Netball Finals Preview: Week 1

SFNL A1 Netball Semi-Final Preview: Titans Clash in High-Stakes Showdowns


Finals netball has arrived, and the A1 division of the Southern Football Netball League is set for two blockbuster semi-finals this weekend.


Dingley vs Narre Warren
The reigning powerhouse Dingley will go head-to-head with a determined Narre Warren outfit in a clash that promises intensity from the first whistle. Dingley’s captain, Lorna Clark, brings finals experience and fierce leadership to the court. The reigning League Best and Fairest, Clark’s versatility through the middle – whether at Wing Defence or Centre – makes her the engine room of the Dingoes’ elite system.


But Narre Warren won’t back down easily. The spotlight will be on their star Goal Shooter, Grace Loelu, who has been in red-hot form this season. Her ability to hold space, finish under pressure, and dominate inside the circle could be the key to tipping the scales in Narre Warren’s favour.


Expect a battle of brains and athleticism as both clubs fight for a spot in the grand final.


Edithvale-Aspendale vs Cheltenham
In the second semi-final, Edithvale-Aspendale take on a resurgent Cheltenham side boasting a dangerous attacking combo. Annabelle Gorman, Cheltenham’s dynamic Goal Attack and Goal Shooter, has been one of the standout performers of the season. Her movement, timing, and sharp shooting have troubled defences all year, and she looms as a game-changer once again.


Edithvale-Aspendale will need a cohesive team effort to limit Gorman’s influence, while ensuring their own attacking structures click under finals pressure.


With everything on the line, both semi-finals are set to deliver high-quality, hard-fought contests – and perhaps a few finals fairytales.



SFNL A2 Netball Semi-Final Preview: Rivalries Renewed in a Finals Showdown


The stage is set for a thrilling A2 finals series in the Southern Football Netball League, with two mouthwatering semi-final clashes lined up this weekend.


Dingley vs Narre Warren
In what shapes as the most evenly matched contest of the weekend, Dingley and Narre Warren will square off with both sides having claimed a win each in their two meetings during the home-and-away season. Now, with a grand final berth on the line, this rubber match carries even more weight.


Dingley will rely on their experienced core and structured play, while Narre Warren will look to bring the intensity and firepower that saw them level the head-to-head. With the ledger locked at 1–1, expect a physical, high-pressure battle right from the first centre pass.


Cheltenham vs South Yarra
Cheltenham enter their semi-final with South Yarra holding the upper hand, having secured wins in both of their previous encounters this season. However, finals are a different beast – and South Yarra will be throwing everything at the challenge.


One of their biggest assets is star shooter Tori Steel, who has proven to be a consistent focal point in the circle. If South Yarra can deliver clean ball to Steel and apply scoreboard pressure early, an upset could be on the cards.


Cheltenham, however, will take confidence from their strong season and past success against their opponents, knowing they have what it takes to shut down threats and deliver under pressure.


With four quality teams and everything to play for, the A2 semi-finals promise to be nothing short of electric.



SFNL A3 Netball Semi-Final Preview: A Grand Final Spot Awaits


The A3 Netball Semi-Finals in the Southern Football Netball League are set to deliver high drama this Saturday, with both matches evenly poised after gripping home-and-away seasons.


Cheltenham vs Keysborough – 12:10pm, Rowan Road Reserve
In one of the most anticipated matchups of the weekend, ladder leaders Cheltenham take on a confident Keysborough outfit in a blockbuster clash. With the season head-to-head locked at one win apiece, this semi-final has all the ingredients for a classic.


Cheltenham made a dominant statement back in Round 9, cruising to a 73-49 win, but Keysborough struck back just five weeks later with a gutsy three-goal victory – proving they have the firepower and composure to challenge the competition’s best. Expect a fierce contest, as both sides battle for a direct path to the grand final.


Edithvale-Aspendale vs Parkdale Vultures
The second semi-final sees Edithvale-Aspendale take on the Parkdale Vultures in what looms as another nail-biter. Their two encounters this season have been nothing short of thrilling – with Edi-Asp securing a narrow win earlier in the season, before the teams played out a dramatic draw in Round 13.


Both sides have shown they can match up well against one another, and momentum will be crucial heading into this clash. Finals pressure is set to test depth and resilience, with a preliminary final spot the reward for the winner.


With close contests and quality netball expected across both games, the A3 semi-finals are shaping up as unmissable battles.



SFNL A4 Netball Semi-Final Preview: Grand Final Glory on the Line


The SFNL A4 Netball Semi-Finals are here, and four sides are ready to battle it out for a coveted spot in the big dance. With star players, tight matchups, and fresh legs all in play, fans can expect a high-intensity Saturday of netball at Rowan Road Reserve.


Dingley vs Doveton Doves
Fresh off a four-goal win over Doveton just last week, Dingley will be looking to repeat the result and book their place in the Grand Final. Key to their success will be sharpshooting goaler Paige Hunter, who has been a standout in the attacking circle all year.


But the Doveton Doves are no strangers to the big stage, and they’ll be led by none other than the reigning A4 League Best and Fairest, Tailah Micallef, whose work at Wing Defence has been crucial in turning defence into attack. With last week's clash still fresh in the mind, this rematch promises to go down to the wire.


Narre Warren vs Caulfield Bears
In the second semi-final, Narre Warren and the Caulfield Bears return from a week off — Narre with the bye, and Caulfield with a forfeit win — meaning both sides come in fresh and firing.


Caulfield will look to continue their dominance over Narre Warren, having claimed both meetings this season. Their defensive unit has been the benchmark all year, ranked #1 in the competition, and will be vital again if they’re to keep Narre’s attacking threats quiet.


But Narre Warren will be determined to flip the script and prove they can match the Bears when it matters most. With elimination on the line, expect nothing less than a fierce, all-out contest.


Two spots in the Grand Final are up for grabs — and the A4 semi-finals are shaping up to be something special.


Good luck to all teams across all divisions this weekend as we approach the culmination of the season!

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