Girgarre’s Holly Nelson receives a pass in the midcourt. Photos: Jordan Townrow
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JORDAN TOWNROW
With two games scheduled in round 17 of the Kyabram District League A-grade netball competition, it may have looked like a fairly inconsequential weekend on paper.
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However, it was anything but, as both matches served up a result that will have a significant bearing come finals.
Girgarre’s Danisha Wheeler takes possession.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
In a huge top four clash, Rushworth looked to put an exclamation point on its season by defeating reigning premier Girgarre for a second time in 2025.
The Tigers have been far and away the biggest mover this season, climbing from last in 2024 with a 0-16 record to emerge as a real threat inside the top four this year, highlighted by a thrilling one-goal win on the road against the Roos in round nine.
Rushworth’s Lilly Waarsdorp pressures Girgarre’s Kimberley Hanratty.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
But Girgarre returned the favour on Saturday, claiming a vital 39-37 victory at Ironbark Stadium to level the ledger at 1-1, with a potential match-up between the two sides looming come finals.
The victory promotes the reigning premier to second, at least momentarily, with a 13-3 record, although the Roos have the bye in round 18, meaning their home and away season is done and dusted, and they will be relying on the result between Nagambie and Avenel to decide if they finish second or third.
Jacqui Gahran fires off a shot for Girgarre.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
Rushworth on the other hand faces 11th-placed Undera in the final round of the season, however, the result is trivial, with the Tigers already cemented in fourth spot and Undera ruled out of finals contention.
Maya Barlow looks for a teammate down the court.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
In the only other round 17 contest, Avenel claimed a monumental win over 2024 grand finalist Lancaster to end its A-grade finals drought.
The Swans have not appeared in the A-grade post-season since 2018, but a high-scoring 58-50 victory over the Wombats on Saturday ensured they will feature in 2025, moving two games clear of seventh-placed Merrigum with an 8-7 record and one round to play.
Rushworth’s Janelle Doolan has a long range attempt at goal.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
The win means the top six is now locked in, with sixth-placed Tallygaroopna level on points with the Swans, however, round 18 matches are far from dead rubbers, with plenty of movement still possible in the final round.
Avenel travels to Nagambie this weekend, with the Swans looking to clinch fifth, while the Lakers will move to second with a win, demoting Girgarre to third, while Tallygaroopna hosts a winless Longwood, with a win giving it the chance to steal fifth place away from Avenel.
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