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Shepparton’s front-court dynamo Kim Borger has departed the Bears after delivering the club its maiden A-grade premiership, with the playing coach set to join Riddell District Football Netball League club Gisborne Giants ahead of the 2027 season. The move draws the curtain on a glittering association with the Bears. Returning to the club in 2023 after a previous two-season stint in 2017-18, Borger quickly established herself as one of the league’s premier influences in the goal-ring after spending time with Melbourne Vixens and Netball Super League club Team Bath. In 2024, Borger claimed her first Wellman Medal as the A-grade competition’s best player after a previous runner-up placing in 2018, going on to become just the fifth player in the competition’s history to do the double after claiming the top gong again in 2025. She won with 37 votes – nine clear of the runner-up. It was a decorated year for Borger, who in her first season appointed as coach handed the club its first A-grade flag, playing a pivotal role in toppling reigning premier Euroa in last year’s grand final with 47 goals. Borger was reappointed coach for the 2026 campaign, all the while shooting 460 goals as the Bears progressed to finals. Her final outing came in the weekend’s elimination final defeat to Echuca, leading the Bears’ scoring with 29 goals. Around the league, minor premier Euroa has locked in long-time mentor Ellie Warnock for another season. The 2024 premiership coach continues into a seventh season with the club, which finds itself in the middle of a bid for a third straight grand final appearance. The Magpies defeated Mooroopna by three goals in the qualifying final and can progress to another decider if they defeat Echuca in the second semi-final at Kyabram this Sunday. Meanwhile, a do-or-die semi-final will take place at Seymour’s Kings Park 24 hours earlier. The Lions will face the Cats after defeating Mansfield by 10 goals in last weekend’s elimination final, with the winner progressing to a preliminary final.