What aseason GFNC had in 2025 –takinghome three premierships across netball in the BFNL and women’s football in the EDFL
FOOTBALL
After asuccessful season in 2025,senior coach RobWaters continuesoninto 2026,hopingtogrowa developing younger side.Robbie will be supported by an experienced coachinggroup in Shaun Cassidy,Dallas Normington and former GFNC players Jarrad Lynch and Jack Reaper.Marty Weaver hastaken on the role of development coach and Jordan Ryan willagain be at the helm the U18s.
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NETBALL
After achievements across all gradesin2025, includingall teams makingfinals and two premierships, netball at GFNC is roaringand readyto go.Tarryn Rymer will be coachingA Grade,Kayleen Elliottwill be coachingthe AReserve team and theywill be supported by Rylee Connell (B Grade), ShelleyFarrugia (B Reserve)and Charlotte Crook (U17s).
In the offseason, GFNC has recruited Charlee Duff-Tytler and Tilly Shepherd in defence,who will work closely with MU teammatesCharlee Kemp and KirbyEliott. Theoffseason has also seen Emily Milesand AmityDrayton secure aspot with the BendigoStrikers in the 23/U team.
GFNC has adedicated and hardworkingplayinggroup across all teams and players have been able to hit the ground runningthis season at training. Thegirls are lookingfitter than ever and have had some stronghit outs.
Theclub expectsUnder 18/19s to mak their debuts duringthe year across men’s and women’s football. This willingness to playtheir youngsters is an important partofthe homegrown talent ethosthat permeates Gisborne’s roots as asmall country town community. If the pre-season is anythingtogoby, all three gradesof football will be fit,well-educated on their strengths, and as tight and connected as anygroup that have donned the red, white and blue
Preseason has also seen the inclusion of some new signings to the team. TheBulldogshave also welcomed Frank Schipano,HarryThomas, David Baynon, Dom Sullivan and HarryBryant Shane Clough, JamesGray, Dylan Johnstone and MattMerrett will be balancingVFL duties with their commitment to Gisborne,displayingsome homegrown talent with majorityof players beginningtheir career at the Gisborne RookiesJFC.The club also looks forward to seeing thecontinued improvement and growthofplayers Lucas Hannon, Campbell Johns, Will Elliott, Hugo Oliveand Lachie Evans. Zac Vescovihas been announced as captain in 2025
WOMEN
TheGFNC Women’s program is lookingstronger than ever,with abig focus on fitness and skills in the preseason, in an efforttobuild back the combined program. GFNC welcomesback Bernie Marantelli as senior women’s coach in 2025.Berniewill be supported again by coach Shannon McFerran, ahighly decorated VFLWplayer/AFLplayerand coach, and club best and fairest winner
Amanda Crooks takes on the role of captain this year,after asuccessful season in the joint captaincywith EaglesplayerBelinda Hateleyand will be supported by vice-captain Stephanie Brancatisano.The team will focus on improvingonsuccessesin2026, includingrebuilding the women’s program without the merged arrangement.The team has added more depth in the preseason with new recruits joiningthe women from the Macedon Ranges area, backed by Coates League experience.With the newly formed Division 1competition having13teams, the women hope to getanumberofwins on the board this year and stay competitive. The now‘U19s’side went from strengthtostrengthin2025and look to do so again in 2026,with aboostto the overall list. Coached again by BenCrooks, with Aaron Cerone and Izzy Hannon supportinginanassistant role,GFNC looks forward to seeinghow theteam can build on last year’s successes. Holly Vescoviwill lead the team as captain in 2026,and will be supported by vice-captains Rachel Apps, Gemma Ellis and Abbi Kropman. Theteam fosters extensivelocal talent includingGemma Ellis Kate Apps, Lauren Boukharas, Chloe Bullen, Matilda McNiven, Alice Nelson and Melia Hayes who will feature in the CoatesTalent League this season.
Football & Netball Ne Country
Castlemaine Football NetballClub
Castlemaine Football Netball Club's netball and men’s football teams play in the BendigoFootball Netball League while the women’s football team plays within the Central Victorian Football League
FOOTBALL
TheMagpies'2026season has already begun to takeshape with BaileyHenderson stepping away from Under 18s coachingand taking on the Senior side DarbySemmens is enteringasecond year with the Reserve’steam, and Senior players Harrison Sheahan and Tyson Hickey are jointly takingthe reins of the Under 18s squad. Manyofthe current players are retained forthe 2026 season with the announcement of some excitingnew recruits.
WOMEN
TheSenior Women's football side is chasingtheir fifth consecutiveflag with Jordan Cochrane takingonthe coachingrole again and Tyson Williams steppingupfrom assistant coach to cocoach.
Jordan will also takeonthe role of assistant coach forthe Under18s Bendigo Pioneers team and will manage the commitment across both.
In addition, the Magpieswill be fieldinganUnder 18s team, coached by senior playerEloise Gretgrix who coached the CFNC Under 15s team, assisted by Trevor Butcher
NETBALL
In netball, Castlemaine FNC will be fieldinganA squad team with Vanessa Saunders continuing as head coach and U17 coach, alongside new and current recruits takingoncoachingroles across the Magpie squads, includingfor the inaugural 15 &Under competition.
JUNIOR FOOTBALL
Junior football will be runningits popular AusKick program, complementingjunior football sides, from Under 9right through to Under 16 Boys’and Girls’sides.
Kyneton Football NetballClub
Kyneton Football Netball Club is entering2026full of confidence and excitement as the Tigers look to build on lastyear’s success both on and off the field.
Theclub enjoyedamemorable season in 2025,highlighted by the FIDAfootball team claimingthe premiership and the U13 footballers also securingaflag.Several other teams made strong finals appearances, while the senior men’s football side recorded its firstfinals win in 25 years.
FOOTBALL
Football & Netball Ne Country Liftout 2026
Ethan Foreman returns as senior playingcoach in 2026 as the Tigers aim to go one step further after last year’s thrillingfinals campaign.
Foreman will again lead atalented senior group,supported by Brandon Spurr as reservescoach and Adam Cook guidingthe U19.5 side
Theclub’s FIDAfootball team will also be amajor focus this season as the reigningpremiers attempt to defend their title followinglastyear’s emotional grand final victory.
Severalsenior footballers are settoreach significant milestonesthroughout the season. Hayden Smith will playhis 200th senior game in round one,while Foreman will celebrate his 250th club game. Jake Safstrom is settoreach 150seniorgames, and Isaac Barassi and DanDavie will both notch up their 100th senior appearances.
NETBALL
Theclub is fieldingfive senior teams and astronggroup of juniors developingthrough the ranks. Head coach David O’Hare returns foranother season and is excited about the talent cominginto the senior lineup
Twokey recruits will bolster the A-grade side in 2026
ChelseaHulm joins the Tigers from Casterton-Sandford. Acleverand creativegoal attack, Hulm has strong family connections to the club and is expected to form adangerous partnership in the shootingcircle alongside Matilda Candy
Theclub has also secured amajor signinginformer Australian Diamond Kristiana Manu’a. Manu’a strengthens the defensiveend after spendingthe 2025 season with the Sunshine CoastLightninginthe Suncorp Super Netball competition, bringingelite experience,leadership and firepowertothe Tigers defensiveunit.
Severalimportant milestoneswill also be celebrated duringthe season. LifememberKristy Torneyisset to playher 250th game forthe club later in the year,while D-grade defender Katie Fish will reach her 150th game milestone on Good Fridayinround one
Riddells Creek Football NetballClub
Riddell Bombers have embraced positivechangesboth on and off the field, kickingoffthe year with afantastic Sponsors Appreciation Dinner at the Riddells Creek Hotel. Theeveningfeatured special guest Shane Jacobson who entertained guestswith his lively storytellingand humour
Next up,Riddell FNC will hostits renowned Annual Sportsman's Lunch on May8,hosted by David Schwarz with an all-star panel featuringDermott Brereton, AnthonyStevens and Robbie Gray –aday not to be missed!
FOOTBALL
There'sastrongsense of exciteme and optimism amongthe playin group as the Bombers head into upcomingseason.
After back-to-back premierships, the focus has been on resettinga maintainingthe high standards have been built
There'sbeen some changesto the listbut anumber of new recruits bringagreat mix of skill, experience and energytothe side,includingNathan Hrovat (North Melbourne /Western Bulldogs), Mark Kovacevic (Shepparton), midfielder DarcyYoung(Gisborne) and midfielder Jacob Murphy(a two-time McDonald Medallist forGisborne).
Theirintegration has been seamless and renewed the hunger within the group,ready to attack the season with the goal of achievingathree-peat
Football & Netball Ne Country Liftout 2026
NETBALL
Abig changeoverofplayers this season will bringupalot of younglocal talent and bringthe averageage back down. Comingintothis season the Bombers will sportafast, controlled and energetic game.Their plan is to ruffle some feathers and pinch wins from unsuspecting teams. Theaddition of Amelia Haxbywill work alongside Mady Brown and Bri De Haas, and addingstrongsupporttoEllen Haynesand ShelbyHolter are HayleyBrown and Tilly Allen. The defensiveend is deceivingand talented –Milly and Sienna Phelan-Smith are twoto watch out for. Forthe netball department,five premierships are ontheir minds!
Dr Smith Dr Turnbull Dr Stephen Dr Fernando
Romain
Dhaliwal
Lancefield Football Netball Club
FOOTBALL
Dual premiership playerand former captain /coach Chris Collins returns as senior co-coach with Andrew McTrusty whohas been the assistant coach forthe pastthree years. Cal Randell continuesasreserves coach and senior playerTom Sayers will coach the Under 19s.
Abig emphasis has been on retainingthe existinglist, which is made up of amajorityoflocal talent.The club has added ahostofqualitynew players, includingJohn Anstee (Deniliquin Rams) ReeceWalsh (Lorne) and Tully Fattore (Greenvale) to name afew.The Tigers have also welcomed back abunch of playerswho missed alarge partof2025.
WOMEN
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RomseyFootball NetballClub
Women’s football enters its third year at Lancefield, with lastyear’s head coach Cash Ferguson returningtothe role.He’ll be supported by Andrew Smith, Colin Bromley, Damien Cusack and Paul Coates, who will all playapartinguidingand developingthe women’s program this season.
Theteam is headingintothe competition with strongnumbers once again, welcomingagreat group of new players. Kloe Soper,Esme Keen,Sienna Green, Emily Williams, HarmonyCassar Abigail Bonnici, Sass Gallup,Bethany Lyons and TiffWaldron all join the returningplayers from lastyear
NETBALL
Lancefield Football Netball Club is headingintothe 2026 season with strongmomentum and areal sense of belief after abreakthrough year in AGrade.Finishing fifth on the ladder and makingfinals forthe first time in alongtime wasareward forthe group’s hard work and provided aplatform to build on. Mia Daly has re-signed foranother year followinganoutstanding2025campaign where she finished runner-up in the League Best and Fairest.RetainingMia’s experience,consistencyand competitiveness is ahugeboost.
Off-season recruitment has also strengthened the squad in keyareas, highlighted by the signingofTarnee Hammond into AGrade after an exceptional run of league accolades, League Best and Fairest (B Grade) in 2024 and runner-up League Best and Fairest (B Grade) in 2025.Bridget Dods will bolster the defensiveend andLilli Florance will add supportand depth in the attack end, givingthe team more balance and flexibilityacross the court.
Pre-season trainingatRomseyhas been hugely productivefor both football and netball. Coachingstaff have worked on focus areas and are nowlookingforward to the season ahead.
FOOTBALL
Nathan Blair is again playingcoach of the senior football team, Tony Whyteisreservescoach, and Michael Richardson is in charge of the Under 19s. Theseniorssee themselves as afinals team and will be aimingtomakefinals again this year Blair says the side's strengthliesinits aggression to defend, alongwith ayounggroup coming though to bringpace to the football TheRedbacks also have awell-oiled core group that has playedtogether forthe past fewyears. Returningkey playersinclude captain Jack Jedwab as astrongkey forward,and Corey Pertzelinthe midfield alongwith Nathan Rayment.Akey newrecruit to the senior side is midfielder/forward Josh Crump who crosses overfrom East Sunbury.
NETBALL
Justin Philbyisagain coach of the A-grade netballers and says the coachingstaff are aimingfor all gradestomakeatilt at finals. Lastseason both the Under 19s and B Grade sidesmade preliminaryfinals and will be lookingtoimprove on that performance Abbie Conwayhas been confirmed forthe listthis year after only beingafill-in player lastseason. Abbie was2025Club Best and Fairest by alongshotand will star across the midcourt. KendraVann also returns after beingaway fortwo seasons due to injuryand will be a powerhouse in defence Astrongpre-season and havinggood numbers across the board has strengthened all teams.
Football & Netball Ne Country
Macedon Football Netball Club
Macedon Cats are lookingforward to their round one game at home on Good Friday(April 3) againstthe Gisborne Giants. This game will also acknowledgeSam Indian's 50th senior game forMacedon and the 100th senior Macedon game for vice-captain Toby Sims.
FOOTBALL
Players that have joined Macedon in the off-season all have the abilitytoimpactveryquickly HarryHuntley(from Kyneton) and Leigh Brennan (Sunbury) are the new playingassistant coaches.
Other recruits include Josh Govan(Maroochydore), Jack Landt (Dimboola /StMary's), Lincoln Koliba (LakeWendouree), TomRutledge and Jordy Dyer
TheCats are also very proud of home-grown talent Ronan YowYeh, who has made the final listfor the Calder Cannons U18 program after aprolific junior career and also made his senior football debut in 2025
Paul Sosic has joined Chris Nemeth in supportofthe reserves team as an assistant and Ben Douthie has joined TomHildebrand in supportofthe Under19.5team as an assistant
WOMEN
TheMacedon women's football team has afairly familiar look movinginto2026. Therehavebeenafew welcome additions to the squad, includingElla Clow(Craigieburn) and Emily Consiglio (Lancefield)
Thereturn of premiership playerScarlett Lynch will help strengthen the backline Thecoachingstaff has seen areshuffle with Matt Laingtakingoverasseniorcoach and Brianna Woodburn appointed assistant coach. Theteamisproud of twoofits youngstars, Sian Andrews and Kalea Brody,inthe Calder Cannons program.
NETBALL
2026
Woodend-HesketFootball Netball Club
There's somethingdifferent about Woodend-Hesket in 2026.The energy'selectric Thepreseason's been strong. And with amix of familiar facesand excitingnew recruits across both football and netball, everyone at the club is pumped about what this season could bring.
FOOTBALL
Al Raereturns as senior football playingcoach, bringingcontinuity, leadership and afierce commitment to buildingon2025'ssolid campaign. After astrongpreseason and some quality recruiting, the Hawks are laser-focused on one goal: returningtofinals and makingnoise when theyget there.
Theclub has welcomed new facesalongside returningplayers, creatinggenuine depth across all senior grades. Thechemistry'sthere,the work'sbeen done,and the early signs from practice matches–includingretainingthe Leith Dicker Cup againstTrentham –showthis group is ready to compete
Theclub's goals are simple: Finals in the senior competition. Competitivefootyacross all grades. And buildingaculture where everyplayer, from U19s to seniors, knows they're partof somethingspecial
Ryan MedallistChloe Williams is returningto the courtfor season 2026.She is an experienced goaler who providesexceptional leadership on court,particularly forthe younger players. Janelle Tate is another naturalleader. Her relentless defence,strongon-courtvoice and genuine supportfor those around her makeher atruly valued partofthe team and club.Taylah Chamraalso returns to defence with her elusivestyle of playand fancyfootwork. HayleyBirch is another fiercecompetitor and tenacious in defence.Her abilitytopick off intercepts and create turnovers makes her ahuge assetto the AGrade side
NETBALL
If 2025 wasastatement –all fivenetball teams makingfinals –then 2026 is about going further
And leadingthe charge is Ty Coppinger,who returns as A-Grade playingcoach as the Hawks chase something nobody's done before: four A-Grade premierships in arow Ty also coaches B-Grade,who finished 2025 strongand are hungrytobuild on that momentum. Across all grades, the Hawks have retained acore group of experienced players gf talent that'sadded depth and energytoevery squad. Beyond results, the club is committed to developingyoungtalent and creatingclear pathways from juniors to seniors. Buildingdepth,supportingemergingplayers, and creatingan environment where youngathletescan thrivealongside experienced teammatesisjustas important as what happens on the scoreboard. TheHawks aren't justchasingsilverware in 2026 –they're buildinganetball program that wins nowand keeps winningfor years to come
ScarlettLynch.
Gisborne Giants Football NetballClub
TheGisborne Giants are lookingto2026tobuild on what wasasuccessful inaugural season in the RDFNL senior competition. Takingupresidencyattheir newhome the Macedon Ranges SportingPrecinct, the Giants had fiveoftheir football/netball teams featuringinthe finals campaign –culminatinginthree teams playingingrand finals and aback-to-back Dgrade netball premiership and aC grade netball premiership.The 2026 preseason began strongly with great numbers
NETBALL
Thesenior netballprogram is again headed by AJ CraskeasAGrade and under 19 coach. The strengthofthe netball program is also underpinned through the gradeswith Taylah Behan (B Grade), Criena Lock and Genaya Bourke (C Grade) and Brad Gauci (D Grade). With strong numbers at netball trials, the Giants are lookingtobuild on their two2025premierships! TheAGrade team has been strengthened with the signingofMalia Seumanutafa. Adominant force in the goal circle,Malia’s strength, accuracy, and composure under pressure is amainstay of her game.Areliable shooter who brings calm and confidence everytime she has the ball in her hands –Giants are excited to see what 2026 brings! TheGiants' senior season kicks off on Good FridayagainstMacedon at Tony Clarke
FOOTBALL
Football & Netball Ne Country Liftout 2026
Theseniormen’s side will again be led by Andrew Hall as senior coach. Hall will be supported by Jarrod Dixon, Mark McKenzie,Carson Haynesand Andrew Clark. On field the team will again be led by Brad Mangan and Mat Quigley. The2025senior squad are all back onboard for2026with the addition of some further keyplayers. Mitch Bongiovanni joins the Giants, havingplayedwith the Western Jets as ajunior and fillingthe role of vice-captain at Caroline Strings for adecade.Bongiovanni has firmly establishinghimself as apremier-leve footballer.Connon Bills crossesfrom Romsey, havingmade his mark in the RDFNL as ajunior and the BFNL senior competition prior to this. Knownfor his elite foot skills, strong game sense and contested craft, Bills brings experience andclass to the emergingsenior group.Nathan joins the Giants on the back of best and fairest season with TherryPenola in the VAFA, bringingelite skills, composure under pressure,and sharpdecision-makingthat will make him apivotal partofthe senior midfield in 2026.AlexGriggcrossesfrom Laverton Football Club in the WRFNL havingplayedwith Point Cook prior to this. Aprevious club captain and best and fairest winner with Laverton with the abilitytoplayateither end of the ground, Griggwill bringversatilityand presence to the team.
Mt Alexander Women’s Sports Club
Falcons takeflight in 2026
Hot off the heels of astellar 2025 season, the Mt Alexander Falcons have newgoals, newstar recruits and anew-look jumper
Football & Netball Ne Country Liftout 2026
Lastseason sawthe Falcshead to their firstfinals game,athrillingbattle againstRiddells Creek. The fight waslost, butonly on the scoreboard, and the team finished the season overwhelmedwith pride.It wastime to takeabreak, reflectonthe achievements of 2025 and look toward 2026
TheFalcsfearless leader Louise ‘Cheez’Ainscough has stepped down from the top job this season. Cheez has been an exemplaryrole model forthe players and her service to the club can only be likened to Mick Malthouse in his prime.Coachingdutiesare nowbeingsharedbyprevious coachesBonnie and Lil, who are nowjoined by Lenny, Matt,Sholaki and Em. This highly experienced, all-star coachinglineup has been busy throughout the pre-season; their vision is strong. Strengthand conditioningexperts Steph Silvagni and Rosa Pater were back this year,workingwith the team this pre-season at the Sunken Oval. They have the Falcslookingstrong, fit and ready to take flightinthe RDFNL
The2026squad is lookingfresh with some brilliant new talent –Amalia, Am, Bev, Chrissi, Emerald, Fox, Garbi, Holly,Lee,Meera,Randy,Ru, Sandra, Sez, Talia and Tam. Hyperbole be damned –these recruits displaysome of the mostexcitingand rawfootball talent ever seen anywhere in regional Victoria. Much likethe raptor the team takes its namefrom, these recruits showincredible speed and agilityand are perfectly suited to huntinginlarge open areas.
TheFalcons’juniorprogramwill continueto thrivein2026withAuskick (5-7yrs) happeningat WesternReserve startingonApril25. This season, Superkick (7-12yrs) forgirls and gender-diverse kids is also kickingoff! If youoryour kid are interested,visit www.mtalexanderfalcons.com.au formore information.
All ofthiswould not be possible without the sponsors who not only supportagreat team, but athriving community. Their sponsorship providesparticipation opportunitiesfor people of all different skill levels and ages,promotinghealthand wellbeinginthe community.
Thebusinessesthat sponsor the Falcons stand alongside the club as advocatesfor action on issues important to the club,includinggenderequalityinsport, endinggender-based violence and stamping out racial discrimination.
If youwant tojoin this truly special club as aplayer, volunteer,supporter or sponsor,get in touch: football@mtalexanderfalcons.com.au
Football Fo & Netball Country Liftout 2026
Trentham Football Netball Club
With the 2026 season fast approaching, excitement is buildingasTrentham preparestolaunch its premiership defence under lastyear’s flagwinningcoach, Mark 'Addo'Adamson. Thereigningpremiers will open their campaign on April 11,facinglong-time rivals Carisbrook in what promisestobeablockbuster season opener
FOOTBALL
Adamson will be supported by a strongcoachingpanel this year,with Jack Elkington and Mark Strickland in assistant coachingroles. On-field leadership remains in good hands, with the captaincygroup unchanged —Joel Dovaston will again lead the side as captain, with Al Ferrier continuing as vice-captain, while the players have voted in astrongleadership group Theclub’s development pathway also remains robust. Josh 'Murph' Murphywill coach the Reserves, Tom'Wombat' Boyerand Al Ferrier will again guide the Under18s, Al Thompson will lead the Under15s, while Xavier Keighran returns to coach the Under 12s. Playermovement has provided the senior listwith afresh injection of talent Returningtothe club thisseason are HarryKnight,Dylan Holden and Tristan Newman. They’ll be joined by astronggroup of new recruits, includingKyneton pair Cody Youngand Sam Bartel, as well as JaiAdamson (Ireland), RileyPetrescu (Waubra), EthanSpiteri (Hillside), Emre Yilmaz (Craigieburn), Jack McHutchinson (Heathcote) and ScottJowett (Lancefield). And talkingofkey talent,don’t forget‘Boomer', will he be back again or not?
NETBALL
Maldon Football Netball Club
FOOTBALL
Trentham’s netballers have hitthe courtwith energyand strongnumbers as preparations ramp up forthe upcomingseason. Coachingappointments have nowbeen finalised across all grades, with AGrade to be led by Jess Walker,assisted by KaseyEvans. Band CGradeswill be in the hands of Jalna Holmesand Blaire Plowman, while Jess Walker also takes charge of the Under 18s, supported by Holmes. Theyounger squads are equally well resourced, with the Under 15s coached by Tamara Patterson and KaseyEvans, the Under 13s guided by Keisha Shearer with assistance from Emma Whelan, and Emma Whelan again takingthe lead forthe Under11s. Recruitment has been positive, with new players AmyVandenham, Emma Stone,Bonnie Hodgson and LaraTurnbull joiningthe club.Familiar facesMadeline Matheson, Sophie Sutherland, Adele Wilson and Charli Copeland have also returned.
TheDons are delighted to welcome back senior coach and 2025 senior club Best and Fairest Damian Wust forhis second term as coach. Wust once again led the youngMaldon side from the front in 2025 with the Dons finishinginthe top eight and unlucky to be knocked out in the Elimination Final. TheBombers have a number of new recruits includingTyson Jackson, Kane Harris, Austin Peace, Ethan Freemantle,Harry Turlock and Thomas McNeill justmention afew TheReserveswill once again be led by club champion Steve Webb and Brian Kelly TheUnder 18s will be coached by new coach Sam McGee who is coming across from the BFNL and will lookingtoassistthe squad bounce back and claim another premiership ScottSimpson and Sam Baker are takingonthe Under15s and Under 12s coachingpositions for 2026
NETBALL
Maldon's Aand BGrade netball sideswill be led by experiencedclub coach ZoeBrown who is steppingupfrom her CGrade role Jo’e Bell takes over thereins in CGrade Theclub is delighted to have welcomed on board anumber of new recruits including Caitlin Shankland, Kennedy Hall, Lani Furmston and Charlotte Harrison.
TheUnder 17s are once again beingvery capably led by superb coach Kim Williams and will be keen bounce back after their Semi Final defeat
TheUnder 15s will be guided by Justine Carroll.
TheUnder 13s and Under 11s will be headed up by LouClarke.
With four sidesmakingfinals in 2025 the club will continueto focus on buildingculture and havingfun being thecornerstone forthe year and are confident more positiveresults will follow.
• Petrol, Diesel and Oils
• Sunglasses
• Pies, Pasties, Snacks
•Live Fishing Bait
• Chainsaw Oils
• Mower Blades
• Milk, Drinks and Ice
TheBombers have agreat rangeofmerch on offer and some terrific membership packages available.Theyalso have afull calendar of social events planned. Keep an eyeonthe Facebook page fordetails. Maldon will kick off 2026 with its traditional Good Fridaymatch against Dunolly on April 3.
Maldon is gearingupfor another successful season in 2026 after havingmultiple finals contenders in 2025
Football Fo & Netball Country Liftout 2026
Newstead Football NetballClub
Newstead Football Netball Club is gearingupfor an exciting2026season, building on the strongfoundations laid in recent years and determined to push further up the ladder
FOOTBALL
Senior football coach Don Moran returns at the helm, bringingexperience,clarityand awell-defined game plan as the Roos look to takethe next step.His leadership,alongwith acommitted coaching group,has driven apositiveand focused preseason, with strongnumbers on the track and aclear emphasis on fitness, skills and connection.
Theclub has also appointed longtime Newstead figure Mark 'Rambo'RamseyasReservescoach Arespected club man with awealth of experience as both playerand coach, Ramsey’spassion, leadership and deep understandingofthe Roos’culture makehim an ideal fit to guide the next tier of senior talent
Newstead has been activeonthe recruitingfront.The Roos welcome Kyle Yanner (Hepburn), a crafty forward with stronggoal sense and aprovenability to hit the scoreboard; MitchVan De Duim (Wallan), atough, in-and-under onballer whose workrate and attack on the contest will add steel around stoppages; and Will Moran (Bendigo FL), aversatile midfielder renowned forhis professionalism, ball-winningability and polish on the outside
Theclub also celebratesthe return of former Best and Fairest Adam Hunter after ayear away from the game.Acomposed and reliable defender with elite kickingand strongmarking, Hunter’s experience andleadership will be vital in stabilisingthe back half
Across both senior football and netball, Newstead has seen an influx of new faces, boostingdepth competition forspots and overall energy. Combined with the continued development of emerging juniors, the Roos are targetinggreater consistencyand agenuine push towards finals in 2026
NETBALL
On the netball courts, LauraJohnston continuesinher coachingrole of the Aand BGrades, while Keely and Shae Petersen return to coach the CGrade netballers. Thesewomen continue providing valuable guidance,continuityand strongstandards across all grades.
TheRoos are also excited to welcome Kellie McKenzie to the club after acouple of yearsawayfrom the game.Her speed and strengthmakeher atrue utilityacross the court, and Newstead can’t wait to see her in action in blue and white this season. Participation remains high, with ahealthy blend of experienced heads and promisingjuniors, and afocus on teamwork, skill progression and enjoyment Theclub remains firmly committed to its junior pathways, ensuringclear development opportunities and long-term sustainability.
With strongleadership,fresh talent and aunited football/netball program, the Roos believe theyare well placed to make2026aseason to remember
Football Fo & Netball Country Liftout 2026
Harcourt Football Netball Club
HarcourtLions expectthat both the senior and reservesfootballers will be competingdeep into the finals in 2026 with internal growthofthe youngexciting group beingkey forboth sides.
FOOTBALL
Cam Anderson and Sam Gale have taken on the coachingrole forthe Harcourtsenior side this season, with much of the listbeing retained, so farthere has been afantastic buy in from the senior and reserve ranks with great numbers throughout the entirety of the preseason. Keyadditions forseason 2026 include,Josh Taig from Serpentine,Conner Burge from Macorna, Kyle Hamilton and DanChaplin returningfrom ayear away and Brady Stroud and Mitch Rees from South Bendigo
Massivepreseasons from existingplayers TomWalters, Brandon Vazand Baxter Gurd should have Lions supporters excited forwhatseason 2026 hasinstore
CampbellsCreek Football Netball Club
TheCampbells Creek Football Netball Club is gearingupfor an exciting2026 season, welcominganew executivecommittee and astronggroup of players and coachesacross both football and netball programs.
FOOTBALL
Returningsenior football coach MattManning, alongside assistant coach Luke Dzioba, is keen to see what this season brings Theclub has welcomed severalnew recruits who bringvaluable experience,while returningplayers have been workinghard duringthe preseason as the squad preparesfor the year ahead.
NETBALL
In the reserves, coachesBen Tombs and Jordan Picken have also returned and are lookingforward to the challenge of the new season as theycontinue developingthe club’s emergingtalent
Harcourtwarmly welcome new players and friends to the club,alongside the Lions returning to the den. As theyrebuild, the Lions' focus is firmly on resilience and fosteringastrong, supportivecommunitywithin the club
With an excitingmix of emergingyoungtalent,the securityofmajor sponsorship supporting players, and fresh leadership across the program, 2026 is shapinguptobeastrongyearboth on and offthe courtfor the Harcourtnetballers.
AbbyWilliams and Morgan Howorthwill join Jess Chaplin in the coachingteam, guidingthe squads as theyaim forcontinued growthand success in 2026
This new-look Lions squad is ready toshowthe determination and spirit that has defined them overthe pastfew months.
for community
We areproud to be the sponsor of the HFNC Netball program. Backing local sport and the communitywelove.
Herefor Harcourt, herefor the game.
In an excitinginitiativefor the community, the club is also offeringfree junior registrations forthe 2026 season. Theinitiativeisdesigned to ensure all children and youngpeoplecan access sportina supportiveand welcomingenvironment
NETBALL
On the netball side,the club is pleased to welcome new AGrade coach Tyler Fratantaro Fratantaro said he wasexcited to join the club and work with the talented group of players. “Wehavebeen workingincredibly hard during preseason as we welcome brand new players and combinations to our netball department We’re focusingonbuildingstrongand meaningful connections between players. We’re super excited forseason 2026,” he said. Fratantaroand the BGrade coachesLisa Clark and Sheryl Rose,and CGrade coachesMolly Kennedy and Tarni Williams, were impressed by the effortand enthusiasm shown by players duringtheir recent practise match againstCastlemaine “The skill, teamwork and determination from the players wasfantastic to watch, and we as coachesare excited to see what our netballers bringto the courtthisseason,”Clark said.
Football Fo & Netball Country Liftout 2026
Kyneton Wedge-Tailed Eagles
eWedge-Tailed Eaglesare setfor their firstseason as an independent club in 2026 theyenter the Central Victoria Football League
Coached by the experiencedPhilHawkes, whoheads into his sixth year with the yinggroup,the team brings strongcontinuityand awell-established culture into competition. Phil will be assisted by additional coachingand development support Eligh Blume,Billy Mitchell and Jordan Savoia.
eWedgieswill rely on the experience andleadership of club favouritesBelinda Hateleyand Teagan Ainslie,who continue to setthe benchmark on and off the field. esquad is also boosted by the arrival of recruits Ash Nicholson, Alicia Chadwick Luce Lenius, who playedinthe combined Gisborne–Kyneton United side in 2025 ng freshtalent and midfield depth as the club preparesfor its firstCVFL campaign. eclub also welcomesnewcomers to football Hannah Gajic,Demi Henderson and yButton. Allthree bringextensivebackgrounds in basketball and netball and adapted well duringpre-season.
While this will be the Wedge-Tailed Eagles’ firstseason in the CVFL as aclub,many yers in the squad have previously competed in the league and knowtoexpecta strongstandard of competition. There is optimism the team can push forfinals in its firstseason, butthe primaryfocus will be on the players enjoyingtheir firstyear together as an independent club while playingcompetitivefootball.
