Mya Bye reels the ball in on the circle edge. Photos: Emma Dowdell.
Goorambat’s B grade side took on Greta in a semi-final hit out on Sunday at Whorouly Recreation Reserve, which in itself is a huge achievement for the club. Goorambat hasn’t had a netball team reach the semi-finals in 12 years, so for them to make it that far is something every player should be proud of.
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Unfortunately though the Bats’ season has come to a close, with Greta proving too strong and handing Goorambat a 33-42 defeat, marking the end of the club’s 2026 campaign across all grades.
Kelsey Moss makes life difficult for Greta's goal attack while Lacey Carter gets set under the ring.
We’ve had a season of pregnancies and new babies, injuries, players away for long periods, new players, not enough players, the highs and lows of netball.
One thing has never wavered for this group and it’s their absolute determination to win and never give up.
Amelia Gall looks to find Poppy Broomhall with the pass.
We took to the court on Sunday with the same heart we did every week of the season. Every player threw everything they had into the game, knowing we have many versatile players and the ability to rotate fresh legs through most positions. We kept up with Greta right until the end, however we were overrun in the last by a very physical and quick Greta outfit.
Georgia Thomson took the court in goalkeeper and rotated through goal defence and wing defence. Georgia is always smiling, she’s quick and agile and can float through for intercepts with ease.
Poppy Broomhall finds Ally Ellis with a bounce pass.
Kelsey Moss started in goal defence, bringing the body to our defensive end, reading the play beautifully and has been a huge asset to our younger players helping guide them on the court while still playing her own game.
Lacey Carter, our young gun at just 17, played in goal keeper and what a game she had. Playing against a shooter that was much taller than her, you wouldn’t have known, as she worked so hard in the ring and produced a commendable game for such a young girl.
Tiffany Osborne desperately defends the circle edge while Kelsey Moss applies pressure to her opponent inside the circle.
Tiffany Osborne played wing defence, her first season at the position, though she looks like a seasoned campaigner. Her feeds and drive down the midcourt have been a saving grace for us, she applies pressure to her attacker and is a rock in our defensive end.
Amelia Gall and Mya Bye, our centre court duo, were again superb, with Meals bringing her steadiness, wisdom and immeasurable knowledge of netball into every game, she’s pushed through injury this year to help take the team as far as they’ve gone. Mya started back at the Bats this year after a few years away. She has slotted into the team with ease. Mya is the legs in the mid court we need, she’s quick and drives through the midcourt like lightning, she cannot be underestimated with her little stature.
Chelsea Bamford lines up her shot while Ally Ellis positions herself for the rebound.
Chelsea Bamford was thrown all around the court this week, she shot, she played wing attack and centre. ‘Chels’ is a workhorse, she goes and goes and isn’t afraid of a contested game of netball. Her flexibility is a huge asset to our team.
Poppy Broomhall and Ally Ellis were our shooters for the game. Ally played a strong game in goal attack, reading the play and finding space in the goal ring while feeding beautifully to her shooting partner. Ally’s steadiness and experience on the court shone on Sunday as one of our leaders.
Amelia Gall defends her Greta opponent while Georgia Thomson patrols inside the circle.
Poppy Broomhall is another of our young girls, at just 17 and playing shooter against a very tough Greta defensive outfit. Poppy pushed hard all game even on turn overs, her defensive pressure helped with many turn overs to keep us in the game.
A huge, huge thank you to Ella Woods and Grace Handley who came up from our B reserve team to join us for the final series. You cheered loud and supported your team mates and we thank you very much for being a part of it with us.
Lacey Carter contests a high ball coming into the defensive circle.
Thank you to Madison Dunne and Nikki Wallace for your help as assistant coaches throughout the year, and for bringing two little team babies into the Bats family.
A huge thank you to Brooke Hadrell, Kate Nolan and Kobi McDonald for giving up your time to help us on the bench in the finals, for remaining calm, for cheering loudly, for supporting the team.
Thank you to all of the friends and families that came and supported the team on Sunday and every weekend.
We’ll be back next year, a stronger team for having the season we’ve had.
Presentation Night
The 2026 Goorambat Football Netball Club Presentation Night will be held at Benalla Glasshouse on Thursday, September 24, with a 6pm arrival for a 6:30pm start.
Featuring a vote count from round 16, buffet dinner, drinks at bar prices and a DJ following presentations, it is set to be a brilliant send off for the 2026 season.
Tickets cost $60 for adults and $30 for under-18s, and must be purchased online by September 18. Please note, there will be no payments accepted on the door due to catering purposes. Ticket link: https://www.trybooking.com/DPHZW
