The Wimmera Football Netball League, WFNL, will allow each Under 15 netball team to have one male participant in season 2025.

At the league’s November 18 annual general meeting, the board passed the motion to reword the existing Under 15 Female Netball Competition to the Under 15 Mixed Netball Competition, allowing for the inclusion of one male participant per team, who can play until the age of 14 – as determined by their age on December 31 of the current year.

The change aligns with Netball Victoria’s Promotion of Male Participation in Netball Policy and the Netball Victoria Gender Regulation, ensuring the WFNL is in step with best practices and supports greater inclusivity in the sport. 

At the AGM, Peter ‘Billy’ Ballagh was re-elected as league chairman for the 2025 season.

Mr Ballagh said the introduction of the Under 15 Mixed Netball Competition would create more opportunities for junior males to play netball alongside their female counterparts, encouraging the development of both male and female players at the grassroots level.

In line with the decision, the WFNL will also continue to provide consistent and equal opportunities for junior participants across both football and netball, offering a more inclusive and diverse sporting environment for young athletes in the region.

“We are excited to introduce this change, which ensures that both males and females have access to the same opportunities to play netball in the Wimmera,” Mr Ballagh said.

“This motion reflects our commitment to inclusivity, supporting the development of junior athletes, and providing pathways for young players to progress in both netball and football.”

Other positions on the board were Bart Turgoose vice chair, Toni Stewart secretary, Peter Hamilton treasurer and Jodie Hendy, Deidre Harrington and Neil King board members.

Mr Ballagh said the 2025 board brought a wealth of experience and dedication to ensure the continued growth and success of the league, as it continued the development of football and netball across the region.

He said the WFNL looked forward to a successful 2025 season, supporting the league’s ongoing mission to ensure participation, skill development, and sportsmanship across all levels.

The league has this week released an updated 2025 fixture, with the venues of clubs who have more than one home ground listed.

The 2025 season will begin on Good Friday, April 18, with Ararat playing Stawell as a round three clash.

Round one will begin on April 25, with Southern Mallee Thunder versus Stawell; Minyip-Murtoa play Dimboola; Ararat host Horsham; and Horsham Saints host Nhill, while Warrack Eagles has the bye.

A league bye will occur over Easter, followed by Horsham versus Horsham Saints on Anzac Day.

The 18 home and away rounds conclude on August 23, before the finals series starts on August 30.

The preliminary final will be played on Saturday, September 13 – the same day as Horsham District Football Netball League’s grand final – with the Wimmera league to host their biggest day of the year on September 20. 

The entire November 27, 2024 edition of The Weekly Advertiser is available online. READ IT HERE!

The entire November,27, 2024 edition of AgLife is available online. READ IT HERE!