Netball
15 August, 2025
Finals places up for grabs in A grade netball
With A grade netball’s five finals teams decided in the Horsham District Football Netball League, round 18 on Saturday gives teams a chance to move up the ladder or finish their season on a high.
Rupanyup has locked in the top spot on the ladder and will get a week off but not before going against Laharum, last year’s premiers.
Currently in third, Laharum are yet to cement their spot in the qualifying final but a win against the Panthers would ensure they finish second.
Although the Demons were missing several key players, last week’s loss to Noradjuha Quantong has left them vulnerable to missing a top-three finish if they do not win their final-round clash.
However, Laharum are the only team to have defeated Rupanyup this season, winning 47-43 back in round seven.
Georgia Hiscock, coach of Rupanyup, knows the threat that Laharum poses as her side aims for their 10th consecutive victory.
“We will approach Laharum like any other team,” Hiscock said.
“We will focus on our game style and what we need to do.
“Laharum have proven results against us so we know they will be coming at us hard for the four points.”
While pleased to finish the home-and-away season in first, Hiscock acknowledges finals are a different intensity and that her side will continue to work hard in the coming weeks.
“Top spot is a benefit as you get that double chance; however, the finals series is a completely new season,” Hiscock said.
“You can’t rest on what you did in the home-and-away season, you have to work harder again.
“Finals pressure lifts games up another notch.
“Our prep into the finals will be focusing on lifting those one percenters, our teamwork and our structures.”
Another critical game this week will be between Noradjuha Quantong and Kalkee.
Playing at home, the Bombers are locked into the fifth spot, with this week’s matchup a potential elimination final warmup against fourth-placed Kalkee.
A victory for Noradjuha Quantong would be ideal preparation following recent wins against Taylors Lake and Laharum.
Along with their recent performances, the Bombers will enter Saturday with confidence, having defeated Kalkee 37-35 earlier in the season.
Saturday’s clash also offers a chance for Kalkee to potentially finish in the top three.
The Kees are one win behind Laharum, but with a greater percentage than the reigning premiers, a victory over the Bombers combined with a Rupanyup win over Laharum would see Kalkee play in the qualifying final against Edenhope Apsley, leaving Laharum and the Bombers making up the elimination final next week.
In other games this week, the Swifts will aim to finish their season on a high note when they host Pimpinio.
After being in the finals hunt for most of the season, injury troubles and unfortunate losses have seen the Swifts drop out of the finals race in recent weeks, but a victory offers them the chance to finish sixth on the ladder.
Elsewhere, Natimuk United will get the chance to redeem their early-season loss to Taylors Lake when they host the Lakers.
Taylors Lake won their round seven clash 45-37 but the Rams have been the biggest in-season improvers, recording surprise wins over the Swifts and the Bombers.
Kaniva Leeor will search for a long-awaited win as they host Harrow Balmoral on Saturday.
The Cougars have not won since round eight but will fancy themselves a chance on their home turf against the Southern Roos, who narrowly defeated them in their previous encounter in 2025.
Edenhope Aspley has the bye.