Netball
5 September, 2025
Saints out for redemption to earn grand final spot
Kalkee and Edenhope Apsley will go head-to-head in this Saturday’s A grade netball preliminary final as they play for the chance to take on Rupanyup in next week’s Horsham District Football Netball League grand final.
The sides will meet again two weeks after their qualifying final, where Kalkee prevailed in a 44-43 thriller that was decided in the dying seconds.
Although Edenhope Aspley finished second on the ladder and Kalkee third, the Kees have won both encounters between the two in 2025.
Lavinia Fox, coach of Edenhope Aspley, says her side will look to make amends for the qualifying-final loss, saying her side has more to offer.
“I'm very grateful that we've got the opportunity to come up against them and that we were gifted that second chance because I do feel like we're capable of a lot more against that team,” Fox said.
“They are a very well-drilled team and there's nothing better than fighting against the opposition, having to put out a solid four-quarter effort to get the win.
“I think they will really bring up the challenge and we'll have to respond similarly to the weekend just gone.
“There is some unfinished business there when you lose by a point.”
The Saints advanced to the preliminary final after defeating Noradjuha Quantong 50-40 in their semi-final, while Kalkee are coming off a 52-34 loss to Rupanyup.
Paula Wiedermann, coach of Kalkee, says last week’s defeat was a reminder to the team to bring the intensity from the first centre pass, adding that her side matches up against any side.
“The key takeaways (from the game against Rupanyup) were around starting with more intensity and making sure we’re switched on from the first whistle,” Wiedermann said.
“Once we settled we matched them in a lot of areas so the focus moving forward is about bringing that level of consistency right from the beginning and maintaining it across all four quarters.
“We know we can match it with any side when we play our style of netball, but it’s about making sure we bring that energy and intensity right from the start.
“Saturday’s a huge opportunity and if we stick to our structures, play with confidence and support each other right across the court I’m confident we’ll put ourselves in a really strong position.”
While Kalkee will be confident based on the results of their previous games against Edenhope Apsley, they will be without Casey Rentsch, who injured her knee in last week’s loss.
Wiedermann says the side’s versatility and depth can make up for the loss of their usual goal attack.
“It was really unfortunate to see Casey go down, she’s been in great form and is such an important part of our team,” Wiedermann said.
“The positive is that we’ve got real flexibility with our combinations, which we have utilised throughout the season.
"We have qualified shooters from our B grade to come up and Lotus (Martin) also has plenty of height and accuracy and has been playing both ends.
“I’ve got full confidence that whoever goes in there will grab the opportunity and contribute strongly.”
The Edenhope Aspley coach has identified the Martin sisters as Kalkee players to watch out for but says that her own team’s ability to play with confidence is key.
“I think that Jarrah (Martin) and Lotus are both really key players for them,” Fox said.
“They're a very connected, well-drilled team that has stood out across this season, but for us, my main reflection from that first final is that we play our best when we're confident and when we're playing to our strengths as well.
“As long as we do do that I'll be happy regardless of the result.
"If we go out there and do our best, hopefully that can be enough to get us across the line and into the grand final.”
Kalkee will have to contend with goal shooter Dee Dee Lambert, who has averaged more than 35 goals per game since her round eight debut and ignited the Saints’ comeback in the qualifying final.
Having had their goal circle opportunities limited when the sides met two weeks ago, Wiedermann knows Kalkee’s defensive pressure will be critical in laying the foundation of a potential win.
“Our defensive pressure is going to be really important again,” Widermann said.
“When we’re working hard right across the court, not just in the defensive end, that’s when we’re at our best.
“Against Edenhope Apsley we were able to force errors by keeping the pressure on and staying accountable, and that will definitely be a big focus again on Saturday.”