Netball
25 August, 2025
Roos clinch home final
Dimboola have secured an all-important home final by defeating Southern Mallee Thunder in the final regular season game of the 2025 season.
Both sides came into the game in red-hot form, with the Roos on a four-game winning streak while the Thunder had won five of their past six games.
Despite being on the road, Dimboola came out strongly, taking a 12-9 lead in the first quarter.
With momentum on their side, the Roos leapt ahead, turning a three-goal lead into nine goals following a 14-8 second quarter.
The hosts took the momentum in the second half, limiting Dimboola's scoring opportunities, cutting the deficit to seven goals at the final break.
The intensity increased in the final quarter as both sides stepped up their efforts.
An 11-10 fourth quarter saw Dimboola claim a 46-38 road win.
Dimboola's Olivia Beugelaar top-scored with 27 goals and Nicole Polycarpou finished with 13, while Eloise Wills and Maddison Marra added four and two goals, respectively.
Thunder ace Steph Thomson shot 23 goals while front-court teammate Emma Mill added 15.
The victory secured third place for the Roos and a rematch of round 14 against Horsham.
The Demons will be keen to avenge the 52-47 loss which saw Marra score 20 for the Roos.
The defending premiers will go into the game full of confidence after trouncing Minyip Murtoa 80-32 in round 18.
Imogen Worthy continued her run of form, outscoring the Burras with 56 goals.
Meanwhile, Demons co-captain Georgia Batson finished with 23 in a best-on-court performance alongside dynamic centre Ella Janetzki.
Minyip Murtoa's Jessica Newell scored 18 goals while captain Lucy Brand added 14.
Burra defenders Johanna Griffiths and Marli Arnold were named best on court for the hosts.
The Warrack Eagles finished their season on a high with a decisive 61-28 victory against Stawell.
Playing at Anzac Park, the hosts traded goals with the Warriors in the first quarter.
However, the Eagles found their groove in the second quarter with a 16-5 run to go into the break with a 10-goal lead.
An additional 16-5 run after the main break saw the hosts extend the margin to 21 goals.
With the result all but assured, the Eagles enjoyed a 19-7 final quarter to win by 33 goals.
Amber O'Connor shot 45 for the victors while Nicola Clyne added 15.
Stawell's Holly Graveson and Ayva Mitchell shared the goals almost evenly with 15 and 13, respectively.
Finally, Ararat will enter their finals campaign full of confidence following a 55-36 win against Nhill.
Midcourter Monique Scott and goal shooter Laney McLoughlan (26 goals) were named best on court for the Rats.
Maggie Astbury top-scored for the hosts with 29 goals.
Midcourters Ashleigh Batson and Tess McQueen were named best on court for the Tigers, while Ruby James (18), Charlotte Foulds (14) and Ruby Gordon (four) shared the goals.
