Cobras prepare for Good Friday showdown

KIERAN ILES

BACCHUS Marsh has made significant moves to bolster its defence and attack ends for the 2026 BFNL season, unveiling a trio of quality netball recruits in the countdown to their Good Friday showdown against East Point.

The Cobras – the league’s biggest improvers last season, masterminding a jump from cellar dwellers to finalists – have added defenders Georgia Shattock, Avana Hobson and goal shooter Olivia Craske to it’s A-grade player mix that returns all but two of last year’s squad.

Shattock, a VNL 23-and-under player with Boroondara Express and noted for her height, athleticism and composure, and Hobson, who has come across from Melton Centrals, shore up an area of the court that was a strength for the Cobras in last year’s breakout season, but lacked some height.

“We’ve got that height now,” a delighted coach Nichole Gleeson said.

“It’s something we never really had last year.

“When you look at Avana, who is 6’3” and Georgia, who is around six foot, it puts us in a good position.

“To have that height under the ring is exciting.

“Georgia has obviously got that elite experience and has played against some of those big guns at Darley before, so she’s no stranger to those players even though she hasn’t played in the Ballarat league.”

Shattock boasts further top level exposure having been a part of Victorian 19-and-under and 17-and-under squads.

Gleeson expects the combination of Shattock, Hobson and Ella Logan, with occasional support from Eliza Moodie, likely to start in centre this season, to again be a team strength, while three new additions will certainly add versatility across the board.

Craske, previously involved with Boroondara Express’ VNL program, will play some games, while also lining up with her regular Riddell league club Gisborne Giants.

Gleeson said a third shooter would ease the load on goal shooter Kim Phillips and rising star Jasmine Paama, who enhanced her reputation by finishing equal third in last year’s league best and fairest award.

“We are happy to have another good shooter on board,” she said.

“Obviously Jazzy and Kimmy got quite a workout last year, playing 60 minutes of each game last year without breaks.

“But this year we’ll be able to give them a spell when they need it.

“We’re still a bit restricted by points, but we’ll have at least two on the bench this year and a solid nine players.

“I’d consider our attacking end as strong already, but Olivia will really strengthen us up.”

The Cobras, whose A-grade side last year was comprised wholly of recruits, often went into games with just eight players or a bare seven.

Last year’s captain Holly Keating and her sister Ally – the Cobras’ best and fairest – are the only two non-returning players.

Given the tough nature of the BFNL competition, Gleeson said a realistic aim for the Cobras was bettering last year’s 10-8 win-loss record and advancing beyond week one of finals.

“The girls are already so united and so connected, so I have no doubt they are going to continue to go upwards,” she said.

“We’re still in a rebuild, but last year was a great start. No one Would have had any expectations on where we landed.

“This year we want to build on that and I feel next year (2027) can be even better if we hold onto this team.”

The Cobras fine-tuned their preparation with a practice match against Bell Post Hill at Bacchus Marsh Recreation Reserve last Saturday.

They were minus Shattoick, who played in the Express’ round one encounter against Bendigo Strikers, in Bendigo.