O&K FOOTBALL NETBALL LEAGUE
2024 OFFICIAL FIXTURE
Round 1 March 29, 30
Bonnie Doon vs Benalla Good Friday
Moyhu vs Greta Good Friday
Bright vs Tarrawingee Easter Saturday
King Valley vs Milawa Easter Saturday
Whorouly, North Wangaratta, Goorambat - BYE
Round 2 April 6
Bright vs Milawa
Benalla vs Whorouly
Greta vs Goorambat
North Wangaratta vs Moyhu
Tarrawingee vs King Valley
Bonnie Doon - BYE
Round 3
Benalla vs Bright
Goorambat vs King Valley
Moyhu vs Bonnie Doon
Tarrawingee vs Greta
Whorouly vs North Wangaratta
Milawa - BYE Round 4
Bright vs Whorouly
Bonnie Doon vs Greta
King Valley vs Moyhu
Milawa vs Tarrawingee
North Wangaratta vs Goorambat
Benalla - BYE
Round 5
Greta vs North Wangaratta
Goorambat vs Whorouly
King Valley vs Bright
Milawa vs Bonnie Doon
Moyhu vs Benalla
Tarrawingee - BYE Round
Bright vs Goorambat
Greta vs Benalla
Milawa vs North Wangaratta
Tarrawingee vs Bonnie Doon
Whorouly vs King Valley
Moyhu - BYE
Round 7
Benalla vs King Valley
Greta vs Whorouly
Goorambat vs Bonnie Doon
North Wangaratta vs Tarrawingee
Moyhu vs Milawa
Bright - BYE
8
Bonnie Doon vs King Valley
Goorambat vs Benalla
North Wangaratta vs Bright
Whorouly vs Milawa
Tarrawingee vs Moyhu
Greta - BYE
vs Greta Benalla vs Tarrawingee
King Valley vs North Wangaratta
Moyhu vs Goorambat
Whorouly vs Bonnie Doon
Milawa - BYE
Round 10
Bonnie Doon vs North Wangaratta
Greta vs King Valley
Milawa vs Goorambat
Moyhu vs Bright
Whorouly vs Tarrawingee
Benalla - BYE
11
Round 11 June 15
Benalla vs Milawa
Greta vs Moyhu
Goorambat vs Bright
King Valley vs Tarrawingee
North Wangaratta vs Whorouly
Bonnie Doon - BYE
Round 12 June 22
Bright vs Bonnie Doon
Milawa vs Greta
North Wangaratta vs Benalla
Moyhu vs Whorouly
Tarrawingee vs Goorambat
King Valley - BYE
18
Round 13
Bonnie Doon vs Moyhu
Goorambat vs Greta
Milawa vs King Valley
Tarrawingee vs Bright
Whorouly vs Benalla
North Wangaratta - BYE
June 29
Round 16
Bright vs Moyhu
Benalla vs Bonnie Doon
King Valley vs Goorambat
Milawa vs Whorouly
Tarrawingee vs North Wangaratta
Greta - BYE
Round 17
King Valley vs Greta
Milawa vs Benalla
North Wangaratta vs Bonnie Doon
Moyhu vs Tarrawingee
Whorouly vs Bright
Goorambat - BYE
Round 18
Benalla vs North Wangaratta
Greta vs Tarrawingee
Goorambat vs Milawa
King Valley vs Bonnie Doon
Whorouly vs Moyhu
Bright - BYE
Round 14 Naidoc Week 1 - July 6
Benalla vs Moyhu
Bonnie Doon vs Milawa
Greta vs Bright
Goorambat vs North Wangaratta
King Valley vs Whorouly
Tarrawingee - BYE
June 1
Round 15 NAIDOC WEEK 2 - July 13
Bright vs Benalla
Bonnie Doon vs Goorambat
North Wangaratta vs Greta
Moyhu vs King Valley
Tarrawingee vs Milawa
Whorouly - BYE
1
Wodonga Raiders vs Lavington Fri 29th
Wangaratta vs Wang Rovers Fri 29th – 6pm
Corowa Rutherglen vs Albury Sat 30th
Myrtleford vs North Albury Sun 31st
Yarrawonga vs Wodonga Sun 31st
Round 2 6 April
Albury vs Wodonga Raiders
Wang Rovers vs Corowa Rutherglen
North Albury vs Wangaratta
Wodonga vs Myrtleford
Lavington vs Yarrawonga
Round 3 13 April
Wodonga Raiders vs Wang Rovers
Corowa Rutherglen vs North Albury
Wangaratta vs Wodonga 6pm
Myrtleford vs Yarrawonga
Albury vs Lavington
Round 4 20 April
Yarrawonga vs Wangaratta
Lavington vs Myrtleford
Wodonga vs Corowa Rutherglen
North Albury vs Wodonga Raiders
Wang Rovers vs Albury
July 20
July 27
August 3
Bright vs North Wangaratta
Tarrawingee vs Benalla
Bonnie Doon vs Whorouly
Greta vs Milawa
Goorambat vs Moyhu
King Valley - BYE
Round 20 August 17
Benalla vs Goorambat
Bonnie Doon vs Tarrawingee
Milawa vs Bright
North Wangaratta vs King Valley
Whorouly vs Greta
Moyhu - BYE
O&M FOOTBALL NETBALL LEAGUE
2024 OFFICIAL FIXTURE
Round 5 ANZAC Split Round 25, 27, 28 April & 4 May
Wod. Raiders vs Wodonga Thu 25th – 3pm
Albury vs North Albury Thu 25th
Wangaratta vs Myrtleford Sat 27th
Corowa Rutherglen vs Yarrawonga Sun 28th
Lavington vs Wang Rovers Sat 4th
Round 6 11 May
Yarrawonga vs Wodonga Raiders
Myrtleford vs Corowa Rutherglen
Wangaratta vs Lavington
Wodonga vs Albury
North Albury vs Wang Rovers
Round 7 18 May
Wodonga Raiders vs Myrtleford
Corowa Rutherglen vs Wangaratta
Albury vs Yarrawonga
Wang Rovers vs Wodonga
Lavington vs North Albury
Interleague Bye 25 May
Round 8 1 June
Wodonga Raiders vs Corowa Rutherglen
Albury vs Wangaratta
Wang Rovers vs Myrtleford
North Albury vs Yarrawonga
Lavington vs Wodonga
Round 9 King’s Birthday 8 June
Wangaratta vs Wodonga Raiders
Corowa Rutherglen vs Lavington
Myrtleford vs Albury
Yarrawonga vs Wang Rovers
Wodonga vs North Albury
Round 10 Split Round 15, 22 & 23 June
Albury vs Corowa Rutherglen Sat 15th
North Albury vs Myrtleford Sat 15th
Lavington vs Wodonga Raiders Sat 22nd
Wodonga vs Yarrawonga Sat 22nd
Wang Rovers vs Wangaratta Sun 23rd
Round 11 29 June
Wodonga Raiders vs Albury
Corowa Rutherglen vs Wang Rovers
Wangaratta vs North Albury
Myrtleford vs Wodonga
Yarrawonga vs Lavington
Round 12 Indigenous Round 6 July
Wang Rovers vs Wodonga Raiders
North Albury vs Corowa Rutherglen
Wodonga vs Wangaratta
Yarrawonga vs Myrtleford
Lavington vs Albury
Round 13 13 July
Wodonga Raiders vs North Albury
Corowa Rutherglen vs Wodonga
Wangaratta vs Yarrawonga
Myrtleford vs Lavington
Albury vs Wang Rovers
Wodonga vs Wodonga Raiders
Yarrawonga vs Corowa Rutherglen
Myrtleford vs Wangaratta
North Albury vs Albury
Wang Rovers vs Lavington
Myrtleford vs Wodonga Raiders
Wangaratta vs Corowa Rutherglen
Yarrawonga vs Albury
Wodonga vs Wang Rovers
Round 17 17 August
Corowa Rutherglen vs Wodonga Raiders
Wangaratta vs Albury
Myrtleford vs Wang Rovers
Yarrawonga vs North Albury
Wodonga vs Lavington
Wodonga Raiders vs Wangaratta
Lavington vs Corowa Rutherglen
Albury vs Myrtleford
Wang Rovers vs Yarrawonga
North Albury vs Lavington Round 15 3 August
Wodonga Raiders vs Yarrawonga
Corowa Rutherglen vs Myrtleford
Albury vs Wodonga
Lavington vs Wangaratta
Wang Rovers vs North Albury
AFLNEB is focusing on junior participation
By ZAC HEDIN AFL North East Border Region Manager
THE 2024 football and netball season is now upon us, and the season ahead presents many exciting opportunities, along with some mouth-watering match-ups on the fields and courts.
As a region we continue to explore growth opportunities for the game while we are faced with participation trends in certain areas which are impacting on all sports, not just football.
Across the region, participation at junior levels continues to be a big focus, with a key focus on recruitment, transition and retention of our junior footballers.
As a region and with our participation team we have narrowed our focus to target schools and communities with low participation rates, giving every child an opportunity to get a football in their hands.
With an acknowledgement that participation rates peak in the 12-13 year old age group, we can prepare for the projected decreases experienced in all team sports at mid to late teenage years by ensuring we maximise interest at entry levels.
This is a positive and encourages well managed clubs.
What we are also seeing is a greater focus by clubs on junior pathways and retention which should not just be about the most talented, but must also include developing players who aspire to play the game for enjoyment and social engagement regardless of the standard.
The AFLNEB Commission remains committed to local football at all levels and to decision making in the best interests for football in the region.
To attain ultimate collaboration necessitates making decisions that are not always popular or well received as understandable, leagues and clubs have individual priorities which aren’t necessarily considerate of the regional strategy or direction.
The more numbers playing the game at under 12 and below, the better the scenarios are for participation in future years.
The challenge for all stakeholders in our game is to maintain engagement in AFL as players transition through their careers.
The role of club presidents, committees and of our coaches to ensure a positive match day experience for players and families has never been more important.
In some instances, the reality is that the game will need to continually evolve at both club and league level as the community needs of football and netball changes.
This itself can be exciting yet incredibly challenging.
As a code we cannot stand still
and must continue to assess and plan for the game’s future which requires ultimate collaboration at all levels of the game.
Throughout 2024, AFLNEB will work in partnership with our leagues to deliver coach and club education, as well as trialling new initiatives to improve the game day experience for everyone involved at the games – such as the introduction of the AFLNEB Club Development Conference
held in March which attracted over 80 club volunteers.
With the Community Club Sustainability Program now embedded with the Player Points System and Allowable Player Payment Rule, the environment in which clubs operate is regulated and has shown to be having an impact on the processes senior clubs adopt to financial management and player management.
Good luck to all footballers and netballers!
Sport is so important to our region and all our local clubs are part of the fabric of our community.
Again, 2024 will be exciting at all levels and we look forward to celebrating all that is country football and netball in our region and collectively managing the challenges which will be presented.
In doing so, we look forward to working with clubs and individuals who are the backbone of the game.
We look forward to seeing everyone out enjoying their football and netball, whether that be as a player, umpire, volunteer, coach, passionate spectator or interested onlooker in 2024.
See you at the football and netball!
Thank you to all our players, coaches, umpires, volunteers and supporters who contribute to our vibrant football and netball leagues. t
Authorised by Helen Haines
Spectacular season of Ovens and King football and netball in store for 2024
IT seems like it’s crept up on everyone, but it’s finally here –the 2024 Ovens and King football and netball season is about to commence.
The five grades of netball and two football will battle it out over the next 20 weeks for a shot at ultimate glory in the finals series, set for late August.
But there’s a lot of sport to get through first.
Bonnie Doon will look to retain their senior football crown, while Greta’s netballers will attempt to make history as the only club to claim six consecutive A grade netball titles.
Bright took out the reserves football crown and look to be just as strong, while the Blues and Bombers will be tough to beat in the lower grades of netball.
In the football, youth is the name of the game, with Moyhu, King Valley and Tarrawingee taking the time to invest in the next generation of footballers, while Bright has gotten even more dangerous across all three lines. Massive recruitment has taken place at Milawa, Greta and North Wangaratta over the o -season, with the depth of their lists sure to be on full display.
Benalla, Goorambat and Whorouly look impressive and will be sure to push some of the top teams – underestimate them at your peril.
In the netball, the triumvirate of teams will again set the standard for A grade netball, with Greta, Milawa and Tarrawingee all looking powerful.
The Roos, Bombers and Lions will be tough to beat again, a er
recruiting well and fine-tuning aspects of their game.
Moyhu and Goorambat will look to surprise some teams, while Bright and North Wangaratta will work on getting the best squads they can on the
court and push for a finals spot as well.
With such a competitive and evenly-matched season across every single grade of football and netball, there’s never been a better time to head out to your
local match and take in some of the scintillating sporting action. Be sure to catch as many games as you can this year, and support your local sports clubs and their sponsors – and be sure to cheer on your side!
Exciting changes for female footy growth
By LEAH ANDERSON-BYRNE
WITH the endorsement of a new club, more themed rounds and a pilot Under 12s program, the North East Border Female Football League is clearly seeing positive growth as players gear up for the 2024 season.
League operations manager Matthew Elliott said numbers remain consistent with previous years, though new faces are common across the league.
“We sit at around the 450 mark but we find its not always the same majority of players,” he said.
“We’ve got some exciting additions this year though with the endorsement of a North Albury club and later in the season we’ll pilot an Under 12s group to bridge the age gap.
“At the moment we have Under 14s, Under 17s and open women’s (the seniors), but what we’re trying to do is bridge the gap for younger players.
“Children aged 10 turning 11 and 11, 12 and 13 year olds can play in Under 14 but that’s a four year catchment so we want to complete that pathway for girls of that younger age.
“The younger girls still have the option to play in boys teams at that age but we feel as a region we want to complete the female pathway and provide an opportunity to play with girls closer to their age.
“The pilot this year will be unscored and no awards but if we implement it as a competition next year we may need to adjust other
age groups to spread out the age of players but that’s to be discussed a er evaluating how it goes.”
Mr Elliot said the league is still finalising the fixture but the start weekend will be Sunday, April 7 with the grand final on August 18.
“We’ve got similar rounds as last year but this time we’ve formalised more of our themed rounds,” he said.
“Two consecutive weekends in July; July 7 and 14, will focus on the Indigenous theme round aligning with NAIDOC Week celebrations.
“We’re also introducing pride rounds on June 2 and 16, both of these were suggested and lead by the clubs and Rovers have put together a pride themed jumper already.”
WANGARATTA Rovers’ open
women’s co-coach Kate Burns said pre-season has been strong with a core group of players returning and a number of new arrivals.
“We’re excited about both the new talent and the talent we get to develop ourselves as they all bring something to the table,” she said.
“We had a practice match against Moonee Valley in an established
WANGARATTA ROVERS FEMALE FOOTBALL
Season starts April 7th
Come and support our U14, U17 and Open Women’s teams on Sunday’s in 2024. New U12 team also starting up in a trial competition this year.
Can’t make a game, but interested in supporting female football?
Purchase a Female Football Supporter Membership from www.wangrovers.com.au
Follow us on Facebook @femalehawks
metropolitan competition which was very close so we know we’re on the right track.
“Myself and co-coach Ollie Morton Rodaro are in our second year and are starting to see some of the building blocks in terms of game style taking shape.”
Both past players and new additions have been flagged as impactful for the season.
“Emma Gosbell is primed for another amazing year; she’s won three best and fairest in a row and is looking every bit as strong and impressive as she has so we expect her to be an integral part of the side,” Burns said.
“Charli Simmonds; a new player from the Northern Territory, brings a lot of experience and is a dynamic player who can play any position on the ground.
“Alice Minn who relocated to Wangaratta a er playing metro footy in Melbourne has a lot of experience and is a terrific leader who can play key positions and that experience will make a big di erence for us.
“Returning players Ella Bradley and Jacinta Findlay have really stepped up their intensity and have put in big pre-season so if they continue into the season the way they’ve been tracking those two will have a pretty big impact.
“Our players are really hungry to improve and get fitter, stronger and better and they want more time together so we’re pretty confident we’re coming into the season ahead of where we finished.
“Last year we finished in a prelim final so we should be aiming high.”
2022 MEMBER
If you would like to give AFL a try or you are interested in volunteering or helping at the club please contact Debbie Plattfuss 0481 288 755
RARING TO GO: Paige-Lee Dummet is among the young chargers at Wangaratta Rovers.
By MATTHEW ELLIOTT, WDJFL operations manager
SEASON 2024 is around the corner for the Wangaratta and District Junior Football League, with clubs stepping into the pre-season with enthusiasm and excitement.
The league currently boasts more than 600 registered players, with more to register prior to Round 1.
With the season commencing the weekend of April 13 and 14, players have arrived at training ready to enjoy playing football with their club mates. Player retention is strong as we move from the 2023 season - the league is encouraged by the e orts of club committees to build positive environments for the young players which ensures they continue to return year a er year.
The U12s competition will feature 10 teams, including Benalla’s two sides, now known as Benalla Red and Benalla Black.
This change has been implemented for the club’s U14 and U17 sides, moving away from the Giants and Bulldogs monikers of the past and reflecting the ‘one-club’ mantra as they progress into the future on a united front.
Keep an eye out for the new reversible guernseys the Red and Black teams will be showcasing this season.
Having fielded two teams in 2023, Myrtleford will be represented by one team in 2024 and have great registration numbers in this age group already.
A total of 12 teams will contest the U14 premiership, with Mansfield
joining the fray with two sides. With close to 50 registered players, time will tell if their Yellow or Blue side will finish higher on the ladder, with the Yellow side completing the 2023 season three wins better o than the Blue side.
Finishing fi h and sixth on the ladder respectively, this is a testament to the club’s endeavours to field two evenly matched teams, ensuring all players extract the optimal benefits
from their time in the sport. Looking to the U17 competition, we will have an 11-team competition in 2024.
If the 2023 season is an indication, this is set to once again be a hotlycontested premiership, with only eight points separating the top seven teams last year.
With many players benefiting from pre-season training with senior clubs, the players are well-drilled and return to their clubs as mature
leaders ahead of this year.
The WDJFL will enter two U14 and two U16 teams in AFL North East Border’s Junior Carnival, hosted at Lavington Sports Ground on Sunday, May 19.
The league has scheduled a general bye for this weekend to ensure players are well-rested to strongly represent our league. Everyone is welcome to attend the carnival to support our teams and enjoy a wonderful day of
representative football.
The league’s presentation event will be held on Monday, September 2, and will prove to be another fantastic event to celebrate our season.
The season culminates with Grand Finals on the weekend of September 7 and 8, in our traditional period being the weekend prior to the OKFNL grand finals.
On behalf of the WDJFL, I wish all members of all clubs the very best for the 2024 season.
Bushrangers ready for Coates Talent League
THE Murray Bushrangers are raring to go for the 2024 season.
At the start of the month the Bushrangers announced their 2024 squads in the U18 and U16 boys, as well as the U18 girls where a number of Wangaratta locals were picked. With the squads set, the North East Victorian side are at the end of the pre-season and working towards their round clashes.
Murray Bushrangers talent manager Mick Wilson said things are heating up at this time of year.
“We’re well and truly into it,” Wilson said.
“Our U16 girls start this weekend and our U18 girls have their testing down in Melbourne and then next weekend our U18 boys have their testing.
“Both U16s teams play just two games and then they turn their attention to Victoria Country.”
The U18 boys kicked their season o with a clash against Tassie Devils at Craigieburn on Saturday (March 23), while the girls open on April 14 against Gippsland Power.
“It’s always hard to tell how all of our teams will look at this time of year,” Wilson said.
“We hope that all teams are competitive and for us it’s just important that we give all of our players the best opportunity to showcase their talent in front of recruiters this season.”
Mark Brown will once again lead the U18 boys, while Emma Mackie will coach the U18 girls.
In the U16 boys, Dale Carmody and Carl Norton will coach those rising stars for the two games.
“We’re lucky that we’ve got so many experienced coaches leading the sides,” Wilson said.
“Along with the head coaches we have people like Leon Higgins, Justin McMahon and Jason Wells who will assist as well.
“There’s plenty of wise footy heads there who will help out heaps.”
The Bushrangers had U18 boys and girls train with Victoria Country’s academy over the summer as they look to put their
best foot forward for selection in the U18 National Championships.
“We had two U18 girls take part in the camp, Maddie Ibrahim from Yarrawonga and Holly Egan from Shepparton,” Wilson said.
“In the U18 boys we had
Ollie Warburton (Shepparton Swans), Jack and Matt Whitlock (Shepparton), Zac Harding (Wodonga Bulldogs) and bottomager Riley Onley (Shepparton United) who did well to be selected.”
FNC), Riley Onley (Shepparton United), Oliver Warburton (Shepparton Swans), Jack Whitlock (Shepparton FNC), Zac Harding (Wodonga Bulldogs).
Merriwa Magpies fired up for big season
WANGARATTA-based Merriwa Magpies return to a bigger and better all-abilities competition this season with more clubs wanting to be a part of the action.
Merriwa Industries is proud to continue its ongoing partnership with the Wangaratta (Magpies) Football Netball Club’s subsidiary all-abilities team, which competes as part of the Victorian Football Integration Development Association (FIDA), providing the opportunity for footballers of all abilities to participate in structured competition across the state.
The competition is getting stronger each year with two more teams said to be joining for the 2024 season.
John Mullins who heads up the Merriwa Magpies team is excited for the upcoming season.
“It’s terrific that the popularity of the competition is on the increase,” he said.
“A new team from Ballarat is joining the competition and we’ve had interest for future teams to participate from Albury-Wodonga.”
The competition has a unique round robin format that encourages more participation and match time on game days.
Merriwa Magpies compete against the Wodonga Jets, Echuca Moama Rockets and Goulburn Valley Stars across multiple venues throughout the year.
The team is lucky enough to receive coaching expertise from ex-St Kilda premiership player Bob Murray, one of the AFL’s greats.
SET FOR ANOTHER SEASON: With St Kilda premiership player Bob Murray (le ) again taking on coaching duties,
forward to another big season.
“We are so grateful for Bob’s continued involvement in the team,” said Mullins.
“Not only does he have outstanding football credentials, but o the field Bob has had wonderful experience working with young people with disability.
“It’s a rare combination of talent and expertise’.”
Mullins encourages new players interested in joining Merriwa Magpies to come down today (Thursday, March 28) to the
team’s first training session at the Wangaratta Magpies ground from 4-5pm to see what it’s all about.
Registrations will be taken on the day and there will be a barbecue and opportunity to meet Murray and Mullins and ask them any questions.
If you can’t make the day but are interested, please reach out to Mullins on mob 0411 699 179.
Anyone over the age of 16 with a disability is encouraged to attend.
The regular training night will be
on Thursdays from 4-5pm at the Wangaratta Magpies ground.
Competition games will be held once a month from the end of April through to mid-August, with an organised Carnival Day in May.
Merriwa Magpies encourage all community members to follow the team on social media under the Merriwa Magpies Facebook page and show their support by attending matches, the details of which will be updated on the Facebook page.
Merriwa Industries and the Wangaratta (Magpies) Football Netball Club are proud to bring ‘quality to life’ through football.
“Being involved with the Merriwa Magpies is a great way for us to connect with the wider community and continue to provide more opportunities for people with disability to live meaningful lives,” said Merriwa marketing manager Karen Prebble.
“It’s at the heart of what we do.”
the Merriwa Magpies are looking
PHOTO: Kurt Hickling
O&M gearing up for tight season of footy, netball
LAST year’s O&M season was nothing short of competitive with both the senior football and A grade netball competition’s as tight as ever with Yarrawonga claiming the football premiership, while Lavington edged out Yarrawonga in the netball.
In the senior football, the 2024 season shapes as one of the closest in recent times with seven to eight sides genuine chances of playing finals.
Last year’s grand finalists in Yarrawonga and Albury will once again set the benchmark, while Wangaratta, Wangaratta Rovers, Wodonga, Lavington and North Albury are all shaping up nicely. But more importantly, how good will it be to see Corowa-Rutherglen back on the field a er a hiatus in 2023.
“The whole competition is excited to have CorowaRutherglen back,” O&M general manager Kane Arendarcikas said.
“A lot of work has been put in by the club’s o icials behind the scenes and while they’ll admit there’s a long way to go in terms of their facilities and things, they’ve done an incredible job to be ready for season 2024.
“We’re keen to see how they go and it will be awesome to see them in action against Albury in front of a big crowd on Easter Saturday.”
This year’s season will kick o with Good Friday showdowns between Wodonga Raiders and Lavington, and of course the Wangaratta derby under lights
between Magpies and Rovers.
The round one action doesn’t stop there though with Corowa Rutherglen to host Albury in what shapes as a monumental occasion for the Roos, while on Easter Sunday Myrtleford plays North Albury at RC McNamara Reserve and Wodonga takes on Yarrawonga on the Pigeons’ home turf.
“We don’t always get Easter landing on round one but we did this year and we saw that as a great opportunity,” Arendarcikas said.
“Raiders and Lavi kick it o , leading into the big Wangaratta derby under lights at Norm Minns Oval which was a massive success last year.
“Corowa Rutherglen will be back at John Foord Oval for the first time in 18 months and then there’s two big games on the Sunday.
“Wodonga heads to Mulwala to take on Yarrawonga and I’m sure the Dogs head there with a bit of confidence a er a strong season last year and Myrtleford takes on North Albury with both sides looking to improve.”
Much like the football, the A grade netball will be competitive with Lavington, Yarrawonga, Wangaratta, Wodonga Raiders and Myrtleford all set to challenge again.
“In the netball, we see the grand final rematch between Raiders and Lavington straight o the bat
which is a great way to start the year,” Arendarcikas said.
“Raiders have kept their squad together and Lavington have lost a few so it’ll be interesting to see how that game pans out.
“It’ll be a close season in the netball with powerhouses Yarrawonga and Wangaratta no doubt looking to stay at the top and the likes of North Albury, Wodonga and even Albury go into the season with young sides.”
The annual Ash-Wilson Trophy will be played for on May 20 at the Albury Sportsground between the O&M and Goulburn Valley League which is always a great watch.
“We look forward to the
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interleague every year,” Arendarcikas said.
“Look what’s happened the last few years on the football side of things, Joe Richards and Kaelan Bradtke played in those games and ended up on AFL lists so it’s great exposure for all of the players.
“If the one thing we get out of the concept is putting players names up in lights then I think it’s doing a good thing.”
Damian Sexton will coach the senior football for a third successive year, Tom McGrath will lead the u18 football, while Noel Halton has been named coach of the open netball side.
Jodie House will coach the u17 netball.
EXCITING SEASON AHEAD: Grand final day is always the highlight of the Ovens and Murray season.
PHOTO: Melissa Beattie
Top three is the goal for eager Magpies
WANGARATTA fell just short of making last year’s grand final a er Albury pipped them in the preliminary final.
The Magpies go into 2024 with an arguably better list having gained the massive signatures of former AFL player Patrick Naish, as well as former West PrestonLakeside gun Alex Federico.
The ‘Pies were also bolstered by the returns of former juniors Brad Melville and Nick Richards who both return with VFL experience, particularly Melville who enjoyed three years at Richmond.
Superstar midfielder Jackson Clarke will also be back from injury a er missing half of last season which is just as good as a recruit.
Wangaratta coach Ben Reid is looking forward to seeing what 2024 holds.
“I think every year you have to be aiming for finals, you may as well not turn up if you don’t want to play finals,” he said.
“We’re definitely aiming to finish top three but it’s going to be a tough season, I reckon seven or eight teams can play finals this year and five or six of them will be pushing for top three.
“If you don’t play your best footy I think you can get done by any team.”
While Wangaratta supporters will be looking forward to
seeing their new recruits in action, Reid is keen to see the development of his youth.
“A lot of the younger guys have impressed me over the pre-season,” Reid said.
“Fraser and Charlie HollandDean have both been strong over the pre-season, along with Harry Hewitt and Braeden Marjanovic.
“Xavier Laverty also hasn’t put a foot wrong since coming back from Bushrangers.
“A few of the older guys are in good nick as well, Michael Newton, Michael Bordignon and Cam Barrett are all in great shape.”
Club Info
COACH: Ben Reid
ASSISTANT COACH/ES: Dean Stone (backline), Dale Carmody (midfield), Kent Braden (forwards), Brennan Jenvey (reserves).
CAPTAIN: Daine Porter.
VICE CAPTAIN/S: Daniel Sharrock, Brad Melville, Jackson Clarke.
PLAYERS TO WATCH: Patrick Naish, Alex Federico, Fraser Holland-Dean, Charlie Holland-Dean
ARRIVALS: Patrick Naish, Alex Federico, Aidan Tilley, Brad Melville, Nick Richards, Charlie Naish (nominated as home club).
DEPARTURES: Luke and Dan Saunders.
WANGARATTA CHRONICLE LADDER PREDICTION: 2nd.
Cam Barrett
‘Pies’ netballers are aiming for
AFTER a semi-final exit to eventual grand finalists Wodonga Raiders, Wangaratta’s A grade netballers are once again pushing for a finals campaign in 2024.
The Magpie shave kept their departures to a minimum, losing just one player in Ellie Cooper but will welcome the return of Chaye Crimmins, as well as the inclusion of former Yarrawonga player and 2017’s grand final best on court Abbey Jones.
Wangaratta A grade coach Shea Cunningham will also have her first season at the helm and said she’s settled into life at Norm Minns Oval.
“Everyone’s been great since joining Wangaratta,” Cunningham said.
“I’ve settled in really well thanks to everyone being so welcoming and transparent.
“Joining a new club is always nerve-racking but I I’ve felt at home really quickly which has been great.”
The Magpies haven’t missed finals for a number of years now and Cunningham is hopeful that streak continues under her guidance.
“For us the goal is finals,” she said.
“Once we get there we can build but the first step is making finals.
“This year’s competition is going to be extremely competitive.
“Yarrawonga and Raiders will obviously be up there again, Myrtleford are a bit of
an unknown given they’ve recruited those two players from Myrtleford and then Albury are an unknown as well.
“I’d say that fi h spot will be up for grabs come the end of the year which could make for an exciting finish.”
While the likes of A grade main stays Issy Newton, Hannah Grady and Georgia Clark will no doubt lead the charge this season, Cunningham said there are a number of B grade players pushing for selection.
“Some of our B grade players have been putting their hand up for A grade selection,” Cunningham said.
“A number of them are in really good shape and have gotten fitter and stronger as the pre-season has gone on, you can tell they’ve been doing work outside the club.
“It’ll be good to see those players take their chance when it comes.”
Club Info
COACH/ES: Shea Cunningham (A grade), Lou Byrne (B grade), Megan O’Keefe and Laura Fisher (C grade), Kellie Keen (u17), Lou Byrne (u15).
PLAYERS TO WATCH:
Georgia Clark, Amanda Umanski, Hannah Grady, Issy Newton.
ARRIVALS: Chaye Crimmins (maternity leave), Abbey Jones (Yarrawonga).
DEPARTURES: Ellie Cooper (travelling).
WANGARATTA CHRONICLE LADDER PREDICTION: 3rd.
BIG YEAR AHEAD: Georgia Clark and Wangaratta will be pushing for finals in 2024. PHOTO: Melissa Beattie
Rovers bolstered by recruiting blitz
OF all of the Ovens and Murray sides, Wangaratta Rovers were possibly the busiest on the recruiting front throughout the preseason.
The Hawks have brought in a number of top-tier players that sees them as one of the most intriguing sides of the competition this season with former Carlton wingman Lochie O’Brien the biggest coup of them all.
No doubt O’Brien will come into the O&M and make an impact from the get-go as the Hawks look to push for a top three spot and a deep finals campaign.
“We’re certainly aiming for finals and hopeful of a top three finish,” Wangaratta Rovers football operations manager Barry Sullivan said.
“We’ve recruited a number of handy players and feel we have a side that can push the likes of Yarrawonga, Albury and Wangaratta.
“It’s looking like another tight season and we won’t know how things are shaping until round four or five but I expect Albury, Yarrawonga and Wangaratta to be at the top again.”
While Rovers’ top echelon of players like Sam Murray, Alex Marklew, Brodie Filo and now O’Brien are no doubt as good as any teams, Sullivan believes the
Hawks’ young brigade will impress in 2024.
“Some of our young players are looking really good,” he said.
“The likes of Finn Osborne, Judd Schubert, Riley Allen, Elijah Amery and Jace McQuade have all had great pre-seasons.
“And then our top tier players that you’d expect to be doing well all are, players like Xavier Allison, Sam Murray, Lochie O’Brien, Tom Boyd and Alex Marklew.”
Club Info
COACH: Sam Murray
ASSISTANT COACH/ES: Josh Naish, Kyle Raven, Ben Kneebone (reserves), Shane Flynn (reserves assistant).
CAPTAIN/S: Alex Marklew and Tom Boyd.
VICE CAPTAIN/S: Will Nolan, Stuart Booth, Xavier Allison, Dylan Wilson
PLAYERS TO WATCH: Sam Murray, Alex Marklew, Xavier Allison, Lochie O’Brien.
ARRIVALS: Sam Cattapan, Xavier Allison, Lochie O’Brien, Kieran Parnell, Tom McDonagh, Max Cullin, John Jorgensen (VFL-listed)
DEPARTURES: Paddy McNamara, Tom Baulch, Michael Clarke (retired).
WANGARATTA CHRONICLE LADDER PREDICTION: 4th.
We are looking forward to seeing the rovers guys and gals hit the field and court in 2024! We also urge you to support country footy by supporting us again in 2024.
6th April for our first home game of 2024
Jack Gerrish
Development’s the key for Rovers
WANGARATTA Rovers
didn’t have the season they were a er in 2023, notching just the one win, but Hawks coach Gracie Reid is confident her squad will improve in 2024.
Rovers snared one of the competition’s biggest recruits in former Melbourne Vixens attacker Kim Borger, even if it will only be on a part-time basis.
The Hawks also picked up Ebony Norris from North Wangaratta who will no doubt add plenty to the young squad.
“We just want to continue to grow and improve on last year,” Reid said.
“We’re still a young team so it’s all about development and we’ve already seen plenty of that over the preseason.
“Pre-season and the practice matches have been great and our bond is heaps stronger than it was this time last year which will also help on the court.
“We’ll play a similar style to last year but obviously look to get better at it.”
Reid welcomed the addition of Borger who will play when free of coaching commitments with Western Warriors’ u23 team.
“It’s going to be great to have Kim around the club, everyone’s so excited,” Reid said.
“Everyone will learn so much o her which is super valuable for a young group like us.
“She’ll play when free of coaching commitments with Western Warriors, it’ll just depend on her load.”
The Hawks kick their season o with a derby clash against rivals Wangaratta on Good Friday.
“The derby’s always an exciting game and everyone looks forward to it,” Reid said.
“It’s always a good challenge for us and we enjoy having a crack.
“We’re very excited for round one.”
Club Info
COACH/ES: Gracie Reid (A grade and u17), Stacey Lamb (u17 and A grade, assistant), Kim Newman (B grade), Jodie Gibson (C grade), Jaynelle Henderson and Jaye Miller (u15).
PLAYERS TO WATCH: Sami
Kreltszheim, Ebony Norris, Gracie Reid.
ARRIVALS: Kim Borger, part-time (Melbourne Vixens, VNL), Ebony Norris (North Wangaratta), Ellie Miller (under-17s).
DEPARTURES: Kelsie Wilson. WANGARATTA CHRONICLE LADDER PREDICTION: 8th.
R1
Friday, March 29 vs Wangaratta - away
Saturday, April 6 vs Corowa-R’glen - home
Saturday, April 13 vs Wod. Raiders - away
Saturday, April 20 vs Albury - home
Saturday, May 4 vs Lavington - away
Saturday, May 11 vs North Albury - away
Saturday, May 18 vs Wodonga - home
Saturday, May 25 Interleague
Saturday, June 1 vs Myrtleford - home
Saturday, June 8 vs Yarrawonga - away
R10 Sunday, June 23 vs Wangaratta - home
R11 Saturday, June 29 vs Corowa-R’glen - away
R12 Saturday, July 6 vs Wod. Raiders - home
R13 Saturday, July 13 vs Albury - away
R14 Saturday, July 20 vs Lavington - home
Saturday, July 27 Hall of Fame bye
R15 Saturday, August 3 vs North Albury - home
R16 Saturday, August 10 vs Wodonga - away
R17 Saturday, August 17 vs Myrtleford - away R18 Saturday, August 24 vs Yarrawonga - home
LEADER: Gracie Reid will coach Wangaratta Rovers’ A grade again in 2024.
PHOTO: Melissa Beattie
Benalla Panthers are on the rise
AFTER a dominant 2022 and a slump in 2023, Benalla All Blacks are looking to surge up the ladder once again.
Last year’s wooden spooners are out to prove their flag win in ’22 was more than a flash in the pan, having recruited well from surrounding towns and leagues to bolster their stocks across the ground.
Heath Smith has stepped up to the senior coaching role a er coaching a rag-tag group of reserve players from across the globe to a grand final, and feels his side has what it takes to ask legitimate questions of the flag contenders.
“Our challenge this year is to get 100 per cent commitment from the best of the guys, we believe we have some great talent but our commitment and cohesion as a team is the key,” he said.
“We have a great core group of young guys like Chelton Orchard, Dave Button, Tom Levy and Jessie Walker, who are really determined to drive the standards of this group.
“Throw in the experience of Jake Jones, Damian Broughton, Nich Spencer and Jordan Smith and we think we can really challenge some sides this year.”
On top of a proven flagwinning list, the Panthers have added speed, cleanliness with the footy and class to their numbers for this season.
“Sam Cox from Violet Town
U18s is a very fi,t talented kid who can play multiple positions,” Smith said.
“He has massive potential to be a great player, he hunts the footy and can use it really well.
“Nathan Buhagiar is a fit and experienced mid/ half forward who is really a determined in and under player – he’s setting great standards for us, uses the ball well.
“Patrick McDonald attacks the footy hard, runs hard and is always looking to make his teammates better.
“Tyson Ryan has been out of footy for a few years, but he is a pretty mobile big fella who can take great marks and use the ball well.”
The Panthers head to Bonnie Doon to take to the reigning premiers in round one.
Club Info
SENIOR COACH: Heath Smith
ASSISTANT COACH/ES: Kallum Croxford (reserves) PLAYERS TO WATCH: Chelton Orchard, Sam Cox, Nich Spencer, Jordan Smith ARRIVALS: Sam Cox, Pat McDonald, Tyson Ryan, Nathan Buhagiar.
DEPARTURES: Kyle Collisson, Cody Crawford.
2023 LADDER POSITION: 11th.
2024 LADDER PREDICTION: 11th.
Our challenge this year is to get 100 per cent commitment from the best of the guys, we believe we have some great talent but our commitment and cohesion as a team is the key.
HEATH SMITH, SENIOR COACH
Brendon Smith
All Blacks set for huge season on court
BENALLA’S netballers
will focus on gradual improvements this season, coming o the back of a less than stellar 2023, but the hunger is there.
Even though the Panthers only won the single game last year, the structures and potential is plain to see, with co-coaches Georgia
Spencer and Alara Jones cultivating their crop of players on and o the court.
Spencer said a core group of eager players had been putting in the work during the preseason, and she was eager to see it come to fruition.
“Preseason has been ticking along well, we have been light on numbers but have a core consistent group who is dedicated and excited to get stuck into the season,” she said.
“The main focus for us this year is honestly going to be focusing on the small wins and achieving personal goals set within the team.
“We just want to get out there and enjoy our netball.”
New defensive options Olive Moon and Chloe Pilkington will be a breath of fresh air to the side, with a number of Panthers eager to impress.
“We do have two new additions in the defence end with Chloe Pilkington
and Olive Moon joining the team - between the two of them they’ll be a strong force down that end with their height and athleticism being key factors,” Spencer said.
“I think Gertie McCallum is definitely the girl to watch this season, she’s a stand out on the court.
“She’s absolutely the teammate you’d want on your team.
“She is very determined to have a big year out on the court for 2024 so I’m looking forward to seeing what she can do this year.”
The Panthers will have a tough start to the year, up against the Bombers on the road before hosting the Lions in round two.
Club Info
COACHES:
A GRADE: Georgia Spencer, Alara Jones.
B GRADE: Meagan Hausner, Mel Reaper.
U17S: Elyse Felstead, Emma Sangster.
U15S: Jemma Smith.
Players to watch: Gertie McCallum, Meagan Hausner, Olive Moon.
ARRIVALS: Chloe
Pilkington, Olive Moon.
2023 LADDER POSITION: 10th.
2024 LADDER PREDICTION: 9th.
Elyse Felstead
Reigning premiers are back to defend flag
THE 2023 O&KFL senior premiers are back with a vengeance in 2024, with a largely unchanged list set to defend the title.
The Bonnie Doon Bombers were the dominant team last season, losing only one match in their journey to the grand final, where they soundly defeated Bright 8.8 (56) to 6.2 (38).
However, it will be an unchanged list suiting up in the red and black this year, both on and o the field.
Premiership coach Ken Murray stepped aside a er securing the flag, and will be replaced in the top job at the ‘Doon by premiership hero Campbell Smedley.
Livewires Joel Sandford and Hayden Watkins have likewise le the club, but the Bombers have recruited extremely well to shore up their squad.
“We managed to grab three new players this year which was fantastic,” Smedley said.
“Peter Cairns comes to us from Euroa, he will play as a mid/ forward.
“Jack Goonan returns for us having a year o last year...he will fit nicely into half back.
“Ari Reuben comes across from Mansfield as our centre half back which we are really excited about.
“Unfortunately we did lose a couple also this year in Joel Sanford back to Mansfield, Hayden Watkins heads down to Healesville, and then there has
been a couple hang the boots up.”
The Bombers’ forward conversion and defensive tenacity made them a tough group to handle last season, and with a list hard at work during the o season, they’re sure to be a handful again.
Three of the top five goal scorers from last season hail from Bonnie Doon and are going around again this year, with Luke Murray, Al Bennett and Will Foster keen to kick their side to another flag.
Smedley said while their forward line loomed as a danger to defenders in the league, the entire list was eager to go backto-back.
“Most of the boys have come along this year and are hungrier than ever to be there in September,” he said.
“I reckon if we can keep James Law fit and on the park this year he will take some taming.”
The Bombers will begin their title defence at home on Good Friday, playing host to Benalla All Blacks.
Club Info
SENIOR COACH: Campbell Smedley.
ASSISTANT COACH/ES: Sean Campitelli (reserves), Patrick Smith (reserves).
PLAYERS TO WATCH: James Law, Matt Hedin, Jack Goonan.
ARRIVALS: Pete Cairns, Ari Reuben, Jack Goonan.
DEPARTURES: Joel Sanford, Hayden Watkins.
2023 LADDER POSITION: 1st.
2024 LADDER PREDICTION: 3rd.
Will Foster
BONNIE DOON - NETBALL
Bombers craving consistency on the court
THE Bombers will maintain a largely unchanged list from the 2023 season, with a few tall inclusions to bolster their o ensive and defensive options.
Bonnie Doon has challenged the finals in multiple grades for many years, with their B grade and B reserve flags from last season a timely reminder of the depth at their disposal.
While the A graders were unsuccessful in their flag hunt a er finishing fourth overall last season, they showed plenty of fight and potential against some of the top teams in the competition.
Head coach Michelle Tanner said the A grade list would put forward another strong case for finals, but consistency on the court was the focus for the group.
“It’s not like we haven’t got good numbers, but A grade has changed a bit this year, and I’m pretty happy with who we’ve got,” she said.
“We’ve got a couple of newbies in there and we’ve retained everyone from last year, so that’s good too.
“I think our focus will be on consistency more than anything.
“They did better at it last year, being consistent across four quarters, whereas I’ve always felt that’s where our weakness is.
“I don’t have any expectations as to what they can accomplish, but I think consistency will definitely be what we focus on.
“You just need to stay a little bit calmer and play the way we
play, rather than getting sucked into the way other teams play, because we’re not them.”
Last season’s defender Erin Brond will move back into the midcourt to her preferred position, and alongside talented players such as Mia Tanner and Portia Keatch, the Bombers are sure to test many sides.
“She’s (Brond) only 16, she’s been playing in defence for us for a couple of years, but her strength is probably more in the wing
defence area,” Tanner said.
“Now we do have a couple of new players, she can move over to there - it’s good for her, but it’s good for us as well because it’s where she should be.
“Mia (Tanner) and Portia (Keatch), they know how each other plays, so that’s good for us.
“I think it’s just a comfortable thing.”
The Bombers take to the court in round one at home to Benalla All Blacks.
Club Info
COACHES:
HEAD COACH: Michelle Tanner.
ASSISTANT COACH/ES: Christina Blunt (seniors), Cass McCormack (juniors).
U17S: Mia Tanner.
U15S: Jess Harris.
PLAYERS TO WATCH: Erin Brond, Mia Tanner, Portia Keatch.
2023 LADDER POSITION: 4th.
2024 LADDER PREDICTION: 5th.
Mountain Men poised to push for the flag
AFTER coming so close to the premiership last season, Bright’s senior footballers won’t let the cup slip through their fingers a second time.
Practically since last September, the Mountain Men have been hard at work improving their fitness and ability to punish teams late in the match.
With a largely unchanged list which struck fear into teams across the competition, Bright has recruited well, slotting in former O&M stars from Myrtleford like Declan Bren and Tyler Thomason into an already powerful line-up.
Coach Paul Harrison said every single player had improved their fitness, and the players had pushed each other to improve.
“Our boys have put in a heap of work, we’ve been going since the middle of November, plus all of the extras they’ve been doing themselves,” he said.
“I think across the lines, we’ve definitely strengthened each line with bringing in certain players.
“I think the key improvement for us is definitely our fitness, able to run out games a lot better.
“The boys’ preparation themselves outside of training, it’s well and truly sunk in that the opportunity is there to get our hands on a premiership, and they certainly are hungry not to miss out on it.”
Harrison said competition for senior spots would be incredibly competitive.
“Probably all of the players we’ve brought in can easily step into our senior side,” he said.
“The likes of Declan Bren who in our practice match was unbelievably good – his presence around the ball, his pressure, he’s so quick.
“You’ve got Luke Quirk, Jai Dykstra, even Michael Hastie down back who’s moved to town, we didn’t know a lot about him but he’s stepped into our program and knows how to play his role perfectly through that back half.
“We’ve definitely added a lot of quality, there’s no doubting that, but sometimes they’ve got to fit into the system as well.
“We play a pretty team-oriented style, so you’ve got to really fit in and play your role – I don’t want anyone trying to be a superstar.
“If everyone can play their role, we’re going to be hard to beat.”
Bright host Tarrawingee in round one, before taking on rivals Milawa in the second round.
Club Info
SENIOR COACH: Paul Harrison.
ASSISTANT COACH/ES: Guy Campbell, Michael Elliot (reserves)
PLAYERS TO WATCH: Tom Gray, Joe Crawley, Macca Simpson.
ARRIVALS: Clay Dillon, Declan Bren, Tyler Thomason, Jai Dykstra, Luke Quirk, Michael Hastie, Dale Breeding.
DEPARTURES: Darcy Sholl, Riley O’Shea.
2023 LADDER POSITION: 3rd.
2024 LADDER PREDICTION: 2nd.
I think across the lines, we’ve definitely strengthened each line with bringing in certain players.
PAUL HARRISON, SENIOR COACH
and Murray, Ovens and King and Junior Football & Netball.
Cooper Thomason
Revamped Bright to shake up competition
WITH a vastly altered A grade squad and some fresh faces, Bright’s netballers will be eager to get stuck into the 2024 season.
Last year’s wooden spooners are focusing on having fun with their new look side, with players changing grades, moving up from juniors, or playing their first season at Pioneer Park.
New A grade co-coach Kate Buckley said the new side had generated quite a buzz around the club.
“We’ve got a few new faces to a few di erent teams, and it’s pretty much a whole new outlook for the A grade team this year,” she said.
“It’s been a really good preseason, we’ve had some really good numbers on the court each week at training.
“We’ve got a brand new face at the club this year, Ash Grimes, she’s a diverse midcourt player and she’s also a goaler.
“It’ll be good to have that third option in the goal ring, she’s an incredibly athletic, very switched on netballer.
“A few of our midcourters have stuck around but have played in di erent teams; we’ve got Georgie Matters, Monique Martin and Ash Farmer all playing through the midcourt and rotating through there.
“The talent in those girls is amazing, they work so hard, they’ll be very handy.”
A er a few lean years on the ladder, Buckley said she was looking forward to enjoying
the year alongside some great people.
“We just want to have a positive playing experience,” she said.
“Obviously, a few wins on the board would be handy, but with a few of us returning to netball, we want to get back into how things run and enjoy ourselves.
“My co-coach Janis Madden is an incredibly experienced coach, umpire and ex-player who is a great asset to the club, team and myself – I’m grateful to be able to work alongside her.
“We’re excited, we’re nervous but we’re ready – round one will be a great test to see where we’re sitting for the year.”
Bright takes on Tarrawingee at home in round one.
Club Info
COACHES:
A GRADE: Kate Buckley, Janis Madden.
B GRADE: Laura Harris, Tracy Fitzpatrick.
B RESERVE: Georgie Matters.
U17S: Nic Connelly.
U15S: Erin Nightingale.
PLAYERS TO WATCH: Ash Grimes, Molly Whitty, Ash Farmer.
ARRIVALS: Ash Grimes, Laura Harris (returning), Kate Buckley (returning).
DEPARTURES: Maddie Muller, Ruby Delacy.
2023 LADDER POSITION: 11th.
2024 LADDER PREDICTION: 11th.
Kristi Hackett
Bats’ back on the charge in season 2024
NEW Goorambat coach Ben Wapling said his side has what it takes to push the top teams in the league.
Signing on at the back end of last season, the experienced coach has assembled a strong squad and has instilled in them a hunger and drive to improve.
“Going from having 10-15 during the year at training and things like that, we’ve 20-40 at training, so we’re in a lot better condition habits-wise, and have a determination to get better,” Wapling said.
“The boys are fit, I think the league will see a di erent outfit from what they saw last year, just from the way that we go about what we’re doing.
“We’ve got nothing to lose, realistically – we won three games last year, so our thing is to get out there and have a crack no matter what team it is, and give our best.”
Wapling brings with him two gun players in sons Rory and Brayden, as well as utility Rhys Goodley, to bolster a list with a lot of potential.
“Jamie (Dunne) is one of the main reasons I’m there, he came runner-up in the league medal, so he’ll definitely be good,” he said.
“I think Jamie will definitely be a standout – it’s not about medals with him, he just wants to play his best brand of footy.
“Bringing Rhys Goodley into the side and committed, he can go at either end, he’ll be great.
“We’ve got a lot of new faces, obviously I brought my boys (Rory and Brayden) over with me, and some other ones who
have come into the side.”
Wapling said the main goal was improving week to week, and finding a way to pressure some of the top teams.
“We’ve got to work hard - it’s one of those sayings, ‘I never talk about losing; you either win or you learn’,” he said.
“We’ll get in there, and if we lose games then we’ve got to work out what we’ve learned from that game and what we can take into the next game.
“It’s not about having a massive turnaround, we want to work hard, get our confidence, and get to the point where we are pressing and getting up there with some of the better sides.”
The Bats commence their season in round two on the road to Greta, with the bye in the opening round.
Club Info
SENIOR COACH: Ben Wapling.
ASSISTANT COACH/ES: Jamie Dunne, Nathan Delaney (reserves), Gary Priest (reserves).
PLAYERS TO WATCH: Jamie
Dunne, Rory Wapling, Brayden Wapling
ARRIVALS: Rhys Goodley, Rory Wapling, Brayden Wapling, Duane Haebich, Lachy Boyle
DEPARTURES: Ryan Burns, Aaron Blackburn.
2023 LADDER POSITION: 9th. 2024 LADDER PREDICTION: 10th.
We’ve got to work hard - it’s one of those sayings, ‘I never talk about losing; you either win or you learn’.
Jamie Dunne
GOORAMBAT COACH
BEN WAPLING
GOORAMBAT - NETBALL
Youthful Bats keen for development
YOUTH and versatility will be the name of the game for Goorambat’s A grade squad.
A er a period of competitive netball over the past few seasons, narrowly missing out of finals in 2023, the Bats are going through a changing of the guard.
Established players like Sahar Osborne, Brittany Button and Mackenzie Wilkinson have le the club, but Amelia Gall has returned to guide the squad as coach, and she’s been joined by an influx of young and fit players.
“The team is tracking well so far and looking exciting - with a few new players coming to the club this year we are looking forward to a promising year,” Gall said.
“We’ve been surprised with all of the new girls who have come across to play.
“A few of them have come across from Bendigo, they’ve got friends or family over here and they’ve decided to come over and play for the season.
“Others have moved to Benalla and have come out to Goorambat.
“It’s been really good, they’re young and fresh, and it’s nice to see some young ones coming up into our senior squad.”
Gall said the versatility of the side would be their greatest strength, with many players on the list able to be deployed anywhere across the court.
“Georgia Thomson is stepping back up into A grade, and I think she’ll really step up to replace Brittany Button in that strong defensive line-up, she reads the
play really well,” Gall said.
“We’ve got Piper Nally, she’s new from Bendigo, she’s fast and fit, so she’ll fit into that midcourt where Sarah has le us.
“Along with this new girl Jasmin (Martin), we’ve got some height into the team, which is good.
“With a new, fresh and young team, we really just want to develop on that and keep pushing those players to come through.
“We’ve probably lacked shooting in the past, but this year we’ve got a really versatile side, that’s what I’m really impressed with.”
The Bats sit out round one, and will travel to Greta to commence their season in round two.
Club Info
COACHES:
A GRADE: Amelia Gall.
B GRADE: Kylie Relf.
B RESERVE: Georgia Thomson.
U17S: Nikki Wallace.
U15S: Kaylah Devlin, Alyssa Priest.
PLAYERS TO WATCH: Olivia Tolliday, Piper Nally, Georgia Thomson.
ARRIVALS: Piper Nally, Jasmin Martin, Olivia Tolliday, Lisa Johnson, Olivia Hayes, Grace Handley, Brooke Haddrel.
DEPARTURES: Brittany Button, Sarah Osborne, Mackenzie Wilkinson.
2023 LADDER POSITION: 7th.
2024 LADDER PREDICTION: 8th.
Kylie Relf
Battered Blues are back to play
AFTER an extremely promising finals campaign ended prematurely last season, Greta is hungry to go deep into September this year.
The Blues were a benchmark side through the 2023 season, but bowed out in the preliminary finals with a litany of injuries hampering the side.
Now, with new coach Chris Dube and a brilliant mix of established Blues and new recruits, Greta is ready to challenge the league once again.
“We are in a fortunate position to have a rather settled list with the inclusion of a few as well,” Dube said.
“It’s nice to be able to add to a group that is really hungry.
“Having a lot of people on the track means you get to integrate the new players with the existing, and there’s a balance between the excitement of the new guys and the continuity of the older ones, so it’s been fun.”
The Blues have been recruiting hard, snatching forward dynamo Cody Crawford from Benalla, as well as a handful of strong players from outside the O&K, and 2023 Clyde Baker Medallist James McClounan will be sure to have another impactful season.
“You never really know how you’re going as everyone else is getting better, but I’m excited because of the attitudes to work hard and the understanding that competition for spots will be even tighter this year,” Dube said.
“While we might’ve broken
down a little bit last year, we got beaten by better sides, so the theme to the boys is we’ve actually achieved nothing.
“The reality of the competition is close isn’t good enough.
“In respect to what we have to beat, there are another 10 sides but more importantly we need to attack those teams who got us late in the season.
“Full respect to Bright, Milawa and Bonnie Doon, who are equally as motivated and I’m sure have added resources.
“We have to turn up and we have to play good footy to beat good sides.”
The Blues will enjoy a Good Friday trip to Moyhu to kickstart their 2024 campaign.
Club Info
SENIOR COACH: Chris Dube.
ASSISTANT COACH/ES: Josh Bell, James McClounan, Stewart McLeod (reserves).
PLAYERS TO WATCH: Jarrod Morham, Brad Whinray, James McClounan.
ARRIVALS: Jack Kelly, Cody Crawford, Frazer Dent, Jack Baker, Dale Walker (returned), Marcus Jones (returned), Ben Hogan, Jeremy Merceica, Dylan Corcoran, Angus Kennedy, Corey Gunn.
DEPARTURES: Cam Newbold (Yackandandah), Zac Northey (travel).
2023 LADDER POSITION: 2nd. 2024 LADDER PREDICTION: 4th
We have to turn up and we have to play good footy to beat good sides.
CHRIS DUBE, SENIOR COACH
James McClounan
Queens of the court going for history
NO team in the history of Ovens and King netball has ever won more than five premierships backto-back, but that’s exactly Greta’s goal for the 2024 season.
The Blues have won the last five A grade grand finals which have been contested, since the streak began in 2017 – in 2020 and ’21, no grand finals were played due to COVID.
This team already sits alongside some of the greats of local netball – incidentally, Greta is the only club to win five A grade flags backto-back (1985-’90, 1991-’95).
To take the cup this year would put this Greta side high in the pantheon of O&K netball, but it’s going to be a challenge.
Esteemed players Lindsay Humphries and Kirsty Paul have stepped away this year, but with Loren McClounan back at the helm and the quality of players on their list, the Blues are once again the ones to beat.
“The girls have put in a lot of work and energy levels are highacross all grades we’ve got a good level of consistency with existing players and then some new faces who will bring a lot to their teams,” McClounan said.
“Everyone is excited and ready for the season to start.
“I think being successful always comes with a little added pressure.
“There’s always expectations to remain at the level you’ve been at, even though there’s changes to the side, but we will just keep the focus on our game and what we need to do to play our best netball.”
McClounan said the loss of such incredible players like Humphries and Paul hurt, but the Blues had more than enough talent to stand tall on the court.
“They are two amazing players that are a huge loss for our side,” she said.
“They’ve both played at the club for years and are incredible players that brought so much experience and guidance to our side, they will definitely be missed.
“We have Maddie Hill stepping up from our juniors to help fill the shooting role, and we’ve got plenty of variety in the mid who will work hard to fill Kirsty’s place.
“Jorja Reidy is consistently strong every year and she has been working really hard over the preseason.”
The Blues commence their title defence on Good Friday at Moyhu.
Club info
COACHES:
A GRADE: Loren McClounan.
B GRADE: Kelly Sherratt.
B RESERVE: Helen Judd.
U17S: Milly Mathewson.
U15S: Chloe Bouchier.
PLAYERS TO WATCH: Jorja Reidy, Tayla Ramsay.
ARRIVALS: Georgia McGrath, Brooke Rouse, Alex Robinson, Bec Robinson, Tayla Ramsay.
DEPARTURES: Lindsay Humphries, Kirsty Paul.
2023 LADDER POSITION: 2nd. 2024 LADDER PREDICTION: 1st.
Jorja Reidy
Roos are investing in the future
KING Valley will once again make efforts to push their way up the ladder this season on the back of heavily investing in the future of the club.
The Roos finished just outside the top six in 2023 on the back of a number of eager and talented players making their open-age footy debuts from the local junior ranks.
Combined with some more experienced players, the latest crop of budding juniors in the blue and white will look to make their mark on the O&K.
Co-coach Tony Ciancio said the young players had impressed on the track.
“Getting the boys back together has been a massive hit, we’re continuing to build on what we started last year with the way we want to play both with the footy but also the way we want to defend,” he said.
“We had our moments last year, but for us, to be able to be better for longer is what we’ve been aiming towards and building towards in this preseason.
“Our younger cohort of players coming through from the under 17s program last year, seeing that transition from them this preseason into senior footy has been really promising.
“The last couple of years, we’ve been heading in the right direction from a win-loss perspective, and we aim to continue that trajectory this year.”
The return of 2022 best and fairest winner Connor Shanley to the Valley will be sure to be a massive boost, alongside a few very handy signings.
“On-field, we’re super familiar with
what Connor will bring, but what’s impressed most is what he’s added to our playing group in getting around our junior boys coming up through the under 17s program, giving them feedback and working with them,” Ciancio said.
“We’ve had Dylan Browne come across from the Wangaratta Magpies under 18 program, he has been super impressive since the first day of preseason.
“His willingness to learn, his mindset to training and going out with a purpose and wanting to set himself some goals and be quite persistent to achieve them, he’s been really impressive.
“We’ve had Conner Thornton come across from Beechworth and join us as well, he’s been able to get to training and really impress with what he’s been able to do in our match simulation drills.”
King Valley host Milawa in the opening round of the season.
Club Info
SENIOR COACH/ES: Jack Davies, Tony Ciancio.
ASSISTANT COACH/ES: Mark Thornton (reserves).
PLAYERS TO WATCH: Connor Thornton, Connor Shanley, Dylan Browne.
ARRIVALS: Connor Thornton, Dylan Browne, Mackenzie Hughes, Daniel Maples, Max McKenzie, Connor Shanley
DEPARTURES: 2023 LADDER POSITION: 7th. 2024 LADDER PREDICTION: 6th.
We had our moments last year, but for us, to be able to be better for longer is what we’ve been aiming towards and building towards in this preseason.
TONY CIANCIO, SENIOR COACH
Jack Davies
Roos building on past strengths
KING Valley’s A grade squad is looking to further improve their standing in the competition a er some solid years under coach Deanna Mawson.
The Roos played finals last season on the back of some incredibly strong netball, but will field a di erent-looking A grade squad, on the back of departures from prolific players Maggie Bromley, Millie Pro , Andrea Uebergang and Grace Patterson.
However, the addition of a few talented players from Mansfield, as well as moving Shani Rickard from centre to her preferred role in the shooting end, will help keep the Roos competitive against the top teams.
“We’ve had some girls leave, we lost four decent players, but we’ve had a couple of new girls come in,” Mawson said.
“We’ve got a couple of players from Mansfield who are super handy.
“They just turned up, it was so good – one of the footballers lives over there with one of the girls’ sisters, so he brought them over with him and they asked if they could play.
“We’re keen to put Shani Rickard into goals, which is where she generally likes to play.
“She played centre for us last year because there was no room in goals, she’s been going really well.
“We’ve secured Larissa Benci to come back and shoot for us, she was in our premiership team in 2015 and ‘16.”
Despite a strong line-up in years gone by, Mawson said the best way to improve the team’s chances of travelling deep into September would be to grind out di icult wins last in the game.
“Instead of sitting around fi h or sixth, I want to be sitting up third or fourth, so winning those games that we lost by a few, just getting over in those ones, seeing a little improvement there,” she said.
“It’s something I’ve found in my second year now, we’re just building on things we’re working on last year which is really nice.
“Even though there’s an influx of new players, we’ve got the bones there to just input similar players, so we’re not starting from scratch, which is lovely.”
The Roos host last year’s runners up Milawa at Whitfield in round one.
Club Info
COACHES:
SENIOR: Deanna Mawson.
ASSISTANT: Stacey O’Brien.
PLAYERS TO WATCH: Shani Rickard, Sally Keith.
ARRIVALS: Allanah Grant, Bella Stoney, Jacoba Tanner, Larissa Benci (returned).
DEPARTURES: Maggie Bromley, Millie Pro , Andrea Uebergang, Grace Patterson. 2023 LADDER POSITION: 6th. 2024 LADDER PREDICTION: 4th.
Shani Rickard
Demons’ recruiting riot set for debut
MILAWA will look to go a few steps further than their 2023 campaign this year, with a ra of new players set to don the red and blue.
The Demons have brought around a dozen new and returning players to the Milawa Recreation Reserve, boasting incredible depth and talent across the three lines.
Familiar names in the O&K such as Jared Lea (Moyhu), Brady Bartlett (Moyhu) and Kyle Collisson (Benalla All Blacks) have signed with the Demons for 2024, as well as an experienced group from the Picola and district league.
Co-coach Matt Graham said the recruitment had gone well to shore up the side’s shortcomings from last season.
“The issue we had in 2023 was the depth of the club wasn’t exactly where we needed to be to be that top two team, and we hope that we’ve rectified that with our recruits this season to fill the spots we thought we were deficient in,” he said.
“All the new recruits have hardly missed a training session and have almost been setting a new standard within the group.
“We could not be happier with personnel and attendance so far, they’ve ticked every box they needed to, and now we just wait to play round one.”
The Demons’ eyes are firmly set on a top two finish and a deep run into finals, with more and more
We could not be happier with personnel and attendance so far, they’ve ticked every box they needed to, and now we just wait to play round one.
MATT GRAHAM, CO-COACH
players stepping up, Milawa won’t be short of game winners.
“We’re going to have less of a reliance on specific players as we probably had in the past,”
Graham said.
“We feel like the depth across the forward line, our back line and our midfield now allows the playing group to be able to share the load.
“It’s going to provide a wealth of opportunities to new players and
existing players in di erent roles that they might not have had in season ’23.
“The opportunity to work together right from the first bounce of round one and develop together is going to create, hopefully, a galvanised group that we take and aim for a top two position.”
Milawa head to Whitfield to kick start their season, up against the Roos away from home.
Club Info
SENIOR COACH/ES: Matt Graham, Ben Clarke.
ASSISTANT COACH/ES: Liam Byrne, Daniel Larkings (reserves), Brenton Gray (reserves).
PLAYERS TO WATCH: Brayden Kearns, Tyler Dunn, Brady Bartlett, Jared Lea, Kyle Collisson, Ben Clarke, Xavier Ham.
ARRIVALS: Jared Lea, Kyle Collisson, Josh Roman, Tyler Dunn, Braydon Kearns, Brady Bartlett, Corey Dunn, Ricky Ahearn, Brandon Fitzpatrick.
DEPARTURES: Declan Joyce-Lawford.
2023 LADDER POSITION: 4th.
2024 LADDER PREDICTION: 1st.
www.wangarattaproperty.com.au
Email enquiries@morrisbros.com.au
Aiden Bihun
Demons are eager to continue their powerhouse performance on court
MILAWA’S netball program has produced some of the best squads in the O&K, and the side they’re bringing to the A grade competition in 2024 is set to continue the tradition.
Mood at the Milawa Recreation Reserve has been positive throughout the preseason period, with memories of the last grand final fuelling a desire to improve and work harder to once again be in the conversation come September.
Coach Kerrie Gray praised her squad’s e orts to be as good as possible heading into the season.
“We have had a really good preseason, working intensely on our netball conditioning,” she said.
“We have had great energy, with lots of new and returning players to the club and that in itself creates an exciting atmosphere.”
Last year’s runners up will be just as strong, despite a few list changes.
Alyse Owen, Jami Ussher and Kyra Clarke will be missing from the A grade list, but retuning player Jordan Leslia and young up-andcomer Maya Ackroyd will be sure to make their presence known on the court.
“We are again really excited about our A grade group this season, we have a great mix of youth and experience,” Gray said. “Change is inevitable, it’s how you deal with that change which matters.
“We are working really hard on building our new combinations and only time will tell on where we will feature on the ladder this season.
“Maya Ackroyd has secured a position in the A grade team, on the back of two fantastic season in B grade, I think we will see her take her netball to another level.”
The Demons head to Whitfield to take on King Valley in the first round of the year,
Club Info
COACHES:
A GRADE: Kerrie Gray.
B GRADE: Kim Michelini.
B RESERVE: Lia Williamson.
U17S: Kerri Michelini.
U15S: Kerrie Gray, Ella Kent.
PLAYERS TO WATCH: Maya Ackroyd, Aliza Robinson, Molly Bihun.
ARRIVALS: Aliza Robinson
(returning), Jordan Leslie (returning), Hannah Kilner, Kate Dunn, Kristal Slade, Molly Bihun, Rachel Hansford, Tammy Vincent.
DEPARTURES: Charlie Forbes, Elise Stevens, Jami Ussher, Kayla Essex, Kyra Clarke, Mik Cose, Rachel Llewellyn, Sarah Warfe. 2023 LADDER POSITION: 1st.
2024 LADDER PREDICTION: 2nd.
Youth to lead changed Hoppers list
MOYHU showed some immense improvement last year under coach Darren Bell, and the Hoppers will be keen to maintain that momentum in 2024.
Investing in the youth and the up-and-coming players at the club, Moyhu found themselves in finals action o the back of a stellar season.
While they lost in the elimination final, the Hoppers were more than competitive against the majority of the competition for periods of time.
A swathe of the club’s leaders has exited the club, meaning it’s time for the next generation to step up and prove themselves.
“This preseason’s probably been better than last season as far as attendance and getting a bit more out of it - I’d expect us to be competitive, but we’ll see how we go,” Bell said.
“We’ve got another four or five from the junior league in this year, and they’ve really taken to training really well.
“I’d expect most of them to be playing seniors at some stage of the year.
“At the moment, Harrison Grant and Harry Verdon haven’t missed a training run, I expect big things from them.
“Jett Roberts, ‘Zimma’ (Bailey Zimmermann) have had some interrupted preseasons but they’re back on deck now which is good.”
For Bell and the Hoppers, constant improvements are key to
the season, with plenty of young players eager to make a name for themselves in the O&K and work on their game.
“I just want us to build on last year’s great platform we set... we were competitive with most of the top sides for a quarter or two, and from five down we were more than in every game,” he said.
“We just want to hold our ground, we’ve lost a bit of
experience this year so we’re going to probably be younger again this year.
“We won’t be setting any bars to go at, we just want to improve every week and see where we sit.
“I don’t expect them to be superstars, I just want them to help continue our growth and make sure we’re switched on for 120 minutes.”
The Hoppers take on Greta at Moyhu in round one.
Club Info
SENIOR COACH: Darren Bell.
ASSISTANT COACH/ES: Mario Anania (reserves), Leroy Dowling (reserves).
PLAYERS TO WATCH: Jett Roberts, Harrison Grant, Harry Verdon, Bailey Zimmermann, Tom Bannon.
ARRIVALS: Dave McDonald, Cooper Verdon, Josh Camilleri, Nick English, Joe Stefani, Nathan Chin, Will Carmody, Will Phillips, Ryley Dalton, Brandon Harrison, Jamion McGeehan, Jack Baker.
DEPARTURES: Jared Lea, Caleb Bell, Brady Bartlett, Charlie West, Xavier Wales, Lukas Jacobson, Harrison McCarthy.
2023 LADDER POSITION: 6th.
2024 LADDER PREDICTION: 9th.
Bailey Zimmermann
Moyhu to field exciting young talent
THE ever-competitive Hoppers will look to outwork teams with their pace and sharp skills, with a healthy crop of young players donning the green and gold this year.
New coach Ainslee Dowling will lead an eager list of young players, but will lean into their strengths to blow teams o the court.
Dowling said the preseason period had been exceptional, and her squad was looking forward to testing their mettle in the O&K season.
“It’s a pretty good vibe, lots of energy, and all of the girls seem pretty keen,” Dowling said.
“We’ve had really good numbers, I think it helps with a young group, you seem to get numbers there a little bit easier.
“There are a few new players but there’s a core from last year, and they all seem really keen.”
New signing Grace WatsonLong from Rutherglen will be a feature through the midcourt, exemplifying the Hoppers’ push for quick, athletic netball in 2024.
“We’re just focussing on playing to our strengths because we are quite young, a really quick, fast game, using our fitness and those sorts of strengths in a lot of ways,” Dowling said.
“The main focus is just to keep building on where ‘Sharls’ (former coach Sharlene Wohlers) has le us, with a really good core and teams on the up.
“I’m pretty excited, we’ve added Grace Watson-Long to our senior squad this year,
she’s come from Rutherglen.
“She’s a really quick midcourter, she’s been really impressive in the preseason comp, starting to slot in really nicely through the middle of the courts and link up well with a couple of new shooting options as well.
“She’s quite versatile, she’s one we’ve added in to that A grade side that’s pretty exciting.
“I think, across all three grades, we don’t have too high expectations but we really want to improve on that win-loss ratio from last year across all three, which I think we’ve got great potential to do.”
The Hoppers begin their season in tough fashion, hosting reigning A grade premiers Greta on Good Friday.
Club Info
COACHES:
A GRADE: Ainslee Dowling.
B GRADE: Kim Saunders.
B RESERVE: Jackie Lake.
U17S: Georgia Allen, Tayla Scobie.
U15S: Emma McLaughlin.
PLAYERS TO WATCH: Grace Watson-Long, Amy Holmes.
ARRIVALS: Grace WatsonLong, Matilda Taylor, Liv Tiso, Jasmine Scott, Liv Corso, Georgie Canning, Chloe Cook, Milly Cheeseman.
DEPARTURES: Charli Draper, Claire Annett.
2023 LADDER POSITION: 8th. 2024 Ladder prediction: 7th.
Zara Berry
Players flocking to the Hawks’ Nest
NORTH Wangaratta will approach the 2024 season with a vastly changed list from last season, investing in young up-and-coming players to complement a very competitive outfit.
The Hawks are hungry to put their hard work from preseason into practice, coming o their first finals appearance in a decade last year.
More than a dozen new names have been added to the Hawks’ list, hailing from local junior league clubs, the O&K, O&M, TDFL and even beyond.
Coach Steve Manning said leaders were in place to welcome the new additions to the Nest, and their vigour had shown in preseason.
“It’s been a really good summer, we’ve gotten ourselves into pretty good nick and good order, we’re just looking forward now to the real stu ,” he said.
“We’ve probably improved our depth more than anything, and that was a priority of mine going forward.
“We’ve had a bit of a high turnover, but our squad bats deeper this year.
“It’s exciting, bringing some new guys in from around the place has only added to that.
“We’ve got a list now that we feel like we’re going to be able to be competitive every week.”
Leading the new signings is former Wangaratta Magpie Josh Nanson, who will join brother
Tyler at the nest, and is already making himself indispensable to the midfield unit.
“We’re really excited for Josh, he comes to us with a great reputation, highly regarded at the Maggies,” Manning said.
“Already on the track, he’s instructing our midfield group with a lot of our stoppage work, which is invaluable.
“He’s got a bit of toe as well, and we’re really excited to see what he can do.
“He’s always going to get a bit of attention from other sides, but I think the way that he is, a hard worker and nothing much fazes him, he’s a really exciting addition.”
With established Hawks like Damien Bradley and Jhye Devine eager for their first match against the Hoppers in round two, Manning said there was a real energy out at North Wangaratta.
“Damien’s in ripping nick, and Jhye’s a young player that surprised a lot of us last year with his ability to hold down centre half forward, and he hasn’t missed a session during the preseason,” he said.
“We’re really excited to have the young boys putting in, and hopefully the rewards will come.
“We’re really excited, can’t wait to get into it.”
North Wangaratta will take the bye in round one, and will host Moyhu in round two.
Club Info
SENIOR COACH: Steve Manning.
ASSISTANT COACH/ES: Jamie Berry, Justin Schulze, Luke Kuschert (reserves).
CAPTAIN/S: Dave Killen, Damian Bradley (vice), Patrick Kelly (vice).
PLAYERS TO WATCH: Damian Bradley, Josh Nanson, Jhye Devine.
ARRIVALS: Josh Nanson (Wangaratta), Caleb Bell (Moyhu), Will Lawrence (Centrals), Matt Curtis (Mooroopna), Kai Hochfeld (Wangaratta JFC), Tristan Anderson (Wahgunyah), Zach Heard (King Valley), Liam McDonnel (Wahgunyah), Michael Kreun, (Wahgunyah) Sean Gales (Anglesea), Tyron Manderson (Wahgunyah), Kade Parkinson (Beechworth), Reidy Rosser (Wahgunyah), Ash Lowen (Benalla All Blacks), Daniel Buchan (Milawa), Brett Sessions (King Valley).
DEPARTURES: Tanner
Freeman (Rennie).
2023 LADDER POSITION: 5th.
2024 LADDER PREDICTION: 5th.
Taylor O’Brien
Culture building at North Wangaratta
A CORE group of young and upcoming netballers will form the base of the Hawks’ A grade squad for season 2024.
Alongside new A grade coach
Carolyn ‘Caz’ Hart, North Wangaratta will aim to foster a fun and welcoming culture, which they feel will bring the results.
The Hawks have done well to bring back a number of former junior players to the senior ranks, as well as promoting promising players to see just how high they can fly.
“A lot of the girls have come back a er playing under 17s a couple of years ago, they’re now all together,” Hart said.
“We’ve got a very young, inexperienced team – in the A grade, only four girls have really had a good couple of years’ exposure to senior netball.
“All in all, it seems to be tracking well - we’ve been having 20, 25 to training for three teams, minimum, every training.
“We had a practice match, we fielded two teams out of the three we had, and we came away with two wins, so that was nice.
“Now it’s about building and working on things at training, taking it one week at a time.”
The defensive end will be one to watch, with Hayley Cunningham and Abbey Freeman to use their agility and athleticism to upset some of the league’s best shooters.
“I look forward to watching our defence in action together,
Hayley Cunningham and Abbey Freeman,” Hart said.
“They’re both young, have a lot of energy, have both played seniors before – Hayley’s been playing seniors for quite some period of time.
“I’m looking forward to watching those two and what they can bring together.”
Hart said this season was about forming a base the club can build on in seasons to come.
“We want people to come back and say they want to come to North Wangaratta, we just want it to be a good culture,” she said.
“It’s about building a foundation that we can continue on with in the years to come.
“Milawa have a strong team, and they’ve been playing together for years and years, and we want to keep that culture.”
The Hawks take the bye in round one, before hosting Moyhu to commence their season.
Club Info
COACHES:
A/B GRADE: Carolyn Hart.
B RESERVE: Gemma Enever
U17/U15S: Hannah Burns.
PLAYERS TO WATCH: Haley Cunningham, Lily Boman, Ruby Lane-Gee.
ARRIVALS: Mia Ely, Lily Boman, Charlotte Pople, Jemma Steinlauf, Mae Jayet. 2023 LADDER POSITION: 9th. 2024 LADDER PREDICTION: 10th.
New-look Bulldogs set for improvement
AFTER a rough 2023 which saw the Bulldogs sing their song only three times, Tarrawingee are rebuilding and angling for an improved 2024 season.
The Bulldogs finished 10th overall, but with the addition of playing co-coach Justin Hoggan, as well as a group of youngsters with senior experience now under their belt, Tarrawingee will be much improved.
“Obviously last year was a bit of a struggle, only winning two games, but to their credit they did well with fielding two sides all year,” Hoggan said.
“At the moment we’ve had some great numbers, most training sessions are in the high-twenties/low-thirties area.
“We’re looking forward to the season starting.” Hoggan said consistency and investing in the club’s young list was a priority for the season.
“This year it’s more about developing the younger guys we’ve got at the club,” he said. “We were a really young side last year, so the ones who have put in a great preseason, I’m looking at them to develop more and more into senior footballers.
“Hopefully we’ll have more of a consistent side, with the numbers we’ve brought in, we’ve probably brought back
10-12 players to the club.
“Consistency is probably going to be our biggest thing this year, that’s what we’re striving for, and hopefully we can sneak a few spots up the ladder.”
Hogagn said while a finals berth wasn’t out of the question, the Bulldogs would focus on internal improvements and consistently performing on the field.
“We’re not going to set ourselves up to be up there with the best, premiership contenders – we’re never going to put that sort of badge on our hat,” he said.
“We’re mainly enjoying having more numbers and getting the vibes around the footy club.
“Ideally, we’re going to try to push for that fifth or sixth spot on the ladder, but we’ll see how it goes from here.”
The Bulldogs head up to Bright to take on the Mountain Men in round one.
Club Info
SENIOR COACH/ES: Justin Hoggan, Evan Benton
PLAYERS TO WATCH: Seth Coonan, Zeke Carruthers.
ARRIVALS: Justin Hoggan, Zeke Carruthers, Lukas Allan, Tom Rebbechi, Cam Nolan.
2023 LADDER POSITION: 10th.
2024 LADDER PREDICTION: 7th.
Consistency is probably going to be our biggest thing this year, that’s what we’re striving for, and hopefully we can sneak a few spots up the ladder.
JUSTIN HOGGAN, CO-COACH
Hugh Amery
Tenacious Tarrawingee back for more
THE constant threat to all Ovens and King netball sides are up for the challenge once again, with Tarrawingee angling to hand out more than a few upsets to the rest of the top sides in 2024.
The Bulldogs finished third last season, being one of the only teams to defeat eventual premiers Greta, but exited the finals one game short of a rematch, downed 45-46 by Milawa.
With a largely unchanged squad – if anything, stronger than last season – the Bulldogs will look challenging again.
Maddie Canning will step up into the coaching role following the departure of Jackie Everitt, and with a list full of talent at her disposal - such as two-time reigning Faye Morgan Medallist Tig White - Tarrawingee will push a lot of teams to their limit.
Joining the ranks this year are Mollie Shanley and Tayla McPhail, set to provide a lot of class at both ends of the court.
“Preseason has been fantastic with all five teams entering into the (Wangaratta Netball Association) preseason competition,” Canning said.
“This has allowed each team to gel, improve their fitness and try out di erent combinations.
“It’s shown some really positive signs across all the grades.
“This is not only a credit to them but also to the girls who played last year and their ability to adapt and always be looking to improve their games.”
Canning said building and maintaining a strong culture at the kennel would help them find success this season.
“Across all grades this season, we are really focusing on getting the basics right, fitness and building that confidence and trust within the teams,” she said.
“I think the one to watch this season in A grade will be Annie Creed, she’s only young but presents so much class and athleticism with ease.”
The Bulldogs head up the mountain to take on Bright in the opening round of the season.
Club Info
COACHES:
A GRADE: Maddie Canning.
B GRADE: Sharyn Ackerly, Amy Mountney.
B RESERVE: Lynda Gri in, Em Te Tai.
U17S: Tif Clare, Sophie Archer.
U15S: Coll Nolan.
PLAYERS TO WATCH: Tig White, Annie Creed, Mollie Shanley.
“For A Grade with a largely unchanged list, the competition has allowed Mollie and Tayla to slot into their respective ends and get used to playing with the team.
ARRIVALS: Mollie Shanley, Tayla McPhail.
DEPARTURES: Paige Warner.
2023 LADDER POSITION: 3rd.
2024 LADDER PREDICTION: 3rd.
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Whorouly Lions building into contenders
WHOROULY’S fortunes on the footy field have been hit and miss over the past few years, but some changes around the group and some players coming into their own means the Lions are ready for the hunt.
Livewire forward/utility player
Lachy Moore has stepped up to the senior coaching role, and his players have doubled down on putting their best efforts forward on game day.
Assisted by a strong coaching staff, Moore and the Lions are angling to make a legitimate play to move up the ladder.
“The boys have been travelling really well over the preseason, we’ve all noticed a bit more of a buy-in from everyone, doing a little bit extra,” Moore said.
“There’s been some incredible efforts from some of the boys, that sort of extra buy-in from the players has really started to lift some standards that we’ve been trying to work on for a few years now.
“I have every desire to win and make an impact where we can, and the boys are well on track.
“I just really want to push the positivity, and as much as I hate to say it, get that brand where we can enjoy coming to football, enjoying coming here and playing for one another.
“At the end of the day, that’s going to bring the results we want...we want blokes, even in losses, to try and be positive and not walk out hating football.”
While Whorouly did lose a trio of senior players to O&M side Myrtleford, they’ve recruited well, with new faces
like Eddie Woolford and Zac Bladon complementing a strong list.
“Big Eddie Woolford has demanded a spot round one, he’s going to show a real aggression at the football that we’re going to love,” Moore said.
“There are other boys like Zac Bladon, who’s really interested in making an impact, so it’s going to be very interesting to see how they adapt.
“Andy (Newton) is one to watch this season, he’s been super impressive on the track.
“We’re really excited to have Ollie Dixon re-sign, he’s putting on size, he’s putting on smarts, and really looking to take on the game.
“We have Darcy O’Shannessy coming back again, we put him from the forward line to the back line and he’s really become a staple of this team.”
The Lions will sit out round one with the bye, before taking on Benalla All Blacks at Friendlies Oval to begin their season.
Club Info
SENIOR COACH: Lachy Moore.
ASSISTANT COACH/ES: Paul Glanville, Tim Stevenson, Shane Moore (reserves).
PLAYERS TO WATCH: Andy Newton, Ollie Dixon, Darcy O’Shannessy.
ARRIVALS: Eddie Woolford, Josh Newton, Brannan Du y, Jared Cook, Zac Bladon.
DEPARTURES: Riley Calvene, Xavier Cannizzaro, Jake Riley, Rhys Goodley.
2023 LADDER POSITION: 8th. 2024 LADDER PREDICTION: 8th.
The boys have been travelling really well over the preseason, we’ve all noticed a bit more of a buy-in from everyone, doing a little bit extra
LACHY MOORE, SENIOR COACH
Andy Newton
Lions courting netball success
WHOROULY will have to wait a week to make their 2024 season debut with the bye in round one, but the Lions are eager to begin their flag campaign.
A er an exceptionally promising 2023 season, which ended prematurely in an elimination final, the Lions have bolstered their list and look to be more attacking on the court.
On top of retaining most of their list, and strengthening it, works on Whorouly’s new courts are completed, set to give the Lions top notch training and game facilities.
A/B grade coach Kelly Cousins said the girls had embraced preseason with intensity.
“The girls are feeling pretty good, we’ve had three practice matches, so we’ve got a bit of match sim under our belt,” she said.
“We finally got onto our courts, and that was really good, having a full court back under our use, it’s really helped.
“The list is looking good, we’re working on our combinationswe’re just testing combinations trying to get the right fit but it’s shaping up well, I’m happy.”
The Lions will be without key shooter Katie Ivone, but have brought back Katelin Anesbury, who is gelling well with established shooters Sarah Primerano and Tayla Allen.
“My focus is on our attacking end and building really solid connections between our attackers to set us up for the
season ahead,” Cousins said.
“It’s a bit of a gap, but at this stage we’ve had a couple of players who have played with us before like Katelin Anesbury, she’s come back and training really well - she’s fitted nicely in with Tayla Allen and Sarah Primerano.
“We naturally lend ourselves to a really good defensive squad, both in A and B grade.
“Our defensive pressure is great, I’ve been really impressed with what we’ve been putting out defensively, just have to work on our attack end.”
The Lions begin their season in round two against Benalla All Blacks.
Club Info
COACHES:
A GRADE: Kelly Cousins.
B GRADE: Kelly Cousins.
B RESERVE: Eleisha Fraser, Grace Way.
U17S/U15S: Candy Weldon, Ange Godley.
PLAYERS TO WATCH: Katelin Anesbury, Sally Wood, Sarah Primerano.
ARRIVALS: Laura Keighran, Rachel Wiggins, Katelin Anesbury.
DEPARTURES: Katie Ivone, Lani Cousins, Sarah Weimer, Sareh Marek, Kirsty Spinks.
2023 LADDER POSITION: 5th.
2024 LADDER PREDICTION: 6th.
Hit the winning run, kicked the miracle goal or just had a great day. Get a permanent reminder with great
Sarah Primerano