Netball
25 July, 2025
Horsham District League: road to A Grade netball finals
The finals race is well and truly heating up in A Grade netball in the Horsham District Football Netball League.
Up to seven teams are in the running for a spot in the top five with just four rounds to go.
With both 11 wins each, Rupanyup and Laharum are close to securing top three spots, with Edenhope Apsley looking the most likely to round out the top three.
Beyond that, four teams are in the hunt for the remaining two spots, and with some surprise wins in recent rounds, every game will be pivotal in determining who makes up the five finals sides.
Based on form and games still to play, here are some predictions of how the sides will finish at the end of the regular season.
First: Rupanyup (15 wins, one loss, 60 points)
The Panthers have been the most consistent side in 2025, and with 12 games in, they have shown they’re ready to take it one step further and claim the premiership this year.
Rupanyup have scored almost double the number of goals than they have allowed, with their only point of fault being a tight loss to last year’s premiers Laharum.
With their strong percentage, the Panthers would most likely have to lose two games in these final rounds to lose top spot, which is unlikely considering their season so far.
Their round 18 clash against Laharum could serve as a potential preview of this year’s grand final.
Looking ahead: Natimuk (A) win, Edenhope Apsley (H) win, Taylors Lake (A) win, Laharum (H) win.
Second: Laharum (13 wins, three losses, 52 points)
The reigning premiers have demonstrated that they are very much a chance to take out consecutive premierships.
While they have not been as dominant as the Panthers, they have won several tight games, including key wins against Rupanyup and Kalkee.
Laharum should hold onto second but have some tough games to finish the regular season.
Looking Ahead: Swifts (H) win, bye, Noradjuha Quantong (H) win, Rupanyup (A) loss.
Third: Edenhope Apsley (12 wins, four losses, 48 points)
Although a much-changed side from the 2023 premiership team, Edenhope Aspley have demonstrated they are a force to be reckoned with.
After a good start to the year, the insertion of goalshooter Dee Dee Lambert into the side has elevated the side further, highlighted by their 54-49 win over Laharum in round nine.
The Saints will have to contend against quality opponents in their remaining games, which should prepare them for the intensity of the finals.
Looking ahead: Noradjuha Quantong (H) win, Rupanyup (A) loss, Natimuk (H) win, bye.
Fourth: Kalkee (11 wins, five losses, 44 points)
Kalkee are highly likely to keep their fourth spot on the ladder by the end of the regular season.
The Kees have been a consistently competitive side all season, with their biggest blemish being a 57-33 loss to Laharum while missing most their starting lineup.
Their round 18 clash against Noradjuha Quantong is likely to serve as a preview of the elimination final in the first week of finals.
Looking ahead: Pimpinio (H) win, Swifts (A) win, Kaniva Leeor (H) win, Noradjuha Quantong (A) loss.
Fifth: Noradjuha Quantong (nine wins, seven losses, 36 points)
After a strong 2024, the Bombers have had more of a mixed 2025 season, but nonetheless remain a threat to any potential finals team.
Noradjuha Quantong have challenged all the current top three sides while also registering a win over Kalkee earlier in the season.
But their recent loss to Natimuk United means their road to finals is not guaranteed.
The Bombers’ strong points percentage means they are favoured to get into the top five, they may need an upset win in case Natimuk or the Swifts pull off surprise wins of their own.
Looking ahead: Edenhope Apsley (A) loss, Taylors Lake (H) win, Laharum (A) loss, Kalkee (H) win.
Sixth: Natimuk United (eight wins, eight losses, 32 points)
The Rams have been one of the stories of the season, with their late-season run shaking up the finals race.
After accumulating a 2-6 record at the halfway point of the season, Natimuk have won five consecutive games, including victories against the Swifts and Noradjuha Quantong, their main challengers for the fifth finals spot.
However, two of their final three games will be against top three teams, including league leaders Rupanyup on Saturday.
The Rams will have to pull off another upset if they are to have their Cinderella run continue into the finals.
Looking ahead: Rupanyup (H) loss, bye, Edenhope Apsley (A) loss, Taylors Lake (H) win.
Seventh: Swifts (eight wins, eight losses, 32 points)
The Stawell side has had a mixed season to this point, as indicated by their 6-6 record.
The Swifts started the season well with wins against quality sides like Natimuk and Edenhope Apsley, but have struggled recently, dropping out of the top five with four straight losses.
Injury and unavailability have been contributing factors to their recent losses.
Still, if a healthy Swifts side can revisit their early-season form, they remain a chance of sneaking into the top five.
If the Swifts can upset either Laharum or Kalkee and win their final two games, they are well positioned to progress if other results go their way.
Looking ahead: Laharum (A) loss, Kalkee (H) loss, Harrow Balmoral (A) win, Pimpinio (H) win.
Eighth: Taylors Lake (five wins, 11 losses, 20 points)
Taylors Lake have been one of the notable improvers from the 2024 season
Not only have the Lakers already doubled their win total from last year, but their 83.15% win percentage is also significantly improved (from 56.67% in 2024).
Wins against Natimuk and competitive efforts against teams like Kalkee and the Swifts suggest Taylors Lake could be a team to watch out for in 2026.
While the Lakers still technically have a chance to make the finals, they will need to win all their remaining games and rely on other results - a challenging task, given they are favoured in just one of their remaining clashes.
Looking ahead: Kaniva Leeor (H) win, Noradjuha Quantong (A) loss, Rupanyup (H) loss, Natimuk (A) loss.
Ninth: Harrow Balmoral (four wins, 12 losses, 16 points)
The Southern Roos' current 3-10 season record does not reflect the quality of the team they are.
Harrow Balmoral have continuously remained a competitive team throughout the season, including pushing Laharum in both their matchups this year.
Their persistence recently paid off with a come-from-behind win over Taylors Lake in round 13.
While the Southern Roos are out of the finals race, they can finish their season on a high with some very winnable games ahead.
Looking ahead: bye, Pimpinio (A) win, Swifts (H) loss, Kaniva Leeor (A) loss.
Tenth: Kaniva Leeor United (three wins, 13 losses, 12 points)
Having reached the finals last year, the Cougars have not had the season they would have liked, currently sitting with two wins to their name.
While they have challenged opponents in several games, they have struggled against sides near the top of the ladder.
Their 50-36 win against Taylors Lake earlier in the season suggests they are a good chance of a win on Saturday, and the potential for the team going forward.
Looking ahead:Taylors Lake (A) loss, bye, Kalkee (A) loss, Harrow Balmoral (H) win
Eleventh: Pimpinio (zero wins, 16 losses, zero points)
The young Pimpinio side has had a difficult season and is likely to finish the season without a win.
However, the Tigers can take solace in the fact that they often outperformed teams for periods within games, with their most significant obstacle being maintaining such form for full games.
Their most likely chance of a win will be their round 16 home game against Harrow Balmoral.
Looking ahead: Kalkee (A) loss, Harrow Balmoral (H) loss, bye, Swifts (H) loss.
