Netball
12 September, 2025
Horsham, Dimboola renew rivalry
For the fourth time this season, Horsham and Dimboola’s A grade netball teams will meet on the court.
This time a place in the highly coveted grand final is up for grabs for the victor.
Throughout 2025 the teams were neck and neck, finishing with 12 wins apiece, including one home win each against the other.
In the qualifying final, played in Dimboola on August 30, the defending premiers took until the final quarter to break the deadlock against the Roos, winning 48-42.
While Horsham lost the semi-final 72-51, Dimboola returned to the winners’ circle with a 40-38 win against Southern Mallee Thunder.
In a fitting clash the Demons and the Roos will face each other in the preliminary final at City Oval.
This encounter is familiar territory for both teams as they previously met in preliminary finals in 2023 and 2024.
Dimboola coach Ant Toet said her side was prepared to do everything it took to claim a grand final berth.
Toet said getting to this stage of the finals was a long-term goal for the club.
“Prior to our two preliminary finals appearances we hadn't gotten past the first week of finals,” she said.
“Even on those two prelims [in 2023 and 2024], we've improved.”
Toet noted that both sides had overcome hurdles to progress deeper into the post-season.
“We’ve each had injuries,” she said.
“We've had our challenges, and I know the Demons have had their challenges too.”
The coach expressed her team's unwavering determination as they prepared for the crucial showdown.
“It's [Horsham’s] home court," she said.
"We're not going to underestimate them.
“They got on top of us through good decision making and finals experience in that qualifying final.
“Our girls have had to learn and had to learn quickly.”