Champion Cats do it again
by Angela Banbury
Neerim South's remarkable winning streak continued with another grand final victory, extending their run to 40 consecutive games since their last defeat – the 2024 grand final.
The Cats added another premiership to an extraordinary era of dominance, while elsewhere on the day there were stories of redemption, upsets and premiership streaks of a different kind.
Perfect spring conditions greeted players and spectators at Trafalgar for the second consecutive year, with sunshine, barely a breath of wind and a grand final atmosphere that was electric, colourful with club colours and full of voice from the opening centre pass until the final whistle.
Eight of the EDFNL's 12 clubs were represented across the six netball grand finals, with five different clubs ultimately taking premiership cups home. While there were celebrations across the grades, the final chapter of the day belonged once again to Neerim South, crowned A grade premiers and champions for the second consecutive season.
Neerim South saved another commanding performance for the biggest stage, overcoming a determined Ellinbank early before powering away to claim the A grade premiership 49-30. The 19-goal victory completed another undefeated season for the Cats and delivered their fourth premiership in five years.
The Eagles were up for the fight early, with both teams scoring from opposition centre passes in a tightly contested opening. Neerim settled first to take an 11-8 lead into quarter time before making its move in the second term.
The Cats scored the opening seven goals of the quarter to quickly stretch the margin to 10, forcing Ellinbank to shuffle its defensive combinations in an effort to stem the flow. The Eagles responded, but Neerim remained composed to lead 27-17 at the main break.
Ellinbank coach Jas Ferguson was able to be courtside, with her AFLW commitments at the all-conquering Kangaroos having kept her away throughout the finals series. But even Ferguson couldn't conjure the magic required to stop a Neerim South side in full flight.
There was no easing of the pressure after half-time. Neerim's attack moved the ball cleanly from centre pass to goal, while Christie Urie and the Cats' defensive unit made scoring increasingly difficult at the other end.
Ellinbank was restricted to just six goals in the third quarter as Neerim extended its advantage to 36-23, before another controlled final term sealed the 19-goal victory. The Eagles' final tally of 30 was their second-lowest score of the season.
Best on court: Goal shooter Nicole Alcock provided a strong presence throughout the contest and kept Ellinbank's defenders occupied while working beautifully with Kimberley Edwards. Alcock's movement created space for Edwards to attack the post as well, with the pair again showing the understanding that has been such a feature of Neerim's attacking end.
