Football and Netball 2025

FOOTBALL &NETBALL

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GAME TIME IS HERE

It’s time to pop the champagne, McPherson Media Group’s Football and Netball Magazine turns 21 in 2025. Since its debut as a 48-page edition in 2005, the magazine has grown to become the main information desk for all things footy and netball in the wider Goulburn Valley/Murray catchments.

And in the red-letter, 76-page installation in front of your eyes, the extensive coverage housed in the magazine will outline all the ins, outs and season ambitions of the proud clubs that are dotted around the region.

April 5 has been marked on

Contributors: Liam Nash, Marcus Beeck, Jesse Robertson-Torres, Alexander Dabb, Matthew Kappos, Oliver Shedden, Rohan Aldous, Owen Sinclair, Tyler Maher, Taylah Baker, Gus Underwood.

the calendar as ‘the’ Saturday for sport, with the Goulburn Valley, Murray, Kyabram District and Picola District Football Netball Leagues all kicking off on the same day for the first time in a long while.

In 2024, premiership ducks were broken while the embers of dynasties were stoked, and over the next six months, a whole new narrative will be wrote.

All that’s left to do is sit back, relax and watch with bated breath to see what transpires.

Photographers: Megan Fisher, Rechelle Zammit, Bruce Povey, Aidan Briggs, Aydin Payne, Cath Grey, Steve Huntley, Rodney Braithwaite, Karl Phillipson, Ray Sizer, Holly Daniel, Rohan Aldous, Julie Mercer, Tyler

Maher, Brenden Paddock, Wayne Herring, Jamie Lowe, AAP.. Advertising

facebook.com/SheppNewsSport twitter.com/sheppnewssport

Liam Nash

Shepparton News sports editor

PREMIERS

GVFL: Kyabram

GVNL: Euroa

MFL: Congupna

MNL: Tongala

KDFL: Murch-Toolamba

KDNL: Lancaster

PDFL: Waaia

PDNL: Deniliquin Rovers

Morrison Medal: Luke Smith (Shepparton)

Wellman Medal: Elsie Boyer (Tatura)

GVFL leading goal-kicker: Trent Herbert (Shepparton)

Story of the year prediction: Kyabram will finally dethrone Echuca’s reign with a red-time boundary snap in the grand final. Coby McCarthy will seal it.

PREMIERS

GVFL: Seymour

GVNL: Mooroopna

MFL: Congupna

MNL: Nathalia

KDFL: Tallygaroopna

KDNL: Tallygaroopna

PDFL: Katamatite

PDNL: Deniliquin Rovers

Morrison Medal: Luke Smith (Shepparton)

Wellman Medal: Dayna Williams (Mooroopna)

GVFL leading goal-kicker: Jett Trotter (Euroa)

Story of the year prediction: Tom Clurey collects a Pearce Medal on his way to dragging his Katamatite Tigers to the promised land of PDFL glory.

Oliver Shedden

PREMIERS

GVFL: Echuca

GVNL: Echuca

MFL: Finley

MNL: Moama

KDFL: Lancaster

KDNL: Girgarre

PDFL: Katamatite

PDNL: Deni Rovers

Morrison Medal: Mitch Trewhella (Rochester)

Wellman Medal: Mia Sudomirski (Euroa)

GVFL leading goal-kicker: Tom Holman (Kyabram)

Story of the year prediction: After a few growing pains, a new-look Kyabram outfit surge up the standings and make it all the way to the 2025 senior men’s grand final for a 2023 rematch with Echuca, where they will fall short in a thriller.

GVL FOOTBALL LADDER

Jesse Robertson-Torres

Shepparton News sports reporter

PREMIERS

GVFL: Shepparton

GVNL: Mooroopna

MFL: Congupna

MNL: Rumbalara

KDFL: Avenel

KDNL: Shepparton East

PDFL: Strathmerton

PDNL: Strathmerton

Morrison Medal: Luke Smith (Shepparton)

Wellman Medal: Ellie Fuhrmeister (Seymour)

GVFL leading goal-kicker: Kaedyn Napier (Shepp United)

Story of the year prediction: Echuca’s perfect regular season and quest for four on the trot is halted by a revenge-driven Bears outfit on the biggest stage.

PREMIERS

GVFL: Echuca

GVNL: Euroa

MFL: Finley

MNL: Rumbalara

KDFL: Murch-Toolamba

KDNL: Lancaster

PDFL: Katamatite

PDNL: Katamatite

Morrison Medal: Jack Russell (Kyabram)

Wellman Medal: Elsie Boyer (Tatura)

GVFL leading goal-kicker: Mitch Cricelli (Rochester)

Story of the year prediction: Seymour roar back into premiership contention.

Gus Underwood

PREMIERS

GVFL: Shepparton

GVNL: Euroa

MFL: Congupna

MNL: Rumbalara

KDFL: Murch-Toolamba

KDNL: Girgarre

PDFL: Katamatite

PDNL: Deni Rovers

Morrison Medal: Ash Holland (Shepparton)

Wellman Medal: Kimberley Borger (Shepparton)

GVFL leading goal-kicker: Jarrad Waite (Benalla)

Story of the year prediction: Seymour and Benalla to be the big ladder movers on an upward trend from last year.

Marcus Beeck

Shepparton News sports reporter

PREMIERS

GVFL: Shepparton

GVNL: Mooroopna

MFL: Congupna

MNL: Rumbalara

KDFL: Murch-Toolamba

KDNL: Shepparton East

PDFL: Katandra

PDNL: Katandra

Morrison Medal: Luke Smith (Shepparton)

Wellman Medal: Dayna Williams (Mooroopna)

GVFL leading goal-kicker: Steele Simpson (Shepp Swans)

Story of the year prediction: Shepp Swans deliver a preliminary final upset to secure derby grand final against Shepparton

PREMIERS

GVFL: Rochester

GVNL: Echuca

MFL: Moama

MNL: Moama

KDFL: Murch-Toolamba

KDNL: Lancaster

PDFL: Picola United

PDNL: Katamatite

Morrison Medal: Mitch Trewhella (Rochester)

Wellman Medal: Belinda Lees (Echuca)

GVFL leading goal-kicker: Tom Holman (Kyabram) Story of the year prediction: Rochester deny historic rival Echuca a fourth straight GVFL title in grand final thriller.

Ron Anderson

PREMIERS

GVFL: Shepparton

GVNL: Shepparton

MFL: Finley

MNL: Moama

KDFL: Shepparton East

KDNL: Lancaster

PDFL: Strathmerton

PDNL: Strathmerton

Morrison Medal: Jett Trotter (Euroa)

Wellman Medal: Casey Adamson (Seymour)

GVFL leading goal-kicker: Trent Herbert (Shepparton)

Story of the year prediction: Tom Hawkins lifts premiership cup for his beloved Finley.

Riverine Herald reporter

Kyabram Free Press sports reporter

Shepparton News sports sub-editor

Matthew Kappos

Riverine Herald sports reporter

Alex Dabb Seymour Telegraph sports journalist

Tyler Maher

Shepparton News editor

A BUMPER GVL CAMPAIGN BECKONS FOR 2025 PREMIER 2024

Boots polished, dresses pressed — the eve of the Goulburn Valley League season is just around the bend.

The air is charged with nervous excitement as 12 teams from around the region prepare to wage war on the oval and court, hoping to book an all-important date at Deakin Reserve when grand final day rolls around on September 21.

On the football front, Echuca remains the benchmark — but challengers are arising thick and fast.

Last decade’s powerhouse Kyabram has ushered in name after name through its doors while Mansfield turned heads during the off-season with the announcement of ex-AFL recruits such as Callum Brown and Jake Kelly.

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Netball wise, Euroa will be hellbent on defending its A-grade crown after snapping a 41-year drought in 2024 in emphatic fashion.

MORRISON MEDALLISTS

2024: Ashley Holland (Shepparton)

2023: Jack O’Sullivan (Seymour)

2022: Ben Rigoni (Seymour)

2021: Jack O’Sullivan (Seymour)

2019: Mick Mattingly (Kyabram)

2018: Nik Rokahr (Shepparton) and Sam Martin (Benalla)

2017: Simon Buckley (Echuca)

2016: Simon Buckley (Echuca)

2015: Ash Watson (Rochester)

2014: Will Martiniello (Benalla)

WELLMAN FAMILY MEDALLISTS

2024: Kimberley Borger (Shepparton)

2023: Sarah Sczcykulski (Seymour)

2022: Jessie Barnes (Shepparton United)

2021: Jessie Barnes (Shepparton United)

2019: Jessie Barnes (Shepparton United)

2018: Emma Ryan (Tatura)

2017: Steph Vick (Kyabram)

2016: Steph Vick (Kyabram)

2015: Elle McDonald (Seymour)

2014: Jacinta Todd (Shepparton)

LADDER PREDICTIONS:

FOOTBALL

1: Echuca

2: Kyabram

3: Shepparton

4: Mansfield

5: Rochester

Euroa

Tatura

Seymour

7: Shepparton Swans

8: Shepparton United 9: Kyabram

10: Rochester 11: Benalla

12: Mansfield

PAST PREMIERS:

FOOTBALL

NETBALL

Like always, there’s glory up for grabs; who will stand up and take it?

In pursuit of the starstudded Magpies will likely be runner-up Echuca with a raft of top six candidates in tow.

2024: Echuca

2023: Echuca

2022: Echuca

2019: Kyabram

2018: Shepparton

2024: Euroa 2023: Echuca

2022: Seymour

2019: Seymour

2018: Echuca

Euroa

GOULBURN VALLEY 2024 SEASON STATS

Ash Holland (Shepparton) 2966

Adam Decicco (Shepparton) 2917

Jack McHale (Echuca) 2784

Mitch Trewhella (Rochester) 2616

Keelin Betson (Mooroopna) 2566

Nathan Beattie (Seymour) 2534

Luke Smith (Shepparton) 2436

Jack Murphy (Seymour) 2346

Coby McCarthy (Mooroopna) 2330

Mark Marriott (Benalla) 2304

Liam Tenace (Echuca) 2289

Chris Welsh (Benalla) 2206

Riley Mason (Seymour) 2106

James Martiniello (Benalla) 2097

Joel Brett (Shepparton) 2058

Angus Hanrahan (Mooroopna) 2050

Andrew Bell (Euroa) 2009

Mitch Elliott (Tatura) 2004

Jed Woods (Mooroopna) 1988

Xavier Stevenson (Shepparton) 1982

HARD BALL GETS*

Jack McHale (Echuca) 107

Chris Welsh (Benalla) 77

Keelin Betson (Mooroopna) 68

Lachie Hill (Euroa) 67

Andrew Bell (Euroa) 64

Coby McCarthy (Mooroopna) 63

Tom Maloney (Seymour) 63

Adam Decicco (Shepparton) 62

Josh Dillon (Kyabram) 61

Bailey Wileman (Rochester) 61

Jack McHale

HIT OUTS TO ADVANTAGE*

Ash Holland (Shepparton) 239

Mark Marriott (Benalla) 142

Jacob Simpson (Tatura) 132

Kane Morris (Echuca) 127

Mark Kovacevic (Shepparton Swans) 122

Liam Tenace (Echuca) 100

Lachie Watson (Rochester) 94

Marcus Khoo (Kyabram) 91

Keelin Betson (Mooroopna) 90

Samuel Jackson (Shepparton United) 78

2024 AVERAGES PER GAME

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Ash Holland

SPOILS*

Ryan O’Keefe (Rochester) 105

Dylan Gordon (Rochester) 60

Declan Newbound (Shepparton United) 60

Ben Hicks (Mooroopna) 58

Nate Trotter (Euroa) 54

Bryce Stephenson (Shepparton) 54

Aaron Britten (Shepparton United) 50

Andrew Riordan (Shepparton Swans) 46

Ethan Baxter (Shepparton) 45

Tom Garside (Euroa) 43

PRESSURE ACTS*

Adam Decicco (Shepparton) 117

Mitch Trewhella (Rochester) 109

Bailey Wileman (Rochester) 107

Liam Duguid (Shepparton) 97

Dillon Williams (Rochester) 96

Joel Brett (Shepparton) 84

Jackson Stewart (Echuca) 83

Josh Dillon (Kyabram) 83

Cody George (Mansfield) 79

Nathan Beattie (Seymour) 75

SOLUTIONS FOR TOMORROW

“FIFTEEN50 is named for the 1550 miles of the Murray River. We are privileged to call Echuca-Moama home. It’s where we started, and where we developed our passion for the land, water and community”

Matt Barden Director, Echuca-Moama

Adam Decicco

(Shepparton)

(Rochester)

(Tatura)

(Kyabram)

(Mooroopna)

BENALLA

FAST FACTS >> JOINED LEAGUE: 1896 TO 1946, 1998 TO PRESENT NICKNAME: SAINTS HOME GROUND: BENALLA SHOWGROUNDS COACH: JARRAD WAITE PRESIDENT: GEOFF HILL PREMIERSHIPS: 1940, 2015 MORRISON MEDALLISTS: T. PASQUALI (1999), R. PRIEST (2008 JOINT). L. MORGAN (2013), W. MARTINIELLO (2014), S. MARTYN (2018 JOINT) 2024 FINISH: 10TH (4–1–13) 2024 BEST-AND-FAIREST: MARK MARRIOTT 2024 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: WADE KING (21)

You wouldn’t exactly class Benalla’s 2024 season as a success, but there were some encouraging signs out of the Saints that should buoy Jarrad Waite’s troops.

After winning just three games in 2023, Benalla tasted victory four times last year and split the points with Shepparton United in the season’s only draw to finish 10th, progressing from their wooden spoon in 2023.

There’s still plenty of improvement to come out of Benalla, too, but the growth shown last season has the former Carlton and North Melbourne spearhead filled with optimism.

“I said from the very start that the first half of our season was going to be a lot different to our second half,” Waite said.

“And (as a) positive we were

probably six rounds we were right in the contest up until about three quarter time and even into the last quarter.”

While list depth has been added in the off season to compliment top-shelf talent such as Mark Marriott and Chris Welsh, and playing finals football is always the goal for any team, Waite has a much simpler objective heading into 2025.

“It’s very cliche to say, but I just want to see that constant improvement,“ he said.

“We’re striving for finals as everyone is, but like I said, I just want to see the growth in players individually, then also as a team.

“We just really want to see everyone get better, because every year every team gets better, and we’re in no different

BENALLA NETBALL

The best thing about a new season is that it’s a clean slate.

A horror 2024 for Benalla which saw the Saints go without a win is in the rear-view mirror, with the win-loss record reset for 2025.

Chloe Hill makes a return to Benalla this season, the club she made her A-grade debut for at just 15, in a bid to help the Saints put some wins on the board.

“We can only really improve, so that’s the goal, to get close to a couple of teams and get a few wins out of (in 2025),” Hill said when speaking after her appointment was announced.

While not a part of the

group that took to the court last year, Hill said there was a feeling among the players that success — in the form of victories — wasn’t too far away, and that tweaking a few things could prove fruitful.

“That was the general consensus last year, they got close to a lot of teams, just not close enough, so hopefully we can learn from a few things and get there,” she said.

With nothing to lose, the Saints will look to put their best foot forward from the jump, with their season getting underway with a trip to Princess Park to take on the Swans in round one.

Jarrad Waite

Chloe Hill

Mark Marriott

PLAYER CHANGES

INS: Lachlan Hogan (Moama), Mitchell Bell (Moama), Josh Hoffman (Numurkah)

OUTS: Matt Lias (Echuca United), Callum Parsons (Echuca United), Logan Prout (Carlton VFL), Daniel Willis

ECHUCA

FAST FACTS >> JOINED LEAGUE: 1909–1942, 1974 — PRESENT NICKNAME: MURRAY BOMBERS HOME GROUND: VICTORIA PARK

COACHES: SIMON MADDOX, LEO TENACE AND CAMERON VALENTINE

PRESIDENT: JUSTIN HATFIELD PREMIERSHIPS: 1977, 1979, 2001, 2002, 2022, 2023, 2024 MORRISON MEDALLISTS: S.EISHOLD (1995 JOINT), S. ORR (1997), C.SHOLL (2001), R. ARCHARD (2003 JOINT), C. DURIE (2006), K. HEIGHT (2010), S. BUCKLEY (2016–17) 2024 FINISH: PREMIER (20–1) 2024 BEST AND FAIREST: JACK MCHALE 2024 LEADING GOALKICKER: LIAM TENACE (36)

On the back of an emphatic and history-making grand final victory over Shepparton Bears in 2024, Echuca are now three-peat champions, joining rarefied air as one of the greatest and most successful teams ever to play in the GVL.

Yet, for its run at a recordequalling fourth title in-a-row, Echuca has decided to zag away from an established team and inject its outfit with youthful exuberance.

Veteran coach Simon Maddox and new coaching group members Leo Tenace and Cameron Valentine are willing to give playing opportunities to Echuca’s talented youngsters and inject a slightly new flavour into the well-oiled green machine.

“We are quite young this time around, we have a few boys coming up from last year’s under-18s premiership side,” said Maddox

“There will be opportunities for those guys that may have missed out on selection last year and have been knocking on the door, so that’s great.

“It’s exciting to see such good young talent coming through and we’ve got 8–10 kids

St Joseph’s College Echuca is excited to partner with Echuca Junior Football Club and AFL Victoria to offer local youth access to a brand new, MCG-sized football oval at the College’s Kildare Campus.

Football has a unique ability to bring people together, and by providing this high-class facility we aim to foster community connections and ensure the growth and success of the game in Echuca Moama for generations to come.

A project of this scale is only possible with the support of dedicated partners. Our sincere thanks to Coolabah Turf, whose premium-quality turf has helped bring this ambitious vision to life. Their commitment to helping schools and communities like ours to create vibrant outdoor spaces ensures our future generations have the best environments to learn, grow, and play.

coming up from our under-18’s side that’re hungry and pushing for selection.”

Echuca has always had an ‘us against the world’ approach to how it conducts business and has proved it is a winning method with unprecedented success across all football grades so far this decade.

Maddox spoke about Echuca’s recent pre-season meetings and feeling around not just the senior team, but the club as a whole, emphasising the never-ending pursuit of football perfection.

“The feeling around the team is great, few teams win three in a row and it is very rare for a team to get four so we will try and get back and clean sweep the under-18’s, reserves and seniors again,” he said.

“We’ve got our training camp coming up so we will be able to see how we are faring and have a big chat to the group about what we need to work on.

“We are just looking to hone in on our game plan, our defensive press and making sure our young guys are up to speed with what we do, there are always things to improve and new skills to learn.”

The Echuca Moama region has a proven history of nurturing AFL and AFLW talent, and our school community proudly celebrates the achievements of our AFL players, both past and present. With this exceptional sports oval, we look forward to supporting the emerging stars of tomorrow - because every young player deserves the best facilities to help them reach their full potential.

Working together to provide young people with opportunities and confidence through education and sport.

St. Joseph’s College Echuca

Jack McHale

2024

Disposals:

performers

Jack McHale 30

Contested possessions:

Jack McHale 17.9

Spoils:

Cam Valentine 2.5

Marks:

Angus Byrne 8.4

Tackles:

Logan Prout 6

Rebound 50s:

Curtis Townrow 4.3

ECHUCA NETBALL

Sam Reid

Jack McHale

R11 V KYABRAM

6.7

After a rousing success against Euroa in 2023 which brought Echuca’s A-grade side a muchdesired flag, the roles were reversed in 2024 with the girls in green suffering grand final heartbreak against the Magpies.

So, heading into 2025, what can we expect from the highflying Murray Bombers?

Well, it is business as usual for Belinda Lees and her squad of perennial contenders and despite a bit of personnel reshuffle, all seems to be going smoothly.

“We just kicked off and finalised teams last week, we’ve been back training together and it’s been really good, there is a great feel around the place,” Lees said.

“We will look to improve our depth across the court and try different options, we want to be competitive come finals time and see what we can do.

Echuca will have three A-grade debutants in its squad this year, Rose Byrne, Emma Head and Lily Taylor, who have made the move from juniors into the top flight of the GVL. “We will try and support them and bolster their confidence and see how they’ll develop across the season,” she said.

“All three are very excited and It’s nice to have an injection of youth into our team, we still have our experienced players through the court but It’s nice for them to bring the energy.”

Belinda Lees

Sam Willoughby

Kane Morris

EUROA

FAST FACTS >> JOINED LEAGUE: 1971 NICKNAME: MAGPIES

HOME GROUND: MEMORIAL OVAL COACH: DAVID GLEESON PRESIDENT: SCOTT WATSON PREMIERSHIPS: 1971, 1990 MORRISON MEDALLISTS: ADAM BARKER (1998) 2024 FINISH: SIXTH (9–10) 2024 BEST-AND-FAIREST: JETT TROTTER 2024 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: JETT TROTTER (32)

They say a tiger never changes its stripes, but what about a magpie?

It’s true in the case of Euroa, which will hit the park with a completely remodelled list due to heavy off-season movement that sees droves of experience depart Memorial Oval.

Ball magnets Will and JD Hayes are notable omissions from the engine room, while the exits of ruckmen Andrew Smith and Fletcher Paul, alongside key defender Ryan Pendlebury, would be hard on any team.

But when one door closes, another springs open.

Murray Bushrangers duo Darby Wilson and Cohen Paul are on board, and former Magpie talents Bryce Frost, Nick Asquith and Jarmyn Tremellen have returned to the nest hoping to create a new legacy in the black and white stripes.

Tasked with wrapping everything in a neat bow is David Gleeson, who is certainly no stranger to Euroa.

Gleeson is a former club mentor and takes over Pendlebury’s coaching position having previously steered the Magpies into a grand final in 2005.

He’s kept a watchful, insightful eye on the Pies over the years, understands the gravity of the job ahead, but remains pragmatic yet optimistic in the face of a new campaign.

“Obviously we’re losing a bit of experience with all the players that are gone, but we’ve been pretty positive and are pushing on — the commitment from the boys who’ve hung around has been really good,” he said.

“(Euroa has) gone from a grand final appearance to a preliminary final to a top six finish, so you’d be hoping that we could maintain a presence in finals again this year.

“But we understand that there’s some challenges with the amount of experience we’ve lost from the squad.

“Then again, the opportunity has come for the younger blokes who are coming through the footy club that’ve had a bit of a taste over the last 12 months so we’ll be looking for those younger guys to step up.”

PLAYER CHANGES

INS: Bryce Frost (Eaglehawk), Nick Asquith, Jarmyn Tremellen (Nagambie)

OUTS: Will Hayes (Carlton VFL), JD Hayes, Josh Robertson (Violet Town), Ryan Pendlebury (St Mary’s), Tom Garside, Dan Garside (St Bede’s), Andrew Smith (Chelsea Heights), Mason Stewart (Craigieburn), Jack Hellier (retired), Tristan Davies, Fletcher Paul

Jett Trotter

EUROA NETBALL

For the first time in four decades, Euroa won’t just start the season in style — the Magpies will also have a flag to unfurl.

Ellie Warnock’s team proved to be the best unit all last season, and while they fell at the final hurdle in 2023, nothing could stop a rampant Euroa from grand final glory in 2024.

Now, having tasted the golden apple, it’s no surprise the Pies want another bite.

“After last year’s premiership our mindset is a mix of confidence and determination,” Warnock said.

“We know we’ve got the ability to go all the way again, but we’re also aware that defending a premiership brings added pressure.

“There’s a real hunger to improve and build on what we achieved last year. Our focus is on continuing to grow as a team and staying disciplined.”

Euroa’s off-season has been pristine from both ends. Warnock noted the strategy has circled around recuperation and reloading, but a mass re-signing of players across both reigning A- and B-grade premiership sides is the real kicker.

One to watch is new goaler Sami Kreltszheim, a multiple best-and-fairest winner who crosses from Wangaratta Rovers in the Ovens and Murray League.

“We’ve had some exciting new additions to the squad which brings fresh energy, but we’ve also retained our solid core from last year, so the continuity will definitely work in our favour — netball at the club is in a fantastic position right now,” Warnock said.

“With both A- and B-grades coming off grand final wins, there’s a real sense of pride and optimism.”

Hollie Reid

Marcus Varley

Cohen Paul

Andrew Smith

GOULBURN VALLEY LEAGUE

PLAYER CHANGES

INS: Tom Holman, Jack Russell, Jack Sheldon (Moama), Coby McCarthy (Mooroopna), Angus Scoble Mitch Gugliotti, Billy McLay (Tongala), Zac Cerrone, Sam Vick (Lancaster), Jarryd Pertzel (Kerang)

OUTS: Anthony Depasquale (Werribee), Brad Mangan (Gisborne), Marcus Khoo (Southport), Bailey Tome, Jackson Griffiths

KYABRAM

FAST FACTS >> JOINED LEAGUE: 1894 NICKNAME: BOMBERS GROUND: KYABRAM RECREATION RESERVE COACHES: COREY CARVER AND KAINE HERBERT PRESIDENT: JOHN GUINAN PREMIERSHIPS: 1919, 1921, 1922, 1926, 1927, 1928, 1948, 1950, 1958, 1975, 1996, 2013, 2016, 2017, 2019 MORRISON MEDALLISTS: J. COOPER (1958, 1961), C. STEWART (1963), R. CLAY (1964), P. GITTOS (1987), B. GUGLIOTTI (1993), M. MATTINGLY (2019) 2024 FINISH: FIFTH (10–9) 2024 BEST-ANDFAIREST: LIAM OGDEN 2024 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: ANTHONY DEPASQUALE (73)

Kyabram’s second year non playing coach Corey Carver is going be bitterly disappointed if his Bombers don’t go deeper into the finals than they did last year.

In 2024 the Bombers lost their elimination final to Mooroopna and the early exit from the flag race has Carver hungry for a better showing this September.

Of course that means firstly qualifying to play finals, something Carver is confident his charges can and will do.

This confidence is based on the new players coming into the Kyabram side rather than departing it and the expected improvement from an impressive crop of talented younger players.

Star Queensland recruits from last season Bailey Tome, Marcus Khoo and Jackson Griffiths have left the club along with goalkicking forwards Anthony Depasquale and Brad Mangan.

But the ins are arguably at least equal to the outs.

Skipper and GVL representative ruckman Zac Norris will return after missing all of last season.

GVL 2019 Morrison Medallist Mick Mattingly hopes to get a full season in after only two

brief appearances last season.

Key utility Tom Holman has returned after a stellar 2024 season with Moama in the Murray Football League where he won his club’s best and fairest award.

And he has a 2024 Moama teammate and league equal best and fairest winner in Jack Russell also joining him from the Murray League club.

Another proven player at GVL level and also a former Murray League medallist with Tongala in Coby McCarthy who has also returned to the Bombers hangar where he played his junior football.

Then there is also Mitch Gugliotti and Billy McLay also returning from Tongala and Lancaster’s Zac Cerrone and Sam Vick are having a crack and adding to the team’s growing depth.

Carver is also looking and expecting some of the younger players in Bohden Learmonth, Miller Griffiths, Mitch Dodos, Angus Scoble, returning from Tongala, Nic Jephson, Archie Watt, Tyler Norman and Will Burnett to continue their improvement and keep the pressure on for places in the senior side — a scenario any coach would want.

Tom Holman

Contested

Tackles:

Rebound

Data

One Percenters:

KYABRAM NETBALL

FAST FACTS >> CO-COACHES: RHIANNA HILTON AND PETER HALL

2024 FINISH: 11TH (1–17)

2024 saw Kyabram field one of the youngest A-grade contingents you would have been likely to find anywhere.

A remarkably youthful side found little on-court success, but the Bombers’ project has received multiple booster shots ahead of a campaign looking more towards improving the win-loss ledger.

Kyabram pulled off one of the bigger moves in Goulburn Valley League netball this off-season with the acquisition of seasoned goaler Tamara Skinner from Shepparton United.

The red and black brigade, under co-coaches Rhi Hilton and Peter Hall for another year, wasn’t done adding valuable experience by a long shot.

Also along for the ride in 2025 will be well-versed midcourter Emma Quinn out of a successful

Tatura system, as well as Merrigum defender Breanna Baker — herself already a Wilf Cox native through her current spell with Kyabram’s Goulburn Murray women’s cricket side.

It’s a season in which hope springs very much eternal for the westerners, seeking a return to the premiership glory which became almost routine for them throughout the 2010s.

Whether that immediately parlays itself into a genuine crack at September netball is hard to say given the need to generate newfound chemistry, and it may not be ‘top six or bust’ internally.

That said, Kyabram has unwrapped all the pieces necessary to escape the cellar in 2025 — now it’s time to assemble the end product.

Isla Carver

Zac Norris

Jack Russell

MANSFIELD

FAST FACTS >> JOINED LEAGUE: 1998 NICKNAME: EAGLES

GROUND: MANSFIELD RECREATION RESERVE CO-COACHES: JACK HUTCHINS AND MITCH WAREHAM PRESIDENT: BO CHRISTOPHER

PREMIERSHIPS: 2004, 2009 MORRISON MEDALLISTS: T. HOTTON (2007) 2024 FINISH: SEVENTH (8–10) 2024 BEST-AND-FAIREST: BRETT MAHONEY 2024 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: BILLY HOGAN (45)

It’s a new day in the high country.

Some of Mansfield’s best and brightest prospects have bloomed and earned their passage to a higher plane, with Collingwood’s VFL side boasting a whole lot of Mahoney.

That’s not to say this is any sort of rebuild in the works for the side co-coached by Jack Hutchins and Mitch Wareham, though.

After all, some of Mansfield’s other great exports over time have answered the call to come home and give back to the area where they began — including the off-field expertise of former AFL Crow and Bomber Jake Kelly as an assistant coach.

Having wrapped up 2024 as the ‘best of the rest’, finishing in the first spot out of finals, the locally oriented recruiting strategy should pay off big, according to another town native in Hutchins.

“We’re lucky to have some pretty great people come back to the club who are pretty handy with the footy as well,” Hutchins said.

PLAYER CHANGES

“Hopefully, we’re setting ourselves up for a bit of success.

“Last year was an unfortunate year where we just dropped off; we’re in a space where I believe we can compete with the top teams, and I know that’s the ambition of the playing group.

“We want to show that we’re around that mark.”

Of course, it won’t be an overnight process.

Hutchins, however, emphasises that the process of climbing back into September revolves around all the right kinds of players and staff buying in.

“Success isn’t always defined by wins and losses,” Hutchins said.

“If quality people want to be involved in the club, I think that sets up a successful culture.

“If we’re on the right track, that will come as a by-product, and our recruits are great people.

“We were able to blood some guys last year who have senior exposure now, and there are talented people coming through.

“It’s an exciting time.”

INS: Matt King (Northern Bullants), Callum Brown (Box Hill), Will Foster (Bonnie Doon), Nick Gray (Blackburn), Mitch Lewis (Sunbury) OUTS: Max Mahoney (Collingwood VFL), Harry Mahoney (Collingwood VFL), Patrick Marks (Prahran), Sam Lynch (travel)

• MEDICAL: Hospital Medical Officers, Specialists, Interns + more

• MENTAL HEALTH: Registered Psychiatric Nurses, Social Workers, Occupational Therapists + more

• NURSING & MIDWIFERY: Registered Nurses, Registered Midwives, Enrolled Nurses + more

Billy Hogan

MANSFIELD NETBALL

The ladder tells you much of Mansfield’s story in the 2024 A-grade competition.

Compare it to a winless 2023 and you see a marked improvement, with four victories and authority firmly stamped over the two bottom teams.

It’s a project in the high country, though, and the Eagles walked away with no wins over higher-ranking outfits.

While one or two forced personnel changes are in the offing, including the interstate departure of Darcy CroxfordDemasi, coach Alex Ball takes an optimistic tone as the reset continues.

“We’re rolling with a bit of an A/B squad, but girls like Meg Mahoney are coming back off a

year away, which is exciting,” Ball said.

“Darcy moved to WA and we’ll miss her, but she’ll play whenever she’s back visiting.

“I think we’re definitely aiming to win more games than last year. We had some very close games against sides like Shepp United and Rochester, so we’re pushing to have closer battles or perhaps win games like those.

“There were only a handful that were tough for all four quarters.

“We do have a long-term plan and we’re looking to build on that over the next few years. With players like Nelle Cousins hanging around, I think we’re in good stead to put together a better season.”

Alex Ball

Jack Hutchins

Brett Mahoney

PLAYER CHANGES

INS: Mitch White (Monash Blues), Ben Woods (overseas), Fletcher Everard (Shepparton Swans), Liam Sanders (Shepparton)

OUTS: Coby McCarthy (Kyabram), Dom Gugliotti (Werribee), Jed Woods (Geelong VFL), Keelin Betson (St Joseph’s), Bryce Rutherford (Langwarrin), Daniel Johnston (Sunbury), Angus Hanrahan (Sydney VFL), Jack Brooks (Strathmore)

MOOROOPNA

FAST FACTS >> JOINED LEAGUE: 1894 NICKNAME: CATS HOME

GROUND: MOOROOPNA RECREATION RESERVE COACH: JOHN LAMONT

PRESIDENT: BILL DOWLING PREMIERSHIPS: 1894, 1895, 1896, 1907, 1923, 1924, 1936, 1937, 1938, 1985, 1986 MORRISON MEDALLISTS: L DWYER (1936), B. MCCARTY (1962), R. WILLETT (1965, 1967, 1968), D. BUX (1972, 1973), G. SAUNDERS (1977), B. OUGH (1979), G. COOPER (1983, 1985), M. BLAKE (2012) 2024 FINISH: FOURTH (13–7) 2024 BEST-AND-FAIREST: KEELIN BETSON 2024 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: DANIEL JOHNSTON (60)

There’s no dancing around the fact Mooroopna has lost serious depth over the off-season.

However, it’s far from a reason to put a line through the Cats just yet.

John Lamont’s side saw serious firepower walk out the door following the 2023 season and still managed to roll into finals last year, but the man himself laid out the club’s main focus for 2025.

“The emphasis will mainly be around youth — we’ve lost a lot of players,” Lamont said.

“We’ve got a good crew of youngsters; we’ve got boys trying out VFL lists and Murray Bushrangers programs so we’re trying to build that philosophy of playing the best footy you can and striving to be the best version of yourself.

“We strongly encourage that so we’re really pleased with the boys that are on VFL and Bushranger lists.

“We’ve got other blokes like Kade James and Oscar Emanuelli — youngsters who

played senior footy for us last year — and hopefully we’ll get more game time into them as senior players and they’ll continue to improve.”

Homegrown talents moving on to scale the Victorian footy pyramid puts a gold star by Mooroopna’s name, and there’s still a vein of young guns who’ll call the Cattery home in 2025.

But with top-end players like 2024 best-and-fairest Keelin Betson and leading goalkicker Daniel Johnston exiting the club, the Cats will find out where they sit when taking on a juiced-up Mansfield in round one.

A deep finals run may not be on the cards for Mooroopna in 2025, but in Lamont’s eyes, the long-term blueprint is looking solid for future growth.

“Our thirds group under coach Tim Loughran’s guidance as a first year coach, he’s done a really good job with them and the thirds have embraced the senior club,” he said.

“It’s been a really positive pre-season.”

Coby James

Disposals:

Contested

Tackles:

Rebound

One

MOOROOPNA NETBALL

Could 2025 be the year Mooroopna reaches the summit?

Three consecutive exits at the preliminary final stage make the Cats consistent if anything, but there is no doubt Di Hanslow is champing at the bit to break into the promised land.

Mooroopna’s midcourt has been dealt a blow as 2024 Wellman Medal runner-up Mia Fallon has left to join Drysdale Hawks, while commanding defender Caitlin McLachlan will miss the lion’s share of the season after recently welcoming a new baby.

However, the Cats’ core remains, and it is a seriously impressive spine at that.

Star goaler Ash Lancaster will lead from the front while Asha Gray and Shelby Britten will hold things down in the centre.

Defensively, Mooroopna is

expecting another phenomenal season out of Dayna Williams while ex-Cats in the form of Genna and Charlotte Ogier return from Shepparton.

The club’s electric youth stocks, namely Mackenzie Clark, Amani Issell, Bridie Kelly, Rhani Hendy and Claudia Plattfuss, are likely to feature more prominently in A-grade too.

A club statement outlined the Cats’ viewpoint in the lead-up to the first centre pass.

“The Cats will be a new look outfit in 2025 with up and coming youngsters and a few returning faces,” it read.

“Di Hanslow is expected to be in her element with the youth that is coming through the Cats ranks, it will be fascinating to see how the season unfolds as cats are much more of an unknown quantity going into season 2025.

Heavy Equipment Hauling

Dayna Williams

Mac Calleja

Ben Hicks

ROCHESTER

FAST FACTS >> JOINED LEAGUE: 1913 TO 1914, 1973 TO PRESENT

NICKNAME: TIGERS GROUND: MOON OVAL COACH: ASH WATSON PRESIDENT: JUSTIN CLEARY PREMIERSHIPS: 1914, 1992, 1999, 2008 MORRISON MEDALLISTS: M. KEENAN (1988), P. MORGAN (1994), G. CAMPBELL (2011), A. WATSON (2015) 2024 FINISH: THIRD (14–7) 2024 BEST AND FAIREST: MITCH TREWHELLA 2024 LEADING GOALKICKER: MITCH CRICELLI AND WIL HAMILTON (37)

Last year, the club’s milestone 150th year, was one of incredible growth for Rochester, with the Tigers turning around a 4–14 record in 2023 to post 13–5 and reach the preliminary final.

Ash Watson’s men hold the impressive distinction as the only side to defeat champion Echuca in 2024 and the AFL Victoria Community Club Senior Coach of the year will be looking to take his squad even further this year.

All the prominent faces who inspired the Tigers to new heights will make their return including runner-up Morrison medallist Mitch Trewhella and joint club-leading goalkickers Mitch Cricelli and Wil Hamilton.

It was a winning formula in 2024, and the club has opted for tweaks rather than wholesale changes to take the next step this year.

Adding to the Tigers stocks is the high-profile signing of Greater Western Sydney’s Cooper Hamilton, who will join his brothers Wil and Hugh at Moon Oval between VFL commitments with Carlton. Port Melbourne VFL forward Drew Lloyd has made the jump from Balranald and will add to Rochy’s scoring stocks when available.

The Tigers have also added height in the form of Echuca United’s Nash Ramage. Ramage was part of the Bendigo Pioneers over-age system in 2024.

Rochester surprised many last year with their improved performances, but the league will be ready and waiting for the Tigers this year.

The question will be whether a largely similar 22 can build on the platform of 2024, and keep pace with sides who are looking to grow through big signings.

PLAYER CHANGES

INS: Cooper Hamilton (GWS), Nash Ramage (Echuca United), Drew Lloyd (Balranald), Lincoln Sieben

OUTS: Joe Atley, Nick O’Connor (retired)

Cooper Hamilton

Disposals:

Contested

Spoils:

Marks:

Wil

Tackles: Mitch Trewhella 8

Rebound

Data

Clearances: Mitch Trewhella 7.8

One Percenters: Ryan O’Keefe 6.3

ROCHESTER NETBALL

FAST FACTS >> COACHES: LINDA RASMUSSEN AND RACHEL WHIPP

2024 FINISH: NINTH (6–12)

Rochester’s two decade wait for A-grade finals continued in 2024, as luck just wasn’t on the Tigers side.

A 2–0 start gave way to seven straight losses, effectively ending the sides finals hopes by the season’s halfway point.

Returning co-coaches Rachel Whipp and Linda Rasmussen will be hoping for a smoother campaign this time around after the squad’s depth was put to the test in 2024 through injury.

Star Victorian Netball League player Teal Hocking, and star goaling recruit Tia Webb spent much of the year on the sidelines, denting what was a promising start to the year.

Once the pair returned, the Tigers put together a more promising 4–5 record over the

back half of the year.

The Tigers will have to do without Hocking again this season as she moves on to Kangaroo Flat, but the side have added some talent to sure up the A-grade squad.

Former joint A-grade bestand-fairest at Mount Pleasant, Ava Nihill has linked up with Rochester and should provide support to Webb in the goal ring. Abby Rowe, coming off backto-back B-grade flags with Wentworth, will add versatility to the Tigers’ defensive rotations.

The benefit of being without two prominent players for much of the season is the opportunity for younger players to earn experience in the senior lineup, and Rochy can will hope that time on court pays off this year.

Tia Webb

Mitch Trewhella

Ryan O’Keefe

GOULBURN VALLEY LEAGUE

SEYMOUR

FAST FACTS >> JOINED LEAGUE: 1940; 1976 TO PRESENT NICKNAME: LIONS HOME GROUND: KINGS PARK COACHES: BEN DAVEY, JACK MURPHY PRESIDENT: PETER ELLIOTT PREMIERSHIPS: 1976, 1981, 1982. 1991, 2005, 2006, 2007 MORRISON MEDALLISTS: C.FROELICH (1940), GLIDDELL (1978), J.SOLOMON (1989), S.SCHOTTNER (2004), B.RIGONI (2022), J.O’SULLIVAN (2021, 2023) 2024 FINISH: NINTH (6-12) 2024 BEST-AND-FAIREST: NATHAN BEATTIE 2024 LEADING GOALKICKER: RILEY MASON (72)

Last year could not have been more of a contrast to the year previous for Seymour, who went from a 16–2 finish and being viewed as contenders in 2023, to a 6–12 record and ninth placed finish last season.

There’s been some soul searching from the Kings Park inhabitants over summer, who have seen Jack Murphy elevated to co-coach alongside Ben Davey, and the consensus is last year was just a blip in their road back to GVL glory.

“We spoke a lot about (last season) as coaches and players, and what we got out of it was that we weren’t really that far off,” Davey said.

“We just had a lot of injuries through the year, and we lost six games by under two goals.

“I thought that with a with a with a bit of luck with injuries, but then also getting back to getting some real basics, getting a lot fitter, a lot stronger, and the growth and development

PLAYER CHANGES

of our young kids, we thought we’d be that we’d be pretty close again this year.”

If the Lions recruiting is anything to go by, then hunger is not lacking, with names such as Tom Jeffrey and Sam House welcomed to the Den boasting VFL experience, although the loss of 2022 Morrison Medallist Ben Rigoni will hurt, even if he only played four games for Seymour last season.

If Seymour is able to recapture some of the magic it possessed in 2023, which everyone involved thinks they can, then opposition sides beware.

“We’re big on not dancing around,” Davey said.

“We want to play finals every year. We want to be finalists because that’s what you play footy for, and your goal is a club is to win premierships so if you’re shying away from that, you’re not being true to yourselves, so that’s what we we’re aiming for.”

INS: Sam House (GWS VFL), Tom Jeffrey (Aspley), Cam Osmond, Lachy Giles, Darcy Giles (Lancefield/Assumption College), Jack Radford (Lancefield), Tom Gawthrop (Woodend), Lachy Beattie (Yea), Rielly Old (Nagambie), Jack Peris (Essendon VFL), Will O’Sullivan, Rhys Clarke OUTS: Tayte Lewis (Nagambie), Ben Rigoni (North Albury), Tom Maloney (Doncaster East)

Riley Mason

Disposals:

Nathan

Contested possessions: David

Spoils:

Marks:

Tackles:

Rebound

Data

Clearances:

One

SEYMOUR NETBALL

FAST

Seymour has been a consistent force in the Goulburn Valley League’s A-grade competition over recent years, boasting premierships in 2019 and 2022 alongside regular finals appearances.

While a fifth place finish in 2023 and a sixth place finish last season might suggest the Lions’ premiership window is closing, that’s far from the case.

Wins over contenders such as Mooroopna throughout last year, and tight contests against fellow finalists Tatura and Shepparton show the Lions still have the ability to mix it with the best.

Factor in the addition of new coach Casey Adamson, an out an out gun with Super Netball League experience, playing with Collingwood, as well as a long stint with the Booroondara Express in the VNL, and you’d

expect Seymour to once again be around the mark.

In a club statement over the pre-season, Adamson spoke of the unsatisfying finish to last year, and assured that there was the drive among the group to once again rule the GV.

“We’ve got a great squad once again this season and we’re all eager for round one to come around,” she said.

“Last year was a bit disappointing, going out in an elimination final, and I know the girls are eager to push deeper into finals this year.”

Ellie Fuhrmeister may have stepped down from the head coaching role, but remains a vital cog in the Lions line-up, which remains relatively similar to last season, although Lucy Zotti makes the step up to become a full-time member of the squad.

Casey Adamson

Nathan Beattie

Jack Murphy

GOULBURN VALLEY LEAGUE

SHEPPARTON

FAST FACTS >> JOINED LEAGUE: 1894 NICKNAME: BEARS HOME GROUND: DEAKIN RESERVE CO-COACHES: TED LINDON AND XAVIER STEVENSON PRESIDENT: BRENDAN BICKNELL PREMIERSHIPS: 1899, 1903, 1906, 1908, 1909, 1911, 1912, 1913, 1920, 1925, 1929, 1934, 1952, 1957, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1968, 1969, 1972, 1973, 1978, 1993, 1994, 2000, 2018 MORRISON MEDALLISTS: E. JAMES (1935-37), J. DALGLEISH (1960), D. CODE (1980-81), G. REESE (1982 JOINT), S. ASH (2000, 2003 JOINT), M. BYERS (2005), N. ROKAHR (2018 JOINT) A. HOLLAND (2024) 2024 FINISH: RUNNER UP (19-3) 2024 BEST-AND-FAIREST: ASH HOLLAND 2024 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: TRENT HERBERT (50)

Agrand final loss can be heartbreaking, a grand final thumping can be demoralising.

Shepparton is determined not to let last year’s 96-point grand final defeat to Echuca shape its 2025 season negatively.

Co-coach Ted Lindon said the Bears know 99 per cent of what they did in 2024 was right as they went into the decider with a 19-2 record.

“We certainly haven’t swept our grand final day under the carpet,” Lindon said.

“We have addressed some areas over the summer that we felt we needed to.

“At the same time, we haven’t lost sight on the fact of what got us to grand final day and what got us to winning 19 games throughout the year.”

The Goulburn Valley League is set to be a more even competition at the top end of the ladder in 2025 with the likes of Echuca, Shepparton,

PLAYER CHANGES

Kyabram, Seymour and more hoping to sing the song on the final day of the season.

This year, Lindon said he and his players are using redemption as a motivator to improve.

“Over the past four years our expectations have changed and evolved,” he said.

“This time last year it was to play finals, now it has probably evolved and transformed to do everything we can to get back to grand final day and make amends.”

Lindon said the internal growth from the 17-22-year-old brigade has been a standout over the pre-season, with a couple of young guns leading the way.

“If I was to name a couple, (Tanner Madigan and Daniel Meek) are the ones that stand out that have really impressed with how they have gone about their business this summer,” he said.

INS: Julius Battista, Tim Kelly (Rumbalara), Keelan Phillips (Shepparton Swans), Xavier Lewis (South Barwon), John Starrit (Southport)

OUTS: Joel Brett (overseas), Ethan Baxter (retired), Jensen Dowling (Shepparton United)

Luke Smith

Disposals:

Contested

Rebound

SHEPPARTON NETBALL

A fresh year, new coach and lofty aspirations headline Shepparton’s expectation of the 2025 A-grade season.

Star goaler and new coach Kim Borger will bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to the role having represented Australia under-21s, Super Netball side Melbourne Vixens and played overseas.

Tatura star Molly Kennedy has made the move to the Bears during the off-season, while Paigan Impey and Ella Ogier have departed.

Borger’s experience with supreme netball talent will help the Bears develop rising star Mackenzie O’Dwyer when she isn’t playing in higher competitions.

The new A-grade coach said she is looking forward to watching O’Dwyer’s impact on the court.

“Mackenzie O’Dwyer has had

some amazing success away from our club in terms of being selected for a state team and is now captain for that state team and she has also been selected in the Australian under-17s,” Borger said.

“I think she is definitely one to watch and she was named the rising star of the league last year so I think all eyes are on her.” Last season saw Shepparton qualify for finals and upset Tatura before falling to eventual premier Euroa in a semi-final. Borger said she expects to see continued growth from her side in 2025.

“(The aim is) always to achieve better results,” she said.

“We are aiming to go two (steps) better not just one better.

“It’s always disappointing to lose in a (semi) and we didn’t have the best starts as well so I think working on our starts will be a key factor for us.”

Mackenzie O’Dwyer

Jake Watts

Ted Lindon

SHEPP SWANS

FAST FACTS >> JOINED LEAGUE: 1946 (AS LEMNOS FOOTBALL CLUB)

NICKNAME: SWANS HOME GROUND: PRINCESS PARK COACH: JEDD WRIGHT PRESIDENT: JARROD SUTHERLAND PREMIERSHIPS: 1959, 1960, 1970, 2014 MORRISON MEDALLISTS: B. TYQUIN (1949), R. ORRMAN (1951, 1954, 1959), N. SMITH (1975), M. LAMBOURN (1996) ALL AS LEMNOS; J. SUTHERLAND (2002), B. DURBRIDGE (2009) AS SHEPPARTON SWANS 2024 FINISH: EIGHTH (7–11) 2024 BEST-AND-FAIREST: MARK KOVACEVIC 2024 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: STEELE SIMPSON (42)

Shepparton Swans will continue a full-throttle approach in 2025.

The boys from Princess Park became a GVL enigma last season, playing scintillating footy at breakneck speed, but failing to capitalise as they lost an astonishing amount of tight matches.

Swans’ style and game plan more-than-often placed them in a strong position to win, but remarkably, they lost five games by under a goal.

Coach Jedd Wright said given the demographic of his squad he was keen to continue the Swans’ fast and free-flowing approach this season.

“(The game plan) will be a bit different,” Wright said.

“We know our strength is our speed and putting speed on the ball.

“That is one part of footy we do really well.

“Turn seven or eight of those close losses into four or five wins and you are instantly a far better team.”

PLAYER CHANGES

Wright said he and the players had also put a strong focus on controlling the tempo of the game during pre-season.

In other words, Wright wants less helter-skelter and more cool and calm heads.

“We have addressed (the close losses) pretty strongly over the pre-season,” he said.

“Hopefully, (we have) put a few things in place that can really help us control momentum and be able to control big moments in games.

“I’m sure we are the same as every other club; our goal is to play finals.”

In terms of who is ‘tearing up the track’ or ‘training the house down’, Wright highlighted a couple of players for Swans fans to keep an eye on.

“Adam Fichera coming across from ‘Shepp’ East has looked really strong,” he said.

“Tyreece Collison has got his body into really good shape.

“They are two that will add a lot to our squad this year.”

INS: Jonathan Moore (Nagambie), Adam Fichera (Shepparton East), Josh Crawford (Shepparton United)

OUTS: Will Dwyer, Matt Perry

Steele Simpson

Disposals:

Contested

SHEPP SWANS NETBALL

FAST FACTS >> COACH: JANA RIORDAN AND KATE BETSON 2024 FINISH: SEVENTH (8–1–9)

After three straight seasons without finals, Shepparton Swans have had enough.

Throughout a scorching summer, the girls from Princess Park have been putting in the work off the court to make sure they are a factor come September.

Player-coach Jana Riordan will be joined by Kate Betson as co-coach of the squad for the 2025 season.

Riordan said a heavy emphasis was placed on fitness during the off and pre-season.

“I don’t think we finished some games off very well, I don’t think we were fit enough, so they were some assessments we made and I feel like we are taking some great steps to rectify that,” Riordan said.

“The girls are really engaged and fit.

“We have to put our hands up and say after missing for the last

three years, we really need to make (qualifying for finals) a big priority this year.”

Young gun Harriet Gall has unfortunately suffered an ACL injury so won’t feature in red and white in 2025.

The Australian under-21 representative will continue to assist the club off the court.

Riordan said the Swans have recouped some experienced talent during the off-season.

“We have added Chelsea McDonald, she has played lots of A-grade games for us,” she said.

“She was our best-and-fairest winner in 2023.

“We have added Klarindah Hudson-Proctor who has been our runner-up or best-andfairest in those years prior.”

After the club won the 17-and-under flag last season, Riordan also said A-grade would try to blood a few young guns to help promote development.

Chelsea McDonald

Mark Kovacevic

Andrew Riordan

PLAYER CHANGES

SHEPP UNITED

FAST FACTS >> JOINED LEAGUE: 1950 NICKNAME: DEMONS HOME GROUND: DEAKIN RESERVE CO-COACHES: JESSE CUCINOTTA AND TRENT FREER PRESIDENT: KEVIN HICKS PREMIERSHIPS: 1954, 1955, 1956, 1962, 1967, 1974, 1980, 1987, 1988, 1989, 2010, 2011 MORRISON MEDALLISTS: J.WILLIAMS (1984), P. FOOTT (1992) 2024 FINISH: 11TH (3–1–14) 2024 BEST-AND-FAIREST: JESSE CUCINOTTA 2024 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: KAEDYN NAPIER (40)

It’s safe to say this is a historical year in waiting for Shepparton United.

As the organisation embarks on its 75th anniversary milestone, the footballing contingent seeks to emerge from the wilderness and back to the glory it knew in decades past.

Two new flagships one new engine zero compromise

In a timeframe embracing its rich heritage, the Demons have a significant overhaul taking place within their senior ranks as Jesse Cucinotta and Trent Freer take on co-coaching duties.

While its reserves can hold heads high as the only footballing outfit other than Echuca to lift a cup since the pandemic, success hasn’t come easily at the top.

Buoyed by history, could 2025 be the time to climb?

“We understand there’s a challenge ahead, but the best part is we’re not scared of it,” Freer said.

Jesse Cucinotta

INS: Jensen Dowling (Shepparton), Blake Fothergill (Nagambie), Kade Chalcraft (Geelong VFL), Seamus Whitzell (Shepparton East), Caidan Phillips (Shepparton Swans), Tom Bennett (Shepparton Swans), Jack Luttick (Rushworth), Sam Barbuto (Maroochydore), Jayedon Hexter (Murchison), Sam Lewis (Grovedale), Corey Reardon (Tallygaroopna), Connor Pattison (Shepparton East), Damon Zampaglione (Merrigum), Tom McInneny (Coleambally)

OUTS: Archie Lewis (Dookie United), Aaron Britten (Balwyn), Ed Adams (Grovedale), Patrick Thompson (Cobram), Fred Wilkinson (Old Ivanhoe)

“We’ll demand respect and play a very good brand of football.

“We’re going to make clubs realise we’re not a pushover anymore, and as a proud club, we won’t accept any less.

“Everyone wants to win a premiership, but we’d love to finish in the finals and hopefully win more than we lose.

“We’ll approach every day by its merits, and we’ll go in with intent to win every game we play.”

If at all possible, though, those in charge would rather not have to wait out the traditional rebuild window to reap some rewards.

“People talk about five-year plans, but we’re not putting a timeframe on it,” Freer said.

“The impact of these changes is now, and the boys have done a mountain of training on-field as well as off-field with our mindset.

“We’re looking forward to the intra-clubs and the practice games, so we want to make sure we’re not wasting our time.

“We want to make our time now, not five years down the track.”

Kaedyn Napier Jesse Cucinotta

SHEPP UNITED NETBALL

It may be a year of heritage at Shepparton United, but this A-grade outfit looks all kind of brand new in 2025.

Shinea Sali has taken charge of the red and blue, who found some improvement under Laura Cole and Erynn Hueston with one higher position and one more win than in 2023.

There’s more to do for United to clinch that elusive top six berth, but Sali has made her priorities clear ahead of the new season.

“My first priority was mainly getting us to know each other as more of a friendship side of things,” Sali said.

“My main concern has been getting everybody on the same

page; finals is definitely the goal at the top of our priority list.

“The talent is always there and the fitness should always be there in an A-grade squad, but there’s more you need to be successful than just talent.”

The Demons lose the scoring experience of Tamara Skinner to bolster Kyabram’s young side, but bring in two fresh talents under the ring.

“We’ve got a whole new goaling outfit with Abby Gilmore from Woodend and Taylah Lloyd from Mooroopna,” Sali said.

“Abby is coming two hours to train and Taylah was a United girl first, plus we have Montanna Burke coming from the Bears, so a lot of positions are new.”

Shinea Sali

Blake Fothergill

Kade Chalcraft

GOULBURN VALLEY LEAGUE

TATURA

FAST FACTS >> JOINED LEAGUE: 1894 NICKNAME: BULLDOGS GROUND: TATURA PARK COACH: PAUL BARNARD PRESIDENT: QUINTON LANGLANDS PREMIERSHIPS: 1898, 1900, 1901, 1902, 1904, 1905, 1952, 1953, 1995, 1998, 2003, 2012 MORRISON MEDALLISTS: W. PRITCHARD (1947),J. GREENWOOD (1969 AND 1970), N. SMITH (1974), T.ESLER (1995) 2024 FINISH: 12TH (1–17) 2024 BEST-AND-FAIREST: MITCH ELLIOTT 2024 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: TIM WILSON (15)

Last season, Tatura was plagued by a dumbfounding injury crisis.

This season, the Bulldogs are gnashing their teeth with full force.

After the promise of a fruitful campaign spurred on by an after-the-siren winner against Seymour to kick off the 2024 tilt, Tatura rounded out in bottom due to a squad razing that, at times, had a full 18 scratched through injury.

Now healed and healthy, blue skies appear to be on the horizon according to returning Bulldogs boss Paul Barnard.

“Numbers have been terrific — most of our boys that are coming off longterm injuries and have now recovered, so we’re just getting the training load into them now,” he said.

“We’ve got a few young faces that progressed last year given the circumstances; they got 12–14 games into them now and they’ve all returned pretty well.

“From a training and cohesion perspective, we’re pretty

PLAYER CHANGES

positive and looking forward to hopefully a non-injury-riddled season.”

Knowing the danger of what a nightmare injury run can yield, Tatura has bolstered its list on both top and bottom ends.

Fireworks are expected out of highly-touted recruits Ben Darrou and Jack Lefroy, heading off a savvy list of ins compiled over the off-season.

Managing the outgoings has been crucial, too.

Silky defender Ethan Penrith heads back to Melbourne while Brad and Matt Ryan also depart alongside Lake Boga men Jacob Simpson and Jake Warren, but Barnard is confident Tatura has plugged the gaps — and then some.

“We’ve really got a length and depth through our recruiting which has been very specific,” he said.

“It’s an exciting year, but we’re not putting any ceilings on anyone.

“We’ve covered the losses and we’re getting some injured boys back so we’re pretty bullish about the year ahead.”

INS: Ben Darrou (Collegians), Jack Lefroy (Kangaroo Flat), Jack Sinclair (Tongala), Adam Enever (North Wangaratta), Cole Freeman, Liam Adams (Mooroopna), Michael Archer, Jayden Armstrong

OUTS: Ethan Penrith (Fitzroy Stars), Matt Ryan, Brad Ryan, Jacob Simpson, Jake Warren

Mitch Elliott

Disposals:

Ethan Penrith

Contested possessions: Jacob Simpson

Spoils:

Brad Ryan 3.6

Marks:

Tackles:

Ethan Penrith 6.2

Rebound 50s: Brad Ryan 8.9

Inside 50s: Aidyn Johnson 5

Data

One

Chaz Sargeant

TATURA NETBALL

FAST FACTS >> COACHES: KOBI WORNER-ISMAIL AND ELSIE BOYER

2024 FINISH: FIFTH (13–1–5)

Stepping in netball is often punished by an umpire’s whistle, but Tatura is looking to venture further than before in 2025.

Following consecutive years of premature finals exits, the brave Bulldogs want to buck the ‘early-out’ tag and be one of the last teams standing in September.

With that shift in ambition comes a change in personnel.

Elsie Boyer remains as co-coach with Kobi WornerIsmail, who is elevated to the post from B-grade as Steph Smith-Gorrie steps aside from A-grade mentorship.

On the playing front, Tatura has lost midcourt dynamo Emma Quinn to Kyabram and defender Molly Kennedy to Shepparton but has reeled in reigning Sandra Cox Medallist

Ella Kightly from Shepparton United and mid-defender Zoe Hayes from Lancaster.

Boyer, knowing what’s required to make the Bulldogs’ finals aspirations a reality, isn’t backing down from the challenge.

“It was really disappointing, our finish at the end of last year — I know there were some sore hearts after the loss,” she said.

“I think we had really high expectations for ourselves and we didn’t really get to where we wanted to get to but that has only added fuel to the fire.

“It’s also creating some depth into our club that will hopefully allow us to push not only A-grade but also some other grades into finals which is really exciting.”

Elsie Boyer

Michael Archer

Andrew Ciavarella

O

ROUND 1

April 5

Mansfield v Mooroopna

Shepparton v Tatura

Echuca v Shepp United

Shepp Swans v Benalla

Kyabram v Euroa

Rochester v Seymour

ROUND 2

April 12

Mooroopna v Rochester

Seymour v Shepp Swans

Euroa v Echuca

Benalla v Shepparton

Shepp United v Mansfield

Tatura v Kyabram

ROUND 3

April 18 (Good Friday)

Shepp United v Shepparton (N)

Kyabram v Benalla

April 19

(Easter Saturday)

Shepp Swans v Mooroopna

Mansfield v Seymour

Echuca v Tatura

Rochester v Euroa

ROUND 4

April 25 (Anzac Round)

Tatura v Shepp Swans

April 26

Euroa v Seymour

Mooroopna v Shepparton

Shepp United v Kyabram

Rochester v Mansfield

Benalla v Echuca

ROUND 5

May 3

Shepparton v Echuca

Seymour v United

Shepp Swans v Rochester

Mooroopna v Euroa

Kyabram v Mansfield

Tatura v Benalla

ROUND 6

May 10

(Say no to Violence)

Echuca v Kyabram

Shepp United v Mooroopna

Mansfield v Shepparton

FINALS

Benalla v Rochester

Euroa v Shepp Swans

Seymour v Tatura

ROUND 7

May 17

Rochester v Tatura

Shepparton v Seymour

Kyabram v Mooroopna

Shepp Swans v Shepp United

Euroa v Benalla

Mansfield v Echuca

INTERLEAGUE

May 24

ROUND 8

May 31

Shepp United v Rochester

Kyabram v Shepparton

Mansfield v Benalla

Shepp Swans v Echuca

Tatura v Euroa

Mooroopna v Seymour

ROUND 9

June 7

(King’s Birthday)

Shepp United v Tatura

Rochester v Shepparton

Mansfield v Shepp Swans

Echuca v Mooroopna

Seymour v Benalla

Euroa v Kyabram

ROUND 10

June 14

Shepp United v Echuca

Benalla v Mooroopna

Seymour v Rochester

Euroa v Mansfield

Kyabram v Shepp Swans

Elimination & Qualifying Finals: August 30-31

1st & 2nd Semi Final: September 6 & 7

Preliminary Final: Sunday, September 14

Grand Final:Sunday, September 21

ROUND 11

June 21

Benalla v Shepp United

Shepparton v Shepp Swans

Echuca v Seymour

Mooroopna v Tatura

Rochester v Kyabram

ROUND 12

June 28

Echuca v Rochester

Seymour v Kyabram

Benalla v Shepp Swans

Euroa v Shepp United

Mooroopna v Mansfield

Tatura v Shepparton

ROUND 13

(SPLIT ROUND)

July 5

(Indigenous Round)

Rochester v Mooroopna

Shepparton v Benalla

Echuca v Euroa

Tatura v Mansfield

July 12

Mansfield v Shepp United Shepp Swans v Seymour

Kyabram v Tatura

Shepparton v Euroa

ROUND 14

July 19

(Indigenous Round)

Shepparton v Shepp United Mooroopna v Shepp Swans

Seymour v Mansfield

Euroa v Rochester

Benalla v Kyabram

Tatura v Echuca

9.15 am: 15 & Under 10.00 am: Under-18 10.30 am: 17 & Under

ICIAL FIXTURE SEASON 2025

ROUND 15

July 26

Shepp Swans v Tatura

Seymour v Euroa

Shepparton v Mooroopna

Kyabram v Shepp United Echuca v Benalla

Mansfield v Rochester

ROUND 16

(SPLIT ROUND)

August 2

Echuca v Shepparton

Euroa v Mooroopna

Rochester v Shepp Swans

August 9

Shepp United v Seymour

Mansfield v Kyabram

Benalla v Tatura

ROUND 17

August 16

Kyabram v Echuca

Mooroopna v Shepp United Shepparton v Mansfield

Rochester v Benalla

Shepp Swans v Euroa

Tatura v Seymour

ROUND 18

August 23

Shepp Swans v Kyabram

Shepp United v Euroa

Tatura v Rochester

Seymour v Shepparton

Benalla v Mansfield

Mooroopna v Echuca

SPECIAL ROUNDS

Round 3: Easter Round

Round 4: Anzac Round

Round 6: Say NO to Violence

Round 9: King’s Birthday

Round 13 & 14: Indigenous Round

Round 13 & 15: Split Rounds

Interleague: May 24

AFL EXPORTS

Jordon Butts – Adelaide (Shepparton)

Josh Rachele – Adelaide (Shepparton Swans)

Oscar Ryan – Adelaide (Shepparton United)

Brodie Kemp – Carlton (Echuca)

Caleb Marchbank – Carlton (Benalla)

Jamie Elliott – Collingwood (Euroa)

Steele Sidebottom – Collingwood (Tallygaroopna)

Lachie Schultz – Collingwood (Moama)

Will Brodie – Fremantle (Shepparton)

Josh Treacy – Fremantle (Cohuna)

Nick Holman – Gold Coast (Kyabram)

Lachie Ash – GWS (Invergordon)

Will Shaw – GWS (Deniliquin)

Harry Morrison – Hawthorn (Benalla)

Jarman Impey – Hawthorn (Shepparton/ Shepparton Swans)

Clayton Oliver – Melbourne (Mooroopna)

Keeley Skepper – Carlton (Shepparton United)

Bonnie Toogood – Essendon (Mansfield)

Holly Egan – Fremantle (Shepparton United/ Swans)

Annabel Johnson – Geelong (Echuca)

Becky Webster – Geelong (Benalla)

Alexis Gregor – Geelong (Moama)

2025 SEASON

Josh Schache – Melbourne (Seymour)

Jy Simpkin – North Melbourne (Mooroopna)

Brayden George – North Melbourne (Girgarre)

Matt Whitlock – North Melbourne (Shepparton)

Tom Brown – Richmond (Mooroopna)

Joe Berry – Port Adelaide (Benalla)

Ollie Wines – Port Adelaide (Echuca)

Jack Whitlock – Port Adelaide (Shepparton)

Esava Ratugolea – Port Adelaide (Cobram)

Todd Marshall – Port Adelaide (Deniliquin)

Harry Boyd – St Kilda (Shepparton)

Tom Cole – West Coast (Seymour)

Harley Reid – West Coast (Tongala)

Jobe Shanahan – West Coast (Moama)

Laitham Vandermeer – Western Bulldogs (Mooroopna)

Julia Crockett-Grills – Geelong (Kyabram)

Sophie Locke – Hawthorn (Seymour)

Georgia Gall – Melbourne (Euroa)

Cassidy Mailer – North Melbourne (Shepparton United)

Grace Egan – Richmond (Shepparton)

Aurora Smith – Western Bulldogs (Shepparton United)

GV FOOTBALL UMPIRES ASSOCIATION KEEN TO SEE A NUMBERS SPIKE

It’s almost time to don guernseys and man the scoreboards at football grounds around the region once more in 2025. However, the sometimes-overlooked contingent of officials — without whom, people wouldn’t be turning up on the weekend — are getting set to throw on the neon green tops for a new season.

Andrew Moore, head of the Goulburn Valley Football Umpires Association, spoke 12 months ago of encouraging

numbers within the department across field, boundary and goal umpiring duties.

To be in a similar spot now is encouraging, he says — but recruiting work is far from done.

“We’re still in a good spot, much the same as where we were at last year, which is good,”

Moore said.

“We’re still looking for a few boundary and goal umpires, but we’re open to taking anyone in any discipline who’s keen to come out and do something

new, and perhaps earn a bit of pocket money.

“Ideally, we’ll have enough to facilitate all the leagues, filling every appointment with the amount of games in this area and to do that, we need numbers.

“The more numbers we get, the stronger umpiring becomes in the region, and it puts footy in a stronger position in the region overall.”

Seeking to emphasise that umpiring responsibilities boil

down to factors other than simply possessing an otherworldly aerobic capacity, Moore spruiks that there is truly ‘something for everyone’.

“You don’t have to be an elite athlete to be an umpire,” Moore said.

“In our juniors and reserves, it’s a comfortable pace to jog around, and you don’t need a high fitness base to be a goal umpire with a small area to cover.

“In some cases, it can help, but

there’s no time trial you need to be able to run.

“There’s definitely a lot of options for people wanting to get into it, and let’s be honest — you’ve got the best seat in the house.

“We have a few who play football on the Saturday, and then that gives them the ability to umpire a Sunday game, so that’s a big push for us — encouraging players to umpire on a day they don’t play, as it’ll teach them so much about football.”

IT’S A WIDE-OPEN CONTEST IN THE GOULBURN MURRAY WOMEN’S LEAGUE

The 2025 Goulburn Murray Women’s League is as rich in potential as it is in possibilities.

Last season, the air was charged with excitement as the top four teams — Echuca, Mansfield, Nathalia, and Shepparton United — showcased intense competition in the finals.

United rattled hard at the door, but it was Echuca who held the key, clinching back-to-back premiership titles by a mere point in a pendulum-swinging grand final.

With the bitter taste of defeat lingering,

United’s “Captain Courageous” Melissa Foster is hellbent on leading her charges to victory and etching her name into the history books as the side’s first premiership captain.

It won’t come easy.

This season, the league is set to welcome back all eight teams, each eager to make their mark.

Tatura and Nagambie aim to flip the script for finals contention, while newcomers from 2024 Mansfield, Barooga, and the returning Rumbalara will be looking to rise the ranks.

“Season 2025 is shaping up to be another exciting year, building on a fantastic finish to the 2024 season,” Goulburn Murray Women and Girls

co-ordinator Sammy Heron said.

“The women’s football competition saw tremendous growth in 2024 … and with the return of all clubs in 2025, the competition is set to be even more thrilling.”

Key players to watch include Nathalia forward Kiara Cooper, who dominates with relentless physicality and precision in front of the sticks.

Likewise, United’s Payten Johnston has proven to be a dizzyingly explosive attack on the ball, kicking a season-high 10 goals in Round 14.

Don’t discount Rumbalara’s Che Atkinson, though.

The small defender can wrestle back control of any game with tackles

that take even the most experienced opponents down.

As the talent takes the field in 2025, expect goals, grit, and glorious moments when the first siren sounds on the Goulburn Murray Women’s season.

LADDER PREDICTIONS:

1: Shepparton United

2: Echuca

3: Mansfield

4: Nathalia

5: Rumbalara

6: Nagambie

7: Barooga

8: Tatura

Echuca has the potential to win a third consecutive premiership in 2025

CAN EMERGING TEAMS CHALLENGE THE LEAGUE GIANTS?

Echuca United and Shepparton United are Goliaths in the Goulburn Murray Youth Girls League.

Echuca United capped off their undefeated season in 2024 by lifting the trophy after a competitive win over Shepparton United.

Despite the loss, the Demons displayed plenty of promise for an upcoming campaign of redemption — not to mention talent.

Chloe D’Elia roved packs with poignant skill, while Tabatha Ingham unleashed tackling pressure that took her defenders out of the game.

Shepparton Swans won’t dwell on missing finals for the first time last year. Instead, new mentor Sean Davies aims to revitalise their team, uttering his own golden nuggets of wisdom and letting the chips fall where they may (hopefully, finals).

For Barooga, Moama, and Nathalia,

2024 was a season of development, and just how far they’ve progressed will be answered come Round 1.

But the big question mark is on new addition Seymour, who will arrive with optimism against worthy opponents.

If a seven-team contest wasn’t exciting enough, Goulburn Murray Women and Girls co-ordinator Sammy Heron has a blueprint to grow the competition further.

“There is now a complete pathway for women and girls with Auskick (4–7 years), All Girls Superkick (7–12 years), Junior Girls (12–14 years), Youth Girls (15–18 years) and Women’s (18 years and over),” she said.

“This, along with the addition of new teams in existing competitions, is a major boost for women and girls’ football in the region.”

More teams and players mean more tantalising glimpses of future AFLW draft packs emerging among the packs in 2025.

Will a David emerge to defeat the Goliaths?

Echuca United was undefeated in the 2024 Youth Girls League – can they do it again?

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Congupna

A LOT TO LIKE ABOUT THIS YEAR’S MURRAY

FOOTBALL NETBALL LEAGUE CHARGE

Will the Murray Football Netball League season be packed with as many fairytale stories as last season?

We sure hope so.

On the senior football front, Congupna avenged its 2023 grand final loss by going all the way in 2024 and seems primed to defend its title with a raft of powers on either side of the border on the hunt to upend The Road.

Rumbalara now has a target on its back after claiming its first A-grade grail in 16 years, and it’ll take an almighty effort by the Rumba girls to fend off the masses. It’s go time — and winner takes all.

PAST PREMIERS

MURRAY FOOTBALL LEAGUE

2024: Congupna

2023: Mulwala

2022: Mulwala

2019: Nathalia

2018: Nathalia

2017: Nathalia

MURRAY NETBALL LEAGUE

2024: Rumbalara

2023: Tongala

2022: Deniliquin

2019: Echuca United

2018: Moama

2017: Moama

PAST O’DWYER MEDALLISTS

2024: Jack Russell (Moama) and Sam Beasley (Cobram)

2023: Jackson Gash (Mulwala)

2022: Brodie Ross (Nathalia) and Nicholas Jamieson (Tongala)

2021: Coby McCarthy (Tongala)

2019: Jackson Gash (Mulwala)

2018: Brodie A’Vard (Barooga)

2017: Rhys Archard (Moama)

2016: Ned Morrison (Finley)

2015: Rhys Archard (Moama)

A-GRADE BEST-AND-FAIRESTS

2024: Jessie Barnes-Hill (Rumbalara)

2023: Rhiannon Maxwell (Deniliquin)

2022: Tegan Sutton (Nathalia)

2021: Emily Taverna (Moama)

2019: Elenoa Naimalua (Rumbalara)

2018: Tessa Bruni (Cobram)

2017: Amelia Wyatt (Deniliquin)

2016: Jessie Barnes (Rumbalara)

2015: Alicia White (Tongala)

2014: Tamara Skinner (Numurkah)

LADDER PREDICTIONS:

FOOTBALL

1: Congupna

2: Deniliquin

3: Moama

4: Numurkah

5: Finley

6: Mulwala

7: Cobram

8: Nathalia

9: Tongala

10: Barooga

11: Rumbalara

12: Echuca United

NETBALL

1: Tongala

2: Rumbalara

3: Moama

4: Nathalia

5: Deniliquin

6: Finley

7: Numurkah

8: Mulwala 9: Congupna

10: Cobram

11: Echuca United 12: Barooga

Rumbalara

MURRAY FOOTBALL LEAGUE

BAROOGA

FOOTBALL

After winning just two of its 18 games last season, the Hawks are set for a year of development, according to new coach Jeremy O’Brien.

“It’s always exciting when you’ve got a young group of players,” he said.

“I’m excited about the fact that I get to spend some time working with some younger players and trying to improve them — not only as footballers, but off the field as well.”

He said it was going to be good to have Nick Dore back after a stint at Kew, and was looking forward to seeing what gun recruit Steve Stallion can do.

“He’s probably a mid-field forward, a good ball user and will give us some of that experience that we probably don’t have a lot of yet,” O’Brien said.

“I think it’s important to have a mix of that on-field maturity with our younger players.”

O’Brien said he’s been encouraging his players to lean into their strengths.

“I think that’s the thing with younger players. Once they get confidence, you don’t know what’s possible,” he said.

PLAYER CHANGES

INS: Steve Stallion (Cobram), Ned Higgins (Shepparton), Nick Dore (Kew), Tom Bandi (Endeavour Hills), Lachlan Brown

OUTS: Riley Gow, Brodey Rudd (Cairns), Callum Leighton-Daly (Waaia), Lach Harris, Ryan Harris, Angus Cameron, Charlie Ingham (Melbourne), William Brooks (Mansfield)

NETBALL

COACH: REBEKAH JONES 2024 FINISH: 12TH (1–1–16) It’s all about improvement on the border for Barooga.

After not winning a game in 2023, the Hawks scalped a win and a draw from 2024 and will hope to step into the new season aiming to see those numbers further rise.

Rebekah Jones has been elevated from captaincy to coach on the A-grade front, seeing 2024 mentor Jacqui Douglas assume the role of head coach.

Barooga has retained the nucleus of its A-grade squad from last season, including young gun defender and best-and-fairest Kiera Mathers, indicating the Hawks have a plan in place to climb up the table in the years to come.

Lachlan Sykes

Rebekah Jones

COBRAM

FOOTBALL

Cobram is gearing up to make itself a serious contender in the Murray League this year.

With new coach Mark Meyland on board, the Tigers wasted no time in recruiting talent over the break to add to an existing pool of home-grown players.

And with all 194 cm of recruiting coup Will Irwin arriving from the Darwin Buffaloes Premiers, there’ll be even more versatility in the Tigers’ forward line.

“We’ll have another couple of options there as well, with Benny Ryan returning to the fold, and a lot more options towards goal,” Meyland said.

It will also be a return to the track for Tyron Baden, who shared the coaching role with Tim Garlick last season amid a pre-season knee injury that relegated him to the sidelines.

Meyland spoke highly of the offerings from both Baden and forward Jackson Trengove.

“They’re both natural leaders,” he said.

“I’ve gained a lot from both of them, and they’re quite good at taking guys aside and helping them in little areas that they might see that they need assistance with.

“Baden would be as good a recruit as you can hope to possibly have turning up on your side.”

PLAYER CHANGES

INS: Will Irwin (Darwin), Jake Hodgkin, Kyle Coates, Patrick Thompson, Ben Ryan, Tom Ryan, Will Connell, Tim Cantrill, Louis Pinnuck (Werribee), Darcy McCormack (returning)

OUTS: Steve Stallion (Barooga), Tom McShane (Perth)

NETBALL

COACH: KATE BIRD

2024 FINISH: NINTH (4–2–14)

Turning progress into finals’ passage is on Cobram’s bingo card for 2025. Morale is high, numbers are up — as indicated by the fielding of four senior sides — and with decorated mentor Kate Bird at the wheel, the Tigers are aiming for the stars.

“Last season was another stepping stone for the club, we won more games than the year before which was good,” she said.

“We’re just going to try and build on that — we want to make the top five this year in all the senior teams.

“The only way is up for Cobram really. We haven’t been up there but we’ve definitely been getting better over the past two years.”

Key player movements in Cobram’s camp sees Meg Denson return while Tahlia Pate heads off to uni.

Listen

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The newest addition to Sheppartons News’ Podcast o ering delves into cracking sports stories from generations gone to help connect the current generation with the old Goulburn Valley sports stars of the past across a variety of sports.

Keep an eye out each week for more Blast from the Past episodes.

Look out for new episodes sheppnews.com.au/podcasts EPISODE 1: DES CAMPBELL

Jackson Trengove

Kate Bird

MURRAY FOOTBALL LEAGUE

CONGUPNA

FOOTBALL

Thirtyone years to get the work done. 18 weeks to do it again.

Congupna achieved a special and more than long-awaited feat in the 2024 Murray Football League, breaking a premiership drought spanning over three decades.

To do so, The Road utilised its big-name stars the likes of Kyle Mueller and Billy Cooper to overcome Finley in an epic decider, recommitting both those names among a raft of others shortly after the equally epic celebrations subsided.

It’s often said that staying atop the mountain is harder than getting there, though.

For coach Ben Bingham, however, there’s a feeling of less pressure than at this point heading into the 2024 campaign.

“The feeling was that, last year, we had a bit of weight on our shoulders after coming up just short the year before that,” Bingham said.

“We’re really pleased that we’ve kept probably 95 per cent of our senior list, but we picked up in a few areas we thought we needed and we’ve added some depth.

“It probably took until midway or three quarters through the year to really gel, so we’re already so far progressed in our style compared to this time last year.”

PLAYER CHANGES

INS: Tom McCluskey (Shepparton East), Charlie Mellington (Shepparton), Sam Nash (overseas), Riley Scott (Tatura), Spencer Gillespie (Dookie United)

OUTS: Joel Shannon (Geelong district), Russell Eden (Rowley)

NETBALL

CO-COACHES: WENDY AND SOPHIE SIDEBOTTOM

2024 FINISH: EIGHTH (5–13)

An up-and-down season landed Congupna on the wrong side of the ledger in 2024, but hope springs eternal.

Wins over the season’s final fortnight helped provide some momentum coming into the new year, and mother-daughter duo Wendy and Sophie Sidebottom have committed to again steer the ship.

It’s an ongoing labour to restore a fully competitive Congupna side across 18 rounds, but it’s work worth doing.

“We have one or two changes, but we have our core group from last year and we’re just looking to build on the year just gone,” Sophie said.

“We’ve got a really good group of girls who’ve been working hard, and I’m looking forward to seeing where they head this year.

“We do have Morgan Zotti continuing, and it’s nice to have her lead the girls for another year, although Gemma Boyd won’t be around as she’s relocated.

“The big goal is just building yearon-year and getting back into the top six again.”

Kyle Mueller

Morgan Zotti

DENILIQUIN RAMS

FOOTBALL

With the departure of major contributors to Deni’s 2024 season in which the Rams made it to the semi-final, it is time for the club’s lambs to step up.

The Rams finished last season in fourth position and managed to triumph over perennial competitors Mulwala in the elimination final before being downed by Moama.

Returning to the helm for another campaign, senior head coach Gary Parsons said that if the Rams are to replicate and improve upon last season’s results, it’ll need big contributions from seconds and thirds players.

“We’ve had a pretty solid structure so far, with reasonable numbers, but could be improved,” he said.

“We’ve lost a fair chunk of our senior side from last year, but pretty excited about our young blokes from reserves and juniors to come through.

“Some of our two’s players have put a lot of preseason work in and really knuckled down, so we’ll give some of them opportunities in the senior side.

“We are truly excited about our players coming through the ranks to step up because we will need them to, and I’m confident they can be a big part of our squad this season.”

PLAYER CHANGES

INS: N/A

OUTS: Lachie McDonald, Brayden Hall, Rick Gittens (Tocumwal), Sam Lloyd

NETBALL

COACH: CORINNE MITSCH

2024 FINISH: SIXTH (12–7)

After a successful 2024 campaign which brought them in to finals contention, the Deniliquin Rams will be hunting a deeper push with new leadership to guide them.

The A-grade Rams will find solace in strong leadership from the sidelines this season with Cyril Pitts Club Award winner Corinne Mitsch taking the reigns.

Deni finished the regular season with a 12–6 record last year and was able to compete with the best of them, finishing in fifth position and guaranteeing themselves a place in September.

Unfortunately, they were taken down by a whisker in the second elimination final against eventual preliminary finalists Tongala.

The Rams will look to build on this momentum in 2025 and take their season a few steps closer to hoisting the flag after winning it all in 2022.

Mick Barnett

Rhiannan Maxwell

MURRAY FOOTBALL LEAGUE

ECHUCA UNITED

FOOTBALL

EchucaUnited started anew in 2024 and will hope the investment in youth begins to pay dividends in the new year.

A new era under coach Scott Beattie saw a largely inexperienced line-up take to the field and it showed on the scoreboard.

After a challenging season that yielded just one win, the Eagles have added a host of talent to their young core in an attempt to make a leap up the table.

Championship experience comes to Echuca South Recreation Reserve in the form of a pair of mainstays from Echuca’s title winning GVL lineup; Matt Lias and Callum Parsons.

After investing in its youth last year, United will hope to reap the benefits in the form of an improved win total this campaign.

A host of young guns earned their first senior cap over the course of the year and that top level experience should prove invaluable when paired with the experienced additions.

United begin their season at home against a similarly revamped Tongala side, the encounter to provide a blueprint on how far along both sides are in their rebuild.

PLAYER CHANGES

INS: Matt Lias, Callum Parsons (Echuca), Anthony McMahon (Lockington-Bamawm United), Dylan Friedburger (Cohuna), Liam Gundry (Merrigum), Connor Langley, Max Childs, James Curnow

OUTS: Nash Ramage (Rochester)

NETBALL

COACH: KRYSTAL BURNS

2024 FINISH: 10TH (2–14–2)

After a step backwards in 2024, Echuca United continues to search for form in 2025, with a new leader at the helm.

Tanner Edwards has made way with Krystal Burns stepping in to coach both A and B-grades.

The Eagles struggled to string together results in 2024 but could have easily turned their two win season into four or five had luck been a little more on their side.

Burns has a crop of new faces to integrate in the returning group as United looks to build towards a more positive season this year.

Goaler Tiah Hoopell from Moama, and defender Maddie Egglestone from Rochester are among the new recruits and give United additional options at both ends of the court.

It remains to be seen whether the refreshed squad an new leadership can inspire a push up the ladder, but the Eagles will hope to see growth on the core that was built in 2024.

Start

Oliver Poole

Tessa Bruni

FINLEY FOOTBALL

Youth is coming to the forefront of Finley in 2025.

After missing out by a point in last year’s grand final, a fair chunk of the Cats’ senior core has departed which leaves the door open for the club’s green talents to show their worth.

The return of Murray League representative Jordan Daniel to the Cattery from Queensland shapes as a flashy recruit, and the buzz around Tom Hawkins’ return for the Good Friday clash against Deniliquin is palpable.

Coach Jordan Taylor stays at the wheel as Finley seeks to go one further this season, and despite a fresh playing group, the Cats’ mentor is quietly content.

“We’ve lost a fair few of the players that were in that grand final, so it’ll be a younger looking Finley this year,” he said.

“But there is still a lot who did play in that grand final still here, so it should still be a pretty positive year.

“A lot of young boys who had that grand final experience had some close wins through the year which I reckon will hold them in good stead in close games this coming year.

“We are happy with where we’re at, so it’s looking positive.”

PLAYER CHANGES

INS: Tom Hawkins (Geelong), Jordan Daniel (Maroochydore), Dan O’Bryan (Wollongong), Lachlan Webb, Beau Lawrence, Jackson Haige (La Trobe Uni), Frazer Hawkins, Archie Mason, Bailey Coombs, Nick Lunn

OUTS: Charlie Lang (St Mary’s), Zac Brain (Marrer), Mitch Reilly (Berrigan), Kayden Sharp (Pines), Jesse White, Nick Bertino, Tom Lang, Jack Lang

NETBALL

COACH: RENEE HULLS

After last season’s astronomical rise, Finley is shaking things up further. The Cats vaulted from 11th in 2023 to third in 2024, but to avoid resting on their laurels, Renee Hulls has arrived at the helm boasting a seriously impressive resume.

A former Australian A Mixed playing coach with VNL experience, Hulls steps in for Milly Op’t Hoog with a bank of netball knowledge in tow — however, the incoming Finley mentor admits Murray League is relatively fresh.

“I’ll be honest, I’m not sure what this year will hold for us yet,” she said. “I’ve lost a few girls and have gained a few so I’m just waiting to see how the dynamics will change within the new playing group.”

Finley has retained ex-Mooroopna starlets Sienna and Jasmine Bourke, while Ash Zera lands as an exciting prospect out of Colbinabbin.

However, ace shooter Chelsea McDonald has returned to Shepparton Swans while Lily Sharp and Jordan Gray won’t return to the Cattery in 2025.

Jordan Taylor

Ash Zera

MURRAY FOOTBALL LEAGUE

MOAMA FOOTBALL

Forthe third time in as many years Moama was knocked out in the preliminary final last season after coming within a point of its first senior grand final birth in nearly a decade.

While a controversial finish to last year’s preliminary final against Finley may have left a bad taste in the mouths of many, it is undoubtedly frustrating for a side perpetually on the cusp of greatness.

The loss in ‘24 appeared to be the straw that broke the camel’s back for Moama, with a number of the Magpies’ key contributors moving on in 2025.

This includes senior captain and 2024 Murray League best and fairest Jack Russell, who along with club senior best and fairest and leading goal kicker for 2024 Tom Holman have decided to join Kyabram in the GVL for the year ahead.

This, along with young gun and finals weapon Jobe Shanahan being drafted to the West Coast Eagles has left the Magpies with a cloudy flight path in 2025.

Senior coaches Liam Barrett and Jye Warren have had a busy off-season, recruiting players from across the state to don the black and white stripes.

Barrett in particular believes that this change will be a benefit to the club and allow the senior side to both maintain it’s strong structure while injecting new elements into their style of football.

“The boys are trying to learn a few new things at training and are making a real effort to raise our standards at training and on game day,” he said.

“We feel like the guys we have recruited ahead of the season will fill the roles we may have lost quite nicely.”

“We want to uphold all of the great work that Sam Sheldon and Jye Warren have done over the last few years to build the side up, while bringing in some new elements and work on our offensive side of the ball.”

PLAYER CHANGES

INS: Khy Stovell (Kyabram), Jake Ellery (Strathmerton), Luka Simpson (Mathoura), Jacob Simpson (Mathoura), James Gillivan (Chelsea), Dayne Tannenberg (East Sunbury), Rodney Reeves (Moulamein), Jack Barnes (East Sunbury), Jack Harland (Lavington), Grant Gallus (Birchip Watchem), Toby Thoolen (Swan Hill)

OUTS: Jack Russell, Tom Holman, Jack Sheldon (Kyabram)

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NETBALL

COACH: LISA DRYSDALE 2024 FINISH: RUNNER-UP (16–5)

After leading the almost unbeatable Rumbalara at half time in the 2024 grand final, the Magpies ended up falling to the minor premiers by nine goals.

So, the question for Moama is, after coming so close to capturing its first flag since 2018 is …what now?

For starters, there has been a slight executive reshuffle in the ranks as 2024 A-grade club best and fairest Lisa Drysdale has taken the reigns as coach for 2025, with Olivia Taverna still playing in the side.

“There is an exciting feel around the club at the moment, lots of new people so that is always nice and good fun,” Drysdale said.

“We’ve picked our 17-player squad for our A and B teams, we don’t anticipate too much movement once we start the season, but it will be nice to get some practice matches in with everyone.”

Jye Warren

Lisa Drysdale

MULWALA FOOTBALL

Mulwala enters the new year some distance from the lofty heights which saw the border outfit crowned senior premiers in 2022 and 2023.

It took a thrilling final-day show of guts for the Lions to punch their finals ticket, but while Jack Sutherland’s departure is no doubt sizeable, they would be hopeful Seb Fernandez’s goalkicking pedigree can fill the void.

Harley Middleton is no stranger to the big sticks himself, and the pieces are certainly there for a more firepower-laden side if everything manages to click.

“We’ve got a couple of blokes returning to their local district who wanted to have a kick,” coach Matt Gorman said.

“We’re getting some boys back who weren’t available last year, so they’ll be pretty handy.

“On paper, I’d say we’ll be looking to mix it with those top sides, but it’s about making sure we get

everything rolling in the right direction.

“We’re looking forward to getting stuck in and chasing the likes of Congupna and Moama.”

There’s no denying the labour of work ahead to reach those spots again, though.

“Last year was pretty disappointing; everything that could go wrong did in terms of injuries,” Gorman said.

“We really hope we’re back in the hunt. We’ve got a lot of players from those grand finals we were lucky enough to win, so we’ll try and climb back up that mountain.”

PLAYER CHANGES

INS: Harley Middleton (Lockhart), Sebastian Fernandez (Katandra), Mitch Collins-Bye (Tocumwal), Mitch Tyson (Yarrawonga) OUTS: Jack Sutherland (overseas)

NETBALL

COACH: STEPHANIE HAMMOND 2024

FINISH: SEVENTH (9-9)

As the classic 1972 Stealers Wheel hit went, “Here I am, stuck in the middle with you”.

No better phrase sums up Mulwala’s current standing in the Murray Netball League, its A-grade contingent having managed to finish seventh with a dead even win-loss record in 2024.

It was a concrete seventh; the Lions were three games adrift of finals and sixth-placed Nathalia, yet four wins clear of their next closest rival below in Congupna.

With that in mind, you would imagine it will take significant reform - for better or worse - to see some mobility as far as Mulwala’s position on the table is concerned.

Steph Hammond, having co-coached alongside Narelle Donovan last year and won the A-grade club best and fairest in the process, takes the reins solo to try and bridge the gap.

Having gotten used to being there and thereabouts, the Lions will need to hit the ground running after missing out on September for the first time since before the pandemic.

Steph Hammond

MURRAY FOOTBALL LEAGUE

NATHALIA

FOOTBALL

FAST FACTS >> COACHES: GLENN BOYD AND RYAN BUTLER 2024 FINISH: EIGHTH (9–8–1) 2024

TOM NIHILL 2024 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: LIAM EVANS (67) HOME GROUND: NATHALIA RECREATION RESERVE NICKNAME: PURPLES

Heartbreak

on the eve of the 2024 finals series

saw Nathalia fumble a lead against eventual grand finalist Finley, lose the match and miss out on the top six.

However, the Purples’ pair of co-coaches Glenn Boyd and Ryan Butler are going around again and back the club’s internal development and game plan to help Nathalia roll deep into September.

Butler said the main priority over the pre-season was the squad’s fitness.

“We have engaged in a fitness coordinator this year,” Butler said.

“The last game of the year against Finley we learnt that the list we had didn’t have too much depth and our fitness got us in the end.”

Nathalia’s recruits Bryce and Campbell Mann will add some extra versatility to the Purples’ stocks.

Butler said young gun Kai Lundberg is ready to burst onto the scene as a star of the league.

“(Lundberg) has been coming through the ranks the past couple of seasons and had a full season last year (in seniors),” he said.

“I reckon he is going to hit the ground running pretty hard, he has a few points to prove you could say missing out on Bushies two years in a row.

“He has a bright future and I don’t think we will be seeing him in the Murray League for too long.”

PLAYER CHANGES

INS: Brayden Summerville (Waaia), Bryce Mann (Strathmore), Campbell Mann (Strathmore), Andrew Jones (Darwin)

OUTS: Bailey Bell, Jake Curtis, Tommy Favaro (Katandra)

NETBALL

COACH: TRACEY BRERETON AND JACINTA TODD

2024 FINISH: FOURTH (13–7)

Last finals series, Nathalia looked poised to give the Murray League tree a serious shake.

After coming sixth at the end of the home-and-away season, Nathalia ousted third-placed Finley in the elimination final before falling short to Tongala by only four goals in the semi.

In 2025 and with a slight coaching change (Jacinta Todd joining Tracey Brereton as co-coach), the Purples are looking dangerous again on the court.

Brereton said opposition sides can expect a tactically sound and determined Nathalia side this year.

“We have quite an aggressive defence that will turnover the ball so we win ball,” Brereton said.

“I think we play a dogged brand of netball with heaps of strategical and tech and tap-type stuff that we have learnt and can put out there.”

Nathalia counts Lisa Barnes and Georgia Walpole as new inclusions this year after returning from ACL injuries.

Laura Cole (Shepparton United), Aimee Sidebottom (Katunga) and Helen Plattfuss are the new Purples recruits.

Liam Evans

Tegan Sutton

NUMURKAH

FOOTBALL

All

clubs are optimistic when heading into a new season, but with a fresh pair of coaches and plenty of signings, Numurkah fans have lots to be bullish about in 2025.

Chris and Jordan O’Dwyer will take charge of the Numurkah ship this season, with Chris coaching from the sidelines and Jordan - after securing the best-and-fairest in 2024 - moving to a player-coach role.

Jordan said despite the change of leadership, the game plan will remain similar for the Blues.

“The Murray League grounds are quite large with free-flowing footy,” he said.

“I would say 95 per cent of sides will be playing in a similar vein, we just hope that we can just play that way a bit better than everyone else.”

In terms of which player Blues fans should keep a lookout for, Jordan said gun utility Jarrod Holmes is primed for a breakout campaign.

“(Holmes) is hitting a really good age 23-24,” he said.

“He is about 6’2 or 6’3, he is really athletic, has played mid, played back and played forward.

“For the last 10 or 11 games last year, we played him forward and he averaged about three goals a game.

“He has been doing a pre-season with Footscray VFL, so we are really looking forward to seeing how he develops this year.”

PLAYER CHANGES

INS: Billy Jones (Shepparton Swans), Trent Craven (Strathmerton), Dylan Craven (Canberra), Matt Price (Monash), Mitch Paterson (Yarroweyah), Joss Church (Mooroopna), Ashton Commadeur (Picola United), Issac Forbes (Caserton), Ryan Wyatt (Strathmerton), Daniel Buzza (Strathmerton)

OUTS: Josh Hoffmann (Echuca), Nicholas Hughes, Patrick Riordan (Katamatite), Judah Moody, Dakota Pellegrino (Longwood)

NETBALL

COACH: LAURA RYAN

2024 FINISH: 11TH (2–1–15)

After a disappointing 2024 season, change is afoot at Numurkah.

The A-grade side will be led by star player-coach Laura Ryan who won the Ovens and Murray A-grade premiership with Yarrawonga last year.

Ryan said an emphasis on increased depth and off-field character will help shoot the Blues back up the ladder in 2025.

“It’s been a bit of a tough spot for Numurkah for a few seasons now and really what our aim is just to build the depth and bring great people back to the club,” Ryan said.

“We know that will bring good things both on and off the court.

“We are looking to improve in general, but I am setting a goal that we could find ourselves in a finals spot and that is something we are really going to work hard on trying to get to.”

The Blues have nine additions to their A-B squad this season, while Ryan made note of young gun Neive O’Dwyer as one to watch.

Jordan O’Dwyer

Lara Langford

RUMBALARA

FOOTBALL

2024

was a year which saw the optimism around Rumbalara football amplify multiple times over.

Three drought-breaking victories after going winless through the 2023 campaign were obvious bright spots, but there were individuals shining in their own right with club best-and-fairest Kydan Atkinson placing fourth in the league’s vote count.

With Kane and Jamie Atkinson now sharing the coach’s hat in succeeding Jono Henderson, there are good feelings as the project continues.

“The main concentration over the off-season was to keep the current list, and we had a really young side,” Kane said.

“Developing the players we had and retaining everyone was key.

“It’s been really beneficial having everyone local to get good numbers on the track.”

The building blocks are there, evidenced by highly encouraging outings against heavily

“We’ll try to progress on last year’s performance, where we were really competitive for three quarters and in the game with a lot of those teams,” Kane said.

“We fell away late in games against those quality sides with that inexperience, but we’re training pretty hard over pre-season to match them.

“Our aim is developing players and not veering away from what we want to achieve.

“We want to be pushing for finals this year.”

PLAYER CHANGES

INS: Valo Valoia (Shepparton Swans), Michael Mummery (Murray Magpies), Kian Wise (Nathalia), Joe Lindrea (Barooga) OUTS: N/A

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NETBALL

COACH: JESS BAMBLETT

2024 FINISH: PREMIER (19–1)

Simply the best; better than all the rest.

Rumbalara could not physically have done any more to emphasise its undisputed stance as the top netballing outfit within the Murray sphere in 2024.

An undefeated season on the courts, its record only spoiled retroactively through an administrative penalty, announced loud and clear that the Rumba girls would no longer play second fiddle.

Led at the front by joint best and fairest winner Jessie Barnes-Hill, you couldn’t wish for a better campaign.

“Most of our squad is signed up again. We have Elli Morgan up from 17s, and hopefully she gets a couple of senior games under her belt,” Bamblett said.

“I feel like we need to keep the mentality that we can only get better as a team. I see improvements around other clubs, so it’s exciting being the hunted.

“I’m very confident in my club and what we bring after all that we overcame last year.”

Jessie Barnes-Hill

favoured sides like Moama last year.

TONGALA

FOOTBALL

Last season was one of mixed fortunes for the Blues.

A refreshed group started strongly under Billy Barnes, jumping out to a 4-2 mark, but the side couldn’t maintain its early momentum.

Having proved itself better than the bottom group in 2024, Tongala is bringing a heavily reinforced squad back to the league this season, new coach Stephen Hammond with plenty of fresh options to work with in his return to the club.

Having led the Blues to the 2022 reserves flag, Hammond’s return to the club has helped lure a number of former faces back to Tongala Recreation Reserve.

“I made contact with all them blokes before I was even appointed to see if I took the job on, would they come back or were they interested,” Hammond said.

“So the seed was already sown, and then I got the job so it went from there.”

Hammond feels the influx of new players should see Tongala return to contention in the Murray League in 2025.

“(If) we don’t get injuries, and we don’t finish top four, I’m not doing my job,” he said.

“I’m very happy with the list that we’ve got and (it’s) very exciting at the moment.

“Injuries can change any club but touch wood we have a bit of luck this year.”

PLAYER CHANGES

INS: Cameron Ilett (Nightcliff), Nate Dear (Beaumaris), Angus Harrington, Oscar Harrington (Tallygaroopna), Daniel Maher (Stanhope), Jimmy Cullum (Bay Power), Bailey Waasdorp (North Heidelberg), Jack Hammond, Jesse Williamson (Cobden), Ryley Cowley (Girgarre), Mitch Heywood (Tatura), Matthew Daniel (hiatus)

OUTS: Mitch Gugliotti, Billy McLay (Kyabram), Billy Barnes, Tom Cooper, Jack Sinclair, James Ross, Angus Scoble

NETBALL

COACHES: GRACE HAMMOND AND MILLY BROCK 2024 FINISH: THIRD (14–7)

Recent competition heavyweights, Tongala is gearing up for another tilt at the title in 2025.

The 2023 premiers were downed by two goals in last year’s preliminary final by eventual runners-up Moama.

Reigning club best and fairest Grace Hammond enters her third season in charge of Tonny, and was set to have some help this year as veteran goaler Milly Brock stepped into the co-coaches role.

Unfortunately, illness has sidelined Brock for the forseeable future, denying the Blues her talents on the court and within the brains trust.

Emmalea Wishart is the major new signing for the club, while Alyce Bower has departed to focus on her studies in Melbourne.

“Obviously we went into the season last year as the benchmark from the granny the year before,” Hammond said.

“Everyone went away and they did their homework, and they were able to beat us when push came to shove.

“It was kind of a awakening for us, especially having the same group again this year … we’ve got to keep our foot down and not get complacent and we’re really keen to get back into that.”

Alex Williams

Grace Hammond

OFFICIAL FIXTURE SEASON 2025

ROUND 1

April 5

Mulwala v Numurkah

Nathalia v Moama

Echuca United v Tongala

Rumbalara v Congupna

Barooga v Deniliquin

Finley v Cobram

ROUND 2

April 12

Congupna v Finley

Tongala v Barooga

Moama v Rumbalara

Numurkah v Echuca United Cobram v Mulwala

Deniliquin v Nathalia

ROUND 3

April 18

(Good Friday)

Mulwala v Congupna

Nathalia v Tongala

Echuca United v Moama

Rumbalara v Numurkah

Barooga v Cobram

Finley v Deniliquin (N)

ROUND 4

April 26

Congupna v Barooga

Tongala v Rumbalara

Moama v Finley

Cobram v Echuca United

Deniliquin v Mulwala

April 27

Nathalia v Numurkah

ROUND 5

May 3

Barooga v Mulwala

Rumbalara v Deniliquin

Finley v Nathalia

Echuca United v Congupna

Tongala v Moama

Numurkah v Cobram

ROUND 6 (SPLIT ROUND)

May 10

Moama v Barooga

Mulwala v Finley

Nathalia v Rumbalara

May 17

Deniliquin v Echuca United Cobram v Tongala

Congupna v Numurkah

ROUND 7

May 24

Congupna v Cobram

Echuca United v Nathalia

Rumbalara v Mulwala

Numurkah v Moama

Barooga v Finley

Tongala v Deniliquin

ROUND 8

May 31

Cobram v Moama

Nathalia v Barooga

Mulwala v Tongala

Echuca United v Rumbalara

Finley v Numurkah

Deniliquin v Congupna

ROUND 9

June 7

(King’s Birthday)

Congupna v Mulwala

Tongala v Nathalia

Moama v Echuca United

Cobram v Barooga

Deniliquin v Finley

Numurkah v Rumbalara

ROUND 10

June 14

Mulwala v Echuca United

Barooga v Numurkah

Finley v Tongala

Rumbalara v Cobram

Moama v Deniliquin

Nathalia v Congupna

ROUND 11

June 21

Echuca United v Barooga

Numurkah v Tongala

Rumbalara v Finley

Cobram v Deniliquin

Mulwala v Nathalia

Congupna v Moama

ROUND 12

June 28

Barooga v Rumbalara

Tongala v Congupna

Finley v Echuca United

Deniliquin v Numurkah

Nathalia v Cobram

Moama v Mulwala

GENERAL BYE

JULY 5

ROUND 13

July 12

Rumbalara v Moama

Finley v Congupna

Echuca United v Cobram

Numurkah v Nathalia

Barooga v Tongala

Mulwala v Deniliquin

ROUND 14

July 19

Moama v Nathalia

Congupna v Rumbalara

Deniliquin v Barooga

Cobram v Finley

Tongala v Echuca United

Numurkah v Mulwala

ROUND 15

July 26

Nathalia v Finley

Barooga v Congupna

Mulwala v Rumbalara

Echuca United v Numurkah

Tongala v Cobram

Deniliquin v Moama

ROUND 16 (SPLIT ROUND)

August 2

Moama v Tongala

Congupna v Deniliquin

Cobram v Nathalia

August 9

Numurkah v Barooga

Rumbalara v Echuca United Finley v Mulwala

ROUND 17

August 16

Nathalia v Echuca United Barooga v Moama

Mulwala v Cobram

Numurkah v Finley

Deniliquin v Rumbalara

Congupna v Tongala

ROUND 18

August 23

Rumbalara v Nathalia

Finley v Barooga

Tongala v Mulwala

Moama v Numurkah

Echuca United v Deniliquin

Cobram v Congupna

FINALS

1st Elimination Final: August 30

2nd Elimination Final: August 31

2nd Semi Final: September 6

1st Semi Final: September 7

Preliminary Final: September 13

Grand Final: September 20

Talk to your trusted healthcare professional about your vaccination or book your flu and COVID-19 vaccinations now with your doctor or pharmacist. Find your nearest COVID-19 booster clinic by scanning the QR code.

Schedule your flu vaccination to stay at your peak performance this season. For more information visit gvhealth.org.au/publichealthunit

MURRAY BUSHRANGERS READY TO ROCK THE COATES TALENT LEAGUE

There will be no beating around the Bushies in 2025.

Murray Bushrangers coaches are taking a more tactical approach as to how they tackle training sessions and travel loads for their players this pre-season.

The Bushies’ under-18 boys squad for the 2025 season features 42 players and four Next Generation Academy members.

Given the squad is made up of players spread from Seymour to Wodonga, Bushrangers under-18 boys coach Mark Brown said the organisation had decided to use a hub model for training sessions.

“We modify slightly from year to year to make sure (the program) stays as relevant and fresh as possible,” Brown said.

“We have a Shepparton hub that is based at Rumbalara Football Club and a Wodonga hub.

“Last year we brought the boys together more often, this year we have left them in hubs to try and reduce the travel and maximise our contact hours.

“(Bushies is) a fairly successful program so we don’t need to change it much.”

This year’s 42-person squad features 19 players from the region, with four representatives from Shepparton and Shepparton United, two from Mooroopna, Seymour and Numurkah and one from Shepparton Swans, Mansfield, Benalla, Rumbalara and Nathalia.

One player name that AFL clubs will be keeping a watchful eye on this Coates Talent League season is big-bodied midfielder and United product Riley Onley.

Brown said that the 198 cm 17-year-old ticks a lot of boxes as a potential top-end draftee this year.

“(Onley) is a big man, he runs very fast, he runs a sub-three

second 20m, he also has got good endurance,” he said.

“He has a lot of athletic traits that stack up and then footballwise he is a good disposer of the football.

“He is very fortunate he has got a lot of gifts but to his credit, he is working really hard on them and has been over the summer — he is setting himself up for a good season.

“He just has to (find) balance as he is going to have (commitments for) National Academy, Vic Country Academy, Scotch College, Murray Bushrangers, potentially a bit of ‘Shepp’ United as well.

“He has to wear a lot of caps.”

Aside from Onley — a name you can prepare to hear a lot this season — Brown said there are a couple of other junior Goulburn Valley guns that are pushing themselves forward this off-season.

“We have a couple of boys in the Vic Country squad along with Riley, so Tanner

Armstrong, who is a bottomager out of Shepp United and Rumbalara — he looks really good,” he said.

“He made the All-Australian under-16 team last year and he has progressed and had a really strong pre-season.

“Ryan Ash is also going well, he is a familiar name — he is the brother of Lachie and son of (Stephen) — he has got himself fit and is moving well.”

Meanwhile, the Murray

Bushrangers’ under-18 girls squad is hoping to push for a charge up the table in 2025.

The 40-player group has eight representatives from the Goulburn Valley, with Shepparton United the shining light with five.

Seven of the eight players featured are returning from last season’s Bushies squad.

Echuca United’s Jerrah Caruso is the one new addition from the region.

TACKLING ISSUES ON AND OFF THE FIELD

I’m making it my mission to train with all 44 football and netball clubs in Nicholls. Training with your club means I get to hear what matters to you. Sporting clubs are more than just a game, they are community hubs that deserve to be supported and I’ll continue to call on governments to fund facility upgrades so everyone can play.

Sam BIRRELL MP Federal Member For Nicholls

Riley Onley

Claudia Plattfuss

KYABRAM DISTRICT FOOTBALL LEAGUE

FIRE UP FOR ANOTHER BUMPER INSTALLATION OF THE KYABRAM DISTRICT LEAGUE

Action stations are here as the Kyabram District League clicks into gear for 2025.

A condensed slate of 13 clubs waits to step up to the plate with an air of excitement as the road to a red letter day at Mooroopna Recreation Reserve lies at the end of the tunnel.

Dookie United’s departure to the Picola District Football Netball League leaves the door open for a new side to stamp its authority, while MurchisonToolamba and Girgarre are tasked with defending their respective senior football and A-grade netball titles.

Can they be knocked off their perch? Will a dark horse salute at the line?

Strap in, grab the popcorn and come along for the ride to find out.

MCNAMARA MEDALLISTS

2024: James Milne (Murchison-Toolamba), Rielly Old (Nagambie)

Blake Fothergill (Nagambie)

2023: Braydon Avola (Avenel)

2022: Jack Exell (Violet Town)

2021: Tom Davies (Lancaster)

2019: Kaine Herbert (Undera)

2018: Kaine Herbert (Undera)

2017: Sam Poole (Violet Town)

2016: Kasey Duncan (Avenel)

WARREN MEDALLISTS

2024: Sharni Lloyd (Nagambie)

2023: Gemma O’Sullivan (Dookie United)

2022: Bree Giles (Tallygaroopna)

2021: Holly Butler (Girgarre)

2019: Chicky Barr (Stanhope)

2018: Chicky Barr (Stanhope)

2017: Sharni Lloyd (Nagambie)

2016: Kathryn Hard (Avenel)

2015: Renee Lea (Merrigum)

2014: Ellie Lothian (Lancaster)

LADDER PREDICTIONS:

FOOTBALL

1: Murch-Tool

2: Lancaster

3: Shepparton East

4: Nagambie

5: Avenel

6: Tallygaroopna

7: Violet Town

8: Stanhope 9: Longwood 10: Merrigum 11: Girgarre 12: Rushworth 13: Undera NETBALL

1: Shepparton East 2: Girgarre

3: Nagambie

4: Lancaster

5: Violet Town 6: Stanhope 7: Tallygaroopna

8: Avenel 9: Merrigum

10: Murch-Tool 11: Longwood 12: Rushworth 13: Undera

PAST PREMIERS:

FOOTBALL

2024: Murch-Tool

2023: Lancaster

2022: Lancaster

2019: Nagambie

2018: Tallygaroopna

NETBALL

2024: Nagambie

2023: Shepparton East

2022: Tallygaroopna

2019: Stanhope

2018: Nagambie

Girgarre

AVENEL

NETBALL

A 50/50 win-loss ratio is exactly what it looks like — not exactly bad, but not great either.

First year Avenel coach Georgia Velt is looking to change that in 2025, and has a simple goal — improve upon last season’s 8–8 record.

“All I’m focusing on is

let’s make sure the group of girls we’ve got are in their best condition and are playing their best netball,” she said.

“If that means finals, that’s amazing and we’d be over the moon, but for now it’s just let’s improve on what we did last year.”

GIRGARRE

NETBALL

Five of Girgarre’s starting premiership line-up will return to be part of the 2025 Kyabram District League title defence.

Holly Nelson and Abby Butler will again co-coach the team, which will be missing key defender

Abigail Sergienko, winger Teah Ryan and the experienced Sheree Starling, who is coaching Rushworth.

Allana Adams will be joined in defence by Grace Jackson-Kightly

AVENEL RECREATION RESERVE NICKNAME: SWANS NETBALL >>

FOOTBALL

Change is afoot at Avenel in 2025, with the full back in the 2024 KDL Team of the Year, Joshua Delaney, taking the reins as the Swans target another strong campaign this season.

Having finished in fourth spot on the ladder with a 13–3 record — going down to only the three sides that finished ahead of them — the Swans suffered a disappointing finish, bowing out of the finals at the first hurdle with a 42-point defeat to Nagambie.

There will be no dwelling on that, however, as the Swans seek to put 2024 behind them, with the new season a fresh slate.

“Last year is last year, we’ve just kept moving forward,” Delaney said.

“Obviously (there’s been) a bit of turnover at the club as well, some guys don’t resonate with last year, so it’s best to just not bring it up and just focus on our year ahead and what we can control.”

and Chloe Byrne, who are both expected to slot into the starting seven.

Libby Pangrazio will work with Nelson and another recruit Danisha Wheeler in the mid-court, which will also see Kim Hanratty at different stages.

With the arrival of Jemma Wright, to join goal shooting star Jacqui Gahan, Hanratty is likely to spend more time in the mid-court.

PLAYER CHANGES

INS: Jessie Inzillo (Mernda), Jai Nash, Ethan Davis, Korey Sutherland, Oscar Loweke (Nagambie), Jack Carroll (Seymour), Pauly McDonald (Macedon), Caleb Blay, Henry Ashworth, Josh Webster (Craigieburn)

OUTS: Braydon Avola, Corey Avola (Whittlesea) Liam Lucas (Powelltown), Cody Ball (Craigieburn), Connor Caldow, Dylan Hoysted (Kinglake), Alex Crawford, Jesse Nelson (Wallan)

FAST FACTS >> COACH: JOHN WILSON 2024 FINISH: 11TH (5–11) 2024 BEST-AND-FAIREST: BYRON DRYDEN 2024 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: STEVEN PHILLIPS (29) HOME GROUND: GIRGARRE RECREATION RESERVE

NICKNAME: KANGAROOS. NETBALL >> COACHES: ABBEY BUTLER AND HOLLY NELSON 2024 FINISH: PREMIER (16–3)

FOOTBALL

After finishing with a pair of wins and two close finishes against teams well above them on the ladder, Girgarre is looking to pick up in 2025 where they finished last season.

Star on-baller Ryan Butler and goalsneak Jorge Maxwell will be like new recruits after playing just 10 games between them last season.

Butler kicked 11 goals in six games last year after missing the first 10 rounds of the season, but has a 13 game, 50 goal season to his credit with the Kangaroos.

Despite his diminutive stature his goal sense will be a critical addition to John Wilson’s team, which will again be led by key defender Harry Browning-Briese. Wilson said he expected natural improvement from his young squad, on the back of two development seasons after the team played finals in 2022.

“It has always been a medium to long term plan to improve and remain competitive for a sustained period. All senior players have gone up a level with their pre season,” he said.

PLAYER CHANGES

Joshua Delaney

Ashley Hansen

Ryan Butler

INS: Jorge Maxwell (back from injury) OUTS: Riley Cowley, Connor Cowley

Kimberley Hanratty

KYABRAM DISTRICT FOOTBALL LEAGUE

LANCASTER

NETBALL

Lancaster has turned to former star player Elly Westerveld to turn around the disappointment of last season’s grand final defeat.

The three goal loss to Girgarre came after the team won 14 of its 16 home and away games, then won the qualifying final by 11 goals.

The Wombats will be without star goaler Chicky Vick and captain Zoe Hayes this season, and will also be missing injured duo Phillipa Inglis and

Westley

Caddison Mulholland. Coming into the team are experienced Goulburn Valley League players Karla Ryan and Emma Roberts. Westerveld was the coach of the Lancaster under-13 premiership team and was recruited into the role by last season’s coach Michelle Hill. She will be relying on Cassie-Lee Westley, Lexi Thomas and Millie Hill to go one better than last season.

LONGWOOD

NETBALL

2024 wasn’t Longwood’s year on the netball court, but with a new coach in Sarah Brock for the 2025 season, there’s renewed hope the Redlegs can step things up.

Not only is there a new coach, but a new look on the court, too, with plenty of fresh faces ready to help Longwood climb back up the KDL ladder.

NICKNAME: WOMBATS. NETBALL

FOOTBALL

Two time premiership coach Tom Davies and new assistant coach Adam Lovison are two of the “old” heads expected to make a major on-field impact for Lancaster this season.

New coach Nick Ryan, who missed half of last season, is also ready to take on much of the leadership responsibility.

Davies hasn’t played since 2023, but will be back for the first bounce of 2025.

Lovison played 32 of a possible 33 games with Stanhope in his two seasons there and rarely missed while playing with Tongala and Kyabram.

Davies, Lovison and Ryan combine with Ricky Thomson and Coby O’Neill to form a strong base of experience.

Lancaster has lost Sam Spedding, star goalkicker Zac Cerrone, Sam Vick and intercept marking half back Logan Demasi. They have retained big game player Cameron Simpson, but lost Lachlan Boscarini. Tannar Cerrone will also miss the season with a knee injury.

Wez Hill is expected to be a big improver alongside Daniel Foley and the teenager trio of Declan Hallett, Tom Withall and Nate Oliver.

PLAYER CHANGES

INS: Adam Lovison, Blake McAuliffe (Stanhope), Tom Davies (back from injury) OUTS: Zac Cerrone, Sam Vick (Lancaster), Logan Demasi, Lachlan Boscarini

FAST FACTS >> COACH: JORDAN FORMOSA 2024 FINISH: EIGHTH (6–10) 2024 BEST-AND-FAIREST: JYE FORMOSA 2024 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: LIAM EDWARDS (31) HOME GROUND: LONGWOOD RECREATION RESERVE NICKNAME: REDLEGS. NETBALL >> COACH: SARAH BROCK 2024 FINISH: 12TH (3–13)

FOOTBALL

Jordan Formosa has overseen a remarkable rise at the Redlegs in his tenure, but 2025 could prove to be the biggest season yet for ‘Baz’ and his boys.

From no wins in 2022 to seven in 2023, Longwood stagnated slightly last season to finish with a 6–10 record, but there are high hopes for where they could land at the end of this year.

“(The squad looks) a lot different, there’s six new girls in the A/B squad,” Brock said.

“I haven’t actually picked my A grade (side) yet, we have a couple of practice matches and there’s a lot of versatility with the girls, about five of them can play attack and also defence.”

Glimpses of potential reared its head at times throughout last season, coming within two points of a huge upset against preliminary finalist Lancaster in a scrappy, low-scoring affair, and if the Redlegs can replicate that sort of effort on a more consistent basis, finals could be on the cards.

Plenty of recruiting has been done in the off-season, and with many of last year’s crop going around again, the gulf between Longwood’s best and worst should shrink considerably.

PLAYER CHANGES

INS: Michael

OUTS: Kyle Withers

Cassie-Lee

Tom Davies

Celestin (UHS-VU), Dakota Pellegrino (Numurkah), Daniel Francis (Darley), Aaron Smith, Brodie Muir, Joshua Bullock, Brodie Burfitt (Heidelberg West), Ricky Ahearn (Milawa), Joshua Formosa, Nathan Pender

Toni Watson

Jye Formosa

MERRIGUM

NETBALL

Champion Merrigum netballer Blynda Tranter has stepped up to coach the club’s A-grade team on the back of two stars from last season, Maddy Wilson and Breanna Baker, moving to to neighbouring Goulburn Valley League club Kyabram.

Tranter is a multiple best and fairest winner herself and has coached at several different levels of competition.

She will rely on regular A grade players Emma

Pummeroy, Georgia Wilson, Latia Doherty, and Jade Christou to combine with graduates of the club’s junior program.

“The development of our junior program was very successful in building strong and skilful players to fill our senior ranks. Our aim is to continue this program in 2025,” Tranter said.

“We have a fit and versatile A grade side with plenty of new and exciting combinations.”

MURCH-TOOL

NETBALL

An air of enthusiasm is breezing through Murchison-Toolamba right now.

After leading the Hoppers’ B-grade outfit into finals last season, Emily Wood enters the A-grade coaching fold hoping to replicate the feat in the top bracket.

“Going into coaching B-grade last year, we had a great group of girls and we found that really

FAST FACTS >> COACH: LEIGH HALL 2024 FINISH: 12TH (4–12)

FOOTBALL

Former Lancaster livewire James Ross is among the star recruits Merrigum has secured to improve on its six win season from 2024.

Ross played 26 games in two seasons at Tongala after playing three senior games with Kyabram in 2022. He crossed from Kyabram to Lancaster in 2019, when he was a star in 29 games in two seasons with the Wombats.

Tom Cooper returns to the kennel after playing 28 games in two seasons at Tongala. He was a part of Merrigum’s senior team since debuting as a teenager in 2017.

The pair are likely to form the ruck and rover combination and work with proven performers Shelby Lambrick, Brayden Hall, and last season’s best and fairest winner Brad Taylor.

The Bulldogs will be without Jake Gascoyne, who will miss the season with a knee injury after kicking 29 goals in six games last year.

Harley Constable, Liam Grundy, and Mason Coote have also left the kennel.

rewarding for 2025,” she said.

“We’ve been able to recruit and retain a lot of the same players from the previous year so I think we’ll be quite successful.”

A suite of players have been elevated from B-grade, while ex-Hopper Jade Kay will return to the green and yellow for 2025. So, in Wood’s eyes, “I think we’re in for a really good year for 2025”.

PLAYER CHANGES

INS: Tom Cooper, James Ross (Tongala), Tom Schuman (Southern Mallee), Marcus Kerr OUTS: Liam Grundy, Mason Coote, Harley Constable, Jake Gascoyne (injured)

FAST FACTS >> COACH: BRETT FOLEY 2024 FINISH: PREMIER (16–2–0) 2024 BEST-AND-FAIREST: JAMES LLOYD 2024 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: JAMES LLOYD (137) HOME GROUND: MURCHISON RECREATION RESERVE NICKNAME: GRASSHOPPERS. NETBALL >> COACH: EMILY WOOD 2024 FINISH: 11TH (4–12)

FOOTBALL

Murchison-Toolamba is embracing the ‘hunted’ tag in 2025.

After busting down the dam wall in 2024 to snap an 11-year premiership drought, there is not a single indication the Hoppers are happy to slow down.

Put simply, it’s less dawdling, more dynasty.

Murchison-Toolamba’s outs are thin while the incoming reads long, and many of those enlisted for 2025 have previously worn the club crest.

It’s an almighty homecoming for the Hoppers’ premiership parade, and leading his army in for another charge at the summit is a buoyant Brett Foley.

“So far we’ve probably got an extra 15 blokes turn up so that’s been good, some big nights on the track,” he said.

“We’ve lost Liam Leahy and Jayedon Hexter but the rest of the boys have stuck fat and are keen to go again.

“Not always do you have the chance to win a grand final let alone back to back, so that’s our

plan and that’s why we’ve had good numbers so far.”

PLAYER CHANGES

INS: George Brisbane (Katunga), Liam Borg, Jedd Johnson, Denver Poliness (Shepparton East), Jamie Formica, Alex Tattersall (Mooroopna), Bodi Fitzsimmons (Congupna), Luke Jones, Corey Morse (Tatura), George Goodman (Murrabit), Kyle McKenzie (Yarroweyah), Locky Seddon

OUTS: Liam Leahy (Mooroopna), Jayedon Hexter (Shepparton United)

Brayden Hall

Emma Pummeroy

Emily Wood

James Milne

KYABRAM DISTRICT FOOTBALL LEAGUE

NAGAMBIE

Sharni Lloyd

NETBALL

Nagambie’s A-grade netball side possesses arguably the strongest coaching line-up of any side heading into 2025, with 13-time club best and fairest and four-time Rita Warren medallist Sharni Lloyd taking the helm this season.

The reigning league best and fairest will partner Sarsha Berens in the top

job, with the two looking to guide the Lakers even further than last year’s semi-final finish, but will be doing so with a new-look squad.

“We’ve got pretty much a brand-new outfit, I think we’ve only got maybe two or three players from last season,” Lloyd said.

“We definitely want to play for finals action again.”

RUSHWORTH

NETBALL

Despite an underwhelming 2024 campaign that earned them the title of woodenspooners, a new year brings with it new chances at success for Rushworth.

A 2024 premiership winning player-coach of Girgarre, Sheree Starling, has taken on the tall task of heading up Rushworth’s A-grade netball side, providing the Tigers a

FAST FACTS >> COACH: HARLEY TAYLOR-LLOYD, 2024 FINISH: FOURTH (11–7) 2024 BEST-AND-FAIREST: BLAKE FOTHERGILL 2024 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: MARK WILSON (25) HOME GROUND: NAGAMBIE

RECREATION RESERVE NICKNAME: LAKERS NETBALL >> COACHES: SHARNI LLOYD AND SARSHA BERENS

2024 FINISH: FOURTH (13–5)

FOOTBALL

There is a quiet optimism at Nagambie Recreation Reserve heading into 2025, with the Lakers keen to improve upon their semi-final appearance last season.

While they have lost a wealth of talent and experience in reigning league medallists Reilly Old and Blake Fothergill, as well as Jono Moore and Nick Asquith, all to Goulburn Valley League clubs, second-year coach Harley TaylorLloyd believes his side has the depth to rival anyone in the KDL.

“The midfield was our strength last year, but I think we can bat a bit deeper now,” he said.

“Realistically, I think we can probably put eight people through there now, where last year we might have only had, say, four or five.”

The 2023 club best and fairest Tom Barnes returns to the fold after an injury-riddled 2024, as does 2023 leading goalkicker Will Dalton, and with recruiting aimed at bolstering the forward 50, the Lakers are hoping to have corrected their scoring struggles.

“We were getting it in there, we had immense talent in the midfield, we had one of the best ruckmen in the comp, we just couldn’t kick a score,” TaylorLloyd said.

PLAYER CHANGES

INS: Lucas McKinnon, Blake McKinnon (Therry Penola), Corey Mobilio (Sunbury), Tyson Chapman, Blake Laverie (Woodend-Hesket), Tayte Lewis (Seymour)

OUTS: Rielly Old (Seymour), Blake Fothergill (Shepparton United), Jonathan Moore (Shepparton Swans), Nicholas Asquith (Euroa), Nathan Fothergill (retired)

“We’d have days where we’d kick seven, eight goals against a good team in quarter, other days we’d kick bloody two goals in a half.”

FAST FACTS >> COACH: MARK WHEATLEY 2024 FINISH: 10TH (5-11) 2024 BEST-AND-FAIREST: LIAM FRANCIS 2024 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: JACK LUTTICK (17)

HOME GROUND: IRONBARK STADIUM NICKNAME: TIGERS. NETBALL >> COACH: SHEREE STARLING 2024 FINISH: 14TH (0-16)

FOOTBALL

The 2024 season was a successful one for Rushworth who after not fielding a senior side in 2023 managed to tally five wins and finish 10th on the KDL ladder last year.

Now, with a more consistent structure, some new players and accountability, the Tigers are eyeing finals or thereabouts in 2025.

“When I took over heading into 2024, we hadn’t fielded a side the year before, so we ended up winning a handful of games, which was a really positive,” coach Mark Wheatley said.

well of experiences and triumphs to draw on in 2025.

“Pre-season has been good so far, just getting into the rhythm of everything and getting organised,” Starling said.

“I think everyone is on board and excited about the changes so hopefully we are in for a great season.”

“We were able to give the people of the town and community a bit of hope through the season last year.

“Now we are identifying areas of improvement so we can build on what we learnt in 2024, we’ve recruited guys from all over to bring a bit of experience and new energy to the side.

“It’s really exciting to get back into it and continue to build on the platform we set last year to go further this season.”

PLAYER CHANGES

OUTS: N/A

Blake Laverie

INS: Mitchell Griffin (White Hills), Ed Aujard (Newbridge), Stephen Kirby (returning), Ryan Beale (Old Trinity), Riley Edwards (Mernda), Luke Oakley (Greensborough), Jacob Hargreaves (Langwarrin)

Sheree Starling

SHEPP EAST

Leticia Keady

NETBALL

The Eagles fell at the penultimate hurdle in their chase for back-to-back A-grade flags, losing to eventual premiers Girgarre in the preliminary final.

Shepparton East is looking back to go forward in 2025 having signed 2023 A-grade premiership coach Erynn Hueston after a season away from the club.

Hueston will coach both the A- and B-grade teams alongside Kate Durling who returns for another

season at the helm while 2024 co-coach Bianca Kelly has stepped away from the role.

With a list still chocka-block with star talent, Hueston said the goal is to return to being premiers in 2025.

“It’s what we all play for at the end of the day the flags,” Hueston said.

“In saying that, it is about enjoying the netball as well.

“I often find when you are enjoying the sport, success will follow.”

STANHOPE

NETBALL

Key players from either end of the court will be missing from a Stanhope team that narrowly missed last year’s finals series.

Defender Taylor Sutton is spending a year on the sidelines and goaler Jemma-Marie Wright has crossed to rival Girgarre.

Jamieson Young has retired after suffering a serious ankle injury in the last game of the season.

Tia Harrison has been

FAST FACTS >> COACH: DWAIN VIDLER 2024 FINISH: RUNNER UP (16-1-3)

2024 BEST-AND-FAIREST: TOM MCCLUSKEY 2024 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: JAKE SUTHERLAND (79)

HOME GROUND: CENTRAL PARK NICKNAME: EAGLES NETBALL >> COACHES: ERYNN HUESTON AND KATE DURLING 2024 FINISH: THIRD (14-4)

FOOTBALL

Grand final heartbreak hasn’t dampened the mood at Central Park.

Shepparton East is once again poised to make a nest at the top of the KDL ladder in 2025 after an influx of recruits.

President Stewart Cook said he doesn’t want the club to get ahead of itself, but there is a good atmosphere at the Eagles heading into another season.

“There is certainly a positive feel about the club at the moment,” Cook said.

“We will just go through the process and try to do the right things each week and hopefully at the end of the year we can be in the same place as last year, which will give us a chance to go one step closer.”

After coming second in the best-and-fairest last year, Cook is tipping gun Jayden Dhosi for another strong campaign in 2025.

“(Dhosi) got injured towards the end of last year and probably didn’t have the finals series he would have liked or hoped because of that injury,” he said.

“He hasn’t missed a training this year and he is looking fit and ready to go.”

PLAYER CHANGES

INS: Lachie Dickie (Dookie United), David Mundi (Dookie United), Tim Karolidis (Tallygaroopna), Mitch Heggart (Shepparton), Joe Perkovic (Ocean Grove), Lachie Keady (back from overseas) OUTS: Adam Fichera (Shepparton Swans), Tom McCluskey (Congupna), Tom Campbell (Strathmerton), Ben McCluskey, Jeromy Aynsley (retired)

FAST FACTS >> COACH: ALEC YOUNG AND TOM HEPBURN 2024 FINISH: SEVENTH (10–6) 2024 BEST-ANDFAIREST: JACK DONNELL 2024 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: TOM RENNIE, TYSON MCKENZIE (22) HOME GROUND: STANHOPE RECREATION RESERVE NICKNAME: LIONS. NETBALL >> COACH: FLEUR NURSE 2024 FINISH: SEVENTH (9–7)

FOOTBALL

An athletic Sudanese key defender from the Western Football League is set to turn plenty of heads when he lines up with Stanhope to start the 2025 Kyabram District League season.

Twenty-year-old Bol Wol, who has recently tried his hand at punting in the US College system, has played with Caroline Springs and Sunshine Heights in recent seasons.

promoted from under age ranks into the A/B squad, goaler Nicole Rogers is returning after two seasons and Jinaya Nurse will continue playing with both Mooroopna and Stanhope.

Erin Hopkins will be a key player, alongside mid-court stars Taneasha Nurse and Rhylee Prescott.

“Last year we just missed out on finals and we pushed all the top teams,” coach Fleur Nurse said.

He will join Lancaster premiership star Sam Spedding, the athletic Luke Rennie and Geelong recruit Luke Cornwell at the club.

Rennie, who was in and out of Lancaster’s best teams during their recent domination of the KDL, will pinch hit in ruck and play key position.

Spedding will most likely play on-ball, while Josh Bruce will join the club from the Hume League’s Billabong Crows.

Three time best and fairest Alec Young will co-coach the club and his former best and fairest brother Jack will also play at some point of the season.

Rennie and Wol will be important to the Lions with the departure of former coach, and key defender, Adam Lovison. Ruckman Daniel Maher is returning to Tongala, as is another big-bodied mid-fielder Blake McAuliffe.

PLAYER CHANGES

INS: Sam Spedding, Luke Rennie (Lancaster), Bol Wol (Sunshine Heights), Josh Bruce (Billabong Crows), Luke Cornwell (South Cairns)

OUTS: Daniel Maher, Blake McAuliffe (Tongala), Adam Lovison, Rhys Smith, Anthony Huismann

Jake Sutherland

Jack Young

Jinaya Nurse

KYABRAM DISTRICT FOOTBALL LEAGUE

TALLYGAROOPNA

NETBALL

No side can keep in contention every single season forever.

Four straight defeats to close out a firm return to earth last season are in the rear view now, though, and new coach Tamara Lane is keen to see youth step up for some departed premiership stars.

“We’re absolutely aiming for finals. Hopefully, we can bring a few young players through and give them every a chance to play a senior role,” Lane said.

“The few young girls who had a chance late last year, we hope they’ll be able to keep pushing through and be the future of what Tally is trying to do.”

UNDERA

NETBALL

Having shown flashes of growth in 2024, Undera is keen to keep the internal development rolling this season.

Coach Amy Marshall said she hasn’t placed any expectations on her young squad.

“We still have to continue on the growth part, there is still a way to go,” Marshall said.

“It will be a transition to on-court strategy as opposed to developing base-level skills.”

FOOTBALL

Tallygaroopna may have a fight on its hands with aims of repeating a finals berth in 2025.

Some growing pains appear inevitable, given the departure of multiple-time consecutive club best and fairest Daniel Clarke.

Losing Clarke in both a playing and coaching capacity has allowed former St Kilda player Jason Traianidis to put his hand up for the role, however.

It’s a new environment for him all the same, but he remains bullish about the club’s direction in 2025 despite a harsh finals exit at Shepparton East’s hands.

“I’ve come to a club where I didn’t really know anyone out there, so I’m getting to learn new players,” Traianidis said.

“From where they were three or four years ago, they’ve done a great job to get back into contention.

“I don’t want to drop down the ladder, and I’d like to put a lot of time into the local boys who have committed and been here a few years.

“There are some thirds boys I think might get a few games as well.”

PLAYER CHANGES

INS:

FAST FACTS >> COACH: GLENN HART 2024 FINISH: 14TH (0–16) 2024 BEST-AND-FAIREST: ETHAN HART 2024 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: RILEY MOON (26) HOME GROUND: UNDERA RECREATION RESERVE NICKNAME: LIONS. NETBALL >> COACHES: AMY MARSHALL 2024 FINISH: 13TH (2–13–1)

FOOTBALL

A record of 0-16 never looks pretty for a club, let alone one as proud as Undera.

The Lions are eager to break their duck in 2025 and believe they have the right mix of youth and experience to do so.

Glenn Hart will return for a second season as coach and said Undera has several young players ready to make their mark in senior football.

The Lions have acquired the services of Shepparton United players Mykaelah Castles and Sumer Gibson.

Marshall said Lions fans should keep an eye out for Leanna Valentin’s influence in 2025.

“(Valentin) is a really strong and versatile goaler,” she said.

“For her height, her agility is second to none, she has some of the fastest footwork in the entire group.”

“We have had a good thirds side in the past couple of years, so we get eight of those graduating into seniors for this coming season,” Hart said.

“It might be some short-term pain, but long term, it will set the club up for better success.”

Hart said the club’s rich history has helped inspire its current players to want to find success.

“A lot of (players) have got families that have been involved in the club for a long time and they want to make their parents and grandparents proud and that is why they have stuck with the club,” he said.

PLAYER CHANGES

INS:

Zach Langlands

OUTS: N/A

Adam Brophy

N/A OUTS: Jayden Clarke (Waaia), Daniel Clarke, Jesse Clarke

Bree Giles

Zari Hardie

Rory Carlile (Echuca), Alex Hywood (Heidelberg West),

(Tatura)

Riley Moon

VIOLET TOWN

NETBALL

A sixth place finish last season has Violet Town poised to strike in 2025, with the outfit a dangerous prospect for any side to come up against on the court.

New coach Jessie Kipping takes the reins this season after what was a successful 2024 for the club, however sights have already been firmly set higher up.

“Building on the fact that most of (the girls) have played together for a couple of seasons, (we’re) looking to really build some strength and get a little bit further in in finals,” she said.

“We’d love to make it to the grand final, and I think it’s every team’s goal to win the premiership.”

FAST FACTS >> COACH: BRAD GLEESON 2024 FINISH: 13TH (1–15) 2024 BEST-AND-FAIREST: NATHAN ABLEY 2024 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: SAM LEIGH (13) HOME GROUND: VIOLET TOWN RECREATION RESERVE NICKNAME: TOWNERS. NETBALL >> COACH: JESSIE KIPPING 2024 FINISH: SIXTH (10–7)

FOOTBALL

JD Hayes was the name on everyone’s lips early this pre-season, with the Euroa star announced as Violet Town’s marquee signing back in October.

It was a sign of things to come, with a host of recruits set to suit up for the Towners in 2025 as they look to rebound from a difficult 2024 that yielded just one win.

But the club is coming from a long way back, and newly appointed coach Brad Gleeson is under no illusion about the size of the task at hand.

“I’m a realist, you know, 40 goals was a lot of their losing margins last year,” he said.

“My perspective on it is that if we can win more games than we lose, then that’s a huge turnaround in anyone’s eyes, so that’s sort of the goal that we have.

“We’re not setting any other goals than that we just want to be competitive, we’re just trying to win games of footy.”

PLAYER CHANGES

INS: JD

OUTS: N/A

Caden

Josh

JD Hayes

Hayes,

Robinson,

Robertson, Ash Hobbs, Klay Giovannini, Robbie Wilson (Euroa), Trent Storer (Mansfield), John Woodcock (Katamatite)

Kolby Wild

Ryan Devine and Josh Wild

Elizabeth Pangrazio

Morrie Serra

OFFICIAL FIXTURE SEASON 2025

ROUND 1

April 5

Avenel v Longwood

Nagambie v Violet Town

Undera v Shepp East

Tallygaroopna v Stanhope

Murch-Tool v Girgarre

Merrigum v Lancaster

BYE Rushworth

ROUND 2

April 12

Rushworth v Avenel

Longwood v Nagambie

Violet Town v Undera

Shepp East v Tallygaroopna

Girgarre v Merrigum

April 13

Stanhope v Murch-Tool

BYE Lancaster

EASTER WEEKEND

GENERAL BYE

APRIL 19

ROUND 3

April 26

Nagambie v Rushworth

Undera v Longwood

Tallygaropna v Violet Town

Murch-Tool v Shepp East

Merrigum v Stanhope

Lancaster v Girgarre

BYE Avenel

ROUND 4

May 3

Stanhope v Lancaster

Shepp East v Merrigum

Violet Town v Murch-Tool

Longwood v Tallygaroopna

Rushworth v Undera

May 4

Avenel v Nagambie

BYE Girgarre

ROUND 5

May 10

Undera v Avenel

Tallygaroopna v Rushworth

Merrigum v Violet Town

Lancaster v Shepp East

Girgarre v Stanhope

May 11

Murch-Tool v Longwood

BYE Nagambie

ROUND 6

May 17

Shepp East v Girgarre

Violet Town v Lancaster

Longwood v Merrigum

Rushworth v Murch-Tool

Avenel v Tallygaroopna

Nagambie v Undera

BYE Stanhope

ROUND 7

May 24

Tallygaroopna v Nagambie

Murch-Tool v Avenel

Merrigum v Rushworth

Lancaster v Longwood

Girgarre v Violet Town

Stanhope v Shepp East

BYE Undera

ROUND 8

May 31

Violet Town v Stanhope

Longwood v Girgarre

Avenel v Merrigum

Nagambie v Murch-Tool

June 1

Undera v Tallygaroopna

Rushworth v Lancaster

BYE Shepp East

GENERAL BYE

June 7

King’s Birthday

ROUND 9

June 14

Murch-Tool v Undera

Merrigum v Nagambie

Lancaster v Avenel

Stanhope v Longwood

June 15

Shepp East v Violet Town

Girgarre v Rushworth

BYE Tallygaroopna

ROUND 10

June 21

Longwood v Shepp East

Rushworth v Stanhope

Avenel v Girgarre

Nagambie v Lancaster

Undera v Merrigum

Tallygaroopna v Murch-Tool

BYE Violet Town

ROUND 11

June 28

Merrigum v Tallygaroopna

Lancaster v Undera

Girgarre v Nagambie

Stanhope v Avenel

Shepp East v Rushworth

Violet Town v Longwood

BYE Murch-Tool

ROUND 12

July 5

Rushworth v Violet Town

Avenel v Shepp East

Undera v Girgarre

Tallygaroopna v Lancaster

Murch-Tool v Merrigum

July 6

Nagambie v Stanhope

BYE Longwood

ROUND 13

July 12

Lancaster v Murch-Tool

Girgarre Tallygaroopna

Stanhope v Undera

Shepp East v Nagambie

Longwood v Rushworth

July 13

Violet Town v Avenel

BYE Merrigum

ROUND 14

July 19

Rushworth v Nagambie

Violet Town v Tallygaroopna

Shepp East v Murch-Tool

Stanhope v Merrigum

Girgarre v Lancaster

July 20

Longwood v Undera

BYE Avenel

ROUND 15

July 26

Avenel v Rushworth

Nagabmie v Longwood

Undera v Violet Town

Murch-Tool v Stanhope

July 27

Merrigum v Girgarre

Tallygaroopna v Shepp East

BYE Lancaster

ROUND 16

August 2

Longwood v Avenel

Violet Town v Nagambie

Shepp East v Undera

Stanhope v Tallygaropona

Girgarre v Murch-Tool

August 3

Lancaster v Merrigum

BYE Rushworth

ROUND 17

August 9

Rushworth v Girgarre

Avenel v Lancaster

BYE Undera, Tallygaroopna, Murch-Tool, Violet Town, Merrigum, Nagambie, Stanhope, Shepp East, Longwood

ROUND 18

August 16

Lancaster v Stanhope

Merrigum v Shepp East

Murch-Tool v Violet Town

Tallyvgaroopna v Longwood

Undera v Rushworth

Nagambie v Avenel

BYE Girgarre

FINALS

Elimination Finals: August 23-24

Semi Finals: August 30-31

Preliminary Final: September 6

Grand Final: September 13

NEW LOOK PDFNL SEASON

PROMISING TO BE A GOOD ONE

The winds of change have blown into the Picola District Football Netball League this season.

While the league format remains at 15 teams, Dookie United has crossed over from the Kyabram District League while Yarroweyah has entered recess for 2025.

However, will that translate to different premiers?

Deniliquin Rovers don the dress in a quest for a third consecutive A-grade netball flag while Waaia seeks to go one better, hunting a four-peat on the senior football front.

Whether or not the Bombers or Rovers can be dethroned or not will be revealed in a high-octane PDFNL campaign that’s about to kick off.

PEARCE MEDALLISTS

2024: Sam Ferguson (Tungamah)

2023: Jake Ellery (Strathmerton)

2022: Ash Holland (Waaia)

2021: Chris Marshall (Jerildeire)

2019: John Woodcock (Katamatite)

2018: Ash Thompson (Waaia) and Mark Ryan (Picola United)

2017 NW: Jed Brain (Blighty)

2017 SE: Bodhi Butts (Tungamah)

2016 NW: Andrew May (Deni Rovers) and Dave Daniel (Picola United)

2016 SE: Matt Rendina (Shepparton East), Eamon Reeves (Katunga) and Matt McCarty (Waaia)

2015 NW: Paul Massingham (Berrigan)

2015 SE: Matt McCarty (Waaia) and Nick Doyle (Tungamah)

LADDER PREDICTIONS:

FOOTBALL

Waaia

Katamatite

Katandra

Strathmerton

Katunga 6: Dookie United

Tungamah 8: Picola United 9: Jerilderie 10: Deniliquin Rovers 11: Mathoura

Rennie

Tocumwal

Tungamah

Mathoura

PAST PREMIERS

2024: Football: Waaia

Netball: Deniliquin Rovers

2023: Football: Waaia

Netball: Deniliquin Rovers

2022: Football: Waaia

Netball: Tungamah

2019: Football: Strathmerton Netball: Strathmerton

2018: Football: Rennie

Netball: Deniliquin

2017 NW: Picola United and Tocumwal

2017 SE: Rennie and Katunga

2016 NW: Picola United and Tocumwal

2016 SE: Shepparton East and Katunga

Who Are We?

Physiotherapists are highly qualified health professionals who work in partnership with their patients to help people move better We Treat:

• All age groups  • Sporting injuries • Muscle and joint pain  • Back & neck pain • Headaches and dizziness

& DISTRICT FOOTBALL NETBALL LEAGUE

DOOKIE UNITED

Football

Dookie United is set for a reunion with some old friends in 2025.

The Thunder embark on their first campaign within the Picola district framework since 2018 after seven years in the Kyabram District League.

Led by Travis Waters, Dookie’s seniors prepare to re-acclimatise as Greater Shepparton’s second entrant in the league alongside Katandra.

Some encouraging signings, headlined by former Richmond VFL talent Ryan Thomson, leave the teal outfit in a place of optimism.

“We’re pretty much with our full squad from last year,” Waters said.

“There are a couple of Melbourne boys not playing for us, but we’ve picked up three or four and we’re pretty comfortable with where we’re at.

“Obviously, being in the league a few years ago, it’s not completely new for the club which helps a bit too.

“There’s still a chance of one or two more signings in the near future, but we’re excited with Ryan committing.”

Netball

Dookie United is back in its

KATAMATITE

Football

The stars may fall into alignment this year for the Katamatite Tigers.

With a wave of talent donning the black and yellow, you’d be mistaken to think the Tigers aren’t in serious contention for a flag this season.

After finishing the 2024 season first in league standings, Katamatite will welcome home Port Adelaide star and Tigers product Tom Clurey, who will be joining his brother on the field.

“We were lucky enough for him to come back and choose his home club, when obviously

he was getting a lot better offers from higher leagues like the VFL,” club president Casey Brown said.

With the Clurey brothers onboard, 2025 may be the year of home-comings for the Tigers.

Netball

After finishing on top of the home-and-away ladder with only one loss, Katamatite would have been disappointed to have exited in the preliminary final. However, coach Cassia Colbeck said it was a valiant effort given the team was filled with fresh faces and one which

KATANDRA

Football

Last season was a year that looked to be going to plan for Katandra — right up until it very much did not.

Nonetheless, it makes the mission statement rather obvious: the Kats have every intent of coming off the ground smiling on the big stage.

The boom recruitment of Nathalia star Bailey Bell emphasises the directive not to drop off as clubs south of the border continue to vie within the upper rungs.

“Bailey brings a lot of experience and maturity to the group as our playing coach,”

FAST FACTS >> COACH: TRAVIS WATERS 2024 FINISH: NINTH* (5–11) 2024 BEST-AND-FAIREST: LACHY

LUDEMAN 2024 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: KYLE TAPSCOTT (39) HOME GROUND: DOOKIE RECREATION RESERVE NICKNAME: THUNDER. NETBALL >> COACHES: LAURA HENDERSON 2024 FINISH: FIFTH* (12–5)

former league and is ready to give the A-grade ladder a shake.

Having finished in fifth place last season in the Kyabram District League, United will be hoping to make an immediate impact in their return to the Picola District League this season.

Laura Henderson will coach Dookie this year having led the side to finals in 2023 and 2024.

The girls in teal will face some stiff opposition this season as the likes of Katamatite, Katunga, Katandra, Strathmerton and more hope to hunt down two-time reigning premier Deniliquin Rovers.

Kyle Tapscott

Whittaker said.

“We’ve had a couple move on, but we’re happy with our inclusions. We’re full of young kids, so we’re providing an opportunity for people to further their development.

“The disappointment of grand final day still runs pretty deep, so it’s an extra bit of motivation.

“We’re always on the lookout to try and get one or two per cent better in different fields; to sit back and be content with your lot from the previous year will land you in a lot of trouble.”

Netball

After injuries curtailed Katandra’s end to the 2024

FOOTBALL FAST FACTS >> COACH: JAMES HAZELMAN 2024 FINISH: THIRD (15–4) 2024 BEST-AND-FAIREST: MITCHELL COLEMAN AND TOBY KOPA 2024 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: MITCHELL COLEMAN (72) HOME GROUND: KATAMATITE RECREATION RESERVE NICKNAME: TIGERS. NETBALL >> COACHES: CASSIA COLBECK 2024 FINISH: THIRD (16–3)

the Tigers can grow on in 2025.

“We have kept a very similar foundation group,” Colbeck said.

“That means we can continue to build on what we have already progressed with from the previous season.

“We have worked on our fitness during the pre-season and added some more depth with a few new players.”

One player that Colbeck is excited to watch in 2025 will be star Tiger Taylah Hazelman.

“(Hazelman) is an incredible netballer and I think she is very hard to beat out on the court,” she said.

OUTS:

FOOTBALL FAST FACTS >> CO-COACHES: JASON WHITTAKER AND BAILEY BELL 2024 FINISH: RUNNERS-UP (14–1–4) 2024 BEST-AND-FAIREST: MITCH MCGRATH 2024 LEADING GOAL-KICKERS: THOMAS JEFFERY (37) HOME GROUND: KATANDRA RECREATION RESERVE NICKNAME: KATS. NETBALL >> COACHES: JO MORONEY 2024 FINISH: FIFTH (13–5)

season, the Kats are hoping for a clean bill of health this year.

Katandra will be led by new coach Jo Moroney who said she believes the Kats can make a serious charge at the A-grade premiership.

“This is the first time I have taken on the team and we are feeling revitalised and re-energised,” Moroney said.

“(I want) to continue to get the girls to gel and be positive about their netball.

“The core structure (of the group from 2024) is still there.

“Hopefully, we can go better than last year because I think we can do it.”

Mitch McGrath

Tom Clurey

INS: Archie Lewis (Shepparton United), Kade Gall (Waaia), Tanner Webber (Shepparton East), Ryan Thomson (Wilson Grange), Daniel Ludeman (overseas) OUTS: Lachie Dickie, David Mundie, Michael Galcin

INS: Bailey Bell, Jake Curtis, Tommy Favaro (Nathalia) OUTS: Henry Cook (interstate), Sebastian Fernandez (Mulwala), Ryleigh Shannon (injury)

INS: Tom Clurey (Port Adelaide), Ben Bray, Jack Gerrish (Wangaratta Rovers), Zach Del Grosso (Newport), Matt Ward, Patrick Riordan

Dylan Flanagan (Yarrawonga) and Kaeden Talay (Ballarat).

KATUNGA

Football

The Swannies have an order of unfinished business to attend to.

After being denied chances of a flag after a 45-point loss to Katamatite in last season’s semi-finals, the Swannies have regrouped over pre-season with the sting of that upset still fresh in players’ minds.

“The boys have bonded together and are fuelled by that disappointment,” Katunga co-coach Nick Flanagan said.

“There’s only two ways that can go. You can crack the sh*ts and move on, or you can knuckle down and have another crack at it.”

FOOTBALL FAST FACTS >> CO-COACHES: BRAD CROWTHER AND NICK FLANAGAN 2024 FINISH: SIXTH (13–4) 2024 BEST-ANDFAIREST: CAM BISHOP 2024 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: BAILEY THOMAS (38) HOME GROUND: KATUNGA RECREATION RESERVE NICKNAME: SWANS NETBALL >> COACHES: KELLIE SALTER 2024 FINISH: RUNNER UP (14–15)

With little outward movement in the line-up this season, the Swannies have scooped Jarrod Winzer from Winchelsea Blues in the Geelong and District Football League as a main coup.

Netball

Despite player-coach Aimee

Sidebottom departing for Nathalia, new coach Kellie Salter said the Swans will have a similar look in 2025.

“We haven’t had to recruit that much because we have had eight juniors come up from under-17s and some girls returning from pregnancies and injuries,” she said.

Salter believes the girls are

STRATHMERTON

Football

Could this be the year the Bulldogs snare a flag?

After being sent tumbling out of finals contention in upsets to Waaia and later Tungamah last season, the Bulldogs are looking to take their football that one step further this season.

That’s according to co-coach Zack Betson, who said his side was looking forward to a new challenge for everyone.

“Finals is still the aim. We’re not capping our expectations. We want to make finals and go from there,” Betson said.

With a slew of recruits locked in over the preseason, there’ll be a few fresh faces on the track this year.

Netball

Strathmerton is eager to make its presence felt in the Picola District League this season. Having finished in sixth place on the ladder after the homeand-away season, the Bulldogs rolled deep into the 2024 finals series.

Defeating Tocumwal in the elimination final, Strathmerton then shocked Katandra with a one-goal win in the semi-final. This season, under

TUNGAMAH

Football

The Bear hunt came ever so close to fruition in 2024, but Tungamah is far from off the scent in the new year.

Yes, this has perhaps been the tale of Tungamah for several seasons running, thereabouts consistently but still missing an extra step or two off the journey.

Having managed to avoid any player departures through the pre-season as it stands, though, there’s a good feeling around Jubilee Park.

With reigning league best and fairest Sam Ferguson on your books, why not anyway?

keen to learn from their grand final loss to Deniliquin Rovers last season.

“On the day of the grand final I’m not sure if the moment got hold of us a little bit, we kept coming back at ‘Deni’, but we just couldn’t get that run on,” she said.

“We had to take a step back and have a look at ourselves, we knew we could beat them, but it just wasn’t our day and Deni are a very slick unit.”

INS: Jarrod Winzer (Winchelsea Blues), Bailey Smith, Lochie O’Brien, Dylan Cox (Geelong Amateurs), Brad Crowther OUTS: George Brisbane (Murchison-Toolamba)

FOOTBALL FAST FACTS >> CO-COACHES: ZACK BETSON AND TIM LOOBY 2024 FINISH: FIFTH (13–5) 2024 BEST-AND-FAIREST: MATT RYAN AND SAM LEWIS 2024 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: TIM LOOBY (123) HOME GROUND: STRATHMERTON RECREATION RESERVE NICKNAME: BULLDOGS NETBALL >> COACH: LOREENA KEANE 2024 FINISH: FOURTH (13–6)

the tutelage of Loreena Keane — who is stepping up from coaching the under-17s in 2024 — the Bulldogs will be hoping their bark will match their bite as they strive to go a couple steps further this year.

INS: Shaun Huy, Jake Anderson, Ryan Jackson, Tommy Campbell OUTS: Matt Ryan (Goorambat), Josh Payne (Yarrawonga)

FAST FACTS >> CO-COACHES: SAM FERGUSON AND SEAN JOHNS 2024 FINISH: FOURTH (12–7) 2024 BEST-AND-FAIREST: SAM FERGUSON 2024 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: LACHY THOMPSON (55) HOME GROUND: JUBILEE PARK NICKNAME: BEARS. NETBALL >> COACHES: MOLLY GRANT 2024 FINISH: NINTH (7–1–8)

“We were smashed with injuries last year, but we’ve retained everyone on the list and now we’re looking to push a step further,” coach Sean Johns said.

“In previous years, we might have lost six or seven, but we’re good and we’re looking forward to how the team gels with some new inclusions.

“We’re quietly confident. With so many players going out and coming back in last year, it made a big difference, so we’re really waiting for round one against Katty.”

Netball

Can a Tungamah top-up help

boost the Bears into finals?

The club finished on the edge of the A-grade top eight in 2024, one win off leap-frogging Rennie for a spot in the finals.

This season, Molly Grant is taking over as coach of the A-grade side and said some added depth to Tungamah’s line-up can help boost the Bears.

“The main goal is to be competitive, aiming for finals and ideally challenging for premierships across all grades,” Grant said.

“There is a strong belief the club can achieve great things this season.”

OUTS: N/A

Tim Looby

Cam Bishop

Sam Ferguson

INS: Ned McKeown (Swan Hill), Pacey Haebich (Tocumwal), Seth Haebich (Tocumwal), Drew Haebich (Tocumwal), Glenn Dominick (Tyntynder)

FOOTBALL

PICOLA & DISTRICT FOOTBALL NETBALL LEAGUE

WAAIA

Football

Tinkering with a winning formula is seldom encouraged - and for the Picola District competition’s three-time defending premiers, 2025 is no exception.

In search of a barely fathomable fourth consecutive senior flag, there’s no room for complacency within the red and black ranks with a series of strengthening moves made around the league.

Mitch Cleeland’s men are still the undisputed gold standard, however, and they enter season 2025 with the optimism you would expect.

“It’s not often you find yourself in these scenarios,” Cleeland said.

“We’ll put our best foot forward and see what hopefully happens this season.

“We’re hoping that, with a bit of youth from our thirds and some development in our reserves, things will fall into place again.

“We’re confident that the group we’ve got can achieve whatever we’re there for at the end of the season.

“Everyone’s looking to improve and catch up, and we’re under no illusions that we need to improve ourselves.”

Netball

Waaia is looking at the 2025 season with Rosie-coloured glasses.

New Bombers coach Rosie Arnel said she wants to keep her opponents guessing as Waaia takes an attacking approach to the season.

“We are pushing to be unpredictable, aggressive in attack through short and sharp movements,” Arnel said.

“Again continuing our defensive edge because we are quite known to be strong in our defence.”

There is a baby boom in Waaia in 2025, however, Arnel

WHICH OF ‘THE REST’

CAN

isn’t concerned about it affecting the Bombers’ season.

“I would say almost nine (players are out of action due) to pregnancies, but we will still have quite a lot of depth, especially coming through the junior ranks,” she said.

INS: Callum Leighton-Daly (Barooga), Jayden Clarke (Tallygaroopna), Shaun Greenway

OUTS: Brayden Summerville (Nathalia)

MAKE

THE LEAP IN THE PDNL AND CAN ANYONE

The netball courts around the region have been repaired and relined, the nets are restrung and the balls are plump from a fresh pumping.

Netball season is a go and the Picola District League is raring to go with a stack of sides all fighting for premiership glory.

All eyes will be on Deniliquin Rovers to start the Picola District Netball League season.

Last year’s premiers will once again have a target on their back as the likes of Katamatite, Katandra, Katunga and more hope to end any hope of a three-peat of flags and secure one of their own.

2024’s A-grade season was effectively split into halves as there appeared to be a gap between the top six sides and the rest.

With Dookie United’s return to the competition in 2025 and teams such as Tocumwal, Tungamah, Rennie and Jerilderie eager to close the gap, the battle for top eight positions will be as tight and entertaining as ever.

Across the district, the two-time reigning premiers announced the return of 2023 flag coach Carissa Bulmer.

The Rovers will be hoping star Gabrielle Barlow can continue her stellar form this season.

Barlow won the A-grade

best-and-fairest award and was named the Rovers’ best player in finals for 2024.

Tocumwal finished in seventh place last season and gave Strathmerton a fright before exiting in the elimination final.

This year, the Bloods will be hoping to delve deeper into September action.

Kayla Johnson will once again steer the Rennie ship in 2025.

After Rennie finished in eighth spot last season, Johnson will be eager for her troops to once again feature at the pointy end of the season.

Jerilderie was on the precipice of making a finals charge but fell two wins short of the top eight.

The Demons will be once again leaning on star and 2024 best-and-fairest Ella Arnold if they are to make an impact in A-grade this season.

Annmaree Jorgensen will coach Picola United’s A- and B-grade sides in 2025.

As United join Jerilderie in a push for finals, fresh recruit Cody Power is returning to the club and hoping to help steer Picola to glory.

Berrigan has been making plenty of moves during the off-season as it too hopes to rise back up the ladder.

The Saints have signed

midcourter Cassidy Reynolds from the Murray League and Caity Whitelock and Hollie Bartlett who both have experience in the Ovens and Murray, Murray and Tallangatta leagues.

Blighty announced a new coach in Alicia Osborne who will take over the A- and B-grade sides, while Mathoura has welcomed back Macie Free into the fold.

Last year’s wooden spooners Yarroweyah won’t compete in 2025 as the club has been put in a recess period.

STOP DENI?

Carissa Bulmer

Hollie Bartlett Macie Free

Mitch Cleeland

Blake Jorgensen

IT’S A GAME OF CATCH-UP FOR THE PICOLA’S DISTANT OUTFITS

There’s no d enying some disparity in the Picola District Football League’s ranks.

Geographical disparity, to be more specific.

It’s clear that the sides positioned a bit closer to home  — Moira Shire outfits the likes of Strathmerton and Waaia — have had a huge edge on the ovals of Picola competition.

This has resonated at individual level too; the top five vote-getters in last season’s Pearce Medal best and fairest count belonged to Tungamah, Katunga, Katandra (third and fourth) and Katamatite, respectively.

The question, then, is a clear-cut one: what can more distant sides do to get back in the premiership race?

Picola United is the first port of call, having been one of two non-local finals finishers.

The Blues’ generally sturdy defence was by no means the issue, boasting a conceded tally comparable to some of the top contenders.

Bringing in former junior Jai Morrison after two years away and poaching Archie Congues and Jared Laffy away from Nathalia were encouraging signs, and one would expect Picola to figure there and thereabouts in finals

contention again.

Jerilderie is the other side shooting for a repeat knockout berth after scraping home on percentage from Deniliquin Rovers, and the Riverina outfit has pulled off likely the biggest coup anywhere in the league for season 2025.

The Demons are welcoming former Melbourne and Carlton AFL star Jeff Garlett into the fold, boasting over 300 goals at the elite level and a leading goalkicker award at both of those clubs.

It’s an enormous marquee pickup as the Western Australian Wheatbelt native brings a near-unparalleled wealth of knowledge out to the purple, green and red outfit.

Those aforementioned Rovers have been busy bodies on the recruiting front, unleashing a wave of new arrivals right at the beginning of pre-season.

Headlining the inclusions are a pair of Fitzroy Stars signees in the forms of 2014 Rumbalara flag winner Ryan Hudson and one-time Coburg VFL player Rivva Karpany among a swathe of moves which appear primed to keep the Rovers in the conversation.

Next in the race is Berrigan — and have the Saints ever bolstered themselves.

In addition to welcoming luckless brothers Archie and Max Cameron back into the fold following a pair of season-long injuries, Berrigan has scooped a raft of former talents back into the red, white and black including La Trobe premiership player Tom Whelan.

Mathoura got a large chunk of its transfer business done prior to the festive break, committing two one-time Timbercutters to don their old colours: Calum Lindberg and Hay’s James Eddy.

It’s been an off-season of great turnover at Tocumwal, with the border-based Bloods completing a plentiful haul of deals capped with the inclusion of Brayden Hall, described by the club’s social media as ‘one of the region’s premier backmen’, to offset a sizeable list of outgoings.

2024 grand final host Rennie has made just the single acquisition since that big day, but it’s one of sentimental value as Marcus Hargreaves comes from nearby Yarrawonga to follow in the footsteps of his elder brothers.

Finally, Blighty has made a move for 2025 by picking up utility player Jordan Priestley out of the successful Moama setup.

Jeff Garlett

Ryan Hudson

PICOLA & DISTRICT FOOTBALL NETBALL LEAGUE

OFFICIAL FIXTURE SEASON 2025

ROUND 1

April 5

Blighty v Jerilderie

Tungamah v Katamatite

Dookie v Katandra

Mathoura v Deni Rovers

Berrigan v Rennie

Picola v Katunga

Tocumwal bye

ROUND 2

April 12

Katamatite v Tocumwal

Deni Rovers v Blighty

Katandra v Tungamah

Strathmerton v Dookie

Berrigan v Mathoura

Katunga v Waaia

Rennie v Picola

Jerilderie bye

ROUND 3

April 19

(Easter Saturday)

Tocumwal v Berrigan

ROUND 4

April 26

Jerilderie v Deni Rovers

Tocumwal v Katandra

Blighty v Berrigan

Tungamah v Strathmerton

Dookie v Katunga

Picola v Mathoura

Waaia v Rennie

Katamatite bye

ROUND 5

May 3

Katandra v Katamatite

Berrigan v Jerilderie

Strathmerton v Tocumwal

Picola v Blighty

Katunga v Tungamah

Rennie v Dookie

Mathoura v Waaia

Deni Rovers bye

ROUND 6

May 10

Deni Rovers v Berrigan

Katamatite v Strathmerton

Jerilderie v Picola

Katunga v Tocumwal

Blighty v Waaia

Tungamah v Rennie

Dookie v Mathoura

Katandra bye

ROUND 7

May 17

Strathmerton v Katandra

Picola v Deni Rovers

Katunga v Katamatite

Waaia v Jerilderie

Rennie v Tocumwal

Blighty v Dookie

Mathoura v Tungamah

Berrigan bye

ROUND 8

May 24

Berrigan v Picola

Katandra v Katunga

Deni Rovers v Waaia

Katamatite v Rennie

Jerilderie v Dookie

Tocumwal v Mathoura

Tungamah v Blighty

Strathmerton bye

ROUND 9

May 31

Katunga v Strathmerton

Waaia v Berrigan

Rennie v Katandra

Dookie v Deni Rovers

Mathoura v Katamatite

Tungamah v Jerilderie

Tocumwal v Blighty

Picola bye

ROUND 10

June 7

Picola v Waaia

Strathmerton v Rennie

Berrigan v Dookie

Katandra v Mathoura

Deni Rovers v Tungamah

Jerilderie v Tocumwal

Blighty v Katamatite

Katunga bye

ROUND 11

June 14

Rennie v Katunga

Dookie v Picola

Mathoura v Strathmerton

Tungamah v Berrigan

Tocumwal v Deni Rovers

Katandra v Blighty

Katamatite v Jerilderie

Waaia bye

ROUND 12

June 21

Waaia v Dookie

Katunga v Mathoura

Picola v Tungamah

Berrigan v Tocumwal

Strathmerton v Blighty

Deni Rovers v Katamatite

Jerilderie v Katandra

Rennie bye

ROUND 13

June 28

Mathoura v Rennie

Tungamah v Waaia

Tocumwal v Picola

Blighty v Katunga

Katamatite v Berrigan

Strathmerton v Jerilderie

Katandra v Deni Rovers

Dookie bye

ROUND 14

July 5

Dookie v Tungamah

Waaia v Tocumwal

Blighty v Rennie

Picola v Katamatite

Jerilderie v Katunga

Berrigan v Katandra

Deni Rovers v Strathmerton

Mathoura bye

FINALS

GENERAL BYE

July 12

ROUND 15

July 19

Tocumwal v Dookie

Mathoura v Blighty

Katamatie v Waaia

Rennie v Jerilderie

Katandra v Picola

Katunga v Deni Rovers

Strathmerton v Berrigan

Tungamah bye

ROUND 16

July 26

Tungamah v Tocumwal

Dookie v Katamatite

Jerilderie v Mathoura

Waaia v Katandra

Deni Rovers v Rennie

Picola v Strathmerton

Berrigan v Katunga

Blighty bye

ROUND 17

August 2

Jerilderie v Blighty

Katamatite v Tungamah

Katandra v Dookie

Deni Rovers v Mathoura

Strathmerton v Waaia

Rennie v Berrigan

Katunga v Picola

Tocumwal bye

ROUND 18

August 9

Blighty v Deni Rovers

Tocumwal v Jerilderie

Mathroura v Picola

Rennie v Tungamah

Dookie v Strathmerton

Waaia v Katunga

Katamatite v Katandra

Berrigan bye

Elimination Finals: August 16 & 17

Qualifying Finals: August 23 & 24

Semi Finals: August 30–31

Preliminary Finals: September 6 & 7

Grand Final: September 13

2QN IS YOUR HOME OF FOOTBALL IN 2025. MURRAY LIVE - EVERY SATURDAY FROM 1PM. YOU WON'T MISS A THING!

ANOTHER SEASON OF EPIC HIGHS AND LOWS AWAITS IN THE HDFNL

FOOTBALL

From White Hills’ domination of the competition to Leitchville-Gunbower’s fairy tale run, there was plenty to cheer for in the Heathcote and District Football Netball League in 2024.

Now, as we enter a new year and a new season, there will be plenty more surprises, triumphs and heartbreak for the nine teams all vying for premiership glory.

The Demons still remain the team to beat as the most dominant force in the league, losing just two games en-route to capturing the flag in emphatic fashion against L-G.

Speaking of the runners-up, L-G will be laser-focused on going one step further this year and making up for a 71-point defeat that stripped them of completing a title run for the ages.

Meanwhile, Heathcote, Colbinabbin and North Bendigo will all be waiting in the wings as viable finals contenders and will be hungry to make their presence felt throughout the home-and-away season.

Only slightly out of the finals picture in a close race, Mount Pleasant and Huntly would’ve counted themselves unlucky not to play finals football and will be in the mix throughout the year.

There is hope for LockingtonBamawm United yet, the eighth place finisher signing on some new players and a few changes behind the scenes could see the Cats return to their former glory.

Last year’s wooden-spooners Elmore will be looking to push out of the bottom three after being towards the end of the ladder in each of its last three seasons.

NETBALL

A relatively even field at the top of the standings in 2024 will make for interesting theatre in the race for the flag this season.

White Hills, Elmore and Colbinabbin all ended the home-and-away campaign with 13 wins apiece and all three featured prominently in the last season’s finals.

Colbo’s run from third place to the grand final saw the Grasshoppers drop the qualifying final by a point to Elmore before trouncing L-G in the semi and completing the great escape against White Hills in the prelim.

They then had a rematch with the Bloods who appeared to be the sole side with Colbo’s number, as the former took out the flag in a nine-goal win to complete a strong season.

L-G is on the outside looking in on the top three, sitting in a comfortable fourth last season, and will cherish a chance to avenge it’s semi-final defeat.

The last “strong” team in the competition in 2024, Heathcote finished with an even record last campaign which was enough to lock in fifth spot by a wide margin.

Mount Pleasant, LBU and Huntly will have some ground to cover if they wish to make a strong case for a deep finals run in 2025, with all three finishing with four wins or below in 2024.

Incumbent wooden-spooners North Bendigo will be fighting with the previous three teams to claw its way off the bottom and avoid being handed last place for the third season in a row.

TEAM NICKNAMES

Abbey Hromenko

Colbinabbin: Grasshoppers

Elmore: Bloods

Heathcote: Saints

Huntly: Hawks

Leitchville-Gunbower: Bombers

Lockington-Bamawm United: Cats

Mount Pleasant: Mighty Mounts

North Bendigo: Bulldogs

White Hills: Demons

TASTE OF THE COUNTRY