Netball
28 August, 2025
Rupanyup raring to go against Kalkee in netball showdown
A grade netball minor premiers Rupanyup open their finals campaign on Saturday when they play Kalkee for a spot in the Horsham District Football Netball League grand final.
Playing at Kalkee, the Panthers enter the finals having accumulated a 15-1 record in the home-and-away season and are currently on a 10-game winning streak.
Rupanyup will be favoured for Saturday’s semi-final but Kalkee have been in strong form themselves.
The Kees won five consecutive games to finish the regular season and are coming off a 45-44 victory over Edenhope Apsley in last week’s qualifying final.
The two teams faced each other only once in the regular season, in round eight, with Rupanyup defeating Kalkee 50-41 after trailing at half-time.
Rupanyup coach Georgia Hiscock says the team learnt a lot from the previous encounter, acknowledging that decision making in the pressure of finals netball will be critical in Saturday’s clash.
“That game really showed us the importance of composure,” Hiscock said.
“Kalkee started strongly and made us earn everything but once we settled into our rhythm we were able to build momentum and finish the match on our terms.
“Heading into finals, we know it’s going to come down to who adapts quickest to the pressure and limits turnovers.
“If we can stay disciplined and play to our structures we’ll give ourselves every chance.”
Paula Wiedermann, coach of Kalkee, knows that overcoming Rupanyup will be a difficult task but she says the team can turn their current momentum into a victory and a spot in the grand final.
“We know Rupanyup are a quality side and they challenged us earlier in the season so we’re under no illusions about how tough next week will be,” Wiedermann said.
“But we’ve been building well, the group is confident and we’ll take plenty out of Saturday’s win into that game.
“It’s exciting to have the chance to play for a grand final spot and we’ll be ready for the challenge.”
Having had the first week of finals off, Hiscock said her Panthers side were excited to finally play finals netball after their impressive season.
“We’re pretty pumped,” Hiscock said.
“A bit of nerves, but mostly just keen to get out there.
“Sitting back watching the other games last week made us itch to be on court ourselves.
“Finals is what you play for so we’re ready to go."
Looking at both sides, little differentiates the teams among the possible matchups across the court.
Kalkee goal keeper Lotus Martin has been one of the best shot-deterrers all season and will be a challenge for Rupanyup’s league-leading shooter Zanaiya Bergen.
At the other end of the court, Kalkee shooting duo Casey Rentsch and Jarrah Martin are coming off an impressive qualifying final performance but will go up against elite defenders such as Holly Ross and Victoria Taylor.
In the midcourt, both Ally and Georgia Hiscock have been instrumental throughout Rupanyup’s season, while Kalkee midcourters Amelia McRae and Georgia Schultz are crucial in driving the Kees’ offence.
The Rupanyup captain acknowledged that both sides were strong at all positions, believing that keeping to their playstyle would position them well for a victory.
“They’re solid across the court, no doubt, but so are we,” Hiscock said.
“Honestly, we’re not looking to reinvent anything; we’ll back our structures and keep the focus on us.
"That’s worked all year.
“If we stay clean with the ball, play our style and keep the pressure on we’ll be right there at the end.”
The match will commence at noon at Kalkee Recreation Reserve.