The Ellinbank and District netball preliminary finals were held at Caldermeade in hot but perfect conditions, with big crowds turning out to support their clubs with the stakes were high.
The atmosphere was electric, with every contest just as fierce as the sun that shone all day.
A grade: Nilma Darnum defeated Ellinbank 60-48
The A grade preliminary final brought together reigning premiers Nilma Darnum and Ellinbank in what promised to be a fierce battle for a grand final spot.
The Bombers made the stronger start, with captain and goal shooter Hayley Purcell leading from the front to guide her side to a six-goal lead at quarter-time.
Ellinbank took advantage of Nilma's loss of focus in the second quarter, just as Neerim South had the previous week. With their midcourt finding more flow and defensive pressure forcing turnovers, the Eagles surged back into the game and cut the margin to just two goals, 29–27, at half-time.
Nilma regrouped after the break and returned with renewed intensity. The introduction of Caitlyn Frecklington into wing defence added extra spark, helping to shut down Ellinbank's midcourt drive and turning momentum back the Bombers' way. Their defensive pressure forced errors and, with Purcell continuing to finish strongly under the post, Nilma pushed their lead back out to eight at three-quarter time.
Ellinbank threw everything at the game in the last quarter, with coach Jaz Ferguson making bold changes. Taylah Wallace moved into wing attack and even rotated into goal attack, while Chloe Johnstone shifted back to goal keeper to combat the height of Purcell and Skye Rees. The switches brought some hope, but Nilma's composure ensured they maintained control.
Nilma Darnum ran out 12-goal winners to secure their return to the grand final and keep their title defence alive.
Best on court: Nilma goal shooter Hayley Purcell was the standout across four quarters.
B grade: Ellinbank defeated Bunyip 42-36
Ellinbank and Bunyip came together for a high-pressure B grade contest.
The Bulldogs welcomed back coach Jade Taylor who returned from a wedding in Bali. Both teams started nervously, with defensive pressure creating plenty of turnovers. Ellinbank steadied first and strung together five goals in a row to lead 10-6 at quarter-time.
The second term proved decisive in typical Ellinbank fashion. Their defensive unit tightened and, with long-range shooting complementing their sharp midcourt play, the Eagles outscored Bunyip 15 goals to eight for the quarter to take a commanding 25-14 lead into half-time.
Bunyip refused to give in, rallying in the second half with renewed intensity. They won the third quarter on the back of strong defensive work and accurate shooting, reducing the deficit to seven goals at the final break.
Their momentum carried into the last term, where they further closed the gap to three goals before Ellinbank regained their composure.
The Eagles steadied in the dying stages, showing their experience to close out a six-goal victory. While Bunyip won the second half 22 goals to 18, the damage had been done in the second quarter.
Best on court: Ellinbank goal keeper Emma Robertson was a standout for the Eagles, with her intercepts and defensive presence earning her the medal.
C grade: Trafalgar defeated Neerim South 32-30
This C grade final between Neerim South and Trafalgar was a tight contest from the outset, with both teams desperate to keep their season alive.
The Cats opened strongly but Trafalgar's defensive pressure quickly turned the momentum. Accurate shooting gave the Bloods a quarter-time lead, 10-6.
Neerim South fought back in the second quarter through the hard work of centre Emily Robb, who provided drive through the midcourt and fed her shooters well. The switch of Nari Abrahams into goal keeper also gave the Cats more presence in defence. Trafalgar, however, continued to capitalise on their opportunities, holding a narrow 17-16 lead at half-time.
The third term was a true arm wrestle, as both sides traded goals and fought for every possession. Neerim South worked tirelessly to stay in touch, with defenders creating turnovers to keep the game on edge. Trafalgar, however, kept their composure and carried a slim one-goal lead, 24–23, into the final break.
The last quarter lived up to the occasion, with Neerim pushing hard but Trafalgar holding firm under pressure. Their alternating goalers, Courtney McLatchie and Lucy Coulthard, proved pivotal, each stepping up in their quarters to combine for 25 of the side's 32 goals. At the other end, goal defence Gracie Dempsey was outstanding in cutting off Neerim's attacking plays as Trafalgar steadied for a two-goal victory.
Best on court: Trafalgar goal defence Gracie Dempsey for her defensive dominance.
17 and under: Lang Lang defeated Catani 36-33
The preliminary final saw Lang Lang take on Catani for a place in the grand final.
The Tigers made the perfect start, with goal shooter Tiani Johnson almost unstoppable in the circle. She scored 12 of her side's 13 goals in the opening quarter, giving Lang Lang a 13-7 lead and all the early momentum.
The Blues worked hard to respond in the second quarter, adjusting through the midcourt and tightening their defensive pressure. Despite their efforts, Lang Lang continued to find answers in attack and went into half-time with a six-goal advantage.
The third quarter brought Catani's best patch of the game. They threw multiple positional changes across the court in search of a spark, and it paid dividends. They closed the margin to three goals by the final change. With the momentum shifting, the stage was set for a thrilling finish.
The last quarter delivered on the tension, with Catani pushing hard and creating opportunities.
However, Lang Lang held firm, taking their chances when it mattered. The Tigers steadied to record a three-goal win and book a grand final spot.
Best on court: Lang Lang goal attack Ebony Michie was a standout across the four quarters.
15 and under: Poowong defeated Lang Lang 23-21
In a replay of the qualifying final, Poowong and Lang Lang met for another tight battle.
This time the Magpies started strongly, putting the Tigers on the back foot with their defensive pressure and clean finishing. Poowong led 6-2 at quarter-time.
The Magpies extended the advantage to 12-6 by half-time and looked well in control of the contest.
Lang Lang regrouped after the break, lifting their work rate through the midcourt and converting more efficiently in the circle. They outscored Poowong nine goals to seven in the third quarter to reduce the deficit to four goals, and carried that momentum into the last term.
The Tigers continued to surge, finding rhythm in attack and winning the second half 15 goals to 11. But, their fightback left them just short.
Poowong steadied in the dying minutes to hold off the fast-finishing Tigers, running out two-goal winners.
Best on court: Poowong captain Nicola Fort led from the front in goal attack to gain the medal.
13 and under: Buln Buln defeated Bunyip 20-10
Starting the day, Buln Buln and Bunyip was a tight contest early before the Lyrebirds' consistency proved the difference. At quarter time Buln held a narrow 5-4 lead, with both sides applying strong defensive pressure and making goals hard to come by.
Buln continued their steady approach into the second term, shooting another five goals while restricting the Bulldogs to four.
At half-time, the Lyrebirds had edged two goals clear, 10-8, with centre Macy Eastwell beginning to take control through the midcourt.
From there, Buln Buln gradually pulled away. Their ability to post five goals a quarter across all four terms underpinned a reliable performance, while Bunyip simply couldn't find enough firepower to stay in the contest. The Lyrebirds closed out the match as 10-goal winners.
Best on court: Buln Buln centre Macy Eastwell for her tireless efforts.