Sport
25 June, 2026
Charlton netballer’s touching tribute
IT WAS a special day for the club on Saturday for All Cancers: Maddi’s Round. Everyone acknowledged the day wearing our green socks and hair bows, “Do it for Maddi”.
IT WAS a special day for the club on Saturday for All Cancers: Maddi’s Round. Everyone acknowledged the day wearing our green socks and hair bows, “Do it for Maddi”.
After each game, players were treated to a can of coke, in memory of Maddi, thanks to Weir’s IGA St Arnaud.
CHARLTON’S 14 and Under B team were well outsized, by the top of the ladder, Saints who had height in all positions throughout the court.
This didn’t stop our girls from trying, gaining plenty of turnover balls and using their footspeed and skills to make their way down court, to give themselves a shot at scoring.
Marlly stood tall at the post providing a good target when we were able to get the ball to the circle in the first half, then matched up on the tall Saints target.
Lila took on advice to gain space to be an attacking option with some strong preliminary moves, whilst Yazmin never stopped trying in defence and provided some great options in attack.
Bendigo Bank Best: Marlly M, FHN Ladies Auxiliary Coaches: Lila L, Rex Theatre “Have a Crack”: Yazmin H-J
CHARLTON’S 14 and Under A team began with an impressive first quarter, really taking it up to the fancied Saints team, through tight all court defensive pressure and accurate shooting.
Lily, Marley and Sophie all gaining intercepts and both Rosie and Lilymae scoring. The Navies only trailing by a goal at the quarter time break.
The Saints made whole court changes at quarter time and upped their intensity.
The Navies still gaining intercepts, however with greater pressure being placed on the attacking end, the Navies did not gain the same access to the post that the Saints did.
Changes to the Navies line up in the third, saw the Saints flow slowed and brought both of the
Navies goalers back into play. Maddie providing strong leads on the wing. In the final quarter, the Saints got away.
Bendigo Bank Best: Rosie F, FHN Ladies Auxiliary Coaches: Maddie L, Caffeinated Chaos “Have a Crack”: Sophie R
THE Under 17 girls started the game well but had difficulty converting opportunities under the ring.
The defenders worked hard against a strong and quick attacking end, putting in a determined effort throughout the match. A slow start unfortunately allowed St Arnaud to build a lead, but there were many strong passages of play, and the girls showed great resilience in the second half to reduce the margin.
North Central Smash Repairs Best: Erin B, FNH Ladies Auxiliary Coaches: Anna F, Caffeinated Chaos Captains Coffee: Taylah G.
IT WAS another tough well fought out game in C Grade.
With key defender Liz Riley going down with an injury in the second quarter brought in Taylah Boyle into the GK position. Taylah provides great height and defensive pressure and helped cause turnovers within the goal circle.
Jac Leslie was again consistent and guided the play in the goal ring and was strong rebounding under the ring.
Charlton didn’t give up throughout the game, as the scoreline truly did not reflect the game as Charlton had plenty of possession and causing defensive turn-overs. Charlton can be optimistic at connections that are building on the court and the strength coming through in our emerging talent.
CHARLTON’S B Grade hit the court ready for a win, opening the first quarter with a strong 15 goals to go into the first break with a six goal lead.
Holly and Maggie combined well yet again with plenty of ball getting stopped in St Arnaud’s attack end.
An even second quarter had Charlton holding with a six goal lead at half time.
Welcoming back Lucy Donegan in the navies dress for this round, stepping into C, Lucy fit in seamlessly.
Alongside Lily in WA, the feeds into the shooters, Chloe and Yas, were pin point accurate making it incredibly hard for St Arnaud to turn any ball over.
A strong, team effort in the third saw the Navies up by 10 going into the last.
The girls showed great determination this week and in the true spirit of Maddi’s round, came together as a team working hard for each other to get the win.
Player of the Match – Maddi’s Round Match Ball Winner: Lucy Donegan Charlton Netball Club, Teys Charlton Feedlot Best: Holly Thompson, Teys Charlton Feedlot Coaches: Lily Campbell, Caffeinated Chaos Captains Coffee: Yasmin Thompson
Senior Player of the Month: Mary-Anne Pollard.
The CNC was fortunate to have Mary-Anne join the Navies on the netball court this season. Mary-Anne has demonstrated her strength and determination on court each week in the defence goal circle. Mary-Anne is a great team player, takes on coaches feedback and is a respected player within the club.
Predominantly playing C grade so far this season, Mary-Anne has shown that she has a lot more talent and growth to come.
Mary-Anne has stepped up and taken the court in B grade in the past month strengthening our depth of defenders within our club.
Mary-Anne trains hard and plays hard, she comes off the court each Saturday having given everything. Her efforts are outstanding.
Junior Player of the Month: Marley M.
Marley always approaches every aspect of the game with a positive attitude and enthusiasm, at both training and game days.
She has stepped up as a leader on the Under 14 court, leading by example through her work ethic, commitment, and willingness to support her teammates. One of her greatest strengths has been her ability to accept and apply feedback.
In addition to all the value Marley brings to our Under 14’s team, she has seamlessly transitioned onto the Under 17 court, embracing the challenge of playing in a higher grade.
She has showed resilience, adaptability, and confidence while competing against older players.
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