By Jordyn Grubisic
Broadford Football Netball Club A Grade netballers came out firing on Saturday defeating Alexandra 69 to 27 and recording their highest score of the season.
The win lifts the Kangaroos up to second position on the Outer East Football Netball League division two A Grade ladder, two wins behind ladder leaders Warburton-Millgrove.
It was a significant day for the club, with the A Grade netballers and senior footballers wearing specially designed uniforms for the first time to celebrate First Nations Round.

Broadford’s A Grade coach Ash Chapman said it was an incredible performance by his side, who came out firing to lead 18-4 in the first quarter.
“The game was exceptional. The team were really focused and prepared,” he said.
“The way that we executed our preparation and game plan really gave us a jump in the first quarter.
“I am really proud of the group. We are settling into our routines and structures at the right time of the season which is great.
“It was such an incredible weekend for the club celebrating NAIDOC and becoming the first group of people to wear a First Nations uniform. The team really did the uniform proud by playing with pride and dominating on the court.”

The Kangaroos continued their momentum in the second quarter leading by 29 goals heading into halftime, and didn’t take their foot off the accelerator for the rest of the game, extending its lead to 36 before eventually taking the win by 42.
“I was really pleased to see the team execute the basic skills at an exceptional intensity throughout the match,” Chapman said.
“Our ability to control the play and drive the ball at speed was impressive.
“We were able to turn the ball over and convert it to scoreboard pressure which is something we have struggled with in the early part of the season.
“Converting gained ball was a huge help for us resulting in our biggest score of the season.”
Goal shooter Renee Sari was a clear target for Broadford players to feed the ball to, while midcourters Ally Black and Bree Chapman had strong connections in attack.
Megan Berger provided Broadford’s defence with an intimidating presence and relished a freedom to hunt and attack the ball.
Chapman said all players had a great game contributing to the victory.
“There wasn’t a standout performer to be honest. It was a complete team performance,” he said.
“All players applied smothering and aggressive defence, and slick ball movement and speed in attack.
“Each player was able to compete and win their position.”
Broadford’s B Grade, on top of the ladder, scored a massive 91-10 win, while C Grade won 41-14 and the under 17s went down 10-14.
Broadford has a bye this Saturday.
Signs of improvement for Broadford

In a tough task for Broadford senior footballers against second-placed Alexandra, the Roos showed improvement and glimpses of quality football at Harley Hammond Reserve on Saturday.
The final score was Alexandra 6.7 (43) to Broadford’s 16.8 (104), with the home side’s lapses in the second and third quarter cost them dearly.
Last time the two sides met, on June 3, Alexandra won by 99 points.
The Rebels went in with a 14-point lead at quarter time, but as the Kangaroos struggled to convert on the scoreboard in the second term, it was Alexandra who slammed on five goals to control the game.

In the third term, Alexandra extended its lead to 67 points, booting another five goals as Broadford only managed one.
But the Roos bounced back in the last term to finish the game strongly, outscoring the Rebels four goals to three.
Broadford’s coach Jayden Welch, with four goals, captain Liam Lucas and Tom Knight were named among the best on ground.

Earlier in the day, Broadford Reserves scored an important 11-point win over third-placed Alexandra to keep their finals’ chances alive.
The win bumped the Reserves up into the top four, but only as percentage, with the remaining four games of the season now vital.
Broadford has a bye this weekend.