This merger has opened the door for the first time for hardcourt clubs to be accepted into the competition, with numbers in each division strong compared to previous years.
After a successful 2024/25 season for Kyabram Lawn Tennis Club including not one but two premierships across the grades, the first flags in over five years for the club, the club is looking to build on this success.
This season, KLTC will be fielding five senior teams, one more than in the previous season.
In GM2, The KLTC team will be hoping to build on back-to-back finals appearances to go that little bit further to break through for the club’s first premiership in the division.
The team will be a family affair, made up of four Starlings. Club coach David will be making a comeback following an injury-interrupted 2024/25 season, and will be accompanied by his wife, Sheree, and children Kade and Taylah.
The team will also continue to have one of the strongest men in the competition, Regan More, a previous MVP of the division who on his day can beat anyone in the competition.
The team also will contain Miley Morris, who continues to improve and will be looking to have a breakout season.
In GM3, Ky Lawn will be again fielding two teams, the first being the reigning premier Kyabram Redbacks.
Captained again by club life member Susie Bennett, the team will be aiming to make it back-to-back premierships in the division.
As previously, the team will be led by an impressive women’s side, which includes the return of fellow club life member Justine McConnell back into the team.
McConnell accompanying a team also containing local tennis legend Marg Haw will make for a formidable women’s side.
The men’s side will see the return of Sam McConnell, a previous GM2 player, as well as previous club champion and life member Barry Norton, who will both bring a lot to the team.
With most of the team going around again, its difficult to see how the Redbacks will not be a contender.
Accompanying the Redbacks will be a much improved and rebuilt GM3 Kyabram Bombers side.
After missing the finals in the past couple of seasons, the Bombers will be determined to make a deep run.
The team contains team captain Mitchell Cox and Abby Prycroft, who are dropping down from the GM2 competition last season and will bring valuable experience to the team.
The team will also see the return of Marissa Hooper, a steady presence for the younger girls in the team, including Alyssa Christou and last season’s Ladies Club Champion Rebekah Lawson.
On the men’s side, Ben Dickens in the pre-season looked to be a player to watch in the region, with his effortless power beginning to be paired with improved consistency. Dickens could be a big improver this season.
Club president Greg Tarrant, previous captain Zane Sutton and Evan Cooknell promoted from last year's GM4 Open side could make it one of the strongest line-ups in the division.
After the resounding success for Ky Lawn last season in the GM4 Open competition, winning the premiership at the first time asking, the club will be fielding two teams in this competition.
Last season’s premier, the Kyabram Bombers, will be looking to go back to back, and again will be a strong team.
Captained by Michael Argaet, the team contains a combination of the team that was so successful last season, as well as new players.
Scott Hausler again looks to be a dominant force in the division, with son Max making the jump to senior tennis after filling in last season.
Surprise packet of last season Amy Harrison looks to continue her steady improvement in only her second season of tennis.
The team will also field recruit Cameron Heard, who has previously played for Ky Lawn in the junior ranks.
Newcomers to GM4 Open, Kyabram Redbacks will be looking to make a splash early on.
The team contains a combination of last season’s premiership team, with Anthony Li and Rach Costello looking to build on impressive seasons and Leah Dennis who has previously played GM3 Likely to give the team valuable experience.
The team will also benefit from the return of Hugh Cunningham, back at the club following a season elsewhere.
The team is rounded out by juniors Luke Motton and Lachlan Rodriquez making the jump to senior tennis for the first time.
The Goulburn Murray Tennis Association season gets under way on Saturday, October 18.
