Bairnsdale began their 2026 Gippsland League netball campaign with a challenging fixture against Traralgon at the Traralgon Recreation Reserve last Saturday.
It was slim pickings for the Redlegs, with the solitary victory for the day coming in “A” grade—a tight match set up by an exceptional second-quarter performance by the visitors.
The 32-28 win was a great start for Bairnsdale, who hope to make the finals for a third straight year. Played on a wet and windy night, the Redlegs initially struggled to find their rhythm as Traralgon eased out to an early 10-8 lead.
Bairnsdale upped the intensity in the second term, highlighted by a “classic falcon” for Paris Dunkley, combining exceptional defensive pressure with Anna Mooney’s (24 goals) accurate shooting to grab a match-defining five-goal lead at the main break.
While rain and fading accuracy impacted the second half, the Redlegs regained their composure to keep the hosts at arm’s length. Marquee signing Chloe Felsbourg fitted into the structure seamlessly, allowing Sally Deller and Alison Dwyer to excel as a defensive duo that will be one of the strongest in the league this season.
Traralgon was victorious in “B” grade, 42-34, hitting the court with strong intent and proving a little too steady at the end of all four quarters. While the result didn’t fall their way, the Redlegs were never out of the contest, delivering a high-energy performance that showed resilience and exciting potential. With a foundation already set, the team is building nicely, with youngsters Isla Pearson and Heidi Allen impressing right from the first whistle.
In “C” grade, Traralgon drew away for a 45-29 victory after being matched by the Redlegs in the first half. Bairnsdale’s blend of youth and experience combined well, with Heidi Carter and Dani Johnson industrious in midcourt and Brooke Soulsby showing trademark grit against a much bigger opponent in defence. Annora Virgo (20) and Renee Scicluna (9) impressed in the forward sector, but the home side’s ability to convert in worsening conditions during the third period turned the game. Nonetheless, the Redlegs will reflect on the positives and have reason for optimism as the season unfolds.
The under 17 reigning premiers saw their title defence get off to a shaky start, going down to the Maroons 44-30. In a tough contest blighted by blustery conditions and on-court debris, Bairnsdale put up a strong effort but couldn’t quite execute their game plan. The team looks forward to strengthening on-court connections at training. The girls congratulated captain Liv Pearson (11) on her 100th game, a true testament to her dedication to the club. Among the best players were Maizy Duck and Ava Langley (13).
In the under 15s, the Redleg youngsters started strongly to show real promise for the coming year. A standout was the defensive effort, with Piper Crawley showing a great mindset via multiple intercepts and deflections. Bairnsdale’s goalers persisted to the end while the midcourt provided impressive feeding into the ring, with Lucy Emslie demonstrating excellent leads.
The Redlegs dominated the final quarter, but Traralgon’s earlier connection in the middle terms built an unassailable lead on their way to a 40-29 win. Tulli McLeod (17) and Macy Brodribb (10) look set for good seasons.
The under 13 clash was one of the more hard-fought of the day, with momentum changing drastically before the home side eventually secured a 32-27 win.
Despite a slow start, Bairnsdale found their rhythm, moving the ball quickly out of defence with long passing from Ally Wood-Laird and captain Tana Bazley.
The Redlegs were proud to feature the first male player to represent them in Gippsland League netball, with Miller Preston working extremely well with Olive Evans (22) in attack. With players absent, Sophie Brownlow stepped up from the development team and was solid in wing defence, as was Luca Smith at goalkeeper.
The Redlegs will host Leongatha at the Bairnsdale City Oval this Saturday.
