Boisdale-Briagolong A Grade netball player profiles

Sarah Gardiner – goal attack

SARAH Gardiner is both player and coach of Boisdale-Briagolong’s A Grade netball team. Gardiner has been playing netball since her youth, moving to Boisdale-Briagolong Football-Netball Club in 2018 from Sale FNC.

Gardiner first became Boisdale-Briagolong’s A Grade netball coach last year,with the bombers finishing fifth on the ladder at the season’s end.

Speed and accuracy are Gardiner’s assets on the court, rarely missing when taking a shot on goal, her performance has undeniably improved over the course of the 2022 season.

Off the court, Gardiner is a strong leader, with an unwavering calm demeanour that reassures her team no matter the occasion. Her passion for netball and the team is unmistakable; she always strives to support her team and ensure continuous improvement, comfort and enjoyment.

Emily Porter – wing defence

EMILY Porter is new to Boisdale-Briagolong netball, returning to the game for the 2022 season after a four-year hiatus, during which time she was playing football.

Porter played football for Boisdale-Briagolong the past few years, but unfortunately, the club was unable to pull together a women’s team for the 2022 season.

On the court, Porter’s strengths are her aerial ability, persistence, her ability to read the game and dictate play accurately, keeping her player out of the game.

Off the court, Porter is known for her all-round warm and friendly nature.

Mollie Huts – goal shooter

MOLLIE Huts is new to Boisdale-Briagolong FNC this year, having played netball at Maffra FNC for the past few years. This year marks Huts’ first season of A Grade netball, and with the guidance of coach Gardiner and assistant coach Rachel Weatherley, is on par for the team’s most improved.

“We’ve done a lot of work on body positioning and building confidence, and she has just grown a lot this year,” Gardiner said.

On the court, Huts’ height and solidity in the shooting ring are her strengths. Off the court, Huts’ humour is a positive asset to the team dynamic, ensuring the laughs are never in reserve.

Linley Bertacchini – centre

LINLEY Bertacchini is also a Boisdale-Braigolong FNC newbie, moving over from Rosedale FNC for the 2022 season. Bertacchini is undoubtedly one of Boisdale-Briagolong’s strongest players and a natural leader within the group.

“She is my go-to human for everything,” Gardiner said.

“She is such a good leader on and off the court; she does our pre-game speeches, and they are always so motivating and inspirational.”

Bertacchini’s experience on the court is prominent, with the Boisdale-Briagolong centre harbouring an incredible netball brain. Bertacchini’s knowledge, paired with her physical strength, speed and fitness, makes her one of Boisdale-Briagolong’s most dangerous players in the game.

Bertacchini was runner-up in the East Gippsland FNL’s Best and Fairest awards.

Rachel Weatherley – assistant coach

A BROKEN leg at the start of the year forced Rachel Weatherley to sit out the 2022 EGFNL season, taking to the sideline as Boisdale-Braigolong’s A Grade assistant coach.

Weatherley also coaches the Under 17s alongside sister Elly Weatherly.

“Rachel is just such a calming voice,” Gardiner said.

“If things are getting a bit intense or a bit crazy, she just levels everyone out and is always super-duper positive.”

Weatherley typically plays in goal attack or goal shooter and is scheduled to return to the court for Boisdale-Briagolong next year.

Ashlee McDonough – wing attack

ASHLEE McDonough is the baby of the group, also playing in Boisdale-Briagolong’s Under 17 team, who are also in tomorrow’s EGFNL Grand Final against Lindenow.

McDonough has undoubtedly earned her place in A Grade with her impressive netball abilities, which have improved exponentially throughout the season.

Young gun McDonough has continually stepped up to the challenge, including learning and conquering a new position, having usually played in wing defence or centre.

McDonough’s speed and agility are her strengths on the court. Despite being young, McDonough bears a heightened maturity evident in her ball distribution and assertiveness during a game.

“She is super talented and just soaks up everything you tell her,” Gardiner said.

“Ash is amazing,” said Weatherley.

“Her game has improved massively this year; every week, she just smashes it out of the park.”

McDonough is on par for the team’s most improved this season.

Elly Weatherley – goalkeeper

ELLY Weatherley is a Boisdale-Briaglong veteran and hsa been a core member of the A Grade netball team for a number of years, as well as one of this year’s Under 17 coaches.

Previously Weatherley played as a goal defender but has transitioned into goalkeeper for the 2022 season.

Weatherley’s ability to read the play, her reach and her physical strength are her powers on the court and is another of Boisdale’s-Briagolong’s noticeably improved players.

“Elly is a solid and consistent player, so strong, a really tough opponent,” Gardiner said.

“She has also improved a lot this year, especially with her footwork.”

Emerson Connolly – goal defence

THIS season Emerson Connolly has transitioned into goal defence, having played an attacking position in previous seasons.

Connolly has taken to her new position like a duck to water and has been one of Boisdale-Briagolong’s most consistent players throughout the season.

Her ability to read the play has made her become one of the Bomber’s most reliable players, adding to her other strengths on the court such as her fitness and assertiveness.

Kate Harrington

UNDER 17 player, Kate Harrington will be Boisdale-Briagolong’s reserve player for the 2022 EGFNL Grand Final.