Maldon Football Netball Club has hit the ground running with some impressive pre-season training.
The Bombers welcomed a suite of new coaches and players and is off and firing for the club’s 150th year.
The club hosted its Good Friday match and this year welcomed Dunolly over to the Bill Woodfull Reserve.
Despite the weather, the day drew a great crowd to watch some football and netball and join in the celebrations.
The kids enjoyed face painting and Easter eggs and the canteen pumped out lots of hot food to keep everyone warm.
Maldon won seven out of 11 games on the day, which was an amazing result.
The official season start is next week with round one kicking off as Maldon takes on Campbells Creek at home for the Cole Cup Day.
Senior Football
Maldon 57 lost to Dunolly 77.
The Bombers played in patches but have a bit of work to do with skill and fitness. Credit to Dunolly who played very well.
Best: Seb Greene, Brodie Leonard- Shannon, Tanner Bishop, Matt Gray, Billy Johns, Noah Thompson.
Reserves
Maldon 55 def Dunolly 41.
A fantastic win in terrible conditions and against a much-improved opposition. After falling behind on the scoreboard early the Bombers didn’t panic, worked hard and turned the game their way to control things for the remaining three quarters. A great team effort by all players.
Best: X. Noy, S. Burchell, B. Saint, I. Hartley, J. Cox, B. Brow.
17.5s
No game.
14.5s
Maldon 95 def Dunolly 2.
The 14.5s got the 2023 season off to a great start with a strong win. In very wet and cold conditions the team played a great standard of footy and put a very good score on the board.
Best: Tully Rowbottom, Levi Mason, Jack Smith, Riley Davey, Tadgh Cananzi, Aihen Turner.
11.5s
Maldon 73 def Dunolly 13.
The Under 11.5 football team played the first game of the season with eight kids making their debut. Dunolly was short numbers, so plenty of Maldon kids played for Dunolly to help make a contest. Those players played with great spirit when playing for Dunolly. All kids played their hearts out and didn’t seem to notice the rain or cold. It was like they were playing dry weather football! Bombers only kicked one behind, which just nicked the goal post!
Best: Heath Powell, Seth Gross, Chloe Jennings, Zavier Turner, Lucas Pascoe, William Govier.
A Grade Netball
Maldon 27 lost to Dunolly 28.
The game was a game of you score, we score. Despite the weather we played strong and got one, two connections. Bombers will learn from it and take away the finer points that will turn the goal score around. Best: Tessa Fisken.
B Grade
Maldon 49 def Dunolly 15.
Fantastic effort by all players for all four quarters. The team didn’t take the foot off the pedal (or puddles), the players had lots of great connections down the court, and back-up along the way. Best: Jaylea Ford.
C Grade
Maldon 47 def Dunolly 15.
The Bombers went into this game with a completely different lineup to last season’s team and by the second quarter you wouldn’t have even known. The connection this team had down the court was so free flowing and they have an amazing awareness of space. Very excited to see what this team can do for the season. Best: Sophie Zammit.
Under 17s
Maldon 40 def Dunolly 9.
The U17s started the game well and were able to easily capitalise on their opponents right from the first whistle. The Dunolly team was able to put up a good defence, however the Maldon team was much quicker on reaction time and was able to intercept and pressure the Dunolly team causing many turnovers. The tests will come for the team but with the experience and skill, awesome teamwork and support, they will certainly be able to match it with best. Best: MacKenzi Shepherd.
Under 15s
Maldon 20 lost to Dunolly 25.
The U15s game was always going to be tight and the team certainly had to bring all their tactics and athletic ability to the court. The Dunolly team was very defensive and the Bombers were able to come back into the game and put the game right up to their opponents. Best: Eva Gross.
Under 13s
Maldon 11 lost to Dunolly 17.
A very excited and passionate under 13s team took the court for their first game of the season, unfortunately the team couldn’t quite get the win but with their determination, passion, and laughter they showed they’ll be a force this year.
Each and every single player put a 110 per cent out on that court and made their coach extremely proud. Best: Grace Smith.
Under 11s
Maldon 6 def Dunolly 4.
The excitement was high as the U11s had many players debuting for Maldon and those just keen to get their dress back on. The team was able to acknowledge and implement creating of space and not ‘seagulling’ down the court.
The team was able to pass the ball down the court allowing the shooters to do their job. Best: Elsa Curran.