UPDATE: The Leongatha Football Netball Club has just announced two crucial changes to its team lineup ahead of the highly anticipated Gippsland League grand final on September 30, 2023. In a night filled with excitement, the club also revealed a significant funding boost of $250,000 for new training lights at Parrot Park, marking a major milestone for local sports.
During an event held on Thursday night, South Gippsland Mayor Cr John Schelling and Councillor Clare Williams were joined by Leongatha FNC vice president Al Fixter and Tom McIntosh, Labor Member for Eastern Victoria, to announce the funding. “This wouldn’t have happened without a couple of squeaky wheels,” Cr Williams stated. “Both Al Fixter and I have been the squeaky wheels for months trying to get this funded.”
The council’s contribution of $50,000 is a testament to their commitment to supporting local sports clubs, especially as they gear up for the finals. “We are well aware of the important role our football-netball clubs play in their communities,” Mayor Schelling emphasized.
In terms of team dynamics, Leongatha made two strategic changes, bringing back onballer Luke Bowman after his recovery from injury, alongside former premiership defender Jackson Harry, who has made a remarkable return after a serious knee injury. Meanwhile, Traralgon remains consistent, sticking with the same squad that triumphed over Moe last week, with only one change—Tate Marsh replaces Peter Strong.
The action kicks off at Morwell on Saturday, with the Under 13 netball grand final starting at 8:30 AM, followed by the main event featuring Leongatha against Traralgon at 2:30 PM. The atmosphere is electric as fans eagerly anticipate the matches, hoping for a victory that would complement the new investment in their facilities.
As the grand final day approaches, the community’s excitement is palpable. Leongatha’s coaches have named their teams across various age groups, highlighting the competitive spirit and dedication of local athletes. The stakes are high, not just for the players, but for the community rallying behind them.
Stay tuned for updates as the final countdown to the grand finals begins. The blend of local pride and sporting ambition makes this a must-watch event for all fans in the region.
