A recap of the final five 2024-25 senior summer netball Grand Finals from last Friday night at La Trobe Sports Stadium.
Division 1: Bundoora 1 (48) def North Heidelberg 1 (39)
For the first time in seven years, Bundoora 1 ended the summer season as Division 1 premiers, following a comprehensive nine-goal triumph over North Heidelberg 1. After an even opening term with both sides locked at 10 goals apiece, the Bulls were able to dictate the match on their terms. First by establishing a three-goal half time lead, and then by producing back-to-back 15-goal quarters throughout the second half to complete a terrific win. Goal keeper Bella Collodetti reminded the competition why she was the Division 1 best and fairest for the summer season as well as a Best on Court medal by the end of the night following some terrific defensive efforts throughout the match. It helped keep Bulldogs star attacker and competition star shooter Kate Ditcham to just 21 goals, one of her lowest totals of the season.
Best on Court: Bella Collodetti (Bundoora)
Best & Fairest: Bella Collodetti (Bundoora)
Star Shooter: Kate Ditcham (North Heidelberg) 213 goals
Division 2: Fitzroy Stars 1 (22) def by Greensborough 1 (26)
By Elly Kirlis
Whilst the Division 2 decider proved to be one of the closest of the five Grand Finals on Friday night, Greensborough 1 would still manage to win three of four quarters on their way to the premiership over Fitzroy Stars 1. The Boro impressed in the opening quarter with six of the first nine goals of the match, before the Stars showcased their firepower, with a nine-goal second term to reduce their deficit to two. The pressure of the contest rose throughout the final two terms, and although both teams created many great chances in the attacking circle, it was Greensborough who were more clinical. Shannon McCracken was an example of this for the Boro, as she scored a game-high 23 goals, including all of her side’s goals in the second half, while Fitzroy Stars midcourter Suberia Sailor kept her team in the contest and would finish as the best on court medallist.
Best on Court: Suberia Sailor (Fitzroy Stars)
Best & Fairest: Holly Denholm (Greensborough) and Sarah Williams (Bundoora)
Star Shooter: Lauren Pendlebury (Hazel Glen) 137 goals
Division 3: St Mary’s 1 (16) def by Bundoora 3 (23)
Bundoora 3 increased their lead at every change as they produced a comfortable seven-goal win over St Mary’s 1 in the Division 3 Grand Final. The Bulls were hard to get ahold of in the opening term to lead by three goals, before the Burra seemed to get the game on their terms and reduced the deficit to just one goal late in the second quarter thanks to some terrific transitions from defence to attack. However, three quick goals from Bundoora to end the first half swung the momentum back their way which would carry throughout the third quarter as the Bulls suddenly established a seven-goal lead. The defensive efforts of St Mary’s never wavered in the final two terms despite the game slipping away from them, as illustrated by Claire Nicholls, who’s tireless effort in the backcourt saw her win the best on court medallion.
Best on Court: Claire Nicholls (St Mary’s)
Best & Fairest: Lauren Hubbard (Bundoora) and Claire Nicholls (St Mary’s)
Star Shooter: Ella Moore (Laurimar) 133 goals
Division 4: South Morang 1 (27) def Heat 3 (23)
By Elly Kirlis
South Morang 1 broke away after quarter time to finish as Division 4 premiers in a four-goal win over Heat 3. Heat were at their best during the opening term, winning plenty of the ball in defence and combining well in attack. But the Lions were always up for the challenge and after scores were level at quarter time, South Morang would build a four-goal half time advantage. Their strong transition work from defence to attack saw them continue to hold Heat at bay as they increased their lead to six goals by the final change, and despite a late flurry of goals from Heat, the Lions would emerge victorious. Enegetic centre Ariane Virgona starred for South Morang with her ability to intercept her opposition’s drives forward and would claim the best on court medallion, the third time she has done so in an NFNL senior netball decider.
Best on Court: Ariane Virgona (South Morang)
Best & Fairest: Jessica Kerr (Heat)
Star Shooter: Sarah Webster-Spratt (Kilmore) 99 goals
Division 5: Epping 1 (26) def Kilmore 2 (21)
By Elly Kirlis
Epping 1 would not be denied a fairytale premiership run from fourth position, as a 14-9 second half saw them defeat Kilmore 2 in the Division 5 Grand Final. The two sides could hardly be split most of the game, with scores level at quarter time, half time and even during the late stages of the third term. Two quick goals from Epping in the last minute would give them a slight advantage at the final change, which ultimately helped them build the momentum they needed to run away with the triumph. Competition star shooter Kylie Ward kept the scoreboard ticking for Epping and shot 17 goals for the match. She was assisted by Christie Ashen after she moved to goal attack in the second half, with her tally of six goals helping her side get over the line.
Best on Court: Christie Ashen (Epping)
Best & Fairest: Ella Stoward (Kilmore)
Star Shooter: Kylie Ward (Epping) 108 goals
