WANGARATTA Magpies' A grade netball derby record rolled on when they defeated Wangaratta Rovers 52-41 in Saturday's clash on the Hawks' home court.

On a day of occasions across football and netball, the A grade game was preceded by the presentation of Magpie Katie Dean's Ovens and Murray league life membership, as she lined up for her 250th A grade game.

It was a nice bit of symmetry, considering the Magpie favourite began her O&M career with the Rovers, where she played 19 A grade and 19 B grade games across two seasons before joining the 'Pies, where she has served as captain, and played in two A grade premierships in 2018 and '19.

In 2023, she also became the first netballer to play 200 A grade games at the club.

While the Rovers had been keen to reverse the trend of derbies going the way of the 'Pies (they have not won a hometown clash since round five in season 2014), it was not to be.

Returning goal shooter Kara O'Donohue shot 33 of the Hawks' 41 goals with a strong conversion rate, showing she will be a handy asset for the club in 2025, while playing coach Gracie Reid provided the remainder of the scoring power from goal attack.

However, the 'Pies, who had led at every break, proved too strong.

With 19 goals from Claire Wilson, a former Corowa-Rutherglen and Albury player who has moved back to the area from Western Australia, 31 from shooter Amanda Umanski, and a couple from rising star Milly O'Kane, the visitors prevailed by 11 goals.

Rovers coach Gracie Reid said she was incredibly impressed with her team for sticking to their game style and structure.

"We put in a lot of effort during the preseason to define our game plan and identify the strengths we have as a team," she said.

"On the court, we communicated constantly, discussing what was working and what wasn’t.

"Every play became an opportunity to adjust, learn, and implement new strategies.

"The growth and teamwork were evident, and it was fantastic to see our hard work pay off."

Despite having several new players and younger teammates take the court, Reid said Wangaratta still had strong leaders like Dean, Hannah Grady, Leah Jenvey, and Amanda Umanski to capitalise on mistakes and hold onto a lead.

"These players are not only athletic and smart but have also won premierships before," she said.

"The constant communication between these four leaders and their young team was evident on the court,."

Reid praised Dean's effort in reaching 250 games.

"As I mentioned upstairs after the game, being a young player in the league surrounded by a young team, I know we all aspire to reach our 250th game one day," she said. "Katie continues to play like the star she is, making a lasting impact both on the court and within the community.

"Rovers wish you all the best for the season ahead."

Reid also had high praise for her players.

"Sharpie (Amelia Sharp) played outstandingly," she said.

"She’s earned the nickname "Velcro" from her teammates, as once she's asked to stick with someone, she doesn't leave their side.

"Mik (Mikaela Trethowan) stepped up in a new position as GD and took on a leadership role in our defensive end," she said.

"Mik did a great job supporting her teammates and worked well to match Claire Wilson, keeping her high in the ring.

"Unfortunately for us, Claire is a sharp shooter and made the most of her opportunities.

"Kara O'Donohue also played amazingly with a high shooting percentage and really worked herself into the game.

"She’s going to be a great asset for us at Rovers."

The Hawks take on North Albury this Saturday at Bunton Park.