Cowling to lead Roos for two more years

KANGAROO Flat 2025 premiership coach Jayden Cowling has signed a two-year contract extension to remain at the helm of the Roos.

Cowling, whose first season as A-grade coach was in 2018, has led the Roos to finals in every season he has been in charge, including four grand final appearances.

Their premiership win this season broke a nine-year flag drought for the perennial BFNL powerhouse.

In a statement on the club’s social media pages, the Roos expressed their excitement about Cowling’s extension.

“Coming off a his first A Grade premiership, Cowling is back and we are proud to have him back at the helm leading our netballers into 2026,” the statement read.

“Going through undefeated, winning a premiership and announced as coach in the BFNL Team of the Year, we cannot wait to see Jayden take our netballers to the next level.”

A thoroughly dominant 2025 season for the Roos was capped by a 59-51 grand final triumph over Sandhurst.

The Roos also claimed the A-reserve premiership and were grand finalists in B-grade.

The A-grade premiership was the club’s ninth since the inception of the BFNL competition in 1991.

Only Sandhurst, with 11, has won more in the top grade.

Cowling will have some extra assistance in 2026-27, with star goaler Ruby Barkmeyer taking on the role of leading netball development at Dower Park.

The 24-year-old capped a triumphant return to the BFNL this season by winning the best on court medal on grand final day and winning the club’s best and fairest, the Bingham Medal.

She also finished runner-up in the league’s best and fairest, the Betty Thompson Medal, behind Sandhurst’s Shae Clifford.

In her new role, Barkmeyer will oversee the club’s junior program, ranging from 17-and-under to 13-and-under, including the newly created BFNL 15-and-unders.

“Ruby’s passion for developing the next generation of superstars is exciting for our up and coming players who choose to play at Kangaroo Flat,” the club said.

“Whilst also playing and dominating in the goal ring, Ruby will also work alongside junior and senior coaches to get the best out of their players in 2026.

“We are thrilled to have retained the services of both Cowling and Barkmeyer, who will work closely together to bolster the strength of our netball department, and bring a wealth of national and international experience to our local community.

“Both Jayden and Rubys commitment to the club is very exciting and we cannot wait to build towards a successful 2026.”

A roll-out of player announcements for 2026 is expected to start in coming days.