Castlemaine Football Netball Club delivered an impressive weekend of action, highlighted by a dominant senior football performance and a spirited showing across all grades against Kangaroo Flat.
The club’s Under 18s set the tone early, storming out of the blocks with a commanding first quarter that saw them kick six goals to one. That early momentum proved decisive, as Castlemaine maintained control throughout the match to secure a convincing victory. Strong ruck work from Logan Browne-Kerr and Ben Lalit gave the midfield first use, while Fraser McAinch and Oliver Cassidy led confidently across the ground in a well-rounded team effort.
In the Reserves clash, Castlemaine fielded a youthful side that showed promise despite falling just short. After edging ahead early, Kangaroo Flat gradually built a lead, taking a 14-point advantage into the final term. The Magpies fought back bravely with four last-quarter goals but ultimately went down by eight points. Ben McConachy stood out, supported strongly by Bodhi Robinson and Jack Nuttall, while emerging talents Alex Welch and Harper Kneebone continued to impress.
The Seniors capped off the day in style, securing a confident win in what has been their strongest start to a season since 2005. Newcomers Dylan Landt and Zack Derksen made immediate impacts in their debuts, with Landt earning Best on Ground honours. Michael Hartley starred up forward with six goals in a standout performance, helping lift Castlemaine to third on the ladder.
Off the field, the club also acknowledged the support of Verliyah Chartered Accountants, encouraging the community to continue backing local sponsors who contribute to the club’s success.
Netball:
Castlemaine’s netball sides showed resilience across all grades, even as results proved challenging.
The Under 15s suffered a narrow one-goal loss in a hard-fought contest, demonstrating growing cohesion and determination. The Under 17s also battled tough conditions but showed encouraging signs as their on-court connections continue to develop.
In B Reserve, the team displayed strong teamwork and adaptability in windy conditions, while the B Grade side marked a major milestone with Jess Humphrey’s 100th club game. Despite the occasion, they faced a tough opponent and were unable to secure a win.
Higher grades faced similarly difficult challenges against a strong Kangaroo Flat outfit. The A Reserve side showed consistency and positive passages of play despite a sizeable loss, while the A grade team impressed with their effort and defensive pressure against elite opposition.
With another round ahead, Castlemaine will look to build on its football momentum and continue developing across all netball grades as the season unfolds.