Goulburn Valley League’s junior netballers seek retribution against O&M in interleague clash

In 2024, GVL fell to O&M in a first-of-its-kind 15-and-under interleague bout, bested by 13 goals in a physical match against the country rival.

Seven GVL clubs have been represented in the 14-strong 2025 squad, set to be led by a brainstrust of Euroa staple Kelly Hill and Shepparton Swans mentor Courtney Simpson, who led the club’s 17-and-under contingent to a flag in September.

Meanwhile, the GVL 17-and-under team is out to avenge last year’s 20-goal defeat to the black and yellow foe.

Clinical shooting from O&M whisked the game from the GVL girls at Deakin Reserve, but with a fierce line-up named, it’s anticipated the return fixture will be much closer this time around.

For a number of players in purple, Saturday won’t be a step-up, but a chance to prove their excellence among peers.

The reason?

Rhani Hendy, Bridie Kelly (Mooroopna), Ava Pell (Kyabram), Eva Clydesdale (Mansfield) and the Echuca trio of Rose Byrne, Emma Head and Kate Head have all played significant minutes in the current A-grade campaign, and will seek to take their learnings from that experience and duplicate it against those their own age.

The 17-and-under squad is led by a Mooroopna coaching nucleus, with Matt Healey assisted by Cats A-grade stars and open interleague representatives Dayna Williams and Asha Gray.

Following Saturday’s challenge against O&M, both GVL sides will then back it up at Netball Victoria’s North East Association Championships, hosted by Shepparton Netball Association on Sunday.