KANGAROO Flat 2025 premiership coach Jayden Cowling has signed a two-year contract extension to remain at the helm of the Roos.<\/p>\n
Cowling, whose first season as A-grade coach was in 2018, has led the Roos to finals in every season he has been in charge, including four grand final appearances.<\/p>\n
Their premiership win this season broke a nine-year flag drought for the perennial BFNL powerhouse.<\/p>\n
In a statement on the club’s social media pages, the Roos expressed their excitement about Cowling’s extension.<\/p>\n
“Coming off a his first A Grade premiership, Cowling is back and we are proud to have him back at the helm leading our netballers into 2026,” the statement read.<\/p>\n
“Going through undefeated, winning a premiership and announced as coach in the BFNL Team of the Year, we cannot wait to see Jayden take our netballers to the next level.”<\/p>\n
A thoroughly dominant 2025 season for the Roos was capped by a 59-51 grand final triumph over Sandhurst.<\/p>\n
The Roos also claimed the A-reserve premiership and were grand finalists in B-grade.<\/p>\n
The A-grade premiership was the club’s ninth since the inception of the BFNL competition in 1991.<\/p>\n
Only Sandhurst, with 11, has won more in the top grade.<\/p>\n
Cowling will have some extra assistance in 2026-27, with star goaler Ruby Barkmeyer taking on the role of leading netball development at Dower Park.<\/p>\n
The 24-year-old capped a triumphant return to the BFNL this season by winning the best on court medal on grand final day and winning the club’s best and fairest, the Bingham Medal.<\/p>\n
She also finished runner-up in the league’s best and fairest, the Betty Thompson Medal, behind Sandhurst’s Shae Clifford.<\/p>\n
In her new role, Barkmeyer will oversee the club’s junior program, ranging from 17-and-under to 13-and-under, including the newly created BFNL 15-and-unders.<\/p>\n
“Ruby’s passion for developing the next generation of superstars is exciting for our up and coming players who choose to play at Kangaroo Flat,” the club said.<\/p>\n
“Whilst also playing and dominating in the goal ring, Ruby will also work alongside junior and senior coaches to get the best out of their players in 2026.<\/p>\n
“We are thrilled to have retained the services of both Cowling and Barkmeyer, who will work closely together to bolster the strength of our netball department, and bring a wealth of national and international experience to our local community.<\/p>\n
“Both Jayden and Rubys commitment to the club is very exciting and we cannot wait to build towards a successful 2026.”<\/p>\n
A roll-out of player announcements for 2026 is expected to start in coming days.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
KANGAROO Flat 2025 premiership coach Jayden Cowling has signed a two-year contract extension to remain at the helm of the Roos. Cowling, whose first season as A-grade coach was in 2018, has led the Roos to finals in every season he has been in charge, including four grand final appearances. Their premiership win this season […]<\/p>\n