated) 2024ladder: Ninth(3wins,13losses)
HOWwillCowwarr’sins balance out against the rest of the competition, which appearstobeheading in apositive direction.
CowwarrA/B Grade Co-coach, Abbey Pleydell believesa couple of inclusions will significantly help themmoving forward.
“We’ve gotMarley Goodallcoming into theside… whobrings in alot of speedand quick decision making through themiddle of thecourt.A/B squad has also introduced Anna Gaw…who brings unmatched heightunderthe goalring,” Pleydell said.
She addedthatfitness has alsoplayed amajor partinthe Saints’preseason, withhopes it can be integrated into thestyle of game theyplay
Upon announcingthe A/B squad,co-coaches Pleydell andSally Enjees set goals, while the players alsoset personalones.
“Overall,myself and Sallywantthe girlstohave afun season,stilltry ourbest, butalwaysaim fora smile win or losecomingoff the court at the endof the day,” Pleydell said.
AGrade Coach: Kelly Vardy In: Not supplied
Out: SarahMusgrove,Sarah Hobson(TTU);Belinda Winkler, Kayla Muller (sabbatical) 2024ladder: Seventh (7 wins,8losses,1 draw)
AFTER sitting on the fringe of finals for the past two season, Glengarrywillbehoping to make an impression on the topfive
Despite dropping down to seventh last season, the Magpies remainedjusttwo wins outsideofthe knockout phase.
“We’ve gotsome exciting new combinations to testand develop,” GlengarryA GradeCoach, Kelly Vardysaid
“We’ll alwaysaim for finals.”
Vardybelieves that the Magpies strengthswillrely on the connections madebetweenthe players
“In particularour real strength is going to be the combination of youth and experience,sothose combinations growingshouldbewhatpeople keep an eye on,” shesaid.
AGrade Coach: Jasmine Schellen
In: KaitlynWishart, Chloe Jones (B Grade); Chloe Smith (East Gippsland FNL); Megan Kelly (returning)
Out: Jayde Parsons(Morwell); Millie Lamb (university); Kheali Oldham
2024ladder: Third(11 wins, 3losses,2 draws)
IT seems as though the next progressive step for Heyfield to take is to win the flag.
The 2023season ended in heartbreak in a preliminaryfinal, while 2024 wasanimprovement, althoughitmay havebeenworselosing the Grand Final,and watchingSaleCity go back-to-back
Heyfield’s newAGrade coach, Jasmine Schellen believes hersidewillbecontendersonceagain.
“I guess withthe ins and outsfromlast year to this year, it’sprettysimilar to lastyear, and hopefullyjust building on thatteam,”Schellen said.
“Everyoneisfitting together nicely,soIthink it should be another good, strong season for us.”
Thegoalfor Heyfield, as is shouldbefor everyone,isfor the Kangaroos to pick up aflag and get out of SaleCity’sshadow
With competition growing around them,itisset to be contested at thetop.
AGrade Coaches: Sarah Maymanand LeahLeeson
In: GeorgiaFinch, Holly Morris (Traralgon);Regan Leeson (U17s)
Out: Demi Plunkett (relocated)
2024 ladder: Sixth (8 wins, 8losses)
FINALSwereever-so-close forthe Blues last year. Theywillwanttokeepitthatway,orbetteryet makethem.
Rosedalewas just agame-and-a-halfbehind fifth-placed TTUlast season, andwill look to use their squadofmanytalents to drive into afinals appearance
“Expect ouryoung, dynamic squadtobring fresh energyand versatility,making foranexciting brand of netball,” RosedaleA Grade Co-coach, Leah Leesonsaid.
With players who can fill in in many positions, the Blues mayhavethe energy edge over some teams when the going gets tough.
“We’re focusedonbuilding team cohesion, developing andmaintaining consistency,and pushing for finals contention,”Leesonsaid.
“Development is key, but we’re here to compete and showcase our growtheach game.”
AGrade Coach: RachelShaw
In: Maleah Travers (hiatus); Jordan Sigley (Sale); Sarah Musgrove (EasternFNL)
Out: MaddisonBond
2024ladder: Fifth (9 wins, 6losses, 1draw) TTU werethe big risersoflastseason and would hopetocontinueonthatsametrajectory.
With three newplayers in the squad,some might saythatthe AGrade side has gotten better but so has therest of the competition.
“Withthree new players joining theteamthis season we will be playing afast style of netball,” TTUAGrade Coach, Rachel Shaw said.
“Wehad good intensity last year and will aim to step that up even further in season 2025. Defence all over thecourtand focusing on small wins and one percenters.”
Shaw hopes to introduceand maintaina positive mentality throughout the season, with hopesitwill create astrong culture
“(Wewillbe) playing ourroles and backing each other on andoff thecourt andmakingsurewehave fun,” she said
AGrade Coaches: Samira Heffernanand Ella McDonald (In, Trafalgar)
In: SophieTaylor(United Kingdom);Emily Ludekens (B Grade)
Out: Hannah Sas (Morwell)
2024ladder: Eighth (4 wins,11losses, 1draw)
THE Jetsaim to be morecompetitive this season, after claimingjustfourwinslastseason
Theirinclusions outweighthose outgoing numerically,which canonlymeanthatdepth has beengivensome extra attention at YallournYallourn North
“Weare workinghardtobringa competitivestyle of playtothis season,focusing on being strong in the contest, both on andoff theball,”YYN AGrade Co-coach, SamiraHeffernan said.
In acompetition where it is tight from eighth downwards,after finishingeighth last season, YYN willbelookingtobridge thegap to seventhand beyond,ratherthandwell toward thebottom of the ladder.
“Weall wanttobemoving forward, andeven one morewin thanlastseason contributes to building momentumtowards success,” Heffernansaid
“The ultimate goal is to breakintothe finals.”
AGrade Coach: Greta Douch
In: Maitland McStay,Carly Jennings (B Grade); Jacquelin Price,Maddie Dark, Natasha Watson (Boolarra)
Out: EllaFothergill,Jordy Rogers (Rosedale)
2024Ladder: 10th (2 wins, 13 losses, 1draw)
THE Tigers might just be asidewhich sees a significant improvement on last season, with the A Grade competition expected to be alot closerthan usual
Aswarm of new players is sure to helpwiththat hopefulrise, withex-Boolarra coach, GreataDouch bringinga numberofDemons across to help them.
AGrade Coach: JaeEvans
In: Chai Murrin(returning)
Out: Lilli Stobie (Stratford); Lucy Best (relocated)
2024Ladder: First (16 wins, 0losses)
WHATmorecan Sale City do?
After going back-to-back,the Bulldogscouldn’t havelooked more comfortable defendingtheir crown. They spentthe 2024season undefeated, beforelocking in asecond flagintwo years. And not only that, but Sale City is alsothe force of North Gippsland netball, up and down the grades, winning A, B, C, andDGrade premierships last year, as well as the 15 andUnder flag, only missing out on the 17 and Under flag which they lostto Rosedale.
When ateam goes aseasonwithout losing, many justwaitfor thehangover.Ifthatcomes, who will hunt thehunted? If it doesn’t, athree-peatisonthe menu.
AGrade Coach: Caitlan Johnson (In, returning)
In: Maddie McAlpine,Jess Branik (returning)
Out: Nil
2024Ladder: Fourth (12 wins, 4losses)
THE Wildcatsofold
Thisseason may just show glimpsesof Woodside’s2023 AGrade premiership side, as the ganglooks to be reunited for2025
Butstill, with thismature, knowledgeable squad, AGrade Coach, Caitlan Johnson wants to see the Wildcats become moreconsistent.
Eventhe yearWoodside won theflag in 2023, they finished fourthonthe ladder,winning the hard way. It was thesame storylastyear,minus the success.
THE Demons will notfield an AGrade side in 2025, after the clubannounceditwas unable to fillthe squad
“Wewill usethisasa year forthe club to re-build ourstrength.Thank youtoeveryone who has come together to trytomake it happen,”YarramFNC announcedonFacebookinmid-March.
NGFNLPresident, Martha Truin senta statement to theExpress regarding Yarram’sAGrade side
“A letterfor exceptional circumstanceswas forwarded to theNGFNLBoardofDirectors for consideration,” shesaid
“The NGFNLBoard of Directors have accepted and approvedthisrequest after consideringthe quality/level of playingability of players currently at theYarramFNC,and thegames wonand lostinthe previous 2024season
“A finehas beenhanded downand it is the expectationthatYarramwill fieldanA Grade team in 2026.”
Ladder prediction: Churchill,Heyfield, Sale City TTU, Woodside,Rosedale,Glengarry,Gormandale, YYN, Cowwarr.
BY BLAKE METCALF-HOLT
AFURTHER collectionoflocal footballers will aim to addtheir name to thecontingent of Gippsland Power playersrepresentedinthe AFL and AFLW rinks
Sevenadditional Gippslanderswereaddedto AFLand AFLW listslast year and there’ssureto be more on thehorizonin2025.
Seaspray’sAsh Centra went first overall in the AFLW drafttoCollingwood last December and is predictedtobea standout in herdebut season. Warragul’sJasmineSowden was also drafted to PortAdelaide at pick 52
Leongatha’s TomHanily went to Sydney in last year’smidseason draft andmade hisAFL debut in OpeningRound forthe Swans.
Fellow Leongatha juniorXavier Lindsaywas picked up by Melbourneatpick 11 in the2024 AFLDraft, butthe pickbeforehim shouldgive hope to manyPower playersentering their final season in juniorfootball.
Warragul’sAlixTauru wasn’tonany AFLrecruit or draft expert’sradar even as lateasthe start of the lastCoatesTalentLeague season, butby Novemberwas taken by St Kilda10th overall as akey positionplayer
Perseveranceand areal edge in refiningskills and abilities can be the difference in livingout your dreams or not.
TheAFL RookieDraft also saw the selections of Heyfield’sAsher Eastham to Gold Coast and Morwell’sRicky Mentha selected as aCategory Brookie to Melbourne.
Rhett McLennan and NathanBoyd headup
the Boys and Girls programs respectively at GippslandPower yet again this season.
n GIPPSLAND PowerBoysmade it throughto theQuarter Finalbut succumbed to Dandenong Stingrays in aclose six-point losslastyear
In each of thelasttwo seasons,the Power Boys have reached theQuarter Finalafter making the PreliminaryFinal in 2022 featuringa plethoraof future AFLdraftees in Bailey Humphrey,Jacob Konstanty,ZaneDuursma, Hanily, Lindsay,and Max Knobel
Equipped with afresh squad including a numberoftop-age players,McLennan said it’sa ‘wait and see’ whetherthe boyscan jumpback to that level andwill entirely be on theirprecision andattitude as agroup from the getgo.
“We’dlike to thinkthatwecan gettothatlevel or better thisyear. We had 16 bottom-agers or double bottom-agers playlast year, so in regards to experience at that level, we’reprobablyaswell placedasmostteams,”hesaid.
“It’ll justcomedowntohow well ourguys prepareand playfor each other. If we do that,I thinkacrossthe boardwe’re arelativelytalented group.
“If we canmake it intothoseweeksin Septemberthen hopefully we’llbeplayinggood footy to go as faraswepossibly can.”
Anumberoflocal juniors willbeonthe look out to prove themselves at thislevel, namely aMoe quintela of Jordan Shields,Tom Matthews,Max Woodall, Luke Cheffers, andLiamMasters who’ll allbeinstant contributorsand then some.
Morwell’sGoy Jiath (brotherofChangkuoth
BY BLAKE METCALF-HOLT
LOCALjunior footballersfromthe Central GippslandJunior Football Leagueand Traralgon and DistrictJunior FootballLeague areitching to return to thefooty field in 2025.
The twoleagues in theregion consistofnearly 20 teamsacrossthe twoleagues,withsome unable to fieldteamsinall agegroups.
Both leagues commenceonSunday,April 27, withthe CGJFL boasting fourage groups in Under10s,U12s, U14s andU16s.
Competing in the CGJFL is Hill End, Mirboo North,Moe, Newborough,YallournNorth, Corner Inlet, Tarwin,Yarram, andMeeniyan Dumbalk United (MDU).
The 11 teamscompeting in theTDJFL areCombined Saints,PoliceBoys, Pax Hill, SouthSide, TEDAS, andWestEnd all based in Traralgon,with the addition of Churchill, Glengarry, Rosedale,Yinnar,and Morwell.
Morwell hasmade the switchfromCGJFL and TDJFL this season,followingYinnar which made thesamechange in 2022.
If youare still lookingtoget into junior football,
or haveachild that is interested, check in with yourlocal clubs eitheronlineorvia social media.
Junior participation in sportcontinues to be a rising issue acrossregional areasand especially in regardstojuniorfootball
It’sanawesomeintroductoryspacefor kids to remain active,make friends,gain confidencein themselves anddiscovera newhobby or love.
These experiences at the junior ranks lay the foundations for all that is offeredincommunity sports, andit’simperative parentsand alladults reinforce thatand encourage kids to undertake physicalactivity, and moreimportantly,team sports.
Of course,theselocal sportsclubs would not run andthrivewithout the exceptionalworkofthe manyvolunteersthatallow these loomingfrenetic Sundays to run as best as humanely possible (all out of the goodness of their ownheart).
Ranging from coaches,committee members, umpires, canteen attendants,and many,many more.All these people deserve recognitionand aspecial thanksfor theirworkthroughoutthe season.
‘CJ’ andTew) will line-up forPower this Marlon Neocleousentershis finaljunio after winning asenior premiership with in 2024.
Top-age players Mitch Stevens (Heyf Willem Duursma (Foster)are earlyproje for the upcoming draft andwill likelybeV Countryrepresentatives come theAFL Championshipbeginning midyear
GippslandPower Boys firstmatch of seasoncameagainst MurrayBushrange Highgate Recreation Reserve, last Sund print
n GIPPSLAND Power Girls finished the seasonwith an appearanceinthe Quar losing to Dandenong Stingrays by 69 poin
TheGippsland Girls return asimilar side 2025,subtracting leaguebest-and-faire from themix,but will be just as competiti moreso, goingforward.
Traralgon players Lily Milner and EllaS will line-up forPower alongside Newbor Rae-MarieCollins (originally Yallourn No Speaking to the Express recently,pas Country player Stoddartsaid theteami to consistently improvewith itsresults.
“Theexpectations Ithink arepretty hi year we’reprettyhungrytoget back to thatwas,” shesaid.
Witha similar outfit of players over thelast two years,Stoddartsaid that thegroupschemistry is as high as ever
“The connectioninthe group is really good,all the girls aresonice andwe’reall switched on
and committed to this year which is obviously a reallygood sign heading into2025,”she said.
GippslandPowerGirls open their seasonat home(Morwell Recreation Reserve) with ashot at redemption against Dandenong this Sunday (April 6).
BY BLAKE METCALF-HOLT
FOUNDED in 2022, FemaleFootball Gippsland (FFG) sawthe merger of all Youth Girlscompetitions and the AFLGippsland Women’stocreateone all-encompassing leagueacrossthe Gippslandregion.
Upwards of 20 teams competeinFFG acrosstwo youth girlsdivisions anda women’scompetition, with plenty of growth stilltooccur over thenextcoming years Localteams currently in FFGinclude; Moe, Morwell, Newborough,Traralgon,and Hill End.
Undercoaches AnthonyDavis and Louie Patten, Moe-Newbrough Allies will hope to go onestepfurther after a58-point preliminaryfinal losstoBoisdale-Briagolong in thewomen’scompetition.
Same with Newborough Youth Girls, who made arun to the Division 1GrandFinal last season after completingtight winsover
Traralgon andBairnsdale beforefalling to Warragul Industrials by 12 points Morwell Youth Girls competeinDivision 2 and finished 2024 withseven wins, narrowly missingfinals.
Former Allies coachKylie Mann will be headingupHill End’sventureintothe South West Gippsland Under 16 Girls competition as co-coach alongside Meg Macumber.
Followingthe successoflast year’s FemaleFootball Gippsland Gather Round in Morwell, the latestedition will take place on May 25 forRound 5action at Yinnar RecreationReserve,bringing all youth girls and women’s teams to the one ground for a fullday of football festivities.
Livestreamedmatches have also been announced by FFG,with onegame of either women’soryouthgirlscompetition to be given thespotlight each roundand feature livecommentary,available onSports Stream Live
BY TOM HAYES
IN 2025,the GippslandStars have expanded since theirintroduction intothe VictorianNetball League last season.
Last year,the region’s representative VNL club onlyhad a23and Under squad, backed up by a19and Under squad.Thisseason, thathas doubled, with the introductionofa17and Under side, and aChampionship side, which wasn’t required until 2027atthe latest.
Tens of opportunities have opened up for girlsand women acrossthe regiondue to the inception of Gippsland Stars,and they’renot showing any signsofslowing downinYear 2.
With Gippsland beingthe size of asmall country, girlsand women comefromfar and wideacross sixshires:EastGippsland, WellingtonShire, South Gippsland, Latrobe City Baw Baw Shire,and BassCoast. Someplayers with ties to theregioneven travel from towns outside Gippsland’s borders
THE spotlight will remain mostly on the23and Under side, while theChampionshipside will garnernatural attention
GippslandStars Championship Coach, Stacie Gardiner saidshe was “extremely excitedand proud” forthe Stars to have aside in theVNL’s championship division
“Wehaveworked really hardasa coaching group andcommittee to recruit amix of Gippsland talent andexperienced VNL athletes. We believethis combo will give us the best opportunity to compete at the elite level whilst also showcasingour amazinglocal talent,” Gardiner said.
“The Championshipteam is acommitted, fierce, andfit group of athletes who have been training really hardover the preseason. We hope that we can putthe work we have been doingbehindthe scenes outontothe court and showcaseexactly whatthe GippslandStars are made of.”
Latrobe Valleyathleteswithin theGippsland Stars Championship side include Sophie Lecchino(Morwell), Daisy Hill(Morwell), and Ramayer Gourley (Moe), with an additional handfuloflisted players livinginthe wider Gippsland region.
Hill wasnamedChampionship captain, with Sally Deller (Bairnsdale) named vice captain ASSISTANT coach of the23and Under side Rachael Paterson,saysthe team hopes to build on the positives of last year
Last year,the 23 and Under side wontwo games, which is somethingthatthe coaching staffwouldlike to improve on
“Ourgroup is working (on) ouron-court connection, withour defensive andattacking structures,” Paterson said
More familiar Latrobe Valley talentcan be found withinthe 23 andUndersquad,includingAnna Solomon (Morwell),Chloe Radford(Morwell), Hollie Bugeja(Moe), andGraceVan Tilburg (Traralgon).
Additional, experienced heads within thegroup also includeLucy McKellar (Drouin),Jayde Parsons(Heyfield), Myah Healy(Warragul), and Paris Dunkley (Bairnsdale), whoall playedinthe side’sinaugural season
Dunkley wasnamed captain,with Radford and
McKellar listed as vice captains for2025.
THE 19 andUnder side had quite thesuccessful seasonlastyear, andwill hope to continue the developmentofplayers which canthentransition into thehighergrades.
In their inauguralseason, the 19 and Under side made and wonthe EasternConference GrandFinal, qualifyingfor the19/UState Final, wheretheyplayed City West Falcons.
Unfortunately,itwas theend of the road,but runners-up was still regarded as an incredible achievement in Year 1.
“Theseason aheadlooks promising,after winning all threegrading gradesslotting us into Division 1,” Gippsland Stars 19 andUnder Coach, SkyeMcDonald said.
“Thegirlshavecreated aspecial bond, considering it’sa brand-new side, and have been abletoworkmultipledifferentcombinations from goals throughtodefence
“Thetalent of our girlshas raised once again thisyear.Wehope it to be another fortuitous seasonwith the 2024 flagunder our belt.”
Fourofthe 19 and Under players willplay apartinthe 23 and Under side in 2025, signalling agoodsign of progress. Playing up will be Parsons (also played 23/Ulast year), Ruby Brosnan (Wonthaggi),Anna Mooney (Bairnsdale), and AnnabelSheppard(Cora Lynn)
THE 17 and Under team is also new,like theChampionship side, and coach Abby Gregorovich is alreadyproud of the squad’s progress.
“The girls have shown fantasticcommitment to eachtrainingsessionthroughoutpreseason and their passionfor thegame is shiningthrough,” she said.
“I truly believe we’reontrackfor asuccessful season, and we can’t wait to seehow they continuetodevelop both individually and as a team.”
Morwell’s Daisy Hill is the GippslandStars Championship captainfor 2025
BY TOM HAYES
THELatrobe Valley Umpires Association(LVUA) is gearing up foranother season, takingonmore responsibilities in 2025.
Despitenumbers beinganissues in the past, theLVUAwillbetaking on FemaleFootball Gippsland this season, alongside fourother umpireassociations acrossGippsland.
“Wethink that (FemaleFootball Gippsland)to be apriority that we need to give some more attention to,sowewilldothateven if that’stothe detriment of someotherweeks,” LVUA Secretary, DanSwallow told the Express Entering 2025with thesamecoaching staffand afew new faces on the committee, onething that definitelywill change is the LVUA home. With works settoget underway at Maryvale Recreation Reserve,the LVUA arefinalisinga new home forthis season.
“We’re nearlythere, butnot quite resolved,” Swallow said at the endofFebruary
Numbers haveimproved in someareas withinthe LVUA, although some have dropped elsewhere
“It looks like we’re havingapositive bounceon
ourboundarynumbers, and ourfield numbers areconcerning… early indications suggest that our field numbershave dropped,”Swallow said.
TheLVUA leave the door open for boundary umpires to transitioninto field umpires when the timeisright. The AFL introduced recommendationsonthe rightage of field umpires,which the LVUA says they’vefollowed without notice.
“Wegot acoupleofyoung umpires that are working that way,”Swallow said.
“It really dependsonthe confidence of thekids andtheir willingnesstohead in that direction, andobviouslythere’s alot of extra responsibility.”
TheLVUA began itsannual recruitment drive towardthe end of February
“Wereally want to pick up older people, 16
(years-old) plus.Often our recruitment drive gets us kids -and we’re alwayswelcomingkids- but we really want to trytoget into that 16 plus,” Swallow said.
“We’dreally love to getsomeex-playerscome back into the gameand hit up umpiring.That’s aspacewhere with those peopleyou can contribute back to thegame andare readymadetopickupfield umpiring.”
What many people mightn’trealiseisthat the LVUA operate likeanormal sportingclub Theyhaveacommitteethatruns activities, and umpiring rolesdocome withflexibility
Paidumpiring positions offers anice incentive for thosethatgiveupafew hoursoftheir weekend everyweek
“It’sagreat family-friendlyatmosphereand it’s areallygreat… for peoplelooking for asport to do with their kids. There’snot verymany of them (sports), we’vegot alot of families thatget involved and runtogether,” Swallow said.
If you areinterested in umpiring with the LVUA, message the Latrobe ValleyUmpires Association Facebook page,phone Dan Swallow on 0413 076 555,orreach outvia email at lvumpires@ gmail.com
Round1-April 5
Bairnsdale vMoe
Morwell vDrouin
Wonthaggi vWarragul
Traralgon vLeongatha (twilight)
Round1-April 6
Sale vMaff ra (Sunday)
Round2-April 12
Maff ra vWonthaggi
Leongatha vSale
Warragul vMorwell
Drouin vBairnsdale (at Morwell Rec)
Moe vTraralgon
EASTER BYE-APRIL 19
Round3-April 25
Traralgon vMorwell (Friday)
Round3-April 26
Wonthaggi vDrouin
Bairnsdale vLeongatha
Moe vMaff ra
Sale vWarragul
Round4-May 3
Warragul vBairnsdale
Drouin vSale (at Trafalgar Rec)
Leongatha vMoe
Morwell vWonthaggi
Maff ra vTraralgon
Round5-May 10
Sale vWonthaggi
Traralgon vWarragul
Bairnsdale vMaffra
MoevDrouin
Morwell vLeongatha
Round6-May 17
Warragul vLeongatha
Moe vSale
Wonthaggi vBairnsdale
Maff ra vMorwell
Drouin vTraralgon (at Trafalgar)
Round7- May24
Traralgon vWonthaggi
Warragul vMaff ra
Round7-May 31
Morwell vMoe
Sale vBairnsdale
Leongatha vDrouin
Round8-June7
Drouin vMaff ra (at Trafalgar)
Moe vWarragul
Sale vMorwell
Bairnsdale vTraralgon
Leongatha vWonthaggi
Round9-June14
Maff ra vLeongatha
Morwell vBairnsdale
Traralgon vSale
Wonthaggi vMoe
Round9-June15
Warragul vDrouin (Sunday)
Round10-June21
Moe vBairnsdale
Drouin vMorwell (at Terry Hunter Oval)
WarragulvWonthaggi
LeongathavTraralgon
Maff ra vSale
Round11-June28
Wonthaggi vMaff ra
Sale vLeongatha
Morwell vWarragul
Bairnsdale vDrouin
Traralgon vMoe
Round12-July 5
Drouin vWonthaggi (at Ted Summerton)
Leongatha vBairnsdale
Maff ra vMoe
Warragul vSale
Round12-July 6
Morwell vTraralgon (Sunday)
LEAGUE BYE-July 12
Round13-July 19
Bairnsdale vWarragul
Sale vDrouin
MoevLeongatha
Wonthaggi vMorwell
Traralgon vMaff ra
Round14-July26
Wonthaggi vSale
Warragul vTraralgon
Maff ra vBairnsdale
Drouin vMoe (atTrafalgar)
LeongathavMorwell
Round15-August 2
Leongatha vWarragul
Sale vMoe
Bairnsdale vWonthaggi
Morwell vMaff ra Traralgon vDrouin
Round16-August 9
Wonthaggi vTraralgon
Bairnsdale vSale
Maff ra vWarragul
Moe vMorwell
Drouin vLeongatha (at Morwell Rec)
Round17-August 16
Maff ra vDrouin
Warragul vMoe
Morwell vSale
Traralgon vBairnsdale
Wonthaggi vLeongatha
Round18-August 23
Leongatha vMaff ra Bairnsdale vMorwell
Sale vTraralgon
Moe vWonthaggi
Drouin vWarragul (at TBA)
Finals (top five)
QualifyingFinal August 30
SecondSemi Final September 6
First Semi Final September 7
PreliminaryFinal September 13
GrandFinal
September 20
Note: Drouin Rec isbeing redeveloped this season.
Round1-April 5
Fish Creek vYinnar
Hill End vMirbooNorth Morwell East vThorpdale
Newborough vMDU
Boolarra vStony Creek
Toorav Tarwin Foster -BYE
Round2-April 12
Boolarra vMirboo North Foster vNewborough MDUv Thorpdale
Morwell East vHill End Tarwin vStony Creek Yinnar vToora Fish Creek -BYE
EASTER BYE-April 19
Round3- April26
Hill End vMDU
Mirboo North vTarwin
StonyCreek vYinnar
Thorpdale vFoster
Toorav Fish Creek
Newborough -BYE
Round3- Sunday,April 27
Boolarra vMorwell East
Round4 -May 3
Fish Creek vStony Creek Foster vHill End MDU vBoolarra
Newborough vThorpdale Tarwin vMorwell East Yinnar vMirbooNorth Toora- BYE
Round5 -May 10
Boolarra vFoster
Hill End vNewborough Mirboo North vFish Creek
Morwell East vYinnar
StonyCreek vToora
Tarwin vMDU
Thorpdale -BYE
Round6-May 17
Fish Creek vMorwell East
Foster vTarwin
Newborough vBoolarra
Thorpdale vHill End
Toorav Mirboo North Yinnar vMDU
StonyCreek -BYE
Round7 -May 24
Boolarra vThorpdale
Mirboo North vStony Creek
Morwell East vToora Tarwin vNewborough Yinnar vFoster
Hill End -BYE
Round8- May31
Fish Creek vFoster
Hill End vBoolarra
Newborough vYinnar
StonyCreek vMorwell East
Thorpdale vTarwin
Toorav MDU
Mirboo North -BYE
King's Birthday- June7
MDU (Rnd 7) vFish Creek
Round9-June14
Fish Creek vNewborough
Foster vToora
MDU vStony Creek
Morwell East vMirboo North
Tarwin vHillEnd
Yinnar vThorpdale
Boolarra -BYE
Round10-June21
Boolarra vTarwin
Hill End vYinnar
Mirboo North vMDU
StonyCreek vFoster
Thorpdale vFish Creek
Toorav Newborough
Morwell East -BYE
Round11- June 28
MDU vMorwell East
Fish Creek vHill End
Foster vMirbooNorth
Newborough vStony Creek
Toorav Thorpdale
Yinnar vBoolarra
Tarwin -BYE
Round12- July 5
Tarwin vYinnar
Boolarra vFish Creek
Hill End vToora Mirboo North vNewborough
MorwellEast vFoster
StonyCreek vThorpdale
MDU -BYE
Round13-July 12
Foster vMDU
Fish Creek vTarwin
Newborough vMorwell East
StonyCreek vHillEnd
Thorpdale vMirboo North
Toorav Boolarra Yinnar -BYE
Round14-July19
StonyCreek vBoolarra
MDU vNewborough
Tarwin vToora
Thorpdale vMorwell East
Yinnar vFish Creek
BYES -Hill End, Foster, Mirboo North
Round15-July26
MDU vYinnar
Mirboo North vHillEnd
Morwell East vBoolarra
Tarwin vThorpdale
Toorav Foster
BYE-Fish Creek,Newborough, StonyCreek
Round16-August 2
Boolarra vToora
Foster vMorwell East
Hill End vTarwin
Newborough vFish Creek
StonyCreek vMirbooNorth
MDU,Thorpdale,Yinnar -BYE
Round17-August 9
Fish Creek vMDU
Hill End vStony Creek
Mirboo North vFoster
Thorpdale vToora
Yinnar vNewborough
BYE- Boolarra,Morwell East, Tarwin
Round18- August 16
Foster vFish Creek
MDU vTarwin
Mirboo North vBoolarra
Morwell East vStony Creek
Newborough vHill End
Thorpdale vYinnar
Toora- BYE
Finals (top six)
Week 1-Eliminators
August 23
August 24
Week 2- Semis
August 30
August 31
PreliminaryFinal
September 6
GrandFinal
September 13
Round1-April 5
Woodside vTTU
Gormandale vSale City
Heyf ield vChurchill
CowwarrvYarram
Glengarry vRosedale
YYN- BYE
Round2-April 12
Rosedale vWoodside
Churchill vCowwarr
Sale CityvHeyfield
YYNvGormandale
TTU-BYE
Round2 -April 18
YarramvGlengarry (Good Friday)
Easter Byefor all other teams April 19
Round3 -April 25
TTUvRosedale(Friday)
Round3 -April26
Heyf ield vYYN
CowwarrvSale City
Glengarry vChurchill
Woodside vYarram
Gormandale -BYE
Round4 -May 3
YarramvTTU
Churchill vWoodside
Sale CityvGlengarry
YYNv Cowwarr
Gormandale vHeyfield
Rosedale -BYE
Round5 -May 10
CowwarrvGormandale
Glengarry vYYN
Woodside vSale City
TTUvChurchill
Rosedale vYarram
Heyf ield -BYE
Round6 -May 17
Churchill vRosedale
Sale CityvTTU
YYNv Woodside
GormandalevGlengarry
CowwarrvHeyfield
Yarram-BYE
Round7 -May 24
GlengarryvHeyfield
Woodside vGormandale
TTUv YYN
Rosedale vSaleCity
YarramvChurchill
Cowwarr-BYE
Round8 -May 31
Sale CityvYarram
YYNvRosedale
Gormandale vTTU
Heyf ield vWoodside
CowwarrvGlengarry
Churchill -BYE
Kings Birthday Bye-June7
Round9 -June14
Woodside vCowwarr
TTUvHeyfield
Rosedale vGormandale
YarramvYYN
Churchill vSale City
Glengarry -BYE
Round10-June21
YYNvChurchill
Gormandale vYarram
Heyf ield vRosedale
CowwarrvTTU
Glengarry vWoodside
Sale City-BYE
Round11-June28
TTUvGlengarry
Rosedale vCowwarr
YarramvHeyfield
Churchill vGormandale
Sale City vYYN
Woodside -BYE
Round12-July5
Sale CityvGormandale
Churchill vHeyfield
YarramvCowwarr
RosedalevGlengarry
TTUvWoodside
YYN- BYE
Round13-July 12
Woodside vRosedale
Glengarry vYarram
CowwarrvChurchill
Heyf ield vSale City
Gormandale vYYN
TTU-BYE
Round14-July19
YYNvHeyfield
Sale CityvCowwarr
YarramvWoodside
Rosedale vTTU
BYES -Gormandale, Churchill, Glengarry
Round15- July 26
TTUvYarram
Woodside vChurchill
Glengarry vSale City
Cowwarrv YYN
Heyf ield vGormandale
Rosedale -BYE
Round16-August 2
Gormandale vCowwarr
YYNvGlengarry
Churchill vTTU
YarramvRosedale
BYES -Heyfield, Sale City, Woodside
Round17- August 9
Rosedale vChurchill
TTUvSale City
Woodside vYYN
Glengarry vGormandale
Heyf ield vCowwarr
Yarram-BYE
Round18-August 16
Heyf ield vGlengarry
Gormandale vWoodside
YYNv TTU
Sale CityvRosedale
Churchill vYarram
Cowwarr-BYE
Finals (top five)
QualifyingFinal August 23
Elimination Final August 24
SecondSemi Final August 30
First Semi Final August 31
PreliminaryFinal September 6
GrandFinal September 13
