Stellar cast assembled for interleague battle

BFNL open representative netball team coach Tarryn Rymer says she is excited by the quality and balance of the selected squad.

The league has unveiled a 10-player squad to take on the Ovens and Murray in an interleague battle at the Queen Elizabeth Oval on 23 May.

A stellar line-up contains a strong mix of the league’s premier netball talent, with four clubs represented.

BFNL netball followers were given a sneak preview of the squad’s likely strength in early March, with the announcement star goalers Gabe Richards (South Bendigo) and Ruby Barkmeyer (Kangaroo Flat) and two-time Betty Thompson medallist Chelsea Sartori (Kangaroo Flat) had committed to playing interleague.

The star trio have been joined by Gisborne’s outstanding defensive trio of Kirby Elliott, Charlee Kemp and Tilly Shepherd, 2025 Kangaroo Flat premiership stars Abbey and Ash Ryan and Sandhurst multiple-flag winners Sophie Shoebridge and Meg Williams.

Notable absentees from the squad due to existing commitments include Kangaroo Flat’s Teal Hocking and Sandhurst’s Shae Clifford and Ruby Turner.

Dual Gisborne premiership coach Rymer said the selection committee had assembled a squad that reflected the depth, competitiveness and high-level skill of netball across the BFNL.

“The depth of talent across the BFNL has been on full display throughout the early rounds, and this squad reflects a strong mix of experience, emerging talent and versatility,” she said.

“What stood out most was the players’ commitment and competitiveness.

“There’s a genuine hunger to represent the league, and we’re looking forward to building a connected, high-performing environment as we prepare for the campaign ahead.”

BFNL league manager Tom King highlighted the importance of representative netball within the league’s broader pathway.

“Selection in the BFNL open representative netball team is a significant achievement and a testament to the hard work and consistency these players have shown at club level,” King said.

“Representative netball is an important part of our league pathway, and this program provides a fantastic opportunity to showcase the strength of BFNL netball while continuing to develop our athletes in a high-performance environment.

“The league congratulates all selected players and looks forward to their continued development and success in BFNL colours.”

The open team will now begin preparations ahead of their 2026 campaign, which will include a tilt at the 2026 Association Championships.

Further details on fixtures and training schedules will be announced soon.

The clash against Ovens and Murray will be the league’s first at interleague level since 2018, when the BFNL, coached by Kangaroo Flat’s Jayden Cowling, defeated Outer East 55-40 at the QEO.

Four of this year’s squad – Sartori, the Ryan sisters and Williams – were members of the 2018 team.

2026 BFNL open representative netball team: Kirby Elliott, Charlee Kemp, Tilly Shepherd (Gisborne), Ruby Barkmeyer, Abbey Ryan, Ash Ryan, Chelsea Sartori (Kangaroo Flat), Sophie Shoebridge, Meg Williams (Sandhurst), Gabe Richards (South Bendigo).