Netballers aiming to go out on a high

Wangaratta Magpies A grade netballers are looking to finish the season on a high when they host Albury at the Norm Minns Oval netball courts on Saturday. Although the side cannot make the Ovens and Murray finals this season, there is still plenty to play for on a personal level and for the club, with several other grades looking to compete in the playoffs. Albury has registered just one win for the season and the last time these teams met, the Magpies reigned supreme in a 59-18 shellacking. And with players of the ilk of Amanda Umanski, Hannah Grady, Kate Dean, Milly O'Kane, Claire Wilson and Leah Jenvey, it's unlikely the going will be any easier this time round for the Tigers. For coach Shea Cunningham, the home court is an ideal venue for her team to end the season in triumph. "Looking ahead to Saturday, we see it as a real opportunity, not just to finish on a high, but to show the growth and grit that’s been building all season," Cunningham said. "It might not change the ladder, but it means a lot to us, to our supporters, and to the club. "There’s plenty of pride in the dress, and I’ve got no doubt the girls will bring that fire." And although the season comes to an official end for most of the A graders after this weekend, they are by no means putting the gear away just yet, with the club featuring in finals in most other grades. The Magpies B grade side looks poised to finish the season on top of the ladder, C grade sits second behind Myrtleford, and 17 and under are in fourth position. The 15 and under side will finish just outside the top five in sixth spot, the same as the A grade, highlighting how the club was more than competitive at every level of the competition and auguring well for the future. "As for Mad Monday, we’ll hold off on that," Cunningham said. "The focus is on supporting our other grades in the finals and celebrating the season as a whole once everyone’s journey is complete. "That shared spirit is something we’re really proud of." Meanwhile, Wangaratta Rovers have the chance to score their second win of the 2025 season when they meet Wodonga at Martin Park on the weekend. After their pulsating epic encounter last round, the players are focused on making it two in a row, according to coach Gracie Reid. "The girls enjoyed the win, but come Tuesday, it was back to business," she said. "We locked in and trained hard ahead of our last game against Wodonga. "The last time we played them was a bittersweet loss, we went down by five goals. "We were trailing all game and just couldn’t quite break away. "This weekend, our focus will be on having a solid start, strong connections across the court, and keeping a positive mindset from the first whistle to the last. "We know what we’re capable of, and we’re ready to give it everything." The team is expected to go into the match unchanged. In other grades for the Hawks, C grade showed great improvement in going down by just five goals to Myrtleford last week, a massive turnaround from their 15-goal loss earlier in the season. "While it wasn’t the result they wanted, it’s a strong and achievable scoreline that builds real confidence for the team and coach Deb heading into finals," Reid said. "The growth and belief in this group is clear, and they’re peaking at the right time." In the 17 and unders, the battle for top spot remains tight. Raiders and Rovers continue to swap between first and second place, with percentage the only thing separating them. "With Raiders taking on fifth and Rovers facing seventh on the ladder this weekend, it will all come down to final-round percentage to determine the minor premiers," Reid said. "Every goal will count." The 15 and unders are preparing for a tough final game, coming up against Wodonga who currently sit third on the ladder. "Last time they met, Rovers went down by 12 goals, so this week’s focus will be on tightening up their play and closing that margin," Reid said. B grade, sitting sixth, will face off against the Bulldogs (seventh) in what’s shaping up to be a fierce contest. "Rovers had a narrow one goal win last time the two sides met, so the Bulldogs will no doubt be hungry for redemption," Reid said. "Our girls will be looking to finish the season on a high and defend their previous win with pride and grit."

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