Blues News

Round 15, 2026

Saturday, 22 August marks the end of the home and away part of the Central Murray Football Netball Season, with a large crowd expected to attend Riverside Park for the first Battle of the Blues in the league’s history.

It will be a big day for both the Kerang and Murrabit football netball clubs, with results at Kerang’s home ground and outcomes of games elsewhere to determine the finals chances of many teams. Off-field, there will be plenty on offer thanks to our Family Day.

With this being the final round of the season, it’s important to take the time to thank the following people:

· Everyone who pulled on a guernsey or wore a positional bib this season. Much has been said and written about how season 2026 would look with an expanded competition, but as a club, we’ve enjoyed being able to host new teams and visit different venues.

· Everyone who volunteered during the season. It does not matter whether you served in the canteen, cleaned the rooms in readiness for a home game, ran water or officiated in the rain, anyone who chipped in this season has helped the club be the great place it is.

· Our fantastic sponsors. As with all groups, any contribution from sponsors is greatly appreciated, and at Kerang this is no different. We encourage all players and supporters to support our sponsors in the off-season.

· Our fans. It doesn’t matter where you watch the football or netball from, or how many games you attended, your support is appreciated by all in the club.

The next 6-8 weeks will be busy for the club. The excitement begins tomorrow with our Vote Count and presentation days for our juniors. The club will cheer all of our teams playing finals throughout late August and September, as well as hosting the 2nd Preliminary Final on 13 September, before we gather in late September for the Presentation Night. October will be busy too, thanks to our Debutante Balls and the Redfin Classic Weekend.

Speaking of finals, our trip to Hay on 8 August saw some of our teams keep their finals chances alive for one more round.

ROUND 14 WRAP

FOOTBALL

The Seniors will need to defeat Murrabit on 22 August and hope other results go their way to finish the season in the top eight following a 47-point loss to Hay. Zak Bozanich continued his fine form in front of goal with four majors, but the Blues could not capitalize kicking with the breeze in the first and third quarters. Marty Kelly, Austin Crellin (KJ Outdoor and Marine), Bohden McKnight, Jack Sullivan and Cody Makeham were best on ground for the Blues, whilst Beau Roberts made his senior debut.

The Reserves kept their finals hopes alive following an 18-point win. Play halted for more than 20 minutes following an injury to Mark Threlfall, but the Blues capitalised on having more time with the breeze to their backs, kicking the final three goals of the game. Paul Grayling turned back the clock with a two-goal performance, with Jay Ogborne (coaches award), Jon Roberts (McKnight Concreting), Mat Angel (Royal Hotel Kerang), Chris Wilson (AutoPro) and Eddie May

(Oliver Family award) also standing out. The win means the Blues must defeat Murrabit on 22 August and hope results at other grounds go the team’s way to make finals.

The Colts will also be looking at other results to determine their finals fate following a 90-point win against the Lions. Led by three goals each from Oscar Greenwood (Chicken Supreme), Charlie Greenwood and Harrison Pearson (coaches award), the Blues kept the hosts goalless during the opening half and to only two goals for the match. Other award winners were Eddie May (Chicken Supreme), Hudson Taylor (Chicken Supreme), Harley Mills (Wilk’s Barbershop), Deklyn Jolly (Walkers IGA), Campell McAlpin (Walkers IGA) and Austin Verhey (Gitsham Family award).

The Under 15s produced consecutive wins for the first time this season thanks to a 21-point win. The visitors took control of the game in the second quarter and maintained their ascendency in the second half. Bryce Gordy (four goals and Chicken Supreme award) and Charlie Greenwood (three goals and coaches award) combined for seven of the Blues’ eight goals, with Madden Walker (Josh Cameron award), Harrison Gitsham (Chicken Supreme), Jack Hogg (Happy Elephant), Braxton Hayes (Gitsham family award), Chase McKenzie (KFNC hat), Xavier Edwards (KFNC hat) and Harley Cartwright (Hay canteen award) recognised for their efforts.

Despite missing one-quarter of the team, the Under 12s produced a mercy rule win to record consecutive victories for the second time this season. Ollie Hetherington, Jobe Howden and Eli Howden kicked two goals each prior to the mercy rule being implemented, with awards presented to Rorry Fernee (Chicken Supreme), Levi Bourne (Chicken Supreme), Adam Blencowe (SWB Media and Communications), Parker Kelly (anonymous block of chocolate), Hadley McKnight (Pizza Kitchen and Central Fish Shop), Hudson Hicks (McDonald’s) and Frankie Walker (1% Award).

Finally, the Under 10s marked the end of their season with a competitive game against the Lions. All players spent one quarter helping Hay out to ensure a game could occur, enabling each team member to showcase their improving skills in front of their family and friends who travelled for the match. All players received an award for their efforts.

NETBALL

Despite a 12-goal loss ending A Grade’s chances of making finals for a second consecutive season, the side was buoyed by the return of Bree Cordina after missing the past 13 rounds due to injury. It was also a special day for Jenna Gray, who made her A Grade debut. The Blues were competitive for three quarters thank to Alli Hunter’s ability to keep the scoreboard ticking whilst Jamison Wise was being double tagged, Sophie Hunter and Hannah Pay’s efforts to provide fresh legs coming off the bench, Mikala McNel’s versatility and a best on court effort from Chloe Adam. Unfortunately, decisions made in pivotal moments of the final term resulted in a high turnover count that the Lions were able to capitalise on.

With many players away, A Reserve relied on players from other grades to take to the court, and despite the 29-goal loss, there were many highlights. These included Sophie Hunter’s return to goal shooting, the efforts of the Blues’ defenders, and everyone’s positive attitude. Lily Velleley (Little Shoe Shop) and Lilly Simmonds (Legend Apparel) received awards for their efforts.

Emma Wright (1% Award) and Tayla Henderson (Legend Apparel) were the award winners in B Grade’s six-goal loss to Hay. In what was an elimination final for the Blues, the team had their

work cut out for them against Hay’s tall shooters, but worked tirelessly all game. The mid-court ran hard, fought for every ball and fed the Blues’ shooters beautifully, while our goalies positioned themselves perfectly and worked the ring, bringing us within just two goals at one stage.

B Reserve will need to defeat Murrabit in the final round and hope other results go their way to make finals following a six-goal loss to Hay. The hosts jumped out to an eight-goal lead, but the Blues were able to get back into the game thanks to their determination. Unfortunately the Lions were able to pull away late in the match to move into the top eight. Kobie Waddingham (Rulcify’s) and Keira Wise (The Beauty Dust) produced strong performances in defence, whilst Erin Murphy (money award) controlled the play in the centre of the court and Zenda Peacock (money award) provided composure, leadership, and support when the team needed it most.

The Blues pushed the Lions in the first half of the 17 and Under battle for eighth spot on the ladder, but could not match the hosts in the second half, going down by eight goals. All the girls gave it their all, with the crowd enjoying some great passenger of play, amazing defensive efforts and great decision making in attack. Hayley Chesnais (Pizza Kitchen) Olivia Kelly (Chino’s) and Laela Grayling (Velleley Cranes) were best on court for the Blues.

The third quarter was the highlight of 15 and Under’s 16-goal loss, with the girls lifting their intensity and putting together some fantastic netball. There were lots of intercepts, great defensive pressure and some strong passages of play through the court. The Blues adjusted well throughout the game, kept talking, listened to the coaches and continued to work hard. Award winners were Emaline Murphy (Thamm/Clingan Family award), Ruby Shepherd (Rumbolds Earthmoving), Marli Doyle (Zorba’s Pizza) and Taneisha Thamm (Central Fish Shop), who also celebrated her 14th birthday on game day.

Kiyara Nawarathna, Anna Ferrari, Emaline Murphy and Hallie Robertson were best on court in 13 and Under’s 25-goal loss. Although it was a tough game against a physical side, the Blues worked hard at creating space, resulting in some beautiful feeds into the circle were rewarded with goals.

Finally, 13 and Under Reserve fought to the final whistle in their five-goal loss. Sahej Sandhu (Grays Bakery), Jess Bilton (Hudson Family award) and Kiyara Nawarathna (McDonald’s) were the day’s award winners.

SOCIAL EVENTS

Thanks to the club’s Social Committee, functions are planned throughout the season. Details regarding what is happening are below:

· August 23rd: Junior Presentation Day and Vote Count

· Late September: Presentation Night

STAYING CONNECTED

There are many ways to keep updated with the club during season 2026:

· Follow us on Facebook – we have a public page and a members’ page

· Follow us on Instagram - @kerangfnc · Our website – Visit us online at https://kerangfnc.com.au/

GO BLUES!