Rymer to lead BFNL open rep team

THE BFNL’s 2026 open representative netball campaign will be spearheaded by the coaches of the league’s past three A-grade premierships.

It follows the reappointment of dual Gisborne premiership coach Tarryn Rymer as the open team’s head coach and the appointment of Kangaroo Flat’s Jayden Cowling as assistant coach and a member of the selection panel.

Rymer, who coached the Bulldogs to flags in 2023 and ’24, previously led the BFNL team to a semi-finals appearance at the 2024 Association Championships finals in Melbourne.

She was to have led the 2025 team before the league’s decision not to proceed with an open team.

This year’s campaign will be highlighted by a return to interleague action, with the BFNL scheduled to take on the powerful Ovens and Murray league at the QEO on 23 May.

BFNL general manager Tom King confirmed the Association Championships would remain on the team’s schedule pending player eligibility.

“We are delighted to have Tarryn and Jayden back at the helm of our open representative netball team and can’t wait to see the team prepare for a 2026 schedule that includes our huge match-up against the O&M on May 23,” he said.

For Cowling, who led Kangaroo Flat to a drought-breaking flag win this year, after grand final appearances in 2024, 2022 and 2019, his appointment as assistant coach marks a return to the representative program.

He previously coached the open team and will bring extensive experience and a deep knowledge of the game at the highest level, ensuring the team’s selection process and preparation are of the highest standard.

Bendigo has a proud record of success at the Association Championships over the past decade having won in 2017 and been runners-up in 2016, ’18 and ’22.

Rymer said she was eager to stay on as coach, with an obvious drawcard being the league’s clash against the O&M, with the BFNL intending to field its strongest possible lineup.

“It will be tough; (O&M) are a strong league, so it’s a great challenge for us,” she said.

“I’m excited. Obviously, I’m hoping people get on board and are willing to be a part of it.

“It will be a great chance to showcase our league and the strength of it on the big stage.”

The clash against O&M will be the BFNL’s first since 2019 at interleague level

Coached on that occasion by Cowling, the BFNL triumphed 55-40, highlighted by a best on court performance from former Gisborne star Maddy Stewart and standout efforts from Sandhurst’s Meg Williams and former Gisborne goal shooter Clare Vearing.

Rivals on Saturdays during the winter, Rymer said she was excited about working with Cowling again.

The pair last worked together in 2024 at VNL club Bendigo Strikers, with Cowling as the head coach of the 23-and-under team and Rymer as his assistant.

Preparations for the squad have already begun, with a formal schedule including information on player nominations and trials to be announced early in 2026.

The announcement of the open coaching team finalises the BFNL’s representative netball appointments.

Nicole Donnellon and Sharni McPherson were last week unveiled as joint coaches of the league’s 17-and-under team, while Strathfieldsaye’s Steph Freemantle will lead the BFNL’s inaugural 15-and-under team.