Ocean Grove coach Mel Holmes loves to use data and livestream footage to prep for the BFNL’s biggest games

An esteemed Bellarine premiership coach is using every possible angle to deliver the Grubbers a third title in a row.

Ruby Watson and Georgia Berry battle for the ball in the 2024 BFNL grand final. Picture: Mark Wilson

When it comes to Bellarine netball, Ocean Grove supercoach Mel Holmes is always looking for that extra inch.

Heavyweights of the past three BFNL seasons, her Grubbers and perennial contenders Geelong Amateur, are set to face off again at Queens Park Reserve this Saturday.

Both are 6-0 in 2025 and have maintained their utter dominance of the sport locally, post-pandemic.

The numbers are quite astounding.

Since the start of the 2022 season, the Ammos, who won the premiership that year over the Grubbers in a relative canter, have recorded 60 wins and suffered just six losses.

Meanwhile, Ocean Grove has a slightly inferior 54-12 record but have done it when it counts: in September.

The Grubbers, who beat the Ammos by five points in last season’s decider, are now chasing a BFNL threepeat.

Rhiannon Whitson and Darcy McFarlane have both left Ocean Grove and Geelong Amateur respectively. Picture: Mark Wilson

So it’s little wonder Holmes is looking for any possible advantage.

The education department worker – who relies on data to do her job to address behavioural issues at local schools – is known to assess any footage available when preparing for an opponent.

“As a coach, I have a job to do, and part of that is being fully prepared and informed,” Holmes said.

“That’s just how I operate — it doesn’t mean everyone does. I watch any streamed games and make notes.

“As a team, we focus on everything we need to do, but I like to be prepared and have some understanding of the opposition before game day.

“Same goes for game day statistics.

“Having the knowledge and data is powerful, and I make sure to take full advantage of it.”

She will need to, with Queenscliff also emerging as another threat to the throne this season, taking it up to the defending champions in Round 5 to go down by just four points.

The Coutas are also the only team to test the Ammos too this year, in a match decided by just 12 points.

However, it’s been the Grubbers, Ammos and few others when it comes to the premiership race in the past three seasons.

Mel Holmes during her Bell Post Hill days.

Holmes, a former Ammos player, says she has a huge amount of respect for the club, having spent a decade at Queens Park Reserve.

“I still have friends who are either playing or involved behind the scenes,” she said.

“’Shaz’ (Ford) and Keisha (Guilmartin) were my teammates in the 2015 A Grade premiership, and I played for years with (Geelong Amateur’s) Kim Hammond at Bell Post Hill and we’re still great friends.

“So naturally, I’m going to make the most of that inside intel.

Amanda O'Malley has signed with Ocean Grove.

“There are numerous connections between us both, with many of the players having either played alongside or competed against each other over the years.

“Come game day, it’s all about the win. The friendships will still be there afterwards.”

She said the rivalry between both clubs had grown significantly since 2022, although the playing lists have changed somewhat ahead of the season.

The Grubbers have picked up Werribee champion Amanda O’Malley, Gemma Bell and the returning Ashton O’Brien.

Geelong Amateur beat Barwon Heads 50-34 in Round 4. Picture: Alan Barber

Meanwhile, premiership players Bec O’Neil has retired, Jess Leader is unavailable, Anna Smith has gone to Leopold and dual premiership player Rhiannon Whitson has relocated to Melbourne.

Holmes described O’Malley, who she played against during her time with Bell Post Hill, as a “bloody tough” opponent.

“She’s an amazing pick up for us, she’s quality,” she said.

Meanwhile, Holme’s mate Hammond has joined the Ammos from Bell Park but is currently injured; Michelle Winch has joined from Colac while the Grubbers coach was expecting Kayla Donnellon and Lauren Lapsley, coming up from B Grade, to bolster their potency.

Continuing the connections, Holmes had played three B Grade grand finals with Donnellon.

“There’s connections galore,” Holmes said.

Ruby Watson, Darcy McFarlane and Romy Petrie-Harwood have departed the Ammos.

Originally published as Ocean Grove coach Mel Holmes loves to use data and livestream footage to prep for the BFNL’s biggest games