The runaway Kyabram District League A-grade netball leaders claimed a 16th straight victory on Saturday to enter the finals series with an unbeaten record, with the Eagles the odds-on favourites to lift the cup on that one day in September.
It was clinical again from East in its clash against Merrigum, with the class and polish it has shown all season coming to the fore once again in a 54-19 demolition of the Bulldogs at Merrigum Recreation Reserve.
Such has been the dominance of the Eagles this season, they finish three games clear of reigning premier Girgarre in second spot, with their sights firmly set on the silverware.
The Roos (13-3) have spent the season in a tight tussle for second, however, having the bye in the final round meant Nagambie was in the box seat to sew up the double chance, with the two sides heading into the final round level on points.
But in an almighty final round upset and, perhaps, sending a bit of a warning signal to the rest of the competition, Avenel claimed a big 50-38 victory at Nagambie Recreation Reserve, relegating the Lakers to third with a 13-3 record and handing Girgarre a chance to win straight through to the decider.
The Swans are finding form at the right time, having now won their past three to break a seven-year finals drought, finishing fifth on the ladder with a 9-7 record and setting up a huge clash against Rushworth this weekend.
The Tigers made light work of Undera to close out the home and away season, clinching a 55-21 win at Undera Recreation Reserve to put win number 12 in the books for the season.
It’s a stark turnaround from the winless 2024 the Tigers had to endure, finishing at 12-4 for the year, and will enter the finals series as a genuine threat to anyone they play.
Tallygaroopna had already ensured it would play on in 2025, but claimed a big 42-17 victory over Longwood to enter the finals series with momentum, finishing the year with nine wins and seven losses, bettering its record from 2024 by three wins to finals for the first time since its grand final defeat in 2023.
The Redlegs will take on Nagambie in the first elimination final on Saturday at Ironbark Stadium as they look to cause a stir in September.
In the final round 18 contest, Murchison-Toolamba and Violet Town couldn’t be split in the battle for ninth spot, with the two sides fighting out a 43-43 draw at Murchison Recreation Reserve, with the Towners securing ninth on the ladder, ahead of the Hoppers in 10th on percentage.
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