Netball
8 August, 2025
Race to netball finals heats up
With just two weeks of the home and away season to go, several teams in A-grade netball are competing for ladder positions this Saturday in round 17 of the Horsham District Football Netball League.
One such team will be fourth-placed Kalkee, who host Kaniva Leeor United.
The Kees have a 10-4 record, and will be favoured this Saturday when they take on Noradjuha Quantong in round 18.
Kalkee are one win behind third-placed Edenhope Apsley; however, the Saints have a round 18 bye, and with the Kees only marginally behind them on percentage, a top-three spot is within reach for Kalkee.
The Cougars have just two wins to their name in 2025, but after coming back from a bye, will want to finish their season on a positive note.
Paula Weidermann, coach of Kalkee, is feeling confident ahead of the final two games, believing the side could elevate into the coveted top three.
"Over the next couple of weeks, we will continue to strengthen our side with Jarrah Martin returning to the team, and hopefully secure a spot in the top three," Weidermann said.
Helping Kalkee's push is their recent form, including strong wins over Harrow Balmoral (59-20) and Pimpinio (66-20), and a close win over Swifts (48-47).
Weidermann says having players try multiple positions this season has strengthened the team while providing versatility.
"This season we have had the opportunity to see several players play in several positions, as well as swapping from end to end," Weidermann said.
"I think we have found some really good combinations, and are really working well together as a team."
At Laharum, the Demons will host Noradjuha Quantong as they look to cement their top-three position.
The reigning premiers, currently second on the ladder, will be favoured against the fifth-placed Bombers, having won their previous encounter 42-29 back in May.
But with little percentage points separating them, Edenhope Apsley, and Kalkee, a defeat on Saturday would leave Laharum susceptible to missing the top three, particularly with their final clash being against first-placed Rupanyup.
Noradjuha Quantong will be motivated on Saturday, with a win almost definitely securing a finals spot as they battle with Natimuk United for fifth place.
The Rams have a tough encounter themselves, going against Edenhope Apsley, who demonstrated they are a genuine contender in their 47-46 loss to Rupanyup last round.
The Rams are one game behind Noradjuha Quantong, but with a notable difference in percentage, the Rams will need to win both their remaining games to stand a chance of making the finals.
A decisive win for the Saints would boost their chances of securing a spot in the top three.
In other A-grade games, Harrow Balmoral will host the Swifts, and Taylors Lake will go against Rupanyup.
Pimpinio has a bye.