Blues News

Round 7, 2026

Kerang will host the Mallee Eagles following the King’s Birthday Weekend bye. This will be the start of a three-week run of matches for all teams that will shape where the Blues will be in the battle for finals positions heading into the final third of the season.

The 13 June match will also see our junior footballers and netballers celebrated, with Buddy Day activities planned throughout the day. This will be followed by the KFNC Ball that night.

Last round the Blues travelled to Nyah to take on the Demons, with our A Grade victory the highlight of the day.

ROUND 5 WRAP

FOOTBALL

The Seniors struggled against last year’s grand finalists, losing by 87 points. Flynn McKnight (KJs Outdoor Marine and Fishing), Brad Pay, Josh Hunter, Damian Byrne, Tyson Clingan and Jack Sullivan were best on ground for the Blues. Congratulations also to Kai Roberts for making his senior debut.

It was a tough day for the Reserves, who were outclassed in a 111-point loss. Tyler Meehan (coaches award), Jon Roberts (McKnight Concreting), Cooper Meehan (Royal Hotel Kerang), Patrick Oliver (Autopro Kerang) and Josh Walters (Oliver Family award) were recogised for their efforts.

The Colts matched the hosts for two-thirds of the game in their 50-point loss. Austin Verhey (coaches award) and Connor Goodson (Zorba’s Pizza) were multiple goalkickers for the Blues, with Tyler Bilton (Chicken Supreme), Campbell McAlpin (Chicken Supreme), Cooper Gray (Wilk’s Barbershop), Mitch Bilton (Walker’s IGA) and Saxon Walker (Gitsham Family award) also receiving awards.

The Under 15s rallied from a tough first half, keeping pace with the Demons in the third and final quarters in what was a 50-point loss. Madden Walker (coaches’ award), Charlie Greenwood (Josh Cameron award), Lachlan Stevenson (Chicken Supreme), Jack Hogg (Chicken Supreme), Xavier Edwards (Central Take Awar), Max Sanders (Gitsham Family award) and Chase McKenzie (KFNC hat) were recognised for their efforts.

A six-goal burst either side of half-time set up the Under 12s’ 32-point win, with the result highlighting the development of all players this season. Award winners were Ollie Hetherington (Chicken Supreme), Hadley McKnight (Chicken Supreme), Levi Bourne (Pizza Kitchen and Central Take Away), Parker Kelly (McDonald’s), Jack Hein (SWB Media and Communications), Jobe Howden (anonymous block of chocolate) and Archer Verhey (1% Award).

Finally, the Under 10s continue to grow in confidence, producing their best result of their three games played so far this season. Everyone contributed on-field, with Ollie St Claire, Gilbert Murphy, Yehen Akurugoda and Chalie Coates recognised for their efforts.

NETBALL

Buoyed by the return of coach, Chloe Adams and Katelyn Wright, A Grade returned to the winners’ list thanks to a nine-goal victory. Chloe was instrumental in a best on court

performance, thanks to many intercepts and various defensive turnovers, whilst Katelyn’s leadership guided our young attacking players. Mikala McNeill was also best on court, linking up with the midcourt in setting up some brilliant passages of play throughout the game.

A Reserve were prepared for a match against high-class opposition, and although the result was a 10-goal loss, the girls brought the heat from the first whistle. The first half was a defensive grind, with only three goals separating us at the main break. Half-time structural changes from both sides saw the margin stretch out in the Demons’ favour during the third term, and despite our best efforts to peg them back in a highly competitive final term, we just couldn't bridge the gap. Sophie Hunter (Beauty Dust) and Madi Hall (Rulcify’s) received awards for their efforts.

B Grade kept their heads up, stayed determined, and never gave up during their 14-goal loss, with the team significantly reducing the margin in the second half. Lily Velleley (Royal Hotel Kerang) and Tayla Henderson (Thamm/Clingan Family award) were best on court for the Blues.

Despite holding a one-goal lead at half-time, B Reserve lost by five goals in a tight match that saw a great team effort across the court. Keira Wise (Legend Apparel) and Kobie Waddingham (Zorba’s Pizza) both applied relentless pressure in the defensive end, with Kobie working tirelessly around the ring to create opportunities through her intercepts, while Keira was dominant on the rebounds. A special mention also to Matea McKenzie ($10 award), who stepped in seamlessly and helped steady the play, slowing things down to give us more control.

A strong team performance set up 17 and Under’s 26-goal win, set up by improvement in game plays and combinations that have been worked on at training. Award winners were Jenna Gray ($10 award), Chloe Meehan (The Little Shoe Shop) and Laela Grayling (Pizza Kitchen).

The 18-goal loss did not reflect the level of effort applied by all 15 and Under players, with some of the team playing in new positions. Ivy Velleley (Rumbold’s Earthmoving), Sienna Hicks (Trav and Gaynor Thamm award) and Brooklyn Buckow (Chino’s) were recognised for their efforts.

13 and Under showed great resilience, teamwork, and encouragement throughout their 22-goal loss, celebrating the small wins along the way. Millie Cameron (Chicken Supreme), Emaline Murphy (McDonald’s), Jess Bilton (Kerang Plumbing and Pumps) and Anna Ferrari (Drew Robertson Plastering) received awards for their efforts.

Finally, spectators of the 13 and Under Reserve game saw plenty of intercepts, movement and goals as the Blues secured a 13-goal win. Award winners were Lulu Robertson (Chicken Supreme), Kiyara Nawarathna (McDonald’s), Chelsea Gordy (Pizza Kitchen) and Ashleigh Stevenson (Gray’s Bakery).

SOCIAL EVENTS

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

· June 20th: Head back to the Royal Hotel following our matches at Lake Boga.

· June 27th: Goods and Services Auction.

· July 18th: Christmas in July at the Royal Hotel.

· July 25th: Bluechella Festival.

· August 1st: Head back to the Royal Hotel following our matches at Ultima.

· August 22nd: Silent Disco.

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!