Juniors stars
A shout out to Indi O’Connor (Koroit) and Eva Ryan (Warrnambool) as they have made the last 25 in the state selection process for Under 17 & and Under 19 sides respectively. All the best for these young stars. You go girls!
The top five in most grades of Netball are set coming into the penultimate round. As the top three or what I call the double chance is not yet locked-in for the following grades the 13 Reserves, 15 Reserves, Division 3 and Open we could anticipate some tight contests. The teams who have not made the five usually play well in the last few rounds and may still have an impact on the outcome of the final five in each grade.
Last week’s results:
South Warrnambool had a strong win over the Camperdown. This was Mental Health Awareness Game; Camperdown highlight green for anxiety and South highlighted blue for Mental Health. The young Magpies had some fine passages of play however the Roosters were too good and are in fine form coming into finals. Ally O’Connor was awarded the Mental Health Awareness Medal for best on ground.
Koroit defeated Terang/Mortlake at Victoria Park, the scores in this game indicated the contest was fairly even until the main break with Saints pulling away in the second half to win comfortably.
Cobden defeated Portland by a solid margin. Portland fought hard but the Sophie Hinkley coached Cobden side are heading into finals and are in fine form.
Hamilton got the points against Port Fairy. This was a tight game with the Kangaroos building on their lead each quarter. Hamilton had Kellie Sommerville firing in the mid court and their young goalie Saskia Gould hit the score board with 32 goals. The Seagulls would be disappointed
The Warrnambool Blues defeated the North Warrnambool Eagles. There was nothing in this game until half time. Warrnambool had a great third court and set up the win. Young basketball Dakota Crichton apparently found her feet in the goals.
Looking at this week.
Camperdown travel to Hanlon Park to take on the Portland Tigers. For my mind, this game will be a beauty. Portland’s experience players such as Heidi Jones and Laura Kelly are playing well and with the next group really stepping up will give the young Pies a real run for their money. I am going for Portland to win at home.
South Warrnambool play Port Fairy at the Garden’s oval. The Roosters will get the points against a hard-working Port Fairy outfit.
Terang/Mortlake welcome the Blues to Ridley Recreation Reserve at Terang. Although Terang can not make the final five they will push the Warrnambool Blues all the way, however the Blues will get the points.
The Hamilton Kangaroos take on the Koroit Saints, at Dunkeld. Hamilton is coming off a win and I believe their injury worries are in the past Koroit are looking to cement 3rd place and also have a full list so Koroit for my money.
The Cobden Bombers who are sitting in second place take on the Eagles who are fifth at Bushfield.
The Eagles will be looking to get that winning feeling coming into the finals nonetheless the Bombers have played consistently this seasons and will take the points.
Netball coaches 2025
Camperdown announced this week Jill Leader as the Open Netball Coach for 2025. Leader comes with a wealth of experience, having previously coached the Geelong Cougars in the VNL. Outgoing Coach Emily Stephens said Leader experience would bring a fresh perspective to the young side.
Terang Mortlake have announced the reappointment of Kym Grundy as the Open Netball Coach for 2025. Kym is pumped and will hit the ground running as she prepares for next season.
Results from round 15:
The clash at the DC Farran Oval last week went down to the wire with the Kangaroo’s getting the points. Hamilton came out firing and led by 7 at the main break, as I would expect the Bloods lifted the tempo in the 3rd quarter and the margin was only 2 goals with a quarter to play. Hamilton steadied and kept the 2-goal lead at the bell.
Warrnambool defeated Portland and heading into finals Kate Lindsay (the Blues coach) would have been pleased with the result. I heard on good authority that the Tigers had some real positives with the goalies showing strong form and young Lexie Purcell who played through the mid court real hitting her straps.
Koroit had a strong win over North Warrnambool, they tell me Maddy Vardy was strong all day for the Eagles, but this wasn’t enough. Nell Mitchell Koroit shot 39 goals and the young Saints showed why they are future stars or should I say stars now.
Camperdown got the points against Port Fairy. The Pies came out firing and continued in this vein. Piper Stephens, Isobel Sinnott and Lily Eldridge lead the way for Camperdown. Young Lexie Dwyer debuted for the Seagulls and put in a solid performance and Jessika Tobin Salzman shot 31 goals.
South Warrnambool secured the 4 points against Cobden. The Roosters got off to a flying start and had an eleven-goal lead at the main break, I heard that both coaches tweaked their line ups which is expected coming into finals. The final score 54-43
Round 16 Matches:
The South Warrnambool Roosters are at home to Camperdown. The young Pies surprised the South Warrnambool Roosters last time. Camperdown have developed and are a team on the rise. Nevertheless, South are the form side in the competition and will not let this one slip. South will win comfortably.
Terang/Mortlake travel to Victoria Park to take on Koroit. Both teams have plenty to play for the Saints to hold onto 3rd place and the Bloods to show their reappointed coach for 2025 that they are in a real development phase. Koroit with a full line up will have a solid win.
The Cobden Bombers welcome Portland to the Cobden Community Bank Recreation Reserve. The Tigers will show some fight but will be outclassed by the Bombers who will want to get back in the black.
Port Fairy is home to the Hamilton Kangaroos. Last time the Seagulls got the points comfortable and have continued to be a competitive unit. Then again, the Kangaroo’s Coach Emma Sommerville has the team playing fine netball. The juniors playing open netball have really stepped up and are being led by the experienced brigade. Hamilton in a close one.
Warrnambool take on the Eagles at the Reid. For my mind, the match of the round, with these two sides sitting fourth & fifth, respectively.
The Blues had a strong win last week and the Eagles had a loss. Warrnambool won by 7 or 8 last time the two teams met, on the other hand, the Eagles having had a touch up last week might just be enough for them to come out firing. North Warrnambool in a tight tussle.
Whilst we have a huge focus on the Open Division grade in the HFNL, there are many other trades in which are extremely close in 2024. The U17 competition has been ultra competitive and that is no surprise, with all of ten teams boasting some quality Open Division players. Currently Koroit occupy top position on the ladder, holding a game buffer from their nearest rivals Camperdown and South Warrnambool. The great interest will be over the next fortnight, as there are two fights, one to get a double chance and the other is to get a position in the top five. Seven teams are in strong contention to play finals, but only five can have that opportunity. The League looks forward to seeing how this outstanding finishes up in the last six weeks before finals.
Doran Milestone
North Warrnambool will celebrate a major milestone this weekend, with club favourite Ashlea Doran playing her 200th senior game. Ash made her way to the Eagles in 2010 and has been a regular fixture in Division 3, with her produest moment coming in 2017 when she captained the team to a premiership. Congratulations Ashlea on your acheivement.
Round 13
Cobden vs Port Fairy – Cobden will head into the fixture as favourites. A strong win is needed to help with consolidation of a potential top three finish. Nikki Clover has been a great find in the defence end, while Emily Finch has been in super form.
Koroit vs South Warrnambool – A huge task for Koroit, taking on the league leaders. The Saints are holding third spot and have a number of sides breathing down their neck. A big four-quarter performance is required and certainly a win is not out of the question. Both sides in good form currently.
Camperdown vs Warrnambool – An eight-point game for Camperdown, if they wish to feature in finals this season. There best is good enough but they meet a well-drilled side with plenty of star-power across the court. Isabella Baker and Lily Eldridge will be important players for their respective sides. A great encounter coming up.
Hamilton vs Portland – The Hamilton Kangaroos will give everything this weekend to get their first win, especially playing the arch rivals Portland. Portland despite not winning have been ultra competitive and are playing some great netball. It will take Hamilton’s best to get them win number one this weekend.
Terang Mortlake vs North Warrnambool – A big game for Terang Mortlake as they are still are in the hunt and need to take a scalp. The Eagles are in good order and are a number of teams fighting for a top 5 and top 3 finish.
Next up in our Netball Rule of the Week Series, we have ‘Playing the Ball’, including some information about when replay should be called. World Netball has produced an excellent graphic to assist with everyone’s understanding. These have been included below.
The Hampden Football Netball League were a dominant force at the Western Zone Association Championships last weekend in Ballarat.
The League took five teams to the tournament and all teams made it through to the Grand Final, with the U13 Reserves, U13 Championship and U15 Championship teams winning their division. The U15 Reserves and U17 Championship teams narrowly missed out on the silverware in tight Grand Finals. The next stage of the tournament is the State Finals in Melbourne on June 16th. We will have all four championships teams competing – Open, U17, U15 and U13. The League is extremely excited about each team’s prospects, with each team training hard into the lead up. A big thank-you to all of the coaches – Will Jamison, Danielle McInerney, Dot Jenkins, Stacey O’Sullivan, Leah Kermeen, Josie Ellerton, Nat O’Dea, Kate Dobson and Lianna Harrison. The time and energy put into these programs has been enormous and we are very grateful to have great netball leaders.
As the halfway mark of the season approaches, the competition in the Open Netball continues to provide great interest and intrigue. South Warrnambool are leading the way on top of the ladder, while Cobden and Koroit are close behind. The great interest is the 4th to 7th place positions on the ladder with only one game separating the teams. The next month of netball will maybe provide greater clarity of what the end of the season might look like or it may remain the same, hopefully the latter, as we want it as tight as can be leading into finals.
Round 9
Warrnambool vs Hamilton (Reid Oval)
Cobden vs Terang Mortlake (Cobden Rec Reserve)
Portland vs South Warrnambool (Hanlon Park)
Port Fairy vs Koroit (Gardens Oval)
North Warrnambool vs Camperdown (Victoria Park)
See you at the Netball
Hilly
A couple of surprise results for me in Round 7
The young Camperdown side upset the ladder leaders with a hard fought 2 goal win. I have looked back over the results of the Camperdown games so far this season and I think if the Pies turn some of the loss they had in the early games to wins in the second round it does beg the question can the Magpies make the five in 2024? The Camperdown side had a ripper of a 3rd quarter getting out to an eleven-goal lead after the game was even at the main break. As expected, South came out firing in the final term but playing catch up was tough and Camperdown held their nerve to win. South a little undermanned, however congratulations to Camperdown for downing the ladder leaders.
Warrnambool had a strong win against the inform Eagles, forcing their way into the top five on percentage. The Blues’ Bel Baker & Eva Ryan combining well in the Goal circle, the reliable Amy Wormald standing up down back and Carly Peake lively through the mid court was enough to cause North’s downfall. North Warrnambool a little undermanned, A valuable win for the Blues.
The Bombers have really found form over the last few weeks and had a strong win over the Tigers.
Koroit hit their straps with a strong win over the Bloods. The scores indicate nothing in the match until half time with the saints pulling away strongly in the second half. Nell Mitchell & Indi O’Connor shooting well for the winners.
Port Fairy started well against the Hamilton Kangaroos and continued to outscore the opposition in each quarter. Jessika Tobin Salzman putting 48 goals on the board.
Round 8
Warrnambool take on Terang/Mortlake at the Reid, and for the winner a place in the five. Warrnambool’s confidence will be up after the strong win last week and the Bloods will be determined after last weeks’ loss. Warrnambool by a couple.
The Rooster will take on Port Fairy at home. South to come out fired up after the result last week and will defeat the Seagulls by a solid margin.
Camperdown take on the Portland Tigers at Leura Oval. Can the Pies continue their good form from last week? As I have said before, the Portland Tigers are playing strong netball but not for the full four quarters. Camperdown’s strong form will continue this week.
Koroit meet Hamilton, I have not seen either of these teams in the last couple of weeks so just on form alone Koroit to win comfortably.
North Warrnambool travel to the Cobden Community Bank Recreation Reserve to take on the Bombers. I believe the winner of this match will hold second place and the vanquished team will drop to fourth on the ladder, by the end of the day. Both coaches know the importance of this win and that it will set their teams up moving towards the second round. North Warrnambool in a tight tussle.
All the Best to the Junior Hampden sides playing at the association championship in Ballarat this Sunday. Many thanks Warrnambool Toyota for their Support for the Hampden Junior Association teams. If all goes well we will have our junior sides joining the Open side representing the Bottle Greens on finals day in Melbourne.
Go Hampden
The Umpires hold time for injury/illness following a verifiable request by an on-court player or without a request in the event there is an obvious and/or serious injury. A Primary Carer may request the umpires to hold time to facilitate a substitution of any on court player due to suspected concussion. The Umpires hold time if they notice any player who has an open wound or who is actively bleeding (including blood-stained clothing).
In all circumstances above, the player concerned must leave the court within 30 seconds and receive any treatment off the court. The timekeepers advise the umpires when 10 seconds remain.
Only Primary Carers are permitted on court to assess a player’s medical condition. They may ask for extra assistance if required.
The Umpire may call Umpires Time if the player concerned cannot be removed from the court safely within 30 seconds. The scorer’s bench must be notified of umpires time. Umpires may also authorise other persons to assist the player to leave the court.
Any other player with blood on their body or clothing who is not actively bleeding may leave the field of play to have this cleaned within the time allowed for the stoppage by the Umpires without the need to be substituted. However, any clothing that becomes blood-stained must be replaced within the time allowed for the stoppage by the umpires and this may occur away from the playing enclosure. If there is blood on the ball it should be swapped and any blood on the court must be cleaned before play restarts.
During the stoppage both teams may make substitutions and/or team changes, provided these are completed within the time allowed for the stoppage by the umpires. In no substitution is made for the injured/ill player, or for a player who has an open wound or who is actively bleeding (including blood stained clothing), play may resume with the position left vacant. If the player is the Centre and no substitution is made, one player must move to play as Centre to allow the match to continue.
If the position has been left vacant and play has resumed any player can be substituted using the Rolling Substitution Rule.
The Umpires may hold time or extend an interval in the event of the serious injury/illness of a player, injury/illness of a match official or technical official, an issue with the court, goalposts or ball, the weather or technical equipment or in other extreme circumstances.
The umpire, in conjunction with the Court Supervisor decide the length of such a stoppage and ensure play restarts as soon as possible.
If required, the Court Supervisor, in conjunction with the Umpires, may abandon a match if the safety of players and/or officials is considered to be at risk.
News from round Six.
Injuries: Unfortunately, a number of significant injuries in round six of Hampden Netball.
Isabel Rae from South Warrnambool has a broken bone in her arm, a four-to-six-week layoff. It will be interesting to see how Will Jamieson uses the different combinations available and South’s adaptability to the same. I will watch with inquisitiveness.
Adding to Koroit’s injury woes Ashley Evans, had a heavy fall and Molly McKinnon, ruptured her ACL, in the game against North Warrnambool. Molly ‘s injury will be a twelve-month recovery time. The growing list of injuries will put Danielle McInerney’s netball brain to the test, and again I will watch to see what Danielle & Koroit produce. Koroit had a little good news this week with Scarlett O’Donnell and Molly McLaren’s injuries not as bad as first thought.
Goalies doing the job.
I could not help but notice a number of shooters putting big numbers on the scorecard in round six. A round of applause to the following players. I’m hoping I have not missed anyone who scored above thirty goals in round six.
Eva Ryan, Warrnambool 58, Skye Billings, North Warrnambool 41, Jessika Tobin Salzman Port Fairy 36, Piper Stevens, Camperdown 35, Nell Mitchell, Koroit 34, Shakira Stuchbery, Portland 33 and Eboni Knight, Terang/Mortlake 32.
The Cobden vs South Warrnambool game was a real cracker, South by seven goals in an intense contest. Exactly what we have come to expect over the last few years when these two teams face off. From what I have heard Cobden are starting to jell with their depth of young talent and the experienced players becoming a formidable combination.
Round Seven Contests
Camperdown vs South Warrnambool.
I believe the ladder leaders (South Warrnambool) will be too strong for the up-and-coming Camperdown team, a test for the Emily Stephens coach side.
Terang/Mortlake take on Koroit at Ridley Recreation Reserve, Terang/ Mortlake and Koroit are on the same number of points sitting fourth and fifth on the ladder, tough for me to pick but I have gone with Koroit by a whisker.
Cobden travel to Hanlon Park, the home of the Portland Tigers, Cobden will continue with their good form from last week and bring home the four points.
Warrnambool take on North Warrnambool at Bushfield. Do not be surprised if this becomes a real shoot out. With both teams attacking line up in fine form. A respected coach said to me this week that sometimes the easiest way to get an inception is to let the opposition get the goal and start again. I believe this may be the case in this contest. Warrnambool need the win to stay in touch with the top five unfortunately for them I think the Eagles by a small margin.
Hamilton vs Port Fairy at the Gardens Oval on Sunday May 26th this match will complete round Seven of Open Hampden Netball.
Hamilton has had a couple of injury concerns most weeks in 2024 thus at this stage are not as well-balanced as they will become later in the season. Port Fairy under the guidance of Lisa Arundell will collect the points this week.
Thanks to our Interleague Coaches and Players:
The league recognises the commitment of the Coaches, and the players for their continuous work whilst they prepare for the Association championship. Not long now until the regional part of the competition. It would be remiss not to thank the parents as they transport the junior players to training. Fingers crossed Hampden gets our juniors teams through to Melbourne to join the Will Jamieson coached open side on the 16th of June for Finals Day.
Junior Coaches are:
Under 13 Reserves: Nat O’Dea
Under 13 Kate Dobson & Lianne Harrison
Under 15 Reserves: Stacey O’Sullivan
Under 15 Leah Kermeen & Josie Ellerton
Under 17 Danielle McInerney
Plenty to see on the courts in round Six of the Open netball Competition.
A real test for the Cobden side against the all-conquering South Warrnambool lineup, a good test for the Sophie Hinkley coached side who will come out firing however for my money South comfortably.
An interesting match at Victoria Park an inform North Warrnambool take on the injury/unavailable laden Koroit. North Warrnambool’s attacking game will be too strong for Koroit at this stage of the season.
Warrnambool are starting to work the combinations and will out play the Portland Tigers, however having watch the tigers in a couple of games I may well have to eat my words.
Camperdown have been slow to start in a couple of games giving their opposition a head start. Camperdown will need to start well to get on top of the attacking Port Fairy side. Camperdown in a tight contest. An interesting note is Port Fairy have the leading Goal scores in both Open (Jessika Tobin Salzman 172) and Division one (Aylish Tobin Salzman 168) competition after 5 rounds.
Terang Mortlake take on the Hamilton Kangaroos at the new courts at Hawkesdale. This match should be interesting contest. Terang/Mortlake will get the points and stay in the top five. The new courts at the DC Farran oval are impressive. Congratulations to the Management Committees of both the DC Farran Oval and the Hawkesdale/Macarthur Football Netball club on the new Netball Courts.
Hats off to Melanie Van Den Eynde on playing her 100 games of Division 2 Netball for Camperdown Magpies. Mel commenced her netball with the Magpies under fifteen reserves team in 2002 and played her first Senior grade game B Grade/Division 2 game in 2006. Mel has played 245 games of netball for Camperdown she has also coach the Division 3 side for 4 years (interrupted by Covid).
Melanie comes from a family of contributors for the Magpies. The Van Den Eynde family have been active at the Pies for many years. Congratulations Melanie Van Den Eynde.
The Hampden Football Netball league is proud to announce the Association Championship teams for 2024. The league will be taking five underage teams to the Western Zone championships in Ballarat on Sunday June 2nd, they include teams in the Under 13, Under 13 Reserves, Under 15, Under 15 Reserves and the Under 17 Competitions. The open team have automatically qualified for the Finals Day in Melbourne which will be staged on the 16th of June.
Under 13 Championship Under 13 Reserve
Chloe Kermeen (SW) Elsie Brown (Ham)
Molly McNeil (SW) Ava Kinnealy (Ham)
Lily Harris (SW) Esther Gleeson (Kor)
Lexi Thomas (Ham) Vivienne Smedts (Kor)
Leni Robertson (Ham) Athena Chivell (Cob)
Madison Lucas (Camp) Taylor Cameron (Camp)
Olive Wills (Camp) Isabel Divall (SW)
Ellie Dobson (Kor) Sibella Evans (SW)
Ava Gleeson (Kor) Lottie Wilkinson (SW)
Grace Piergrosse (Portland) Ayda Wiseman (Portland)
Sophie Brown (W’bool)
Under 15 Championship Under 15 Reserves
Addison Conheady (NW) Charlotte Hinds (Camp)
Chloe Gleeson (Kor) Charlotte Smedts (Kor)
Indi O’Connor (Kor) Edie Batt (Kor)
Lyla Grundy (TM) Kiara Love (Camp)
Maddox Ryan (Ham) Maddie Clarke (TM)
Maya Rhodes (SW) Mckenzie Dillon (TM)
Piper Stephens (Camp) Molly Sevior (Ham)
Pippa Barr (TM) Poppy Monk (Kor)
Rosie Bowman (Kor) Rushleigh Jefferies (W)
Ruby McKinley (SW) Stella Marris (SW)
Saskia Gould (Ham) Zeta Kane (SW)
Saylah Veale (SW) Zoe Dobson (Kor)
Under 17 Championship Open Team
Molly NcLaren (Kor) Emma Buwalda (SW)
Nikki Clover (Cob) Meg Carlin (SW)
Lara Clarke (TM) Lily Eldridge (Camp)
Indiana Cameron (Camp) Millie Jennings (Kor)
Elsie Sinnott (Camp) Meg Kelson (SW)
Isabella McDowall (NW) Eva Ryan (W’Bool)
Kimora Callaway (SW) Ally O’Connor (SW)
Kyla Groves (W’Bool) Grace Taylor (Cob)
Hannah O’Keefe (Kor) Gen O’Connor (SW)
Lucy McLaren (Kor) Isabella Rea (SW)
Shelby O’Sullivan (Kor) Ella Savior (Ham)
Matilda Darcy (Cob) Carly Watson (SW)
The next block of matches will commence in the Hampden Football Netball League this weekend, after a bye last round to refresh everyone on the netball court. It will be a big couple of weeks coming up, not only in the Hampden League comp, but also our quest to win through to the Melbourne Association Championships Finals. The quality of netball across all senior grades and junior grades has been impressive during the first four rounds.
Roosters Blistering Start
South Warrnambool are chasing their third straight Open Division Netball Title in 2024. The Roosters have started the new season in strong fashion, remaining undefeated after the first month, whilst the data fully supports their offensive and defensive dominance. The League Leaders have scored the most goals in the first month, averaging 63 goals per game. The addition of Emma Buwalda has been a huge plus, she is building nice synergy with Meg Carlin and Hollie Phillips. Whilst the offensive numbers are outstanding for the Roosters, their defensive end is dominating the competition too. Opposition teams are struggling to break-through South Warrnambool’s defensive end, scoring an average of 30 goals per game. A pretty hard task to get the better of Carly Watson, Ally Melblom and team.
South Warrnambool are looking very sound for a third consecutive piece of silverware in September.
Association Championships
The 2024 Association Championships will be officially announced early next week. The final trial session will be staged tonight, then coaches and selectors will choose their final squads for the first leg of the championships in Ballarat. The HFNL will take an U17 team to be led by Danielle McInerney, two U15 teams and two U13 teams to Ballarat on June 2nd. The Open Division team automatically qualified for the Melbourne Finals Day, with coach Will Jamison busy organising his squad for the June 16th contest. The response from the HFNL community has been overwhelming in regards to the trials, with more than 150 junior players showcasing their interest. An exciting month is coming ahead.
Umpire Development
A big shout out to HFNL Umpire coordinator Josie Logan for her work organising some upcoming workshops to better develop and up-skill our umpires. There has been significant change in the off-season with rule changes and our senior/junior crop of umpires are withstanding the challenges and performing well on the court. The HFNL over the next few weeks will have mentor umpires work with our emerging netball umpires.
Leading Goal Shooters
Open
1. Skye Billings (NWE) – 136 goals
2. Jessika Tobin-Salzman – 133 goals
3. Lily Eldridge (Camp) – 112 goals
4. Eboni Knights (TM) – 110 goals
5. Amy Wormald (W) – 110 goals
U17
1. Piper Stephens (Camp) – 127 goals
2. Amelia Harris (SW) – 90 goals
3. Lara Clarke (TM) – 90 goals
4. Olivia Lenehan (NWE) – 89 goals
5. Emily Hickey (Cob) – 70 goals
Round 5 Matches
Camperdown vs Cobden (Leura Oval)
Hamilton Kangaroos vs North Warrnambool (Hawkesdale)
South Warrnambool vs Warrnambool (Friendlies Society Park)
Terang Mortlake vs Port Fairy (Mortlake)
Koroit vs Portland (Victoria Park)
See you at the Netball Court
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