Sweet music will sound when Euroa and Shepparton dance at Deakin Reserve this Saturday, in what is comfortably the most anticipated Goulburn Valley League netball clash of the season.
The reason is plain and simple: neither side has tasted defeat in 2025.
And, bar a miracle, that is about to change.
Only a draw would have the Bears or Magpies retain their unbeaten ledger and it’s a flip of the coin to decipher which side will be flawless when the siren sounds.
Last season, Euroa drew first blood with a 77-42 win in round five, before the Bears evened the score with a 10-goal triumph three months later.
The Magpies had the last laugh, though.
A 74-60 result over Shepparton in the semis set the tone for what was to come as Euroa charged to a famous flag 41 years in the making, a “fairytale ending” in coach Ellie Warnock’s eyes.
This time around, it’s not just first versus second.
It’s the queens against the throne challengers, firepower against steel, tempo against control.
And nowhere will the tempo swing more violently than in the goal circles.
Olivia Morris, Euroa’s spearhead, leads the shooting charts by the length of the Flemington straight with 646 goals to her name.
The Magpies have fed her like royalty and she’s returned the favour with a reigning premier’s touch: surgical and efficient.
But Shepparton’s Kim Borger is no stranger to the big occasion.
The former Melbourne Vixens sharpshooter and current Bears playing coach may sit second in the league with 430 goals, but her influence runs far deeper than digits on a scoresheet.
She plays like a conductor — and, lately, her rhythm has been nothing but upbeat.
“Yes, it’s obviously a top-of-the-table clash where both teams haven’t had a defeat yet, but for us it’s about going out there and still enjoying our netball,” Borger said.
“That’s been a real key factor for us, having that enjoyment, but rising to the challenge as well.”
As for her counterpart, Warnock is embracing the challenge with the cool head of someone who’s been here before.
“Shepp Bears are a quality side and we are really looking forward to the challenge — the undefeated record is nice of course, but it’s not something we’re fixated on,” Warnock said.
“These are the kind of games that help us build as a team, win or lose — and prepare us for the intensity of finals.”
So where is this classic likely to be won?
Euroa leads the ladder by a nose, 14 per cent ahead of the Bears, thanks to its superior offensive output of 817 goals potted.
Meanwhile, Shepparton’s defensive record — ranked second in the competition by a goal behind Mooroopna — of 493 conceded is a cornerstone to its success in 2025.
Midcourt tempo will play its part and, whichever engine room can settle the nerves first, might find the early edge.
Euroa’s centre, “speed demon” Hollie Reid, has been a revelation in black and white, allowing Kellie Davidson to slide further back into defence.
Warnock also noted the addition of Sami Krelsztheim has brought “great versatility” through the middle and in attack.
But it’s the defensive ends that could decide the decrescendo.
“My defensive unit has been phenomenal, with the likes of Hannah (Crawley), Keeley (O’Dwyer), Molly (Kennedy) and Eliza (Bicknell) — they’ve been fantastic,” Borger said.
“But to inject the likes of Mackenzie O’Dwyer into the middle; she brings a fantastic attacking brain, but also she’s fantastic at getting turnover ball as well.
“I’ve been really impressed with Sophie Harmer, how she’s stepped up, her work rate is phenomenal, being able to take those long shots under pressure as well as working hard out the front.”
On Saturday, something’s got to give — either the Bears’ stunning run or the Magpies’ crown of invincibility.
It means one thing: who dares wins.
