Stars to compete at netball champs

STARS from the Bendigo Bank Bendigo Football Netball League’s will be on court at this year’s Netball Victoria Association Championships.

BFNL general manager Cameron Tomlins said the blue and gold would compete in the open and 17-under divisions.

“We had great success in last year’s representative netball program and have appointed the coaching panels,” Tomlins said.

Nicole Donnellon and Sharni McPherson again join forces as co-coaches of the 17-and-under team.

Bendigo reached last year’s finals.

“Nicole and Sharni have plenty of experience and marked success at BFNL, state, and regional Academy levels,” Tomlins said.

“They will again mentor and develop the brightest BFNL netball talent.”

The league has re-appointed Jayden Cowling as head coach of the open netball team.

“Jayden has an extraordinary coaching and playing record at BFNL, state, and national level,” Tomlins said.

Bendigo came second at last year’s NV Association Championship finals while the Cowling-coached Kangaroo Flat was runner-up to Sandhurst in the Bendigo FNL A-grade grand final.

On the football front, Bendigo and Gippsland were in discussions about an inter-league contest this season.

“Both leagues have mutually agreed to defer a return to inter-league participation for one more season,” said Tomlins.

“Both leagues are fully committed to reviving inter-league participation in a sustainable manner for leagues and volunteers.”

In finalising the 2023 draw, the BFNL will have general byes on 20 May 20 and 1 July and round one will be played on April 15, the weekend after Easter.

“Depending on future season structure and dates the league in conjunction with clubs fully intend to return to fixturing Easter matches in 2024,” Tomlins said.

“Easter matches have become a greatly anticipated and highly successful feature of regular BFNL fixturing.”

Highlights of round one include the clash of 2022 grand finalists Gisborne and Strathfieldsaye on the Bulldogs’ turf at Gardiner Reserve.

South Bendigo takes on Eaglehawk at the Bloods’ new home at Harry Trott Oval in Kennington.

Maryborough hosts Castlemaine in the all-Magpies clash at Princes Park.

Sandhurst tackles Kangaroo Flat at Queen Elizabeth Oval.

It’s the Bulldogs against the Tigers as Golden Square faces Kyneton in the kennel at Wade Street Oval.