Bell Post Hill has had a strong start to the 2026 season obtaining impressive wins across all grades.
The 17-and-under team for the Panthers are currently sitting third on the ladder as they approach a bye round this week.
Star defender for the team, Shayla Murray, celebrated a milestone 100 games for the club last Saturday securing a one-goal win in a thrilling game against North Geelong.
“It was a good game, we all pushed,” reflected Shayla.
“The other team played really well and we played really well too.”
The 17-and-under team have played five games so far, winning three of those as they settle into the winter netball season.
“We’ve been playing really well this season,” Shayla explained.
“I really like playing with my team.”
As the season picks up, Shayla will head up to Essendon this Sunday for the Association Championships where her and other selected players from the league will compete in the Central West 17-and-under division.
When asked how she’s feeling ahead of the competition, Shayla admitted that she’s quite nervous but equally as excited.
“I have played the last association champs,” Shayla recalled.
“It was quite challenging because we came against really good teams.”
Netball Victoria’s Association Championships provides young netball players with an opportunity to showcase their talent and compete against high performance teams.
Shayla will play alongside teammate and midcourter, Scarlett Kaleta, both hoping to progress to Finals Day which will be held on Sunday, June 21.
Following Association Championships, Shayla and the 17-and-under squad will face the Belmont Lions next week who are yet to win a game this season.
Congratulations Shayla on your 100 games for Bell Post Hill and being selected to represent the Panthers at the Association Championships.
GDFNL 17&U squad: Alex McCashney (Geelong West), Tatiana Krali, Anastasiah Seaina, Ashlee Dumbleton (Werribee Centrals), Ashley Carson (Bannockburn), Holly Leak (Inverleigh), Maggie White (Bannockburn), Remy Smilovic, Ryla Carr (North Geelong) and Scarlett Kaleta (Bell Post Hill).
