Stars confirmed for interleague netball’s return

THE BFNL will roll out the big guns for its return to interleague netball against Ovens and Murray on 23 May.

Three of the league’s A-grade competition’s biggest stars – Kangaroo Flat’s Ruby Barkmeyer and Chelsea Sartori and South Bendigo’s Gabe Richards – have become the first three players to commit to playing in the clash at the QEO.

Barkmeyer, a former Suncorp Super Netball talent, and Sartori are coming off a 2025 premiership win for the Roos, while Richards has long been one of the most dominant goal shooters in the AFL Central Victoria region across two leagues, the BFNL and Heathcote District.

Their commitment not only gives the team a strong foundation, but signals a major boost to the league’s representative aspirations.

BFNL manager Tom King said the trio’s availability underscored both the strength of the league’s elite netball program and the pride associated with wearing BFNL colours on the interleague stage.

Each player brings a unique skillset, high-level experience, and proven performance on the big stage, positioning the BFNL open representative team as a formidable force.

Dual Betty Thompson Medal winner Sartori’s composure and leadership through the midcourt, Richards’ dynamic impact and ability to influence contests, and Barkmeyer’s precision and strength in the goal circle combine to form a core group capable of challenging the best regional competitions.

It’s hoped their inclusion will not only elevate on-court performance but also provide invaluable guidance to emerging representative players.

BFNL interleague coach Tarryn Rymer welcomed the three players’ commitment, highlighting the importance of securing top-end talent early in the campaign.

“We’re absolutely thrilled to have Chelsea, Gabe, and Ruby commit to the 2026 program,” Rymer, a dual A-grade premiership coach with Gisborne, said.

“These are players who consistently perform at a high level within our competition and above and, importantly, understand what it means to represent the BFNL.

Their professionalism, competitiveness, and leadership will be critical in setting the standard for our group.”

“Interleague is about pride, connection, and representing your league with distinction. ”

Having players of this calibre commit early sends a strong message about what we are building for 2026.”

While the BFNL has perennially been a force at Association Championships level, the league has not participated in interleague battle since 2019.

Coached that year by Kangaroo Flat’s Jayden Cowling, the BFNL defeated Outer East 55-40 at the QEO.