Football
Seniors
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This week was huge for the club in all aspects of what a club means to the community, with milestone games, family affairs and honouring two amazing people who sadly passed away during the week.
With all this in mind the feeling around the club was a real sense of a family environment and the boys were feeling very prepared going in against Tarrawingee.
A tight first half saw us down by a goal at half time, with Dylan Sinclair sneaking a few handy goals leading the way. Sam Cox was enormous through the middle of the ground taking huge contested marks and creating lots of run and space.
Tom Levy’s hard ball gets and big tackles were very influential, asserting his dominance across the ground, creating a huge presence.
The week was all about playing for everything bigger than footy, bigger than an individual, and the boys really showed that throughout the game, fighting hard until the end. Unfortunately hitting the scoreboard in the second half proved to be a challenge, going down by 58 points.
Score:
All Blacks 10.6 (66) def by Tarrawingee 18.16 (124)
Reserves
With great numbers on the track during the week we went in with a really positive feel within the group.
From a coaching perspective we looked fired up and ready to rock on what was a perfect, warm day with a huge opportunity to win a game at home! With two big milestones in the netball, Tony Wilkinson was the star of the football, tallying up his 600th career game.
A massive effort with some well deserved congratulations and celebrations, surrounded by the club and his family. Tony has had a massive career, venturing around many clubs through his career, ending up back where he belongs at the Panthers!
Bruce Linke was in for a game after 25 years on the sidelines to play alongside his three sons, creating a very special memory for all. The goal was to get through without any injuries, which wasn’t the only success for his game!
Bruce was everywhere on the field, running around showing everyone he’s still got it. Tyrone Dellar snagged a great goal in a well roved contest, with some other very important plays using his body throughout the day.
The boys had some great passages of play for the entire game but really struggled to convert in the forward line, an area we will really look to improve on. The Panthers went down in a tough battle, losing 31-93.
Score:
All Blacks 4.7 (31) def by Tarrawingee 14.9 (93)
Netball
A-gGrade
It was a big day for Benalla, with co-coach Georgia Spencer celebrating her 100th A Grade game with an excellent shooting performance, and Emma Sangster reaching an impressive 200 club games, shining in WD.
Georgia tears it up on the court, proven by some of her individual achievements. She is well respected across the league in her talents, and is looked up to by all the up and coming netballers at the All Blacks! Her achievements run deeper than strolling out on a Saturday to play, with her involvement in the committee and training sessions as an A Grade coach.
Emma’s passion for the club stems from a long family history there, where she grew up around the club before playing. Emma’s milestone achievement is a huge example of what passion, commitment and determination means. She has been a great asset to the club on the court and as a coach also, shining through again on Saturday.
While the final score of 31-69 wasn’t the result we’d hoped for, the team showed plenty of heart against a well-drilled opposition.
Elyse Felstead was strong in GK, consistently disrupting play with smart rebounding and clean tips. Meagan Hausner delivered her best game of the season in Centre, playing the full 60 minutes with patience, precision, and strong transitional play.
New to A Grade, Taitum Hemming impressed in GD, applying relentless pressure and forcing her opponent to work for every possession.
Despite the loss, it was a proud day for the club and a true celebration of two major milestones.
Score: All Blacks 31 def by Tarrawingee 69
B-grade
This week saw Benalla host third placed Tarrawingee. The Panthers knew this was going to be a tough match against one of the top sides.
Haylea Smith well and truly showed her team she is back and firing, playing a tough role down back in GK. When the opportunity arose Haylea made it count pulling in strong rebounds and getting her hands to balls disrupting the oppositions feeds into the ring.
We also welcomed Dee Manning back into the team this week, Dee’s speed and endurance is a welcome injection through the mid court every time she hits the court.
Olive Moon worked hard all day, using her speed to help transition the ball from defence to attack. Olive’s work rate and height in the ring assisted many rebounds throughout the match.
Despite the scoreline the Panthers never gave up, enjoying being together on the court and playing the game they love.
Score: Benalla 17 def by Tarrawingee 63
Awards: The Royal Hotel - Haylea Smith, Stella Stella - Dee Manning, Benalla Races - Olive Moon
B-reserve
The All Blacks came out firing in their home clash with Tarrawingee, determined to bounce back from a round one loss. They led narrowly at each break, with strong teamwork and composed play keeping them in control for much of the match.
Brooke Bradshaw was a standout in the midcourt, delivering accurate feeds and steady leadership under pressure. Joey Gall played a key role in transition, slowing Tarrawingee’s attack and creating turnover chances. In defence, Kristy Hanrahan brought grit and intensity, challenging every ball and disrupting the Dogs' forward plays.
Despite a strong showing, a late surge from Tarrawingee in the final quarter saw the visitors snatch a narrow win. While the result was tough, the All Blacks can be proud of their effort and will take plenty of positives into the next round.
Score: All Blacks 38 def by Tarrawingee 41
Awards: Brooke Bradshaw - Jenny Milner Pharmacy, Jo Gall - Terry White Chemist, Kirsty Hanranhan - All Blacks Voucher
Under-17
The U17 All Blacks faced a strong Tarrawingee side on Saturday, with the opposition taking control early and holding their lead. A determined final quarter saw the Blacks fight back to reduce the margin.
Despite the scoreline, the team showed great effort, teamwork, and signs of progress in areas they've been focusing on at training.
Torah Heeps was best on court, impressing with her movement, playmaking, and defensive pressure. Ruby Crook offered strong leads and smart decisions in attack, while Isabella Lowry showed improvement in her positioning and disrupted key plays.
The team will take several positives into their next match as they continue building on their structures and consistency.
Score: All Blacks 32 def by Tarrawingee 55
Awards: Bill Bo Pop - Torah Heeps, McDonald’s - Ruby Crook, Spot for Icecream - Isabella Lowry
Under-15
The Benalla U15s delivered a strong team performance at home against Tarrawingee.
After a tight first quarter (11–10), the girls settled into their rhythm, combining patient play with fierce defence to take control.
Lola Crook and Harper Robertson were dynamic in the goal circle, well supported by Tarni White, Charli Levy, and Darcie Jackson through the midcourt. Defenders Sharni Hughes, Imogen English, Libby Renking, and Emma Manning applied consistent pressure to force key turnovers.
Every player contributed, showing great discipline and teamwork across the court. The team now turns its focus to a big test against ladder-leaders Bonnie Doon after the bye.
Score: Benalla 55 def Tarrawingee 26
Awards: Stella Stella Cafe - Harper Robertson, Chill Out Smoothie Bar - Lola Crook, Benalla Coffee Merchant - Sharni Hughes
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