Netballers chase championship glory

RUNNER-UP a year ago, the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL’s open netball team will be aiming to be number one at Netball Victoria’s Association Championships in Melbourne this Sunday.

The BFNL will aim to halt the dominance of Goulburn Valley which beat Bendigo in last year’s final and also claimed the title in 2019.

Bendigo’s run includes runner-up in 2016, champions in 2017, and runner-up in 2018.

A squad of 11 for this Sunday’s showdowns at Parkville is being coached by Kangaroo Flat’s Jayden Cowling.

Assistant coach is Strathfieldsaye’s Steph Freemantle.

Six of Sandhurst’s best will switch from maroon and blue to blue and gold.

Sandhurst team-mates Shae Clifford, Heather Oliver, Charlotte Sexton, Bec Smith, Sophie Shoebridge and Meg Williams have achieved plenty of success in recent years.

The ‘Hurst is unbeaten in pursuit of a fifth consecutive A Grade premiership.

The Bendigo FNL team includes Gisborne goaler Claudia Mawson and mid-court star Kirby Elliott.

Abbey and Ashley Ryan from Kangaroo Flat were selected as goaler and mid-courter.

Alicia Gladman from South Bendigo is part of a defensive foursome that includes Oliver, Sexton and Shoebridge.

Two of Bendigo’s best in Smith and Williams play crucial roles in attack and mid-court respectively, while mid-court rotations will include Clifford throughout a taxing campaign.

“We have selected a versatile side who can play numerous positions across the court, which will be extremely beneficial at a gruelling full-day tournament against quality opposition,” Cowling said.

The Bendigo FNL will also contest the 17-and-under finals at the State Netball Centre.