Blues News

2026 Finals - Week 1

It’s taken 15 rounds of football spread across 20 weekends, but the business end of the Central Murray Football Netball League season has arrived.

Kerang will have three teams play at Swan Hill on Sunday, 30 August after round 15’s results fell the correct way for our Seniors, Reserves and Colts footballers. The club is looking forward to seeing as many fans as possible cheer on our sides at Alan Garden Reserve (Colts) and the Swan Hill Showgrounds (Seniors and Reserves).

Last weekend saw the Blues mark the end of the home and away season by hosting Murrabit for the first time. The club also held its successful Family Fun Day, followed by a casserole night and beer pong.

A large crowd also attended the clubrooms the next day for our Junior Presentations and Vote Count Day. The club congratulates the following players for winning the Best and Fairest in their respective grades:

Football - Seniors: Damien Byrne. Reserves: Tyler Meehan. Colts: Oscar Greenwood. Under 15s: Madden Walker.

Netball – A Grade: Chloe Adams. A Reserve: Emma Chamberlain. B Grade: Coco Crellin. B Reserve: Harley Tarr. 17 and Under: Laela Grayling. 15 and Under: Ruby Shepard. 13 and Under: Emaline Murphy.

These awards, as well as many other accomplishments, will be celebrated at our Presentation Night occurring on Thursday, 24 September.

ROUND 15 WRAP

FOOTBALL

The Seniors finished the home and away season with an 8-7 record, producing a 150-point win against Murrabit. Led by an eight-goal haul by Zak Bozanich, the hosts held a 56-point lead at half-time before booting seven goals in the third term and nine goals in the last quarter as many fans kept an eye on the outcome of the Lake Boga v Hay match. Josh Hunter, Hugh Bremner, Cody Makeham, Jack Sullivan and Leigham McAlpin (KJ Outdoor and Marine) also stood out for the Blues, who now face Hay in the 1st Elimination Final.

The Reserves kept Murrabit at bay, producing a 27-point win that booked the Blues a 1st Elimination Final encounter with Lake Boga after the Magpies defeated Hay. Mason Dibsdale booted four of Kerang’s 11 goals for the match, with Chris Wilson (coaches award), Deklan Luks (McKnight Concreting), Brodie Meehan (KFNC Can Bar), Myles Greenwood (AutoPro) and Campbell McAlpin (Oliver Family award) recognised for their efforts.

The Colts went into their game knowing a win, as well as Wandella victory against the Mallee Eagles, would secure a finals berth; however a 123-point victory ensured the Blues did not need to rely on other results to make finals. A five-goal haul from Oscar Greenwood (coaches award) and three majors to Harrison Pearson (Walkers IGA) ensured the hosts increased their percentage. Awards were also presented to Tyler Bilton (Chicken Supreme), Mitch Bilton (Chicken Supreme), Beau Roberts (Chicken Supreme), Campbell McAlpin (Wilk’s Barbershop),

Austin Verhey (KFNC Canteen Committee) and Hudson Taylor (Gitsham Family award). The side will now play Woorinen in Sunday’s 2nd Elimination Final.

The Under 15s finished their season with a mercy rule loss to Murrabit. All players received an award for their efforts this season, with the team producing a 5-10 record. The team’s coaches, supporters and spectators are proud of how this team has performed this season after seeing most of last season’s grand final side move up to the Colts.

Finally, the Under 12s were primed to end its best season in many years, leaving it all on the field to produce a 71-point win. Led by three goals by Ollie Hetherington (Zorba’s Pizza), the team played attacking football, highlighting their individual and team growth. Awards were also presented to Ellie Verhey (Chicken Supreme), Jobe Howden (Chicken Supreme), Harry Grayling (KFNC Canteen Committee), Sonny Greenwood (SWB Media and Communications), Elise Hayes (anonymous block of chocolate) and Noah Maskell (1% Award).

NETBALL

Bree Cordina produced a masterclass in A Grade’s 12-goal loss, with the hosts pushing the finals-bound Murrabit all game. A few clever tactical changes in the second term injected a massive surge of energy, with every player stepping onto the court seamlessly. Whether hitting the ring today or filling roles throughout the year, every single member of this squad has stepped up, grown, and adapted whenever called upon.

A Reserve faced the challenge of playing a finals-bound Murrabit, but the Blues were able to match the visitors before fatigue set in. The 35-goal loss did not reflect the host side’s inspiring effort and dedication, highlighted by the way Madi Hall (Velleley Cranes) worked across the court, the defensive efforts of Jenna Gray (Royal Hotel Kerang) and Lily Simmonds (Mat Coates Electrical 1% Award), and Maia Velleley’s work along the wing.

Lily Velleley (Little Shoe Shop), Lilly Simmonds (Velleley Cranes) and Coco Crellin (1% Award) received awards in B Grade’s 21-goal win, built on the team’s tough defence, accurate goalshooting and the midcourt players’ ability to create space. The result meant the Blues finished the season two points outside of the top eight.

B Reserve finished the year one win outside the top eight, with the side wrapping up season 2026 with a 30-goal win. Positional changes were required after Kobie Waddingham injured her ankle in the third quarter, but all players adapted beautifully and continued to build momentum to finish with a fantastic win. Harley Tarr (Legend Apparel), Erin Murphy, (Kerang Truck & Trailer 1% Award) and Monique McKenzie (Zorba’s Pizza) were the day’s award winners.

The entire 17 and Under side brought maximum heat and hustle throughout the entire match in their 27-goal loss, with the team finishing season 2026 one win outside of the finals. Although the result wasn’t what the team was aiming for, the fierce determination on court showed just how far this group has come. All players took home awards for their efforts during the season.

The scoreboard did not reflect the outcome of 15 and Under’s 21-goal loss, with the side working hard all game to produce some great passages of play, strong defensive pressure and plenty of determination. As it was the last game of the season, the coaches decided to have a little bit of fun in the final quarter and let the girls choose their own positions. The team was even able to convince 13 and Under Reserve player, Chelsea Gordy to take to the court in her first 15 and Under game. Awards were presented to all players.

As has been the case all season, 13 and Under never gave up and supported each other in their 51-goal loss. All players received an award in recognition of their commitment and effort throughout the year.

Finally, all 13 and Under Reserve players received awards in their four-goal win, with the side coming from behind to wrap up what has been a great season of determination and improvement.

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!