Ballarat NL
The Sunbury Lions sealed third spot on the Ballarat Netball League ladder with an upset win against Darley. Facing the undefeated Devils, the Lions led by three goals at quarter time and then six at half time. The margin grew to eight goals, before the Devils showed some fight in the final quarter. The Lions held on to win, 50-45. Amalani Fauonuku shot 32 goals for the Lions. The Lions now face Lake Wendouree in an elimination final.
Bendigo NL
Gisborne finished the regular Bendigo Netball League season in fine form with a big win against Maryborough on Saturday. The finals bound Bulldogs, who were coming off a loss, got the win, 68-27. Gisborne will face Kangaroo Flat in a qualifying final this weekend. Meanwhile Kyneton finished its season with a 53-44 loss to Strathfieldsaye. The Tigers finished in seventh spot.
Bendigo FL
Gisborne had a day out on Saturday to finish its Bendigo Football League season on a high. Facing Maryborough, the Bulldogs kicked at least 10 goals in three of the four quarters on the way to a 38.27 (255)-2.3 (15) win. Sam Graham kicked seven goals as nine players kicked multiple goals. Kyneton finished its season with a 16.16 (112)-10.10 (70) loss to Strathfieldsaye. The Tigers finished the season in sixth spot, a game outside of finals, with Gisborne in seventh, a game further back.
AFL Draft
Calder Cannons duo Hugo Garcia and Mahmoud Taha have been invited to the AFL state combine. The AFL announced that 55 players had been invited to the combines. The 2023 AFL State Draft Combines will be held in Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth on October 8, 14 and 15 respectively. The state Combines will be held following the national draft combine. Selection to attend the state combines was based on the number of nominations provided by AFL recruiters, with all 18 clubs submitting a list of preferred attendees.
