Netball
29 August, 2025
WFNL Elimination final showdown: Thunder debut, Rats return
Sunday August 31 will see a game of many firsts for both the Southern Mallee Thunder and Ararat as they compete in the WFNL elimination final in Nhill.
This match marks the Rats' return to the A grade finals after several years and it will be the Thunder's debut in the club's brief history.
Following the merger of Jeparit-Rainbow and Southern Mallee Giants in 2023, Thunder coach Steph Thomson said while it took time for the two squads to gel, there were positive signs.
"Last year we had several close games that were within one to three goals," Thomson said.
"It was frustrating for us and made it difficult for us to get into the top five.
"Ultimately, we missed out on finals by one game.
"This season we are more connected and found momentum earlier."
Thomson highlighted the round six contest against the minor premiers as a key point in the season.
"We had a competitive match in round six against the Horsham Saints, who have been the benchmark for the competition for a number of years," she said.
"We really felt that we matched them well for three quarters, despite being at a stage where we were really testing out our versatility and combinations."
Thomson said that belief kicked the Thunder into gear for the second half of the season, highlighting the leadership group, which included captain Codie Robins and deputies Sydney Thorogood and Connie Rule.
"As our combinations have settled in the back half of the season, getting a couple of wins against top-five sides has given us good belief heading into the finals series," she said.
"Everyone knows they have a role to play and possesses a 'team first' mentality.
"They're a hard-working, determined and highly motivated group who want the best for each other."
Down the highway, Ararat's remarkable turnaround also started last season.
Winless in 2024, the Rats recruited strongly, boosting a young but inexperienced side for the 2025 campaign.
Coach Sally Noble added sisters Faith and Paige Biddle from the Ararat Eagles and Maggie Astbury from the Tatyoon Hawks.
"We were a young side who hadn't played in the finals for a long time," she said.
"Our goal was to make the finals this season so we went on a recruitment drive.
"To add three strong players who played in the Mininera grand final last year had a huge impact on our side," she said.
Noble added that building the confidence of the established playing group was also paramount to the side's success.
"We played several under 17s last year so building their confidence this year was the underlying theme of the season," she said.
"We've been rebuilding the side with a real youth focus.
"You look at players such as Laney McLoughlan and you can see the benefits throughout the season.
"Now the morale at the club is fantastic."