GFNL 2025 netball preview: Monika Hammond, Mary Place, Jessie Lang among new-look Colac A-grade side

A longtime A-grade contender, Colac is turning the page under a new coach, following a handful of big-name departures. But there has long been enough talent at Central Reserve to tap into.

Meg Saultry

4 min read

April 14, 2025 - 4:06PM

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Geelong

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With change comes opportunity, and for Colac, there is plenty of scope to grow in 2025, according to new coach David Boyce.

Among the league’s top A-grade contenders in recent years – they won back-to-back flags in 2022-23 – the Tigers will look different in 2025 following the departures of several key players, including star defender Indya Forde, reigning joint league best and fairest Eliza Cahill, and goaling sisters Michelle and Bec Winch.

What that means for their finals chances is yet to be seen, but with the club fresh off a B-grade premiership, there has been more than enough talent at Central Reserve for Boyce to tap into.

Monika Hammond and Jessie Lang, pictured with last year’s B-grade premiership, step into the Tigers’ A-grade midcourt this year. Picture: Alan Barber

With captain Emily Murfitt and emerging talents Chloe Hay and Ava Cuolahan the three returnees, it’s given B-grade premiership players Mary Place, Jessie Lang, Monika Hammond, Rachael Darwin and Layla Holt the chance to step up.

“I think that’s the word – exciting,” Boyce said.

“We’ve had quite a few girls leave from the A-grade team this year, but it’s given some terrific opportunity for some of those B-grade girls that did so well last year, winning the cup.

“And they’re excited about that too, but they also understand it’s a big step up from B to A.”

Supporters got their first look at the Tigers’ new line-up on Saturday in their round 0 fixture against Bell Park.

The Dragons prevailed 62-51 – but Boyce saw more than enough to know there was positive signs for growth this season.

“As the cliche goes, ‘Rome wasn’t built in a day’, it’s certainly a bit of a rebuilding year, a development year and it’s an opportunity to really work hard on the combinations and see what we can achieve,” he said.

“There is a lot of skill there, we just need to gel it together nicely.”

Colac captain Emily Murfitt leads the new-look Tigers in 2025. Picture: Mark Wilson

Colac's Mary Place (right, pictured in last year’s B-grade grand final) has stepped up to A grade this year. Picture: Alan Barber

After holding down the WA position in recent years, Murfitt has moved into the goal circle to form a budding combination with Place.

Place impressed with her accuracy in the Tigers’ first fixture, sinking 35 goals at 89.7 per cent accuracy, while last year – her first with the Tigers – she finished the season with 704 at 85 per cent in 23 games across A and B grade.

“Mary’s a terrific goaler – she and Emily just need to get used to working together,” Boyce said.

Meanwhile, Lang – best on court in the Tigers’ B-grade premiership – steps back up to A-grade, her move down last year in search of more consistent game time.

The wing attack is expected to bring great speed through the Tigers’ midcourt, as she works in tandem with Hay and Hammond, who will provide more defensive cover.

“She (Jessie) had a great year last year – she’s got terrific ball skills,” Boyce said.

“Chloe probably didn’t see a lot of a-grade time last year but she’ll see a lot more this year – I lot of it is a bit new to her.

“And Monika’s just a workhorse, does not stop, just works and grafts and she can play across the C and WD role.”

“We don’t have a lot of height, so we have to make up for it in other areas, by just being dogged and relentless.

“Both those girls (Chloe and Monika) will be able to bring that and get better along the way.”

Meanwhile, Holt made her A-grade debut in round 0, forming a key defensive pairing with Cuolahan, with Darwin expected to return for the Tigers’ next game, the defender unavailable for round 0.

B-graders Emily Darcy and Annalie Lawrence made their A-grade debuts off the bench, with Boyce hopeful of giving top-grade opportunity to both players – and other B-graders – as the year goes on.

The Tigers won’t be seen again until April 26 as they navigate a tricky early season fixture, including a round 1 bye and the league-wide Easter bye a week after.

But Boyce insisted the Tigers would maintain their work standard at trainings and in scratch matches, their next game against Leopold another good test for where the Tigers sit - and where they can go this year.

Bell Park

Last year: 7th.

INS: Charlotte Morey (South Barwon), Phoebe Wilson (returning), Laura Kilpatrick (prev. Tatura), Steph Hicks (Winchelsea), Matilda Pollard (Camperdown), Lucy Butcher, Enna Murray (promoted/development players).

OUTS: Kim Hammond (Geelong Amateur).

Coach: Jayne Soden.

Colac

Last year: 5th

INS: Mary Place, Jessie Lang, Layla Holt, Monika Hammond, Rachael Darwin (promoted/B-grade).

OUTS: Bridget Aughton (Torquay), Amy Hammond (maternity), Michelle Winch (Thomson football), Eliza Cahill (Colac Imperials), Bec Winch, Indya Forde.

Coach: David Boyce.

Geelong West

Last year: 4th

INS: Charli Hoey (returning), Zoe Prentice (Corowa-Rutherglen), Eloise Ritchie (Lake Wendouree), Kealey Moore (North Albury).

OUTS: Hannah Buchanan.

Coach: Dale Smith.

Grovedale

Last year: 11th

INS: Eunice Kidmas (Tasmania), Gabby Beaver (promoted/B-grade), Sky Fulton, Tarnee Orr.

OUTS: Tahlia McConachy, Ellen Brown, Ellie Feldman.

Coach: Rachaell Randall.

Lara

Last year: 10th

INS: Tilly Baker, Millie Van Diemen (VNL 23&Us), Caitlin Hendrickson (Werribee Centrals), Kaitlyn Haustorfer (promoted/ B-grade), Tori Hoffman (returning/injury).

OUTS: Courtney Lino (year off), Rikki Van gemert (Lorne), Keah Goodwin (travel).

Coach: Chris Camilleri.