A recap of the 2024 Cleaning Melbourne Divisions 6-14 winter netball grand finals, which were held at La Trobe Sports Stadium on Friday night.
Division 6: La Trobe 2 (28) def Broadford 1 (24)
By Josh Ward
La Trobe 2 secured the club’s first ever NFNL netball premiership, after holding on to defeat Broadford 1 by four goals in the Division 6 decider. The eventual victors rushed out of the blocks and built up a nice seven-goal half time lead in the hopes of breaking the game open. But they would be forced to absorb some pressure from the Roos in the second half in order to hold on for a terrific triumph and claim the flag from third position. La Trobe’s Olivia Uphill was awarded best on court honours, providing many stellar moments in attack during the night, while Kate Berger did all she could for Broadford and ended the match with 15 of her team’s 24 goals.
Division 7: Whittlesea 3 (30) def Epping 4 (25)
By Casey McGuire
In a terrific Grand Final comeback, Whittlesea 3 produced a 10-4 last quarter to take the lead late and lift up the Division 7 premiership cup, winning by five goals over minor premiers Epping 4. Blues’ duo Emily Timani and eventual player of the match Storm Mann shook their shooters from the get-go, making it difficult for them to find the post on multiple occasions. But Whittlesea’s Charlee Brander had a fire lit within her to win back plenty of ball to keep Epping relatively quiet in the latter parts of the game. A late surge by the Eagles and great circle rotation between their shooters Bianca Naumoski (16 goals) and Sarah Craker (14) was able to counter Epping’s defence, especially in the second half.
Division 8: Diamond Creek 4 (27) def Kilmore 4 (25)
By Casey McGuire
A two-goal thriller played out in the Division 8 decider, with Diamond Creek 4 prevailing over Kilmore 4. There was no breaking these two sides throughout the whole game and with the Blues leading by just a goal at the final break, the last term looked destined to decide the winner. It would prove true, with the Creekers winning the quarter and winning the game in close fashion. Lauren Howlett took home best on court honours as despite a great battle with Jada Stoward, Howlett was involved in almost every pass during her side’s transitions from defence to attack. Emily Smith (12 goals) utilised her speed and footwork to carve up the defence, and her slick shooting helped the Creekers stay in the hunt throughout the game.
Division 9: Watsonia 4 (20) def Epping 3 (19)
By Elly Kirlis
A thrilling and exciting contest saw the Division 9 Grand Final prove to be one for the ages, as Watsonia 4 came out victorious with a one-goal win over Epping 3. A tight first three quarters saw a back-and-forth final term follow with both teams creating opportunities to produce a winning score. Epping centre Alysha Prisc used her speed and patience to set up some great attacks, while some crucial intercepts by Diandra Mponda helped give Epping more opportunities in transition. But Watsonia found a way, and with Laine Moore’s terrific final term, the Saints held on to claim a great win. Thanks to her work ethic with ball in hand to create space, Epping’s Estelle Papaioannou (five goals) finished as the best on court medalist.
Division 10: Kinglake 3 (27) def Greensborough 5 (14)
By Josh Ward
Kinglake 3 capped off a terrific 2024 season with the Division 10 premiership after defeating Greensborough 5 by 13 goals in convincing fashion. The Lakers looked to have the Boro’s measure from the start, increasing their advantage as the game wore on, despite patches of momentum from Greensborough. In the end, Kinglake pushed the lead out in the final stanza to win the club’s first senior netball premiership in the NFNL. Lakers goal attack Olivia Turner-Dickason scored 18 of her team’s 27 goals, with her clinical finishing earning her best on court honours. Kinglake captain Luka Kennedy also impressed for the premiership side, while Gisele D’Avoine top scored for Greensborough with nine goals.
Division 11: Northcote Park 1 (32) def Kilmore 7 (24)
By Elly Kirlis
Northcote Park 1 secured the Section 11 premiership in terrific style, upsetting top of the ladder Kilmore 7 by eight goals. A tightly contested opening half saw the Cougars lead by just one goal at half time, before lifting their work rate in the third term to take a four-goal advantage into the last quarter. Northcote Park’s patience with ball in hand was key to them finishing the Grand Final strong, as they produced a nine-goal final term to give the fourth placed Cougars the club’s their first winter netball premiership in seven years. Ellie McMahon provided a spark in attack, going hard for every ball and shooting with confidence to finish with 18 goals and a best on court medallion.
Division 12: Watsonia 5 (30) def Lalor 1 (19)
By Elly Kirlis
Watsonia 5 were able to turn their impressive regular season form into premiership success following an 11-goal triumph over Lalor 1 in the Division 12 decider. It was an ultra-impressive second term that would set up the premiership victory for Watsonia, as after leading by a goal at the first break, they would concede just one goal in the second quarter while piling on eight goals of their own to get out to a strong eight-goal advantage. Whilst the Bloods kept up with their opponents throughout the second half, the Saints’ work earlier in the match solidified their title as Division 12 premiers. Laura Presse was one of Watsonia’s most consistent contributors on the night and would go on to win the best on court medallion.
Division 13: Thomastown 4 (22) def Epping 5 (20)
By Josh Ward
Another close Grand Final occurred in the final game of the Division 13 competition, with Thomastown 4 clinging on to a two-goal win over Epping 5. It was a contest that was hard to call from start to finish, with the Bears eventually being able to catch a two-goal break late in the third term. They then did all they could to shut down to the Blues and their fightback during the last quarter, and were able to produce some great defensive plays to help grind out a terrific Grand Final win. The defensive units from both teams had many contributors, with each playing roles in the eventual result, while Thomastown goal attack Sarai Faalavai stood tallest in attack and finished with 15 of her team’s 22 goals, as well as best on court honours.
Division 14: Epping 6 (28) def Kilmore 9 (16)
By Casey McGuire
An almost flawless start to the game helped set up a Division 14 premiership victory for Epping 6 over Kilmore 9. Epping would produce a nine-goal opening term, while conceding just two goals in the process. In the blink of an eye, Kilmore racked up three goals in a row to throw Epping off guard in the second term, h
owever after a half time breather, Epping got back into gear through the slick movement of Crystle Hendry (12) who was getting great space on the baseline and wasn’t afraid to look at the post from far. Once they settled again, Epping gained the confidence they needed to finish the match as victors. Best on court medalist Talia Howden was one to put together a dominant display for Epping alongside Sue Drebing.
