“We’re looking ahead to the future, and the 2026 season promises to be a very good one for Kyneton Football Netball Club,” new Tigers’ president Julie Priestley said at the conclusion of numerous activities at a very busy season launch at the Showgrounds.
A committee member for the past seven years, Julie took over the vacant presidential role earlier this month.
Julie comes from a local family with a long association with the Kyneton club.
“My dad John O’Flaherty is a life member, and my brothers Brendon and Shaun played in the club’s football premiership sides back in 1997 (Brendon in the senior side and Shaun in the Under 18s).
“My younger brother Matthew has also played senior football at Kyneton and myself netball for a few seasons.
“The club has always been a big part of my life, a place I’m extremely passionate about and I’m excited to help lead this season.”
Last year’s president Guy Nelson did not seek re-election at the Tigers’ annual meeting, and the position was only filled when Julie decided to step up earlier this month.
“It’s a challenge, but something I’m looking forward to. We have a committee of very capable people in various positions who are also giving up their time and expertise to make our family orientated club successful,” Julie told the Express.
“It’s volunteers as well as players who are really important in clubs like ours …. and fielding teams wearing the yellow and black has a very long and proud history in Kyneton.”
MEMBERSHIP DRIVE
Saturday’s activities, which included various entertainments, a senior football practise match and get-together of netballers, also led to a welcome increase in the number of members who have signed up for 2026.
“Our Early Bird member prices are still available until Friday on our website, so I urge anyone who loves coming to the Showgrounds, to get on board and buy a membership,” Julie said.
Ethan Foreman is again the playing coach of Kyneton’s senior football side, which is expected to be a strong contender for the Riddell League finals.
David Nolte is head of football, with Brandon Spurr the Reserves coach, and Adam Cook in charge of the Under 19.5s.
“Our FIDA team is again being led by Peter Connor, and they kick their season off on Sunday at the Showgrounds to begin the quest of winning back-to-back premierships,” Julie said of the club’s all-abilities football team who won their first premiership last season.
“Our junior footballers celebrated their jumper presentations last week and are training strongly ahead of the season, which kicks off after Easter.”
“There’s a real sense of excitement and enthusiasm across all teams and we’re looking forward to a positive season for the club,” said Emily Dellios who is again the head of junior football and vice-president this season.
“Our junior program is blossoming, with five teams across U11-U17 enjoying their dress presentation last week ahead of their grading matches.”
“Growing and developing our structures in the junior space has been a huge focus in the off-season to ensure we nurture our home-grown talents in the yellow and black dress for years to come,” said Loryn Savoia who again is the head of netball for 2026.
Returning head coach David O’Hare is coaching the A to C Grades this season with Alisha Turner returning for D Grade and club secretary, Ash O’Gara and A Grade player Matilda Candy leading the U19s netball team.
“We are disappointed that our new netball courts will not be ready for round one and we are working closely with the league and the council to facilitate what changes we need to make for the start of the season. The new netball changes rooms are fantastic, and we can’t wait to be able to use all our new facilities, hopefully sooner rather than later,” Julie said.
Good Friday kicks off the KFNC senior men’s football and netball season against Woodend and it’s shaping up to be a massive day at The Showgrounds.
