After a second week of grading matches we thought we would check in with some of our new clubs. Learn a bit more about the faces you'll see at the SDNA courts in 2022.
Aspendale Arrows
Aspendale Arrows Netball Club have expanded the number of teams in the SFNL for 2022. AANC were invited into the SFNL in 2016 to field an under 19 team, when the League was looking to offer a pathway from SDNA (Springvale and District NA) to the senior competition when players were over 18 years old. Aspendale Arrows NC have had successful years since joining the SFNL finishing 2021 as minor premiers in B1 grade. Aspendale Arrows NC are a junior club and have had a relationship with Edi-Asp Netball Club as a feeder club to senior netball. The Arrows have over 28 teams at a junior level from under nines to under seventeens and a strong NetSetGo program. SFNL welcome the senior players to compete in the A1 and A3 grades, with their development team again playing in B1 in 2022.
Cranbourne
Donning the royal blue and gold, Cranbourne have come across from the Outer East Football Netball League and look to have a big impact on the SFNL. Cranbourne has been in four different leagues in the last sixteen years, the old MPNFL, Casey Cardinia, SEFNL and the Outer East. The Club has committed to long term sustainability and plans to stay with the SFNL for the foreseeable future. After a great show of player retention, the Eagles are more than prepared to take on some of the league's heavy hitters. Already looking incredibly organised with their club marquee at the SDNA courts, the club are entering the new season with a positive mindset and a great playing roster. The Eagles are prepared to go head-to-head with SFNL netball mainstays and look forward to getting their name on the honour board for 2022.
Doveton Doves
The Doveton Doves have flown south into 2022, joining the SFNL alongside Cranbourne from the OEFNL. Backed by a strong junior program, the netballers in green and black are sure to stand out on the courts. The Doves have moved across believing that joining the League would be putting their best foot forward to continue strengthening the clubs Netball department. Looking to the future they look to improve on retention, recruitment and player success. With games played at SDNA courts and locally at the Olive Road Sports Complex, they look prepared to achieve their goals. Their most recent premiership was in the 2019 C-Grade competition however they will have their eyes set on more silverware this season.
East Malvern
The Panthers have pushed for a Netball side for several years but the Covid-19 Pandemic has halted any momentum the club could gather. Now that we are looking towards a fresh start in 2022 the Southern Football Netball League is excited to see another club transition to a Football/Netball club. Netball Coordinator Jenna Milligan has led a new look East Malvern into the Netball side of the SFNL, recruiting from across the inner suburbs of Melbourne. Locals, family and friends have come together to launch this new era of sporting success at East Malvern FNC.
