NETBALL

By BLAKE METCALF-HOLT

 

PLAYERS returned to the court in 2025 across all three local competitions in the Gippsland League, Mid Gippsland Football-Netball league, and North Gippsland FNL.

The season brings with it new hope and excitement for every club.

For younger netballers, it’s a chance to stretch ahead and experience all that comes with the sport at the top level locally – while more experienced players bask in their shot at seeing out a season and holding the cup by the end, some for the last time.

 

Gippsland League

NOT much may have changed in the Gippsland League standings as we enter a new season.

The top three to four teams appear to be just the same as where we left off, but an old premier may have risen from the ashes.

Reigning back-to-back premier Moe made light work of Bairnsdale, 87 to 39, at Bairnsdale City Oval Court.

The predicted grand finalist jumped out in their first half of the season, outscoring the Redlegs by 19 goals in the first term and led 48-18 at halftime.

The Lions cruised across the finish line, as supporters got their first opportunity to see marquee signing Ash Mawer suit up and dominate.

The six-time Tasmanian Netball League MVP scored 63 goals in her Moe debut as rival clubs will be throwing their hands in the air wondering how it is they’ll be able to stop them with past premiership coach Ramayer Gourley pushed back into her natural spot in defence.

Macy Gardiner was best-on-court through the midcourt while Hollie Bugeja and Jordan Pyle also stood strong for the Lions.

Morwell could be right back where they belong.

With returning faces and some new recruits making their debuts for the club, the Tigers were too good for Drouin, 55-47, at Morwell Recreation Reserve.

After holding just a two-goal edge at quarter time, Morwell pushed it to a 32-25 lead by the main break.

The Hawks closed in as play returned in the third term, but the Tigers held strong displaying their routine toughness that saw them win the 2022 A Grade premiership.

Daisy Hill, on return for Morwell, added 35 goals with Holly Stephens posting 12.

Chloe Radford was again brilliant for the Tigers alongside Hill and defender Courtney Garth.

Leongatha got a hold of Traralgon in their latest edition, 57-53, at Traralgon Showgrounds.

The Maroons enter a younger side for 2025, which probably played a part in their loss, as the Parrots seek redemption after narrowly missing finals last season.

The inexperience was the deciding factor in the match, as the game sat close a majority of the way in a twilight timeslot, although Leongatha managed to hold onto their early lead.

Emma White’s 36 goals wasn’t enough to combat Amy Scott’s 42.

Goalkeeper Bronwyn Tebb did her best with Montanna Styles also exceptional in the centre.

Last year’s grand finalists Warragul pasted Wonthaggi with ease, 71-38, and Sale edged by Maffra in the battle of the birds, 38-37.

 

North Gippsland

GIVEN results that played out in Round 1 of North Gippsland action, many would be hoping that it’s a closer, more competitive season from beginning to end.

In a preliminary final rematch, Churchill got revenge over Heyfield, 44-33, at Gordon Street Recreation Reserve.

The Kangaroos led by three goals after the first quarter before the Cougars leapt in front to enter halftime ahead 22-18 holding their opponent to just five goals for the term.

Churchill extended their lead slightly as play returned and eventually ran over the top of Heyfield through to the end.

New Cougar Cassandra Wass turned out to be the difference, matching her opponent’s total score with 33 goals herself, while Samatha Cullis added 11.

The reigning premier Sale City, who dominated all season long last year, were made to work in patches against Gormandale.

The Bulldogs defeated the Tigers 54-45 at Gormandale Recreation Reserve.

In a trudged-out first quarter, Sale City only broke by in the last few minutes to lead by three goals before extending their lead to eight by halftime.

While the Tigers displayed great heart, multiple times bringing the match to within a five-goal margin, the Bulldogs had the experience and wherewithal to push through adversity.

Sale City’s Charlotte Ronchi top-scored with 37 goals and Gormandale’s Maddy Dark equalling as much.

Woodside proved too strong for Traralgon Tyers United, 50-36, at Woodside Recreation Reserve.

While the Bombers fought hard to the very end, the Wildcats mounted their lead early and sustained it through to three quarter time up near 20 goals.

Maddison McAlpine poured in 23 goals which combatted the efforts of Maleah Travers (18) and Jordan Sigley (13).

Rosedale got by Glengarry, 45-36, at Glengarry Recreation Reserve.

Off the back of a 15-8 first quarter, the Blues built on from that to gain a lead insurmountable for the Magpies.

Meghann Gordyn and Tess Maxfield were excellent for Rosedale in their first game for the season.

Yallourn Yallourn North and Cowwarr had the bye.

 

Mid Gippsland

ROUND 1 of Mid Gippsland netball displayed all that is to be excited for in 2025.

Yinnar pipped Fish Creek in a rematch of last year’s preliminary final, 51-48, at Terrill Park, Fish Creek.

A game of unbelievable intensity, the Magpies led by four goals at quarter time before the Kangaroos reversed fortunes to lead by a goal at the main break.

Nothing could separate the two in the third quarter with both sides desperately seeking a positive start to the season.

Yinnar managed 14 goals to Fish Creek’s 11 in the final term to secure victory.

Patty McInnes scored 30 goals along with Clair Thorburn (17).

Mirboo North made light work of Hill End, 75-34, at Willow Grove Recreation Reserve.

In the Rovers return to the A Grade court, the Tigers were too much on the day.

The combination of Lynette Patten (37 goals) and Jessica Holland (33) proved to be the right antidote for a successful Round 1 for Mirboo North.

Morwell East done a number of Thorpdale, 53-22, at Ronald Reserve.

After holding just a two-goal lead at quarter time, the Hawks outscored the Blues by 29 the rest of the way home.

Tayla Watson added 26 goals and Maddy Macfarlane-Mate (18).

Reigning premier Meenyian Dumbalk United were too good for Newborough, 68-54, at Northern Reserve.

MDU did all their work to take home the win after halftime, with Newborough holding a one-goal lead up until that point, striding through to the end.

Alahna Arnason picked up right where she left off with 40 goals followed by Lillyca White (28).

Stony Creek defeated Boolarra, 74-33 at Boolarra Recreation Reserve.

The Lions’ Livinia Mandemaker dropped a ridiculous 61 goals in the victory.

Foster had the bye.