Eagles topple Tigers
Grand final loss avenged
A Geelong Netball League grand final rematch went the way of last year’s vanquished, while three teams have set themselves apart in the Bellarine league.
Here are nine talking points from the weekend of GNL, BNL and GDNL A-grade netball.
TOP SIDES
Newtown & Chilwell took bragging rights over reigning premier Colac, 56-46, in what was a grand final rematch.
Both teams are expected to contend again, but they lined up vastly different to last year’s decider, the Tigers covering the holes left by defender Brooke Allan and midcourter Zara Walters with returning players such as Ava Cuolahan and Amy Hammond.
Meanwhile, the Eagles had seven out from last year’s grand final side but have kept the core and get some experienced players back after a year off including Vanessa Augustini.
SHARP SUPERSAINTS
St Albans scored the win of the round by knocking off Bell Park, 48-43. After finishing 10th last year with a 3-12-1, the Supersaints beat a side who ranked sixth and pushed reigning premier Colac in their season-opener last week.
Accuracy hurt the Dragons, sinking 43 of their 66 attempts compared to St Albans’ 48 from 59 with Sade Stafford particularly sharp for the Supersaints with 45 of 49 attempts going in.
SWANS SET FOR TEST
South Barwon, who accounted for Lara in comfortable fashion in round 2, will get its first big test next round when they face St Joseph’s coming off a bye. The Joeys’ defensive end should pose a threat to a dominant Swans’ attack led by Ellen Doyle.
TIGERS’ TOUGH FIXTURE
At first glance it’s an odd sight to see last year’s Bellarine finalists Torquay ninth with a 0-4 to start the 2024 season. But the Tigers have faced all three undefeated sides – Geelong Amateur, Ocean Grove and Newcomb – while three of their games have been decided by three goals or less.
It’s a similar story for Barwon Heads, who finished fifth last year but are 1-3 after losing twice by one goal. Both clubs have the better percentages of the bottom five, so if they can get over the hump, we’re expecting both to come good in the next few weeks.
BIG TEST AWAITS
Newcomb is among three clubs undefeated in the BNL, after finishing well outside the top 5 last year. Their 63-30 win over Drysdale solidifies their standings after some close wins, but we’ll learn a lot more about the Power’s ceiling this year next round when they take on last year’s preliminary finalists Queenscliff.
STAR SHOOTING DUO
Different attacking partnerships work for different sides – Ruby Watson the obvious target for Geelong Ammos – but it's a dynamic shooting option at Queenscliff that is proving a dangerous option. Goal shooter Tess Orvis (116 goals) and goal attack Kaitlin Gladman (112) have been equally as productive as the other and should trouble opponent’s defences this year.
ROOS’ BIG SCALP
Reigning GDNL premiers Werribee Centrals have struggled to get going early in the season with a new-look side, with Anakie picking up an important 48-41 win over the Centurions. We said it last week – Anakie was one to watch in 2024 – but their scalp over the premiers is a massive pat on the back for a side who ranked 10th the past two seasons. Volume wise, April Mclean had her best scoring game for the Roos, shooting 40 goals from 56 attempts.
TALE OF TWO TIGERS
It’s been a positive start to the season for Bannockburn, whose 61-40 win over Thomson puts them in the top five. Ella Wasik was well improved on last week’s game, shooting 47 goals at 85 per cent, for Bannockburn, while Thomson converted just 40 of their 69 chances, their run not getting any easier with an improved Belmont Lions next.
MISSED OPPORTUNITY
A 10-goal loss to East Geelong is by most accounts an honourable result for Inverleigh but the Hawks will be left ruing a missed opportunity in what was Kelsey Whyte’s 250th game. The Hawks generated 65 scoring shots to the Eagles’ 56, the final score 31-41.