Dynamic duo reunites to again lead BFNL young guns

AFTER leading the BFNL’s 17-and-under representative netball teams in partnership from 2002-24, Sharni McPherson and Nicole Donnellon will reunite to spearhead the league’s 2026 campaign.

McPherson, who continued to lead the 17-and-under team in 2025 alongside Alison Leech, and Donnellon were announced as joint coaches late last week.

It will be McPherson’s fifth year in charge of the BFNL’s rising stars, while for Donnellon, her appointment marks a return to the role after a season off this year.

Donnellon will have further representative duties in 2026, as coach of the North Central’s 17-and-under team, which will contest the Netball Victoria State Titles in March.

In a statement released to the media, the BFNL hailed McPherson and Donnellon as ‘highly respected and proven leaders within the Bendigo netball community, making them perfect pairing to once again lead the BFNL’s brightest young netball talent’.

“We look forward to seeing the dynamic leadership of Sharni and Nikki guiding the team through a 2026 rep netball campaign that includes our May 23 encounter with the Ovens and Murray FNL at the QEO,” the statement said.

In 2025, the BFNL 17-and-under team went undefeated through the tournament season, qualifying for the Association Championships in Melbourne.

The BFNL team put in a huge effort on the day, finishing in fifth place with a 6-5 record, punctuated by a one-goal loss during the minor rounds to eventual champions Ovens and Murray.

A brilliant effort followed a similar placing in 2024 under McPherson and Donnellon, with a record of 7-3-1.

Announcements on the team’s final 2026 schedule, player nominations and trial dates will follow over the next few months.

The appointments mean the BFNL has locked in coaches for both of its under-age representative teams, with Strathfieldsaye’s Steph Freemantle to lead the newly created 15-and-under squad.