CARDROSS will hope Bronte Burgess’s knack for making an impact repeats itself.
The goal defender took out the Lions A Grade best and fairest in her first season at the club in 2024, and now takes on the mantle of coach of the netball squad for the new season.
Cardross will look to improve on last year’s sixth place finish as they aim to return to the Millewa Football and Netball League finals for the first time since 2022.
Originally from Myrtleford where she won multiple best and fairest awards with the Ovens and Murray League club, Burgess was relatively new to the region last year but found a new home at the Lions’ den.
“I’m so stoked, excited, and the girls are really keen as well,” she said of the new role.
“Last year went better than I expected, I came into the season not knowing much about the club or any of the girls and I’ve come out with the best friends I’ve made in town.
“I mostly played centre in Myrtleford but played goal defence the whole year with Cardross. I was always told I was never tall enough to be a defender but I must have done okay.
“Playing alongside Charlotte McKendrick in GK, she became one of my best friends at the club and I love playing alongside her in defence.”
Cardross, who last won the A Grade premiership in 2017, will open their season against Bambill at Lake Cullulleraine during League Celebration Round, which marks 100 years of Millewa competition.
With both the men’s and women’s football teams making grand finals last year, and the Lions B Grade netballers also finishing in top four, Burgess said the club is in high spirits for the new year.
“It’s a great family club which provide so much support for each other,” she said.
“We backed the girls and boys footy teams all year and supported them into making the grand finals, and our B Grade girls who made it to the semi finals as well.
“We have a couple of newcomers in the netball this year which is great to see. The A Grade side is definitely looking stronger this year, and with new players comes extra depth for B grade and C Grade as well.
“We want to reward players who are playing well in different grades and give them opportunities at the next grade if they deserve it.
“It’s not about individuals out there on the court, it’s about the team and the club and doing the best we can for them.”
