Broadford FNC – 2022 Season Preview

Broadford Football Netball Club are looking forward to a great year of development and getting the community back together, following a busy off-season of preparation and a good mix of results from its Round One matches against Yea over the weekend.

There were initial concerns with the football department regarding participation numbers as recently as February, but a strong recruitment drive now sees the Kangaroos of Harley Hammond Reserve in a good position to complete the season and challenge themselves in terms of its on-field capabilities.

Newly appointed coach Jayden Welch enjoyed a great first up win on Saturday with his senior side, with its 109-point defeat of Yea instilling confidence into the playing group following 10 games in 2021 where they failed to get a win.

The focus for Welch in his new coaching journey has been to renew all structures and the game plan, which the players have taken well to thus far.

“Jayden has been a great fit for the club and is a great role model for not only the current players, but our juniors stepping up through the ranks,” said club president Bonnie Cavanagh.

“The football department has really started to hit its straps which is pleasing to see after some years of very average results.”

Fielding teams in A, B, C Grade and 17 & Under, the Broadford netballers also got to see the fruition of a strong pre-season training program over the weekend with wins in all three of its senior sides, the 17 & Under side going down only marginally to Yea.

OEFN Team of the Year coach Ash Chapman returns to lead the A grade side and along with the other squads, will be aiming go one step further from unfinished business last year and go one step further in season 2022.

Following its good run over the weekend, Netball Coordinator Carina Mills is looking forward to the new season with the view to potentially achieving some success.

“Our A grade side will be strong again this year, with a slightly different line up to what was seen last year,” she said.

“I think the team to watch will be our B Grade side as we have some really good experience coming in and look strong.

“Under the guidance of Renee Sari, our 17 & Under team are a great group of talent and have been working really hard, it’s exciting to see the future of the club working together.”

As Cavanagh looks toward the whole year ahead, following its successful Round One start, she is always appreciative of the efforts of those who have assisted in the journey thus far.

“I’m extremely proud of all our coaches, support staff, volunteers and players across both netball and football departments, including our passionate and dedicated committee, thank you must also go out to our sponsors that continue to support us no matter what.”

“The goal for us this season is to get back out there, work hard and enjoy it!”