Goulburn Valley to defend title at Vic championships

By James Kleeman

Jul 21, 2022

Stars are out: Shepparton United’s Kara Blizzard has been called up to represent GVL this weekend, but has a big game against Mooroopna to face first. Photo by Megan Fisher

It’s been a long time coming, but the Goulburn Valley League open squad will have the chance to defend its 2019 title at the Netball Victoria Association Championships this weekend.

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A side that largely resembles the one that claimed interleague success against Ovens and Murray League in May will travel to Melbourne this Sunday.

Mooroopna coach Di Hanslow, who will steer the GV ship this year, has hand-picked a side chock-full of experience and talent, with a number of big names set to don GV colours.

One of those is Shepparton United coach Kara Blizzard, who was an integral member of the squad that clinched the title back in 2019.

Blizzard said she was looking forward to playing under her former coach, and lining up with some of the stars of the competition.

“It’s one of those things, when you think about it deeply, it’s a great opportunity; we’ll take it on as a challenge and a chance to play with some of the best players in the league,” Blizzard said.

“It’s always a lot of fun and an opportunity to learn a lot; obviously, with Di Hanslow as coach, I’ve had her before — it’ll be nice to have her again and play under her.”

Lining up alongside Blizzard this Sunday are her Shepparton United teammates Jessie Barnes, Laura Cole and Olivia Kirby.

They’ll be joined by their Saturday GVL opposition in Mooroopna young guns Elle Brooks, Dayna Williams and Ella Ogier.

Echuca duo Steph Vick and Belinda Lees are the Murray Bombers’ representation, while Tatura’s Molly Kennedy and Steph Smith-Gorrie round out the 11-player outfit.

Meanwhile, a formidable 15-and-under team will also make the trip to Melbourne after its North East success earlier this year.

Coached by Mooroopna A-grader Bree Hanslow, a squad consisting of Mackenzie O’Dwyer, Paige Simpson, Amani Issell, Claudia Plattfuss, Madison Pearse, Matisse Martin, Sophie Munro, Mackenzie O’Dwyer, Montanna Burke, Brianna Turner, Gabby Moore, Jaylah Meda and Rubi Diffey will take part in finals on Sunday.

Despite strong GV representation on Sunday, GVL acting chair Jacqui Hudgson didn’t mince words when it came to some of the league’s stars who will miss out on Sunday due to scheduling conflicts.

“We sincerely thank the girls who have committed to playing this weekend; however, our open squad has been decimated by unavailability of players due to VNL finals commitments,” Hudgson said.

“Whilst we embrace and are so excited for so many of our girls to have the opportunity to play at an elite level in Melbourne and especially partake in finals in the best competition in our state, we will certainly be making contact with Netball Victoria as to the scheduling of such an important competition for our players (Association Championships) that conflicts with other competitions in the NV calendar.”