Sport
9 April, 2026
‘Heritage round’ for season opener
ROUND one of the Warrnambool and District Football Netball League will see Kolora-Noorat host Panmure this Saturday at the Noorat Recreation Reserve.
The Power go into the 2026 season with minimal changes to its list and will hope its talented young playing group can continue to improve.
Shane Scanlon, Kolora-Noorat’s inaugural coach in 2003, has returned to the role in 2026 after serving as an assistant to 2025 co-coaches Sam Uwland and Justin Wallace.
Both Uwland and Wallace will remain in Power colours as players this season.
Jack Lehmann has made the move over from Terang Mortlake, with Oscar Curran moving to the Bloods to test himself at Hampden league level after three senior seasons at Kolora-Noorat.
Neil Kelly is the new reserves coach and will have Brad Holmes as his assistant.
Age groups for junior football have changed in the Warrnambool league, with Paul Messer to coach the under 18.5 team and the under 13.5s to be coached by experienced junior coach Paul Dunn.
Unfortunately, Kolora-Noorat has been forced to withdraw from the under 16 football competition due to a lack of numbers.
Lillie Bourke has been reappointed as A grade netball coach, joined in the role by Fiona Bourke, who has extensive playing and coaching experience in Melbourne, including playing in the state league.
Tara Elliott, a former Power junior with Hampden league experience, joins after playing the past three seasons at Rokewood-Corindhap.
Defender May Suhan, a cousin to Lillie Bourke, joins from Terang Mortlake, with Sophie Lehmann joining from Winchelsea.
Reigning best and fairest winner Courtney Garner is taking a year off, as is Kate Jubb, while Renae Reynolds has returned to Mininera club Woorndoo Mortlake, while Rose Beasley and teenage goal keeper Nellie Sadler have moved away for university.
Jess Beasley will take charge of the Power’s 17 and under netballers, Chelsea Lucas and Alexis Ameduri will lead the 15 and under team, with the 13 and under netballers to be coached by Matilda Curran and Isla Nolan.
Kolora-Noorat has branded its opening round home game as ‘Heritage Round’, with the club encouraging old players and supporters of the former Glenormiston, Kolora, The Sisters and Noorat clubs to share stories and bring along any memorabilia they may have.