Blues News

Round 2, 2026

Who needs Round Zero when your first round of the season features Kerang playing Wandella?

Riverside Park saw its largest day of football and netball since the 2007 Golden Rivers Football Netball League grand final last weekend, with the strong, cold breeze the only negative to what was an amazing day for the sport locally. There was barely a car parking space available by 10am, with large crowd numbers still onsite during the final moments of the seniors.

Thank you to all involved in the club who helped make the day a success. No matter your role, your contribution helped with the on-field and on-court action, as well as around the ground.

This weekend sees the Blues take on our OG rivals, Cohuna in our shortest travel for the year. We’re looking forward to seeing a large contingent of navy blue inundate the Cohuna Recreation Reserve to watch our footballers and netballers take on the Kangas.

ROUND 1 WRAP

FOOTBALL

Our Seniors started the season with a 96-point win against Wandella. Led by an eight-goal haul from Zak Bozanich, the Blues handled kicking against the breeze in the opening term and had the result all but secured by half-time. Bohden McKnight, Damian Boyle, Jonah McKnight, Ian Fisher, Tyson Clingan and Kane Wlson were best on ground for the Blues.

The Reserves had a round one win against Wandella in their sights since December, and the team didn’t disappoint, coming from behind to record a 12-point win. Ethan McKnight led the way with three of the team’s seven goals, with Jay Ogborne, Nick Murray, Jayden Crellin, Cody Tuohey and Tyler Meehan also key contributors.

The Colts almost mounted a final term comeback but fell 10 points short against the Bombers. The team, which features the majority of last season’s Under 15s grand final side, showed that they are close to breaking a lengthy winless streak. Oscar Grenwood (Zorba’s Pizza), Saxon Walker (Chicken Supreme), Nick Oliver (Chicken Supreme), Campbell McAlpin (KFNC Canteen Committee), Mitchell Bilton (Wilk’s Barbershop) and Eddie May (Gitsham Family award) were recognised for their efforts.

The Under 15s started the day off on the main oval with a mercy rule win. Eight players kicked goals during the game, with Madden Walker (coaches’ award), Charlie Greenwood (Zorba’s Pizza), Braxton Hayes (KFNC Canteen Committee), Ollie Hetherington (Josh Cameron award), Ollie McKnight (Kerang Custom Joinery) and Lincoln Taylor (Gitsham Family award) best on ground for the Blues.

Over on the second oval, every player contributed to the Under 12s’ mercy rule win against the Bombers. Jack Hein (Zorba’s Pizza), Archer Verhey (KFNC Canteen Committee), Adam Blencowe (Kerang Plumbing and Pumps), Jobe Howden (Austelle Farms), Abel Howden (SWB Media and Communications), Ellie Verhey (anonymous block of chocolate) and Parker Kely (1% Award) were recognised for their efforts.

Finally, our Under 10s played alongside Auskick participants from Kerang and Wandella in what was an entertaining half-time experience. It was great to see so many children participating and family members watching. Awards went to Toby from Wandella (Kerang Plumbing and Pumps), Oshen Nawarathna (Mat Coates Electrical), Elise Hayes (Kerang FNC Juniors), Charles Hammond (McDonald’s) and AJ Peacock (SWB Media and Communications).

NETBALL

The A Grade team celebrated Maddy Hall’s 100th game with a 26-goal win against the Bombers. The girls did not disappoint, thanks to many great passages of play and being strong in all positions. Alli Hunter and Katelyn Wright were best on court for the Blues.

A Reserve also started season 2026 strongly, thanks to a 46-goal win. The team’s defenders restricted the Bombers to one goal in each of the second and third quarter, which was even more impressive as many players swapped positions after half-time. Madi Hall, Sophie Hunter (Royal Hotel) and Mikala McNeil provided the side with midcourt power, with a big thank you to Jenna Gray (Mat Coates Electrical 1% Award) and Chloe Meehan for stepping up and helping the side.

Our B Grade team united in their first match of the season, recording a 38-goal victory. Tayla Henderson (Mat Coates Electrical), Maia Velleley (cash award) and Lily Simmonds (Travis and Gaynor Thamm award) were officially recognised for their efforts, however all players deserved an award.

Our B Reserve team returned to the court for the first time since 2024, with the team producing a 46-all draw against the Bombers. The team’s defenders worked tirelessly to create pressure and turnovers, the midcourt worked hard to transition the ball, and the shooters held their composure under pressure. Brylee Clingan (Kerang Truck and Trailer) and Monique McKenzie (Chino’s) were the award winners.

The 17 and Under team showed strong communication across the court in their 35-goal win. Everyone adapted impressively as they played in new positions, bringing great energy throughout the match. Chloe Meehan (KFNC Canteen Committee), Laela Graying (Zorba’s Pizza) and Rachael Peacock (Chino’s) were the award winners.

The 15 and Under side started their season with a 27-goal victory. Each player encouraged and supported each other, with Tehya Gitsham (Trav and Gaynor Thamm award), Ruby Shepard (KFNC Canteen Committee) and Sienna Hicks (Rumbold Earthmoving) receiving awards.

Spectators of the 13 and Under side watched a close game, with our girls fighting hard to the end in what was a five-goal loss. Millie Cameron (Drew Robertson Plastering), Emaline Murphy (KFNC Canteen Committee) and Jess Bilton (Kerang Plumbing and Pumps) received awards for their efforts.

Finally, the 13 and Under Reserve side recorded a 32-goal win in a team-focused performance. Arhlie Gitsham (McDonald’s), Harper Newson (Grays Bakery) and Kiyara Nawarathna (KFNC Canteen Committee) received awards for their efforts.

SOCIAL EVENTS

It was great to see a large crowd kick on after last weekend’s games for the iPod Shuffle night.

The fun continues after this weekend’s games, with supporters encouraged to head back to the Royal Hotel, Kerang.

Many other functions are planned for the season, which are below:

· May 2nd: Grandparents and Special Persons Day (AM), Ladies Day (PM)

· May 9th: Head back to the Royal Hotel following our matches at Woorinen.

· May 16th: Trivia Night.

· June 13th: Kerang FNC Ball.

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

· June 27th: Goods and Services Auction.

· July 11th: Team of the Decades.

· 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!