Netball
4 September, 2025
Undefeated Saints clash with Demons for spot in grand final
In a highly anticipated WFNL A Grade netball second semi-final, minor premiers Horsham Saints will face off against the reigning champions, Horsham Demons, in Minyip on Saturday, September 6.
The victor will secure a week off and a coveted spot in the grand final, while the defeated team will have to battle for their grand final berth in the preliminary final on September 13.
Following a round 18 bye and no games in the first week of finals, Saints' coach Vernetta Taylor said her side was keen to return to the court.
"I actually think it was a positive for us to have those two weeks off," she said.
"It gave the team a chance to rest and recover from any niggles that they might have been suffering from.
"Everyone is feeling 100% physically, but also mentally, we're all in a really good headspace."
The Saints come into the final with a 16-0 record; however, the win streak wasn't all smooth sailing for the minor premiers, following the loss of two key players.
"I don't think it's any secret: it was definitely a challenge when we lost Holly Phillips and Erin Martin," she said.
"But what was our biggest challenge actually, has turned into a wonderful opportunity.
"Maddison Bethune and Lena Marshman have combined beautifully. We couldn't ask for any more.
"They're being supported by Shannon Cross, who's moved into wing defence [from Wing Attack]; she is such an experienced player, very smart, she's able to support those young players.
"Obviously, we would have still loved to have had Holly and Erin in the team, but it's that challenge that has actually turned into a real opportunity."
The last time the Saints and Demons played was in round 11 at Coughlin Park, where the hosts won 65-57.
That particular clash, according to Taylor, truly showcased the team's versatility and tenacity.
"We didn't have Jorja Clode, she had Bendigo Striker commitments, and it was the first game we didn't have Holly Phillips or Erin Martin," she said.
"We had three dominant players out of the team, and we were taking on Demons; we know that that is always going to be a challenge, because they're a quality team."
Taylor moved Marshman into Goal Shooter, who went on to score 37 goals, and brought up Zeena Kelm from B Grade to fill Marshman's place.
"I believe that was the moment that the whole team just lifted in terms of self-belief that we are not reliant on one or two players," Taylor said.
"We are a balanced team and we can cover anything that arises."
Demons out to end Saints’ unbeaten run
Meanwhile, the Demons come into the match following a hard-fought 48-42 qualifying final win against Dimboola.
Key defender Ebonie Salter was named best on court alongside goal shooter Imogen Worthy, while Romi Miller was praised for her defensive assignment on Roo's ace Olivia Beugelaar.
Co-coach Salter said the win was a confidence boost for the side.
"I think it does prove that we are on the right track," she said.
"Despite our hurdles that we've had throughout the season, that we've been building for this moment, and that what we've got is good enough, and we just need to keep doing that."
Co-coach Georgie Carberry lauded the team's resilience, highlighting their capacity to remain focused not only between games but also during challenging matches.
"We've ridden some highs and lows," she said.
"I think our strength is how we regroup, how we come back after a loss and band together."
While the Saints aim to continue their perfect season with another win on Saturday, Salter said their winning streak would not prevent them from giving their utmost.
The co-coach said the side isn't focused on key matchups, but playing as a team.
"We focus on our individual contributions in those big games," she said.
"There are a couple of key people that get mentioned in the media, but from our point of view, we don't like to have any passengers, so we don't focus on any one position too much.
"We're focused right across the board. We have a really great bench with so much depth, and we've been lucky in some ways to have those hurdles … to use the bench in times we wouldn't have normally.
"I think it's really just about coming together as a team."
"When the time comes, we've got faith that we do trust our game plan," Carberry added.
"We work hard and work for each other."
Roos, Thunder prepare for tight WFNL finals clash
Dimboola is focused on extending its finals campaign after going down in the qualifying final.
Coach Ant Toet said she was impressed with her side's determination after a slow start.
"We had a bit of a change up to our lineup, so we were probably a little bit more hesitant than we've been," she said.
"But we pulled that back and got on top as best as we could, given the circumstances.
"We were doing the right things, and just adjusting to what happened on the day and what we could control and what we can't control."
Midcourters Billie Barber and Rianna Kuhne were named best on court for the Roos, while Toet also praised the work of defensive duo Stephanie Glover and Bridget Dorrington.
"Our defenders were creating lots of turnovers for us," she said.
"But we couldn't capitalise on those in those crunch times. That's a learning opportunity for us."
Dimboola will travel to Ararat on Sunday, September 7, to take on the Southern Mallee Thunder.
The two sides will be familiar with each other, having played in round 18, which the Roos won 46-38.
"We match up well against them," Toet said.
"A lot of girls are mates [off the court], so it will be a good game."
Thunder co-coach Jodi Hayes said her side is prepared to put everything on the line in the semi-final.
"We know that it's going to be a tight contest," Hayes added.
"The score of our last game didn't reflect how well our girls played; we brought it back to one goal, so we know as a group that we can take it up to them.
We've had two really close games against them. So we'll take that belief with us on Sunday."