All Blacks take it up to King Valley in competitive showing

We kicked our highest score of the season and kept King Valley to our lowest conceded score of the year, which shows our progress.

David Button was outstanding through the midfield, while Jesse Walker was a standout in defence, constantly intercepting and shutting down King Valley’s forwards. Ryan Nedeljkovic dominated the ruck contests, providing great support around the ground and contributing both offensively and defensively.

Though we didn’t get the win, the team’s effort was strong, and we continue to improve with each game. The signs are there, and the progress is evident. We will build off of this performance, ready for Bright next week.

Score:

Benalla: 2.3, 3.5, 6.9, 8.11 (59)

King Valley: 7.0, 11.3, 15.6, 18.8 (116)

Awards: David Button - Tyrepower award, Jesse Walker - Royal Hotel award, Ryan Nedeljkovic - Benalla Golf Club award

Reserves

The reserves played one of the best games the team has played all year so far!

Although the scoreboard didn't reflect this, the boys battled hard all day with plenty of opportunities in front of goal and were just unable to capitalise. Jordan Smith was dominant in defence, rebounding the ball all day.

Jordan Wilkinson's run off half back was impressive also, and Blake Marlborough ran all day seeing plenty of the ball through the middle. The boys gave it their all, eventually going down by 47.

Score:

Benalla: 0.4,1.6, 1.8, 1.8 (14)

King Valley: 3.1, 5.3, 7.7, 9.7 (61)

Awards: Jordan Smith - Stella Stella, Jordan Wilkinson - Royal Hotel, Blake Marlborough - Golden Barber

Netball

A Grade

Despite being severely undermanned with only four original players, our A Grade side put up a strong fight thanks to some impressive fill-ins.

The girls came out firing, keeping things level at the first break. Gertie McCallum stepped confidently into the captain’s role, showing natural leadership and composure through the midcourt.

Making her A Grade debut in goal defence, Eleanor Renkin stood out as a rising star, showing she's one to watch as she transitions into senior netball next year.

Emma Sangster delivered a consistent four-quarter performance in wing defence, playing a key role in resetting the attack and providing her trademark voice and direction.

Despite a valiant effort and multiple team changes, Benalla couldn’t hold off King Valley, who pulled away in the final quarter to claim the win, 51–39.

Score: All Blacks 39 def by King Valley 51

Awards: Gertie McCallum - TyrePower Award, Eleanor Renkin - Jenny Milner Pharmacy Award, Emma Sangster - McDonald’s Award

B Grade

B Grade came up against King Valley on the weekend in a tightly contested match. The Panthers showed several promising patches of play, with moments of sharp ball movement and defensive pressure that kept them in the contest.

Lilly Robertson was named best on court in a standout performance at wing defence. Playing in a new position, Robertson adapted quickly, taking numerous intercepts and proving to be a constant thorn in King Valley’s attack.

Close behind was Olive Moon in goal defence, who had a fantastic game sticking tightly to her opponent and applying relentless pressure throughout the match. Her efforts were instrumental in slowing down King Valley’s forward momentum.

Kodi Mustey showed confidence and agility in the goal attack position. Her awareness of team mates and movement in the ring created scoring opportunities and kept the opposition’s defenders on their toes.

The final score saw All Blacks go down 41-49 and although the scoreboard didn’t fall in their favour, the Panthers can take many positives from the game as they continue to build momentum for the rest of the season.

Score: All Blacks 41 def by King Valley 49

Awards: Lilly Robertson - Royal Hotel award, Olive Moon - Bill Bo Pop, Kodi Mustey - Coffee Merchant

B Reserve

The All Blacks B Reserve side put on a dominant display against King Valley, starting strong and maintaining control throughout.

With sharp execution and clean connections, they led 21-4 after the first quarter and extended that margin to lead 44-5 by halftime. Their momentum continued into the second half, pushing the score to 62-11 at the third break, before closing out with a convincing 78-16 win.

Best on court went to Brooke Bradshaw, whose leadership in the attacking end and accurate shooting stood out. Joey Gall earned second best for her strong midcourt presence, creating turnovers and providing consistent backup for her teammates. Kristy Hanrahan once again showed her versatility, seamlessly shifting from defence to attack and making a valuable impact at both ends.

A great team effort from the girls, one they should be proud of. Every player contributed to this impressive win and a performance like this will no doubt boost their confidence moving forward.

Score: All Blacks 78 defeated King Valley 16

Awards: Jenny Milner-Marsha Watson Pharmacy Award: Brooke Bradshaw, Bill-Bo Pop Award: Joey Gall, Sportspower Award: Kristy Hanrahan

Under 17’s

The Under 17’s showed impressive determination and skill in a hard-fought match against a tall and talented King Valley side at the weekend.

Starting strong, the All Blacks managed to go goal-for-goal with their opponents to start the game, showing composure and tactical discipline. Torah Heeps (BOC) stood out early, making excellent space in the circle and taking her shots with confidence. Her ability to hold space for rebounds was crucial, and her relentless defensive work through the midcourt gave her team a strong foundation.

Keira Brown also impressed, using her height to great effect. She timed her movements well, knowing when to draw her defender out of the circle and when to hold her ground. Alicia Langlands was another standout, delivering a tireless performance both in centre and down in defense. Her work rate and energy helped keep the All Blacks competitive, even as King Valley began to edge away in the second quarter.

Despite falling behind, the All Blacks didn’t back down. Regrouping after the break, they showed resilience in the second half, continuing to attack with confidence and match their opponents for intensity.

By full time, the All Blacks had posted a respectable 24 goals against a very strong King Valley outfit. While the scoreboard may not have favoured them, the All Blacks under-17s walked away proud of their effort and growth, proving they can stand up to one of the competition's toughest sides.

Score: All Blacks 24 def by King Valley 42

Awards: Torah Heeps - BOC Royal Hotel Award, Keira Brown - Chill Out Smoothie Bar, Alicia Langlands - Spot for Ice Cream

Under 15’s

After a hard fought game in round seven, the Under 15’s side travelled to King Valley ready to prove their strength. Once again the side showed fantastic teamwork, putting Thursday’s training into practice and working together to move the ball smoothly to our attacking circle.

Harper Robertson was awarded BOC for her great game in attack, where she moved well in the ring to create space for our midcourt players to feed beautifully. Lola Crook received second best for the day for her strength in goals, where she once again shot beautifully and rebounded strongly.

Our defensive players Imogen English, Libby Renkin and Emma Manning worked hard to shutting down King Valleys strong attack, putting pressure on and creating turnovers allowing mid court players Sharni Hughes, Charli Levy and Darcie Jackson to move the ball seamlessly to the attacking circle.

Overall the girls put in a solid four-quarter effort, proving their strength and endurance to play out full games to a high standard.

Score: All Blacks 60 defeated King Valley 34

Awards: Hollywoods Pizza Award - Harper Robertson Benalla All Blacks Club Award - Lola Crook Benalla McDonald’s - Darcie Jackson