BALRANALD’S 14-year-old goal-scoring machine, Melody Cimino, has smashed through the 500-goal mark in the Central Murray under-15 netball competition.
It’s a record-breaking performance that has the club buzzing and rivals shaking their heads in disbelief.
Melody made the milestone last weekend, sinking a massive 63 goals in her side’s match against Nyah Nyah West United.
The 500th shot swished through in front of a well-prepared crowd, with teammates, coaches and family ready to celebrate.
“We had a run around the court, her mum was near the court with the horn, and everyone was cheering,” Balranald netball co-ordinator Amelia Calleja said.
“Mel’s quite a reserved girl, but her face just lit up with excitement once everyone started cheering.
“It was really nice to see.”
Melody’s tally doesn’t stop there. Including the games she’s filled in for Balranald’s under-17 side, her season total for 2025 has reached a phenomenal 560 goals.
Twice this year she’s shot more than 60 in a single match, cementing her status as the team’s main attacking weapon.
Standing tall in the goal ring and known for her strong rebounding, Melody has been a consistent scoring force rarely seen in the club’s junior ranks.
“We haven’t had a strong, consistent shooter in juniors like Mel for a very long time,” Ms Calleja said.
“She’s always over at the courts after school, training and putting shots up.”
Her shooting pedigree appears to be in the blood.
Ms Calleja remembers playing alongside Melody’s mother in her own junior days.
“Her mum could shoot a goal from anywhere in the ring … a really good shooter” she said.
Balranald’s under-15 coach Sarah Campbell said Melody’s dedication and accuracy point to a “bright future” in senior netball.
“She’ll definitely be one of our star shooters for the club,” Ms Campbell said.
