Sport
19 June, 2026
Tributes on Charlton's court for Carmel
THIS week the entire Charlton Football, Netball and Hockey teams donned the black armband after sadly losing a much-loved member of the Navies community, Carmel Fitzpatrick.
THIS week the entire Charlton Football, Netball and Hockey teams donned the black armband after sadly losing a much-loved member of the Navies community, Carmel Fitzpatrick.
Carmel has left a lasting legacy around the community and in particular the netball club.
Carmel began her journey in 1982 as a member of the Under 15 team and, over the years, played across every grade with unwavering commitment and passion.
Although no official records exist, it’s estimated that Carmel played over 600 games, a staggering achievement that speaks to her longevity, resilience, and passion for the sport.
This includes five senior premierships and coaching two junior premiership teams, plus many well deserved awards.
Carmel went on to coach NCNA representative teams, sharing her deep knowledge and love of the game with emerging players from across the region. Her contributions extend well beyond the court, taking on numerous executive roles within the Charlton Netball Club, coached
multiple junior and senior teams, and provided strong leadership as President of the North Central Netball Association. As a life member of the Charlton Netball Club (inducted in 2007), we thank her, sincerely and proudly, for everything she has contributed to Charlton Netball Club and the broader netball community.
The Charlton Netball Club would also like to acknowledge the Boort Netball Club who alongside our girls wore the black armband and for all those who attended our minute’s silence in honour of Carmel on Saturday. It truly showed just how respected Carmel was in our community.
Our condolences are with Chris, Brian, Greg, Josie, Catherine, Terry, Shane, Andrew, Loretta and the extended family.
IN the 14 and under B match, Charlton managed two goals in the opening quarter, working hard to create opportunities against strong opposition pressure.
After a number of positional changes throughout the game, the Navies began to gain increased opportunity in attack and were rewarded with another two goals in the final quarter.
Pleasingly, the team showed confidence in letting the ball go and using open players to move the ball down the court. Lila worked tirelessly in attack, creating some really nice space and providing strong leads.
Bendigo Bank Best: Lila L, FHN Ladies Auxiliary Coaches: Charlotte S, Rex Theatre “Have a Crack”: Molly R
IN the 14 and Under A match, Boort got the jump early as the Navies’ goalers were uncharacteristically inaccurate at the post.
At the other end, Boort’s tall target goaler proved difficult to contain, creating a challenge for the defensive combination of Marley and Lily.
Despite the pressure, both defenders persisted, taking on advice and forcing a number of turnovers.
Sophie was strong through the centre all game, gaining intercepts and continually providing an option down the court.
Charlton controlled much of the play in the third quarter, moving the ball well and creating opportunities, but had limited conversions on the scoreboard.
Changes to the line-up in the final quarter brought renewed enthusiasm and energy from the girls, however the Navies were unable to add to their score.
Bendigo Bank Best: Sophie R, FHN Ladies Auxiliary Coaches: Lily L, Caffeinated Chaos “Have a Crack”: Rosie F
WITH the unfortunate loss of Layla Burn to injury, the 17 and Under girls trialled a number of combinations within the goal circle.
They worked well with the rotations however found it difficult to finish on scoring opportunities.
Anna Fitzpatrick created plenty of space and opportunities down the court while Remmy Wright had many turnovers in the defence end to support the team.
North Central Smash Repairs Best: Anna Fitzpatrick, FNH Ladies Auxiliary Coaches: Remmy Wright, Caffeinated Chaos Captains Coffee: Rosie Fitzpatrick
A NEW combination in the C Grade defence end this week with Tahlijia and Liz combining well to put some great pressure on the Boort shooters.
Backed up by Abby Fry in WD made for a great contest by our defenders.
Some rotations within the shooting circle showed some positive signs however a slow start proved hard to come back from.
Ergo and Mane Best: Abby Fry, Ergo and Mane Coaches: Tahlijia Sheahan, Caffeinated Chaos Captains Coffee: Taylah Boyle
B GRADE faced a strong Boort side this week and, despite the final scoreline, continued to work hard throughout the game.
The defensive combination of Mary-Anne Pollard in GK and Maggie Riley in GD showed great determination, applying consistent pressure and never giving up the contest.
Teys Charlton Feedlot Best: Mary-Anne Pollard, Teys Charlton Feedlot Coaches: Emily Olive, Caffeinated Chaos Captains Coffee: Maggie Riley
THE Navies started the game quick, getting some early turnovers that were being rewarded in the attacking end.
The game turned into a battle of who could handle the wet conditions better.
After a low scoring second quarter, Charlton came into the third ready to put some points on the scoreboard.
Sarah and Yas combined exceptionally well in the ring, both coming up against some very skilled and disciplined defenders, they both held strong and continued to put the pressure on the scores.
Walsh Motors Best: Megan Bruns, Walsh Motors Coaches: Sarah Blair, Caffeinated Chaos Captains Coffee: Tessa Johnson
NetSetGoer of the Week: Maddie S, Volunteer of the Day sponsored by Vale of Avoca and Cricket Club Hotel: Fran Byrne Lee
Read More: Charlton