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From the Archives: Netball
By number of participants, the MGGS Saturday Netball program is the largest competitive sport program offered at Melbourne Girls Grammar.
With over 300 girls participating each year, the program is an important part of the culture of sport at MGGS.
Participation, fun and skill development have always been the primary priorities of the program regardless of who’s been in charge or which team you’re part of.
We spoke with Rosie Kovacs, who was instrumental in setting up and developing the Saturday Netball program at MGGS in the 1990s, to hear about how it all started.
Participation, fun and skill development have always been the primary priorities of the program regardless of who’s been in charge or which team you’re part of.
We spoke with Rosie Kovacs, who was instrumental in setting up and developing the Saturday Netball program at MGGS in the 1990s, to hear about how it all started.
Participation, fun and skill development have always been the primary priorities of the program regardless of who’s been in charge or which team you’re part of.
We spoke with Rosie Kovacs, who was instrumental in setting up and developing the Saturday Netball program at MGGS in the 1990s, to hear about how it all started.
LOOKING BACK
In the late 1980s, Netball was an inter-school sport option for senior students but, with limited court space, there were limited places on teams. Senior boarders and their parents were often disappointed by this, as many had played in local associations from an early age but found it hard to make a team once arriving at Merton Hall. There were also no opportunities for Morris Hall students to play Netball.
Rosie Kovacs, a parent at the time, became influential in developing what we now know as the Saturday Netball program at MGGS. In 1988, the club was essentially formed at Morris Hall, with one team of eight girls coached by part-time staff member Rosalie Battaglia.
Recognising their “enthusiasm and talent”, Rosalie suggested entering the team in the Royal Park Competition under the name South Yarra Netball Club but wearing the MGGS uniform. It gave the girls a chance to test their skills in a more formal competition environment. While parents and students were eager to embrace Saturday sport as boys’ schools had, school-based support was initially absent. “The School at this stage was not supportive of our endeavours,” Rosie recalled. Undeterred, she stepped in personally to provide essential resources: “I supplied the balls, bibs, and paid the insurance”.
LOOKING BACK
In the late 1980s, Netball was an inter-school sport option for senior students but, with limited court space, there were limited places on teams. Senior boarders and their parents were often disappointed by this, as many had played in local associations from an early age but found it hard to make a team once arriving at Merton Hall. There were also no opportunities for Morris Hall students to play Netball.
Rosie Kovacs, a parent at the time, became influential in developing what we now know as the Saturday Netball program at MGGS. In 1988, the club was essentially formed at Morris Hall, with one team of eight girls coached by part-time staff member Rosalie Battaglia.
Recognising their “enthusiasm and talent”, Rosalie suggested entering the team in the Royal Park Competition under the name South Yarra Netball Club but wearing the MGGS uniform. It gave the girls a chance to test their skills in a more formal competition environment. While parents and students were eager to embrace Saturday sport as boys’ schools had, school-based support was initially absent. “The School at this stage was not supportive of our endeavours,” Rosie recalled. Undeterred, she stepped in personally to provide essential resources: “I supplied the balls, bibs, and paid the insurance”.
LOOKING BACK
In the late 1980s, Netball was an inter-school sport option for senior students but, with limited court space, there were limited places on teams. Senior boarders and their parents were often disappointed by this, as many had played in local associations from an early age but found it hard to make a team once arriving at Merton Hall. There were also no opportunities for Morris Hall students to play Netball.
Rosie Kovacs, a parent at the time, became influential in developing what we now know as the Saturday Netball program at MGGS. In 1988, the club was essentially formed at Morris Hall, with one team of eight girls coached by part-time staff member Rosalie Battaglia.
Recognising their “enthusiasm and talent”, Rosalie suggested entering the team in the Royal Park Competition under the name South Yarra Netball Club but wearing the MGGS uniform. It gave the girls a chance to test their skills in a more formal competition environment. While parents and students were eager to embrace Saturday sport as boys’ schools had, school-based support was initially absent. “The School at this stage was not supportive of our endeavours,” Rosie recalled. Undeterred, she stepped in personally to provide essential resources: “I supplied the balls, bibs, and paid the insurance”.
Young MGGS Netballers in the 1990s
Young MGGS Netballers in the 1990s
The Saturday Netball program depended heavily on a dedicated parent-led committee, with Rosie serving as President for nine years. Parents took on key responsibilities to register teams, manage logistics, and some even qualified as umpires. Rosie highlighted the contribution of volunteers, including Archie Monteiro and Dick Sandner, “who were there nearly every Saturday”. Alongside these efforts, Rosie launched a Netta Netball program for Year 2 girls, enabling them to play competitively at Royal Park the following year, an experience she found deeply fulfilling. Rosie still sees some of these students to this day.
The club’s growing popularity eventually led to a shift in attitude from the School. As interest and membership soared, the School allocated some funding to the program, allowing for the addition of more coaches. “Our program gained the attention of other girls’ schools”, Rosie remarked, noting that even MLC invited her to discuss MGGS’s Saturday Netball approach.
One of the program’s guiding principles was inclusivity: “Our most important achievement was accepting every girl who wanted to play and finding a team for them. Often, this was the first team they had been welcomed into”. This open-door approach led to a rapid increase in participation, growing from the original eight girls to a remarkable 13 teams and 130 players by the time Rosie stepped down as President.
Parents and students quickly embraced Saturday Netball as a regular part of the MGGS experience. “Every team had a training session during the week with a coach”, and to ensure full participation, parents organised rides to pick up boarders for practices and matches. Boarders’ parents would often attend finals matches and presentations, fostering friendships within the MGGS community. To enhance training quality, MGGS brought in coaches from the State Under-21 teams, who were greatly admired by the students for their positive, approachable demeanour. Eventually, the club appointed Heather Dawkins as Head Coach. Her expertise as a State coach and selector significantly strengthened MGGS’s competitiveness, even leading one Year 12 team to State League level.
Though resources were limited at first, the players’ enthusiasm more than made up for it. Rosie recalled, “The girls didn’t seem to notice [the lack of resources]. They seemed to be enjoying themselves and [were] conscientious with their training and match attendance”. Parents were supportive, willingly paying fees to cover essentials like registration and first-aid supplies. Over time, as the club gained financial backing from MGGS and parent donations, the resource pool expanded, enabling training and umpiring courses for volunteers and eventually, the return of Old Grammarians as umpires and coaches. This continuity, Rosie reflected, “...completed the circle and added to the spirit of the club.”
Decades on, Saturday Netball remains a cherished part of MGGS, with lasting friendships and connections formed through its supportive environment every year. One of the original teams, remarkably, has continued playing together for over 23 years and most of them now coach their daughters’ own teams. Rosie’s legacy on the MGGS Saturday Netball program is evident, with many of her original values remaining as core values of the program today. As she looks around at Boroondara Netball Association and Yarra Netball Association on Saturday mornings (where MGGS Saturday Netball teams now compete), watching her granddaughters, she looks back with pride on her role in creating this opportunity for MGGS girls to “have fun and make friends” through sport.
The Saturday Netball program depended heavily on a dedicated parent-led committee, with Rosie serving as President for nine years. Parents took on key responsibilities to register teams, manage logistics, and some even qualified as umpires. Rosie highlighted the contribution of volunteers, including Archie Monteiro and Dick Sandner, “who were there nearly every Saturday”. Alongside these efforts, Rosie launched a Netta Netball program for Year 2 girls, enabling them to play competitively at Royal Park the following year, an experience she found deeply fulfilling. Rosie still sees some of these students to this day.
The club’s growing popularity eventually led to a shift in attitude from the School. As interest and membership soared, the School allocated some funding to the program, allowing for the addition of more coaches. “Our program gained the attention of other girls’ schools”, Rosie remarked, noting that even MLC invited her to discuss MGGS’s Saturday Netball approach.
One of the program’s guiding principles was inclusivity: “Our most important achievement was accepting every girl who wanted to play and finding a team for them. Often, this was the first team they had been welcomed into”. This open-door approach led to a rapid increase in participation, growing from the original eight girls to a remarkable 13 teams and 130 players by the time Rosie stepped down as President.
Parents and students quickly embraced Saturday Netball as a regular part of the MGGS experience. “Every team had a training session during the week with a coach”, and to ensure full participation, parents organised rides to pick up boarders for practices and matches. Boarders’ parents would often attend finals matches and presentations, fostering friendships within the MGGS community. To enhance training quality, MGGS brought in coaches from the State Under-21 teams, who were greatly admired by the students for their positive, approachable demeanour. Eventually, the club appointed Heather Dawkins as Head Coach. Her expertise as a State coach and selector significantly strengthened MGGS’s competitiveness, even leading one Year 12 team to State League level.
Though resources were limited at first, the players’ enthusiasm more than made up for it. Rosie recalled, “The girls didn’t seem to notice [the lack of resources]. They seemed to be enjoying themselves and [were] conscientious with their training and match attendance”. Parents were supportive, willingly paying fees to cover essentials like registration and first-aid supplies. Over time, as the club gained financial backing from MGGS and parent donations, the resource pool expanded, enabling training and umpiring courses for volunteers and eventually, the return of Old Grammarians as umpires and coaches. This continuity, Rosie reflected, “...completed the circle and added to the spirit of the club.”
Decades on, Saturday Netball remains a cherished part of MGGS, with lasting friendships and connections formed through its supportive environment every year. One of the original teams, remarkably, has continued playing together for over 23 years and most of them now coach their daughters’ own teams. Rosie’s legacy on the MGGS Saturday Netball program is evident, with many of her original values remaining as core values of the program today. As she looks around at Boroondara Netball Association and Yarra Netball Association on Saturday mornings (where MGGS Saturday Netball teams now compete), watching her granddaughters, she looks back with pride on her role in creating this opportunity for MGGS girls to “have fun and make friends” through sport.
1996 Year 12 First team receiving awards. They won a premiership every year in Senior Years.
1996 Year 12 First team receiving awards. They won a premiership every year in Senior Years.
1996 Year 12 First team receiving awards. They won a premiership every year in Senior Years.
TODAY
In 2024, the Richmond and Boroondara Saturday Netball programs1 were the two most popular programs on offer at MGGS. Having competitions catering for girls in Years 2 to 12, it is no wonder why participation rates have increased.
“Netball has been a key component of my journey through MGGS...inspiring me more and more each year with its inclusive culture.” – Charlize Brown, Year 11 (2025 Netball Captain)
In 2024, 157 students in Years 8 to 12, and 155 students from Years 2 to 7 played competitively and were coached by 47 coaches.
We asked some current MGGS netballers to reflect on their experience in the MGGS Saturday Netball program so far:
“When volunteer coaching at Netball FUNdamentals and for SSV Netball, it encouraged a bond between the ‘big girls’ and ‘little girls’. Being involved in the roots of the Netball program reminded me of how far the MGGS Netball program reaches, not just to my Year 9 teammates... A favourite memory of mine was our Grand Final in 2022; this is a bittersweet memory as we did lose by one goal, but that's not how I choose to remember it. I remember the positive attitudes and bonding that it took to make it to this final, and the lasting friendships that this final created”. – Harriet Ellard, Year 11 (2025 Netball Vice Captain)
“I like that you are able to become a coach and continue to play. I have become an assistant netball coach which allows me to be able to work while still managing my busy schedule due to other sports. I still have time to play netball as well. The netball community has made fitting in netball with school and life so much easier and enjoyable.” – Gabrielle Sofra, Year 10
“Since Year 5, I have been involved in the Netball program every year; SSV Netball, GSV Netball, and Boroondara Saturday Netball have been such a special part of my experience at MGGS.” – Eleni Kiriacoulacos, Year 11
“From the early morning training sessions to game days filled with excitement, it’s the friendships and shared experiences that have made netball such a central part of my time at the School. Joining the Richmond netball program in Year 7 helped me form bonds that have grown stronger over the years. The MGGS netball community has not only given me an opportunity to stay active and challenge myself, but also a space where I feel supported and connected. It has shaped my experience at MGGS by giving me a network of friends and a sense of belonging that has made my time here truly unforgettable.” – Sara Blennerhassett, Year 10
TODAY
In 2024, the Richmond and Boroondara Saturday Netball programs1 were the two most popular programs on offer at MGGS. Having competitions catering for girls in Years 2 to 12, it is no wonder why participation rates have increased.
“Netball has been a key component of my journey through MGGS...inspiring me more and more each year with its inclusive culture.” – Charlize Brown, Year 11 (2025 Netball Captain)
In 2024, 157 students in Years 8 to 12, and 155 students from Years 2 to 7 played competitively and were coached by 47 coaches.
We asked some current MGGS netballers to reflect on their experience in the MGGS Saturday Netball program so far:
“When volunteer coaching at Netball FUNdamentals and for SSV Netball, it encouraged a bond between the ‘big girls’ and ‘little girls’. Being involved in the roots of the Netball program reminded me of how far the MGGS Netball program reaches, not just to my Year 9 teammates... A favourite memory of mine was our Grand Final in 2022; this is a bittersweet memory as we did lose by one goal, but that's not how I choose to remember it. I remember the positive attitudes and bonding that it took to make it to this final, and the lasting friendships that this final created”. – Harriet Ellard, Year 11 (2025 Netball Vice Captain)
“I like that you are able to become a coach and continue to play. I have become an assistant netball coach which allows me to be able to work while still managing my busy schedule due to other sports. I still have time to play netball as well. The netball community has made fitting in netball with school and life so much easier and enjoyable.” – Gabrielle Sofra, Year 10
“Since Year 5, I have been involved in the Netball program every year; SSV Netball, GSV Netball, and Boroondara Saturday Netball have been such a special part of my experience at MGGS.” – Eleni Kiriacoulacos, Year 11
“From the early morning training sessions to game days filled with excitement, it’s the friendships and shared experiences that have made netball such a central part of my time at the School. Joining the Richmond netball program in Year 7 helped me form bonds that have grown stronger over the years. The MGGS netball community has not only given me an opportunity to stay active and challenge myself, but also a space where I feel supported and connected. It has shaped my experience at MGGS by giving me a network of friends and a sense of belonging that has made my time here truly unforgettable.” – Sara Blennerhassett, Year 10
TODAY
In 2024, the Richmond and Boroondara Saturday Netball programs1 were the two most popular programs on offer at MGGS. Having competitions catering for girls in Years 2 to 12, it is no wonder why participation rates have increased.
“Netball has been a key component of my journey through MGGS...inspiring me more and more each year with its inclusive culture.” – Charlize Brown, Year 11 (2025 Netball Captain)
In 2024, 157 students in Years 8 to 12, and 155 students from Years 2 to 7 played competitively and were coached by 47 coaches.
We asked some current MGGS netballers to reflect on their experience in the MGGS Saturday Netball program so far:
“When volunteer coaching at Netball FUNdamentals and for SSV Netball, it encouraged a bond between the ‘big girls’ and ‘little girls’. Being involved in the roots of the Netball program reminded me of how far the MGGS Netball program reaches, not just to my Year 9 teammates... A favourite memory of mine was our Grand Final in 2022; this is a bittersweet memory as we did lose by one goal, but that's not how I choose to remember it. I remember the positive attitudes and bonding that it took to make it to this final, and the lasting friendships that this final created”. – Harriet Ellard, Year 11 (2025 Netball Vice Captain)
“I like that you are able to become a coach and continue to play. I have become an assistant netball coach which allows me to be able to work while still managing my busy schedule due to other sports. I still have time to play netball as well. The netball community has made fitting in netball with school and life so much easier and enjoyable.” – Gabrielle Sofra, Year 10
“Since Year 5, I have been involved in the Netball program every year; SSV Netball, GSV Netball, and Boroondara Saturday Netball have been such a special part of my experience at MGGS.” – Eleni Kiriacoulacos, Year 11
“From the early morning training sessions to game days filled with excitement, it’s the friendships and shared experiences that have made netball such a central part of my time at the School. Joining the Richmond netball program in Year 7 helped me form bonds that have grown stronger over the years. The MGGS netball community has not only given me an opportunity to stay active and challenge myself, but also a space where I feel supported and connected. It has shaped my experience at MGGS by giving me a network of friends and a sense of belonging that has made my time here truly unforgettable.” – Sara Blennerhassett, Year 10
Year 11 A Hurricanes Netball Team
MGGS First Team, the Merton Squad
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Year 10 A Bolts Netball Team
Year 4 Volcanoes Netball Team
Year 11 A Hurricanes Netball Team
MGGS First Team, the Merton Squad
Year 10 A Bolts Netball Team
Year 4 Volcanoes Netball Team
In addition to altering training schedules, re-introducing a second training session for senior students, previous Head of Netball, Emma Wildig, reintroduced a traditional ‘firsts’ netball team, the 'Merton Squad', in 2021. Senior Years students from Years 9 to 12 were able to try out for the team, should they wish to compete at the highest level within the School’s program. The team was entered into the highest division at BNA, Premier Open.
The Merton Squad in 2024 was made up of 12 students from Years 8 to 12, coached by Head of Netball, Roz Montgomery. They had a fabulous season, marked by a genuine love of the sport and the relationships they built with each other. They concluded their season in second place and earned a spot in the Grand Final against reigning Premiers, Genazzano. With a whole host of MGGS students, staff and parent supporters on the sidelines, the Grand Final did not disappoint, with only a one-point margin separating the teams for the majority of the game. In the dying seconds Genazzano just managed to get up by one, taking the Premiership.
Congratulations to the 2024 Merton Squad: Charlotte Cooney (Year 12; Captain), Sophie Johnson (Year 12; Vice Captain), Georgie Cameron (Year 12), Edie McLachlan (Year 11; Vice Captain), Imogen Perrett (Year 10), Ruby Cheetham (Year 10), Ruby Morley (Year 10), Claudia Kogler (Year 9), Cleo McLachlan (Year 9), Ella Will (Year 9) and Sofia Barnaby (Year 8).
A big thank you is owed to Zoe Paul and Saskia Dowd (both Year 12) for their roles leading the MGGS Netball Community as the 2024 Netball Captains.
References
- Years 2 to 7 compete in the Yarra Netball Association in Richmond while Years 8 to 12 compete at Boroondara Netball Association (BNA) in Balwyn North.
In addition to altering training schedules, re-introducing a second training session for senior students, previous Head of Netball, Emma Wildig, reintroduced a traditional ‘firsts’ netball team, the 'Merton Squad', in 2021. Senior Years students from Years 9 to 12 were able to try out for the team, should they wish to compete at the highest level within the School’s program. The team was entered into the highest division at BNA, Premier Open.
The Merton Squad in 2024 was made up of 12 students from Years 8 to 12, coached by Head of Netball, Roz Montgomery. They had a fabulous season, marked by a genuine love of the sport and the relationships they built with each other. They concluded their season in second place and earned a spot in the Grand Final against reigning Premiers, Genazzano. With a whole host of MGGS students, staff and parent supporters on the sidelines, the Grand Final did not disappoint, with only a one-point margin separating the teams for the majority of the game. In the dying seconds Genazzano just managed to get up by one, taking the Premiership.
Congratulations to the 2024 Merton Squad: Charlotte Cooney (Year 12; Captain), Sophie Johnson (Year 12; Vice Captain), Georgie Cameron (Year 12), Edie McLachlan (Year 11; Vice Captain), Imogen Perrett (Year 10), Ruby Cheetham (Year 10), Ruby Morley (Year 10), Claudia Kogler (Year 9), Cleo McLachlan (Year 9), Ella Will (Year 9) and Sofia Barnaby (Year 8).
A big thank you is owed to Zoe Paul and Saskia Dowd (both Year 12) for their roles leading the MGGS Netball Community as the 2024 Netball Captains.
References
- Years 2 to 7 compete in the Yarra Netball Association in Richmond while Years 8 to 12 compete at Boroondara Netball Association (BNA) in Balwyn North.
In addition to altering training schedules, re-introducing a second training session for senior students, previous Head of Netball, Emma Wildig, reintroduced a traditional ‘firsts’ netball team, the 'Merton Squad', in 2021. Senior Years students from Years 9 to 12 were able to try out for the team, should they wish to compete at the highest level within the School’s program. The team was entered into the highest division at BNA, Premier Open.
The Merton Squad in 2024 was made up of 12 students from Years 8 to 12, coached by Head of Netball, Roz Montgomery. They had a fabulous season, marked by a genuine love of the sport and the relationships they built with each other. They concluded their season in second place and earned a spot in the Grand Final against reigning Premiers, Genazzano. With a whole host of MGGS students, staff and parent supporters on the sidelines, the Grand Final did not disappoint, with only a one-point margin separating the teams for the majority of the game. In the dying seconds Genazzano just managed to get up by one, taking the Premiership.
Congratulations to the 2024 Merton Squad: Charlotte Cooney (Year 12; Captain), Sophie Johnson (Year 12; Vice Captain), Georgie Cameron (Year 12), Edie McLachlan (Year 11; Vice Captain), Imogen Perrett (Year 10), Ruby Cheetham (Year 10), Ruby Morley (Year 10), Claudia Kogler (Year 9), Cleo McLachlan (Year 9), Ella Will (Year 9) and Sofia Barnaby (Year 8).
A big thank you is owed to Zoe Paul and Saskia Dowd (both Year 12) for their roles leading the MGGS Netball Community as the 2024 Netball Captains.
References
- Years 2 to 7 compete in the Yarra Netball Association in Richmond while Years 8 to 12 compete at Boroondara Netball Association (BNA) in Balwyn North.