KONGORONG
The Kongorong Netball Club’s preseason has seen some exciting changes and additions to the team.
Newcomers Mahli Pannenburg and Ashlee Schwertfeger join the club, bringing fresh talent and energy to the squad.
However, the team faces a new dynamic to previous seasons with their playing coach Tilah Buckingham sidelined for the year due to a season-ending football injury.
In response, several players are stepping up to fill the gap, with Samantha Ham and Caitlyn Shanks moving up from the A Reserve to the A Grade team.
Their inclusion brings speed and athleticism to the side, adding a fresh pace to the Hawks’ game and infusing energy into the lineup.
These changes are complemented by the continued presence of key players, including Evie Sealey, Emily Lightbody and Rach Perry, who remain central to the team’s success.
The core group of players, combined with the new additions, has created a solid foundation as the team enters the upcoming season.
The preseason has been marked by strong preparation and team bonding, with players working hard on the court to develop their skills and build chemistry.
With a mix of experienced players and fresh talent, Kongorong Netball Club is poised for an exciting and competitive season ahead.
In: Mahli Pannenburg, Ashlee Schwertfeger
Out: Tilah Buckingham
PORT MACDONNELL
Megan Hein will take the coaching reigns of the A Grade for season 2025.
An experienced, premiership junior coach and a talented and versatile player over many seasons for Port Mac, Megan will be a playing coach and is keen to blood some juniors through her team and build a successful team for the future.
The Demons have retained the majority of their players from season 2024, with the exception of a couple of big outs – Alana Berkefeld and Kate Faint, who are both awaiting little bundles of joy.
Sophie Lewis comes out of juniors into the A Grade midcourt.
A speedy, determined youngster with pinpoint passing into the circle, Sophie will combine well with the equally quick Alysha Coon and create some great plays.
Junior Bailee Lewis, three-time league best and fairest will become a regular member of the A Grade squad, while still playing 17 & Under.
As the club’s most promising young talent, the Demons are keen to see what she can do.
Having made the GA position her own in juniors, Bailee is also versatile and can be slipped into the midcourt if needed.
She will likely combine in the goal circle with the experienced Kori Collins, who returns for another season with the Bay.
Shannon Scheidl, who had a cracking year in A Reserve last year, also takes the step up to A Grade.
Shan will play mostly midcourt but is versatile enough to move into the defensive circle if needed.
Emily Thompson will headline a hardworking defence in the GK position, with Hein likely to support her in the GD position.
Waiting in the wings and ready for some A Grade experience will be juniors Layla McPherson, Chloe Day and Jasmine Morgan.
The trio are junior development players across the A and A Res teams and if given the opportunity will jump at it.
With the absence of some experienced players from previous seasons, Hein will look to work with the mixture of experienced players she has and the talented juniors of the club to put forward a competitive team each Saturday, while building a solid team for the future.
In: Sophie Lewis, Bailee Lewis, Shannon Scheidl.
Out: Alana Berkefeld (pregnant), Kate Faint (pregnant).
NANGWARRY
The 2025 season has brought exciting changes to the Nangwarry Netball Club, particularly for the A Grade team.
With key recruits, returning players and a new head coach, there is a strong sense of optimism within the club as they prepare for the season ahead.
Leading the charge is captain Kayla Gray, last year’s club best and fairest, whose height and skill make her a key asset in the goal circle.
She will once again be joined by Maddi Stephens, a strong and determined midcourter who was runner-up best and fairest in 2024.
Adding further strength and versatility to the midcourt and defensive line is Alice Circelli, bringing speed and composure to the side.
The Saints are also welcoming back familiar faces, with Emalee Stokker and Claire Ferguson returning to the club.
Emalee’s leadership and experience in goals will be invaluable, while Claire’s speed and drive through the midcourt will give Nangwarry a competitive edge.
Two standout recruits from the Association league, Kate Biszko-Lamont (ex-Nangwarry junior) and Jess Stutley, bring versatility and exceptional talent, with the ability to play across multiple positions.
The club is also thrilled to elevate young gun Skye Virtanen from the Under 17s, a rising star who is sure to make an impact.
Guiding this talented group is new head coach Michelle Richardson, a former Nangwarry junior who has stepped off the court to focus on coaching.
With a fresh outlook and a determined squad, Nangwarry A Grade is ready to build on last year’s efforts and make their mark in 2025.
In: Kate Bizko-Lamont, Jessica Stutley, Emalee Stokker, Claire Ferguson, Skye Virtanen.
Out: Sheridan Sakkers, Taysha Marshell, Lacey Neale, Jemma Glynn, Ebony Wurst.
MOUNT BURR
Mount Burr is looking forward to the 2025 season with a versatile and determined group.
The club welcomes Ashleigh Widdison to the club, bringing experience and adaptability to the side.
Danika Shepherd remains the experienced goaling option, providing reliability and leadership in the shooting circle.
Ashlee Dean steps up as a promising junior, showcasing her ability to play across goals, midcourt and defence.
Ella Easterby will continue to provide speed and precision in midcourt, with Laura Schultz leading the way through the centre with her skill and composure.
Maddie Gamble has stepped up for her first full season of A Grade as a senior, bringing energy and enthusiasm, while Olivia Dean will be a key figure in defence with her experience and leadership.
While the Mozzies have lost Abbey Falting, Madi Haggett and Megan Thiele from the lineup, the club is confident in its ability to keep building as a team.
With a strong mix of youth and experience, this group has plenty of potential.
Mount Burr has enjoyed a solid preseason, working hard to strengthen combinations and push each other to improve.
The competition will be tough, but the team is excited for the challenge ahead and cannot wait to see what this group can achieve.
In: Ashlee Dean, Ashleigh Widdison, Maddie Gamble.
Out: Abbey Falting, Madi Haggett, Megan Thiele.
TANTANOOLA
With a new look team for the 2025 season, the Tantanoola A Grade side is excited to see what this season is going to bring.
The team is without three key players from the previous season but welcomes three new players into the side.
Megan Pettit joins from Adelaide and is a strong, determined defender who will work well in the circle alongside Bella Poulish.
These two players’ strength and ability to read the ball combined will be a force to be reckoned with down the defending end.
Elly Redden joins the side this year, a versatile player who can play in either circles or in the midcourt and the team is very excited to see where Elly will settle in the side and what she will offer to the team.
Keryl Ousey will return from overseas studies for the season.
Tall, strong and competitive, Keryl will slot into the team with ease.
She can play any position on the court and has the ability to change the trajectory of a game.
Jami Walker will continue to be the Burr’s ever-reliable goalie, she will work well with whoever joins her in the goal circle.
Casey Walker will lead from the middle, guiding the new players down both ends.
Shelby Ryan was a very consistent player for last year’s side and will be that again.
Supported by youngster’s Molly Cushion and Poppy Thorne, the side is full of old and new players but they all have one thing in common – determination.
Coached by Leah Ousey, Tant has a group of netballers who will put it all out on the court each and every week.
In: Elly Redden, Megan Pettit, Keryl Ousey.
Out: Emma Gould (injury), Kate Bromley (A Res), Kate Varcoe (B Grade).
KALANGADOO
Kalangadoo’s A Grade netball team enters the 2025 season with a largely unchanged lineup, blending experience with emerging talent.
Abbey Duncan continues as playing coach, with reigning league best and fairest Ebony McDiarmid set to dominate in the goal circle once again.
Rising star Shayden Russell earns her place in A Grade after a standout season in A Reserve, bringing fresh energy to the squad.
Youngsters Georgia Gentile and Lara Munro strengthen the defensive end, while Jayde Peacock and Jane Auld provide experience and composure in the midcourt.
In: Shayden Russell
GLENCOE
The Murphies side will again be coached by Sarah Edwards for season 2025.
Despite the loss of Pfitzner (pregnancy), Hentschke and Tentye (university) the spine of the Murphies remains the same with Chantelle Cocks, Jenna Paproth, Donna Jaeschke and Edwards all suiting up once again.
This quartet has played together for some time now and has built great chemistry which will be important with the introduction of four new team members.
Exciting recruit Mikaila Pitt joins Glencoe after a stint at North Gambier.
Pitt’s versatility, strength and ability to read the ball is expected to have an immediate impact on the court for the Murphies.
While Mulraney has proven herself in the Glencoe A reserve side over the last few seasons to earn herself the call up along with Finnis who is returning to the top side after a few years off.
Mulraney and Finnis will allow for a versatile midcourt unit with both able to bib up at all three positions and will provide speed and poise on the feed.
Buckley is an up and coming junior player who in her first year of 17 & Under has impressed with her defensive game and will provide a fresh switch up for the side.
After a one goal defeat in the 2024 grand final, Glencoe is looking to show their resilience as they hope to go one further in 2025.
In: Mikaila Pitt, Zoe Mulraney, Alyce Finnis, Ruby Buckley.
Out: Ashlea Pfitzner, Caitlin Hentschke, Alice Tentye.
HATHERLEIGH
The Eagles are heading into the 2025 season with some fresh faces and are pretty excited about it.
With almost half the team being new to A Grade, there’s definitely a different feel this year – in the best way possible.
Hatherleigh has welcomed Olivia Wormald into the mix, who is a Pioneers basketballer and brings some serious height at both ends of the court.
Olivia Slattery has stepped up into A Grade as a strong, tall target in goals, and Rosie Nettle has earned her spot after a standout season in A Res last year, the runner-up league best and fairest award speaks for itself.
The Eagles retain a solid group of returners too.
Lara MacGregor is back leading the team as captain, with Demi Vanderhorst as vice.
Tegan Telfer and Erin Watson also return and bring that consistency and grit Hatherleigh knows and loves, along with some talented juniors coming up.
Hatherleigh is filled with a great mix of fresh energy and familiar faces and is pumped to see how it all comes together.
In: Olivia Wormald, Olivia Slattery, Rosie Nettle
Out: Bree Harris, Maddie Pulmer, Elly Redden
ROBE
Robe’s A Grade team has been training hard throughout this preseason, showcasing their strong commitment and effort in preparation for the upcoming season.
A few players have joined the team, while others have moved on due to travels and personal milestones.
This has introduced fresh perspectives and increased depth to the squad.
The A Grade team has set clear goals and expectations for the season, with a strong focus on improving upon last year’s performance.
As the season approaches, the players are ready to give their all, leaving no stone unturned.
The club would like to congratulate captains Emma Wheal (C) and Demi Carter (VC), who will lead the team throughout the 2025 season.
The team is filled with a positive, motivated energy as everyone is focused on driving these goals forward, fully understanding that success will come through hard work, discipline and dedication.
In: Emma Grant, Halle Carter, Alex Neale
Out: Sophie Bates, Lucy Perkins, Alannah Jennings
