by Angela Banbury
The 2025 EDFNL netball grand finals will, for the first time, be staged at Trafalgar on Saturday, with nine of the league's 12 clubs represented across the six grades.
With premiers-champion titles on the line and a huge crowd expected, it promises to be a showcase of the league's best young talent and senior stars.
The headline act of the day will see Neerim South and Nilma Darnum meet in the A grade grand final for the third time in four years. In 2022, it was Neerim who claimed the flag and, in 2024, Nilma responded.
Now, in 2025, the rivalry is set for a blockbuster decider with everything on the line. The Cats are undefeated this season and chasing the premiers-champions crown, while the Bombers enter as reigning premiers determined to defend their title.
The contest is stacked with fascinating individual battles across the court. In the shooting circle, Neerim's Kimberley Edwards and Nicole Alcock will carry the scoring load. Their movement and accuracy is vital against Nilma's defensive trio of Melanie Cook, Nikki Mirams and Ondine Olsson. Cook's ability to read the play, Mirams' reliability, and Olsson's height and leap give Nilma one of the most versatile defensive units in the league.
Through the midcourt, Neerim's speed and flair will be tested against Nilma's steadiness and power. Mia Muir (nee McGarrity) and Ava McGarrity will look to feed quickly and precisely into their goalers, supported by the tenacity of captain Kasey Tymkin at wing defence. Matching up against them will be Nilma's Madlyn Borsato, whose speed and precision feeding has been a standout, Rachael Chandler, whose tireless effort provides stability, and rising star Mia Tweddle, whose confidence and pace can break games open.
At the other end, the clash between Neerim's defence and Nilma's "twin towers" will be pivotal. Hayley Purcell has been the competition's dominant shooter this season with her height and holding strength, while Skye Rees provides agility and long-range shooting to complement her captain. They'll be tested by player-coach Christie Urie, whose defensive pressure is second to none, and the reliable Paris Smith, with the possibility of Elly Radford stepping up to add height and intercepting strength.
Neerim rarely rotate their line-up, but have the option of introducing Tessa Fusinato into defence to free up Urie for a midcourt role if needed or Ash Barneveld (nee Trimble) into goals. Nilma, with Stacey Lawry directing from the sidelines, may look to change the flow of the game with the likes of Caitlyn Frecklington injecting strength through the middle. Gabrielle Paynter can add further long-range shooting, and Halle Wouters midcourt speed. The tactical nous of Urie and Nilma's coaching group will no doubt be on display.
With one win each across their last two grand final meetings and so much talent on both sides, this year's A grade decider promises to be gripping viewing and well worth the admission price. Two fierce teams, a fierce rivalry, and the premiership on the line - it doesn't get much better.
Other grades:
Trafalgar will provide the perfect stage for a day of fierce competition, drama and celebration of the game.
The B grade clash brings together Ellinbank and Neerim South. The Eagles have dominated this level for over a decade, with premierships in 2011-2013, 2016, 2017 and a remarkable run of three straight flags from 2022-2024. Neerim South, however, have built steadily through the year and bring momentum into the decider.
The midcourt battle will be crucial, with both sides boasting game-changers who can turn the contest in an instant.
Ellinbank's incredible record continues in the C grade grand final, with the Eagles reaching yet another decider.
Since 2014 they have featured in every grand final, winning multiple titles and building an unmatched legacy. Standing in their way is Trafalgar, who have impressed through the finals and will be buoyed by their preliminary final win over Neerim South.
With Trafalgar's shooters in strong form and Ellinbank's defensive pedigree, this promises to be a battle right to the wire.
The 17 and under grand final will see undefeated Longwarry take on Lang Lang.
The Crows' attack has been difficult to stop all year, and they will start as favourites to add the premiers champions title. The Tigers, however, bring confidence from a strong finals campaign and will look to apply defensive pressure early to disrupt Longwarry's rhythm and keep the game alive into the final quarter.
In the 15 and under decider, Catani will look to maintain their unbeaten streak and claim the premiers champions title against Poowong.
The Blues have been dominant all year, but Poowong has shown they can push them, particularly with their ability to finish games strongly. Much will depend on Catani's ability to settle early and control the midcourt, while Poowong will need to pressure consistently across the court to find a way past the favourites.
The day will begin with the 9am centre pass for the 13 and under grand final between Lang Lang and Buln Buln.
Lang Lang enters undefeated, looking to complete the season as premiers champions. The Tigers' consistency and defensive strength have been a feature of their year. But, Buln Buln comes in with momentum after a strong finals run.
The Lyrebirds will back themselves to cause an upset if they can restrict Lang Lang's shooters and keep the contest tight for four quarters.

Times:

The Ellinbank and District netball grand finals will be held at Trafalgar Recreation Reserve on Saturday.
A grade: Neerim South v Nilma Darnum at 2.15pm.
B grade: Neerim South v Ellinbank at 1pm.
C grade: Ellinbank v Trafalgar at 12noon.
17 and under: Longwarry v Lang Lang at 11am.
15 and under: Catani v Poowong at 10am.
13 and under: Lang Lang v Buln Buln at 9am.