2026
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The top three teams in both senior football and A Grade netball competitions have stood out in season 2026, but can another contender cause an upset in the finals series? Read all about the HDFNL finals contenders inside ... IN THIS LIFT-OUT: Colin MacGillivray previews the top five Horsham District league football and netball teams ahead of finals
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Kaniva-Leeor United’s road to the finals Coaches: Jonno Hicks, Jacob Eats
HDFNL FINALS ‘We’re throwing
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F
ollowing a season of ups and downs, Kaniva-Leeor United finds itself in the same position it was in 12 months ago – beset by untimely injuries and facing a do-or-die elimination final.
Round 1: L. 6.8 (44) to Harrow-Balmoral 11.15 (81). Home.** Round 2: W. 17.13 (115) d Natimuk United 15.8 (98). Away. Round 3: W. 17.16 (118) d Edenhope-Apsley 7.10 (52). Home. Round 4: W. 13.6 (84) d Laharum 5.13 (43). Away. Round 5: W. 12.13 (85) d Kalkee 10.7 (67). Home. Round 6: W. 14.15 (99) d Taylors Lake 9.7 (61). Away. Round 7: W. 15.8 (98) d Pimpinio 7.10 (76). Home. Round 8: W. 18.11 (119) d Rupanyup 6.9 (45). Away. Round 9: Bye. Round 10: W. 10.13 (73) d Swifts 10.10 (70). Away. Round 11: L. 6.8 (44) to Noradjuha-Quantong 8.16 (64). Home.** Round 12: L. 6.10 (46) to Harrow-Balmoral 11.8 (74). Away. Round 13: W. 10.11 (71) d Natimuk United 2.8 (20). Home. Round 14: Bye. Round 15: L. 7.15 (57) to Laharum 12.4 (76). Home. Round 16: L. 10.6 (66) to Kalkee 14.11 (95). Away. Round 17: W. 25.18 (168) d Taylors Lake 2.8 (20). Home. * Round 18: L. 21.11 (137) to Pimpinio 15.5 (95). Away. * Highest score. ** Lowest score. Total: Won: 10. Lost: 6. For: 1382. Against: 1079. Points: 40. Percentage: 128.08.
Leading goal-kickers Lachlan Bates 33, Jacob Eats 27, Tyler Roos 25.
Charlie Maddern
The Cougars were one of the league’s hottest teams in the first half of the season, winning eight of their first nine games, including a 41-point win against eventual toptwo side Laharum in round four. But the team was unable to sustain its pace as injuries struck in the back half of the year, winning only two of its final seven games and finishing the home-and-away season with a 42-point loss against Sunday’s elimination final opponent, Pimpinio. Co-coach Jonno Hicks said the Cougars had a tough task ahead as they looked to reverse the result. “There’s a lot to work on, but hopefully we can put our best foot forward on Sunday and bring the best of our footy,” he said. “A finals atmosphere is always a different scenario, too.” Hicks said the vagaries of the draw and unfavourable injury luck had conspired against his side in the second half of the season.
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“Last year we had a strong finish. We were blessed with the draw a little bit last year,” he said. “We were probably lucky we didn’t play a lot of the top teams twice, whereas this year it’s been the other way around – we’ve played all the top-five sides twice except for Noradjuha-Quantong. “So it’s been a much more challenging season, but the goal at the start of the year was to try and make the finals and then see how we perform. “You need a lot of luck and a lot of things going right injury-wise, as we found last year. “We sort of limped into the finals and battled to get our best team on the park. You need a lot of things going your way at this time of the year. “But we’ve made finals – that was our first goal, and then we’ll see how we perform on the weekend.” Despite the tough run, KanivaLeeor United will still field a side full of talent, including game-turning midfield-forward Tyler Roos, onball gun Josh Clayton and key forward Blake Dodson, as well as long-time club stalwarts such as ruckman Hamish Bennett and cocaptains Jock Maddern and Billy King.
3WM Local Footy Live’s Hugh Doc’s players to watch Blake Dodson
Hicks said while plenty of top-end talent remained, the team’s depth players would be the ones who determined how far the Cougars could go. “Our top few players have been outstanding this year and at times I think we’ve relied too heavily on our best guys carrying the load,” he said. “So we have to make sure that everyone is as committed as they can be and playing their role for the team. “We’ve got some guys who I think can lift and make a greater impact, and I think we’re going to get more benefit out of that than trying to rely on one or two players to star for us. “We’ve certainly got nothing to lose. “It’s an elimination final against a team that beat us last week. “We know we can go out there and throw everything at it and see if it’s good enough.”
Dodson is player who when in possession of the footy makes every Cougars supporter breathe easier knowing he will make the right lay. The silkyskilled right-footer hasn’t found a set position in 2026, playing in all areas of the ground. When in the backline, the Cougars look to use his high footy IQ to exit defensive 50 and he has shown his ability to win the contested ball in the midfield. In what has been an up-and-down season, the consistent play of Dodson has given the Cougars hope of a deep finals push.
Tyler Roos Roos is a star of the competition who opposition teams struggle to stop, thanks to his elite level fitness and toughness around the contest. Roos has the ability to pick up 20 possessions in a quarter and completely turn the momentum of the game, all while keeping his team-mates involved. Hamstring concerns to finish the home-and-away season has seen Roos miss a couple of games but, when fit and firing, he has the capability to be one of the most destructive players in the competition.
Hamish Bennett
Lachlan Bates
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With several stars around Bennett in the midfield, the hard-working ruckman always provides quality service and follow-up effort to help his team-mates at ground level. He also assist Cougars’ defenders behind the ball with intercept marks and spoils before sprinting ahead of the ball to be an option for his team-mates down the line. Bennett’s running ability is rare in a ruckman and poses a threat that could expose other big men in a finals’ setting.
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Pimpinio’s road to the finals Coaches: Matt Rosier, Cullen Williams
HDFNL FINALS Tigers full of S
Round 1: W. 19.18 (132) d Edenhope-Apsley 3.3 (21). Home. Round 2: L. 10.4 (64) to Laharum 15.16 (106). Away. Round 3: L. 6.6 (42) to Kalkee 18.12 (120). Home. Round 4: W. 20.14 (134) d Taylors Lake 12.15 (87). Away. Round 5: Bye. Round 6: W. 13.4 (82) d Rupanyup 7.10 (52). Home. Round 7: L. 11.10 (76) to Kaniva-Leeor United 15.8 (98). Away. Round 8: W. 15.14 (104) d Noradjuha-Quantong 11.7 (73). Home. Round 9: W. 13.7 (85) d Swifts 8.8 (56). Away. Round 10: W. 12.10 (82) d Natimuk United 0.4 (4). Away. Round 11: L. 6.14 (50) d Harrow-Balmoral 16.3 (99). Home. Round 12: W. 11.13 (79) d Edenhope-Apsley 7.13 (55). Away. Round 13: L. 3.6 (24) to Laharum 3.9 (27). Home. ** Round 14: W. 6.10 (46) d Kalkee 5.4 (34). Away. Round 15: W. 24.19 (163) d Taylors Lake 6.3 (39). Home. * Round 16: Bye. Round 17: W. 15.13 (103) d Rupanyup 7.13 (55). Away. Round 18: W. 21.11 (137) d Kaniva-Leeor United 15.5 (95). Home. * Highest score. ** Lowest score.
pirits are high at Pimpinio after a season of slow growth culminated in a thirdstraight finals appearance for the Tigers.
Matt Healy
Total: Won: 11. Lost: 5. For: 1403. Against: 1021. Points: 44. Percentage: 137.41.
Leading goal-kickers Nic Groves 39, Jason Westley 24, Cullen Williams 18.
Co-coach Cullen Williams said his team had found its best form in the second half of the year – winning seven of its final nine games – and would enter the finals full of confidence. “Over the past 10 weeks or probably even a bit more, we’ve been slowly getting better and better each week,” he said. “Some of our results, like the games against Harrow-Balmoral and Laharum probably didn’t show that, but we’ve definitely improved as a group. “We’re slowly getting our game-plan going, which is positive. “We’re all in good spirits. It’s always good to play finals – that’s what we play for, so everyone’s up and about.” Encouragingly for Pimpinio, the team produced its second-highest score of the season in round 18 against this weekend’s elimination final opponent – Kaniva-Leeor United.
Williams said the team had gone into the match hoping to establish a winning mindset prior to the finals. “As coaches you’re thinking not that it’s necessarily a free hit, but you’ve got a bit of a chance to see how they shape up and how we might be able to move a few things around too,” he said. “But we go into every game wanting to win. “We want to be competitive, and that was pretty much the messaging to the boys – we want to treat this like any other game. “We’re coming out to win and then hopefully that momentum and mindset of the win the previous week rolls into the following week.” While the likes of reigning Dellar medallist and co-coach Matt Rosier, brothers Adam and Jason Westley, Daniel Baker and Brock Hamerston headline the Tigers’ list of weekly contributors, Williams said the team’s depth was underrated.
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3WM Local Footy Live’s Hugh Doc’s players to watch Matt Rosier
Williams said continuity and a healthy playing list would also be among Pimpinio’s biggest assets in the heat of a post-season campaign. “We’ve got a really good even spread of players,” he said. “The top teams have got some excellent players, but I feel like overall from one down to 21, we’ve got really good depth. “All those blokes are going to play their role and play it well. Tom Arthur has come back from injury about four weeks ago and he’s starting to build. He’s someone who just does his job all the time. “Link Smith is only young but he played well on Saturday and we’re encouraging him to take on a few more roles. “Dylan Thomas in the midfield cracks in every week and he’s always giving his all. “They’re three examples, but I could name nearly anyone. “We’ve been pretty lucky this year with injury. We haven’t really had too many at all, so it’s probably been good for the group to get some continuity and get used to playing with each other.”
The reigning Dellar medallist has continued to showcase his ball-winning ability week-in weekout. Stepping into the joint coaching role for the Tigers in 2026 has brought added pressure, but Rosier hasn’t faltered, often winning the ball around contests. He looks set to again rise to the occasion and lead his side in the finals.
Nick Groves One of the competition’s elite small forwards, Groves has the ability to flip a game on its head in a matter of minutes. He has kicked 39 goals this season and been the main man in the Pimpinio forward line, thanks to his rare ability to dominate opponents both in the air and on the ground. If the Tigers provide the electric forward with the opportunity to kick goals, Groves could be the trigger to push Pimpinio into premiership contention.
Jason Westley
Westley is the link man, often picking up possessions in damaging areas and proving to be a player who, if the opposition fail to contain, will hurt them on the scoreboard with 24 goals to his name this season.
Cullen Williams
Isaac Thomas
The co-coach has the ability to play at both ends of the ground, often providing his side with great stability either ahead or behind the ball. In his second season at the club the utility has kicked 18 goals, presenting as a lockdown defender or an additional goal-scorer.
GOOD LUCK TO ALL OUR PIMPINIO TEAMS COMPETING IN THE 2026 FINALS SERIES! FOOTBALL: SENIORS, RESERVES AND UNDER 17S. NETBALL: A GRADE, C GRADE, C RESERVE, 17 & UNDER AND 15 & UNDER. A HUGE THANK YOU TO ALL OUR SPONSORS AND SUPPORTERS FOR THEIR INCREDIBLE SUPPORT THROUGHOUT THE 2026 SEASON. WE COULDN’T DO IT WITHOUT YOU! BEST OF LUCK TO EVERYONE REPRESENTING THE TIGERS THROUGHOUT THE FINALS. GO TIGERS!
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Harrow-Balmoral’s road to the finals Coach: Jai Thompson
HDFNL FINALS Roos striving H
Round 1: W. 11.15 (81) d Kaniva-Leeor United 6.8 (44). Away. Round 2: L. 7.15 (57) to Noradjuha-Quantong 9.5 (59). Home. Round 3: W. 16.14 (110) d Swifts 13.7 (85). Away. Round 4: Bye. Round 5: W. 20.13 (133) d Natimuk United 8.6 (54). Home. Round 6: W. 16.14 (110) d Edenhope-Apsley 3.9 (27). Away. Round 7: W. 15.4 (94) d Laharum 12.7 (79). Home. Round 8: W. 13.12 (90) d Kalkee 7.5 (45). Away. Round 9: W. 17.18 (120) d Taylors Lake 6.3 (39). Home. Round 10: W. 28.18 (186) d Rupanyup 2.2 (14). Home.* Round 11: W. 16.3 (99) d Pimpinio 6.14 (50). Away. Round 12: W. 11.8 (74) d Kaniva-Leeor United 6.10 (46). Home. Round 13: L. 4.14 (38) to Noradjuha-Quantong 8.8 (56). Away. ** Round 14: W. 19.12 (126) d Swifts 6.5 (41). Home. Round 15: Bye. Round 16: W. 14.13 (97) d Natimuk United 10.3 (63). Away. Round 17: W. 20.11 (131) d Edenhope-Apsley 7.5 (47). Home. Round 18: L. 6.4 (40) to Laharum 10.6 (66). Away.
ow far can HarrowBalmoral extend its premiership winning streak?
* Highest score. ** Lowest score. Total: Won: 13. Lost: 3. For: 1586. Against: 817. Points: 16. Percentage: 194.12.
Leading goal-kickers
Dan Brody
Cody Deutscher 43, Jai Thompson 33, Mitchell Grant 29.
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At the outset of the 2026 finals campaign, that is the question on the lips of everyone across the Horsham District Football Netball League – including the Roos themselves. Harrow-Balmoral last season became one of only four sides in league history to win three successive senior football premierships, and has positioned itself well to challenge for a fourth-straight title that would put it in the exclusive company of Kalkee, which won five in a row from 2008 to 2012. At the outset of last year’s finals campaign, playing coach Jai Thompson spoke about a need to mentally ‘break brick walls’ in a push to sustain the club’s premiership success, but said no such mantra had been required this season. “I haven’t needed too many mantras this year, or too many slogans,” he said. “Everyone’s striving to keep everything going. I think most blokes are just motivated to either grow their own footy or continue on the legacy that we’ve started to build.
“We know it’s a long way back to get in the position that we’re in, where you get the chance to go for four premierships in a row. “Most players will probably never get this chance again, and I think that’s been a big driving force for us to continue to strive to get better, just to see how far we can really push this thing.” Thompson said he had been impressed by the contributions of some of the Roos’ less-heralded players following the retirements of premiership stalwarts in recent seasons. “We continually keep losing big pieces of our team and we’re continually having blokes step up and create new roles for themselves and become pivotal pieces in our success,” he said. “With Simon Close coming out of our forward line, I think Cody Deutscher has really stood up in that role. “In the back-line, I think Clinton Robinson doesn’t get enough respect for what he does for our team.
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“He’s obviously getting up there in age, but he can still match it with the best full-forwards in our league. He rarely gets beaten and really settles us down in the back line, making sure we’re structured up. “Through the middle, Will Burbury obviously played a fantastic year last year, but he’s gone to another level. “Having Ben and Connor Deutscher waxing with Anthony Close in the ruck has given us some good versatility through that role and it’s given Anthony a bit more rest as well, so hopefully come finals time he’s right to push and play his best footy. “There’s been some really good blokes come into the side as well – Dan Brody has been really good at holding down the fort on the wing, and Archer Cameron is playing a centre-half-back role for us and solidifying himself as a really good senior footballer.” Despite the strong form of the Roos’ less-heralded players, the road to a fourth-straight premiership will be far from easy. Looming as potential finals opponents are Noradjuha-Quantong, which beat the Roos in both encounters this season, and Laharum, which scored a 26-point win over
3WM Local Footy Live’s Hugh Doc’s players to watch Jai Thompson
the Southern Roos in the final round of the home-and-away season. Thompson labelled the Bombers as the benchmark of the competition in 2026, but said his side still had belief it could beat any opponent at its best. “Our two losses obviously came to ‘Quanny’ both times, but we’re in a great position come finals time, with Michael Close hopefully coming back from injury,” he said. “I think the two losses gave some real learning points to a lot of our players who have to continue to get better and improve and train to keep up with sides – otherwise they just overrun you. “We worked out strengths and weaknesses from a few guys and really knuckled down on what we needed to work on to keep up to the benchmark. “‘Quanny’ is a good side. They’ve picked up some really good players this year and there’s a fair chance they’ll be pretty hard to beat come finals time, but we’ve put ourselves in a really good position to be competitive and hopefully challenge them.”
It was yet another consistent campaign from the Southern Roos coach who will lead his side into the 2026 finals series as they push for their fourth consecutive premiership. The home-and-away season saw Thompson spend more time in the forward line than in his regular midfield position, with the left-footer kicking 32 goals from his 14 games. Thompson brings an ex-factor into the Southern Roos finals campaign with the ability to be damaging in any position on the ground.
Cody Deutscher A round-12 arm injury to Michael Close left the Southern Roos to finish the season without their star forward, raising questions on who would fill the void in their forward line. Deutscher has relished in the role as the main man for the Roos and will be looking to carry his form into finals.
Matt Jones
Jones continues to be one of the competition’s most-composed defenders, often navigating his side out of dangerous positions thanks to his elite skills by hand and foot. Harrow-Balmoral’s strong defence in 2026 has been pioneered by Jones, who has featured in the Southern Roos best players nine times in his 15 games in 2026.
Anthony Close
Close continues to be regarded as among the top ruckmen in the league. He uses his strength to manoeuvre opposition ruckmen out of the way before providing his midfield with the first opportunity to win the ball.
Jai Thompson
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Laharum’s road to the finals Coach: Robbie Miller
W
Round 1: W. 12.15 (87) d Taylors Lake 8.2 (50). Away. Round 2: W. 15.16 (106) d Pimpinio 10.4 (64). Home. Round 3: W. 4.12 (36) d Rupanyup 2.7 (19). Away. Round 4: L. 5.13 (43) to Kaniva-Leeor United 13.6 (84). Home. Round 5: W. 16.8 (104) d Noradjuha-Quantong 12.4 (76). Away. Round 6: W. 6.19 (55) d Swifts 3.10 (28). Home. Round 7: L. 12.7 (79) to Harrow-Balmoral 15.4 (94). Away. Round 8: W. 17.15 (117) d Natimuk United 1.4 (10). Home. Round 9: W. 17.6 (108) d Edenhope-Apsley 8.9 (57). Away. Round 10: W. 8.17 (65) d Kalkee 3.7 (25). Home. Round 11: Bye. Round 12: W. 28.15 (183) d Taylors Lake 3.2 (20). Home.* Round 13: W. 3.9 (27) d Pimpinio 3.6 (26). Away. ** Round 14: W. 24.15 (159) d Rupanyup 2.5 (17). Home. Round 15: W. 12.4 (76) d Kaniva-Leeor United 7.15 (57). Away. Round 16: Bye. Round 17: W. 16.11 (107) d Swifts 9.11 (65). Away. Round 18: W. 10.6 (66) d Harrow-Balmoral 6.4 (40). Home.
hile Harrow-Balmoral and Noradjuha-Quantong will again cast large shadows across the Horsham District league finals series, Laharum has elbowed its way into the premiership conversation.
With wins over Noradjuha-Quantong and Harrow-Balmoral, the Demons have finished two spots higher on the ladder compared with 2025 – in fact they have won the past nine games leading into finals. Renowned as a miserly defensive team, a lack of scoring punch doomed Laharum in last year’s preliminary final, with the Demons mustering only three goals for the game. But playing coach Robbie Miller said his team had worked to address its offensive shortcomings. Full forward Jack Fenner has been one of the recruits of the season after kicking 96 goals, but Miller said the team’s potency came from more than just its spearhead. “Obviously having a key forward is always helpful, but we like to think we’re not just a one-trick pony. We have guys step up when they need to,” he said.
* Highest score. ** Lowest score.
Robbie Miller
Total: Won: 14. Lost: 2. For: 1418. Against: 730. Points: 56. Percentage: 194.25.
Leading goal-kickers Jack Fenner 96, Josh Hutchinson 16, Robbie Miller 15.
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Laharum Demons
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“We rely heavily on our half-forward line functioning, and when we’re winning it at the stoppage and winning the contested footy, that’s a good recipe for us.” In addition to Fenner, young gun Josh Hutchinson has become a key cog in the Laharum forward line, while Miller himself can play in the midfield or as a small forward and veteran Phil Butsch adds depth. Midfielders Daniel Easson and Monty Wynne and ruckman Shannon Argall lead one of the league’s most consistent onball units, while the likes of Todd Heynen, Pat MacDonough and Brett Ervin lead a back-line that has conceded the fewest points in the league this season. Miller said the team entered the finals at full strength and with plenty of belief that it was capable of winning a premiership for the first time since 2015. “We’ve learned that we can compete against the best sides and that anything’s possible,” he said. “We were in a winning position in our first match against Harrow-Balmoral, and the good side that they are, they ran over the top of us in the second half of the last quarter. “It shows that we’re capable and we’re thereabouts, but it takes the full four quarters to beat quality opposition.
Jack Fenner
“So the belief is there, it’s just about executing four quarters of good football and we know we’ll give
Shannon Argall
ourselves a chance.” And with plenty of focus on the teams that have contested the past two grand finals, Miller said his team
Monty Wynne
“We’ve been working extremely hard
The silky onballer has taken a leap in 2026 to become one of the elite midfielders in the league. In 2025, Wynne featured on the Demons’ wing, but was moved into the middle of the ground this season where he has showcased his elite athletic and foot skills to go along with his ability to win contested possessions. Wynne finished the year with a hamstring concern, but when healthy, has the ability to break a game open.
week to week on what we need to do to get ourselves playing the best footy possible, and the buy-in within the group has been amazing,” he said. “Very rarely are we just having a casual training, and you can tell the
Daniel Easson
group’s coming to training and wanting
Easson has been Mr Consistent, featuring in the sides best players in 15 out of his 16 games. Playing the role of marathon man in the midfield, Easson rarely rests, helping his side in defence before linking up with his team-mates to kick-start an attack.
to get better. “Externally, you’ve got to give credit where credit’s due to Noradjuha-Quantong and Harrow-Balmoral – ‘Quanny’
Todd Heynen
have competed in the last two grand
It has been a big season for the back-flanker, who has starred in his role as ball-user thanks to his clean kicking skills and high-level running capabilities. Heynen often sets up the attack for the Demons while holding his own in his individual defensive match-ups.
finals, and Harrow-Balmoral has obviously won the last three. “So you’ve got to give credit there, but hopefully it’s us that’s being talked about at the end of the year.”
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The key forward has been nothing short of exceptional in his first season with the Demons, kicking 96 goals from his 16 games, including four matches where he reached a double-digit goal tally. Fenner heads into this year’s finals series as the league’s marquee forward with his marking ability and goal-sense often leaving opposition defenders scratching their heads.
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HDFNL FINALS Players grounded
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Noradjuha-Quantong Bombers
Noradjuha-Quantong’s road to the finals Coach: Damian Cameron Round 1: W. 12.15 (87) d Swifts 6.4 (40). Home. Round 2: W. 9.5 (59) d Harrow-Balmoral 7.15 (57). Away. Round 3: W. 21.13 (139) d Natimuk United 13.3 (81). Home. Round 4: W. 19.11 (125) d Edenhope-Apsley 8.9 (57). Away. Round 5: L. 12.4 (76) to Laharum 16.8 (104). Home. Round 6: W. 13.13 (91) d Kalkee 6.8 (44). Away. Round 7: W. 29.14 (188) d Taylors Lake 7.7 (49). Home.* Round 8: L. 11.7 (73) to Pimpinio 15.14 (104). Away. Round 9: W. 14.13 (97) d Rupanyup 2.4 (16). Home. Round 10: Bye. Round 11: W. 8.16 (64) d Kaniva-Leeor United 6.8 (44). Away. Round 12: W. 14.12 (96) d Swifts 7.6 (48). Away. Round 13: W. 8.8 (56) d Harrow-Balmoral 4.14 (38). Away.** Round 14: W. 25.17 (167) d Natimuk United 0.0 (0). Away. Round 15: W. 20.15 (135) d Edenhope-Apsley 9.2 (56). Home. Round 16: Bye. Round 17: W. 19.12 (126) d Kalkee 7.8 (50). Home. Round 18: W. 28.20 (180) d Taylors Lake 5.3 (33). Away. * Highest score. ** Lowest score. Total: Won: 14. Lost: 2. For: 1767. Against: 821. Points: 56. Percentage: 215.23.
Phone 5382 6103 wimmeramalleeag.com.au
A
fter consecutive runner-up finishes in 2024 and 2025, onlookers might assume expectations of a long-awaited premiership breakthrough would weigh heavily on the minds of Noradjuha-Quantong’s senior footballers in 2026.
But despite a second minor premiership marking the Bombers as one of the frontrunners at the outset of this year’s finals campaign, coach Damian Cameron said his players remained grounded and calm. “We probably have felt that expectation the last couple of years, whereas this year we’ve just literally taken it one game at a time – the group’s been really good with that,” he said. “I know sometimes it’s easy to float off in your mind and think about the end result, but we’ve been really good at just playing week to week and enjoying our footy. “So I don’t think the group’s feeling the expectations just yet. “I know things change during finals, but at this stage we’re sitting in a really good spot mentally.”
Declan Phyland
Leading goal-kickers Judah Hobbs 50, Dylan Shelley 44, Declan Phyland 27.
The Bombers earned their second straight minor premiership with an impressive 14-2 home-and-away campaign that included two wins against three-time reigning premier Harrow-Balmoral – their adversary in the past two grand finals. While the Bombers finished the season with one fewer win and more than 100 percentage points less than in 2025, Cameron said his side would enter this year’s finals as a more complete unit. “I feel like we are a more wellrounded side and probably a little bit more settled into our structures and the way we want to go about it,” he said. “We should have a full squad to pick from, which is pretty rare this time of year. “I know we limped into finals pretty badly last year and had some guys playing who were a bit underdone.”
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Cameron said beating the Roos twice had given his side a confidence boost, but that a loss to Laharum in their only encounter showed the top three-teams remained nearly inseparable. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen a final series where the top three came down to the last round and then four through to six came down to the last round as well,” he said. “So it’s a super-tight final series, and I think just playing a complete game is what’s going to be the difference. “The fact we’re not super reliant on any individual players – we play pretty deep from the back pocket through to the forward pocket, and even the bench players are making a big impact at the moment – hopefully is a bit of a weapon for us.” While the Bombers’ stars include ruckman Jack Vague and versatile weapons like Declan Phyland and Dylan Shelley, Cameron said it would be the performance of the team’s lessheralded players that would determine its finals success. “Certain guys like Tommy Netherway, Zach Kelly and Brandon Ellis are huge in the back-line,” he said.
3WM Local Footy Live’s Hugh Doc’s players to watch Wade Francis
“There’s quite a lot of them – there’s
The Bombers captain has stepped into the midfield in 2026 and has brought consistency into a group full of ex-factor. Francis is one of the competition’s premier ball-winners, collecting more than 40 disposals several times this season, while averaging more than a goal a game.
James Gregg through the midfield. “There’s plenty of guys who just go about their business and probably don’t get the limelight, but are super important players.” With its minor premiership comes a
Dylan Shelley
week off and a semi-final meeting with
Shelley is a fiery footballer who is not afraid to bring physical pressure that inspires team-mates and leaves the opposition second-guessing. He thrives in the contest, often winning the ball and breaking free from stoppages to launch the ball into the forward 50. The Bombers barometer has shown the ability to go forward and be damaging, kicking five or more goals in five games this season.
the winner of Saturday’s qualifying final between Harrow-Balmoral and Laharum. Cameron backed his side to be ready following the break. “It is always the question of
Declan Phyland
what’s better off for the team
Phyland is a true utility the Bombers use around the ground with the potential to break a game open. Phyland has featured in the Bombers’ best in 10 of his 14 games this season thanks to his strong ability to win the ball in contests and capitalise on opportunities in front of goal, kicking 27 majors this season.
– to rest or keep your momentum going – but being a little bit more consistent with our performances in the past month and then being in a great
Lee Dale
place mentally, I think the week off will be good,” he said. “We’ll get together over the week off
Judah Hobbs
and go in full strength, so it’ll be a nice
Dale is a mid-season recruit who has brought more talent to an already star-studded Bombers midfield. Having played high-level football all over the country, Dale has brought experience and composure to go along with his toughness and high footy IQ.
reward to have a week off.”
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HDFNL FINALS United on court
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Pimpinio Tigers
Phone 5382 6103 wimmeramalleeag.com.au
Road to the finals Coaches: Hayley Hatcher, Lana Ellis
Round 1: L. 51 to Edenhope Apsley 59. Home. Round 2: L. 33 to Laharum 64. Away. Round 3: W. 42 d Kalkee 38. Home. Round 4: W. 39 d Taylors Lake 36. Away. Round 5: Bye. Round 6: W. 49 d Rupanyup 32. Home. Round 7: W. 49 d Kaniva Leeor 44. Away. Round 8: L. 47 to Noradjuha Quantong 48. Home. Round 9: W. 45 d Swifts 31. Away. Round 10: W. 56 d Natimuk United 45. Away. Round 11: L. 36 to Harrow Balmoral 39. Home. Round 12: L. 52 to Edenhope Apsley 64. Away. Round 13: L. 30 to Laharum 55. Home.** Round 14: L. 45 to Kalkee 48. Away. Round 15: W. 62 d Taylors Lake 33. Home.* Round 16: Bye. Round 17: W. 55 d Rupanyup 39. Away Round 18: W. 56 d Kaniva-Leeor United 46. Home. * Highest score ** Lowest score Total: Won: 9. Lost: 7. For: 747. Against: 721. Points: 36. Percentage: 103.61.
W
hen Pimpinio enticed a few key players to join its A Grade netball team following a wooden spoon in 2025, co-coach Hayley Hatcher said she knew something special was starting to build.
Players to watch Tahlia Thompson
Returned to the Tigers this season after two years in the Ballarat Football Netball League, where she won a rising star award, Thompson has made an immediate impact with nearly 400 goals. She can either serve as an offensive focal point or help feed the ball to the team’s other goalie, Mikayla Dumesny.
Ruby Williams
The youngest player on any of this year’s finals sides, Williams earned plaudits from her coaches for her fine defensive work. Despite her age, co-coach Hayley Hatcher labelled Williams ‘an incredibly mature player’.
Ruby Williams
But the speed with which the Tigers have rebounded – securing a finals berth with a door-die win against Kaniva-Leeor United in the final round of the season – has surprised nearly everyone at the club. “We probably exceeded what we thought we would achieve by a pretty big margin,” Hatcher said. “We knew what we were building last year, and we knew it would take time. We probably didn’t expect it to come together as quickly as it did. “We didn’t put any high expectations on the girls. Our main goal as coaches was for us to be better than the year before, and we’ve well and truly done that.” Speeding up the Tigers’ rebuild were the returns of former players Tahlia Thompson at goal attack and Victoria Taylor in defence, but the emergence of young defender Ruby Williams – who last season played for the club’s 15-and-under side – was also a factor. While they enter the post-season as the lowest-ranked team, Hatcher said strong results throughout the season, including a round-three win against this weekend’s elimination final opponent Kalkee, gave the Tigers belief. “We’re not going in overconfident, because when we beat Kalkee this year,
Good Luck
it was the first time we’d beaten them in a long time,” she said. “We know that they’re a hard side to play against, but to have one win and one loss against them means it’s probably anyone’s game. “To mix it with teams like Kalkee and Noradjuha-Quantong – because we were pretty close to ‘Quanny’ as well – is really impressive for us. “We’re just excited to give it a crack, and we know that we can do it.” Hatcher said the team’s togetherness would aid it during the pressure of a finals series. “Our girls have all become really great friends, and they’re able to play for each other instead of themselves. I think that’s probably what makes them stand out – they’re always supporting each other,” she said. “They’re all really incredible players. They play for each other, they listen, they back each other up. “They’ll all handle the occasion as long as they can keep each other calm, and that’s the main thing I think.” Hatcher said no matter what the outcome of the team’s finals campaign, its season was already a success. “We got to the finals this year, but it’s the behind-the-scenes stuff that everyone else is doing that got us there, and they’re the people who are the most proud,” she said. “All we wanted was to be competitive and to be able to push the top sides this year, which we have done. So I think no matter what happens from here, we’ve had a successful season.”
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HDFNL FINALS Difficult to stop Proudly brought to you by:
Kalkee Kees
Phone 5382 6103 wimmeramalleeag.com.au
T
o illustrate the tightness of the 2026 Horsham District netball finals series, Kalkee might be the best example.
A perennial powerhouse with more A Grade premierships than any other club, the Kees have once again set themselves up for a potentially deep finals run. While they finished fourth on the ladder, the Kees accomplished something no other side in the league has managed this year – defeating minor premier Laharum. Kalkee’s 40-36 victory against the Demons in round 10 was a high point in a season that saw plenty of success. While the team suffered early losses to this weekend’s elimination final opponent Pimpinio, and Kavina-Leeor United, it won nine of its last 11 games, with one of those losses coming by a single goal against Noradjuha-Quantong in round 17. Coach Millie McCrae said finals seeding mattered little this year, with any team capable of beating any other on its day. “It’s been great. I think it’s a much better season when you have a tight ladder. It makes it a bit more exciting because it’s anyone’s game in finals,” she said. “Whoever wins will probably be whoever keeps their composure. I think the teams to settle quickest throughout the game will probably have the highest chances of winning.” Helping the Kees keep their composure will be defenders Lotus Martin and Emily Polack, who made the team the most difficult in the league to score against this season.
McCrae said the team’s success started at the defensive end of the court. “Our defensive pressure is probably our biggest strength, so that does give us a bit of confidence,” she said. “Our defensive end with Lotus and Em in the ring are going to be key for us. Those girls are playing extremely well coming into finals. We’ve got a lot of depth too, so we can easily change a few things up. Tamika Mentha has been a great asset to our team as well. “We want everyone to be in good form in finals, but having a strong defensive end is key for us with those turnovers that they create.” Also aiding the Kees’ finals push this season has been the return of former Michelle Mibus medallist Jenna Bywaters, who adds an extra dimension in attack. McCrae said with a clean bill of health and strong form, her side would be difficult to stop. “We’re in a good place coming in. There’s not a really clear frontrunner this year where there probably has been in the last few years. This season there’s been a few upsets,” she said. “You play teams at the start of the year and you haven’t really had that bond yet, and then towards the end of the year you’ve really improved as a team. So it’s a different game in finals.”
Players to watch Emily Polack
Polack is one half of the league’s best defensive tandem along with co-captain Lotus Martin. Kalkee allowed only 533 goals this season at an average of about 33 per game, and Polack was a big reason why.
Jarrah Martin
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The Kees’ other co-captain and sister of Lotus, Jarrah provides a focal point in goals and helps keep the scoreboard ticking over. She found some of her best form in the final month of the season.
The Kalkee Football Netball Club would like to congratulate our ...
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Coach: Millie McCrae Round 1: Bye. Round 2: W. 62 d Taylors Lake 22. Home. Round 3: L. 38 to Pimpinio 42. Away. Round 4: W. 50 d Rupanyup 24. Home. Round 5: L. 35 to Kaniva-Leeor United 37. Away. Round 6: L. 27 to Noradjuha-Quan 47. Home. ** Round 7: W. 58 d Swifts 22. Away. Round 8: W. 37 d Harrow-Balmoral 30. Home. Round 9: W. 37 d Natimuk United 27. Away. Round 10: W. 40 d Laharum 36. Away. Round 11: L. 37 to Edenhope-Apsley 52. Home. Round 12: Bye. Round 13: W. 55 d Taylors Lake 27. Away. Round 14: W. 48 d Pimpinio 45. Home. Round 15: W. 67 d Rupanyup 26. Away. * Round 16: W. 50 d Kaniva-Leeor United 40. Home. Round 17: L. 33 to Noradjuha-Quantong 34. Away. Round 18: W. 66 d Swifts 22. Home. * Highest score ** Lowest score Total: Won: 11. Lost: 5. For: 740. Against: 533. Points: 44. Percentage: 103.61.
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HDFNL FINALS Best foot forward
Proudly brought to you by:
Edenhope-Apsley Saints
Road to the finals Coach: Lavinia Fox Round 1: W. 59 d Pimpinio 51. Away. Round 2: W. 54 d Rupanyup 28. Home. Round 3: W. 49 d Kaniva-Leeor United 39. Away. Round 4: D. 40 drew Noradjuha-Quantong 40. Home. Round 5: W. 85 d Swifts 40. Away. Round 6: W. 56 d Harrow-Balmoral 35. Home. Round 7: W. 65 d Natimuk 31. Away. Round 8: Bye. Round 9: L. 53 to Laharum 61. Home. Round 10: W. 87 d Taylors Lake 26. Home.* Round 11: W. 52 d Kalkee 37. Away. Round 12: W. 64 d Pimpinio 52. Home. Round 13: W. 60 d Rupanyup 26. Away. Round 14: Bye. Round 15: L. 30 to Noradjuha-Quantong 40. Away.** Round 16: W. 66 d Swifts 18. Home. Round 17: W. 59 d Harrow-Balmoral 29. Away. Round 18: W. 53 d Natimuk 26. Home. * Highest score ** Lowest score Total: Won: 13. Lost: 2. For: 932. Against: 579.
Phone 5382 6103 wimmeramalleeag.com.au
A
fter coming within two goals of last season’s A Grade netball premiership, Edenhope-Apsley is using its pain as motivation to go one step further in the 2026 finals.
Lavinia Fox
While coach Lavinia Fox said the Saints’ 2025 grand-final appearance exceeded expectations, she now felt the team was primed to challenge for the premiership trophy. “I feel like our group has been building over all of last year and then coming into this year we’ve retained our whole side plus the new addition of our recruit in Hannah Magasanik,” she said. “The grand final loss has definitely been something we’ve used as motivation going into this year. “I think we exceeded expectations last year to get through to that point of making the grand final, but then also to have only just missed out, I think that feeling really hurts and it sticks with you when you lose a grand final by one or two goals. “So I think for a lot of our playing group, we are really hungry this year.” While Magasanik, a member of the Victorian Netball League’s Peninsula Waves, has added a new dimension to the team’s midcourt when available, the Saints have also seen growth internally. “Dee Dee Lambert has been great again in our goal-shooter role,” Fox said.
Points: 54. Percentage: 160.97.
Players to watch Hannah Magasanik
A fresh face in a Saints team otherwise unchanged from last year’s grand final, Magasanik brings VNL experience to the midcourt. She only appeared in nine of the team’s 16 games this season but looms as a finals X-factor.
Dee Dee Lambert
While missing out on the league’s overall scoring title, the talented shooter leads all goalies in per-game average with 36. Lambert was a key mid-season recruit last year, and looks even more at home after a full pre-season with the team.
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“She’s so athletic and a very accurate goaler, so I think she’ll be one who will hopefully rise in our final series. “One player who’s grown a lot is our goal keeper in Danielle Grindlay. “She’s risen to become our co-captain, and not last season but the season before she was playing C Grade, so it’s a pretty incredible story. “I think we are a stronger side than what we were last year.” While the Saints have played below full strength all season, Fox said every player would be available for the finals run – one that she hoped had a happier ending than last year’s. “We haven’t had a round this year with our full side in due to illnesses and availability, so I think when we all come together, it’s going to be hopefully quite a strong brand of netball that we put out there,” she said. “I think we’re going to have to bring our very best netball against all sides that make the five. “There’s a lot of depth this year in A Grade. Last year Rupanyup was that peg above, but I think now, you look at Laharum, NoradjuhaQuantong, us, Kalkee, and then Pimpinio, and I think all five of those sides have had wins against one another throughout the season. So it’ll be quite an even contest and anyone’s game once we’re in there. “We know what it feels like to just miss out and we want to try and put our best foot forward and hopefully change our fate this year.”
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HDFNL FINALS Composure key Proudly brought to you by:
Noradjuha-Quantong Bombers
Phone 5382 6103 wimmeramalleeag.com.au
I
n one of the most even top-five cohorts of recent years, Noradjuha-Quantong coach Taylor Shelley believes a vital factor will set her Bombers apart in the post-season – veteran coolheadedness.
The Bombers have positioned themselves perfectly for a Horsham District league A Grade premiership tilt, finishing second on the ladder with only one loss, to minor premier Laharum, and a draw against their firstround opponent Edenhope-Apsley. But Noradjuha-Quantong’s second meeting with the Saints yielded a 10-goal win less than a month ago, and Shelley said her team would need to rely on its strengths if it was to repeat the result this weekend. “We are a little bit older than a couple of the other sides, but with age comes experience and I think that’s something we have up our sleeve,” she said. “I think the composure the teams bring is what will separate them in finals. “There have been a lot of tight games across the season between different teams, and I think on any day any team can get the win. So whoever can maintain their composure and their connection out on the court until that final whistle is the team that’s probably going to get over the line. “We’ve been able to get to know each other on the court a little bit more every game, and I think we’re in good stead heading into the finals series, which is really exciting.” Another plus for the Bombers is positional versatility, with Rachel Leader able to play at
either end of the court, while her sister Jess and co-captain Brooke Pay can line up in the midcourt or defence. Jayne Tucker can push forward from the midcourt into goals and Shelley can line up across the court where needed. The Bombers also boast one of the league’s top goal-scorers in Shannon Couch, who is coming off a season-high 60 goals in the team’s final home-and-away game against Taylors Lake. But Shelley said the Bombers were looking for a big performance from Couch’s partner in goals, co-captain Ash Morrish. “Ash is probably a quiet achiever in our goaling circle,” Shelley said. “I think a lot of opposition sides focus on Shannon being the big dominant goal shooter, so I think there’s a lot of room for Ash to really step up and take a bit of that load off Shannon. She’s an accurate shooter. “Holly Nuske as well is a bit of an underdog in our midcourt. She’s sort of our secret weapon with her speed.” With everyone healthy and available for the finals, Shelley said spirits were high at the outset of what the Bombers hoped would be a deep finals run. “We haven’t all been healthy for much of the season other than the last few weeks, so it’s been good to have all 10 of us available and to be able to keep on building on that connection that we have,” she said.
Road to the finals Coach: Taylor Shelley
Round 1: W. 52 d Swifts 18. Home. Round 2: W. 43 d Harrow-Balmoral 23. Away. Round 3: W. 53 d Natimuk United 36. Home. Round 4: D. 40 drew Edenhope-Apsley 40. Away. Round 5: L. 44 to Laharum 58. Home. Round 6: W. 47 d Kalkee 27. Away. Round 7: W. 73 d Taylors Lake 20. Home. Round 8: W. 48 d Pimpinio 47. Away. Round 9: W. 52 d Rupanyup 22. Home. Round 10: Bye. Round 11: W. 47 d Kaniva-Leeor United 47. Away. Round 12: W. 78 d Swifts 35. Away.* Round 13: W. 44 d Harrow-Balmoral 31. Home. Round 14: W. 58 d Natimuk United 43. Away. Round 15: W. 40 d Edenhope-Apsley 30. Home.
Round 16: Bye. Round 17: W. 34 d Kalkee 33. Home. ** Round 18: W. 67 d Taylors Lake 44. Away. * Highest score ** Lowest score Total: Won: 14. Lost: 1. For: 820. Against: 552. Points: 58. Percentage: 148.55.
Players to watch Leah Mirtschin
Mirtschin is a rock-solid performer in a defensive unit that is one of the hardest to score against in the league. She has been among the Bombers’ best in nearly every game, and provides a nice foil to the height of fellow defender Rachel Leader with her agility and anticipation.
Brooke Pay
Only two years removed from claiming her second Michelle Mibus Medal as the league’s A Grade best and fairest, Pay has had an interrupted season, playing only nine of the Bombers’ 16 games, but could be the ultimate finals X-factor.
Leah Mirtschin
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HDFNL FINALS Maintaining pace
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Road to the finals Coach: Ema Iredell, Brooke Taylor
Round 1: W. 67 d Taylors Lake 30. Away. Round 2: W. 64 d Pimpinio 33. Home. Round 3: W. 91 d Rupanyup 24. Away.* Round 4: W. 68 d Kaniva-Leeor United 33. Home. Round 5: W. 58 d Noradjuha-Quantong 44. Away. Round 6: W. 60 d Swifts 25. Home. Round 7: W. 74 d Harrow-Balmoral 47. Away. Round 8: W. 58 d Natimuk United 50. Home. Round 9: W. 61 d Edenhope-Apsley 53. Away. Round 10: L. 36 to Kalkee 40. Home.** Round 11: Bye. Round 12: W. 73 d Taylors Lake 33. Home. Round 13: W. 55 d Pimpinio 30. Away. Round 14: W. 40 d Rupanyup 0. Home. Round 15: W. 57 d Kaniva Leeor 46. Away. Round 16: Bye. Round 17: W. 76 d Swifts 30. Away. Round 18: W. 57 d Harrow-Balmoral 35. Home. * Highest score ** Lowest score Total: Won: 15. Lost: 1. For: 995. Against: 553. Points: 60. Percentage: 179.93.
T
wo years removed from an undefeated premiership season, Laharum’s A Grade netballers are once again prepared to make a serious bid for the Horsham District league title.
Players to watch Ilze Van Zyl
Still eligible to play 17-and-under netball, Van Zyl has emerged as one of the competition’s best senior players after topping the A Grade scoring tally. She claimed best-on-court honours for Rupanyup in last year’s grand final and has only continued to improve in her first season at Laharum.
Jaspa Robinson
Another fresh face in the Laharum line-up, Robinson has added a new dimension to the Demons’ defensive setup following the retirement of former playing coach Rebecca McIntyre. Along with cocoach Ema Iredell, Robinson gives the opposition plenty of headaches.
Liv Jones-Story
Laharum finished atop the ladder with a 15-1 record, with its only loss coming to Kalkee by four goals in round 10. Key to the Demons’ resurgence this season have been the returns of goal shooter Caitlin Jones-Story and former goal attack Maddie Iredell, who now lines up at wing attack. Filling Iredell’s place in the goal ring is recruit Ilze Van Zyl, who joined Laharum after claiming best-on-court honours in last year’s grand final for Rupanyup. The new-look setup has yielded spectacular results, with Van Zyl leading the league in goal-scoring with 494 goals and JonesStory finishing fourth with 447. Co-coach Brooke Taylor said the team had talent across the court. “We’ve got a lot of experience in the midcourt as well with Liv Jones-Story and Maddie in there. I think they’re players who will absolutely step up come finals time,” she said. Heading the Demons’ defensive unit are Taylor’s co-coach Ema Iredell and Jaspa Robinson. But despite a minor premiership and a line-up full of talent, Taylor said finals success was no certainty. “Kalkee beat us and Kaniva-Leeor United pushed us the other week, so there’s a really strong competition between the top-five teams,” she said.
Taylor said she believed her team would take positives from its sole defeat of the season. “In the first part of the year we were winning quite comfortably most weeks, so I think it’s good to be pushed to bring out your best netball,” she said. “I think it was a healthy reminder this competition is close, and there are five teams in the finals that have a crack at that premiership. “You can’t just plateau. You want to keep improving because all the other teams are definitely improving out there.” Laharum has played sparingly in the back half of the season, with a pair of byes, a walkover win against Rupanyup and a week off during the first round of the finals, meaning the Demons will have played on only five of the previous nine weekends by the time of their semi-final. Taylor said there were positives and negatives to the disrupted schedule. “It’s that old argument – what are you better doing? Are you better resting your bodies and going in fresh, or are you better playing every week and keeping those connections going?” she said. “We’re conscious of that, so we’ll be doing a lot of game play at training and making sure we’re not losing anything from having all those weeks out.” Taylor said finals success would come down to two factors – match-ups, and composure. “Finals netball is a different game. There’s obviously a lot more pressure, a lot more noise. So to be able to handle that pressure in the finals is going to be key,” she said.
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SOLID: Taylors Lake’s Max Kamstra out positions Kalkee’s Doug Grining.
HDFNL FINALS
CAUGHT: Kaniva-Leeor United’s Josh Clayton tackles Taylors Lake’s Dylan Bates.
HANDBALL: Patrick Munn, Kaniva-Leeor United. ABOVE: Laharum’s Rueben Launder chases NoradjuhaQuantong’s Leigh Stewart. LEFT: Laharum’s Daniel Easson tackles Riley Downer, Rupanyup. Pictures: PAUL CARRACHER
PRESSURE: Kalkee’s Zavier Hobbs tackles Noradjuha-Quantong’s Declan Phyland.
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Wednesday, August 19, 2026 – HDFNL finals
HDFNL FINALS
PASS: Kaniva-Leeor United’s Blair Burke looks to pass.
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IN CONTROL: Chloe Reinheimer, Rupanyup, takes control. FOCUS: Natimuk’s Olivia Sudholz looks for options.
CLOSE: Leah Mirtschin, NoradjuhaQuantong, and Laharum’s Ilze Van Zyl, jostle for position.
DEFEND: Taylors Lake’s Zoe Gray defends Mikayla Dumesny, Pimpinio.
SHARP: Tamika Mentha, Kalkee. CENTRE: Edenhope-Apsley’s Lavinia Fox.
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it’s finals time QUALIFYING FINAL Saturday, August 22 Kalkee Rec Reserve
1ST SEMI-FINAL Sunday, August 30 Edenhope Football Ground
ELIMINATION FINAL Sunday, August 23 Harrow Rec Reserve
PRELIMINARY FINAL Saturday, September 5 Pimpinio Sporting Complex
2ND SEMI-FINAL Saturday, August 29 Rupanyup Rec Reserve
* The league board reserves the right to alter a venue of circumstances change throughout the year.
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