Netball
12 August, 2025
Netball finals path taking shape
Round 16 of the WFNL A-grade netball competition saw wins for four of the top five teams.
Although the five finalists for 2025 were decided several rounds ago, positions two through five are still contested, making every game crucial.
One side with a firm grip on its finals path are the Horsham Saints, who remain undefeated in the past 15 games.
The Saints scored a resounding 98-20 victory against Minyip Murtoa, with the league's top goal scorer Jorja Clode scoring 66 goals at 88 per cent accuracy.
Goalie teammate Abby Hallam outscored the Burras with 30 goals (68pc).
The win gives Horsham Saints a 16-point buffer from second place, the minor premiership and an all-important bye in the first week of finals.
The side also have a bye in round 18, giving them a two-week break, allowing players to rest and recover before the all-important semi-final in Minyip on September 6.
Second-place Horsham maintained their one-win buffer following a 61-35 win against the Warrack Eagles in Brim.
The defending premiers started strongly with a 19-8 start and never looked back, holding a double-digit lead for the rest of the game.
Despite facing multiple defensive combinations, the Demons missed only seven shots in the game.
In her 50th game with the club, Georgia Batson was nearly flawless, scoring 31 goals (94pc), while Imogen Worthy added 30 (86pc).
Dimboola's dreams of playing a home semi-final are on track after they defeated Stawell 59-36.
As in many games, the Warriors started strongly, scoring nine goals from 15 opportunities.
However, the hosts struggled to break the Roos' momentum and went into the first break behind 15-9.
Dimboola's dynamic defence, led by agile goalkeeper Bridget Dorrington, thwarted many of Stawell's opportunities, allowing the third-placed side to grow their lead to eight goals by half-time.
Sensing a chance to turn the screws, the Roos limited Stawell's chances while seizing their own with a 20-7 third quarter.
While the Warriors enjoyed their most productive quarter in the fourth, Dimboola extended their lead to win by 23.
In her return game, Nicole Polycarpou scored 29 goals (83pc) for the Roos, while Olivia Beugelaar added 22 (79pc).
Holly Graveson top-scored for the Warriors with 21 goals (58pc), while playing coach Jemma Clarkson added 12 (67pc).
In the closest game of the round, Southern Mallee Thunder defeated Nhill 68-40.
Playing at Hopetoun, the Thunder looked every bit a finals contender, taking almost 100 shots in the game.
Steph Thomson led the charge for the victors, scoring 43 goals (77pc), while Emma Mill added 18 (60pc).
For the Tigers, Ruby James top-scored with 27 goals (66pc) and Charlotte Foulds added 13 (77pc).
