What a season it has been for Euroa Netball and what a rare and wonderful achievement to have four of the five teams advancing to the first round of the GVFL finals. Both the A grade and B grade sides have had stellar seasons, finishing second on the ladder and earning themselves the coveted double chance. B Reserve, finishing in a strong third position, and the determined 15 and under team, sneaking into sixth, will be fighting hard in elimination finals to keep their seasons alive. It is an exciting time for the club, with finals fever well and truly setting in. The depth, talent and team spirit across all grades has been exceptional this year and the club is proud to see the hard work pay off. Now is the time for the town to get behind the club, Come along, cheer loudly and show support as the teams push for premiership glory. A GRADE Reigning premiers Euroa closed out the home and away season in style, securing a strong 63–47 win over Shepparton United. The victory sees Euroa finish second on the ladder, locking in a finals berth and a clash with the Shepparton Bears, one of only two teams to beat them this season. Olivia Morris was a standout once again, netting 45 goals in a typically composed and clinical performance. Unfazed by defensive pressure, she simply got the job done. Mia Sudomirski returned from her Euro trip with a passport full of stamps and plenty of energy. She shouted her signature “Come on” enough times to get the crowd fired up and backed it up with 17 goals and precision feeds to Morris all day long. In the midcourt, Sophie Owen, Eliza Hoare, Hollie Reid and Sami Kreltszheim were like a Formula One pit crew. Fast, slick and impossible to catch. Their ability to transition the ball left United scrambling. Down back, coach Ellie Warnock was outstanding in the defensive circle, dominating at goal keeper. Her hunger for loose balls has been a new edge to her 2025 game, earned praise from both teammates and supporters, who named her best on court. Meanwhile, Kellie Davidson stayed rock solid at goal defence, unbothered by some very physical opponents, though her toes may not agree. A polished team performance suggests Euroa is peaking at just the right time. Fierce, fun and full of finals promise. Bring on the Bears. B GRADE After a surprising defeat last week, Euroa’s B grade team came into this week’s game determined to turn things around and they did exactly that. Delivering a spirited and focused performance to secure a well deserved win against Shepparton United at Deakin Reserve, home of the grand final and biting winds. From the first whistle, the Magpies showed renewed energy and cohesion. The defensive unit, led by Kelly Hill and Katy Frewen, was rock solid, applying pressure and intercepting key passes. They slowly and surely wore the United goalers down, making them work hard for every possession. In the midcourt, Millie Watson, Ruby Watson and Bree Sudomirski controlled the tempo, linking play effectively and maintaining composure under pressure. A dazzling display of footwork from both Millie and Ruby left their opponents bamboozled. The Demons had no answer for the two Magpie ballerinas as they floated and flitted from defence to attack with grace and steely purpose. The attacking circle also found its rhythm early. Molly Redfern and Sarah Ternes combined beautifully, with sharp movement and clinical finishing, making the most of almost every opportunity. As the game progressed, both shooters started to unleash longer shots, always a visible sign of confidence. By half time, Euroa had established a comfortable lead thanks to their discipline and teamwork. Although United tried to push back, the Magpies stayed focused, showing resilience and strong communication to maintain control of the match. It was a much improved performance from the previous week. When anything that could go wrong, did go wrong and a timely confidence boost heading into the finals series beginning next weekend. SCOREBOARD: Euroa 57 defeated Shepparton United 21. Best players: Bree Sudomirski, Katy Frewen, Sarah Ternes. B RESERVE What a way to finish the home and away season. Euroa’s B reserve side snatched a thrilling 32–31 win over Shepparton United in the dying minutes of the match, proving just what the team is capable of when they back themselves in. With three key players unavailable, you would be forgiven for thinking the odds were against them. Lily Meehan, heartbreakingly, went down with her second ACL injury in as many seasons. The worst kind of bad luck. Megan O’Bree, who was set to command the centre, found that game 394 would have to wait after her back had other plans. And with Bree Poole also unavailable, the team was stretched thin. Thankfully, Abbie Ellis stepped up to be the general in the centre and never let the side down from start to finish. Her composure and leadership were vital. Enter the next generation in Alice Ludlow, Ruby Fowler and Ella Hill all fresh off a full game in 17 and under. Brought much needed energy and determination. Their contribution helped turn the tide, especially in the last quarter. Sienna Trotter and Annika Sutherland held their ground in the goal circle, scoring 17 and 13 goals respectively. Ella Hill was thrown into goal attack late in the game, with plenty of pressure on her rebounding shoulders, and stood strong to add a couple of goals herself. Demi Walker was a wall at goal keeper, while Keely Wright and Tejuan Sutherland shared the goal defence role with fierce resolve and tireless effort. Coach Sophie Owen was beaming and rightly so. Finals await. SCOREBOARD: Euroa 32 defeated Shepparton United 31. 17 AND UNDER After the excitement of winning by the smallest of margins last week, Euroa’s 17 and under girls were in good spirits and were playing for Demi. Extra effort, extra intensity and extra love for their coach, mentor and the person who has supported them with superior and unwavering patience throughout the year. This was their final game of the season and their last game doing their best for Demi. The match began as a see sawing affair, with defenders Macey Watson and Charli Pittock showing body tight defence and giving the attackers extra chances to score. When the team clicked, their play was fantastic, but a few skill errors crept in, allowing Shepparton United to take a five goal lead into quarter time. Unperturbed, and with Demi in their minds, the girls kept pushing. Alice Ludlow worked tirelessly to lead and re lead, though not all her efforts were rewarded with goals. Ella Hill held strong and rebounded well, but the feeders did not always find her with ease. In the second half, Jade Raleigh joined Macey in defence and provided a spark with her energy and grit. Together, Jade and Macey were tough, giving their opponents nothing easily. After a short rest, Ruby Fowler returned and injected further intensity, weaving and charging up and down the court. Marnie Salter also worked hard across all four quarters, as did the rest of the team. As with many matches this season, Euroa produced periods of free flowing netball but could not sustain the level for long enough, enabling United to pull away steadily and record a 41 to 29 win. The team extends its thanks to coach Demi Walker for her time and effort, to Kelly Hill for her support and expertise on the bench, and to Georgia Cornish for her efficiency as team manager. Best players: Macey Watson, Ella Hill, Ruby Fowler. 15 AND UNDER Euroa’s 15 and under team wrapped up the home and away season with a competitive performance against a strong Shepparton United side at Deakin Reserve. From the first whistle, the match was tightly contested, with United holding a narrow one goal lead at quarter time. Euroa continued to work hard across the court but trailed 24 to 16 by half time after United capitalised on a few key turnovers. The third quarter saw Euroa lift their intensity, with strong passages of play through the midcourt and accurate shooting under pressure. They stayed within striking distance, heading into the final quarter down 36 to 30. Despite their continued efforts, United pulled away in the final term, finishing strongly to secure a 52 to 35 win. Although the result did not go their way, the Euroa girls showed great determination, never dropping their heads and fighting until the final whistle. It has been an impressive season from the young Magpies, who have worked hard all year to finish sixth on the ladder and earn themselves a place in the finals. Coach Tayla Robinson said she was proud of her team’s efforts. “I was so pleased with the first quarter and excited that our best netball is of such a high standard. If we can maintain that for four quarters, we will do well in finals,” Robinson said. Best players: Avie Hill, Maisy Wilson, Grace Hill.
