A recap of the 2022-23 summer netball grand finals, which were held at La Trobe Sports Stadium on Friday night.
Section 1: Montmorency 1 (28) defeated Bundoora 1 (27)
The Section 1 decider between Montmorency and Bundoora certainly lived up to the hype, with the Magpies coming from behind to claim a one-goal triumph. The Magpies produced a successful five-goal turnaround to take the lead in the closing stages in the final term and despite some late goals from the Bulls, they were able to hold on to victory. Montmorency attacking duo Danielle Vickery-Howe (13 goals) and Morgan Jones (11) kept the Magpies within reaching distance throughout the match. Bulls defender Bella Collodetti took out best on court honours after producing strong defensive pressure around the circle edge and also showing a willingness to put her body on the line – Casey McGuire
Section 2: Watsonia 1 (35) defeated Hume 1 (26)
A dominant second half performance saw Watsonia 1 defeat Hume 1 by nine goals in the Section 2 Grand Final, with the club claiming their first ever summer netball premiership. The first half was a tight battle between the two sides with scores tied at the main break. The Saints then marched home in the second half, scoring 19 goals to 10 to go secure the flag and go undefeated across the entire 2022-23 summer netball campaign. Section 2 leading goal shooter Ellie Bonnett was at her dominant best in the shooting circle, scoring 26 goals. Despite the loss, Hume defender Amanda Rothwell-Hiscock fought gallantly all night and was awarded the best on court trophy for her efforts – Josh Ward
Section 3: Montmorency 2 (34) defeated Thomastown 2 (22)
It was a near flawless display from Montmorency 3 in their Section 3 Grand Final win over Thomastown 2, with the Magpies claiming a 12-goal victory. Following a competitive first term, Montmorency slowly started to get on top and despite some great efforts from the Bears to get back into the contest, the Magpies held their nerve to keep their advantage across the whole match and claim victory. Star goal shooter Tarryn Thom capped off her excellent season with a 27-goal performance for the Magpies whilst teammate Abigail Robinson was named as best on court, after playing a starring role at wing attack – Josh Ward
Section 4: Heat 5 (36) defeated Panton Hill 1 (24)
Section 4 minor premiers, Heat 5, capped off a terrific season with an impressive 12-goal victory over Panton Hill in the Section 4 Grand Final. Heat produced a strong start to the match before the Redbacks were able to reduce the gap at stages of the second term to get back in the contest. However, a brilliant third quarter from Heat would prove to be the base of their premiership win. Heat goal shooter Claudia Levings led the way in the attacking half, as she has for many games throughout the season, with her efforts culminating with a best on court trophy – Josh Ward
Section 5: Thomastown 3 (31) defeated Montmorency 3 (28)
In a highly anticipated battle between the top two teams of Section 5, Thomastown 3 held on in the final minutes to claim the premiership in a three-goal win over Montmorency 3. The Bears shot out of the blocks with a nine-goal to two first quarter before a strong return serve from the Magpies made it a one-goal game at half time. After an even third term, Montmorency had the advantage in the early stages of the fourth quarter before an entertaining final few moments followed as Thomastown regained the lead and were able to keep it despite some strong fight from the Magpies to secure victory. Section 5 best and fairest winner Alexandra Forrest took home two trophies for the night after claiming best on court honours – Josh Ward
Section 6: Thomastown 4 (22) defeated Fitzroy Stars 1 (20)
Thomastown 4 produced a nail-biting win in their Section 6 Grand Final triumph over Fitzroy Stars 1. The Bears had a huge start to the game with a nine goal to two first quarter before the Stars slowly pegged back the lead at every quarter break following. But after their extra-time heroics in last week’s semi-final, the Stars couldn’t replicate that performance in the decider with Thomastown defensive duo Tamara and Dayna Geddes leading the way in the final term to secure the premiership. Bears goal attack Rosie Nicholl took out the best on court trophy, slotting 17 goals while also producing seven intercepts – Casey McGuire
Section 7: Heat 6 (21) defeated Kilmore 5 (19)
A massive 11-goal final term from Heat 6 helped produce a tight two-goal premiership victory over Kilmore 5 in the Section 7 Grand Final. It was the Blues who started strong in the first quarter before Heat quickly evened things up to trail by one goal at quarter time. Kilmore maintained their lead throughout the next two terms, with their ability to hold possession allowing them to create a four-goal lead at three quarter time. However, Heat reduced their opponent’s quick passing and in turn applied scoreboard pressure to take the lead and hold on for a two-goal win. Kilmore’s Brielle Kinnear won the bets on court trophy – Elly Kirlis
Section 8: Heat 8 (31) defeated Watsonia 2 (24)
The attacking players of Heat 8 led the way in their Section 8 premiership victory, defeating Watsonia 2 by seven goals. Heat goal shooter Mia D’Arcangelo had the ball on a string, with her ability to make space anywhere in the attacking circle seeing her slot 27 of her side’s 31 goals, on her way to winning the best on court trophy. The Heat attacking line was on a whole other level with centre Amelie Cassar and wing attack Isabelle Moran creating multiple chances for their sides and finding their shooters with ease. The Saints did put up a fight, challenging the lead on multiple occasions throughout the match with the help of goal shooter Katharine Reid who finished with 19 goals – Casey McGuire
Section 9: Montmorency 5 (19) defeated Heat 9 (10)
The in-form Montmorency 5 continued their impressive winning streak, with a nine-goal triumph over Heat 9 wrapping up the Section 9 premiership. Heat finished as minor premiers at season end and got the better of the third placed Magpies in Round 3 of the Section 9 season. However, Montmorency turned the tables in the decider, with an impressive performance in all four quarters ensuring the Magpies were premiers at the final whistle. The Magpies’ Mia Hepburn took home best on court honors.
