Netballers Head for Nationals in Adelaide

Catherine McAuley College Bendigo (CMCB) is once again sending a team to the Schools in Action National All Schools Netball Challenge for girls.

The 2025 competition will be held in Adelaide, South Australia, at Netball SA Stadium from Monday 1 to Wednesday 3 September. The Challenge will follow a round robin format, culminating in a finals series on Wednesday. CMCB will compete in the Year 9/10 High Performance division, alongside six other schools.

The CMCB Team comprises seven Year 9 students and five Year 10 students. They have been training together at the Mercy Junortoun Sporting Precinct on Tuesday mornings before school since the start of August. These sessions have already proven to be incredibly valuable, giving players the time and opportunity to refine various aspects of their gameplay.  Beyond this development, the training sessions have also allowed our coach Clare Hope the opportunity to observe how the team functions as a unit.  With most players capable of playing in multiple positions, this versatility is proving to be a real asset.  The team’s depth of talent and on-court flexibility is a rare and exciting prospect – one that we hope will prove to be a strategic edge when the team takes to the court in Adelaide.

Speaking about their experience so far, team members are enthusiastic:

“It’s been so exciting, and this has been an amazing experience.”

“I’m sooooo excited and grateful to be playing with this great group of girls.”

“The excitement is real, it’s been awesome and I can’t wait for next week.”

“To be honest I’m not a morning person, but I know that our early morning training sessions will be worth it in the long run.”

Students are excitedly anticipating next week’s competition in Adelaide:

“I am really excited to play in this team, and in this high level of competition.  I am also looking forward to the opportunity of going away together as a team.”

“I’m looking forward to experiencing the time out of school in a team environment that runs over a few days.”

“I am very excited to play some high-quality netball with my friends.”

“I am looking forward to playing against schools from other states.”

Coach, Mrs Clare Hope and Manager, Mrs Maree Pearce are “thrilled to once again have the opportunity to compete at this incredible event. The past two years have been an unforgettable journey for everyone involved, and travelling to Adelaide with this remarkably talented team is very exciting. The depth of skill within the squad is exceptional, and we can’t wait to see what they can accomplish on court.”

CMCB has an impressive track record in the competition, having won the inaugural Challenge in 2023 and achieving runners-up in 2024.

“We wish our National All Schools Netball Team the very best for the competition ahead. The players have all represented the College this year in local and Victoria-wide competitions, playing with skill and integrity. I am sure they will be wonderful ambassadors for our College on the national stage.” (Mr Frank Dullard, Executive Deputy Principal)

COMPETITION DRAW

Monday 1st September

• 10.30am: Round 1 – Bye
• 12.30pm: Round 2 vs St Aloysius Catholic College (TAS)
• 2.30pm: Round 3 vs Bendigo ADP

Tuesday 2nd September

• 9.00am: Round 4 vs Melville Senior High School (WA)
• 11.00am: Round 5 vs Marsden State High School (QLD)
• 2.45pm: Round 6 vs Kildare Catholic College (NSW)

Wednesday 3rd September

• 10.00am: Semi Finals (1 v 4 & 2 v 3)

RESULTS

• Results can be followed on this link: Stack Tourney