There was plenty of hype and speculation about what may happen on Saturday in the Riddell League’s A-grade netball grand final with powerhouse Woodend-Hesket chasing three premierships in succession.
Obvious title challenger Riddell had heaps of incentive, but as the end-of-season match progressed it became clear the Bombers were going to be struggling to match their slick moving and talented opponents.
“This is an amazing club, and everyone stepped up today,” Hawks’ playing coach Tayissa Coppinger said after the 57-39 victory at Romsey.
Coppinger and fellow defender Georgia Bowkett were hard to combat, and the playing coach was given the umpires’ nod as best on court. Coppinger also won the award in 2023 when the Hawks finally broke through at the highest level.
It was 10 goals the difference at half-time, and Riddell coach Emily Ktona urged her players to turn in a strong second half.
For a period, Riddell produced some bursts of system and goal scoring, but to no avail.
The more consistent side steadied and drew away as Abby Gedge showed goal scoring expertise late in the match.
The recruitment of quality shooter Rebecca Hicks proved to be a master stroke for the Hawks after young dynamo Charlee Duff-Tytler was not available mid-season.
Hicks has a great scoring percentage: one onlooker queried in jest …. “Why can’t she miss.”
Playing for Sunbury Lions, Hicks has the chance for another premiership this season.
Coppinger also praised teenager Natalie McDonald on her splendid performance in attack.
The depth available to Hawks’ selectors was certainly on show.
The Hawks have re-appointed Coppinger as coach for next season.
Co-coach Kellie Duff was impressed how the Hawks positively responded following a shock loss to Romsey in the last home and away round.
Riddell can look ahead to 2026 with high hopes, and quick and talented Mady Brown is an example of a local doing extremely well.
UNBEATEN IN B-GRADE
Riddell’s B-grade side went through the season unbeaten, after finishing strongly to defeat a Lancefield side which led in the first half. The margin was 55-40.
Experienced goal shooter Shelby Holter was the best on court medal winner, having displayed fine form for the Bombers in the finals.
TWO TO GIANTS
Gisborne Giants have enjoyed a tremendous season and went home with two netball premierships.
The Giants set the ball rolling with a thrilling 32-31 victory over Melton South in the D-grade final. Keira Simpson (Giants) was the best on court medal winner.
Buoyed by this success, the Giants raced to a 34-18 victory over Macedon in the C-grade final, with Rebecca Newbery (Giants) the medal winner.
In the Under 19s, the Giants found an accomplished Wallan too strong with a 34-23 scoreline. Alannah Judd was best on court for the Magpies.
THE PREMIERS
The Woodend-Hesket A-grade netball team that gave the Hawks their third successive RDFNL A-grade premiership on Saturday was:
Goal shooter — Rebecca Hicks.
Goal attack — Natalie McDonald.
Wing attack — Laura Carland.
Centre — Sarah Duff.
Wing defence — Hayley Rogers.
Goal defence — Tayissa Coppinger.
Goal keeper — Georgia Bowkett.
Reserves — Jessica Martin, Mackenzie Brown, Abby Gedge.
Reserves (part of squad and did not play) — Angelique Doherty, Charlee Duff-Tytler.
Coach — Tayissa Coppinger.
Co-coach — Kellie Duff.
