Netball
22 September, 2025
Red, white and black glory as Horsham Saints win A Grade premiership
The Horsham Saints' season of revenge is complete after claiming the 2025 WFNL A Grade premiership in convincing fashion.
The champion team went through the season undefeated, claiming its 18th win of the season in an 80-43 masterclass against rivals Horsham Demons at Anzac Park, Warracknabeal, on Saturday, September 20.
The minor premiers got off to a strong start with the league's leading goal scorer, Jorja Clode, hitting 20 goals in the first quarter from just 22 attempts.
On the defensive end, the Saints effectively limited the Demon's Georgia Batson and Imogen Worthy to just 10 attempts.
At the first break, the Saints led 21-8; despite the 13-goal lead, veteran midcourter Megan Bryne said the Saints remained focused.
“We just had to keep doing our game plan,” she said.
“We couldn't take the foot off. Keep sending to the lead.
“We just did the basics. It was probably boring to watch because we just threw to the front option.”
During the second quarter, Abby Hallam moved freely around the court at goal attack.
In a best on court performance, Hallam linked with Byrne and captain Ash Grace, allowing the Saints to move from one third to another swiftly.
Demon’s bench moves - adding Sienna Manserra into the midcourt and Zarli Knight into goal attack - proved effective in the short term.
Juniors Maddi Bethune and Lena Marshman played well beyond their years in the Saints’ backcourt, consistently deflecting passes, rebounding strongly and denying the Demons crucial second-chance opportunities.
Hallam scored 11 goals in the second quarter, while Clode added nine, to further extend the lead to 25 goals at the main break.
In the second half, the Saints remained focused, attacking the circle from various angles, as Hallam and Clode added 16 goals.
The third quarter was the Demons' best, with Knight scoring six goals from eight attempts, but the deficit grew to 27 goals at the final break.
With one hand on the premiership cup, the Saints enjoyed their most explosive quarter, with Byrne, Grace, wing defence Shannon Cross often passing directly from the midcourt into the circle regularly.
Clode’s strength and agility were on full display as she shot 17 goals in the last quarter to finish with 57.
In a best on court performance, Hallam added 23 for the Saints, while Marshman was also named in the Saints' best for her clutch interceptions throughout the game.
Grace expressed that the painful memories of the 2024 grand final loss have now been erased.
“Oh, it feels awesome,” she said.
“Everything that hurt on the court, now doesn't hurt anymore.
“We played as a team out there today, and it really showed in the end, and that's what got us over the line with such a big margin.”
Grace highlighted that the team’s stifling defence was key to the team’s success throughout the year.
“It's something that we've really worked hard on this year; defence can win you games,” she said.
“The pressure all the way down the court with our hands … makes them put high balls in and throw over our hands, and that's when our young guns and Shannon can go for those intercepts.”
After the game, Marshman said any nerves she had were gone when she saw her focused teammates.
“Obviously, I was really nervous, just getting on the court,” she said.
“But our team was so supportive.
“It gave me and Maddi confidence to play our game.”
Coach Vernetta Taylor lauded the club for their continued faith in her leadership, guiding the team from the agony of their 2024 grand final loss.
“I firstly want to thank Horsham Saints for giving me the opportunity to coach A grade,” she said.
“I'm grateful to be given this amazing, talented, super, crazy talented group of players.
“They trusted me when I said I wanted to change things up.
“Whilst it felt a little uncomfortable, and whilst they were already playing great netball, they trusted me.
“They backed me in, and I guess the proof is in the pudding, girls.”
Taylor said the Saints’ rivalry with the Demons motivates them to improve each year.
“We always look forward to every time we meet. [because] we know it's going to be a challenge,” she said.
“It's a healthy rivalry, and I absolutely love it.
“Thank you for being the great sports persons that you are, and we look forward to watching your team grow and develop as well.”
Demons’ co-coach Eb Salter shared Taylor’s sentiments.
“We do have a lot of respect for you and what you achieve as a club and as a wider community,” she said to the Saints team.
“Well done. Enjoy tonight.”
Salter praised her side for persevering all season
“It was probably not that long ago when it was questionable whether we would even make the grand final,” she said.
“We really dug deep, and we should be really proud of what we've achieved.”
