Netball
16 September, 2025
Horsham overcome Dimboola as grand final sides shake out
The Horsham Demons will meet the Saints in the WFNL A grade netball grand final after defeating Dimboola 45-40 in Saturday's preliminary final.
Playing on their home court at Horsham City Oval, the Demons established an early lead, taking a 13-9 lead at the first break.
But Dimboola hit back in the second quarter, with some impressive shooting from Nicole Polycarpou helping the Roos reduce the deficit to one at halftime (21-20).
Both teams were neck and neck early in the third before the Demons opened up a 33-30 lead at the final break.
Despite the continued efforts from Dimboola, the Demons maintained their lead in the final term, finishing five-goal winners and booking their spot against the Horsham Saints in next week's grand final.
Ebonie Salter and Georgia Batson were named Horsham's best, with Batson scoring 29 goals and Imogen Worthy added 16.
For Dimboola, Stephanie Glover and Polycarpou were among the side's best players, as Polycarpou finished with 22 goals, supported by 12 goals from Olivia Beugelaar and six from Maddison Marra.
In B grade, the Horsham Saints overcame a spirited Minyip Murtoa side 39-34 to book their spot in next week's grand final.
The Saints held a two-goal lead at the first two breaks before the Burras took a 28-27 lead at three-quarter time.
A decisive final quarter from the Saints proved the difference as they finished five-goal winners.
Zeena Kelm and Leah Adams were the Saints' best, with Chelse Ellis leading the side's scoring with 12 goals.
Amelia Leith and Tamira Cullinan were named in Minyip Murtoa's best, with Cullinan and Claire McKay shooting 15 and 19 goals, respectively.
Horsham Saints' C grade side returned to their regular season form, defeating Warrack Eagles 47-22.
The Saints were never troubled after taking a 12-4 quarter-time lead, extending their advantage each quarter.
Rebecca Pohlner and Cassie Dunlop stood out for the victors, with Pohlner and Kristy Robertson each scoring 20 goals.
Keeta Orszulak and Ciara Davis were the best performers for Warrack, while Amalee Livingston led the Eagle scoring with 15 goals.
The Saints' 29-24 victory over Warrack Eagles in the C reserve means the club will be represented in all senior netball grand finals.
Warrack matched the favoured Saints in the first quarter before a strong second quarter gave the Saints a 15-9 halftime lead.
Despite reducing the deficit to four at three-quarter time, Warrack were unable to reel in the Saints' advantage in the final quarter.
Jaclyn Clode and Indianna Robertson were the best players for the Saints, supported well by Avya Robertson's 18 goals, while Emma Byron and Lauren Jenkinson were Warrack's best, with Jenkinson shooting 14 of her side's goals.
In the under 17s, Horsham overcame a fast-starting Warrack side to earn their spot in the 2025 grand final.
Led by captain Lauren Clyne in goal shooter, the Eagles took a 17-14 lead at quarter time.
However, a strong defensive quarter from the Demons in the second contained the Eagles to six goals, allowing the Demons to take a 26-23 lead at halftime.
From there, the Demons kept their lead, extending their advantage by two goals in each of the last two quarters to complete a 52-45 victory.
Midcourter Nellie Driller and goal shooter Zarli Knight led the way for the Demons, with Knight and goal attack Ella Hallam shooting 29 and 23 goals, respectively.
Clyne was Warrack's best performer with her 31 goals, aided by a strong performance from centre Airlie Garlick.
In the under-15s, the Horsham Saints put their qualifying final loss behind them, comprehensively beating Stawell 60-23.
The minor premiers raced out to a 17-5 lead and maintained their stronghold throughout the game to claim a 37-goal victory.
Lani King and Olivia Taylor stood out in the winning performance, as Taylor and Ivy Hofmaier both contributed 28 goals each.
For Warrack, Isabelle Thomas and Olivia Hunter were named the best players, while Matilda Egan added 16 goals.
In the under 13s, Stawell booked their ticket to the grand final, defeating the Horsham Saints 35-26.
After a tight opening quarter, a 12-goal second quarter gave the Warriors a 19-12 lead at halftime.
The Saints reduced the deficit to five before Stawell closed out the game strongly.
Greta Thomas and Rahni Collins were Stawell's best in the winning effort, with Collins knocking in 24 goals, supported by Milla Freeland's 11.
For the Saints, Emily Liston and Bella St Clair were named the side's best players, while Ashling Barber led the side in scoring with 20 goals.
